Ancient Incan city faces extinction
By Elizabeth Kiser and Matthew Richardson
Peru is a land of culture, a land of mountains, but most of all, a land of history whose legacy is in danger of literally vanishing.
On March 30, at FCCJ’s Deerwood Center, all eyes were on Peruvian expert Dr. Dante Astete-Canal as he spoke about Machu Picchu’s rich history, and the incredible challenges it faces to survive in the future.
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Incan descendents ritual |
Orchid |
In 1911, scientist Hiram Bingham discovered the site, completely covered by vegetation. According to Canal, it functioned as a religious center.
Canal was born in Peru, and grew up feeling the presence of Machu Picchu, and what it had to offer. He feels that national heritage sites, such as this one, belong to everyone, and everyone should work together to help preserve them.
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PERU: Peruvian mountains |
PERU: Machu Picchu site |
| Photos courtesy of Dante Canal |
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Canal’s passionate appeal towards preserving not just the culture, but also the ancient Incan city itself captivated his audience, at times evoking audible reactions. His presentation was given to students and faculty of both Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) and University of North Florida (UNF).
“If I can reach one or two or three students at each school (FCCJ) it is enough for a good start.”
UNF Professor of Anthropology Brad Bigelow introduced Canal, and FCCJ Professor of Spanish Enrique Barquinero gave the translation.
FCCJ and UNF professors and staff pulled this project together. Some of the FCCJ names are as follows: Gencie Rucker, professor of humanities, Dr. Maurice Culver, biology and anatomy/physiology, William Robichaud, professor of anatomy/physiology, and Jeff Olma, professor of creative communications.
The purpose of Canal’s visit is twofold.
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Deeerwood Center: FCCJ’s Enrique Barquinero and Dr. Dante Canal pose with picture of endangered site. |
Dr. Hector Harima, FCCJ Professor of Biology, provides possible solution to Peruvian problem. |
| Photos by Matthew Richardson |
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First, to educate people about the problems that Machu Picchu faces.
Second, to work with Olma’s creativity program. Olma and some of his students, past and present, will use creative tools and creative problem-solving methods to brainstorm innovative solutions for the site’s preservation.
Some of Machu Picchu’s issues are, specifically: natural damage from time and weather, such as erosion, and the pollution of a nearby river, which currently has no water treatment system.
Economic conditions and tourism also play a major role, with both positive and negative effects.
Tourism is important, for both the economy and so that the Incan culture isn’t forgotten. However, there is a downside. The passage of many people wears away the stones; and then there are the people who take “souvenirs;” a great memento of the trip, but a piece of the past that cannot be replaced.
Another important issue is that the indigenous people of the region have halted their cultural practices; instead they are seeking jobs as guides for the area.
There is debate about how many people should be allowed to visit per day. Currently the number is set at 2,500, including guides.
There are many other spectacular views of the landscape, such as those found along the Incan Trail. Traveling along it is a four-day and three-night journey, said Canal.
FCCJ Deerwood Dean Margo Martin, said, “This is about bringing diverse groups of people with diverse ideas together, and finding the connections; how it can all work together.”
To read about the creativity portion of Canal’s visit, please click here to see the story.
Hotel Rwanda hero
By Kassandra Elizee
Paul Rusesabagina is not only a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, but a hero. During one of the darkest periods of his country’s history, he managed to save more than 1,200 people from the rebels and militia by sheltering them in the “Hotel des Milles Collines” which he managed at the time. He was at the Jacksonville
University’s Swisher Gymnasium, on Tuesday evening, March 28 to tell his story.
On March 31, 1994, Rusesabagina had landed in Rwanda from which he had left more than a year previously, not knowing what was going to happen in the following weeks.
The lives of thousands of Rwandans changed on April 6, 1994, when the president Juvenal Habyarimana was assassinated. He had just signed a peace agreement and other countries, including Canada and the United States, had sent 2,500 soldiers in Rwanda. His plane was shot down, and the Hutus said that it was the act of Tutsi rebels. Angry, they (the Hutus) went on a bloody rampage to annihilate the Tutsis.
The militia started distributing machetes, firearms, and any sort of weapons one can think of to Hutus, telling them to get rid of the “cockroaches” as they called the Tutsis. The radio stations would give out names and addresses of Tutsi citizens for the Hutus to go on location and slaughter them.
On that same day, when the president was killed, Rusesabagina came back home only to find his Tutsi neighbors massa cred. People he knew and saw everyday, and the Hutus living nearby who had shared the same neighborhoods, same food stores, same language and schools with them for many years had turned against them and were also committing these awful acts.
Twenty-six of his neighbors came to Rusesabagina’s house, seeking shelter.
The next day, the militia showed up at his residence and tried to kill the Tutsis who were hiding there. Rusesabagina had to bargain with them for more than two hours for the lives of the Tutsis people including his four kids and wife who were Tutsi. He told the soldiers that all of them were his family.
