The University of Michigan’s Hopwood Program announced its 2024 graduate and undergraduate winners of the Avery and Jule Hopwood Awards in Creative Writing and other writing contests administered by the Hopwood Program.
More than 100 winners and finalists received monetary awards totaling more than $192,000.
This week’s awards ceremony at Rackham Auditorium featured a lecture by Kemp Powers, Golden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, playwright, producer and director.
The Hopwood Awards are funded by a bequest from Avery Hopwood, a 1905 graduate and successful Broadway playwright, and Jule Hopwood, his mother. Past winners include Arthur Miller, Robert Hayden, Jesmyn Ward, and Celeste Ng.
This year’s winners and hometowns include:
Hopwood First- and Second-year Fiction Paris LeClaire, Fennville, Michigan, “Help! I think I’m in trouble!”
Hopwood First- and Second-year Nonfiction Alina Murata, Battle Creek, Michigan, “Everything a daughter has to love and hate”
Hopwood First- and Second-year Poetry Joseph Provenzano, Ann Arbor, “Unicycling towards eternity”
Hopwood Undergraduate Fiction Katherine Hattersley, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, “This is how I remember it”
Hopwood Undergraduate Nonfiction Kelly Tang, Pittsburgh, “To love, and be loved” Safa Hijazi, Dearborn, Michigan, “Eve’s interlude” & “A letter to Persephone”
Hopwood Undergraduate Poetry Alex Kim, Ellicott City, Maryland, “guide to gods/guide to Korean transness”
Hopwood Graduate Fiction Yash Kambhat, Ann Arbor, “–You come, too” Hayley Boyd, Portland, Oregon, “Seabedding” and “St. Francis Park”
Hopwood Graduate Nonfiction Oluwakemi Falodun, Lagos, Nigeria, “Longing” and “Soro-Soke: The language of our time” Clara Rosarius, Cologne, Germany, “Pondgirl” and “Lithium”
Hopwood Graduate Poetry Noor Al-Samarrai, Dearborn, Michigan, “Selections from Baghdad: City of Memory”
Hopwood Award Theodore Roethke Prize Claudia Creed, Ludlow, England, “Topology”
Hopwood Novel Sarah Anderson, Ann Arbor, “Fallow”
Hopwood Drama Samuel Aupperlee, Grandville, Michigan, “My name is not John”
Hopwood Screenplay Adam Miros, Ann Arbor, “!Macias! Daniela Castillo, Traverse City, Michigan, “Righteous Women”
Non-Hopwood Winners and Finalists
Arthur Miller Award Ariel Litwak, Miami, “Twin,” “Thalassophilia” and “Excerpts”
Roy Cowden Memorial Fellowship–Ann Arbor Bryce Murray, Ann Arbor, “Fisher of Men”
Roy Cowden Memorial Fellowship–Dearborn Adam Almaleky, Dearborn, Michigan, “How have Muslims impacted Metro Detroit?”
Roy Cowden Memorial Fellowship–Flint Christina Feldermann, Grand Blanc, Michigan, “Unveiling the dangers of Christian nationalism”
Cora Duncan Award in Fiction Savanna Cowley, Ann Arbor, “Loon”
Peter Philip Pratt Award in Fiction Camille Nagy, Oak Park, Michigan, “The rite of the turnpike”
Academy of American Poets Prize Graduate winner: Lailah Fritz, Chevy Chase, Maryland, “Dawn” Undergraduate winner: Giovanni Smith, Detroit, “out of body Day 1”
The Amazon Basin has been warming at an average of 0.27 degrees Celsius per decade since the 1980s, with some regions warming even faster Also today: evolving cities, old dogs, and marriage tips By
Jon Gluck
“What Is The Amazon ‘Tipping Point,’ Exactly?” by
Quentin Septer doesn’t pull any punches. “The Amazon Rainforest is dying a slow, degradative death as a result of climate change and human-caused habitat destruction,” says Septer, a science writer and former environmental chemistry analyst. “Scientists worry that these trends may soon push the Amazon over the edge.”
Inspired by a paper recently published in Nature called “Critical Transitions in the Amazon forest system,” Septer’s 22-minute read is an in-depth look at the subject that relies on the work of numerous authorities in the field.
One way to think about the degradation of the Amazon is in terms of what the authors of the Nature paper call “water stress,” Septer writes. “Hot, dry air saps the Amazon’s soil of its moisture. Tree roots struggle to draw water from desiccated earth. Some trees die as a result. Others begin to decline in health, losing their ability to absorb and evapotranspire water and perpetuate the humidity that is characteristic of the Amazon Rainforest.”
