Toast! Prost! With Dean Hanna the host!

Florida State University Panama City is carrying on a special graduation tradition. The new dean, Dr. Hanna, will host and toast all fall graduates Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in the Holley Lecture Hall.

Coming on the heels of Hanna’s permanent appointment, he will offer an official hearty congratulation to the newly minted alumni of FSUPC. Having been a student at the undergraduate, post- graduate and doctoral levels, Hanna has a deep appreciation and respect for the commitment it takes from every student to pursue their education.

The event will feature a champagne toast (for those over 21 years of age), appetizers and even live music. It will provide a well-deserved treat to all the graduates who will have just completed their final week of classes for their program of study. What a great way to start off any graduation celebration weekend.

The Dean’s Toast is a relatively new tradition to the Panama City campus, modeled after a tradition on the Tallahassee campus. It was started in fall 2015 to honor the hard work and dedication of the students at Panama City. With the permanency of his new post, Hanna has shown a commitment to honoring this new tradition and continuing it for graduates every semester. The event is for both undergraduate and graduate students who have qualified for December graduation.

The FSUPC Alumni Association will be on hand coordinating the events of the evening. They will also be connecting students to their new benefits as alumni.

The Dean’s Toast will be a special moment to honor you, the graduate. Prost!

— Ann Yarko

contributing writer

My adult life: Chaos topped with sprinkles of success

College seemed like a great idea when I started the journey 15 years ago. I always assumed I would attend college when I grew up. I was a creative, outgoing and smart kid. I had two older brothers, and the least I could do to get attention was to be really good at something. The only way I was ever going to afford college was to get a scholarship or pay my own way. It was a minor setback, so I started working at a local restaurant when I was 16.

As a teenager, waiting tables was an eye-opening experience. I was paid $2.15 per hour plus measly tips, and I always worked the least busy shift of the day. I would stand in the restaurant sweeping after a long shift watching all of my friends drive down the street to watch a movie on a Saturday night. Experiences like that began the foundation of what I believe is a strong work ethic.

I graduated high school in June 2000. I had been accepted to the two schools I applied to. One was 15 minutes from home, and the other was five hours away. I didn’t qualify for any grants, and my parents said student loans weren’t such a great idea. They just couldn’t afford to put a second kid through college at the time.

“I think you should get a more stable job, stay here at home, and start at the community college,” my father said. “You could build your savings and make a sound decision about what you want to do next.”

I took the final semester of high school to make a decision that would impact the rest of my life. I decided I would go to school closer to home and follow my father’s advice. As graduation drew near, though, I decided I wanted to move somewhere else and try to experience life on my own. I met with my parents one night after dinner and told them I decided I was moving to Austin, Texas. I would live with another friend who was moving there until I got on my feet and I would start school the following spring. The look of fear washed over my mom’s face.

“We will support your decision to move and have this time for yourself, but it’s on you to come up with rent and living expenses,” my mom said. “We will help you move up there, but the rest is on you.”

It was the first time I was really terrified about anything. That’s a feeling I would revisit again over the next few years. I moved five times during my first year in Austin, lived in my car for a few days between places and learned what trust was. Life wasn’t always scary, there was also a lot of excitement. I would feel a combination of both before countless interviews, dates, and inspections of my work.

I started college for the first time in January 2001. I took two classes and quit halfway through the semester. I didn’t have anyone to hold me accountable, and I hadn’t learned how to manage my time properly between work, school, and living life as a young adult in the Live Music Capital of the World. I worked a few different jobs and in 2001 I started working full time for a large retail company. It was my main focus for 12 years. In 2007, I decided it would be a good time to go back to school, so I started part time at the local community college. I was able to really appreciate what I was learning, and I think some of that was because I was paying for it myself.

In 2011, I met my future husband and we moved to Georgia to start another adventure. Between 2012 and 2015, I attended five different colleges in four states. It was quite a struggle and in July 2015, we added a baby into the mix. I have lived most of my life as a woman of faith, but I have always known that faith alone wasn’t going to get me through. I had to work hard and prioritize my time to balance being a wife, a mother and a full-time student.

