Academics Archives - �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ Prepares Future Healthcare Professionals Through Strong Pre-Medical Pathways

Corrie Warren — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:00:13 +0000

For students aspiring to careers in medicine, healthcare, and the sciences, �鶹��Ƶ provides a strong foundation. Through its Biology program and pre-professional pathways, Chowan equips students with rigorous academics, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized support to prepare them for careers in medicine, nursing, allied health fields, and graduate study.

Chowan’s Biology program serves as a gateway for students planning to enter medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, pharmacy, public health, and other healthcare professions. Students begin their journey in a rigorous yet supportive learning environment, building the scientific knowledge and professional skills required for advanced study.

“Students don’t have to have every answer on day one,” said Dr. Torrence Gill, Professor of Biology. “As freshmen, we encourage Biology majors to master the fundamentals and cultivate curiosity across the sciences. From there, we nurture their calling in their junior and senior years — strengthening their academic confidence and preparing them to move forward successfully into the medical field they choose.”

A Strong Foundation for Medical and Health Careers

Chowan’s Biology degree is intentionally designed to support pre-medical and pre-health students by emphasizing:

Core coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and related sciences
Small class sizes that allow for close faculty mentoring and individualized instruction
Early exposure to research, scientific writing, and laboratory experiences

Students who begin their academic journey in Biology gain a broad scientific foundation that allows flexibility as career interests evolve—an important advantage in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Professional Development Through Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)

�鶹��Ƶ is home to an active HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter, giving students early exposure to healthcare careers beyond the classroom. Through HOSA, students:

Explore a wide range of medical and health professions
Participate in leadership development and service opportunities
Build professional networks and gain insight into real-world healthcare settings

This involvement helps students confirm their career goals while developing professionalism, teamwork, and communication skills valued by graduate programs and employers.

Undergraduate Research and Published Student Work

Chowan biology students are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research, often collaborating directly with faculty on scientific studies. Students gain experience in research design and data analysis, scientific writing and presentation, and publishing and presenting research findings.

Internships are also strongly encouraged, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in clinical, laboratory, and healthcare settings. Most students who complete internships go on to apply to graduate or professional programs, further advancing their career goals.

Many students graduate having contributed to published scientific work, presented at conferences, or delivered a capstone presentation based on research conducted during a summer internship—an advantage when applying to medical and graduate programs.

Proven Pathways to the Medical Field

Students who begin their academic journey at Chowan in Biology and related pre-professional tracks consistently move on to medical, healthcare, and graduate programs. With faculty advising, academic support, and career preparation woven throughout the curriculum, students are positioned for strong placement outcomes in health-related fields.

Chowan’s approach emphasizes not only academic preparation, but also character, service, and purpose—qualities essential for future healthcare professionals.

An Open-Enrollment University with Personalized Support

As an open-enrollment institution, �鶹��Ƶ is committed to access and opportunity. Students who may not follow a traditional path into medicine find a welcoming environment where potential is nurtured and success is built step by step.

“Our students come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a common goal—to make a difference through healthcare,” added Dr. Gill. “Chowan helps them turn that goal into a plan.”

For students interested in medicine, healthcare, and the sciences, �鶹��Ƶ offers more than a major—it offers a meaningful starting point for a life of service and impact.For more information about �鶹��Ƶ’s Biology program and pre-medical pathways, visit .

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2026 Hobson Prize Winner Announced

Staff Reports — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:56:47 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ is pleased to announce that Junious “Jay” Ward is the recipient of the 2026 Mary Frances Hobson Prize for Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Letters. Junious “Jay” Ward is a poet and teaching artist living in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native of Rich Square, North Carolina, he is the author of Composition (Button Poetry, 2023) and Sing Me A Lesser Wound (Bull City Press, 2020), and he currently serves as Charlotte’s inaugural poet laureate. With musical precision and emotional depth rooted in cultural memory, his poetry offers a lyrical vision of the South, one that reflects its history while reimagining it through language that heals, challenges, and endures.

