Suzanne Calling

Lakeland has a fantastic event every month, First Friday. The streets downtown are blocked off, and it's a giant, family friendly street fair. Organizations can set up booths, dance troupes perform, the local Moonbounce place sets up for kids to blow off steam and families just stroll and enjoy the nice evening. Tonight, about 15-20 of us donned shirts and talked to members of the community about the legislation to separate USF Poly and mingled at this local event. It was a great thing to do-for two reasons. First, it gave students an opportunity to fill in the details that can't be covered fully in the media. Let's face it, the space constraints of a newspaper and time limitation of television news broadcasts means that you can't tell everyone's story, even if they have compelling reasons to be at the school. So students shared stories. Second, it was good to see the support that exists in the community. When a state senator puts a target on your school and sa...

Last week, I shot an interview for my Digital Video class of my friend, Jennifer. From that, she had the idea of doing more interviews. I ran with that concept and said we should have a student roundtable, and share the video results with the legislators in Tallahassee. This morning, we spent four hours with eight people around a table talking about their experience and how if USF Polytechnic disappears July 1st and becomes FPU, they may not be able to continue their education, if they have to commute to Tampa, that it will place a huge financial burden on them (hello $4 a gallon gas times 75 mile round trip) and some of the programs offered at Poly aren't currently available on the USF Tampa campus. While I ran around, coordinating three cameras to collect all the statements made, three television film crews recorded it all. In the past hour, I've watched two of those, one from BayNews9 and another from News Channel 8. In each, Jenn spoke up about the issues on the minds ...

The Florida senate voted 33-6 to break off USF Polytechnic into the state's 12th university, effective July 1st. This, when they cut $400 million from the existing 11 state universities. I weep for those locally who now have no affordable State University campus (it will take a while for the new school to get SACS accreditation) and due to work and family obligations, will have to give up the ability to attend college classes. Ugh...

Well, for now, I get "Video removed by user" messages, which after two hours of uploading, I most definitely did NOT do. Here is a rough cut from one of the two cameras, no effects, of the interview that inspired a bigger project.

Senator Haridopolos and members of the Florida State Senate I write to you as a USF Tampa graduate student and a USF Polytechnic alumna. Please consider the following in your thoughts as you prepare to vote Wednesday on Senator Alexander's proposal to eliminate USF Polytechnic from the state university system. 1. When I decided to return to school three years ago, the reason I selected USF Polytechnic was because the campus was part of the University of South Florida system. It was important to me to attend a school where classes are taught by Ph.D.s. Poly delivered on this front and more. I attended small classes, where these professors insisted that students participate in topical discussion. The five semesters as a Poly student prepared me well for my next academic journey, seeking a master's degree in Instructional Technology at USF's Tampa campus. If the program I currently attend were available at the Polytechnic campus, I would have remained at the campus. Even...

Polytechnic is defined as 'many disciplines.' You've probably heard of a handful of schools with the Polytechnic designation, Cal Poly, Rensselaer Polytechnic, NYU Poly, and a handful of others. You may have even heard of my alma mater, USF Polytechnic. I proudly wear my many tee shirts emblazoned with the school name that my student activity fees bestowed on me and got asked more than a handful of times "what exactly IS a Polytechnic?" Oh, I gave the definition above and expanded further that the polytechnic model is applied learning with an interdisciplinary approach. Netted down further-it is a hands on environment where you use the skills of more than one subject in each class. That first time I visited the campus and spoke to an admissions advisor, the explanation sold me on going to that campus instead of driving a little further to Tampa, where the course offering catalog gave many more options for times and sections of classes. There are trade offs, t...

Earlier this week, I picked up my cap and gown. (It's still sitting in the bag, because the cat will make sure to deposit many fawn colored hairs on that black gown as possible.) The university asks all students to fill out a survey before receiving these items, so I did my part. After completing the task, I was given a little bag with some parting gifts. In with the little trinkets was this little guy: "Oh how cute, I've got a bull of my own!" Rocky stayed in my handbag, because the cat is also partial to gnawing on plastic and/or rubber objects. Wednesday night, I pulled him out to show a friend in class and felt something on the bottom. See: Not only did I get a bull of my own to signify my graduation from USFP, I got an anatomically correct bull. What else would you expect from a research institution? Now I know why Rocky the Bull is clothed at all school events!