Life is nothing short of chaotic these days. I often think about how different my life would have been if I had taken the path of least resistance. There are times that I think sleeping in my car could feel like a luxurious vacation. It’s been quite the rollercoaster, and at times I have thought about throwing in the towel. When I think about the fact that after this semester I will only have six hours left until I graduate, I’m almost sad about it. It might be because school has been part of my routine for so long. I know some of it is because I’m terrified about what’s next for me. The decisions I made during my senior year of high school only affected me, and now I have a family, a mortgage and actual responsibilities.

I want to be successful during the next chapter of my life, and I hope that my hard work will guide me into becoming the best version of myself. One day when my daughter is 17, and we are sitting across the dinner table from her, I can list a thousand reasons why she should stay or at least be able to pay for her college as a bribe to keep her closer to home.

— Sandra de Arrigunaga

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

‘Tis the season for soup

As the temperature outside cools down, I find myself craving lovely warm soup. One of my favorites is carrot soup. I have childhood memories of my Granny serving homemade carrot soup when my family visited, and I have more clear memories of my mother making the same soup on many occasions.

A couple of years ago, I asked my mother for her recipe. She gave me a photocopy of the recipe she has always used. The original recipe is for French soup, Potage Crecy, from "The All Colour Freezer Cookery Book" by Madeline Fraser. There does not seem to be a copyright date listed in the book, but my mother estimates that she purchased it around 1980. The book is British, so I have adapted the recipe to use American measurements and terminology. I found the recipe to be a bit vague in places, so I have modified the steps as well.

This is a great recipe for college students, as it does not cost much to make, and it freezes and reheats very well. I love to serve this soup with a big piece of crusty French bread, and some chunks of sharp cheddar cheese.

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Carrot soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound of carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 32 ounces of chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• salt
• pepper
• 4 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

Steps:

1.  Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

2.  Add onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become translucent (about 5 minutes).

3.  Add carrots and potato.  Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.

4.  Pour in the chicken stock.  Increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil.

5.  Add parsley, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.  Stir to combine.

6.  Cover halfway, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are soft and tender (about 30 minutes).

7.  Remove from heat and let rest about 5 minutes.

8.  Use a blender or handheld immersion blender to puree the soup mixture.

9.  Return soup to the saucepan, and heat over medium-low.  To serve, swirl a dash of cream into the soup and garnish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

10.  Refrigerate or freeze leftover soup.

Confessions of a young shopaholic: I have nothing to wear

Why do I do this? I wonder, as I walk through my closet, running my fingers across the tightly packed hanging blouses, sweatshirts and tank tops. I can count at least 10 blouses that I have worn only once, but I cannot fight the feeling of having nothing to wear.

I plop down onto the floor in the middle of my closet, wad my hair up in a bun and rub my temples until the stress of the situation subsides. Surely I have something to wear, I reason as I slowly rise to assess the situation once again. However, while weighing my options, all I can think about are those gorgeous suede knee-high boots on display at Dillard’s for $169. The new long-sleeve boutique blouses, Lucky Brand skinny jeans, dangling silver earrings, leather cross body bags and wool petty coats all gently whisper in my ear, “You need to go shopping.”

I find myself, once again, on the floor — this time laying on my back and staring at the ceiling with my eyes glazed over. What is wrong with me?

My conclusion:  I obviously need to go shopping. 

I am fully aware that I am falling into the fatal temptation of the materialistic demons, but it is just too late to try to crawl my way out now. My heart is racing with excitement as I log into my online bank account to determine how much destruction I can possibly get away with today.

My max budget is $66, so Dillard’s is obviously out of the question, but I can do some serious damage at TJ Maxx with that amount and still find my favorite brands. I grab my purse and throw on a pair of tight faded blue jeans and an old T-shirt that I got in high school. I tie a worn-out windbreaker around my waist, slip into my Nike tennis shoes and look at myself in the mirror. I laugh out loud, fully cognizant of my ridiculousness. I hop into my little black Altima and head to town.

My oversized $12 Jessica Simpson sunglasses cover most of my face, making me feel glamorous and mysterious, and I can’t help but turn up the radio when “Chainsmokers” comes on my station. I suddenly realize that I obviously need a Starbucks peppermint mocha before I start shopping, so I whip my car into the drive-thru. My endorphins are in full force as I take my first swig and tip the barista a little more than I probably should have.

My budget is now at $60, and I haven’t even made it to TJ Maxx. Before pulling out of Starbucks, I check my face in my rearview mirror and notice how smeared my eyeliner already is and how blotchy my foundation looks. I only left home 45 minutes ago, and my face already looks like a full day of distress.

