Unhealthy Vending Machine Choices Page 5
Pensacola State College
“The News The Students Choose.”
February 2016
Expanded cybersecurity program to start in fall
Bachelor’s program to train next generation of computer security professionals
By Brad Andrews
W
hat do Target, JP Morgan, Home Depot and the US Government’s Office of Personnel Management all have in common? These corporations have been breached by hackers in the past few years; in each case millions of individual’s personal information had been stolen. These thefts exposed their victims to circumstances from identity theft to blackmail. Unfortunately, these events are only a few examples of the thousands of cybersecurity breaches that occur each year affecting millions of people around the world. Currently there is a critical lack of qualified cybersecurity professionals that can protect the public from these threats. Pensacola State College’s new four year cyber security program will help fill some of these critical vacancies. In the summer of 2016, PSC will start its much anticipated Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity (CYSC-BAS) program. This degree will serve as a continuation of the school’s current two year program, which will produce graduates capable of serving in a variety of professional information security roles at a vast array of private and public employers. Cybersecurity is important, but what is it exactly
Program Coordinator Robert Pratten (right) and student Michael Moore (left) look forward to PSC’s expanded program.
Students Brandon Furbush (left) and Jeremy Eckert (right) practice cybersecurity techniques. PHOTOS BY BARA’AH JARAISEH
and why is it so important? Known as computer security, it is the protection of information systems such as computers, smartphones, etc. from theft or damage to the hardware. Vulnerable systems that can be compromised extend beyond the traditional consumer information on a corporate network. The majority of aspects of modern society are computer controlled to some degree. National power grids, critical medical equipment and air traffic control systems are but a few of the systems that rely heavily on computers. A serious cyber attack could result in dire consequences, including the loss of countless lives. The CYSC-BAS program is an intense hands-on program designed to teach students a full range of computer security topics, including network security, risk management, security testing and cyber forensics. The program has been designed around the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification (CISSP), considered the gold standard of security certifications by the industry. Unlike the certification which teaches just the “how” of cybersecurity, the bachelor program will teach the “why” of cybersecurity as well. Students will
become intimately familiar with the concepts behind the rules and standards set forth by industry and government regulations. This knowledge will allow the program’s graduates to be more flexible in designing security solutions and provide more value to potential employers. The hands-on nature of the program is emphasized heavily by Program Coordinator and instructor Robert Pratten.“Students will learn how to hack and defend against hacking, using computers both onsite and over the Internet.” said Pratten. Pratten and his students believe that this handson training and experience is what will set graduates apart from other job applicants that learned computer security from just reading books in order to pass a certification test. Graduates of the program will leave the school with not only a bachelor’s degree, but also 19 separate computer security certifications. These certifications are all recognized industry-wide and will provide additional verification and validation of the graduate’s skills and abilities. Furthermore, graduates that wish to continue their academic training are eligible to attend graduate cybersecurity programs at other schools See Cybersecurity, Page 3
Columns
Make a difference: Volunteer in your community
Raise awareness, support Epilepsy Foundation of Florida By Brad Andrews
Imagine
being suddenly struck with an incapacitating illness. This illness causes you to lose your job, medical insurance and the ability to travel independently. Friends and family suddenly stop returning your calls. You feel like you have nowhere to go for help, oftentimes scared to even leave your home. This tragic scenario is a reality for many when they first begin to suffer from the effects of epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their life. The cause of most cases of epilepsy is unknown, although some develop the disorder as the result of brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, or substance abuse. Epileptic seizures can take many forms, from the Grand Mal which causes the victim to fall to the ground, shake and lose consciousness for several minutes, to the absence seizure that leads to a complete loss of muscle control and can often result in uncontrolled actions such as walking around and performing activities while the person is unaware of their surroundings. Upon being diagnosed with epilepsy, people are often unable to perform their jobs safely anymore and therefore become unemployed. They become scared to leave their homes because a seizure can strike
at anytime, anywhere. Friends and family often do not want the responsibility of having to watch them, so they put distance between themselves and the epileptic person. The feelings of isolation can become unbearable. Fortunately help is available in the form of the Epilepsy Foundation. The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida’s Pensacola location is often the first contact for those with epilepsy in the Panhandle, and it currently helps over 200 people on a recurring basis. Upon contacting the Foundation, new clients are assigned a case manager that provides a roadmap for everything from getting medical treatment, to social support, to vocational services. The Foundation not only provides a plan of care, but helps to implement it. The Foundation helps clients get appointments with a neurologist and other specialists, explains to clients what to expect and negotiates vastly reduced rates with local medical providers for clients without insurance. After clients get the medical help they need, the Foundation provides social support and helps people come to terms with their illness and shows them that they can still participate in society and have an engaging life. The foundation’s volunteers provide clients with a variety of activities such as fitness classes, knitting and art therapy. The Foundation’s volunteers also staff a call service that routinely calls clients and checks in on them. “The Epilepsy Foundation helped me go from just trying to survive to actually living life” said Whilhelm Perez, a former commercial truck driver and current client of the Foundation. An equally important goal of the Foundation is to
raise awareness of epilepsy. The stigma and myth that surrounds this disorder is a major obstacle for persons suffering from it. The social stigma of the disorder has caused epilepsy to be considered a “backroom illness.” People do not talk about it and often hide the fact that they or their loved ones are afflicted with this disorder. Untrue myths about epilepsy and what to do for someone having a seizure, such as placing something in the victim’s mouth, often cause well-meaning people to actually increase the risk of harm to the person seizing. The Foundation’s various awareness programs and seizure first aid training program help educate the general public and provide a measure of safety for those with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation relies heavily on volunteers. Volunteers are needed to assist in nearly every facet of the organization’s activities. Volunteers run awareness activities such as providing speakers to local organizations and staffing booths at local events, providing activities such as classes and events to clients and assisting with case management and making sure people get the help they need in all aspects of their lives. Pensacola interim director Laverne Baker encourages anyone that wants to help to contact the Foundation. All skills can be used to help the organization meet its goals. People working in a first responder capacity or providing daily care to people at places such as daycare centers and nursing homes are especially encouraged to reach out for seizure first aid training. For more information on volunteering, visit the Foundation’s website at http://www.efof.org/ or call the Pensacola location at (850) 433-1395.
