Onyx Anneau Fall 2020

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Alumni

Faculty

Student

ELIZABETH KERR Freshman, Theology Why did you choose The Woods? There is such a peace about being here. I’m someone who connects deeply with nature. I am someone who really benefits from one-on-one time with professors, and The Woods offers that. What is your favorite memory so far? It was really funny, during the acorn ceremony, as other students were were talking about all the memories you will make on campus, right afterwards something really memorable happened. My friend Hannah and I were standing next to each other and were holding candles. You know the paper the bottom that holds the wax? Well, we were standing there, and she said ‘Liz, Liz!’ And her paper is on fire! We threw it on the ground and put it out, but it was so funny. Where do you hope to be in 10 years? I feel like sometimes it can be a negative thing to say where you will be in 10 years because that might hold you back from doing so many other things. But wherever I am 10 years from now, I hope that I am serving the Lord in whatever way I can, because that is a huge desire that I have. What do you do in your free time? I spend a lot of time outside, because that’s where I feel most at peace. That’s why I’d like to serve in ministry outdoors one day. I like to go on lots of walks and runs.

BRANDI COLLINS-ADAMS ’06 SMWC Alumni Board Member Why did you choose The Woods? My mom worked at The Woods, so I spent a lot of time on campus. My intention was to go to school there for my first year, then transfer somewhere on the East Coast. But I fell in love with the school and couldn’t leave. I was meant to be a Woodsie. What is your favorite memory about your first day? I met my (still to this day) best friend on my first day. She was my orientation leader and made me feel so relaxed and welcomed. Erin Terkhorn Paul ’04 made all of us in her group immediately feel like we were at home. What has been enduring about your time at SMWC? The relationships I built at The Woods. I went through one of the hardest times of my life while I was a student. My mom was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer my freshman year. The next three years, she fought hard, but passed away in 2005. My friends at The Woods kept me sane and focused. The first time I got sick after my mom passed away, one of my friends, who had an AMAZING bed, with a down mattress pad, super soft sheets, down pillows and a huge, comfy down comforter, came and got me out of my room and put me in her bed to rest. She took care of me. There is a whole other level of care and empathy that comes with the Woodsie community, and honestly, it saved my life during that time. What do you do in your free time? I love to bake as a stress reliever, but most of my free time is consumed with playing and taking care of my two-year-old and one-year-old with my husband Mike. We love to play outside, explore and have lots of dance parties at home!

CHRISTINE WILKEY Associate Professor of Human Services Why do you like teaching at SMWC? SMWC is a wonderful community that encourages all of us to become our best. I’ve been part of SMWC for a long time. It is always inspiring to be with my students as they learn and grow. What is your favorite part of the campus? The whole campus is beautiful. It’s hard to pick a favorite place. I love the SMWC stables...for the horses, the art studio surprisingly tucked into a corner of the barn and the White Violet Center’s alpacas, chickens and community gardens nearby. Who are your hero(s)? I feel the influence of the Sisters of Providence every day and I think of them, past and present, as my heroes. I appreciate everyday heroes who take a stand against injustice in any way. Even small changes take courage. What do you do in your free time? Any time in the presence of horses is well spent! I like to putter in the kitchen, hike and canoe. What do you look forward to most this academic year? Students, staff and faculty are taking responsibility to keep our campus safe as we carry on with education during the pandemic. The challenges of 2020 are bringing out our SMWC community spirit. I always look forward to feeling this, and this fall it is stronger than ever.

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