Issue 3 by The Seminole Scribe

the

Seminole

SCRIBE

Issue 3

November 2013

Making sense of today’s Middle East: The Ottoman Empire to WWI and beyond

s news of revolts, struggles and By Joseph revolution spread throughout the Meadows world from the Middle East in Syria, Libya, Egypt and Tunisia and beyond, local populations clamor for political transformation within their borders. In some form or another, the “Arab Spring,” has taken sway over the region for better or worse and the outcome of said rebellions and struggles won’t likely be determined for years. The geography of the contemporary Middle East, with multiple nations, is traced back to the breakup of the Ottoman Empire just after World War I. Just prior to the war, a massive swath of land reaching from the Bosporus Strait, around the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf represented the Ottoman Empire, controlled by the Turkish with Istanbul as its capital. By the war’s end, the empire was no more and Turkey was reduced, land-wise, to territory slightly larger than Texas. “The Ottoman Empire was in a period of stagnation for 200 years before it collapsed,” Hakan Özoğlu, Ph.D., Director of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Central Florida said. The empire, he added, was not a commercial empire but relied heavily upon territorial expansion. Not to mention that it was dealing with a huge bankruptcy for a long time. “World War I was basically the final point that the Western powers decided that the (Ottoman Empire) should go,” Dr. Özoğlu said. Blood flowed like water in Ottoman territory from the outbreak of conflict to the early 1920s, with direct conflict with Western powers and Arab revolts against the Turkish backed by the West. “Great Britain negotiated with Sharif Hussein, the so-called leader of the Arabs. [He] organized the Arab revolts against the Ottoman Empire,” Dr. Özoğlu said. Promises were then made to Sharif Hussein, the Arabs and the Jewish for the same land. Almost instantly this created tension, mistrust and skepticism among the population. One of the first of many promises made to the Jews in the Balfour Declaration. This declaration was made by the British and looked favorably upon Jewish migration and settlement for in the Middle East, where at that time didn’t have a significant Jewish population. It did not, however, promise a state for the Jewish people, the British claimed. “What really upset the Arabs was [Jewish] migrations from Europe to Palestine,” Dr. Özoğlu said. “They were purchasing land and settling in

greater numbers.” And with the end of the war, the defeat of the Turkish in the Middle East at the hands of Western powers and their Arab allies, Great Britain and France interpreted this victory as yet another play in the game of colonialism, which dominated European trade after the Napoleonic Era and the subsequent Congress of Vienna. In secret, Britain and France met to discuss the final territorial settlement and partition of Arab lands for the post-war period. The result of those meetings produced the Sykes-Picot agreement. Modern states such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait became separate sovereign nations, controlled by puppet regimes and ran as wholly-owned subsidiaries of these Western powers. Blindly, lines were drawn not taking into consideration any ethnic, religious or historical divisions or reasoning beyond the Western powers’ ambition and outright greed. “It was entirely arbitrary,” Dr. Özoğlu said the borders, nowadays, “If you wanted to see your cousin next door… you have to get a passport, go to another city and fly to there, as opposed to walking ten steps.” The colonial powers also installed Western-friendly dictators. Independence came for most Arab nations after World War II when European powers, exhausted by the output of resources, finally pulled out of the region. Political tension and strife continue today among many of these nations in the Middle East. The decisions of nearly 100 years ago are still relevant today in the wake of the “Arab Spring.” The outcome of these political movements likely won’t be determined for years.

THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE The Seminole Scribe is the official student newspaper of Seminole State College of Florida. EDITOR Melissa B. Merkler STAFF REPORTERS Eric Anderson Michael Brown Sean Doty Christina Fleming Alicia Gonzalez Carissa May Joseph Meadows John Nunez Leyla Rad George Rivera TIffany Rosario Ashley Young 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 ©2013 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.

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Cover photo courtesy of Jennifer Rosado.

Think before you kill: Is texting and driving worth jail?

By Alicia Gonzalez

lorida sets its foot down and said no more texting and driving as of Oct. 1, 2013.

The reason for the new law, according to Sergeant Kim Montes, a public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, is because the government views texting and driving as a problem. Photo courtesy of Florida Highway Patrol For instance, Sgt. Montes said a woman was driving too slowly on Interstate 4 and another officer pulled her over. The driver admitted she “We may want to warn and educate people rather was texting while driving, but she was given a than writing a ticket if that is more beneficial,” she warning rather than a citation because she was said. not aware of the law. Sgt. Montes said some officers may give drivers “the benefit of the doubt” Another way the law could improve safety on the in the beginning since the law is relatively new. roads is by decreasing the amount of distractionHowever, enforcing no texting and driving may be related car crashes. Texting while driving is at the root of distraction-related crashes but goes “under a challenge, Sgt. Montes said. reported,” Sgt. Montes said. The state’s minimum amount for a citation is $30, although the amounts will vary from county to county, according to Sgt. Montes: In Seminole County, the amount for a first offense will be $116 after the county’s additional court fees.

“Not a lot of people admit they were texting in a crash,” she said, adding that an Oviedo resident recently drove into a lake due to texting while driving.

The law against texting and driving may improve the roads by educating drivers, bringing down the number of distraction-related crashes and following the path of states that prohibit any sort of phone usage while driving.

Florida is following the footsteps of states that prohibit any sort of phone usage, which may also improve the safety on the roads. For now, laws allow drivers to place phone calls and use a navigation system but bans texting while driving or sending an email while behind the wheel.

But not everyone thinks the new law is the answer. Derek Murrell, student at Seminole State College, said he thinks the new law will “bring fear.” “I think it will help out, but it wouldn’t solve everything,” Mr. Murrell said. Part of the law enforcements’ job is to educate, Sgt. Montes said.

“If you’re traveling 55 mph and look down at your phone for three seconds, you’ve traveled the length of a football field; anything can happen.” -Sgt. Kim Montes (pictured below at Florida Highway Patrol headquarters in Orlando.)

Although resisting the urge to text completely while behind the wheel is preferred, Sgt. Montes said if a driver gets the urge to text, it’s best to wait until the driver is at a stop light or at a stopping point. “One second can change your life,” she said. “Anything can happen—a child could run out in front of you, a car can change lanes. It’s not worth your life and someone else’s life. It really does come down to that.”

Photo by: Alicia Gonzalez

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Florida Highway Patrol headquarters Photo By: Alicia Gonzalez

4 | Seminole Scribe

Murder with taco truck gives rush

F cope with life after “Breaking Bad”

By Michael Brown Here I am, fiddling away on my laptop at the wee hours of the morning and all I can think is this: what am I going to do with my life now that “Breaking Bad” is over? I’m sure that things happened in my life between the first half of season 5 and the second half, with the nearly year long gap between episodes, but what I most vividly remember is waiting for the next episode to come out. Also, I took up preaching the word of everyone’s favorite high school teacher turned drug kingpin.

“All Bad things must come to an end.”

