Not In Kansas Anymore

Hello! I'm Annie Wake a senior here at DePauw University. I hail from the wonderful state of Kansas, and grew up in Shawnee Mission, just outside of Kansas City. Before arriving in Greencastle, I had an extraordinary opportunity to re-experience my senior year aboard in Belgium, in French, as a Rotary Exchange Student. Just six weeks after landing back on American soil I began my career as a DePauw student. Every day at DePauw is a new experience, but there is a rhythm to life as well.

A Glimpse of My DePauw Experience:

Most days are spent in North Quad, bouncing between Asbury and Harrison Halls working towards my History major or Anthropology and Political Science minors. Many an afternoon is spent attending multiple club meetings, such as Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honors Society or tutoring at local elementary and high schools through Gobin Methodist. After classes, I head back to my sorority house to hang out and catch up with friends and relax before dinner. Some nights are spent at the Roy O. Library cranking out papers or writing thank you notes for internships in Washington D.C. And don’t forget the weekends, when campus activities abound, from football games to philanthropy events. Back to work on Monday, I have the chance to give back to DePauw by working as a Senior Intern in the Admission Office. And though my calendar is constantly booked, there’s always time to catch-up with friends over a cup of coffee. Looking to graduation in a few short months, I’m reminded how fast time flies at DePauw.

     There is no where else I would have rather been Tuesday night than at DePauw's Election Watch Party. Our Union Building Ballroom was filled with students and professors from every political background discussing and watching the nights results. Surrounded by multiple TV projections and official polling data screens, you couldn't help but become a mini expert in the 2012 Election.

     As found in all successful college special events, free pizza and cookies  were available to all. You could even pick up a Republican or Democratic decorated cup, as seen on the left. I admit I picked up two- one of each!

    Besides the physical atmosphere, it was the conversation between students and professors that truly made the evening great. Our radio and TV stations, WGRE and D3TV respectively, also had a strong presence as they made sure the campus was kept in the know. Joining them, three panels of selected professors and students took turns discussing relevant topics such as: the Ethics of Voting, Women in the 2012 Election, and Outside Influences on the Election.

       Though groups were facilitating discussion, I was most stuck by the impromptu academic conversations between campus members. With respect and reason we listened to one anther's opinions, adding our own thoughts and ideas to create a wider conversation about politics in the United States. No matter blue or red, each member of campus had something of value to bring to the table. It was the opitome of a liberal arts edcuation, as the Election Watch Party was a meeting ground for diverse ideas, experiences, and differents takes on the 2012 Election.

Some extra pictures:

JR and Sam decorating the Ballroom. Don't worry, they had some help!

Ryan, JR, and Sam having great conversation about the future of the Republican and Democratic Parties.

Carroll, Chris, Pat, and Anisha checking polling updates during a study break.

Two of our election maps that watched national, states, and local elections.

Our fourth panel, which discussed "Beyond the Candidates: Outside Influences on the Election."