Initiated in 1995 by the Hobson Family Foundation of San Francisco, the award serves as a memorial to Mary Frances Hobson (1912-1993), a journalist and poet, who was the first woman to receive the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in journalism from the University of North Carolina. Previously honored recipients are Kaye Gibbons (1995), Mark Richard (1996), Jill McCorkle (1997), Randall Kenan (1998), G.D. Gearino (1999), Amy Hempel (2000), Allan Gurganus (2001), Padgett Powell (2002), Sheri Reynolds (2003), Chuck Sullivan (2004), Sheila Moses (2005), Michael Parker (2006), Josephine Humphreys (2007), Judy Goldman (2008), Darnell Arnoult (2009), Lee Smith (2010), Robert Morgan (2011), Silas House (2012), Joseph Bathanti (2013), Sharyn McCrumb (2014), Dorothy Allison (2015), Edward P. Jones (2016), Kevin Wilson (2017), Jim Grimsley (2018), Wiley Cash (2019), Crystal Wilkinson (2020), Michel Stone (2021), Daniel Wallace (2022), David Sanchez (2023), De’Shawn Charles Winslow (2024), and Stephanie Powell Watts (2025)

The annual event brings the university and community together each spring to celebrate the accomplishments of an author of the South or who writes about the South. The 32nd prize will be conferred on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at a dinner in the Chowan Room in Thomas Dining Hall. Following the dinner and conferral, Ward will deliver the Hobson Lecture at 7:30 p.m. in Vaughan Auditorium in Robert Marks Hall.

The public is invited to attend the Hobson Lecture. Please contact theOffice of the Provost at 252-398-6211 or cuprovost@chowan.edu for more information.

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�鶹��Ƶ Launches New HOSA Collegiate Chapter, Strengthening Pathways for Future Health Professionals

Staff Reports — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:49:46 +0000

MURFREESBORO, N.C. — �鶹��Ƶ has announced the launch of its new HOSA–Future Health Professionals collegiate chapter, expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare, public health, and allied health fields. The chapter, officially established this semester, reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful service and leadership in rapidly growing health professions.

HOSA is an international organization dedicated to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders through professional development, skills training, networking, and competitive events. The new Chowan chapter will provide students with hands‑on experiences, mentorship, and exposure to a wide range of health‑related careers.

One of the chapter’s first activities was a guided tour of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, where students met with healthcare professionals, explored clinical departments, and learned about the essential role regional hospitals play in serving rural communities. The visit offered students a firsthand look at patient care, hospital operations, and the diverse career pathways available within the healthcare system.

“I am proud to see our students take this important step toward their future in the health professions,” said Dr. John Dilustro, Provost of �鶹��Ƶ. “The launch of our HOSA chapter reflects Chowan’s mission to prepare graduates who are both professionally capable and committed to serving others. We appreciate the willingness of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital to offer our students invaluable exposure to real‑world healthcare environments and the people who make them work.”

Chapter President and �鶹��Ƶ sophomore Aminah Stout shared her excitement about the organization’s launch. “I felt that starting a HOSA chapter would create a space where pre‑health students can come together to learn more about their future careers, while also being able to gain more hands‑on experiences,” Stout said.

The new HOSA chapter will host service projects, guest speakers, and career‑focused events throughout the year. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in state and national HOSA conferences and competitions. �鶹��Ƶ invites interested students from all majors—particularly those studying biology, exercise science, pre-professional pathways, and related fields—to join the chapter and take part in shaping its inaugural year. For more information about HOSA at �鶹��Ƶ, contact the Office of Academic Affairs or visit .

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Chowan Biology Students Present Research at Statewide Undergraduate Symposium

Corrie Warren — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:45:24 +0000

MURFREESBORO, N.C. — Three �鶹��Ƶ Biology majors—Elizabeth Ingle, Lyniah Lee, and Justin Peterson—advanced their academic and professional pursuits this past weekend as they presented original research at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS), hosted by Elon University.

