List of award winners from Volume 63
Contributors
Zack Anderson — I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a kid, and have been writing for fun on and off since middle school. An avid film and television fan, I’ve tried not only to take inspiration from movies and television programs, but from the experience of the viewer as well. I’m interested in the world we live in, one that’s changing and growing in scary and exciting ways. Just as the possibilities for human achievement are limitless, so too are the possibilities for the written word.
Donel Arrington — I am a poet, musician, and writer living in Eureka, California, and going to school at College of the Redwoods with plans of transferring to Humboldt State University when I’m done there.
Anna Badger — I’m a practicing writer from San Diego majoring in Writing Practices at Humboldt State University.
Rebecca Baldwin — I am currently consumed with themes and imagery circling around fabrics, allowing the materials to aid in the discussion of feminine identity and body image, the comfortable wrapping and coddling of insecurities, and of spirituality. I use fabric to set up a domestic environment, serving as a representation for internal structures, and describing duality between the body and the soul. I incorporate a wide variety of mediums such as traditional paints, textiles, and graphic illustration which allow me to pursue different academic environments and explore diverse creative methods in what I believe line with Toyon’s philosophy of diversity.
Barbara Becerra — I’m Barbara Becerra, born in Mexico raised in Southern California. Been in Humboldt State since 2011 and this will be my final. Majoring in Studio Art emphasis in graphic design and photography with a minor in marketing. These photographs represent the way that I view human and nature. I see nature and us as one, we both come from the Mother Nature. We are equal.
Kimberly Carlson — I graduated HSU with an MA in English. My novel, Out of the Shadows won an IPPY Gold Medal for Best Fiction of the West Pacific. Queen for a Day is chapter taken from my memoir. Literature and art and my children nurture my growth as a woman in love with life.
Andrea Curtade — My name is Andrea Curtade a girl from Norwalk, California with roots tracing back to Guatemala. That is the most factual and steady information about myself. I am constantly evolving, changing perception; trying to find my identity through my writing and other’s stories. I am the brown girl who wants to learn all she can about her people, the brown girl who wants her voice to be heard; above all, I am the brown girl who wants to be just like every other brown girl — strong.
Haley M. Davis — Born in Maui, Hawaii, I moved to California for school. There are many struggles being far from home, but missing the protests against Monsanto was one that was less expected. When both sides were pushing their weight this print was my protest from a far.
Kristian Gildardo Espinoza — Kristian Espinoza is a Humboldt State University Psychology major, and Ethnic Studies minor. Growing up in a small town in the south eastern region of the California desert, he was exposed to different forms of violence and many forms of racism. His ultimate career goals are to become a Substance Abuse Counselor for the LatinX community by providing cultural celebration and cultivation as a healing method for those who have been subjected to substance abuse disorder. Kristian uses poetry as a way to filter out anger, anxiety, and depression resulting from systematic oppression, and to empower those who don’t feel as though they have a voice when it comes to mental health or cultural freedom.
Lorelei O. Farrell — I am finishing my very last semester and aim to resume development for the many creative projects (poetry and fiction) that have been halted; I also hope to especially make headway for one particular project that I hope to one day make into a graphic novel. It is a dystopian and philosophical piece I will call “Shock Therapy”. For the most part, I work as an art model, feline admirer, and observer of human weirdness. I hope to travel and find my true passion and creative outlet/resource when I have finished my BA in the English Writing Pathway at Humboldt State.
Kendra Gardner — I’m Kendra Gardner and I’m an English Major at HSU in the Writing Practices discipline. At HSU I hope to develop the skills to use my writing to promote social justice, and hope to teach English in the future. When I am not writing academically or creatively, I prefer to spend my time outdoors. I’m an avid surfer and day-hike enthusiast. I love being a student at HSU because I am immersed in both the academic and the outdoor worlds.
Shiloh C. Green — My name is Shiloh Green, and this December, I will obtain my Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Community Organizing from Humboldt State. I am currently working on graduate school applications in the field of Human Geography. My research interests involve community access to neighborhood amenities in regards to green space and nature. Specifically, if access to green space can be used as a vehicle in fostering a stronger community. In my little free time, I can be found critically analyzing every aspect of society over a steaming honey latte.
