The Seminole Scribe by The Seminole Scribe

The

Seminole

SCRIBE Fall Issue 2 November 2014 1

DIVERSITY ROCKS at Seminole State College of Florida

THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE The Seminole Scribe is the official student newspaper of Seminole State College of Florida. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Melissa Merkler STAFF REPORTERS Alexander Alfonso. Carl Barrett, Jordan Donohue, Lynzie Fess, Tia Gautreaux, Jorge Minotta, Haylee Moffis 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. 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.

Students, staff and Dr. E. Ann McGee, President of Seminole State, watch Johnny Duong perform a B-Boy dance at the Diversity Rocks event.

“Put your foot inside the pool of diversity.” -Juan Guiterrez

Juan Guitierrez, Vice President of Altamonte SGA, presents a speech on the perspectives of diversity.

“Diversity is the differences and similarities that exist among groups of people.” - Gerald Jones, Director of Student Life at Seminole State College

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.

Shaliza Mohamed and Samuel Cadet perform a Bachata, Kompa and Kizomba dance at the annual event.

On the cover: Quantavious Griffin and LC James dance to Miley Cirus’ “Wrecking Ball” remixed

dubstep style at the Seminole State College annual Diversity Rocks event on October 13, 2014, sponsored by SGA. Photo by Melissa B. Merkler

thescribe@seminolestate.edu @seminolescribe

Editor’s note

Life on campus

ant to know what makes me get excited in the morning as I get ready for school? Life on campus at Seminole State - student activities, club events, theater productions, even sports. There’s so much going on at any given time that, on occassion, one might have to decide which event to attend.

hat’s why each issue of The Seminole Scribe is full of photos to share with your, our readers, about what life on campus is all about - getting to know your classmates, professors and your college. Since I joined the newspaper, I have found myself stepping out of my comfort zone and speaking to strangers in hallways or even at the bus stop. Seminole State held an event on October 1 called “Hey Day,” which encouraged students to take time to say “Hey” to someone new. If you see me on campus, please say hi!

ow, these past two issues are a little different because The Seminole Scribe changed to a new, smaller glossy-style magazine look that is much better than the old awkward newsprint edition, don’t you think? Life is always changing so why shouldn’t a publication get a makeover every now and then, too? I would love to hear from our readers about the new look. Please let our staff know how you feel about the new magazine-style student newspaper.

his particular issue touches on topics such as immigrant and veteran student rights. The staff reporters choose the stories they are passionate or curious about. That’s what makes this newspaper different - choices. Without choices this world would be boring. I hope you choose to keep reading and please share this newspaper with your friends and family.

emember: it’s your newspaper. Make it what you want.

ST U DENT S, WA NT TO W IN FREE SWAG? All you have to do is read The Seminole Scribe and answer the question. This month’s challenge question is: “Where am I on campus?” Try to figure out which campus and specific location. Email the answer with “Where am I” in the subject line to thescribe@seminolestate. edu. One winner will be selected at random and will be published in next month’s issue.

Identify the specific location and campusof the birdhouse seen in the photo above!

Until next time, Melissa B. Merkler Editor-in-chief @melissabmerkler

around campus

Students dig the variety of vibes on four campuses at Seminole State

By: Tia Gautreaux

The Sanford/ Lake Mary campus of Seminole State College was the first to open in 1965. Robert Smith, a freshman at Seminole State, described the S/LM campus as “fun and active.” “It’s a pretty social campus, there are a lot of people here,” he said. A third semester student Shauna Duncan said she has only attended the S/LM campus and spends a lot of time in the newest addition to the campus, the Wayne M. Densch Partnership Center. “It is the center point,” she said.

Seminole State’s Altamonte Springs campus, built in 2008, is larger than the Heathrow campus but similar to Heathrow in that it is a single standing building. Also like the Heathrow campus, Altamonte offers “more of a family feel” Mercedes Noble of the Student Government Association said. As a third year student, Mercedes has visited Oviedo, S/LM and attends the Altamonte campus. She said the Altamonte’s campus is “friendly” and talks about “student life and having fun.”

The Heathrow location, built in 2007, is the closest campus to the S/LM campus. It is a single standing building and is the smallest of the four campuses but still offers students their space, Rickeya Sanchez said. As a third year student, Rickeya has been to Altamonte, S/LM and Heathrow campuses. She described Heathrow as “a close knit family… everybody knows everybody.”

