Through Our Eyes – 4/5/16

\ Leave a Comment \ by
Joe Gray is in his third year of ROTC at Western Kentucky University. "I'm not really sure what I want to do. Maybe aviation or infantry," said Joe when asked what he wants to do during his time in the Army.

Joe Gray is in his third year of ROTC at Western Kentucky University. “I’m not really sure what I want to do. Maybe aviation or infantry,” said Joe when asked what he wants to do during his time in the Army. | Josh Newell

Drag Queen Geneva LaDiva dances to a performance of "Sweet Dreams" by Brooke Lynn Hytes at Play Dance Bar in Nashville, Tn, Saturday April 2, 2016.

Drag Queen Geneva LaDiva dances to a performance of “Sweet Dreams” by Brooke Lynn Hytes at Play Dance Bar in Nashville, Tn, Saturday April 2, 2016. | Abby Potter

Entertainer Aurora Sexton kisses an audience member after receiving a tip from him during a performance at Play Dance Bar in Nashville, Tn on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

Entertainer Aurora Sexton kisses an audience member after receiving a tip from him during a performance at Play Dance Bar in Nashville, Tn on Saturday, April 2, 2016. | Abby Potter

Chirag Ar, a sophomore from India, sneak attacks Saudi Arabian student, Mustafa Almarhun with handfuls of brightly colored holi powder during the 2016 Holi Festival hosted by the Indian Student Association on South Lawn at Western Kentucky University on March 19, 2016. Holi is a Hindu celebration of good over evil that is traditionally celebrated in India and southeast Asia. || Photo by Alyse Young

Chirag Ar, a sophomore from India, sneak attacks Saudi Arabian student, Mustafa Almarhun with handfuls of brightly colored holi powder during the 2016 Holi Festival hosted by the Indian Student Association on South Lawn at Western Kentucky University on March 19, 2016. Holi is a Hindu celebration of good over evil that is traditionally celebrated in India and southeast Asia. | Alyse Young

Hip-hop duo, Waco Bell, was formed in January 2015 by Scott Gardner (left), and Reuben Bynes (right) in Bowling Green, KY and has gained a strong following locally. Gardner lays down a synth beat and sings vocals while Bynes raps.

Hip-hop duo, Waco Bell, was formed in January 2015 by Scott Gardner (left), and Reuben Bynes (right) in Bowling Green, KY and has gained a strong following locally. Gardner lays down a synth beat and sings vocals while Bynes raps. | Alyse Young

Players compete for a jump ball at a pickup basketball game at Roland Bland Park in Bowling Green, Ky. on March 26, 2016. "It's my way to get exercise," said Anthony Hart (21). "I love watching it on TV, playing it myself. I have always loved the sport."

Players compete for a jump ball at a pickup basketball game at Roland Bland Park in Bowling Green, Ky. on March 26, 2016. “It’s my way to get exercise,” said Anthony Hart (21). “I love watching it on TV, playing it myself. I have always loved the sport.”| Gabriel Scarlett

Jasmine Mayes, left, waits for her brother Rydell, right, to finish his training at the Boxing Resource Center in Nashville, Tennessee on March 30. She has witnessed his transformation and 80 pound weight loss over the last year as he has made boxing his priority and begins the transition to the professional level. The next fights throughout this year will determine his path as he attempts to drop more weight and be able to fight in the 175lb weight class.

Jasmine Mayes, left, waits for her brother Rydell, right, to finish his training at the Boxing Resource Center in Nashville, Tennessee on March 30. She has witnessed his transformation and 80 pound weight loss over the last year as he has made boxing his priority and begins the transition to the professional level. The next fights throughout this year will determine his path as he attempts to drop more weight and be able to fight in the 175lb weight class. | Gabriel Scarlett

Rap duo of Alex "Lougz Gee" Gee, left, and Matt "Rosario" Vicente pose for a portrait. The Duo recently returned from The South by Southwest (SXSW) in Texas.

Rap duo of Alex “Lougz Gee” Gee, left, and Matt “Rosario” Vicente pose for a portrait. The Duo recently returned from The South by Southwest (SXSW) in Texas. | Michael Noble Jr.

