Making Waves @ PBA

Starfish and Signs of Hope

2012-07-26T11:04:00.000-04:00

Starfish from a water dive with PBA student Ryan Winston.

One of the many wonders South Florida has to offer is it's abundance of marine life. In particular, starfish have always been one of my favorite parts of aquatic life, besides dolphins. Recently I went to Phil Foster Park next to Peanut Island, just north of downtown West Palm Beach. It was just an ordinary day of diving, snorkeling and boating, but the sight of a particular starfish caught my attention and triggered a memory of an old story.

Back in high school, a close friend of mine also had a strong fascination with starfish; she would make doodles of them on paper, buy starfish earrings, and basically made starfish her trademark. At our high school graduation, she spoke to our class about why she admired these marine echinoderms.

She shared a portion of "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley:

An old man had a habit of early morning walks on the beach. One day, after a storm, he saw a human figure in the distance moving like a dancer. As he came closer he saw that it was a young woman and she was not dancing, but was reaching down to the sand, picking up a starfish and very gently throwing them into the ocean. "Young lady," he asked, "Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" "The sun is up, and the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in they will die," she said. "But young lady, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference. The young woman listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves, saying, "It made a difference for that one." The old man looked at the young woman inquisitively and thought about what she had done. Inspired, he joined her in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.

This simple children's story is comforting for me to think about after seeing so much tragedy through news coverage of the shootings in Aurora, Colo. during a showing of the film, "The Dark Knight Rises." When hearing of the shootings, as with all tragedies, it was difficult not to be pessimistic about wrongdoings in the world. During times of crisis and pain, it can be difficult to see how good can survive, similar to how in the "The Star Thrower" it was difficult to see how throwing one starfish back in the water would make a difference.

However, with the story, I am reminded that one person's good morals can outweigh any amount of bad attitudes in the world. The one person throwing the starfish back in to the water is the one that makes a difference.

Finding that orange starfish during a day of diving was a symbol to me of the goodness in the story shared by my high school friend. I know I will make an effort to look out for "starfish" to save this summer.

My Summer Job at Chick-fil-A

2012-07-18T09:45:00.000-04:00

Famous Chick-fil-A logo

When you come to Florida, what's the one restaurant you usually become well acquainted with? With more than 150 Chick-fil-A quick-service stores in Florida – third most in the country – it's not difficult to understand why there are four locations within driving distance of where I live. There's even an express Chick-fil-A right on campus at PBA!

This summer, I had the opportunity to get a closer look at the phenomenon Chick-fil-A has created. Last spring at PBA's Career Fair hosted by the Office of Career Development, I was hired by a Chick-fil-A store for the summer. Throughout my years at PBA, I have known many people who worked with the company and loved the environment.

This made me extremely encouraged when I was about to move from my office job in the Development Office at PBA to the fast-paced environment at Chick-fil-A. Not to mention, PBA students are extremely appreciative for the competitive hourly rate set for PBA students, graciously given at to those working at the Palm Beach Lakes and Okeechobee-Turnpike locations.

PBA Students Chris Collier and Alyssa Osbron at Cow Appreciation Day

Chick-fil-A is almost like a culture, especially for students at PBA. For example, on “Cow Appreciation Day” customers who dress from “head to hoof” as a cow, which is the restaurant's mascot, receive a free meal. My friends from PBA made sure to visit me at work on that day!

The best thing about working at Chick-fil-A isn't that I receive a free meal on the days that I work (although that is amazing), it's being able to work with other students and creating a bond. Whether it's during a slow moment filling up the freshly squeezed lemonade or during an absolutely packed lunch rush on the register, Chick-fil-A has created a team for me to work with and rely on.

Chick-fil-A has also provided me with an outstanding work ethic and job training. There is a lot more behind the “It's my pleasure” phrase used; it shows the respect and happiness that we give each customer during their experience at Chick-fil-A. Also, as employees we better understand the value of a dollar, especially when used for prepping and serving food.

Overall, it has been a blessing working at Chick-fil-A this summer! What kind of fun jobs have you had for the summer?

Life Can Be Like Fireworks on the Fourth of July

2012-07-10T11:41:00.000-04:00

Fireworks from "Fourth on Flagler" over the Intracoastal.

The Fourth of July is always an important time of remembrance for our country. For this year's Fourth of July holiday, I saw a spectacular fireworks show at the "Fourth on Flagler" event in downtown West Palm Beach. The show was above the Intracoastal along Flagler Drive, right in front of the PBA campus.

According to the website of The Massachusetts Historical Society, on July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote the following in a letter to his wife Abigail regarding the celebration of Independence Day:
"It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."

Seeing the illuminations or fireworks is my favorite part of the holiday. As I watched the show with a group of friends, I thought about how my life has been like a bunch of fireworks in the sky -- each role I have in my life is like each individual firework.

Lately, I have been thinking about how to juggle life as a student, daughter and sister, friend, an employee, a young woman, and life as a Christian.  And in the juggling, some of my friendships started to diminish, it was frustrating to see them fall apart.  Luckily, I was able to get together with those friends for the fireworks show, and we regained momentum.

All of these roles that "light up my life" are each like the different fireworks, which lit up the sky on the Fourth of July in colors of blue, white, green and red. Ultimately, it takes a lot of planning for a fireworks show to look good, and it takes just as much time, if not more, to organize my life for it to turn out good, as well. Additionally, even though each individual firework looks good in the sky on its own, together, they create an amazing show. As much as I would like to focus on being perfect in one role of my life, I remind myself the different roles I have keep me well rounded.

I know that a lot of planning for the fireworks in downtown allowed the thousands of people in attendance to enjoy a spectacular event. Although everything in my life does not seem to add up all the time, just like how it's possible for the fireworks go off at the wrong time, I know with a little practice God will help my life come together like a beautiful illumination.

Straying Away from Summer's Stormy Showers

2012-06-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

Rainy day at the beach.

