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SCRiBe Summer 2014
2 | Seminole Scribe
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Seminole State College Theatre presents The Dining Room
he lights dimmed and the student actors and actresses took the stage for the last play of the spring season at the Sanford/Lake Mary campus of Seminole State College of Florida. The Fine Arts Theatre hosted the performance of The Dining Room, a play by A. R. Gurney, in April. The play is a collection of scenes about different characters interchanged within the setting of a dining room during the decline of the upper-middle class and the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant families. “The Dining Room is a slice of American culture making it a good fit for the final slot,” director Paul Luby said, adding that the play, which depicts different families’ use of a dining room, had accessible parts for student performers.
Jamila Johnson, psychology major and aspiring actress, said her favorite scene of the play was in Act I when she was under the table with Paul, the carpenter, played by Kamran Tomme. “It is hilariously awkward and filled with innuendos,” Johnson said. “In the beginning during rehearsal, it was so difficult for me to be so sexually aggressive with a complete stranger, but with lots of practice on my part and patience on Kamran Tomme and our director Paul Luby’s part, it became my absolute favorite.” The actors, actresses and crew spent many hours dedicated to rehearsing and running lines.
By Nicole Mueller
“I play 10 characters: Agent, Mother, Carolyn, Sandra, Dora, Margery, Beth, Kate, Claire, and Ruth,” Johnson said. The cast not only assembled 12 to 15 hours a week to rehearse, but they also set aside additional time to study lines. “I personally spent about an hour to an hour and a half each day listening to the lines of the scenes I had recorded on my phone, ran lines with family members and our Assistant Stage Manager Eric Arroyo on the weekends,” Johnson said.
The play also portrays the meaning of the dining room for each family, such as piling paperwork and the typewriter on the table, resembling more of an office rather than an area of family gatherings brought together around food.
“My one concern is that someone in the audience might have a really funny laugh and might release it when I’m onstage,” Chiovari said. “It takes an extraordinarily strange cackle, guffaw or wheeze to challenge my performance, but I almost cracked during a previous production due to a spectator’s devilishly timed hyukhyuk.”
“The Dining Room is cut from the same mold as The Laramie Project, the first show I acted in at Seminole State College, as one performer plays multiple roles,” Evan Chiovari, a student actor playing several characters in The Dining Room, said. The actors changed roles, personalities, accents and ages as scenes change portraying different families during their daily lives. Some sets included intimate, humorous, joyous and sad moments.
Even with many hours spent rehearsing and running lines, the actors and actresses still had fears while performing.
Evan Chiovari, Jamila Johnson, Kamran Tomme, Victoria Barfield, Cole Bender and Carol Crosby gather around the dining room table in the closing scene of The Dining Room. Photos by Nicole Mueller
After many late evenings and seven live performances, the cast’s hard work did not go unnoticed. “Throughout the years of directing, this cast has been reliable and ready to work with a great attitude,” Luby said.
Margery, played by Jamila Johnson, who hires Paul the carpenter, played by Kamran Tomme, to repair her dining table.
Victoria Barfield as Meg asking her father Tim, performed by Kamran Tomme, for permission to return home.
Carol Crosby and Kamran Tomme performing a scene where their characters, Peggy and Ted, sneak away to engage in an adulterous kiss.
Aunt Harriet, performed by Carol Crosby, scolds Tony, performed by Cole Bender, for referring to her as a WASP.
Filmmakers flock to Florida Film Festival By Matthew Jezak
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he air filled with sounds from hundreds of filmmakers, producers, directors and cinephiles standing around the Eden Bar at the Enzian Theater. Opening night of the 23rd annual Florida Film Festival kicked off April 4 in Maitland, Fla., just north of Orlando. Florida filmmaking and all its related industries stole the spotlight during the 10-day, 170-film festival. Filmmakers from all over the world presented their films and shared them with Central Florida film lovers. Festivals like this highlight what is possible in the Sunshine State and the filmmaking possibilities may become stronger with two new tax bills that will allow filmmakers more chances to shoot here.
