Saying Goodbye to "Momma"

Saying Goodbye to “Momma”

By: Clarissa DelRio Staff Writer

When we encounter someone for so long who genuinely cares and has nothing but pure intentions for us, the thought of having to say goodbye is something that we undoubtedly dread. In light of her retirement after over four decades of service to USF and the community, I had the bittersweet pleasure of interviewing one of USF’s most iconic staff members, Diane Reed. However, to most of us students, we know her as “Miss Diane” or “Momma” due to her nurturing manner, genuine love, compassion and care for students. Miss Diane has welcomed students with open arms and a listening ear for every one of us who has stopped by the cafeteria, leaving not only our bodies nourished but our souls as well. For that, we thank you. Miss Diane will be officially retiring on October 30th, 2020.

How long have you’ve been a staff member at the university?

“Actually I came here in 1977 with the nuns at the Motherhouse and when they closed down through the University then I came here to the University of St. Francis. So with the nuns it was about 25 years and in total with my time here at St. Francis it has been a total of about 45+ years.”

What made you want to work for this organization/university?

“Before I came here at the Motherhouse with the nuns, and my mom worked there. So my mom brought me in as she was the head cook there running the kitchen. She brought me in as her assistant cook and I’ve been there ever since. My mom of course eventually passed away and I stayed with the nuns and when the nuns left I came to the University. I was a part of the trade over for the Motherhouse and all that. Me and Mike Decman and a couple of us [staff members] all came from the Motherhouse together.”

What roles and responsibilities were you in charge of during your position through Sodexo/Quest?

“I was the Catering Supervisor, when the bistro opened I was the manager there, and I’ve done the banking for Sodexo, I did so much! I’ve done pretty much everything from catering, banking, to now cashiering, so I’ve done pretty much all of it.”

Was it a tough decision leaving this job?

“It really was. It has taken me three years to really come to terms with it. I’ve been retiring for three years but now I’ve finally set a date. It’s hard because this is my second home. [However,] because of my age and my health and it’s just that time.”

What are the next steps for you after USF?

“Grandkids! I got a couple of great-grandkids too so I’m very excited about that.”

What could convince you to stay?

She laughs and says, “I mean… nothing. I think this is it. But if I did stay it would be for the students. That would be the only reason. [Aside from that] I’m done!”

What was your happiest experience at USF?

“The students. I love interacting with them. Some of them it’s their first time away from home ever and they needed somebody to reach out to and I was always happy to be able to be that person that was there for them. I got a lot of children [here at USF]. That’s how I got to become, ‘Momma.’”

If you had the chance to alter one thing about your job, what would that be?

“That’s a tough one… With my position really nothing. I’ve been happy since I’ve been here. I’ve been satisfied with my position. I can’t think of anything I would change!”

A food item/s from the cafeteria you will miss dearly?

“Soft serve ice cream! That one was easy!”

What message would you give the person taking your place in this organization?

“Try to learn from the students. Just realize and understand that we

are here for them. They’re not here for us, we are here for them.”

What will you miss the most after leaving USF?

“My students! It’s all about the students here! I’m not gonna miss working, I'm going to miss you guys… You’re getting me emotional now… But yes, the students. My children. My babies. I’m going to miss them so much. I’ve got to keep focused though because if I don’t, I’ll back out again as I did before! This is the third time that I’ve said I was going to retire and I ended up not going. But, I’m ready this time.”

In Memory of Elva Dawson

By: Janelle Suriaga Editor-in-Chief

“Larger than life”, “inspiring” and “compassionate” are words that encapsulate what Dr. Elva Dawson was like. Dawson served as the associate professor of radiation therapy here at USF, where she was a clinical coordinator and instructor.

Dawson’s radiologic career started at Chicago State University, where she received a Bachelor's in Radiation Therapy Technology. Her experience as one of the few African American students in her degree program left a lasting impression on her, so much so that she authored a qualitative study about the clinical experiences of minority radiologic science students in the journal Radiologic Technology in 2017. She then went on to receive a master’s degree in educational and instructional technology from her alma mater in 2000 and a doctorate in education from Argosy University. Dawson was a highly-educated, intelligent woman who used her experiences in the healthcare industry to teach her students what it means to be a healthcare professional.

One of her former students is Dr. Leia Levy, who currently serves as the Director of USF’s Radiation Therapy program. Levy had only great things to say about her former teacher, who ended up becoming a dear colleague and a valuable friend. “Working with Dr. Dawson was great. Our working relationship was really like a partnership,” she recalls.

“She was one of my first clinical teachers over 30 years ago and has left an impression on me. Having an internship is difficult. You’re asking people who work professionally in healthcare to teach you and they are trying to do their job while doing so. When their main focus is on the patient, sometimes you get pushed in the back,” Levy states. However, she remembers that Dr. Dawson was the opposite of that. “That is what made Dr. Dawson stand out to me as a clinical instructor.” Dawson was hands-on and encouraged her students to be actively involved as a part of the healthcare team.

When it came time for Levy to become a teacher of her own, Dawson was one of the first people she had reached out to for help. The connection between the two was long-lasting as Levy would eventually end up working with her former clinical instructor beginning in 2007, when they taught alongside each other in Rockford, IL. And the right circumstances allowed them to teach together again, this time at USF beginning in 2013.

It should be noted that Dawson was not only an experienced healthcare professional but an avid sports fan. Levy recalls how she and Dawson would talk on the phone for hours on the weekends about certain games during football season. Dawson was also a gifted speaker and was constantly asked to be a motivational speaker for students. She encouraged students in such a way that made them feel empowered and ready to take on their career goals.

