By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Just thirty minutes away from the heart of Knoxville, there is a Hallmark Country Christmas waiting for you in Dandridge, TN. Dandridge, for those out of the loop, is a cozy historic town nestled in…
By James Cochran, Photo Editor Every decade has a recognizable aesthetic and, when it comes to cars, they’re no exception. Cars are moving snapshots in time of what design choices and trends were popular at the time, from big components…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
A Ghostly Staff Collaboration with an Introduction by Anna Trevathan Welcome to Imaginary Gardens’ staff graveyard, where we are burying our graduating class this semester. This is sacred digital dirt, where our graduates bid adieu to the contributions, creativity, and…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief As the winter season starts to chill the air and the nights get ever longer, there is a lot more time for both personal introspection and choosing who to spend your time out with… after all,…
Grammar SimplifiedGrammar, Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – The First Ask Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – Less Words, Fewer ProblemsBy Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer Well, here we are again! I am on a journey to understand grammar…
Holiday HistoryThe Many Origins of Halloween Flipping the Coin: A Thanksgiving Play Holidays Around the Globe: From Christmas to Yule and Everything In BetweenBy Patrick Dobyns, Editor Happy Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Yule, and so, so many more winter holidays to…
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…
By Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Heather Lee Schroeder, Faculty Mentor I grew up in a culturally German family. Starting in late November, we feasted on perfect Stollen loaves, German potato pancakes (Reibekuchen) topped with my grandmother’s chunky applesauce, and…
By Bean Gast, Staff Writer No matter which winter holiday you celebrate, there’s one factor that is significant to all of them: sharing the celebration with family and friends. As a result of the rampant U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
By Anna Baker, Staff Writer and Sustainable Santa Do you enjoy thrifting? If so, you should consider having a thrifting Christmas. Thrifting makes presents more personal and unique, as most things at thrift stores aren’t found in mainstream stores anymore. …
By Matthew Gilliam, Special to the Journal One would be hard pressed in 2025 to find a student who wasn’t suffering the consequences of a poor sleep schedule, myself included. I’ve been there, pushing off studying or homework until near…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackBy Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing…
By David Lavrinovich, Editor and Anonymous Contributor With Thanksgiving coming up, Black Friday follows shortly thereafter, a day in which many people go out to buy large amounts of Christmas presents or other items for themselves while being justified by…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief Let me preface this review by saying I have been a fan of the Call of Duty franchise for most of my lifetime. Since I was about eight years old, I’ve been enthralled by the fast-paced…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
By Addison Chrivia, Editor Every year, without fail, Black Friday sales overtake the public. Bringing with them people fighting over a five-dollar toaster or a limited edition toy, employees being harassed, and companies making a whole lot of money. But…
By David Lavrinovich, Editor As a self-described bookworm, it baffles me when people say that they hate reading. I typically continue the conversation by asking about what kinds of books they read and, the majority of the time, my suspicions…
By Em Powell, Lead Graphic Designer In recent years, we have all been aware of the change in our political climate. We have seen the shift in not only our political leaders and how important issues are handled, but also…
By Carly Bunch, Lead Videographer Fall is one of the most visually stunning times of the year, as the warm summer air fades into crisp autumn as nature continues its cycle of reset. During this time, we get an abundance…
By John Medina, Staff Writer Since the turn of the 20th century, the common T-shirt has maintained its status as a symbol in both fashion and larger pop culture as a whole. From its origins as undergarments for navy soldiers…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
Grammar SimplifiedGrammar, Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – The First Ask Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – Less Words, Fewer ProblemsBy Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer Grammar is a challenge for many students, myself included. It seems like…
By Gerard Urie, Special to the Journal Imagine you’re walking around downtown Knoxville and, while passing an unassuming brick building, you hear sounds of rustling and loud talking. Outside on the sidewalk, there are a few young people with piercings…
By Addison Chrivia, Editor CORRECTION: Professor Judy Sichler was incorrectly named Julie in an earlier edition of this story. Death is something we all have to face someday; learning to cope with the constantly approaching figure of death is something…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor The season is shifting and with it comes the evenings where the sun is setting before most of us even eat dinner. With the change in season comes a serious change in vibe, as seasonal…
By Jackie Ayala, Staff Writer Mon dieu! Parisian’s beloved museum, the Louvre, recently encountered an incident straight from a thriller movie – crown jewels belonging to French royalty were stolen in a rapid art heist committed early Sunday morning on…
By Jackie Ayala, Staff Writer October marks OCD Awareness Month – a time to acknowledge and understand people who have obsessive compulsive disorders, maybe even consider the possibility one might have it. This month gives others a chance to learn…
By David Lavrinovich, Writer, Interviews by Amelia Williams, Staff Writer Many returning students have been surprised by certain changes happening to one of the most beloved study and hangout spots on the Hardin Valley campus of Pellissippi State Community College,…
Holiday HistoryThe Many Origins of Halloween Flipping the Coin: A Thanksgiving Play Holidays Around the Globe: From Christmas to Yule and Everything In BetweenBy Patrick Dobyns, Editor The days are growing shorter. Leaves have changed their colors. There’s a chill…
Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor October: the month where the porch lights look a little more orange and even your favorite old songs feel a little haunted. Imaginary Gardens is sending off this month with our playlist “Boo Bangers”…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief To celebrate Halloween, America’s favorite candy holiday, Pax the Panther will deliver Panther Packs to students on the Hardin Valley campus this Thursday, Oct. 30. “This is the Support Staff Council’s very first Halloween event,” organizer…
A Collaborative Album Review by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor, Emma Harrison, Editor and Jackie Ayala, Contributing Writer Since its announcement in August 2025, the visuals and teasers steadily dropped for Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, promising…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, or DTMF, spent four weeks at the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, which should come as no surprise to anyone who listened (or translated) the album and its lyrics….