Breaking Bad’s final episode, Felina aired on Sunday, Sept. 29 on AMC. Felina, of course, is an anagram of “Finale,” and contains the episode and, arguably, season’s tagline of “All Bad things must come to an end,” according to AMC. The internet was in a frenzy over this, with Reddit, Twitter, Tumblr, 4Chan and, if my feed is any indication, Facebook, not being able to shut up about this phenomena. By all accounts, the finale wrapped up satisfyingly, even if we are now left with a “Breaking Bad”-sized hole in our hearts. There was even some satisfaction in seeing series creator and writer Vince Gilligan on The Colbert Report the day after the finale. Colbert ended the show with a gag, locking up the series creator and forcing him to “keep writing, b****!” Here’s some facts that I, the friend who won’t just shut up about this show, have discovered. Breaking Bad currently holds the Guinness Book of World Record for the highest rated television show of all time, having a 99/100 Metacritic BREAKING continued on page 5

By Leyla Rad

rom stealing cars and running from cops to killing innocent pedestrians and transferring drugs, the three main characters in the new “Grand Theft Auto V” game do whatever they are told to get rich in the city of Los Santos. The video game, fifth in a series developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games, “Grand Theft Auto V,” (GTA V) was released to the public in early September.

"Grand Theft Auto V" is the gift that keeps on giving. (MCT)

According to the Guinness World Records website, GTA V was the fastest videogame to gross $1 billion. The popularity of the game could mean players are living life vicariously through GTA V. Players can speed down the opposing lane of traffic with drugs in the car, rob stores, beat women and kill people by running them over with taco trucks. Some people who play GTA V, like Nathan Hoshyar, a student at Seminole State College of Florida, said he believes that the game should not have a negative effect on society because it’s “just a game and shouldn’t be taken seriously.” “I think the reason people love this game so much is because of the things they are able to do in it that they can’t in the real world,” he said.

“I guess you could say it gives the player a thrill,” Mr. Hoshyar said. But, he also said that he could see how it could have a negative influence based on the story line.

“It’s basically robbing high-end corporations,” Mr. Hoshyar said. “In the game, there is no real consequence for anything. You pay a small fee or just hide from the cops long enough.” Younger children who play the game may confuse the idea of crime without consequences or punishments similar to those crimes in GTA V. Other players like Chris Greene, another student at Seminole State, said he believes the game is fun but shouldn’t be played by younger people.

“Sure, it makes me feel like a bad ass,” Mr. Greene said. “But I know that I’m not going to go around doing those same things,” he added. “I really don’t think like, middle schoolers, should play. It’s rated M for a reason. You shouldn’t play unless you’re over 17.” Professor Doreen Collins, a licensed mental health counselor and doctoral student at University of Central Florida, said the media violence has a number of negative effects.

“Social learning theory tells us [that] when we see violent acts over and over again, we become desensitized to them,” Ms. Collins said. “This desensitization is what researchers in the APA (American Psychological Association) believe contributes to kids being more aggressive as well as less compassionate and caring to their peers.” Similarly, Jason Whitesel, Ph.D., professor of Social Sciences at Seminole State, said he believes video games have more of a “gender and sexual orientation” issue. Video games like GTA V could be causing players to develop a bad attitude toward people, he said. Players could use video games to discover who they are and what is expected of them, Dr. Whitesel added. Playing games like GTA V could cause players to believe that men and women don’t hold the same place in society. “Games often reinforce the idea that a ‘real’ man should be consumed with sex and violence,” Dr. Whitesel said. “My understanding of the new GTA game is in addition to the game’s usual misogynistic overtones, it is also trans-phobic. Not only does it reward players for the belief women are inferior to men, but also mocks trans-folks.”

BREAKING continued from page 4

November 2013 | 5

rating for it’s fifth and final season. The show has also seen exponential growth during this final season, now up to 8.5 million viewers. Now onto awards: the show has been nominated for 42 Emmy awards, winning 10 of those.

So, now that I’ve just illustrated all the ways in which the world has validated my love of “Breaking Bad,” I have a question for the fans: what do we do now? This show has changed my life. I’ve laughed, cried and been aghast during these past 62 episodes. Walter White’s journey from lovable high school teacher to his meth kingpin alter ego Heisenberg sucked me in and never let go. “Breaking Bad” has been what I looked forward to every week. For my three brothers and me, it’s a religious experience where we all gather around the TV and end up yelling out at the TV screen when we find out that something important has happened to our favorite characters. I’ve even successfully converted several of my friends to my new love! So, then...now what? I have nothing to look forward to anymore, besides maybe silly things like “love” and a “career” or maybe a “success in life.” But aren’t those things ultimately just distractions from what is easily the greatest television experience of all time? What I suggest is to get into a little ball, try not to cry, then cry hard. In the meantime, I’ve found that listening to the show’s twangy guitar theme on repeat lets me pretend to be in a world that contains more “Breaking Bad.” In fact, that song is now my theme to life, as suddenly everything around me is much more intense and I have to wonder who’s about to get poisoned with ricin. Other things that help include: shaving your head and wearing a fedora, yelling “Yeah, b****!” to everything, cooking blue crystal meth (on second thought, maybe don’t do that one,) and talking about the show until all of your friends inevitably convert to your new obsession! So, what do I plan to do now? Well, there’s always the Better Call Saul spinoff that AMC just announced. Note: neither The Seminole Scribe nor the writer of this article endorse cooking crystal meth, regardless of purity or coloring.

Zimmerman trial: unplugged

he trial of State v. George Zimmerman generated a lot of buzz in the local community. For the better part of two weeks, many people were glued to their television sets watching the drama of the courtroom unfold in real time. The media covered the trial extensively and, recently, Seminole State College and the Legal Studies Program welcomed two guests part of that coverage and analysis: Fox New’s Judge Alex Ferrer and local high-profile attorney Diana Tennis who were in the courtroom and covered the trial from start to finish, providing their commentary and legal analysis on national television. The Zimmerman trial left more questions than answers at its conclusion so to have two bright legal minds come and answer some of those questions was a unique opportunity for the approximately 70 guests who listened to the speakers.

Submitted by Casey P. Mullen

current technology, according to Tennis. Judge Alex went on to say that young people just entering into the field are well sought after because they are in tune and up to date on the latest software and applications that are being applied in a courtroom setting. The audience continued to listen for about 90 minutes as Judge Alex and Tennis addressed issue after issue in the case. What attendees were able to leave with was a clearer understanding of the strategies involved for the state and the defense, and greater insight into what it was like to actually be in the courtroom during our community’s most infamous trial.

