Created in a Media Writing class in 2014, The Motlow Buzz e-newspaper serves as an educational platform for students and the faculty members who teach them.
The October 2026 issue of The Motlow Buzz is here. Check out the highlights here or scroll down to read entire stories with photos. Special thanks to Student Editor Ashley Torres and Staff Writer Watson Snider for their contributions.
Bookmark the following link: https://motlowbuzz.blogspot.com/
Do you have any story ideas? Please send them to cwhiting@mscc.edu.
By Ashley Torres
Motlow Buzz Student Editor
SMYRNA -- College life is about more than what happens in the classroom. For students at Motlow State Community College’s Smyrna campus, joining a club or organization can be a way to meet other students, explore interests and become more involved in the campus community.
Motlow offers a variety of clubs and organizations for students with different academic, professional and personal interests. Some of the organizations available to students include Active Minds, the Students with Disabilities and Allies Club, Literary Club, Motlow Career Readiness Club, Motlow Rotaract Club, Physics and Science Club, Pre-Professional Alliance, Pride Alliance and the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts & Media Club.
“SEAM Club is a place where you can bring a creative idea, whether it’s an event, a design, or just a hangout, and actually see it through with people who want to build it with you," said Mustafa Akram, the newly elected president of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club. "It’s less about holding a title and more about being part of a group that’s genuinely making something together."
gather after a recent meeting on the Smyrna campus.)
Students can also participate in organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta, the Honors Program, Student Government Association, Motlow Student Nurses Association and SkillsUSA.
These organizations provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests while developing leadership and professional skills. For students interested in academics and future careers, organizations such as the Pre-Professional Alliance and Career Readiness Club can provide opportunities to connect their college experience with their professional goals. Students interested in creative work can also participate in the Literary Club or the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts & Media Club.
Getting involved does not necessarily mean joining an existing organization. Students who have an idea for a new club can work with a faculty or staff sponsor to create one. Motlow requires new organizations to have at least five members, including a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, before going through the college's approval process.
For students balancing classes, work and other responsibilities, joining a club can provide another way to connect with the Motlow community while building experience outside the classroom. And if writing is more your thing, join The Motlow Buzz! We are always looking for students who want to write, report and share the stories happening across Motlow.
Students interested in getting involved can find more information through Motlow's Clubs and Organizations page or by contacting the appropriate club advisor.
By Watson Snider
Motlow Buzz Reporter
SMYRNA -- For students who are new to Motlow, the first semester can be some of the most stressful times in one's college career. Four college freshmen newcomers reflected on their experiences on campus so far.
QUESTION: How are you feeling after the first few weeks at Motlow?
"I feel like I'm doing pretty good," said Addison Russell, a freshman who is pursuing a special student program. "I'm not taking the full five classes, so it may not be as stressful as other's schedules."
QUESTION: "Is there anything you wish you knew before you started?"
"Mainly how to use and turn in assignments on D2L," said McKenna Whiteman, a freshman who is pursuing an Associate degree in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science.
QUESTION: "Are there any classes you're excited about?"
"My education classes!" exclaimed Skylynn Phy, who is majoring in education. "I haven't started them yet, but I'm super excited."
QUESTION: "Do you have any advice for people who are thinking about applying?"
"It's a small school, so you'll have an easy time getting to class," said Kiyar Addie, who is working toward an Associate degree in General Studies. "Everybody is really chill, including the professors."
By Ashley Torres
Motlow Buzz Student Editor
'The way I see it, if you want the rainbow,
you gotta put up with the rain.' -- Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton's influence reached far beyond the music industry.
The Tennessee-born singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist died Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80. In the weeks since her death, communities across Tennessee and the country have found ways to remember her career and her contributions to education, literacy and her home state.
“She was a feminist icon,” Motlow student Alba Quintero said. “She inspired so many young women to not feel ashamed and embrace who you are. I really believe she was inspiring.”
Parton's legacy is especially visible through the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children from birth to age 5. The program has become one of the best-known parts of her philanthropic work and has connected her name with childhood literacy across Tennessee and beyond.
“I remember receiving books when I was a kid. She was always Aunt Dolly to me. The book lady,” another Motlow student said.
Parton's connection to Tennessee was not limited to her music. She was born and raised in the Great Smoky Mountains and built much of her career around the Appalachian culture and experiences that shaped her childhood. Dollywood, the theme park she co-founded in Pigeon Forge, has announced plans for permanent tributes to her legacy.
Her impact has reached students and educational communities as well. The Imagination Library's focus on putting books into children's hands reflects a part of Parton's legacy that exists independently of her music career: using her success to encourage reading and access to books.
For Tennessee students, Parton's story is more than country music. It is also a story about a person who remained connected to the state where she grew up and used her platform to support causes involving children, literacy and education.
As tributes continue across Tennessee, Parton’s music may be what first comes to mind for many people. But her legacy can also be found in libraries, classrooms and the children opening books that arrived at their homes through a program that bears her name. Students at Motlow can also find Dolly Parton’s work in the college library, offering another opportunity to connect with the legacy she leaves behind.
SMYRNA — Motlow’s Smyrna campus will come alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of the Halloween season Oct. 27-29 (Tuesday-Thursday) during “Fall Festival: The Hollow at Motlow.”
Highlights of the creepy merriment will include
+ A chili cook-off in the Big Room (HSC 138-141) from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oct. 27 (Tuesday).
+ A pumpkin carving activity outside the MLA Building on Oct. 28 (Wednesday) sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded for the most creative pumpkins.
