{"id":18,"date":"2024-10-15T14:38:17","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T14:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/?page_id=18"},"modified":"2026-04-28T01:10:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T01:10:01","slug":"peckrws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/peckrws\/","title":{"rendered":"Peck Research on Writing Symposium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Held each spring and generously funded by the Richard and Virginia Peck Foundation, the Peck Research on Writing Symposium is a one-day mini conference where an invited scholar provides a keynote lecture about their research and facilitates a workshop on its pedagogical applications.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Peck Symposium has two purposes:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>to engage writing faculty from area universities and secondary schools in considering timely issues in the research and teaching of writing, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to bring together members of the WPA Midsouth affiliate of the Council of Writing Program Administrators for our annual meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Past speakers for the Peck Symposium include Paul Kai Matsuda, Andrea Lunsford, Cheryl Ball, Elizabeth Wardle, Derek Mueller, Christine Tardy, Christine Tulley, Laura Micciche, and Tarez Samra Graban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on the Peck Symposium, contact&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:eric.detweiler@mtsu.edu?subject=\">Dr. Eric Detweiler<\/a>&nbsp;(Director of MTSU&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/program\/public-writing-and-rhetoric-b-s\/\">Public Writing and Rhetoric program<\/a>).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"newExpandable\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingpeck-community-writing-project\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablepeck-community-writing-project\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablepeck-community-writing-project\">Peck Community Writing Project<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablepeck-community-writing-project\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingpeck-community-writing-project\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>Instead of meeting in-person at MTSU in February 2021, we facilitated the Peck Community Writing Project. Since the Peck Symposium is all about developing and sustaining community with regional partners, we invited interested participants to share an in-process writing and\/or related artifact with a small community of regional writers. Participants mailed a selected writing or creation to their community writing partners, and then reflected on the experience on a postcard. We invite you to view the postcards from the 2021 Peck Community Writing Project in the gallery below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-style-captions-below wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d50506&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d50506\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"363\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"33\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/3405f5c3-aff8-4be2-86d5-23a620ce27f2.jpg\" alt=\"Thank you for creating, facilitating &amp; even financing such a creative &amp; rewarding experience. Sending notes to new friends &amp; through the mail &amp; not email. This was a joy. - Michael Rifenburg\" class=\"wp-image-33\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/3405f5c3-aff8-4be2-86d5-23a620ce27f2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/3405f5c3-aff8-4be2-86d5-23a620ce27f2-300x218.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thank you for creating, facilitating &amp; even financing such a creative &amp; rewarding experience. Sending notes to new friends &amp; through the mail &amp; not email. This was a joy. &#8211; Michael Rifenburg<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d50cd6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d50cd6\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"371\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/16ace380-28c9-4848-a49d-86887117525d.jpg\" alt=\"This was a great way to reflect on this year, share some of how I\u2019ve survived throughout (and sometimes even thrived despite!) the pandemic. I was so touched by my pen pals\u2019 thoughtfulness and care\u2014their packages were wonderful pick-me-ups.\" class=\"wp-image-28\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/16ace380-28c9-4848-a49d-86887117525d.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/16ace380-28c9-4848-a49d-86887117525d-300x223.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This was a great way to reflect on this year, share some of how I\u2019ve survived throughout (and sometimes even thrived despite!) the pandemic. I was so touched by my pen pals\u2019 thoughtfulness and care\u2014their packages were wonderful pick-me-ups.