The Reporter, Special Edition: Orientation Issue

THE

SPECIAL EDITION: ORIENTATION ISSUE

EPORTER FALL 2021

DOIN’ DELAND:

TREAT YOURSELF OFF CAMPUS AND ON A BUDGET

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12 COVID-19 Protocols Every

Stetson Student Needs to Know

17 Stetson Slang

VOL. CXXIX

LETTERS

from the editors

For many of you, you’re probably reading this as you’ve started to adjust to your first week on campus as first-years. For others, you may be holding this in your hand as a junior, even though the last time you were on campus was as a freshman when this whole pandemic thing started.

For those like myself, you may be taking in this issue of The Reporter as the first product of your final year at Stetson.

Knowing that this is the first issue at the start of my final year feels bittersweet. If you had told me at the start of my first year that I would be here, putting out these magazines for you, dear readers, I wouldn’t have believed a word you said.

But if I had any unsolicited advice to give you, I would encourage you to do the things that make you uncomfortable, that you might never imagine yourself doing but that some part of yourself tells you that you might love.

Things may seem scary, but I’ve come to discover that it’s when things are the scariest that you truly grow. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Make lots of friends and do lots of things.

I hope that your time at Stetson excites you.

Whether you’re here for your final year or have years ahead of you, embrace the moment, embrace the uncertainty, and embrace all that Stetson has to offer.

To all the new students on campus, we’re so excited you’re joining us. Happy new year, and happy reading!

Executive editor, calista headrick

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Welcome to Stetson and DeLand, unsuspecting freshmen, first-years, transfer students, burnt out seniors, and most importantly, the people on the street who picked up this magazine because it was left on a bench in Chess Park. This is for you.

On the first day of FOCUS week, I sat shivering in the Edmunds Center on a disgustingly humid August day, having absolutely no idea what to expect of college. My major was something totally out of my comfort zone. I knew exactly one person from my high school—an acquaintance with no mutual friends—and I had already lost my most prized possession: a Tito’s Vodka cardboard box filled to the brim with books.

But things work out, in that weird magical way that life is supposed to. Yeah, I challenged myself by taking classes I never thought I would in high school—international economics who?—yeah, I did my time at the library, poring over pages of political theory, or assigning myself to desk arrest at Trilogy to learn Spanish better. And, after my dad knocked on every single one of my podmates’ doors in Nemec Alpha, I did end up finding my books.

It took me three years of college, though, to realize that I would’ve been fine without them, that I never would’ve taken the time to finish Anna Karenina for fun—or to seem smart— because the best parts of college aren’t the things you learn in the classroom. It’s everything outside of that: it’s the nouns. It’s the people and the places and the things. Stetson is beautiful, and DeLand, while seemingly teeny tiny, has so much to offer. Go out and find your nouns; there is no place better to do so.

Editor-In-Chief, Ruby Rosenthal

BACKSTAGE

Cover Model: Melody Quiroga (‘23) Cover Photos by Jillian Semmel

Creating an orientation issue is always special because it’s a chance for us to endow to you all of the knowledge and advice we have accumulated throughout our years at Stetson. Last year, Hatter Network didn’t have the opportunity to come back to school early and create an orientation issue because of the pandemic.

This year, while the pandemic is certainly not over, we were more prepared to take precautions and work in a sociallydistanced manner. We only had a few days to create this magazine, unlike the weeks and months we usually have, but we do this because we want the magazine to be ready for all of you once you arrive.

This issue is especially unique because of those involved in creating it. The executive board members of The Reporter, WHAT Radio, and Touchstone all worked together, with everyone trying new things so that every inch of the magazine could be finished in time. People who have never written before wrote entire articles, and people who have never designed before created a layout for the first time.

Throughout this process, I was amazed at the effort that every single person involved put into this project and the willingness they all had to try their hands at something new. It felt so good to be back sitting around a table and throwing out ideas; we are so excited to see what this year brings us and what we can create for you.

Emily Derrenbacker, Managing Editor of The Reporter

- Calista Headrick, Managing Editor

the reporter

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Calista Headrick

Emily Derrenbacker

executive editor

managing editor

Jillian Semmel

Isabel Solorzano creative director

Bella Steiret

social media editor

Allie Wilson

Ihsaan Fanusie

Jay Stearman

editor-in-chief

photo editor

arts & culture editor

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special edition

DITORS

EDITORS

EDITOR

Ruby Rosenthal

sports editor

news editor

r e t r repo the

dvice a st e b r u o y ’s t a h w , rs io sen for incoming freshmen?

