Fall 2017 – Issue 3

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CATALYST

ACTIVIST NEWSLETTER NCF CRISIS TEAM

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 VOLUME XXXV ISSUE III

New College of Florida's student-run newspaper

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Planned Parenthood trains escorts in preparation for pro life protests

BY MIRANDA GALE On a weeknight after hours, Sarasota’s Planned Parenthood saw an influx of people of different genders and ages gathered together for one reason: to attend escort training.

As the group filled up a conference room, candy, wristbands and training handbooks were passed out.

New College alumnus and Planned Parenthood Regional Organizer Sarah Scully (‘13) organized the event, continuing the relationship between the New College comphoto courtesy of Sarah Scully munity and the local Planned Par- Planned Parenthood escorts, who wear pink vests such as the one above, are asked enthood, located at 736 Central Ave. to never engage with the protesters in any way except for an "excuse me" when This escort training was attended by attempting to pass by them. so many for one reason in particu40 Days For Life is a religious operate with God in the carrying out lar: the annual 40 Days For Life pro- pro-life organization dedicated to “a of His plan for the end of abortion” life protest starts Sept. 27 and runs determined, peaceful approach to through fasting, prayer and organizthrough Nov. 5, bringing an increase showing local communities the con- ing. Planned Parenthood organizers of protesters to the doors of Planned sequences of abortion in their own expect the protests and counter-proParenthood. neighborhoods” with the aim to “co- tests to escalate in size and volume,

making the role of escorts all the more vital.

Escorts volunteering for Planned Parenthood wait outside of the clinic on days when abortions are performed and offer to walk patients inside as they arrive at the clinic and back outside to their cars when they leave, all-the-while shielding patients from potentially being photographed or recorded on video. Along with other workers, building security and volunteers, escorts play a role in ensuring patient safety and comfort, especially when protesters are standing outside.

Being an escort isn’t for everyone. Escorts are prohibited from engaging with the protesters in any way except for the occasional “excuse me” while trying to pass. No matter what protesters say, the escort’s job is to put the patient first and to not continued on p. 11

Walls continue to struggle under current management while Wallternatives keep dream alive

BY NOAH BASLAW

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Last year’s struggle to maintain two Walls each weekend has not disappeared. Many students look forward to dancing the night away on weekends at the student-run parties.

These events require the New College Police Department (NCPD) and Student Affairs to supervise these events both in person and policy, but unfortunately for those keen on getting groovy Friday and Saturday night, schedules for Walls and security personnel do not always match up. In certain cases, Student Affairs may host Wallternatives.

To ensure the safety and security of the NCPD staff, a minimum of two New College officers supervise Walls. This quota of officer availability is the consequence of an incident that happened in September 2008, when a student was assaulted by someone from outside New College

WHAT’S INSIDE

Photo courtesy of Riley Lewis

To ensure the safety and security of the NCPD staff, a minimum of two New College officers supervise Walls.

who lived in town. Chief Kessie nor Dean of Student Affairs Robin Williamson expressed that the two officer policy came from state statute.

“We cannot ensure the safety of the property and of the people here

6 GREAT GAY 5K

on campus with one police officer working," Kessie explained. "At anytime, less than one police officer is a problem.Williamson clarified their position that 'it would be irresponsible to not have appropriate person-

9 HEALTHY HABITS

nel in place to keep our students safe at all times.

“A party is not an emergency, and I cannot have officers changing their schedule ruining their weekends and their family life because someone wants to have a party. I have to keep the peace, and plus they have a union [which] has brought this up before and I think they have been very patient,” Kessie added.

“We need to be spending our money wisely.”

Staffing is also considered to be a problem.

“Staffing here [NCPD] is very limited,” Captain Kathleen Vacca reiterated.

Besides the staffing issues, Williamson cited apparent limited student interest in the two weekly parties.

“Walls and wallternatives only draw about 40-50 students. So, there continued on p.4

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Autopsy from former football player Aaron Hernandez shows New ‘Trump Travel Ban’ will halt travel from Venezuela severe case of CTE

BY GIULIA HEYWARD

When former New England Patriots football player, Aaron Hernandez, was sentenced to life in prison after the 2015 murder of the boyfriend of his fiance’s sister, the National Football League (NFL) publicly denounced his actions.

However, after committing suicide while in prison, an autopsy revealed that Hernandez suffered a severe form of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)--a revelation that draws attention to the NFL’s treatment of its athletes.

Hernandez was found dead in his cell on April 19 at 3:05 a.m by security guards. His body was released to Boston University’s CTE Center for examination. His death was ruled a suicide.

CTE is a degenerative disease commonly found in individuals who have suffered repeated blows to the head. “[...] CTE is associated with aggressiveness, explosiveness, impulsivity, depression, memory loss and other cognitive charges,” a press release statement from the Boston University CTE Center states.

Upon the release of the statement, Hernandez’s fiancee and daughter sued the NFL and the Patriots for Hernandez’s death. The lawsuit states that Hernandez had Stage III CTE, which is normally seen in ex football players in their 60s.

“At the time of his death, Aaron Hernandez had the most severe case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) medically seen in a person of his young age of 28 years by the world renowned CTE Center at Boston University,” the lawsuit reads. “By the time Aaron entered the NFL, in 2010, Defendants were fully aware of the damage that could be inflicted from repetitive impact injuries and failed to disclose, treat, or protect him from the dangers of such damage.”

The family was reportedly seeking over $20 million from the lawsuit.

Boston University’s CTE Center has released Hernandez’s brain back to his family.

Information for this article was taken from cnn.com and nytimes.com.

Latinx club fosters ‘a community within a community’

BY GIULIA HEYWARD Salsa, cafecito and a diverse range of religions, races and beliefs all within a common identity. Latinx Club has brought popular student events such as Salsa^2 and the Cultural Diversity Festival. Spanish language faculty have received grants for research, such as the Bilingual Cubano American tutorial, that have brought Sarasota residents to campus. This semester, Latinx Club has big plans for New College.

The first Latinx Club meeting took place on Tuesday, Sept. 19 in the Old Mailroom in Hamilton “Ham” Center.

This sentiment is shared by other latinx-identified students on campus.

“It’s important that a Latinx

Club exists in order to highlight the lives and narratives of Latinx people who live here at New College,” third-year Paola Baez-Perez said.

