ISSUE 2 AUGUST 23
FALL 2016
Orientation in Review: Photo by Nathaniel Ashton Freshman enjoying Orientation. Orientation week, the first few days of the college experience that sets new students up to succeed. The transition from high school to college can be quite difficult, and very different from middle school to high school. Here at Florida Tech the administration is fully aware of the difficulties of this transition, so Orientation is a big deal. This first full week is packed with student involvement provoking events. From the Color Wars to the Student Involvement Fair, to the Block Party, the Orientation team
helps freshmen meet their neighbors, classmates, and soon to be friends. Michael Arenella, a freshman on campus, said he thoroughly enjoyed the orientation process, “It was amazing, I loved every second of it.” Arenella continued about his favorite event. “The first night of color wars, it was nuts,” said Arenella. “Obstacle courses and limbo, all kinds of competitions and comradery.” The only piece that Arenella thinks Orientation is missing are campus tours.
An idea echoed by freshman Victoria Bruce, “There should be a point with your team where you can walk through where your classes can be.” Both freshmen agree that Orientation week has prepared them for their first week of class. The week provides the opportunity to all students to find clubs and organizations that they are interested in, as well as the vital face-to-face meetings with their peers. Not only were the events entertaining and well organized, so was the Orientation check-in process.
Zach Isbell enjoyed his smooth check-in experience “The check-in was really fast, it was probably one of the best check-ins I’ve had.” Said Isbell “Everybody seemed friendly, if I had any questions I didn't feel awkward to go up and ask anyone older than you.” Isbell went on to say he also liked color wars and the chances he got to meet new people during the events. “We’ve really pushed our social media. We honestly think that really developed the community with the incoming class,” said Corin Lobo, an
Orientation Coordinator. Lobo explained further about changes to the Orientation style. The Orientation team utilized an app this year, with multiple helpful components. “The map feature had Google Maps API implemented on Iphone OS.” Said Lobo. This gives students a mapped-out route to their destination on campus. // NATHANIEL ASHTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE BY YOUR PROFESSORS As freshmen are all set for a new experience at Florida Tech, one thing that they are never ready for are the professors. Almost all students have their minds filled with questions regarding expectations from professors and how to fulfill them in order to be on their good side. Each professor is different and has a different set of expectations, but there are some commonalities which every professor believes and expects from their students, the most important being that professors want freshmen students to know that college is not as simple as high school. It takes a lot more studying in order pass a course. It is also important to not be entirely dependent on a professor, because they are here to help and be a guidance, not to spoon feed. Florida Tech professors are generally strict about attendance policy, so attending every class with punctuality should be
students’ priority. Most professors do not allow students to use electronic devices during the class. Using devices such as phones and laptops during lectures without a professor's consent can be considered academic dishonesty. “I find it’s extremely disrespectful if students use their cell phones and laptops during my lectures" said Dr. Donna Wilt, a professor at the College of Aeronautics. She also said that even chitchatting with fellow students during classes is impolite not only to professors but also to other classmates. Students should always be prepared in advance on the topics that professors are planning to teach in class. Due to time limitations and their busy schedules, professors cannot cover everything on certain topics. Meetings can be arranged with professors for extra help, but it is still important to reinforce learning independently so that the time in a meeting
photo by Nathaniel Ashton Approaching your professor can be nerve-wracking, but they are here to help!
can be used efficiently. If a meeting is arranged with a professor, then it is necessary to be on time and to be prepared. Maintaining communication with a professor from time to time throughout the semester is a very important element to build a good studentprofessor relationship. According to some professors, new incoming students have bad habit of requesting good grades. "Your grades are earned
by your actions throughout the semester. Do not beg for good grades later," Luke Henning, a professor at the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business, said. This not only annoys the professor but it doesn’t help the student’s credibility
either. College is not easy, but taking advice from professors can surely help. They are here to help, so do not be afraid of them! // SHADHAB TAMBOLI STAFF WRITER
In this issue Florida Tech Campus Quirks Pokemon GO Heats Up Club Sports
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ISSUE 2
2
OPINIONS
AUGUST 23
CAPS PSA What is group counseling? Group counseling is a type of support service in which a small number of people come together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help oneself and one another. In group, not only do students receive tremendous understanding, support, and encouragement from group therapists but also from peers facing similar issues. Students can also gain different perspectives, ideas, information and viewpoints on the issues and concerns they are struggling
Keep Calm and Group Therapy On!
to cope with. All of the groups are intended to help students who would like to gain support, increase selfawareness, and learn new ways to cope with personal or interpersonal challenges. All of the group sessions are free and available to registered students of Florida Tech. Do I choose group or individual counseling? For many students, attending group counseling can be more effective and help produce more rapid changes compared to individual counseling.
