The sandy Seminole

I clock into work at the brisk hour of 6:30 a.m., the sand squeaks under my bare feet, soft waves roll onto wet sand and seagulls yelp good morning as I run by. It strikes 9 a.m. as I step off the beach. Fifteen minutes later, I unfold my laptop and begin typing. My job for the morning is done; working toward my bachelor’s degree has just begun.

I work for La Dolce Vita, an elite beach service in Destin and South Walton along the majestic beaches of the Emerald Coast. Every morning my alarm sounds at 6 a.m. I load my equipment into the truck and head to serve my weekly guests. The next two or three hours, I hustle to prepare chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles and much more for my guests. I do the heavy lifting so tourists are left with only the relaxing. Throughout the day, I accept phone calls, run deliveries and tend to anyone in need of our services. When the day is over, I head back to the beaches to put everything away for the night.

I love my job; I fully believe it is the most enjoyable job I could have at this age. In respect to my job, my college degree is more important. Last year I took a look at my life and asked myself what I could do to avoid debt, complete college and ultimately enjoy myself. Florida State University Panama City was my solution. I easily planned my schedule and worked it out with my employer. I agreed to a 58-hour work week and on top of that, I scheduled three classes toward my professional communication major at FSU Panama City.

After I complete my morning duties, I head to the office and usually have about two hours to grab some breakfast and complete some class work before the phone starts ringing. I spend this time writing my papers and studying for exams. Two days out of the week, I make a short 38-mile commute to the beautiful Florida State campus in Panama City. A strong coffee and amazing professors help me advance my skills toward my future job career.

Before or after class I will often find myself in the library. I never spend much time in libraries, but FSU Panama City's library is outstanding. While working, I'm surrounded by large, multi-story glass windows overlooking the calm bay laced with pine trees. I honestly feel the library enhances my creativity. A creativity I hope I turned into an understanding for you about my life here as a Seminole.  After all, this story may have started in my office at work, but I conclude it from the magnificent library here at FSU Panama City.

— Cole Glass

contributing writer