Healthy, happy students: Tips on staying healthy
Chinese herb shows medical benefits By Rebecca Peters
F
or as long as I can remember the Chinese have been at the forefront of natural medicine. In this month’s column I am going to tell you about a Chinese herb that is not only very effective in keeping people healthy, but is also very affordable. We all, hopefully, know that washing our hands and taking Vitamin C are useful deterrents for the common cold. However, there are some more options available that not everyone is aware of. One example is the ancient Chinese herb by the name of Astragalus
(pronounced as·trag·a·lis), which is something you may want to consider adding to your daily dose of vitamins. Astragalus is effective in the fight against viruses, and is also effective in the fight against various ailments, including upper respiratory infections, diabetes and fibromyalgia. According the the University of Maryland, the Chinese have been using the herb for thousands of years, not only to prevent the common cold and inflammation, but to ward off stress, diabetes, effects of aging and some cancers. Researchers have been looking at Astragalus as a treatment for people whose immune systems have been impaired by chemotherapy or radiation. Recent studies in China have also shown that
the herb may help with relieving symptoms of heart disease and slow or prevent the hardening of heart tissues. Astragalus is an herb that has been consumed and trusted for thousands of years. It has the ability to keep your stress levels down and keep the common cold at bay. As college students that sounds like a pretty beneficial addition to our busy lives. With an average price tag of $10 for 100 capsules, it’s a cheap and healthy miracle. Do you have any tips and tricks for staying healthy that you would like to share? Send us an e-mail at corsair@pensacolastate.edu and your health advice might be featured in a future Corsair issue.
Feature
February 2016
Proposed law could allow guns on campus PSC’s Chief of Police Hank Shirah comments By Tracey Squaire & Jennifer Tonnaer
I
n recent months there has been a lot of talk of allowing those with a concealed gun licence to carry their weapon onto college and university campuses in Florida, especially with two bills being proposed to legislatures that would allow just that. Though some may rejoice at being allowed to carry their weapon onto campus for safety reasons, the response from college leaders and their college police all over Florida has been a resounding “No.” The first bill (HB 4001) is the open carry gun law, which would allow concealed gun carriers to openly carry weapons out in public places. The second bill (SB 68) is specifically for college and university campuses. The passing of either law would allow concealed gun carriers to bring their weapons onto their college campuses all over Florida. Some believe the passing of either bill would make campuses more dangerous, but, despite this outcry from frightened students and worried staff members alike, those previously mentioned two bills are currently being considered by Florida Legislators, and could become law. Pensacola State College’s own Chief of Police, Hank Shirah, stated that he thought passing either law and allowing guns on campus was a bad idea. “I think it’s going to take an unsafe situation and just make it worse. It’s going to make colleges like the old west. I don’t think that’s the answer. I think the answer is somewhere along the lines of the Run, Hide, Fight, which is close to what we teach.” In a previous Corsair article, PSC students were asked about their opinion about seeing guns on campus. The majority of students interviewed were against the notion, stating that they would either feel wary or just plain unsafe. The minority felt the exact opposite, explaining that having their weapon and having licensed gun carriers on campus could mean the difference in a dangerous situation. Many pro-gun advocates say that in the case of an active shooter or other dangerous situation, having people on the scene who have a gun would help keep people safe.
Shirah disagreed with this sentiment, saying he felt having guns on campus would make things more dangerous. “You’re going to see more pro gun people who are going to say you should just pull out your gun and shoot them [an attacker]. You’ve got people carrying who have just got the minimum concealed carry permit and then they go out and buy a weapon they think they like. It could be as big as a .45 or as small as a .22, and now they’re ready. So they could bring it to class and if an incident should happen, my officers turn the corner looking for the shooter, and there’s fifteen people holding a gun. What are they supposed to do?” Shirah stated that his officers go through intensive training all year long about how to handle a situation if there is an active shooter or other dangerous situation. “That first person who responds [to a call] understands that it’s their job to go into the building or whatever the area is and stop the shooter. It’s quite a lot to ask of anybody, so we train a lot and we train situationally a lot. Most people with a concealed carry permit don’t, so they don’t know when to shoot or when not to shoot. My officers have to know that and they have to make an instantaneous decision.” In recent months, Shirah has been training faculty and staff about what to do in the case of an emergency situation. Shirah stated that it is his plan in the very near future to extend that training to students. Though some students have said that they know what to do in an emergency situation, Shirah worries that what one student plans may not be what another student plans. “What is their strategy? What do they think we need to do? Because it might be different than what everyone else is thinking. It would be good to get everyone on the same page and train them all the same way that way whatever’s done will be done in concert.” Shirah believes campus safety is important and that
everyone should feel safe on campus. He thinks that it is important for a father, a mother or a prospective student to know how safe it is on the college campus where they will be spending so much time. Some changes may be coming to Florida in the near future regarding gun laws, and the only certain thing about these changes at the moment is the definite controversy that will accompany them. If you would like to share your opinion on the subject, email us at corsair@pensacolastate.edu.