As a result of that and related dynamics, the authors of the Nature paper warn, the Amazon may not be a rainforest at all by 2050, “but a vast swathe of arid savannah and grassland,” a scenario referred to by another expert Septer cites as “the savannization of the Amazon Rainforest.”
Worse, Septer writes, scientists believe the Amazon’s tipping point could contribute to a larger, parallel tipping point in the climate as a whole “that would drastically and irreversibly accelerate climate change, not only in the Amazon but around the globe.”
Fortunately, another expert Septer spoke to remains hopeful about the Amazon’s fate. “These forests are amazing in terms of their regenerative capacity, if you let them,” the scientist told Septer.
Can you think of a more important “If?”
What else we’re reading
Also on the subject of loss,
Ashely L. Crouch introduces us to the Welsh concept of Hiraeth in “What We Lose When “the Rent Skyrockets.” The term has no direct translation in English, writes Crouch, the descendant of a Welsh family, but it roughly reads as a sort of homesickness and longing for the departed. “Hir means ‘long’ and aeth roughly translates to ‘grief or sorrow,’’’ particularly the yearning you feel for a home and culture you might never experience again. Her essay is about her current home city of Montreal, but it’s relevant to any number of other places as well. “This type of longing can be held by individuals and cultures who have lost a piece of themselves to the march of time, colonialism, culture shifts, or arguably, even the loss of their city’s energy due to mass tourism and skyrocketing living costs,” Crouch writes. As a New Yorker, I get it.
From the archive
Okay, here’s something more cheerful. Actually, never mind. I’m going to ride the loss vibes all the way today. In “Lessons from an Old Dog About Creaky Bones and Graying Hair,” the best-selling author
Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief, The Library Book) explores what she calls “the terrible truth about pets aging faster than you.” Prompted by the acquisition of a pandemic puppy, Orelan laments the inevitable death of her other, older dog. “She and I share some secrets, as old friends do, along with our morning stiffness and gray hairs. Soon — too soon — she won’t just be a little older than me; she will be much older than me, moving past our mutual middle age and into something more fragile,” Orelan writes. “I miss her already.”
In the world of fashion, some dresses grab global attention due to their style as well as astounding cost. They capture the true essence of luxury and extravagance. In this article, we have compiled a list of the most expensive dresses ever made, acting as symbols of wealth and prestige. These masterpieces showcase the creativity and talent of designers, leaving a lasting mark in fashion industry.
30 Most Expensive Dresses Ever Made
Most Expensive Dresses Ever Made
The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive. – Coco Chanel
Well, this is quite true, if you are into fashion. Exquisite craftsmanship and opulent design characterize some of the most luxurious couture creations, albeit with a price tag that places them beyond the reach of most. While the pinnacle of expensive dresses may not be accessible to everyone, their iconic status cannot be denied. These dresses often command staggering prices, equivalent to the cost of a house or a car. Curious to explore the epitome of extravagance in the world of fashion? Here’s a glimpse into some of the most exorbitant dresses ever created.
1. The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur
Cost: $30M
Designer: Faisal Abdullah
The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur is a truly exceptional creation, valued at an estimated $30 million, a testament to both the lavish materials employed and the renowned Malaysian designer behind it, Faisal Abdullah. This extraordinary gown boasts a luxurious crimson hue that complements various skin tones, eyes, and hair colors.
Crafted from sumptuous taffeta and silk, the dress features a single shoulder design, tightly cinched at the waist, with the fabric gracefully bunching near the thighs before flaring out like a bird’s tail. However, the true enchantment of this masterpiece lies in its exquisite detailing – 750 of the finest diamonds meticulously embroidered in a constellation-like pattern, elevating the gown to unparalleled opulence.
2. Martin Katz & Renee Strauss Wedding Dress
Cost: $16.2M
Designer: Martin Katz and Renee Strauss
Renowned for crafting some of the world’s most opulent wedding dresses, the Diamond Wedding Dress stands as the second most expensive gown globally and claims the top spot for wedding attire. In a collaborative masterpiece by Martin Katz and Renee Strauss in 2019, this dress exudes regality through its use of the finest silks and gemstones. Distinguished by padded shoulders, a diamond necklace-inspired neckline, and Edwardian designs, the gown exudes an air of royalty.
