Introduction
Miranda Pollock, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Buena Vista University (BVU), is more than just a creative mind. She is an {inspiration} for a society that cannot seem to put the technology away. Growing up in Duluth, MN, Miranda always had a desire to see more of a landscape — however, she credits this appreciation for nature to Duluth’s connection with environmental sustainability. She eventually moved to a farm in Wisconsin before relocating to Storm Lake, Iowa to teach graphic design. Because of these experiences, her spouse, Angus, and their family, Madison (21), Elyse (16), Zachary (15), Gavin (10), and Sam (8), have all experienced living “under a rock” and away from the technology-heavy world we are all used to. Miranda’s teaching style, her life on her farm, her research on high-tech versus high-touch, and her family are all significant pieces that make her who she is. Through her, we want to tell a story that leaves our readers feeling inspired, analytical, and most of all informed about what it is like to live under a rock in the digital age we inhabit. Find out more about Miranda by navigating through each of our sections.
Family
Fun Fact: Loves to woodcarve Occupation: Personal Chef at Knife & Spork Originally From: Champaign, Illinois Relationship to Miranda: Spouse
Fun Fact: Once lived “Amish" Occupation: Graphic Design Professor at Buena Vista University Originally From: Duluth, Minnesota
Fun Fact: She’s never met an elephant that she didn't like… or collect. Age: 21 Originally From: Duluth, Minnesota Relationship to Miranda: Daughter
Fun Fact: Loves ALL animals, as far as we can tell. Age: 16 Originally From: Duluth, Minnesota Relationship to Miranda: Daughter
Fun Fact: Engineer to be! He loves "some assembly required" items :) Age: 15 Originally From: Duluth, Minnesota Relationship to Miranda: Son
Fun Fact: loves all types of trivia about history or science Age: 10 Originally From: Duluth, Minnesota Relationship to Miranda: Son
Fun Fact: Has the nickname of “Squirrel" Age: 8 Originally From: Rochester, Minnesota Relationship to Miranda: Son
 ABOUT THE TEAMWe are three digitally engrossed media students at Buena Vista University (BVU) who wanted to {think critically} about our own digital use and how that might make us different than members of a family such as Miranda’s, who are not as technology-laden. We are also using their story to showcase our multimedia skills for our Digital Journalism class. Find out more about the team and our project… |  BEHIND THE RESEARCHIn graduate school, Miranda explored the idea of {high-tech vs high-touch} and how society changes based on each side of the spectrum. Read about millennials today and how Miranda’s research correlates with other popular ideas… |  WITH THE FAMILYMiranda’s spouse, Angus, and five children all reflect the same imaginative lifestyle that Miranda lives. They take the initiative themselves to be more {under a rock} than their peers if it means they can be more adventurous. Meet a few of Miranda’s family... |
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 ON THE FARMFor several years, before coming to Storm Lake to teach, Miranda decided to transform an English farm in Wisconsin into an {almost Amish} farm. She chose to live differently than those around her by connecting with nature. Learn more by exploring {Under A Rock Farm}... |  IN THE CLASSROOMYou may be wondering, ‘how is Miranda a graphic design professor but able to advocate living more off the grid?’ She still uses minimal technology in her day-to-day life, but she doesn’t fully immerse herself in it. She teaches her students that the best work initially comes from a {pen and paper}. Discover more about Miranda’s teaching style… |
Images provided by Miranda Pollock