“It’s a chance for other latinx people at New College to meet each other and [...] to be able to create a community within a community that you can relate with.”

BY GIULIA HEYWARD

President Donald Trump’s Travel Ban, formerly known as Executive Order 13769 and Executive Order 13780 respectively, denied entry into the United States from citizens of seven or six predominantly Muslim countries. With the expiration of this controversial legislation, comes a new executive order that will deny U.S. citizens the ability to travel into seven countries--including Venezuela.

The executive order was signed

by President Trump on Sunday, Sept. 24, during the second week of Hispanic Heritage Month. The original executive order travel ban expired that same night. Similar to the original order, travel to Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen are restricted--countries Chad, North Korea and Venezuela are new additions. Chad, like the original five countries, contains a Muslim majority.

The restrictions put on travel to Venezuela were viewed by many as narrow. USA Today reported that the order only placed restrictions on a handful of Venezuelan government officials. The ban would also “implement additional measures” that would ensure the safety of travel to this country.

This has lead many to suggest that the addition of these two countries is in response to backlash over Trump’s targeting of Muslim communities.

“The devil is in the details and we are watching with great skepticism,” American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Director Anthony D. Romero said in a statement. “This looks to be the Trump administration’s third try to make good on an unconstitutional campaign promise to ban Muslims from the United States. This is an apparent effort to paper over the original sin of the Muslim ban, especially when last week Trump said that he wanted a ‘larger, tougher, more specific,’ ban.”

Countries included on the travel ban are reportedly due to the alleged failure of those countries governments to participate with the United States on screenings of individuals.

“The screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with the visa-issuance process and the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USARP) plays a crucial role in detecting foreign nationals who may commit, add, or support acts of terrorism and in preventing those individuals from entering the United States,” the original executive order begins. “It is therefore the policy of the United States to improve the screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with the visa issuance policies and the USRAP.” Information from this article was taken from usatoday.com, whitehouse. gov and nytimes.com.

Any students interested in joining Latinx Club can contact Jennyfer Gonzalez at jennyfer.gonzalez14@ncf. edu.

CORRECTION: In "Capital Improvements: campus hangouts get a makeover," a photo was incorrectly credited to Cole Zelznak, when it should have been credited to Rivka Romano.

The Catalyst apologizes for this error.

"That's a good ass question..." © 2017 the Catalyst. All rights reserved.

The Catalyst is available online at www.ncfcatalyst.com, facebook.com/NCFcatalyst instagram.com/NCFcatalyst twitter.com/ncfcatalyst The Catalyst is an academic tutorial sponsored by Professor Maria D. Vesperi.

It is developed in the New College Publications Lab using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign and printed at Sun Coast Press with funds provided by the New College Student Alliance.

Anya Contreras-Garcia/Catalyst Latinx Club has hosted popular students events such as Salsa^2, known for paring both salsa and chips with salsa music, at the Four Winds Cafe.

General Editor Managing Editor Copy Editor & Writing Coach Online Editor Head Layout Editor Layout Editor Social Media Editor Staff Writers & Photographers

Giulia Heyward Magdalene Taylor Ryan Paice Jacob Wentz Anya María Contreras-García

Jordi Gonzalez

Jason D'Amours Noah Baslaw, Miranda Gale Michala Head, Azia Keever, Tim Manning, Samantha Ramirez, Cole Zelznak

Direct submissions, letters, announcements and inquiries to: The Catalyst 5800 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, Florida 34243 ncfcatalyst@gmail.com The Catalyst reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, space and style.

No anonymous submissions will be accepted.

Submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m.

Friday for consideration in the next issue.

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How New College handles emergencies

BY COLE ZELZNAK

The Activist Newsletter Phoro courtesy of Jasmine Respess

BY ANYA MARÍA CONTRERAS-GARCÍA This week (9/27 – 10/4), activists have the opportunity to participate in film screenings, marches, community meetings and workshops!

Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding racial justice, environmental issues or the intersection of art and activism.

Thurs., Sept. 28, POWER + PRESENCE Film Screening @ 6:30 – 8 P.M. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 This is the first in a three-part series of Socially Engaged Art film screenings. POWER + PRESENCE profiles artists working in and with communities to elevate visibility of the unrepresented, creating portraits and spaces for agency, wellbeing, growth and transformation.

For more information, check out the event page on Facebook.

Sat., Sept. 30, Florida March for Black Women @ 3 – 8 P.M. Women’s Detention Center, 1401 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33136 Join the Miami Workers Center to center the experiences of Black women from all walks of life. For more information, check out the event page. There will be a roundtrip bus taking activists from Sarasota to Miami. For more info on the bus, contact Shakira Refos at shakira. refos@gmail.com and check out the event page: http://rallybus.net/ march-for-black-women Mon., Oct. 2, Microplastics: Global and Local Perspectives @ 4:30 – 6 P.M. 5900 Airport Auditorium Ln, Sarasota, FL 34243 A recent, highly-publicized study shows evidence of global contamination of drinking water with small plastic particles. Where do these particles come from?

How do they impact wildlife and human health? Join the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for a discussion of microplastics in

Sarasota Bay and beyond. During this meeting, subject experts will present local and global research on the severity and sources of microplastics in the environment and suggest practical solutions for addressing the problem. Following the presentation, the presenters will demonstrate how researchers measure microplastics in water supplies by testing a sample of drinking water from the meeting room. For more information, check out the event page on Facebook.

Mon., Oct. 2, Bags to Beds Workshop @ 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. 1704 N Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34235 Do you have a closet or cupboard full of plastic shopping bags? Keep meaning to take them back to the store to recycle but never actually getting around to it? Do you feel guilty throwing them in the garbage knowing they will never disintegrate and will pollute the earth? Looking to meet new people and socialize while also giving back to your community? Join Michele Penn on the first Monday and/or second Thursday of each month to learn how to crochet sleeping mats for the homeless out of used plastic grocery and shopping bags. From bags to beds, Michele will teach you the steps to create ‘plarn’ (plastic yarn) and how to crochet this ‘plarn’ into sleeping mats that will then be distributed to the homeless within our community. For more information, check out the event page on Facebook.

Is there an activist event going on in your area? Send an event description in an email to ncfcatalyst@gmail.com.