However, its true magnificence lies in the over 150 carats of exquisite diamonds meticulously embedded throughout the garment. To put this in perspective, a premium 4-carat loose diamond can command a staggering $100,000. With the equivalent value of approximately 37 of these precious gems, the Diamond Wedding Dress is currently available for purchase at Martin Katz’s boutique in Beverly Hills.
3. Hany El Behairy Wedding Dress
Cost: $15M
Designer: Hany El Behairy
Renowned for his opulent wedding dresses and designs, Hany El Behairy gained global acclaim with the unveiling of “The Wedding Dress” in 2019. Crafted meticulously from top-tier silks, the gown captivates from bodice to hem. The star-shaped veil accompanying the dress offers a unique yet subtly traditional touch, breaking the mold while honoring conventions.
The gown is a spectacle, showcasing intricate detailing and adorned with exquisite jewels, including diamonds. Valued at over 15 million dollars, its elaborately designed torso is a dazzling display of luxury. Hany El Behairy’s creation transcends the ordinary, inviting admiration for its fusion of freshness and tradition, making it a must-see masterpiece in the world of high-end bridal fashion.
Also Read: 30 Most Expensive Sports Cards In The World
4. Queen Letizia’s Royal Wedding Dress
Cost: $10.7M
Designer: Manuel Pertegaz
The latest addition to the lineage of royal brides features a breathtaking high-end wedding gown, stealing the spotlight effortlessly. Following Queen Letizia’s 2004 royal wedding, her bridal ensemble sparked weeks of fervent discussions, earning its place in the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive royal wedding dress.
The gown boasts a classic bridal silhouette with a V-neckline, full sleeves, a sweeping train, and an intricately embroidered skirt adorned with exquisite gold thread rose designs, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. While the bodice maintains simplicity, the 14-foot veil adds grandeur, securing its status as one of the longest veils at that time. Queen Letizia’s timeless and opulent attire continues to captivate as a symbol of regal elegance.
Renowned for her extravagant bridal gowns, Yumi Katsura’s White Gold Dress stands among the world’s top five most expensive wedding creations. Crafted from opulent silk and satin adorned with intricate rose designs, this one-of-a-kind gown surpasses the $8.5 million mark. Its exorbitant price is attributed not only to the finest materials but also to the inclusion of a 5-carat white gold diamond, numerous smaller diamonds, an emerald, and nearly 1000 premium pearls intricately sewn into the fabric.
While replicas exist, the original remains an unparalleled masterpiece sought after by affluent brides worldwide. Japanese designers, particularly Yumi Katsura, continue to attract the most discerning clientele for their exceptional and opulent wedding attire.
6. Marilyn Monroe’s Happy Birthday, Mr. President Dress
Cost: $4.8M
Designer: Bob Mackie
If you’re a regular viewer of the Met Gala, you may recall Kim Kardashian’s stunning choice in 2022 – she graced the event in Marilyn Monroe’s renowned dress. This gown, auctioned for a staggering $4.8 million in 2019, stands as an epitome of American couture. Marilyn famously wore it on John F. Kennedy’s birthday, captivating audiences with her rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”
The skin-tight beige ensemble, designed to accentuate the waist, neck, and thighs, became an instant sensation, especially given its TV broadcast. Adorned with 2,500 rhinestones, the dress exudes elegance and became one of Monroe’s final iconic fashion statements before her untimely demise in August 1962.
7. Marilyn Monroe’s The Seven Year Itch Subway Dress
Cost: $4.6M
Designer: William Travilla
The iconic moment featuring Marilyn Monroe’s white pleated dress billowing up in the air is a memorable scene from the renowned romantic comedy “The Seven Year Itch,” released in 1955. The brief subway sequence has transcended its cinematic origins, becoming a pervasive element in pop culture. Crafted by designer William Travilla, the dress, affectionately dubbed “The Silly Little Dress,” is a modest halter neck ensemble with a flowing skirt, lacking extravagant embellishments.
Despite its simple design, the dress has attained a staggering $4.6 million cult status, primarily attributed to Monroe’s allure and the indelible impact of the scene. This cinematic fashion moment continues to captivate audiences and inspire reinterpretations across various media.
Nowadays, gaming has become more than just a pastime. The idea of turning a hobby into a source of income is no longer a distant dream but a feasible reality for those in this field. In this article, we will discover how to earn money by playing games and the diverse methods available to monetize your skills. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, you can transform your passion into a profitable venture.