Marquee at the Enzian Theater in Maitland, Fla.
The timing of the festivities could not have been better coming on the heels of these two bills proposed in the Florida House and Senate (HB 983 and SB 1640) that would create tax credit incentives for filmmakers totaling $250 million a year. Michael Liesch, an independent filmmaker and photographer covering the event as a volunteer, said the Enzian Theater provides help to local filmmakers and festivals have a “positive impact” on decisions to create those tax credits. “The Enzian Theater is great at helping to showcase independent filmmakers,” he said. “Festivals like this are a great way to promote the art of filmmaking.” Volunteers are an important aspect of the festival offering many jobs such as photography, blogging about the festival as well as helping to run the overall event. Blake Sutter who was there to document the event with her camera said, “The festival atmosphere is great,” because, “I get to practice my photography and meet interesting people.”
Keith Kong at the opening night party for the Florida Film Festival held at the Enzian Theater.
Keith Kong, a Seminole State College of Florida student who attended the festival, said “the excitement is contagious.” “It’s great to be around so many creative people,” he said. Let’s hope that the legislators pass those proposed bills to ensure that filmmaking in Florida has a long and healthy future. Make sure not to miss next year’s Florida Film Festival. Filmmakers, make sure to film in Florida.
A special thank you to Valerie Cisneros, Marketing Associate with the Enzian Theater, for helping me to attain press credentials. - MJ Guests check in at the Enzian Theater.
Photos by Matthew Jezak
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Five ways for colleges and universities to better serve adults Contributed by Shannon Conner, Founder and President of the NonTraditional Student Club at Seminole State College of Florida
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he majority of college students are not carefree 18 to 22-year-olds studying full time, living on campus, attending frat parties and returning home for summer vacation. Many are parents seeking new professional skills, personal growth, career advancement and a better future. In his study presented to the Secretary of Education, Peter Stokes pointed out that traditional-aged students only account for 16 percent of the student population in the United States. Today, non-traditional students are the majority. Outdated methods of enrolling and educating students need retrofitting. Non-traditional students have lived, learned, grown and acquired wisdom and maturity. They come with prior degrees and careers, business and work experience and street smarts. They turn to higher education for many reasons; personal dreams, divorce, empty nest, increased earning potential, career advancement or finding an entirely new career. These students have many day-to-day demands and responsibilities. In addition to attending school, non-traditional students are working, raising families, caring for a home, contending with health issues and caring for their aging parents. Currently, our higher learning institutions are neither designed nor equipped to meet the needs of this new student majority. Yet a few simple changes will improve the non-traditional college experience considerably:
3. Target Marketing Campaigns and Community Outreach to Non-Traditional Students
Tailor-made advising ensures that nontraditional students are not jeopardizing their limited time and resources. Non-traditional students want to partner with a specialist they can make their “go-to” person for the duration of their program. Colleges need to train student success specialists who understand the unique needs of the non-traditional student. These specialists should be professionals that nontraditional students feel understand them. These specialists must have a genuine respect and understanding of non-traditional students’ self-knowledge. These students are driven; get to know their strengths and weaknesses.
5. Technology, Arts and Sciences Workshops and Support
1. Tailored Advising and Counseling
2. Dedicated Non-Traditional Student Orientations
Schedule dedicated non-traditional student orientations where new students are able to meet their fellow incoming peers and specialist advisors. Current non-traditional students should attend, share personal experiences, offer encouragement and invite the new students to join the non-traditional student organization on campus. This way, new students immediately have a peer network, information and resources specific to their future college experience. Dedicated orientations will also prevent nontraditional students from being mistakenly directed to the parent orientation, as happens all too often.
Colleges and universities need to target marketing efforts to non-traditional students. Featuring current non-traditional students’ stories and alumni accomplishments will elicit more of a response than current marketing campaigns targeted at high school students. As soon as those in the community realize they will fit in, that there is support and that they possess the potential to succeed, colleges and universities will see increased enrollment.
