Hannah Hecht's Blog

Organizing for America

With the presidential election at a close, President Obama and his staff are breathing a sigh of relief. However, Washington Democrats weren’t the only people working hard to re-elect President Barack Obama. The majority of the campaign took place in American neighborhoods like your very own.

Here in Sioux City, volunteers spent not the last year, but the last four years hard at work in the reelection campaign. They analyzed data, made calls, knocked doors, and, most importantly, connected with people on a personal level. The campaign here in the state of Iowa was one of the most important in the country.

Many Morningside students looking to make a difference got involved with the campaign. Jack O’Brien, a Morningside freshman, has been volunteering with the campaign since 2008.

*Quote from Jack about his experience

Jack thinks that all college students ought to volunteer with a campaign.

* “Even if you’re on the fence, it’s an informative process. Getting involved will help you find out what you believe. At a time when most people here are casting their first vote, that’s pretty important.”

New Swim Coach

The Mustang swim team is just now getting into the swing of things, after beginning the season a month late. Former Morningside coach Steve Mohs left the program in August. The administration had a very short time to find a replacement.

Luckily, former Sioux City area high school coach and 1981 NCAA All-American Bryan Farris stepped up to the plate. He hopes to **do something… ask question, ‘what will you bring to the team’**

**supplement with quote

Farris began officially coaching the team on the first of October, over a month after the normal beginning of the season. The swimmers were a little nervous with the prospect of starting the season off late. But, now they feel themselves getting back in shape and they’re ready to swim fast. They also ****something that a swimmer says Bryan brings to the team

**Quote from team member about what it was like starting late and their current feelings

With the first meet under his belt, Bryan is excited with the prospect of coaching the Mustangs up until NAIA Nationals in March

**Quote from Bryan about his thoughts on the team and his outlook for the year

Writing Center

It’s getting to be that time again. Paper-writing time. Inevitably, as the end of the semester draws closer, students are becoming more and more overwhelmed with the prospect of writing that fifteen page philosophy essay or that huge grade-shattering lab report.

Luckily for you, sometimes the difference between a “C” and a “B” or even a “B” and an “A” is one quick painless visit to the Writing Center. The Writing Center is located on the second floor of Lewis Hall and consultants are eager to help you with your writing skills.

Director of the Morningside Writing Center David Elder says…..

**Quote from Elder

Writing Center consultants can help students come up with topics, build a thesis, improve their editing skills, and provide basic organization. The Writing Center employs both faculty and peer writing consultants. Peer consultant says….

**Another quote from a consultant

The Writing Center is open from 9 am to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm on Monday through Thursday and Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm. Students can sign up for consultations online through the Library website, but walk-ins are always welcome.