Jonathan Greenhause — A 4-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, I was the winner of the 2015 Editor’s Choice Poetry Award from Kind of a Hurricane Press, the 2nd-prize winner in the 2016 Gemini Magazine Poetry Open, a finalist for this year’s Green Mountains Review Book Prize, a finalist for Soundings East’s 2016 Claire Keyes Award in Poetry, and a finalist for the 2016 Iowa Review Poetry Award. My poems have recently appeared or are forthcoming in Artful Dodge, FOLIO, Miramar, RHINO, and Tule Review, among others.
Elisa N. Griego — I have always held a strong interest in art and biological sciences. Even from a young age, I was quite observant and soft spoken, so as a consequence, I always felt at home drawing and studying the diverse life around me. This intimate, careful observation is just as much an art, a science, and a connection to nature.
Miles R. Hay — Miles Hay was born on a cold November evening, and works tirelessly to save American literature from bondage and sexy vampires.
Ihovanna Huezo — Ihovanna Huezo is a recent graduate of Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.
Sydney Hubbel — I am currently a student at Humboldt State, studying English Writing Practices, History, and German Studies. I work as the Assistant Managing Editor for the Toyon and love the work we do - especially in regard to our multilingual and environmental justice narratives. I am currently a writer for the Odyssey, which is an online platform for millennial writers. I focus my writing on feminist narratives and travel accounts. When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading fantasy stories, listening to alien conspiracy theories, painting, and traveling.
Katia G. Karadjova— I am a library faculty at HSU. I have a few published books and two of them are available in the HSU Authors’ collection: a book of poetry and a book of collected and translated Gypsy fairy tales.
Bryan E. Kashon — Born on a mountaintop, (or, as his parents say, the Denver St. Jude’s Children Hospital), Bryan Kashon met the world with a non-commital wiggly hand motion. Although the fragile illusion that is his life looks decrepit, Bryan admits that, on occasion, he gives it a good spit-shine to make it look less decrepit. When not hiding under a rock—or capturing heat on one for his reptilian veins—Mr. Kashon is known to act on stage, act up in public, and just generally make a fool of himself everywhere else. If seen call animal control, reassure him gently, and enjoy his stories.
Adyn McCabe —This is my third year at HSU as a Spanish and International Studies double major. Last semester Professor Rosamel Benavides- Garb brought our spanish literary analysis class to the Toyonrelease party. I was inspired by the works in Spanish and for the final class project created nine poems in Spanish and Spanglish to reflect what I had learned and how I felt about the course. The poem included in this issue of Toyon is one of the nine created for that final project.
Jeffrey H. MacLachlan — Jeffrey H. MacLachlan also has recent or forthcoming work in New Ohio Review, Eleven Eleven, The William & Mary Review, among others. He teaches literature at Georgia College & State University. He can be followed on Twitter @jeffmack.
Luke T. McCarthy — I am a new transfer student at Humboldt State University and am majoring in Environmental Studies. I have a background in Forestry/Natural Resources education from Columbia College near Yosemite National Park but have recently found a new interest in environmental justice and public outreach/education. My family has a long history in Tuolumne county, and over half of Yosemite is in that county, so I have a deep connection with the high Sierra Nevada mountains and rivers of my home. This poem is inspired by the tenacious struggle of the American Indians to stop the devastation of this country and the beautiful landscape and precious resources that define it. I am constantly surprised by their continuous fight through hardship, always standing up for their land and people. Their spirit is truly contagious. This work is specifically focused on the Dakota access pipeline issue with the Sioux Indians and many other tribes.
Anthony J. McGough — An aspiring novelist with too many ideas and too much free time. Writing is how I justify my existence.That and snarking. I love snarking. By the time you read this, hopefully, I’ll be on my way to an MA at the University of Washington!
Jéssica Melgoza — I am 20 years old and I was born in Santa Ana, Ca. I came to Humboldt State University as a Zoology major but I realized that my true passion was Spanish and French. Since I was young, being Mexican- American was a heavy weight on my shoulders trying to be what both worlds wanted. Unfortunately, transitioning from both worlds was not easy, while I was in the U.S. I was forced to assimilate. While I was in Mexico I was rejected by most people for not being a true “Mexican.” I remember being told jokingly, by a family member, “No es ni de aquí ni de allá.” This comment tormented for many years to the point where I tried everything to fit in but I always failed.
I’d like to say that I have good grasp on both Spanish and English, perfecting them as I continue my education. Thanks to my mother I was able to properly learn Spanish and feel more comfortable about my identity. Although this comment still torments me at times, I learned that with a proper grasp of a language you are able to communicate and learn about a culture.
