there's only one MICHELLE SECADES

So it’s time to take a timeout from all the traditions and get to know a little more about me. However, I’m not going to write all about my professional background and telecomm experience. But for those of you interested in my education, experience and honors (future employers perhaps)… please take the time to review my resume.

Favorite Movie: Armageddon

Favorite Chick Flick: Titanic (yes, it’s a separate category)

Favorite Vacation Spot: Siesta Key, Sarasota 

Favorite 90s Band: NSYNC

Chocolate or Vanilla: CHOCOLATE

Pepsi or Coke: Coke

Summer or Winter: Summer (I’m from Florida!)

Moment that changed my life: Becoming a big sister... TWICE!

Random Fact: Voted "Most School Spirit" of my senior class in High School 

What I can't live without... The people I love

For more information on myself and the purpose of this blog, be sure to check out my very first blog post. 

Got Jobs?

It's hard to believe that graduation is only a month and a half away. It's such a bittersweet feeling to know that you're almost done with all the classes, assignments, projects and exams, but at the same time, you will be leaving so many friends who have become family in the past four years. Students may also feel rushed to accomplish everything on their college bucket list- including the countless UF traditions. But this time also reminds us of the short-coming "Real World." Job applications are on nearly every senior's mind these days. Luckily, I will be attending grad school next year so I can put the job searching off for a bit. However, I have am still applying for summer jobs and internships so I've had to keep my resume up-to-date. I'm hoping that all the connections I've made through internships will benefit me once I finish my Master's. But until then, I'm looking forward to enjoying my last few weeks as an undergrad here at UF.

Paynes Prairie

The past few weeks have had some interesting nights for stargazers. First, there were amazing Northern Lights that could be seen throughout the Northern part of North America, and last week I was able to spot Mars and Venus in close proximity at night. Although I was able to see the planets, the stars weren’t so easy to spot because of all the lights in my neighborhood back home. However, Gainesville has one of the most beautiful stargazing spots I’ve ever seen- Paynes Prairie. Although, it’s recently been in the news for all the fog and brushfires which caused an awful car accident on the Interstate, Paynes Prairie offers beautiful sights for students and families at the University of Florida. Just about 10 minutes South of campus, it’s a great place to go camping, ride your bike, or simply hang out with nature. I’ve had picnics in the park with my dance team and we had a great time looking for the wild animals in the area. And at night, the entire sky is filled with countless stars- honestly it’s breathtaking. I strongly suggest everyone take the time while they’re at UF to do something out of the ordinary and spend the day (or night) at Paynes Prairie.

Picture Courtesy of paynesprairie.net

Florida Baseball... Gainesville's Favorite Pastime

With all the hype surround March Madness this time of year, some may forget about another sport I hold near and dear to my heart… baseball! Thankfully that’s not the case at the University of Florida. The Gator’s baseball team is ranked NUMBER ONE in the nation and has been filling the stadium at every game this season. And this week they took on Florida State in the annual “Sunshine State Showdown” and came out victorious with a 9-2 win over the Noles (not surprised). Florida’s baseball team has always been a power-house when it comes to college baseball- making it to the NCAA National Championships for the past three seasons. And what’s great about the baseball games is that Gator fans of all ages can sit together and cheer on their beloved player. From babies who can’t even walk, to older couples well-into retirement, everyone can share a passion for Gator Baseball.

On a side note, the Florida Men’s Basketball team takes on Virginia tomorrow afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.