How to Earn Money by Playing Games
How to Earn Money by Playing Games?
In a world where fun and money mix together, making cash by playing games has become really interesting and profitable for a lot of people. Turning a favorite hobby into a way to earn money is something that gamers all over the world find appealing. This article explores the exciting realm where fun and financial gain intersect, offering insights into various avenues for gamers to potentially earn some extra cash.
If you’re good at gaming or have a fun personality, you can earn money by livestreaming your game play. People watch for various reasons: to learn tips, enjoy exceptional game play, listen to entertaining commentary, or connect with the gaming community. Ways to make money include donations, paid subscriptions, ticket sales for special events, sponsorships from gaming brands, advertising revenue, affiliate marketing commissions, and selling your own merchandise. To succeed, be interesting – whether skilled, funny, or a good storyteller. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, Facebook Gaming, DLive are great for livestreaming. So, if you’re engaging, you can turn your gaming passion into a source of income!
2. Create Game Guides on Video Platforms
Create a money-making gaming channel on YouTube by making guides for gamers. People watch game guides for various reasons: to check if a game is cool, learn how to play, get expert tips, stay updated on gaming news, be entertained, and connect with other players. Your channel should feature popular game reviews, beginner tutorials, pro tips, industry news, and fun commentary on game play. Make money through viewer donations, subscriptions, brand advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. To start, you’ll need a camera, microphone, video editing software, and your gaming setup. Record yourself playing, edit the footage, add effects, and share your videos. Get ready to turn your passion for gaming into a rewarding venture!
3. Write Gaming Guides for Your Website
Make money by creating video game guides, either in writing or through videos, and sell them on your website. Your guides should cover basic walkthroughs, tutorials on game features, and advanced tips, supported by screenshots and graphics. Include video content on your site to complement written guides. Promote your content by offering some guides for free to entice people to purchase your premium content. Alternatively, monetize through advertising or affiliate marketing on your website, even if you provide free tutorials. Start by building and promoting your website as a platform for gamers to access your valuable content, allowing you to generate income through guides and other strategies.
4. Offer Game Coaching
Make money by becoming a video game coach! Help players boost their gaming skills through services like reviewing game recordings, giving tips, and live play guidance. You can coach individuals or groups, setting your own prices based on your expertise. To start, be a skilled gamer with updated game knowledge and teaching abilities. Create a website or YouTube channel to showcase your skills or join platforms like Gamer Sensei or Fiverr to find clients. Whether you’re a beginner coach or aiming for competitive players, your earnings increase with your expertise. This side hustle complements other gaming-related income streams like streaming or creating guides. No formal education is necessary, just your gaming passion and coaching skills!
I found this interesting story on reddit “Making $10,000 selling used furniture” and I thought why not replicate this in India?
First, let’s discuss what the original story is, then I will share the details on how you can replicate this idea in India.
This person with username “Oregonwholesale” has shared his story on reddit. He makes $10,000 per month from his side hustle.
What he does is simple: he buys old couches from people who are moving away or selling their furniture for some reason and then sells them online for a profit. Also, he does this in his part time. And mind you, its not a simple task, as you need to talk to a few people daily, then visit them in order to check the couches they are selling, as couches need to be in good condition in order for him to flip them.
Oregonwholesale find these deals on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace and quickly decides what to buy and then resell online for a profit.
He says 2 key things that help him sell at a higher price:
Good quality photos
Free delivery
Now he owns a pickup truck and that’s why he is able do this easily and earn a good amount of money. Also, he runs a carpet cleaning business but makes more money selling couches as they are in high demand.
Let’s talk some numbers:
Oregonwholesale sell 4-5 couches a week at $500 profits or sometime even more. He is working solo, and he ask his customers to help him load or unload couches from his truck. He mentions that his girlfriend sometimes helps him, but that happens rarely.
Various people in comments section share how this idea actually works:
I did this before. It works with a huge margin but it can never scale unless you expand. That’s where the profit started eroding.
Reply from Oregonwholesale…
Yeah I feel like I have capped myself at 3500 a week. I can’t go any higher than that.
So it’s not the most scalable business as it’s an offline business, but he said that people can easily make like $10,000 monthly profit if you live in metro cities and execute this plan really well.
