Going in Style: by Zach Braff

Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin
on the set of Going In Style.

            The new release of the film Going in Style is the reviving of the classic movie produced back in the 1979 by Warner Brothers; it too was named Going in Style, which was directed by Martin Brest. The film is a made up of three men whose brains aren’t aging quite as fast as their bodies are. Morgan Freeman, playing Willie, Michael Caine, playing Joe, and Alan Arkin, playing Albert, are totally in sync from start to finish in the film much like three notes played in a beautiful melody.

            One would think such symphony would come from three actors who have worked together their entire careers; sort of like in the movie, but this is the furthest from the truth. Going In Style is the first appearance that Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin are seen together in performance.

            Freeman and Caine do share some experiences together; they co-star together in six other films; however this is the first time either Freeman or Caine had the chance to work side by side with Arkin. And yet the chemistry is there. Freeman age 79, Caine age 84, and Arkin age 83 all perform in a crime film/ comedy and do so wholly; in other words they even performed their own stunts.

            MichaelCaine, or Joe, is the leading receiver when it comes to Oscar awards with two Best Supporting Actor awards. The first came after the movie Hannah and Her Sisters in 1987. The other award was based upon The Cider House Rules in 2000. As for Freeman and Arkin, they too received a Best Suporting Actor awards; however theirs were more recent. Freeman was award in 2005 for Million Dollar Baby. Arkin received his award in 2007 for the fillm Little Miss Sunshine. These awards serve as subtle evidence these man, although older than most, still have what it takes to get the job done.

            This film was made for the regular people, the everyday people, and primarily for the people who need to be saved. Zach Braff, the director for Going in Style, was also a part of two other films named, Garden State and I wish I was here, each of the films are about regular people living their lives but dreaming of something bigger, a better place, better circumstance and then; they realize the only person who can bring them to that better place or into a better circumstance is them. In Garden State one sees support and encouragement coming from the girlfriend. In I wish I was Here  the support is found in the family, but in Going In Style it’s found in friends; lifelong friends. These three friends realize they are what is left. When the job is over and the money runs out, when reality hits hard all they have is each other. Willie, Joe and Albert realize, They need their pie every day, and the only ones who will make that happen is them; it is up to them to save their lives, their families, and their health. It just so happens, the solution they come to, is to rob a bank.

            Yes the robbery and preparation and even the alibi is the comedic highlights of the film. However, these ideas and efforts are only partially Braff’s. Going In Style from 1979 was the inspiration to the 2017 remake. The efforts to revive the 1979 classic were appreciated. The key element of success was bringing three legends together which will thrive yet offer their own identity and own color to the film. There could not have been three men who were better suitable for this film.

            My belief is Zach Braff along with Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin pulled off reviving the 1979 Going In Style in a stlystic way that did the classic justice. The slight foul language combined with the age of all the actors only tickles the funny bone in everyone. The charismatic energy in these three men to each other stretches from one end of the spectrum to the other; their devotion stretches from watching soap-opras after a long day to donating a kidney in time of a life or death situation. Oh, and they are willing to rob a bank together; which displays their deep level of commitment to each other. They know that what they are about to do could land them in jail but they also realize what they are about to do is the only thing that will save their lives.

This film was made to inspire people to be more than just regular. It also begs it’s viewers to open their eyes and see the change their life needs, and to not fear making that change. Going In Style begs for no one to wait until they are too old to make a change in their life in order to start living; but if you do choose to wait, make the change in such a way that people can say: “they’re are going in style.”

UC Athletes are more than just Athletes

       A visitor at the University of the Cumberlands, may look around and notice students who are wearing jerseys or carrying ball bags or sweating after a team workouts. If one wanders in the library they will see students repping UC as proudly as a first year little league mom repping her son’s number at his first t-ball game. Why is that one may ask? Its simple really, these students are more than just students who are pursuing their future careers; they also belong to a team.

