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Joel A. is a junior majoring in journalism and minoring in Middle Eastern studies. He likes music, traveling and studying cultures. Joel believes that writing not only helps communication but also draws people together. His future plans include traveling, writing and working in the field of international relations.
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Erin A. is a senior psychology major with a minor in sociology. She is passionate about expression, service, advocacy, education, social science, and inter-culturalism and is involved in Psi Chi, Alternative Breaks, and Act on Racism. When asked about her love for writing, Erin explained, “I value expression and communication very highly and see writing as one of the best ways to imprint the world with a bit of one's self and also be imprinted by others.” After Erin graduates in December, she will go home and work in Detroit until entering the Peace Corps the following summer.
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Colleen B. is a senior studying to be a nurse. She thinks it particularly appropriate because she is a “total science nerd.” Once she gains some experience in her field, she would like to travel abroad to Australia and work for her master's degree while partaking in breast cancer research, something she is “extremely passionate” about. In her free time you may find Colleen dancing, writing short stories, watching the Pistons, or “doing anything that involves being outside!”
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Kate B. is a sophomore majoring in English education. She enjoys working out and art. For Kate, the creative aspect of writing is what she likes most about it. After graduating she would like to teach English to high school students and travel during summers. She adds that she would also like to win the lottery some day.
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Tshering B. is a graduate student studying education. Her interests include Asian bubblegum pop (which she claims is solely for cultural analysis, of course), travel and penmanship. She is a member of the Students for a Free Tibet and International Students Club. Her future plans include teaching English in Japan and Korea, and traveling around Southeast Asia.
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Kelsey B. is a junior majoring in creative writing and minoring in advertising and PR. Things she is passionate about include dancing, shopping and playing games. Writing “frees” Kelsey and gives her a sense of independence and importance. She says, “It’s my art, my breath, and one of my favorite parts of me.”
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Amanda B. is an international business and marketing major with a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about writing, golfing, working out, and tennis. She loves writing because it “allows a person to be creative and passionate with their thoughts.” Amanda plans to graduate early and work for a global company in their marketing/advertising department.
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Katie B. is a senior finance and economics major who plans to graduate in April and look for a job in investments. She may also get her master’s degree after working for a few years. She is involved in IPO, Junior Achievement, Beta Gamma Sigma and is passionate about playing tennis, traveling, photography, and spending time with family. When asked what she likes about writing, Katie replied, “I like being able to have my own style for different types of writing and being able to use different sentence structures or formatting for emphasis. I also really like research-based writing.” |
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Ashlee B. is a senior pursuing music composition as her major as well as a minor in creative writing. The upcoming ’09 and ’10 semesters will encompass her third year as a writing consultant and Ashlee LOVES HER JOB! One of Ashlee’s favorite experiences as a writing consultant is having a student claim to “absolutely hate writing papers” at the beginning of a semester but ending the semester enriched with a greater passion and appreciation for writing. Ashlee loves to read, write, and is “utterly obsessed” with writing music. |
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Allie C. is in her fifth year at Grand Valley and her third year at the writing center. Her major is English with an emphasis on secondary education with a minor in Spanish. She enjoys traveling, the Tigers, people, chai tea, ballroom dance, writing poetry and non-fiction, smoothies, hiking trips, tofu and bean curd, making jewelry, kayaking, Bon Iver, and black and white photos. She dislikes watching movies, meat, wearing shoes, Styrofoam, and public transportation. After graduating, she plans on backpacking through Europe and then hopes to move to Solana Beach, California. |
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Senior film and video major Jillian C. is involved with the Student Reading Series and is interested in supporting local independent filmmakers. Jillian loves writing because “the freedom to express myself through the written word is, in a word, awesome.” Jillian cannot choose just one consulting story as her favorite: “I love being able to work with students who are passionate about their writing and eager to see it improve.” Jillian is considering graduate school in the future. |