At times in the summer it seems like, Florida, "The Sunshine State" becomes "The Shower State." Last week I was wondering what was up with all of the extensive rain, and then the TV news introduced me to Tropical Storm Debby, moving towards the Florida's Gulf Coast, causing rain across the state. As much as some people find the storms to be dark and dreary, I've actually become acquainted to their calming and soothing aspects.

With the threat of tropical storms, hurricanes, or even 15-minute afternoon showers this time of year, it's inevitable my trusty tote umbrella will be in my purse. However, when the thunder is loud enough to keep me cooped up indoors, sometimes it seems like the only thing to do is clean out my closet!

With two year's worth of college memories at PBA bundled up in boxes, I began to sort through my favorite cards, letters and photos and place them into scrapbooks, albums and frames.  And, it's a bonus that my closet shelves are getting cleaned out! But, I happened to create more of a mess than I already had in my room with paper, gel pens and glitter for writing letters to friends from out-of-state. Oh well.

Nutella cookies for a rainy day.

The best thing about staying indoors is getting stuck in the kitchen. I'm not an avid cook, but I do enjoy baking, especially when I get the recipes correct. This past weekend I successfully made a pan of sweet cornbread for my family and rich Nutella cookies for my boyfriend. Then, with some sweets and a cup of tea in hand, I snuggled up to my pillow with books, my latest fix, "The Hunger Games" series. Though, the rainy weather eventually lured me to sleep, a good excuse to take a nap, which is every working college student's dream!

What fun ideas or activities do you have for spending time without the sun and staying dry inside?

A Sunset Put My Summer Trip into Perspective

2012-06-18T12:55:00.000-04:00

A sunset in the sky on my plane ride home.

How many different ways are there to view a sunset? On the plane ride home from my family vacation up north to visit extended family, I was immersed by a spectacular view. While watching the sunset just before 8 p.m., I found it thrilling to think about how high I was flying. I praised God for the sunset blessing, with the promise of another day. It was just me who headed back home on the plane because I had work the next day, so I took some time to reminisce about the trip.

It's sometimes difficult living in Florida while all of my dad's side of the family lives in upstate New York, especially when plane tickets are too expensive to travel there more than once a year. Since we live so far away, I always forget how large the family is. My dad has four siblings, which gives me 14 cousins. The last time I went to visit was a year ago for my grandmother's funeral, and before that, my grandpa's funeral and my cousin's wedding. Finally going back up there, just to spend time with my extended family, helped with the healing process.

My cousins from dad's side of family in New York.

It was nice to celebrate all the graduations in the family, and my cousin's baptism. It's always crazy seeing how my younger cousins have grown taller, and seeing the babies of my older cousins. We were especially happy for the beautiful weather -- 70 to 80 degrees each day. I even learned how to waterski on my uncle's boat in a lake (no alligators up there!). My favorite part of the trip was bonding with family. As I learned to waterski by continuously falling down, my family was extremely encouraging until I stayed up and faced my fears.

As with most families, even though we all get along and love each other, it's sometimes difficult to get everyone together with work, school and other scheduling issues. I have so much gratitude for my family, including my immediate family. My mom and dad have done a great job raising my two brothers and I. Hopefully, we will have more chances to spend time with our New York family.

Have you made any plans to visit or spend time with your family this summer?

Exercising, Healthy Thoughts During the Summer

2012-06-05T12:14:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it's difficult to find the motivation to exercise, which when done properly is beneficial for a healthy lifestyle. During the school year, it was difficult for me to find time to hit the gym, go for a run or swim. Since summertime allows more time for myself, I decided to make exercising a part of my weekly routine.

I recently began going to the workout classes PBA offers during the summer, including Core Crunch, Zumba, and Pilates, held in the Greene Athletic Complex studio. Being in the studio the other day reminded me of my ballet classes when I was younger. I would go to the dance studio every night for ballet class, watching my movement in the mirror and drawing circles in the hardwood floor.

I am also an avid fan of outdoor exercise, like biking, which I've enjoyed since I was a kid. I have vivid memories of living up north, biking with brisk wind hitting my knuckles as I gripped the handles. Those times have inspired me to keep my body in shape, even when it's easier to sit on the couch.

PBA's Greene Athletic Complex

Though, I'd have to say the absolute best way for me to workout has been swimming. I swam consistently from age 9 until my senior year when I was captain of my high school team. Being an athlete and exercising in general, not only pushed me physically, but mentally.

The amount of physical agility it takes to perform at your best does not compare to the amount of mental exertion it takes to have a positive attitude about your performance. For example, my senior year in high school during finals I performed poorly in my races. It was hard to not have a negative attitude. I eventually realized that if I let my competitive spirit get the best of me, swimming would lose it's meaning in my life.

I'm not going to lie, sometimes I workout when I'm upset or stressed. Usually if I can push through the workout, I can push through the stress. Unfortunately, I have seen how it's easy for exercise to turn into harmful habits hurting your body. I know people, and my friends know people, who abuse exercising to the point that it interferes with the perception his or her body image. Without exercising properly, many are not only at risk to a strained muscle, but a strained life.

Overall, exercise is a good method to find time to pray, meditate, or just to get your spirits up. What inspires you to exercise?

Missing My Roommate 'Across the Pond'

2012-05-24T12:11:00.003-04:00

PBA student Chloe Westrich studied abroad in London, England.

What would you do if your roommate got accepted to a study abroad program halfway through the school year, which also meant he/she had to leave you? One of my PBA roommates for the fall 2011 semester was Chloe Westrich, from St. Louis, Mo. She had the awesome opportunity to participate in PBA's London Semester Program during the spring semester. According to pba.edu, The London Semester Program was the result of a partnership between PBA’s Center for Experiential Learning and Roehampton University, located in southwest London.

Chloe's PBA suitemates bake her a cake.