            An unknown fact about student athletes is they are proud they are all apart of One Big Team. The purpose of this One Big Team is to join all athletes from their individual teams into a big team; this allows for the campus to stay united. Aside from the One Big Team, this pride is also represented by many athletes who dedicate their time to additional jobs and clubs on campus instead of just to their sports.

            I interviewed five student athletes who shared their personal stories of excellence and also gave some brief advice for others. Some students are recognized by their unique country origin or because they invest themselves in Christian leadership roles, in RA positions, and international missions. It is a big responsibility and full time job to be a student athlete, but to perform at a level of excellence and also invest themselves in other areas simultaneously is a major accomplishment deserving of recognition.

Kaylee James: an Athlete with Excellence in Academics and Softball

Kaylee James steps up to the left side of the plate on game day at the
University of the Cumberlands Softball Complex

            Kaylee James a west coast native from Oakley, California, is also an athletic and academic high achiever at UC. She is the left outfielder for UC softball patriots and has been for four years now.

            James shares that her journey with softball started at age 6, and now as a UC senior she has broken multiple records with her team as well as some individual records.

Kaylee says, “As a team we earned the ‘Mid-South Conference First Team All-Conference 201.’ For my individual season records, I have set records for stolen bases, hits, and batting average. I also set a career record for stolen bases.”

Recognizing James’ athletic excellence is only recognizing half of her achievements. In adittion  to stealing bases and setting records James is also signing her name to the President/ Deans List for academic excellence with a current GPA of 3.88.

James says, “Throughout college I have earned honors and awards including NAIA and Mid-South Conference Scholar Athlete awards.”

            Upon excelling her last four years in college, James shares she is fueled with motivation to continue her education. James states, “I will be attending Eastern Kentucky University for their Clinical Psychology doctoral program. I hope to help mental illness in the community through art.”

James shares her years at college were difficult juggling both academics and athletics. Some advice she offers to students at any level regarding academics is, “Be sure to prioritize your academics. I fully believe in my mind that if I didn’t keep school first, I would be swimming in missed deadlines and bad grades. Realizing that academics will prepare you for your future career and that sports are just a way to get you to your goals is crucial,” says James.

James also shares some advices for her fellow and future athletes. “I think that above all it is important to love the people next to you regardless of what you are involved in. This sense of support has been very important for my teammates and myself this year. We battle together and uplift each other to unite as a team. It’s easy to feel a lack of faith, hope, and love from coaches, bosses, teachers, etc. but it’s my job and your job to make sure those around us understand that all of these remain and love is strong. 1 Corinthians 13:13 ‘and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love,’” says James.

Video by: Brandon Hensley with UC Sports Information
Tennis Highlight video 2015-2016

Luka and Denee Lyttle: Athletes with unique country of origin

            Luka and Denee Lyttle are two recognizable twin sisters that are from the Caribbean; more specifically, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines area. These tan twins are always have a pleasant smile and greeting in passing. They are seen most often around campus wearing bright neon yellow tennis shoes and a tennis racket either loosely grasped in hand or sticking out from the constraints of the zippers on their backpacks.

            Adjusting to the States was not a difficult adjustment; after talking with Luka she explains, “The largeness of the States was a refreshing change from the smallness of everything back home.”

  Luka Lyttle reaches for the ball hit hard to the far right side.

However Denne shares her memories of her community back home as more connected than people in the States. Denee says, “Almost everywhere that you go, you can almost be sure to see someone that you know.  In the United States it is different in that it is so large, that the people are not as connected, and it is highly unlikely that you will meet up with people you know or be familiar with them.”

                        Luka explains another element that the Caribbean doesn’t offer that the States do, is the opportunity to further your athletic career while pursuing an academic career.

Luka states, “Back home, athletics is not associated with education. At the university level academics is the main focus unlike in the States when you can do both academics and athletics simultaneously. Also, I love how the possibilities and opportunities of becoming a professional athlete and doing your sport as a career.”

Both Luka and Denee are eight years into their tennis career and are very excited about the level of competition the States has to offer.