After negotiating, they agreed to drive with him to the “Hotel des Milles Collines” so he could get some money he had in a safe and give it in exchange of the lives of the people.
The next morning, everyone heard the news that 10 peace keeping Belgian soldiers had been killed. That is when all the other countries that had soldiers in Rwanda decided to withdraw. By doing so, the country was left into the hands of gangsters, rebels and the corrupted militia.
The international Community kept pulling out every day and evacuating all their people until there was no one left but Rwandans who had nowhere to go. Rusesabagina then told everyone to use the only phone line that was working in the hotel. He called it their life line.
They made calls abroad, to tell their friends and families about what was going on in hopes that they would place pressure on their governments to send some help in Rwanda.
Meanwhile, with no security and a corrupted army, people were being killed: men, women, and kids. All innocent civilians lost their lives. 800,000 people were brutally massacred in 100 days. Finally, Rusesabagina was able to get every single individual from his hotel evacuated. All 1200 of them were still alive.
If it hadn’t been for him, there is no doubt that these people wouldn’t have lived. This man put the lives of others before his. He had many opportunities to flee the country with his family and find a safe place to live but he didn’t. He expressed that he would have never been able to leave knowing that certain death was what these people were facing. He also said that if he hadn’t stayed, today he wouldn’t be a free man. He would’ve looked back at the past for the rest of his life and regretted not doing something to help.
One of the first things he said in the beginning of his speech was, “Why do people kill people?” And he answered, “People kill people because of bad leadership.”
For those that wish to help Rwanda, they can start by purchasing the Land of a Thousand Hills coffee. It is handpicked in the Republic of Rwanda and for every bag bought; you are investing between two to three dollars in the women of Inyakurama (widows of Twa, Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups) and the Rwandan economy. You may purchase this coffee online at www.landofathousandhillscoffee.com
Another way to help is by donating to the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation. Visit www.hrrfoundation.org for more information.
SGA: Rally in Tally
By Vanessa Gordon
Florida Community College’s Student Government Association (FJCCSGA) held its March President’s Assembly.
The Purpose of the assembly is to conduct a legislative session that will affect the status of Community College students.
The rally was held at Tallahassee Community College Kleman Plaza. 300 students of FJCCSGA represented approximately 1.1 million students in Florida’s Community Colleges. Florida has 28 major community colleges. They are referred to as “The Great 28.”
Three bus loads of students from Florida Community College campuses such as Downtown and North went to Tallassee to protect the interest of FCCJ students. The students from FCCJ Downtown Campus had a great adviser to guild them throughout Tallahassee, Florida. Kurtson Boulware, a former president of FJCCSGA and the Downtown Campus student government, acted as the adviser.
Boulware dispensed great advice. “You represent 19,000 students at [FCCJ] Downtown Campus.” Boulware said.
On the first day of the trip, the Downtown Campus FJCCSGA went to the Florida government’s old capitol. They participated in such activities of site seeing things such as First lady Olie McCarty’s gown that she wore to her husband inaugural ball on Jan 6, 1953. Fredrick Zuver, a Florida designer, designed the dress for her.
The students then met with Susan Lehr, a lobbyist for Florida Community College Jacksonville’s interest. The students were surprised to learn the United States Supreme Court ruling in Dec. It was that federal student loans could not be discharging in bankruptcy.
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In Front of the Old Capitol: (Left To Right) FCCJ Downtown Campus FJCCSGA Members. Ariel McClain, Sandra Lloyd, Alison Council, Danielle Stephen, Eloise Johnson, Downtown Campus, SGA President. |
At the end of the day, the students learned many great lessons from a guest speaker, Ramon Alexander, who is a student body president, and a member of FAMU board of trustees. Alexander spoke of “Student activism” and “Grace under pressure.” He wanted the students to make “Rally in tally” student movement.
Alexander wanted the students to remember, “In the deep ocean of life there will be storms.” Many presidents from Florida community colleges were on hand to guide the students in their practical, real life learning experiences.
They dispensed many great quotes such as “At the end of the day there’s no better process,” Dr. Carl Kuttler, President of Saint Petersburg College. And “All children deserve a chance,” Senator Wilson.
On Thursday, March 23, the students went to Florida’s new capitol. There, they witnessed Michael Jernigan sculpting the lady of justice. They met with their district representatives and senators such as Representative Terry Fields. The students also met Renee Pollard, legislative assistant.
Tax exemption from textbooks, Excess Credit Hours and Residency for tuition purposes were three legislative issued discussed at the assembly. Lobby legislative issues concerning students “Tax Exemption from Textbooks” is Florida Senate bill 1554. It would provide no taxes on supplements and textbooks. A school ID is required for redeeming benefit of the new bill.
Senator Constantine sponsors Excess Credit Hours. The Florida Senate number is 2236. There are many facts of percentage concerning this bill. At the FJCCSGA state conference:
• 76.5 percent opposed Excess Credit Hours
• 14 percent supported Excess Credit Hours
• 9.5 percent wanted FJCCSGA to take no action against legislation for Excess Credit Hours
This bill would charge students the full cost of tuition if they have more than 15 percent of credits needed to graduate. It would also provide tuition rebate to students with a minimal amount of excess hours.
