Student Blog

I wanted to make this Blog an introduction to myself. My name is Steve. I hope you all enjoy the blogs I write, I know it is very enjoyable to write them!

To summarize up my history for a moment, I will say that I have struggled a lot in the past with some orthopedic issues. I was born with deformed feet, and have been struggling with the challenges that come with any deformity since I could walk. Throughout Middle and High School, I have had twenty surgeries on my feet so far! (Poor piggies went the butcher shop instead of the market! HAHA!!!) But seriously though. It’s been tough.

I am however, fortunate for this seemingly troubled past. The surgeries are over, and I am now healed. (Well.. Sort of..) At the very least, I am happy to say that I have ditched the wheelchair and am walking everywhere I go. I must say though, I do miss doing wheelies with my wheelchair…

I may actually still do them even though I can walk

But I digress. I worked hard through grade school and am now currently a student at the State College of Florida (obviously). As I was saying earlier, I thoroughly enjoy being here. I’m not sure what I was expecting at first, but all of those somewhat neutral views have turned into strongly positive ones.

I plan on becoming a Veterinarian when I am through with school. It’s a LOT of school, and I’m okay with that. I really love animals (to death!!!!!!!!) and I really enjoy helping them. In my spare time I blog (hehehe) and volunteer at the Braden River Animal Hospital. It’s so rewarding! After being through the pain and suffering that I have been in in previous years, I know that it’s an extremely difficult thing to deal with. So, I feel like I can help make animals happy and pain free too. This is why I aspire to become a veterinarian.

The physical struggles I have dealt with in the past I feel have made me a better person inside. I see things from a perspective not many young adults do. My past has made me mature much sooner than I otherwise would have, and for that I am thankful.

Not only has my physical disability made life somewhat difficult at times, it has also showed me that when God does something, God has a reason for it. My feet limit my physically but, thankfully my brain takes up the slack. I have been blessed with a high I.Q, and I really am happy to say so.

I’m very opinionated with things, (politics and such.. More to come!) and I really enjoy debating with people. Not only do I love being right, but it is just fun in general to see what someone from the opposite side of a given topic sees.

I am a firearm friendly individual. I love firearms, and I feel that all responsible individuals should own at least ten trillion of them. The world of shooting is extremely fun and competitive, and is something I enjoy doing in the small amount of free time I have when I’m not at B.R.A.H. Some people feel that firearms shouldn’t be talked about or legal in general, but I am not one of those types of people. I believe in our 2nd amendment rights, and I also believe in God. The two go together very well for me, and I must say that if you feel differently that is A ok! I am not here to impress my opinions on anyone.

Anyway, this was just a (not so short) introduction of myself to you all. I hope you all are enjoying the wonderful weather we are having here lately. (Thank God for WINTER!!!!) If you ever see me around campus, feel free to come up and say “hi.” I’ll probably be one of the few with a T-shirt and shorts on in this 60 degree weather, so I won’t be too hard to find!

Anyway, it was nice to get the opportunity to Blog for SCF, I am honored to do so, and hope to do well. Be sure to enjoy your Christmas break, and be sure in the mean time to study hard for those finals! It’s not something you want to take lightly.. The things you learned at the beginning of the semester are probably hiding somewhere. My advice is to study, study, study!

If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to studentblogger@scf.edu so we can hear from you!

By now I’m sure just about everyone has heard about the recent Mythbusters “incident.”  In case you are one of a small minority who hasn’t, here is a summary of what recently happened.

I myself am an avid Mythbusters fan. Before the show however, I always make sure I have all of my school work completed, so I can be sure and watch Mythbusters uninterrupted. Every new episode that airs makes my mouth water and I cannot wait to see all of the new episodes they have coming! Well, recently, the Mythbusters were filming an experiment for their show which involved cannon balls.

If you are a follower of the show like myself, you will know that just about all of the “dangerous” experiments happen at the Alameda County Bomb Range, about thirty-five miles from Sacramento. They’ve done literally hundreds of experiments there without incident.

Ironically, they were doing this experiment to see what other household items could be used as a good cannon ball -  (I wonder if I could do something like this for class? LOL!) It seems as though nothing has the stopping power of the traditional hunk of metal soaring through the field. The recent incident at the range proved that theory right. Not only did the original cannon ball (the dependent variable for all of you science junkies) soar through their target, clear the entire length of the range, jump the berm at the end of the range, it flew over 700 YARDS– Yes that is over 7 football fields away!!!!– proceeded to go through the bedroom wall of a home, through the front door (how rude!) and finally ending its journey with a smash to the family SUV.