Denee shares, “One advantage of coming to the states to play tennis is the exposure that is received.  I have the opportunity to meet and experience a lot of different coaches from different schools as well as being able to be exposed to a lot more competition or players with different game styles.”

Denee Lyttle returning a hard hit ball to win the match.

Luka says, “There are a few local tournaments in my country, but there is only one big international one in which we get the most competition from. For advanced players the States offers more tournaments with higher levels of competition on a regular basis and for more affordable prices.”

            It is truly an enlightening moment to realize all the different insight that is readily available to students at UC offered by other students who are from other countries but attend UC.

            Luka describes her country that is small and on average overpriced, but she also mentions the rare beauties such as, “an active volcano which one can climb and enter the crater of.”

            Denne follows that by sharing her favorite details of a waterfall found on their volcano. Denee explains, “Hiking up our volcano called ‘La Soufrière’ to experience the refreshing showers of the Dark View Falls (a beautiful waterfall on the island) is one of my favorite things to do.”

Dominick Joseph: Football player with Christian leadership skills

Dominick Joseph # 45 leading the football patriots in their
 grand entrance onto the UC Football Field.

            DominickJoseph, a native from Newport, Kentucky comes to UC to make his mark as a Christian athlete. Joseph is currently a UC sophomore, plays the defensive-end for Patriots football team, and is a thrower for UC track and field. Joseph is also making his mark through a ministry club called, Fellowship of Christian Athletes or FCA. With a leader like Dominick walking around, smiling, and high-fiving everyone on the viaduct there is evidence he is here to make a positive change on campus.

            The UC campus may be recognized as a Christian institution, but students here know the population at UC is very much a secular one. It’s the leaders like Joseph that adequately defines the word Christian with his everyday routine.

            Joseph says, “I display that I am a Christian by the way that I act and speak on and off the field. It is important to me for people to know that I'm a Christian because my life should look different than that of people who aren't.”

            Joseph is intentional when it comes to his faith. There are many who take being a Christian lightly and then there are others, like Joseph, who commit to tackling the challenges that comes with being a Christian head on.

            Joseph also says, “I help other athletes by talking to them outside of practice or games and start to build relationships with them. Once that is established I begin to speak with them about the Lord and invite them to bible study, FCA, church and other things.”

            At the end of a football game or a track meet, or even at the end of a class, Dominick wishes that everyone puts God first in their lives no matter what. “It is important to praise when you win and praise him when you lose! God is awesome!” says Jospeh.

Elisa Taylor: Tennis player  who is also doubling as an RA

   Elisa Taylor UC Women’s Tennis 2015

             Elisa Taylor a sophomore at UC and student athlete is partial to the city life that Cincinnati, Ohio has to offer. However despite her love for the city she reveals some insight into her journey through the small town college of UC. Taylor starts her story by explaining the daily challenge it is to survive college life by doubling as a tennis athlete and serving as an Resident Assistant for the Archer dorm.

            “Time management is the biggest challenge I face on a daily basis as a full time athlete and full time RA. I have learned over the course of the semester that the challenge is not only a balance between the two, but also maintaining a social life,” says Taylor.

            Taylor explains that no two days are the same when trying to keep up with an ever-changing game schedule and RA responsibilities.

             “As an RA I am responsible for six hours of office shifts during the week, plus about four to five hours of ‘on call’ shifts. On the other hand, for tennis we spend anywhere from two and a half hours to three hours a day on the tennis courts,” says Taylor.

            Taylor offers some advice for other athletes who are considering the double life as an athlete and RA. Taylor says, “This job isn’t easy, in fact in order to do the job right you have to be fully committed to both; and both can be very tiresome and stressful. In all honesty you have to commit and care equally about both jobs in order to succeed.”

            Although Taylor starts off speaking about the real responsibilities both positions have, she is sure not to leave out the perks and benefits of having chosen this route through college.

