By Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Emma G. Harrison, Forthcoming Editor-in-Chief
On December 5, the whole Imaginary Gardens Staff gathered one last time to say goodbye to old friends and dedicated staff members as they graduate and move on to the next big steps of their lives. There was one goodbye that lingered sentimentally with staff as we all reminisced over the seasons past. Draven Copeland has been our beloved Editor-in-Chief for the past three semesters, publishing a total of 273 articles under his steady eye. Although it is not a total goodbye, since Copeland will be returning next semester with writing in focus, our staff at IG can help but feel misty-eyed at the loving guidance Copeland has provided us. All the time, passion, and effort Copeland has put into the journal couldn’t go unnoticed. So without further ado, I present Draven’s virtual gift card, “A Salute to the Pen that Grew the Garden.”
Heather Lee Schroeder, Faculty Mentor
As a teacher, the students I remember best are the ones who, through force of personality and sheer willpower, teach me how to be a better guide and mentor. Draven is one of those students. He has made a lasting impact on my understanding of teaching and leading students, and I am deeply grateful for his contributions to Pellissippi State, Imaginary Gardens, and my own experience as an instructor.
When I decided to apply for the Tennessee Board of Regents High Impact Practices grant funding that allowed Imaginary Gardens, a once-a-year print journal that had been on hiatus for five years, to be relaunched as a weekly news and literary outlet for Pellissippi State students, faculty, staff, and alumni, I had one editor in mind to lead the new venture: Draven.
I first met him in one of my literature classes in Spring 2023. He was an outstanding student and writer, and after he finished my course and graduated from Pellissippi State, we worked together in an informal writing mentorship. He grew as a writer, and I saw such potential in him. One day, he told me that he wanted to become an editor because working with words was the big kid job he wanted. I suggested he return to school to pursue a B.A. in English or in technical writing. I sent him job openings that aligned with his interests. And, yes, I applied for the grant, hoping I could lure him out of retirement to help me build something new at the college.
When I received notification in Summer 2024 that the grant proposal had been chosen, I immediately asked Draven if he was interested in returning to Pellissippi State to help me get the project off the ground. He applied for a certificate program in web design and editing, and he came back to simultaneously earn a certificate that will open up his career pathways and to help me rebuild the journal from the ground up.
Imaginary Gardens is what it is today because of him. He has built our newsroom culture, guided our vision for the stories we run, and made the newsroom a place that the students want to be. He’s a giant in mind, heart, and presence (literally…so tall!), and I have learned to trust him and to get out of his way so that he can lead his team effectively. I used to answer questions in the newsroom, but Draven has taught me to say, “I’m not your editor. Ask Draven.” Learning to let go and trust has been an amazing lesson for me as an instructor, and working with him on this project has made me a better teacher. I’ve learned to hold students’ progress more loosely and to trust their instincts. I’ve discovered that letting students lead their own educational inquiry with joy is the path to deep engagement. We joke a lot about letting people explore their special interests in the newsroom, but it’s true. That was Draven’s vision from day one, and it has reaped amazing outcomes for our staff and readers.
Thank you, Draven, for all you’ve given to the college, to your community, and to me. I wouldn’t have wanted to undertake this project with anyone else. More importantly, watching you hand over your baby to our new Editor-in-Chief is a lesson in grace and leadership.
Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor
Draven has been the only Editor-in-Chief that Imaginary Gardens has ever known. He came on to the journal when there was no guidebook for how to do this job, and instead used himself to set that example. I knew from the beginning that Draven would be an incredible editor, but I could not have predicted how much I would come to value him as my friend. His impact on my life has been phenomenal, and is mirrored by his impact on the journal. Everything that Imaginary Gardens contributes to the world, from our creative works to our heavy-hitting investigative pieces, has his fingerprints on it. He is the one encouraging these ideas and giving them the garden to grow in. Draven has been my right-hand man since the beginning of the journal, and I could not have built a better editor for our team.
I look forward to watching him rediscover his own voice after cultivating ours for so long.