Also, to support the above story more and more people are already doing this: How One Side Hustler Turned $65 into $35,000 in 15 Months
Brief of the story:
When school teacher Claire McCann sold a used $65 table for $300, she discovered a profitable new side hustle. She realized the potential of furniture flipping and started honing her skills. Just 15 months later, Claire has earned over $35,000 in profits from furniture flipping using Facebook Marketplace and other digital platforms.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Starting a business involves risk and effort, and there are no guarantees of profitability. The success stories and strategies discussed here are examples and may not apply or work for everyone. Market conditions, competition, and individual capabilities greatly affect outcomes. It is advised to conduct thorough research and possibly consult a professional advisor before starting any business venture. The author of this article/newsletter disclaim any liabilities or losses incurred as a direct or indirect result of the application of any information presented herein.
How you can replicate this in India: Rs.1 Lakh monthly from used furniture?
Before you say its not possible in India, hear me out. A lot of offline players are already doing this for past many years, so if you utilize the online + offline model, I am sure you can earn a good amount of profit.
Before moving forward with the idea, let me share how offline players are making good amount of money doing this. First big player in this space in Noida is “Vipul Furniture”
To give you an idea of their space, they lease a 3 floor building in Noida sector 65, just to sell used furniture. You can view this video to see ho
Wordle is a daily puzzle from the New York Times. If you want some extra help to solve today’s Wordle, we have the answer to Wordle #1036, plus some extra clues.
SPOILERS AHEAD (CLUES)
Today’s Wordle (#1036) Basic Clues
If you just want the answer to the Wordle puzzle for April 20, 2024, scroll down past the clues and the next spoiler warning. Otherwise, here are a set of clues to help you solve today’s Wordle somewhat on your own.
Today’s Wordle contains three consonants and two vowels.
No letters appear twice, with each one unique within the word.
The first letter is L.
The last letter is D.
The Big Clue for Today’s Wordle Puzzle
The big clue for today’s Wordle is, “I have full use of my mental faculties in this room filled with light”.
If you still haven’t beaten today’s Wordle even with the clues provided above, the answer is below…
The answer to today’s Wordle is “LUCID“.
The word “Lucid” is an adjective with several meanings. The most common being suffused with light and having full use of one’s faculties. Used in a sentence, the former would be, “I was swimming in a lucid sea, and could see everything”. Used in a sentence, the latter would be, “My mind was lucid as I entered the room for my job interview”. Both of these meanings suggest something is clear.
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word “Lucid” comes from the Latin “lucidus,” meaning light, bright, or clear. Related Latin words are “lucere,” meaning to shine, and “lux,” meaning light. The use of “Lucid” to indicate something filled with light has reduced over time, with most people in the modern age really only using it to refer to the mind and a way of thinking intelligibly.
Our Top Wordle Tips (to Beat It Every Day)
Choose a good starting word. There are plenty to choose from, so pick one from our list of the best Wordle starting words.
Try to eliminate all five vowels early. As there are only a handful of vowels, it’s best to use them all within the first 2-3 guesses.
Use popular letters early. As well as the vowels, letters such as T, S, N, R, H, C, D, and L appear most commonly in English words.
Take your time over your guesses. Wordle isn’t timed, so there’s no rush to complete it. You can even guess on paper first.
Remember that letters can appear twice (and often do). Keep this in mind when guessing, as forgetting it can lead you to mess up.
Now that you have completed today’s Wordle puzzle (with a little help from your friends at MUO), you should check out some of the other free games from the New York Times.
Connections is a fun game that challenges you to find the associations between 16 words, splitting them up into four groups of four. To help combat the challenging nature of the game, check out our tips and tricks to help you beat Connections.
There’s also Strands, the newest addition to the New York Times’ burgeoning list of games. Just like Connections, it’s extremely challenging, but in a unique string-the-letters-together way. We recommend you check out our best tips for beating Strands to give yourself a leg up on the daily challenge.
Or, if you’re a Wordle purist and want more of the same, we recommend trying these awesome Wordle alternatives.
Chrome preloading speeds up page loading by loading the next page in advance.
Enable preloading on PC by going to Chrome Settings > Performance > Preload Pages.
On mobile, go to Chrome Settings > Privacy and Security > Preload Pages to select a preloading level based on data usage.
Few things are more frustrating than sitting at your computer or mobile device, ready to browse the web, but each new webpage takes forever to load. If you use Google Chrome as your internet browser, you can avoid this problem using a nifty little feature called preloading.
Chrome allows you to load the next page in advance, right before you click on a link. So, for example, say you’re reading an article on your favorite news site. At the bottom is a link to ‘Related Articles’ that you want to check out next. Even before you click on it, Chrome will begin loading that next page.
