FSU Honors Program Newsletter, Issue #22- February 2020

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

HONORS

ISSUE #22 February 2020

contents

3 HSA HAPPENINGS 4 UPCOMING EVENTS 5 STAFF SPOTLIGHT 6 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 7 SURVIVING MIDTERMS 8 VOTER REGISTRATION 9 STUDENTS SPEAK: 10 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE 11 STUDENT SUBMISSIONS 14 LOVE POEM CONTEST MONTHLY WELCOME

MONTHLY WELCOME Dear Honors Students, It’s midterm season, and with classes in full swing, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with our various tasks and responsibilities. As Honors students, we often experience pressure to make a certain grade or reach a certain level of achievement. It’s important to remember that while being a student is a large part of our identity, it is only one component of who we are as multifaceted, complex human beings. In college, there are many opportunities to grow academically by absorbing new knowledge in classes, interacting with professors, and engaging with various books and resources provided throughout campus. To this end, while academic growth is essential, it is also important to make sure we are giving just as much time to growing socially, personally, and professionally.

We are lucky to have the opportunity to be in this community where we are surrounded by intellectual, accomplished students and faculty who can all be found in one building. Take advantage of interacting with your faculty and peers! Asking questions and engaging in meaningful conversations about topics that matter is an easy way to push yourself to be the best version of yourself that you can possibly be. Lastly, make sure to take care of yourselves! While it may not always seem like it with the fast-paced lifestyle of a college environment, your mental, physical, and emotional health matters! Eat, sleep, and make sure you are devoting time to self-care. I know you will all succeed in this next half of the semester, and I wish you luck studying.

Kind regards,

LILLIE BRODY DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS HONORS STUDENT ASSOCIATION FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

HSA HAPPENINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES

INTERVIEW SKILLS WITH CAREER CENTER Thursday, February 20th at 6 pm to 7 pm ASLC 101A

HONORS IN THE MAJOR PROSPECTUS APPROVAL FORM & PROSPECTUS DEADLINE Friday, February 21st at 4:30 pm

ALUMNI SPEAKER: ASHLEY VINSON Monday, February 24th at 6 pm to 7 pm HSF Great Hall

MONTHLY BREAKFAST Thursday, February 27th at 8 am to 10 am HSF Second Floor

PAINTING EXPRESS FUNDRAISER Thursday, March 5th at 7 pm to 9 pm FSU Art Center

HSF Great Hall

BESS WARD HONORS SPRING THESIS AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE Friday, February 28th at 11:59 pm HSF Honors Office

UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM MEDALLION AUDIT FORM DEADLINE Friday, March 13th at 4:30 pm HSF Great Hall

MARDI GRAS Tuesday, March 10th at 5 pm to 7 pm The Globe

YOGA Thursday, March 12th at 5 pm to 6 pm Landis Sky Lounge

GENERAL BODY MEETING Tuesday, March 24th at 5 pm to 6 pm HSF Great Hall

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

Ashley Archer

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE IN THE HONORS PROGRAM ENTAIL AS THE NEWEST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR?

My projects focus on student leadership and engagement opportunities,

ABOUT

as well as facilitating experiential learning opportunities for students.

I’m Ashley Archer Doehling, the

More specifically, I advise HSA, train Colloquium Leaders and help

newest Assistant Director of the

develop the Colloquium course that new Honors students take, I work

Honors Program. I am originally

with HEP faculty and students on projects, I’m restructuring the peer

from Leesburg, GA and attended

mentor program, and I collaborate with partners all across campus.

undergrad at Georgia Southern University where I got my

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD WITH THE FSU HONORS PROGRAM?

My favorite experiences with the Honors Program are hard to rank. I love

helping plan large events that we host such as the medallion ceremonies and student symposiums. I also really enjoy attending conferences and representing the program. If I have to choose a favorite , I would say advising the Honors Student Association and training Colloquium Leaders are my favorite things. I want to be a professor when I grow up, so the mentoring and teaching components of these projects really connect with my passions.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE HONORS IDENTITY HAS CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE OR GOALS? As an honors student at Georgia Southern, I was able to foster incredible relationships with faculty and staff on campus. These professionals challenged me to think critically about how I show up in spaces on and off campus and more importantly what values I convey in every interaction I have. Writing an undergraduate thesis is part of what led me to pursue a career in higher education. My honors identity was and is only a piece of who I am. I try to remember this and channel this energy with students I meet. Y’all are all fantastic honors students, but more importantly you are awesome humans and I want to support you in whatever way I can.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER STUDENTS? Build relationships and a community here! Connect with students like and unlike you, communicate with and seek mentorship from faculty and staff, and get out and explore Tallahassee. This is such an amazing and developmental time in your life and it’s a privilege to be earning your degree at FSU.

