Spring Issue 6: March 1, 2016 by The Florida Tech Crimson

ISSUE 6 MARCH 1

SPRING 2016

SUPERSTITIONS iN

SPORTS

Photo credit of L Tevebaugh Photographer

Science says superstitions can inhibit an athlete's training Gameday undershirts, lucky hair ties, bouncing the ball three times before a foul shot or a serve — superstitions and rituals are widespread in the world of athletics. A variety of superstitions show up in the practices of athletes and students across Florida Tech: on the football fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, in the pool, the Varsity Training Center, and at the training facilities in the Clemente Center. But what exactly are superstitions? Virginia Savage, a professor at Florida Tech who holds a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology, shared the following definition: “Superstition in itself is generally defined as an irrational belief that an object or action, not logically related to a course

of events, influences its outcome.” “A superstition is basically a fear-based behavior, designed to make the ‘fearful’ unpredictability of any sport performance more predictable, by the associated belief that any action or object might predict a more favorable outcome,” Savage explained. Dani Speegle, a previous NCAA athlete with a background in gymnastics, track, volleyball, diving and rowing, shared her experience with superstitions. “I started being a competitive gymnast when I was about 8 years old, so I had routines that were given to me at a very early age. When I hit about 14 or 15 in gymnastics, that's when I started creating my own routines,” said Speegle, a CrossFit athlete.

“There are things like the way I place my hands on the bar where if I don't do them it mentally gets to me and I have to start over,” said Speegle, a marine biology major. “It's different with Crossfit. I feel a little more, just not as pressured. Besides a morning coffee, I don't really have a routine.” “I am quite the opposite,” explained Asante Richards, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering at Florida Tech. “I have a lot of routines. First off, I have to stretch intensively the night before, the day before and if there are certain stretches I don't do, I feel like I'm not going to be able to function the next day. I don’t normally drink coffee, but I almost feel like I have to before a competition. Another thing

I always do is I pray a lot in the morning before competition, just to really be thankful that I am healthy enough to do it and to give me the strength and energy to do my best,” shared Richards, a Crossfit athlete who has played football, volleyball and soccer. Not all rituals are classified as superstitions; superstitions are fear-based. As explained by Savage, “Pre-performance rituals are different than superstitions. A pre-performance ritual is meant to practice a well-practiced image of internal readiness, power, concentration, endurance, precision… in other words, whatever you want to achieve.” Both Richards and Speegle practice some form of visualization. “Before I step up and

do a lift, I like to visualize myself hitting the lift or I will visualize a video I've watched of someone doing a perfect lift,” said Speegle. “I visualize myself playing or doing the workout before any event, or the game. I play every scenario in my head, so if anything happens during the game or during the event I am mentally prepared,” Richards explained. “I've already thought of the worst thing that can happen, so if it happens I'll be ready. Let's say I drop a barbell on my head. I've already thought about it, so I'm not going to be surprised. I play every possible scenario in my head,” the Crossfit athlete.

Continues page 3 // LINDSAY ISAAC STAFF WRITER

Shik Shak Belly Dancing supports TWLOHA The Shik Shak Belly Dance Club recently held a fundraiser last week at the original Old School Pizza, with a portion of their proceeds going toward a locally founded organization, To Write Love On Her Arms. TWLOHA, which started here in Melbourne, is a nonprofit organization that helps people of all ages struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and suicidal thoughts. The idea for the organization started with a 19-year-old girl named Renee. Renee was struggling with drug addiction, self-harm and severe

depression. She cut the words “F*** Up” into her forearm with a blade. The nurse at her treatment center neglected to properly care for her, and she was left alone to suffer. That where was where TWLOHA founder, Jamie Tworkowski, came in. Tworkowski was friends with Renee and wrote a blog on MySpace about her

friend. Tworkowski hoped to bring Renee to safety and help her to write “love” on her arms instead.

