The Seminole Scribe Issue #1 2014

the

Seminole

SCRIBE

Issue 1

February 2014

Vanishing Views

2 | Seminole Scribe

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ext to the Seminole Wekiva Trail in Lake Mary construction for new homes covers what used to be scenic grazing pastures.

Some people familiar with the Heathrow area are unhappy about the change in scenery.

“I love Lake Mary, but it is already too congested,” Monica Perez, nursing student at the Altamonte campus of Seminole State College of Florida and nanny in the Heathrow area, said as she enjoyed her latte at Panera Bread in Lake Mary looking at the view of

By Nicole Mueller

bulldozers and dirt hills.

“There is nothing beautiful about construction,” she said, adding that the construction is “highly annoying.”

The land with an estimated value of about $20 million and 110 acres, borders the south side of Lake Mary Boulevard from Markham Woods Road, west of the Shoppes at Oakmonte and east of the Seminole Wekiva Trail.

VIEWS continued on page 3

Students paid to watch animal cruelty video

By Melissa B. Merkler

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igns posted with the phrase “Get paid $1.00 to watch a 4-minute video” lined the walkway between the Wayne M. Densch Partnership Center (UP) and Health building on the Seminole State College Sanford/Lake Mary campus in late January.

Several students stopped to watch the 10 Billion Tour video about animal cruelty in the meatpacking industry.

“I’m disappointed with the food packing industry,” Alzareef Jackson, a student at Seminole State, said about the video.

Some students have never seen videos showcasing pigs having tails cut off after birth or chickens throats being slit on an assembly line.

ANIMALS continued on page 7

THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE The Seminole Scribe is the official student newspaper of Seminole State College of Florida STAFF REPORTERS Bianca Cacho Shannen Connor Christina Fleming Matthew Jezak Melissa Merkler Nicole Mueller Domonique Quinn Leyla Rad George Rivera Faculty Adviser Jennifer Sheppard EDITORIAL POLICY Viewpoints expressed in columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Seminole Scribe or Seminole State College. Letters or columns can be emailed or dropped off at the office. Please limit letters to 500 words, and include phone number, name and area of study or affiliation. Letters will not be printed anonymously. We reserve the right to reject letters.

MISSION STATEMENT We are a student-run newspaper that aims to construct a publication of professionalism. Through each individual staffer’s utmost potential, we write for the interest of the school and its student body to deliver a quality news and entertainment source that uphold traditional journalistic values.

PUBLIC FORUM The Seminole Scribe is a “designated public forum.” Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval.

COPYRIGHT ©2014 The Seminole Scribe.

All rights reserved. All content is property of The Seminole Scribe and may not be reproduced or transmitted without consent.

The Scribe is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Florida Community College Press Association and College Media Advisers Inc.

Semimole State College students line up to watch the 10 Billion Tour video. Did you see the video? Tell us about it!

Email thescribe@seminolestate.edu. Photo by Melissa B. Merkler

CONTACT US Room J-107 Sanford/Lake Mary thescribe@seminolestate.edu

What is the date on your can?

I

February 2014 | 3

By Matthew Jezak

magine being served an expired can of soda. Your first thought may be, “OMG. Something doesn’t taste right.” Really, it’s not that serious and expiration dates can be deceptive.

That’s what happened at a recent Seminole State College of Florida Student Life event when students discovered they were being served expired Diet Coke.

Ali Akbari, a Seminole State student said, “after the first drink I knew it tasted bad.”

Yet, during a phone interview with a Diet Coke spokesperson at The Coca-Cola Company headquarters in Atlanta told The Seminole Scribe: “The dates on the bottoms of cans are not expiration dates they are optimum taste dates.”

So, although the soda may be past the expiration date, drinking it is not harmful but the taste may fall flat.

Two Seminole State students who attended the event, Karen Leville and Danielle Uhran, said they both ate hot dogs and Sprite and neither noticed anything that didn’t taste well.

“We love food and drink,” Uhran said. “Anything free, I’m all on that.”

Leville agreed, adding that the food “was terrific.”

“Everything was great, and I will go to more events,” Uhran said.