            “Through this opportunity I have seen and learned more about myself and the game I love. I knew growing up I enjoyed assisting others as well as being a team player. Now I find myself also considering coaching tennis in the future; possibly in a different state or even country. The perks of being an athlete and RA allowed me to see God’s calling on my life,” says Taylor

Natalie Graham: retired Soccer Athlete and current International missionary

Natalie Graham (first pink jersey in the second row on the left)
UC Women's 2014 Soccer Team

Natalie Graham is a UC student and former athlete who is still going strong, maybe not in an athletic sense because of a back injury, but she is definitely still trucking out the energy to help lead other athletes to Christ. Graham is heavily involved in FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has also been on numerous international missions trips while maintaining good grades at UC.

Graham shares that her soccer career as the goalkeeper for UC was cut short after her sophomore year when she suffered a back injury that eventually caused her to quit the team.

“Since my injury, I feel God has really called me to work with the athletes on campus. I want people to experience the love of Christ that I have had the opportunity to experience. He can fill any void and heal any wound. He is my friend, Father, lover, Savior, and Lord,” says Graham.

Some advice Graham offers for athletes, or anyone, who may find themselves pulled out of athletics and into missions is, “Don't be scared. Look at this opportunity as a growing experience, you might find a passion you never knew you had. The impact you make depends on how much you are willing to let God work through you. Your hands and feet can only do so much. Your love, compassion, and fellowship are what really draw them in and make the biggest impact.”

Graham is also heavily involved in international missions. She is firmly standing on her favorite bible verse that encourages her to share the Gospel; Matthew 28:18-20; which reads:

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Graham shares, “I have found that people of different cultures will listen to you more than their own people most of the time. In Ireland, our accents and culture intrigue the people in such a way that allowed my team and me a way in to share our faith.”

“In Ireland, I was able to invest a lot of time in two high school boys. I shared the gospel with them and by the end of the week they said that they had learned more about God in the past few days than in their entire religious education.”

Hannah Foster taking senior pictures at the Cumberlands Falls State Park
 on March 5th 2017.
Photo by: Olla Drane

Hannah Foster: UC Senior

At the University of the Cumberlands it is no secret that there are many students who have bright futures ahead of them. I sat down with Hannah Foster, a senior who is one of those bright students. She is the recipient of the “Who is Who” award, the current president of the club Bigs and Littles and a spiritual leader for the club Baptist Campus Ministries. Foster claims the state of Florida her home and is anxiously awaiting the day of graduation. The day of May 6, 2017 Foster will be proudly accepting a diploma of completion of a BA in Psychology and a BA in Human services. She scheduled time out of her busy life to reveal the opportunities she had at UC and also to offer up some advice for the rising Juniors.

Heather Greene: When I say immediate family, who all comes to mind?

Hannah Foster: Mom, Dad and two brothers who are back in Florida. My two brothers are Benjamin who is 17 and John Michael who is 15. My Mom is a stay at home mom who helps my Dad at the church; my Dad is a pastor. They also help church members who are in the hospital and nursing homes; or participate in any other visits that are needed. They also do the stuff in the community that needs to be done by the church. It’s a very big job but that is the blanket statement of their day to day life.

HG: What is one activity you enjoy doing that others may not?

HF: I actually enjoy musicals on a visual and physical level. What I mean by a physical levels is, I become so obsessed by with the songs that I try singing and learning each one. "LaLa Land" is my current musical obsession. 

HG: What factors led to your decision in choosing the University of the Cumberlands to receive your degree?

HF: I honestly did not plan to come to UC. I was accepted and excited to attend Carson-Newman College; which is now a University. I actually received more scholarships from UC and that ended up being the determining factor. God really opened the doors to UC, even though my grandparents were located closer to Carson-Newman College.

HG: What degree were you originally interested, or has it remained the same?

HF: Since my Freshman year in high school, I’ve known that I wanted to be a Psychology Major. I felt the Lord was calling me into counseling. As a ninth grader, I wanted to own and work as a counselor in a pregnancy crisis facility. As I have gone through college classes, I realized I want to be a school counselor, or work in a family resource office. Although I have it down to two options, I am still undecided. But that doesn’t change that I will graduate with my BA in Psychology and a BA in Human Services this May.

