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Pensacola State College
“The News The Students Choose.”
First to come, first to go... Plans for demolition, reconstruction of building 1
By Kimberly Bogers
Summer 2016
Extreme makeover: Student Center to undergo upgrades By Victoria Palasciano
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The 60-year-old Baars building will soon be destroyed and replaced with the brand new Baars Science and Technology Building. The college recently received $8 million to begin the destruction process. Construction is set to begin in the summer or fall of 2017. IMAGE PROVIDED BY JOE SORCI
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any things have changed on Pensacola State College’s Pensacola campus since its creation in 1957: students have come and gone, teachers have retired, new teachers have arrived, degree programs have been added and organizations have been created. Very few things have stayed the same over the years. However, one of the things on the Pensacola campus that has remained consistent is the Baars building, also known as building 1. In the not-so-distant future, this is going to change. PSC just recently received $8 million in state funding to go towards the destruction and reconstruction of the Baars building. Dr. Edwards Meadows, president of PSC, explained that the destruction of the 5 wings of the Baars building will most likely take place in staggered phases in order to reduce disruptions as much as possible for students and faculty who utilize the current building. About 9,500 students per year have classes in the Baars building. During the reconstruction, any classes
that take place in parts of the building that are being worked on will be relocated. “Some classes will be moved to building 4, as well as the science building. Other classes in the final phases of construction will be housed in mobile classrooms.” Once construction begins, it is hoped that students and faculty will be able to reoccupy the new building within 18-20 months. The new, 80,000 square-foot building will house a variety of high-tech programs, including computer sciences, aviation maintenance, mathematics, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. Even though the building itself will change considerably, its 60-year-old name will remain the same. “The name Baars will remain a part of the building name, as the Baars family was primarily responsible for ensuring that the majority of the land where the Pensacola Campus is currently located could be acquired,” said Meadows. Mary Ellison Baars was the matriarch of the Baars Continued on Page 3
oming soon to Pensacola State College’s Pensacola campus, with the help of student input, is a new and improved Delaino Student Center. The Student Center, also known as Building 5, is in dire need of an upgrade, and with the help of PSC students an upgrade is in the not-too-distant future. Right now, the main room in the Center is filled with round tables and uncomfortable chairs, with a few couches around the perimeter of the room, giving it an overall unwelcoming impression. Samantha Hill, the Director of Student Affairs, hopes that the college will be able to upgrade the Center very soon, but said they need to receive some input from students as to what types of improvements need to be made. Rennie Lindo, a former PSC student and current UWF student, knows just how badly the Student Center needs an upgrade. UWF has a Center that is open and welcoming for all students, with TV’s for students to play their systems on and more comfortable seating arrangements. 150 PSC students were surveyed anonymously about how much time they spend in the Student Center, what the think about the current Center, and what upgrades they would like to see made in the future. The majority of students only spend a few hours in the Center each month. One student who was surveyed said they don’t spend much time in the Student Center because, “There’s not much to do there other than Continued on Page 4
The current Student Center fails to attract students with its dull cafeteria-esque desgin. Students confess to not seeing the appeal and anticipate changes catering to their interests
Column / Feature
Healthy, happy students: Tips on staying healthy Inhale, exhale, find your happy place with yoga By Rebecca Peters
Breathe in...and out. Ahh,
now wasn’t that nice? If you have ever been to a yoga class, or maybe tried a yoga lesson online, you know that breathing takes center stage in yoga. All of the breathing is sometimes the reason why people stop doing yoga, but it is essential to any successful workout, whether it be yoga,
jogging, or weight lifting. Maybe you went to a yoga class and thought you would feel more relaxed because of the breathing, but then realized you were getting your butt kicked by warrior 1 poses and breathing just wasn’t happening-more like grunting while holding your breathe. However, breathing will actually get you through those tough poses, and you will find that you can go deeper into your poses if you focus on breathing first and foremost and then go from there. You will often hear yoga instructors telling you to breath when you swear you have an earthquake happening inside your muscles, but if you try to breathe, you will shake less. Yoga is a different kind of exercise than what most people are used to. It is made to relax the mind through breathing and concentration and, in some forms, through mediation. But the flip side to that relaxing coin is that yoga is a really good workout. Not only is it relatively gentle on the body, but you are encouraged to work at your own pace.
Yoga is a workout where you can get the same benefits whether you are standing on your head or just letting your legs rest up against a wall. The whole thing is designed so that when your body is ready for the next step, you are also ready to challenge yourself into that next step. Yoga was first practiced in India almost 5,000 years ago. Since then, it has transformed into the hobby that we know in America today. You probably won’t find a true form of yoga in the states because honestly, it’s an intense workout. The religion that is behind yoga is a bit lost in translation when it comes to the western world, and for most people that’s ok. The idea of yoga is to transform yourself through the practice and allow yourself to be forgiving with your body. The scientific effects of yoga are astounding. It has been proven to lower blood pressure, promote weight loss, improve eating habits naturally, improve sleep patterns, curb chronic neck and lower back pain and helps to stave off diabetes. That’s just some of what it does for the body, but it does just as much for the brain. In a study published by the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 133 adults were polled, with ages ranging from 53-96. Those who practiced yoga 30 minutes a day, twice a week showed significant improvement in cognitive function. The equal breathing maximizes oxygen in the blood, transferring that extra oxygen to the brain and body. They also reported a drop in depressive moods. Regular yoga practice also decreases the hormone cortisol, which is a major contributor to anxiety, especially in women at risk for mental health problems.
In a new report presented at an Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) conference, 52 women, ages 25-45, who had mild levels of anxiety and depression said that after performing 90 minutes of yoga a day, twice a week, they felt better mood-wise, lost weight and felt they had more control over their anxiety. Ladies, it can also help reduce the symptoms of PMS. Hey, it’s worth a shot right? But listen guys, yoga is not designed for women only; it is just as hard of a workout for the men out there. Yoga is also meant to improve your self image. It is not designed like a regular workout class where you pump and push and sweat to death (although if you are doing yoga right, you should be sweating). It is designed to make you look deeper at yourself and push yourself-physically yes, but mostly mentally. The yoga workout starts in the mind. Set a goal for yourself, and reach for it in your 30-90 minute yoga practice. Challenge yourself, but don’t push past what your body is telling you is comfortable. If it hurts, it’s not yoga. A popular mantra in yoga is, “Find what feels good.” Love your body and honor the signals it is sending you. If you are in a good yoga class, you won’t feel intimidated by the person levitating next to you while you are in child’s pose. You will feel that you are where you need to be that day, and tomorrow is another chance to improve. Who knows, maybe one day you will be that levitating yogi, but today, walk your dog, be a happy baby and hang out in gorilla pose. You body and mind will thank you.