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d512f9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d512f9\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"377\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"48\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/e583658e-9b1b-402e-80c8-6c7c88b59901.jpg\" alt=\"I\u2019ve been in Zoom overload this semester, as I\u2019m sure we all have, and this opportunity to connect with colleagues in a non-virtual format has been a welcome experience. I hadn\u2019t written snail mail in so long! The format of this event also allowed me to \u201cmeet\u201d people who I probably wouldn\u2019t have had the opportunity to do so otherwise. I can\u2019t wait to plant my seeds! \ud83d\ude0a - Elizabeth\" class=\"wp-image-48\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/e583658e-9b1b-402e-80c8-6c7c88b59901.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/e583658e-9b1b-402e-80c8-6c7c88b59901-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I\u2019ve been in Zoom overload this semester, as I\u2019m sure we all have, and this opportunity to connect with colleagues in a non-virtual format has been a welcome experience. I hadn\u2019t written snail mail in so long! The format of this event also allowed me to \u201cmeet\u201d people who I probably wouldn\u2019t have had the opportunity to do so otherwise. I can\u2019t wait to plant my seeds! \ud83d\ude0a &#8211; Elizabeth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d518bf&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d518bf\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"44\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/c2bdad59-002f-40d7-acf3-563f25691926.jpg\" alt=\"I enjoyed reading the works of my fellow Peck contributors. They were creative and amazing! Reading the poetry and seeing the creative scrapbooking techniques to display those poems really was eye-opening to me and made me want to investigate these creative avenues as well! This was a fun process!\" class=\"wp-image-44\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/c2bdad59-002f-40d7-acf3-563f25691926.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/c2bdad59-002f-40d7-acf3-563f25691926-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I enjoyed reading the works of my fellow Peck contributors. They were creative and amazing! Reading the poetry and seeing the creative scrapbooking techniques to display those poems really was eye-opening to me and made me want to investigate these creative avenues as well! This was a fun process!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d51dcb&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d51dcb\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"370\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"24\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/3ea17597-ce3d-43b5-9a38-5eb0b43362f7.jpg\" alt=\"Hello! This exchange was such a welcomed breath of fresh air. I looked forward checking [sic] the mail while awaiting my pen pals\u2019 letters. After I received them, I felt connected to people I\u2019ve never met\u2014their stories, poems, photos and more really showed me the interesting ways we manage our lives &amp; profession. Thank you! - Kim Lacey\" class=\"wp-image-24\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/3ea17597-ce3d-43b5-9a38-5eb0b43362f7.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/3ea17597-ce3d-43b5-9a38-5eb0b43362f7-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hello! This exchange was such a welcomed breath of fresh air. I looked forward checking [sic] the mail while awaiting my pen pals\u2019 letters. After I received them, I felt connected to people I\u2019ve never met\u2014their stories, poems, photos and more really showed me the interesting ways we manage our lives &amp; profession. Thank you! &#8211; Kim Lacey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d5242d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d5242d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"23\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2bf9d7a7-c1af-4155-9f7d-058dd5f71b76.jpg\" alt=\"Hi, all! First, amazing idea for the \u201cPostal Edition\u201d! I kicked things off with my group with what I call my \u201cPandemix\u201d, sending my peers a mix CD of music that\u2019s helped me during this tough year(+). (Remember CDs? \ud83d\ude0a) The responses I received were wonderful. I received kind letters, a book by Isabel Allende (\u201cThe Soul of a Woman\u201d), a list of recipes another peer has enjoyed during the pandemic, and a very kind handwritten letter. Thank you all for this great idea - ALL my best, Jacie Castle\" class=\"wp-image-23\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2bf9d7a7-c1af-4155-9f7d-058dd5f71b76.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2bf9d7a7-c1af-4155-9f7d-058dd5f71b76-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hi, all! First, amazing idea for the \u201cPostal Edition\u201d! I kicked things off with my group with what I call my \u201cPandemix\u201d, sending my peers a mix CD of music that\u2019s helped me during this tough year(+). (Remember CDs? \ud83d\ude0a) The responses I received were wonderful. I received kind letters, a book by Isabel Allende (\u201cThe Soul of a Woman\u201d), a list of recipes another peer has enjoyed during the pandemic, and a very kind handwritten letter. Thank you all for this great idea &#8211; ALL my best, Jacie Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d529fc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d529fc\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"29\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/52baccd6-ed1b-4d47-8028-b6f951bbe738.jpg\" alt=\"It was an absolute joy to receive the letters from my symposium pen pals. It\u2019s great to connect with people this way, at a slower pace and when I\u2019m feeling up for it. Very much in alignment with ??? time and accessibility. I would love to participate in something like this again! Big thanks to my pen pals &amp; everyone who organized this year\u2019s Peck Symposium. - Liz Miller\" class=\"wp-image-29\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/52baccd6-ed1b-4d47-8028-b6f951bbe738.