By Bean Gast, Staff Writer Last month, faculty members received an email stating that “students, faculty, and staff are not required to: use a person’s preferred name if the preferred name is not the individual’s legal name or a derivative…
By Addison Chrivia, Editor and Kaela Hatcher, Artist Celebrating creators of all ages, this year’s Young Creative Writer’s Workshop will be held at Pellissippi State Community College’s Strawberry Plains campus on Saturday, October 25. Starting at 8:30 am, participants will…
By Amelia Williams, Staff Writer On September 18th, I was lured in with the promises of free hotdogs and Miss Vickie’s Salt and Vinegar chips to attend the Game Day event in the courtyard. What I ended up getting out…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief Last month (September 17, to be exact), Cannibal Corpse came to town, playing the Mill and Mine in the Old City. If you didn’t know they were here, you’re not alone. If you’re wondering who the…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
By Carly Bunch, Lead Videographer In a world where digital media is the standard, it might seem like physical media is inferior. When you get down to brass tacks, though, it becomes clear that this is not the case. Just…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackIntroduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor With Fall Break…
By Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Every student has their favorite place to get some work done, whether it’s the sunny corner of the library or their own cozy bedroom. Finding that right spot where you…
By David Lavrinovich, Staff Writer A caramel-like confection that is popular throughout the world, dulce de leche holds a special place in my heart (as well as my stomach). While popular throughout Latin America, it deserves a lot more love…
By Reese Bunch, Writer, Photos by Clarice Kear, Photographer With the pressure of class, tests, papers, and studying, it can be easy to see Pellissippi State Community College simply as the place you go to class; however, despite the fluorescent…
By Danna Breaux, Edited by Patrick Dobyns, Editor American filmgoers have missed a great deal by ignoring films made by Black artists. So often, we get every possible angle of stereotypes, but almost never do we see the true inner…
By Patrick Dobyns, Editor, Interview by Bean Gast, Staff Writer During the Spring semester of 2025, the Cultivating Community Committee (C3) hosted a drive to collect period hygiene items, donating them to the Knoxville Family Justice Center. Hosted during Women’s…
By Bean Gast, Staff Writer On September 17th, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Professor Lisa Henderson will be lecturing on the parallels between dance and human connection. Since the idea was introduced to her last fall, Professor Henderson has…
By David Lavrinovich, Staff Writer Travel has always been a love of mine, so I was ecstatic when I discovered that, even as a community college student, I would be able to study abroad. Because TBR Global Studies, formerly known…
By Rebecka Jones, Contributing Writer On the fourth of September, Pellissippi State Community College experienced a serious tornado alert. Classes were disrupted when the college’s alarms went off, forcing students to take shelter downstairs in windowless rooms and, though the…
By John Medina, Writer Pellissippi State Community College offers a variety of clubs and extra-curricular events for students to attend, varying from sports teams, gaming clubs, along with other social gatherings. These planned college events allow for students to meet…
By Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer, and Ashlyn Swaggerty, Contributing Writer What’s something that everyone at Pellissippi State Community College has in common? We all have to eat! Sometimes deciding where to go, especially on a busy day, can seem daunting….