While I knew that participating in the selection committee would involve a lot of work, I really had no idea that the rewards would be so plentiful. First up, I am making connections with people who can help me in my future educational endeavors. Then, you have people who have gladly given me advice about the best direction to take in those studies. Today, I had to complete reference checks with another committee member (State law dictates that at least two selection committee members interview the references, so we were adhering to the rules). My partner and I got to talking about the path I've decided upon and why it is important to me. She revealed that she also has a child on the spectrum and we talked about the state of education for children with autism. There are great teachers who click with our kids, but in the public school setting, they're limited in what they can and cannot do. I shared that while my plans and future research won't directly help Game Teen, h...

The light post yesterday and the very late post tonight are the result of a wonderful opportunity I was given through my school. I am the student representative on a committee to select an important leader for the University. To say the experience was incredible really doesn't do the whole process justice. There was so much I've observed, learned and gained from this opportunity that I could write for weeks and not get everything in print. First up, seeing a major recruiting firm coordinate the process, seeking candidates out and advertising in targeted publications was great. In all my years of retail, most jobs we had available weren't even advertised. Seeing great candidates from all over the country says that the school is well regarded, but more importantly, gave us a glimpse into how similar academic institutions all around the country operate. Then, the candidates. While I can't speak about who is considered in this role, I can say that the way they all pro...

At the beginning of this semester, I had four requirements for graduation. First, three classes of 4000 level Psychology classes, as I'd finished the psychology sub-requirements over the summer and one historical perspectives course. Those of you who have been following along are wondering about that second one, aren't you? The Spanish 3 class I opted to take this semester is an elective . Honestly, the fourth class this semester was always planned to be an elective, something fun in my final semester. How will graduate without enrolling in a class that is required? Easy. All along, I had planned to take a CLEP exam. For just under $100.00 and three hours of reviewing material that was familiar to me, I took History of the United States II (1865 to present). My University, as suggested by the College Board and Educational Testing Services, grants 3 credits for American history to any student who scores 50 or better on this 90 minute, multiple choice exam. I scored a 58....

Finally. I've now been to each class at least once. Another semester of only female professors, the first where I'll be sitting in class for all of them, two repeat professors and it's looking pretty good. The good thing about taking five classes in a semester, then four over 10 weeks-four classes over 15 weeks doesn't seem so bad. Tonight's class was with a professor that I've wanted to take classes with for three semesters, but she normally teaches on Tuesday nights. This semester, she added a Wednesday night, so here I am. While I wasn't in her classes, we've worked together on other things on campus. She remembered a conversation from working graduation together last December, because she made an offhand comment "Suzanne's the IT person, she would know" when someone was having an email issue. That just blows me away. So, the countdown to graduation begins: 15 weeks 60 chapters 4 classes 30 trips to Tampa It's going to be a lo...

In the past three days, I've been on two university campuses, a high school campus and Chef's school campus. It's the end of the year for the boys and Chef enjoyed the 5th grade trip to Sea World today. The weather was great, he spent it with two of his buddies from class and he insisted I come pick him up, even though we live within walking distance of school! The campus visit in Tampa earned us some meds for Game Teen, a copy of Windows 7 for me to restore my machine and a visit with a potential employer on campus. We'll see what the next month brings. Yesterday, Ed and I sat in a room with six educators who all agreed with what we've been saying in IEP meetings for years. This IEP is the most thorough one we've received. It was suggested that Game Teen attend the high school with a one to one aide at his side all day long, so that he can reap the benefits of a large course offering and neurotypical students that can model appropriate behavior. For now, ...

For the third time in my life, I saw green skies as I looked out the window of the computer lab today. The two staffers had commented about how nasty it had become outside, and I commented that Holy Crap, the sky is green and that's what I've seen before tornadoes in the past. Ten minutes later, in the middle of taking an exam, the power went out. It would remain so for nearly an hour. (A quick email on my phone to the TA got my exam reset and ready for when the power returned, as she was in St. Pete and experiencing better circumstances). The staffers and I chatted while we waited for the power to return. Reports came from the facilities staff that quite a few light poles got knocked over just north of campus and it took out the campus transformer (the news reports got it wrong). Apparently, if power didn't return by 3:30, the powers that be were going to cancel evening classes. Another report said we did have a tornado just a half mile north of campus. In all, fif...

