Farewell to Four Crossed Logs

Four Crossed Logs, which was created in summer 2016 to showcase the talent, communication and insight of FSU Panama City students, has come to an end.

Although short-lived, the blog served as an internship to give real-world experience to professional communication students. We thank all the interns who have written about their campus experiences, community outings and extracurricular activities.

The archives will remain to serve as a portfolio for past interns.

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Katie May: Seminole success story

Katie May is a great example of Seminole success. She has been a member of the FSU Equestrian Team, has been inducted into both the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society and Garnet Key Honor Society, and most recently, she received the Florida State University President’s Humanitarian of the Year Award for the College of Applied Studies. She has landed a great job with a major company, too. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in corporate/public communication, and is set to graduate this year in December. I caught up with May for a Q & A about her experience and success as a student at FSU Panama City.

Where are you from?

A small one red light town called Greenwood, Florida.

How did you become interested in the communication program?

When I was at Chipola College I was majoring in Business Management and I knew it was full of classes that I was not interested in. My advisor at the time, Bonnie Smith, told me about FSU PC’s Communication Program encouraging me to peruse it since it fit my personality.

Why did you choose FSU Panama City?

By coming from a small town with an even smaller school (graduating class of 32) and from a small commuting college, FSU PC felt just like home. I enjoyed having a school where you were not just considered a number, but you had a name. At FSU PC professors don’t see their students as a number or a paycheck they genuinely see us as the future and want to grow/develop us in as many ways possible.

Is there anything in particular that you have really enjoyed about FSU Panama City or that you think is unique to the student experience at this school?

The professors are outstanding. In high school teachers always try to scare you about how horrible college professors are, but it is quite the opposite. All three of my professors: Dr. Halvorson, Dr. Wallace, and Dr. Lindsay are all amazing to work with. They go above and beyond to make sure your classes are on track, that you are understanding the material, and reassuring you that they are always there if you need anything.

Did you take any of your classes online? If so, did you like and/or dislike about the online course experience?

I have taken multiple classes online. The main thing that I liked about the online experience was that it was convenient for me and my work schedule.

Tell me about any internship you did, and what you learned from the experience?

I did my undergraduate internship at a Crop Insurance company based out of Kansas. While interning there I had multiple opportunities to use some of the knowledge from my degree such as communication audits and social media audits. Along with auditing the company I also working with the National Marketing Director assisting at trainings, trade shows, as well as being the head administrator for all of the company’s social media accounts.

Tell me a bit about your new job position. What got you interested in pursuing that type of position, and what got you interested in the company?

I am currently working at Trane located in Lynn Haven, Florida. After my internship I knew that the company was not meant for me that I wanted to try something that would be challenging to me and my skill set. One day while looking on a job posting website I ran across a posting of a Human Resources (HR) Intern at an Air Conditioner Manufacturing Plant. I knew that I had always wanted to be in HR, but was never sure how to get my foot in the door. Knowing this was my opportunity for a change I took a chance at doing something that I never would have dreamed of doing. I applied for a job that I knew could open the door to the future corporate job that I have always dreamed of. I applied on a Wednesday and that Friday the HR Site Leader called to set up my first interview for the following Monday. My family was as surprised/thrilled as I was. I have never seen a job placement as fast in my life. I knew deep down that this job was meant to be. One interview led into another, which quickly reassured me on my thought that this was a good leap of faith. Within a period of a week I was interview, hired, and started not only a job, but also a career. I have been working with Trane for the past 11 months. Trane has offered so many amazing opportunities and life long career paths. Something that I thought was a short leap of faith has turned into an open door into the career path that I have been dreaming of since I was 10 years old.

Tell me a bit about how you approached the job hunt. Did you use any online job listing sites, online resume posting sites, or Linked In? How important do you think such online tools are for new grads these days?

I used Indeed and Glassdoor. I think it is very important for current students and new graduates to at least watch the job posting sites. Just because you do not know about a company/job does not mean it is not there. I found the HR Internship by accident, I was not looking for it or was legitimately considering going into another internship. One thing that I have learned through this whole process is, do not put on your blinders. Start looking for ways to improve yourself and push yourself to take that scary leap of faith. It could turn out better than anything you could have planned for.