// MARY KOZAITIS STAFF WRITER

In this issue Space Coast Jazz Society Cool app by Radiohead: Polyfauna Humanities class & environment

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ISSUE 6

MARCH 1

OPINIONS CAPS PSA:

DRUGS 101 College is a time when many students will be offered or may experiment with drugs. However, many students do not look at the facts behind drugs or even realize what drugs can do to their bodies. It is important to know the effects drugs can have and the dangers they may present. Many college students believe the dangers of drugs will not be a problem for them; however, the nasty effects of drugs can affect anyone. - Marijuana (weed, grass, ganja): Marijuana is considered a combination of a stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic, and is most commonly smoked like tobacco. The effects of marijuana are dizziness, difficulty remembering what just happened, an overwhelming sense of hilarity, memory and learning problems, distorted perception, difficulty thinking or solving problems and overeating. - K2 (spice): K2 is classified the same as marijuana as it is used to mimic the effects of marijuana. Just as marijuana is smoked, so is K2. The effects of K2 are similar to the effects of marijuana and often more intense. It is important to note that the effects of K2 differ from person to person. The dangers of K2 are a permanent psychotic break (having hallucinations and delusions for the rest of your life), memory loss, vomiting and agitation. K2 is most often sprayed with a potent psychotropic drug and further contaminated with an unknown toxic substance. K2 is consistently changing its “recipe” so to speak, and therefore the user will never know what is in their K2. - Ecstasy (Molly), GHB (soap), Rohypnol (roofies), Ketamine (Vitamin K): Ecstasy, GBH are considered stimulants whereas, Rohypnol, and Ketamine are all considered depressants. These are some of the most commonly used drugs, often referred to as “Club drugs.” Short-term effects of these drugs

are feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception and increased physical energy. However, chronic use of ecstasy causes changes in brain function. GHB can cause both coma and seizures. Ketamine can cause delirium and amnesia, and when mixed with alcohol, so can Rohypnol. Death can also occur with one use. - Cocaine (coke, ice, blow): Cocaine is considered a stimulant. Most often seen in the form of a white, crystalline powder, it is often snorted, injected, or smoked. Common effects of Cocaine are increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, as well as restlessness, anxiety and insomnia. Large amounts of cocaine can cause bizarre and violent behavior, heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures and sudden death. - Acid (blotter): Acid is considered a hallucinogen. It is often sold in tablets, capsules, liquid or on an absorbent stamp-like paper. Acid has unpredictable psychological effects. In most people, it causes hallucinations and delusions. The dangers of acid are many, as it causes very high body temperature, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and it also stores in your fat cells. When drugs store in your fat cells, it is likely you could experience the effects of the drug again, but without warning. This means the effects of the drug can reoccur after someone works out at the gym or does other physical activities that may burn that fat cell.

If you feel that your drug use has become a problem or is out of control, do not be afraid to ask for help by contacting the student counseling center and/or the student health center. Counseling Center – 321-674-8050 (website: www.fit.edu/caps) Health Center – 321-674-8078 (website: add health center’s website address) Both centers are located at the corner of Country Club Road and University Boulevard, and are two of many resources at Florida Tech that supports maintaining a happy and healthy you! // KENDRA BARTEL CAPS OUTREACH COLUMNIST

ISSUE 6

MARCH 1

FEATURES

Jazz youth workshops hosted at the Foosaner Art Museum, Harris Space Coast Jazz Society, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, has a mission to keep jazz alive and well on the Space Coast. Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the SCJS hosts youth workshops in the Harris Community Auditorium at the Foosaner Art Museum. The youth workshops previously rehearsed at the Horn Section, a local music store down the street from the Harris Auditorium. Director of Space Coast Jazz Society, Dorothy Holley, was appointed April 2015 after submitting her proposal to the city weighing the hopes of many jazz-lovers’ vision to keep jazz alive within the Space Coast area. “We are just so excited about it [youth program], especially at the Foosaner Art Museum, with their Jazz Friday and now having a youth jazz program to correlate with what they are doing once a month. It is ideal to the Brevard jazz

community,” said Holley. Instead of sleeping in a few extra hours or watching television, a few of dedicated young jazz musicians gathered together for their weekly Saturday morning rehearsal. Jesse Stevenson, of McNair Magnet High School, played the keyboard, Dylan Rhodes, from Wade Christian Academy, played the alto saxophone and Dylan Brown, from Melbourne High school, played the guitar. Betty Minton, arts alumni member of the Links, visited Saturday morning’s rehearsal to see her protégé, Jesse. The Links, Inc. is a service organization that fosters cultural appreciation through the arts, develops richer-inter group relations, and encourages women participation in social and civic responsibilities. “Jesse is amazing! We are sponsoring Jesse to get music lessons because he never had lessons and