[graduates] can expect a range of $45,000-$75,000. I have a student who landed an $80,000 a year job here in Pensacola two years ago.” Local employers such as AppRiver and Navy Federal Credit Union are working with PSC to help provide internships and jobs for graduates. A focal point for local jobs is the military and the contractors that use government computer systems and work with classified data. As the program develops, other local employers are expected to reach out to the school to help fill critical vacancies with program graduates. Students are expected to come from a variety of backgrounds and for an even broader array of reasons. Many students are coming from the current two year program, but Pratten expects a large number to come from the local military bases, as well as experienced industry professionals looking to earn a bachelor’s degree.
New job opportunities are a common reason people will pursue this degree, but others choose this program for self-improvement. “At the end of the day, I remember my mother telling me that the only thing that can never be taken away from you is your education, and with that education comes a drive to improve oneself,” said PSC student Michael Moore. “Anyone can attend college and earn a degree, but without the hands-on knowledge, and not just theories, that I have gained here at PSC ... I know it has better prepared me for what lies ahead.” The new program will officially start in the summer of 2016, but computer security classes will not begin until the fall, 2016 semester. Until then, students can start working on their general studies courses such as English, mathematics, and sciences. For more information, prospective students can contact Robert Pratten at rpratten@pensacolastate.edu 3
Poll Do you generally feel safe on campus? 96% YES
4% NO
Fifty PSC students were polled for this survey.
Cybersecurity
continued from Page 1 such as Florida State University and the University of Florida. Program students will have the opportunity to work in a plethora of fields and organizations upon graduation. “Graduates will have the opportunity to write their ticket in the field,” said Pratten. “Potential employers range from the Department of Homeland Security, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to Fortune 500 companies. Students will even have the knowledge needed to start their own business in fields such as data recovery when they leave PSC.” After graduation, students will have the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill a variety of cybersecurity roles including senior cybersecurity officer, penetration tester, and security analyst. Salaries for graduates can range between $45,000 and $75,000 a year. “Salaries vary by regions,” said Pratten. “Typically
Opinion
Voter registration deadline for primary approaches Don’t miss the chance to have your voice heard By Jenni Carpenter
S
o we prepare, some of us for the first time, to choose a new president. More important than that, it is the time when our voices have a chance to come together and be heard. Even if you hold the opinion that a single vote does not actually affect the outcome and that our electoral voting system is slanted, silence is never the answer. If every young person today decides that their single vote doesn’t amount to anything—well, then it is no longer “a single vote.” Keep in mind that you are only helping to keep the status quo when you decide to stay home instead of spending a few minutes in a booth. You are only keeping the powers that be in power, and they want you to stay home! It makes it that much easier for them to keep that power. If you want people in office to represent your values—you demand it in that booth! Voting does have an affect on our progression: as a nation, a society and as individuals. Voting is not strictly about your candidate winning or that amendment you supported being passed. It is about telling the powers that be your values and showing your support or
intolerance for the views of these candidates that have a chance to run our country. This election season has proven to be the most interesting, to say the least, of this generation. Not only because of the candidates themselves, but also because we are on the edge of a new era, we will either take a huge step forward into the better future or fall down the staircase into the great past. The deadline for voters registration is February 15, 2016, and the Presidential Preference Primary Election is March 15, 2016. In Florida, when you register to vote, you must register as either democrat or republican to cast your preference vote. Please do not simply wait to see who is nominated; go out and tell them who you want to be on the final ballot! Vote for your interests, for the candidates and bills that fall in line with the vision you have for the future of our country and yourself. If nothing else but to show this country, and others who are watching, where you actually want this country to be going. We are at the crux of a new movement here in the United States. I see a lot of people complaining about
Reader Responses
Remarks, advice and opinions of Corsair readers I
“ have never before written an email like this one, but I would like to compliment the outstanding work done by you and the rest of the Corsair staff in the past couple of issues. I have been reading the Corsair regularly since 1999, and I have to say that the November/December 2015 and January 2016 print editions are the finest I have ever seen. The layout is clean and engaging, the articles numerous and wideranging, and the content focused on relevant issues impacting both students and employees. The thought and creativity put into these issues are apparent, and the depth of the articles is such that I have learned things I did not know about PSC, such as the artistic creations being made in our foundry. The diversity of topics about such things as public safety, food trucks, volunteerism, student government, athletics, proposed legislation regarding guns on campus, visual arts, performing arts and many other things make each issue both extremely interesting and a joy to read—so much so that I felt compelled to let you know how highly I regard them. Such a fine publication is only possible through both the motivated leadership of its editors and a talented staff of writers, artists and designers.” -Tom Gilliam
R
“ eally happy for nomadic eats and myself that was on the front page. It was an unexpected surprise the beginning of the semester. I didn’t expect that to even get in the paper. Glad to be a service to the Corsair and hopefully Nomadic Eats. Thanks!” -kyleexplosion (retrived from Corsair social media)
I
“ am writing to thank you for three of your recent articles: Nomadic Eats, Tips on Staying Healthy, and best of all, the vending machine article. I do believe that students will indeed choose a healthy snack instead of the dreadful junk food, if there IS a choice. The article in the Corsair did make it sound like there are good changes in store for us all.” -Louise Foster Do you have any comments you would like to share or suggestions you would like to make concerning The Corsair? If so, send them to us at corsair@pensacolastate. edu and you might be featured in a future Corsair issue.