Although it was easy congratulating my amazing roommate last fall for this incredible opportunity, it was disappointing to know our time as roommates was coming to an end. Chloe was definitely the glue that held all us suitemates together in the Flagler Towers dorm at PBA. She brought a special something to our suite with her bright smile and genuine personality. In celebration of her acceptance to the program, we baked a going away cake. It was difficult letting her leave, but throughout the semester we viewed her Facebook page, updated with happy photos and messages. Also, our entire suite contacted her through Skype on her birthday, which she spent in London, as well.

Chloe recently arrived safely back to the U.S. with lots of stories and experiences! Last weekend, I caught up with her after she settled down, back home, and she filled me in on her time in London. She explained:

Chloe in a London phone booth.

“Studying abroad in London was unlike any other experience I’ve had before. There were some real struggles in the beginning, but by the end of the semester I had fallen head-over-heels in love with the culture, the people, and all the exciting events happening around the city every day.

I was stretched in absolutely every way possible including: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. I became familiar with another culture, but was also able to understand my own culture even better. I feel like I am walking away from this experience as a changed person: my mind has been opened to even more possibilities around the world and a brand new sense of adventure has been cultivated within me.

I have also been able to escape the typical American lifestyle of constantly rushing from one event to another, and really embrace a more slowed down lifestyle where I can really appreciate the people and events I encounter each day.

Some days I wake up and think to myself, 'Did that semester really just happen, or was all of this just a dream?' I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that I had, the people that I met, the breath-taking places I was able to see, and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences I had over the past four and a half months. I would highly recommend studying abroad to everyone.”

Although I had to share my roommate with London, I'm happy she had such a great life experience.

Have you ever thought about spending a semester abroad?

Knowing President Fleming Through 'Development'

2012-05-11T11:21:00.000-04:00

President Fleming signs the hat of a new PBA student during Welcome Week '11 fesitvities.

Mr. William M.B. Fleming, Jr., Palm Beach Atlantic University's newly selected president, is the epitome of “development” here at PBA. As many of you know, President Fleming was interim president for more than a year before being selected this week as eighth president by PBA's Board of Trustees at the recommendation of the presidential search committee. However, I came to know President Fleming through his other service position at PBA.

I met him my freshman year when I got accepted as a work-study student in PBA's Development Office in Sachs Hall. In addition to taking on the role of interim president during the past year, he was also vice president of development, for many years. Working in the department, I not only had the wonderful opportunity to introduce myself to President Fleming, but he got to know me personally, as he does with many PBA students. Working with him for two years, and experiencing how smoothly the office ran with him as vice president, gives me great confidence in his tenure as president.

Additionally, as interim president, I have seen President Fleming's interest in the school skyrocket. Outside of being a student taking classes and working at PBA, I am involved with several student organizations as well. It has definitely been a great college experience seeing President Fleming meet and engage with my fellow peers throughout the year.

For instance, this semester he came to several “end of the year” student meetings. At my weekly Impact Leadership Team (ILT) meeting, President Fleming observed our entire meeting and then was introduced, individually, to the 12 assistants and six interns for ILT. I also heard that he did the same for this year's Welcome Week Steering Committee, which is in charge of introducing this fall's freshmen to PBA through Welcome Week. Also, as I am involved with the PBA Ambassador’s program, I saw President Fleming at this end of the year meeting, as well. He not only already knew the majority of the 14 ambassadors by name, but also unique facts about their lives, providing many laughs and surprises.

Overall, throughout this year President Fleming has already demonstrated to me and other students his care and concern for bettering the purpose of the school – its students' education, environment, and overall development. Congratulations to President Fleming, and congratulations to Palm Beach Atlantic University.

What has been your experience when interacting with President Fleming?

Fun During Finals Week at PBA

2012-05-08T13:46:00.002-04:00

School’s out, so it’s time to pack up! Those familiar red “smart box” storage units appeared once again all over campus sidewalks and parking lots, signaling campus students to start gathering everything together for checkout. Many of them were lined up with students' names, especially on the Pembroke green for Baxter residents!

Checking out of campus is probably the most dreaded job students have to do, but there is always the summer to look forward to. However, the fun, cool RAs we came to know and love are required to transform into "The Cleaning Police." Most students were up until the late hours of the night during finals week finding creative ways to clean their rooms and dorm halls, and we did a good job!

You can also definitely tell that it was exam week because of the papers being proofread, the exams being crammed, and the two main food groups being Red bull and Ramen. The best thing that college prepares us for is learning how to balance working, cleaning, and having fun...not much time to eat though. "Cram Jam's" breakfast for dinner this week served by PBA staff and faculty was probably our most nutritious meal!

Despite all of the work from finals week, or just the end of the year in general, PBA students definitely like to have fun, as you all can see from the photos of everyone's version of coping with finals week. As you can tell with these pictures, the "Instagram" photo app on students' phones was definitely a hit for taking cool pictures with to capture the best moments of final's week.

As much as I enjoy living in dorms, sitting in classrooms and being in PBA buildings every day, it is a relief to be able to settle back home. The amount of relief that it feels to have a whole second semester, and an entire year as a sophomore completed is almost indescribable. Now it's time to move on to summer and have some well deserved fun...maybe more than we had finals week! ;)

Tell me about your experience finals week and how you were able to incorporate fun into working!

PBA Students and the World LEADERS Conference

2012-04-25T14:04:00.000-04:00

Last week, students had a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet, hear or even just catch a glimpse of some of the most influential leaders around the world. The World LEADERS Conference took place the morning and afternoon of April 18 and 19 in the DeSantis Family Chapel at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Through PBA's event coordinator, students were invited to volunteer for the conference.

Early morning volunteer group of PBA students

PBA Students Volunteer and Attend

I decided to volunteer April 18 helping out in the front of the chapel by checking attendees’ name badges, as well as working with the backstage production crew. Throughout the day, I was able to catch a glimpse of many of the speakers. While volunteering, I had a blast with the other volunteers. Plus, it was great to see that the attendees and staff were grateful for our presence and assistance with the conference.