As astonished as I was about this incident, I must say I did “lol” when I first heard about it. The scary part is, allegedly there was a 5 year old girl sleeping in the bedroom where the rogue ball intruded. Yeah, I’ll admit it’s not cool that lives where actually in danger, but setting aside that fact it is pretty funny!

These guys have been doing experiments for a combined 18 years and, in a test to see how well the cannon ball performed it literally went off the map (and through a house, into a car we go!). It makes me wonder if they’re still going to air this episode? I sincerely hope they do. <3

Don’t forget to study for Finals and make sure all classwork is done before watching the show! It’s addicting.  Personally… If I don’t have it done before the new episodes, I tend to forget to do it! So make sure you get the school work done before watching Mythbusters!!!

What’s your favorite Mythbusters episode?  Email your thoughts to studentblogger@scf.edu.

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Sources:

http://www.montereyherald.com/state/ci_19495586

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/VIDEO-ADDED-Mythbusters-accident-sends-cannonball/Q1guxAPlgUep7IVUhW0hXw.cspx

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-57339079-52/mythbusters-make-apologetic-house-call-after-cannon-accident/

Has anybody attended the Wellness seminars that SCF provides? I’ve always been curious about them, but just never got around to attending. But even without going to a seminar or taking courses about health, did you know that there are a lot of small, easy ways to make healthier choices?

Since this semester started I have made it one of my personal goals to be a healthier person. I’m sure you’ve all heard of the “freshman 15.” Yeah, I gained that plus like, five pounds more last year. Sounds pretty awful, right? Well, it was. But Ive only got myself to blame. I would eat out almost every day (Panera, McDonalds, Steak’n'Shake) and my favorite snacks were candies and sweets. To add onto it, I’m sure I over-ate because of stress and boredom and completely cut working out of my schedule. And while I saw the numbers going up, it wasn’t until mid-summer that I realized just how much weight I’d gained. I felt disgusting. Luckily for me, my cousin also made the choice to become a healthier person. While we’ve both made different choices and set different plans, its been really inspiring to see her progress (especially since I can’t really see my own). And sometimes it comes down to small decisions! Going to subway for lunch? Get your sub on wheat instead of herb and cheese; get a six inch instead of a twelve; add more vegetables; instead of soda, drink tea or water! Doesn’t sound too hard, does it? I’ll admit that sometimes it really is hard… But life is what you make of it, and if you dedicate yourself to better choices, you’ll start to feel better inside and out.

Have any of you gone through similar situations? Whats your motivating factors? Share your health tips with us in an email to studentblog@scf.edu!

Have you ever heard someone on campus say, “C is a degree!” about an upcoming test or even about an entire class? I have, in fact I did just last semester. I have to say, when I heard that I didn’t think, “Wow, this person is pushing themselves to their limits.” It seemed like a comment that says that the only effort needed is the bare minimum required to pass. Wouldn’t you agree?

I’m not trying to pick on anyone with my new blog here; I’m just trying to give a little food for thought. I know there are many people here on campus that really fight to get C’s and to them I say, “Awesome!” or probably “Wicked!”(Since I come from R.I. originally), haha. Anyway, I was just thinking that I’ve seen that bare minimum attitude on campus a lot and I thought about what a difference a simple attitude adjustment can make- in all areas of life really.

I say this because I used to be the person in high school who did the bare minimum. I never was involved with any after school events, or groups- except a rock band. I decided at some point though, that my head might serve a better purpose than head-banging, lol. Now that I’m here at college something occurred to me…I have the potential to make a difference in other people’s lives, including my own- so why sit around waiting for the world to cut me a break?

I don’t know, I guess I have developed a sense of pride in my time here at school and I kind of want to share that enthusiasm with some of you here on campus who don’t have that outlook. Why squeak by when you can soar, is all I’m asking? Do you not believe you can? I believe you can because I have come from that same attitude and did a complete turn-around. In fact, Thursday I’m being inducted as an officer in our colleges Phi Theta Kappa honors society and I feel like all my hard work is finally working to my advantage. I’m ready to make a difference around me and I want to be the kind of person people are glad to be around or come to for assistance. Like I said, some people out there fight hard to get where they are and should be very proud of themselves. So why make your time at college feel like you have nowhere better to be when you can turn it into something that will work for you now and in the future? You know what’s funny, you may see a t-shirt or two around campus pretty soon that says, “Why squeak by when you can soar?” because I shared my idea with our PTK group and they felt it was a good attitude to represent around campus. It feels good when you can make a difference, even in a simple gesture like making a suggestion. Anyway, I just wanted to encourage those out there today that college time, is your time and why not make it an awesome time huh?