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Paris C. is a senior majoring in liberal studies. She is involved in Students for a Free Tibet, Amnesty International, Students for a Peaceful Africa, Liberty in North Korea, and the Grand Rapids Fair Trade Coalition. She loves to paint, garden, and fiddle around on the violin. When asked about her love of writing, Paris responded, “What I like about writing is that it is a way to communicate and to create a shared reality of the things that are inside of ourselves.” In the future, Paris plans to travel. |
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Carly C. begins her second year at the Writing Center this semester. Carly rediscovered her first passion of writing and literature soon after the realization that she did not want to become an engineer (she adds - “no offense to all of you lovely engineers; just trust me when I say that I am not one of you”). When she needed to decide on a major, she says she “didn’t even have to think – I was immediately in my element studying dead authors.” Since then, she has never looked back. Her long-term goal is to be a writer, but is desisting from publishing her memoirs just yet. She “loves Grand Valley, texting, playing with makeup, having friends over, speaking in accents, and pretending to cook.” She is also involved with Campus Ministry and, like most of her co-workers, she loves her job at the writing center! |
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Jamie D. is a writing major/ English minor and will be a junior in the Fall. In her spare time she likes to read anything by David Sedaris and both the Twilight and the Harry Potter series (for the umpteenth time). She has tried various hobbies (from waxing fruits to needle point) - all to no avail. She loves writing because it gives her the "ability to manipulate words to create a story or essay that is powerful and personal." She claims to sound more intelligent while writing primarily because of "the extra time to think and the backspace key." In the future, she would like to be a columnist or an editor. She would also like to travel and do freelance work. |
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Senior advertising major and writing minor Seth D. is interested in music and television. He loves writing because “the only limits are self-imposed; it's an opportunity for free-form creation.” In the future, Seth plans to get something published, become a copywriter, travel, and write for a television show. |
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Allyson D. is a graduate student studying English literature. Her hobbies include reading, food (“eating it, not cooking it”) and traveling to new places. Allyson likes to write because it presents the opportunity to use words that are “too absurd to use in everyday conversation.” It is also, she says, her “most intimate form of self-expression.” Her future goals include getting her M.A. and having a job that relates to her degree. |
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Maureen D. is a fourth-year English major; however, she does not plan to grow up and write the next quintessential American novel, cultivate a new breed of tri-colored cat, or weave her own blankets. She instead hopes to use her linguistic learning to pursue a corporate law degree, and therefore stay in school for as long as she can, while also being able to reasonably expect a good return on said investment. Her writing center-related research interests include studying how theory translates into practice and the pros and cons of specialized consultant training. Her interests include 80s rock music, finance, and skiing. Purportedly, she is also the reincarnation of Thomas Stearns Eliot (b. 1888- d.1965) but she can neither confirm nor deny this assertion. |
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Senior English language and literature major and anthropology minor Shavon D. is involved with the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and loves reading, exploring different types of music, dancing, and cooking. She is a self-professed trivia nerd. Shavon’s favorite part about writing is “the fact that you are able to express your thoughts and ideas in a focused way while you can play around with language.” For Shavon, the best part about being a consultant is when the student has an "A-ha!" moment. In the future, Shavon plans to attend graduate school for either library science or professional writing. |
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Senior writing major Hillary F. is involved in Girl Scouts, Vertical Earth, American Red Cross, and MTPC. She is very active and loves to be outdoors, so she spends a lot of time rock climbing, kayaking, running, and playing Frisbee. She loves writing because “it can happen anywhere.” In the winter, Hillary plans to move to Appalachia to join a champion trivia team, write some grants, and/or become a jockey in the Kentucky Derby. |
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Tim F. is a fourth year classics major with a minor in Middle-Eastern studies. He is passionate about truth, people and music. Writing appeals to Tim because “it gives voice to the heart, clarity to the mind, and often feeds the soul.” He constantly aims to “see the image of God in each person and to guard, defend, and honor this image.” |
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Alex F. is a super senior majoring in creative writing. She is the student coordinator of the Grand Valley Student Reading Series and is interested in social justice and literature, philosophy, and yoga. Alex is fascinated by writing and “its ability to convey common human experience and bridge connections between people that are otherwise impossible. Also, it can be quite amusing.” In the future, Alex plans to do freelance writing/design for five years, to “collect random tidbits of experience to use to my advantage in the portfolio I submit for grad school,” and travel. |