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4. A Central Resource for Assistance and Information
Non-traditional students need easy access to information and resources on a wide range of subject areas, including (but not limited to): Childcare Transportation Food Healthcare Employment Clothing Everyday necessities Non-traditional students are often unaware of what is available to them on campus and in the community. Information about such resources will alleviate some of their struggles. Central resources can be student success specialists, an online student forum, peer mentors and/ or student-run non-traditional student organizations.
Non-traditional students often embark on higher education with little technology savvy. Often it has been 10 or more years since these students were in school. Computers, PowerPoint, email and online homework were not present when they were previously enrolled in classes. Colleges need to provide basic skill sessions to non-traditional students in areas such as using a computer, navigating your college account and email, online homework course components, writing and submitting a paper on a computer and basic math review.
Conclusion
Non-traditional students must be an integral part of the transformation. As students ourselves, we are proud to attend an institution that listens to our requests for change. We have worked with amazing faculty and staff to implement these initiatives over the last year. We have already seen a significant improvement in the college experience for many students. While still at the beginning of the process, there is much excitement about the future for this student demographic on our campus.
Voting is super cool! 18 or older? You can register to vote today 16 or 17? You can pre-register to vote today
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UCF gearing up to host summer challenge football game for first time
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By Shannen Connor
wo historically black college football teams are set to take the field in what could be an epic battle this summer. The North Carolina A&T Aggies and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs will be competing at the Bright House Networks Stadium in this year’s Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference/Southwestern Athletic Conference Challenge on August 31. Disney and Entertainment and Sports Programming Network are the presenters of the challenge. This year, for the first time, the challenge will be played on another college’s field. The first three years of the challenge was held at the Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., but has been moved to the Florida Citrus Bowl stadium in Orlando, which is under renovation. The University of Central Florida’s Bright House Networks Stadium will be the smallest venue to host the challenge in its 10-year history, according to an article related to the topic. Todd Stansbury, Vice President and Director of Athletics at UCF, said the college hosting the challenge will be a great way for the school to “help ESPN, Disney and Orlando find a venue for this game while the Citrus Bowl is off-line during its renovation.” Mr. Stansbury also said that the size of the venue could “enhance the game’s atmosphere” and that the school prides itself on being a “Partnership University.” “Us hosting this game for ESPN and Disney is us just wanting to be good community partners,” he said.
Photo taken by Joshua C. Cruey Bright House Networks Stadium
The challenge will be nationally televised by ESPN 2, and should feature an audience of 12,000 to 15,000 people, according to a related article. Andy Seeley, Assistant Director of Athletics-Communications at UCF, said he was confident that the UCF campus will serve as a wonderful venue, “allowing student-athletes and fans to enjoy their experience and create lifetime memories.” Mr. Seeley also said that the football program and stadium will host many nationally-televised games on the ESPN family of networks, allowing the school to have “another great opportunity for UCF and Bright House Networks Stadium to gain some exposure.” The challenge has drawn out some controversy regarding UCF hosting the game, including comments referring to UCF as a “predominately white” school, according to an article on the challenge. Heather Beasley, a Seminole State College of Florida student said she plans on transferring to UCF and said that it shouldn’t really matter if the school is being called things like “predominately white” “because it’s more than that,” she said.
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Ongoing battle to provide pay for student-athletes
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oney from boosters, “pay-for play,” and even a part-time job are all things that can end a studentathlete’s career. As a student-athlete, there are rules and guidelines that have to be followed for eligibility according to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (see box below). Any type of extra payment given to an athlete in college from an outside source is forbidden and can cause the athlete to be ineligible to perform. Institutions like Florida State University, University of Florida and University of Miami, all Division I, generate millions of dollars through athletics while Division III schools do not raise the funds to pay its athletes. According to the United States Department of Education, Florida State University raised $89,145,159 from athletics between 2012 and 2013. Football raised $43,085,121; men and women’s basketball raised $12,913,668. FSU paid 535 student-athletes with financial aid, including scholarship money, $8,750,048.