Besides students who were volunteering for the conference, there were several other students who attended the conference with seating. Through hearing a variety of speakers, PBA students gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of a "leader." I know that students who attended the conference will apply these skills to their lives at school, as a majority of them are already currently student leaders on campus.

Blair speaks at the World LEADERS Conference

Former Prime Minister of Britain Tony Blair

Luckily, as a student volunteer, I was selected along with one other student to work during the afternoon when Former Prime Minister of Britain Tony Blair gave his speech. I worked with the production crew, and then attended a reception in the Rotunda of the Warren Library for a photo opportunity with Former Prime Minister Blair. Although it was a rare experience to introduce myself to him, it was his words of advice during the conference that was a gift beyond compare.

There were three aspects of Former Prime Minister Blair's outlined seven steps for leaders that stuck out to me as goals for improving my own leadership. For example, he encouraged the audience to use problems for motivation, instead of frustration. He also suggested using a balance of humility and self-belief in leadership. Finally, he asked us to remember to always thank God for the blessings in our life.

These three small examples of leadership advice have deeply pierced my heart, and will help me with my leadership journey at PBA. Overall, it is encouraging to see how an experienced world leader, such as Former Prime Minister Blair, is willing and able to express leadership advice in a way that is relatable to those who have yet to gain his experience.

'Last Blast Weekend' Starts Thursday

2012-04-16T13:55:00.002-04:00

Thursday, April 19 will be the start of “Last Blast Weekend” at PBA. Every student is ready to celebrate before final exams with concerts, games, food, sports and fun.

Weekend relaxing at the dorms

Thursday Happenings: You can start shouting for joy at 8 p.m. at the Todd Agnew concert at First Baptist Church. Or, if superstar Christian worship singers aren’t enough, you can go to the Spring Dance Concert featuring the PBA Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m. at the Crest Theatre in Delray Beach. Plus, there is another event at the Norton Museum of Art from 7 to 9 p.m. featuring PBA Alum Kristen Alyce to advocate her Garbage Gone Glam cause. I will be there, along with 20 other girls modeling her dress creations.

Friday Events: If you’re not worn out from Thursday, start your grills up for the annual Burger Cook-Off at 4 p.m. on the Rinker Green. Of course, the event is always busy with hungry college students. Then at 5 p.m. you can work off that food by watching the annual Strong Man Competition outside the Green Complex – with ladies competing, too! To wrap the Friday up (yes, this is still Friday’s activities), hundreds of students will get washed up, dressed and out with their friends by 8 p.m. for the Spring Fling dance at the Box Event Hall.

With all these amazing activities Friday, I can't make it to any because I will be spending that afternoon in the car with my family. This is not too unfortunate though as I headed to my older brother’s Flagler College graduation ceremony early Saturday morning celebrating the weekend in St. Augustine, Fla. My older brother and I have been great friends since diapers. We have a lot in common being only three years apart. Though, I often forget how three years makes a huge difference with wisdom and experience, especially now that he is graduating.

Weekend exploring wonders of West Palm

This will truly be a “Last Blast Weekend” for me because I will be celebrating the “Last Blast Weekend” of my brother’s undergraduate life, even though I have to miss the actual events at PBA. Moreover, this “Last Blast Weekend” talk is a constant reminder that the end of the school year is approaching here at PBA, with finals right around the corner. For me, going to my brother’s graduation is a reminder of why we celebrate these weekends at PBA. As students here, we work hard in college each year to reach the ultimate “Last Blast Weekend” of our graduation from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

So while I’m celebrating at my brother’s graduation, what are your plans to celebrate “Last Blast Weekend” at PBA?

'Feeding Children Everywhere' Event April 14

2012-03-30T14:14:00.004-04:00

This semester at PBA never stops rolling with student events and activities.

Last weekend at the Refresh Leadership Retreat put on by Palm Beach Atlantic University's Center for Campus Connections at the Life for Youth Camp in Vero Beach, I learned about a food packaging event coming to PBA Saturday, April 14. A food packaging event is where volunteers package raw food products to create nutritious meals to feed the hungry.

As stated on its website, Feeding Children Everywhere “...is a social charity that empowers and mobilizes people to assemble healthy meals for hungry children.” According to PBA student Matthew Langford, who spoke about the event at chapel this week, the goal is to pack 50,000 meals that will be sent to churches and orphanages in the horn of Africa, where there is currently a huge drought. Each meal contains rice, lentils, vitamin blend and dehydrated vegetables, and costs only 25 cents.

The campus as a whole is really getting fired up about helping out from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Mahoney Gym at PBA's Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation. In a listserv e-mail to students, Matt shared, “We have roughly 1,000 students that live on campus…if each student on campus gave $10, which would be $10,000.” However, not only is this event for students who live on campus, but for commuter students and the community of West Palm Beach.
It is amazing to think that at least one thousand PBA students as well as residents of West Palm Beach will have the opportunity to practice servant leadership. Matt also wrote, “The number one thing I want to happen through this event is for the heart of our campus to break for the needy in this world.”

Watch the video below "What is a Packing Event?" to see exactly what will be going on at PBA Saturday, April 14. Will you be joining?

PBA Alumna to Show 'Garbage' Glam April 19

2012-03-26T14:30:00.013-04:00

It's not difficult to "go green" and practice sustainability at Palm Beach Atlantic University. I found my way into the green theme when I first started working with the company Garbage Gone Glam. When I learned about the company, I didn't know that I'd be working for a cause that would eventually make a huge impact around Palm Beach County and other parts of the country.

Earth Day Fashion Show downtown WPB 2011

Garbage Gone Glam is a company founded by PBA alumna Kristen Alyce, who studied Fine Art and Education. I met Kristen while she was working at a CityPlace store. She came up to me and asked me if I would be in the first fashion show in 2009 at the Braman Motorcar Porshe dealership. Her latest show in the area was in February of this year at the E4 Sustainability Summit, put on by the City of West Palm Beach at the weekly Saturday Green Market. The next show will be minutes away from campus, featured at the Norton Museum of Art's "Art After Dark" on April 19. And following that, a showcase in downtown Palm Beach Gardens at the Green Energy Council's annual "Earth Day."