The visit by Judge Alex and Diana Tennis was part of the Law for Lunch Bunch program, hosted by the Legal Studies Department at Seminole State College. The Law for Lunch Bunch is a group of Seminole State students, faculty, staff and local community When asked by a program attendee why the case generated so much members who gather to talk about current law related events and national coverage, Judge Alex and Diana Tennis pointed to a media materials. On occasion, the Law for Lunch Bunch will bring in guest botch as perhaps the reason for such a nationwide outrage. NBC’s speakers to offer their insight and knowledge relating to relevant editing of the original 9-1-1 call was as follows: legal topics. The Law for Lunch Bunch is open to anyone in the Seminole State College community, not just Legal Studies students. Zimmerman: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. He looks For more information on the Law for Lunch Bunch, including black.” upcoming speakers and meetings, please contact Casey Mullen at mullenc001@seminolestate.edu. What the audience ultimately learned from Judge Alex and Diana is that the actual call went like this:

Next Law for Lunch:

Zimmerman: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. Or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about.” Dispatcher: “OK, and this guy — is he black, white or Hispanic?” Zimmerman: “He looks black.” It’s this edited clip, says Tennis that, when aired on NBC Nightly News, sparked outrage and had civil rights activists and communities nationwide calling for justice in what they saw as a “race based crime.” It was these sorts of facts the speakers addressed that captivated and shocked the audience. Most didn’t know of the true transcript of the call, but about half of the crowd raised their hands when asked if they had heard the 9-1-1 call on the news at some point leading up to or during the trial. Judge Alex and Tennis also addressed the need for young, aspiring legal professionals to become savvy in law office and courtroom technology, pointing to the “Skype debacle,” where a witness called into the courtroom via Skype while having his user ID shown on national television. What followed was random viewers at home calling into the witness’ Skype account, disrupting the questioning of the witness and giving the courtroom a feel similar to a “comedy club.” Many of the older, experienced lawyers are not well versed in

Who: Bilal Iftikhar, Adjunct Professor - Immigration Law at Seminole State College What: Immigration Law. Some of the topics that will be covered include work visas, granting asylum, understand residency status, immigration documentation, immigration issues in the news When: Thursday, Nov. 14, at 12:30 pm Where: AT-102 (Automotive Showroom).

Photo courtesy of Casey P. Mullen

Among Emmy wins are, Best Drama series (including this year,) Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series by Bryan Cranston (Walter White,) Outstanding Supporting Actor by Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman) and now Anna Gunn (Skyler White) as of this year. I haven’t tried to count it up but writer Vince Gilligan and these actors have won multiple Emmy Awards so far. It’s almost as if they get one every time they air!

6 | Seminole Scribe

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My gripe with guns

among many others, Ralph was an encyclopedia

Editorial by Joseph Meadows of music. He LOVED and LIVED for music. He’d

It seems that every day you hear about gun violence in this country in some form or another. It is one thing that doesn’t discriminate or profile. Everyone can be caught up in it regardless of profession or level of income. This includes teachers, school children, random passers-by, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, best friends, your town, my town. A lack of care or respect for one’s self and future and the knock-on effects that it brings to families, friends and communities is sickening and I’m tired of it all. I’m completely disgusted. I’ve been personally touched by gun violence. A former roommate of mine was gunned down around 1 a.m. on Sept. 10, 2011 in Winter Haven, Fla. He was 45. This man, Ralph Ameduri, Jr., was a beloved part of the Orlando music scene. A veteran musician of bands such as My Friend Steve, Riverbottom Nightmare Band and the Legendary JC’s,

sit up all night talking about it. It excited him to no end and he was ever-curious about it. I was 26 when I moved in with Ralph, who was 40. Needless to say, I was in for a life education of grand proportions. We drank, partied, traded anecdotes and listened to music. He showed me what was cool. He had good taste. He only had nice things to say and was always accepting of anyone’s musical talents, no matter what level of player they were. And he always wanted to help and be a part of things. Everybody loved Ralph. He was a big brother and mentor to many of us but some 17-year old scumbag decided to take that away. This idiot actually thought holding up a bunch of broke musicians would net him something. A botched robbery took place behind the bar/live music venue and ended up taking our friend’s life. In an instant, many lives were changed, including his. He’s currently in prison awaiting trial. Good riddance to this piece of human waste. I hope he gets

whatever’s coming to him. We, as a country, need to take a long look in the mirror when it comes to the question of guns in our society. Forget about the Second Amendment and all the statistics and ask yourself, “Have I, in any way, been affected by some form of gun violence?” I bet most out there will say yes. Where do we go from here? I’m not really sure. What I am sure about is that WE NEED LESS GUNS IN OUR COUNTRY! We have more gun deaths, by far, than anywhere else on the planet. Why? It’s guns, stupid. I love it when the NRA or any other super gun advocate suggests that either guns aren’t the problem or that everything else, from video games to movies, is the actual problem. It’s completely nonsensical and it’s a down-right lie. And to all the insurrectionists out there who want to “take back our government”: don’t worry; they have drones, napalm, nuclear weapons, tanks, anti-aircraft missiles and a whole lot more. Your colonial-era wigs and AR-15s don’t stand a chance, suckers.

By Carissa May

Q: What do you plan on doing after Seminole State? A: I plan on transferring over to UCF. I’m doing their whole Direct Connect program, which is pretty much easy access into UCF. Once there, I’m going to be majoring in communications, more specifically, radio and television. Q: What are your favorite foods? A: I’d have to with the standard cliché American and just say cheeseburgers. Q: What kind of music interests do you have? A: My family has a very musical background. My father was in a band pretty much almost his entire life, so I kind of adopted his interest and fascination with music. From him I learned to play the drums, and I learned to play guitar and a little bit of bass. Q: Are you fairly good at those instruments you play? A: Yeah, I’ve been playing guitar for about three years now and I’ve been playing drums for about six or seven. There will be a time where I’ll get really, really into it and then there will be a time when I have to set it aside, get school out of the way and I have to focus on my job. It’s become a hobby; it’s definitely not a career focus, but I love it. It’s definitely one of my favorite hobbies. Q: What kind of music do you like? What’s inspired you? A: I like all kinds of music because I just like the sound of a melody. Except for country, I’m not too fond of country. I feel like that’s probably one of the most simplistic kinds of genres, and I don’t know, it’s just too simple for me. But I love and am inspired by all kinds of music, especially rock since my dad was more into that classic rock phase. I love music that still comes out today; I like the beats of it, I like the percussion, the rhythms. I’m really all around a music lover. Q: What are your favorite bands/

singers? A: One of my top favorite bands, besides The Beatles, would be Alter Bridge. They’re a very, very obscure band; if you think of Creed, it’s kind of like them. I believe that they have a much heavier sound, which I like. I’m into heavy rock, a little bit of metal here and there. Alter Bridge, in that band is singer Myles Kennedy, he’s definitely one of my inspirations. I like his style of songwriting, I love his voice and I love his guitar skills. Q: Any type of movies you like? A: I tend to go for the drama. I mean, comedy and horror I feel can be very, very easy. It takes a real, real genius to go (Oh wow, let’s make this as serious as possible. Let’s add twists, lets add a good plot line) and all that. I think it takes a real genius to make a good drama. Speaking of which, I feel that the movie Prisoners, that was recently in theaters, I’ve seen that just recently. Honestly, I want to see it again because it, by far, was moved into my top favorite movies of all time. Q: What are your hobbies? A: Playing my guitar and my drums is definitely one of them. Photography is definitely one. Q: What would you say is a major life event? A: I definitely have to say going to Rome, because honestly I’ve never had an experience much like it. It was a different environment over there, completely different society. To experience everything opposite of how you’re so used to growing up, was definitely an experience. Another one of my greatest life events would probably be moving down here from New York back in 2007. That was a big change in my life. Q: What are your future goals and plans? A: Graduating Seminole State is definitely one step; transfer to UCF, complete that, and get out of there with my bachelor’s in communications and definitely to find a job with my appropriate degree. I would like to work in either a news station or for a television network. My dream would be to work for Comedy Central. I think definitely a dream of mine would be to actually write for Comedy Central. My dream would be to have my own animated show, like South Park or Brickleberry. Comedy Central is a dream of mine, so I hope to be there some day.