Well, I’ll get off my soap box now, haha. I just felt compelled to make a statement on campus attitude since it really does make a difference to think positive. So, have a good one!

Tuesday Morning, 7:05am, 39 degrees.  As I parked this morning I sat for a few moments and looked at the Professional Development Building on the Venice Campus.  I took a few seconds to think about all the times I’ve sat in my car, looking at that building.  I am reminded of how many emotional spaces I have been through, sitting in that same spot, over the past year or so at SCF.  You might think, from reading my blogs, that all my time at SCF has been nothing but perfect.  As I’ve mentioned before, nothing is ever perfect.  Like most of us, I was not only attending school, but I was also living my life outside of school.  That part comes with it is own set of challenges.  There were a few times I thought I might not make it.  Times when I questioned if I really wanted to go through it.  Times when I thought the personal things in my life were too crazy, and I couldn’t possibly focus on school.  Those pivotal decision moments are different for everyone.  If I can give any advice it would be this

It’s easy to let frustration and chaos disrupt you life plan.  It’s easy to give into the mode of “I don’t care, I’ve got too much going on in my life to worry about this class,” thinking.  What is not easy is making the choice, because we ALL HAVE THEM, to keep things in perspective.   Take the time to step back, and try to not be reactionary.  Chaos is temporary; making a life changing decision based on something temporary is simply foolish, and there is no way to sugarcoat it.

There are a few people I need to thank:

Thank you Dr. Ford, for your guidance, and encouragement.

Thank you Michelle, for your friendship and amazing sense of humor (you’ve kept me sane more than you know!)

Thank you Kathy Snyder (who is no longer at SCF) for always taking care of myself, and all the other Veterans on Campus!

Thank you Jeff Snyder, for continuously striving to improve student life!

Thank you SCF Venice Campus, for graciously welcoming the newly formed “Veterans Exchange.”

And of course, thanks to my parents, for their unconditional support of my endeavors.

I’m calling it a wrap, but I think I might be seeing you all again. 

Merry Christmas!

Two more finals—that’s it—it starts at 7:30am tomorrow morning.  By the time anyone reads this post, I’ll more than likely have already completed my STATS exam.  I’ve done all the studying I can safely do.  You can actually run this risk of overdoing it. When you reach the point when all the information blurs into one nasty jumble of confusion.  I’ve been down that road before, and it’s ugly.  So, I feel pretty confident about where I stand.  It’s all about balance, and it’s different for each of us.

After my Horror Literature final is over (sometime around 2pm on Tuesday), my course work for the semester will be complete.  I just got a little chill as I typed that last line, because it will not only be my last course work for this semester, but it will be my last at SCF.   It’s times like this that really almost seem surreal, and also help to reassert just how fast time elapses.  This isn’t a bad thing, and I know we say this all the time: “It seems like the semester just started.”  And that’s just it.  Something is always going to seem like it was just yesterday.   Hopefully, for most of us, there will be several yesterdays, because that means we’ve taken on many new endeavors.  That’s how we grow.  That’s how we improve, and continue to solidify our purpose in this chaotic world.

Did I mention that the wind almost knocked me down today?  Ridiculous.  Honestly, though, being from New Hampshire, I’ve endured much worse.  I’ll take cold, gusty winds in lieu of 3 feet of snow any day!

Well, that’s it for now.  I’ll have a few closing thoughts in a few short days.  After tomorrow, I just have to catch my breath.

Some days really are perfect.  Today, The Veterans Exchange and MOTS (Manasota Operation Troop Support) completed our “Toes For Joes” Sock Drive.  We filled 70 boxes, for locally deployed troops, in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We all met up at 9:00am, this Saturday morning.  We got the boxes ready, actually knowing the names of the soldiers who were going to be opening them.  We packed socks, shower shoes, candy, beef jerky, energy bars, letters, and cards.  They are filled to limit, and ready to go!

The Veterans Exchange, which I’m extremely proud of co-founding, has accomplished so very much this semester.  Our fantastic Venice Campus Student Life Advisor, Jeff Snyder, continuously extends his appreciation of what we have accomplished.  He cannot recall a club, being newly chartered (only since this past August), achieving so much.  And it was not easy.  It took a lot of hard work and dedication.  Our efforts have helped propel the Bradenton Campus to establish a Veteran’s Club of their own.  To be honest, I’m still amazed at how all of this happened.  The “Veterans Exchange” came to life from one simple question posed in a conversation during the summer term:

“Why don’t we have a Veterans Club on Campus?”

And that’s how things happen. It’s as simple as that—having a conversation— asking questions. So now, the Venice Campus has Veterans Organization that has over 40 members.  I am truly honored to know that something I helped to create will become a permanent part of the social structure of SCF.  It’s a great feeling.