today’s youth and their apathy. But then I hear the conversations between students, young students. There is passion there, and I believe that young people today understand the reasons for everyone to get involved. They know about the struggles of previous generations to give each and every one of us a chance to vote, to have a voice. For many students here at PSC, this is a small step towards the real world, where equal pay, health care, mortgage regulations and taxes will affect us directly. We want a real world, a world that moves ever-forward and offers the American dream to everyone without prerequisites. I have faith that this election will have the highest turnout of youth in a long time. I also have faith in our ability to represent the real faces of an exceptional America. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr: “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” Straighten your backs, register and cast your vote!
Words to Inspire
“It would be wonderful to think that the future is unkown and sort of suprising.” Alan Rickman 1946 - 2016
Opinion
February 2016
New vending machines disappoint students, faculty Prices go up without offering any healthier snack choices By Tracey Squaire
B
y now most people have likely noticed the brand new vending machines around Pensacola State College Pensacola campus. They’re big, sleek, silver, shiny and personalized with PSC’s brand stamped all over them. While the outside looks nice and inviting, the inside of the vending machines still leaves much to be desired. It seems that with fancier vending machines comes a higher price. In the machines of the past, a typical bag of chips was a mere 65 cents. With our new machines, this price has jumped up by 35 cents. I know; I know-what’s an extra 35 cents, right? Well, now that 65 cent bag of chips that you might have let yourself indulge in costs $1.00. Now, say you buy two bags of chips a day to get you through your classes. Well, that $1.30 a day is now $2 a day meaning that if you have classes four days a week and buy two bags of chips during that time, you will be spending about $40 a month, which is a lot of money for a college student. Don’t they know that us college students are broke? Not only has the price of items gone up, but the items being offered haven’t changed much. Many students, myself included, expected better than what we have been given with these new machines. In a previous Corsair article, several students, and even a professor, professed the desire to see healthier options in the machines. When the new machines were finally revealed, those same people were no doubt looking for the new bounty of healthy snacks. I don’t think I’m alone in expressing how profoundly disappointed I am with the “bounty of healthy snacks.” Students and faculty who were hoping for a machine with healthier options are way out of luck. While the machines are sporting one or two items
that seem healthy in comparison to the usual junk, there’s not that much difference in the variety and, again I must say, it’s much more expensive. As someone who likes to eat healthy, I know that the healthy options are often times more expensive, but the “healthy” options in the vending machines are nothing more than glorified versions of the regular snacks. Let’s use the machine’s new Veggie Straws as an example. If you look at the nutritional information on the back you see that there are 130 calories, which is less than the typical 160 that you see in a bag of Classic Lays. On the surface it seems like a healthier alternative, but while the calorie count in Veggie Straws are less, they have 3% more sodium than a typical bag of potato chips. Not only that, but for a snack that markets itself using the word “veggie,” it doesn’t even have an entire gram of dietary fiber, which is pretty much a given when one eats a vegetable. A bag of Classic Lays potato chips at least has one full gram of fiber. That’s not all, though. This snack even further aligns itself with the typical potato chip because, guess what? It’s fried, just like regular old potato chips. This “healthy” alternative couldn’t be further from healthy if it was dipped in chocolate and fried yet again. Now, I know that most college students don’t care too much about the nutritional information when they’re grabbing food to go, but if we’re going to be forced to pay more for what comes out of our vending machines, we should at least have a better quality of food rather than the same old things as before. I, for one, am disappointed with the rise in prices and the lack of a better selection. We were told that
there would be healthier options to choose from, but obviously those changes were not made. We didn’t think we’d be charged an arm and a leg for a measly bag of chips; well, we were wrong. The only saving grace here is that students do have a way to voice their displeasure. For anyone wanting to request better snacks or voice their dissent at the prices, drop an email to contact@rrvendinginc.com and let our vending machine dictators know exactly how we feel about things.