Shattering the GED stereotype
Successful student proves that it is never too late to succeed By Tracey Squaire
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or years, people who earned a General Education Diploma (GED) instead of a high school diploma have been seen as less intelligent than those who have gone the traditional schooling route. This idea stems from the belief that GED students are not smart enough to complete high school and that the GED is easier to obtain than a high school diploma. The truth is, the GED is neither easier nor harder than getting a high school diploma. Both routes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Getting the GED is less of a time commitment than completing high school is. It also offers those with a need to enter the job force right away a chance to do so. The GED consists of four tests: Social Studies, Science, Math and Language Arts. In order to take the
GED, students must be 16-years-old or older. To pass, they must score on a level that is the same or higher than 60% of recent high school graduates. This is no easy task, considering many of the students taking their GED tests at Pensacola State College are in their 20s and 30s, have full or part-time jobs and also have families to take care of. Sometimes, students looking to take the GED are as old as 64. The GED tests are no easy task for them. In 2013, around 1,000 students enrolled in GED preparation classes. Of those 1,000, around 150-200 typically passed and received their diplomas. One such student is Tawada English. English worked hard for six months studying for the GED before eventually completing all four tests in 2013. English,
who in the Spring of 2016, was the first member of her immediate family to attend and graduate from college, decided to take the GED because she wanted to further her education and be an example for her family, especially her grandchildren. English believes she benefitted a lot from taking the GED, stating that life experience showed her the importance of education.“When I received my GED, it was the foundation for where I am headed now. I realized that it is never too late to go back to school.” Academically, English has a 3.6 GPA. She is also in the TRIO organization and mentors young women who have an ambition to attend college. English will be attending Howard University majoring in Healthcare Management.
News
Summer 2016
Building 1 reconstruction Continued from page 1
family back in 1956, when the building was constructed, and it is primarily named after her. Baars and her family played a pivotal role in making property available for the college’s Pensacola campus when it was first being developed. PSC faculty and staff are eager for the elderly building to be demolished, rebuilt and upgraded. “The building has more than done its service to the college,” said Greg Bloxom, who has been teaching various math classes in the Baars building since 2003. “It passed its prime many years ago. The heating and AC are touch and go. The mold in the ceilings has us all coughing and sneezing and the sidewalks are cracking. The Baars building is approaching an unsafe status.” “I think that reconstructing building 1 is a great idea and a much needed renovation,” said LaRita Brigham, coordinator of the Pensacola campus L.I.F.E. Fitness Center, which is currently housed in the Baars building. “Our plans are to relocated the L.I.F.E. Fitness Center into a new facility behind or close to Hartsell Arena,” said Meadows. “This will occur prior to beginning construction of the Baars
Building. Moving the Life Fitness Center has been a part of our campus master plan for several years.” Brigham is excited for the Center to be relocated and upgraded. “I am completely thrilled that the Fitness center will receive all the updates that we desperately need in order to offer the students the opportunity to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle while receiving an education here at Pensacola State.” Another organization that is currently been housed in the Baars building is the Arc Gateway Program for Adult Learning and Support (PALS), which gives persons with disabilities the opportunity to learn in a college environment. “We believe Dr. Meadows and the staff at Pensacola State College are committed to excellence for both the students and our community,” said Dondie Roper, the director of the PALS program. “In order to deliver on this commitment, PSC has chosen to replace one of its oldest buildings, the Baars Building. While this is a costly endeavor, the enhanced learning offered through high-tech options, the potential financial savings of an energy-efficient building
Upcoming Events May 11: Summer classes begin (Sessions A & B) May 17: Kids’ College Open House College Center Pensacola Campus 4:30pm
June 6-7: Auditions for Crazy for You Ashmore Auditorium Pensacola Campus 8am June 9: Summer classes begin (Session C)
May 19-21: The Commons of Pensacola Ashmore Auditorium Pensacola Campus 7:30pm
June 15: Summer Job Fair Building 4000 Milton Campus 9am
May 22: The Commons of Pensacola Ashmore Auditorium Pensacola Campus 2:30pm
June 19: Father’s Day
May 26: Public Square Speaker Series: Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio Pensacola Campus 7pm
July 4: Independence Day
May 30: Memorial Day June 5-August 5: Kids’ College Camps & Sessions Pensacola Campus
and the smaller footprint left by the college are priceless.” Since the headquarters for the PALS program is located in the Baars building, it will have to be transported to another location on campus before the building demolition begins. “The PALS program will be housed either in mobile buildings or where we used to house the PACE Center for Girls,” said Meadows. “We will work with the PALS staff regarding their preference.” Even though Roper explained that the PALS program has felt honored to be housed in the most legendary building on the Pensacola campus, the staff is looking forward to the changes and improvements. “Over the years that the Baars building has been in use, many things have changed, including technology, energy efficiency and handicap access. A new building will provide facilities that are safe, comfortable and equipped with the latest technology. We hope to continue to be housed in the new building.” Bloxom has been waiting to see a new Baars building for quite awhile now, and is rather skeptical that the reconstruction will happen. “We’ve been promised a new
building since before I was hired. I will believe the new building when I see it.” “Aside from having outlived its usefulness, the new Baars Science and Technology Building will house many state-of-the-art facilities for new programs like cyber-security,” said Meadows. “It will ensure we continue to fulfill our mission to help train and educate our future workforce.” Currently, the plan is for construction of the new Baars building to begin in the summer or fall of 2017. The total project cost is estimated at $25 million. Corrections The April issue of The Corsair incorrectly identified Tramaine Williams. Williams is the president of the African American Association on the Pensacola campus. In the April issue’s Humans of PSC, student Stephanie Von Alven’s grandmother passed away 6 months ago rather than when Alven was 6 months old. Corsair writer Izzy McGowan’s name was incorrectly spelled in the April issue’s staff list. The Corsair wants to correct any error of fact. To contact the editor, call (850) 484-1458 or email corsair@pensacolastate.edu.
Words to Inspire “Music is the ultimate power, love is simply the message and the truth will set you free.”
Prince
(1958 - 2016)
June 23: Summer classes begin (Session D)
July 22-23 & July 29-30: Crazy for You Ashmore Auditorium Pensacola Campus 7:30pm July 24 & July 31: Crazy for You Ashmore Auditorium Pensacola Campus 2:30pm August 15: Fall classes begin (Sessions A & B)
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Feature
Student Center Overall, 37% of the students who were surveyed said that they would love to see student artwork on display in the Center. This improvement could easily be done, and it would not cost the college much money to do. 53% of the students surveyed would like it if the Center offered more activities for students to participate in. “We don’t have enough student activities,” said one student. “If we had Greek Life on campus I would love to participate.” 39% of students liked the idea of the Student Center holding open mic nights, and 26% liked the idea of board game nights. The Student Center offers a variety of board games that students are able to check out, but other than that
there are not many things that the Center has to offer to students in the form of entertainment. Dr. Paula Ingram, English and Journalism professor, recalls a time when pool tables resided in Building 5 for students to enjoy, but they were taken away due to advising needing a larger space in the building. Hill hopes that advising will be moved again in order to make that space a part of the upgraded Student Center. Hill also hopes that the college will be able to meet the students’ needs by improving the Student Center, making it a more welcoming place for students to be able to hang out and make new friends. With students’ continued input, PSC can have the Student Center it truly deserves.