degree in Political Science. I graduated in 2018 and moved to Tallahassee to start my Masters in Higher Education. I previously served as the graduate assistant for the Honors Program but am thrilled to be working here fulltime now!

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON CAMPUS? If I’m not in my colorful office in HSF you will most likely find me at Argo Tea (the Carolina Honey is my fav) or the Stone Building!

I graduate with my master’s degree in higher education this May and will begin my Ph.D. program in higher education this fall.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

Joseph Guidubaldi ABOUT I'm a 4th year undergraduate

HOW HAS BEING AN HONORS STUDENT AFFECTED YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?

student majoring in Biological

Being a part of the Honors Program has played a profound role in

Science. I'm from Port Orange,

shaping nearly every facet of my college experience. It has opened

Florida (right next to Daytona

countless doors for me, ranging from leadership opportunities to

Beach). After graduation, I plan

getting into classes taught by some of the top professors at our

to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical

institution. These opportunities have driven my intellectual and

Neuroscience. Ultimately, I hope

personal development in ways I never imagined – helping me to not only

to become a leader in

achieve my dreams, but to dream bigger. Most importantly, the Honors

academia at a public institution,

Program has given me a group of incredible peers. Whether through the

pursuing research that merges

Presidential Scholars Program, Undergraduate Research, or my classes,

the fields of Neuroscience and

I have been constantly surrounded by impressive individuals who

Gene Therapies.

continually inspire me to be the best version of myself.

WHY DID YOU FIRST CHOOSE TO ATTEND FLORIDA STATE?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AT FSU? I didn’t realize how hard it would be to pick a favorite memory from my

I was struck by the culture of

time here at FSU. Countless coffee dates, movie nights, and downtime

support surrounding our campus,

with my roommate, loving girlfriend, and other friends come to mind.

and recognized the special

However, if I had to pick one specific memory, it would have to be

understanding that our

during my time with the Marching Chiefs. As part of Chiefs tradition, we

university exists to serve its

spent the night before a large home game stampeding through campus

students, not the other way

playing stands-tunes and fight songs. The night culminated with me

around.

climbing to the peak of Westcott Fountain (fully clothed) and blasting the War Chant down College Ave with some of the greatest people I have met at FSU. My pride in our school, our organization, and my friends has never been higher!

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT/INCOMING MEMBERS OF THE HONORS PROGRAM? Our education and growth are incredibly important, but please don’t forget to take care of yourself. Too often, our own well-being is the first thing to get cut when school and life gets stressful. Don’t be afraid to prioritize yourself every once in a while. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Surviving MIDTERM MADNESS MADNESS MIDTERM ft. advice from your colloquium leaders Take care of yourself and work hard. The more you do now, the easier it will be later.

-Connor Bornstein Don’t wait to study until the day before the exam! I always like to space out my studying and start a few days before the test. Find a good place to

study without any distractions (my favorite places are the study rooms at ACE, or off-campus coffee shops). Most importantly, make some time to get

away from studying and de-stress.

-Owen Clanahan Try things you’ve never done before! And don’t be afraid to go by yourself! Even if your friends are busy, learning to enjoy your own company is truly

priceless. This campus has so many activities to try something new every week - with or without friends.

-Vicky Potter I wish I could tell myself to write down when my tests were going to be. I would always start studying the week of a test because I never actually knew

when they were.

-Andrew Woodle I’d say that the biggest thing to remember is to take time for yourself, even if it’s just finding 20 minutes a day. It’s so easy to get caught up in the

stress and work of the semester and forget to take care of yourself. I’ve made it a priority to read a book or do something creative for at least half an

hour per day and it’s done wonders for my mental health and overall happiness.

-Devon Kramer Something I wish I knew as a freshman was that it’s okay to take time for myself. Sometimes I feel like everyone gets caught up in trying to compete

with each other of who studied the most or who slept less. That really isn’t healthy or sustainable in the long run. Taking breaks and making sure your

schedule is balanced are things that can set you up for success, not just in college but throughout life.