Jesse Sentouktsi in Rome - Photo provided by Jesse Sentouktsi

By Carissa May

November 2013 | 7

Positivity is everything A positive attitude can get you further than you think, Professor Christopher Bolton said, who teaches film photography at Seminole State College.

Professor Bolton taught at Seminole State from 1984 to 1995. He then taught at Crealdè School of Art in Winter Park before returning to teach at Seminole State in 2005. One of Professor Bolton’s major life events was surviving cancer. His experience with cancer taught him a lot about what a positive attitude can do. One of his life goals is to publish a book of his photographs.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Bolton

Five minutes with Jesse Sentouktsi

In the spring of 2004 he was diagnosed with throat cancer, it was a tumor that affected his tonsils. But he was able to get it removed though surgery early that summer. Following the surgery, his doctor urged him to take radiation therapy, but he was skeptical, he said. “I had watched my mother die of lung cancer and go through radiation, and she died anyway,” Mr. Bolton said, “So that was kind of my idea, that the treatment was almost worse than the disease itself.” He said that he expected the worst until he learned that technology had changed since his mother went through radiation. He went through radiation therapy every day, except weekends, for two months. By the beginning of fall, he was declared cancer free. From talking to some of the technicians that worked with the equipment, they told him that if he kept up his health and had a positive attitude he would stand a much better chance of surviving, he said. “I kind of visualized it in my mind as though this was going to be like a long, tough hike over some rough terrain, but that I was somehow going to be able to imagine being on the other side of it and being through with it,” Professor Bolton said. Professor Bolton also recalled something else that encouraged him to maintain positive thinking. “I remember seeing this little kid on television; they were interviewing children who had cancer. And I was in the middle of my treatment when I saw this,” he said, “This little boy, they asked him, ‘How do you go through these treatments and how do you get through it with it being so tough?’ And his answer was ‘Well, I can get through anything if I think I can.’ It really almost brought me to tears thinking about it, that this little guy, who was maybe 11 years old, had that kind of bravery.” Professor Bolton said he realizes that there are other people with forms of cancer “that are much more invasive” than the cancer he had. But regardless, he said, “You’ve got to feel like you have some fight in you. You have to meet it head on. You just can’t give up.” He likes to instill that in his students and tell them “don’t worry about failing so much; that’s going to happen,” he said.

Christopher Bolton, photography professor and a cancer survivor, tells students not to “worry about failing so much. That’s going to happen,” he said.

“I always say nobody ever learned anything by knowing everything,” he said, “There can be a lot of joy in learning something and feeling that accomplishment that you tackled something that you didn’t think you were going to be able to do, and you were able to not only get through it but create something from it, like you can in photography or any art form or any task that you take on.” A goal of Professor Bolton’s is to produce a photography book he said. “To me that’s, for photography, more rewarding to be able to show a body of work and it’s pretty hard to do that in a single exhibition,” he said. His works have been displayed in Florida at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Orlando Museum of Art, the Thomas Center in Gainesville and the Gallery at Avalon Island in downtown Orlando. Back in the ’80s, he did a workshop in New York, he said, where some of his work was exhibited at the New York City Hall in Manhattan. Last year he had an exhibition in Mexico that was a “one-person show,” he said, where only his work was exhibited. He’s shot thousands of photographs and it’s hard to collate them, “especially with traditional photography where you print everything yourself,” he said. He has produced works on different subjects on Mexico, South America, Spain and a lot in Florida and he is trying to decide what the categories are and how to put together a book of his work. Professor Bolton has enough works for several books, but he said, “I want it to have impact,” so, rather than having photographs from a lot of different places, he will probably start with his work from Mexico.

8 | Seminole Scribe

Throw on the pads and bring on the contact

ring out the cheerleaders and referees; it’s time to play some college football.

Or at least that’s what the mindset should be for institutions like Seminole State College. American football is without question the most highly watched sport in the United States today. According to the Associated Press, Super Bowl XLVII had more than 108 million viewers. The BCS Championship game this year between Alabama and Notre Dame had more than 26 million viewers, with millions also watching the other 34 collegiate bowl games. Beyond the national spotlight, football is still a popular sport, especially in the state of Florida. In Central Florida, it could be difficult for someone to travel around the area without football being referenced in some way. In recreational parks, young children play Pop Warner football. In high schools, energized teenagers gossip and get ready for Friday night football at the end of the school week. The public universities and college towns are decorated in team memorabilia, ready for Saturday afternoon showdowns. Football is everywhere in this state. Well, except for community colleges. Football legend Vince Lombardi was once quoted for saying, “A school without football is in danger of deteriorating into a medieval study hall.” With modern technology being as it is today, medieval may not be the best word choice to describe a junior college institution. However, the famed football coach is right on target with this point. Aside from the intramural flag football league held each semester, there is no football at Seminole State College. Many things have changed since Coach Lombardi led his gritty Green Bay Packers to victory at the very first Super Bowl in 1967. The United States government has gone through

By Sean Doty

rapid changes along with the increased use of technology. Social media is an epidemic. Education is emphasized more than ever and the sport of football has become larger than life in the world of entertainment. With Florida being a national pipeline for football talent coming out of high school, why is it that Seminole State College has yet to organize its own legitimate football program? “Football programs were prohibited from junior colleges by the state’s government,” John Scarpino, Seminole State College’s Athletic Director, said. “Back in the 1970s when football was not as popular and the Florida programs were not as good, the state decided to cut down on costs and liabilities by cutting football from small schools like us.” According to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) website, there are only 14 states within the nation that contain schools with Division I football programs. Heavily populated states such as California, New York and Texas allow football at the junior colleges. So if nobody received that epic scholarship to go play for Will Muschamp in Gainesville, Jimbo Fisher in Tallahassee or George O’Leary over at the University of Central Florida (UCF), which junior college is closest to home and has its own football program? That would be Georgia Military College, home of the Bulldogs, located in the heart of Milledgeville, Ga. Fast forwarding from the ’70s to 2013, would it help or hinder junior colleges such as Seminole State to establish its own football program? “I think it would help because football is a popular sport,” Luis Batalla, Seminole State student, said. “UCF is a longer distance away and people around the Apopka and Lake Brantley

areas would enjoy playing football at a closer school, even if a full scholarship was not offered.” According to athleticscholarships. com, players of Division I and II schools on the junior collegiate level were awarded two billion dollars in scholarships and grants last year. The average total revenue brought in from each of these football programs was roughly near $490,000. What about student life, then? Would having a football team at Seminole State College have an impact on campus life? “It would give students some sense of pride, school spirit and it would give them the full college experience at a junior college,” Chelsea Brockenbrough, Seminole State student, said. In a recent survey conducted with 25 people around the Altamonte Springs campus, more than 80 percent agreed that bringing a football program to Seminole State College would be a good thing for the school.

