Music is my favorite way to break writer’s block, and my high school creative writing class is a testament to that with “Strangers” by Mt. Joy being the inspiration behind the protagonist of my short story.
High school represents a time when teens are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to be, and the creatures on Mt. Joy’s 2020 album “Rearrange Us” portray that through unique and strange designs. Creature designs by Steve Girard; Graphic created by Isabel Rinkenberger
Attending a concert featuring a favorite artist is a rite of passage for many young people. For me, this rite of passage came in the form of a recent Twenty One Pilots concert. The thrill of seeing a band I have loved since I was a freshman in high school was enhanced by the group’s stunning visual presentation, musical prowess and sincere performance.
MBU students Katie Thompson, Grace Covington, Elsa Linson and Lorraine Linson pose in front of a sign advertising Twenty One Pilots’ current tour at the Enterprise Center. Photo by Elijah Krabel
My sister was the biggest influence on my music taste. I was a pre-teen when she was a teenager and I wanted to be just like her, everything from her fashion style to the music she listened to. She listened to pop stars such as Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Ke$ha’s debut album, “Animal,” was a huge hit among teenage girls because she wrote songs about experiences many girls go through growing up: having crushes, partying and being betrayed by a friend, to name a few.
Concerts at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, are an integral part of growing up for anyone in high school. This concert photo was taken Sept. 10, 2022. Photo by Emily Retzer
With 6.5 million Christmas lights, Silver Dollar City takes the award for the ultimate Christmas lights show experience. Located in Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City attracts thousands of visitors every Christmas season not only for the riveting rides and live shows, but also for the spectacular display of Christmas trees, wreaths, and miles of ribbon and garland spread throughout the park.
Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like hot chocolate, presents and family gatherings, but also a colossal sign is a good way too. This gigantic “Merry Christmas” sign greets visitors as they enter Silver Dollar City in Branson. All photos by Kaylee Ascher
Some people might find it difficult to name their favorite song of all time, but for me once I heard the song that would be my favorite it hasn’t stopped being my favorite since. This song is and will forever be “Fireflies” by Owl City.
Sound and music have the ability to spark memories as if we are reliving a moment or an experience in time. For me, this song is “Fireflies” by Owl City. Photo courtesy of Artie_Navarre on Pixabay
Here are some interesting facts about MBU Timeline, the student newsmagazine of Missouri Baptist University, in St. Louis:
*Our mission statement is: MBU Timeline is the student news network of Missouri Baptist University, a private Christian university that embraces the essential core value of “social change through service and leadership.”
*The Bible verse that drives our mission is 2 Timothy 2:15 (Worldwide English Version): “Tell the true message in the right way.”
*The WordPress website has been up since late-fall 2013. We average about 3,000 sessions and about 5,000 pageviews per month.
*Our stories and galleries get as few as 40 or 50 hits, or as many as 8,000 hits.
*We have readers in every state and more than 90 countries around the world. We have several readers in South America, the United Kingdom, India and Australia.
*Most of our readers are in Missouri, followed by Illinois, California and Texas.
*We do not accept advertising as we are a not-for-profit online newsmagazine.
*We welcome contributors from all walks of MBU life, regardless of your major. Reach out to us on Twitter at: @mbutimeline.