Residency for tuition purposes does not directly affect the students at FCCJ. Its bill name is Relating to Higher Education Finance; relating to tuition/resident status. In the Florida House of Representative, this bill number is 0119 and is being sponsored by Representative Zapata in the Florida Senate. The number is 0226 and is being represented by Senator Wilson.
This bill would exempt any community college student from paying nonresident tuition at the state’s cc and universities if the student:
• Resided in FL for three consecutive years
• With a Parent
• While attending a FL high school
The Downtown Campus of FCCJ is holding a general session on April 4th in the Lobby of A Building from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information on Florida legislative issue log on to http://www.flsenate.gov or http://www.flhouse.gov.
Mikey’s Voice
Finding fun is up to you |
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By Mikey Chmielewski
I remember just about everything that was going through my head when I moved to Jacksonville.
I had just spent a little under two years living in Chicago. I wasn’t making enough money, so I had to take a job waiting tables on the side to afford the rent for my tiny studio apartment.
When my work schedule started to become my life schedule, I knew I had to do something other than work two jobs and never sleep.
I looked into going back to school.
I guess, in the back of my head, I kind of knew that Chicago wasn’t permanent for me. I never took the time to register myself as an Illinois state citizen. I could not afford to go back to school as an out-of-state resident.
My sister had offered me a place to stay for a few months until I could afford my own place and start school again.
I spent several months wrestling with the fact that I was barely treading water, but did not want to return to Florida. I think it was something about the heat. Although, that Chicago summer can really boil in ways only a concrete jungle can.
I finally decided, shortly after the New Year, that I really needed to go back to school and get myself moving in a forward direction, rather than standing still. So, I caved in, gave up my independent life, and moved back to Florida.
Prior to moving to Jacksonville, I had only spent a few nights at my sister’s place while passing through on random road trips.
All of my preconceived notions about this town were that the city smelled like burnt coffee, no one went to see bands play at the local underground venues, and for Jacksonville to be considered one of Florida’s largest cities, there was an awful lot of urban underdevelopment.
I couldn’t see much representing charm or sophistication. I could only take this town in small doses.
After a few months of living here, I finally realized that there was more class to this city than the overbearing image of the Baptist church and the tattered remains of a once booming commercial district downtown.
However, that still didn’t make up for the fact that I, personally, had nothing to do for fun in the town. I am not the type of guy who hangs out with Ken and Barbie for martinis at the Landing. I’m also not the type to spend my weekends having fun in the sun at the beach.
The club scene in Jacksonville is old, boring, and confused. The lackluster of my generation in this city became one of the worst turn-offs I had ever faced.
It finally occurred to me. Instead of walking around depressed because I was a broke college student with nothing to do, I should be creating my own fun for free.
I didn’t have to go to a nightclub and deal with a group of slobbering drunks, dressed in the newest punk fashion for the spring formal. This city is full of culture that needs to be experienced.
That really is the point of all this. I’ve found that most of my peers are just too lazy to come up with anything better to do with their time, which leads me to a couple lines from a song by my favorite band of all time, Lifetime.
“Start a band, throw a brick, you lazy hipsters make me sick.”
This town is what you make of it. If you’ve lived here all your life, or you are just stuck here while you are in school, this town doesn’t have to bring you down.
Iwo Jima reflections
Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from the journal of Chad Kallenberger, who attended FCCJ from 1998 to 2000, and contributed to The Campus Voice during that time. This summer, Chad will become one of our distance learners in order to finish his AA degree. He is assigned to a Navy vessel, the U.S.S Essex, currently stationed at Korea.
My first reaction to Iwo Jima was a rush of starry-eyed romanticism. I have no idea what’s romantic about 28,000 deaths on an isolated piece of volcanic sulfur in the West Pacific, but….the fact remains.
On the afternoon of March 7, 2006, I stepped out onto the deck of the U.S.S. Essex to see the parade ensign flying from the mainmast: thirty resplendent feet of Old Glory, billowing slowly in a southeast wind. Although we had recently arrived in the waters off Iwo Jima, and we’d been especially summoned here to take part in the 61st Anniversary of the battle, I somehow hadn’t expected to see this.
On the southwestern tip of the island, Mt. Suribachi rose at the water’s edge, colored in evening orange and sulfur yellow. Upon seeing it for the first time, its familiar shape was made ominous by history, and in my mind, dozens of black and white photographs suddenly sprang into sharp relief and startling immediacy.
There it was: Mt. Suribachi. As the ship continued up the west coast of the island, I could see the rusted-out hulks of Navy landing craft that had once carried the Marines to the black sand beach, foundered and imbedded in the shallows. Even with the nearness of modern mementos and the quiet of the morning, I was struck by how the entire place felt eerily saturated by history, and violent history at that. In a way that was felt more than just imagined or effected, we seemed to be walking around during a brief lull in the fighting, as if it could begin again at any moment.