I obviously need new make-up, so I pull out of Starbucks and head down the street to Sephora, the glorious store of all things beauty. I walk through the doors and am warmly greeted by beautiful full-face make-upped goddesses, and they begin to shower me with eyeliners, mascaras, foundations, eye shimmers, glosses and blushes. My little black shopping basket gets heavier and heavier as I dance through the store with the make-up goddesses, losing track of all time and money. I make my way to the cash register, sure of my responsible investment in beauty, but then I am knocked off of my castle balcony with a total of $123.64. My head feels lighter and lighter as I pass my little plastic card across the counter.

“Will that be all honey?” the lady asks with a charming little smile. “You know, if you spend $25 more you get an extra 15 percent discount.”

I swallow hard and nod. To my surprise, I am able to kindly refuse. As she swipes, my conscience is still eating away at my insides for spending this much money in the first place.

I leave the store with my little bag of make-up, which seemed like much more make-up before I purchased it. With an already busted budget, I decide that it would be pointless to go home now. I place my little plastic card back in my wallet and open up the hidden compartment to retrieve my other little plastic card. Today is a day for the golden card. Feeling empowered, I hop back into my little black Altima, touch up my make-up and head to TJ Maxx.

One of the greatest things about TJ Maxx is the fact that it offers buggies at the door. This luxury just isn’t available at Dillard’s, so I am already pumped about this experience. TJ Maxx offers the same favorite brands that I shop for at Dillard’s but for a fraction of the cost, so my little heart is filling with more joy by the second.

My senses are stimulated every which way I turn as I stroll slowly down the aisles. Pink Michael Kors hand bags, Calvin Klein sweat pants, Columbia pull over sweat shirts, hundreds of name brand blue jeans, Ivanka Trump dress wear, Steve Madden heels, and dear heavens at the Christmas themed throw pillows and blankets that are on display. I load it all in my buggy because I obviously need it all, and I bask in the glorious energy vitalizing the entire store. Hours seem like minutes as I make my way through, loading my buggy higher and higher with treasures. I decide to focus on savings rather than spending. If I save thousands but only spend hundreds, who is really ahead? Money is the root of all evil, so I better get rid of all of mine today.

Suddenly, I receive a voicemail from my husband.

“Hey honey, I just got home from work and noticed that you aren’t here. I hope you didn’t go shopping again this week,” he said in an almost desperate voice. “Call me back and let me know where you are as soon as you get this.”

My heart drops as I rush to the cashier. As she rings me up, I text my husband that I am almost home and begin formulating a story of why I had to run to town.

As I load my bags into my car, I see my reflection in the window. I look at myself for a moment and question my character. Who am I?

I am a young shopaholic, and I do not want help.

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Top 5 Christmas jams

There are a million Christmas songs out there, traditional and modern. Here is a list of my top 5 favorite holiday jams.

All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - *NSYNC

Drummer Boy (feat. Busta Rhymes) – Justin Bieber

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin

— Sandra de Arrigunaga

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Stress less week: SGC is here to help

Are you studying for finals?

Student Government Council will be providing free snacks and playing games this week in the Holley Academic Center. All students are encouraged to come take a break and “stress less.”

Monday

• Muffins & Candy 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday

• Crackers & Fruit 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Board Game Night 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday

• Stress Putty Making 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday

• Lemonade & Chocolate  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sequence Gym 2-5 p.m.

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

The End of Thanksgiving?

November used to be known only as the month of Thanksgiving. In the past few decades, however, Thanksgiving has merely been the opening act for the shopping sales main event. In an age of declining sales, less foot traffic and more online shopping, retailers have to go to extremes to get customers. Black Friday is their answer and America’s most powerful retail tool.

Designed by Freepik

Black Friday was convenient for many because it was the day following Thanksgiving, which most workers have off, and it marked the beginning of the shopping season leading up to Christmas. Many retailers would put specific deals out to attract customers by opening earlier than the competition. This led to a successful business model that is still used, and widely abused, today.

What was once a one-day shopping extravaganza is now a full corporate takeover of the entire month of November. Retailers, backed by greedy shareholders, want to end Thanksgiving. The only businesses that make money off of Thanksgiving are grocery stores and travel companies. Retailers realize this and don’t want people to spend the day enjoying their family and great food at home instead of spending money. That’s where the Black Friday tool is essential, and retailers use it to their liking.