Oviedo’s campus, built in 2001, has a different architecture style to it as well a 120-acre nature preserve, according to the college website. Students who attend this campus dig the vibe as it was described as “mellow” and “quiet” by students Robert Greenwall and Caitlyn Niccum. Robert said the Oviedo campus is convenient for him because he lives 15 minutes from campus. Caitlyn has visited the S/LM campus and said her favorite thing about the Oviedo campus is that “it is small and not exactly overwhelming.”

New law reforms tuition for undocumented student immigrants

hanks to a new piece of Florida legislation, undocumented immigrants will now pay the same tuition as other Florida college students. Previously, undocumented students would be unable to provide proof of citizenship which caused them to pay out of state tuition. Florida House Bill 851, or HB851, went into effect on July 1, 2014. The bill contained many changes to the Florida tuition system, among them a measure allowing undocumented citizens to obtain a voucher making their tuition the same as a student who can prove in-state residency. In 2001 the DREAM Act or “Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act” was introduced to the U.S. Senate. According to the bill, the act was to “provide conditional permanent residency” to immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors, graduated from U.S. high schools and eventually obtained a degree from a U.S. college.

The act was never passed but in 2012 the Obama administration enacted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, which protected the same students the DREAM Act would have provided citizenship for from deportation. These students have become known to many as “Dreamers,” named for the DREAM Act. With the passing of the DACA, many states began writing laws which provided Dreamers with the means to attend college. Florida is not alone in passing legislation affecting these students; 18 other states have passed similar reforms. To qualify for the voucher, undocumented students must satisfy certain conditions. The student must have attended a Florida secondary school for three consecutive years before graduating and must apply for enrollment to a Florida college within 24 months.

“United We Dream” visits the office of the Lieutenant Governor Carlos LopezCantera.

By: Carl Barrett

Submitted by Eli Garcia

Despite the requirements, the bill is considered controversial by some who wonder if it is fair for students who aren’t citizens to get the same tuition rates. IMMIGRANTS continued on page 7

OP-ED

Students say veterans deserve a bigger break

on Seminole State campus, about 40 took advantage of the new tuition waivers this term. Davis added that because of the bill, transferring veterans will not have to take out as many loans.

re United States veterans with Florida residency who By: Haylee Moffis fought for our freedom receiving the benefits they deserve? Students like Kyndra Felter said she feels veterans should be receiving more financial help, regardless where they live. This year, Governor Rick Scott signed a Florida Government Issue (G.I.) Bill HB7015 offering in-state tuition to any veteran who moves to the “The bill doesn’t do anything but bring vets to the state so the census of Sunshine State. Prior to this bill, only honorably discharged veterans vets in Florida rises,” she said. “These vets risk their lives for us… I think with Florida residency received in-state tuition. that any G.I. Bill should help more with the cost of tuition and books.” But where does that leave veterans who are already Florida residents? After all, Florida veterans could use more breaks when it comes to college tuition since they fought for the country’s safety and freedom. “The Florida G.I. Bill program is designed to get veterans into the state, not to help the ones already here,” Paul Allen, a Florida resident, Seminole State student and veteran, said. Allen joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005 as a Florida resident and left the service in 2013. He said he has never paid out-of-state tuition due to his Florida residency. According to Jay Davis, Seminole State’s Director of Communications and Media Relations, out of 1,000 student veterans and their dependents

One thing veterans do have in their favor is being first in line to register for their classes. Seminole State’s Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Jose Toro, said, “In addition to the tuition waiver, all veterans receive priority registration each semester.” The issue boils down to veterans not receiving the financial assistance that students like Allen and Felter feel veterans need and deserve, regardless of being first in line to register for classes. “I have little faith that this Florida G.I. Bill will help many veterans but I do believe it is a step in the right direction,” Allen said.

A huge American flag is carried down Sumter Street during the 35th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Columbia, S.C., Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. (Jeff Blake/The State/MCT)

U N I T Y G AY S T R A I G H T A L L I A N C E C L U B

By Melissa B. Merkler

C O O K O U T Students line up for free burgers at the Unity Gay Straight Alliance Club cookout on Seminole State College’s Sanford/Lake Mary campus.

Danielle L. Dangleman, Unity GSA Club President, smiles happily over a hot grill preparing free food for students at the club’s cookout in early October.

The purpose of the cookout was to bring awareness to the club “and to do something for the college community,” Unity GSA vice president Andrew Huffman said about the event. “You don’t have to be gay. You don’t have to be straight.

Seminole State students Haley Cox, Chad Beske and Alex Lanier play “Kiss Off” by the Violent Femmes on acoustic guitars at the cookout.

You just can’t hate.” - Unity GSA mantra

Jay Thames, a first year student at Seminole State, set his sites on a business degree before ending pilot school. He stopped by the club cookout for some “free food.”