For seniors Lyniah Lee and Justin Peterson, the symposium marked the culmination of extensive research conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Hoon Lee. Supported by competitive NCICU Undergraduate Research Grants, their projects utilized advanced bioinformatics tools to study how specific proteins influence amyloid-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Their findings contribute to ongoing global efforts to better understand disease-related protein behavior, offering meaningful insight into a complex and evolving field.

Meanwhile, senior Elizabeth Ingle spent her capstone year collaborating with Dr. Torrence Gill on research centered around agriculture and food security. Her project examined the potential of thymol, a naturally occurring compound, to inhibit fungal growth on wheat seeds. The work has promising implications for improved crop storage practices and reducing contamination—critical concerns for farmers, producers, and consumers.

At SNCURCS, all three students showcased their work, engaging in discussions with faculty mentors, fellow students, and researchers from across North Carolina. Their participation highlights not only their individual accomplishments but also the strength of �鶹��Ƶ’s Biology program and its emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

By the end of the symposium, Elizabeth, Lyniah, and Justin returned to campus with valuable experience, professional connections, and the confidence that their research contributes meaningfully to their disciplines and their future careers.

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�鶹��Ƶ Holds Convocation and Ringing of the Bell Ceremony for the Class of 2029

Corrie Warren — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:01:14 +0000

MURFREESBORO, N.C. — Sept. 3, 2025 — �鶹��Ƶ officially welcomed the Class of 2029 at its annual Founders’ Day Convocation in Turner Auditorium—a tradition that marks the start of the academic year and celebrates the arrival of new students to campus. The ceremony gathered faculty, staff, students, and alumni to honor the newest Hawks as they begin their Chowan journey. Convocation featured remarks from university leadership, including Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. John Dilustro, who encouraged students to embrace opportunities for learning, service, and personal growth.

The Class of 2029 represents a diverse and talented group of students from across North Carolina, the region, and beyond, arriving with aspirations to make a difference on campus and in their future communities.

“As Scripture reminds us,” said Chowan President Dr. Rosemary Thomas, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). When you choose to think and act in this way, you set your environment to reflect goodness. Accept the faith we have in your future—and in the future of �鶹��Ƶ.”

Following the formal addresses, the university’s time-honored Bell Ringing Ceremony invited each new Hawk to sound the bell, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter. The Class of 2029 is now fully engaged in academic studies, athletic programs, student clubs, and community-building events—all designed to set the stage for a successful and meaningful first year.

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�鶹��Ƶ Hosts Transformative Camps for Youth and Events for Families

Catherine Vickers — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:31:13 +0000

Each summer, �鶹��Ƶ opens its scenic campus not only to athletic camps but also to a growing variety of non-athletic programs that enrich, educate, and inspire. These camps bring hundreds of youth and families to Murfreesboro, showcasing the University’s commitment to service and community.

Lifeway Camps: Faith in Action

For the third consecutive year, Chowan has served as a host site for Lifeway Camps, nationwide faith-based programs organized by Lifeway Christian Resources in partnership with the International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB). These camps are designed to help young people deepen their faith and grow spiritually.

CentriKid offers children in grades 2–6 engaging Bible study, recreation, and hands-on learning. Student Life for Kids, for grades 3–6, helps children build a strong foundation in scripture. FUGE Camps, designed for students in grades 6–12, combine fun and fellowship with discipleship training.

“Chowan’s primary goal is to provide campers with the best possible experience,” says Brandon Zock, Associate Vice President for �鶹��Ƶ. Chowan supports this spiritual journey by offering meals, housing, and worship spaces.

Campapalooza: Exploring Passions and Careers

Chowan’s signature academic summer camp, Campapalooza, offers high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in university life while exploring future career interests. Sponsored by the University and led by Dr. Mitchell Henke and Dr. Ella Benson, Campapalooza engages faculty and staff in leading workshops across a variety of subjects.

For 2025, students will explore topics including entrepreneurship, arts and crafts, robotics and engineering, criminal justice, music, finances, design and creativity, movie making, a creative storytelling session titled “Supervillains,” and a college readiness program called Bridge to College.