-Savannah Woller Something I wish I knew as a freshman is that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It was really intimidating coming into honors where

everyone seemed to know the exact path they wanted. My undergrad was the perfect time to explore new opportunities and find out what I’m truly

passionate about and there’s no way I would’ve guessed my frsman year what my path turned out to be.

-Stephanie Hamilton If I had to give a piece of advice to my freshman self it would be to stop watching The Office and go talk to my professors. Most professors here are

more than willing to help you succeed and often give ‘hints” for the exams when you take the time to see them regularly. Come with basic questions

about things you don’t understand, but also come with deeper questions about concepts that interest you. Show your passions and interests and you

may be surprised by the opportunities that come.

-Amanda Walker

HOW TO VOTE: ARE YOU READY FOR NOVEMBER 3RD? Florida is a closed primary state, meaning only people registered as a member of the party may vote on the candidate. Florida's party primaries are March 17, but the deadline to register or change party affiliations is February 18. The presidental election is November 3rd.

WHY VOTE?

CHOOSE A CANDIDATE

Voting is the main way you can make your

If you don’t know what candidates or

voice heard as a constituent. Politics

parties your beliefs align with, use

affect everyone, so if you can vote, you

iSideWith.com to find out! It is a non-

should! If you feel uninformed or ignorant

partisan website that provides sources,

of candidates, parties, or policies, spend

discussion, and debate for more

some time researching. Have an impact

developed opinions. You fill out a quiz,

on our community. Be a registered voter!

and it will give you a question-by-question

CHECK REGISTRATION 1. Look up “state of Florida voter registration”.

and percentage breakdown for each party and candidate. You can also find out who to vote for in local elections.

information.

REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT

(https://registration.elections.myflorida

1. If you are currently living outside of your

2. Click on the top result. Enter your

.com/en/CheckVoterStatus/Index)

registered county, are traveling, or will be

3. If it says “active”, you are registered

at university when voting takes place, you

and ready to vote in the election.

can request a mail in ballot. Either click

4. If it says anything else, you are not

the “Request a mail in ballot” or use the

currently registered and must do that

link for your county. Then, follow the

first to vote. Voting registration

directions and be sure it’s accurate

deadlines vary by state.

KNOW YOUR LOCALE

2. Deadlines for absentee ballots vary.

Absentee ballots through online or by mail must be sent/mailed in by 5 PM on

Did you know your ballot will change

Saturday, March 7, 2020. If you turn in

based on your district? All 435 voting

your absentee ballot by hand, it must be

seats in the United States House of

received by 5 PM Saturday, March 14.

Representatives will be up for election.

3. However, since the primaries occur on

There will also likely be referendums

March 18th, which is over spring break, if

specific to your city. Voting locally is just

you will be traveling to where you are

as important as national elections,

registered to vote, you can just vote at

because local politics affect you more

your assigned polling station and not use

directly on a daily basis.

an absentee ballot.

STUDENTS SPEAK

No 6.7%

No 6.7%

DO YOU SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON TENNESSEE STREET?

Yes Yes93.3% 93.3%

In a 2019 report released by Smart Growth America, Florida is listed as the #1 most dangerous state for pedestrians with 5,433 pedestrian fatalities between 2008-2017. Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Tallahassee, was responsible for 149 of these deaths.

Pedestrian safety is always a topic of concern on college campuses, however, in light of recent events many students on FSU’s campus are pushing for more safety measures to be put in place.In a poll posted to the FSU Honors Instagram page, over 93% of our followers indicated that they would support the construction of a pedestrian bridge on Tennessee Street. The pedestrian bridge would allow students to safely cross a busy road without coming into contact with busy traffic.

“A bridge would make it quicker and safer for pedestrians to cross Tennessee Street, and it would help ease commuter traffic a bit too,” explained one Honors student who responded ‘yes’ to our poll.

This sentiment is echoed in the petition posted to Change.org campaigning for a pedestrian bridge or the construction of a tunnel at the intersection of Tennessee Street and Stadium Drive.

As of February 20, this petition had 17,300 signatures from students, faculty, and members of the greater Tallahassee community Though this idea has garnered support from the community, the construction of a pedestrian bridge will take time and, for now, students and drivers need to be aware of the possible dangers and safety measures in place on our campus’ crosswalks.

