Meet Marcus
A sense of ‘connectedness’
Wake Forest offers a great academic environment in a small, liberal arts setting. If you take advantage of the opportunities provided here and remain steadfast and diligent in your studies and commitments, you most certainly will come to know your colleagues, professors, and friends in a true pursuit of knowledge and learning. There’s an overall connectedness that comes with going to a university with a smaller student body. It is great to constantly be able to see friends and faculty around campus and stop in the middle of the Quad for an impromptu, 15-minute conversation.
A broad learning experience
Divisional requirements are another way to broaden the learning experience. Students are required to take classes in several different disciplines—and they can be surprisingly inspiring. A history course I took with Professor Simone Caron entitled “Healthcare in American Society” provided a fascinating view of the history of American medicine (a topic I have always wanted to know more about) and challenged me to write a thorough and professional research paper on the design and construction of 19th-century American insane asylums. Another course I enjoyed was a Contemporary American Literature course. The focus of the class was on literature from the 1960s including Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. After reading Kerouac’s novel I was inspired to take a road trip to Maine over spring break and keep a journal of my experiences.
A place to grow
Finding the right balance between academic work, extracurricular activities and personal relationships can be a challenge. It’s easy to get caught up with studying and coordinating group activities and meetings and forget about developing strong friendships. Though it continues to prove a great challenge, I think that I have struck a good balance during my college years between my study/work obligations and my personal relationships. I’ve become more outgoing and comfortable with new social environments and experiences. I’ve developed a greater sense of personal independence, and I have discovered (at least to some degree) those things that I find most enjoyable and meaningful.
Using my talents to inspire others
At Wake Forest, I’ve also had the opportunity to photograph objects and create a bilingual print catalogue of a traveling art exhibit featuring the works of Cuban artists. During my work, I consulted with both Dr. Linda Howe, a professor in the Department of Romance Languages, and Paul Bright, assistant director at the Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery. I created a publication to benefit the exhibition and the experience helped broaden my understanding and appreciation of Cuban culture and art.
I’ve also been an active member of Living Parables. Living Parables is Wake Forest University’s Christian drama troupe. We write and direct all of our pieces and perform on and off-campus at local churches and community organizations throughout the semester. It has provided me with a great opportunity to use my creative talents and abilities to interact with, inspire, and encourage others.
It changes every week. Wherever I am comfortable and can get some quiet time. The Z. Smith Reynolds Library is always a good choice and Tribble Hall delivers when I need it to.
Ishi is a must. It has the best sushi around and offers generously sized portions for an affordable, student-friendly price tag.
I love books in general. The smell of them, how they feel in my hands, and, of course, the words inside. Favorites include: The Shadow of the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and The Hot Zone.
1. Playing capture the flag in Tribble
2. Eating delicious and exotic lunches in the Magnolia Room
3. Serving as a group leader for the Preschool pre-orientation program.
4. Performing theatrical pieces for members of the Prodigals Community, a drug rehabilitation center located in Winston-Salem.
5. Taking a spring break road trip to Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls, Boston, Maine, and Philadelphia.
Acquaint yourself with the Z. Smith Reynolds Library. It’s friend, not foe.
Be yourself. It is a lot easier to get along with people for four years who like you for who you are.
Major in something you enjoy and could see yourself taking 30 hours of classes in. College is about learning and engaging with new experiences and knowledge, not suffering so you can make six figures when you graduate.
Get out of the “bubble” and explore. Two of my favorites are “First Friday’s” on Trade Street and swing dances at the Vintage Theatre.
About Me
Name: Marcus Keely
Hometown: Brasstown, NC
Major: English
Minor: Studio Art and History
Expected graduation year: 2010
Clubs and organizations:
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