Cole Zelznak/Catalyst

These posters were placed in residence halls and classrooms last year as a cooperative effort between the New College Police Department and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

“Since 9/11, that’s when the designations of emergency manager started coming into play [at universities]," Director of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) Ronald Hambrick said. "So it started evolving since then, it had nothing to do with hurricanes, it had to do with the terrorist attacks and the active shooter things that just started happening.”

Despite its roots in the War on Terror, the simple fact is that New College of Florida’s (NCF) emergency management infrastructure is most likely to be tested in response to an extreme weather event, not a violent attack.

Hambrick is the man largely responsible for the creation of the college’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Hambrick is the college’s emergency manager, in addition to his other roles as DEHS. Florida law mandates that all state universities designate at least one executive employee for this position.

In 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defined emergency management as the discipline of “dealing with risk and risk avoidance.” It’s a simple definition for a very complex job.

FEMA, however, does not carry the entire load when events like hurricanes, tornados, or earthquakes take place. In ever greater numbers following the Sept.

11 attacks, numerous public and private institutions have followed FEMA’s lead in developing detailed plans in response to the risk of all emergencies, not just natural disasters.

New College of Florida is one such institution. In 2007, the college released the EOP, which outlines procedures, policies and command structures to be put in place in the event of an emergency.

The emergencies named in the EOP include fires, bomb threats, extreme weather events, chemical

or radiological incidents and public disturbances, such as mass demonstrations.

Students may question the usefulness of the EOP in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, when miscommunications between the administration and the student body left some in confusion over the status of the Academic Center (ACE) as a hurricane shelter.

“There are a lot of emotions going into this, people are stressed, people don’t know what to do.

They’re not getting the information they want to hear,” Hambrick said.

“We talked about maybe changing the way communications are sent out. There were a lot of different communications coming in and going out.”

The EOP stipulates that an Emergency Operations Team (EOT), consisting of administrators and the heads of every department on campus, be formed in an emergency situation. Currently, the EOP provides no mechanism for student input on the decisions of the EOT during a crisis.

“Prior to [2007] it was a little bit piecemeal. There was a document in Student Affairs about what to do, things like that, but it wasn’t comprehensive,” Hambrick said.

“We’re following the course of other universities.”

Hambrick began working as the DEHS in January 2007.

He has worked in emergency management positions in the state university system for 32 years, and has completed multiple FEMA trainings. According to Hambrick, the development of an EOP was an important step in ensuring the safety of the NCF community during an emergency.

Hambrick and Dan Richardson, the Director of Human Resources, both members of the EOT, were continued on p.11

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NEWS PAGE 4

Walls continue to struggle CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

are approximately 620 on-campus students who are finding outlets on their own,” Williamson said. “I think that is great. Sarasota and Bradenton have many great opportunities for fun, culture and engagement. Our team will continue to provide and support all sorts of programs and events.”

“At the beginning of the semester, NCSA folks receive a document with all of the weekends that are going to be staffed by police. Those are the weekends that can be filled by walls, and the rest become designated as wallternatives,” Vice President of Student Life and Catalyst staff writer, Tim Manning wrote through email. “I think the silver lining to look for-amid all of the frustration about Photo courtesy of Stefan Drakulich there being less walls-is that wallter" It is unfortunate that they have to deal with that noise," first-year Nailah natives and walls draw out different David said. crowds and different groups of people. [Though] I don't know that anyone has kept really good track of that in the past, it's for sure something to keep track of going forwards.”

First-year Nailah Davis shared their views on Walls so far.

“I think they are a lot of fun, I heard they aren’t as prominent or like ‘Whoo Hoo’ as they were a few years ago,” Davis said. “I am more concerned about the people who live in Pei that don’t want to party because they have [Walls] right there in palm court. It is unfortunate that they have to deal with that noise.

“Personally I’ve enjoyed the Wall more when it was in the Old Giulia Heyward/Catalyst Mail Room [...] maybe because it was “I think that is great. Sarasota and Bradenton have many great opportudark and I couldn’t see anyone.” nities for fun, culture and engagement," Dean Robin Williamson said.

“Ya I like to go to Walls, if they are in the Old Mail Room they can be a little too crowded, and I might just walk through or stand outside of them,” Second-year Caitlin Matthews shared. “I like like to at least check them out and see how they are going.”

“I don’t really go to Walls. They don’t seem like much fun,” first-year Olivia Green said.

According to a poll sent out by the Catalyst, out of 108 submissions, 20 percent agreed that Walls are more like “unsatisfying noise coming from outside my room than a fun time to hangout and dance”. However, not one submission expressed that Walls were an unhealthy thing to have on campus, with 58 percent answering “Yes! Two Walls a week is what I need” when asked “Do you care that some weekends will have only one or no Walls”.

The New College community is unique because it is small. Campus size makes consideration for each student more important. Though students will be hard-pressed to fix the regulation of Walls or help the NCPD find more police or overtime funds through administrative avenues, there is room for students to allow harmony between those who want to groove and those who want to snooze.

More information on Walls and student events can be found by contacting the NCSA VPSL, Tim Manning.

Photo courtesy of Stefan Drakulich

According to a poll sent out by the Catalyst, out of 108 submissions, 20 percent agreed that Walls are more like “unsatisfying noise coming from outside my room than a fun time to hangout and dance.”

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FEATURES

PAGE 5

Exploring Siesta Key, on MTV and in real life

BY MAGDALENE TAYLOR For the under-34-year-old demographic in Sarasota, where one in three residents are over the age of 65, the city may not seem like much of a party spot. In the area around New College, young people are often struck with noise ordinances and 8 p.m. closing times. However, as MTV’s new reality show Siesta Key demonstrates, things might be a little bit different in the barrier island neighborhood about 15 minutes south.

Night clubs, bar hopping, boat parties - MTV captures it all right here in Sarasota in its hour long series about Siesta Key’s attractive 20-somethings having the summer of their lives. Though the city depicted on the show appears much different than the one New College students might know, a few trips to Siesta Key prove that the island is just as alluring as the show makes it out to be. There is indeed a nightclub, aptly named The Beach Club, as well as multiple bars and restaurants with a party vibe such as Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Daiquiri Deck and The Old Salty Dog. All of these places are featured on the show, as well as a few locations around Lido Key and St. Armands.