While it’s really important to study and do well, it’s equally important to allow yourself to take breaks and to have fun for your own sanity.

Go outside of your comfort zone! The best things happen when you least expect it.

Set your phone to airplane mode when you go to the library to study, and try to get all your work done before 8pm.

staff

Ruby Rosenthal, Editor-in-Chief Calista Headrick, Executive Editor of The Reporter Emily Derrenbacker, Managing Editor of The Reporter Isabel Solorzano, Creative Director Jillian Semmel, Photo Editor Bella Steiert, Social Media Editor These are the best Jay Stearman, News Editor of The Reporter four years of your Allie Wilson, Arts and Culture Editor of The Reporter life, live like you’re graduating tomorrow.

Ihsaan Fanusie, Sports Editor of The Reporter Xanthippe Pack-Brown, Executive Editor of Touchstone Vivianne Skavlem, Associate Editor of Touchstone Lisa Jordan, Marketing/Social Media of Touchstone Nobody cares Danny Barata, Executive Station Manager of WHAT Radio if you are a Joseph Parr, Assistant Station Manager of WHAT Radio sophomore by Ally Crown, Tech Assistant #1 credit hours.

Ethan Dishman, Tech Assistant #2 Saige Gidzinski, Event Coordinator Nkosi Watts, Webmaster

JOINING US

When it comes to joining The

Reporter, we’re not picky.

Whether you’re interested in writing an article, designing a page, taking photos or creating some graphics for us, we want to hear what you have to say. The Reporter is an extracurricular, volunteer operation made for students, by students, and we aim to cover the full spectrum of student life here at Stetson. If you’re interested in getting involved or have any questions, comments or concerns, email our editor-in-chief, Ruby Rosenthal, at rrosenthal@stetson.edu or apply on Engage.

CORRECTIONS

As an official media outlet for students on campus, we push ourselves to be constantly improving our standards and correcting our mistakes. We care about accuracy and providing you with the most accurate information we can give. If there are mistakes, let us know by emailing us at hatternetwork@gmail.com.

ABOUT US

The Reporter is the oldest collegiate

publication in the state of Florida.

The magazine is produced six times per year, three a semester. Florida Sun Printing prints 300 copies per issue on 8.5 x 11inch, 80#Gloss Text. Most body text is 11 point Adobe Garamond Pro with 13 point leading set with a combination of regular, italic, and bold.

All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite CC software InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in Photoshop and Illustrator. For additional information, please visit hatternetwork.com. Questions and comments can be mailed to 421 N Woodland Blvd., Unit 8416 DeLand, Florida 32723 or emailed to hatternetwork@gmail.com. We plan to forge a media group that meets our own high standards of excellence and integrity through expression in print and online. Ultimately, student media at Stetson University will be a representation of just that: the students. And because we are serving our peers, we will be honest in the stories we tell. Because if we don’t tell them, who will?

the reporter

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CONTENTS

Model: Melody Quiroga (‘23)

08 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20

Letter From President Christopher Roellke

Letter From Dean Lynn Schoenberg Unpacked: With Elizabeth Henderson COVID-19 Protocols Every Stetson Student Needs to Know Doin’ DeLand: Treat Yourself off Campus and on a Budget It’s Your First Hurricane: Now What?

Stetson Slang Intramurals 2021-2022: What You Need to Know Dear First Years Ampersand: Q&A With Gracie Lookadoo the reporter

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WELCOME TO HATTER NATION from

Photo courtesy of Stetson University Office of the President

PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER ROELLKE

W

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special edition

elcome to Hatter Nation! One of my greatest joys as Stetson’s President is the opportunity to engage with new members of our very special community. I, like you, am relatively new to this community as I have been here only since July, 2020. What I learned in my first year at Stetson is that this is a caring, hard-working and collaborative community—a community that is deeply committed to promoting student well-being and growth.