What Students Want
63 58 53
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27
26 Board Game Nights
30
Soda Fountain
Better Vending Machines
31
More TV’s
36
Bean Bag Chairs
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Student Artwork
Open Mic Night
Ping Pong Tables
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Music
More Student Events
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Pool Tables
eat Subway.” One student said that the Center reminds them of a cafeteria, with another adding that it “looks lifeless and boring.” Another student said that they do not spend time there because it “could be cleaner” and there is “not much to do.” “[There is] nothing to really pique my interest,” said one student. “It’s just a Subway and tables, unless I need to talk to an adviser.” Another student’s response to why they don’t spend time in the Student Center was blatant but honest: “The Student Center is lame.” These negative views of the Student Center can hopefully be changed by adding some of the improvements that students want. A surprising amount of PSC students did not even know there was a Student Center on the Pensacola campus. One student’s response when asked if they spent time at the Student Center was, “What is it? I don’t even know.” “I just thought it was a cafeteria,” said another student. “I had no idea it was a Student Center. Signs would be nice.” 63% of the students surveyed said that they would like to see couches that are more comfortable in the Student Center, with 36% suggesting that bean bag chairs be added to the current seating arrangement. One of the students surveyed that they would particularly like to see some new, cleaner seating. With a large amount of students doing their homework and projects in the Student Center, having comfortable and clean seating options at their disposal is crucial. The Center’s dull appearance could easily be improved with some artwork, especially artwork from PSC students. “[The Student Center] needs to be cleaned up with a facelift, more art and student work needs to be around,” said one of the students who was surveyed.
Better Couches
Continued from page 1
Taking the roommate gamble
Rebounding from bad roommates, bonding with good roommates By Lauren Henderson
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here is the neat freak, the slob, the gamer, the partier, or even the know it all. Whichever type of roommate you land with, even though they may or may not be compatible with your living habits, don’t stress. College is one big learning experience, even outside of the classroom. Just relax and learn how to coexist. “I was excited about having a roommate, I love meeting new people,” said Daijah Brown, a freshman women’s basketball player here at Pensacola State College. Brown was lucky enough to get a great roommate who she is very compatible with. “We have no rules, no boundaries. We share everything. One time we caught the stove on fire trying to cook breakfast together. It was so funny.” Despite Brown’s ideal college roommate situation, she suggests that everyone who is considering getting a roommate should go into it with an open mind. “Just get to know your roommate and help each other out.” “I would definitely categorize my roommate as ‘The Gamer,’” said PSC freshmen basketball player Harrison Curry.
Curry had a roommate prior to coming to Pensacola State College, and he enjoys having a roommate. “You just have to establish rules right off the bat, and keeping everything equal is the best method when it comes to shopping and cleaning,” said Curry. “It can be tough sharing a bedroom at times. When he’s asleep in the room, and I have company over and need the room, we just compromise, meaning my guest and I sneak in and try not to wake my roommate.” Overall, Curry stressed that dividing all household duties equally and going out together to have fun is how you create a healthy relationship among roommates. Having a roommate isn’t so scary if you’re as lucky as Brown and Curry, but if you’re not so lucky then it’s a completely different story. Pensacola State College baseball player, Onassis Matos, and his roommate are not exactly a match made in heaven. “He comes in, he says hi, and then he goes to his room. I’m not over exaggerating; we don’t talk,” said Matos. “Sometimes I just catch him staring at the pantry. It’s just weird.”
Whether you and your roommate become lifelong friends or flat-out enemies, having a roommate is one of the many life lessons that attending college can teach you. Just keep some simple tips in the back of your head: 1. Keep an open mind and try to get to know your roommate. 2. Establish rules with your roommate from the beginning. 3. Share the housework equally or do it together. 4. Be able to communicate with your roommate when you have a problem with something. 5. Respect his or her belongings. 6. Be mindful of what and how many guests you have over. 7. Don’t worry too much. The worst that could happen is that you’re roomed with someone you’re not compatible with. 8. Make an effort to build a relationship with your roommate. Set time aside to do things together such as watch a movie, cook, or shop.
Humor
Summer 2016
Student success: tips on surviving college life How you can stay ahead throughout summer term By Tracey Squaire
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Summer B uc
f you’re reading this, it likely means that you were either desperate enough, foolish enough, or brave enough to take summer classes. Don’t worry, though, these quick tips will help you to survive the summer semester fully intact. First of all, don’t treat the summer semester like it’s a regular semester. It’s not. This is a fast paced, hit-youin-the-face kind of semester, so be prepared to toughen up because you’ll be working hard. Classes can last between an hour and 35 minutes to three hours and 20 minutes, depending on what session and classes you choose to take. If you decide to take more than one class at the same time, you’re going to be looking at a lot of warm summer days spent inside of cold classrooms. Don’t underestimate summer classes. Be cautious, especially if it is your first time taking summer classes. They can be harder than you think, and you can burn out quickly if you’re not prepared. You might think it’ll be easy going, but the summer semester is just a regular semester condensed into a few short weeks. So, if you feel overwhelmed during a regular semester, plan ahead even more so than usual for this fast paced semester. That way, you will have more time to do work without having to stay up until 2am every night with your textbooks and laptop. Say goodbye to your free time. If you’re taking summer classes, that means you’re serious about school.
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That means pretty much everything else will be taking a backseat for the few weeks that you are in class. Instead of lamenting over your loss of freedom, just be thankful for the fact that classes don’t last the whole summer. You’ll be relaxing on the beach with friends in a few short weeks as reward for all of the hard work you did, and you will be that much closer to earning your degree. Be aware of deadlines; they’re much closer than you realize. When your teacher assigns you homework in the summer, it’s due the next day! Don’t put off doing the homework or studying. You’ll regret it, especially when you realize how little time you actually have. Summer semesters are either six or twelve weeks, so you could be having midterms with only three weeks to prepare. If that happens, you’ll really wish you hadn’t binged the latest episodes of “House of Cards” on Netflix instead of studying. Take care of yourself. School is important, but taking care of yourself is even more important. You won’t be doing yourself any favors if you pass out from exhaustion. Remember to stay hydrated during the hot, summer days. Be sure to bring lots of food to eat; classes last a long time in summer and your stomach will surely be complaining by the end of the day. You don’t want to be stuck eating Subway four days a week. Summer classes might seem scary at first, but if you’re dedicated to studying and keep these tips close at hand, you’ll be fine. One last tip: anticipate rain and bring your umbrella. Here in Florida, a summer downpour can occur when you least expect it.
what to expect in SUMMER SCHOOL 5 MILES AHEAD
GRAPHIC BY NICOLE DURST
t s i tl Learn how to cook something Meet someone new Write something Complete a project Have a beach party
Have a summer photoshoot Go kayaking
Binge watch a show
Focus on healthy living Relax on the beach
Have a water fight
Spend quality time with the family Watch the sunrise Relax under a tree
Build a sand castle
Have a pool party
Do yoga
Volunteer
Go on a roadtrip
See a movie
Connect with a long lost friend
GRAPHIC BY KATHERINE CHEN
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Feature
Stay fit at PSC’s L.I.F.E. Fitness Centers; Keep mind, body active Fitness centers offer convenient, free health opportunities By Jennifer Tonnaer
The Warrington campus L.I.F.E Fitness Center offers a variety of fitness equipment to both students and the community. PHOTO BY CASSANDRA FANFAN
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ensacola State College’s L.I.F.E. Fitness Centers are a gym facilities with locations on the Milton, Pensacola and Warrington campuses. They are available to employees, students and community members alike to use, allowing for a safe and convenient workout. The main goals of the Fitness Centers are to bring Lifestyle Improvement and Fitness Education to the community, giving the center it’s name (L.I.F.E). LaRita Brigham, the L.I.F.E. Fitness Center’s coordinator on the Pensacola campus, explained that the Center not only acts as a gym that is open to members throughout various hours of the day, but is also used for the Concepts of Life Fitness course, a three credit hour class that PSC offers.