Student Michael Goff ponders snack choices. PHOTO BY KATHERINE CHEN
COMIC BY KATHERINE CHEN
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Movie Reviews
Fall in
love with these movies
Movies to watch with that special someone (or alone with pizza)
Moulin Rouge Enter into the spectacular world of Moulin Rouge, and fall in love with the bawdy 20th century Parisian nightclub that keeps its patrons ever coming back for more. In this 2001 film, Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young and aspiring bohemian poet, arrives in Paris hoping for inspiration to strike so that he may write a great love story. There’s only one problem: he’s never been in love. That all changes when he meets the beautifully seductive star of the Moulin Rouge, Satine (Nicole Kidman). The alluring Satine mistakes Christian for the wealthy Duke of
Love, Rosie
“Love, Rosie” is a 2014 EnglishGerman romantic comedy that will leave viewers feeling unbelievably frustrated, and maybe even a little annoyed, up until the very end, where they can finally let out a long awaited breath of relief. The film focuses on the two childhood friends Rosie Dunne (Lily Collins) and Alex Stewart (Sam Claflin), and the fleeting romance between the two that always manages to slip just out of their reach. The plot itself is just about as standard as any romantic comedy film, full of clichés and a predictable
True Romance
A film for the couple who share an eclectic taste in movies, the 1993 film “True Romance” is the beautiful story of two dangerously unlucky lovers. Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) falls in love with Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette), a call girl who was hired by Clarence’s boss to help him get out more. The following morning these two crazy kids get married, and afterwards Clarence confronts Alabama’s pimp, Drexl (Gary Oldman), to retrieve her belongings and demand her freedom. In a twist of events, Clarence leaves Drexl’s place a bloody mess and with
Monroth (Richard Roxburgh), Satine has her sights set on. She must seduce the duke if she is to convince him to endorse the Moulin Rouge, so she can achieve her dream of being a real actress on a real stage. Christian quickly falls for Satine, and she, thinking he is the duke, falls for him. Unfortunately for the young couple, love is not so easily obtained. Not only is the real Duke standing in the way of their love, but Satine’s continuously degenerating health may keep the lovers from enjoying their happiness. This movie features a sometimes comedic twist on many popular modern love songs such as Madonna’s
“Like a Virgin” (sang completely by men) and “Smells Like Lady Marmalade,” (a combination of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade”). This movie combines well loved, popular songs to make an original mix of bawdy, yet sweet love songs that one isn’t likely to soon forget. While the music is spectacular by itself, it would be nothing without all the accompanying dance numbers that both surprise, impress and, at times, invokes laughter. Humorous, yet tragic, this story has all the makings of an epic romance.
conclusion. Just knowing that the film is about two childhood friends practically paints the ending out already, but most people dive into a romcom expecting a happily-everafter; it’s how the movie gets to that happy ending that really matters, and “Love, Rosie” provides an extraordinarily frustrating buildup to that happy ending. Overall, the relationship between the two friends is chockfull of misunderstandings and near-miss moments, resulting in years of failed romances and a very frustrated audience. Besides that, a refreshing aspect in “Love, Rosie” is definitely the
chemistry between Collins and Claflin, which truly manages to bring its own charm to the film. Their performance is what really convinces you to keep watching the film up until the very end. So, even though the movie may not be up to par for what most people seek when watching a romantic comedy, it is still a decent watch. “Love, Rosie” manages to tell an endearing story about a hardworking young woman and ambitious young man, and it leaves the audience with an overall satisfying conclusion.
a luggage bag full of cocaine--and not Alabama’s belongings. The film follows our dangerous lovers as they try to sell the cocaine in hopes of using the money to start a new life, wIth a band of coke-dealing gangsters hot on their tails. The story is high paced, violent, and beautiful and sure to make you laugh, cringe, cry and fall in love with Clarence and Alabama’s “true romance.” Not only does this film have a unique plot, but also a very strong, and also unique, cast. Even Elvis (Val Kilmer) drifts in and out of the consciousness of Clarence throughout
the film, along with Christopher Walken as Vincenzo Coccotti, the head of a Sicilian mafia--the original owners of Clarence’s new bag of cocaine, and even the great James Gandolfini, as the enforcer Virgil. This film is a great mix of drugs, sex, rock, love and violence. But even with all the blood and violence, you leave this film with only the treasured memory of the beautiful romance between Clarence and his Alabama and the power of love to bend the universe to its will.
-Tracey Squaire
-Jennifer Tonnaer
- Jenni Carpenter
Romance Rating
February 2016
Valentine’s Day date ideas for broke college students By Cassandra Fanfan 1. So your partner likes EATING? Take them on a walk to the park or beach for a picnic. Get a large blanket and a box containing their favorite fast food or meal, along with inexpensive snacks, cake, or candy for dessert. Sit and talk and learn new things about your partner.
5. So this is your FIRST DATE? Ask your date what they like and compare it to a list of things that you like. Do what you like together. Don’t forget to ask plenty of questions, so you know this person is someone worth pursuing.
2. So your partner likes to COOK? Search for 3-5 ingredient recipes and cook or bake something together. It’s fun to learn the way your partner cooks. Give tips and advice.
6. Is your partner a GAMER? Have a game night for just the two of you. Buy a new board game or video game, and get some prizes that are worthy and interesting.
3. So your partner likes NATURE or animals? Take them to a field with flowers and pick their favorites. See how long you can keep the flowers alive together; it shows how much you can care for something together. Or what about horseback riding? Check Groupon for deals; you’ll be surprised. 4. So you and your partner have been dating for 3-5 + years and there isn’t anything that you haven’t done? Maybe it’s time for a PROPOSAL. She’s been yours for a while now; why not just start saving money to make it official this year? This is your sign. Save your tax refund money. For those of you who are already engaged or married, take yourself on a road trip and plan to stay at a hotel just to change the scenery. Bring the child out in you and do something you used to do when you were first dating.
7. So your partner lives to be HEALTHY? Treat yourselves to an at home spa, cleanse and renew. Make homemade face masks and give back and feet massages with lotion. It might be long overdue. 8. So your partner is into HISTORY? How about making a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum? 9. So you’re SINGLE and wish you had someone? Try out a dating website. Understand and define the relationship you’re looking for, so the person you’re talking to understands what you’re looking for. And remember, never change who you are for someone else! 10. So your partner loves ART? Have you ever been star gazing? Or watched the sunrise? Paint these experiences. Take new pictures, and make new memories.