Having the chance to work through problems with professionally trained therapists and the learning opportunities gained from peers who share similar concerns are what make groups special. Group counseling has been shown to be an effective, and sometimes a preferred, treatment option for many issues students are facing. It is common to participate in both individual and group counseling services simultaneously. How do I sign up for group counseling?
If you are interested in a group, just come to the location specified for the group(s) of your choice on the day and time indicated. If you have questions about whether a group can be helpful, feel free to contact CAPS for further details (321-674-8050). Groups may get filled, so if you want to reserve your spot, feel free to contact the center. Is group counseling confidential? Group therapists will keep personal information shared in group counseling confidential and group
members are asked to sign a confidentiality statement before they are able to participate in group. This means it is agreed that the privacy/identity of group members and the information shared will be respected, and no personal information will be shared with someone who is not in the group. In other words, “what is said in group, stays in group!” // DR. DEBRA SLOANE STAFF PSYCHOLOGIST & GROUP THERAPY PROGRAM COORDINATOR
What groups are offered for the Fall, 2016 semester? Closer Connections Mondays, 11 AM - 12 PM (beginning 9/12/16), CAPS (corner of Country Club Rd & University Blvd, beside the Health Center) Get support to increase your emotional awareness (self-identity, self-esteem) and learn to better navigate challenging relationships (peer, academic, career, romantic) to improve your “connections!”
Conquering Confidence
Tuesdays, 4 PM - 5 PM (beginning 9/6/16), CAPS (corner of Country Club Rd & University Blvd, beside the Health Center) Discuss common concerns regarding social anxiety and/or social confidence Learn ways to reduce social stress and anxiety, improve communication/conversation skills and perspective-taking ability in a comfortable setting with guidance and support.
Coping With College Wednesdays, 11 AM - 12 PM (beginning 9/7/16), Black Kat’s Kafe (inside the Rat) Learn ways to work through the challenges of being a college student! Successful stress and time management skills, as well as healthy coping skills and wellness tips will be introduced.
Diversity Dialogues Thursdays, 4 PM – 5 PM (beginning 9/8/16), Black Kat’s Kafe (inside the Rat) Discuss adjustment to a new culture, “fitting in”, homesickness, life in the US and other social/cultural challenges! Learn helpful communication strategies, make new friends and embrace cultural diversity (for both domestic and international students alike!).
For more information about groups and/or the services offered by CAPS, please visit the center’s website at: www.fit.edu/caps or contact the center by telephone at 321-674-8050
ISSUE 2
AUGUST 23
CAMPUS LIFE
INCOMING: A LOOK AT THE NEWCOMERS
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The Fall 2016 semester has started and Florida Tech is circulating new faces from around the world. The following article contains interviews with a few of Florida Tech’s newcomers who answer questions about themselves and their new life at Florida Tech. Electrical and Electronics Engineering freshman Bader Zuhair Taher Where are you from? Jordan If you could describe yourself in three words, what would those words be? Hardworking, Loving, Anxious
Photo by Bader Zuhair
How did you hear about Florida Tech? My best friend and I were applying to many different universities in the United States, and one day we found out about Florida Tech. I was more interested in it than him because it had co-op programs and Fast Track programs that I am hoping to join. I applied and the friendly staff and the scholarship I was offered are what made me
choose Florida Tech.
diplomats and volunteers.
What is one item you cannot live without? My phone.
What has surprised you about Florida Tech?