HG: What do you appreciate the most about The University of the Cumberlands?

HF: I appreciate how well the professors work with you. The professors I’ve had really cared about your understanding on what they are teaching. If you have questions, they are more than happy to answer them. This University is small enough that you can truly talk to your professors and they actually care.

HG: What are your responsibilities in your internship?      

HF: My job varies from day to day, but I primarily work at the Corbin Preschool Center with Karen West. She writes the grants for the Corbin school system; which I help with sometimes. I work directly with her for most of my internship, but sometimes she sends me to the elementary school and/ or high school. Just recently, I went to the high school to shadow a Family Resource Coordinator. I do what Mrs. Karen West ask of me, because she wants me to have a variety of experiences.

HG: What resources did you use to receive your internship with Karen West?

HF: During the senior advising you meet your department chair, or both department chairs if a double major, and they may have ideas for you (like mine did) or you have to research for yourself. I counted on my department chair to give me valid information on what “I” would be best in. She, my human resource department chair, made me aware of this opportunity, because she believed it would fit me with what I wanted to do.

HG: What encouraged you to accept an additional job at the day care; on top of your internship responsibilities this semester?

HF: I accepted this position because I wanted to start helping my family out. Since I received this job I have not had to ask my parents for money when I wanted to something or needed to go somewhere.

HG: What club(s) have you been active in?

HF: I have participated in C.A.B., which is Campus Activities Board, Bigs and Littles, and B.C.M., which is Baptist Campus Ministries. Actually Bigs and Littles is a branch of B.C.M.; it’s a part of the women’s ministry.

HG: Did you strategize your senior year, so that you would have time for extras like clubs purposefully?

HF: I had to think about it, because it was a lot to process. It is definitely a God thing that I have made it this far without failing something, dropping out, or quitting something because it has been absolutely insane these past two semesters of my senior year. This semester I am doing an internship, which is 18 hours a week; I am working a job at the preschool, which is nine hours a week, and working the library, which is 10 hours a week. Then there is all my responsibilities with BCM and Bigs and Littles. Every week day and night, I have scheduled responsibilities. I really enjoy watching Netflix; I do not have time for that.

HG: What year did you first gain interest in Clubs on campus?

HF: It was more second semester freshman year; but I didn’t really get involved until my sophomore year. I had a friend who was involved in C.A.B. so as a freshman I started participating in C.A.B. Then sophomore year, I began to get involved with “Bigs and Littles” which is this new ministry that happened on campus. Then I found myself involved in both, C.A.B. and Bigs and Littles.

HG: What club did you enjoy the most?

Whitney Johnson (left) and Hannah Foster (right) lead opening prayer for Bigs and Littles 
counsel meeting in 2016.
Photo by: Jasmine Mink

HF: I enjoyed C.A.B. when I was a part of it; the people were really nice. The Spotlight event was really fun. But I have a heart for women on this campus, so it’s been really awesome working with Bigs and Littles. It has been a blessing seeing what an impact it has made on these girls’ lives. Some of these girls were hurting and through Bigs and Littles they found friends. Even girls who would never have spoken to each other due to opposite majors are talking to each other like BFF’s because of this common ground of Bigs and Littles. It has been really cool seeing them enjoy each other. It is amazing to see girls post prayer requests on the message board. They will even come up to you in a meeting and say I really need you to pray for me. I do enjoy this club, but I am also kind of bias because I was there to see it get started and now I am presiding over it.

HG: Have you enjoyed being the President of Bigs and Littles this semester?

HF: I have enjoyed it, but because it is such a new organization, we are still trying to figure out all the kinks; and that is stressful. Even with the awesome counsel I have, it is still hard to match schedules. If it were not for the current counsel, I would not be president. I would probably quit because of all the stress. We are lacking that permanency that everyone else on this campus has because we are still so new and still figuring out everything.

HG: What do you enjoy the most about Baptist Campus Ministries?