The University of Central Florida also raised funds with athletics. UCF spent $6,444,664 in aid for 396 students. Football raised $23,427,950 and men and women’s basketball raised $4,642,587 during 2012 and 2013. The total of UCF athletics came out to $78,282,146, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Marc Isenberg, author of “Money Players” and an athlete advocate, said in a phone interview that college athletes should be paid more than just the scholarships because a lot of athletes are not being provided full rides and are left “on the hook” when it comes to the remaining college fees. “Student-athletes are never going to be on the college payroll but if you don’t want to pay them through the school at least let them make money through marketing,” Isenberg said. With tens of millions being earned by athletic departments in college, some students believe that the money should go to them because they are the athletes who play the sport and bring the money to the school. A student at Northwestern University, a private college in Evanston, Ill. recently proposed an athlete’s union to the National Labor Relations Board with the argument that the football players are “employees of the school.” The football team received approved to create a union and is now awaiting votes to make the athletes’ union official. Tion Green, football running back for the University of Cincinnati, said he believes student-athletes should get paid for all the publicity and advertising they bring to schools, especially major universities like his.
By Bianca Cacho
Florida State University 2012-2013 Athletic Year
Revenue
$
89,145,158
Football
$
43,085,121
Men and Women's basketball $
12,913,668
Paid out to scholarships Number of students that received aid How much each student received University Gross Profits
$
8,750,048
$
535
$ $
16,355 80,395,110
University of Central Florida 2012-2013 Athletic Year
Revenue
$
78,282,146
Football
$
23,427,950
Men and Women's basketball $
4,642,587
Paid out to scholarships Number of students that received aid How much each student received
$
6,444,664
$
396
$
16,274
University Gross Profits
$
71,837,482
“They make money off our names and faces, they put up pictures of us to advertise and sell our names on jerseys in stores,” Green said.
NAMES.”
“BUT WE DON’T GET A DIME OFF OF OUR
He stressed his frustration and said, “Sure, we get free meal plans and dorms but that’s with our scholarship. We don’t make what people think we do. We don’t make anything.”
b. You are not eligible in a sport if you ever have accepted money, transportation or other benefits from an agent or agreed to have an agent market your athletics ability or reputation in that sport. [Bylaw 12.3.1]
With the recent proposal to NCAA rules that would allow Division I athletes unlimited meals and snacks, an athlete may no longer have to go to bed “starving,” a quote given by University of Connecticut guard Shabazz Napier, according to CNN.
c. You are not eligible in any sport if, after you
Some athletes said they still feel they are provided with more than enough money to support them. Courtney Blanden, an upcoming Virginia Tech athlete said she is receiving both an academic scholarship and athletic scholarship.
or allow your name or picture to be used for
“I don’t think I should be entitled to any more money than what is already being provided for me through the school,” Blanden said.
d. You are not eligible in any sport if, because
Student-athletes getting paid may be an ongoing battle between students, schools and the NCAA for a long time. Northwestern University may have opened the eyes of many student-athletes but there are still changes that can be made in the student-athlete world.
you did not perform, were paid at a rate higher
“Rules are one-sided because no one has sat on the other side of the negotiating table to represent the athletes,” Isenberg said. “The rules better change or more unions will form.” Background image provided by Tion Green.
personal following. [Bylaw 12.4]
become a student-athlete, you accept any pay for promoting a commercial product or service promoting a commercial product or service. [Bylaws 12.5.2.1 and 12.5.2.2]
of your athletics ability, you were paid for work than the going rate or were paid for the value an employer placed on your reputation, fame or NCAA guidelines for student-athletes from ncaa.org.
8 | Seminole Scribe
My journey to skinny By Leyla Rad The summer season is almost here but it’s not too late get that “summer bod.” Here are just five simple things I’ve learned that may help you reach the body you want.
