Gator Softball

Between football, basketball, and baseball, fans sometimes forget about Florida's top-notch softball program. Gator softball has had some remarkable seasons in recent years, including four College World Series appearances in the past five years. Even though I have been here for four years, I regret to say that I have never been to a women's softball game... until now. I finally found my way to Pressly Stadium to watch the Gators take on none other than the Florida State Seminoles. I will admit that the free t-shirt giveaway had a big part in luring me to the game, but there was such a huge turnout that I missed the free shirts. Turns out, Gator softball has a HUGE following and these ladies did not disappoint their fans. This game went into extra-innings and ended with a walk-off grand slam, giving the Gators a 7-3 victory over their in-state rivals. Although this was my first Gator softball game, I don't think it will be my last. If you're a softball or baseball fan, or even just an all-around Gator fan, this tradition will not let you down!

Gator Gymnastics

Whether or not you're a gymnastics fan, you have got to check out a Gator Gymnastics meet! And after all the hype surrounding the "Fierce Five" at the 2012 London Olympics, the sport of gymnastics probably has a huge influx of fans this season.

The Gator gymnasts are currently ranked Number TWO in the nation, and have a good chance of winning it all this year. The team even has a pair of Olympic athletes helping the Gators beat out the competition.

Students and families alike love watching these girls execute their high flying tricks, and incredible balancing acts. There's also usually great freebies at the meets like shirts or in our case, free pizza! As a little heads up for when you do decide to finally go to a gymnastics meet, make sure you pay very close attention to the Gator girls' floor routines- they like to incorporate the audience and a famous Gator tradition.

James "Rhio" O'Connor Memorial Scholarship Essay

In October of 2001, James Rhio O’Connor was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at the age of 61. He was told he would less than a year to live and that surgery would not be an option because of the location of his tumor. He was also told that chemotherapy would only lessen his quality of life and not provide many benefits. Faced with such heartbreaking and shocking news, Rhio did not let this bring down his spirits or bring his life to a halt. Rather, he decided to take action and do an intense amount of research on the disease that was threatening his life.

            Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease in which mesothelium cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. Each year in the United States, there are over 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma, and studies have shown that white males are most prone to the disease. Most of these cases, including that of Rhio, are due to the exposure of asbestos. Asbestos generates from specific mineral groups and is often found in construction and fireproof materials.

            When I first read about Rhio’s story, I was so amazed and inspired by his reaction. Often times when we know of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, they either begin the treatment recommended by their doctor right away, or they begin living their life with an expiration date in mind. Instead, Rhio decided he would take initiative and find ways to prolong his life, rather than simply enjoy what time he was given.  I think it takes an unbelievable amount of courage to and faith to stare death in the face and not let such paralyzing news affect one’s life. What I find even more inspiring is how he took the time to share his story with others as opposed to simply spending time enjoying his life. His book, They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor's Story, is a moving story for anyone faced with a dire cancer prognosis.

            Rhio’s inspiring story will motivate me to take similar actions if faced with the same challenges. Initially, I know the shocking news will lead me to seek comfort from family and close friends. However, I would not let a cancer prognosis stop me from living my life. More importantly, I would focus on adding years to the amount of time I am given. I would begin my research online, focusing on organizations and universities with extensive amounts of credible research. Some examples include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, and even Google Scholar.  I would then begin seeking advice from doctors around the country who specialize in the kind of cancer I am diagnosed with. Through several consultations, I will be able to accumulate a variety of opinions and alternative treatments. I think it is also important to take advantage of personal connections in situations like these. Between family and friends, several people are likely to have connections or know someone who knows someone who either dealt with a similar situation or is educated in this field.

            After collecting the research, discussing all possible options with loved ones, and considering financial circumstances, I would choose the best available treatment that is suitable for my situation. I would definitely look beyond the standard chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical options if they had little or nothing to offer in prolonging my life. Alternative treatments should be available to any patients who are willing to try them. I believe they are well worth considering and utilizing as an option. Personally, I believe that if a new treatment has the potential to provide a longer or healthier life, it is worth trying. If I am a cancer patient given a death sentence, what’s the worst that can happen? Even if the alternative treatments don’t work, doctors and other patients will be able to use my case as an example for further research in developing the treatment.

            I think more research and better availability of alternative treatments is necessary to improve progress in curing and preventing cancer, as well as giving people the greatest chance of survival. If more patients can participate in alternative approaches, then more cases will be available to researchers. However, none of this would be possible without the proper funding. Whether it is government funds, or organizational or private grants, every little bit towards cancer research helps. At the beginning of 2012, the American Cancer Society estimated that 1,638,910 people would be diagnosed with cancer that year. In addition to this amount, 577,190 were expected to die of cancer. This is an astounding number of lives, and something must be done to help find a cure.

            I believe James Rhio O’Connor is a hero for those who have faced life-altering challenges. His motivation, determination, passion, and faith, is something I could only hope to exemplify in life. Surviving with mesothelioma for more than seven years, when he was told he would have less than a year to live, is truly extraordinary. Rhio’s story is one to be shared for many years to come.

I'm Back!

