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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
By Jacqueline Ayala, Editor The moment I learned that going to concerts was a possibility, I started taking any chance I could to attend as many as I could. Singing, dancing, and watching your favorite artist live is an experience…
By Abby Kelton, Special to the Journal Growing up as a female athlete, I am acutely aware of the disparity in the recognition male athletes receive in comparison to female athletes. Witnessing men’s sports receiving an insulting amount of praise…
Puzzles!Crossword: The First Good College Try Crossword: Two for One Crossword: Across History Crossword: Now and Then: Pop Culture in HistoryBy Addison Chrivia Series Navigation<< Crossword: Across History
Puzzles!Crossword: The First Good College Try Crossword: Two for One Crossword: Across History Crossword: Now and Then: Pop Culture in HistoryBy Patrick Dobyns, Opinion Editor EDITOR’S NOTE: Hints with an asterisk (*) can be found in previous stories in the…
By Rylen McGuire, Contributing Writer Figure skating is one of the most viewed sports in the Winter Olympics and a beautiful expression of art and athleticism, captivating millions across the globe. Despite its graceful and good-natured appearance, figure skating is…
Club SpotlightsClub Spotlights: Considering Club Involvement as a Student Pellissippi Events: Pride Club Join the Sci-Fi Club! It’s Not Rocket ScienceBy Addison Chrivia, Editor Calling all Sci-Fi lovers! If you love Frankenstein, Dune, or Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy; if…
By Cadence Cascarelli, Photography Intern While we all enjoy clubs and extracurricular activities, we should not forget the little things that happen. Although major events often take center stage in our busy lives, it’s the smaller moments that quietly shape…
Club SpotlightsClub Spotlights: Considering Club Involvement as a Student Pellissippi Events: Pride Club Join the Sci-Fi Club! It’s Not Rocket ScienceBy Kayleigh Garrison, Special to the Journal with Editor’s Note by Emma G. Harrison As a dual-enrollment high school senior…
Puzzles!Crossword: The First Good College Try Crossword: Two for One Crossword: Across History Crossword: Now and Then: Pop Culture in HistoryBy Anna Matsen, Faculty Advisor Series Navigation<< Crossword: The First Good College TryCrossword: Across History >>
By Ash Beach, Special to the Journal Everyone loves a true crime story, but Professor Caroline Covington is more interested in a true tale about art crime, as she invites students to take a step into the world of art…
Puzzles!Crossword: The First Good College Try Crossword: Two for One Crossword: Across History Crossword: Now and Then: Pop Culture in HistoryBy Anna Matsen, Faculty Advisor Series NavigationCrossword: Two for One >>
By Clover Matthews, Special to the Journal Hatsune Miku isn’t your typical pop star. You might not know her name, but chances are you’ve heard her voice, a synthesized sound that has captivated millions worldwide. Despite not being a real…
By Jackson Miller, Video Intern & Writer On March 15, the 98th annual Academy Awards will be hosted at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, capping off an excellent year for movies and, as always, serving as the Super Bowl for…
By Chloe Ryerson, Special to the Journal Crossword puzzles can be found everywhere: on the shelves near the grocery store checkout, the New York Times website, and even on assignments as a teacher’s last resort at getting creative with homework….
By Jackie Ayala, Editor It’s a time of flowers, unexpected love confessions, and an entire wardrobe of iconic outfits this February 14! With the season of love drawing near, we could all use a good movie (or several) to celebrate…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
By John Medina, Staff Writer CORRECTION: The original version of this story incorrectly named the song “Super Freak” as “Super Freaky.” Over the last few years, many people, including myself, have noticed a trend that has been flooding contemporary music….
By Cas Massengil Birds are weird. Being an amateur photographer, you’d think I would opt for an easier subject to constantly shoot, but no. The past couple of months, I’ve been obsessed with taking pictures of birds. For every good…
By Bean Gast, Editor Many people start New Year’s Day hungover but with the intention of participating in Dry January or with the goal of ditching alcohol once and for all. We all know that by March or even February,…
By Heather Schroeder, Faculty Mentor As a native Upper Midwesterner, moving to Tennessee in December 2010 was a big mindset shift. We experienced a blizzard that, to my winter-ready self, seemed like a garden-variety snowstorm. Everything shut down for a…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
Pellissippi PerspectivesPellissippi Perspectives: Surviving School with Schizophrenia Pellissippi Perspectives: Naive to WorldlyBy Penelope, Special to the Journal Introduction by Draven Copeland, Managing Editor Kicking off Imaginary Gardens’ new Pellissippi Perspectives series, we present Penelope’s piece on her experience with diagnosed…
By Jackie Ayala, Editor Somehow, 2025 managed to fly by and it is now already 2026! The new year brings in New Year’s resolutions, whether you’re aiming big or small. It’s safe to say many of us might have “lower…
By IG Staff, Introduction by Addison Chrivia, Editor The end of the holiday season is upon us; we’re taking down Christmas lights and getting rid of Christmas trees, which have begun to decay by now, leaving pine needles strewn on…
Wandering GardensOh My Gaudi! Adventures in SpainBy David Lavrinovich, Former Imaginary Gardens Editor As one of the most romanticized countries in Europe, Spain does not disappoint its visitors. With views that can’t be beat, the landscape and cities bewitch all…
By Anna Trevathan, Former Imaginary Gardens Managing Editor During the beginning of Winter Break, like most fellow students, I spent an unreal amount of time doom-scrolling on my phone, scrolling through content on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for hours at…
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 Problems Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column — Pause for Effect: The Art of CommasBy Mary…
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 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…
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. …
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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 Problems Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column — Pause for Effect: The Art of CommasBy Mary…
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…
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…
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,…
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 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…
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…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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…
Club SpotlightsClub Spotlights: Considering Club Involvement as a Student Pellissippi Events: Pride Club Join the Sci-Fi Club! It’s Not Rocket ScienceBy John Medina, Writer Pellissippi State Community College offers a variety of clubs and extra-curricular events for students to attend,…