We followed a road south, passing through the modern Japanese navy’s facilities there, and directly we came to connecting trail that we thought would lead to the beach. We had only been on this trail for minute or so when we saw the yawning mouth of a cave on our left. This was only one, of course, of the network of caves and underground chambers that the Japanese had dug on the island, as protection from American air and naval bombardment. By the time of the American invasion, there were nearly eleven miles of underground tunnels on Iwo Jima, an island with an area of only eight.
Above ground, the trail terminated in a ruined pillbox overlooking the Pacific, topped with a savage, elegant crown of wild aloes. We all ducked, one by one, through a break in the concrete wall, and found ourselves on the edge of a cliff, with an excellent view of the ocean to the east, and Mt. Suribachi to the south. In the ravine below us, we could hear voices carrying up.
After finding a long way down, through brambles and spider webs, we found the source of the voices: some veterans and active-duty VIPs had gathered at the foot of the cliff, complete with a small TV crew. I became immediately conscious of my dusty boots, hastily rolled-up sleeves, and dirty uniform. Nearby, two visiting veterans spoke to each other: “….do you remember climbing over that?” one asked, pointing at the steep slope that we’d just descended. “I do…I surely do,” said the other.
Looking up, I saw that the American flag still flew from the peak, alongside the Japanese flag.
Eventually, I returned to the airfield, where the helicopters soon returned to pick up a group of dusty, badly sunburned sailors. I was left with the same sharply piqued interest and passionate excitement that I always get from antiquated places, especially when I’m allowed total freedom to explore them.
FCCJ baseball Stars seek improvement
By Maria DeVera
This game was no walk in the ball park.
The Stars mens’ baseball team struck out against the Central Florida Community College Patriots on March 27 at North Campus, but put up a good fight.
The Stars currently hold a record of 17-23 for the season, and 6-7 in the Mid-Florida Conference. They are ranked third in the state.
“We expect to be in first and work with that goal in mind,” said Head Coach Chris Blaquiere. “Our program is built on accountability, respect, fun and hard work.”
The Stars have faced some tough matches this season, and it doesn’t stop there. “All schools in Florida are tough. It is a daily grind to play at a top level. No easy games,” said Blaquiere.
The Patriots were up by two points in the first inning, leaving the Stars to catch up for the rest of the game.
During the second inning, batters Ryan Howell, Jonathan Kessel and Tommy Cauley are each given a chance to walk to first base, after facing bad pitches from the opposing team. Howell makes a home run, putting the first point on the score board.
The Stars showed strong defense in the third inning. Umpire Paul Fibbe caught a foul ball, leaving two outs to go. Pitcher Mike Lee threw the ball to Mike Spina, third baseman, tagging out one of the Patriots. Howell caught a fly ball leaving the opposing team with only one home run. Spina then made a home run, making the score 1-1.
After a scoreless fourth inning, the Patriots and the Stars were tied again at 1-1 in the fifth inning. The Stars were still down by two points as the score remained 5-3 overall.
The Stars had to make two home runs to tie the game for the ninth inning, but were unsuccessful. The Patriots took home the game after gaining one more point, pulling ahead of the Stars. The final score was 6-3.
Despite another loss this season, the Stars only see it as a chance to improve and work harder.
“The players are reminded each day that when you put the uniform on, it is all about performance. The game does not care how you feel or what has happened prior to game time. If you put the uniform on that day, then the game demands that you perform. Our goal is to play hard for 27 outs on offense and defense, regardless of the circumstances,” said Blaquiere.
For more information or a game schedule go to: www.fccj.edu/campuses/south/athletics/index.html
Campus shows fashion trends
By Kassandra Elizee
The North Campus’ auditorium was about half full on March 10.
The fashion show took place that evening at 7:00 pm and was a success. With more people attending then the last one, the crowd seemed satisfied by the show that lasted a little over two hours.
The Campus Trend Fashion Club’s director Katrina Johnson, did a great job in commentating on the models’ outfits as they walked on the stage.
She was genuine and humorous at the same time about what she thought of the ensembles she was seeing, expressing her opinion if she thought the clothes didn’t match or if the outfit was truly one of a kind.
The show had eight different segments: campus trends, spring color splash, dress for success, formal wear, the night life, what’s hot/what’s not, creative fashions and ladies’ night out.
Every model was modeling two outfits for each one of the segments. The campus trends were what you would wear at school every day. Some were modeling the FCCJ’s shirts and accessories, and others were wearing simple Jeans and a shirt.
For the spring color splash, club members wore colorful bathing suits, sun glasses and some even had a beach towel, beach chair and beach ball to create scenery.
After that, was the first intermission, in which the Campus’ Dance team named “Ladies of Motivation “had a chance to show their talent as they performed hip hop moves on stage. This lasted five minutes and the show continued with the dress for success segment.