Diet Coke photos by Matthew Jezak

VIEWS continued from page 2

Previously owned by Jeno Paulucci, the founder of the gated community of Heathrow, died on Nov. 24, 2011 leaving his fortune and real estate to his beneficiaries who are his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, according to multiple news outlets.

The property was sold and is now owned by Taylor Morrison of FL, Inc. With construction beginning late last year, some community members said they are saddened to see a glimpse of nature vanish and are frustrated with the construction.

Others see possible profits for Lake Mary in the future.

“We had the best view in the plaza and we are sad to see

its beauty leave us,” Jeffords, manager of Peach Valley Café, a restaurant adjacent to the construction, said.

“Our regular guest’s hearts are broken seeing this beautiful view disappear,” Jeffords said.

Business, sales and outdoor seating at Peach Valley Café have not been affected by the construction Jeffords said, adding that it has been a conversation starter and the curious patrons of the restaurant have asked questions.

“I’m grateful that it is not other businesses,” Jeffords said.

Bulldozers and dump trucks now trek this land, clearing out the trees to make more room for the soon to come housing development next to the Seminole Wekiva Trail in Lake Mary. Photo by Ryan Adams

Students rejoice over 4 | Seminole Scribe

By Shannen Connor

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fter winning the biggest game in school history, some students at the University of Central Florida noticed a different atmosphere on campus following the victory on Jan. 1, 2014, in Phoenix, Ariz. For the first time in school history, the UCF Knights won a Bowl Championship Series game.

BIG

UCF BCS bowl game WIN! Although pride for the team can be seen by current students and personnel, there is also some excitement by those who are alumni to UCF. Dennis Wilkerson, a UCF alumni, said the excitement now is similar to years past.

“I’ve been a long time UCF supporter, and it gives me pride to see the Knights have a successful season,” he said.

“There was a ton of excitement during the period when I was at UCF, when Dante Culpepper and Kevin Smith played. They put us in the national spotlight.”

Lacy Boyd, a student at UCF for more than three years, appeared excited about the school getting more attention and the win had an instant impact.

“I’ve noticed the students showing more pride, as well as advertisements of the win around campus,” she said.

For a team who had never before played in a BCS bowl game, this game showed that the UCF Knights can shine bright in the spotlight.

The win by UCF was the largest spread in BCS history and a big win for the Central Florida area. It can be seen that the students of UCF are rejoicing and showing off their pride. According to Kristy Belden, Director of Player Development at UCF, the response has been nothing but positive.

Another UCF alumni, Peter Conners, said the football program has had its “ups and downs” over the years.

“I am hoping we have finally turned the corner for good and have positioned the program as a perennial winner,” he said.

“There has been a lot more visible support for the team, as well as more comments being made about the team, such as bleed black and gold, and go UCF Knights,” she said.

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Valentine’s Day: love it or hate it

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By Bianca Cacho and Domonique

& what to expect

very year, the day of love, Valentine’s Day, comes creeping around on Feb. 14 and people have mixed emotions.

The nation flutters with red and pink hearts, giant teddy bears, flowers, chocolates and the occasional bitter person without a valentine.

Students at Seminole State College of Florida have different opinions when it comes to the holiday that is meant to show love and appreciation.

Women may expect more than guys on this special day. Mackenzie Stack, a Seminole State student, said she expects “at least one rose.”

“I expect dinner, flowers and chocolate-covered strawberries,” Kendall Costello said.

“I expect every girl I was nice to to give me chocolates or video games,” student Richard Mobley said.

Even though women may get a little more excited for Valentine’s Day, men may expect gifts of appreciation as well.

Gianni Zayas, another student, said he wants a “spontaneous day, something out of the ordinary.”

Working it as a student athlete

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February 2014 | 5

By Bianca Cacho

eing an athlete in college is no different than being a student that attends school and goes to work.

That is according to Seminole State College of Florida baseball coach, Mike Nicholson.

“It is all about time management,” he said. “The boys go to class from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., eat lunch, go study, then come to practice; it is a routine.”

Photo courtesy of Isaiah Sykes

the challenge of trying to balance keeping their grades up while trying to improve in their sport.

