By Rachel Stinson ′08

In my first semester at Rhodes, I took a class called “Shakespeare’s Major Plays,” taught by Prof. Michael Leslie. The course was challenging, but Prof. Leslie’s witty commentary kept discussion entertaining. The class met in Palmer Hall, located right across the street from the Memphis Zoo. We opened the windows in warmer weather, and it seemed like every time Prof. Leslie made a comment on Shakespeare, the monkeys screeched, “Oooh, oooh, oooh!”

I transferred to Rhodes as a sophomore from a small, liberal-arts college in my hometown of Batesville, Arkansas. I had lived at home my first year of college, and I was ready to branch out. With its professional opportunities and distinctive culture, the city of Memphis especially appealed to me. Rhodes was my first choice not only because of its academic rigor but because of its small size within a lively city.

Coming in, I already knew I wanted to major in English. But when I took Introduction to Poetry with Prof. Tina Barr, I decided I wanted to hold a concentration in creative writing. Prof. Barr’s classes soon became my favorites because, while she provides suggestions, it’s ultimately up to the students to choose how their poems turn out. 

In spring 2006, I landed an exciting position in the communications department: writing for Rhodes magazine as part of the college’s Rhodes Student Associate Program. My name is now printed on the inside flap of the magazine, right next to the rest of the magazine staff’s. I write one or two features per magazine, and I also keep up with alumni by writing the Class Notes, obituaries, and In Print sections. With the support of editor and mentor Martha Hunter Shepard ’66, my writing continues to improve.

Outside the campus gates, Memphis has provided me with amazing experiences. In summer 2007, I worked full-time as an editorial intern for The Memphis Flyer, the Mid-South’s largest weekly. The Flyer’s wonderful, talented staff taught me a great deal about working in a professional environment.

Aside from providing job opportunities, Memphis is just a fun place to live. For one, the food is great—and, as a vegetarian, I’m not even talking about the barbecue! On weekends, I love dining at both familiar and new restaurants. I’m also partial to seeing shows at The Orpheum Theater and attending concerts at The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. 

As graduation nears, I regret allowing myself to overstress about things that now seem insignificant—one mediocre quiz grade never ruined my grade in a course. I also wish I had explored Memphis earlier because living in a city provides fantastic cultural opportunities that no classroom alone can teach.

I plan to stay in Memphis to pursue a career in journalism or communications following graduation. I’m ready to wear my cap and gown, but that’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed my time here. I’ll miss listening to the Rhodes Singers rehearse in Palmer’s Hardie Auditorium while I’m downstairs at work. End-of-the-semester breakfast in poetry will also be a pleasant memory. And, of course, how could I ever forget those screeching monkeys?