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Camp Honey Coffee splashed into Knoxville this summer, and brought taste with it. There is something about this space, with its picnic benches full of people catching up in the sunshine and the physical shop…
By David Lavrinovich, Contributing Writer In 2024, World’s Fair Park hosted over 70,000 people for the Knoxville Asian Festival, cementing it as the largest cultural festival in the Southeastern United States. This year had even more visitors, with Knoxville natives…
By James Cochran, Photo Editor From August 25th through the 29th, Pellissippi State Community College hosted an engagement fair at all three campuses to start the Fall 2025 semester, showing the various clubs and opportunities offered. The Strawberry Plains campus…
By Cynthia Miles, Contributing Writer, with photos by William Dishmon Climbing Roots, Knoxville’s newest woman-owned bouldering gym, is moving into the church building connected to 71 South in South Knoxville. This gym offers many different bouldering and training walls for…
By Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer Pellissippi State Community College offers many exciting majors and programs, making its student population diverse with many varying interests; however, because campuses are a busy place, really cool things are often happening right among us…
By Emma Harrison, Marketing Editor Across the rolling green hills and through the misty roads, the sun shines on County Kerry, Ireland. The trees sway in the wind, waving hello as I pass by. Adventure calls my name as I…
By Ashlyn Swaggerty, Photographer There’s a new addition to the Hardin Valley campus! Pellissippi State Community College’s Theatre Department has a new set-building office known as “The Hardin Valley House”, and it’s located by the EV charging station across the…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor The Lakeside Rodeo, hosted on August 15 and 16 at Prater Farms, drew massive crowds from surrounding counties to see some wholesome, country fun. The Rodeo, arranged by Prater Farms and the Cotton Eyed Joe,…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackIntroduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Although Autumn brings…
By Rocket Belden Since the dawn of television, cop dramas have littered TV programming. Police officers have been the stars of television since the 1950s, but the way they have been depicted has evolved over time. Despite the evolution of…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor On June 5th 2025 at 8AM, I was standing in line at the Costco in Farragut waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2 to hit the shelves. Surrounded by families looking for something to occupy their…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackBy Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Heather Schroeder, Faculty…
By Imaginary Gardens Staff Unfortunately, not everyone has thousands to spend on beach vacations or money to blow on expensive hobbies; in fact, in this economy, most students of Pellissippi State Community College are likely either taking summer classes, or…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor The James Thompson Journalism Award is a prestigious honor for student photojournalists in the East Tennessee region. Named after the late great James Thompson who was a pioneering photojournalist himself, the award invites students from…
By James Cochran, Staff Writer and Photographer To end the spring semester on a high note (literally), Pellissippi State Community College’s Hardin Valley Campus hosted its last choral concert of the semester. Directed by Meagan Humphreys and accompanist Peggy Cavin…
By Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer In America there is a food crisis heading our way; current easy access to food is taken for granted, but with extreme weather events, intense droughts, and climate change affecting growing seasons, the U.S. will…
By Evie Hawkey with photos by Kaleb Guzman Paint a Pot & Plant a Seed was hosted multiple days on Hardin Valley campus last week, providing some tables in the courtyard full of seeds and small pots to celebrate earth…
By Lee Chaney, Staff Writer Wandering around Hardin Valley campus with a camera and an exquisite fit, local fashion enthusiast John Medina can be found capturing photos of Pellissippi State Community College’s best dressed. Their goal is simple – to…
By Grace Kelly Phillips, Special to the Journal Hillbillies. People of the Mountains. Rednecks. Mountain Folk. These are the names that many Appalachian people are called in modern times. But what makes a person Appalachian? The Appalachian Mountain range is…
By Patrick Dobyns, Editor Those of you who have read my articles won’t be surprised to hear that I was very excited to attend Professor Grechen Wingerter’s lecture on protest theatre, The Revolution Will Not Be Staged. I saw the…
By Lee Chaney, Writer The Knoxville Opera Company’s annual Rossini Festival came around again this year, over the weekend of April 12 and 13. A street fair meant to showcase local creative talent and artisanry, there were cultural performances, food…
By Hayden Ashby, Editor On September 22, 2023, queer icon Chappell Roan released her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which quickly became a hit in 2024 and received three Grammy nominations, ultimately winning Roan the Grammy…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Writer Chappell Roan, winner of the 2025 Grammy for Best New Artist and producer of the highly acclaimed 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, has finally recently released her first country single, “The…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor, with photos by Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor Imaginary Gardens had the privilege of attending Pellissippi State Community College’s “Our Vision in Gold” Gala, a fundraising event celebrating 50 years of the campus being open. The gala…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor On April 5, 2025, thousands gathered in Downtown Knoxville at the intersection of Henley Street, Western Avenue, and Summit Hill Drive from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. These activists gathered for a variety of causes…
By Hayden Ashby On April 1, 2025, four teams from the Pellissippi State Intramural Basketball League faced off in two heated matchups, eagerly competing for bragging rights and, ultimately, a spot in the playoffs scheduled for April 29. In the…
By Scarlett Hall, Writer Charles Miller’s take on Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind by Greg Allen is a current rage at Pellissippi State Community College, boasting an interactive experience to multiple sold-out crowds. While only an hour…
By Lee Chaney, Kaleb Guzman, and James Cochran The 2025 Mag Comic Expo was a brilliant display of local talent and creativity, featuring artists and cosplayers alike. Held on Saturday, April 5, this year marked the expo’s fourth annual run,…
By Lee Chaney with photos by William Dishmon Being part of the Variations choir at Pellissippi State Community College can be stressful; students are expected to constantly learn new music and perform at different venues throughout the year. However, all…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Writer Art has served as a powerful tool in protest movements throughout the years; from Paul Revere’s “Boston Massacre” engraving to Banksy’s street art, self-expression has always been an outlet for critiquing injustice and sparking social change….