It’s not about how much you eat - it’s about WHAT you eat
Calorie restriction may be a good way to lose weight, but it’s also a good way to turn into a grumpy b*tch. I’ve seen so many people who think they can eat junk food but only enough so their calories stay under 800. Eating is a way to nourish your body with nutrients and minerals for daily function. What people need to learn is that 200 calories of a natural fruit smoothie is better for your body than a zero calorie Diet Coke (you might as well drink motor oil). Changing your diet to natural fruits, vegetables and lean meats will make you happier, trim the inches off your waist AND you can generally eat as much as you want of it. According to LA Fitness’ registered dietitian, Debbie James, M.D., “It’s true that to lose weight you will need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Following a healthy eating pattern as part of your permanent lifestyle means being able to have foods you enjoy in moderation.”
Lift weights - It’s good for you
The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn and the leaner you look. Not saying you should cut out cardio completely because it’s definitely a good way to burn fat. But mixing cardio with lifting weights will give definition to your arms, legs and back. Keeping up with the proper diet will ensure your body gets cut up and you’ll be stronger!
DRINK WATER
I don’t think I can stress enough how great water is for you. And majority of the population doesn’t drink close to enough. The common “eight cups per day” saying is a good place to start but if you can drink more then drink more! Drinking water will aid in weight loss by flushing out toxins in your body; it’s great for your skin and the best part, it’ll make you… regular. If you think water is plain or boring, try infusing lemon slices into a pitcher of water the night before or even some Crystal Light packets on occasion isn’t too bad. To help me drink enough water, I always carry a reusable cup with ice and water in it to sip throughout my day.
Carbs are the devil
Not. When balanced with the right amount of fats and proteins, carbs are great for you. But that’s most people’s problems. Carbs are delicious, yummy and so hard to stop eating. A whole bowl of spaghetti, rice, chips, donuts or a giant slice of pizza. Or maybe two slices… or three. Self-control is really hard when it comes to carbs. Eating complex carbs, or low glycemic carbs, such as brown rice and whole wheat or whole grain breads and pasta are a good alternative but let’s face it, brown rice doesn’t taste anywhere close to how delicious that sticky white rice tastes. The point is, everything in moderation. I usually limit my carbs to the morning. They’re good energy to wake you up and get you going. Plus they’ll most likely be burned off by the time you go to bed. I also usually only eat carbs in forms of fruit, which contain natural sugars that your body will love you for.
Love yourself
You can’t be too hard on yourself during this process. For a skinny body that will last, you’ll have to make LIFESTYLE changes and that doesn’t happen overnight. If you concentrate on the health aspect of it, the body change will come with it. Don’t view this as a diet; look at it as a change in lifestyle. Don’t weigh yourself every day; it’s a number that doesn’t matter. Try to find off-scale accomplishments like fitting into your “skinny” jeans. If you feel like having a bowl of ice cream, do it! But don’t make that one bad “cheat” turn into weeks of cheating because then you will feel bad about it. Most importantly, look at yourself occasionally and compliment yourself like you would a friend. Comment on the small things that have changed in your body.
Strive for progress, not perfection.
DON’T GIVE UP ON FINDING A SUMMER JOB Use your talent to make money
By Domonique Quinn
LEFT: Kaleah’s popular styles from left to right: sew in, small havana twist, small twist, and sew in with bang RIGHT: from left to right: jumbo havana twist, medium plaits, jumbo plaits, and jumbo havana twist
S
ummer jobs may not be easy to find, especially when companies aren’t hiring.
However, there are many unique dot-com job search engines which update multiple job listing daily; such as SnagAJob.com, Monster.com and even Craigslist. org. While some companies may not like to use Craigslist to find new employees, many employers post information there to get fast responses. If the online search does not work for you, using your talents can also put spending money in your pocket during the summer and possibly continue into the fall. Terri Walsh, an accounting professor at Seminole State College of Florida said, “Over the summer it
As a preteen, Gaines said she liked watching her
it right back to the government are just a few perks
aunt do hair. Then, when she was 14-years-old, after
about using your talent. However, one must report all
getting her hair done, she said she did not like the
earning at tax time and apply deductions accordingly.