Overall, Siesta Key seems to market itself as the more laid-back, beach town neighborhood of the

city. There aren’t any signs on the streets advertising it as the location of MTV’s latest show, but “Beach, please!” is written across the exterior patio of the Siesta Key location of Daiquiri Deck. The beach itself, oftconsidered the best in the country, is often packed compared to those on Lido Key. You can also buy alcoholic frozen pina coladas at the beach’s facilities.

Yet, the commercial area of Siesta Key feels relatively tame, much like the rest of the city. Most of the patrons on a weekend afternoon at the establishments mentioned on the show were not millennials like on MTV, but older generations of both Photo courtesy of MTV.com locals and tourists. The median age Overall, Siesta Key seems to market itself as the more laid-back, beach for residents of Siesta Key--63--specifically, is even higher than that town neighborhood of the city. of the rest of Sarasota, at 45. Only 6.8 percent of Siesta Key’s full-time residents are between the ages of 18 and 34, compared to 17.3 percent in Sarasota as a whole. Unsurprisingly, however, the median property value is much higher while the poverty rate is much lower.

This perhaps hints at what the appeal might be for MTV to film a reality show there. A significant reason for Siesta Key’s existence is the fact that the father of one of its Photo courtesy o MTV.comf stars, Alex Kompothecras, paid a TV production company to film a pilot Night clubs, bar hopping, boat parties - MTV captures it all right here in Sarasota in its hour long series about Siesta Key’s 20-somethings. continued on p. 11

PLANNED PARENTHOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

argue or debate with the protesters.

Additionally, things said may be personally nasty and upsetting.

“People do say incredibly racist, anti semitic, classist things,” thesis student Annie Rosenblum said, who has escorted since her first year at New College. “I had never experienced being yelled at like that, especially by strangers.”

Protester tactics include shouting at both patients and escorts, handing out pro-life literature and praying on the sidewalk. Some stick around as “sidewalk counselors”, trying to stop people entering the center and talk to them about other options. Ministers from local churches even come out to pray and lead members of their congregations at the protests. Oftentimes counter-protesters show up and yell back, creating a cacophony outside of the clinic.

On days like these with especially loud and visible protests, escorts are essential and can make a patient’s experience much more comfortable.

Originally, Planned Parenthood escorts wore yellow vests in order to

differentiate themselves from the protesters and counter-protesters.

When anti-abortion protesters got ahold of yellow vests and started wearing them outside the clinic, the escorts switched to bright pink vests, which--for reasons only speculated about--have yet to be copied by the pro-life protesters.

For the most part, the protests are peaceful, with only a scattered few incidents reported at the Sarasota clinic. However, acts of violence such as bomb threats and shootings have happened at clinics in the past, starting in 1993 when Dr. David Gunn was killed by an anti-abortion protester in Pensacola, Florida. Following this act of violence, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act was passed under the Clinton administration in 1994.

The FACE Act makes it a federal crime to use force or threat of force to prevent someone from obtaining or providing reproductive health care services. Acts such as blocking entrances or parking lots, committing or threatening acts of violence

and physically stopping people from entering clinics violate the FACE Act. Shouting, passing out literature and singing hymns do not, as they are protected by the First Amendment.

Challenges to the enforcement of the FACE Act under the Trump administration could obstruct access to reproductive care.

For many patients, getting an abortion is a scary and momentous life event, even without the added stress of walking past sidewalk protesters. Although escorting is a simple job, it is important and can make someone’s experience less traumatic.

“That’s one of the hardest days of your life for some people,” Rosenblum said. “Being yelled at and tormented and called awful things is just not fair and the escorts I think really do create a comfortable barrier.”

“Before coming to New College, I didn’t really have any experience with reproductive justice or activism,” Rosenblum said. “I want to get involved because I heard about the injustices that are being committed

against people who are trying to seek care and the violence that’s enacted upon people who are just trying to seek care.

“I know what it feels like to not feel supported and to feel alone in situations and I just remember thinking that it’s not fair to patients to have to feel that way.”

Campus organizations such as Generation Action, InterACT and Queery provide additional opportunities to learn about reproductive rights, sexual health and gender issues. To get involved with Planned Parenthood’s escort program, visit their site for volunteer information.

Information for this article was gathered from plannedparenthood. org and materials provided by Planned Parenthood, 40daysforlife.com, and prochoice.org.

THE GREAT GAY 5K

BY JACOB WENTZ Bright and early Saturday morning, around 100 people of different ages, gender identities and fitness levels lined up next to a lifeguard tower on Siesta Key Beach. A 10-second countdown commenced, and at the sound of “zero,” the herd of participants took off. The first official Great Gay 5K had begun.

An event that promotes unity, charity, health and wellness, the Great Gay 5K was planned by Claire Selius and RJ Huebert.

“I’m a proud member of the LGBT community, and I felt that there was not enough representation of us out there just having a fun race together,” Selius said.

Selius and Huebert are experienced race organizers, having launched the Great Mother’s Day Race in 2012 and the Great Father’s Day Race in 2013.

This race was different, however, in that it provided a space of representation for the LGBTQ+ community. This kind of visibility is especially important within the realm of sports and fitness--a realm which has, historically speaking, posed many issues for LGBTQ+ members.

“I think that it was a great event for representing a part of the world that needs to be louder,” Selius said.

One of the goals of the event was to create an atmosphere where supporters, families and members of the LGBTQ+ community could feel comfortable.

“It’s more than just running and staying healthy,” Huebert said. “It’s

all photos Josh Merced/JTV

about meeting people in the community that have the same beliefs and opinions that you do.”

It was also important for the organizers to try to bring out and unite the larger Sarasota community.

“We’re local people trying to get local people to come out and run with us,” Selius said.

Eleven students from New College of Florida (NCF) volunteered at the event. They were accompanied by Student Affairs staff members Tara Centeno and Dani McCalla, as well as the college’s VISTA Volunteer Coordinator, Josh Merced.

With a turnout of slightly over 100 participants, the Great Gay 5K’s first race is comparable to the second Great Mother’s Day Race in 2013, which had 180 participants.

“We think that Hurricane Irma caused a lack of sign-ups, for obvious reasons,” Huebert said.

In 2016, the Great Mother’s Day Race drew over 1,000 participants. If trends—and the ways in which Selius and Huebert organize their races—suggest anything, it’s probable that the Great Gay 5K will continue to gain support and participants in upcoming years.