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Zee F. is a senior journalism major in her third year as a writing consultant. When asked about her love of writing, she responded, “Writing is the endless wardrobe for the words of our sometimes naked words. You can use it to paint, to erase... to control.... to rejoice. It is all parts of speech and therefore ultimate deliverance.” Zee is involved with Act on Racism and enjoys writing, reading, singing, and drawing. After graduation, Zee plans to go to graduate school in California to get an MFA, teach creative writing, and travel to and teach in Korea and Japan. |
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Mallory F. is a sophomore physics major with a minor in philosophy who is involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Swing Club. She loves reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends in her free time. She also loves to sing. Mallory explains that she enjoys writing because “it encourages me to really think about the material and fully develop my own ideas and opinions. I enjoy analyzing texts and research, and then explaining what I discovered.” Mallory plans to go to graduate school to study physics after graduation. |
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Kelly F. is a senior majoring in communication studies. She is involved with Campus Ministry and Grand Valley Students for a Peaceful Africa. Her hobbies include reading, photography and traveling. Kelly thinks writing is the best way to express ideas. Her future plans involve attending graduate school for organizational communication studies, pursuing a career in editing or human resources. "If all else fails," she hopes to fight crime "under the cover of darkness." |
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Heather G. is a graduate student studying English. She is interested in hockey, making jewelry, and language. She likes “working at [writing] until my writing says what I want it to mean.” In the future, Heather plans to teach and study writing. |
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Treena G. is a senior double majoring in history and English. She is involved with the International Relations Organization and Habitat for Humanity. She loves starting and finishing books in three hours, working (seriously), and watching TV show marathons with her roommates. Treena loves writing because “by reading someone’s writing and understanding it, you get to understand a little piece of them.” Treena’s favorite consultations happen almost every day: “Basically any time someone turns to me and says, ‘Thanks, that was really helpful.’ I feel like it makes what I do worthwhile.” After graduation, Treena plans to work as an editor in a publishing company. |
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Senior creative writing major Rachel G. is a nonfiction reader for the Fishladder and loves writing and performing music, comedy, and the outdoors. Her favorite part of writing is that “[it] can take something abstract and make it concrete. I am most satisfied with my writing when I feel that I have clearly communicated something that had been very internal and fragmented.” In the future, Rachel wants to be one or all of the following - a rock star, a best selling author, a stand-up comedian, a tour guide at Yellow Stone National Park, or a DJ at a rock and roll radio station. |
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Senior professional writing major and music minor, Robyn G. has a passion for playing the piano, riding her bike, traveling, and cooking. When asked about her interest in writing, Robyn replied, “I love finding the perfect way to say something.” In the future, Robyn plans to travel internationally. |
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Sam H. is a senior with a double major in English language and literature and women and gender studies. She enjoys knitting, reading, and high-fiving. She likes writing because “there are so many ways to do it. It can be creative or completely formulaic. It grows, changes, and fits into any size container.” She hopes to become an editor some day. She says, "If that doesn't work out, I'd like to do voices for video games. Or I'll be a professor perhaps. Or become Ellen.” (Note: Ellen is the director of the writing center). |
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Madeleine H. is a junior professional writing major with an emphasis in journalism. Madeleine is interested in expanding her already abundant music collection and learning to concoct new creations in the kitchen. Her favorite part about writing is “the open-ended outlet it provides for an unbound amount of expression and freedom.” When asked about her favorite consulting story, Madeleine replied, “One of my most fulfilling sessions occurred when I was able to help an ESL student perfect a speech she was to deliver at a gala later that evening. She was genuinely appreciative, and when she left, I could tell that each party was pleased with the outcome of the session.” In the future, Madeleine plans to get her Bachelor of Arts and hopefully move somewhere sunny and warm. |
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Carlynn J. is a super senior who starts her teacher assisting this semester. Her major is English with an emphasis in elementary education. She has been a consultant for a year now and hopes to work in her own classroom by next year. She likes to write "because it creates something out of nothing. It can be funny, intellectual or just a rambling of my thoughts." She also enjoys helping others with their writing. |
