FSU alumna making local community a better place

It is a common hope for anyone attending a university that they will learn things that will help better their lives and better the lives of others. This is exactly what Meleah Smith is doing with the knowledge and skills she acquired while earning her degree from FSU.

Meleah Smith attended classes at the Panama City campus while she was home for the summer from the Tallahassee campus in 2012. She took several psychology classes with Dr. Kelley Kline. Smith even worked with Kline on a research project Dr. Kline was conducting.

“I really enjoyed my classes at the Panama City campus,” Smith said. “The level of access you have with your professors, the class sizes, and the pace of campus life really suited me.”

Smith took her knowledge from FSU PC back to the Tallahassee Campus the following fall for her senior year.

After graduating from FSU, Smith earned her Masters in Counseling Phycology from the Troy University Panama City Campus. Smith remains in the community helping at-risk youths through a local agency that provides in-home family therapy.

“My first job following graduation, I was working exclusively with children,” said Smith. “But soon I realized so much more could be accomplished if the entire family worked together to help the child.”

Because education is cumulative and each new class builds on the class that came before, it was the foundation provided by FSU that has enabled Smith to reach her goal of helping families in our local community today.

— Micah Lister

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Marcie Davis: In support of heroes

Marcie Davis is a VA Benefits Enrollment Officer at FSU Panama City and the only person who certifies VA Benefits for student veterans and their dependents.

Her career started as a secretary at FSU Panama City about 18 years ago. She later moved to the VA Office as part of the Financial Aid Office. Her job is demanding but also meaningful for her because she thinks it is her duty.

“It is very rewarding to help someone who has served our country,” Davis said.

She wanted to join the Navy when she was 19 years old but could not serve because of her health reasons. Working as a VA Benefits Enrollment Officer is her way of giving back to those who have served.

There are about 80 to 85 veterans enroll each semester at FSU Panama City, Davis said. Every time veterans come to talk with her, she discusses about their plans and end goals to lay out their options.

“Some veterans might need to be enrolling at GCSC or another college to receive A.A. degrees before they come to us,” Davis noted.

Even though they end up going to different colleges first, she is dedicated to work for those veterans who can be her future FSU students.

Davis said the most difficult thing to encounter is homeless veterans. She offers help for those student veterans in need.

“I find resources for them such as the United Way if there is anything they can get if needed,” she said.

She always cares about her student veterans and does her best to get any resource for them.

“Marcie absolutely cares about her student veterans and is a wonderful boss to work for,” said former sailor Michael Andrews, who has been working for Davis about seven months.

The crime scene investigation major said Davis ensures that student veterans, including him, receive all of the GI Bill Benefits to which they are entitled such as tuition and fees assistance, book stipends and BAH (monthly housing allowances).

Student veteran Johnathon Alleman, who served for the Navy and is studying professional communications, said Davis more than just the VA Benefits Enrollment Officer.

“She has helped guide me specifically to an opportunity to extend the time on my GI Bill through a process known as vocational rehab, which I was never even aware I was qualified for until last semester when she brought it to my attention,” he said.

Alleman, who has been working for Davis for two semesters, calls her a “second advisor or life coach” who looks out for the student veterans’ best interests.

Being a life coach can be difficult and tough, but Davis does not seem mind at all.

“It is a personal pleasure more than a duty or job,” she said.

— Kana Uptegraft

contributing writer

A Nintendo Switch Review from a College Student

Being a college student, especially at FSU Panama City, can often mean you are always on the go. This can limit how much you are able to enjoy the lulls of your day. I was definitely in this position, until recently.

I’ve had almost a full month with my Nintendo Switch, and it has been glorious. For those unaware, the Switch is Nintendo’s newest gaming console that serves both as an in home console and a portable handheld. This idea was exciting, but also caused a lot of skeptics to question how it could work.

I can only speak from my experience, but the Nintendo Switch is the perfect gaming console for a college student. Trying to balance classes, studying, and possibly a job doesn’t give students the opportunity to be able to just sit at home for hours at a time and delve deeply into a game.

With the Switch, however, the game is with you wherever you are. The actual console is smaller than most tablets making it easy to bring with you in whatever bag you happen to take to class. It also has a smooth working interface that allows it to quickly turn on, this enables its user to immediately resume the application that was previously being used.

It is an amazing feeling to be able to have thirty minutes in between classes and know that I can be quickly transported into wonderful video game or my favorite Netflix show. It is also a great that as quickly as I need to I can click the power button on the top and immediately put the device to sleep allowing it to conserve power while also holding onto the exact point I was at.

The switch is a revelation and I could not recommend it more, especially to fellow college students. With even more great games and applications on the horizon I think it is time for all college students to make the switch.

— Micah Lister

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Becoming a buddy at Miracle League

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the first Emerald Coast Miracle League baseball game of the season. A couple of my good friends, Dana and Bruce Koep, volunteer with the League. I went along to find out more, and I was glad I did. The experience was great.