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/52baccd6-ed1b-4d47-8028-b6f951bbe738-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It was an absolute joy to receive the letters from my symposium pen pals. It\u2019s great to connect with people this way, at a slower pace and when I\u2019m feeling up for it. Very much in alignment with ??? time and accessibility. I would love to participate in something like this again! Big thanks to my pen pals &amp; everyone who organized this year\u2019s Peck Symposium. &#8211; Liz Miller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d52f88&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d52f88\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"361\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"22\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2be56fc9-7648-46e8-a765-a152a4291b00.jpg\" alt=\"I only got one letter, but the letter I got was great! It was wonderful to get mail and to meet new people and learn about their research and pandemic experiences. - Amanda\" class=\"wp-image-22\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2be56fc9-7648-46e8-a765-a152a4291b00.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2be56fc9-7648-46e8-a765-a152a4291b00-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I only got one letter, but the letter I got was great! It was wonderful to get mail and to meet new people and learn about their research and pandemic experiences. &#8211; Amanda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d53539&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d53539\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"30\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/71b9839a-cae7-4840-abee-d6c32556f495.jpg\" alt=\"It was wonderful to connect in this way with colleagues from across the country. I heard about favorite novels and plans for future research and scholarly writing\u2014even plans to merge scholarly &amp; creative writing. I read writing from a past grad seminar scholar was returning to and am eager to share venue ideas. It was a joy to share some of my own experimental writing in this space. It felt like an exchange of gifts. Such a welcome break from the pressure of having such judged in typical academic contexts.\" class=\"wp-image-30\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/71b9839a-cae7-4840-abee-d6c32556f495.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/71b9839a-cae7-4840-abee-d6c32556f495-300x218.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It was wonderful to connect in this way with colleagues from across the country. I heard about favorite novels and plans for future research and scholarly writing\u2014even plans to merge scholarly &amp; creative writing. I read writing from a past grad seminar scholar was returning to and am eager to share venue ideas. It was a joy to share some of my own experimental writing in this space. It felt like an exchange of gifts. Such a welcome break from the pressure of having such judged in typical academic contexts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d53a6d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d53a6d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"383\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"35\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0681463c-69ce-4e8f-b8d3-20a712ec22d1.jpg\" alt=\"The Peck-by-Mail symposium was such a treat to participate in! I loved getting packages from the colleagues I was matched with and figuring out what I was going to send. It felt like we were sending care packages to each other\u2014and I definitely have connected with them in ways I wouldn\u2019t have had we just met in person. I loved reading the writings they shared (and wished I\u2019d sent something more personal once I received theirs!). Thank you for facilitating this! - Andrea Olinger\" class=\"wp-image-35\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0681463c-69ce-4e8f-b8d3-20a712ec22d1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0681463c-69ce-4e8f-b8d3-20a712ec22d1-300x230.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Peck-by-Mail symposium was such a treat to participate in! I loved getting packages from the colleagues I was matched with and figuring out what I was going to send. It felt like we were sending care packages to each other\u2014and I definitely have connected with them in ways I wouldn\u2019t have had we just met in person. I loved reading the writings they shared (and wished I\u2019d sent something more personal once I received theirs!). Thank you for facilitating this! &#8211; Andrea Olinger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d53f99&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d53f99\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"358\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"32\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/99b80ae3-8e97-4b50-ab51-c064fb93ee71.jpg\" alt=\"I loved hearing from fellow scholars from all over the place! I felt less alone &amp; definitely related to some of the struggles and interests they expressed. I hope to maintain contact. Best, - Michelle Cowan\" class=\"wp-image-32\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/99b80ae3-8e97-4b50-ab51-c064fb93ee71.