Restaurant Spotlight: Deir Café

 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. 

Motlow Students Bring Creativity to Life on Disney Writing Trip

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.

SEAM Club Invites Students to Perform at Upcoming Talent Show

 

Students to Compete in Third Annual Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest

  SMYRNA – Motlow students can receive career-changing recognition, prizes and awards by participating in the third annual Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest in HSC 138-141 at 7 p.m. on April 14.   

      According to Professor Robert Davenport, the contest is open to Motlow students from any of the MSCC campus locations, regardless of major or prior speaking experience. The deadline to enroll is April 1. Students can register by accessing the QR code on the event flyer or sending an email with their name, email address, phone number, and MSCC campus location to rdavenport@mscc.edu.

      Students will deliver original persuasive/argumentative speeches. The contest rules and requirements can be found in the Dean of Students shell on D2L.    

      “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. “Effective communication skills are the number one characteristic employers look for in potential employees. Give this a shot to grow your communication skills.”

      If more than 10 students enter the contest, there will be a “semifinal” round in which students will submit a video recording of their speech. These speeches will be evaluated by a group of communication professors. The top 10 speakers from that round will qualify for an in-person final round on the Smyrna campus. If there are 10 or fewer entrants, all will advance to the final round to be eligible for prizes and awards.     

      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.

      “Ideally, participants should have already completed the COMM 2025 – Fundamentals of Communication course or be currently enrolled in the class, but that is not an absolute requirement,” Davenport added.

Professor Robert Davenport and Smyrna Center Director
Gary Winton present a plaque to the 2024 first-place winner.

      Students who are taking/have taken English 1010/1020 can potentially turn a persuasive/argumentative essay they have done in the past into a persuasive speech for this event.

      As a former intercollegiate speech and debate coach/instructor, Davenport has always seen the benefits of students being able to effectively prepare and present presentations to help prepare them for their chosen careers.       

      “This event is an important extra-curricular activity for our students,” he said. "It can help them become better communicators in every aspect of their lives."