David Lavrinovich, Editor
Draven has been nothing but supportive and encouraging of everyone’s ideas for Imaginary Gardens. As our team continued to grow, he maintained that same enthusiasm for all new members. Our team comprises editors, writers, photographers, artists, graphic designers, and videographers. Under Draven’s leadership, everyone was allowed to flourish in their own unique way. As an editor, he helped preserve everyone’s creative voice while still improving our work. Even outside of the journal, Draven is such a kind, caring soul. He is a friend to everyone and has the type of personality you instantly feel comfortable around. The journal would not be what it is today without Draven’s help. No amount of words could encapsulate the extent to which Draven has given to Imaginary Gardens. Draven has more than earned his rest and the ability to step down from his role. I can’t wait for our team to have the opportunity to return the support he showed us.
Addison Chrivia, Editor
Joining the journal for the first time should have been stressful; there’s nothing chill about being put in a room full of strangers and asked to write something that will be published for the whole school to see. But Draven was immediately welcoming, offering support, and trusting in his team’s abilities. His confidence in me made me more confident, not just in my writing but in trying new things and being myself. He’s the kind of person who’ll be drowning in things to do, but if you ask him, there’s no doubt he’ll make the time to help you out. Draven has made Imaginary Gardens what it is today, creating his own amazing stories, fostering growth in other authors and creators, and cultivating an amazing and eclectic community of friends within the newsroom. He’s a fantastic editor, both patient and with an attention to detail, an admirable leader who inspires me to be more confident and caring for others, and a truly great friend. He has been a pillar for the journal, his guidance allowing us to flourish and build on our strengths. Whatever he does after this, with his dedication, talent, and compassion, I know it will be incredible.
Patrick Dobyns, Editor
When I was first recruited to the paper, Draven asked what I wanted to write about. When I had said that my passion was history, he immediately got on board, coming up with ideas of what I could write and how we could incorporate them into the paper. This kind of encouragement was not what I was expecting nor what I was used to, and that initial burst of support did so much to pave my way into my favorite experience here at Pellissippi. Draven set the tone for our group, being someone who was approachable, encouraging, and generally chill. Not only that, but he wants everyone to succeed in what we set out to do, and he wants us to find our voice. If there is one thing that he excels at, it is drawing out that voice in our writing. I can’t say whether or not I would be in Imaginary Gardens still without him, but I can guarantee that the writing in the journal would not be nearly as fantastic as it is without his help and guidance.
James Cochran, Photo Editor
Our Editor-in-Chief, Draven, has tremendously helped Imaginary Gardens become a loud voice for students across the campuses thanks to his excellent leadership and editorial skills. He ensures everyone feels welcome and important in the newsroom and encourages our writers not to be afraid of sharing their interests and how they feel about what is going on in society. When I first joined the journal, I was a little scared and hesitant about what I should write about or how I could help, but Draven’s friendly demeanor and guidance helped me find my voice both inside and outside of the newsroom. Working with a friend like Draven these past two semesters has been so amazing and meaningful. I can’t wait to see his future achievements and impact on the world.
Rebecka Jones, Staff Writer
This was my first semester attending Imaginary Gardens, so I was nervous about trying to make a good impression and bring my best to the team. However, Draven was very welcoming every time I walked in for meetings. I felt like I was a part of the team immediately because he always checked in on me, even though I was still new. One of the biggest things he did for me was help me get through my recent short story. We both share an enjoyment in writing stories, so he provided lots of feedback and guidance for me when I was writing. Whenever I was stressed or didn’t know where to take my story, he’d give me suggestions and tell me I was doing great. His commentary was not only very helpful but also fun to read. Whenever something shocking happened in my story, he’d write a silly comment that would make me laugh. I appreciated the humor whenever the stress of trying to write a story would bear down on me. I may not have been a part of the team for very long, but Draven made me feel like I have a place here. He helped me express myself through my writing and ultimately grow as a writer. Thank you, Draven, for all your help and care. I can’t wait to see what else you bring to the team and to the community as a whole.