There are no “rules” to using the Black Friday card. Retailers have realized this and have been pushing back the deals earlier and earlier before Thanksgiving even begins. This has led to many consumer problems for shopping, such as having to take off of work or not celebrate with family because one has to get the “deal.” If change isn’t made soon and retailers have their way, we will keep seeing the end of Thanksgiving and the beginning of shopping holiday.

— Jay Sullivan

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Game day dip for sharing

With football season well underway, it seems fitting to share a recipe that is perfect for sharing on game day. When I think of the foods that are often associated with game day get-togethers, I think of appetizers like chips and dip and buffalo wings.

I first tasted this dip when my wonderful friend Dana brought it to a July fourth party this summer. She called it wing dip, and I demanded the recipe. Fortunately, Dana was more than happy to give me her recipe to share.

This recipe combines the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken wings with the smooth texture of cream cheese. Topped off with handfuls of shredded cheddar, this recipe gets baked in the oven to create a creamy, melty and cheesy dip that is so good, you may not want to share it.

Dana’s wing dip is sure to be a winner at your next game day gathering. Go ‘Noles!

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Game day wing dip

Ingredients:

• 3 or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on size)
• 2 packages of 1/3 less fat or regular cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces of ranch dressing
• 6 ounces of Texas Pete, or similar hot sauce (use less for a milder flavor)
• 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bag of corn tortilla chips (Doritos and Fritos also work well)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. Bring water to a boil, over high heat, in a large saucepan (make sure there is enough water to completely cover the chicken).

3. Reduce heat to medium, add chicken and simmer until no longer pink in the middle (10-15 minutes).

4. While the chicken is cooking, mix cream cheese, ranch and hot sauce in a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer.

5. Drain chicken, and let cool slightly. Shred chicken, using a fork or your fingers.

6. Add shredded chicken to cream cheese mixture, and stir by hand to combine.

7. Place chicken mixture in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over chicken in an even layer.

8. Place dish in oven, and cook until cheese is gold and bubbly.

9. Remove dish from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite chips.

Doak After Dark

This past Saturday, FSU’s Athletic Department put together the first concert at Doak Campbell Stadium, Doak After Dark, in 25 years. Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots opened the show, followed by Old Dominion, and Tyler Farr was the headliner. Tickets started at $20, and parking was free. The stage was set up at the south end zone with the seating from sections 117 to 123 in front of the Champions Club. Gates opened at 6 p.m., and the show started at 7 p.m. There were things about my experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and some things I hope they correct before the next concert on April 29, 2017.

The Show Was Awesome

I personally am a fan of the Bobby Bones morning show crew, The Raging Idiots, and that’s why I bought my tickets in the first place. I saw Old Dominion at Spring Jam in PCB this year, but they were so much better this time around, I think it had everything to do with the venue. I left before Tyler Farr performed, but only because the UFC 205 fights were starting and I don’t miss a fight! The crowd was into it and the bands even started a few tomahawk chops. It was a great show!

Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots with Lindsay Ell and Kristian Bush

Our Seats

I paid $30 for tickets and had front row, center stage seats. The stage was like 30 feet away because of the setup, but nevertheless, it was great.

Old Dominion

So like I said, I have seen Old Dominion before but whoa! They had so much energy, the sound was amazing, and their lead singer Matthew can sing. Given the opportunity, his voice could’ve filled Doak at full capacity and everyone would’ve had a good time. Take a listen to their album, Meat and Candy. Here’s a video from their set.

Then there were adjustments I think would help make the next show a better experience...

Training of CSC Staff

These are the wonderful people that check your bags, scan your tickets, and babysit all of the fans drinking in the stadium. They were friendly, but I felt bad that they didn’t really know what was going on. Because this was the first concert event, the policies were slightly different. I sat in line for an hour and fifteen minutes with my purse. I checked the website before going in and assumed that the bag rules were the same for the concert as they are for our games. They’re not. 15 minutes before we are let in, me and the 100 people behind me, are notified that the bags have to be clutch size or smaller. Luckily, I have an amazing husband who took it back to the car for me. Once we were in the gate, nobody had any idea where exactly we were allowed to sit. Because it was by sections and not seat numbers, people were confused, questions were asked, and basically it took 30 minutes for people from both sides to sort it all out.