Dr. Elva Dawson was a beloved member of the USF community and she will surely be missed. She exemplifies USF’s best values and our condolences and prayers go out to her family, students and colleagues. Dawson’s family requests that donations be made to the Bernie Mac Foundation (dawsonBMFdonate.com).

By: Richie Mroz Layout Designer

A Kick-A** TV Show

In 2018, my brother bought a subscription to YouTube TV to watch this show he was very excited for called Cobra Kai. He explained to me that it was set in “The Karate Kid” universe 30 years after the events of the original movie, which was released in 1984. At the time, I was thinking YouTube TV? The show cannot be that great if it is on YouTube. I also had never seen any of the original four Karate Kid movies, so the show did not necessarily peak my interests. In June 2020, Netflix acquired the show and I finally decided to give it a chance. After watching the two seasons available, I have to say it is one of the best shows ever made.

Cobra Kai focuses mainly on Johnny Lawrence, the “antagonist” of the original movie who Daniel LaRusso, the main character and “protagonist” of the original, faces off against at the end of the movie. At the start of the first episode, we learn how the events of the first film have affected Johnny’s life nearly 30 years later. Fallen away from his wealthy lifestyle as a teenager, he now lives in an apartment by himself, drinks a lot, and works as a part-time handyman. We also learn that Johnny has a teenage son named Robby who he does not have a good relationship with. Now in his 50s, we see Johnny stuck in the glory days of the 1980s driving a 1991 Pontiac Firebird, listening to Poison, and struggling to keep his life together.

Daniel LaRusso, who was raised by his mother in a lower class neighborhood, is now living the high life. He is happily married, has two kids, and owns several successful car dealerships in upper class Los Angeles. Right away we are acquainted with the fact that the two main characters’ lives have flip-flopped.

One night Johnny witnesses his kid neighbor, Miguel, getting bullied and beat up by other kids from school. Reminiscing on the past, Johnny decides to open his own karate dojo to help Miguel learn how to defend himself. He names it Cobra Kai, after the original Cobra Kai from the movies. Daniel, who learns about Cobra Kai coming back, eventually opens his own karate dojo to compete against Cobra Kai. He names it Miyagido, after his mentor Mr. Miyagi.

Cobra Kai ends up attracting a group of bullied social outcasts who find their self-confidence through the leadership of Johnny and the teachings of Cobra Kai. Miguel and Johnny’s relationship turns into a father-son bond, resembling the relationship Daniel had with Mr. Miyagi. Jealous of the attention his dad is giving Miguel, Robby gets a job at one of the LaRusso dealerships and meets Daniel, who is unaware of who Robby actually is. Daniel eventually takes Robby under his wing and trains him under the techniques of Miyagi-do karate. The overall story revolves around these primary relationships, which lead to conflicts that are ultimately the product of Daniel and Johnny's inability to move away from the past.

The show’s writing team takes the “can’t offend anyone” mentality and sidekicks it out of the window. Much of the comedic relief of the show comes from Johnny’s character not understanding today’s world. Johnny doesn’t know what “a Facebook” is. He doesn’t know how to work a computer and he doesn’t like the “garbage” music being played in 2020. The show hits heavy on 1980s pop culture and offers several nods to the original movie series. It is an absolute masterpiece. I have gone back and watched the original movies and Cobra Kai enhances the experience of watching those films. Season three will be released on January 8, 2021 with season four on its way after and you better believe it will be kick-a**.

By: Rodolfo Perez Staff Writer

The first feeling one often has when starting the story line of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II is one of familiarity. The highly anticipated sequel is one that truly shifts the direction of storytelling in gaming. It is a piece that, although subject to some controversy, is definitely seen as one of the best video games of the year. It is also one of the most memorable achievements from Naughty Dog since Uncharted first began appearing in stores more than a decade ago.

I will admit that I do not play a lot of video games. As far as video games go, I have trouble maintaining the motivation to continue unless one of two things are present: (1) a great storyline and (2) a good deal of replay ability. Fortunately for The Last of Us Part II, one gets the best of both worlds. There is a fantastic story filled with heavy themes and a lot of fluidity as to what a player can do even though fans of the first installment are left to recollect pieces from the original The Last of Us as the plot is split between two women. There is Ellie, one of the two main characters from the first game, who has grown considerably in age, ability and thirst for revenge. Then there is Abby Anderson, the new addition to the game that brings about a refreshing take on strength, love and comprehension in a world that has been torn apart by a deadly virus and several terrible disasters. Although the plot is split between the two characters, players have a lot of time to get to know each character, their motivations, and what they lack in their lives.

Two of the best aspects of this game are the plot and the attention given to detail. The Last of Us Part II takes players through a roller coaster of emotions as we follow two distinctly contrasting paths. On the one hand, this game shows that as far as storytelling goes, there is no excuse for why the player should not feel as though their character is morally ambiguous. Both Ellie and Abby exhibit this ambiguity, since they are both strong and willing to kill in order to reach their destination. Gamers also see that even the most battle hardened soldiers break sometimes when faced with complicated situations.

To say that The Last of Us Part II is a masterpiece in gameplay, storytelling and art is an understatement. This is a game that will take you through a variety of places and will lead you to fight monsters that aren’t recognizable until you look in the mirror. It is a game that will truly live on as a unique piece of gaming history and it is also one that everyone should try. And this is coming from a guy who doesn’t really play video games.