Of course, our first-year and transfer students are joining us at a truly remarkable time in Stetson’s history. We are collectively confronting a “once in a century” set of challenges with a lingering global pandemic that has required that we think creatively and in ways we have not previously imagined.

This challenging context, in my view, also provides extraordinary opportunities for learning, for collaboration, and for community building. When the going gets tough, Hatters get going!

Please know that I and all of my faculty, staff and administrative colleagues stand at the ready to help you throughout your educational journey. Let me also say that some of the most valuable resources available to you come in the form of your peers. The conversations you will have, the friendships you will create, and the experiences you will collectively share will be among the most memorable and impactful of your life. Once a Hatter, you are always a Hatter!

I wish you the very best as you pursue your dreams both inside and outside the classroom.

Again, welcome to Hatter Nation!

JOIN HATTER NETWORK FOR

UNCOUTH

HOUR LIVE-STREAMED

OPEN MIC NIGHT WANT TO PERFORM?

REGISTER ON ENGAGE

EVERY THURSDAY

9:30PM

@HATTERNETWORK the reporter

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DEAR STETSON STUDENTS, Hello, I am your Co-Interim Vice President and Dean of Students, Lynn Schoenberg. Everyone here on campus has been planning for you to come “home” to Stetson throughout the summer. We are excited to engage with you, to support you and to learn with you.

F

OCUS orientation has always been my second favorite time in the academic year. Do you know why? It is because we get to watch our newest students fall in love with Stetson. We see you connecting and relating with other students.

We hear you laughing with a new roommate and saying your goodbyes to your family. We see the first lightbulbs of new information and learning through FSEM. We get to know you.

All while our student leaders show off their awesome skills of mentoring, supporting, and leading you— their new peers.

It is a privilege to be part of your welcoming to Stetson. Thank you for letting us be part of that journey and a reminder— we are here to help!

Helping you is what we love to do. I encourage you to get to know us, the departments, buildings and services of your campus. You can get to know me at my weekly open office hours, outside of the CUB, Tuesdays 12-1.

Can you guess my favorite part of the academic year since I said FOCUS is my second favorite?

Commencement. The culmination of your academic efforts, the celebration of your integration of new concepts and ideals. Imagine yourself now, walking across the graduation stage a few years away. What do you want to have accomplished, to have done, to have experienced? Did you make friends with someone very different then you? Did you do the best you could while taking care of your wellbeing? Did you stand up for causes you believed in? Did you make Stetson a better place?

I can’t wait to see you on that stage.

I can’t wait to partner with you on your adventure to get there.

Graphic by Bella Steiert

WEAR YOUR MASK, WASH YOUR HANDS, AND BE SMART. Your Dean of Students, Lynn

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unpacked Story by Calista Headrick Photos by Bella Steiert Layout by Ruby Rosenthal

elizabeth henderson

1. FOCUS Backpack

Elizabeth Henderson ‘22 is the person for anything and everything FOCUS. As the 2021 FOCUS student coordinator, Henderson has been working all summer to prepare for FOCUS Orientation. Henderson is in charge of coordinating the FOCUS staff and FOCUS leaders, setting up and distributing students into their FOCUS groups, as well many other jobs to help her staff and the new students succeed.

“So the backpack was given to me last year.

It’s my FOCUS backpack. I’ve used it all year. I use it for everything. Travel, classes, you name it. It came with me.” All FOCUS leaders are given a FOCUS backpack to carry all of their essentials for the busy week.

Florida AC is always way too cold for me.

So I always have a jacket or a blanket in my backpack.”

5. Laptop

paper cuts and stuff. So I always come in clutch with the bandaids.”

8. FOCUS Papers

“I’ve got lists of students, I’ve got the checkin, duty schedule, all sorts of stuff that I always have on me. I’m much better with paper copies than with digital copies. It just makes more sense, especially if I need to change something I can just scratch it out and write real fast.”

“This is my computer. I’ve had it for three years. It always comes with me. I do a lot of work on my computer for FOCUS with 2. Name Tag pulling master lists, with putting people in “The name tag is new today. We got them changed so that they have our pronouns on FOCUS groups, all sorts of stuff just goes them which is really cool. And it has my job right through my computer.”