Jackie Ayala, Staff Writer
If there is one thing I will remember about Draven as our editor-in-chief, it will be how he welcomes anyone with open arms. This was not only my first semester with Imaginary Gardens but also the first time I have put my writing out there for people to read; I also didn’t think I would put myself out there and try to meet new people on campus. The first moment I stepped into the newsroom, Draven greeted me with a smile. Even when I asked Draven obvious questions when I was doubtful, he happily helped me and answered every single one (seriously… I had some stupid questions). I believe I adjusted to everything because he readied himself to be available to us all. He encourages each and every one of us to write about what we are passionate about and values everyone’s opinion in the newsroom. While he is an excellent leader and editor, he is a great friend whom I’m glad to have met in my journey at school. I noticed he truly does try and get to know every member of Imaginary Gardens, even as we continue to grow expansionally. To me, he is not only a mentor and role model but also someone I know I can turn to when I have doubts. From my experience here with Imaginary Gardens, Draven will be someone whom I will always be grateful to have met.
Bean Gast, Staff Writer
When I first joined the journal, I was hesitant to fully embrace journalism and put myself out there. I recall writing for the high school newspaper and the dread that accompanied writing about topics that failed to interest me. Much of my life has been spent treading water, desperately trying to find my voice. And even when I did find my voice, it seemed no one could hear it. In the past couple of years, I’ve been searching for ways to make my voice louder, and Draven saw that in me. The first article I wrote was void of my voice, and Draven kindly encouraged me to make it more personal. I knew using my voice meant that I could be seen, which also meant I could be hurt. As I began to read Draven’s short story, “Endling,” I saw his heart poured into the words and his trauma processed through writing. This was the encouragement I needed to fully embrace myself in journalism. Draven has not only approved all of my story proposals but also emboldened me to pursue them no matter how radical they are. Most importantly, Draven represents the influence a strong leader has over a group of people, being the ultimate example of owning one’s power as both an opinionated and kind person. Thank you, Draven, for playing a key role in leading me to find the power within my voice and always encouraging me to pave my own path through writing. I look forward to a future friendship outside the newsroom, and I hope to reciprocate the inspiration you gave me.
Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer
When I first came to Imaginary Gardens, I didn’t think I really belonged here, and I didn’t think my writing would be up to par. Then came Draven. Draven has a way of pulling your best self out of you, of encouraging you to use your voice and make your writing your own. He edits my work without taking me out of it and has pushed me to expand my own abilities. Draven helped me believe in myself. But, maybe most importantly, Draven is kind and compassionate. He shows genuine interest when he talks to someone, he calls everyone by name, he knows how to make people feel seen – and that is a gift. Draven is one of those people who can never really be replaced. We will march on, but we will never fill the gap he will leave in the newsroom. Thank you, Draven, for giving so much of yourself to this team. I am thankful to call you my friend.
Emma G. Harrison, Forthcoming Editor-in-Chief
On February 28, 2025, I stepped foot into the newsroom, clad in head-to-toe corporate office wear, having come from my part-time job. The second I opened the door to MC 337, all eyes were on me as conversation in the newsroom came to a crashing halt. Draven broke the awkward silence with a friendly “hello” as I found a seat. I will never forget him quickly approaching me after the meeting simply to get to know me (and add me on Slack before I had the chance to run away). I left that meeting knowing I had found a home at Pellissippi State. Since that day, Draven has never stopped being the kind of reliable influence on people who acts with integrity, consistency, and empathy. He inspires people, not by force, but by true leadership; not by pressure, but by real influence.
Draven brought creativity back into my writing and continues to encourage me in all aspects of my life. Over this past year, he has become a true friend and the older brother figure I wished for growing up. Now I step into the newsroom, not awkward and unsure, but excited to work with some of my closest friends. If he tells you he’s not an optimistic person, he’s fooling you, because he truly is the only person I know with the ability to see good in everyone. I have never in my life met someone who is so truly compassionate and amiable. If you have gotten this far into this ‘virtual gift card,’ you have seen that Draven has a capability like no other to love, accept, and inspire others completely and totally, regardless of who they are, where they come from, and what they believe in. Imaginary Gardens is ImaginaryGardens because of him, and I could not be more grateful for his passionate, dedicated guidance, but more importantly, his friendship.