That way, when you click on the link, the next page pops up instantly since it was preloaded in the background. No more staring at a spinning wheel and waiting for the page to appear. It’s already there waiting for you. Here’s how to turn on Chrome’s preloading feature on your PC:
Click the three vertical dots icon at the top right corner of the Chrome window to open a menu.
Scroll down and click Settings to open Chrome’s settings panel.
On the left side, find and click Performance. This will display performance-related settings.
Scroll down to the Speed section and click to flip the toggle switch for Preload pages.
The preloading feature uses more bandwidth and processing power than normal browsing, but that minor tradeoff is worth it for most people.
Once you’ve flipped that switch on, Chrome will begin quietly loading webpages in the background before you click on links.
How to Enable Page Preload in Chrome on Your Mobile Device
If you want to flip on page preload on Chrome on your Android or iOS device, you can follow these simple steps:
Launch the Chrome app and tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
Tap Settings and then scroll down to tap Privacy and security.
Here, tap Preload pages, and you’ll find three options: No preloading, Standard preloading, and Extended preloading.
Select the option that suits your needs. Here’s what each option does:
No preloading: Chrome will not preload any pages in the background. This saves data, but pages might load slower when you click on them.
Standard preloading: Chrome will preload a few pages that it predicts you will likely visit based on your browsing history and cookies. This helps pages load faster but uses minimal additional data.
Extended preloading: Chrome will preload more pages that it thinks you might visit, even if you haven’t visited them before. This results in even faster load times but uses more data than standard preloading.
Book-lovers often enjoy reading for the sense of escapism stories provide; the ability to travel the world through ink on a page, embark on a journey with a character, and turn the final page with the feeling that they’ve experienced something life-changing. For Windy Counsell Petrie, PhD, chair of Azusa Pacific University’s Department of English, books have not only taken her on imaginary journeys, but her lifelong vocation to the literary world has provided her with multiple opportunities to travel and experience immersion in various cultures. She offers students the same comfort and joy that comes through literature by sharing her warm spirit and kindness that blooms like the roses outside her office.
Born and raised in San Diego, Petrie often stayed close to home. Her family’s only travel was to family reunions in the pacific northwest, and while she enjoyed roaming her relatives’ farms and ranches, books were where she truly explored different places. After high school, Petrie was drawn to Pepperdine primarily because of their great books curriculum. The stories she read came to life when she went on her first plane ride to study abroad in England and Russia. “I was fascinated immediately when I got to stay in Moscow. Russian authors wrote some of the greatest novels of the 19th century, and it was compelling to see the way their culture values literature,” she said.
After graduating from Pepperdine, Petrie’s desire to continue witnessing a plethora of perspectives on literature led her to pursue graduate school at the University of Delaware. “As a naive 20-year-old I only applied to schools on the east coast, and I discovered a completely different culture within America through that experience,” she said. For six years, she lived in Delaware with her husband Kyle–her high school sweetheart. Petrie continued to hone her understanding of written works, especially when analyzing authors for who they are as people. Her dissertation focused on women’s autobiographies. “My primary interest is in the humans who create the literature we appreciate. I love pairing what is already acclaimed with works that are lesser known.” She added how many in academia have parents who come from professional backgrounds, and as a working class Cal grant recipient, she hopes to uplift the untold stories that are just as impactful, influential, and captivating as the broadly canonized ones. Her first published book, Templates for Authorship: American Women’s Literary Autobiography of the 1930s, drew from her dissertation as she analyzed how a generation of women pursued writing as a path to personal and economic freedom.
After completing her PhD, Petrie and her husband decided to move back west. They agreed that their eastern limit was Denver, so when a job opened at Colorado Christian University (CCU), Petrie’s dream of teaching in higher education came true. “As a child I always wanted to play school with my friends, and before high school I thought to myself, ‘I would love to teach at the highest level possible.’ At the time I had no clue that meant being a professor, but I just continued down that route,” she said. Petrie taught at CCU for 15 years. She started her professorship a year after having her first son, Cade and she had her second son Heath after one year of teaching.