doesn’t know how to read music. He has been playing from his soul and we are affording him music lessons to expand his abilities in playing music,” said Minton. One of the young musicians, Dylan approached Dorothy, Betty and I at a table where we discussing the education opportunities in SCJS. He shared what other musical activities he routinely participates in to learn and grow as a young musician. “I also play music at my church, the E flat saxophone and piano,” said Dylan. SCJS is a positive addition to the FIT community as well as the Brevard County area. Florida Tech Jazz Syndicate efforts are in concert with the mission of the Space Coast Jazz Society. “I think it is a great organization. I am very proud to have an organization within the area that has embraced that mission, said

Photo by Shantel Hanna Professor Winston Scott, music professor and performer of advanced music improvisation techniques, “jazz is really one of the very few, true American art forms and if we don’t work to keep it alive pretty soon it won’t even exist in its own country of origin.” Youth workshops consist of youth from grades 4-12. The young musicians learn how to play jazz from the basics of learning the style and how to read sheet music to more advanced playing skills that challenge the more naturally-talented

musician. College scholarships are offered to 12th graders. Scott said, “There are several kinds of benefits that can come out of what the Space Coast Jazz Society is doing; contributing culture to the overall community, to likely attract more people to the area to provide more venues for performers; therefore, will influence the area economically by attracting more jazz lovers.” v // SHANTEL HANNA STAFF WRITER

FIT students choose best restaurants around campus

The island Pasta Company is also a local favorite for dinner.

As an up and coming city that is further developing yearly, Melbourne has seen many restaurants built near the Florida Tech campus. And for students, eating out is a more convenient option. U.S. Route 192 has three new restaurants right

in the Melbourne Square mall parking lot. There are also smaller fast food restaurants like Tijuana Flats. “Tijuana Flats has a great deal on Tuesday called Taco Tuesday,” said Faryn Duff, a psychology student at Florida Tech.

“Bizzaros pizza isn’t too greasy, has large slices and a cool atmosphere. You just need a car to get there.” Many restaurants beachside are open just for breakfast, like Beachside Café and The Blueberry Muffin. Melbourne has a few

locations that offer classic southern style cuisine. “Memaw’s has a ‘homey’ feel and really good garlic bread at a reasonable price,” said Duff. Another location that offers southern comfort is the Broken Barrel. It also sponsors the Florida Tech athletic department. “Broken Barrel has a great beer selection and the barbecue is always something that is a go-to in my opinion,” said Chas Lofquist, a business administration major at Florida Tech. “The atmosphere is great.” As a beach town, seafood is a must in Melbourne. Restaurants like Squid Lips and Bunky’s Seafood are a favorite among locals. “Bunky's has the best seafood around, no doubt!” said Lofquist. BJ’s Brewhouse is known for their vast selection of craft beers, burgers and pizza. They are also home of the pizookie, or pizza cookie. “BJ’s is great because of their pizookie … that’s

all I need to say about that place!” said Duff. Downtown Melbourne is home to Island Pasta, where food with a Caribbean flare is served. “I love Island Pasta. The atmosphere is fun and the food has a tropical twist,” said Madison Hart, a master’s student. “Also, it’s conveniently located across the street from Kilwin's ice cream shop for dessert.” Restaurants like Chipotle and Chik-fil-A are easy for college students looking for a quick dinner. “Chipotle is cheap and still good,” said Ben Abell, an ocean engineering major at Florida Tech. “Chickfil-A is also pretty cheap and it isn’t unhealthy.” Most of Melbourne’s restaurant options would be best reached by car, but those up for a bike ride also have options. v

// LAUREN SUAREZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ISSUE 6

MARCH 1

FEATURES

Music and digital art come together for PolyFauna song “Bloom.” “It comes from an interest in early computer-life experiments and the imagined creatures of our subconscious.”