In addition to promoting support and celebration for the Gay Rights Movement, the event provided partial proceeds to ALSO Youth in Sarasota and Metro Wellness in St. Petersburg.

ALSO Youth is a non-profit continued on p. 11

This race was different, however, in that it provided a space of representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

With a turnout of slightly over 100 participants, the Great Gay 5K’s first race is comparable to the second Great Mother’s Day Race in 2013, which had 180 participants.

Eleven students from New College of Florida (NCF) volunteered at the event. “We’re local people trying to get local people to come out and run with us,” Claire Selius said.

(Left) “I think that it was a great event for representing a part of the world that needs to be louder,” Selius said. (Right) It was also important for the organizers to try to bring out and unite the larger Sarasota community.

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PAGE 8

African Goddesses professor Dr. Samuel comes to NCF

BY TIM MANNING The miniclass for the healing powers of African goddesses had students spilling into the hallway, doing their best to peer in. The person at the head of the crowded room: an adjunct professor in her first year at New College, bringing her experience as a professional dancer and dance teacher to New College. After a career that brought her around the world, she’s settled in the Sarasota area and started teaching here.

A retired professional dancer, Judith Samuel has experience performing and teaching all around the world. She has stories of teaching and dancing in spots scattered around the world, including Japan, Germany, Zimbabwe, Bermuda and New York, but she now works full time in what she calls her second career.

“I’m a therapist for combat vets and veterans who have experienced sexual assault,” Samuel said. “I’m the least military person you could ever think of. I was concerned that my skepticism about war and the military industrial complex and all that would hinder me, find that it doesn’t, not at all. When you deal human to human and try to engage in as much healing work as possible, people really respond.”

She got into the field in which she currently works after her retirement from dancing. She received a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State (FSU), citing her desire to continue working for herself and the fact that she had often been a supportive and healing figure with

photo courtesy of Judith Samuel

A retired professional dancer, Judith Samuel has experience performing and teaching all around the world. friends and people she knews.

“Teachers are born. You can get an education and pedagogy and all that stuff, but really if you love to teach, you’re a teacher,” she said. “Teachers are born and I think the same thing about therapists and people in the healing profession. I just put formal education on top of the role I’d been playing in my

life, maybe since childhood even.”

Though Samuel has switched careers, art has continually been a part of her life. Art and artistic expression are inherent and necessary parts of her life.

“You’ve gotta feed the artist in yourself, you know,” she said. “That’s why I’m still dancing! I retired, but

I have always needed to continue to dance. When I retired and went to grad school I taught dance, and I stopped performing, but I’ve never stopped teaching and sharing and just doing it.

You’ve gotta feed yourself, we’ve gotta feed these parts of ourselves, you know, it’s essential.”

Having travelled and spent so much time in different parts of the world, she has stories to recount about her experiences abroad. She spoke about her first night in Japan, fondly recounting a night spent dancing in a Shinto shrine.

“My very first night in Osaka I went to a samba festival at a Shinto shrine [...] I was teaching jazz and i was introducing the students to African and African Diaspora dance, that was the job I was doing there, but it tickled me so much that my very first night in the country, that there were there Japanese musicians playing samba using all the appropriate instrumentation and sounding great, I jumped up on the stage and started doing samba with them, and it was just a lot of fun.”

Though she is here now on an adjunct basis, she hopes to continue having a relationship with New College, teaching classes on the African Diaspora and dance. For students hoping to major in African Diaspora Studies, or even Performance Studies, the classes offered by Samuel and her presence as a faculty member could make those majors more possible. And, if there is interest, she said, she would want to keep teaching here.

Meet an Emotional Support Animal!

BY ANYA MARÍA CONTRERAS-GARCÍA

Photo courtesy of Lucy Sanz

Clementine

DOB: 3/26/2016 Age: 1.5 years old Zodiac sign: Aries Weight: 1.7 lbs Fun Fact: She has also lived in Baltimore and Port St. Lucie!

Anya Contreras-Garcia/Catalyst

Chispa

DOB: 1/29/2017 Age: 8 months old Zodiac sign: Aquarius Weight: 1.7 lbs Fun Fact: He was born in the Goldstein Residence Hall!

CATALYST

HEALTH

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 2017 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst

PAGE 9

Working hard or hardly working? Fitness at New College

BY SAMANTHA RAMIREZ According to national statistics and research done at Purdue and North Carolina State University, there is a strong correlation between exercise and academics, with college students who exercise on campus receiving better grades and an overall higher grade point average. So in the midst of homework, studying and getting through your college classes, it is important to remember the role that exercise and staying fit plays in students’ overall college experience. ”I start my mornings with a sunrise run by the bayfront and spend my evenings at the gym. Staying fit to me means staying healthy and that shouldn’t be forgotten about, especially in college!” first-year Skylar Lingenfelser said.

Students, faculty and staff can make use of the Fitness Center found on campus, which is located behind third court and beside W. The New College fitness center is visited by an average of 100 students/faculty a day on the weekdays and is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Staying fit and active during your college years doesn’t necessarily have to be a chore, with the fitness center and all its outdoor active equipment available. Sarasota and New College’s incredible views to students can help students not only get into shape but meet new people to socialize with and help relieve your stress.

The fitness center provides strengthtraining and cardiovascular equipment, as well as two tennis courts, a 25-meter pool, two indoor wood-floored racquetball courts, an inside wood-floored dance studio, a basketball court and a softball field. The fitness center also provides students with kayaks and sail boat, with free lessons from the Sail Club. Students are also free to rent camping and scuba equipment, The Fitness Center works closely with the Sail Club to meet the

Samantha Ramirez/Catalyst Students, faculty and staff can make use of the Fitness Center found on campus, which is located behind third court and beside W.

Staying fit and healthy does not only rely on your physical and mental exercise and staying on track with a healthy diet.

needs of students interested in going out onto the water.

Students attending New College who are frequent visitors to the fitness center might have heard of the Novo Fit Challenge which is in action from Aug. 28 to Dec. 6.

Basically, each time one goes to the fitness center, it’s counted, and students can receive rewards if they visit the fitness center 30-50 times during the period. Boot Camp is also available from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.in the fitness center on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help students build up their strength and endurance.

The Fitness Center also offers and hosts a variety of dance and aerobics workouts ranging from Pilates to Zumba, to hiphop or other collective dance routines and even Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For students who enjoy exercising the body and mind, weekly yoga classes are also available.

