Oshkosh alumnus and faculty record essays for WRST

WRST, Oshkosh's campus radio station, welcomes personal life philosophies from UW Oshkosh community members to its schedule.

Oshkosh Alumni Relations sponsors the project inspired by the "This I Believe" international project.

Natalie Johnson, alumni communications manager, and Christine Gantner, director of alumni relations, said the project is meant to connect the community.

"A lot of the projects we do are social or professional events," Gantner said. "This is more academic. It kind of fills a void."

The project was started in celebration of the University's 140th anniversary in 2011-2012.

"It's about things we can do to engage on a small scale," Johnson said of the project.

Through the Oshkosh community version called "This We Believe," the Alumni Office encourages students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to send in their essays, which are open to creativity and diversity.

The requirements for the essays are versatile and allow the writer to share a personal belief or philosophy regarding any aspect of life.

"It's kind of a neat way to get published in any field that you are passionate about," Gantner said.

"This We Believe" currently has 12 essays, six of which are recorded and can be heard on the Alumni page as well as on WRST Sundays at 1 p.m.

"It's not something that everyone might sit down and do, and it might be intimidating," Johnson said.

Johnson has recorded her personal essay about how we should live more like our dogs by worrying less and exhibiting more enthusiasm for the little things in life.

The essays vary in content and are meant to be inspirational and positive.

"Some people get deep," Gantner said.

Gantner has also recorded her philosophy about the importance of telling people we appreciate them while we have the chance.

Randall Davidson is responsible for facilitating the technical recordings of the Oshkosh community and alumni's essays. He agreed to partner with Alumni Relations and broadcast it locally on the Oshkosh radio station.

"It's the kind of thing if you hear it on the radio you're going to pay attention and listen closely," Davidson said. "Listeners will find it fun to stumble upon."

He also said he was impressed at how well the authors have been able to record their essays.

"I thought they'd be nervous and it would take three, four, five takes and they got it done very rapidly," Davidson said.

"This We Believe" is an opportunity to get your personal work broadcast while sharing something you are proud of or care about. The essays are typically 300-500 words and are written and read in a casual, conversational style.

Johnson and Gantner said they hope to see more submissions from students and the community.