In an unprecedented but inspirational move, the UK based band, Radiohead, has developed an app for use on mobile devices. Named PolyFauna, the app is available for free download on both iOS and Android operating systems. Thom Yorke, the lead creative force in the band, partnered with his bandmate Nigel Godrich from the side project Atoms

for Peace, as well as close friend and unofficial Radiohead artist Stanley Donwood to release the app in partnership with digital art studio Universal Everything. Polyfauna is described by Yorke on the band’s official website as an experimental collaboration based on The King of Limbs album sessions, using imagery and sound from the

Your screen is the window into an evolving world. Move around to look around. You can follow the red dot. You can wear headphones. The app is an incredible visual and auditory experience, changing nearly every time it is closed and re-opened. The music is typical Radiohead, and the visuals are distinctive of Donwood, who has produced every Radiohead album cover since 1994.

Together, Donwood and Yorke produce visuals for the album packaging and live shows. PolyFauna’s soundtrack is reminiscent of the band’s most recent 2011 album, The King of Limbs. The app has no particular plot, no directions, no dialogue and no pause menu. There are also no advertisements, which really sets it apart from other available, free apps. There is only music and striking visuals, which rotate about the access of the device that is displaying them. You can use your finger to draw a series of geometric shapes as you float through the digital landscape that can only be thought of as the cyberspace described by William Gibson in “Neuromancer.” The development of the

app comes at an exciting time for Radiohead fans, as the band announces their first tour dates since 2012. Fans of Thom Yorke have been hearing much about his side projects lately, most notably “Atoms for Peace” and “Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes,” who initially tested distribution of their album through the online file-sharing website BitTorrent for free. Radiohead was also asked to collaborate on the recent James Bond movie Spectre, and produced a theme song in the vein of Adele’s “Skyfall.” Production of the song for the movie didn’t work out, but Radiohead released the song on their Soundcloud page for Christmas. v // WILL HENDERSON STAFF WRITER

ISSUE 6

MARCH 1

CAMPUS LIFE

Study Abroad offers students valuable long-term benefits Studying abroad provides both students and teachers with experiences that they would not receive in the United States. It’s a resume-builder for both. “For the students, you get an international experience that involves direct contact with international executives,” said Charles Bryant, professor in the College of Business and leader of the Spain study abroad program. “We target multinational companies and cultural activities.” Bryant said that students get to visit some of the culturally important sites in Spain and that it opens their eyes to a different business culture which better prepares students for the workforce. He also said that it benefits the instructors. “I have done these international trips 14 or 15 times in my history, and it gives me more of an insight every time I go,” Bryant said. “It helps me bring more cultural diversity into my class.” Judith Strother, another Florida Tech professor, said that traveling internationally changes who you are and how you view yourself in the world. “I’ve been to Europe many times over the

years and you see something new every time and learn something new every time,” she said. “I am able to bring all the examples from international companies and businesses that I have worked with overseas.” Strother said that students in the Netherlands study abroad program visit multinational companies and have speakers that are executives from multinational companies. Some have gotten international internships because of their study abroad contacts. She also believes it is good for a student’s resume. She said that studying abroad has financial benefits in addition to personal benefits. Florida Tech gives automatic scholarships to students who participate. “There is a real encouragement from the university to do study abroad, because they realize the benefits,” Strother said. Heather Cudmore, director for the study abroad international academic programs, said that the Chinese study abroad program allows students to study, explore and learn firsthand about Chinese culture during the month-long visit. “You will learn survival Chinese, Chinese culture, learn about china through film and you

earn six credits,” said Cudmore. She said that students walk on the Great Wall, visit Giant Pandas and see The Forbidden City and Shanghai's skyscrapers. Cudmore said these experiences set students apart on their resume. Sara Torabi was an undergraduate student when she participated in the Netherlands study abroad program. Torabi said she got to know a lot of undergrad students from different majors and learned more about Florida Tech’s graduate program. She said it was beneficial to both students and professors because it was a different setting than a classroom where they were forming relationships with their instructors. Torabi said that all her class work was completed prior to going overseas to the Netherlands. She said she was truly able to immerse herself in the culture without having to worry about work. She took out a loan to pay for the Netherlands study abroad program. “It was one of the most viable experiences that I have had, and the benefits outweighed the costs,” Torabi said. //PAUL CEPEDA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