College), O.J. Simpson (City College of San Francisco), Bill Walsh and John Madden (College of San Mateo) were also involved in junior college football early in their careers. Some, however, do not feel as enthusiastic about a football program being established at Seminole State College. “I think, while it will boost the enrollment, the startup cost wouldn’t be recovered for a longtime,” James Wallace, Altamonte Springs resident, said. “The costs of the other sports they have now would be tiny compared to what a football program would be.”

“A school without football is in danger of deteriorating into a medieval study hall.” - VInce Lombardi

“I think it would help boost school spirit, encourage kids to have a second chance to earn football scholarships and go to school,” Mark Bottey, Seminole State graduate, said.

Junior collegiate football indeed has given a second opportunity to high school players that were once deemed not worthy of a football scholarship. According to cbssports.com and scout. com, current NFL players such as Cam Newton (Blinn College), Brandon Jacobs (Coffeyville Community College), Steve Smith (Santa Monica College), Brett Keisel (Snow College) and Aaron Rodgers (Butte College) all benefited from competing at junior colleges. Former players such as Keyshawn Johnson (West Los Angeles

So, it might be costly in the beginning to create a football program however more than 75 percent of the polled population said they would be more likely to attend athletic events at Seminole State College with an established football program. A football program could be a long term profit and benefit for everyone involved. “Everyone has a different skill that helps them excel,” Mr. Scarpino said. “Whether it’s in academics, shooting a basketball, throwing a 95 mile per hour fast ball or running a fast 40 yard dash time, nobody should be denied the opportunity of pursuing a college education.”

Editor’s Note New search tool finds predators on campus Issue three is now under our belt and although I know I am just a novice I’m starting to feel like a journalism veteran. Writing for The Seminole Scribe has opened my eyes and made me start thinking about my future in the reporting world. I have even started researching jobs in the field looking at editing jobs and the Orlando Sentinel. If anyone is hiring, tweet me!

October was a busy month kicking off fall and celebrating Halloween. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This year, we decided to skip the hectic family tradition and opted for a fun Thanksgiving cruise on the Carnival Dream. No turkey to baste or dishes to wash this year - that is a dream. There are some serious stories packed into this issue. Don’t forget to write your editor and tell us what you think.

The final issue for this semester is already in pre-production. If you would like to submit anything for December, please send it as soon as possible to thescribe@seminolestate.edu. We look forward to hearing from you and let us know what you think of the new design of the paper! Happy Thanksgiving! Until next time,

Melissa B. Merkler | EIC | @melissabmerkler on Twitter

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Editorial by: George Rivera

he Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has a new search feature which prompted The Seminole Scribe to review the school policy on the enrollment of sexual offenders and sexual predators. “The safety of our students, employees and anyone who enters our campuses is among our highest priorities at Seminole State,” Jay Davis Director of Media Relations and Communications at Seminole State College, said in an email to The Scribe. The FDLE predator search website now allows users to search university and college campuses for sexual predators. There are a total of four found on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus who have been allowed to enroll, one at the Altamonte Springs campus, one at the Heathrow campus and zero at the Oviedo campus. According to the procedure on the Seminole State website, sexual predators are “disruptive” to a college environment: “The College has determined that the presence on campus of students

officially designated as Sexual Predators/Sexual Offenders would be disruptive to the orderly process of the College’s programs and services and/or would interfere with the rights and privileges of the other students.” The Sexual Predators or Sexual Offenders - Procedure 1.3000 also “denies admission/enrollment to students who are officially designated as Sexual Predators/Sexual Offenders.” However, this statement seems to contradict the next part listing steps for these predators to enroll. Seminole State handles the enrollment of sexual predators caseby-case, according to the procedures posted on its website. Sexual predators may enroll by appealing to the Vice President of Student Affairs Marcia Roman. They must provide certain documents such as police reports, time served and parole information and an appeal of why they should be allowed to attend, along with registering their home address. The procedure also states that professors and faculty who are registered sexual predators are not allowed to be employed at Seminole State College, which is a small comfort.

Students Are you interested in PHOTOGRAPHY and documenting REAL-LIFE events? Do you want to set in motion a career in PHOTOJOURNALISM?

Enroll Spring 2014

Photojournalism under JOU 2930 (Selected Studies in Journalism) Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus

RAPE: No is no

hile on the hunt for 100 bras and panties at the Sanford Flea Market in late September, Jo Toubman said By Melissa B. Merkler a rape victim many times is left standing in a cold exam room with little to wear because police must collect all evidence, which usually includes clothes. 10 | Seminole Scribe

This is when the Rape Crisis Services team steps in to provide the woman with clothing or just a ride to a safe place, Mrs. Toubman said. The Seminole Scribe was invited to take a tour of The Children’s Advocacy Center of Volusia & Flagler Counties, Inc. where Mrs. Toubman works as Victim Advocate Coordinator for the Rape Crisis Services program. The Children’s Advocacy Center, which was once an old church, is located on International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, Florida. The brick walls are painted the color of orange sherbet, the windows are covered with black metal bars and a mural depicting happy silhouettes of children offers a sense of security at first glance. Once inside, this cheery setting has a jungle theme throughout the hallways with silly monkeys hanging from vines. The center is open to children that have suffered sexual abuse or other types of child abuse and women who have been victims of sexual battery such as rape. It is important to note that male victims may also seek services here. The Children’s Advocacy Center and the Rape Crisis Services separate clients based on age. Children 17 and under are handled by CPT, Child Protection Team, and adults 18 and up are directed to Rape Crisis Services, Mrs. Toubman said. The center is a non-profit organization which receives funding from the state, but it also depends on donations and the United Way. There are many ways in which Rape Crisis Services advertise around Central Florida. It manages a Facebook page and website. “Last year we received a $5,000 grant to wrap a public bus,” Mrs. Toubman said.