style and decided to redo it herself. That was the start to a future profitable talent. She received a lot of
Na’Dieya Evelyn, 21, a graduate of Everest University,
compliments for her hair, which sparked an interest
said she also used her talent to make money. While
in styling hair as an alternative to a regular 9-to-5 job. “Making my own money is better, I have no taxes coming out of the money I make, and I work when I want to work,” she said. Of course becoming a successful hairstylist didn’t happen over night. However, the more and more she practiced on her clients, Gaines said she found that she did not need to practice as much anymore because she was beginning to excel at her craft.
is good to find volunteer work or a job that matches
she recovered from stomach surgery, she said she discovered her passion for beading and creating different bracelets and necklaces for fun. She then started selling the jewelry at her church and from there she made extra money while creating these accessories on the couch. “It was hard at first to get others to buy, but once one person bought a piece, many started questioning and continued to buy,” Evelyn said.
your major, while also using your talents to make
Once the techniques were conquered, Gaines said she
money.”
built her clientele by word-of-mouth. Satisfied clients
So, do not give up on that summer job. If there is
helped increase the number of future clients due to
nothing out there for you, why not use your talents
referrals.
as another option. You never know, it might just start
Kaleah Gaines, 23, a student at Daytona State
something big.
College, said she uses her talent as a hairstylist and her business expands every single day.
Not having a boss, working at your own pace and also keeping your entire paycheck without giving
SUMMER FASHION Girls
DO’S & DONT’S
Guys
THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE The Seminole Scribe is the official student newspaper of Seminole State College of Florida EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Melissa Merkler STAFF REPORTERS Bianca Cacho Shannen Connor Christina Fleming Matthew Jezak Nicole Mueller Domonique Quinn Leyla Rad George Rivera COPY EDITOR Joseph Meadows
“Yes, I approve of highwaisted shorts,” Alysha Levin said.
“Definitely a no,” Vanina Pedraza said.
“I give Chubbies a double thumbs down,” Madison Siler said.
High-waisted shorts
Men’s tank tops
Chubbies
“Yes, as long as they don’t show too much,” Michael Fres said.
“I’ll give them a thumbs up,” Brighton Bellamy said.
“Yes, I would wear them. I actually own a pair,” Jeff Netgate said.
Bright-colored lipstick “Bright lipstick is a no,” Karis-Day Burgett said.
Red lips photo courtsey: Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT All other photos and design by Christina Fleming
“I’m not really for it,” Justin Parry said.
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. CONTACT US Room J-107 Sanford/Lake Mary thescribe@seminolestate.edu
“What are you doing this summer?” By Bianca Cacho, Shannen Connor and Domonique Quinn
Many people cannot wait for summer to arrive while others may be dreading the free time off from school with nothing to do but work. Some students might find summer to be good opportunity to earn money. For others, it might be a time to make new memories. The Seminole Scribe surveyed a few students around the Sanford/Lake Mary campus students about their plans for summer 2014. Photo: The view from the Queen Suite at the Comfort Inn & Suites Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Va. (Oyster.com/MCT)
“Doing ratchet sh*t and going on a cruise.” - Cory Sharp
“Training for body building.” - Ruben Sosa
Accounting + Photography
Tu Truong By Melissa B. Merkler
L
“Summer classes, work and the beach”- Gladys Martinez
“Working and learning Spanish.”- Malak Abdelmelek
oaded with a Nikon camera in hand and a look of determination on her face, Seminole State College of Florida student, Tu Truong, said she is “almost done” with her Associate of Arts degree in accounting but said she is “taking a digital photography class for fun.” Truong paused for a moment before saying two reasons why she likes Seminole State: “It has small classes and it’s easy to get to everything.”
“Heading to Gainesville because I got accepted to the University of Florida.”- Kenya Moore
“I got a job with Universal Dance Association so I’ll be traveling.”- Megan Mckinley
“Working on budgets and figuring out my job as SGA President of Seminole State College of Florida”Joshua Hunnel
“Working two jobs.” - Shelton Tolbert
“My classmates are too lazy.” -
Tu Truong said about her one dislike of seminole state.