Photo courtesy of Bryne Jenkins

Bryne Jenkins, a Stetson University football player, said keeping his grades All across the country, students attend colleges and major universities to up and performing well in his sport are equivalent to each other. play sports while earning an education. Maintaining an organized schedule is vital when it comes to trying to be successful in the world of a student athlete. “I feel pressure to perform well academically because of football but I feel because Stetson is strong academically I have to keep my grades up,” he said.

Many athletes may feel the same way. When attending schools that have prestigious backgrounds in not only sports, but academics too, the pressure gets maximized. A student athlete may have to focus on their sport while keeping up with assignments due or tests coming up.

Isaiah Sykes, UCF basketball point guard, said it is hard on him and his teammates when there is a test on game day.

“When it’s game day all you want to focus on is the game, but you have a test so you have to try to focus on that too,” he said.

Time management becomes a student athlete’s best friend during season.

Often students are overwhelmed with workloads, athlete or not. Staying organized is a priority to many students, especially athletes.

Photo courtesy of Marvin Bracy

At Seminole State there are three sports including baseball, softball and women’s golf. Each player on the baseball team carries the pressure of trying to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average to be eligible to play during the regular season and at least a 2.5 GPA if the athlete wants to move on to a major university according to National Collegiate Athletic Association rules.

The Seminole State baseball team, based on National Junior College Athletic Association rules, also has the opportunity to be drafted into Major League Baseball during their freshman and sophomore year, unlike at universities where they would have to wait until their junior year to be drafted. The pressure of keeping a high GPA and maybe being an MLB draft hopeful could be enough to overwhelm anyone.

Being a student athlete, whether it is at Seminole State, University of Central Florida or Florida State University may be no easy task. Many students have

Marvin Bracy, former FSU track and football athlete, said he juggled five classes with four days of practice that were three hours long and meetings that could last up to an hour and a half for three semesters before he decided to go pro in track.

“The workload puts a lot on yourself physically,” Bracy said. “If you get behind academically, you have to focus on that longer; it becomes crunch time.”

Still, the sport of choice is a job for an athlete. Whether an athlete decides to focus more on their sport, they still have to work on their grades to be eligible to play. The pressure can have an impact but when goals are achieved it may all be worth it.

“Be patient,” Sykes said. “There are a lot of tough times but you will get through it with the help provided. Keep a positive mindset.”

6 | Seminole Scribe

By Domonique Quinn

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How to stay fly on a budget

ressing to impress does not mean blowing an entire paycheck.

Shopping on a budget is all about the hunt so when in the store, lean toward the clearance racks. Items on the clearance rack are not up to date like the items on the mannequin, but after two to three weeks those items go on sale.

Though thrift shopping can be uncomfortable because the clothes are used, designer brands can be found and for cheap.

Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries and Plato’s Closet sell and offer weekly discounts. Salvation Army has half off Wednesdays; Goodwill has the color of the week and Plato’s Closet has different sales throughout the seasons.

When out hunting for the deal, items like True Religion jeans for $3.30 and Neiman Marcus blazers for $2.40 are waiting to be found.

Terri Walsh, an accounting professor at Seminole State College of Florida said many people do not like to budget because “it is so simple,” and they would rather do it in their heads.

“The young generation does not save as much and it is worrisome,” she said.

Walsh said in the ‘60s kids saved more for the future than the new generation. The needs and the wants are not separated equally; the needs start to overpower the wants.

daughters and kids, shopping on a budget is a must. Ryan said he likes to shop at the Prime Outlets and Jimmy Jazz in Orlando where he saves money. Comparing the money he spent before kids, he said he saves $150 on his wardrobe.

Sandra Thomas from Orlando said that when on a budget a whole outfit can range between $25 to $50. Her favorite location to shop is TJ Maxx where she saved $120.

It takes time to shop for bargains, but the time invested can be worth the savings.

Dress: Urban Outfitters Shoes: Aldo Bag and Accessories: Aldo Photo Provided by Emely Grullon

Walsh is more than an accounting professor she is a leader in helping individuals learn how to manage finances and has been in many articles.

Ryan Thornton, a Seminole State College student, said that with two

“Another Fine Mess”

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By Leyla Rad

rom a woman dressed as Princess Leia from Star Wars to someone wearing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costume, Seminole State College of Florida featured all of Jessica Burke’s realistic, photograph-like pencil drawings from the Another Fine Mess collection at the Fine Art’s Gallery.