“The class teaches students how to come in and use the equipment properly, and they also learn about different health issues,” said Brigham. Signing-up for the course is only one option that enables a person to use the Fitness Center; the second option is to simply register for the Center’s orientation session. Interested individuals can sign up for it by using the course number R04606. After registering, a student pays a one-time fee of $20 and schedules a time to go into any of the three Fitness Centers, where they will then have their blood pressure, weight, height and Body Mass Index (BMI) recorded. This information allows members to keep track of their progress over time and also ensures that it is safe for them to workout. The orientation includes a rundown on how to use all of the equipment in the facility. The orientation will allow a student to use any of the three fitness centers for free, as long as they are taking at least three credit hours. “Membership lasts as long as you are a student here at PSC, taking at least three credit hours per semester. Should a student move or transfer, that’s when the free membership ends. If they would like to continue, they can pay a price of $70 per semester to continue to use it once they’re no longer a student.” Brigham encourages students to take advantage of the new orientation system and join, adding that the variety of options the facility has to offer pays for itself. “We have a great line of cardio equipment, and we have a great line of resistance equipment. We also have lab techs on duty. The techs have their degrees, bachelor’s
Decorate Your SPACE
and master’s, in sports science and exercise science, and they are here at all times to help the students with any questions they may have while working out.” According to Butch Branch, the L.I.F.E. Center coordinator for the Milton campus, the L.I.F.E. Center’s mission is to provide knowledge to PSC students, faculty, staff and the community about the importance of good lifestyle habits and behaviors. Branch feels that it is important for people to take notice of their health and take action in ensuring a healthy life. “All students need to start assessing their current health and fitness levels and think about getting in better health, not just for now, but for their entire lives.” Branch also mentioned that staying healthy and fit could help with studying, better sleep, better eating habits and higher confidence levels; the way a person treats their health now will definitely show in time. “I have always believed and said that people cannot truly appreciate their good health until they experience illness or injury. Often times after experiencing a traumatic injury or life threatening illness, people begin to recognize the importance of good health. Never take good health for granted,” said Branch. “I would love to see more of the student population coming in and using the facility. It’s a great opportunity for students to use while they’re here earning a degree.” For more information, contact LaRita Brigham at lbrigham@pensacolastate.edu, (850) 484-1310 Butch Branch at bbranch@pensacolastate.edu, (850) 4844491 or Edith Fox at efox@pensacolastate.edu, (850) 484-2293. Or, stop by your local L.I.F.E. Center located on one of the three PSC campuses and see what it has to offer.
Join us for the 26th Annual
Vinyl Cds DVDs Retro
Mid Century Mod Why Why
Buy New?
Previously Loved Goods of All Kinds
Kitchy
Vintage Clothing Why The
Vintage Stuff
Place to Shop Vintage Prices
Ki d s’ege l in Summer 2016 l o C More than 50 courses • Flexible schedule
Three age groups (Ages 6–12) • Safe environment
Parent’s Open House • May 17 • 4:30–6:30 p.m. • PSC, Bldg. 96, Rm. 9663 Call 850-484-1797 • Visit www.pensacolastate.edu/ce
3721 W Navy Blvd. 455-7377 Tues-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 A Place You Can Bring Your Parents!
Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the college’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity/Title IX Officer at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.
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Feature
Summer 2016
From Mars to Pensacola: Local band impacts music scene Two students succeed through their original punk music By Izzy McGowan
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ALBUM COVER PROVIDED BY DFM
urrent Pensacola State College students Drew Coats (18) and Brandon Ballard (19) are more than just the average first-year college dudes. These two are supporting themselves through the power of music and, better yet, their own band. Fueled by their mutual hatred of the county school system and love for Pabst Blue Ribbon, the two created Dicks From Mars. Dicks From Mars (DFM), a self acclaimed DIY punk band are a renowned duo from Pensacola, Florida. Consisting of Coats (vocals and guitar) and Ballard (drums), these two take the elements of punk and rock and morph
them together with their own eccentric tastes. Playing at venues such as The Handlebar and Sluggos, these two have gotten their name out into the public-but-underground eye, attracting more than their fair share of loyal fans. DFM can be described as gritty and beyond the stereotypical “anti-government” style band. Their overall stage presence draws you in by their skater style persona, which is a stark contrast to their usual audience of people. Lyrics containing the downside of high school and teen angst has a welcoming feeling to whoever waltzes into the venue. By the second song everyone is moshing away with beer in hand to the fast riffs and strong vocals until the set is over. Together since their freshmen year of high school, DFM knew they were interested in starting their own punk band when inspired by 80s punk band The Dead Milkmen. “We picked punk because it’s easy to play,” said Coats. “It’s also fun to record.” Having an impact on the local music scene, Coats and Ballard have contributed by going against the grain. They have also impacted other artists by showing them that starting a band isn’t hard. “Just find people who are into the same things you are and roll with it,” said Ballard. “It’s all about having a good time.” The overall energy between the duo welcomes outsiders and breaks the stigma of needing to be a certain style to listen to and enjoy their music.
The duo’s favorite memory so far comes from when they played a house show. “Some drunk girl was moshing really close to us and face planted into Brandon’s drum set. We didn’t know whether or not to stop playing,” said Coats. Their first album, titled Harder, was released only a year ago, featuring the band in their rawest form in live performances. Each song on the album is not auto tuned or perfected, but instead real with all the flaws intact. DFM is planning to release a new album in the future, which will be recorded completely on an old cassette player to keep their style low-key. Coats and Ballard want to achieve more musically and academically within their few years at PSC. “To anyone doubting their abilities, just remember that anything is possible as long as you give it a shot,” said Ballard. The two hope to tour again this summer in Florida, and to other states such as Texas and Georgia. Their earlier tour, which was just throughout the state of Florida, lasted for two weeks during spring break. DFM hopes to make their next trip more memorable than the last and to gain new experiences along the way. To learn more about DFM, visit their website at http:// dicksfrommars.bandcamp.com/ or like their Facebook page, Dicks From Mars.
