Behind her curly, auburn hair, her contagious smile, and her slight southern drawl, Cathy Waggoner is an enigma.
A small town southern girl, originally from NC., spending the majority of her childhood in Miss., Waggoner is a forty-seven year old firecracker, to say the least.
“I have sort of a bittersweet attitude towards growing up in the South,” Waggoner said. She explained that things were very segregated, and rather different from the North. She went to a small public school, where the population was 78 percent African-American students.
“It wasn’t always easy being the minority, but it’s really shaped me into who I am, it was a great experience.”
Waggoner explained that summers in Mississippi were exceptionally different than the rest of the year. “I lived in the house that all the kids came to. Mama would say ‘leave and come back at dinner time,’” she said. Growing up on a lake, she explained that her and her friends would water ski everyday they could. “Our toenails would turn yellow from the mud,” she said chuckling. “We kept toothbrushes in the shower to clean our muddy feet. I never realized that everyone didn’t have toothbrushes in their showers.”
Waggoner began dancing in third grade, was involved with Girl Scouts, church group, and (not on her list of favorites), softball. “I’ll never forget, Sissy (last name) was the coach and she was so mean!” Needless to say, the softball fad did not last long.
Even when discussing a more serious topic, education, Waggoner’s smile never left her face. “I had a great childhood, but I had to get away,” she said. Receiving her undergrad at the University of Southern Mississippi, her masters at Bowling Green, and finally her PhD at Ohio State, education is not a department Waggoner is lacking in. She began with English, and migrated to Communications after several public speaking opportunities.
“Daddy told me I needed my teaching degree. He said it was good for the mother and wife,” she said. “Mark the mortician had just dumped me, and I wasn’t really looking for a husband.” Waggoner decided that regardless of what daddy said, she wanted to teach college students.
“Higher education was the place, and I love college aged kids,” she said. “I have the best job in the world.”
Aside from her love for teaching, Waggoner has a few other things on her list of things to do. “I want to go to clown school,” she said. “I have this fascination with the circus, I guess.” Waggoner also expressed her love for books, leading her to desire to be a librarian.
Today, Waggoner resides in Springfield, Oh and is married with two sons, Graham (six), and Ian (eleven). She explained that she wanted a girl at one time, but believes that things happen for the best reason, and she feels as though she is a good mother for boys.
Her parents relocated in North Carolina and she visits them with the kids once a year, and sometimes with her sister during the fall. Her father-in-law recently passed away and her traditional, opinionated mother-in-law is still living. “I think she (her mother-in-law) wants me to be the daughter she never had, go out to lunch and things. I want to go to clown school, not have tea!”
Waggoner is currently living her life believing that she needs to do more with less. “I need to not take more on, but do more with what I have,” she said. Underneath her charismatic smile, capturing personality, and southern accent, Cathy Waggoner is an enjoyable, humorous, and very accomplished woman.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Feature Rough Draft
Barbie: long, shiny, blonde hair, fashionable, able to accomplish every career known to man, and most importantly, sporting an impossible figure.
Influencing the lives of young women today is what they see on television, in the magazines they read, and even the toys on the store shelves.
“Body image is really important to me,” said Bailee Mayne, a fourteen-year-old eighth grader. “I don’t have a lot of self confidence to begin with, I’m really conscious about how I dress, how my makeup looks, and how I look in my clothes.” Mayne explained that she is a cheerleader, runs track, and is an award winning pageant contestant.
“Sure, my activities make it seem as though I should feel confident in my own skin. Unfortunately, I don’t.”
The covers of the magazines you see when you are checking out at the grocery store typically display topics such as: Best and Worst Beach Bodies, and Best and Worst Dressed of the Week. Pictures include women in sleek, form-fitting clothing, showing off their bodies.
According to research done by the American Research Group: Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders, Inc., exposure to images of thin, young, air-brushed women is linked to depression, loss of self-esteem and the development of not only, unhealthy eating habits, but eating disorders as well, in women and girls.