Each painting is an actual person that would come in with their costume and be drawn

by Ms. Burke. Each piece took one to three months to draw, all in black and white, and were drawn with a variety of different mechanical pencils.

The motive behind this show was to use popular culture as a way to explore gender and identity.

“I believe that the media we eagerly consumed as children, and continue to consume throughout our adult lives, has unequivocally influenced how we see ourselves,” Ms. Burke said.

Elsie as Batwoman of Gotham City, Graphite on Arches HP by Jessica Burke

The traffic was slow and not many people entered the exhibit. But from the ones who did, most that viewed the show have actually been to the gallery before for other exhibitions.

ART continued on page 8

ANIMALS continued from page 2

store lined with name brand products on one side and fresh February 2014 | 7 cut beef, pork and chicken on the other.

“Animals have no less value than humans,” Mr. Jackson said with sadness in his voice.

Both hunters and local residents bring live and dead animals to the shop for processing.

Students were asked to pledge to change eating habits and give up eating meat one to seven days a week.

Some local families raise livestock with the intention of it going in the freezer.

Mr. Jackson said he is a heavy meat eater but decided to take the 10 Billion Tour pledge to not eat meat one to two times a week.

These animals are treated like any other loved pet before being led into the corral for slaughter.

The 10 Billion Lives Tour takes its name from the number of animals killed in the United States every year for food, Amanda Just, assistant tour operator said.

“There’s no advantage to beating an animal,” Hopkins Meat Packing manager, Mark Rysdyk, said in regard to the 10 Billion Tour animal cruelty video shown on the Seminole State College campus.

With the possibility of changing a meat-eater’s life, the 10 Billion Tour’s number one goal is to support FARM, Farm Animal Rights Movement and to “shape the world we live in by making a choice three times a day,” Ms. Just said, referring to reducing meat consumption.

One video clip showed newborn male chickens tossed live into a grinder because they could not produce eggs.

“Why raise animals just to throw them away?” Mr. Rysdyk said. There must have been something else wrong with the chickens, he added.

The 10 Billion Tour operator won’t be seen strapped to a barn door at a local farm.

“We’re not PETA,” Ms. Just said.

Most packaged chicken is actually male he said. The females are used to produce eggs, Mr. Rysdyk said.

However, the tour does bring awareness to communities about consuming meat, dairy and egg products, she said.

In addition to the video, the conversation after the video that takes place between the viewer and tour operator is the most important part in educating those that watch the video, Andy Tabar, tour operator said.

“We encourage people to reduce consumption of animal products,” he said.

The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978 dictates how meatpacking facilities should extinguish an animal’s life.

Top: Students watch the video about animal cruelty.

Below: Local free range chickens scratch for food. Photos by Melissa M. Merkler

Stunning the animal before killing it is a market standard, Mr. Rysdyk said.

However, “religious guilds,” which practice halal and kosher rituals, do not have to follow the Humane Slaughter Act, he said.

Both tour operators try to introduce a vegan lifestyle with pamphlets and recipes to those that watch the video.

This means the animals are not stunned before the throats are slit and “bled out,” Mr. Rysdyk said.

It’s not just a job, “it’s a way of life,” Mr. Tabar said.

Lastly, it can be said that animal cruelty does not stop at the meatpacking industry. Animal products are used in clothing, purses and wallets, shoes and other accessories. Many products humans use everyday are tested on animals before reaching the consumer.

Many people may not know that there is a meatpacking company in Sanford, Fla. Hopkins Meat Packing is a hometown butcher shop that has been a household name in many parts of Sanford for more than 40 years.

To learn more about becoming a vegan, visit www.10billiontour.org.

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8 | Seminole Scribe

L

MOLLY

By Christina Fleming

ights flashing, the bass dropping, spirits “high” and the crowd dancing uncontrollably most likely under the influence of MDMA also known as Molly or Ecstasy. These are the moments some common ravers say they live for and also when their bodies could be under the most stress from the effects of drug abuse.

“I always feel miserable the day after I take Molly, but I do it anyways,” said a Seminole State College of Florida student who did not want to be identified.