HF: I really enjoy how Chad, our campus minister, really invests in all of the members of the leadership team; and in their lives. Every Monday we come together as a team and he trains us in discipleship training, which is what we train our life groups in next Thursday. Any time any of us has a prayer request, worries, or problems we know we can go talk to him. He is always up for praying with you and open for praying for you. This leadership element, who is so involved, is something that BCM was missing for a while.

HG: When reflecting back on your time at UC, what transformation do you see in yourself?

HF: I would say that coming in as a college freshman, I was very unsure and I did not know who I was. I did not think I was smart enough to finish. Looking back, and knowing I am going to have a BA in Psychology and Human Services; I AM smart enough. It has really helped me to realize that I have made it this far. My confidence level has increased tremendously since coming to college. I feel like I am more intuitive and I think a lot more in depth about things. I have learned a lot of life lessons, not just education, but also resolution conflict. I have learned how to help someone who has lost a family member and how to be there for him or her through that hard time. I also learned how to speak to your professors in a respectful manner, even when you do not agree. Looking back on Hannah as a freshman and seeing Hannah as a senior it is a huge difference, a completely different person.

HG: What was most difficult about your senior year?

HF: Stress. Scheduling. Balancing all responsibilities. Comparatively, my classes this semester are not hard when thinking back on last semester. Last semester I had senior seminar and Psychology which required a 20-page paper. So last semester difficulty was classes and this semester difficulty is the stress of getting everything else done.

HG: What has been most rewarding this semester?

HF: I received “Who is Who” among college students. I have never received an award for leadership or GPA before. This “Who is Who” award is recognizing a student who is in a leadership position with an above average GPA. It is nice to realize that more than one staff member felt that I was qualified enough to submit my name. This award was really rewarding. After stepping out of my previous self-confidence issues and constantly thinking I was not smart enough, this award really opened my eyes to what I am capable of. This award really means a lot.

I have also grown a lot in my faith this semester and I attribute that to me maturing in the overall sense.

HG: What is one thing you are happy you choose to do your senior year of college?

HF: I would say choosing to work at the preschool. It is really cool seeing three and four-year old’s imagination and their fun-loving life. They do not have a care in the world. They will hug anybody. There are so sweet; a couple of the little girls said I was beautiful. They are all so precious, but yes, they scream, and yes, they are loud and yes, they can be annoying especially when throwing a tantrum. The kids are really sweet they just need to be constructively work with. They said that working with kids makes you younger because you can see things from their carefree point of view instead of your college-depressed point of view.

HG: If you found importance in a Master degree in the future, would you return to the University of the Cumberlands to receive that degree?

HF: It’s possible. I am thinking of either doing a Master’s degree in counseling or social work. If I choose social work, I would not be able to return to UC as this degree is not offered. If I consider counseling, then I might consider coming back. I am finding myself leaning towards the social work right now. I will say, the plans are not to go straight into Master school right after I graduate.

HG: What would you tell a junior about organizing and prioritizing?

HF: If you do not have a planner, buy one right now. Planners have saved my life. If I do not write down an event or assignment in my planner, it does not happen. A planner helps you stay organized and helps you to remember all the responsibilities you have to do. Trust me, as a college student, you have many responsibilities, so buy a planner.

Photo by: Hannah Foster                                                          
"All Smiles Graduation is only a week away."

Profile of Hannah Foster

Hannah Foster clenches her daily planner and holds it tightly to her chest while saying, “My advice for college students is go buy a planner. Now.”

Hannah, a UC senior, is the role model to follow if one is eager to learn how to balance academic success with personal peace.We talked recently in her dorm room, it started at ten o’clock on the couch; due to her busy schedule this was her only opening as she kindly slid back her bed time to eleven. Hannah is in bright pink polka-dotted pajama pants and a Bigs and Littles T-shirt from years past. She begins by explaining how closely she keeps her calendar updated and filled with beautiful colors of completion.

Hannah stands firm on having a planner even if it means purchasing one. She stated in the interview that her main advice for rising juniors is, “Go buy a planner, now.” 