On FSU’s campus, the FSU Police Department is increasing their officer presence at intersections on campus as well as providing safety bicycling classes for students. President John Thrasher has also been working alongside the Florida Department of Transportation to further improve the safety of our crosswalks and more strictly enforce traffic laws on and around campus.

“In recent years, the university has made significant investments to improve safety throughout campus, including new crosswalks, bike lanes, signage, and other awareness activities,” said Thrasher. “We cannot be too careful when walking or driving on or around our beautiful campus. I remind you to please be vigilant.”

Data was gathered through the @FSUHonors Instagram Page & Smart Growth America.

Student Submission #1

PAINTINGS

By Caitlin Diamond < "This is a painting I did of Tokyo, Japan. I wanted to capture the neon lights as well as practice lighting and shadows. The reflections in the puddles on the street actually took the most time in this piece because it was difficult to capture the effect of refracted light in the water."

> "This painting is of a scene in the movie, 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?' I had just gotten an iPad Pro with the app Procreate and decided to test out a few brushes with this piece."

Student Submission #2

ESTUDIO CARIBEÑO

By Daniel Moure As I shove my phone into my cargo shorts, I creak back down the thin wooden staircase and look at all the tropical paintings that fill the room. I can see the trees all around, in the art and through the windows. It’s barely past noon, but it’s not really bright on such a cloudy, humid day.

At the same time that water drips from green leaves outside from the light rain, I can almost hear the ocean waves coming from the painted beaches on the walls.

I try to take it all in, and just exhale, releasing the tension inside me. This makeshift studio, doubling as the artist’s house, is a calming place. The wooden walls, the sound of the breeze through the open windows, and all the plants filling and surrounding the old building are such a change of pace from the busy, modern houses I’m used to back home. My hectic, restless brain changes its mind all the time, but today, right now, this is the most peaceful place in all of Puerto Rico.

I hear people back upstairs speaking to the artist and asking him about his work, but a lot of the dialogue passes right over me. I tell myself it’s because of how far I am from their voices, but if I’m being honest, my Spanish is getting rusty.

Instead, I just try to silently interpret the art that’s downstairs for myself. The moment is pure and satisfying, though it’s quickly interrupted by the quick vibration of my phone. I pull it out of my pocket without even thinking. It’s an instinct at this point, and I’m not sure that it’s a good one.

Just an email from school. I don’t read much further than that, having hoped it would’ve been a friend reaching out and seeing how I’ve been. I recall the familiar faces from my past with mixed nostalgia.

Some of these faces I know I’ll see again, but there are others I’m not sure about.

Memories of random and seemingly simple exchanges with old friends come to mind.

The memories that really make me smile are when I’m in the presence of those I care for. That’s what I was hoping for: a small, simple message from a friend. My disappointment makes putting my phone back in its pocket easy. The solitude among the tropical paintings downstairs is peaceful, but it makes me feel like I’m a castaway. It’s a strange, bittersweet feeling.

My focus goes back to the paintings, and one in particular. This one has a man sitting on the sandy shore of a beach, his back leaning on a palm tree. His humble rowboat is beached a few feet from him. I picture myself where the man is. I imagine myself in the comforting warmth of the sun, with nothing but the ambience of ocean. The ideal escape. I’m not a painter or an art critic by any means. It wasn’t my idea to be here, and I’m sure that my parents are negotiating the purchase of some pieces upstairs right now. Even if it wasn’t my idea, I’m appreciating being in this unique, tropical studio more than I could’ve imagined. I feel removed from my worries back home.

They’ll come flooding back eventually, but for now I’m free. As I sink deep into thought as I take in this simple, magical place, my phone vibrates again. This time I don’t reach for it. There’ll be time for all that later, but right now I’m trying to take in this whole place. This peaceful, quiet, lonely place.

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

Submit your original research, photography, poetry, short stories, or visual art to be featured in the HSA Newsletter! Examples of acceptable genres are poetry, short stories, research, visual art, or photography, but any student work is welcome. Current Honors students should send creative writing, research, photography, or art submissions to HSAeboard19@gmail.com

Valentine's Day Poem Contest Submissions WINNER! S H A T T E R E D

G L A S S

B Y

S I N G E R

J O R D A N

They say shattered glasses is damaged for good.