9. Hand Sanitizer 6. AirPods title on it.”

“I’ve really started carrying hand sanitizer a “I like to listen to classical music while I 3. Snacks lot more in the past couple of years. I used “I love to snack. I’m not a big meal person, work because it drowns out everything else.” to always just have one just in case, like, especially when I’m moving around a lot, so 7. BandAids you never know what you touch every day, I like to carry snacks with me.” but I definitely now at least carry two with “I always keep bandaids in my backpack me just to be safe. And I like to carry both because I am a klutz, and I fall all the time.

4. Jacket scents in case someone doesn’t like one of We file a lot of stuff, and people are getting “The jacket is because I’m from Illinois, and the other scents or people have allergies.”

the reporter

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COVID-19 Protocols Every Stetson Student Needs to Know Story by Emily Derrenbacker Layout by Emily Derrenbacker & Ruby Rosenthal Photo by Bella Steiert

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Vaccinations and Testing

Stetson will continue to offer free SalivaDirect PCR-based testing for students, faculty, and staff with a Stetson ID; no insurance is required. Dates will be announced soon. There are also off campus testing options listed on the Safer Stetson webpage.

Stetson will also be hosting vaccination events for students, faculty, and staff on Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sign up using the QR code! The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available and participants will receive a $10 food voucher to local supermarkets courtesy of Volusia County.

It is important that once you are vaccinated, you report it to Stetson using an online form located on the Safer Stetson webpage. As the vaccination rate of the Stetson population increases, the more students will be able to have in-person events and larger gatherings.

The vaccination rate is only at 62% as of this writing.

So, everyone, please get vaccinated. I’m dying to have Uncouth Hour be in person again.

Staying in the Know

Any information about COVID-19 protocols, testing, and vaccination can be found on the Safer Stetson webpage. Additionally, President Roellke hosts weekly webinars to keep the community updated on how and why decisions about everything from vaccination requirements to budgeting are being made. The link to register is sent out regularly through email to all students, faculty, and staff by Stetson Communications.

We’re All in this Together

We won’t get to the light at the end of the tunnel unless we all do our part. Living through a pandemic isn’t fun by any means, but the Stetson community has done a pretty good job of keeping cases low and keeping students safe. It’s up to new students to follow this example so that we will all finally stop hearing the word “unprecedented.”

Sign up to get vaccinated! Safer Stetson Webpage

Everything You Need to Know about Tier 2.5 Stetson administrators have created a tier system to determine the restrictions the community will be under based on the vaccination rate and the number of cases on campus and in the surrounding DeLand community. Currently, Stetson is in Tier 2.5. Rules for this tier include: • Facial coverings are required in: all inside spaces and outdoor events if so indicated.

• Facial coverings are not required: inside your own residential room or apartment with no guests present, inside your individual, non-shared office with no guests present, and outside when distancing is possible.

• Ongoing optional and mandatory COVID-19 testing on campus.

• Classroom capacity restricted to 3 feet minimum distancing; masks required for everyone present • One Stetson guest permitted per room; masks required for everyone present.

• No overnight or non-Stetson guests permitted.

• Capacity limits in common spaces, community kitchens, and laundry rooms.

• Registered events and audience sizes restricted to 30 people with physical distancing.

• Hollis Center is open through preregistration to students and employees only.

• Occupancy limits for study rooms in the library. the reporter

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d n a L e D ’ n i o D

Treat yourself off campus and on a budget

Story by Jay Stearman Photos by Jillian Semmel Layout by Jay Stearman & Isabel Solorzano

OUTDOORS Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge holds a truly unique

sanctuary for wildlife, especially the dozens of colorful migratory birds who sojourn there in the fall.

Go just before twilight to the lookout tower for the best sights and sounds.

Blue Spring State Park: This state park is an ecological staple of central Florida that attracts visitors from all over the world. You won’t want to miss the chance for a day at the springs and trails— not to mention it’s one of your best chances to see manatees, as hundreds call Blue Spring their home.

Hontoon Island State Park: With free entry, Hontoon Island State Park is a hidden gem sure to leave a lasting impression. Weave your way to the ferry southwest of town and give yourself a break from modern society. Take a short hike to the Mayacan midden (Native American shell mound) and fight the temptation to swim in the beautiful yet alligator-ridden waters.