LOCAL WOMAN FINDS NEW SMILE IN COSTA RICA
O
ne Seminole County woman found herself raising five kids alone on a single mother’s budget which allowed little room to spend on her own personal healthcare. This determined mom managed to take care of her kids’ teeth including braces on one child, and “spent money getting them through college debt free,” Phyllis Walker Kent, a realtor with 20 years of experience, said.
Now, with an almost empty nest and her first grandchild on the way, Ms. Kent said she could finally spend money on herself and that would benefit her career. She said she seemed to have a lack of confidence in her teeth when she spoke to clients. “It’s part of my job talking to people,” she said. So, Ms. Kent discovered a solution to her potentially expensive dental work in a small medical office in San Jose, Costa Rica which resulted in her need to explain to friends and family the meaning behind “Medical Tourism.”
By Melissa B. Merkler
The Internet has led new patients to doctors around the world with a few clicks. “I just emailed him some pictures of my teeth that I took with my iPhone,” she said, adding, “no hoops to jump through.” After the initial email, in a matter of months Ms. Kent flew to a tropical paradise and along with other American’s, they were all on an adventure to find new self-reliance in their damaged self-images. Ms. Kent continued to describe her need for a confident smile and said, “I’m in sales. It helps to be able to smile and laugh,” she said with a grin displaying her new pearly whites. There were a few factors why Ms. Kent chose Costa Rica as her Medical Tourism destination. The main reason was cost, she said. “In 4 days I had 3 root canals, 21 crowns, and 5 implants and no pain pills or pain!”
“This amount of dental work would have cost me between $50,000 “I had heard about Dr. Cavallini about 10 years ago,” she said. After and $60,000 in the U.S. over the course of a few years,” she said. It was doing research online she eventually found him and started her pursuit a no-brainer decision for her to travel outside of Florida for her new to a new smile. smile. While Medical Tourism may not be something most people are familiar with, it is more popular than one might imagine. According to Patients Beyond Borders, an organization that aids patients in locating “the highest-quality, most affordable care, and to provide information and advice” to help people choose medical doctors “with confidence,” it reported in 2013 an estimated 40,000 to 65,000 medical travelers sought medical procedures in Costa Rica alone.
Phyllis Kent proudly displays her new smile after years of hiding damaged teeth.
It’s important to point out that the whole trip was not spent in a dentist chair, Ms. Kent said. Most people stay for 10 days, she added. And in between procedures the patients went sightseeing on tours arranged by the doctor’s office. There doesn’t seem to be anything negative Ms. Kent could recall about her Medical Tourism trip. NEW SMILE ontinued on page 7
“I Phyllis Kent with Dr. Cavalini and Dr. Peralta after her procedures.
NEW SMILE continued from page 6
was not held up in bed with ice packs on my face,” she said. “I do my homework then live by my gut. I would do it again!” However, the only side effect Ms. Kent has experienced so far since she got her new teeth is the soreness in her jaw from the continuous laughing and smiling, she said. “I’m using different muscles now because before I hid my bad teeth,” she said. Selling houses isn’t the only place Ms. Kent gets close and personal with others. She is active in her daughter’s sports ventures and can often be seen on the sidelines cheering on the team to another victory. She is also a member of a local Rotary Club and often rides her motorcycle when showing houses to clients. Her new teeth have prompted others to ask questions. “I want to share my journey,” she said. “Some of my Facebook friends made fun of me.” But if her story can help at least one person, she will be happy to tell it. “People are excited to hear my story and they are buying me lunch,” she said.
Letter from The Editor Here it is again -- another final issue of The Seminole Scribe. It's bittersweet saying farewell to something that has become so close to my heart. Now, with summer quickly approaching, the staff reporters decided to include some fun stories about one of the most favorite time of years for most college students: "How to snag a summer job, what are you doing this summer and fashion do's and dont's," are just some of the topics covered in the pages to follow. To those graduating this semester, congratulations! To students returning in the fall, we can't wait to hear from you. Please send us your stories, poems, feedback and anything else you would like to publish in the official college newspaper. Remember, The Seminole Scribe is for YOU by YOU. Until next time, Melissa B. Merkler - EIC
Have a safe and happy summer from all of us at The Seminole Scribe!