During Petrie’s time at CCU, she helped build up a thriving English department. She also earned a Fulbright award in 2006, which allowed her to spend a semester teaching in Lithuania. “That was the best experience for my whole family. I used to say that being a professor was the perfect counterbalance to raising children, and vice versa, but I didn’t have the time or energy to research and write on my own at the time,” she said. “So, I figured that teaching cross-culturally would give me the opportunity to learn intensely while staying committed as a mother.” Petrie’s family remembers their time in Lithuania together fondly. Her colleagues were inspired by her ability to further her growth as a scholar while creating enriching memories for her children.
Petrie discovered APU in 2016, when she and her husband wanted to return to the West Coast. “I’m a Californian at heart. In addition to my love for books, I love gardening and the ocean. Everyday I’m grateful that I can garden year-round here,” she said. When a position for the Department of English chair opened, God led Petrie and her family back to Southern California.
“Two huge aspects about APU drew me in: the wonderfully diverse community, and the fact that we offer faith integration while keeping open enrollment to students of all religious backgrounds.”
Petrie’s approach to teaching literature is to create a space where joy and meaningfulness coexist. “APU students bring a happy-seriousness to the table, and I love that because my goal as a professor is to show that we can have fun while studying a subject that has profound depth,” she said. Opening discussion to hear diverse perspectives and diminish preconceived notions about life and literature is something Petrie values. While she covers a broad range of literary topics, Russian literature is one of her favorites. “I love how frequently Russian writing touches on the spirituality of humans and often asks big, seemingly unanswerable questions.” Throughout her life, Petrie has engaged in multiple discussions about authors Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky with people inside and outside of academic contexts. She considers their work timeless.
As a leader, hospitality is the most important quality to Petrie. She strives to spend as much time with students as possible. She loves bonding with them in APU’s beautiful rose garden, where English faculty reside, for alfresco events. “I really enjoy when we can just be people together and celebrate each other’s gifts,” she said. When asked what she hopes students take away from her classes, Petrie said, “Never stop enjoying the gift of words. Beauty and understanding in literature don’t just comfort us; rather they enhance the lives of every individual who participates in creating or reading it. You’ll always keep learning if you keep reading.”
Leslie Sandoval, ’98, MAEd ’04, is living out her calling as an educator and leader. She shows Christ’s love through her care for students and her staff, creating an inclusive environment for students to learn and thrive.
Although she loves being an educator now, when Sandoval graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 1998 with a BA in Applied Health, she planned to pursue a graduate degree in physical therapy (PT). She was inspired to pursue a PT career after teaching swim lessons in high school. “I knew I always wanted to work with kids,” she said. “I helped students with physical limitations achieve their goals. It was so much fun to work with them and see them succeed.” During her PT program, Sandoval served as a substitute teacher and found that she enjoyed teaching in the classroom.
Sandoval’s substitute teaching experience caused her to change directions. “I only applied for one teaching position,” she said. “I told myself that if I got that position, then I would go back to school.” Sandoval got the job as a middle school biology teacher, so she returned to APU for a Master’s in Education.
In her 17 years of teaching science, Sandoval became an advisor for the Associative Student Body program. “I was able to do what I really wanted, to help improve the school climate and give back to students.” With a newfound passion for leadership in education, Sandoval became an assistant principal and was then promoted to principal. She has served as principal of Grace Miller Elementary School in La Verne for the past three years.
Sandoval’s job allows her to give back to her coworkers and students. She loves the ability to support others that comes with her leadership role. “I have limitations of what I can share about religion in the public education system, but I show my faith through my actions,” she said. “I walk alongside my staff and try to support them as much as possible. I also love being there for my students and helping them have a positive education trajectory.”
Grace Miller is a Title One and early childhood intervention school. The Title One classification is for schools with a large percentage of students with socioeconomic disadvantages. Uncommon for most schools, children as young as three-years-old with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) can enroll in classes at Grace Miller.
“I’m passionate about helping children with significant needs achieve their full potential,” Sandoval said. “In the future, I would love to see more students with identified learning needs have opportunities to be in class with their peers through our inclusive learning model. I want school to be a place where students can thrive academically and socially.”
Sandoval finds her job to be extremely rewarding and enjoys seeing students meet their goals in an environment of inclusivity. She gave the example of a nonverbal student at her school who is just learning to say a few words and is treated well by other students. “When I see kids learning not only academics, but also how to treat other people with kindness and respect, those are the most rewarding moments.”
Sandoval’s dedication to her job earned her the Bonita Unified School District Management Award. Last year, she was recognized as the district wide management employee of the year. Her school also received a National Blue Ribbon Award, one of only 33 schools in the state to earn the award in 2023. Schools must be invited to apply based on state test scores that show the school is working to close the achievement gap between socioeconomically disadvantaged students and non-disadvantaged students. After being nominated, the school must continue to improve their scores for another year. Grace Miller elementary is the second school in the district and the first in La Verne to receive the award.