The first outfit was business attire, what someone would wear to an interview or business meeting.
The other one was business/casual, something you can wear out on a business lunch or everyday to go to work.
For the creative fashions, the models wore clothes that had been altered, pieces of cloths cut off from one garment and sewn to a shirt or a pair of jeans, flamboyant jewelry and accessories.
The second intermission came. They had a fundraising bake sale. There were subs, chips, cookies, and appetizers for sale at the main entrance of the auditorium. They also accepted donations. The money goes towards this year’s graduates’ trip.
The what’s hot/what’s not section was probably the most entertaining part of the show.
The models came on stage two by two, one wearing a what’s hot outfit, the other wearing a what’s not to create a contrast between them.
The what’s not ensembles were weird combinations of different clothes; stuff no one would wear or that went out of style long ago.
After that, the night life segment followed. They had on clothes you would wear to go clubbing or in a bar on a typical Friday night. Then, came the third intermission.
The dancing team once again graced the audience with their hip hop skills.
After that was formal wear. The guys were dressed in tuxedos, and the ladies in prom dresses, or dresses frequently worn for weddings.
Last, but not the least, the ladies’ night out segment. Every girl had on her most beautiful dress, pair of shoes and jewelries. Some came on stage by groups of two or three wearing the same color.
For the grand finale, everyone was onstage in a semi circle. They each came forward as their names were being called by Miss. Johnson and bowed before the crowd that enthusiastically applauded.
Shakespeare Festival at South Campus
By Mikey Terror
This April, Florida Community College at Jacksonville will be hosting its first annual Shakespeare Festival at South Campus. Starting Monday, April 3, South Campus will feature events based around the plays of William Shakespeare.
Sigma Kappa Delta, FCCJ’s English Honors Society, is sponsoring the festivities with the help of Dr. Margaret Clark and Professor Chris Twiggs, both professors of English.
Students are expected to participate in the many fun events that are planned for the week. Admission is free to all that care to join.
The festival will kick off with a presentation of the movie Titus Andronicus. Professor Wood will present the film version of Shakespeare’s bloody, tragic drama. The movie will start at 1:30 p.m. in room G-101.
Starting at 11 a.m., Tuesday morning, Professor Slavicz will be hosting Shakespeare-in-a-box in the courtyard of the T-Building. Shakespeare-in-a-box is a group participation game revolving around one of Shakespeare’s plays.
Following the game, Speech Professor Kristopher Copeland will host “Soliloquy Idol;” FCCJ’s literary version of American Idol. Students are urged to recite soliloquies in a competition format with faculty members acting as the judges. Prizes will be given to all that participate. “Soliloquy Idol” will start at noon in front of the Cafeteria.
Professor Lany will be presenting a free showing of Shakespeare In Love, starring Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow at 12:30 in room G-101.
Wednesday, Professor Twiggs will lead students into a world of fun and games, Shakespearean style, in front of the cafeteria at noon. Then, at 12:30 in room G-101, Dr. Clark will be presenting the 1948 classic film version of the play Hamlet, starring Sir Laurence Olivier. The showing of the film ties into the climax of the week’s events that will occur the next afternoon.
Wednesday will also coincide with the South Campus Spring Fling. Free food and refreshments will be made available to all that attend. The officers of Sigma Kappa Delta will be on hand, recruiting new members and hosting the Shakespeare experience. Students and faculty will be acting as characters from Shakespeare’s plays.
The grand finale of the festival will be the trial of Hamlet on Thursday at 12:30 pm. Dr. Clark and her Shakespeare Literature class will be holding a public trial for the life of Hamlet. They will also act as lawyers, representing both the defense and prosecution. Students will decide the fate of the Prince of Denmark.
The officers of Sigma Kappa Delta are looking forward to everyone’s participation in this event.
The club is hoping this will be the start of many Shakespeare festivals to come. So come out and enjoy the life and times of one of the world’s greatest and most celebrated literary minds.
Volunteer Fair at Downtown Campus
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Community Hospice helps students find volunteer hours. |
Ronald McDonald representative hands information to FCCJ student. |
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FCCJ students sign-up for volunteer opportunity with Compass bank representative. |
Compass bank helps FCCJ students. |
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Wal-Mart representative helps FCCJ student receive volunteer information. |
Student Activities serves food to the volunteer fair attendees. |
All photos By Hien Bach
Creativity efforts help save Peruvian site
By Elizabeth Kiser and Matthew Richardson
Yellow Post-It notes may save the future of Machu Picchu, more specifically, the ideas written on them.
Students and professors from Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) and the University of North Florida (UNF) worked hand-in-hand with visiting Peruvian expert Dr. Dante Astete Canal in a creative problem-solving session.
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Prof. Olma demonstrates creativity students’ model of Machu Picchu, from clay inception to finished replica. |
It was held at Deerwood Center on March 31, in classroom A1100, which serves as the headquarters of FCCJ Professor Jeff Olma’s creativity program.
