March 25, 2022

the southern

Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit 38 Lakeland, FL

The Student Voice of Florida Southern College

Friday, March 25, 2022

VOL. 138, NO. 11

Southern Takeover returns after two years, COIN headlines Faith Miller The Southern Editor FSC’s Association of Campus Entertainment hosted the return of the school tradition, Southern Takeover, featuring openers Zhalarina and Josie Dunne, along with the headliner, COIN. Southern Takeover took place on March 19, with a “pre-party” at 4 p.m. and the concert starting at 6:30 p.m.

The pre-party included a variety of food trucks, giveaways for students and activities, like lawn games and henna.

Each student that checked in with their student I.D. received a free food item, dessert, giveaway item and entrance to the concert.

The food trucks included “Mongkon Kitchen,” “Dave’s Jukebox Diner,” “Arepazo,” “Got Dessert?” and “Wheelin N Grillin.”

Students had been anticipating the event after the subtle announcement made on Feb. 14 with a teaser photo and a caption of “March 19th” on the ACE instagram page.

On Feb. 25, they announced that the event would be the return of Southern Takeover, a concert that the school would host every year before the pandemic.

In the same post, it was announced that the artist would be revealed in front of Jenkins Field House on March 1 at 7 p.m.

Photo by Kathlita Hostetler Lead singer of COIN, Chase Lawrence was the main headliner for Southern Takeover.

On March 1, ACE hosted a flower crown making event with food and drinks, along with showing a reveal video announcing that COIN would be headlining.

“I have been listening to COIN for a while, so it was really cool that our school was able to get one of my favorite bands to come here,” senior Rachael Bennett said.

Some students were concerned when

they did not recognize the band name at first, but after listening to their music they realized they recognized some of the more popular songs, like “Talk Too Much,”

by COIN. “Personally, I am not very savvy with song names or artists, but when I realized that I knew a few of their songs I was excited!” sophomore Jimmy Houle said.

“A lot of my friends are big fans, so I had

a good crash course in the weeks leading up to Southern Takeover.”

Leading up to the event, the school hosted “Spirit Week” with different events each day for students.

This included different themes ranging from “Trendy Tuesday” where students wore their favorite 2000’s trends, to “Red Friday,” where students received a prize for showing school spirit and wearing red.

Students who participated were entered in a contest for a chance to win.

Along with the spirit week competition, there also was a school wide scavenger hunt using the app “GooseChase.”

Student’s could register as a team and then would complete different challenges for different point levels throughout the week.

The winners received a meet and greet with the bands after the concert.

“I even went to a 7 a.m. cycling class.

It was cool to see them right after the show and I got to tell Joe that I liked his shoes,” Houle said, a member of the winning team.

“My friends and I dedicated all of our free time to completing missions on the GooseChase app to try and win the opportunity to meet and greet with COIN and sit front row at their concert. It was a blast spending so much time with my friends completing these missions[,]” team member Emily McCoy said.

Food service director, SGA introduce new dining option On March 14, when students returned to campus following Spring Break, dining services opened a brand new food venue with the help of SGA. SuperBowls is a new dining option, located inside Wynee’s Bistro.

Students can go to SuperBowls and customize their bowl order for the same price as eating from Wynee’s Bistro’s regular menu.

“The idea of a bowl-style venue has proven to be popular among college-aged individuals,” Vice President of Finance Carter Webb said. “Therefore, SGA and food services wanted to jump on to the idea of having our own unique bowl idea: SuperBowls!”

Although the concept behind opening a bowl dining location, resembling a Chipotle or Fresh Kitchen was already in progress, its development was expedited when Food Service Director Tim Raible received a phone call from the Business Office, two

SOCIAL MEDIA

“

weeks before Spring Break.

School administrators examined the student school satisfaction survey from last semester, and they wanted to address students’ concerns regarding food dining options on campus.

“One of the hot buttons was, some of the students were just tired of covid, tired of the way we’re doing things, and wanted some other options open. Part of that also mentioned healthy foods, [students] wanted more healthy foods available,” Raible said.

Raible explained that each dining location

has some form of healthy food, but “sometimes it’s not a matter of not having it, it’s just that we have what you may not like.”

“Student Government’s role in this has been to listen [to] the student body about their dietary needs and create a new, healthy dining option,” Webb said.

According to Raible, SuperBowls’ popularity hasn’t lost its momentum after its first week, and it’s especially busy during dinner time.

“We’re doing record numbers right now for dinner, and we have not done that.

We’re doing greater numbers than we did in our first semester [...],” Raible said. “It’s definitely been a real hit, but it’s been a little overwhelming only because I’m so shortstaffed in so many areas.”

This dining location has gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available.

“Students have loved the idea of having a consistent healthy dining option available,” Webb said.

SuperBowls is currently open Monday through Friday during Wynee’s Bistro’s

hours of operation. This location is not open on the weekends because the cafeteria doesn’t experience enough traffic on the weekends and in order to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.

After Spring Break, food services also implemented another change. Happy Place was moved from its former location by the Business Administration Building to the grass area behind Branscomb Auditorium.