By Kaleb Guzman, Assistant Photo Editor The Past and Present exhibition celebrates Pellissippi State Community College’s 50-year anniversary showing off all kinds of art. Here are some highlights of the many beautiful pieces that were displayed during the week-long event….
By Rocket Belden, Staff Writer Jane Schoenbrun’s 2024 film I Saw the TV Glow is a beautiful reflection of queer identity. Complex and thought-provoking, Schoenbrun uses lighting and sound to contribute to the eerie and off putting feel of the…
By Grace Kelly Phillips In a galaxy far, far away we are introduced to adventures, tales, tragedies, and sagas of various kinds. Or, at least, that’s what The Mandalorian TV show, its upcoming 2026 tie-in film, and the entire Star…
By Emma G. Harrison “You had to give yourself up to it spiritually; you had to surrender yourself absolutely to it. When you were done and walked away from the boat, you had to feel that you had left a…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor I have been a Hunger Games fan since I was about ten years old; it all started when I wandered into the young adult section of our local library. At that young age, I missed much…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor The most recent Academy Award winner for Best International Film, The Seed of a Sacred Fig, is an outstandingly beautiful and deeply meaningful film well worth your attention if you can spare 167 minutes of…
By Emma G. Harrison On March 12, Pellissippi State Community College students gathered in the Clayton Performing Arts Center on the Hardin Valley campus for an unusual lecture experience. Rus Harper, local punk artist and instructor of Engineering and Media…
By James Cochran, Photographer On March 12, the Variations Choir performed a mini-concert at Pellissippi State Community College’s Goins College Center, directed by Liberal Arts Professor Maegan Humphreys. Serving as a send-off concert for the group, the performance showcased a…
By William Dishmon, Photographer and Lee Chaney, Graphic Design Artist The annual Student Honors recital, a beautiful showcase of Pellissippi State Community College’s music department and creative talent, was recently held in the Clayton Performing Arts Center, free to all…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Staff Writer In honor of Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s history, achievements, and culture, Pellissippi State Community College hosted a free showing of the two time Academy Award winning musical fantasy film, Wicked. The…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor JENNIE, a previous K-Pop Icon as a formative member of the girl group Blackpink, has released an almost entirely English debut album named after the pseudonym she used while living in New Zealand, Ruby. To launch…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor Between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on February 22, 2025, photojournalism students at both Pellissippi and University of Tennessee-Knoxville used these 24 hours to capture photos and videos for the James Thompson Photojournalism contest. The…
By Kaleb Guzman, Assistant Photo Editor Student Engage and Lead hosted a fun Brunch with Brushes event last week in the student lounge, located in the Goins Administrations Building. Many tables were set up with a blank canvas for each…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor The Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers association (SANP, for short), held another monthly meeting last week in the L. J. Goins Administration Building at Pellissippi State Community College’s Hardin Valley campus. Although hosted at the school,…
By Patrick Dobyns, Editor Last Thursday, the Student Activities Board put on a showing of the 2007 film, The Great Debaters, a film apt to round out Black History Month. The audience for the movie was somewhat scarce, but that’s…
By Rocket Belden, Staff Writer This year’s annual winter choral concert on February 27, was a celebration of community and music at Pellissippi State Community College, as Pellissippi State Concert Chorale and Pellissippi State Variations performed along with the Clinton…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor Everyone has their own reasons for going sober, I made the choice to be more health- and financially-conscious. Though I’m by no means a health aficionado, I noticed that after drinking, I’d spend one of my…
An Upcoming Lecture from A Long-Time Punk Legend By Leyli Izadpanah, Staff Writer Punk rock has a rich history; from its emergence in the mid 1970s to its often aggressive (and sometimes even poppy?) life in the music scene today,…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Staff Writer Black History month is a time to commemorate and celebrate Black and African American contributions to literature, culture, and history every year. In honor of this, Pellissippi State hosted its tenth annual multi-campus marathon celebration…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Just thirty minutes away from the heart of Knoxville, there is a Hallmark Country Christmas waiting for you in Dandridge, TN. Dandridge, for those out of the loop, is a cozy historic town nestled in…
By James Cochran, Photo Editor Every decade has a recognizable aesthetic and, when it comes to cars, they’re no exception. Cars are moving snapshots in time of what design choices and trends were popular at the time, from big components…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
A Ghostly Staff Collaboration with an Introduction by Anna Trevathan Welcome to Imaginary Gardens’ staff graveyard, where we are burying our graduating class this semester. This is sacred digital dirt, where our graduates bid adieu to the contributions, creativity, and…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief As the winter season starts to chill the air and the nights get ever longer, there is a lot more time for both personal introspection and choosing who to spend your time out with… after all,…
Grammar SimplifiedGrammar, Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – The First Ask Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – Less Words, Fewer ProblemsBy Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer Well, here we are again! I am on a journey to understand grammar…
