Writer and Candidate for M.S. in Nonprofit Management
JOSHUA TAYLOR PATE
Halloween changes as you grow older. When you’re younger it poses as an innocent holiday where you can dress up as anyone or anything you’ve ever dreamed of. You, then, show off your amazing costume to friends and family and receive free candy. This is a dream holiday for a child. As you grow older, you inevitably leave the safety of your parents’ protection. You attend college or begin working and living on your own. When you reach this point in your life Halloween begins to change and grow darker. This is not in the sense of occult activities replacing your innocent pursuit of free candy. The thirty-first of October becomes associated with heavy drinking, debauchery and little-to-nothing costumes for women to flaunt and freeze in. It’s an excuse to release your inhibitions, without judgment, in a wild and celebratory fashion. I couldn’t wait for this occasion as it approached this past October. Over the last three years I have lived in Wilmington, N.C. and attended college, but have never participated in a large event of connected bars and pubs promoting Halloween. I was unsure if I would participate this year but, after speaking with friends who had been downtown on Halloween night, I was easily persuaded.
"New" Journalism Piece

Throughout history philosophers have debated the existence of objective morality. Philosophers of previous centuries, such as Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill, maintained a concrete belief in the absolute existence of objective moral judgments. Their beliefs were based upon individually-devised methods of determining how these judgments apply to all persons, on a universal level. Today, some philosophers take alternative approaches that argue for the probable, rather than absolute, existence of objective moral judgments. Philosopher Richard N. Boyd employs this approach. These arguments are known, collectively, as theories of moral realism. Some argue against any form or belief in moral realism, including philosopher Gilbert Harman. Gilbert’s opposition to moral realism is explained through his defense of moral relativism: a theory that proposes morality is not objective, but dependent upon relative cultural, social and personal values. This essay argues that Harman’s defense of moral relativism is superior to Boyd’s defense of probable moral realism based upon the evidence presented and logical strength of each theory.
Writing Samples
Marcus Fabius Quintilian was a Roman rhetorician from Hispania who was particularly well known for his written work entitled, Institutio Oratoria. Institutio Oratoria (English Translation: Institutes of Oratory) deals with the theory and practice of rhetoric. The book specifically focuses upon methods of education that Quintilian believed to be most effective in regards to producing a student that would excel in oratory. Research shows that many of Quintilian’s approaches to Roman education remain prevalent within educational institutions today. One, in particular, is his belief that a young child should be introduced to education through activities that result in a child’s love for education and a motivation to learn, rather than a reluctant dread to engage in his/her studies. This concept is known today as an appeal to a child’s intrinsic motivation. This essay will focus on the similarities between contemporary research on the results of appealing to a child’s intrinsic motivation and Quintilian’s beliefs on education during Roman times.
It occurs too often and is rarely reported. There is a continual fear that surges through young, collegiate women in social atmospheres. Although the evidence and acknowledgement of these feelings have increased, feelings of security against these crimes have not. Help and resources exist that attempt to prevent consistent reoccurrences. However, they seem to be rarely utilized. Sexual assault and the many variations of it, including rape and date rape, is a burdening affair among college campuses. Unfortunately, it remains a buried problem.
Some young women feel that reporting an incident of sexual assault may hurt their reputation. In cases of date rape, most young women are too embarrassed of the acts committed upon them, if inebriated, and would rather hide their secrets than go forth and be shamed by their peers. While many do not report, some do. It is these brave students who give a voice to the fight against sexual assault in universities and college towns. Danielle Lloyd (22), a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington has been acknowledged for her efforts in preventing an incident of sexual assault upon a fellow student. Her picture is displayed upon multiple flyers posted around campus for her admirable and responsible actions.
Comparative Essay
News Feature
Meta-Ethics Essay
Homes of Hope (India) Branding Analysis Excerpt
Homes of Hope (India) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization based out of Wilmington, NC. The nonprofit’s mission is to raise funds to build homes for young girls in India who have been abandoned, trafficked, or infected with HIV/AIDS. The organization has currently completed nine homes and is currently working on a tenth project. The organization’s website exhibits three components of a successful branding strategy. Their differentiated strategy can be seen through their multi-form donation scale. Their brand extension is an extension of the ministries of the Catholic church. Lastly, their brand equity is represented through their award recognition in financial transparency.