The research group also says that one out of every four college-aged women have turned to some sort of unhealthy eating habit. Examples include: fasting, skipping meals, excessively exercising, abusing laxatives, and self induced vomiting.
“I know I could be thinner,” said Brittany Thissen, another eighth grader lacking in self-confidence. “I asked my mom to start packing me only healthy food in my lunch. I don’t really think it’s a diet, I’m just trying to eat healthier, especially in front of my friends.”
Teen magazine reported that 35 percent of girls six to twelve years old have been on at least one diet. The magazine also reported that 50 to 70 percent of normal weight girls felt that they were overweight, or would be more confident if they lost weight.
Striving for that perfect beach body, or longing to make it onto that best dressed list can cause self-esteem issues, confidence problems, and even lead to eating disorders.
How necessary is that impossible figure? After all, we all know that if Barbie could talk the first things she would ask for is bigger feet, a hot fudge sundae, and a breast reduction.
Influencing the lives of young women today is what they see on television, in the magazines they read, and even the toys on the store shelves.
“Body image is really important to me,” said Bailee Mayne, a fourteen-year-old eighth grader. “I don’t have a lot of self confidence to begin with, I’m really conscious about how I dress, how my makeup looks, and how I look in my clothes.” Mayne explained that she is a cheerleader, runs track, and is an award winning pageant contestant.
“Sure, my activities make it seem as though I should feel confident in my own skin. Unfortunately, I don’t.”
The covers of the magazines you see when you are checking out at the grocery store typically display topics such as: Best and Worst Beach Bodies, and Best and Worst Dressed of the Week. Pictures include women in sleek, form-fitting clothing, showing off their bodies.
According to research done by the American Research Group: Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders, Inc., exposure to images of thin, young, air-brushed women is linked to depression, loss of self-esteem and the development of not only, unhealthy eating habits, but eating disorders as well, in women and girls.
The research group also says that one out of every four college-aged women have turned to some sort of unhealthy eating habit. Examples include: fasting, skipping meals, excessively exercising, abusing laxatives, and self induced vomiting.
“I know I could be thinner,” said Brittany Thissen, another eighth grader lacking in self-confidence. “I asked my mom to start packing me only healthy food in my lunch. I don’t really think it’s a diet, I’m just trying to eat healthier, especially in front of my friends.”
Teen magazine reported that 35 percent of girls six to twelve years old have been on at least one diet. The magazine also reported that 50 to 70 percent of normal weight girls felt that they were overweight, or would be more confident if they lost weight.
Striving for that perfect beach body, or longing to make it onto that best dressed list can cause self-esteem issues, confidence problems, and even lead to eating disorders.
How necessary is that impossible figure? After all, we all know that if Barbie could talk the first things she would ask for is bigger feet, a hot fudge sundae, and a breast reduction.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tomorrow's Dreams Trapped in Shackles
The average beginning college student: excited to move away from home and gain a little bit of that longed for freedom, nervous to meet the new roommate, all packed up with new dorm accessories, sporting the latest trends yearning to make a great impression. The thing that doesn’t hit us until about mid way through freshman year: “what am I going to do with the rest of my life?”
By spending several thousand dollars a year, and ending up almost a quarter of a million dollars in debt, I will receive a degree in the field of my choice to follow my dreams with. But, what will I be able to do with that degree, will it really make my dreams come true? Will that degree even be able to get me a job? Will it make me the money I need to support myself?
“I have a degree in fashion merchandising” said Lynette Salazar, a forty-five year old waitress. “I always loved clothes and fashion. I loved keeping up with the latest styles and sharing them with the rest of the world” said Salazar. Now waiting tables in her home town at her family’s restaurant, Salazar is a perfect example of what a college degree can do for us: not a whole lot.
“It’s not exactly ideal and it definitely doesn’t bring in the big bucks, but I try to keep my head up and think about the positives, like the fact that I get to spend a lot of time with my kids because of this job” Salazar said.