Holiday HistoryThe Many Origins of Halloween Flipping the Coin: A Thanksgiving Play Holidays Around the Globe: From Christmas to Yule and Everything In BetweenBy Patrick Dobyns, Editor Happy Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Yule, and so, so many more winter holidays to…
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…
By Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Heather Lee Schroeder, Faculty Mentor I grew up in a culturally German family. Starting in late November, we feasted on perfect Stollen loaves, German potato pancakes (Reibekuchen) topped with my grandmother’s chunky applesauce, and…
By Bean Gast, Staff Writer No matter which winter holiday you celebrate, there’s one factor that is significant to all of them: sharing the celebration with family and friends. As a result of the rampant U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
By Anna Baker, Staff Writer and Sustainable Santa Do you enjoy thrifting? If so, you should consider having a thrifting Christmas. Thrifting makes presents more personal and unique, as most things at thrift stores aren’t found in mainstream stores anymore. …
By Matthew Gilliam, Special to the Journal One would be hard pressed in 2025 to find a student who wasn’t suffering the consequences of a poor sleep schedule, myself included. I’ve been there, pushing off studying or homework until near…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackBy Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing…
By David Lavrinovich, Editor and Anonymous Contributor With Thanksgiving coming up, Black Friday follows shortly thereafter, a day in which many people go out to buy large amounts of Christmas presents or other items for themselves while being justified by…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief Let me preface this review by saying I have been a fan of the Call of Duty franchise for most of my lifetime. Since I was about eight years old, I’ve been enthralled by the fast-paced…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
By Addison Chrivia, Editor Every year, without fail, Black Friday sales overtake the public. Bringing with them people fighting over a five-dollar toaster or a limited edition toy, employees being harassed, and companies making a whole lot of money. But…
By David Lavrinovich, Editor As a self-described bookworm, it baffles me when people say that they hate reading. I typically continue the conversation by asking about what kinds of books they read and, the majority of the time, my suspicions…
By Em Powell, Lead Graphic Designer In recent years, we have all been aware of the change in our political climate. We have seen the shift in not only our political leaders and how important issues are handled, but also…
By Carly Bunch, Lead Videographer Fall is one of the most visually stunning times of the year, as the warm summer air fades into crisp autumn as nature continues its cycle of reset. During this time, we get an abundance…
By John Medina, Staff Writer Since the turn of the 20th century, the common T-shirt has maintained its status as a symbol in both fashion and larger pop culture as a whole. From its origins as undergarments for navy soldiers…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
Grammar SimplifiedGrammar, Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – The First Ask Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column – Less Words, Fewer ProblemsBy Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer Grammar is a challenge for many students, myself included. It seems like…
By Gerard Urie, Special to the Journal Imagine you’re walking around downtown Knoxville and, while passing an unassuming brick building, you hear sounds of rustling and loud talking. Outside on the sidewalk, there are a few young people with piercings…
By Addison Chrivia, Editor CORRECTION: Professor Judy Sichler was incorrectly named Julie in an earlier edition of this story. Death is something we all have to face someday; learning to cope with the constantly approaching figure of death is something…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor The season is shifting and with it comes the evenings where the sun is setting before most of us even eat dinner. With the change in season comes a serious change in vibe, as seasonal…
By Jackie Ayala, Staff Writer Mon dieu! Parisian’s beloved museum, the Louvre, recently encountered an incident straight from a thriller movie – crown jewels belonging to French royalty were stolen in a rapid art heist committed early Sunday morning on…
By Jackie Ayala, Staff Writer October marks OCD Awareness Month – a time to acknowledge and understand people who have obsessive compulsive disorders, maybe even consider the possibility one might have it. This month gives others a chance to learn…
By David Lavrinovich, Writer, Interviews by Amelia Williams, Staff Writer Many returning students have been surprised by certain changes happening to one of the most beloved study and hangout spots on the Hardin Valley campus of Pellissippi State Community College,…
Holiday HistoryThe Many Origins of Halloween Flipping the Coin: A Thanksgiving Play Holidays Around the Globe: From Christmas to Yule and Everything In BetweenBy Patrick Dobyns, Editor The days are growing shorter. Leaves have changed their colors. There’s a chill…
Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor October: the month where the porch lights look a little more orange and even your favorite old songs feel a little haunted. Imaginary Gardens is sending off this month with our playlist “Boo Bangers”…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief To celebrate Halloween, America’s favorite candy holiday, Pax the Panther will deliver Panther Packs to students on the Hardin Valley campus this Thursday, Oct. 30. “This is the Support Staff Council’s very first Halloween event,” organizer…
A Collaborative Album Review by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor, Emma Harrison, Editor and Jackie Ayala, Contributing Writer Since its announcement in August 2025, the visuals and teasers steadily dropped for Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, promising…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, or DTMF, spent four weeks at the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, which should come as no surprise to anyone who listened (or translated) the album and its lyrics….