Brooke E. Minner — Brooke, a senior at HSU, is majoring in English Literary Studies and minoring in Writing. She enjoys reading and writing poetry, tutoring students through HSU’s writing studio, watching movies and writing screenplays of her own. In her free time, she loves staying active and exploring the outdoors, going to concerts, attending and participating in slam poetry events, and cooking eccentric things. After graduation Brooke hopes to become fluent in Spanish and plans on teaching English abroad before moving back to southern California to pursue an education in film and screenwriting.
Ivan de Monbrison — is a french poet from Paris.
Daisy N. Ramirez—Raised in an image based society, I internalized self hate. At a young age, I learned that I was deemed undesirable, by some, because of my weight, class, race, and sexual orientation. What does our culture teach us about desirability, specifically in women?
Barbara Ruth — Barbara Ruth creates at the intersection of Potowatomee and Ashkenazi, disabled and neuroqueer, fat and yogi, not this and not that. Her photography, memoirs, poetry and fiction appear in numerous lesbian, queer, feminist, disability and literary anthologies and journals. She lives with her beloved in San Jose, California, USA.
Cynthia Serrano — Cynthia Serrano is a recent graduate of HSU with a B.A. in English. Her time there was defined by the breath-taking and life-affirming friendships she made while working at HSU’s Writing Studio and 4 AM runs to Don’s Donuts. She plans on continuing her education in English composition and pedagogy, with a special interest in the application of resistant discourses in academia. Additionally, she aspires to someday follow in the footsteps of Mindy Kaling and create, write, produce, and star in her own tv show, with the intention of diversifying the entertainment industry, while bringing attention to positive representations of women and people of color on screen. Her hobbies include reading, writing, expanding her library, watching unhealthy amounts of television and developing her obsession with K-pop.
Joe Shermis — Joe Shermis has written poetry since he can remember, and has been involved in the poetry world of Humboldt County since submitting poems to the Country Activist in 1989. Since then he has attended hundreds of poetry readings, read at a few open mics, and published a literary magazine, The Steelhead Special. Poetry has been his life, supported by a career in sales and management. Lately he has been the editor of the Ink People’s magazine, and has been teaching poetry at juvenile hall.
Erin Urbanus— is a student at Humboldt State University.
Donel Arrington — I am a poet, musician, and writer living in Eureka, California, and going to school at College of the Redwoods with plans of transferring to Humboldt State University when I’m done there.
Anna Badger — I’m a practicing writer from San Diego majoring in Writing Practices at Humboldt State University.
Rebecca Baldwin — I am currently consumed with themes and imagery circling around fabrics, allowing the materials to aid in the discussion of feminine identity and body image, the comfortable wrapping and coddling of insecurities, and of spirituality. I use fabric to set up a domestic environment, serving as a representation for internal structures, and describing duality between the body and the soul. I incorporate a wide variety of mediums such as traditional paints, textiles, and graphic illustration which allow me to pursue different academic environments and explore diverse creative methods in what I believe line with Toyon’s philosophy of diversity.
Barbara Becerra — I’m Barbara Becerra, born in Mexico raised in Southern California. Been in Humboldt State since 2011 and this will be my final. Majoring in Studio Art emphasis in graphic design and photography with a minor in marketing. These photographs represent the way that I view human and nature. I see nature and us as one, we both come from the Mother Nature. We are equal.
Kimberly Carlson — I graduated HSU with an MA in English. My novel, Out of the Shadows won an IPPY Gold Medal for Best Fiction of the West Pacific. Queen for a Day is chapter taken from my memoir. Literature and art and my children nurture my growth as a woman in love with life.
Andrea Curtade — My name is Andrea Curtade a girl from Norwalk, California with roots tracing back to Guatemala. That is the most factual and steady information about myself. I am constantly evolving, changing perception; trying to find my identity through my writing and other’s stories. I am the brown girl who wants to learn all she can about her people, the brown girl who wants her voice to be heard; above all, I am the brown girl who wants to be just like every other brown girl — strong.
Haley M. Davis — Born in Maui, Hawaii, I moved to California for school. There are many struggles being far from home, but missing the protests against Monsanto was one that was less expected. When both sides were pushing their weight this print was my protest from a far.