How did your time as a student prepare you to search for, and land a job?

The best thing that I ever did as a student was taking the Interviewing Class with Dr. Halvorson. No matter what job you go after you will always be expected to hand in a resume and be interviewed. Dr. Halvorson’s class walked you step by step in how to create a resume and how to not only conduct an interview, but how to be interviewed.

What are some things you have learned, as a student, that you feel will help you in your new position and in the career ahead of you?

Nothing good ever comes easy. You will have ups and downs and even a few curve balls, but at the end of the day it will all be worth it. Every overwhelming moment that you face is preparing you for a biggest task that is yet to come. Our actions today mold our mindset and our future. Take those overwhelming moments and realize it builds character and teaches wisdom.

Is there anything you know now, that you wish you had known at the beginning of your school career. Perhaps some advice for new students?

Eat the slice of cake. We all do it and think it. Not only are we trying to get through college, successfully, begin our careers, pay bills, have a social life; we are trying to be healthy. There is nothing harder to do than being stressed and wanting nothing more than to have a piece of cake, but you can’t because it’s bad for you. Here is my advice, we as college students work ourselves ragged to be the perfect student, child, and citizen that we could possibly be. Our stress level is through the roof. So after a long day of working/studying/adulting don’t beat yourself up on what you could have done, treat yo’ self. Where that means you go shopping, you go out with friends, or you eat that slice of cake that you know you shouldn’t, in the long run you won’t regret it.

As you move on from school, is there anything you think you will miss about your time at FSU Panama City?

The two things I will miss the most will be my professors and making memories with my friends on campus. Over the past two years I have grown very fond of all of my professors. It will be very odd not to see at least one of them once a week. It will also be weird not being a part of FSU PC activities with the wonderful people that I have met on campus that I am now lucky enough to call my friends.

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

The taste of Britain in PCB

There is little in the way of British food to be found on Panama City Beach. Sure, some restaurants offer fish and chips, but not many are doing it exceptionally well. There is one place, though. I recently visited Eat My Pasty, and the place did not disappoint. Located at the quiet south end of State 79, the restaurant stands out from its surroundings with images of the British flag dominating the décor. 

The patio outside has plenty of large picnic tables, with large umbrellas that offer up some shade. Upon entering the restaurant, you are met by a large wooden bar that dominates the space. Off to the sides is ample seating. The large print menu is up above the bar counter and you order there, then seat yourself, and food is brought to your table when it is ready.

As the name implies, the specialty at Eat My Pasty, is well, the pasty (pronounced pass-tee not pay-stee). A pasty is basically a type of hand pie, with a pastry crust that encases a delicious filling. The nine varieties of filling range from the traditional Cornish to vegetable curry. As I mentioned, the restaurant also offers fish and chips done right, with a choice of cod or haddock. The menu also includes lots of great looking burgers and salads.

I ordered a cheese, potato, and onion pasty, and a single piece of fish just to try it. My boyfriend was feeling adventurous, and ordered the Frankenstein burger special of the day. Made from elk, venison, and veal, this burger was awesome. Of course, we each had a portion of chips (fries) too. I could not resist ordering a dessert pasty to finish off the meal. The waffle berry pasty came with vanilla ice cream, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. It was to die for.

We sat outside, as the weather was nice. Though spacious, the patio has an intimate feel to it, with lots of flowers and greenery. Everything we ordered was delicious, and we cannot wait to go back to try something new. Check the restaurant out on Facebook, and online at www.eatmypasty.com. The website is very well done, and has lots of interesting history and information about the Cornish pasty, the owners, and the business. Pasties can even be ordered online for next-day delivery to your home.

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

One of my favorite things to do on weekends is go to the Grand Lagoon Waterfront Farmers Market. While I have been busy finishing up my final semester of school, I have not visited in what seems like forever. I finally had time to go this weekend, with the semester just about wrapped up.