“I enjoy Yoga and practice it as much as possible and try my best to fit it into my busy schedule, it is a wonderful mind and body excercise and I love doing it alongside my roommates and friends when we find the time,” first-year Hannah Hoogerwoerd said.

“This campus is a perfect place for yoga, my favorite location is out on the bayfront during sunset, it doesn't get better than that!”

Staying fit and healthy does not only rely on your physical and mental exercise, staying on track with a healthy diet during college can also be difficult, but it’s not impossible. The Hamilton “Ham” Center dining hall offers vegetarian, vegan and omnivore meals which fit into balanced and healthy eating.

It’s important to hit the gym as well as hitting the books as a college student. College can be stressful and can often consume you with schoolwork, so keeping a healthy mind and body is helpful to alleviate stress and keep a positive attitude. It’s a great way to grow as a human being, meet new friends and challenge yourself.

Students weigh in on healthy eating at New College

BY MICHALA HEAD Everyday, hundreds of students line up in the Hamilton “Ham” Center for a hot plate of food to take to class or to enjoy after a long day. Unfortunately for many, the Hamilton Center does not have the widest array of options for those who are seeking healthy, affordable choices. What may be kept in the dark, however, is that there are courses of action to be taken for those who are not completely satisfied with their meal plan.

The Catalyst recently put out poll on student experiences with healthy eating at New College. Out of 78 respondents, 73 percent live on campus, 61 percent prefer to cook for themselves over using their meal plan, 80 percent are not entirely satisfied with the options provided to them by Metz, 91 percent consider healthy eating to be important to them right now and 52 percent feel that attending college can occasionally be challenging to a healthy lifestyle.

“They [Metz] have nutrition facts but they are very deceiving like they will only tell you the amount of saturated fat in a particular food item they won’t tell you about fat that is not saturated,” first-year Lucy Dunn said. “Also what it says on the list that they put online is not necessarily what they are serving and I feel like that is really deceptive for the parents, and for me coming to this school, I looked at the meals ‘that they were putting online because I am not from Florida, I came from Virginia.

People’s parents are thinking that their kid is going to have a certain amount

Michala Head/Catalyst Students Evan Teal and Sarah Darancou get food from the salad bar in Hamilton Center. of options and if they aren’t there they should be taken off [the website] or they should start serving what they say they are going to serve.”

Salua Rivero, a first-year transfer and vegan, also shared her thoughts about maintaining healthy eating habits while attending school and also working part-time.

“Meal prep is what helped me the most to consistently stay vegan, and then knowing what restaurants around my area are vegan, or have vegan options,” Rivero said.

“The most important thing that I learned

was to make it a habit […] I would get home and immediately start cooking before I even did homework, I got it into a routine and that is what made it super easy.

“I sometimes don’t want to eat at the Ham Center because they have mostly greasy foods like the pizzas, the burgers, things like that, and they have the salad bar which is great but it is expensive so I usually refrain from that, I wish it was more accessible” “I like to stick with plant based foods, I don’t like a lot of salt and oil and stuff so

Metz is hard because usually all I want to get is salad bar or go to Boars Head and get snacks,” second-year transfer Shannon Collins said. “In terms of big meals, there is some stuff but not a lot, it’s part of why I chose to live off campus this year so I did not have to pay for the whole meal plan.”

Collins also expressed her preference for the buffet style offered at the University of Texas, as opposed to paying for individual items, while also acknowledging that we do not have the same amount of resources as a smaller institution.

“Things that they know that they don’t publicize, that I am going to publicize as food service rep, is that they use a green light, yellow light, red light system in terms of the salad bar. The things in the green bowls are the best options, according to Metz, then the yellow light foods with are healthy but you want to eat them in a little more moderation than the green things, then the red bowls are the ones you are not supposed to eat as often,” third-year and Food Service Representative James Nunez said. “The salad bar has upped their game, they have made those options more enticing which they should be because they are healthier options but they are also very expensive because they charge by the ounce I believe it’s 50 cents per ounce so it is quite expensive.

“With the Metz pizza deal you can get two pizzas and a coke and something else for six dollars versus if you were trying to get the equivalent amount of calories from in

continued on p. 11

CATALYST

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 2017 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst

Submission: Legend surrounds small village in Czech Republic

SUBMITTED BY CASSIE MANZ

At 8 a.m. the train station is buzzing with energy. People walk past with massive backpacks, looking like they know exactly where they’re going and where they need to be. Most of the time, I still feel lost and in the way, simultaneously. They all look much more adept at gracefully carrying 45 liters on their back than I imagine I do.

Luckily, on this Saturday morning-my first time at the train station--a program leader shepherds our bumbling group of clueless Americans to the platform. The train is not what I expect, but I was picturing the train Harry rides to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, so in hindsight it’s not that surprising. The Czech countryside passes by outside the window, rolling green hills and tiny white houses with picturesque gardens and red-orange shingle roofs.

We get off at Beroun, a town 30 kilometers southwest of Prague. By now I’m a little more awake and it’s warm outside, a perfect fall day. I take off my sweater. Our program guide tells us that we will walk to the town of Svatý Jan pod Skalou, look at the cave and church that the town is known for, and then walk up a hill and look over the village. After the hike, we’ll have lunch. He says the walk up the hill is pretty steep and can be intense. I inwardly groan. My family’s version of hiking is driving to an overlook, taking pictures, and then getting back in the car.

After a beautiful and out-of-breath hike, we arrive in Svatý Jan pod Skalou. Our guide points to the staggering mountain (hill, if I’m being honest with myself) we’ll be climbing that reminds me of the gray and menacing mountain the Grinch lives on outside of Whoville.

Even though I’m convinced I won’t make it to the top, I do. The climb is worth it, and the view from the top is breathtaking. The small town of Svatý Jan pod Skalou is laid out before you like a picture from a storybook.

Svatý Jan pod Skalou, which translates to Saint John under Skala, is a quaint town with a population of 158 people. A centuries-old legend surrounds the village, cloaking it in mystery and a sense of credibility, some old-age, I’ve-been-here-for-awhile superiority. The first Czech Christian hermit Saint Ivan settled in a cave under the cliff in the middle of the ninth century. He

FEATURES

PAGE 10

Songs you should heAR

Latinx Heritage Month

BY JORDI GONZALEZ

Since Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 to October 15, we wanted to spotlight some important Spanish hits.