The Miracle League, part of Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation, is a baseball league for special-needs players. According to the League’s website, registration is open to players, ages 3 and older, with any type or degree of disability; player registration is $35, and financial assistance is available. The 2017 spring season, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach, runs through April, with most games played on Saturdays.

During each game, players can be accompanied on the field by a buddy. I signed up to be a buddy with my friend, Dana, and I was given an official buddy T-shirt to wear. Dana’s husband, Bruce, co-coaches one of the teams with his father. Bruce has siblings with special needs, which is how he and his family became involved with the League.

Each game has two innings, and each player gets to take the field twice and bats twice. Buddies take the field with their players and help make sure players are not hit with wayward balls, as well as help players get the ball and throw it. At the end of the game, players line up for high-fives. Players finish up with a drink and a snack.

My experience at Saturday’s game was wonderful. It was great to be a part of something that clearly brings such great joy and excitement to these players. The smiles on their faces is well worth the time. The Miracle League is always in need of people to volunteer as buddies for the games. Anyone interested in more information can go to www.panamacitybeachparksandrecreation.com. The Miracle League can be found under the Activities & Sports tab.

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

'Children’s plays' aren’t just for children

Recently the Tony Award-winning production, “Annie,” came to the Marina Civic Center in Panama City. I know what you’re thinking: Why would I want to spend a Friday night watching a 2½-hour play about an orphan and a dog? Trust me, I thought the same thing. For Christmas this year, my mom bought my sister and me tickets to the play since my sister has always loved the movie. I was hesitant at first, thinking, “Why would I want to go see this play knowing I will be bored the entire time?”

Let me say, I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, mainly adults perform the production with only five or six children acting as well. I was expecting an entire children’s cast with only a few adults. Knowing it is based on a children’s movie, it is obvious the directors tried to make it relatable to adults as well. There were certain lines that jabbed adult humor and let the adults share a few funny moments. I applaud the directors for realizing that, it was a smart way to keep the adults intrigued — and well, awake. Although they kept the same story line with the quirky children’s scenes, they made the play more mature to ensure it was appropriate for all ages. To me, the best part about it was looking around and seeing kids, teenagers, adults and even senior citizens enjoying the production.

I genuinely enjoyed the entire play and would recommend any upcoming plays at the civic center to anyone. “Mamma Mia” is coming up on April 20, and I promise you that you can find me there. I’m telling you, children’s plays aren’t just for children!

— Nicolle Valle

contributing writer

Nick Alexander and I’ll tell you why: I’m missing Christmas

Who doesn’t love the holidays? For most of us students, it is a time to spend with family and friends but more importantly: clock out from being a student for a little bit. As this semester is drawing to a close, as always the pressure amps up for students. For impending graduates this is a time to make sure for the third, fourth and fifth time that you indeed have handled everything that needs to be handled for graduation. This is also a time that most of us students start stressing out about finals and last-minute projects that we had all semester to work on but we just didn’t. While many people are looking forward to the summer, I myself prefer the snow and can’t help but reminisce on one of my favorite Christmases ever. I only get to see my dad once a year, during Christmas, and this year his job has him stationed in Boston. 

I met my newly adopted sister

I watched the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 117 to 114. Starting Point Guard for the Celtics, Isiah Thomas scored a career high of 53 points!

I caught a T-shirt at the game

I saw snow and went sledding for the first time since I was probably 12 years old

I played board games with my family and enjoyed the warmth of the indoors while watching it snow outside

— Nick Alexander

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Take a break with campus disc golf

As daytime temperatures rise and days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to check out FSU Panama City’s disc golf course. Set against the beautiful backdrop of North Bay, the course winds around campus for 18 holes.

The rules of disc golf are similar to those of regular golf. Players take turns and throw a disc from the tee pad. The goal is to land a disc in the basket some distance away. Each hole has a par value, which defines the number of throws it should take to make it into the basket. The game is scored the same way as regular golf. Strokes are added for excess throws, and strokes are removed for making a basket in fewer throws. The lowest number of throws wins.

Despite its more compact size, the campus course is a full 18 holes in length. The course is great for beginners because the hole distances are reasonably short. However, the course does include several more difficult holes to challenge more experienced disc golfers. Nice concrete tee pads and professional signs add to the appeal of the course.

With the end of the semester drawing ever closer, students are knuckling down and studying for finals. The campus disc golf course offers a great way for students to take a break from the books, get out into the sunshine, breath some fresh air and stretch their legs. Because of its small size, the course is perfect for fitting in a quick game between studying and classes. Students can check discs out from the library or bring their own.

For anyone ready to try another course, there are several to choose from in the area. In east Panama City, Joe Moody Harris Park is similar to the campus course in size. Although the Moody course only has nine holes, it is another great course for beginners. It is also a good choice if conditions are windy.

The 18-hole Bay Memorial course on Balboa just south of 11th Street is the newest course in Panama City. In Callaway, Under the Oaks Park is a larger course. It is more challenging, with longer hole distances, lots of open space and 18 holes.