Purple tears flow worldwide for Prince By Gary Bogers
P
rince has died. Three words the world never saw coming, yet that’s exactly what happened on the morning of April 21, 2016, at the singer’s Paisley Park estate in Minneapolis. It is hard to believe that an artist so prolific and so captivating, at a prime time in his life, would live such a short existence, considering the man had already been through his share of creative “lifetimes” over his nearly four decade long musical career. I always felt that Prince would go on to record and perform up until his elderly years got the better of him, but like the rest of the world, I found his death was a rude awakening in a long list of unexpected musical deaths to occur in the first four months of 2016. Lemmy Kilmister, Glenn Frey, Sir George Martin, Merle Haggard and, of course, the legendary David Bowie have all passed away this year, resulting in some of the most devastating losses the music world has seen in quite some time. However, there was something truly horrific regarding the passing of “The Purple One” that made his death so difficult to bear; he was not just a pop star; he was also a great musician. Arguments could be made for any of the artists mentioned above as to whether they were necessarily “great” musicians. After all, each artist changed the musical landscape in their own special way and helped pave the way for what made the musical output of the 20th century so brilliant. Martin was widely regarded as the fifth beatle due to his startling contributions to the “Fab Four’s” music. Haggard brought the Bakersfield sound to Nashville airwaves. Frey helped make The Eagles one of the most wildly successful bands of all time. Lemmy helped pioneer the Thrash/Speed Metal genre. Bowie dabbled in a wide variety of genres and lent his talents primarily to his songwriting and vocal abilities. However, take all of the abilities of the artists mentioned above and you get one result--Prince. His ability to produce for a wide variety of artists (Martin), write indisputable pop juggernauts (Frey) while maintaining his great storytelling abilities (Haggard), seamlessly sailing through a wide variety of genres (Bowie) and absolutely blowing the roof off the place with his axe wielding abilities (Lemmy) are what made him not just a musical icon, but possibly one of the greatest musical geniuses to ever live. Thousands tried to imitate him, and some wanted to “be” him, but they all failed because of one
indisputable fact: there was only one Prince. As any of Prince’s fans could tell you, his creative output was absolutely stunning and rivaled that of his contemporaries. Releasing over 30 albums throughout his career, Prince shifted musical styles among multiple genres, from the sparse funk of “Prince,” the pop domination of “1999 “and “Purple Rain,” all the way up to his sprawling masterpiece, the mind bending, genre defying “Sign O’ the Times.” Never did it seem like he was trying too hard to copy the sounds of his influences or fellow musicians. He simply took the artists that inspired him the most and infused them into a sound that was, and still is, completely new and original. In “When Doves Cry” (the biggest, and best, hit from his blockbuster album “Purple Rain”), he decided to eliminate the bass line to create a sparse, funky little number that changed the face of 80s music. It was like nothing anyone had ever heard before, as was “Purple Rain,” which is widely regarded as the greatest film soundtrack of all time (winning two Grammys and an Oscar in the process). So, it’s not just the fact that Prince was able to make music that was legions ahead of its time that made him such an indisputable genius. It’s that he was able to bring his work to the masses and give people a sound that kept the world under one catchy, sexy, ultraviolet (or in this case, purple) groove. Pure genius. ILLUSTRATION BY KATHERINE CHEN
7
Feature
Second annual PirateFest brings family, frie
Above: Basketball player Xana Dove shows her moves, dancing to the Cha Cha Slide. Upper Left: Student Gloria-Ann Wingmire goes for a ride on the popular Mobile Zipline. Many activities were provided on the college’s track from 10am to 2pm.
Above: Pirate Fest, held on April 23rd, generously provided food for guests. One of the many free treats at the event included cotton candy.
Top: Officer Rodney Rani volunteers in the dunking tank. Proceeds raised for the cause during the event. Above: One of the most popular things at the event were the free sn
Feature
Summer 2016
ends together for end-of-year celebration
s went to PSC’s Food Pantry. $105 was
now cones provided by Kona Ice.
Above: Nate Benge (lower left), Jeromy Brown (left), Nate Mathis (middle) and Austin Mcghee (right) from the Video Game Club provide video games for event goers to enjoy. Fourteen clubs and organizations participated in the event.
Top: Students and community guests participate in an active game of Knocker Balls. With the goal of being the last one standing, guests compete to knock each other down. Above: Astronomy professor Mr. Wooten demonstrates how to use a telescope for PirateFest guests. PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY BOGERS & MONICA WILSON
9
Reviews
BLOCKBusters
To See This Summer! By Gary Bogers
Summertime has arrived, which means it’s time for film fans everywhere to begin predicting which films will make it big at the box-
office this season. Last year saw high flying superheroes (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”), apocalyptic feminists (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), CGI Raptors (“Jurassic World”), and flat out duds (we’re looking at you “Terminator Genisys”). They all shared the screen in what was one of the most eventful summer blockbusters in recent memory, taking in an estimated $4,460,846,432 according to Box Office Mojo. To prepare our devoted readers, I’ve compiled a list of the most highly anticipated films coming out this summer so that you all have an idea of which films should be seen and, most importantly, which films shouldn’t be seen.
1 Ghostbusters
Okay, so there’s a lot of skepticism surrounding this 2016 reboot of the 1984 classic, but instead of focusing on what made the original great, we should be focusing on the talents of the all-star ensemble cast. SNL alumni Kristen Wiig, Kate Mckinnon and Lesslie Jones team up with Oscar nominee Melissa Mccarthy to breathe some fresh air into the campy, slime-infested franchise that started it all. With out-of-this-world special effects, a new Ecto-1 and, of course, plenty of brand new ghosts for the team to go after, the film is bound to please those who love the series. Whether this film will successfully introduce a whole new generation of film fans to the original franchise is still up for debate, but one thing is for sure: prepare to get slimed.
2 Alice Through the Looking Glass Tim Burton’s first venture into the world of Lewis Carroll was his 2010 film adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” which, more or less, was a bit iffy in most parts due to the overuse of CGI animation, subpar acting and overtly extravagant visuals. Despite these aspects, Burton has made a sequel to his film based on Carroll’s second Alice book “Through the Looking Glass” and it’s bound to rake in just as much money as the first film. With the same cast and visual style of the 2010 film, maybe there’ll be some salvageable aspects of the film, but not enough to deem it worthy of its release.
3 Captain America: Civil War In what is by far the most highly anticipated film of summer 2016, everyone’s favorite American patriot returns for the first time since “Avengers: Age of Ultron” to fight those who are closest to him--his fellow Avengers. It’s Captain America vs. Iron Man (played by the always great Robert Downey Jr.) in a high stakes battle to save the world from total destruction. From the looks of the trailer, we’ll get some killer action to boot. With a talented cast that includes Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner, plus the return of brothers Anthony and Joe Russo in the director’s chair, this film is bound to be one of the very best of the year.