By Bean Gast, Staff Writer Last month, faculty members received an email stating that “students, faculty, and staff are not required to: use a person’s preferred name if the preferred name is not the individual’s legal name or a derivative…
By Addison Chrivia, Editor and Kaela Hatcher, Artist Celebrating creators of all ages, this year’s Young Creative Writer’s Workshop will be held at Pellissippi State Community College’s Strawberry Plains campus on Saturday, October 25. Starting at 8:30 am, participants will…
By Amelia Williams, Staff Writer On September 18th, I was lured in with the promises of free hotdogs and Miss Vickie’s Salt and Vinegar chips to attend the Game Day event in the courtyard. What I ended up getting out…
By Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief Last month (September 17, to be exact), Cannibal Corpse came to town, playing the Mill and Mine in the Old City. If you didn’t know they were here, you’re not alone. If you’re wondering who the…
Dear CordiaDear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: The Iliad of Intolerance Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens Advice Column: Brave Boundaries Dear Cordia, an Imaginary Gardens…
By Carly Bunch, Lead Videographer In a world where digital media is the standard, it might seem like physical media is inferior. When you get down to brass tacks, though, it becomes clear that this is not the case. Just…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackIntroduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor With Fall Break…
By Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Every student has their favorite place to get some work done, whether it’s the sunny corner of the library or their own cozy bedroom. Finding that right spot where you…
By David Lavrinovich, Staff Writer A caramel-like confection that is popular throughout the world, dulce de leche holds a special place in my heart (as well as my stomach). While popular throughout Latin America, it deserves a lot more love…
By Reese Bunch, Writer, Photos by Clarice Kear, Photographer With the pressure of class, tests, papers, and studying, it can be easy to see Pellissippi State Community College simply as the place you go to class; however, despite the fluorescent…
By Danna Breaux, Edited by Patrick Dobyns, Editor American filmgoers have missed a great deal by ignoring films made by Black artists. So often, we get every possible angle of stereotypes, but almost never do we see the true inner…
By Patrick Dobyns, Editor, Interview by Bean Gast, Staff Writer During the Spring semester of 2025, the Cultivating Community Committee (C3) hosted a drive to collect period hygiene items, donating them to the Knoxville Family Justice Center. Hosted during Women’s…
By Bean Gast, Staff Writer On September 17th, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Professor Lisa Henderson will be lecturing on the parallels between dance and human connection. Since the idea was introduced to her last fall, Professor Henderson has…
By David Lavrinovich, Staff Writer Travel has always been a love of mine, so I was ecstatic when I discovered that, even as a community college student, I would be able to study abroad. Because TBR Global Studies, formerly known…
By Rebecka Jones, Contributing Writer On the fourth of September, Pellissippi State Community College experienced a serious tornado alert. Classes were disrupted when the college’s alarms went off, forcing students to take shelter downstairs in windowless rooms and, though the…
By John Medina, Writer Pellissippi State Community College offers a variety of clubs and extra-curricular events for students to attend, varying from sports teams, gaming clubs, along with other social gatherings. These planned college events allow for students to meet…
By Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer, and Ashlyn Swaggerty, Contributing Writer What’s something that everyone at Pellissippi State Community College has in common? We all have to eat! Sometimes deciding where to go, especially on a busy day, can seem daunting….