Photo courtesy of Cassie Manz The village of Svaty Jan pod Skalou from the top of hill. lived alone for 42 years, his only companion a lamb sent to him by God. According to the legend, he withstood many temptations inside the cave. Eventually he wanted to leave but as he was about to do so John the Baptist appeared to him in a dream and gave him a wooden cross, with which the hermit chased out the demons in his cave.

Saint Ivan remained in the cave for the rest of his life.

After the hermit died, Prince Bořivoj built the church as a memorial to John the Baptist. It was the hermit’s last wish because John the Baptist had protected him several times from the temptations of the devil. The current church we see today was built in 1661, on the site of the original. The sanctuary is built directly off of the cave, with a small wooden door that leads into the actual cave room where Saint Ivan lived, which visitors can enter. In a quartered-off area inside, there are two indents in the stone ground, said to be made by the saint’s knees, because he prayed there every day. In the center of the church is the tomb of Saint Ivan. A cross that used to stand on Charles Bridge,

brought as a gift by pilgrims from Prague, hangs over the altar.

In 1517, Benedictine monks from Ostrov settled in the church and made it their monastery. In 1584, the monks discovered the remains of the hermit. This moment began the sacred pilgrimage which has continued up until this day. The Saint John Benedictine monastery has served as a labor camp, a prison and a school for the secret police during the Communist regime.

At lunch, I asked our guide if most people in the village believed the legend of the hermit in the cave. He said yes, that in fact, not only did they believe it, but they took great pride in the legend.

Outside the monastery, there is a healing spring with miraculous water that you can drink. We all take turns. I fill up my Nalgene bottle and carry on.

Information for this article was gathered from http://www.svatyjan.cz, http://www.radio.cz, https://www.triposo.com.

“Se a cabo” by Santana This is a rather intense classic from the Mexican group Santana, that includes one of the most-- if not the most-- well-known Hispanic guitarist, Carlos Santana. The song was released in their debut album that came out in 1970. It’s go the classic rock feel to it. It translates to “It’s done,” “It’s finished,” or “It’s over”.

“Mariposa

Traicionera” by Maná Maná is widely respected as one of the greatest Spanish speaking bands in recent history. The song is calming, with nice soft rhythm acoustic guitars going at it. The title translates to “treacherous butterfly” and they sing about a female lover that has caused them a great deal of pain.

“Me Gustas Tu” by Manu Chao Manu Chao was born in France from Spanish parents and includes several languages in a variety of his songs. This song in particular sings in Spanish and French and translates to “I like you” as he cleverly is listing things he likes like guitar, mountains, and marijuana.

“Muerte en Hawaii” by Calle 13 Calle 13 is a Puerto Rican group made up of half siblings that usually include harsh and politically charged songs in their repertoire. It’s a rather romantic song for Calle 13, however, the title “Death in Hawaii” and the music video that accompanies the song is also hinting at how dolphins have been getting killed.

CATALYST

CONT'D

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 2017 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst

NCF emergency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

confident that the administration’s response to Irma went as well as possible, excepting some unpredictable contingencies like a delay in the delivery of generator fuel. For Hambrick and Richardson, events like Hurricane Irma are a chance to build and improve upon the EOP. “We have already met once with an after action report, and with the president and members of the committee to discuss […] what can we do better, what went right or what went wrong. Did it go wrong, or did it just go different? And are there things that we can do to make things better,” Richardson said.

Hambrick expressed support for the inclusion of students in the decision-making process specified by the EOP. He has been pushing for the hiring of a full-time emergency manager, which he believes will help further NCF’s readiness in response to emergencies. He also hopes that a full-time emergency manager would open the door for more student

involvement in the emergency response process.

In recent years, disaster preparedness has been a focus of the administration. In December 2015, the senior staff and safety leaders of NCF participated in an emergency planning training exercise. In March 2017, staff members observed and participated in a full-scale disaster simulation at the Sarasota International Airport. Over the summer, the New College Police Department and the Sarasota Police Department used Palmer B and ACE in a training exercise intended to prepare the officers for an active shooter situation.

PAGE 11

Healthy eating CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

food from the salad bar you are looking at 12 dollars which is discouraging if you do want to eat healthier.”

Speaking to his experience as a Food Service representative, Nunez said, “Oftentimes, the problem lies not in them, or even New College, or the specific chapter of Metz, but the fact that Metz works for a large corporation and they have guidelines and rules they have to follow […] But, there are these meetings that Metz holds once a month or

every two months where they chef provides demos or samples of things that they are looking to put on the menu or take off the menu and you can voice your opinions.”

“You can talk to the chefs, talk to Bill, but I don’t think many students are even aware of that. The meeting is meant for students to come and chat with them and tell them their opinions so one thing I am looking to do is to maybe make those more frequent, and obviously better advertised.”

The full text of the EOP is available on this page: https://www. ncf.edu/campus-life/health-safetyand-wellness-mind-body-and-spirit/ environmental-health-and-safety/ Information on emergency management from FEMA.gov

GREAT GAY 5K CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

charity that strives to provide advocacy, leadership, support and outreach to LGBTQIA youth and their allies. These values are carried out through peer support services, educational programs and referrals for those aged 13 to 21.

Through upholding and spreading these values, ALSO Youth intends to enhance self-esteem, promote healthy dialogue and increase awareness of sexual minority youth issues.

“There’s this stigma that we’re just so different from everybody else [...] but that’s all we ever want, to be looked at equally,” Selius said.

Metro Wellness is an organization committed to providing inclusive, supportive and relevant health

and wellness services to the diverse community of the Tampa Bay area.

The center offers comprehensive HIV services, including medical care and free testing.

In addition, various classes, social activities, support groups, youth programs, health and fitness programs, substance abuse programs and behavioral health services are offered.

For more information about the event, visit GreatGay5K.com or follow @GreatGay5K on Facebook and Instagram.

Michala Head/Catalyst

“You can talk to the chefs, talk to Bill, but I don’t think many students are even aware of that," third-year Joseph Nunez, who serves as the Food Services Representative, said.