Stage Setup

For me, the view was perfect. But I would have to imagine that for people in the outside sections, it would’ve been very hard to see the entire stage. Maybe move the stage back 25 feet or position the show in the center of the field? I don’t know. A couple of the acts said it was weird for them too because so far away from the crowd, it was a little strange.

The view to my right.

I loved the show and I’m definitely attending the next one in April. Blake Shelton and Jake Owen? Yes, please! Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Seminoles Official Athletic Site

— Sandra de Arrigunaga

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

7 phone apps I use every day

Our wireless devices are the most addictive material possessions we fear to lose. I have to admit that I would be uninformed, disconnected, and I wouldn’t know how to make chocolate cake out of three ingredients.

Twitter

Breaking News and Entertainment

There are probably more informative news outlets, but getting into the rabbit hole of a news website these days couldn’t be more depressing. A 140-character cap keeps it short and simple and it gives me the option of clicking on a link if I want to know more information on the subject. I can look at the top trending hashtags in the United States and if I see something interesting, I can click on the hashtag and see what people are saying about it. I get to be in the driver’s seat. See for yourself: Twitter and follow me if you want.

Facebook

Family and Friends

Facebook can sometimes seem like you are walking down a dark alley behind a sketchy gas station, especially a week before the most controversial election of our time. You will find angry rants, passive aggressive updates, and “look at how much better my life is than yours” posts. On the bright side, you can keep in touch with your family and friends of all ages without having to pick up the phone. Totally worth walking through that dark alley, right? Facebook

Instagram

Photo and Video Updates

I follow 90 people and I only personally know about 10 of them. I like to follow celebrities, bloggers, and athletes that I really like. The pictures are always great because of their filters and now that they’ve added the video feature, you get to feel like you’re at a game or event that you would never have seen even 5 years ago. If you like pretty pictures and mostly positive updates, check out Instagram.

Pinterest

Projects and Recipes

I am always working on something around my house. My current projects are my kitchen, dining, and living rooms. Since we purchased our home two and a half years ago I have used Pinterest to give me different design perspectives whether I am purchasing pieces or pulling a DIY project. Need easy recipes or elaborate party plans? Have time to kill? Look at ideas people around the world have shared. Check out Pinterest, you will spend more money than you ever wanted to.

Podcasts

Radio Podcasts

I listen to one podcast every week day and others when I need something to listen to other than music. Apple organizes the podcasts you love by date and gives you an option to do a search if you need things to download before a flight or road trip. You can download the app and listen on any Apple device.

These are my 3 favorite podcasts:

1. The Bobby Bones Show
2. TED Radio Hour
3. Love What Matters

Spotify

Music

For 9.99 a month, you can listen to just about any artist, genre, or song that you want. You can create your own playlists and stream or if you have the space on your device, you can download them right to your phone. I know I’m getting the better end of the deal by being able to experience all of the artists, so if I love a song or album, I purchase it on iTunes. Here is the link to Spotify, happy listening!

Amazon

Shopping

Amazon is either the greatest or worst thing to ever exist. Anything you want or need to purchase is right at your fingertips. When I was planning for my daughter to arrive, I used Amazon to make sure I was shopping competitively and when it got harder to move around they would ship it right to my door. There’s nothing I dislike about Amazon except for the amount of money I’ve spent. It ties right into my Pinterest obsession, check it out!

— Sandra de Arrigunaga

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

A little stress drizzled with gravy

Here, have some gravy.

The holiday season is upon us.

Thank you, Thanksgiving; I’ll have one more buttered roll.

You know what’s coming: generous slices of pumpkin pie with dollops of heavy whipped cream, mounds of bread pudding dripping with vanilla rum sauce, stacks of thinly sliced white turkey drizzled with gravy, and mugs of warm apple cider and hot caramel coffee.

Dishes of food, silverware, glasses and mugs, bottles of wine and mingling family members clutter the kitchen for days, and leftovers are shoved to the back of the already overflowing refrigerators.

Not to mention, you’ll be sitting for hours, causally chatting with your delightful parents or in-laws, and watching the clock tick for your next nap.