The focus of the session was to generate ideas to aid in the preservation of this endangered cultural monument.
Canal, who traveled from Peru for just this reason, identified the problems faced by Machu Picchu. In creativity, this is called defining the “problem space;” and is the first step of this process.
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Prof. Jeff Olma leads students through creative problem-solving process. |
Peruvian expert Dr. Dante Canal discussing threats to Machu Picchu. |
“The creative problem-solving process really helps to successfully address a problem that has been around for a long time, Olma said. “Because of this, some good ideas will go back to Peru and help.”
Using Post-It brainstorming, a creative method that calls for a “deferred judgement” atmosphere, about 85 innovative ideas were presented; 15 or so came from UNF observers. This type of atmosphere allows participants to feel certain that any idea they present will be heard, which allows the ideas to flow more easily, and enables the truly breakout ideas to surface.
Canal was given all of the ideas for future consideration. For the purposes of this session, the next step was for him to choose the five ideas he would like to see further developed.
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Dr. Canal considers students’ Post-It brainstorming ideas as solutions. |
Dr. Barquinero translates as Dr. Canal addresses creativity student Beck Cimble’s query. |
They were: Getting a diverse section of people to address this issue, such as: teachers, scientists, historians, anthropologists, and philanthropists, in order to view the problem from every possible perspective.
Limiting access to the site to minimize wear and tear.
Building platforms to observe the site from, which would decrease the damage factor from tourism.
Building large replicas, for use alone, or in conjunction with a virtual simulation tour.
The fifth idea was to raise the cost of admittance to the site to help defray expenses, and aid its preservation.
Of the five, Canal chose the option of building observation platforms for the class to develop at the next level.
At this time, use of the PPCO came into play. PPCO stands for Present pluses, Potential positives, Concerns, and Overcoming the obstacle, with one important difference.
The problem is presented in the form of a how-to question, which then identifies it as a task, rather than a problem. At this time the PPCO tool will be used to strengthen the steps. This can lead to an action plan.
The class will continue to work the process until the desired result is achieved, which will then be made available to Canal.
Olma closed the session by asking each participant to share a brief observation that they will take away from this experience.
FCCJ Professor of Spanish Enrique Barquinero said, “I think that creative thinking is being able to come up with ideas to solve an issue like this. It’s just amazing; especially if you get a group of people together that are different.”
Canal said, “ We’ve built a bridge between our cultures tonight; I hope we can continue to build on that.”
All photos taken at Deerwood Center by Imani Vidal
Communities take up the fight
By Tamara A. Krause
Spring is right around the corner and that means The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events are in full swing!
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, www.cancer.org, relay for Life began in May 1985 when Dr. Klatt, a marathon runner, spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound. During that time, he raised $27,000! The following year, Dr. Klatt had put together a committee and created the first team relay event.
By 1996, Relay for Life was declared a signature activity for The American Cancer Society because of its overwhelming success and community support. In 2003, more than 2.5 million people participated and raised $264 million at nearly 3,800 sites around the country.
The Jacksonville Chapter of The American Cancer Society will be hosting several Relays throughout our area over the next few months. The Relays are eighteen hours long, most teams bring tents, and grills, making it feel like a giant slumber party or camp-out. Volunteers are needed as well to help with set-up, running the individual events, and clean up. If you are interested in hosting a team or becoming a volunteer, please contact The American Cancer Society’s representative, Jamie Laster, at Jamie.laster@cancer.org or call #398-0537, Ext. 325.
The Florida Community College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Upsilon Eta, is currently seeking team members for the April 28-29 event being held at Bolles. If you want to join the team or help with reaching their $2000 goal, please contact the Phi Theta Kappa office at #381-3440 or email info@upsiloneta.org for more information.
Leaving a lucrative career; become a teacher to ‘give back’
By Victoria Bennett
FCCJ is an ideal setting for a program like Teach First Coast. Community colleges have traditionally offered opportunities for people to redefine themselves. This is what the Teach First Coast Program is doing. Some of the students in this program are actually leaving corporate America to enter a classroom, and sacrificing what little spare time they have to make the career change.
Why would a person in a well-paid occupation, like information technology, want to become a teacher?
Candidates for Teach First Coast, the teacher certification program at FCCJ, often say it’s because they are seeking more meaningful work.
They also say they want to feel like they’re giving back to society.
When the State of Florida gave their community colleges the opportunity to create teaching certification programs, they anticipated that many people would answer the call to become teachers, and they were right.
Dr. Carole Byrd, associate dean of education, launched the program last fall, and the number of students taking the classes has been steadily increasing.
Dr. Kathleen Foley, formerly a classroom teacher herself, is the new program coordinator.
Teach First Coast applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to joining the program.
To learn more about the program, call Victoria Bennett, the program advisor, at 633-8199 or visit the program website at www.fccj.edu/teachfirstcoast.