“Town Hall wanted [Happy Place] on a more regular basis,” Raible said. “The one area that felt a little slighted, because Tutu’s is a little bit far from Branscomb, was the Branscomb area.”

When students got back from Spring Break, there were some issues with the relocation of Happy Place, so they sold pulled chicken sandwiches at the Healthy Blend deli as a special on the first week back from Spring Break. However, Happy Place will be staying behind Branscomb for the time being until they’re able to figure out how to make Happy Place more mobile, according to Raible.

Lakeland: Downtown West

FSC Dance: Em/bodied

An Outside Look at Ukraine

The City of Lakeland will be developing a new shopping area near FSC.

A look into the Festival of Fine Arts and their dance performance, Em/bodied.

What is it like witnessing the conflict in Ukraine as it happens?

NEWS - PAGE 2, PICTURED

ENTERTAINMENT - PAGE 6

OPINIONS - PAGE 7

The idea of a bowl-style venue has proven to be popular among college-aged individuals.

“

Sophia Gonzalez Editor-in-Chief

-Carter Webb Vice President of Finance, SGA

Ukraine conflict

New FSCares Policies

Watching Baseball as a Fan

A look into two FSC students, a Russian and a Ukrainian whose people are in conflict.

What are the pros and cons of the latest set of COVID-19 policies on campus?

A FSC Moc scored two home runs in a recent game, what it feels like to be a fan.

FEATURES - PAGE 3

OPINIONS - PAGE 7

SPORTS - PAGE 8

@fscsouthern

www.fscsouthern.com

fscsouthern@gmail.com

The Southern MARCH 25, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

2

Lakeland enacts ‘Downtown West’ plans Dylan Olive Staff Writer

On March 25, the Student Accountability Board and Barnett Community will be hosting “Sip on Some Consent” at the Snake Pit. The event will take place at 5 p.m. and feature discussion on consent, as well as featuring free snacks, crafts and iced tea for students who attend the event.

SGA Donation Drive for Ukraine Until April 7, the Florida Southern College SGA is holding a donation drive for the Ukraine. Monetary donations are accepted along with medical supplies like tourniquettes and painkillers. Monetary donations can be sent in through www. flsouthern.edu/giving. Boxes to donate supplies are located across campus including the Rogers building, Fannin Center and Tutu’s Cyber Cafe.

Festival of Fine Arts: Em/bodied As part of the annual Spring dance concert, the Festival of Fine Arts will be hosting FSC Dance, Em/bodied starting on March 26, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event, directed by Erin LaSala Phillips, features an abbreviated performance of the ballet “Raymonda” alongside newer contemporary works. The event is free to all students with I.D.

Queer Art History Presentation On March 31, the FSC Allies will be hosting an online queer art history presentation. Dr. Rich of the Art Department will be speaking at the event and discussing queer history in the world of art. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Zoom link can be found on engage.

Construction is starting this Spring on “Downtown West,” a new 22 acre retail, office and housing development located between Lake Wire and the current revamp of Bonnet Springs Park.

This site, approximately two miles from FSC, will be home to apartments, restaurants, hotels, shops and a walkway to RP Funding Center. The goal for this development is to expand the downtown west area and to urbanize it more, in addition to the urban core the RP Funding Center has brought.

The plan for construction includes two phases, which include multiple subphases.

Phase 1A includes two 7,500-squarefoot buildings for shops and restaurants, in hopes of attracting the Lakeland community to the area. These buildings will be facing Kathleen Road just south of George Jenkins Boulevard.

Carter Vice President Jack Murphy told the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority that the developers are seeking out Jon Bucklew, founder of the popular downtown restaurant “The Joinery,” to see what possible restaurants local residents would want to see.

The following phase (1B) will include four buildings with four floors each, to total 300 apartments covering 10.33 acres on the eastern portion of George Jenkins Boulevard. The conceptual plan for the apartments shows that each apartment will have an average size of 915 square feet.

Artist rendering for Lakeland Downtown Development Authority

Mockups have already been presented as to how the new area will look.

Phase 2 of construction includes one five-story and one four-story building, to include a total of 330 apartments, and 15,000 square feet of first-floor retail on 8.18 acres along Sikes Boulevard.

David Bunch, a principal with its owner, Lake Mirror Development Co. LLC, told the LDDA board members that he and others involved with the Bonnet Springs Park development are “very happy with the look and the urban feel” of the Lake Wire development.

The City of Lakeland’s design review team has met with the developers and architects of this project to update the plans due to concerns from city reviewers.

“They got an A-plus in terms of the things that LDDA put in the design guidelines,” the organization’s executive director Julie Townsend said. She went on to say that

addressing Sikes Boulevard can be very difficult, but the designers did a great job of making it pedestrian-friendly with wide landscaping and sidewalks.

The main entrance to the site will be directly across from the southern end of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Sikes Boulevard at Prospect Street.

Chuck Barmby, the city’s business development and transportation manager said that city planners are excited about how Lake Wire connects with this new development and are working with the state Department of Transportation to “enhance the connection across Lake Wire.”