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/99b80ae3-8e97-4b50-ab51-c064fb93ee71-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I loved hearing from fellow scholars from all over the place! I felt less alone &amp; definitely related to some of the struggles and interests they expressed. I hope to maintain contact. Best, &#8211; Michelle Cowan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d544b7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d544b7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"374\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"34\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/413329b5-adb0-4cfb-8323-25ec7e404fa6.jpg\" alt=\"This has been such a rejuvenating and joyous exchange! It\u2019s been so lovely to see what colleagues across the USA are up to! Such brilliant, caring, creative folks out there! - Amie\" class=\"wp-image-34\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/413329b5-adb0-4cfb-8323-25ec7e404fa6.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/413329b5-adb0-4cfb-8323-25ec7e404fa6-300x224.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This has been such a rejuvenating and joyous exchange! It\u2019s been so lovely to see what colleagues across the USA are up to! Such brilliant, caring, creative folks out there! &#8211; Amie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d5494e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d5494e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"362\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"36\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2485118e-d99e-4524-8c01-ff476e84f42c.jpg\" alt=\"The 2021 Peck Symposium has been a unique and enjoyable experience. :) I know this sounds very extreme, but I almost forgot how to handwrite things! It was so nice to sit and actually compose a letter\u2014something I have not done in some time. There are more ways to communicate\u2014not just Zoom &amp; email!! Thank you for this amazing opportunity. Warmly, Whitney Adams Berry College\" class=\"wp-image-36\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2485118e-d99e-4524-8c01-ff476e84f42c.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2485118e-d99e-4524-8c01-ff476e84f42c-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2021 Peck Symposium has been a unique and enjoyable experience. \ud83d\ude42 I know this sounds very extreme, but I almost forgot how to handwrite things! It was so nice to sit and actually compose a letter\u2014something I have not done in some time. There are more ways to communicate\u2014not just Zoom &amp; email!! Thank you for this amazing opportunity. Warmly, Whitney Adams Berry College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d54dfc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d54dfc\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"26\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/5fb57605-94d3-4ee2-ba16-d0ff400c73c2.jpg\" alt=\"Dear y\u2019all, This was a lovely experience. Receiving a hand-addressed personal letter is a delightful treat. Delightful treats have been hard to come by this past year, and I am grateful for your organization. It was also difficult handwriting! Writing to strangers who are peers! Introducing myself and saying something interesting! A humbling reminder of student experiences with unfamiliar genres. - Gracias, Alanna Frost\" class=\"wp-image-26\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/5fb57605-94d3-4ee2-ba16-d0ff400c73c2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/5fb57605-94d3-4ee2-ba16-d0ff400c73c2-300x218.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dear y\u2019all, This was a lovely experience. Receiving a hand-addressed personal letter is a delightful treat. Delightful treats have been hard to come by this past year, and I am grateful for your organization. It was also difficult handwriting! Writing to strangers who are peers! Introducing myself and saying something interesting! A humbling reminder of student experiences with unfamiliar genres. &#8211; Gracias, Alanna Frost<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d55370&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d55370\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"366\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"41\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/ae01cd41-83de-4c3e-bc0d-c6f69ca9daad.jpg\" alt=\"Thank you for this wonderful idea\u2014I welcomed the anticipation and act of writing and reading the correspondence. I savored opening the letters and reading the words of new friends. Thank you again for making this possible. - Paul Walker\" class=\"wp-image-41\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/ae01cd41-83de-4c3e-bc0d-c6f69ca9daad.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/ae01cd41-83de-4c3e-bc0d-c6f69ca9daad-300x220.