Ask Amy
Interpreting the Summer Schedule
By Amy Perkins
Lots of students come to my office and ask how to pick classes for the Summer session.
For the most part, I tell them to do it the same way they pick classes for Fall and Spring.
True, FCCJ does not have quite as many offerings for courses over the Summer due to faculty members taking a well-deserved break.
At the same time, we still have plenty of classes for you to choose from, especially if you register early (as in this week – what are you waiting for?).
Use your degree audit to select which classes you want to take over the summer. Advisors and counselors can help you understand your program requirements if you need some help.
Some students elect to reduce their course load over the summer, and you might want to do that as well.
Or, if you have enough financial aid money left over, maybe you will continue at the same pace you have been going.
Check with the Financial Aid office to get an idea of what monies, if any, you still have available for the summer.
Also, don’t forget to check out the link to the scholarship website in Artemis to see if you can get some additional support for summer classes through a scholarship.
Once you know what classes you need to take, the next step is to determine when to take them.
During the summer, FCCJ tends to have a lot more short-term or accelerated courses. What that means is a course that you might normally take in 16 weeks is offered over the summer in 12 or 8 weeks.
You still have to cover 16 weeks of material over the summer, you just move a lot faster through that material, and usually meet for an additional hour or two during the week.
So be careful about picking which section is right for you. Maybe you would feel comfortable taking an accelerated speech course, but want to look for a 16-week science course.
If you choose an accelerated course, your class will either finish earlier than the end of the term, or start later than the beginning of the term.
Every semester (not just during Summer), FCCJ offers four sessions of classes: A, B, C and D.
The A session always begins the first month of the term (May, August, or January). The B session always begins the second month, and so on.
Aside from the session, you need to know how long the class runs, which is reflected in the dates online, or in the paper schedule by the number of weeks the class lasts (16, 12, 8, or 4).
If I look up ENC1101 in the Summer schedule, I find lots of options.Professor
Roger Smith teaches a section at Deerwood Center that lasts from May 8– Aug.25. That class is a typical 16-week class beginning during the A month – so we call it an A16 class.
Michael Haddock offers an A12 class at Kent Campus that starts in May, but finishes in July. Or if I am only taking a class or two, I could try Sue Buck’s C8 class at Downtown Campus. The class begins in July and will move fast to finish by August, but might be just right.
The most important thing is that you take a look at all your options and pick what’s best for you.
Once you get your summer schedule set, keep in mind that Fall registration begins this week too.
What else is left to earn? Lots. Now you can tell us what else you would like to know. Email us at campusvoice@students.fccj.edu, and we will address your questions in coming issues. Got questions? We’ll get you answers.
Making the Wright choice
FCCJ President Steven Wallace supports Dr. Denis Wright for the position of South Campus president, and has recommended him to the Board of Trustees.
“Dr. Wright’s professional qualifications are as impeccable as his history of successful academic leadership is impressive,” said Wallace. “I am certain that he is an excellent fit for South Campus, and that he will maintain the extraordinary quality of leadership for which Dr. Will was so well-respected.”
The Board of Trustees is meeting today (April 4) to decide on the recommendation. If approved, Wright will be the next South Campus president, effective July 1.
Wright has held the following positions:
• 1997-Present – Joliet Junior College – Vice President, Academic Affairs
• 1990-1997 – Shippensburg University – Development Officer and Research Associate; Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences; Director of International Education
• 1982-1990 – Winthrop University – Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences
• 1978-1982 – Franklin Pierce College – Associate Professor
• 1976-1978 – University of Connecticut – Residence Hall Director
• 1976-1977 – Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company – Demographic Consultant
Wright has earned following credentials:
• 1979 – University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT – Ph.D., Biology
• 1977 – University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT – M.S., Biobehavioral Sciences
• 1975 – University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA - B.A., Anthropology
New folklore class
By Mikey Terror
Paul Bunyan created the Grand Canyon by dragging his axe along the ground, John Henry drove the golden spike into the cross-continental railroad, and Pecos Bill represented the fierce spirit of the American West.
These are all “tall tales” that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Tales like this aren’t only common to the United States. The entire world is full of a history of folklore.
This coming Fall semester, English Professor Heidi Marshall will be introducing a new and exciting literature class at South Campus.
The new class will be LIT 2930: Special Topics in Literature, or it may simply be called, Introduction to Folklore.
This new class will be offered Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.
Marshall will be presenting the class as a general overview of the study of folklore.
Tales from the Americas, as well as Europe, Africa and Asia will be represented and discussed.
Students are encouraged to ask questions like: What is folklore, how is it created, and why it matters?
This is the first time a class like this will be offered at FCCJ.
Marshall also happens to be the newest member of the communications department at South Campus. She was hired on the faculty this January as a full-time English professor.
The administration at South Campus hopes that this exciting mix of a new professor and a new class will spark students’ interest.
The Introduction to Folklore class will be open to all students who have received a grade of “C” or better in ENC1101. As you begin to register for Fall term, look for
the Introduction to Folklore class with reference number 240377 in the FCCJ catalog.