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Camp Honey Coffee splashed into Knoxville this summer, and brought taste with it. There is something about this space, with its picnic benches full of people catching up in the sunshine and the physical shop…
By James Cochran, Photo Editor From August 25th through the 29th, Pellissippi State Community College hosted an engagement fair at all three campuses to start the Fall 2025 semester, showing the various clubs and opportunities offered. The Strawberry Plains campus…
By Cynthia Miles, Contributing Writer, with photos by William Dishmon Climbing Roots, Knoxville’s newest woman-owned bouldering gym, is moving into the church building connected to 71 South in South Knoxville. This gym offers many different bouldering and training walls for…
By Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer Pellissippi State Community College offers many exciting majors and programs, making its student population diverse with many varying interests; however, because campuses are a busy place, really cool things are often happening right among us…
By Emma Harrison, Marketing Editor Across the rolling green hills and through the misty roads, the sun shines on County Kerry, Ireland. The trees sway in the wind, waving hello as I pass by. Adventure calls my name as I…
By Ashlyn Swaggerty, Photographer There’s a new addition to the Hardin Valley campus! Pellissippi State Community College’s Theatre Department has a new set-building office known as “The Hardin Valley House”, and it’s located by the EV charging station across the…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor The Lakeside Rodeo, hosted on August 15 and 16 at Prater Farms, drew massive crowds from surrounding counties to see some wholesome, country fun. The Rodeo, arranged by Prater Farms and the Cotton Eyed Joe,…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackIntroduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor Although Autumn brings…
By Rocket Belden Since the dawn of television, cop dramas have littered TV programming. Police officers have been the stars of television since the 1950s, but the way they have been depicted has evolved over time. Despite the evolution of…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor On June 5th 2025 at 8AM, I was standing in line at the Costco in Farragut waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2 to hit the shelves. Surrounded by families looking for something to occupy their…
PlaylistsShame Listens: A Playlist The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens Festive Favs by Imaginary Gardens: Your Holiday Season SoundtrackBy Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Heather Schroeder, Faculty…
By Imaginary Gardens Staff Unfortunately, not everyone has thousands to spend on beach vacations or money to blow on expensive hobbies; in fact, in this economy, most students of Pellissippi State Community College are likely either taking summer classes, or…
By Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor The James Thompson Journalism Award is a prestigious honor for student photojournalists in the East Tennessee region. Named after the late great James Thompson who was a pioneering photojournalist himself, the award invites students from…
By James Cochran, Staff Writer and Photographer To end the spring semester on a high note (literally), Pellissippi State Community College’s Hardin Valley Campus hosted its last choral concert of the semester. Directed by Meagan Humphreys and accompanist Peggy Cavin…
By Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer In America there is a food crisis heading our way; current easy access to food is taken for granted, but with extreme weather events, intense droughts, and climate change affecting growing seasons, the U.S. will…
By Evie Hawkey with photos by Kaleb Guzman Paint a Pot & Plant a Seed was hosted multiple days on Hardin Valley campus last week, providing some tables in the courtyard full of seeds and small pots to celebrate earth…
By Lee Chaney, Staff Writer Wandering around Hardin Valley campus with a camera and an exquisite fit, local fashion enthusiast John Medina can be found capturing photos of Pellissippi State Community College’s best dressed. Their goal is simple – to…
By Grace Kelly Phillips, Special to the Journal Hillbillies. People of the Mountains. Rednecks. Mountain Folk. These are the names that many Appalachian people are called in modern times. But what makes a person Appalachian? The Appalachian Mountain range is…
By Patrick Dobyns, Editor Those of you who have read my articles won’t be surprised to hear that I was very excited to attend Professor Grechen Wingerter’s lecture on protest theatre, The Revolution Will Not Be Staged. I saw the…
By Lee Chaney, Writer The Knoxville Opera Company’s annual Rossini Festival came around again this year, over the weekend of April 12 and 13. A street fair meant to showcase local creative talent and artisanry, there were cultural performances, food…
By Hayden Ashby, Editor On September 22, 2023, queer icon Chappell Roan released her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which quickly became a hit in 2024 and received three Grammy nominations, ultimately winning Roan the Grammy…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Writer Chappell Roan, winner of the 2025 Grammy for Best New Artist and producer of the highly acclaimed 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, has finally recently released her first country single, “The…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor, with photos by Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor Imaginary Gardens had the privilege of attending Pellissippi State Community College’s “Our Vision in Gold” Gala, a fundraising event celebrating 50 years of the campus being open. The gala…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor On April 5, 2025, thousands gathered in Downtown Knoxville at the intersection of Henley Street, Western Avenue, and Summit Hill Drive from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. These activists gathered for a variety of causes…
By Hayden Ashby On April 1, 2025, four teams from the Pellissippi State Intramural Basketball League faced off in two heated matchups, eagerly competing for bragging rights and, ultimately, a spot in the playoffs scheduled for April 29. In the…
By Scarlett Hall, Writer Charles Miller’s take on Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind by Greg Allen is a current rage at Pellissippi State Community College, boasting an interactive experience to multiple sold-out crowds. While only an hour…
By Lee Chaney, Kaleb Guzman, and James Cochran The 2025 Mag Comic Expo was a brilliant display of local talent and creativity, featuring artists and cosplayers alike. Held on Saturday, April 5, this year marked the expo’s fourth annual run,…
By Lee Chaney with photos by William Dishmon Being part of the Variations choir at Pellissippi State Community College can be stressful; students are expected to constantly learn new music and perform at different venues throughout the year. However, all…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Writer Art has served as a powerful tool in protest movements throughout the years; from Paul Revere’s “Boston Massacre” engraving to Banksy’s street art, self-expression has always been an outlet for critiquing injustice and sparking social change….