11. So you’re SINGLE and not ready to mingle? Treat yourself and love yourself. Buy yourself something you’ve always wanted. Get your hair done and do your nails. If you’re a man, then buy yourself that new game or buy those new shoes. Don’t hate Valentine’s Day because you don’t have someone. Love it because you still have yourself, and that’s the one person you should love the most. 12. So your partner likes EXERCISE? Take them to the Edward Ball Nature Trail located on the University of West Florida campus. 13. So your partner like MUSIC ? Search up a karaoke night around town, or host one yourself. Record yourself making covers or if one of you doesn’t sing then have the other dance. Have fun with it! 14. February 14th is also a Sunday, and, in my opinion, the most inexpensive thing to do is take yourself to church. You should learn to LOVE YOURSELF so that you can love others the way they deserve to be loved. Valentine’s Day is not just about dates and how much money you can spend. You do not need to spend your whole paycheck on a single person to show that you love them. Ask them what love means to them, ask them how they’d like to be loved, and you should do the same in return.
We look forward to hearing about your Valentine’s Day. Hashtag #corsairtreat on our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts, so we can share how you have treated yourself.
Valentine’s Day: not the only day in February to spread the love! 2/7 National Send a Card to a Friend Day
2/16 National Do a Grouch a Favor Day
2/9 National Pizza Day
2/17 National Random Act of Kindness Day
2/14 National Organ Donor Day
2/19 National Caregivers’ Day
2/11 National Make a Friend Day
2/20 National Love Your Pet Day
Gentleness clears the soul. Love cleans the mind and makes it
free.
David Bowie 1947- 2016
ILLUSTRATION BY KATHERINE CHEN
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Feature
PSC professor receives succesful kidney transplant Jeff Wooters takes life off hold, plans for the future By Jenni Carpenter
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f you’re an avid Corsair reader, you might remember a special piece from the April, 2015 print issue about an instructor here at Pensacola State College who had been battling Polycystic Kidney Disease since he was 19-years-old. Thanks to many contributions and one wonderful donor—on November 20, 2015, PHOTO BY RANDALL JOHNSON at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Jeff Wooters received the kidney transplant he had been waiting so long for. Wooters shared that he thinks the article featured in the Corsair helped to “create some goodwill” towards his cause. A grand total of $16,494 was raised for Wooters’ transplant, and after a much deserved pretransplant party hosted in his honor by the PSC science department, Wooters set off for Jacksonville. Post-surgery, Wooters was only in the Mayo Clinic for three days, and from there he went on to Gabriel House of Care where he spent a month recovering. The Gabriel House of Care is a recovery center for patients with low immune systems that is conveniently located close to the Mayo clinic for regular check-ups. To ensure that his body would accept the new kidney, the doctors lowered Wooters’ immune system to almost that of a child’s. Otherwise his body would interpret this new arrival as a threat.
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Wooters and Fowlkes in the Jacksonville, Florida Mayo Clinic.
Wooters said his time at the Gabriel House was very pleasant and contributed to his speedy recovery. “There were a lot of other transplant patients—everybody there was aware of your needs. People could support each other. When I first arrived, there was a patient who had recently had a kidney transplant, as well. I could talk to him, and he would say something like, ‘I went through that, too.’ It was like an informal support group.” He also said he received a lot of support while in recovery from PSC students, faculty and the administration. The cards and gestures of goodwill were of great importance to him. Wooters has been with
PHOTO BY ?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JEFF WOOTERS
PSC for over 20 years and has formed many friendships over the years. “Everyone [at PSC] has become an extended family.” The normal wait time on a kidney transplant is about 3 years, and usually you are waiting for a match from a post-mortem donor. However, after Wooters’ wife—who was determined to donate a kidney to her husband—was found to be an unsuitable match, a dear friend and fellow church member stepped up to the plate to help. Sandy Fowlkes, who has been a dear friend to the Wooters for years, said she had felt the need to step up and help Wooters for quite some time. The very same day Wooters’ wife discovered that she could not donate her kidney, Fowlkes rose to the occasion without hesitation; she felt as if God had laid this duty on her heart. The very next day Fowlkes began the long and rigorous process to test her compatibility with that of Wooters. This process took several months, but Fowlks held in there and was eventually able to donate one of her kidneys to help Wooters. Since the operations, both Fowlkes and Wooters have been recovering nicely. According to Wooters, Fowlkes has been “feeling as if she had never had surgery.” Wooters’ recovery is going smoothly as well. His immune system is still low to keep his body from rejecting his new kidney, and he has about a year to full recovery. But, for now, he can make plans for the future. “I felt like my life was on hold,” Wooters said of his battle with PKD. “But now that I finally have this behind me, I feel like I can make a plan. My wife and I are looking at an Alaskan cruise. We were waiting for transplant. We are still waiting because of my immune system which takes almost a year. So, we are planning on the spring of 2017 for our Alaskan Cruise.”