I probably could have returned to college several years sooner, if I had been willing to go the 100% online route. I wasn't. Online schools been a great avenue for several of my friends, but for me, at least half of my classes needed to be in person. I'm glad I did it this way. The main purpose for having a campus is that I wanted a place to get involved , to feel like school was a home away from home. I chose wisely, because that has definitely been the case here. There are plenty of things to do on campus. Getting involved: I applied for and was selected for a group, this upcoming year I'm the chair. I enjoy getting to know administration, faculty and staff-and I love knowing all the people in the administration building. I worked on the play and have another in the works for the coming year. Making friends: An unofficial goal was to make at least one friend in each class. A benefit to our small campus is that there are less students and we tend to interact a ...

Tonight, for the second time, I worked graduation for my campus. It's an enjoyable activity, as we assist frazzled graduates before they march into the theatre to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance." This time, I had a bunch of friends among their ranks. Next time, I won't be working, I'll be participating. Before I know it, December will be here!

I'm celebrating, so why don't you join me and Ed in an aperitif? I took my last final of the semester tonight. Typically, the professor doesn't post our grades for over a week after a test. My friend Jessica and I left the exam at the same time and talked about sweating whether we made the A for a week or two. She suggested going back and asking her if she'd check our grades (which she did for Jessica the last exam, because she was the last to finish). We walked back in and I asked if we please could find out the grades. Sure enough, she graded the papers for us on the spot and then for the last half dozen classmates as they finished their exams, too. Three of 25 questions wrong...and I GOT AN A OVERALL. That means I earned an A in each of the five classes this semester. WOOHOO!!!!! So, help me celebrate?

This afternoon, a text message provided some welcome news: Class is Cancelled. Welcome because I had two very intense exams in other classes the past two days and I just didn't want to go-but I would. (Mom as student, you have to set the example for the kids). The realization that there are only four weeks of this five class schedule also came to mind today. It's probably better to take five classes when you're not dealing with two moves and settling an estate! The bright side of that is that future semesters will seem easy in comparison. Yes, two major tests in two days and another one scheduled for Monday. Going into this week, I thought my overall grades would be two B's and three A's. Now, I'm sure it'll be four A's and depending on the grade of last week's test, I may scrape out a 4.0. If I don't, I'm not going to beat myself up. The future. One credit shy of official 'Senior' status, my registration window opened yesterd...

This past fall, there was an announcement on the college campus that caught my attention. Auditions would be held for a production of "The Vagina Monologues," and there would be a meeting for anyone interested in participating. Now, I know that my skills with the stage are definitely not on the floorboards, thanks to my high school days, but I did want to do something I'm familiar with and help out. That's how I came to be the light technician for this production. It was very different from my college days. Every few weeks, I'd climb 30 foot high scaffolding, crescent wrench in hand. It was attached to my belt by telephone cord because climbing up and down 30 feet every time that darn thing slipped out of sweaty hands. For each production in those days, we'd hang anywhere from 100 to 200 lekos and fresnels, place gels and gobos and then have the fun of doing lighting tech for a couple of nights to get everything just right for the upcoming ten nights that ...

When I first started the process of applying to USF, The local area was peppered with advertising for the university. All of the LED jumbotron style billboards advertised the college and "Blue Skies Ahead." I thought it was just a slogan, because opportunities for the majors offered on the Poly campus are better than some offered at more traditional schools. Then, during welcome back week for this semester, I met an energetic gentleman who asked those of us manning my club's table if we were familiar with Blue Sky. None of us were, so we got a brief explanation that it is a business incubator for Polk County. First thing one of my companions asked was "Are there internships?" and the answer was definitely. Recently, I got a chance to visit the Blue Sky offices in downtown Lakeland, where it became clear that along with the university's expansion into a full scale, four year school, there will be plenty of energy devoted towards growing businesses to hir...