Christian as the Boy Wonder Graphite on Arches HP

Jodie as Princess Leia of the Rebel Alliance Graphite on Arches

ART continued from page 6 Ally Loos, a student at Seminole State said, “My favorite piece was the G.I. Joe one.”

Loos had been informed of this exhibition by the posters around campus.

Chris Lugo on the other hand, another student at Seminole State, said his favorite piece was “Batwoman of Gotham City.”

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, MDMA, also known as Molly, is best known for its association with all-night raves and parties. Those associated with taking it are teenagers and young adults.

It is a drug that was originally designed to fight depression releasing endorphins in the brain which provide the user with feelings of happiness and surreal peace.

Many are aware what this drug is capable of doing to their bodies, yet they are still willing to take the risk.

All for a night of “feeling that peace,” Luis Rincon, Biology professor at Seminole State College, said.

Megan Stepe, the Gallery’s curator, is in charge of going through and accepting or denying submissions and said that each drawing has its “own charm and character with such depth.”

“I know that it’s a club drug, and it’s being used in way that is causing self-harm,” Professor Rincon said. “People are taking doses beyond what their bodies can handle, and this is a very addictive drug. They think they need more because the endorphins being released are setting a specific mood for them.”

Ms. Burke’s work has also been exhibited all around the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, South Korea, China and Japan. Her work will be displayed at the Seminole State Fine Arts Gallery until Feb. 17.

Some people are aware of the risks and simply choose to ignore them because they want to enjoy the drug while they are under the influence of it.

Lugo also heard of this exhibition through campus advertising.

“Yes, there are risks to taking it and most of the time I chew my mouth up to the point it bleeds from gritting my teeth so badly,” said another unidentified source. “But I don’t care when that happens because I love the way Molly makes me feel.”

The idea of taking Molly is so appealing to some people that they believe they are not having fun if they are not taking it.

“As soon as I get to a festival, the first thing I do is start looking for Molly,” Gabby Palo, Seminole State student said. “It’s just not as fun if I’m not blacked out drunk and rolling.”

The negative effects seem minute to those who already rely on using the drug to feel pleasure. The way they view the use of the drug is that the negative side effects are not bad enough to stop them from wanting to feel the high the drug produces.

“I’m always looking for Molly,” an unidentified student said. “She’s kinda like a friend.”

Abraham as Duke of G.I. Joe Graphite on Arches HP

February 2014 | 9

Calendar

reer Student Ca ent Developm ties Opportuni o Summer 2014 Ovied March 25, es., Job Fair, Tu . at m. to 2 p.m e 2014, 11 a. – Outsid s pu m ca Oviedo Patio.

Seminole State Volunteers | Oviedo

Student Engagement Team Events:

Friday, Feb.14 - Social with Residents of Lutheran Haven Retirement Home (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Seminole

Relevant majors: All majors welcome and all students interested in summer jobs/ internships.

Volunteering Opportunities

Feb. 22 - Sanford/Lake Mary Cleanup Project at the Central Florida Zoo (9 a.m. to noon) Feb. 22 - Altamonte Springs Beautification Project at the Albin Polasek Museum (9 a.m. to noon) Feb. 28 - Storm Drain Marking Project at the Heathrow Campus (9 a.m. to noon)

Hosting events?

Email us! thescribe@ seminolestate.edu

Monday, March 3: Spring Fling at Heathrow in the Atrium 4 to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 4: Alcohol Awareness at Altamonte from Noon to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5: Alcohol Awareness at Sanford outside of UP Building from Noon to 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 6: Alcohol Awareness at Oviedo Patio from noon to 2 p.m.

Student C areer Dev elopmen Opportu t PTA and R espiratory nities Wed., Mar Care Caree ch 19, 20 r Fa ir, 14, 9 a.m Altamonte . to noon campus. at Relevant Majors: Ph ysical Ther Respirato apy, ry Care

State Volunteers | Oviedo

Tuesday, Feb. 18 Community Speaker: OneBlood OVF 104 (12:30pm) Thursday, Feb. 20 Blood Drive OVF Front Parking lot (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Film Club Movie Nights - Feb. 14 "Awful Nice" 7 p.m.

G-bldg Concert Hall - Feb. 21 "Rush" 7 p.m. G-bldg Concert Hall

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