“A rape kit can only be processed within seven to tens days after the rape has occurred.” - Jo Toubman

A movie trailer ad ran in a Port Orange movie theatre, Mrs. Toubman said, which was one way to teach the community about rape and how to prevent it is crucial when it comes to speaking about a topic not a lot of people want to talk about. During the interview, Mrs. Toubman offered a heavy blue paper folder that is given to all rape victims whom receive assistance from Rape Crisis Services. The pockets are filled with pamphlets, forms and phones numbers about rape and violence. The stack of information can be overwhelming yet necessary to help victims pick up the pieces of a shattered life. Gina Pinner, the other paid victim advocate at Rape Crisis Services, said relocation assistance is another service available to those that qualify. Relocation services offer limited funds to victims to help move away from the perpetrator. After completing several forms, and if approved, only $1500 is dispersed in two $750 increments which are to be used for moving expenses such as a rent deposit, Ms. Pinner said. This is usually not enough money, “but it’s all they get,” she said. However, the money does help establish a new beginning, which is what survivors are often looking for after a rape. Because there is a limited staff at Rape Crisis Services, Ms. Pinner said she is on call 24/7 regardless of the time of year. “I never get away from the job,” she added, often receiving calls in the middle of the night. Many times a victim will leave after waiting for hours on police to finish processing reports,

Ms. Pinner said, which contributes to the lack of accuracy of reported rapes. Rape victims may just want to take a shower to wash off the sexual attack. Sitting in an exam room is the last place a victim may want to be, she said. Although there are several people working at this facility, only two paid victim advocates are available to cover two counties, Reginald Williams, Chief Executive Officer for The Children’s Advocacy Center, said. He stressed the need for more victim advocates, which are volunteer positions, and require substantial security clearance and training. These advocates help reduce the stigma that continues to hover over the topic of rape and sexual battery. Regardless of what a person is wearing, or not wearing, Mr. Williams said, “no one asks to be raped.”

Marquee as seen from Internatinal Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach

Jo Toubman & Gina Pinner, Victim Advocates at Rape Crisis Services

A playful scene for all to enjoy at The Children’s Advocacy Center Photos by Melissa B. Merkler

www.childrensadvocacy.org

RAPE CRISIS HOTLINE 1-800-940-7273

Additionally, rape victims often get blamed for the rape, he said.

Throughout the advocacy process, “we always tell rape survivors that it wasn’t their fault,” Mr. Williams stressed. The most important thing to remember is that rape is a crime and that “no is no,” he said. To contact Rape Crisis Services, call the community hotline at 1 (800) 940-7273.

Debunking rape myths By Melissa B. Merkler

looded with psychology students sitting on the floor and leaning against walls inside the University Partnership building in early October, the room was filled with silent students eager to hear how the professors would debunk rape myths. It was an hour packed full of serious questions and minimal laughter. Professor of Social Science Jason Whitesel, Ph.D., and Professor of Psychology Scott Freeman, Ph.D., a licensed mental health counselor, led the open forum. The lecture covered, what many may claim to be sensitive topics, such as who is the perpetrator, men and rape, marital rape, sports hazing, cycles of abuse, statutory rape and gang rape, just to name a few. Seminole State student, Crystal Peterson, spoke up during the discussion and said she was at the lecture to learn more about rape so that she could educate her 10-year-old daughter.

“Rape is a crime of power and satisfaction of sexual gratification,” Professor Freeman said.

One student from the crowd mentioned the incident last o v ethe m bbody e r 2will 0 1 3“shut | 1it1 year when Republican Todd AkinNsaid down,” referring to a “legitimate rape.”

Yet, the majority of rapes go unreported. For those perpetrators that do get charged, 97 percent of them “never spend a day in jail,” Professor Freeman said.

The lecture made it quite clear that there is no such thing as legitimate rape, but that rape is rape regardless of sex or gender.

Roofies, GHB, and K are just three drugs that are commonly linked to rape.

“We should be able to talk about it as adults,” Mr. Freeman said.

“Rule of thumb: a little bit of paranoia is okay,” Professor Freeman said.

Students that may have questions or need assistance can contact Dr. Freeman.

If a person offers to buy a drink, and the gut feeling is to not take it, then don’t, he added.

All statistics provided by rainn.org

Angela Wilkie, a Seminole State student, said she attended the lecture because her goal is to work in the criminal justice field to become a victim advocate and specialize in human trafficking.

Campus Sanford/Lake,Mary Altamonte Oviedo Heathrow

Safety,&,Security 407=708=2178 407=404=6100 407=971=5020 407=708=4410

Counseling 407=708=2144 407=708=2144 407=971=5021 407=708=2144

Pregnancy is another horrific side effect of rape. One in 15 rapes result in pregnancy, Professor Freeman said.

Taking a stand against sexual assault and gender violence

eminole State College is trying to actively increase awareness about student safety on campus, including the topic of rape, which many find uncomfortable to talk about.

By Melissa B. Merkler

Maxine Oliver, Director of Campus Safety and Security, and Jan Lloyd-Lesley, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Student Development, manned the first of a series of events, which started with a table setup in September at each campus as a “day of action” to hand out fliers and encourage students to sign the Pact5 pledge.

Photo by Carissa May

The pact states: I am aware that sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time. I believe we can end sexual assault through education. I will always be sure to genuine consent before any sexual activity. I will take action if I see a situation that could lead to sexual assault. I commit to learning more and promoting the PACT. “This is something I am passion about,” Dr. Lloyd said. “The focus overall is to increase awareness to our student body about issues related to sexual assault and gender violence and how it can be prevented.” In addition to the college wanting to educate students about the dangers on campus, according to the federal requirements with Title 9 and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), “the college is required to do educational programming with its students on campus,” Dr. Lloyd said. One of the reasons why Seminole State has a low occurrence of sex offenses, in fact none in the last three years according to the 2012 Annual Crime Report and Safety Guide “may be because there is no onsite housing,” Dr. Lloyd said.

A Seminole State College student signs the Pact5 pledge on Sept. 24, 2013 on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus.

Students who may need help with reporting a rape or other incident must first go Safety and Security and file a report.

DON’T MISS THE FILM MISS REPRESENTATION

If the event did not occur on campus, but the student still wants to talk about it, he or she can speak to a campus counselor, Dr. Lloyd said.

NOVEMBER 18, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. SLM UP 1205

Each campus has its own Safety and Security department and counseling staff. The list of phone numbers is provided below.

PROFESSOR WHITESEL WILL BE HOSTING THIS EVENT.

Love traveling? Spring forward and study abroad

magine the plane lands in a foreign place, bags are packed and ready to explore unfamiliar cultures, meet unique people, taste foods unheard of and establish the memories of a lifetime.

“Living abroad helped me better understand what it means to be an American,” Kevin Konecny, Director of the Center for Global Engagement, said. “I had to always remember that other cultures do things differently—that doesn’t make it wrong.”

Traveling while in school provides experience and knowledge to students’ educational and social backgrounds, he said. “I think studying abroad offers students a chance to see that there is so much more to the world than just Sanford,” Mr. Moradian said while discussing the upcoming trip to Panama. Seminole State student Jennifer Rosado agreed that studying abroad is “life changing.”

Many opportunities to study abroad exist at Seminole State College of Florida for students and faculty members to expand their perspectives of the world while focusing on their academics and opening up business opportunities. Seminole State has several trips planned for this upcoming spring and summer including the business trip to Panama that is a part of the Business, Legal and Entrepreneurship program at Seminole State. In the past, trips have been “really successful,” according to David Moradian, Program Manager of the Center for Business, Legal and Entrepreneurship.