Posted in: NPPA, Student Work, Through Our Eyes \ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Through Our Eyes – 3/22/16

\ Leave a Comment \ by
Flint, Michigan - March 3, 2016: Pastor Alfred Harris sits on the stage of his church, Saints of God Church, in Flint, Mich., on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Harris is an active member of the Concerned Pastors for Social Action, a group that has been active in advocating for Flint residents amidst the city's ongoing water crisis.

Flint, Michigan – March 3, 2016: Pastor Alfred Harris sits on the stage of his church, Saints of God Church, in Flint, Mich., on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Harris is an active member of the Concerned Pastors for Social Action, a group that has been active in advocating for Flint residents amidst the city’s ongoing water crisis. |Brittany Greeson

Ra'jene Garrett, left, a sophomore elementary education major from Madisonville, and Domonique White, right, a junior family studies major from Lexington, rehearse a dance to Missy Elliot's "Lose Control" during the Omega Chi rehearsal on March 20, 2016 in the Downing Student Union auditorium on WKU's campus in Bowling Green, Ky.

Ra’jene Garrett, left, a sophomore elementary education major from Madisonville, and Domonique White, right, a junior family studies major from Lexington, rehearse a dance to Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control” during the Omega Chi rehearsal on March 20, 2016 in the Downing Student Union auditorium on WKU’s campus in Bowling Green, Ky. |Emily Kask

Members of Sigma Chi yell and flip off Miguel Barzel after his fight in the 165 weight class at the Sigma Chi Battle of the fight night competition at the Salon Conference center March 18, 2016 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. "Its fun to mess with them" said Barzel after the fight.

Members of Sigma Chi yell and flip off Miguel Barzel after his fight in the 165 weight class at the Sigma Chi Battle of the fight night competition at the Salon Conference center March 18, 2016 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “Its fun to mess with them” said Barzel after the fight. |Michael Noble Jr.

Charlotte Smith is 95 years old, and has been living in Rochester, Kentucky, since 1932. She is the oldest living resident there, and gave birth to her six children in this house that she's living in now.

Charlotte Smith is 95 years old, and has been living in Rochester, Kentucky, since 1932. She is the oldest living resident there, and gave birth to her six children in this house that she’s living in now. |Emily Kask

"I find faith in everything," says Vervain. "Faith is everything to me." He lives a simple life alone in a trailer in the back country of West Virginia. His daughter lives next door and he can see his granddaughter every day. "It's a laid back life here," explains Verlian. "Not that giddy up and go...I've lived in the city--what do they call it?--the concrete jungle, I would know."

“I find faith in everything,” says Vervain. “Faith is everything to me.” He lives a simple life alone in a trailer in the back country of West Virginia. His daughter lives next door and he can see his granddaughter every day. “It’s a laid back life here,” explains Verlian. “Not that giddy up and go…I’ve lived in the city–what do they call it?–the concrete jungle, I would know.” |Gabriel Scarlett

Detroit, Michigan - March 4, 2016: Members of the congregation lift their hands in prayer during a noon service at the Az-Zahra Islamic Center in Detroit, Mich., on Friday, March 4, 2016. Az-Zahra's imam, a prayer leader, Hassan Qazwini, used the service as an opportunity to discuss voting and his view of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, who he said he believes is unfit to be president.

Detroit, Michigan – March 4, 2016: Members of the congregation lift their hands in prayer during a noon service at the Az-Zahra Islamic Center in Detroit, Mich., on Friday, March 4, 2016. Az-Zahra’s imam, a prayer leader, Hassan Qazwini, used the service as an opportunity to discuss voting and his view of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, who he said he believes is unfit to be president. |Brittany Greeson

Joan Payne was born and grew up in Rochester and now lives with her husband in Muhlenberg County. She bought this house in Rochester for $40,000 last year during an auction and is trying to convince her husband to move there. "I've traveled all over the world, Japan, Hawaii, every state. But here down by the river, this is the only place that feels like home."