Cracks beyond repair, unable to mend.

But fractures, in part, are misunderstood, For things that are broken can heal once again.

They say shattered glass can’t handle such breaks, Despite all attempts to stitch up the shards. But tender care seems to reverse mistakes, And I’ve learned that cracks are not always scars.

They say fractured glass can’t be good as new. Sharpened and shattered, it drives away hope. But fragments can fuse, I’ve seen this hold true.

This prospect can help the heartbroken cope.

Mending torn hearts is possible to do.

I thought love was hopeless, but then, I found you.

RUNNER UP! N E T F L I X , B Y

I

L O V E

T A B I T H A

Y O U

3RD PLACE!

L A B R A T O

I awaken as I hear you stop your sentence.

Complete silence fills the air and I worry that I

P O E M B Y

E M M A

C R Y E R

have upset you by falling asleep.

my head on your chest

I roll over and see you.

you breathe like a tide

Radiant. Handsome. Glowing and facing back

and rock me to sleep

at me.

with heartbeat lullabies

This has always been my favorite nightly routine: falling asleep to the sound of you

you kiss like the ocean kissing the shore

It brings me comfort. Joy even.

its a welcome greeting

Since I first met you, I’ve been in love with

gentle and sure

you. Your jokes, laughter, sly comments.

a familiar meeting

The way you light up a dark room.

from eons ago

It has been work, don’t get me wrong, I pay my dues to stay connected to you.

it feels like a kind and loving embrace

But, the thought of losing you is so painful

i hear angels sing

that the price is more than worth it.

when i see your face

When I’m sad or alone, you are there for me.

Suddenly, I realize that I have been lost in the

your eyes pools of honey,

thought of you for so long that I have

with such soft hands

continued to leave you there in silence.

and intertwined our fingers

I reach out my hand in order to reassure you

dance their sweet dance

of my commitment to you.

I look at you and smile.

Then, I grab the remote, and lovingly press “yes, I am still watching”

W O R D S B Y

A L Y S S A

P O E M

H A T F I E L D

I get lost when I’m with you

B Y

A B B I E

W H I T E H U R S T

Yearning for more, but you stop me short

There’s nothing more valuable in

That’s ok, you speak when you're ready

this world than time,

Not every moment is pleasant

And there’s no one with whom I

Some are full of love, and some full of hate

would rather spend mine

You make me cry yet you hold my heart As a wise man once said, it’s the My tired eyes do wish for sleep

small things that count;

But nothing is as beautiful as the tales you

And hour, a minute, time in any

tell at midnight

amount

You calm my doubts and put me at ease To spend my hours chatting long I want to share your words; it can get

into the night,

lonely

Getting closer to you in the soft

But it’s ok when it’s just the two of us

morning light

I still love you and seek them out That’s all I could ask for, just you Stories are experienced differently by

and your mind,

everyone

A place in your arms, you in mine,

But a good book can soften any heart

intertwined

For reading I will always confess my love

Y O U B Y

A R E

G O L D E N

H A N N A H

H O P K E

G I V E B Y

M E

J A M I E

L E T T

You are golden.

My fingers to trace freckles across the universe

There’s a goodness to you

And the tips meld to your

That I’ve never known in anyone else—

Molten skin

It eases my papery lungs, Just being near you. You are golden,

The sun burns slowly around your face

Glowing like a hearth,

Blooming sparkles come forth

Or a candle under the new moon;

That make me blush at such a sight

You are golden,

My heart grew two legs, took two steps

Dappling the sunlight on the pavement

Lifted from the stairs

As we walk hand in hand between the tall

Like helium in the air

spires of bricks;

Lighter than fire

You are golden, Like the sunset streaked with red and with

So tight between two clavicles,

purple

This magical string has strung me

Across the sky like a blanket. I lean into you

Plucked my chords to sing you

in the elevator— Not from weariness,

The abyss I found,

Just an urge to soak up your warmth and

My body broke the mountain,

glow,

Hollowed down to the light

To be close to you,

Right when the mist covered my eyes

To be golden too.

The sun set and my love flew to the moon Fated to have the sun seared into their eyes

Editor-in-Chief: Lillie Brody Content: Karyna Bugos Jennifer Lamont Photos: Alexa Scalchunes