“It really opened my eyes to see the world differently, and to explore myself and other parts of the world other than America,” she said. “As a student, I know there are plenty of opportunities outside the country, and places I would love to visit. My perspective in things have changed for the better because of this trip, it helped me to explore, experience and to live.”

Jennifer Rosado studied abroad with Seminole State College during the 2013 Spring trip to London and France. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rosado

“I am really excited for all the opportunities the Panama trip has to offer,” Mr. Moradian said. “This will be my first time going to Panama, but I have done a lot of research and I don’t think most people realize the significance and business opportunity that is there.”

Karissa Amrhein also thinks that studying abroad offers an “interesting” opportunity for students.

instead of being locked in.”

Packages often range with sizes from as small as 1 gram up to 15 grams and a price from $10 and up. Composed of herbs sprayed with chemicals resembling the effects of Marijuana’s Psycho Active Chemical THC, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Herbal Incense has been a popular alternative to illegal drugs because the Incense is readily available and offers a more potent high than marijuana. Both students whose names have been changed provided information regarding their familiarity of the substance. “I had heard that the high was even better than marijuana,” Jody, a student at the Seminole State College Sanford/Lake Mary said. “I didn’t have to worry about popping on a drug test, and the highs were amazing.” But the alternative could be more dangerous the DEA website reports; those who have abused synthetic drugs have

By Eric Anderson

suffered vomiting, anxiety, agitation, irritability, seizures, hallucinations, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure and loss of consciousness. The Incense has caused significant organ damage as well as overdose deaths. After six months of using and waking up at all hours of the night, she said her lungs were hurting. “I was short of breath, my appetite was gone and body was swelling, and I was throwing up everything,” she said. That was Jody’s turning point. “For two weeks I was having cold sweats, diarrhea, vomiting and muscle ache,” she said. “It was the worst thing that I have ever felt—I will never do that stupid stuff again.” Another student “Spencer,” spoke A selection of her mother’s use of Herbal of Herbal Incense and the effects on their Incense mother and her siblings. purchased by “We noticed that she was living in a dream world where nothing including us mattered,” she said. As the usage became more

“If I ever did (study abroad) I would want to go on the 10 day trips rather than one that last longer,” she said. “I think the shorter trips allow you to be more flexible with your schedule

For more information on study abroad, please visit Seminole State’s website.

Herbal Incense: more than a cheap high idden behind the counter of many gas stations and smoke shops across the United States and the online marketplace is a blend of plants and chemicals known as Herbal Incense or Potpourri. With nicknames such as Kush, K2 and Spice, the items are sold in small brightly colored foil packages with cartoon characters on the outside to attract the buyers.

By Christina Fleming

the Seminole Prevention Coalition Photos by Eric Anderson

familiar Spencer described how her mother became more withdrawn, forgetful and her health started deteriorating. “Mom became moody and would often let everyday tasks such as housecleaning and taking care of us kids go; we would have to do it ourselves,” she said. Spencer said that anyone who knows of their parents or friends that are using should do anything in their power to get them help.

INCENSE continued on page 13

“Ruff” day? Have a waggin’ good time at local dog parks Lack of exercise for dogs can lead to “destruction” and “nipping,” according to Judy Rodzwich, a pet trainer at Petco in Orange City. She said dogs will exhibit negative behaviors “you don’t want,” think of new shoes being used as a chew toy.

By Ashley Young

“All dogs by instinct are hunters,” Ms. Rodzwich said. “What we call play is actually to a dog what we have diluted down [from] the hunting instinct.” The Parson Russell Terror was used to hunt red fox and the American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull) was bread to be a family dog with excellent agility and strength, according The American Kennel Club organization website. Dogs are a cherished pet, and according to a survey of 50 students on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus, nearly half own a dog. In no particular order, here are some of the great dog parks in Seminole/Volusia County areas to exercise pets. For more information on dog parks, visit dogfriendlyorlando.com.

Paw Park

Location: 315 S French Ave, Sanford Pros: • Second best dog park by Dog Fancy Magazine • First off-leash dog park in Central Florida • Small dog area/large dog area • Iconic tree where dogs can climb and play • Plenty of trees that provide shade • Sidewalk keeps your shoes free from dog poo •“Doggy Time Out” cage for rowdy pets Cons: •Small area •No restroom available

Gemini Springs

Barkley Square Dog Park

Location: 37 Dirksen Dr. DeBary, Florida 32713 Location: 1010 N. Ridgewood Ave., DeLand Pros: Pros: • Over 210 acres of land • 14 acres of land • Small dog area/large dog area • Small dog area/large dog area • Fishing dock • Pond for dogs to swim in (no worries, Fluffy won’t • Nature trails for jogging, biking, or skateboarding get eaten by a gator, there are only cute turtles in the • Playground pond) • Open fields perfect for picnics • Land is hilly, so burning calories will happen • Campgrounds • Bathrooms are located at the front • Canoeing Cons: • Shade provided by several oak trees • Few trees to provide shade (make sure to bring • Restrooms available on the main field sunscreen!) Cons: •Be careful of wildlife located on the park (snakes and gators)

INCENSE continued from page 12 One of the biggest problems from the synthetic use of marijuana, according to Debbie Owens, Executive Director of the Seminole Prevention Coalition is the teens feel that if it’s legal to be sold then the Herbal Incense must be safe. “The chemists who are producing the drug are brilliant,” she said. “Every time that a chemical is banned by law enforcement, the chemists will make a slight change to the substance making the once banned incense now legal.” However, the Federal Government and the Florida Legislature recently banned 26 chemicals that were being used in the production of the substance. Law enforcement is doing a better job to ensure that the substance becomes illegal altogether, she said, adding that families she works with have been affected by the incense. “We often see children that become withdrawn, rebellious, their grades go from A’s and B’s to D’s and F’s, their physical and mental abilities deteriorate and many of the children are in and out of rehab and doctors to Mrs. Debbie treat their negative issues,” she said. The Coalition works with the Seminole County Sheriff ’s office to inform the community on issues relating to substance abuse and prevention with teens. Mrs. Owens started a program to place pill drop boxes throughout the community for disposal of illegal drugs to include synthetic drugs. No questions asked. The drop boxes are located at each local law enforcement agency. Find a list of locations at seminolepreventioncoalition.org under the “Pitch your Pills” tab.

Owens with OPERATION MED RETURN Boxes which are located in Law Enforcement Agencies for disposal of unwanted prescription and illegal drugs.

By Tiffany Rosario

erald Jones is type of man you hope your son turns out to be.

Photos by Carissa May

That’s according to Susan Montgomery, Administrative Assistant for Student Life. Mr. Jones, Student Life Director at Seminole State College, is responsible for all student academic activities and 32 clubs at Seminole State.

Gerald Jones is the glue that brings everything together as Student Life Director at Seminole The Seminole State. Scribe recently sat down with Mr. Jones to discuss his plans for Student Life, his experience as a motivational speaker and his future return to University of Central Florida.