What is your favorite place on campus? Evans Library 2nd floor. What is your favorite word? Love. What item have you used the most since you arrived at Florida Tech? My phone. What do you like most about Florida Tech? The lovely staff of RAs, PPLs,
What is a fun fact about yourself? Even though I am not by anyway a certified therapist, most of those who know me well back home would come to me and tell me about something they're not sure about (either a decision or a depressing moment in their life), and I would give them love and support in whatever decision they would make.
Forensic Psychology Freshman Lu'Seane Henley (Lulu) Where are you from? St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
What is one item you cannot live without? My phone/Chapstick
What do you like most about Florida Tech? The food and my dorm
If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would those words be? Spontaneous, inquisitive, outgoing
What is your favorite place on campus? So far, the library.
What has surprised you about Florida Tech? How far away Mary Star of the Sea is, how beautiful the campus is and how friendly the staff is.
How did you hear about Florida Tech? The college fair at my school
What is your favorite word? I don't have one. What item have you used the most since you arrived at Florida Tech? GPS
What is a fun fact about yourself? I love pandas and purple. Photo by Lu'Seane Henley
Aviation Management with flight freshman Alp Postacilar Where are you from? Turkey. If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would those words be? Ambitious, different and an entrepreneur. How did you hear about Florida Tech? I heard that everyone here has a passion about something and they really work for it.
Photo by Alp Postacilar
What is one item you cannot live without? I cannot live without my cellphone.
What is your favorite place on campus? My favorite place on campus is the dining hall. What is your favorite word? My favorite word is "Being yourself is the prettiest thing a person can be." What item have you used the most since you arrived at Florida Tech? I have used the Florida Tech Orientation app the most since I arrived at Florida Tech.
What do you like most about Florida Tech? I mostly like that there are lots of things you can do beside classes at Florida Tech. What has surprised you about Florida Tech? I am surprised that there are lots of different people from all over the world at Florida Tech. What is a fun fact about yourself? I have seen nearly 70 percent of the world.
// LINDSAY ISAAC STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 2
AUGUST 23
CAMPUS LIFE
College Troubles: Finding Your Support System Congratulations, you’re in college! You probably see yourself getting ready to go to new classes and interacting with newfound friends, but don’t think everything will always be great. Before attending Florida Tech, I went to University of Central Florida. I had the same ambitions and desires as everyone else - to have fun and succeed. Sadly, it was not my happy ending. After a full year at UCF, I fell into darkness within myself and couldn’t get out. I needed help and didn’t know how or where to get it. I felt lost. I felt like I failed and there was no coming back from what happened. Thankfully I had a great support system and learned from my mistakes at UCF and rehabilitated my life to accommodate my needs. When I got accepted to Florida Tech, I was excited and frightened for my upcoming semester. Yet, I knew what I had to do for my past not to repeat. We as human beings
need others for support and connection; without it, we retreat into ourselves and miss out on the things that are offered to us. That’s one of the reasons why I joined The Crimson. I might not be the best writer, but I have other talents to offer and as I did this, I felt part of the university and I gained a grounding system. Joining a club gave me the opportunity to meet new people. If you wish to be more connected, look into the clubs that are offered by our university. You might be surprised to find yourself part of something you never expected. Joining a club doesn’t guarantee that one will feel better right away and that’s ok. We’re complex beings and there is no right way. Florida Tech has a great Counseling and Psychological Service program located at the intersection of Country Club Road and University Boulevard, adjacent to the Holzer Health Center. These professionals are qualified to help and assist students in any situation they
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photoby byNathaniel Nathaniel Ashton Ashton Photo Starting college comes with a brand new set of challenges are faced with. Their service is free and there’s no shame in using it. People are meant to be with people. It doesn’t have to be all the time, but there’s something that happens within our physiology when we interact with others that betters our mental health. There are many opportunities within Florida
Tech to do so, and each student should take advantage of them. Not only will you create connections, but you’ll also gain a support system. Also take advantage of the resources offered by the university, such as CAPS; it’s free and totally confidential. College is a great time for one to learn about themselves
and others. If there was one thing I wished someone told me before I started college, it’s that you’ll need a friend to hold your hand when times get hard.