Sometime ago, and I think it may have been my first blog, I wrote something like: “if a club doesn’t exist on campus, and you feel strongly about it, then START one.”  Mostly anything is possible, and I’ve got the evidence to back it up.

Well—three finals left! STATS, History of Film, and Horror Literature.  I’ll be officially done with my classes by 2pm on Tuesday, and by that time I’ll also be somewhat normal again (and “somewhat” is a key word in that last statement).

I really want some Ben & Jerry’s pistachio ice cream right now, but it’s so cold I think I might shiver myself to pieces if I have some.  I’m sure I’ll break down and have some anyway.  No pain, no gain, or so I’ve heard anyway.

It’s only Tuesday, and I feel like an entire week has already gone by.  I started the day off with Statistics, at 8am.  We got the low-down on what’s going to be on the final.  Only 20 questions! Wow, an entire semesters worth of information compacted into 20 questions.  You know what that means?  The questions are not going to be easy.  And I suppose they shouldn’t be.  I’ll find out one way or the other next Tuesday at 7:30am when I take the final. (Note to self: do not take anymore 8am classes, because 7:30am is just too early for taking a final)!

Tomorrow I have an orientation to attend at USF, then Thursday night is the Poetry Slam, Friday night is the Pop Culture Club Christmas Party, and Saturday, The Veterans Exchange, in conjunction with MOTS (Manasota Operation Troop Support) is holding a Packing Party.  We’ll be packing up all the socks collected during our “Toes For Joes” Sock Drive.  In total, we will be packing 65 boxes for locally deployed troops.   We are starting it at 9am (usually takes about 45mins).  This event is open to the public, and we WOULD LOVE TO HAVE TONS OF PEOPLE THERE!  Here is the address

MOTS Venice Office

7801 Tamiami Trail S., 6A

Venice, FL 34293

If you have any questions, please email scfvets@gmail.com.

Well, I at least have my statistics notebook out of my book bag, so technically I have begun studying, right?

Thanksgiving went well, and I hope all of yours did as well!  I got an A on my last STATS exam for the semester!!!!!! The end of the road is fast approaching.  Three weeks!  And you know what, there is so much going on I didn’t even know that caps and gowns were already available in the Venice Bookstore.  I’m glad I asked. 

Well, the cat’s been let out of the bag (Thanks Dr. Ford!), I made the finalists for the SCF Outstanding Graduate Award.  Won’t find out until graduation!  It’s really pretty cool, just being nominated.  And I need to say thank you to a very good friend, Michelle (who took the time and thought to nominate me).

Well—we have more campus event’s going on.  The Pop Culture Club is still raising money for SPARCC!  On Friday, December 10^th at 7:00pm, they are putting on their Annual Christmas Party, from 7pm-10pm, in the Selby Room on the Venice Campus.

Here are some of the details:

Pictures with Santa

Games (Santa Bingo, Arts and Crafts)

Food!!!

This party is highly “family orientated”, and it should be a blast, with proceeds going to a great cause!  I hope to see you there!

Well, I have class at 4pm, and I need to consume at least two more cups of coffee before hand…outta here for now!

I cannot believe I have reached the 30 day countdown! Graduation.  I’m fairly certain I’ve checked all the boxes, filled out all the paperwork, etc, etc, etc.  It’s kinda funny, even though I know I’ve done everything, I still feel like there is something I haven’t done.  I guess it’s my little OCD kicking in, like how I can never shut my car door without going through the ritual of checking for my car keys, at least three times.  Crazy (no pun intended).

Finals.  Do I really need to say anymore…I’ll save that panic attack for next week.

In all seriousness it has been a really great semester.  No it wasn’t perfect, but nothing is.  So, is there anything I would have done differently if I could somehow flip the calendar page back to August?  I would have to honestly say no.  Ultimately, even though I experienced a few headaches, it all seemed to work out well.  My grades are good, and the extra activities I took on all seemed to work out very well.  It kind of seems like I’m writing about the semester as if it ended yesterday.  But it in some ways it really has ended.  We’ve past the honeymoon phase, the mid-term virus, and now it’s the last leg of the journey.  It goes by fast.  Most of us more than likely won’t remember these last few weeks, because we’ll be too busy making sure everything is done, like all the last assignments, finishing that last paper, or last speech, the last whatever..

and then…some of us will be done, diploma in hand.  Some will be moving on to a new college, and some will back at SCF in the Spring.  To be honest, part of me wishes I were going to be back in the Spring.  But my journey is far from over, and SCF was a great stop along the way.  30 days until the next stop: USF.