Kristian Gildardo Espinoza — Kristian Espinoza is a Humboldt State University Psychology major, and Ethnic Studies minor. Growing up in a small town in the south eastern region of the California desert, he was exposed to different forms of violence and many forms of racism. His ultimate career goals are to become a Substance Abuse Counselor for the LatinX community by providing cultural celebration and cultivation as a healing method for those who have been subjected to substance abuse disorder. Kristian uses poetry as a way to filter out anger, anxiety, and depression resulting from systematic oppression, and to empower those who don’t feel as though they have a voice when it comes to mental health or cultural freedom.
Lorelei O. Farrell — I am finishing my very last semester and aim to resume development for the many creative projects (poetry and fiction) that have been halted; I also hope to especially make headway for one particular project that I hope to one day make into a graphic novel. It is a dystopian and philosophical piece I will call “Shock Therapy”. For the most part, I work as an art model, feline admirer, and observer of human weirdness. I hope to travel and find my true passion and creative outlet/resource when I have finished my BA in the English Writing Pathway at Humboldt State.
Kendra Gardner — I’m Kendra Gardner and I’m an English Major at HSU in the Writing Practices discipline. At HSU I hope to develop the skills to use my writing to promote social justice, and hope to teach English in the future. When I am not writing academically or creatively, I prefer to spend my time outdoors. I’m an avid surfer and day-hike enthusiast. I love being a student at HSU because I am immersed in both the academic and the outdoor worlds.
Shiloh C. Green — My name is Shiloh Green, and this December, I will obtain my Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Community Organizing from Humboldt State. I am currently working on graduate school applications in the field of Human Geography. My research interests involve community access to neighborhood amenities in regards to green space and nature. Specifically, if access to green space can be used as a vehicle in fostering a stronger community. In my little free time, I can be found critically analyzing every aspect of society over a steaming honey latte.
Jonathan Greenhause — A 4-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, I was the winner of the 2015 Editor’s Choice Poetry Award from Kind of a Hurricane Press, the 2nd-prize winner in the 2016 Gemini Magazine Poetry Open, a finalist for this year’s Green Mountains Review Book Prize, a finalist for Soundings East’s 2016 Claire Keyes Award in Poetry, and a finalist for the 2016 Iowa Review Poetry Award. My poems have recently appeared or are forthcoming in Artful Dodge, FOLIO, Miramar, RHINO, and Tule Review, among others.
Elisa N. Griego — I have always held a strong interest in art and biological sciences. Even from a young age, I was quite observant and soft spoken, so as a consequence, I always felt at home drawing and studying the diverse life around me. This intimate, careful observation is just as much an art, a science, and a connection to nature.
Miles R. Hay — Miles Hay was born on a cold November evening, and works tirelessly to save American literature from bondage and sexy vampires.
Ihovanna Huezo — Ihovanna Huezo is a recent graduate of Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.
Sydney Hubbel — I am currently a student at Humboldt State, studying English Writing Practices, History, and German Studies. I work as the Assistant Managing Editor for the Toyon and love the work we do - especially in regard to our multilingual and environmental justice narratives. I am currently a writer for the Odyssey, which is an online platform for millennial writers. I focus my writing on feminist narratives and travel accounts. When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading fantasy stories, listening to alien conspiracy theories, painting, and traveling.
Katia G. Karadjova— I am a library faculty at HSU. I have a few published books and two of them are available in the HSU Authors’ collection: a book of poetry and a book of collected and translated Gypsy fairy tales.
Bryan E. Kashon — Born on a mountaintop, (or, as his parents say, the Denver St. Jude’s Children Hospital), Bryan Kashon met the world with a non-commital wiggly hand motion. Although the fragile illusion that is his life looks decrepit, Bryan admits that, on occasion, he gives it a good spit-shine to make it look less decrepit. When not hiding under a rock—or capturing heat on one for his reptilian veins—Mr. Kashon is known to act on stage, act up in public, and just generally make a fool of himself everywhere else. If seen call animal control, reassure him gently, and enjoy his stories.
Adyn McCabe —This is my third year at HSU as a Spanish and International Studies double major. Last semester Professor Rosamel Benavides- Garb brought our spanish literary analysis class to the Toyonrelease party. I was inspired by the works in Spanish and for the final class project created nine poems in Spanish and Spanglish to reflect what I had learned and how I felt about the course. The poem included in this issue of Toyon is one of the nine created for that final project.
