Synaptic

---

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the 46th edition of The Writing Anthology – now known as Synaptic. Founded in 1981 by now retired Central College professor Dr. Walter Cannon, Synaptic provides an annual assemblage of remarkable student work that covers a wide array of academic disciplines. Following a review and conference about dozens of outstanding student submissions, our editorial team selected the following pieces for publication. This publication serves as testimony to the incredible and plentiful talents of Central College students. As both editors and fellow students, we are proud to amplify their exceptional efforts.

Since Synaptic marks the integration of the Arts and English departments, we are proud to feature works that honor academic and creative relationships. Take Anikah Rath’s “The Many Faces of Bob Dylan: Masking at the Center of Identity and Authenticity”, which explores what identity truly is through the perceived masks of musical artist Bob Dylan, or Jacob Williamson’s insightful nature narrative “The Knees of Nature”, which transports the reader to an adventure in the Southern United States, among the swamps and sacred bald cypress trees. This year, we are featuring a video collage, “Nature’s Inspiration” produced by Luciana Laidlaw, which invites us to slow down and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Along with written works, this issue also features exceptional artwork, including Lauren Litterer’s intricate ceramic boat vase and Amelia Brown’s whimsical opossum jar.

Each year, the John Allen Award is awarded to a piece of student writing that the selection panel deems to have superior rhetorical competence, high levels of readability, originality, and insight. This year, we are pleased to announce that Chris Ver Heul has received this honor for his work, “I am the food that feeds the fish.” This essay weaves together personal memoir and environmental advocacy, exploring the ecological history of Lake Red Rock and the threat posed by invasive silver carp to Iowa’s native waterways. The piece demonstrates exceptional rhetorical competence through its seamless blending of lyrical storytelling and well-researched argumentation, drawing on sources ranging from Robin Wall Kimmerer to Aldo Leopold to ground its personal narrative in broader ecological and philosophical discourse. As a result, Chris’s essay offers fresh insight into humanity’s complicated relationship with the natural world, challenging readers to reconsider their role within ecosystems rather than above them. Chris’s unique voice and reflective depth demonstrates the unifying spirit of Synaptic, and we are honored to present this award to him.

Finally, we would like to extend our formal congratulations to all the students whose work is featured in this year’s pages. We would like to sincerely thank the professors who recognized the academic rigor of these pieces and submitted them for our consideration. Furthermore, we must thank Mat Kelly, Associate Professor of Art, and Brian Roberts, Professor of Art, for presenting us with excellent student artwork. We would also like to thank Mat Kelly for designing the cover using artwork created by Ava Lucas. Also, we would like to thank Andrew Cottington in the Central College Communications Office for his efforts in bringing Synaptic’s website to life. Of course, our biggest thanks are owed to our faculty advisor, Dr. Valerie Billing, for her guidance regarding this year’s Synaptic. We would also like to thank our guest editor Prof. Beth McMahon for bringing her expertise to this year’s edition. Thank you both for your commitment, attention to detail, hard work, patience, flexibility, and advice. Again, we must extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who made this publication possible. We hope you enjoy the 2026 Synaptic.