Yes, the Thanksgiving holiday is nearly upon us, so be prepared to gain a little weight, sit around to chat, and justify every life decision you have ever made to your dear family.

What’s 5 pounds?

The Thanksgiving holiday may be slightly stressful for the college student. 

Somehow, you’ve managed to store final exams in a compartment toward the back of your brain. Nevertheless, you’re dreading the upcoming month of being sprawled across the living room floor with stacks of books, containers of leftover Thanksgiving, and empty cans of energy drinks. Your activity level is about to hit an all-year low.

Really, how much is 5 pounds? Is it just enough to coat your late-semester anxiety with a pseudo layer of food indulged comfort? Or, is it just enough to bump your butt back into those dreaded emergency blue jeans on the top shelf, sending your self-esteem spiraling down an endless black hole?

I bring tidings of good news and great joy.

It’s all gravy.

You likely will not gain five pounds this holiday season. Instead, you might gain 1 pound, so that’s a relief. (“A Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain”)

Also, you’ll likely perform well on your final exams, that is, if you drench yourself in your textbooks and leftovers for the rest of the month.

Finally, let’s not forget about the election results. We can finally move forward with our lives and leave the dramatic election season behind us.

Regardless of whether your candidate won, mid- to late November is a time of rest for the political minded.

(I may still boast my favorite sweater this year.)

The Thanksgiving holiday can be particularly stressful for the college student, but at least you won’t gain five pounds or have to worry about the election anymore.

  Here, have some gravy. (“Mom’s Brown Gravy” recipe)

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Communication Club: It's not too late to join

The Communication Club is a club for all, and it’s not too late to submit an application.

You are invited to join the Communication Club on November 7th at 7:45 pm in the Barron Commons for the next regular meeting. The Communication Club is here to help you:

• Network
• Get Involved On Campus
• Learn from Successful Career Men & Women in Bay County
• Maximize Your Career Potential

Are you interested in a career in law?

Join us at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 14 in the SGC Conference Room, Barron 305. Guest speaker Eric Garmon, an attorney at Perry & Young in Panama City, graduated from the FSU Panama City professional communication program and then continued to law school.

He will have lots of helpful information for students who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Career Center offers resume, job-hunting tools to Panama City students

The job search should start with knowing yourself, your interests and your skills, representatives from the FSU Career Center said during a visit to Florida State’s Panama City campus.

The average job search for recent graduates takes 12 to 16 weeks, so students are encouraged to start applying for positions before graduation. For spring graduates, that means having your resume application-ready by February.

“When you hear a no, don’t be discouraged; use that experience as practice and continue to search for opportunities with the help of the Career Center,” said Lauren Kume, the Career Center’s senior assistant director of experiential learning.

The Florida State University Career Center strives to be the preeminent career center model for designing and delivering comprehensive, innovative, and inclusive career and employment services. Its mission is to provide comprehensive career services, train career service practitioners, conduct life/career development research, and disseminate information about life/career services and issues to the university community, the nation and the world.

Students may use SeminoleLink to search job listings, explore international career guides, explore careers and network with thousands of employers. The site also provides the tools to create an online resume, which can be critiqued by an expert, and chat with an advisor.

Every student at Florida State has a SeminoleLink account. Students can log in through myFSU, and alumni can search job listings through LinkedIn for students.

Those job hunting should narrow down their search to specific job descriptions or geographic location, Kume recommended.

To help students test drive a career, the Career Center recently added FSUShadow, which connects students with potential employers for one-day job shadowing. So far, 41 community partners, alumni and friends of the university are scheduled to provide more than 80 shadowing opportunities statewide scheduled during winter break Dec. 19-22 and spring break March 13-16.

“It’s a really easy way to get that first touch of experiential learning and try on the real world for a day,” said Kume, the “proud parent” of the shadowing concept.

Students must upload their resumes to SeminoleLink to apply. Applicants will be ranked and matched to employers.

The Career Center also offers resume critiques, mock Skype interviews and assistance building a career portfolio to Panama City students.

“We’re here,” Kume said. “There are resources specifically tailored for students not on main campus.”