Lesley Foster, Hannah’s mom, made reference to the planner as one of the main reasons Hannah handles the schedule she has. Lesley slightly giggling as she recalls her talk with Hannah; says, “Organization isn’t easy; you’ve get a planner and then get your syllabus and write everything down.” One thing is for sure Hannah is utilizing her planner as a way to continue towards academic success. 

Organization is only one key element that led to Hannah’s academic success. As we talked it became more apparent that Hannah is also a very responsible individual. She is tackling a double major, two jobs, and two clubs that she is heavily involved in. 

Hannah’s blonde curly hair is the only uncontrolled aspect in Hannah’s life. As May 2017 creeps closer and closer Hannah will eventually conquer her double major studies by receiving her diploma for a BA in Pschology and a BA in Human Services. She will also reach her end of working two jobs; her work-study librarians assistant and her position at the local children's day care.

Lastly, in her senior year, Hannah served as the President of the women’s service club Bigs and Littles, as well as serves as an impacting bible study leader for the club Baptist Campus Ministries(BCM). Without skipping a beat, Hannah is noticed all over campus walking from one appointment to the other, but not in a way that displays uncertainty or exhaustion, instead she is seen smiling holding her head high with confidence. Despite Hannah’s need for glasses, her crystal blue eyes can clearly see through her busy schedule and chooses to focus on the fact that graduation is near. 

Hannah displays extensive commitment to not only her academics but also her work. In fact her boss of her work-study position, Carrie Byrd the Librarian at UC said, “Hannah has worked for me since she has stepped foot on campus. Hannah doesn’t hold back effort; I don’t think twice about turning her loose on a task because I am confident I will get good results from her.” Hannah stresses the way for juniors to learn how to become responsible is to simply start writing down a list of the assignments due and mark them off as you complete them. This makes all the assignments more doable. 

Throughout our interview Hannha doesn’t claim personal victory over her accomplishments; instead she points all her success back to God. Hannah said, “The most influential thing I learned my senior year, something I would most definitely offer as advice to juniors is, continue to make time for the Lord. Your relationship with Him is the most important thing in your life; don’t push spending time with the Lord off.” 

Hannah continues, “Reflecting back on (me) Hannah as a freshman and seeing (me) Hannah as a senior, it is a huge difference; a completely different person. As a college freshman, I was very unsure and I did not know who I was. I did not think I was smart enough to finish. Looking back and knowing I am going to have a BA in Psychology and Human Services; I realize I AM smart enough. I feel like I am more intuitive and I think a lot more in depth on things. I have learned a lot of life lessons, not just education, but also resolution conflict. I have learned how to help someone who has lost a family member and how to be there for him or her through that hard time. I also learned how to speak to my professors in a respectful manner even when we do not agree.” Hannah attributes her ability to act on what she has learned to God; giving Him all the glory.

Lesley Foster mentioned she too noticed that as a child Hannah was always learning. She said, “We moved a lot when Hannah was a child because my husband is a pastor; and as a result Hannah developed a true sense of how to learn. She learned how to become a friend and how to make them. If Hannah is your friend, you have a true friend.” 

Madisan Miller, vice president of UC’s Bigs and Littles, says, “Hannah has a zest for life and she has a love for people; and truly wants to make a difference. She is one of those people who wants to make a difference but sees the value in doing so on a small scale; encouraging the ripple effect, where helping one person can lead to the helping of another person.” Anyone can help others. The encouragement Hannah offers to juniors is, “If you did your best and earned a C, then proudly accept that C; earning a C is ok as long as you did your best.”

Hannah realizes this life presents many tasks and it demands every ounce of energy one has, but she begs one not to forget the little things/ joys/ people in life too. Hannah mentioned she was thankful she chose to work at the Corbin Preschool Center her senior year. She says, “It is really cool seeing three and four-year olds’ imagination and their fun-loving lifestyle. They do not have a care in the world. They will hug anybody. There are so sweet; a couple of the little girls even said I was beautiful; so I hugged them!”