Undergrad Graduation- 2012!

So I know it base been over a year since I last posted about the wonderful traditions that the University of Florida has to offer, and I must apologize. I got a little caught up with senior projects, graduation festivities, and applying to graduate school. But I am very happy to say that I am still a Gator!

Since last August, I have been in grad school here at UF and working hard towards another UF diploma- a Master's in Public Relations! Don't worry, I have still been taking part in countless UF traditions and will continue sharing my stories. However grad school is very different from undergrad, so please forgive me if I take a little bit longer between posts. Not only is graduate school a lot more work, it's A LOT more expensive!

Fortunately, I've been spending a lot of time research scholarships and my next post will be an essay I wrote for a very prestigious scholarship- the James "Rhio" O'Connor Memorial Scholarship. It truly is an inspiring story so I hope you all read it and enjoy!

Life As A UF Student Reporter

It’s hard to believe that the semester is already coming to a close and my time as a Gator undergrad is almost over. More importantly, my days as a student reporter in the College of Journalism and Communication will also come to an end. Over the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to write for our Spanish radio news show, report for our NPR-affiliate radio station, and report for Florida’s 5 – WUFT TV. All these wonderful opportunities gave me hands-on experience of what life after graduation will be like.

I know how to pitch, write, shoot and edit both radio and TV pieces. And aside from all the technical aspects, I’ve learned about the pressures, tight deadlines, and relationships that come with being a reporter. I'll admit, there were times where I thought I was being over worked and having to put in ridiculous hours for reporting shifts or class projects. But no one ever said the life of a reporter was easy. I had to break in several pairs of shoes, build muscle when it came to carrying all that camera equipment around town, and put in a good couple hundred miles on my car-- all that just to get a story.

But being able to graduate students with a well-qualified demo-reel is something that the College of Journalism and Communications takes pride in. They also take pride in being a part of the latest and most innovative methods of communications and passing these skills along to their student- something made possible by the Center for Media Innovation and Research. Although the CMIR is still a work in progress, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the opening of its 21^st Century Newsroom and Laboratory. Once all the construction is completed, I know the result will be a state-of –the-art newsroom where students will learn the latest techniques being used in the media industry (truth be told, I’m a bit jealous of the younger students who will be able to take advantage of this).

  Although wrapping up my days as a Telecomm student at UF is a bit depressing, I am so thankful for everything I have learned and all the many experiences I have gained through the College of Journalism and Communications. Graduation will definitely be a bitter-sweet day, but I'm looking forward to crossing that stage and joining the prestigious circle of Gator Grads. Go Gators! 

"The Tipping Point"

As part of an assignment for my class, I was told to read “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. Although I had never read the book before, I have heard many wonderful reviews about it. My high school guidance counselor first told me about the book. She always said it’s one of those books that will give you a whole new look on life and will take you very far. I actually bought the book for my boss at my internship at Comcast over the summer. I had been working for her for the past three summers and at the end of every summer she ended up getting promoted yet she was always trying to find ways to better herself career-wise, so I thought this book would come in hand and she loved it.

            I agree that “The Tipping Point” is something that everyone should read, especially in today’s society. We live in a time where there are so many trends, it seems as if there’s something new picking up every day. Most of these trends are short-lived and might not even make it to see a new year. But some manage to have the fuel behind them to break the tipping point and become a crucial part of our everyday lives. Gladwell finds that there are three common characteristics among those trends that cross the tipping point- the law of the few, the stickiness factor, and the power of context. If a trend holds these three traits, chances are it will become a lasting phenomenon.

            One of the things I really like about “The Tipping Point” is that it can easily be applied and related to real life situations. While I was reading, I thought about how social media follows the teachings of the author. Sites like Facebook and Twitter take up so much of our time these days and it’s amazing to think how quickly they became worldwide movements. But if you read “The Tipping Point” you will understand the schematics behind their success.

            I highly suggest that everyone reads this book to get a new perspective and understanding in life. I think it’s a read that can help take you far both in life and in your career (which is something every college senior wants to hear these days). 

More Blogs Worth Checking Out

Aside from being a sports junkie, I can gladly say I LOVE food (who doesn’t). Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed several blogs from my fellow classmates. Juliza Monterroso combines two of her loves (fashion and food) to create a creative, fun, and entertaining blog. I loved the sweet treats on her blogs and her post about daquris instantly put me in the mood to just lay by the pool and sip on one of these refreshing drinks. Gillian Finklea then shows us that eating delicious food doesn’t have to mean gaining a whole new jean size. I really want to try the detox diet she mentions, my body definitely deserves an apology for some of the stuff I eat. Another blog I found extremely interesting and fun was Maria Tridas’ blog on local places around Gainesville. I’ve been trying to make it a point in the last few months to eat soley at local places unique to Gainesville. I want to take advantage of all the hidden treasures around us as oppose to continuously going to the same chain restaurants that can be found in every city in America. Her page is basically a road map to all the local places worth trying around town, almost like a personal Urbanspoon. Just talking about these blogs is making me work up an appetite, but sadly I have nothing in my refrigerator or pantry that sounds appealing.