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thank you for this wonderful idea\u2014I welcomed the anticipation and act of writing and reading the correspondence. I savored opening the letters and reading the words of new friends. Thank you again for making this possible. &#8211; Paul Walker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d55890&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d55890\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"366\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"21\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0fa1d98d-10dc-453d-9d2b-e028db091b17.jpg\" alt=\"Dear friends, Thank you for the opportunity to participate with the Postal Edition of the Peck Symposium. I received a lovely poem, collage and artistic explanation. I love getting mail, so this was heart warming and connected me to colleagues (new) in a touching and thoughtful way. I got my packages in the mail later than I\u2019d hoped, but enjoyed the process of putting together packages just the same. This was a wonderful idea and I hope to participate again. - Warmly, Karen Trujillo\" class=\"wp-image-21\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0fa1d98d-10dc-453d-9d2b-e028db091b17.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0fa1d98d-10dc-453d-9d2b-e028db091b17-300x220.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dear friends, Thank you for the opportunity to participate with the Postal Edition of the Peck Symposium. I received a lovely poem, collage and artistic explanation. I love getting mail, so this was heart warming and connected me to colleagues (new) in a touching and thoughtful way. I got my packages in the mail later than I\u2019d hoped, but enjoyed the process of putting together packages just the same. This was a wonderful idea and I hope to participate again. &#8211; Warmly, Karen Trujillo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d55d01&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d55d01\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"43\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/bb1b8be7-9de8-415c-b0bd-d6c14d219dca.jpg\" alt=\"What I enjoyed the most about this exercise was connecting with other academics, but having a space where I wasn\u2019t necessarily required to write academically. Thank you! - Heidi\" class=\"wp-image-43\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/bb1b8be7-9de8-415c-b0bd-d6c14d219dca.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/bb1b8be7-9de8-415c-b0bd-d6c14d219dca-300x218.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">What I enjoyed the most about this exercise was connecting with other academics, but having a space where I wasn\u2019t necessarily required to write academically. Thank you! &#8211; Heidi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d56160&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d56160\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"355\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"31\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/97d1724e-f8e7-46cd-bd93-c17a20c69c0b.jpg\" alt=\"The pen pal style embodied in this year\u2019s symposium was so innovative! It really showed how we can still gain enjoyment from the simple things in life. Solely relying on the postal system, and no technology (or minimal), for communicative purposes allowed me to be more thoughtful and intentional in deciding what to share with my peers. Although invisible in many ways, I could still feel the warmth of community as I received my packages and I deeply think that that is a feeling that we all long for and graciously cherish, in these times. Thank you for giving me that. \ud83d\ude0a\" class=\"wp-image-31\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/97d1724e-f8e7-46cd-bd93-c17a20c69c0b.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/97d1724e-f8e7-46cd-bd93-c17a20c69c0b-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The pen pal style embodied in this year\u2019s symposium was so innovative! It really showed how we can still gain enjoyment from the simple things in life. Solely relying on the postal system, and no technology (or minimal), for communicative purposes allowed me to be more thoughtful and intentional in deciding what to share with my peers. Although invisible in many ways, I could still feel the warmth of community as I received my packages and I deeply think that that is a feeling that we all long for and graciously cherish, in these times. Thank you for giving me that. \ud83d\ude0a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d56632&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d56632\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"358\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"25\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/4e50a0db-644c-4ac2-96fc-ca33dad7a528.jpg\" alt=\"April 1, 2021 I had to miss the 2020 Peck Symposium (the first I\u2019d missed since 2009!) to care for my sick son, so after that I was really looking forward to gathering in person again to learn from &amp; catch up with friends &amp; colleagues old and new. Even though we couldn\u2019t meet in person this year, the emails from Amie &amp; mailer w\/the seed packet &amp; post-its was a welcomed reminder that this community is still out there, supporting &amp; encouraging us. The letter from Michael did the same. So glad for the chance to connect, even if only on paper! Thank you! Julie Myatt\" class=\"wp-image-25\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/4e50a0db-644c-4ac2-96fc-ca33dad7a528.