+ A “Motlow Mayhem” event in the Big Room from noon - 4 p.m. on Oct. 29 (Thursday) featuring a showing of the movie “Obsession,” a horror trivia contest, a film information panel, and judging of the pumpkins.
+ A costume contest in the Big Room from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Oct. 29 (Thursday).
+ A Halloween jazz concert sponsored by the Humanities Program (led by Professor/musician David Bethea) in the Big Room from 7 - 9 p.m. Oct. 29 (Thursday).
“Festivities will feature themed dress-up days, games, activities, prizes, snack, and plenty of Halloween fun,” said Amanda Starks, Student Activities Coordinator. “Whether you love showing off your favorite musician, rocking a wild wig, twinning with a friend, or showing off your costume, there is something for everyone.”
SMYRNA — Students, faculty and staff will take the stage in the Big Room (HSC 138-141) on April 23 (Thursday) for the eighth annual Motlow Talent Show.
The event will kick off with recorded music, food and beverages from 11 a.m.-noon, followed by live performances from noon-1 p.m. Attendees also will enjoy prize giveaways. The show, which is sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, is free and open to all members of the Motlow family.
Performing artists will include Ashley Powell (Singer/Poet); Abigail Sorrell (Singer); Kyle Regan (Singer/Interpreter); Robert Davenport (Singer); Charles Whiting (Composer/Pianist); and Bob Fitzgerald and Arlo Hall (Musicians). Others artists will be announced the week before the show.
Are you interested in performing? Send an email inquiry to cwhiting@mscc.edu by April 10. Include your name, talent and a description of your presentation (with web link if applicable).
“We developed the Motlow Talent Show to give students hands-on experience in a variety of roles including show planning, promotion, staging, sound and performance,” said Charles Whiting, an associate professor of Mass Communications who serves as a co-faculty adviser for SEAM Club. “High Impact Practices are important ingredients for college success in Mass Communications.”
Helping with the show are Mark Landrum (Sound), the Student Government Association, and the Dean of Students Office. Student Volunteers include SEAM Club President Amber Powell, Vice-President Mustafa Akram, Secretary Daniel Gomez-Ramirez, and Treasurer Elsie Mendoza-Ingram.
The event also is a creative way to celebrate the end of the spring semester. Classes will wrap up with final exams the week of May 4-8. Graduation ceremonies will occur on May 11.
SMYRNA – Seven Motlow students will receive career-changing recognition, prizes and awards on April 14 (Tuesday) when they take the podium for the third annual Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest.
The event will occur at 7 p.m. in HSC 138-141 on the Motlow Smyrna campus. A reception with food and beverages will follow.
According to Professor Robert Davenport, participants will deliver original persuasive/argumentative speeches ranging from 5 to 10 minutes long.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop better speaking skills and more experience,” said Davenport, who serves as the event’s oratorical contest coordinator and an associate professor of speech on the Smyrna campus.
The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club and Motlow Humanities Department began sponsoring a college-wide public speaking competition called the Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest in 2023. Professor Emeritus Zimmerman was a longtime speech and theatre professor at Motlow and instrumental in helping create and grow both disciplines.
By Elizabeth Rocha
Motlow Buzz Restaurant Critic
Deir Café is a Palestinian-owned coffee shop in Nashville that is known for its authentic drinks and food, as if you were stepping right into Palestine. The popular gathering place brings Mediterranean culture to Music City, offering flavors ranging from Pistachio Latte and the signature Deir Latte to my personal favorite, the Strawberry Matcha Latte.
However, Deir Café goes beyond offering drinks and edibles – sharing its special purpose as a business.
“Deir Café is more than just a coffee shop,” Dr. Yusuf, owner of Deir Café, states on the café’s website. “It’s a symbol of resilience and hope. Blending the soul of Palestine with the creativity of Nashville, every cup tells a story of home, healing and heritage.”
The creative eatery is personally one of my favorites to visit. As someone who craves authenticity, this coffee shop offers that and more. There are now two current locations, one in the heart of Nashville at 711 Hagan St., and one in the outskirts of at 105 Haywood Lane.
To learn more, visit www.deircafe.com.
By Ashley Torres
Motlow Buzz Student Editor
SMYRNA -- While many students were returning to campus after spring break, a group of Motlow State Community College students set out on a different kind of journey -- one centered on storytelling, creativity, and immersive learning.
Students from Motlow’s creative writing classes traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in March for a five-day creative writing experience designed to bring storytelling beyond the classroom. Led by faculty, the trip allowed students to engage with narrative in a setting built entirely on it.
From the immersive lands of Magic Kingdom to the cinematic atmosphere of Hollywood Studios, each park became a living example of how stories can be constructed, experienced and shared. Throughout the trip, students were given the opportunity to explore the Disney parks, with some experiencing them for the first time.
Activities included a hands-on learning session led by a Disney cast member, who discussed the role of storytelling within Disney and how narrative is used to shape guest experiences.
For many, the experience went beyond academics. In addition to strengthening their writing, students built connections with peers who share similar creative interests. Long days in the parks often turned into conversations about ideas, goals, and future ambitions, fostering a sense of community that extended beyond the classroom. Theseshared experiences created an atmosphere where students felt encouraged to express themselves and grow alongside one another.
Experiences like this reflect Motlow’s emphasis on hands-on learning, giving students opportunities to explore in real-world environments. As the group returned to campus after the trip, they brought back more than memories; they returned with new perspectives and stronger creative voices.
