Classmate Interview

State champ high school soccer player is now trying to find her niche at Wittenberg University. Freshman Hannah Hoffman, once a part of a victorious soccer team in her home state of Maryland is now looking for ways to receive more time on the field. In order to compete for playing time with the Wittenberg Women’s soccer team, she must change positions on the field, a task that few are willing to tackle.
Hannah was the varsity keeper for her high school soccer team, leading them to the state championships fall season of her senior year. Her state championship victory demonstrates her ability as an exceptional keeper. However, joining a collegiate team with another exceptional keeper who is already integrated with the team makes it difficult to receive any playing time with the Lady Tigers. Unsatisfied with simply watching on the sidelines, Hannah decided to make a change.
She is now transitioning from a keeper to a forward. No longer will she be protecting the goal but rather now trying to out smart the defense and put the ball in the net and lead her new teammates into victory. She will now have to put forth a great effort in developing and polishing the skills necessary to compete against girls who have most likely been playing forward their entire lives.
Soccer like with any other varsity sport takes up a large portion of time in ones daily life. When asked about other extra curricular activities she has participated in Hannah said, “soccer is life consuming” which has limited her ability to join a variety of other activities not only in high school but also now in college as well.
But there is hope, because soccer is in off-season, Hannah now has the opportunity to join different clubs around campus. Which is something she expressed great interest with the comment, “ I want to join as many different clubs as I possible can.”
Along with soccer, Hannah is interested in current events and is currently pursuing a Political Science degree from Wittenberg. She is passionate about politics and hopes one day to work in Washington D.C. The city is dear to her heart and she can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Love and its Power~final

Elizabeth Alexander didn't simply stand behind the podium and lecture about the story and history of Martin Luther Kings Jr on Monday but rather reminded us of the legacy he left behind. It wasn't one simply act she told us but rather an on going quest for justice and equality. The fight didn't end with King the day he gave the "I have a dream" speech but rather is still being fought for today she told the audience.

Continuing King's Legacy is something she personally is working towards. Alexander leads by example. Through her writing with many inspiring poems and short stories. Through her teaching of African American studies at several prestigious universities like University of Chicago and currently at Yale University.

With her high esteem in the literary world, she was chosen to present a piece she wrote at the Inauguration of President Obama. "Praise Song for the Day" is a poem that "was only meant for that day" she said but decided that it was appropriate to include in her speech on this special day a year later.

In the poem Alexander asks the question, "What if the mightiest word is love?" The concept of love and what it means was her focus. Love is so much more than a simply I love you or you love me type of love, Alexander explains to the packed church at Wittenberg University.

Speaking with passion, she tells the audience that it is a "kind of love that takes work but moves us into a better day." It is the type of work and courage that makes us demand better because it is deserved.

Inspired by not only King and his words of love but also a great poet by the name of June Jordan, who also asked the question "where is the love?" Growing up reading Jordan's poetry was great inspiration Alexander said. She also referred to Jordan as a "pacifist but a fighter."

This description is obviously fitting for Martin Luther King Jr but also as well as for Elizabeth Alexander. King sought for justice and equality peacefully, during his life, so does Alexander with her poetic words and love.

Fittingly, she finished her speech with her famous poem "Praise Song for the Day." As she concluded the audience rose, giving Alexander a standing ovation.