Kristen's bio on GarbageGoneGlam.com states, "Being a true artist, Kristen knew her collection of Vogue & Elle magazines along with large amounts of plastic grocery bags could be put to use again."

That is where the concept of Garbage Gone Glam began, and it has been growing ever since. Kristen makes her creations out of donated or recycled materials. The main focus has been creating dresses to promote "bettering the environment and saving the earth one piece of art at a time," according to the site. Her dresses are exhibited live by girls who walk down her "magazine cover" runway, modeling creative works of art. What I love about this cause is the inspiration it shows not only by recycling ordinary and odd materials, but turning them into works of art.

"My designs and shows are meant to do more than make you look beautiful," Kristen said. "They are meant to make over a community and set trends that will last forever. After-all, green really is the new black."

When I walk down the runway during these events wearing the recycled dresses, I love being able to advocate how a little change can make a big difference. I especially love the time during the fitting appointments for actually making the dresses, where I watch Kristen use material deemed "garbage", and piece by piece use it to form a creation to fit my body.

Check out how to join the cause and attend the events here: http://www.garbagegoneglam.com/

How are you making a green impact?

The Benefits of PBA 'Workship'

2012-03-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

With the days getting warmer down here in South Florida, it's time to get your plans heated up for completing your Workship hours for this semester at PBA.

Workship has always been a great tradition at Palm Beach Atlantic University, ever since its founding as a college in 1968. PBA's Worship department has many opportunities for students to complete their required community service work. For instance, the Workship department online has tools to narrow down your service search to fit your interests. They conveniently advertise work with local nonprofit organizations, schools and churches.

I usually complete my community service hours with various organizations and add up the amount of hours by the summertime. However, since Workship is requiring hours to be completed by May 1 instead of August 1, there is an increased need to complete community service. Most students who are going on mission trips this spring or summer feel more confident with this change. Though, a lot of students who do not have extensive plans for volunteering are stressing about the deadline.

Volunteering at Christ Fellowship's Children Ministry with friends Jessie and Talley

In order to not get stressed about getting 45 hours due at the end of the semester, I began to volunteer with Christ Fellowship's children ministry. This church is conveniently located in walking distance from PBA by CityPlace. As a volunteer at the children's ministry on Sundays, I care for babies and toddlers while parents attend the services. I really feel a purpose with volunteering, besides for the practical reason of getting hours. What is more, I am able to volunteer with fellow PBA students at the ministry, which creates a sense of community when we're back at the school.

I've always enjoyed volunteering and serving in the community ever since high school when I volunteered with my church's ministries and work regarding mission trips. There is such a nice, intrinsic value in community service I'm always able to find. Though, as a busy college student, it is easy to forget the importance of putting others before yourself. Overall, PBA's Workship tradition not only benefits the community, but benefits the character of its students.

My Day as an Ambassador for 'Women of Distinction'

2012-02-24T17:36:00.002-05:00

The PBA event “Women of Distinction” not only has a lovely title, but a lovely purpose. I had the opportunity to attend this event Wednesday through the Presidential Ambassador Program at PBA. Ambassadors are nominated by a PBA staff or faculty member, and represent the study body at important University functions. Not many students here are aware of this impressive annual awards luncheon at The Breakers in Palm Beach. It was a gorgeous warm, sunny day, and I had permission to "play hooky" from school to witness the event.

Debbie Levinsky and I take a minute before the awards luncheon to capture a photo of The Breakers scenery.

As an ambassador, my duties for the morning included greeting guests and assisting at the place card table. Other than that, the day was pretty low key for the students working the event. However, the amount of work, time and dedication of the University staff was clear by how smoothly the program progressed. After a greeting from PBA Interim President Fleming, the humble recipients of the Women of Distinction Scholarship, two PBA seniors, led the invocation. Moreover, my taste buds were flowering after a delicious lunch of breaded chicken with a savory vegetable sauce, sweet tomato vinaigrette salad and a chocolate sailfish fin atop a strawberry and blueberry pound cake.

The two “Women of Distinction” awarded were Joyce Sang and Sally Soter. These women have provided such a great service to the community. When Mrs. Sang’s 24-year-old son died as a result of his bipolar disorder, she created the “The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation” to help suffering families. According to PBA.edu the foundation “established an educational initiative…that teaches high school students, parents and teachers to recognize bipolar disorder and depression [and] in August, the foundation brought this program to schools in Palm Beach County.” In addition, the other honoree, Mrs. Soter, has worked tirelessly to promote the arts, where she “established an endowment of photography, which supports special exhibitions, scholarship opportunities and educational programs at The Norton,” according to PBA.edu. Her second goal has been providing better heart health coverage to women, where she created the “first fully endowed chair exclusively for the purpose of women’s heart health in the United States,” stated on PBA.edu.

One part of Mrs. Sang’s speech I especially admired was she suggested all women in the room are women of distinction. This is inspiring as a college student. It is one of my aspirations to work in a way that serves the community, no matter what career path I take. I could see how beyond all of the glamour of the event, there brightly shone the theme of women working to serve the community.

There have been many women in my life who have been examples of women of distinction. When I moved to Florida in middle school I found a church where I was blessed to have such a wonderful youth minister who directed the middle school and high school youth group. From my adolescent age to my adult years, my youth minister served me unwaveringly. Whether I needed a shoulder to cry on or a head to guide my spiritual journey, she was there making a difference in my life. I would name her, along with many other role models in life, as Mrs. Sang stated, “Women of Distinction,” in their own shinning way.