Feature
February 2016
Students practice outdoor skills Milton campus Outdoors Club invites new members By Timothy Kast
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o you enjoy putting feet to earth and venturing out into the forest for a little hike? Do you love the inviting sound of water gently slapping your hull as you paddle our serine Florida waters? Do you feel like the absolute best way to wake in the morning is to the warmth of the rising sun radiating into your tent, welcoming you to step out and soak in the awesomeness of Mother Nature’s glory? A good portion of you Pirates are sure to know this feeling, but if you don’t attend the Milton campus you likely aren’t aware that Pensacola State College has an Outdoors Club. With somewhere around fifty members, the Outdoors Club is alive and well. This spring, the club will be taking a road trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Forest for an exciting rafting adventure. Students are also looking forward to the annual primitive camping trip into the mountains of Appalachia in October. The club president, Cortney Stotts, is looking into the possibility of an overnight camping trip on Blackwater River in the coming months. There’s also potentially an offshore fishing charter in the works. Stotts is passionate about the outdoors, and her excitement for the club--and adoration for all things outdoors--seems to ooze from her every pore. Her many survival themed YouTube videos make it quite apparent that she knows her stuff. Every semester, the club participates in the Worldwide Coastal Cleanup with a canoe trip down
Blackwater, where they’ve done their fair share of community service by collecting hundreds of pounds of trash while also having a fantastic time on the river. Throughout each semester, Outdoors Club operates small fund-raising concessions selling bowls of delicious spaghetti. Their cups of Cajun/regular boiled peanuts are also a hit with students and faculty. Funds earned go towards scholarship opportunities and club activities. The Outdoors Club contributes greatly to several festivals every year, including the Lumberjack Festival. The Lumberjack Festival will begin on March 5 on PSC’s Milton campus. The Festival will host events for adults, juniors (ages 13-15) and children (12 and under) who are interested in showing off their lumberjack skills and enjoying the outdoors. There will also be up to 30 exhibits, vendors and competitions set up around campus. There is sure to be something for everyone at this year’s Lumberjack Festival. Adventure-minded students with leadership mentalities are welcomed to contact Cortney for Outdoors Club membership information through her student email: CCS1106@students.pensacolastate.edu. You can also check out the club’s Facebook page, which is titled Out Door Club. If you’re unsure of where the PSC Milton campus is, it’s very easy to find. From I-10, take the Avalon Blvd exit into Milton, and follow Avalon to its end at Hwy 90. The PSC campus is straight across Hwy 90 at the traffic light.
Black History Month: Words To Inspire “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Upcoming Events Jan. 19-March 10: Switzer Distinguished Artist: Carol Wax Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Pensacola Campus Feb 12: MLK Commemorative Essay Contest Hagler Auditorium, Pensacola Campus 6:30pm
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Feb. 15: Last day to withdraw from Session B classes
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3721 W Navy Blvd. 455-7377 Tues-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 A Place You Can Bring Your Parents!
Feb. 17: Book Talk Series: Thom Botsford Chadbourne Library, Pensacola Campus 2pm Feb. 18: PSC Wind and Jazz Ensembles Ashmore Auditorium, Pensacola Campus 7:30pm Feb. 20: PSC Women’s Basketball vs Chipola College Hartsell Arena, Pensacola Campus 5:30pm
Feb. 20: PSC Men’s Basketball vs Chipola College Hartsell Arena, Pensacola Campus 7:30pm Feb. 22: PSC Baseball vs Jeff Davis Community College Baseball Field, Pensacola Campus 3pm Feb. 26: African American Memorial Endowment Scholarship and Dr. Garrett T, Wiggins “Live Your Dream” Scholarship Banquet Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio 6:30pm March 3-5, 6: Six Degrees of Separation Ashmore Auditorium, Pensacola Campus 7:30pm 6th: 2:30pm March 5-6: Lumberjack Festival Milton Campus
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Sports
February 2016
Pirates aim for homerun season
Jamir’s Jabs
Coach Little confident in team’s success
Players practice for upcoming game.
By Tara Cooey
T
PHOTO BY JENNI CARPENTER
he Pensacola State College Baseball team is possibly one of the best baseball teams in Pensacola. Having a competitive sport on campus is extremely important because it gives the school publicity and local baseball fans the chance to watch a college team without having to travel long distances. “There are ten new players this year, 12 returning.” said baseball coach, Keith Little. “The biggest game is the conference. Everyone who plays in the conference is good. Everyone is equally as difficult. We treat it as if it were the SEC community college baseball. We play a pretty tough schedule; it gets us ready for the conference. How often we practice depends on the week. Usually, its 5 to 6 times a week. Once we start
playing though, we get a day off when we can. I look forward to the starting of the season every year because every year brings something new. Our main goal is to win the panhandle conference championship. Second priority is to get second place. We definitely try our best. A lot of players had a lot of playing time as freshmen and playing her. Our speciality is speed. We have a lot of experience out of the ball pit.” Little also told about his days on the Pensacola State baseball team. “I played here in 1997 and 1998. Teaching has taught me more patience, not jumping to judgement too quickly, and handling things, and how important relationships are. I just knew that when I was a player, I was always the one wanting to help my team, and I love winning.” Pensacola State baseball player, Craig Williams, said “The best thing about being part of this team is how close everyone is; it’s truly like a family. I’m very excited about getting the season started and working towards the goal. I love baseball, and I’ve been playing since I was nine, so about 11 years now. And hopefully I will keep playing and possibly play at LSU whenever I am done here.” The PSC website has any rankings and information needed regarding the Pensacola State baseball team, as well as information on their winnings and so much more. It also shows where previous players from former years go to college now in the “where are they now?” section. Under that is the camps section, which talks about the various camps that the baseball team is involved in when they get ready for the season. Following that list is the booster club section, where you can actually print out the booster and cooperate brochures for yourself to enjoy.