The market has grown notably larger since my last visit, which was great to see. The parking lot was quite full, and the market square was bustling. There must have been 20 or more vendors, with a wide array of goods on offer, such as pies, pastries, breads and other baked goods. I bought koulourakia (a type of cookie) and baklava from a Greek bakery. Another bakery there makes wonderful sweet bread, and I have bought that many times in the past.

For me, there is something special about buying local. It just feels (and tastes) good. In addition to my bakery purchase, I bought some produce from another one of the vendors. I got nice looking grape tomatoes, some sweet potatoes and some large green onions that have a purple red color to them. The same seller also had some homemade tamales to offer. Unable to resist, I picked up some of those, too.

Some of the other food items offered included homemade jams and jellies, honey, herbs and spices, as well as coffee beans. There was a vendor grilling something, not to mention a sno-cone truck. I bought some fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Food and beverage was not the only thing on offer, though. The farmers market has vendors selling handmade soaps, lotions and candles. Additionally, there are vendors selling clothing, crochet, handmade wooden crafts, unique handmade jewelry, paintings, dreamcatchers, sculptures handmade out of scrap metal and more.

The Grand Lagoon Waterfront Farmers Market is located next to Captain Anderson’s, at the corner of North Lagoon and Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. The market is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Unforgettable College Experience

After high school I had no clue what I wanted to do career wise in my life. My parents told me that I had to attend the local college where I lived, and down went their dreams of college for me. I look back now and I’d wished I had known then what I do now. Without a college education, one’s career options are very limited as far as the workforce cares.

I returned to college some years later to finish what I started before. I’m much older, wiser, and more focused on my degree. Although it hasn’t been the easiest task for me now that I’m a single mother of two children, full-time student, and full time employee I have managed to stay on track.

After I finished my two-year associate’s degree at the junior college my parents demanded me to go to, I began searching for a college university where I would complete my bachelor’s degree.

During this time I received a graduation invitation in the mail from a cousin whom I hadn’t spoken with or seen in about 10 years. She was receiving her master’s degree in special education from FSU’s Tallahassee campus. I remember being so excited for her and sad that I wouldn’t be able to attend her commencement ceremony.

Some months later she and I met for lunch. We discussed her experience on and off campus at FSU. She shared lots of valuable information with me concerning the importance of a college degree, and she also encouraged me that you’re never too old to get an education and life circumstances are going to challenge you but never give up.

I had no idea or intentions on attending FSU at that time, but some years later I found myself on that very campus enrolling for school. I attended my orientation seminar at FSU in fall 2014 and afterward became very discouraged at the site of the large student body and campus.

The following year, in spring 2015, I encountered a fellow co-worker who informed me that he had recently attended FSU and he too became overwhelmed with the large classes and campus. So instead of dropping out he transferred to FSU Panama City and discovered a much smaller campus. There, he would graduate a semester earlier than at the main campus.

After, hearing his testimony I visited FSU Panama City, and I was sold right away at the site of the campus.

FSU Panama City had a friendly, family-like atmosphere that made me feel like I had been missing something all along. The staff and students there were helpful and friendly, and the campus was beautiful with a perfect view of the bay. Animals roamed freely without a care in the world. As I witnessed the sense of security the animals had, I knew I was in the right place.

I began classes in fall 2015, and I look forward to graduating in the spring commencement ceremony this May.

— Alicia Harvey

contributing writer

Spotify: A music enthusiast’s best friend

For those who are not familiar with Spotify, it is a digital music service that gives you access to millions of songs. You can stream podcasts, get updates on local concert venues, access any album you prefer and get weekly recommendations for new music based on what you have liked. It is the best friend for any music lover.

Luckily, it is feasible for any Seminole’s budget too. Ordinarily the service charges $9.99 per month to access. However the tech company is paying its respects to hardworking college students by offering a student discount of only $4.99.

Personally I have use for Spotify on a daily basis. It builds a specific playlist to listen to while I workout. When I say specific, I mean the app is capable of measuring the rate in which I am running and match my pace with a song that has an identical beats per minute. Hence when I move faster, it recognizes my increase in speed and will automatically fade-out my current tune and fade in a jam with a more rapid beat.