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Sophomore Dale Johnson is an illustration major with a minor in writing. He enjoys reading, dancing, listening to music and art. He believes writing allows one to express oneself in a unique way: "It gives you an opportunity to connect with your reader." His future plans involve going to graduate school. Dale also hopes to combine writing and art in his future career. |
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Jessi L. is a junior majoring in professional writing. She wrote for her high school newspaper, The PCEP Perspective and went on to cover news stories for the Lanthorn. As a nonprofit administration minor, she hopes to become a communications professional for a nonprofit organization. She is currently interning in the Development and Marketing office of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. She is also the editor of her own blog, this new slang, which features real-time student works. If she could she would study all the classical languages and is very proud of having a year of Latin under her belt. She loves food, family and travel, and is very excited about going to China next year. |
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Senior creative writing and English language and literature major Leah M. is a reader on the Fishladder staff and plans to someday read all of the books on the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list. When asked about her favorite consulting story, Leah replied, “I had the opportunity to work with a very ambitious Writing 150 student who wrote a satirical paper about how colleges should be treated like prisons. The purpose of the paper was to argue against an article that claimed that college students should have more restrictions in terms of curfew and living arrangements. Overall, it was an incredibly rewarding experience to be able to work with such a talented student and unique paper.” |
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Tom M. is a non-traditional student who has already completed a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in philosophy. He returned to school to take coursework to prepare him for an MFA program, which he hopes to begin in the fall of 2010. He doesn't like long walks, the beach, or fireplaces. |
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Senior Aiman M. is a writing major who plans to write and teach ESL (English as a second language) in an Arab country. Aiman’s favorite part of writing is “the attempt to recreate a writer's thought in the mind of the reader.” Aiman is in his second year as a writing consultant and remarks, “I enjoy any consultation that results in students becoming excited not just about writing but about their whole educations and lives.” |
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Senior Shay M. is an English major with an emphasis in secondary education and a minor in psychology. She is an Officer in Students for a Peaceful Africa, the founder of .PeaceFeet, and a volunteer for Humanity for Africa/African Community Center. Shay is passionate about people, beaches, road trips, downtown Grand Rapids, painting, palm trees, guitar, and Uganda. Shay loves writing because it “promotes sharing ideas with others. Limitless creativity.” In the future, Shay plans to join the Peace Corps, live and teach in East Africa, and live in California. |
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Allie O. is a junior studying creative writing as a major and public relations as a minor. She, "love[s] everything about writing, from a fresh piece of paper to meandering through words until you've found the right combination. I love how playful writing can be. That sense of tinkering around, of using irony, metaphors, implications, and double meaning. Words can turn into song lyrics, poetry, flash fiction, argumentative essays, or funny messages on a sticky note for a friend. I love it all.” As for hobbies, Allie says, “Whenever I can, I help out with the Kenowa Hills Girl's Basketball program. I do silly little-kid things with friends, whether it’s coloring or playing Mario Kart on Nintendo 64. I like taking walks, going to yoga, and visiting my brother in Seattle.” In the future, Allie plans to attend graduate school for writing and eventually sees herself teaching. |
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Michael S. is a senior majoring in molecular biology. Spanish and women and gender studies are her two minors. Michael is a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She has worked with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence as a volunteer and an intern. She is also currently conducting "biochemistry/cell biology research on a cytoskeletal protein.” Michael’s academic and volunteer interests all fit together for her future plans. After graduation she would like to perfect her Spanish-speaking skills by studying in Peru for a year before starting graduate school. Ultimately, she would like to conduct research on "molecular and cellular aspects of diseases that have a particularly detrimental impact on women." |
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Larissa S. is a junior majoring in radiation therapy. She is involved with GVSU’s Dance Troupe and claims that she is often seen dancing in the hallways of Lake Ontario Hall. She enjoys "consultations in the park and conjugating verbs while staring off into the sunset." Her favorite part about being a writing consultant is being able to meet so many different students. Larissa believes everyone has a story, and she wants to "help translate that story through writing." |