Joan Payne was born and grew up in Rochester and now lives with her husband in Muhlenberg County. She bought this house in Rochester for $40,000 last year during an auction and is trying to convince her husband to move there. “I’ve traveled all over the world, Japan, Hawaii, every state. But here down by the river, this is the only place that feels like home.” |Emily Kask

Posted in: Student Work, Through Our Eyes \ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Searching For Answers

\ Leave a Comment \ by

bambiWhile searching for something different in her life, Bambi, 20, left her small town home in North Carolina in the early summer of 2015. She was following the expected path, a semester at college and working at a local restaurant but soon realized that perhaps her life was meant for something else. She opted out of her routine to search for something different, and a greater sense of freedom and exploration. “I don’t know what it is I’m looking for, or if I’m even looking for anything,” Bambi said. Follow her journey here.

Posted in: Student Work

Inebriated Addiction

\ Leave a Comment \ by

pimp_promo

Alcoholism is categorized as both a psychiatric and medical disease by the Center for Disease Control, but remains widely misunderstood by those not personally affected. Roger Grant, more popularly known as Pimp, suffers from both sides of the disease, and has lost his family and his old life along the way. 

To read more click here.

Posted in: Student Work

Through Our Eyes – 2/9/16

\ Leave a Comment \ by
Nicky raises cocks for fighting in Mingo County, West Virginia at his family's trailer and usually bets between fifty and a hundred dollars on each fight. This is his main income source, but he stays clear of fighting in the big derbies in Kentucky because the bets are made in the thousands not just in a few bucks. "There is a real sportsmanship to this. It is a real sport," Nicky explains. | Gabriel Scarlett

Nicky raises cocks for fighting in Mingo County, West Virginia at his family’s trailer and usually bets between fifty and a hundred dollars on each fight. This is his main income source, but he stays clear of fighting in the big derbies in Kentucky because the bets are made in the thousands not just in a few bucks. “There is a real sportsmanship to this. It is a real sport,” Nicky explains. | Gabriel Scarlett

Hudson Sitzman of Ferdinand, 14 months, middle, pointed to a 3-week-old turkey while his dad Wes and grandmother Debbie Kerstiens of Ferdinand watched him interact with the animals in the brooders house at Kerstiens Farm in Ferdinand on Tuesday. | Erica Lafser

Hudson Sitzman of Ferdinand, 14 months, middle, pointed to a 3-week-old turkey while his dad Wes and grandmother Debbie Kerstiens of Ferdinand watched him interact with the animals in the brooders house at Kerstiens Farm in Ferdinand on Tuesday. | Erica Lafser

Dawson Newbold,16, of Housespring makes a call while taking a break from sandbagging on December 30, 2015 in Fenton, Missouri. The Meramec river is expected to crest at 43 ft late Wednesday. | Michael Noble Jr.

Dawson Newbold,16, of Housespring makes a call while taking a break from sandbagging on December 30, 2015 in Fenton, Missouri. The Meramec river is expected to crest at 43 ft late Wednesday. | Michael Noble Jr.

Ray "Raisin" Jones of Bowling Green helped his third cousin, Carleigh Frost of Bowling Green, 7, left, put her hat back on after it fell while she was feeding the ducks at Basil Griffin Park on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016. Jones used to go to the same park with his own son, who is now 23. | Erica Lafser

Ray “Raisin” Jones of Bowling Green helped his third cousin, Carleigh Frost of Bowling Green, 7, left, put her hat back on after it fell while she was feeding the ducks at Basil Griffin Park on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016. Jones used to go to the same park with his own son, who is now 23. | Erica Lafser

Rachel Cranor, 17, of Bowling Green, lies on the floor after walking the runway at the fashion show during the third annual Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo at the WKU Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Sunday, Jan. 31. “I didn’t pass out, I’m just tired” said Cranor. | Emily Kask

WKU president Gary Ransdell prepares to announce his resignation at the Regents Board meeting at the College & Career Center on WKU's Elizabethtown campus on January 29, 2016. Ransdell's retirement from his presidency will be effective June 30, 2017. | Emily Kask

WKU president Gary Ransdell prepares to announce his resignation at the Regents Board meeting at the College & Career Center on WKU’s Elizabethtown campus on January 29, 2016. Ransdell’s retirement from his presidency will be effective June 30, 2017. | Emily Kask