WeVENTURE hosts branding lecture for students, community Ryan Mickley, a personal branding strategist from Orlando, came to Florida Tech to give a seminar on the importance of having your own specific brand in business. Mickley, who is in his early 30s, is the youngest person to be mastered certified in personal branding. He describes personal branding as your unique promise of value. “It is so much more than a logo,” he said. “No one else has it.” He elaborates by explaining how personal branding allows you to acknowledge your purpose in life. Tim Tebow, the American football quarterback for example, has the personal brand of “say something and mean it.” It helps a business person separate themselves from the pack and emphasize what he or she believes in. Mickely recommends the book “Ditch Dare Do,”

by William Arruda and Deb Dib for anyone interested in becoming a business person, leader or executive. In it describes ways to be influential, inspirational and happy at work and in your career. It is something business majors may find interest looking into. The seminar was put on by Florida Tech’s weVENTURE program, located on the third floor of Harris Commons. They focus on helping female entrepreneurs make a positive impact in their communities. Kathleen Register, the program manager at weVENTURE, highly encourages students to take part in their programs, which can be explained in more detail on their website (weventure.org). “We have wonderful complimentary programs if you have a business idea,” Register said. Programs are offered for

people with an established business to help improve it, and for those with that have an idea and want to get a business started. They plan on launching and announcing more programs this coming fall. Ginny Soiree is one woman who is achieving her goals with the weVENTURE program. Soiree is a registered nurse who has been working in the medical field for over 24 years. She struggled with her weight her whole life, but now has transformed into an avid crossfit participant and paleo diet lifestyle coach. Her business, Primal Living with Ginny, assists others who are struggling with traditional styles of weight loss and introduces people on how to fully adjust to a paleo lifestyle. WeVENTURE will be hosting another event on March 17 from 11 a.m.-1

p.m at the Hilton Rialto Melbourne. This program, called “Women Who Rock,” is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate local women who make an impact in our community. An expected 300 community leaders from business, government, education, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors will be attending to hand

out receive awards. Approximately 85 percent of attendees will be women. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Registration is available on the weVENTURE website. v // MARY KOZAITIS STAFF WRITER

ISSUE 6

MARCH 1

CAMPUS LIFE

Students participate in Weekly Innovation Challenge

Photo by Allie Wood (From left to right) Ryan Wojtyla, Sabhir Baser and Eric Pereria build their chair Students lined up in groups on the basketball court, but they were not there to play ball. On Jan. 27, the College of Business and the College of Engineering held their

first Weekly Innovation Challenge in the Clemente Center at noon. The challenge was sponsored by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network, which awarded a joint grant to the COB

and COE last summer. The grant was geared toward graduating engineering students with an entrepreneurial mindset. Director of Innovation, Jennifer Schlegel, said that the challenges were about making connections with different types of students. “A lot of times when people may solve problems, it’s not just their own individual solutions,” Schlegel said. “Sometimes, they’ve borrowed bits and pieces from, maybe people they’ve known or they know a piece of the solution.” The challenges were solved in groups of three with at least one engineer in a group. On Feb. 17 over 25 students showed up. “They’re secret challenges, so they don’t get announced until Wednesdays when everybody’s there to kind of give it kind of a fair shake,” Schlegel said. Freshman Karen Della, a business major, thought that since she was told

to bring an engineering student with her, that the activity might be something with construction. The theme for the challenge was the “Simpsons.” Students had to create a chair model based on specifications for certain Simpson characters. KEEN provided the materials to complete the challenge. This included popsicle sticks of different sizes, foam and construction paper, cardboard, pipe cleaners, tape and other crafting materials. The students were given 45 minutes to complete their designs. At the end of that time, the students brought their chairs to the judges table, regardless of whether it was finished or not. The guest judge was engineer research assistant, Tizanio Bernard. Bernard said that his main concern was feel of the design and the relevance between the requirements and the design itself. Sophomores Eric Beger,

Stephen Sullivan and Chris Woodle were the winners of the contest with Ralph’s Supa Chair. Each winner received a $100 Visa gift card. “He’s most relatable to us ’cause you know we’re recently out of high school,” Woodle said. “We’re sophomores now, so it’s easy to think about the times in class when you have a really crummy desk and what would be the best desk that everyone would be excited about.” Schlegel expects the challenges to continue through the semester and into the fall. “The more experience you get understanding what each individual's’ background is and how they approach problems and how they solve problems differently and being able to work together is what really makes you really valuable when you leave campus,” Schlegel said. v // ALLIE WOOD STAFF WRITER

Is it hard for college students to maintain a healthy diet?