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/4e50a0db-644c-4ac2-96fc-ca33dad7a528-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">April 1, 2021 I had to miss the 2020 Peck Symposium (the first I\u2019d missed since 2009!) to care for my sick son, so after that I was really looking forward to gathering in person again to learn from &amp; catch up with friends &amp; colleagues old and new. Even though we couldn\u2019t meet in person this year, the emails from Amie &amp; mailer w\/the seed packet &amp; post-its was a welcomed reminder that this community is still out there, supporting &amp; encouraging us. The letter from Michael did the same. So glad for the chance to connect, even if only on paper! Thank you! Julie Myatt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d56a45&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d56a45\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"365\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"37\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2676478e-0143-43b9-88b7-5e2c5c0055df.jpg\" alt=\"This was a lovely, low-pressure, bright spot at the end of a dreary winter. Writing about my creative outlets during lockdown made me realize things about myself &amp; my need for creation that I hadn\u2019t explicitly acknowledged before. It feels quaint &amp; warm to write to a pen pal, especially in the midst of social distancing. What a gift! - Madelyn F. Defago\" class=\"wp-image-37\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2676478e-0143-43b9-88b7-5e2c5c0055df.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2676478e-0143-43b9-88b7-5e2c5c0055df-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This was a lovely, low-pressure, bright spot at the end of a dreary winter. Writing about my creative outlets during lockdown made me realize things about myself &amp; my need for creation that I hadn\u2019t explicitly acknowledged before. It feels quaint &amp; warm to write to a pen pal, especially in the midst of social distancing. What a gift! &#8211; Madelyn F. Defago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d56ea0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d56ea0\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"355\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"47\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/dc7202bc-7a58-4d06-a32c-d5bdef6f3073.jpg\" alt=\"The postal edition of the symposium came at the perfect time to remind me of the world of community out there and the amazing people who still want to connect, collaborate, and share joy despite (or because of) these uncertainties we face. I feel assured &amp; energized by our community. Thank you all so much!\" class=\"wp-image-47\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/dc7202bc-7a58-4d06-a32c-d5bdef6f3073.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/dc7202bc-7a58-4d06-a32c-d5bdef6f3073-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The postal edition of the symposium came at the perfect time to remind me of the world of community out there and the amazing people who still want to connect, collaborate, and share joy despite (or because of) these uncertainties we face. I feel assured &amp; energized by our community. Thank you all so much!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d572b0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d572b0\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"365\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"27\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/8d0da3b8-b075-4b84-8a7c-fec253311b29.jpg\" alt=\"Dear organizers\u2014This has been a beautiful experience, ushering in spring for me. The letters arrived as the birds began singing &amp; the crocus started popping up here in Pittsburgh, and all of it has worked mysteriously together to energize me, giving me hope and some much-needed joy after a hard time. Thank you for this\u2014for your thoughtfulness, the invitation to be slow and engaged, both. Peace! Shan\" class=\"wp-image-27\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/8d0da3b8-b075-4b84-8a7c-fec253311b29.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/8d0da3b8-b075-4b84-8a7c-fec253311b29-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dear organizers\u2014This has been a beautiful experience, ushering in spring for me. The letters arrived as the birds began singing &amp; the crocus started popping up here in Pittsburgh, and all of it has worked mysteriously together to energize me, giving me hope and some much-needed joy after a hard time. Thank you for this\u2014for your thoughtfulness, the invitation to be slow and engaged, both. Peace! Shan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d57757&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d57757\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"353\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"38\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2775112b-e436-445f-a62b-f7c8e3c514c2.jpg\" alt=\"Dear Peck Organizers, As I write this reflection, I am most struck by the powerful connection and intentionality of writing when it is pen to paper. It is incredible how easy it is to forget how the technology of the computer can take away, add to, or rearrange writing on a whim. With the technology of pen to paper, though, I find myself taking more pauses to think things through, with regard to the intention of my writing. I also feel more of a connection to my writing and the recipients of my writing. Knowing the writing came from my warm hand, and will go to the warm hand of another, makes it more connected than traveling over the waves of the Internet. Best, Katie