Jeffrey H. MacLachlan — Jeffrey H. MacLachlan also has recent or forthcoming work in New Ohio Review, Eleven Eleven, The William & Mary Review, among others. He teaches literature at Georgia College & State University. He can be followed on Twitter @jeffmack.
Luke T. McCarthy — I am a new transfer student at Humboldt State University and am majoring in Environmental Studies. I have a background in Forestry/Natural Resources education from Columbia College near Yosemite National Park but have recently found a new interest in environmental justice and public outreach/education. My family has a long history in Tuolumne county, and over half of Yosemite is in that county, so I have a deep connection with the high Sierra Nevada mountains and rivers of my home. This poem is inspired by the tenacious struggle of the American Indians to stop the devastation of this country and the beautiful landscape and precious resources that define it. I am constantly surprised by their continuous fight through hardship, always standing up for their land and people. Their spirit is truly contagious. This work is specifically focused on the Dakota access pipeline issue with the Sioux Indians and many other tribes.
Anthony J. McGough — An aspiring novelist with too many ideas and too much free time. Writing is how I justify my existence.That and snarking. I love snarking. By the time you read this, hopefully, I’ll be on my way to an MA at the University of Washington!
Jéssica Melgoza — I am 20 years old and I was born in Santa Ana, Ca. I came to Humboldt State University as a Zoology major but I realized that my true passion was Spanish and French. Since I was young, being Mexican- American was a heavy weight on my shoulders trying to be what both worlds wanted. Unfortunately, transitioning from both worlds was not easy, while I was in the U.S. I was forced to assimilate. While I was in Mexico I was rejected by most people for not being a true “Mexican.” I remember being told jokingly, by a family member, “No es ni de aquí ni de allá.” This comment tormented for many years to the point where I tried everything to fit in but I always failed.
I’d like to say that I have good grasp on both Spanish and English, perfecting them as I continue my education. Thanks to my mother I was able to properly learn Spanish and feel more comfortable about my identity. Although this comment still torments me at times, I learned that with a proper grasp of a language you are able to communicate and learn about a culture.
Brooke E. Minner — Brooke, a senior at HSU, is majoring in English Literary Studies and minoring in Writing. She enjoys reading and writing poetry, tutoring students through HSU’s writing studio, watching movies and writing screenplays of her own. In her free time, she loves staying active and exploring the outdoors, going to concerts, attending and participating in slam poetry events, and cooking eccentric things. After graduation Brooke hopes to become fluent in Spanish and plans on teaching English abroad before moving back to southern California to pursue an education in film and screenwriting.
Ivan de Monbrison — is a french poet from Paris.
Daisy N. Ramirez—Raised in an image based society, I internalized self hate. At a young age, I learned that I was deemed undesirable, by some, because of my weight, class, race, and sexual orientation. What does our culture teach us about desirability, specifically in women?
Barbara Ruth — Barbara Ruth creates at the intersection of Potowatomee and Ashkenazi, disabled and neuroqueer, fat and yogi, not this and not that. Her photography, memoirs, poetry and fiction appear in numerous lesbian, queer, feminist, disability and literary anthologies and journals. She lives with her beloved in San Jose, California, USA.
Cynthia Serrano — Cynthia Serrano is a recent graduate of HSU with a B.A. in English. Her time there was defined by the breath-taking and life-affirming friendships she made while working at HSU’s Writing Studio and 4 AM runs to Don’s Donuts. She plans on continuing her education in English composition and pedagogy, with a special interest in the application of resistant discourses in academia. Additionally, she aspires to someday follow in the footsteps of Mindy Kaling and create, write, produce, and star in her own tv show, with the intention of diversifying the entertainment industry, while bringing attention to positive representations of women and people of color on screen. Her hobbies include reading, writing, expanding her library, watching unhealthy amounts of television and developing her obsession with K-pop.
Joe Shermis — Joe Shermis has written poetry since he can remember, and has been involved in the poetry world of Humboldt County since submitting poems to the Country Activist in 1989. Since then he has attended hundreds of poetry readings, read at a few open mics, and published a literary magazine, The Steelhead Special. Poetry has been his life, supported by a career in sales and management. Lately he has been the editor of the Ink People’s magazine, and has been teaching poetry at juvenile hall.
Erin Urbanus— is a student at Humboldt State University.