Services available to Panama City students include:

• Skype and phone mock interviews
• Résumé, cover letter and document critiques
• Live chat with Career Center staff
• SeminoleLink
• Garnet and Gold Scholar Society
• Career Portfolio, a free, online resource that helps you document your skills and accomplishments
• Online Career Library: Locate websites dedicated to career issues, including occupational information, career and life planning resources, and job search skills.
• Career Planning & Job Search Guides: Explore more than 35 guides online, designed to assist you in career planning, employment strategies, and the job search process.
• Career Platform: Utilize FSU’s online learning system to build employability skills. The eLearning series contains 16 courses with both videos and written content. 

— Erica Martin

FSU Panama City Office of Advancement

Angelo’s Benefit For Autism

Angelo’s Steak Pit, along with the George A. Butchikas Foundation For Autism, held a Barbeque Bash at Angelo’s on Sunday with proceeds going towards behavioral therapy for children who have autism. Angelo’s is a sit-down restaurant that you normally order from the menu and is open seasonally; this was the last day of the season. Sunday’s dinner was setup different for the Autism benefit, as they had an All You Can Eat buffet and dessert table. It was $60 at the door or $55 for advanced tickets. Below are some highlights of the night:

 — Jay Sullivan

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Front door with benefit banner above

View of the cooks and the grills

Tables were set for the benefit and awaiting guests

Custom table mats- Defeating Autism “and That’s No Bull!”

The barbeque buffet that included ribs, sirloin steak, cheeseburgers and sides.

Dessert and fruit bar

Cupcakes with edible puzzle-piece candies on top and a variety of different pies

I ran into FSU professor Emily Dickens

I also ran into FSU professor Dr. Mike Wallace

Big Gus, the 20,000-pound steer, and that’s no bull!

DIY Café Latté: No fancy equipment, 4 simple ingredients

You can add whatever flavor or spice you prefer; I used ground cinnamon.

Cinnamon Latté

• 1 cup of water
• 2-3 tbsps. of ground coffee
• ½ cup of milk
• 2 tbsps. of condensed milk
• 1 sprinkle of ground cinnamon

All you need is a regular coffee maker, measuring spoons, a container with lid, and a microwave. This latté takes less than three minutes to prepare and is just as indulgent as Starbucks’.

STEP 1: Make your coffee using 1 cup of water and 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee. This may seem like a strong concentration, but the other ingredients will balance the coffee.

STEP 2: While your coffee is brewing, pour ½ cup of milk & 1 tablespoon of condensed milk into a container with a lid. Secure lid & shake. This will give your milk a sweet taste & a foamy consistency.

STEP 3: Place your container of foamy milk (without lid) in the microwave for 1:00. While your milk is warming, line your coffee cup with condensed milk, caramel, or chocolate syrup.

STEP 4:Pour you coffee into your cup and then top with the warm foamy milk.

STEP 5: Voila! Stir your latté & top with cinnamon sprinkle! You may also top with whip cream and any type of spice or sweet syrup you prefer.

You can now make your own indulgent lattés for less than $1. Enjoy!

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Florida State’s Olympians

America led the 2016 Olympics with an astonishing medal count over the next two closest countries, Great Britain and China.  It is safe to say that having Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles representing the United States is a major reason for the gap between medals. With almost every news outlet covering the events and social media going crazy for the legends that represent us, coverage for the College Olympics remained slim.

Several people stand unaware that Florida State University bred some of the finest Olympians of our time. The reasoning probably due to the underground nature of the College Olympics. Unlike Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles, the glory and fame for our “rock star” Olympians stays concealed. Sophistication, professionalism and pride make up the qualities that brand our “stars” near perfection. Most students come and go every two or four years. For this reason, the College Olympics only apply to faculty members. During this special time students back their professors and show ultimate college pride.

Synonymous to America in the Olympics, Florida State University brought home the most gold in the past decade with a serious lead over the next two closest competitors, Florida and Miami. Through the professional degree programs offered, Florida State University maintains an All-Star lineup. Practically a given, when competing with a track record of constantly producing major careers for students, FSU retains a considerable amount of wins. Standing out as best of the best, the precision and skill of teaching from the Communication Department proves to go above and beyond; increased graduation rates solidify this truth.

I mention the Communication department due to the fact I have experienced first-hand the power of knowledge and teaching that they hold. Without these teachers, I would not receive the proper guidance for my career after school or the right knowledge needed upon graduating. Even drowsy and hardheaded students walked away with skillful knowledge from these departments. Many will claim that success lies within the student, but there is no arguing that a successful teacher can impact a student’s life.