V-Day at PBA

2012-02-17T18:04:00.002-05:00

Roses are red, violets are blue, and Valentine ’s Day at PBA, has a different view. Although there were many distinctive Valentine’s Day activities this week at Palm Beach Atlantic University, such as a “Sweethearts Dinner” by the Fresh Food Company (caf) for guys willing to dish out some cash, to the “I Hate Valentine’s Day Party” at the Southside campus for those bitter single upperclassmen. The biggest hit for Valentine’s Day, for lovers and friends alike, was the epic love story in theatres called “The Vow,” with heartthrobs Channing Tatum (Dear John) and Rachel McAdams(The Notebook). It’s no accident that "The Vow's" release date coincided almost perfectly with Valentine's Day. Overall, most PBA students, usually girls, chose to enjoy Valentine’s Day in their own special way.

However, as I said before, whether or not you had a secret admirer, like my roommate who received a giant teddy bear and sunflowers, Valentine’s Day holds a greater meaning to most girls at PBA. I actually enjoyed the holiday, with the majority of my friends and family sending appreciative cards or treats to brighten the day. Most sailfish women try to ignore the stereotypical relationship PBA pressures, such as the traditional “Ring by Spring” standard. There are definitely plenty of “sailfish” in the sea for the girls here at PBA. Valentine’s Day at PBA isn’t just another holiday to celebrate or to hate. Valentine’s Day did have the typical events, along with both the sweet candy and the bitter thoughts. However, it didn’t end up being as cheesy of a holiday that it’s ordinarily made out to be.

How did you spend V-Day?

PBA Provides Perspective to Prospective Students

2012-02-10T15:43:00.002-05:00

One thing that really gets current PBA students running in all directions on campus is prospective students.

Prospective students interested in attending PBA can attend Open Houses to really get the best perspective of the school. Although regular tours of PBA are informative, getting to see the campus, cafeteria and chapel areas, there are some aspects of PBA that just aren’t initially seen. However, with Open Houses, prospective students attend classes featuring the majors they are interested in, and stay overnight with current students in their dorms on campus.

This week, the Open House was for a group of home schooled high school students. Being a former online school high school student, the prospective students caught my attention. In my morning communication class, there were several who attended and met with the professor. One junior from Sarasota, Fla., Kara, sat next to me in class and was able to ask me questions about the communication major. She was really sweet and I was happy to help guide her in her college decision for PBA.

I had several friends involved with the Open House this week by hosting students for the night. They entertained the visitors by sharing their social atmosphere, whether it was walking around Cityplace or just playing pool in the dorm lobby. The best part of prospective students coming to PBA is not just the Fresh Food Company serving better food for the day at the caf, but it’s the students being able to actually see some of the quirks at PBA that all current students have come to know and love.

These quirks that make up the personality of the school vary from what seems like a 3:1 girl to guy ratio, to long boarders skating to the beach instead of class, to spontaneous guitar worship on the Baxter green. I think the Open Houses are all about giving prospective students a good idea about what goes on beyond the surface. What really makes PBA stand out from other private Christian universities, at least from a student perspective, is our ability to joke about the stereotypes and characteristics of it.

For example, perspective students can see how PBA students satirize the perceived girl to guy ratio in this YouTube video, which was a part of PBA's Monday Night Live:

If you or someone you know is interested in being a prospective student, let me know!

Sailfish Baseball's Opening Game at Roger Dean

2012-02-03T16:44:00.005-05:00

My PBA Cheer Squad friend Katie W. (left) and me (right) "cheesing."

The opening game of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish Baseball team against Lynn University Thursday night proved more successful than last year's game. The Sailfish won 3-2, with the help of an energetic crowd this year.

It must have been a combination of the PBA baseball team, Coach Gary Carter and Coach Kent Bottenfield's great dedication for this season. It could have also been the spirited fans rallying in the stadium that also helped truly hit the game out of the park. I think the promotion for this year's opening game, with advertising the setting at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., increased student awareness.

However, before the game, doubt was ringing in student's ears not only about the wavering stormy weather, but about the lack of support for the team. When conversation came up with students about the game earlier that day, people were initially shrugging it off for homework or dinner. Although the excitement of going to Roger Dean interested most students, there was some lack of understanding about the importance of this baseball game and athletics at PBA in general.

Nonetheless, symptoms of apathy seemed to cease as word later spread around campus the game was still happening, despite the lack of school updates and lingering storms. It was evident when a good number of students showed up that the PBA baseball team is promised a solid season of support.

Some of the students in attendance included avid sports fans, girlfriends of players on the field and students finally looking to support the success of their school. Additionally, the PBA Cheer Squad continued to fulfill their pep duties, sitting as support in the stands with other students. Plus, representatives of PBA's Relay for Life group provided entertainment and raffles, including field games for kids and VIP tickets to West Palm Beach’s annual Sunfest concert.

The success of the game reverberated throughout campus and the community the next day. Students have been congratulating their beaming baseball classmates, and asking about the schedule for future games. Also, I could see the spirit of professors and staff who also attended, or were raving about the win. For example, my Communication Ethics professor, and a former PBA player, Dr. Tom St. Antoine, called it, with a twinkle in his eye, a "glorious game."

Overall, the majority of PBA students believe this opening baseball game will set the stage for future PBA athletic events, not simply because the team was successful last night, but because the student body succeeded in showing support.

Did you attend the game? Will you attend the next home game?

Setting 'Anchor' at PBA

2012-01-27T16:46:00.007-05:00

Ever wonder what that incessant pounding above the caf is as you’re eating dinner Thursday nights? It's an "Anchor" that will keep you grounded.

The Anchor is a student led, weekly worship ministry at PBA.

As I stepped into “upstairs Weyenberg,” above the caf this past Thursday night, I knew where my heart would be traveling. I was immediately greeted at the door by students serving on the Anchor, a student led, weekly worship ministry for PBA students looking for a time and place to wind down, or to be energized.