By Kaleb Guzman, Assistant Photo Editor The Past and Present exhibition celebrates Pellissippi State Community College’s 50-year anniversary showing off all kinds of art. Here are some highlights of the many beautiful pieces that were displayed during the week-long event….
By Rocket Belden, Staff Writer Jane Schoenbrun’s 2024 film I Saw the TV Glow is a beautiful reflection of queer identity. Complex and thought-provoking, Schoenbrun uses lighting and sound to contribute to the eerie and off putting feel of the…
By Grace Kelly Phillips In a galaxy far, far away we are introduced to adventures, tales, tragedies, and sagas of various kinds. Or, at least, that’s what The Mandalorian TV show, its upcoming 2026 tie-in film, and the entire Star…
By Emma G. Harrison “You had to give yourself up to it spiritually; you had to surrender yourself absolutely to it. When you were done and walked away from the boat, you had to feel that you had left a…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor I have been a Hunger Games fan since I was about ten years old; it all started when I wandered into the young adult section of our local library. At that young age, I missed much…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor The most recent Academy Award winner for Best International Film, The Seed of a Sacred Fig, is an outstandingly beautiful and deeply meaningful film well worth your attention if you can spare 167 minutes of…
By Emma G. Harrison On March 12, Pellissippi State Community College students gathered in the Clayton Performing Arts Center on the Hardin Valley campus for an unusual lecture experience. Rus Harper, local punk artist and instructor of Engineering and Media…
By James Cochran, Photographer On March 12, the Variations Choir performed a mini-concert at Pellissippi State Community College’s Goins College Center, directed by Liberal Arts Professor Maegan Humphreys. Serving as a send-off concert for the group, the performance showcased a…
By William Dishmon, Photographer and Lee Chaney, Graphic Design Artist The annual Student Honors recital, a beautiful showcase of Pellissippi State Community College’s music department and creative talent, was recently held in the Clayton Performing Arts Center, free to all…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Staff Writer In honor of Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s history, achievements, and culture, Pellissippi State Community College hosted a free showing of the two time Academy Award winning musical fantasy film, Wicked. The…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor JENNIE, a previous K-Pop Icon as a formative member of the girl group Blackpink, has released an almost entirely English debut album named after the pseudonym she used while living in New Zealand, Ruby. To launch…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor Between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on February 22, 2025, photojournalism students at both Pellissippi and University of Tennessee-Knoxville used these 24 hours to capture photos and videos for the James Thompson Photojournalism contest. The…
By Kaleb Guzman, Assistant Photo Editor Student Engage and Lead hosted a fun Brunch with Brushes event last week in the student lounge, located in the Goins Administrations Building. Many tables were set up with a blank canvas for each…
By Sophie Perrins, Photo Editor The Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers association (SANP, for short), held another monthly meeting last week in the L. J. Goins Administration Building at Pellissippi State Community College’s Hardin Valley campus. Although hosted at the school,…
By Patrick Dobyns, Editor Last Thursday, the Student Activities Board put on a showing of the 2007 film, The Great Debaters, a film apt to round out Black History Month. The audience for the movie was somewhat scarce, but that’s…
By Rocket Belden, Staff Writer This year’s annual winter choral concert on February 27, was a celebration of community and music at Pellissippi State Community College, as Pellissippi State Concert Chorale and Pellissippi State Variations performed along with the Clinton…
By Anna Trevathan, Editor Everyone has their own reasons for going sober, I made the choice to be more health- and financially-conscious. Though I’m by no means a health aficionado, I noticed that after drinking, I’d spend one of my…
An Upcoming Lecture from A Long-Time Punk Legend By Leyli Izadpanah, Staff Writer Punk rock has a rich history; from its emergence in the mid 1970s to its often aggressive (and sometimes even poppy?) life in the music scene today,…
By Leyli Izadpanah, Staff Writer Black History month is a time to commemorate and celebrate Black and African American contributions to literature, culture, and history every year. In honor of this, Pellissippi State hosted its tenth annual multi-campus marathon celebration…