Lake Beresford: Walk the trail along the lakeshore’s east bank or bike/skate along the paved Spring-to-Spring trail to clear your mind and take in the lush scenery. Also, be sure to make your way to the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center on the lake’s west bank, and check out the Bartram trail and native botanical garden.

DeLeon Springs State Park: Spend a couple hours walking the short trails and take a dip in the open spring situated by the rustic Sugar Mill

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Restaurant, complete with a water wheel. It won’t cost more than a few bucks to get in, and be sure not to skimp on the history lessons.

AROUND TOWN Athens Theatre: This

100-year-old red brick theater at the end of W. Indiana Ave. plays host to a number of stage productions and concerts for local bands and performances from Stetson musicians and artists.

Artisan Alley Farmers Market: Complete with local crafts and produce, live music, and food trucks, the Artisan Aslley farmers market takes place downtown on Friday evenings, weather permitting from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Museum of Art Downtown DeLand:

Fascinating exhibits, student discounts, and our Editor-inChief says it’s amazing. What more can I say?

1. Pat & Toni’s: Located on the corner of Indiana Ave. and Woodland, this one-stop sweet shop is open late and hands out free chocolate covered strawberries to every Stetson student with ID.

2. Tony’s New York Pizza: Adjacent to

Artisan Alley on New York and Florida Ave., Tony’s is a local favorite for delicious Italian food, with prices that are hard to beat.

3. Domino’s: The Domino’s just south of

campus on Amelia Ave. offers the chance to pay for pizza and delivery with Hatter Bucks.

4. Wrap It Up: Wrap it Up is a modern

service, tasty food and coffee, and a great atmosphere to study, meet, or just hang out.

If you want a taste of their specialty coffee, they also offer a Stetson discount.

6. Chicas Cuban Cafe: Not only do they offer the best Cuban food in the area from their spiffy location at the Historic Artisan Downtown Hotel, Chicas Cuban Cafe won’t break your bank even after treating yourself to an espresso and a guava turnover.

7. NY Bagel & Deli: A newer addition to downtown, this straightforward bagel shop will give our New England friends a taste of home and locals a new favorite lunch stop.

style eatery offering fresh soups, wraps, and 8. BerryVille: Best known for their frozen salads served super fast, plus they offer a 10% discount for Stetson students. They can yogurt and all you can eat of it for $5 on be elusive, however, as they are only open 11 Wednesdays, this colorful spot offers more than just sugary sweets. They also offer a.m. - 3 p.m. and closed on weekends. great salads, grain bowls, and a 10% discount storewide for Stetson students.

5. Boston Coffeehouse: Boston is another local favorite with speedy the reporter 15

IT’S YOUR FIRST HURRICANE;

NOW WHAT?

Story by Lisa Jordan Graphic by Bella Steiert Design by Lisa Jordan & Ruby Rosenthal

Here in Florida, hurricane season goes from June 1 to Nov. 30 with peak activity from mid-August to early October. Any native Floridian can tell you that as easily as they can tell you their home address.

Likewise, they can also tell you when exactly you need to start actually preparing and/ or panicking over an oncoming hurricane.

If this is your first time living in Florida, you may have found yourself already stressing about these natural phenomenons. The good news is you don’t actually have to panic over the majority of hurricanes. Truth be told, you can have a lot of fun during these storms with the right people and still carry on safely. Here’s a quick guide to how you should prepare for a hurricane:

1 2 3 4 5

1. Start planning your hurricane party—you probably won’t lose power, so be sure to grab some drinks and snacks for the fridge. Expect some light rain.

2. Still plan on partying, but with a few more precautions. Your power might get knocked out for a little while, so your refreshments will need to be able to withstand a bit of heat.

3. You’ll most likely lose power for a bit, so make sure your party has plenty of non-perishable snacks. Grab some bottles of water, maybe a flashlight and some batteries while you’re out, just in case.

4. At this point, most native Floridians will start to get concerned. Make sure you’re stocked up on water and food. Anticipate the power going out, and some partygoers may choose to stay home.

5. You may need to go ahead and cancel your hurricane party. Your power is definitely going out, and it may be a while before it comes back. If you are on campus you might be evacuated, so make sure you have a place to go.

So, at what point should you panic over a hurricane?

