Meet My Classmates

So I finally got the opportunity to check out some of my classmate’s blogs and I was so impressed! There were so many unique and creative ideas; they kept me entertained all day.  Being a huge sports fan and hoping to someday pursue a career in sports media, I was quickly drawn to three sports blogs in the class. First off, I really enjoyed Jen Chiogioji’s page. When I looked over her resume I was so impressed on how much experience this girl has and I can’t even imagine how busy she much be. But I have no doubts that she’ll make it far in this business. I also enjoyed Adam Wright’s blog on the topics he covers. I like how he mentions current hot topics that are buzzing all over Sports Center and every other ESPN program, but he also discusses great athletes like Steve Nash. And how can you not be impressed by Blake Griffin’s killer dunks?! And finally, Brianne Wigley caught my attention not only with her clever title but her insightful posts. I love how she’s not afraid to remind everyone that she’s a Gator fan. It shows us that, like it or not, sports journalists are fans too so obviously we’re going to have a favorite team (even if we can’t cheer for them in the press box). 

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. 

UF Extreme Dance Co... Making Our Own Traditions

As you can probably tell throughout my blog, I believe that being a apart of the University of Florida means being a part of traditions that have lasted lifetimes. And we don't just stick to traditions known by the entire Gator Nation, we create traditions along the way. One of my personal traditions has been dancing with Extreme Dance Company every semester. We are a student organization on campus partially funded through the University of Florida Student Government. Every semester we have a show where all our friends and family can see what we've been working so hard on all semester. We also have sneak previews of these routines at events such as Dance Marathon. I initially joined Extreme because I missed dancing-having danced since the age of three, it's a hard hobby to give up. But eventually these girls became my family and I look forward to going to practice and getting a break from school. Honestly, joining extreme was one of the best traditions I could have ever started and I'm really going to miss dancing on stage with them after graduation.

If you're interested in joining Extreme, you can follow us on Twitter. We take people of all dance backgrounds, and even if you have no dance background we'll be happy to help. And as we always say... Extreme Love!

Level A backstage at our Spring 2011 Show

FTK... For The Kids

Probably the most well-known philanthropy at the University of Florida is our annual Dance Marathon. Sororities, Fraternities, student organizations, and individual students take part in this 26.2 hour long event. Proceeds from the event and all things DM, go towards the Children's Miracle Network at Shands Hospital at UF. Dancers have to stay on their feet the whole time which becomes quite a challenge around hour thirteen, but at least they have countless activities to keep them entertained along the way.  And the most popular of these activities is the Line Dance. Above is the 2011 DM Line Dance. Although I have never participated as a dancer, I have been a staff member at the event every year. Aside from being a UF tradition, Dance Marathon is an experience like no other. Seeing the crowds of students in their colorful attire all 26 hours, and hearing the stories of families that have been affected by the Children's Miracle Network is unbelievably touching. Once you've been a part of Dance Marathon, it's hard to stop. And if you're unable to physically participate in Dance Marathon, you can participate by learning about the event and donate to the cause. And remember... it's For The Kids.