Is your club having an event? If so, contact The Seminole Scribe and run a free ad! It’s your newspaper! Email: thescribe@seminolestate.edu

around campus IMMIGRANTS continued from page 5 “I think it’s B.S.,” Joel Becker, a Seminole State College student said.

Jay Davis, Director of Media Relations for Seminole State College, has a more favorable opinion of the bill. According to Davis, this bill has a positive affect not only on the 45 Dreamers attending Seminole State but also the school and the community it serves. “This will help them reach their educational goals sooner – helping them to graduate so that they can become employable,” he said. “It also opens the door for them to transfer to a state university.” This means that, Davis added, “thousands of children in Florida - children who are attending our public schools - now have access to degrees and certificates that can change their lives and the lives of their families.” Evelyn Rivera, a Seminole State College student, is part of an immigrant rights organization, United We Dream. According to Rivera, United We Dream is made up of over 100,00 immigrant youth and allies with 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states. UWD advocates for the rights of

undocumented youths and their parents. “We (Dreamers) are your fellow classmates, neighbors and co-workers,” Rivera said. “We grew up in the United States, many of us coming to this country at a young age, living and growing up unaware of our undocumented status. We are here to contribute to the only home we know.” To help push Florida lawmakers to pass House Bill 851 and reform the Florida tuition laws, Rivera said UWD sent four members to Tallahassee for the last two weeks of the session to organize daily actions and protests. United We Dream also help mobilize other right’s groups and emailed the governor and the President of the state Senate. Rivera said the passing of HB851 was one “greatest accomplishments and joys of the immigrant youth movement in Florida.” She agreed with Davis that the bill does not benefit only Dreamers. “It has given hope where it was lost for many.” Rivera said. “The benefit truly is for all students undocumented or not.”

By Melissa B. Merkler Jerome Bryant, Seminole State student in the Bachelor of Science, Information Systems Technology program, said after he graduates in 2016, he plans to open his own business called “The Pole,” a shipping store similar to UPS. Smit Vadvala, student in the Bachelor of Science, Business and Information Management program, speaks with a representative from Rollins College. “I want to get a job and then do an MBA so I can be a financial analyst at a hedgefund company,” Vadvala said.

Megan Concado, student in the Bachelor of Applied Science, Interior Design program, said she has “too many best experiences about the program to pick one. “I’m really looking forward to our Germany trip to study sustanable energy,” she said.

Students and professors discuss different bachelor programs available at Seminole State at the BACC Bash.

“My Mom dreamed of having a college graduate”

smart one.’ ”

By: Melissa B. Merkler DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN?

Yes, I have a 15 year old son. He just started high school.

MEET: Carlos A. Perez DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PARENTS WHO SEMINOLE STATE CRED:

ARE ALSO COLLEGE STUDENTS?

Bachelor of Science, Business and

Find time to spend with them [kids]. I bring him to

Information Management (BIM)

the school plays here on campus. He has a very busy schedule, and he is now an honor student!

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? In Puerto Rico until I was 11

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GO THE COLLEGE

years old and then I lived in

PLAYS?

Massachusetts for 19 years before I moved to Florida.

Carlos A. Pere z showing off hi s “Shadoobie” bu mpersticker on his laptop.

I play music, do charcoal drawing and paint. It’s in me. Always been artistic.

WHY DID YOU MOVE TO FLORIDA?

WHAT’S ONE

I followed my family here. Plus, I didn’t like the snow! I would

INTERESTING FACT THAT

be stuck inside for months during the winter -made me gain

PEOPLE MIGHT NOT

weight (laughs.)

KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’m involved in the

BUMPER STICKER?

Rainbow Family. We’re

“Shadoobie.” I got it in Colorado last month. WHY ARE YOU GOING TO COLLEGE? The first time I went to college, right out of high school, I went just to

er Shadoobie, started by a fath at “wh te bra cele to duo son and all is lly the weed scene rea high about!” It’s mantra is “How ?” now t righ you are

teaches a belly Sasha Baskini the Rainbow at s dancing clas t gathering at Family of Ligh l Forest near Ottawa Nationa higan.Photo ic M Watersmeet, ores. (MCT) by Elizabeth Fl

all about peace and love and anti-government - don’t believe in how it [government] is functioning.

BUCKET LIST? I want to have a blues- jazz restaurant some day. I will sell

learned what I wanted. So, now I’m starting over after 8 or 9 years.

paintings, literature, art.

WHY DO YOU THINK YOU WILL FINISH THIS TIME?

DO YOU HAVE A NAME FOR THE RESTAURANT?

