Mackenzie Veselik/Winonan
Winona State University’s English club, YAWP, shared what it is really like to be involved in this unique club, with a unique name.
For those curious of the title, YAWP is actually not an acronym. The word is from a verse in the Walt Whitman poem “Song of Myself,” which reads, “I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.”
On a recent Saturday night, the club gathered in the Lourdes South Lounge to watch “Dead Poet’s Society” in the spirit of sharing some of their favorite poetry pieces. President Katie Logan and Vice President Liz Charlton shared a little about their passion for this club.
“We like to think of ourselves as a social club for English-minded people,” Logan said.
Logan described YAWP as being English-oriented, except not in the traditional, classroom setting. Logan, along with Olivia Wulf and Hannah Jones, created this club in the spring of 2011. Since then, YAWP has expanded from a simple idea to a social club with plenty of parties, events and excursions. Possible future activities include taking trips to local secondhand bookstores, holding writing workshops and attending midnight premieres of books-turned-film adaptations.
Other YAWP events to come include their annual Halloween costume party.
“We normally watch a movie, eat a ton of food and just hang out,” Charlton said.
YAWP will also participate in Literacy Week this November. Literacy Week promotes literature in America in an attempt to get more people interested in reading.
Having experienced YAWP for themselves, members can recall fond memories of fun times, some of which that went beyond the realm of English.
Charlton shared her favorite recollection in YAWP. “Last year’s homecoming party, Katie Logan and I both dressed up as Velma from Scooby Doo,” she said.
YAWP officers said that everyone, not just English majors, is encouraged to join.
“Anyone who wants to come can come, even if you’re not an English major. It’s a good way to meet people,” Logan said.
“I came in as a freshman and met so many new people,” said Charlton. “It’s a great way to take a break from homework on a Thursday night.”
YAWP meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Minne Room 104.
Contact Mackenzie at [email protected]
