Ripon College Days

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Parallax, Ripon's own literary magazine, is quite possibly one of Ripon's best-kept secrets. The student-written and produced publication represents the range of depth and creativity students have to offer in works of short stories, poems, photography and artwork.

"It's really neat to see what students are producing," says Katie Giles, senior editor of Parallax. She, along with Co-Editor senior Aaron Park, is currently in the process of collecting submissions.

Junior and budding poet Josh English has submitted to the publication in the past.

"Young poets should want the best work they have published," he says. English was a finalist in last year's competition.

While Parallax is an ideal outlet for students to publicize their artistic works, the magazine has had trouble generating involvement.

"We do the best we can," says Giles. "It's really up to students to pass it on."

The Parallax staff sends campus-wide emails and posts submission forms around the college to promote awareness. And while their efforts garner a response, there are still students who are unaware of the publication or miss the deadline.

In an effort to get as many students involved as possible, this year's deadline has been pushed back until after winter break. "It gives people more time to think about submitting," Giles comments.

Longtime Parallax Advisor and Professor of English David Graham would like to see a heightened student awareness of the magazine.

"I wish there were more ways to get the word out," he says. "It's a great way to showcase student creativity."

In addition to promoting student work, students may also be motivated by a more tangible reward.

"People don't seem to realize that they can win money for their creativity," Giles says.

Monetary incentives mean little if students are unmotivated to submit work, however.

"I've thought about submitting my drawings, but just never got around to it," says junior Jamie Lichon. "It's never been a high priority for me."

Lichon was also unclear how to submit her artwork in the past. "I wasn't really sure how to even submit my work," she says.

In the past students had to provide a CD version of their work along with a hard copy. This will be the first year students aren't required to turn in a disk, and instead, they can submit via email attachment, hopefully making submissions less complicated.

Sophomore Adam Woods applauds the new entry requirements.

"It'll be much easier to submit my work," he says. Woods, another aspiring poet, plans to enter his writing for the first time this year.

Regardless of student motivation or awareness, Parallax strives to maintain quality in its student-centered publication.

"I'm really proud that Parallax is going in a professional direction," says Graham.

And Woods believes that those who submit are benefiting as well. "Submitting poems enhances your work," he says.

Students are encouraged to submit their work before the Jan. 27 deadline. For more information, contact Katie Giles at gilesk@ripon.edu.

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