Spring 1995 - Lock Haven University

6
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Often when LHU students venture to travel abroad they
undergo a metamorphosis in the way that they view life
Senior English major Tim Burdick not only changed his outlook,
but resurrected in him self a new spirit of understanding and a
quest for satisfying his inner soul after two international
experiences Tim has now brought that new openness to his
writing
Sharing Tim's love of the written word is another senior, so
unlike Tim that they truly demonstrate the beauty of diversity in
written expre ss ion Kevin Kovac, a journalism major, has
written about dirt track modified stock car racing for
several years Unlike his counterpart who finds tranquillity
in poetry and fiction writing, Kevin 's ski lls
have led him to an ever-changing, hectic life
iting their
own chapters
Kevin attended races since 12 years of age and in
his yo uth landed a writing position with the Area
Auto Racing News. Today his features span
several other racing publications and newspaper
sports sections He is so enthused about the sport, that
he timed his graduation date around ra cing season and potential
job availability in the field Although he never actually
stepped into a stock car for a serious race, his interest takes
him throughout northeastern United States and Canada .
He is the repeated winner of the Flemington (New
Jersey) Courier Times "Reporter of the Year," and the
Eastern Motor Sport Press Association Convention
Writing Award .
In an environment as competitive as racing, Kevin holds
intentions of co ntinuing his writing after he leaves LHU III
December 1995. With a portfolio crammed with clips
and an already-broad level of experience of reallife
racing coverage, he is more prepared than
many students to tackle this very difficult task
of "making it" in the sport. His established
contacts and reputation promise to open
doors that a man of his age would not
typically find available.
While he does not find his so lace on
the race track, Kevin's counterpart Tim
grew as a writer from exchanges in
Scotland and England He came to
LHU on a generous scholarship earned
through his 70-page autobiography. At
first, his enrollment in the Honors
Program
demanded
much of his
energy, and
his writing
was not as
strong. But
in his sophomore
year he
traveled to
Scotland.
When he
returned, he
"exploded" as
he moved from a
"cl iche" style to a
more polished presentation.
He kept journals of his experiences
and used long stints on tra ins as time to
write short stories and poetry.
At times Tim feels like som ething of an outcast and believes his
friends would describe him as "eccentric ." His style is certainly
unique and has earned him attention at LHU. As an editor of
the University literary magazine, The Crucible, he has attracted
an audience of students, faculty and staff who are intrigued
by his use of words and self expression. Last year he earned
the "Outstanding English Major" award, and has had a play
produced on campus His experiences abroad showed him that
life offers so much. "The sun never sets on my friends ," he
explains as he talks about the diversity of his friendships
gained over the years.
After May graduation, Tim will continue his path of
growth as he continues his work in graduate school
"I have a true love of words and the power of
images," he says "I had a fresh start here (LHU), and
find that this has been a good environment for meno
inhibiting factors"
While worlds apart in interests and style
of writing, both Tim and Kevin express
themselve s and their interests and values
in their art. Both have a mature
outlook on the future and have
definitive plans to make their individual
styles work for them.
Neither sees this expression as a
hobby or as a passing IIlterest
Both feel that their writing is an
integral part of their lives and an
aspect in which the y will continue
to grow