Musick\" class=\"wp-image-38\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2775112b-e436-445f-a62b-f7c8e3c514c2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/2775112b-e436-445f-a62b-f7c8e3c514c2-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dear Peck Organizers, As I write this reflection, I am most struck by the powerful connection and intentionality of writing when it is pen to paper. It is incredible how easy it is to forget how the technology of the computer can take away, add to, or rearrange writing on a whim. With the technology of pen to paper, though, I find myself taking more pauses to think things through, with regard to the intention of my writing. I also feel more of a connection to my writing and the recipients of my writing. Knowing the writing came from my warm hand, and will go to the warm hand of another, makes it more connected than traveling over the waves of the Internet. Best, Katie Musick<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d57c16&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d57c16\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"356\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"45\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/c9b99b34-864d-4d22-b091-ccbc229c74b4.jpg\" alt=\"Hope is scarce, the reasons to abandon numerous, but we continue on. Research and writing remind us why we\u2019re here, who we can be, and what we hope to become. Yours gives us a flash of hope in a dark time. Thank you.\" class=\"wp-image-45\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/c9b99b34-864d-4d22-b091-ccbc229c74b4.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/c9b99b34-864d-4d22-b091-ccbc229c74b4-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hope is scarce, the reasons to abandon numerous, but we continue on. Research and writing remind us why we\u2019re here, who we can be, and what we hope to become. Yours gives us a flash of hope in a dark time. Thank you.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d58132&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d58132\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"358\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"46\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/cae82f1f-1562-4fc9-94a9-0f3615ea9f1f.jpg\" alt=\"Unfortunately, I did not receive any letters from my pen pals. However, I enjoyed the process of reflecting on my current research and having the opportunity to share. Rebecca Badcock Thanks for the seeds!\" class=\"wp-image-46\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/cae82f1f-1562-4fc9-94a9-0f3615ea9f1f.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/cae82f1f-1562-4fc9-94a9-0f3615ea9f1f-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unfortunately, I did not receive any letters from my pen pals. However, I enjoyed the process of reflecting on my current research and having the opportunity to share. Rebecca Badcock Thanks for the seeds!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d585c7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d585c7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"370\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"39\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/a68ae34d-18d0-4c0d-81ea-7dc58593ac62.jpg\" alt=\"I first heard about the Symposium from a s\/o on Rhetoricity, and was eager to participate when I heard it went postal. Reader, I was not disappointed. As a creative contrast to the neoliberal taskmastery I\u2019ve felt pressured into as of late, it was refreshingly rewarding to return to a snail\u2019s pace. Having received craft supplies and heartfelt reports from my newly assigned pals, I felt more connected in my sheltered ontology than in a majority of my digital engagements. Even as we return to regular programming and physical assembly, I would be pleased to continue these epistolary links as a pause point to the pace that academia seems to prefer. Thanks for this great experience, y\u2019all! In Kind, Jason Mich\u00e1lek\" class=\"wp-image-39\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/a68ae34d-18d0-4c0d-81ea-7dc58593ac62.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/a68ae34d-18d0-4c0d-81ea-7dc58593ac62-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I first heard about the Symposium from a s\/o on Rhetoricity, and was eager to participate when I heard it went postal. Reader, I was not disappointed. As a creative contrast to the neoliberal taskmastery I\u2019ve felt pressured into as of late, it was refreshingly rewarding to return to a snail\u2019s pace. Having received craft supplies and heartfelt reports from my newly assigned pals, I felt more connected in my sheltered ontology than in a majority of my digital engagements. Even as we return to regular programming and physical assembly, I would be pleased to continue these epistolary links as a pause point to the pace that academia seems to prefer. Thanks for this great experience, y\u2019all! In Kind, Jason Mich\u00e1lek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d58af1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d58af1\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"363\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/a5860e3d-58d6-4173-bd40-53a0d6b142b4.jpg\" alt=\"Wed. 3-31-2021 Hello! This pen pal experience reinforces the material nature of writing . . . of literally inscribing the world. It has reminded me that making and writing are keenly connected. Even this short note bears the markings of making and of revision. I wish I shared the incredible talents that my pen pals evinced\u2014sending hand-made books, ready to be filled and ready to be read. This experience of sharing my writing was palpably different from working with an editor or with a writing group. This time I shared what I wrote without thinking about \u201cWhat\u2019s next?