My Mom dreamed of having a college graduate. My brother

OMG (laughs.) I haven’t even thought of that yet!

dropped out of college to play basball professionally. Another

brother dropped out, too. My mom always said I was, ‘the

Background photo submitted by Carlos A. Perez from a past Rainbow Family event.

WE’VE BEEN HERE THE WHOLE TIME.

Seminole State says, “Hey!”

tudents could have been “caught off guard,” recently walking around campus on Seminole State. “But in a good way,” student Erin Kemper said while sitting in the Student Center. “You really brightened my morning.” Seminole State College held “Hey Day,” on October 1 as a part of the first college-wide effort, sponsored by the Student Government Association, promoting civility among students. Josh Hunnel, president of the Student Government Association on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus, said, “This event is important because it helps students get to know new people and helps build a closer community on-campus.” “Of course, I could see us expanding Hey Day beyond being a once-a-year thing if it’s a success,” he added. Other members of the S/LM SGA agreed that Hey Day was a great way to build a closer community on campus.

By: Jordan Donohue

Most individuals seemed to enjoy the event responding with smiles and engaging in small talk with the volunteers. I had the pleasure of not only covering this event but participating in it as well. Rachael Kane, a student I greeted personally said, “You were really friendly and cheerful and, honestly, you just made my day a little better.”

Other students such as Billy Bragg had a similar experience. “I felt really welcome, and I was happy to return the favor to someone else,” he said. However, not all students appeared to be as enthusiastic about the event. Matthew Jordan, another Seminole State student, said, “I felt awkward and a little confused when I was first approached until I realized what was going on. I did pass on the card though.” “The whole thing seemed kind of silly actually but in a fun way,” he added.

SGA member Shaya Morgan said, “In college, people are on their own schedules, so, by taking the time to say, ‘Hey!’ to someone new, you could make their day so much better.” Our promise still stands. UCF Sanford/Lake Mary has friendly on-campus advisors to help you with your transition to UCF. Come see us today in the Partnership Center. ucfseminole.com | 407.708.2471

All day, students and faculty members handed out Hey Day cards, which they passed on to other people they didn’t know by saying, “Hey!” The idea appeared to prove popular as before Top: Seminole State music students say, “Hey.” noon there was a shortage of cards to Bottom: Sister Mary Leo and Sister Robert Ann (students Molly Wuerz and Iris Johnson) get be distributed by volunteers. into the Hey Day spirit.

Samuel Cadet, a SGA member on the Altamonte campus, said, “I see people sitting by themselves all the time. A lot of these people are introverts, and they’re looking for friends or someone to talk to, but they don’t want to be the one to reach out. That’s what Hey Day is all about reaching out and making someone’s day.”

Photos by Seminole State Communications Office

9 9

New UCF campus gets green light in Orlando By: Alex Alfonso

ollege students may soon be flocking toward the downtown Orlando area more than ever before. This is because a $75 million University of Central Florida campus, and a $15 million 1,300 space parking garage, in partnership with Valencia College, is currently in the works for the downtown area. Approval was set by the UCF Board of Trustees at a meeting in July. The next step is obtaining money from the state. Still in early planning stages, the city is ready to begin expanding on the downtown area of the city very soon, depending on how fast the flow of funds come in. UCF president John Hitt confirmed that the campus will

move forward with its plans at a UCF Focus on Excellence Breakfast meeting on September 23. The area known as the Creative Village is nestled on the corner of North Paramore Avenue and Livingston Street. “Creative Village is basically a seed waiting to sprout,” Joshua Dasilva, a representative at the Downtown Orlando information headquarters, said. Right now, there is not much going on at the Creative Village, except for a few empty benches and a youth recreational club along with one current UCF building. “I had no idea that this was even happening, that’s pretty cool,” John

Dunaj, a student mastering in science and interactive media at UCF, said. Looking at the proposed location for UCF’s new campus is where the old Amway Arena sat. Now, it is an empty lot surrounded by a fence and a tapestry banner that reads, “Creative Village Downtown Orlando.” But that empty lot may soon turn in to a huge portion of the proposed campus, rumors say.

Photos by: Alex Alfonso The UCF downtown campus proposed location in Orlando waits for life to begin.

“It would definitely bring a lot more attention to the area, not just nightlife, but all around in general,” Chris Calvert, also a UCF student, said. The term “Creative Village” is not just a new college campus but a larger, long-term vision for the area, including affordable housing for future students, Hitt also mentioned in his September speech. According to John Hitt, most likely no new buildings will be built for another couple of years.

An abandoned fountain and benches in the desolate Creative Village could find new life if the green light happens.