Teachers at Florida State take their time with students and they refer to them as people, not numbers. The personal dedication impacts students and their success rates. That’s what sets Olympians apart from the normal. They perfect their craft, such as teaching, and change people with it.

Shout out to all of the Florida State University Olympians!

— Jay Sullivan

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Note: Like the medicine man Abiaka, this column embraces the crazy and absurd world by delivering its own “medicine.” The stories are satire pieces and in no way should be taken seriously. Sharing and continuing Abiaka’s legacy is an honor that will bring more awareness towards his history. Read more about Abiaka's history

What is SGC and why should I care?

As a student of Florida State University, you have direct access to your student government and a voice as to what happens here on your campus, yet you also have all the rights and privileges of any other student of FSU. All you need do is choose to participate.

Who makes up the SGC?

The SGC is made up of 11 students: a president, a president pro-tempore, a Senator and eight representatives/committee chairpersons. Students just like you who want to:

• be leaders on this campus
• make this campus the best place for our students to earn a degree
• learn marketable leadership skills future employers want
• enhance their college experience

SGC reps can be freshmen to grad students with ages ranging from 17 year olds to students in their 60s. There are no age limits. The only requirements are:

• be a currently enrolled student, in good standing with the university and all departments
• have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (3.0 for grad students)
• have a desire to serve the students of FSU Panama City

Is SGC totally separate from the SGA in Tallahassee?

No. The SGC is a part of the Student Government Association (SGA). The FSU Student Body Statutes gives our SGC autonomy to govern this campus. University-wide issues are voted on in Tallahassee. Our students are represented by our SGC Senator, who travels to Tallahassee at least once a month to keep the Panama City campus active in the processes there. Yet, student concerns from our campus are handled here. When needed, larger issues may be taken beyond here to “the powers that be,” as happened recently when our students expressed need for a mental health counselor on this campus. Our students decide what happens here.

How do students get involved with the SGC?

There are many ways for students to be involved:

• Attend the bi-weekly meetings, ask questions, give your viewpoint and let it be known that you care about what is going on.
• Attend one or more committee meetings. Read student emails to see the variety of committees (standing and ad-hoc). The standing committees of SGC are:
• Awards and Scholarships
• Elections
• Finance 
• Historian
• Programming
• Publicity
• Special Events
• Student Development & Wellness
• Apply for an appointment to SGC when a seat becomes available. Sometimes a representative feels the need to step down either for one semester (hiatus) or permanently. This leaves a void that must be filled on council.
• Run for a seat in the student elections. Each fall and spring semester five representatives are elected to the SGC. 

Hopefully, now you will see why you should care. Government takes involvement from everyone to be effective.

— Sarah Schreck

contributing writer

Teaching English in Morocco

“You know, like popcorn. It goes ‘pop’! It pops from you, to you, to you. Pop, pop! POP!” I scream as I hop around the room. Luckily, at this point in my time volunteering at Fedora, a Moroccan foreign language institution in Taroudant, I feel comfortable making a fool of myself in front of my students. With each of my hops, the classroom roars with laughter and my students’ hands shoot up into the air higher and faster in excitement to be “popped” and, therefore, chosen to read aloud to the class.

Today’s lesson revolves around an article titled “Sign Language to Speech” which presents a new glove engineered for those who are deaf or mute that interprets sign language and electronically speaks out loud in English for the user.

Besides the fact that I’m acting a little crazy, today my students are mostly intrigued by the projector and laptop I had set up before they walked into class. Usually to utilize articles in class we are forced to do a dictation, which is where I read a section of the article aloud and my students write down what they hear in their notebooks. In a nutshell, dictations are very time-consuming and ineffective, especially in my lower-level classes. Today, though, things are looking up with our new toy. Now, each student is able to read aloud off of the projector, allowing them to practice both their reading and speaking skills.

“Alright class, would you like to see the glove? Okay, during the video I want you write down in your notebooks as many phrases as you can hear and try your best with spelling them correctly. Got it?” In response I get a bunch of nodding, smiling heads; most of them were still giggling from all of the popcorn.

I go ahead and start the video, but no sound comes out. I turn the volume on the laptop to its highest setting, but even the students sitting closest to where I’m standing can’t hear the audio.

Well, there goes the listening portion of the lesson...

— Dana Leger

contributing writer