Jon M. Nelson

Jon M. Nelson is a retired army veteran with over 20 years of service. He has earned two associate degrees and a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Jon is also an award-winning and published poet whose work touches on many topics that many people can relate to.

A Farewell to Austin Peay From Your Assistant Editor. – The All State

As an older non-traditional student, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started attending classes at Austin Peay.

I am old enough to be a parent to the majority of the students here. I have a daughter who will be graduating from APSU soon.

I was under the impression that my experience would be that of an outcast for being so much older than everyone else, similar to that of the Adam Sandler in Billy Madison.

When I started attending classes I was pleasantly surprised. I was not only pleased

Jon M. Nelson

Preface

It is not just because i have children and i have concerns for their safety and welfare, but the fact of the matter is you may have children too. Actually we are all children of this wonder filled Creation who inhabit this Awe Inspiring Planet we call Earth.

When i think in terms of World Healing ~ World Peace, like most of us there is much about us that needs our attention, adjustment and resolution. I like most of us could sit and complain the remainder of our lives away about all

Jon M. Nelson | National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Jon M. Nelson has earned the moniker of ‘Soldier Poet’ by writing of his military experiences. As a combat veteran, he has seen the horrors of war first hand, and written tales about the battlefield. He has earned several awards for some of his poems and his second of book of poetry, Reflections of Life, has earned a few book awards as well. He uses his writing to honor members of the military, veterans and their families. Even though he has written many poems to honor his brothers and sisters i

Hobbies help distract from college stress – The All State

College can be a stressful time for all students. With tests, assignments, term papers, and so many other elements of the academic life it can be difficult to find a way to decompress.

It is always a good idea for students to have some sort of hobby or extra activity to refocus and recharge. Students need to concentrate on their studies, but they should also have some sort of escape to keep them from burning out.

Everybody releases stress in their own ways. Some people may like to burn a few c

Students, veterans reflect two decades after 9/11 – The All State

The devastating events of 9/11 drastically changed the world 20 years ago this week.

After the attack on World Trade Center, Americans no longer felt safe in their own country. The tragedy humbled us into realizing just how vulnerable we really were.

The majority of students at APSU are likely too young to recall or were unable to comprehend what was happening at that time. Others may not have even been born yet.

But there are a couple of students that have the images embedded into their mind

Graduation glitter can have a negative impact on environment – The All State

It’s that time of the semester, when students preparing to walk the stage are hoping to get that perfect graduation photo to celebrate their accomplishments.

Thanks to recent trends on social media and other websites, confetti and glitter have become popular additions to those graduation photos.

While the photos can look amazing and add a real sense of pizazz to a graduate’s achievements, they can also have long term affects that they may not be aware of.

Unfortunately, these photos that may

Sadie Hawkins Dance – The All State

In 1934, the Sadie Hawkins tradition was born where it allowed the roles to be reversed and girls would ask a guy to a dance instead of the guys asking the girls.

The concept originated from the comic strip “Li’l Abner” and it has become part of high school and college customs for decades.

Earlier this month, Austin Peay State University held its first Sadie Hawkins Dance in honor of Women’s Empowerment Week. This was a chance for the women on campus to take the reign and ask their special som

Two Tranquil Trails Near Campus – The All State

With the stresses of finals exams, term papers and graduations approaching, students look for a tranquil space to relax and get away, even for a couple of hours.

There are two such sites within a couple minutes’ drive from campus. These locations provide amazing trails to get in touch with nature, while also presenting great photo opportunities and chances to get a little exercise if desired.

The first place is Dunbar Cave State Park. It is a little over three miles from the Austin Peay State

NELSON: A veteran’s perspective on Afghanistan – The All State

For those who are familiar with my work in The All State over the past year, you may be aware that I am a proud veteran, and I honorably served this country for over 21 years until my retirement.

With the events that are currently happening in Afghanistan, the entire world is watching. As someone who has served in that region, I felt that I should share my perspective of the current situation.

I know there are veterans on campus who have served over there as well. Some of them may share in my

Is ‘Cancel Culture’ in control: Students weigh in – The All State

Six Dr. Seuss books were pulled from publication after a recent review concluded they contained offensive images.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises said in a statement that it acted because the “books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.”

This decision recieved both backlash and support from the public as with many cases of so-called “cancel culture.”

“Cancel Culture” refers to the practice of withdrawing support form products, companies and public figures who have done or said something co