Today, when deciding what to do when we “grow up” is a little more difficult than it used to be. Acting as a graduating college senior, I researched some job opportunities. Come to find out, staying close to home is hardly an option. About 70 percent of the jobs I found were on the west coast, Calif. specifically. Most of the jobs being offered had lists of criteria a mile long. The $44,000 a year I’m paying to go to school is not paying for me to meet that list of criteria.
That brings me to the questions: Is a bachelor’s degree enough, or do we have to go to graduate school? Is graduate school even sufficient? The status of the job market could determine the way we choose our future career. We could be stuck doing something for the rest of our lives that we absolutely hate. We are forced to make a decision based on offered income, and whether or not we will actually meet the criteria on that mile long list.
Should we possess attitudes such as Salazar’s, or should we focus on bringing home the bacon? Anymore we have to wonder if it is actually is possible to spend time with your family and loved ones, and have a decent job at the same time.
Come to find out, answering the question, “what do you want to do with the rest of your life?” has a lot more to it than simply following your dreams and listening to your heart.
When your child comes to you and says “I want to be a fireman” do you tell the small child that that is probably not a good idea because firemen do not make very much money, and they do not get to see their families very often, or do you bite your tongue and tell them to follow their dreams?
By spending several thousand dollars a year, and ending up almost a quarter of a million dollars in debt, I will receive a degree in the field of my choice to follow my dreams with. But, what will I be able to do with that degree, will it really make my dreams come true? Will that degree even be able to get me a job? Will it make me the money I need to support myself?
“I have a degree in fashion merchandising” said Lynette Salazar, a forty-five year old waitress. “I always loved clothes and fashion. I loved keeping up with the latest styles and sharing them with the rest of the world” said Salazar. Now waiting tables in her home town at her family’s restaurant, Salazar is a perfect example of what a college degree can do for us: not a whole lot.
“It’s not exactly ideal and it definitely doesn’t bring in the big bucks, but I try to keep my head up and think about the positives, like the fact that I get to spend a lot of time with my kids because of this job” Salazar said.
Today, when deciding what to do when we “grow up” is a little more difficult than it used to be. Acting as a graduating college senior, I researched some job opportunities. Come to find out, staying close to home is hardly an option. About 70 percent of the jobs I found were on the west coast, Calif. specifically. Most of the jobs being offered had lists of criteria a mile long. The $44,000 a year I’m paying to go to school is not paying for me to meet that list of criteria.
That brings me to the questions: Is a bachelor’s degree enough, or do we have to go to graduate school? Is graduate school even sufficient? The status of the job market could determine the way we choose our future career. We could be stuck doing something for the rest of our lives that we absolutely hate. We are forced to make a decision based on offered income, and whether or not we will actually meet the criteria on that mile long list.
Should we possess attitudes such as Salazar’s, or should we focus on bringing home the bacon? Anymore we have to wonder if it is actually is possible to spend time with your family and loved ones, and have a decent job at the same time.
Come to find out, answering the question, “what do you want to do with the rest of your life?” has a lot more to it than simply following your dreams and listening to your heart.
When your child comes to you and says “I want to be a fireman” do you tell the small child that that is probably not a good idea because firemen do not make very much money, and they do not get to see their families very often, or do you bite your tongue and tell them to follow their dreams?
Monday, April 5, 2010
Ruby Slippers and All, We're off to See the Wizard!
Success in “Footloose,” “Seussical the Musical,” and “The Sound of Music,” director Stephanie Stephens has done it, yet again. Despite the fact that London High School missed nearly two weeks of rehearsal, they have managed to pull off one of their best performances to date, showcasing a treasure chest of “gems,” or extremely talented performers. March 4th through the 7th London’s Theater Department will perform the classic musical, “The Wizard of Oz.”
Three of the largest gems include sophomores Matt Colvin, Jared Chastain, and Jordan Farrell, who are obvious veterans to the stage.
Colvin, playing the scarecrow, shows great improvement in vocals from previous shows. The combination of his acting ability, poise, voice, and presentation, make him one of the best overall performers in the production.