// SVETA WARREN STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 2
AUGUST 23
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TECH TALK
Pokémon GO Heats Up Two gyms, 30 Pokéstops and the opportunity to catch rare Pokémon – no wonder Florida Tech is filling up with Pokémon trainers. The craze has swept nationwide, and our campus is no different. Of course, Florida Tech students have something to say about the technology. Senior Gabriel Hall is one student that’s waiting for the technology to improve before he downloads it. He said the format the game uses for Pokébattles isn’t worth it. Instead of the swipe system, Hall would rather see the trainers able to take turns, fighting their six Pokémon into defeat or victory one move at a time. Junior Chelsea Reichard said improvements recently made include the Pokémon tracking and close-by functions. She said the concept is nice, but right now it is not very helpful. Some students don’t play, though. And never will! “I think it’s a waste
of time,” senior David Labrecque said. “I could see a real world application maybe in the future for other uses on a similar platform, but I think playing a video game while you walk around just reduces the social ability of us as people together.” Most people have done their fair share of walking around campus with their head in their phone. They’re either texting, looking for music, or on other social media. Millennials have a knack for navigating without looking. Pokémon GO has brought that skill into question. This summer, the news has been littered with stories of people who have walked into traffic or trespassed, all in the name of Pokémon. Hall said it’s simply Darwinism. “They don’t pay attention to their own surroundings. It’s their own fault, not society’s,” said
Hall. Labrecque said it was only a matter of time before technology brought humans into a “stupid phase,” but he said we might adapt. Eventually. No matter what your opinion on the technology, it is clear that there is a new group on campus. The Pokémon GO at Florida Tech Facebook page has 126 members, where students have been sharing pictures of where they have caught certain Pokémon around campus. Now that school is back in business, there are sure to be lurefests started and Pokémon leagues formed. Hall said he’s excited for more people to start playing. “Once the Humans versus Zombies fans switch over to it, it’s going to be nuts. I feel like they’ll create Pokémon leagues here.” // AUDREY GANGLOFF MANANGING EDITOR
Photos by: Athela Frandsen
Pokémon Stops On Campus BUILDINGS All Faiths Chapel Athletics Annex Gleason Performing Arts Center Harris Institute for Assured Information Olin Life Sciences Scott Center for Autism Treatment Skurla Hall University Plaza
DORMS Brown Hall Columbia Village Laundry Room Columbia Village Dedication Plaque Evans Hall Roberts Hall Southgate Panther Country Mural
BOTANICAL GARDENS Archontophoenix Cunningham Plaque Dantes Bench Dent Smith Trail (Two of Them) Gazebo FITiki Worm Factory
STATUES, FOUNTAINS AND OTHER LANDMARKS Allen Henry Fountain Aquatic Center Panther Statue Chinese Clock Link Flight Trainer Military Science Pavilion Panthereum Keuper Statue SUB Panther Statue Tau Beta Pi Florida Zeta Chapter Statue Weaver Plaza
ISSUE 2
AUGUST 23
SPORTS
Club Sports: What Does Florida Tech Offer
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Are you just bored wasting time watching TV? Do you like sports? Are you looking for something fun to do? Well you don’t have to look any further than the Florida Tech clubs. Florida Tech offers 12 club sports to all students. These sport clubs allow students to be involved athletically while still haing time to experience other aspects of a college life. Each club offers something different, from learning how to play a sport to hanging out with new people. It’s up to you what you choose - there are so many possibilities.
Baseball Club A student organization with the purpose of allowing students to play baseball competitively during college while still enjoying college life. Meetings are held on weekends and on weekday nights, which are announced by a club representative.
FIT Bowling Club This organization is composed of students, alumni, faculty, and staff who enjoy the sport of bowling. There is a league which lasts for twelve weeks with teams of three in pursuit to get their names engraved on the FIT Bowling Club Trophy. The meetings are on Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. at Shore Lanes - Palm Bay.
Florida Tech Badminton Club organization is available to all Florida Tech students, alumni, and staff to partake in Monday thru Thursday. Club activities sometimes entail intense training and tournaments with others.
Florida Tech Equestrian Club This club is for anyone at FIT who wants to learn about horses, regardless of experience level. They promote equine sports in a safe, challenging, and fun environment.