One of the main guys serving on the Anchor team, Daniel, introduced himself to my friend and me. Daniel personally recruited my friend to come back to the Anchor next week, encouraging her to share her testimony, after sharing his with us briefly. The way that Daniel was able to share his testimony so openly and freely demonstrates how the Anchor is a place of honesty and freeness.

Not only do powerful worship songs blast from the voices of humble students leading simple praise and worship, but words of wisdom are spoken true through passages of psalms and the gospel. Even better, one of the unique parts of the Anchor, “Detox,” is like a "half-time" between worship to talk about burdens or praises and pray in small groups. Honestly, as a busy college student, this is my choice opportunity to find community with others. Even though the Anchor is a public student activity, it is private in the sense you are able to show emotion and be honest with each other, and God.

I remember the first night I went to the Anchor my freshman year, and one of the songs they played is the one I recorded below, “How He Loves.” Being at the Anchor and hearing this song held a lot of meaning, coming into a new community searching relentlessly for love and acceptance. This particular song, along with many others, resonated with me so much and even more so now because instead of tears of pain I shed last year, I now shed tear drops of joy.

The way that the Anchor demonstrates how any place, such as upstairs Weyenberg, can be transformed into a place of worship and reverence is exemplary of how you can find an anchor anywhere in God.

Have you ever attended the Anchor?

Anecdotes of Bills and Blackouts

2012-01-23T10:03:00.001-05:00

I’m not going to pretend to know what a computer science major does, or attempt to understand congressional bills like a lawyer. However, the phenomenon observed by millions Wednesday in the cyber world was remarkable enough to spark a deeper interest in many of those using the Internet for basic purposes.

When I logged online to the Internet Wednesday to my homepage, Google, I was immediately informed about a 24-hour digital protest with the words “Google” literally blacked out. I rolled my cursor over the image and read the subtext, which asked viewers to sign a petition against the provisions in two Congressional bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act, referred to as SOPA, as well as the Protect IP Act, or PIPA.

Initially, Google was successful in persuading me against these two “government attacks” on the freedom and entrepreneurship of Internet. Additionally, later that day, I went to Wikipedia for a little quick research. However, I came to find that the English Wikipedia was also involved in the protest, completely blacking and blocking out their website to users, asking viewers to sign a petition or else, “Imagine a world without free knowledge.”

What really shocked me, though, was how easily these websites were able to use their power and platforms to influence their daily users. There was an initial negative reaction of how these bills would be used to filter out websites infringing on copyrights, which would potentially affect the freedom of content in regular websites. However, I eventually realized that it was absurd to allow myself to think irrationally about the issue because Wikipedia and other similar websites blocked their sites.

However, I do respect the protest's ability to involve users in the political process, encouraging the voicing of legitimate concerns about freedom in the Internet. Here at PBA, I spoke with a business major in my class, John, about his concern with the bills that would potentially cause “permanent blackouts of entrepreneurs and new businesses online.” Overall, whether or not the bills or blackouts succeeded in having future impact on the regulations of the Internet, the tech geek in me was excited to have witnessed such an event.

Be sure to watch the video for more coverage on what the bills and blackouts entailed!

What kinds of questions have the two bills and several blackouts caused you to ask?

Update: The bills SOPA and PIPA have been put on hold.

Publishing about 'Passion'

2012-01-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

Over winter break, I was enjoying the best of Florida relaxation with my family, down in Key West and up in Orlando. However, I found myself wondering about my friends from Palm Beach Atlantic University who were constantly posting exciting and inspirational status' on Facebook about being at "Passion 2012."

The offical Passion conference website describes their purpose as "...exist[ing] to glorify God-uniting students in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in this generation." I heard about "Passion" my freshman year at PBA, but unfortunately, I was unaware of the conference until it actually took place. I didn't attend the conference this year at the Georgia Dome in January, but I could feel the spirit of the 42,000 students enduring the cold front, flowing through the threads of the Internet in several news station's blogs and numorous friend's Facebook status'.

In addition, now that school has started again for the semester, I can feel the "passion" from students who have attended. There are many students at PBA who could go in depth about the conference, but I asked my friend, Rachel, about her experience.

"There were concepts [discussed] that you don't usually think about," Rachel said. "Coming back from Passion, you really want to talk about it!" I agree with her statement because I have been affected indirectly by the conference through those who have been sharing their faith from attending.

I thought it was necessary to share what I learned about the Passion conference, through what other's have shared, with those who may be unaware of it as well. One of the most interesting aspects of the conference, from an outside perspective, is that it examplifies how people can positively influence those around them and change the world ahead of them. Whether or not there is an opportunity to attend the conference next year, it is apparent through Passion that there is always a chance to live life more significantly through serving the Lord.

Did you attend "Passion 2012?" If so, tell me about your experience.

The Season of the Spirit

2011-12-15T11:18:00.001-05:00

Christmas Tree in Cityplace

Christmas in West Palm Beach and at PBA truly helps one find joy in the season.

Just steps away from campus, there is a Christmas tree more than 40-feet tall with thousands of twinkling lights in the heart of CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment center. Plus, by the tree you can even see "snow" falling from the palm trees, scheduled on the hour. Just last Saturday was the Palm Beach holiday boat parade of lights, where boats of all sizes traveled along the Intracoastal. This week at PBA, everyone has been decorating Christmas trees, baking cookies for parties and buying presents for secret Santa games.

Speaking of snow, when I was a child living up north, I remember throwing pieces of cotton around the family room if we didn't have a white Christmas. I thought it would make Santa more jolly coming to our house! However, once I grew older, my view of the Christmas became challenged. Since that time, I became the scrooge of my family when the Christmas season came around. I thought Christmas music was cheesy. I banned the color red from my wardrobe. I would go through the motions at festivities. Additionally, even with attending all of these wonderful Christmas activities in West Palm and at PBA this semester, the spirit in my heart had still been lacking.