4 Finding Dory After the monster success of 2003’s animated classic “Finding Nemo,” you’d think that a sequel would follow shortly thereafter that continued the adventures of everyone’s favorite aquatic friends, Marlin, Dory and, of course, Nemo. After fifteen years of patiently waiting, we’ve finally got one, and from the looks of it things are about to get pretty interesting. Instead of focusing on the antics of Marlin’s whiney son Nemo, the film focuses on the world’s most forgetful fish, Dory, who is going through a personal crisis and embarking on a journey to try and find her estranged family. Sure the jokes will be campy, and the script probably a bit cliché, but one thing’s for sure--Dory’s back, and I couldn’t be happier.
5 Angry Birds Ask yourself one question: “Why even bother?”
Reviews
Summer 2016
App Reviews
Shoebox is a useful app that everyone can use to Whether create more storage on your electronic device, such as your phone or tablet. It can store photos, documents, music and memos all within the app for you. This can clear up much-needed space on your phone without having to delete it all for good. Without the worry of your device crashing or ending up lost, this puts the user at ease. All important information can be accessed either on the device or on your computer for safe measure. Within the app, photos are organized by date and time, which makes looking at your memories much easier, or you can organize all your information into different albums to keep track of your important files. Then you can easily share the album securely with family, professors and friends. This app is available in the Apple App Store and is free, but it does offer in-app purchases such as more memory if needed. Shoebox saves the hassle of dealing with storage extras like iCloud and makes storage more user friendly. - Izzy Mcgowan
you’ve been in the kitchen for five minutes or fifty years, the cooking app Big Oven is the app for you. This app provides you with step-by-step directions and a list of all of the ingredients needed for every recipe. With over 350,000 tasty recipes, a calendar to schedule meals and a checklist for grocery shopping, Big Oven is convenient and easy to use. You have tons of menus to choose from when looking for a meal, and each of those menus is broken down into smaller categories. Big Oven’s most fascinating feature is how you can use your leftovers and make them into new meals so nothing goes to waste. You can either click on the category that says leftovers and recipes that last for two days will appear, or you can go to the search bar and type in three ingredients that you have, and different meals will come up. This app keeps thousands of recipes and keeps your grocery list all on your phone, which makes it easily accessible to accommodate for anyone’s busy lifestyle. - Lauren Henderson
W
ith the erratic weather changes that occur so frequently in Florida, it’s not out of the ordinary to check the weather once more before committing to an outfit. In this digital age, the quickest way for anyone to check the weather is by using their cell phones. Weather Puppy is an app that does just this, but with a little something extra. This app not only shows the current weather, but also displays pictures of absolutely heart melting puppies of all kinds. Weather Puppy is free in the app store for iPhones, and is also available for androids and on Google Play store. It comes with 2 free themes, and for 99 cents you can add more themes to your collection. In addition you will receive the Add Your Own Doggy theme in which you can use your own 4-legged friend’s photos to display with your current weather status. Any money that you spend on themes is donated to animal-related charities. With this app you can be sure to know the exact weather conditions. Don’t worry, cat lovers. They have got you covered with Weather Kitty, also available for free download today. - Dianne Garcia
Game Review: Bastion
“B
astion” is an indie, action roleplaying game that immerses the player into a world that has been broken apart by unknown hands. An event, called The Calamity, has destroyed the Bastion, leaving few survivors left in its wake. The main character, known only as “The Kid,” must go on a journey to discover and recover special cores that serve as the heart of each city and take them to the heart of the Bastion to help restore it to its former glory. To do this, he must battle feral creatures that are shades of what they once were, face the ghosts of his former life and traverse a broken landscape that rebuilds itself around him as he discovers
each new area. The game offers some diverse weapon options such as a repeater, a bow and a machete, each of which adds a new element to the game. The Kid must find the right combination of weapons, elixirs, special powers and allies that will allow him to successfully complete his quest. The beautifully narrated story of “Bastion” is really what makes it stand out as a classic. The narrator’s engaging voice guides The Kid on his journey while at the same time flowing seamlessly through the events, giving players a look into how the world was before the Calamity and also revealing relevant information about each area The Kid visits. The use of narration in this game really defines how narration should be used in modern gaming. While the game is overall very linear, the ending presents a supremely thought provoking question to players that will leave them pondering whether or not they chose the right answer. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars. “Bastion” is available to play on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux and Mac OS. -Tracey Squaire
11
Feature
UWF transfer program provides students with benefits
Transferring made easy: “The program takes a lot off of the student’s plate” By Jennifer Tonnaer
M
any students attend community colleges like Pensacola State College with the intention of later transferring to a university. One of the most popular choices in our area is the University of West Florida. The things is, adding in the task of applying as a transfer student, having to pay an application fee and making sure all transcripts are turned in can be a daunting task, especially since it only piles onto all the responsibilities a student already holds. However, what students may not know is that PSC and UWF have teamed up to create a program that makes transferring easier, with the benefits it has to offer. This program is called the PSC2UWF program, and it is designed to guarantee students’ admission to UWF, specifically students who are earning an AA degree at PSC and plan on earning a bachelor’s at UWF. There are several benefits the program has to offer, with the main one being that the program makes transferring easier for students who are planning to attend UWF. For transferring benefits, the program makes it so that those involved do not have to pay an application fee when admitted. Furthermore, the transfer of important documents such as academic records and courses from PSC to UWF is made convenient for the students. “The program takes a lot off of [the student’s] plate
so they don’t have to worry about checking in on their progress constantly, and they don’t have to worry about finding money for it or getting their transcripts from other schools,” said program coordinator Kara Torres. “It just takes the burden of transferring off of those eligible students.” The benefits offered by the program don’t only apply to students when transferring. Students enrolled in the program are also offered privileges such as being able to attend the library at both PSC and UWF, and they even have access to UWF services. The reason PSC2UWF students have this privilege is because the program allows students to obtain a UWF student number, nautilus card and email, which allows students to access the benefits of UWF while still attending PSC. To be eligible for the program, a student must be pursuing an AA at PSC and plan to pursue a bachelor’s at UWF. They can’t have taken a course at UWF before, and must not hold a bachelor’s degree. It is also required for students to have completed 45 hours or less in an AA degree program to be eligible for the program, but even if a student is already halfway to 45 hours of credits earned they are still eligible to join. “So long as you’re registered for courses at PSC, you have less than 45 credit hours and you are pursuing an AA degree, you are eligible to apply, even if you plan on coming to UWF within a couple of semesters or a couple of years,” said Torres. “We’ll accept your application for
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the program, we’ll put you into the system, you’ll be able to receive a UWF ID number, you’ll get instructions to get your nautilus card that will allow you access to our gym facilities, library facilities and student events on campus. It’s open to any students that are in an AA degree program regardless of where they may be in their program.” No payment is required to register and join--students simply needs to fill out a 2UWF Joint Admissions Agreement & Declaration of Past Conduct to see if they qualify, which can be found on the UWF website. The program itself was made to make the process of transferring easier for both the faculty and students, and it strives to make the process of moving on to a university more comfortable for newcomers. “Just having that communication with potential students who are interested in coming to UWF makes it easier for us,” said Torres, “and we understand that this may be their first institution for some students, so transferring over may be daunting. It’s a way to guarantee that students are going to come in and feel confident about the program they want to be admitted in.” To find out more information on the program and how to apply, visit the PSC2UWF page at http://www.pensacolastate.edu/psc2uwf/ or contact the onsite director, Kara Torres, at ktorres@uwf.edu or (850) 857-6062.