\u201d for this piece of writing. Liberating, actually! All best, Ethna Lay\" class=\"wp-image-40\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/a5860e3d-58d6-4173-bd40-53a0d6b142b4.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/a5860e3d-58d6-4173-bd40-53a0d6b142b4-300x218.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wed. 3-31-2021 Hello! This pen pal experience reinforces the material nature of writing . . . of literally inscribing the world. It has reminded me that making and writing are keenly connected. Even this short note bears the markings of making and of revision. I wish I shared the incredible talents that my pen pals evinced\u2014sending hand-made books, ready to be filled and ready to be read. This experience of sharing my writing was palpably different from working with an editor or with a writing group. This time I shared what I wrote without thinking about \u201cWhat\u2019s next?\u201d for this piece of writing. Liberating, actually! All best, Ethna Lay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d58fbe&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d58fbe\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"365\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"20\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0a10ec3b-f2cd-44b1-b2b5-e81e2dd715f7.jpg\" alt=\"Peck goes postal! This program has been a very good thing! The feeling of anonymity allowed for a kind of candor I don\u2019t often experience. And I felt brave enough to share creative writing, which has been a new thing for me during the pandemic. And my seeds are sprouting! Literally &amp; (I hope) otherwise! - Monica Miller\" class=\"wp-image-20\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0a10ec3b-f2cd-44b1-b2b5-e81e2dd715f7.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/0a10ec3b-f2cd-44b1-b2b5-e81e2dd715f7-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peck goes postal! This program has been a very good thing! The feeling of anonymity allowed for a kind of candor I don\u2019t often experience. And I felt brave enough to share creative writing, which has been a new thing for me during the pandemic. And my seeds are sprouting! Literally &amp; (I hope) otherwise! &#8211; Monica Miller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d59532&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d59532\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"365\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/af57e50f-e566-498d-868e-06346a36e56b.jpg\" alt=\"My letter writing has been much more consistent over the course of the pandemic than in previous times, &amp; it was lovely to have that extend into my more professional work. I enjoyed catching glimpses of personality &amp; progressing work from my pen pals, and the low-stakes nature of the exchange was refreshing. - B.\" class=\"wp-image-42\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/af57e50f-e566-498d-868e-06346a36e56b.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/af57e50f-e566-498d-868e-06346a36e56b-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My letter writing has been much more consistent over the course of the pandemic than in previous times, &amp; it was lovely to have that extend into my more professional work. I enjoyed catching glimpses of personality &amp; progressing work from my pen pals, and the low-stakes nature of the exchange was refreshing. &#8211; B.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f0b51d59a2e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f0b51d59a2e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"370\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"49\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/fae7027b-ea76-4fe9-aab9-5404f3a5bc68.jpg\" alt=\"What a wonderful opportunity to connect across the social &amp; geographic distance! There\u2019s something magical about holding an old fashioned snail mail letter in your hands, sharing words with a stranger who may become a friend.\" class=\"wp-image-49\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/fae7027b-ea76-4fe9-aab9-5404f3a5bc68.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/fae7027b-ea76-4fe9-aab9-5404f3a5bc68-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">What a wonderful opportunity to connect across the social &amp; geographic distance! There\u2019s something magical about holding an old fashioned snail mail letter in your hands, sharing words with a stranger who may become a friend.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Held each spring and generously funded by the Richard and Virginia Peck Foundation, the Peck Research on Writing Symposium is a one-day mini conference where an invited scholar provides a keynote lecture about their research and facilitates a workshop on its pedagogical applications.\u00a0 \u00a0 The Peck Symposium has two purposes: Past speakers for the Peck [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":238,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18\/revisions\/238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/genedenglish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}