“IT SHOULD BE FUNNY...”
A
Contributed by Joe Meadows
different kind of a comedy night is starting to take shape around town. The name of the event is “It should be funny…” and the venerable Smiling Bison restaurant on Bennett Road, in Orlando, plays host to this event every second Thursday of the month, around 10 p.m. You like to laugh. Right? If not, stop reading now. Be it a funny movie, a significant other or friend telling a story at a party or hilarious late-night posts from those drunken, bored or observant characters we like to call friends. It’s another one of those human emotions that are universal: If you see someone smiling or laughing, they’re generally in good spirits and having a great time of it (evil, sinister laughs need not apply). And, do you also love decent and possibly nervous storytelling by complete amateurs, devoid of training and stand-up comedy experience? If you answered yes to both, you’re in luck. “Originally, we were just going to do your standard, standup (comedy) night,” Chuck Ellis, aka “Mandaddy,” a voiceover artist, heavy metal front man, actor, raconteur, all-around good guy and host/ creator of the event, said. The idea of having the same old comedy night wasn’t appealing and like most things Mandaddy does, he tries to put his own spin on things. So one day he’s at a party, trying to figure out what to do with the night, “with a bunch of people telling stories,” Mandaddy says, “We’re like, ‘Wait a minute, let’s just do this.’” So they did and the first showing entertained the small but loyal crowd thoroughly throughout the night. The atmosphere was relaxed and FUNNY continued on page 15
scary,’” and his reply to that response is, “Just tell a story.”
FUNNY continued from page 14
easy-going. The food amazing. The drinks flowing. Mandaddy had arranged for four to five different solo acts to come up and tell stories with some jokes mixed in for good measure. There was even a random guy that told a few stories that were absolutely hilarious and completely unsolicited. He and some coworkers from the nightclub across the street just happened to be there getting some grub before their shift. That’s the kind of inclusivity that Mandaddy is going for and if the first night is any indication, this could be a busy night in the future. “Basically I try to get six [to] eight people from the scene….as many that’ll come out when they (expletive) say they’re going to come out,” Mandaddy said, “I give you a [barley-based beverage], I give you a mic, you get 10 or so minutes on stage to just tell a story and regale us with your knowledge.” The takeaway? “Go up there and tell a story. When I mention it to people in the (music) scene that have never done stand-up….they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s
And everybody has a few of those.
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STUDY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
By Melissa B. Merkler
W
ith “Go State Go Far” the new Seminole State College of Florida slogan, Seminole State College President Dr. E. Ann McGee addressed students at the 2014 Student Activities Award Ceremony saying, “If you’re returning, do even more next year.” A buffet-style dinner, live band and group dancing kept the attendees busy before the awards ceremony. The blue and gold candy bar only lasted a few minutes before the bottom of the bowls appeared. And a green screen entertained candid shots for students to take home a bit of the night with them. Individual student awards for outstanding Student Lfe participation, Best Club of the Year and other recognitions occupied the evening at the annual event. All nominated award recipients received a cell phone battery charger engraved with the Seminole State College logo. Thank you, Seminole State!
1 Gerald Jones presents Leslie Cook an award 2 The Seminole Scribe Editor-in-Chief Melissa B. Merkler,
Journalism Professor Jennifer Sheppard, Film Club President Matt Jezak and Film Club and Phi Theta Kappa member Ali Akbari
3 Student Government Association presidents, Nicole BrownGoldman and Ansha Roberts, spoke at the event
4 Retiring SGA leaders ring in the new leaders with the passing of the gavel ceremony
5 Dr. E. Ann McGee spoke to students at the Student Life
awards celebration and reminisced about her community college experience while offering students advice to press on to be the best they can be