Feature
Summer 2016
Looking for family away from home? Join The Corsair!
Gain experience, improve resume, make friends by joining Corsair team I
n this day and age, it can be difficult for college students to juggle both school and work. If they can manage to balance a life that consists of both homework and a job, it can be difficult for them to find a job that is rewarding and offers them a professional environment. If you are a PSC student who is currently looking for a job, or simply looking for something new to do, then consider joining The Corsair’s team. The Corsair can provide students with the chance to interact and communicate with fellow students, PSC faculty and members of the community on a professional level. It can also give students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in the media and journalism industries. “I wanted to have more experience with speaking, asking questions and interviewing people,” said writer and photographer Monica Wilson. “It is a great experience with the media industry. You will gain hands-on experience. It will strengthen your communication skills and give you confidence with writing and interviewing people. Plus, being on the staff of a studentrun newspaper will be a great addition to any resume.” If you do not have any experience working in media or in journalism, you can still join the team. There are various jobs available for students, and over time they might find that they are interested in expanding their role. “When I first started out, the only thing I was doing was posting on the Corsair’s Instagram page, but there are so many things to do,” said staff member Victoria Palasciano. “I have helped with photography, posting on social media, editing, writing headlines and writing stories.” Contrary to what people might think, the Corsair is not just looking for students who are journalism majors. In fact, a majority of the Corsair’s 2015-2016 staff were pursuing degrees that were not related to journalism-engineering majors, dental hygiene majors, pre-nursing majors, business majors, general studies majors and history majors were just as common as English and journalism majors. “You don’t have to be good at writing or be interested in journalism career in order to join and gain valuable experience with the Corsair,” said writer Jennifer Tonnaer. “You’ll get to work with a great team, experience deadlines and exercise both creative and critical thinking, while learning a lot of lessons along the way. Most importantly, you’ll have a lot of fun and meet a lot of amazing people!” The social aspect is one of the things that people seem to enjoy the most about working for the Corsair. “My favorite thing has been the people I’m working with,” said Bara’ah Jaraiseh, the Corsair’s creative director.
“Everyone is so talented and they make it a great environment.” “My favorite thing has been the people. It is a very fun and supportive environment,” said writer Brad Andrews. “My favorite things about the Corsair are the people you meet, the experience you get and the friendships you make,” said Tonnaer. “My favorite thing about the Corsair is being able to work on a team with all of us working towards the same goal: informing students,” said Palasciano. “The Corsair is a great place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to belong,” said writer and photographer Tracey Squaire, who will be the next editor-in-chief. “Even if you aren’t a writer, there are other jobs the Corsair can offer you.” If you want to join the team or learn more, you can send an email to corsair@ pensacolastate.edu, call (850) 484-1458, or stop by the newsroom in building 96, room 9655. “Don’t have any second thoughts [about joining], jump right in,” said writer Jamir Sellers. “The valuable lessons I learned about how the press worked and how to meet deadlines and the people I met while interviewing and covering stories just cannot be beat. I loved everything about it and hope the future generations of reporters, and photographers enjoy their time too.”
The Corsair Staff meets at least once a week, and holds monthly workdays to work on print issues.
Sports writer Jamir Selles interviews athlete Miles Fore at a Corsair press conference.
Writer Tracey Squaire interviews athlete Johnell Ginnie. The Corsair offers students opportunities to improve their communication skills and confidence.
Corsair staff members at a journalism conference in New York city. Staff members have the opportunity to attend conferences around the country.
Weekly meetings lead to creative brainstorming sessions and bring the staff members closer. “My favorite thing has been the people. It is a very fun and supportive enviroment,” said Brad Andrews.
Staff members spend a lot of time writing headlines and captions in the newsroom.
Corsair staff members pass out recent print issue at their recruitment table at the spring semester’s Club Rush event. The Corsair is always looking for new people to join the team. 13
Sports
Saying farewell to talented athletes
Pirate athletes to continue collegiate careers at universities A
s the spring, 2016 semester came to an end, Pensacola State College bids farewell to graduating sophomore athletes, eleven of whom have committed to play on university teams. “We are always so proud of our graduating athletes,” said Bill Hamilton, who is the director of athletics and head baseball coach. “Long term success is the backbone of our jobs, and it thrills me when we get to see the results of the students’ hard work towards those types of goals.” The athletes shared some of their favorite memories and experiences as PSC Pirates.
Athletes discuss future plans going on to universities. The future graduates talk about their success at the sports conference held by the Corsair.
“I had two offers [from colleges] right after high school. It was PSC and another community college in Alabama. I attended each conference, and PSC’s conference was better. I wanted to play the best, so PSC was the choice.We play against the best competition. There are multiple guys in my current conference, that are going to the same conference I’ll be in next year. I’m playing guys that I’ll see later in my career. The competition has definitely been great. The coaches have helped me tremendously. They gave me the opportunity to pitch this year, and allowed me to go out there even after I struggled my freshman year. I got the Hunter Kiel: Baseball opportunity to “start”, which was a newer thing for me. They really pushed me in that. One of my favorite memories from my time at PSC is the memory of the first day I got here. Seeing all the faces, all the new guys, and I was like, “Oh my gosh.” I was really scared, but now I know all these guys. They’re all my buddies; they’re my best friends for life. I will be attending LSU.”
“The main reason I chose PSC as a starting point for my baseball career is because it was very close to home. I’m from Daphne, so it’s not that long of a trip, and my best friend also committed here and I wanted to continue playing ball with him. It just seemed like a good fit. I’ve met my best friends here, and it’s been great to work with them every day. Also, the Panhandle Conference is like the SEC, the pitching is on a different level, and I really have to be on my A-game. I plan on going to New Orleans University after PSC because, as I said before, it’s close to home. You can’t beat being in New Orleans, and it is just an Chase Crump: Baseball overall great fit for me. I am glad I came to PSC, because as a player I was able to grow. My swinging and throwing got a lot better and Coach Larkins and Coach Little are the best coaches out there. We work every day, and without them we really wouldn’t be working. They just stay on us, They know what they’re talking about. I’ve had a great time here.”
Sports
Summer 2016 “I was actually a transfer student from University of South Carolina. I was looking for a good junior college to play and develop with, and PSC was the best choice. I have gotten a lot of time out on the mound to kind of mature and get better as a player. I Jackson Smith: Baseball have made so many good friends, and the memories I have with them is more than you can describe or talk about. They are now my lifelong friends. I plan on continuing my athletic career at the University of West Florida.”
“I originally chose PSC because of the location. I wanted to be by the beach, and it just seemed like a good community. Being a PSC athlete has given me an entry level into the level of college playing and showing me what sports are like on the college level. The Jamesia Edmond: Volleyball coaches have helped me a lot by pushing me both on the court and in the classroom. One of my favorite memories from my time at PSC is when we won Conference. That was pretty nice, pretty exciting. I’ll be attending the University of Montevallo.”
