Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Borders Real and Imagined: How Change Impacts the Psyche of the Appalachian People
Session Abstract or Summary
Three current Berea College students will look at the idea of Appalachia beyond and within its borders and how those imagined borders impact the region in positive and negative ways. The presentations are all about the impact of change on our culture but will specifically look at the reasons the original Highlander had to move, the difference in the ways rural and urban students look at leaving home, and the impact of the Appalachian Diaspora on the psyche of its people. These presentations will take the form of readings, Powerpoints, and short films from three dynamic students of Appalachian Studies.
Presentation #1 Title
Change Reaction: The Original Highlander Folk School
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Masters will focus her presentation on the old Highlander Folk School in her hometown, Monteagle, Tennessee, and examine the way founder Myles Horton was forced to move and reform the old school and how the old folk school is now remembered by the community and the region.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Emily Masters is a senior at Berea College. She is majoring in English with a double concentration in Writing and Literature and a triple minor in Appalachian Studies, History, and Philosophy. When she graduates, she plans to get her MFA and to write. Emily is from Monteagle, Tennessee, where she lives on a small farm with her family.
Presentation #2 Title
Reconstructing Identity: Leaving vs. Staying in Appalachia
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Robert Renner will examine how rural and urban students relate to leaving vs. staying in their hometowns through a series of personal interviews and will question how college has forced students to reconstruct their identities.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Robert Renner is a junior at Berea College. He is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Appalachian Studies. Robert is from Rockcastle County, Kentucky.
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Carter will examine the similarities and differences of living in a city vs. living in the country. She will focus on the story of her parents who have urban roots despite being raised Appalachian. She will also explore the concept of finding a temporary home, but still longing for native ground. More specifically, she will look at how the Diaspora has influenced the literature and music that has come out of the region.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Rhea Carter is currently a sophomore at Berea College. She is majoring in Communication and minoring in Appalachian Studies and Peace and Social Justice. She plans to work in Public Relations someday, ideally at a nonprofit in the region. Originally from Knox County, Kentucky, Rhea enjoys being at home when she is not in school.
Conference Subthemes
Education, Migration
Change Reaction: The Original Highlander Folk School
Masters will focus her presentation on the old Highlander Folk School in her hometown, Monteagle, Tennessee, and examine the way founder Myles Horton was forced to move and reform the old school and how the old folk school is now remembered by the community and the region.