Photo by Abeer Janakat The "Freshman 15" is no secret, so it is no surprise that many college students change their eating habits upon arrival. Many students seem to have a love-hate relationship with campus dining. “Some of the food is just quick and easy so it is not necessarily meant for health purposes,” said Kaleb Leach, a senior in business and environmental studies. “I mean it tastes fine and you get full for the day, but if you’re really trying to be fit and in shape it might not be the best food

at times.” Elin Svensson, a student-athlete from Sweden who did gain the ‘freshman 15’ said, “Of course they have healthy food but not enough; I think it’s too much fried food.” During their first year of college, students face a great deal of change, including dietary changes. Chef de Cuisine at Panther Dining Hall Jon Skoviera said, “I think there is a large variety of things that are healthy, a lot of it is choice. The hardest thing is you have to choose wisely.”

Some students feel there is a lack of variety in healthy meals on campus. “I mean they have a salad bar, but it should be more like meals that are healthier,” Svensson said. All freshmen are required to have one of the unlimited meal plans which gives them access to the Panther Dining Hall, an allyou-can-eat dining facility. “The biggest thing is really your choices in portion size,” Skoviera said. “There are also indulgences that you have to watch, you can’t have five pieces of cake and two buffalo wraps.” Leach said he has seen a negative change in his diet since coming to Florida Tech. “Just being in the dining hall when you have the option to have like five cookies or two slices of cake, bowl of cereal, pizza, I mean who’s gonna say no every time?”

The largest variety of food you can find on campus is at Panther Dining Hall which has a cyclical menu. It consists of a number of stations including an international bar, pizza buffet, pasta to order, grill, deli, salad bar and more. “We try to mirror what’s going on in the outside world,” said Tom Stewart, director of food service. Stewart said that at Panther Dining Hall, the menu is more flexible because of the larger space to prepare more food. This is in contrast to other dining facilities, where adding something new to the menu requires taking something off first. Stewart said, “Five years ago, students didn't really care about vegan, and now we have a whole vegan line.” He said that there is a well-balanced vegan option for almost every meal and that they are currently de-

veloping a vegan breakfast menu. Skoviera said that they are always trying to evolve the dining hall’s menu. “We have really pushed this year to get more vegan based instead of just vegetarian, so I think we are trying to push towards being more healthy.” Skoviera also mentioned that a nutritionist will start working with the school. "We just met with her last week, she’ll be out every other week.” he said. “She’s gonna probably start doing things like tutoring small groups and maybe talking about portion size and caloric intake.” Skoviera also said that the nutritionist will be available to help students who are concerned with their diet through the health center. v // ABEER JANAKAT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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MARCH 1

NEWS

Humanities class provides environmental awareness Florida Tech students have the opportunity to improve their environmental awareness in a new humanities class this spring. HUM 3285: Environmental Literature began its very first course at Florida Tech this semester with Professor Natalie Dorfeld. Students get the chance to gain hands on knowledge about some local environments such as the Indian River and the mangroves in Cocoa Beach. “Many students live here but haven’t been outside the FIT bubble,” Dorfeld said. “Going out to different environments gives students the opportunity to learn about the

different habitats and what can be done to help protect the earth.” “I want students to leave with more awareness of the products they're using,” Dorfeld said. “Small changes can have huge ripple effects.” Dorfeld said the environment’s biggest threat was man because people steal turtle eggs and due to a lack of education, people do not realize just how many things can be prevented. “Man is a super predator,” Hailey Ambrose, president of the environmental club, said. “We are teetering on the edge of destroying our own race.”