Typically hosting over 250 students, Campapalooza offers a full residential experience from Sunday through Friday. Students live in campus housing, eat in the cafeteria, participate in hands-on workshops, and present their work in a gallery showcase at week’s end.

WMU/CWJC: Mission-Focused Life Skills Training

Chowan will again partner with the Women’s Missionary Union and Christian Women and Men’s Job Corps (WMU/CWJC) to host a transformative week of mission service and life skills development. Sponsored by the Ahoskie chapter, this camp assists single mothers and fathers with job training, education access, and essential life skills.

This program creates lasting impact. One alumna, formerly sponsored by WMU/CWJC, graduated from Chowan and now teaches third grade in Raleigh. Through child care, housing assistance, and mentoring, participants gain the tools to build brighter futures.

Liberty Live Church: A Spiritual Gathering of Thousands

In one of the largest youth gatherings on Chowan’s campus, Liberty Live Church will bring together 7,000–8,000 students from its multiple satellite locations for a dynamic week-long camp.

While the church leads programming, Chowan provides meals, lodging, and worship spaces. The experience is described as “a life-changing week focused on encountering Jesus in a real and personal way through engaging messages, team competitions, and meaningful moments.”

Reflecting on the impact, Zock shares, “Everywhere you go in Murfreesboro, and throughout North Carolina, there’s a connection being made from camp experiences. This summer alone, �鶹��Ƶ will impact the lives of thousands of children and families.”

Limelight Theatre

Limelight Theatre and �鶹��Ƶ are collaborating on a production of The Little Mermaid on campus this summer. Limelight Theatre in Ahoskie operates as a movie theatre on weekends, while Limelight Studios provides year-round performing arts classes for youth.

For alumni, these programs serve as a powerful reminder of Chowan’s enduring mission: to serve, uplift, and inspire through education, faith, and community.

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Celebrating Excellence: �鶹��Ƶ’s 2025 Awards Day

Catherine Vickers — Thu, 08 May 2025 20:30:10 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ’s annual Awards Day Ceremony, held on April 23, 2025, was not just a celebration of excellence but a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of the university community.

Dr. Rosemary Thomas, President of �鶹��Ƶ, welcomed students with the inspiring reminder, “As Hawks, you will forever soar.” She encouraged them to recognize that the path to achievement is shaped by more than intellect alone—it is built on the powerful connection between thought, action, and character. Echoing the wisdom of Lao Tzu, Dr. Thomas urged students to guard their thoughts, as they become character—and ultimately, destiny. “All of you have impeccable character,” she told them. “You need to harness that so that your destiny will be unlimited.”

Dr. J. Brabban, in his prayer, gave thanks for the intelligence and determination that brought each honoree to this proud moment. “Your achievements are not only a reflection of personal discipline, but a beacon that can inspire others to strive for excellence with integrity, compassion, and service,” he shared.

Provost Dr. John Dilustro expressed appreciation for the dedicated faculty and staff whose mentorship and support helped shape the students being honored. Together, they celebrated achievement, personal integrity, and the unique spirit that makes �鶹��Ƶ a place where students soar.

Below are the individuals who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to excellence:

Vera Parker Womble Christian Service Award

Abigail Sutton

Alpha Chi Teacher of the Year Award

Jason Fowler, Associate Professor of Art and Interim Minister

Commencement Marshals

Nia Baskin, Gabe Espiritu, Malachi Ford, Wesley Glover, Lyniah Lee, McKenzie Misenheimer, MarDawn Rawls, Diana Rodriguez, Gracie Ross, Isaiah Sharpe, Elizabeth Waltz

Excellence in Leadership Awards

Advisor: Jill Awuni, International Student Club

Emerging Leader: Blake Tutman, SAAC

Officer: Selene Kentish, International Student Club

President: Trevon Abraham, International Student Club & NAACP

Mission and Vision Cup

Criminal Justice Club

R. Clayton Lewis Outstanding Resident Assistant of the Year Award

Cody Ives, Haley Matthews

Presidential Ambassador Award

Trevon Abraham, Natasha Bailey, Elizabeth Heller, Haley Jensen, Marie Kaissieh, Da’Veion Pittman, Sreshta Puducheri, Abigail Sutton