There are several more disc golf courses in the surrounding area. The Bear at Compass Lake in Alford is a large, challenging 18-hole course with long hole distances. The Freeport Regional Sports Complex has a large course with several large water hazards. Ferry Park in Fort Walton Beach is a large, scenic course and worth the drive to get there.

Check out the Professional Disc Golf Association’s website for lots of good information about the game.

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Nick Alexander and I’ll tell you Why: I didn’t eat for 60 hours

Fasting: Many people do it, some for religious reasons, some for health reasons, and many are involuntarily doing it. To fast is to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink.

I would argue that most people fast for religious reasons, but let us not forget to acknowledge our dear friend the college student. With tuition, gas prices, the everyday time crunch of life and the unfortunate fact that there never seems to be food in the house, most of us college students have gone a time or two without eating. Some people fast for health reasons, claiming that, if done safely, it will help shed body fat, retain more muscle, protect your brain and help your heart. However, for more on that, you will have to check out 6 Compelling Reasons to Try a Fasting Diet.

I had been preparing to speak and give my testimony at Collide, a college ministry through Gulf Coast, held on Thursday nights. When it comes to sharing my story of how I came to know God, it is a bit of a long one. I did not begin to understand who He is until I was about 15 or 16 years old. Now 22, there were many gaps to fill in while I was preparing to speak: my upbringing until I was introduced to Him, what happened during the time I was learning about Him and everything since then that has led me to the point I’m at in my faith now. So when I was given only 30 minutes to share my story, I had to do some trimming to make sure I hit the most important parts as I wouldn’t have time to give detail to my story in entirety.

I remember going through my story numerous times; I was sick of hearing it as I was trying to dissect the vital and milestone moments of my story. I remember just days before I was supposed to speak I thought I had everything together but I could not shake the fact I felt something missing. After praying about what it was that I was leaving out, my nerves of speaking and my daily routines/obligations all distracted me. It was then, when I felt so disconnected and out of sync with God, I felt led to fast. I needed to try to block out all the distractions of my everyday life and felt led to put myself in this vulnerable state, looking to God for comfort and strength to get me through these hours. For 60 hours, I fasted from all food and limited myself to just water. Dedicating my time when I would normally be eating, to spending time in prayer and reading my bible, waiting patiently but with anticipation for what it was God was trying to communicate with me.

This was definitely unlike any experience I have had before and the duration of my fast lasted for 60 hours. Although it was rough, I am thankful for my experience for the impact it has had in my spiritual life and my relationship with God, but I am also thankful for the impact it has had in my natural life. I have come to be more grateful for all the blessings in my life that I often overlook. Such has having the luxury of a roof over my head and a kitchen full of food even when I claim there’s nothing to eat.

— Nick Alexander

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Knock your socks off folk rock

What a wonderful, whimsical, a little windy, but overall a fantastic turn out at UNwineD. The Avett Brothers put on a brilliant show for their fans. 

The concert took place at Aaron Bessant Park, where hundreds of friends and family alike joined for an unforgettable weekend. Those who participated in the UNwineD garden party indulged in a unique menu from chef Patrick Stubbers of Seabear Oyster Bar and favorite mixologist Ryan Casey of The Dewberry in Charleston, SC. Vendors were also scattered around the field for show goers who did not buy tickets for the garden party. The vendors had everything from wine, beer, cocktails and fried oreos; talk about yum! 

The Avett Brothers started on time and played all of the classics I was hoping for. I went to the show with friends, we danced, we sang, and we may have cried a little because that is what you do when the Avett Brothers play live. Your body is overjoyed, every inch of you is filled with emotion and happiness to just be there in that moment, it is a beautiful band and I am so happy to have had the chance to enjoy it with great friends.

If you missed this Panama City Beach classic event then you can follow The Avett Brothers on tour at http://www.theavettbrothers.com/tour. And the next time your local community puts on an affordable show, be sure not to miss it!

— Coralanne Emborski

contributing writer

What I'm reading

I used to love reading as a kid, but I have not done any reading for myself in a long time. I still read, keep in mind — I read a lot in fact — it’s just not for pleasure. My reading consists of textbooks, discussion board topics, online articles, various course description handouts during syllabus week and homework/project assignments to learn or discuss things I will probably never look at again but are necessary for whatever class I am taking at the moment. When I spend all my time doing this, the last thing I want to do is read, let alone for fun. However, I forgot how beneficial reading for pleasure can be. In an article by Amy on the Denver Public Library website, some of the benefits for reading include:

• Increases students’ engagement in learning, resulting in higher test scores and more positive attitudes about school and education
• Improves reading achievement, which includes such things as as a strong vocabulary, a greater use of complex grammatical structures, and the development of a good writing style
• Promotes cognitive development
• Increases empathy and social skills
• Is entertaining (a student who loves books is never bored)
• Is correlated with better health
• Leads to a positive sense of well being
• Reduces stress

I decided I wanted to start reading for pleasure again. I went out and got two books that interested me. One is “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, which multiple people have recommended. The other is a book by one of my favorite pastors Pastor Steven Furtick, “Sun Stand Still.”

— Nick Alexander

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major