Additionally it is the ideal companion for your school commute. There are dozens upon dozens of podcasts to choose from. They offer anything from light-hearted comedy to in-depth philosophical topics. Most of the time I end up staying in my car even after I arrive because I am so drawn in to what I am listening to.

So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself and upgrade your life to Spotify.

— Jameson Dettle

contributing writer

A few kinks then smooth sailing through U.S. 98 detour

Just over a week ago, the traffic pattern east of the Hathaway bridge was diverted as part of construction efforts for the 23rd Street Flyover project. Living on Panama City Beach, but working and going to FSU in Panama City, I admit to having been worried about how the road construction will affect my daily commute during the week.

When the traffic pattern was changed on the evening of April 21, I was already back beachside. The next morning, I heard of many people being stuck in traffic for hours. There were a great many posts on Facebook about it, as well. I started to think getting to and from work and school was going to become a daily nightmare.

I was, however, pleasantly surprised to see that traffic was moving just fine by midday on Saturday, April 22. I am happy to say that since the initial difficulty, the traffic diversion seems to be running smoothly. Traffic quickly returned to its typical congestion levels, and perhaps even a slight improvement over the old traffic pattern.

The new Temporary U.S. 98 will be used until fall 2019, according to FDOT. Periodic lane shifts will be necessary during that time, as construction continues along existing U.S. 98 and 23rd Street.

To find out the latest information and about the 23rd Street Flyover project and to find out how the project is progressing, go to http://www.nwflroads.com/21797635201.shtm. Additionally, look for the project on these social media outlets:

• Facebook: my23rdstreetflyover
• Twitter: @MyFDOT_NWFL
• Instagram: my23rdstreetflyover

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major 

Holley Rotunda piano brings students together

Most students go to their colleges campus only for class, and then leave as soon as they possible can. This has begun to change for some Florida State University Panama City students though.

Located in the Holley Rotunda is a beautiful Steinway and Sons grand piano. Students are gathering around it to share their love of music with one another.

“I have played the piano for almost 15 years,” student Marshall Sowell said. “I originally wanted to learn to play the violin, but was told I should learn to play the piano before attempting to learn any other instrument. I fell in love with the piano, and wanted to learn more and more.”

The students who gather in the the Holley Rotunda come from a multitude of backgrounds. However, this piano has brought them together and formed friendships among them.

Sowell is not the only student who spends his free time on campus at the piano. Multiple students enjoy playing, and the rest of campus looks forward to hearing them play.

“It makes coming to school more enjoyable when you can listen to them playing the piano while walking to and from class,” student Justine Powell said.

Students are glad the piano is being used and hope to see more instruments on campus in the future.

— Anna Smith

contributing writer

Mix and mingle at Chamber's First Friday

“Be somewhere at 7 a.m.? Hell no.” This was actually my first thought when I was first introduced to the First Friday meeting held by the Chamber of Commerce. Waking up at 10 a.m. is hard enough; I had no desire to wake up even earlier to drive two hours to mingle with a bunch of business people who I did not know. However, my conscience told me the experience could actually be beneficial. So there I was crawling out of bed at 4 a.m. so I would have time to get ready and drive two hours to Panama City. But boy, am I thankful I made that decision.

I can honestly say it was not easy being around all those people. I didn’t know them, and I felt they sure did not have an interest in getting to know me. “I’m just a communication student who has no purpose for them,” were my exact thoughts. However, Brian Garmon and his awesomeness came to my rescue. He introduced me to some people and explained to me the purpose of these meetings. One thing that I particularly remember about what he told me is that obviously the more I attended the easier it would get. He also pointed out that the more I went, people would start to recognize me and might take interest in why I was attending all of these meetings and take time to talk to me. Which by the way is awesome because it could lead to job or internship opportunities.

After all was said and done, someone stopped me while I was backing out of my parking spot after leaving the meeting. He saw me around the event and asked if I did social media for businesses because he needed someone. Now had I not just been student, I could have had a job just like that. It is amazing how the slightest mingling could have benefited me in such a huge way. I recommend that all students attend at least one of these because you never know what opportunities could arise from it.

— Tiana Hallmon

contributing writer