No Bortles, no problem?

championship series game win when the Knights (ranked No. 15 at the time) faced and upset No. 6 ranked Baylor University 52-42 in the By: Jorge Minotta Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day of 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. niversity of Central Florida students like Andrew Bauer could not be more proud of their school. After last season’s success, fans and experts alike had different opinions and expectations on some of the challenges that UCF faces as talk of a “Finally everyone else is starting to realize it,” ” Bauer said. “We’re no new season and the defense of UCF’s conference title continues to grow. longer UCF that little school over by Disney World. Now we’re UCF from Orlando, Florida with that really good football team.” Todd Stasbury, Vice President and Athletic Director of UCF, said, “Obviously, we’re coming off the greatest year in program history. But But the absence of former UCF quarterback Blake Bortles, who was we’ve been very successful for a while now. Coach O’Leary’s teams have drafted last year and now plays as a professional QB for the Jacksonville won three conference championships in the last seven years and we’ve Jaguars in the National Football League, could mean a greater challenge been to five bowl games in that span. We have won 10 games or more for continued success on the field for UCF football. This is more evident three of the past four years. I believe the program is at a level now where now that the University has gained more national recognition due to expectations are going to be high every season.” its football program. Last year, the UCF Knights recorded an overall 12 wins-1 loss season and went unbeaten with 8 wins-0 losses in their Some students also had their say on their expectations for the Knights: “I conference on the way to being crowned champions of the American look forward to what we can do from now on…I’m more excited about Athletic Conference (AAC). The team also recorded its first bowl where we’re headed now,” Bauer said.

BORTLES contiunued on page 11

BORTLES contiunued from page 10

Seminole State student Ricky Lasso said he mostly expects UCF to maintain a winning record and beliefs that is most importance this season. The leadership role on the field is one challenge that comes with the absence of former QB Bortles and that role could now fall on the eventual starting QB or the defense who some experts regard as “The best in the American (AAC).” Those on the inside like Brian Ormiston, Senior Associate Director of Communications for UCF football, said the leadership role of the team may just rest on the seniors. “Coach (O’Leary) says ‘You’re always as good as your senior class,’ we have 21 seniors on the roster and this is their team,” he said. Others like UCF student Bauer also agreed that leadership does not fall on the QB, “I don’t think it does this year,” he said, “I would say a lot of the seniors are stepping up.” UCF football began its 2014/15 season with a 24-26 defeat to Pennsylvania State University in Ireland at the end of August, which may have made up the mind of head coach O’Leary over who to start in the QB position. UCF freshman QB Pete DiNovo started against Penn State but after a first half of three completed passes from a total of eight attempted and just 18 total yards he was substituted by sophomore QB Justin Holman in the second half who ran for two touchdowns and ended the game with a higher pass completion percentage of 64.3 percent to DiNovo’s 37.5 percent. In fact, DiNovo has not started nor played in any game for the Knights since. Holman started all of the following games for UCF since the first game in Ireland and seems to have the confidence of head coach O’Leary and his staff. “We’ve seen great things out of him at practice,” Mr. Ormiston said. Holman has led UCF to one defeat at the University of Missouri and three consecutive victories against Bethune-Cookman University, University of Houston and Brigham Young University so far.

At this same stage last season UCF had a better record being led by Blake Bortles and had won four of their first five games compared to this season’s three wins-two losses so far. Also, Bortles had an average of 65.78 percent pass completion as opposed to Holman’s 54.42 percent, which has constantly decreased game after game. And there are still seven games remaining, four of which are home games. According to Athletic Director, Mr. Stansbury, fan support is going to be very important for each and every game. The football program at UCF has also given rise to NFL players like former QB Daunte Culpepper, former Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith, Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall and now Jaguars QB Blake Bortles. Just like any team, UCF competes to be the best in college football. “The team’s goal every year is to win the conference championship and every single game leads to that goal,” Mr. Ormiston said. As for the future of the football program at UCF, students like Bauer said the University is transitioning into a new era. “I’ll make a bold prediction,” he said. “I see UCF getting into the national championship picture within the next 10 years,” Regardless of what this season or the future might hold for UCF, most in the Central Florida community, fan or not, are proud of the national recognition that the Orlando-based University is getting, not just for the University, but also for the surrounding area. Beca Everitte, Seminole State student who is neither a football fan nor planning to attend UCF said, “I think it’s great, all the students are really happy to be there and they’re really loyal to their school…It gives it a good name.”

Nominate a student, professor or staff member for a feature interview.

Tuesday at 3 p.m. in J-008 on S/LM

thescribe@seminolestate.edu

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