The class will focus on various ecological issues to educate students about the world’s fragility and to search for a new sustainable way of life. Shelby Stansell and Hailey Ambrose are members of the Florida Tech Environmental Club, which does their best to not only educate their fellow peers about sustainability, but also try to help the environment by cleaning up the trash. “It is a selfless notion to educate yourself about the environment,” Stansell said. “It’s selfish if you don’t.” Engineering students can take this course as part

of their 9-12 required humanities credits. Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, Edward Kalajian, said it is important that engineering students have an understanding about humanities. “Engineering is a people-serving profession,” Kalajian said. “There needs to be an understanding of humanities to improve things for everyday living.” Dorfeld said that students should consider taking the course to be more mindful about the environment and how they may be affecting it. Students will have opportunities to volunteer at an animal wildlife hospital

where animals are cared for, such as turtles that have been injured by dog attacks. Dogs have been known to attack turtles and break their shells, making it dangerous for the turtles to be released back into the wild. The hospital will repair and tape up the shells and volunteers, such as Dorfeld, will take the time to walk the turtles outside. “I hope [the course] runs frequently,” Dorfeld said. v

through it,” she said. “Our club itself is not only about teaching and learning the art of belly dance, but it’s also about loving yourself and giving yourself the confidence you deserve to feel good in your own skin.” With March being Women’s History Month, meant to highlight contributions of women in

history and society, it is the perfect opportunity to recognize women trying to make a difference. “We may be giving in monetary form, but it helps TWLOHA continue its excellent work saving lives and shining light onto those who fell into darkness,” Michelman said. “We’re more than honored to be able to help and believe in a

cause such as this, and that is why we picked it.” v

// RILEY GEESKIE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Shik Shak & TWLOHA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 TWLOHA has worked internationally to help thousands of people recover from mental illness and live happier and healthier lives. Their goal is to help others believe that a better life is possible. “We know that everyone goes through hard times, especially in college, and this organization has really helped people,” said

Shik Shak Belly Dance Club President Amanda Zammit. The club’s choreographer, Brynne Michelman, explained the importance of TWLOHA to their group. “Our club recognizes the importance of this charity’s mission, as we have had members who have suffered and close friends and family gone

// MARY KOZAITIS STAFF WRITER

10th annual International Festival a success The Florida Tech campus saw a multitude of students, visitors and a rainbow of flags representing numerous nationalities on Feb. 20. Florida Tech hosted its 10th annual International Festival from noon to 5 p.m. in the Panther Plaza. Participants included international student organizations and cultural organizations from the community. The main attraction of the festival was found at the Pantherium, where students and local organizations provided live entertainment. The event was kicked off by Florida Tech’s

all-faculty rock-and-roll band, Twitchy, with President Anthony Catanese on the drums. This was followed by about 20 other performances. Student groups that participated included the Omani Student Association, African Student Association and Caribbean Student Association. Crowd favorites were the FIT Street Dance Club as well as the Indian Student Association, who received multiple applauses and cheers before starting. Local community performances included St. Joe’s Catholic School Spanish Club, who provid-

ed several different dance routines, and Capoeira Karkara Melbourne, a group that combines martial art with dancing and music for a unique performance. Capoeira Karkara was one of several groups to showcase their talent and culture through a diverse age range. Other groups with similar diversity in age included St. Joe’s Catholic School Spanish club with middle school students and Halau Hula’O Kilakilapilialohaikapu’uwai, with a young generation of dancers. Florida Tech graduate student Obinna Uyanna was the master of ceremo-

nies for the entire event. Despite some difficulties in garnering participation in the raffle, Uyanna effortlessly kept the crowd entertained in between performances. The International Festival aims to celebrate cultural diversity while educating on various nationalities. The organizations provided information and samples of their cultures and traditions, including flags, maps, posters, trinkets and artifacts. “There were tables and performances from all over the world,” sophomore Madeleine Bitting said. “Everyone was dancing and having a good time.”