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Sophomore Megan S. is a writing major and a business minor. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking and "coffee-housing" with friends. Megan loves writing because it is a "connection of ideas...a meeting place where dreams, passions, and information are expressed and then spread." She also loves the free coffee at the writing center! Megan would like to go back to Thailand in the future. |
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Megan S. is a senior majoring in history and minoring in women and gender studies. She helps coordinate Grand Valley’s Alternative Breaks program. She loves reading, playing intramural sports with friends, playing with her hamster, Joon, and volunteering. As a student of history, her favorite thing about writing is "using it to work through my thoughts and knowledge on a topic in order to gain insight and come to conclusions." After graduating she hopes to attend the University of Michigan to earn a master’s degree in library science. |
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Kim S. is a senior broadcasting major with a minor in public relations. She is involved in PRSSA and is interested in singing, dancing, and writing. When asked what she likes about writing, Kim replied, “It's the only way I've been able to express everything I have ever thought, dreamed, desired or wanted to say without feeling ashamed. Writing keeps me sane and allows me to be creative." In the future, Kim plans to “publish a few books (poetry, short story, children's book). To have at least one song written for and bought from a musical artist. To act in a play! To have a career in both public relations and broadcasting, a family and all the wonderful things that life is supposed to have." |
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Lindsay S. is a sophomore majoring in biomedical science. Mathematics and writing are her two minors. She is involved with the Pre-Med Club and the Rugby Club on campus. Lindsay loves sports (especially basketball, soccer, and rugby), reading, and catching up with good friends over a cup of coffee. She loves writing because she sees it as a valuable form of expression: “Writing allows you to escape from the everyday without having to truly leave.” In the future, Lindsay plans to attend medical school and become a doctor. |
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Jen T. is a junior English language and literature major with a minor in classics. This is her second year as a Writing Consultant. She loves tea, short stories, awkward moments, the rain, dark chocolate, intentional sentence fragments, pearls, cooking, post-its, Chinese food, tie-dye, philosophy, the Food Network, dancing, Post-Modern fiction, and apple cider. She is passionate about writing because “it has an inherent freedom that allows people to explore, to say the things they cannot say out loud, and to fail fearlessly.” Jen plans to go to graduate school to continue studying literature. |
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Parker W. is a super senior majoring in business management and minoring in international business. He is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and Grand Valley Students for a Peaceful Africa. Parker is passionate about music composition, entrepreneurship, and philosophy. He loves writing because of “the challenge of using limited resources to most profoundly communicate self-expression.” In the future, Parker plans to start a business in the U.S. with the sole purpose of giving its profits to support mission work overseas including schools for children, orphanages, and safe houses for women rescued from sex trafficking. |
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Matt W. is a senior finance and accounting major with a minor in economics. He is the Portfolio Manager in Seidman IPO (Finance Club) and loves to read and play soccer. For Matt, writing is “finding the perfect word to express an idea.” He plans to graduate in April and secure a job in the investments field. |
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Kiera W. is a junior majoring in professional writing with a journalism emphasis. She is involved with the Office of Student Life and is a Do Something Guide writing intern. During her free time Kiera likes to read fiction, write creative pieces, and play the piano. She plans to graduate with a distinction in writing, go on to graduate school, and study writing and publishing. She also hopes to pursue a career in book or magazine publishing as an editor or article writer, and later on go back and get her Ph.D. to teach at the college level. |
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Janelle W. is a senior majoring in writing and general business. She enjoys traveling, reading, and discovering the histories of various things. Janelle felt right at home in the writing center on her very first visit. It was a place where she felt she could learn and be welcome at the same time. She hopes to graduate in 2010 and find a job in the publishing field. Eventually she would like to study for a master's degree. |
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Ashley W. is in her third year studying international relations with a minor in Middle- Eastern Studies. Her primary focus is on global human rights, and she has been a part of our campus chapter of Amnesty International since her freshman year. Ashley's other interests include fabulous scarves, history classes, clever puns, and the proper use of semicolons. Although her area of study is in the social sciences, she loves to learn and looks forward to reading a paper on any subject. |
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