I found a rekindling of Christmas not only by reminiscing for this blog entry, but also by reaching a breaking point in my life this week. The meaning of Christmas reignites the spirit again when it's finally shattered in to tiny, little pieces. After I had listened to some Christian music for encouragement, I faced my anti-holiday feelings by listening to more Christmas music. As my holiday Pandora station played "Christmas Cannon" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I found in my heart "The joy that He brings." The song lyrics are vague, but it relates to having the spirit of a child in Christmas, such as I did before. Most importantly, this Christmas spirit parallels with having the faith of a child in loving Christ.

I hope you also recieve a renewed sense of spirit in both Christmas and Christ the Lord during this holiday season. See you in 2012!

Creating Civil Conversation in Censorship

2011-12-01T14:29:00.003-05:00

Palm Beach Atlantic University is trusted for implementing higher standards of values in their student body. I chose to attend PBA not only for its education, but for the attitude held by the school. I also enjoy attending PBA because of its diverse group of students, who can discuss issues at hand, rather than shying away from topics.

However, lines are often blurred between the differences in advocating correct behavior or creating censorship.

The latest discussion at PBA is the selective censoring of websites that do not align with certain PBA standards. Students hold both positive and negative perspectives about the school using the “Websense” program to block Internet websites deemed as inappropriate. The Facebook accounts of PBA students were raging over the weekend with girls who couldn’t pay bills online and shop cyber-Monday at Victoria’s Secret or American Eagle’s Arie because of its content. Others were pleased with the banning of this content for those using PBA’s Internet. This is a typical debate over rules at PBA.

Usually, such a superficial issue would have mere significance in my eyes.

However, with my firsthand experience of pervasive censorship, I dabbled with it for general discussion. The suppression of information has been a topic tugging in my heart ever since I worked in a social media and exchange program with the State Department.

One of the countries we worked with and traveled to was Azerbaijan. A main topic that was discussed, as visitors from the U.S., was the extreme censorship with the Internet. According to our discussions with the ambassadors at the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, Internet censorship was a tactic used to keep the population uninformed and unaware. For example, when I arrived, I learned that two Azeri bloggers had recently been sentenced to two years of imprisonment for their video clips with satire on their country's political elite.

There is a great distinction of importance between online purchasing privileges and political freedom, though, ultimately, both instances of censorship are filters for protecting the minds of an audience from what is deemed by a particular perspective to be unsuitable.

Media and Censorship Conference in Tbilisi

My perspective from the experience overseas led me to the conclusion that censoring content is only one route in addressing an issue. From the conflict resolution problems in the program, we concluded that we could not protect the rights of the citizens. Instead, the program advocated for the country, specifically the students who we worked with, to use methods of civil communication to properly address concerns with the Internet, rather than deeming it as “garbage.” Ultimately, our conversations with the students widened their perspectives, and taught them to make decisions based on their own understanding of an issue.

What is your perspective of censorship in maintaining desired values and attitudes of a particular view held?

'Major' Road Work Ahead

2011-11-18T17:10:00.003-05:00

When I picture choosing a major for a degree, I see it as driving down the road of life.

We often have a path envisioned in our minds that is smoothly paved for the ride ahead. However, the potholes and bumps of difficulties in life can make the journey an off-road adventure. As much as we hate construction work on major roads, we also often have trouble accepting the necessary time to fix issues. And, picking the right vehicle is also important. Palm Beach Atlantic University is the vehicle that I have chosen to navigate my career path.

This week, I attended a career seminar offered by PBA’s Student Success office. I had recently felt like I had lost control of the wheel, with the semester ending quickly and having no final destination. However, the seminar was helpful in affirming my decision on a major, and potential career options.

When I first decided to come to PBA, I was unsure of what major to choose -- a roadblock. Initially, I thought Nutrition would be a possibility in order to fulfill my goal of helping others. Except, I didn’t have a passion for science. I took a detour toward a major in Communication, which was inspired by a social media project I was involved with in high school.

Nonetheless, here I am, nearly midway through my sophomore year reaching another roadblock. Much to my dismay, even completing a minor with my Communication major would leave me a semester short of the credits required to reach the finish line at PBA and graduate my senior year. With no desire to take electives senior year, I am filling up the tank and plan to double major in Communication and English. This is a perfect route to take because English is one of my passions. Beginning next semester, I will begin to test drive the English courses on the road to my majors.

What kinds of "major" road work are you encountering?

Sacrifice a Part of True Success

2011-11-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

How can you sacrifice your life to the Lord while obtaining success in your career?

PBA's American Free Enterprise Day on Monday answered this controversial question. I had been hearing both positive and negative remarks about the system that the day represented. Also, since I was involved in the ceremony, friends and family have asked my opinion about the event. As a freshman last year, I didn't take AFE sincerely, and simply associated it with the politics of business. This year, I truly resonated with the event because of this year's medalist, Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga Jr.

It is evident that all of AFE's medalists have proven validity of the American Free Enterprise system with their successes. However, more importantly, they have shown validity of the light of Christ living in them and shining in their careers through sacrifice. Mr. Huizenga Jr. spoke about how he "allowed Christ to live through [him]," literally looking past the money to see God, in a story he shared that day. Mr. Huizenga challenged the crowd, especially the students, to utilize their platform of power to share God with those who may not know Him otherwise. Additionally, he urged us to use our talents bestowed from God to serve those around us, and offer our gifts back to our Creator.

As I was listening to this speech, I was fondly reminded of a role model in my life, my dad. My father is a successful businessman. As I grew up and he grew in power, I never saw him blinded by wealth or status. My father made an effort to put others first, whether it be his family or employees, and to serve God as he was promoted in positions. As students preparing for the workforce, we are easily blinded by our needs for success. Self interest isn't bad until it turns in to selfishness, causing us to lose sight of the greatness of sacrificing our life back up to God.

Whether or not you agree with the politics involved with American Free Enterprise Day, I hope that it is clear that AFE has taught that success without sacrifice has no validity.

Here is a video from Mr. Huizenga with the nonprofit "I Am Second," which his speech mirrored on Monday.