Most Outstanding Athlete Award

Yasmine Brown (Basketball), Daylan Askew (Basketball)

Cheryl Joy Hobday McElheney Business Award

Hiba Laknit

The Drs. Vaughn and Miles Outstanding Business Student Award

Harry Baker

Dr. DeJesus Outstanding Student in Economics Award

Matthew Davis

Joseph Lee Parker Scholarship

Reed Low

Amy Rozmus Hammond Scholarship

Gabe Espiritu

Dr. Seok Yoon Exercise Science Award

McKenzie Misenheimer

Garth D. Faile Biology and Physical Sciences Faculty Award

Gracie Timken

Mary E. Wood Science Award

Joshua James

Raymond Memorial Science Scholarship

Lyniah Lee

Senior Mathematics Award

Gracie Ross

Outstanding History Student Award

Cameryn Barrow

Charles L. Paul History Award

Abigail Sutton

Romey Peavler Psychology Student of Promise Award

Malachi Ford

Psychology Award

Marie Kaissieh

Outstanding Criminal Justice Student Award

Cody Ives, Carly Brewer

Outstanding Graduate in Studio Art Award

Daisy Edwards

Outstanding Graduate in Graphic Communications Award

Emashara’e Seaberry, Caryn Bowe

Outstanding Graduate in Graphic Design Award

Kayleigh Roberts

Doug Eubank Award

Elias Everett

James Monroe Chamblee Music Award

Samuel Stith

Dr. Charles Bentley Outstanding Teacher Education Student Award

Shya Gambrell

Student Teacher of the Year Award

Haley Lowe

Alpha Lambda Delta Maria Leonard Senior Book Award

Rayn Ross

�鶹��Ƶ Student Research Conference Awards of Excellence

Biology, Psychology, Sport Science, or Math: Joshua James

Business: Sarai Sanders

Criminal Justice: Alexandra Bishop

Religion, Education, History, Integrative Studies: Haley Lowe

Musical Performance or Composition: Jerry Dovell Perry

Visual Art Display: Mya Turner

Poster Presentation: Emashara’e Seaberry

Order of the Silver Feather

Trevon Abraham, Elizabeth Heller, Danae Mackey, Gracie Ross, Rayn Ross, Sreshta Puducheri

Faith in Your Future Award

Kaleigh Bibbo, Jada Caruthers, Lina Danna

Estelle Thigpen Superior Citizenship Award

Trevon Abraham

Best All-Around Student Award

Abigail Sutton

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Chowan’s Student Researchers Shine at 2025 Conference

Catherine Vickers — Thu, 08 May 2025 19:36:21 +0000

On April 16, 2025, �鶹��Ƶ hosted the 27th Annual Student Research Conference (CUSRC) as part of the Chowan Academic Forum: A Celebration of the Intellectual and Artistic Life of the University.

This year’s theme of Community inspired students and faculty to explore how scholarship, creativity, and connection intersect. Open to students from all majors, the CUSRC provides a platform for students to showcase their research and academic passions, with the support of faculty sponsors who help guide their projects.

The 2025 conference featured over 96 student presentations spanning biology, criminal justice, business, integrative studies, psychology, sports management, education, the visual and performing arts, religion, history, exercise science, graphic design, mathematics, and music. Organized by discipline and moderated by faculty, the sessions included lectures, posters, art displays, and musical performances — all engaging audiences of students, faculty, and staff in lively discussion.

A standout presentation came from Emma Joyner, who displayed a traditional Native American dress she handmade, honoring her Cherokee heritage and raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Several students were honored with awards for their exceptional work, including:

• Best Business Paper: Sarai Sanders

• Best Biology, Psychology, Sports Science, and Mathematics Paper: Joshua James

• Best Criminal Justice Paper: Alexandra Bishop

• Best Religion, History, Education, and Integrative Studies Paper: Haley Lowe

• Best Poster Presentation: Emashara’e Seaberry

• Best Visual Display: Mia Turner

• Best Musical Performance: Jerry Perry

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Jaimes D. McNeal, an industrial-organizational psychologist, who spoke on Teaching from the Inside Out: Community, Curiosity, and the Courage to Learn, drawing on his own life journey to inspire students to embrace lifelong learning and the power of connection.