For more information about this class, or others like it at South Campus, please contact the communications department at (904) 646-2370.
Don’t date him, girl!
By Maria DeVera
America’s Most Wanted List for cheaters has arrived in the form of a controversial website called DontDateHimGirl.com.
The website is a free service that allows women around the world to post the profile and picture of a man that they have classified as a cheater. The profiles are more like blogs, in the sense that women share their thoughts and experiences about the man--who they know personally--that has committed infidelity.
DontDateHimGirl.com was created by Tashi Joseph, a former Miami Herald columnist. After seeing her girlfriends go through the heartbreak of infidelity, Joseph was influenced to create a website that could warn other women about cheating men. The website motto sums it up: Revolutionizing the Way Women Date.
The website has spread like wildfire, getting 600,000 hits per day. It lists thousands of men, and the homepage features a new cheater every day, under the title: Latest Cheater.
Just like any profile, basic information like age, race, and other physical characteristics like height and weight are given, but also included is very detailed personal information.
For example, an anonymous member writes that Danny from New York has been with her for three years, but he continued to see his pregnant ex-girlfriend behind her back. She classified him as a “charmer and a compulsive liar.” The profile lists more in-depth, vulgar information about Danny that would make any woman give up on dating.
Other women can also comment on the anonymous blogs. Another woman, who also knew of Danny responded by saying, “I know for a fact that he cheated on his poor wife. . . many times. . . girl don’t date him, he’s a (bad word).”
Whether or not DontDateHimGirl.com tells the truth is debatable; men are bound to complain, which could eventually lead to lawsuits.
Joseph appeared on MSNBC, hosted by anchor Keith Olbermann, who asked her if men have recourse. She said, “Yes. We do offer guys a chance to rebut whatever was put on the site about them. They do have a chance to write to us and tell their side of the story. And that will go over there with their profile that’s on the site.”
The website is easy to use; the name of a city can be typed in the search engine and a list of cheaters will appear according to that location. So far, Jacksonville has only ten cheaters.
“Well, you know it’s really treacherous, the world of relationships, particularly for women. So I think the site is just one more way that women can navigate those treacherous waters,” Joseph tells Olbermann.
As the saying goes, in a more agreeable manner, dating is a witch---literally.
For more information: visit DontDateHimGirl.com or msnbc.msn.com/id/9543001/
V for Vendetta
By Kassandra Elizee
If you are one of the many people who think that Hollywood has stopped making good movies, you will change your mind after watching V for Vendetta. This action/adventure drama is compelling to all mature audiences.
The film takes place in London. It is the thrilling story of a young woman who is saved, more than once, by a wanted man, simply known as “V”. This man is responsible for many bomb attacks around the city and blames the government for the death of thousands of people, when a virus was released with the intention of making money with the antidote and becoming more powerful. “V” wants to free the citizens from this corruption and cruelty.
The girl, named Evey, played by Natalie Portman, is first rescued when men who work for the government surround her in a dark alley. “V” who is proficient in the art of combat comes to her rescue. “V” picks up the young woman and flees with her to his secret home, to protect her from the government.
The audience may find some resemblance between “Zorro” and the character “V” because of the way he engraves his “V” everywhere and the fact that his face is hidden under a mask. Although he fits the common superhero’s description, black outfit, hidden face and fighting skills, he is not like “Batman”, “Superman,” or “Spiderman” at all, he is a new and improved character.
The movie earned $26.1 million dollars in its first week, opening March 17th, 2006 at various movie theaters around the country.
Artist joins Campus Voice staff
By Matthew Richardson
Drawing ia a creative skill that works as a form of self expression.
Sketch artist Michael Lee, 21, has been drawing since the age of five.
“I draw in order to relieve myself of stress,” Lee tells The Campus Voice.
“What inspires me to draw is that with drawing, it takes a great deal of patience and skill.”
The kind of passion Lee shows for drawing proves that he will be a positive addition to The Campus Voice staff. Hence, The Campus Voice would like to introduce him as the new cartoonist for the newspaper.
The two sample sketches that Lee submitted to The Campus Voice are of music artists Aaliyah, and Ashanti.
“I like to draw people and cartoon characters the most,” said Lee. “I drew those particular pictures because at one point I had difficulty drawing softer feminine features, so I drew women for a while to teach myself that womens’ features are softer than the male facial features.”
Lee is an FCCJ student who is majoring in digital media/multimedia technologies.
He wishes to one day pursue visual effects for motion pictures, and further develop his skill at drawing.
“Everyone that draws has their own unique style that differentiates him or her from other artists.
Not just anyone can just pick up a pencil and start drawing. One has to feel their skill in their heart and mind before letting their imagination take full control. It’s all in the heart. I draw for the love of it,” Lee said
Lee’s work will be featured in future issues of The Campus Voice. Students, keep your eyes peeled for this up-and-coming sketch artist.
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