At six in the morning, when Judy's Castle opens it's doors, faithful tenants make their way inside for a warm breakfast and good conversation. Rita Porter has dined with her father, Fred Oliver since her mother's passing in 2014. At the diner, Porter befriended Jerry Blankenship who sits in the booth behind Porter and Oliver. "We come here every day" said Porter. | Alyse Young

At six in the morning, when Judy’s Castle opens it’s doors, faithful tenants make their way inside for a warm breakfast and good conversation. Rita Porter has dined with her father, Fred Oliver since her mother’s passing in 2014. At the diner, Porter befriended Jerry Blankenship who sits in the booth behind Porter and Oliver. “We come here every day” said Porter. | Alyse Young

Family, friends, students, and staff gathered in the Chandler Memorial Chapel on Western Kentucky's Campus on Monday, January 25, 2016 to mourn the loss of their friend and loved one Tammy Jeffries, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications. | Lex Selig

Family, friends, students, and staff gathered in the Chandler Memorial Chapel on Western Kentucky’s Campus on Monday, January 25, 2016 to mourn the loss of their friend and loved one Tammy Jeffries, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications. | Lex Selig

Posted in: NPPA, Student Work, Through Our Eyes \ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Greeson, Wagner selected for second round of the Hearst Photojournalism competition

\ Leave a Comment \ by
WKU Photojournalism professors James Kenney and Jeanie Adams-Smith spend their Super Bowl Sunday pondering edits for the second round of the Hearst photo competition.

WKU Photojournalism professors James Kenney and Jeanie Adams-Smith spend their Super Bowl Sunday pondering edits for the second round of the Hearst photo competition.

Congratulations to Nick Wagner and Brittany Greeson for being selected to represent WKU photojournalism in the second round of the Heast Photojournalism competition. Wagner’s story depicts the personal sacrifice a legal immigrant must endure to try to earn money for his family. Wagner traveled between Bowling Green and Mexico to cover both sides of the immigration process. Greeson’s story is a comprehensive and unnerving look at the community of Flint, Mich. as they deal with the current water crisis. We wish both of them our collective luck in the competition.

Posted in: Contest Winners, Student Work

In Their Shoes

\ Leave a Comment \ by

United States Muslims find themselves unwanted by the communities they live in.

In Their Shoes

In the aftermath of attacks in Paris and San Bernadino, there lay a new weight on the shoulders of young Muslims living in the United States. The search for acceptance and fight for religious freedom became a daily challenge for Muslim students on campus under the pressure of stereotypes and cultural misconception.  SEE THE STORY

Posted in: Class Work, Student Work, Web Narratives

The Dream and the War

\ Leave a Comment \ by

[iframe id=”https://player.vimeo.com/video/128497219″ align=”center” mode=”normal” autoplay=”no” maxwidth=”954″]

Vito Tisdale, formerly “Big V” of the two-time Grammy nominated hip-hop group Nappy Roots, navigates life after fame. Vito works to be a stable father figure to his daughter, Meadow, but often struggles to find a balance between family and music. Be sure to visit the web site here.
By Kreable Young and Katie McLean

Posted in: Photojournalism Projects Class, Student Work

What’s Inside Counts

\ 1 Comment \ by

Terry lost all voluntary muscle control and Diana lost any comfort of a normal marriage, but love and hope are far from lost. Diana knew what she was agreeing to when she married Terry Howard, one of the youngest to ever be diagnosed with Lou- Gehrig’s disease. A disease that has no known cure and a survival rate of three to five years after diagnosis is the prospect Terry has been living with for almost 30 years. The Howard’s have found unique ways to overcome loss of communication and have adjusted aspects of their life together to cherish every unexpected day they continue to share together.

Posted in: Class Work, Student Work, Web Narratives

Unbreakable

\ Leave a Comment \ by

Within two weeks Alisha Waters had received 186 texts from her estranged husband D.J. Mathis. He used psychological abuse, and threats of harm in his texts and calls. On April 22, 2013 Alisha Waters was denied a Domestic Violence Order six days after receiving an Emergency Protective Order. Kenton Family Court Judge Lisa Bushelman’s court order read “no allegation of domestic violence.” On Aug. 6, 2013 DJ Mathis followed Waters to her work and changed Alisha’s life forever.

Posted in: Class Work, Student Work, Web Narratives