“PSC gave me
“I chose PSC because I felt that PSC gave me a great opportunity to play, and the coach really made me feel comfortable when I came to visit. One of the benefits of having Coach Pena as a coach is that he pushes you the extra mile, no matter what Johnall Ginnie: Basketball it is, whether it’s on or off the court. The best memory I have is when we beat Northwest Florida here in our gym. It has definitely been a great two years here. I never thought I would become the player I’ve become, or do what I’ve done, or meet the people that I’ve met and played with. I feel that it’s been a great journey, and hopefully it’ll carry on to where I go next year, which will be the University of North Alabama.”
“The reason I chose PSC really was to get better and get looked at by other universities, and I was able to show them what I was made of. I feel as if it wasn’t just the coaches that pushed me to be better, but it was also my teammates Taylor Kasper: Volleyball always wanting me to progress as a player and as a person, you know? Skillwise, I also understand the game better now at both a physical and a mental level. My favorite memory here is when we won Conference on our home court. It was sophomore night and it was a really great feeling for me to win and go out with a bang. I will be attending Cumberland University.”
“I was actually going to another college before I chose PSC, but I basically followed Coach Larkins here because he was my biggest recruiter, and I wanted to play with him as my coach. While being an athlete at PSC I have matured both Miles Fore: Baseball as a player and an individual. The coaching aspect has been great, and with my current overall skills and abilities, I’m very satisfied with my playing now. One of my favorite memories here is when I hit a game winner against Northwest, that was very awesome feeling. I plan to go to Missouri Baptist University after I graduate from PSC, and I would like to say good luck to the next generation of players coming through here.”
“Playing at PSC has prepared me physically. I had to workout all the time while I perfected my game. In the classroom, I just do whatever I have to do to compete. I chose PSC because of the coaches and the atmosphere. It was like a family. When I came on my visit, Mercedes Suarez: Basketball everyone was friendly and welcoming. I have definitely improved as a player since becoming a Pirate. When I first came here I noticed everyone on the team around me was strong, and with me being a freshman, I had to work really hard to get to the level they were at. All of my coaches have helped me, every single one. They have never turned their back on me. I’m undecided on which university I will be attending at the moment, but I have a lot of choices to choose from.”
“It was a great opportunity for me here at PSC I loved the system and the coaches, and it all has helped me to feel as if I could play great basketball and be a leader to my teammates. The coaches here helped me mentally and got me prepared for my Hassani Gravett: Basketball next year at playing basketball at the University of South Carolina. One of my favorite memories is when I hit the game winner against TCC. I would like to add that any student athletes looking into PSC should choose it, because it’s like a family here. You’ll definitely feel the love.”
“The main reason I chose PSC is because it had a family-feel to it, and it reminded me of high school. Being an athlete here has helped me get stronger, and it has helped me to get mentally tough for the next level. I think coaching-wise my coaches have been Jamal Thomas: Basketball excellent. They have helped by staying on me, making sure I do what is right and encouraging me to keep a good work ethic. I have great memories from the retreats we used to go on; the bonding was great. I plan on finishing up my collegiate career at Charleston Southern University.
the opportunity to play
softball in a beautiful place like Pensacola. The coaches have done a great job coaching. They pushed me in the classroom and on the field so that it bettered me not only as a player, but as a person too. They’ve also really believed in me when I Cheyenne Robert: Softball didn’t believe in myself, so that’s the biggest thing that they’ve done for me. One of my favorite memories is when I made state playoffs my freshmen year, that whole experience was cool. I plan on going to Lion College in Batesville Arkansas.”
15
Summer 2016
Humans of Pensacola State College Staff Editors-in-Chief Kimberly Bogers Tracey Squaire Creative Director Bara’ah Jaraiseh
Rosie White Non-Degree Seeking Why aren’t you pursuing a major? I already have a BA in French and History, plus a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a License in Mental Health Counseling in the state of Florida. The reason I’m at PSC is to take the required 6 credit hours to reinstate my k-12 teacher certification. For over 19 years I have taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels and have been a guidance counselor at all three levels. What’s next for you? My plan here in Pensacola is to continue part-time counseling, serve as an adjunct professor in the areas of teaching, social work and counseling preparation and possibly teach French. I want to be an example and motivator for students of any age that no matter what their past experiences are, they can be and do whatever they choose. What is your biggest motivation? I truly want to continue to make the proverbial difference in people’s lives as many individuals have done in mine. Without my faith and belief system, I’m convinced I would have accomplished very little of value in my life.
Dr. Chris Duncan Professor If you could pick a song to describe your life, what would it be? Luis Armstrong, What a Beautiful World. I mean it’s Satchmo, need I say more? What’s Something That Makes You Feel Nostalgic? Being here on campus and seeing all of the students. It makes me wish I was a student again. What are you most excited about for teaching here at PSC I love Pensacola and I get to be around my grandkids. I like that I’m still in my timezone. I’m from San Antonio, so I’m still in Central time. I’m excited to teach here, it’s nice.
Alberto Bretado Biology Major
Betsey Weere Professor
How Do You Cheer Someone Up? I’d look at what their situation is and try to let them know that they’re doing a lot better than they realize. I’d help them see the positive side of things, let them know they’re on a journey to enter a better situation. What do you do to cheer yourself up? I try to keep things in perspective and realize it’s just life, and whatever I’m going through I’m going to be all right. What is your favorite comfort food? The first thing that comes to mind is chorizo and egg tacos. My mother always made it. She used to make it in the mornings, and now it’s something I make for myself sometimes. What ice cream flavor would you be? Chocolate because it’s complex and simple at the same time.
What did you want to be when you were a child? When I was a little girl I thought the two coolest things in the world were to drive a car and smoke. So when I was in 9th grade my teacher asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I said I wanted to be a lady smoking-cab driver! And it horrified my guidance counselor, and it horrified my mother. When did you decide you wanted to teach? When I was in 11th grade they had a special vocational program for child development. You spent one period of the day in the classroom and one in the child care center. I figured it would be an easy A. The child development class wasn’t simple but it was interesting, and playing with the kids made me want to be a kindergarten teacher. So, I was just one of those lucky people that knew from the beginning what I wanted to be because my high school offered me that opportunity.
PHOTOS BY KELLI GREEN INTERVIEWS BY JENNIFER TONNAER & KELLI GREEN
Staff Aleigha Alexander Brad Andrews Gary Bogers Minnie-Lee Bush Jenni Carpenter Katherine Chen Brittany Crouch Nicole Durst Cassandra Fanfan Izzy Gardner Kelli Green Paris Harman Sara Herrington Timothy Kast Simran Kaur Riley Larson Izzy McGowan Victoria Palasciano Rebecca Peters Jesse Reitz MaryClaire Robinson Jamir Sellers Kyle Stamm Jennifer Tonnaer Monica Wilson Adviser Paula Ingram Contributors Dianne Garcia Lauren Henderson 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.
COMIC BY KATHERINE CHEN