Florida Tech Soccer Club A nonprofit, intercollegiate soccer organization whose purpose is to promote and foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership skills on the field and in the classroom. They meet Wednesday nights at 10 at the Florida Avenue soccer fields.
Florida Tech Triatalon Club Triathlon is composed of swimming, biking, and running, but most of all it's a great way to have fun and get in shape. No prior experience is needed to join. The club also participates in local races as well as the Collegiate National Championships.
Freediving Club If you love the water, this club is perfect for you. They educate students on how to properly dive as well as how to have longer and safer dives if you are more experienced. Together they travel all around Florida.
Ping-Pong Club
With many countries getting more involved in ping-pong, this club hopes to bring different cultures in one place to have fun while improving skills. The club’s ultimate goal is to make Ping-Pong a competitive sport in Florida Tech by competing into inter-collegiate tournaments.
ISSUE 2
AUGUST 23
SPORTS
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Ice Hockey Team Anyone is welcome to join, female or male, even with little or no experience. Allie Folcik is the left wing forward. Ice hockey practices are at the local ice rink of Space Coast Iceplex.
Sailing Club at Florida Tech
The purpose is to provide students, faculty, and staff access to a fleet of sailboats. No experience is required, as there are many experienced instructors available. There is also a chance to participate in college regattas against schools such as UCF, University of Miami, FSU, Eckerd, and many more.
Tennis Club There is a wide range of skill levels at the Tennis Club, where there is competition, but the first goal of the club is to have fun playing tennis. Anybody can join their practices that occur Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. at the Florida Tech Tennis Courts.
Ulitimate Frisbee Club
To introduce and teach people the rules and basic skills of Ultimate Frisbee for beginners. For those who would like a competitive atmosphere, this club will be attending tournaments throughout the state and competing in the UPA championship series. // SVETA WARREN STAFF WRITER
All photos from the clubs respective Facebook or Orgsync page
Panther Defense Shines in Preseason Scrimmage
The Panthers showed off their defensive strength in a pre-season inter-squad scrimmage. “They’re playing with a lot of energy and passion,” said head coach Steve Englehart. “And we even had a few seniors not playing today on defense, so I love the way the they played.” The offensive side of the ball struggled. Englehart said they were lacking in big plays, but some of their main starters were sitting out, too. “Today was really about seeing what those two’s and three’s can do,” said Englehart. “To see who’s going to be able to help us if injuries happen.” The Panthers are fielding 29 seniors this year, most of them on the defensive side. Many of them are some of Englehart’s first recruits and have been on the team for five years. Defensive back, Manny Abad, is one of those seniors. He said that when his class first came to Florida Tech as freshmen, they talked about what type of team they wanted to have when they were seniors. “Here it is, five years later, and we’re that team,” said Abad. “Expectations and confidence are really high.” Abad said that since he’s been with the same core group of guys since
Photo By: Audrey Gangloff
Florida Tech football in their last game of the 2015-2016 season.
day one, communication is at a high level. Redshirt junior, TJ Rodriguez, said this group is the closest he’s been with in his position since he started playing football. “We’re all like family,” he said. “We’re always communicating, always willing to help each other, which obviously is a big part and why we’re going to do big things this year.” Englehart said he hopes these senior’s season is the icing on the cake of a great time they’ve had here at
Florida Tech, but it’s a new year and it’s a new team. “If we’re going have the success we want, we have to keep guys healthy and understand that they have to be able manage a long season,” he said. Abad said that it helps playing with the same teammates for so long. “When you need a break, you’re not gonna be selfish,” he said. “You have confidence in the next man up and trust the person behind you that they’re gonna put out the same
performance you are.” Rodriguez has not been a traditional starter on the Panther squad, but he came out with a strong showing in preseason. He has the same attitude as Abad about their position. “Celebrate when it’s time to make plays as a team and be happy for everybody,” he said. “When you focus on your job and do your job, everything else will come.” The Panthers have less than two weeks to arrive game-ready in South
Carolina for their first game against the Newberry Wolves. So far, Rodriguez and Abad said that the defense’s strengths are communication and pursuing the ball every play. As for weaknesses, Abad said they have none. They are getting better at everything. // AUDREY GANGLOFF MANAGING EDITOR