Sandoval continues to live out her faith through her passion for helping her coworkers and students succeed. “I keep my degrees and my cross up on my wall as an example of my faith,” she said. “If you continue to reflect and pray on your strengths, you’ll find your calling. God may guide you in ways that you didn’t expect.”
Oftentimes, people choose a field of study that aligns with their passions, interests, and skill sets. For Alan Oda, PhD, entering psychology has not only allowed him to pursue all three of those things, but studying human development has given him the opportunities to strengthen his faith journey while helping others better understand their spiritual growth.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Oda went to UC Davis with the intention of earning a degree in veterinary medicine. “I found out I was allergic to a lot of animals, as well as my grade in organic chemistry class,” Oda said through a laugh. After earning a bachelor’s degree in human development, he enhanced his research skills in a general experimental psychology program at Cal State Northridge. He then attended UC Riverside for an MA in Psychology and a PhD with an emphasis in developmental psychology. While his research has primarily focused on adolescents and young adults, Oda has participated in studies across the human lifespan.
Oda made the most of his education by getting involved in volunteer work, internships, and research endeavors to use the tools he learned as a psychologist to create a positive impact in people’s lives. While volunteering at UCLA one summer as an undergraduate, Oda collaborated with researchers conducting various types of behavioral studies. He was offered a job as a lab tech in their Neuropsychiatric Institute.
During his time at UC Davis, Oda developed a strong relationship with Christ. He started attending a bible study, which later developed into a chapter of the Asian American Christian Fellowship. Through his involvement in campus ministry, Oda met his wife. He continues to serve in campus ministries, employing psychology to offer students perspective through their struggles and walks of faith. “Psychology is a tool to find God’s truth, not the source of it,” he said. Serving in ministry later became the groundwork for Oda’s contribution to the Faithful Change national research team for the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Oda was introduced to the notion that faith development is parallel to all other stages of human growth. He continues to encourage educators in Christian higher education to give students the space to ask big questions, as doing so is vital to spiritual development.
As the project assistant for the Western Region Asian American Project during his time at Cal State Northridge, Oda worked at the social agency to initiate educational programs and mental health services. “Many in specific ethnic communities tend to avoid mental health and social services, sometimes due to cultural ideas, or a lack of familiarity with the way these systems work,” he said. His experience through this project was the perfect segue into his role as executive director of the Asian American Christian Counseling Service. “I realized that many people seeking therapy were hesitant because they wanted a therapist who understood their heritage.” By combining his understanding of the ways faith shifts throughout one’s life, along with a diverse knowledge of Asian Pacific backgrounds as a Japanese American himself, Oda has truly used his calling in the psychology field to make a difference in countless lives.
In 1996, Oda started teaching at Azusa Pacific University after working at various public universities throughout LA. After teaching classes with nearly 300 students each, he was drawn to APU’s small class sizes, allowing him to deepen connections with the diverse population.
“That’s one of the things I enjoy most about APU: we have first generation students, people from multiple countries and all sorts of backgrounds. They each bring something new to the table,” he said.
While he enjoys teaching upper division courses about human development, Oda also finds fulfillment instructing general education courses because he meets students from varying majors.
For Oda, teaching is about more than disseminating information. Rather, he strives to implement what he knows about human development to offer a safe environment for growth, both academically and spiritually. “I want students to ask questions and I’m always open to meeting in and out of the classroom to talk about what their questions are,” he said. Most importantly, however, he hopes that even if students don’t remember the theories and facts they’re tested on, they leave his class with something to think about moving forward. “If something I teach sparks an idea to push students in the psychology field for the future, I’ve done my job.”
When Oda’s not engaging with students, preparing class materials, or completing tasks as chair of the Department of Psychology, he spends time with his wife, two sons, and their pets (including a chihuahua, a few fish, and a turtle). Oda is committed to volunteer work, and has traveled frequently to Japan ever since the 2011 tsunami to assist those in temporary housing and improve community education.
Students in Oda’s classes learn more than psychological terms and methods. Instead, they get to hear from someone who has applied psychology to create a positive contribution around the world. His enthusiasm, witty humor, and gentle demeanor are just a few of Oda’s qualities that make him an excellent educator.
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