SIESTA KEY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

episode to be sent to MTV. Alex’s father, Gary, has his own claim to fame with his legal and medical referral service, 1-800-ASK-GARY. Much of the drama of the show happens at Alex’s waterfront mansion or on one of his many boats. Class struggles are lightly mentioned, with Alex’s wealth identified as a factor for why girls might like him while some guys feel insecure around him.

The show harkens back to some Information obtained from great- of MTV’s older, overwhelmingly popgay5k.com, alsoyouth.org and metrota- ular reality shows like Laguna Beach. mpabay.org At its crux, the show is simply about love triangles and manufactured drama. There’s no mention of politics or other serious subjects, though legal issues have plagued some of its cast members, including Alex Kompothecras, who has allegedly been seen on video dragging sharks to death behind his boat and posing in photographs with protected dead marine life while wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat. As mentioned on the show, taking a girl fishing is Alex’s repeated romantic first-move.

His romantic escapades provide ample storyline to Siesta Key, as they Jacob Wentz/Catalyst ultimately always end up embedded Through upholding and spreading these values, ALSO Youth intends to enhance within someone else’s relationships or interests. It’s a classic case of a “He self-esteem, promote healthy dialogue and increase awareness of sexual wants her, but she wants him, and minority youth issues.

he’s dating her” type of situation, made as heteroromantic as possible.

Other than Alex, the show centers around a rotation of other attractive young people, such as Maddison, Chloe, or Kelsey, the narratives of whom become all but indistinguishable.

While the show is much like the glossy Laguna Beach, it’s quite unlike Jersey Shore. There’s no confessionals, and though physical fights happen, they aren’t captured on screen.

Siesta Key could get away with being so out of touch were it able to maintain a compelling narrative or create a sense of likeability for its cast. Instead, the show appears as polished as possible, and about as far from reality it could be while maintaining its status as a reality show. In this way, it’s much like Sarasota as a whole-completely manicured, staged and beautiful, with any tensions of poverty, homelessness, race, or other sociopolitical issues cloistered away behind the scenes.

Information for this article was gathered at MTV.com,heraldtribune. com, and datausa.io

CATALYST

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 2017 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst

BACK PAGE

PAGE 12

CHEAP EATS OF MANASOTA

BY AZIA KEEVER

For college students, free time is frequently plagued by the lingering feeling that one should be doing something else--something productive and homework related. Eating out is a luxury that many students don’t have the time or money for and is, as a result, one of the fun activities that provokes the guilt. So when it comes to going out to eat, the best places are often those that quell that feeling the most. When you want something different than your usual sub or Metz hot plate, let this article be your beacon to the most affordable bacon or, if you’re vegan/vegetarian, black bean burger.

If willing to travel a longer distance, the best deals are a car ride away. Tortilleria Doña Chela on Washington Blvd sells tacos for $1-2 apiece. These things are filled to the brim with flavorful meats, veggies and herbs. This isn’t Taco Bell’s dollar menu. These are delicious, packed tacos at a real tortilleria for the price of a Taco Bell “taco”. They make the tortillas right there, in shop. On the Bradenton side, $1 tacos can also be had at El Mariachi Loco. According to third-year Sabrina Mikes, tacos are $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m For sushi, Yuniku has the best deal with their all-you-can-eat sushi & hibachi lunch for $12.95 Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included in this deal are rolls like the OMG and the Buccaneers Roll. Alternatively, the Drunken Poet downtown is a little closer and, though they do not have an all-you-can-eat menu, their sushi rolls are really cheap. One roll at the Drunken Poet is eight pieces. They have classic favorites like tuna rolls and eel rolls for $6.50 each.

All you can eat indian buffets are also a fantastic choice. Tandoor is the best around town. Priced just a little higher than Flavors of India at $11.49, the buffet has only good reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp, popular restaurant rating applications. The buffet is not large, with only five to six dishes not including naan, but it is an extremely filling dining experience. The butter chicken melts in your mouth.

But where can one find a decently priced, decent cheeseburger in this town? The Smashburger on University is a good bet. All the burgers are made to order with never frozen, fresh ingredients. A regular ol’ cheeseburger is a good one here, but they also have burgers topped with things like avocados, truffles and goat cheese. Plus, they’re fast.

For vegetarians they have salads.

Their site says their spinach and goat

cheese salad includes “raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions with balsamic vinaigrette.”

Proximity to campus, though, is always important when it comes to saving time. The three closest restaurants to campus are Mirna's Cuban Cuisine, LeAnh's Vietnamese Restaurant and Shelf Indulgence Used Book Boutique. For the location, these restaurants cannot be beat.

Shelf Indulgence is a new establishment that has replaced the much loved Big E’s in the plaza that includes Growler’s Pub, LeAnh's and Painter’s Palate. The walls are lined with books and Nikki, the owner, is loved by many.

“The owner is so so nice, she will memorize your drink order!” thirdyear Sierra Schwabach said.

Mirna’s is a fantastic Cuban restaurant just north of New College.

Open since 1992, it is a Sarasota staple. There onion soup is made with fresh onions, swiss cheese and beef broth. The cheese is baked on top.

“For the amount of food you get for the price I would say Mirna's is great, the island chicken is amazing and the sides are just so good,” thesis student Kira Thoenes said.

While technically not a restaurant since they do not provide seating, Shell Barbeque is anyone’s best option for a solid amount of Mac n’ Cheese and lip-smacking ribs in the wee hours of the morning and a list of restaurants for students is not complete without it. With an assortment of sauces, the customer can choose how doused in BBQ sauce their ribs should be. They are located at the local Shell Gas Station, right next to the residential side of campus. As a result, Shell Barbeque is the closest establishment to the college campus without actually being on campus. If seating is a priority, Perkins is the next best thing for 24-hour service.

Students are a busy, anxious crowd. Some days just getting up and making food can be a hassle. With the recent academic setback caused by Irma, one may feel like they should have gotten more done during those days awaiting the storm. It’s alright.

Not many people did, either. Take time time to breathe, to remember a friend, to remember yourself. To take both out to dinner.

Information for this article was gathered from various students who suggested restaurants on the forum thread “Best Cheap Places to Eat Around Sarasota/Bradenton?” posted Sept. 17.

One of the dishes presented for Tandoor's lunch buffet, a tasty Chana Masala.

The outside of the Drunken Poet sushi restaurant on Main Street.

The wrap around drink and sushi bar at Yuniku, complete with neon lighting.