Respondez! Vol. 21

Abstract

Respondez! (1992-2015) became Respond, starting with the 2016 issue. Respondez! is a poem written by Walt Whitman in 1871 as a call to action. The Respond staff interprets Whitman’s poem as a call for new, emerging ideas to be brought fourth and challenged. The journal embodies Walt Whitman’s poem by aiming to publish informative research that challenges mainstream assumptions.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Analogous to long-distance running, Respondez! presented challenges that were countered by accomplishments. Several obstacles blockaded each mile­ marker this past year, but an idealistic team overcame those challenges to set new records. There were strict, monthly deadlines for advertising the journal, collecting the submissions, contacting the contributors, selecting the editors, proofreading the submissions, and collecting the artwork. It was tough. Fortunately, there were various people who accommodatingly supported this organization by promoting the advertisements, submitting scholastic papers, offering professional advice, reviewing editing techniques, attending proofreading sessions, and proposing artistic designs. The greatest challenge was not just ensuring the publication of a myriad of Honors journals, but that the finest individuals, who made the entire experience fruitful and incredible, united to finish the publication of Respondez! Volume 21. This journal is the product of perseverance and collaboration.
Even though I am a Cross-Country athlete with a military background, representing The University of Tampa via academic extra-curricular involvement was an entirely different form of leadership. In every sense of the term, overseeing Respondez! was a crash-course learning experience. It required time­ management, structured agendas, facilitative communication, unbiased judgment, and self-deprecating humor. In truth, some of the most memorable meetings were filled with lighthearted giggles or boisterous laugher. There were delayed "tee-hees" about mispronouncing unusual words, and there were unreserved "haw-haws" caused by an overload of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, academic leadership required one more thing: a willingness to perceive and appreciate the contributions of every person.
Serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Respondez! has been a tremendous honor, especially with regard to collaborating with an indefatigable editorial Respondez!J 3 board of high caliber. Editorial meetings were very demanding in terms of the tight agenda, rigorous workload, and intensive discussions; however, the editors worked extremely hard to select each work objectively and carefully emend every selection, while abiding by strict timelines and peaceably interacting amongst each other. It is important to note that detailed explanations preceded editorial modifications. In other words, editors thoroughly analyzed the structure and content of each submission and provided specific, concrete reasons for editorial suggestions and scholastic interpretations thereof. Despite the intensive rigor and high expectations of this organization, the members of the editorial board neither yielded nor sparred during or after meetings. Each editor worked efficiently, passionately, professionally, and tirelessly; needless to say, it is rare to find such diligent, dependable, and sweet-natured colleagues. I am very proud of this editorial board because they have successfully elevated workmanship into friendship, going beyond improving essays to genuinely respecting one another.
As has been implied, Respondez! heavily depends upon student involvement and, this year, the student body demonstrated exceptional participation. To be more specific, the Honors Program received the most academic submissions and visual designs in the history of Respondez!, which was originally distributed in 1982. We received 41nonfiction essays from nearly every discipline, as well as 17 different graphic design images for the cover. Due to the dramatic increase in the number of submissions, publication in this particular journal edition undoubtedly exhibits superior, outstanding work, which should stimulate a riveting campus-wide intellectual forum. It was a great privilege reading such diverse, well-developed submissions; and as a grotesque understatement, it was difficult limiting publication to only 8 essays. It is paramount to acknowledge the fact that every submission-including the artwork-was incredibly competitive. The syntactical and organizational structure, combined with the stylistic properties and conceptual originality, of the nonfiction essays were consistently qualitative.
In final closure, I wholeheartedly offer my most sincere appreciation and gratitude to the editors, students, faculty, and contributors; each of you has made this publication extraordinarily successful in terms of its quality. Of particular interest is the Honors Program director, Dr. Gary Luter, who as a faculty advisor has offered invaluable guidance and support throughout the course of this year. Hopefully this Honors journal reflects the dedication and commitment of the editorial board members, as well as the academic integrity and active support from not only the undergraduate scholars, but also the faculty members.
Most Sincerely and Very Respectfully, Chanelle Cox Editor-in-Chief

Description

Published annually through The University of Tampa's Honors Program, Respondez! is a peer-reviewed journal for research-based writing. We encourage all students to submit their nonfiction work, because publication is an experientially enriching accomplishment that develops undergraduate resumes and social networks. Nonfiction writing includes, but is not limited to: expository, descriptive, and persuasive writing, as well as personal supported opinion and other research papers. It is important to note, however, that student submissions are shifting towards greater competitiveness, whereby papers demonstrating more in-depth analysis and better writing techniques are generally selected for campus-wide distribution.
Respondez! promotes the reputation of the college by providing a unique publishing opportunity for competitive students. Our goal is to create a close­ knit community within the Honors Program by publishing qualitative student nonfiction writings for intellectual discourse. Although we accept written responses to all content herein, the authors are solely responsible for their written opinions. Members and supporters of Respondez! are committed to excellence; therefore, we remain receptive to any recommendations intended for the improvement of this program.

Keywords

University of Tampa Honors Program, Journal, Honor's Program, Uni

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