The 2025 CUSRC was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge — a defining feature of the �鶹��Ƶ experience.

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Chowan’s Annual Faculty Symposium Showcases Community and Scholarship

Catherine Vickers — Thu, 08 May 2025 19:27:40 +0000

On April 9, 2025, �鶹��Ƶ hosted its Annual Faculty Interdisciplinary Symposium as part of the Chowan Academic Forum: A Celebration of the Intellectual and Artistic Life of the University.

This year’s symposium centered on the theme of Community, with faculty from across disciplines presenting original research to students in a day-long series of sessions — each moderated by a student from the Honors College. The event highlighted Chowan’s distinctive academic environment, where students and faculty engage deeply, exchange ideas, and thrive within a vibrant community of learning.

Faculty Presenters included:

• Fuel for Work & Home — Hugh H. Davis

• A Western Field of Dreams — John Davis

• Designing Connections — Jennifer G. Newton

• Jesus, Bitcoin & Building Communities — Jason Fowler

• The Real X’s and O’s — Jim Hammond

• What COP Really Means — Dr. Pamela C. Woodard

• Strengthening Communities Through Games — Sarah Bonner & Frances Cole

• Communities of Conspiracy — David E. Ballew

• The Dark Side of Community — Sam Miller

The symposium underscored �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to academic excellence, fostering meaningful connections between faculty and students as they explore ideas that shape and strengthen our shared world.

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Stephanie Powell Watts Delivers Powerful Reflections at Chowan

Catherine Vickers — Thu, 08 May 2025 19:11:45 +0000

Award-winning author Stephanie Powell Watts visited �鶹��Ƶ as the 31st recipient of the Mary Frances Hobson Prize for Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Letters. During her engaging talk, Stephanie — professor and Robert D. Rodale Chair in Writing at Lehigh University — shared insights into her work, influences, and the enduring power of storytelling.

Her acclaimed books, No One Is Coming to Save Us and We Are Taking Only What We Need, explore the lives of African Americans in the post-integration South. “My work is about the quiet collision of everyday life,” she shared. “My stories are often about the strangeness of home.”

Stephanie reflected on the influence of The Great Gatsby, describing it as “the person on the outside trying to get into the person on the inside” and noting “the desperate lengths we go to trying not to be the outsider.” She remarked that “all Western literature is a story of migration and an attempt to get back to home,” and her own writing strives to showcase women like herself, her mother, and her grandmother — especially those “who stayed in the South but wanted to escape the confines of their history and sometimes their own thinking.”

Emphasizing the connective power of stories, she told the audience, “Reading and writing are hopeful acts. We do both to explain the world to us — to explain ourselves to ourselves. We need stories to recommit ourselves to a time and a place and reinforce our shared humanity.”

Stephanie also touched on the role of religion in her life and work. Once a Jehovah’s Witness, she now leans toward Quaker beliefs but appreciates the symbolic richness of her religious upbringing: “Religion is the motherload for a world of symbol and metaphor… Not everything can fit in the world of logic.”

On the topic of writing, she acknowledged the presence of fear. “Fear is palpable. It gets under your skin and keeps you from doing what you want to do,” she said. “Tell fear that you are glad that it’s here to tell you what you need. Acknowledge it but dismiss it.”

When asked about AI, she was clear and confident: “AI has a place. It’s a tool and should be used as a tool. What creative people do cannot be supplanted by AI. Nobody thinks like you, nobody has your brain… AI will not have the print of a human heart.”

Stephanie closed with a powerful reminder: “We are all on the planet at the same time. It is fascinating and illuminating to fill in the gaps with what we know about each other.”

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