Two years ago, Mr. Jones, a Florida native who graduated from University of Central Florida and majored in leadership, started working at Seminole State. Part of his job includes expanding Student Life to attract more students since Seminole State offers many programs and clubs such as Student Government Association, Photo Club, even a Non-Traditional Student Club. All of these are brought together by many staff members but are under the direction of Mr. Jones. Mauricio Garcia, Assistant Director for Student Life and old time friend of Mr. Jones said it was a good idea to bring someone from the outside to look at things in a different way. “I’m the glue so to speak that kind of brings everything together,” Mr. Jones said. “I have a tremendous staff that works at each campus to work with students and clubs and organizations and a student life coordinator on each campus who report to me and they help lead the functions and activities and their campus.” Not only is Mr. Jones in charge of student life for the Sanford/Lake Mary campus, but also in charge of the Heathrow, Altamonte and Oviedo campus’ Student Life as well. According to Mr. Jones, a lot of students not only come to school for academics but also because of the extra-curricular activities that the school offers. Mr. Jones is in charge or making sure clubs are reaching at least five percent of the overall enrolled students. “In summary, my position is to help bring student activities to the college and opportunities for student activities for students who are enrolled and students who are interested in Seminole State,” Mr. Jones said. Opportunities like leadership retreats are available for students and three have already been completed this fall. And, since a small portion of tuition is set aside for clubs and activities through the Student Activity and Service Fee Budget Committee, Mr. Jones said more students should take advantage of the activities already paid for.

As part of expanding Student Life, the Student Life offices are being remodeled to be completed before Spring semester. The new area will have a place for clubs to get together and hold meetings when needed and have a place of their own, Mr. Jones said. “We’re doing open house in January with some cake and stuff to say, ‘Welcome to our new home!’ I’m excited because it gives students the opportunity to really have a place to build that community.” Mr. Jones said. Part of his success as Student Life Director comes from his experience as a motivational speaker, which has helped him grow into his title. He calls it his “calling.” Two years ago, Mr. Jones’ life suddenly changed but, he said, that made him a stronger and better person. From transferring to Seminole State from Valencia College and gaining his new title, to getting married for the first time and losing his father, Mr. Jones has had to slow down with his motivational speaking, but is still a side to him he will never let go. Although Mr. Jones is very proud of his position as Student Life Director, he is very comfortable with keeping both sides to his life separate. “I like to separate the two,” he said. “It reminds me of the movie “Sister Act 2” when Whoopi Goldberg was a nun or whatever her role was, and then outside of that she was somebody completely different.” What helped Mr. Jones find his calling of speaking was after being a victim of “colorism” when he was younger when he was discriminated by his own people. “You are your own worst enemy,” Mr. Jones said. It took many years for Mr. Jones to overcome the discriminating words his peers used to say in school and to overcome his own thoughts about the color of his skin. He became more involved in his high school to better himself and to prove that he was the best that he could be and that color did not matter. A University of Central Florida alumnus, Mr. Jones says that UCF did not teach him how to speak, it taught him how to be a leader and to lead others, but his own experiences from being a victim of colorism and also being an active member in his church helped teach him how to speak and reach out to others. In today’s world, Mr. Jones believes that, yes, colorism does still exist but in a different form of nationalism that is mostly seen today. “I’m from Haiti, be proud of that,” he said. “I’m from Puerto Rico, be proud of that. That is who you are, be proud of your identity.” Mr. Jones has written two books titled Speak Those Things which focuses on achieving success and Together on One Accord which helps readers define their purpose in life. He has also been on a number of talk shows such as “Up Close & Personal on PBS” and “The Good Life” to talk about his books and what led his to be a motivational speaker. As for the future, Mr. Jones will be returning to UCF for the third time next year to get his doctorate degree in higher education. It’s all about the title, he said “I’m hoping to gain President status of a college one day,” Mr. Jones said, “so I’m not leaving Florida yet, so watch out.”

Photo by Carissa May

Five minutes with Barbara Rivera

By Carissa May

Q: What are your interests and hobbies? A: My favorite hobby is probably drawing, it relaxes me and it’s really cool. I do love swimming, so whenever I get the chance I love to go Barbara Rivera is also Secretary of the to either the Film Club at Seminole State pool or the beach. And I love hanging out with my friends because I like being social. Photo by Carissa May

An education man G

“He [Mr. Jones] is very motivated to get Student Life out there,” Mrs. Montgomery said. “He really wants s Student Life to be a big aspect of why students come here and wants them to be in Student Government.”

Q: What are your favorite foods? A: Anything Italian. Q: What is a major life event of yours? A: I would have to say a most recent one is when I got over my fear of public speaking. It was really funny, it was at a friend’s birthday and there were tons of people that I did not know at all. And I was actually kind of nervous, but everyone was going up to talk and say something really sweet about her, so I decided to just stand up and just to go and say how we met and how much she means to me. So I was able to get up and speak in a room of more than 100 people that I did not know, except for my friend and my mom. So I actually did pretty good and it was really fun, I loved it. It actually helped me change my degree to advertisement and public relations. Q: Do you plan on getting that degree here at Seminole State or are you going to transfer elsewhere? A: I plan on getting my AA degree here at Seminole State. I would like to get as many courses as possible done at Seminole State and then transfer to UCF because it is just so much better with pricing, being that classes are half the price of what you would have to pay at UCF. Q: What are some of your future goals and plans? What do you hope to do in the upcoming years? A: When I do finish my degree, I would like to get a job. My dream job would be to get a job with Universal and to get a job with their hotels and casinos, that way I get to travel a lot. I would like to have that as a part time thing and go to law school. Q: Are there any other goals? A: I would love to travel to as many places as possible. I would love to go to India I would love to go to anywhere in Europe, South America, Asia, anywhere. I just love traveling. I love different languages, so I would actually like to learn some of them before I go or while I’m there. Another life goal would be to, of course, have a really nice suburban home and a nice car, too.

STEP ONE ON THE

November 2013 | 15

CORPORATE LADDER 1 30 9R G C 1 0 8 8

STUDY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Nearby. Online. uc fs e minole.com

Calendar of Events Student Government Association

e Volunteers Seminole Stat s

st Meeting Volunteer Intere

p.m. o OVF108/1:30 Nov. 5 at Ovied 10A/1:30 p.m. C-1 M S/L at 7 Nov. 30 p.m. onte ALT-214/1: Nov. 7 at Altam

Meetings

SGA Meetings Altamonte, 12:30 p.m., ALT-214, Even Thursdays

Career Fair 2013

Nov. 12, 2013 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. S/LM Building L Breezeway

Oviedo - 12:30 p.m., OVF-108 Every Tuesday Heathrow at noon in Atrium - Odd Thursdays

S/LM 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. C-110 Every Monday

Check o ut the flyer to the rig ht about free p izza a t the ca reer fa ir on Nov. 12 !

Bulletin board by cca4u.org

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