Lots of people have lots of different opinions. Some say it’s when Publix closes, some say it’s when Disney decides to shut down and ride out the storm. However, as soon as you notice that our local Waffle House has closed their doors until the hurricane passes, then you need to start freaking out.

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STETSON

Story by Xanthippe Pack-Brown Sidebar by Joseph Parr & Bella Steiert Graphics by Bella Steiert Design by Ruby Rosenthall

All the phrases and acronyms you need to know to get around campus!

Cultural Credit Events that happen outside of class that educate on or align with the Stetson Values.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, you need 24 of these to graduate.

P-Safe Public Safety.

The CUB The Carleton Union Building.

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES

Engage

Stetson Resources (not confidential): Title IX Office: Email: titleix@stetson.edu, Phone: 386-822-7300 Stetson Report-It: Form: stetson.edu/report-it; Filing a report on the report-it form can be anonymous.

Stetson Resources that are confidential: Student Counseling Services: Phone: 386-822-8900 WellConnect 24 Hour on-call counselors: Phone: 833-848-1765 Student Health Services: Email: healthservices@stetson.edu 386-822-8150; Located in Griffith Hall Chaplains/Office of Spiritual Life: Phone: 386-822-7403, Email: lcarelli@stetson.edu; Located in Griffith Hall Off-Campus Confidential Resources Planned Parenthood: Phone: 407-246-1788 Volusia Rape Crisis Center: Phone: 800-503-7621

Your one stop shop for all events and organizations on campus. Here you can find times, locations, links, and other info about different things happening around campus.

SU INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

@stetson_sga Stetson Student Government Association @stetsonu.firstyear - Stetson First Year @stetsonu.rll - Residential Living @stetsonhealthservice - Health Service @stetsonu.titleix - Title IX the reporter @stetsonhatter - Stetson Athletics

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INTRAMURALS 2021-2022:

What You Need to Know

Intramural sports provide students of all athletic abilities the opportunity to participate in fun competitions and team built activities. For these sports, no experience is needed (though it may help you get first place)!

Story by Ihsaan Fanusie Graphics by Ana Copenicker Design by Isabel Solorzano

FALL SPORTS Remote Control Racing - Registration open now!

- Thursday and Monday evenings between Sept. 16 and Oct. 14 - Individual entry 4v4v4 Softball - Registration open now!

- A 6-week league beginning on Aug. 24 - Teams of 4-5 players each

Kickball - Registration opens Sunday, Oct. 3 - Co-rec only - Ten-person teams, five men, five women - Begins Wednesday, Oct. 20

VIRTUAL GAMES

Disc Golf - Registration opens Thursday, Aug. 26 on Friday afternoons between September and October

Madden 22 - Registration opens Thursday, Aug. 26 - Tournament begins Monday, Sept. 13 - 1-3 weeks

4v4 Flag Football - Registration opens Thursday, Aug. 26 - Build your own 4-person superteam. You could be the next Buccaneers!

- Begins Tuesday, Sept. 14 - Men’s, Women’s, and Co-rec teams

Rocket League - Registration opens Sunday, Oct. 3 - Begins Monday, Oct. 18 - PC, Xbox and PS users

Outdoor 6v6 Soccer - Registration opens Sunday, Oct. 3 - Begins on Tuesday, Oct. 19 - 6+ people per team

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Floor Hockey - Registration opens Sunday, Oct. 3 - 3-week season - Weekday evenings

DEAR First years,

C

ongratulations on becoming a Hatter and starting your time here at Stetson. As you are on your way in, I am on my way out. Despite only being on campus for a year and a half so far (thanks, COVID), I think I can provide you with some words of wisdom on how to make the most of your time.

If you want to distinguish yourself as a first-year student, the only thing you need to do is wear your keys and student ID on a lanyard around your neck. I don’t know why you all think that is the only way to carry your stuff, but you don’t have to. Just put it in your pocket or backpack.

I’m assuming one of the reasons you chose Stetson is because of its small class sizes, and because of that,

College advice, notes, and do’s and don’ts from a member of the Class of 2022.

professors really will get to know you.

They are your biggest asset. Get to know them. Ask them if they would still teach you if you were a worm (okay, maybe don’t do that, but Dr. Tom Farrell said that as long as I did the assigned reading and showed up to class he would).