Chastain, who is playing the cowardly lion, keeps the auditorium filled with laughter. Whether it is the way he runs at the sight of a tiny, harmless dog, or the way he uses his tail to wipe his tears, Chastain does a great job with the role.
Farrell, playing the tin man, took on a huge challenge by accepting his role. Due to some difficulties, he was thrown into the cast at the last minute. Despite the fact that he rehearsed significantly less than the rest of the cast members, Farrell’s ability to act outshines any small mistakes he might make.
Three smaller, but very shiny gems include Jordan Penix, playing the wicked witch of the West, Jayne Reusch, playing Glinda the good witch of the North, and Sam Spahn, playing Oz. From Reusch’s outstanding voice, to Penix’s and Spahn’s hilarious acting lines, the three of them all show promising, and memorable performances.
Finally, is the largest, shiniest gem of all. Gracing the stage for the first time in a high school production, is freshman Rachel Richardson, taking on the role of Dorothy Gale. Richardson’s phenomenal voice steals the show. Richardson was cast perfectly; she fits her character so well with her meek, yet determined personality. London should look forward to three more years with such a talented young performer.
There are several small, yet bold gems that help to fill the treasure chest. Forty munchkins from London Elementary School parade around the stage in bright, multi-colored, multi-patterned costumes. Whether it is the way they glow when they sing about the death of the wicked witch, the smiles that were always on their faces, or the way they put such purpose in each step they take, it is the small ones that leave quite a lasting impression.
Something new taking place on stage this year was the use of special effects. From fog machines, to fire, to a melting effect, to projector screens, to live crystal balls, the effects undeniably add to the show. Also adding to the performance was the stupendous set, built by Bruce Thompson, and elaborate costumes done by Deb Cochran.
With the simple click of heels three times, London has brought a performance home yet again. From the talented, notable performances, to the eye catching set, costumes, and special effects, London’s Theater Department has produced another unforgettable show.
Three of the largest gems include sophomores Matt Colvin, Jared Chastain, and Jordan Farrell, who are obvious veterans to the stage.
Colvin, playing the scarecrow, shows great improvement in vocals from previous shows. The combination of his acting ability, poise, voice, and presentation, make him one of the best overall performers in the production.
Chastain, who is playing the cowardly lion, keeps the auditorium filled with laughter. Whether it is the way he runs at the sight of a tiny, harmless dog, or the way he uses his tail to wipe his tears, Chastain does a great job with the role.
Farrell, playing the tin man, took on a huge challenge by accepting his role. Due to some difficulties, he was thrown into the cast at the last minute. Despite the fact that he rehearsed significantly less than the rest of the cast members, Farrell’s ability to act outshines any small mistakes he might make.
Three smaller, but very shiny gems include Jordan Penix, playing the wicked witch of the West, Jayne Reusch, playing Glinda the good witch of the North, and Sam Spahn, playing Oz. From Reusch’s outstanding voice, to Penix’s and Spahn’s hilarious acting lines, the three of them all show promising, and memorable performances.
Finally, is the largest, shiniest gem of all. Gracing the stage for the first time in a high school production, is freshman Rachel Richardson, taking on the role of Dorothy Gale. Richardson’s phenomenal voice steals the show. Richardson was cast perfectly; she fits her character so well with her meek, yet determined personality. London should look forward to three more years with such a talented young performer.
There are several small, yet bold gems that help to fill the treasure chest. Forty munchkins from London Elementary School parade around the stage in bright, multi-colored, multi-patterned costumes. Whether it is the way they glow when they sing about the death of the wicked witch, the smiles that were always on their faces, or the way they put such purpose in each step they take, it is the small ones that leave quite a lasting impression.
Something new taking place on stage this year was the use of special effects. From fog machines, to fire, to a melting effect, to projector screens, to live crystal balls, the effects undeniably add to the show. Also adding to the performance was the stupendous set, built by Bruce Thompson, and elaborate costumes done by Deb Cochran.
With the simple click of heels three times, London has brought a performance home yet again. From the talented, notable performances, to the eye catching set, costumes, and special effects, London’s Theater Department has produced another unforgettable show.
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