Bitting attended the event to support some of the performers. Visitors were able to enjoy a wide selection of ethnic foods, including Caribbean jerk chicken, and students were given free samples. Bouncy houses, face-painting and other carnival activities were included for children. The International Festival was sponsored by the Florida Tech Office of International Students and Scholar Services, Florida Tech Office of Business and Retail Operations and WFIT. v // BENJAMIN GOESS CONTRIBUTNG WRITER

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SPORTS

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concluded. Speegle shared another practice of hers. “The day before a competition I ask a million questions. I hate the feeling of going into anything not completely prepared mentally,” Speegle laughed. “At the point before a competition, physically you are going to be where you are at. You can't do one more workout and achieve something the night before. It's just not going to happen. But mentally, that's something you can work on,” Speegle explained. “So, the night before or even a couple of days before, I'll ask so many questions to make sure I feel mentally confident before going into anything,” the senior remarked. Brandon Stern, a member of the Men’s Track and Field team, commented on the value of certain rituals: “In relays, before I am about to receive the baton, I have to jump and pound the ground.” “Here’s what I have learned,” the sprinter paused before continuing, “My coach taught me that there are two things you can do with adrenaline: It can be fight or flight. You can use it to your advantage, or you can let it make you nervous,” Stern ex-

plained. “The longer you are in a sport, the more you recognize the patterns and routines that work for you,” the sophomore from Jamaica noted. Pre-performance rituals can be positive; but superstitions, the repetitive practices done out of fear, can negatively affect an athlete's quality of life. “Superstitions only reinforce an external locus of control (something other than myself determines my performance). Thus, without that ‘rabbit’s foot’ handy, all is lost and anxiety or worry tends to impair performance, and unintentionally reinforcing the association between the presence of the superstitious object and enhanced performance,” Savage explained. Savage followed her comment with the explanation that one’s belief in a superstition, not the superstitious act itself, affects performance. “Superstitions might allow people to feel more confident by simply believing that tending to a superstitious belief will determine a better outcome. It is not the superstitious action or object in itself, but the BELIEF, that helps to boost confidence, thus decreasing

the distractions of anxiety and worry,” Savage emphasized. When asked whether routines truly affect how she performs, Speegle responded, “I think it's more of a mental thing for me personally.” “When I played volleyball, every single time I got back to serve there was always a routine. I'd bounce it three times, spin the ball in my hand, then serve. If I didn't do that — if time was running out, if adrenaline got to me, and I just served — most of the time I would still make the serve. But in my head I'd freak out the split-second before I served the ball because I'd be thinking, ‘Oh my God, I didn't do my routine. I am going to miss,’” Speegle recalled. “Those thoughts are all-consuming.” “You can do the skill without the routine, but mentally you get into a frazzled state if you become consistent with a ritual and then you don't do it. If you get into a routine where you do something consistently and then you don't do it, it messes with you mentally to where you do not focus on the task at hand. You become so focused on not doing the pre-lift routine, that you miss the lift,” Speegle con-

cluded. Richards was asked the same question. “A doctor or a scientist might say they don't, but I think they do,” Richards remarked, but then the athlete paused. After a period of silence, Richards spoke: “I know it's mental, but I almost don't want to believe that it is.” “I just thought about something,” Richards said after another pause. “Every time before I pick up a barbell, whether it's a snatch, a deadlift or a clean, I always pull up my pants leg and then grab the bar with my right hand first and then my left,” the engineer admitted. “Every single time!” “And the times that I don't do it, I still make the lift. But it's not as clean, because in my head I am thinking, ‘Oh my gosh I didn't do my routine. It's not going to be a pretty lift.’ I know it's mental, but I almost don't want to believe that it is,” Richards said reflectively. According to Savage, who is recognized for maximizing human potential, “Superstitions ultimately undermine our ability to master ourselves. If we believe that something else controls the outcome of

our performance, we have given up both the responsibility and belief in our own efforts. In the short run, it may feel like a boost of confidence, but in the long run, those superstitions can own us.” “Even though athletes understand the futility and negative aspects of superstitions, it is not so easy to abandon them,” Savage added. Then Savage offered the following advice: “A bad habit must be replaced with a consistent practice of a new habit… like focusing on what you want!” To share your superstitions, pre-performance rituals or what you’ve done to overcome fear-based practices, comment on our website (www.ftcrimson. com) or on Instagram (@ ftcrimson). v

// LINDSAY ISAAC STAFF WRITER