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 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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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 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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
By Jacqueline Ayala, Editor The moment I learned that going to concerts was a possibility, I started taking any chance I could to attend as many as I could. Singing, dancing, and watching your favorite artist live is an experience…
By Abby Kelton, Special to the Journal Growing up as a female athlete, I am acutely aware of the disparity in the recognition male athletes receive in comparison to female athletes. Witnessing men’s sports receiving an insulting amount of praise…
Puzzles!Crossword: The First Good College Try Crossword: Two for One Crossword: Across History Crossword: Now and Then: Pop Culture in HistoryBy Patrick Dobyns, Opinion Editor EDITOR’S NOTE: Hints with an asterisk (*) can be found in previous stories in the…
By Rylen McGuire, Contributing Writer Figure skating is one of the most viewed sports in the Winter Olympics and a beautiful expression of art and athleticism, captivating millions across the globe. Despite its graceful and good-natured appearance, figure skating is…
Club SpotlightsClub Spotlights: Considering Club Involvement as a Student Pellissippi Events: Pride Club Join the Sci-Fi Club! It’s Not Rocket ScienceBy Addison Chrivia, Editor Calling all Sci-Fi lovers! If you love Frankenstein, Dune, or Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy; if…
By Cadence Cascarelli, Photography Intern While we all enjoy clubs and extracurricular activities, we should not forget the little things that happen. Although major events often take center stage in our busy lives, it’s the smaller moments that quietly shape…
Club SpotlightsClub Spotlights: Considering Club Involvement as a Student Pellissippi Events: Pride Club Join the Sci-Fi Club! It’s Not Rocket ScienceBy Kayleigh Garrison, Special to the Journal with Editor’s Note by Emma G. Harrison As a dual-enrollment high school senior…
By Ash Beach, Special to the Journal Everyone loves a true crime story, but Professor Caroline Covington is more interested in a true tale about art crime, as she invites students to take a step into the world of art…
By Clover Matthews, Special to the Journal Hatsune Miku isn’t your typical pop star. You might not know her name, but chances are you’ve heard her voice, a synthesized sound that has captivated millions worldwide. Despite not being a real…
By Jackson Miller, Video Intern & Writer On March 15, the 98th annual Academy Awards will be hosted at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, capping off an excellent year for movies and, as always, serving as the Super Bowl for…
By Chloe Ryerson, Special to the Journal Crossword puzzles can be found everywhere: on the shelves near the grocery store checkout, the New York Times website, and even on assignments as a teacher’s last resort at getting creative with homework….
By Jackie Ayala, Editor It’s a time of flowers, unexpected love confessions, and an entire wardrobe of iconic outfits this February 14! With the season of love drawing near, we could all use a good movie (or several) to celebrate…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
By John Medina, Staff Writer CORRECTION: The original version of this story incorrectly named the song “Super Freak” as “Super Freaky.” Over the last few years, many people, including myself, have noticed a trend that has been flooding contemporary music….
By Cas Massengil Birds are weird. Being an amateur photographer, you’d think I would opt for an easier subject to constantly shoot, but no. The past couple of months, I’ve been obsessed with taking pictures of birds. For every good…
By Bean Gast, Editor Many people start New Year’s Day hungover but with the intention of participating in Dry January or with the goal of ditching alcohol once and for all. We all know that by March or even February,…
By Heather Schroeder, Faculty Mentor As a native Upper Midwesterner, moving to Tennessee in December 2010 was a big mindset shift. We experienced a blizzard that, to my winter-ready self, seemed like a garden-variety snowstorm. Everything shut down for a…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
Pellissippi PerspectivesPellissippi Perspectives: Surviving School with Schizophrenia Pellissippi Perspectives: Naive to WorldlyBy Penelope, Special to the Journal Introduction by Draven Copeland, Managing Editor Kicking off Imaginary Gardens’ new Pellissippi Perspectives series, we present Penelope’s piece on her experience with diagnosed…
By Jackie Ayala, Editor Somehow, 2025 managed to fly by and it is now already 2026! The new year brings in New Year’s resolutions, whether you’re aiming big or small. It’s safe to say many of us might have “lower…
By IG Staff, Introduction by Addison Chrivia, Editor The end of the holiday season is upon us; we’re taking down Christmas lights and getting rid of Christmas trees, which have begun to decay by now, leaving pine needles strewn on…
Wandering GardensOh My Gaudi! Adventures in SpainBy David Lavrinovich, Former Imaginary Gardens Editor As one of the most romanticized countries in Europe, Spain does not disappoint its visitors. With views that can’t be beat, the landscape and cities bewitch all…
By Anna Trevathan, Former Imaginary Gardens Managing Editor During the beginning of Winter Break, like most fellow students, I spent an unreal amount of time doom-scrolling on my phone, scrolling through content on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for hours at…
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 Problems Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column — Pause for Effect: The Art of CommasBy Mary…
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 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…
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. …
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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 Problems Grammar Simplified: An Imaginary Gardens Advice Column — Pause for Effect: The Art of CommasBy Mary…
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…
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…
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,…
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 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…
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…
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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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…
Club SpotlightsClub Spotlights: Considering Club Involvement as a Student Pellissippi Events: Pride Club Join the Sci-Fi Club! It’s Not Rocket ScienceBy John Medina, Writer Pellissippi State Community College offers a variety of clubs and extra-curricular events for students to attend,…
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 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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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 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 Soundtrack Playlist: Kick Off, Lock In, Rock On #2016…
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…