Baseball coaches Bruce Larkins (left), Keith Little (middle), Carter Sibley (right).
PHOTO BY JENNI CARPENTER
By Jamir Sellers
Golden State
better than Chicago of old?
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he Golden State Warriors have been nothing but impressive this season in the NBA. With head coach Steve Kerr being out for nearly half the season with back issues, the Golden State Warriors have defied all odds by going 39-4 with Luke Walton as their interim head coach. With Kerr’s return the Warriors are now on the best record so far in the season with 44-4 after a blowout win versus New York Knicks (116-95). Now the question that will rise up sooner than later, especially if their winning route continues after the all-star break: Are the Golden State Warriors the best team ever in the history of the NBA? Statistically, the Warriors have been outstanding. Current MVP Stephen Curry is making his case for winning another MVP this coming season by posting huge numbers [29.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 6.5 APG]. Steph Curry has seemingly been a one man show during this historic run by the Warriors, with his partner in crime Draymond Green posting 8 triple doubles over the 48 games is a historic average. The Warriors may be considered small in size as a team, but they stand tall compared to other teams in the NBA. However, one could argue that the Warriors have not faced the level of talent that the ’95’96 season Chicago Bulls faced during their 72 win feat. The Chicago Bulls faced a whole different NBA than the Warriors did. Every game Chicago played had a hall of fame player involved: Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Shaquille O’neal and many other greats. The Warriors have faced difficult teams, but according to some critics most of them have been sub-par at best. Many say the way the game was played would have been too physical for this young Warriors team to handle during their run in history. I believe this Warriors team is the best that this millennial generation has seen and probably ever will see. Sure, they may not be a Chicago Bulls team, and no one will ever measure up to the greatness of Michael Jordan, Scotty Pippen, or Steve Kerr, but they have not gotten into a 44 win season just by pure luck. The Warriors have great talent, and Stephen Curry is the backbone of that success without a question. I say we should give this young team credit where credit is due, and stop all of the negativity. Appreciate the love of the game and the enthusiasm the Warriors bring when they step onto the court. 11
February 2016
Humans of Pensacola State College Editor-in-Chief Kimberly Bogers
Staff
Creative Director Bara’ah Jaraiseh
Married couple, Jesse & Becca Peters History Major & English Major
Dating couple, Joseph Sharp & Mallory Paige General Studies Majors
How did you both meet? Becca: We met by chance at a youth group in Gulf Shores that we both hated going to, but decided to go to hang out with friends on the same night. We hung out the next day and never stopped hanging out. How is your marriage so far? Jesse: The marriage so far has been comfortable and nice. It’s been an adventure that both of us are excited about and its been funny. Becca: I am learning so much about Jesse and he about me and it’s just funny. What does love mean to you in 6 words? Becca: Love means to give yourself completely. The are the three most important things to have in a relationship? Jesse: To spend time talking to each other away from the common places. In other words, have a good dating life. Becca: Do random acts of kindness and silliness. Jesse: Consider the other person in all of your decisions What’s the best way to solve a problem? Jesse: To never go to bed angry. Communication is the best way to solve problems because when you are not fully open with each other and you are not willing to talk about hard things, then you cannot grow as a couple. Becca: Always be able to go to bed and still say I love you. What advice would you both give to young lovers? Becca: Make sure you travel together; it’s really fun to do, and you get to know your partner in a unique way that you never get to experience in any other situation. Jesse: You learn a lot traveling together.
How did you both meet? Joseph: Well we first met a couple years ago, she came to my dorm room with my friend. Mallory: I thought he hated me, he never talked to me. Joseph: I was just shy, we weren’t really friends but we knew each other. Then I hit her up on Snapchat. Mallory: And then we dated. What are you both doing anything for your one year anniversary? Joseph: We went to the movies and she got me a telescope and a hammock. Mallory: But he made me a really nice song. Joseph: Yeah, I wrote her a song. Mallory: It was really nice. What advice would you both give people that are just starting to go out? Joseph: Communication is key. Mallory: Yeah, you’ve got to talk about everything. What are your favorite things to do together? Mallory: We take a lot of naps, we watch a lot of movies...we study together, we eat a lot together. Joseph: Sometimes we go to the park, sometimes we go to the theater. Mallory: Yeah we do date stuff, you know, but we also do laundry. It’s good to have the balance between school and finding time to be alone together too.” What does love mean to both of you? Joseph: Love means supporting each other, loving each other unconditionally. Not saying like, oh you do this for me so I love you for that, I have to do this for you so you have to love me for that. You just care about that person. Mallory: I would say that it’s not always being like, oh you’re perfect. I have flaws and he has flaws. Work through it, talk about it, and get past it. Love despite the flaws.
COMIC BY KATHERINE CHEN
INTERVIEWS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARA’AH JARAISEH
Staff Steven Abraham Brad Andrews Gary Bogers Jenni Carpenter Katherine Chen Nicole Durst Cassandra Fanfan Paris Harman Timothy Kast Simran Kaur Riley Larson Rennie Lindo Victoria Palasciano Rebecca Peters Jesse Reitz MaryClaire Robinson Jamir Sellers Julie Shattuck Tracey Squaire Kyle Stamm Jennifer Tonnaer Monica Wilson Adviser Paula Ingram Contributors Tara Cooey Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquires regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity at (850) 484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, FL.