I am sure that many of you are in the same situation I was in; I was the only person from my high school to go to this school. I think I was also the only person to choose a school in the entire state of Florida, so I know how nervous you are about finding new friends. If we’re being honest, you probably won’t meet your future best friend in the first week or even month of college, and that is okay! Find some people to get you through the first few days, and you will eventually find your people.

Also, don’t expect to be BFFs with your roommate. Odds are, this is a person you don’t know, and just like you, they are in the process of rediscovering themselves. Treat them and your shared space with respect

Story by Vivianne Skavlem Graphic by Bella Steiert Design by Ruby Rosenthal & Vivianne Skavlem

and acknowledge that the situation is weird; you’re going to be sleeping in a room with a rando. Embrace that weirdness.

Stetson is not a large campus, but it is pretty dense, and sometimes it’s hard to find a classroom. If you get lost or need help, just ask. It’s a friendly campus, and if you need help finding Gordis Hall or a classroom in Sage, someone will point you in the right direction. As an English major with an FSEM in Sage, I got lost trying to find our classroom at least once a week.

Thankfully I had a very patient friend who was a chemistry major who gave me directions.

Clubs, Greek Life, and classes are all really great ways to find people you can connect with and relate to. Stuff is always happening on campus. You might hear about events via classes, social media, or even while brushing your teeth in a communal bathroom.

My only ‘normal’ year of college was my first year, and I hope your only abnormal year is your first year. I hope you get to have as normal of a college experience as you can. Do your best, don’t stop in the middle of the hallway, and for the love of god, nobody cares if you are a sophomore by credit hours.

Lots of love,

Vivianne xoxo

the reporter

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D N A S R E P M AAMPERSND

Q&A WITH ALUMNA GRACIE LOOKADOO ‘21

We sat down with Gracie Lookadoo ‘21, former member of Hatter Network, to discuss her Hatter Network experience and her own creative pursuits.

Story by Danny Barata Photos by Jillian Semmel Layout by Ruby Rosenthal

WHAT MADE YOU FIRST INTERESTED IN JOINING HATTER NETWORK? So I had no idea that Hatter Network really existed as a whole until my roommate, René, dragged me to an Uncouth Hour. She’s like, ‘you gotta come check this out.’ And that one night kind of triggered a whole series of awesome events that totally shaped my college career. I joined radio specifically because two of my music technology major colleagues, Dylan and Noah, ran the radio station at the time, and [they] essentially drafted me. They said ‘we have a radio station’ and I was like ‘we have a radio station? Why did nobody tell me?’ And they said ‘well, we’re telling you now.’ So I interviewed, and I guess I met the requirements and here we are!

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HOW WOULD YOU SAY THAT HATTER NETWORK SHAPED YOUR EXPERIENCES AT STETSON?

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON HATTER NETWORK’S YOUTUBE ACCOUNT

Uncouth Hour became like the holy grail of my weekdays. I spawned a music duo because of Uncouth Hour. Radio triggered a whole change of major for me to start music technology and have a digital arts minor because it finally gave me an alternative to the typical classical world, which was not doing it for me at the time. My life pretty much revolved around Hatter Network while I was at Stetson.

HOW HAVE YOU CONTINUED TO GROW YOUR SKILLS IN EITHER MUSIC TECHNOLOGY OR IN THE ARTS IN GENERAL, OR EVEN AS A PART OF AUGUST MOON DUO SINCE LEAVING STETSON? My duo partner Gracie Caggiano and I, we started out just performing covers of songs.

And then it spiraled into someone saying, hey, you should do an original and then it became like a whole ordeal. And I was finally getting the skills to learn how to record and produce music.

We recorded an entire dorm room album.

[We] released that at the start, and oh my god, we’re coming up on a year of that release.

We released our first album at the start of our senior year. And then not even two days after graduation, we started recording for a single, sat down and wrote two EPs that we’re very excited to release— the single is already out.

I think that came out like two weeks after graduation.

So it’s one of those things that is going to stick with me and probably stick with Gracie as well, for a very, very long time. On top of that, you know figuring out that I liked an alternative music path, if you will, really shaped my appreciation of the arts …So finding other avenues for that kind of self expression and other people who appreciate the arts in all kinds of forms, not just what people expect it to be, was really refreshing and really liberating.

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