The owners of Bonnet Springs park are actually working with this development with the goal of a direct path from downtown to the park including sidewalks, tunnels and overpasses.

Future teachers discouraged by new Florida laws Salvatore Ambrosino The Southern Editor As legislation restricting the discussion of gender and sexuality in Florida classrooms passes through the senate onto the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis, some prospective teachers have begun reconsidering their career paths.

The Republican-controlled Florida state senate passed the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, dubbed by critics as “Don’t Say Gay,” on March 8.

Frustrations are not limited to the legislators in opposition to the government controls.

“I personally would not feel comfortable teaching in a state where I know I can’t have open conversations with my students,” education major Kayla Rosecrants said. “Every student has the right to having personal information about

their life kept confidential.”

Originally, “Don’t Say Gay” required teachers to inform parents of a student who is homosexual of their child’s sexuality within 6 weeks of learning that information. The amendment of the bill was withdrawn after the bill received nationwide criticism. The bill maintains that schools must inform parents when their children seek mental, emotional or physical counseling unless there is a risk of “abuse, abandonment, or neglect.”

“I’m a music education major,” Rosecrants said. “I will have more students to oversee than most teachers, and keeping track of their sexual orientations and keeping their parents updates is not something I feel should be in my job description.”

Discussions in schools of education have since ensued, according to Kylie Dearing, an English education major.

“We talked a lot about this new bill in

both my English courses as well as my education courses. It is evident that the consensus is rather than helping students feel safe in the classroom, this bill and movement would instead make them feel

Photo by Salvatore Ambrosino

Article continues on fscsouthern.com

Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market Vol. III On March 27, there will be a Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market from 12 to 6 p.m. at Swan Brewing near Lake Wire. This is the third annual event and will feature over 40 vendors selling counter-culture themed goods as well as live performances by local artists from the central Florida area.

New bills like “Don’t Say Gay” in Florida will affect upcoming educators as they prepare to enter the classroom.

“

Every student has the right to having personal information about their life being kept confidential.

“

Sip on Some Consent

-Kayla Rosecrants Junior education major

targeted, alone and isolated,” Dearing said.

Some education majors, including Dearing, say their career choice has been affected by the recent flurry of actions from the state, which includes a long departed blanket ban on critical race theory.

“Prior to these laws being put into place, I knew I wanted to go into education. I think that it has definitely changed my mindset about what the classroom could potentially look like,” Dearing said. “In my mind, it’s going to make things a lot harder.”

Dearing says that she’s been taught by her professors that the first responsibility of the teacher is to make students feel safe.

Dearing says that not only does the recent onset of legislation make students unsafe, but will put students in the position of being uneducated on certain restricted topics.

3 The Southern MARCH 25, 2022

FEATURES Ukranian, Russian students watch war from afar Salvatore Ambrosino, Diego De Jesus from the eastern city of Donetsk to the Features Editor, Staff Reporter At midnight, Masha Rezhylo called her mother. It was 5 a.m. when the first bombs began to fall over Ukraine.

Waking up, Rezhylo’s mother didn’t believe her. “Everyone was in disbelief,” Rezhylo said.

“

This [is] the worst scenario that could be.

“

-Sergei Kosalapov FSC senior

Sergei Kosalapov got out of bed when Russian President Vladamir Putin ordered troops march into the heart of Ukraine—a move that, according to NATO estimates, has cost up to 15,000 Russian lives since.

Kosalapov went to the gym to distract himself.

The words that signaled an invasion only minutes later fell from the sky as bombs.

This consumed his mind. Instead of music, he listened to the news as he exercised. And after every repetition, he watched his president repeat a bloody history.

“This [is] the worst scenario that could be,” Kosalapov said. “It’s very difficult to stay positive.”

Rezhylo remembers the sounds of shootings and explosions from 8 eight years ago, when Russia’s military campaign in Crimea forced her family

west.

“This is something that leaves its mark on you for the rest of your life,” Rezhylo said. “I’m still to this day scared of the sound of fireworks.”

For months, tensions broiled at the border and anxieties mounted in Rezhylo.

Since the invasion, Rezhylo’s parents have remained in Kyiv, where they sleep in a bomb shelter with 50 others.

Ukraine’s capital is encircled by Russian forces and is a place where there is little distinguishing civilians from soldiers.

Some of her friends have migrated out of the country, fleeing to Poland, Germany or elsewhere. One of her friends hasn’t been able to contact her mother in weeks, she says.

Others have volunteered in food chain supply efforts or have enlisted themselves into war efforts at a time where civilian casualties have surpassed 900.

“We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted.

“Right now, there’s a lot of hatred,” Rezhylo said. “Innocent people are dying, a lot of kids are dying.”

Kosalapov’s family resides in Lobnya, on the outskirts of Moscow, far from the burned carcusses of tanks blocking Ukrainian parkways and the missiles jettisoned by Russian fighter planes seen by the American public on video.

Like most Russians, they disapprove of the invasion they’re witnessing, which has come at a massive cost of both human life and the welfare of their country’s citizens.

Many Russians are feeling the economic strife as the ruble remains in the throws

of a depression—an effect of Russians becoming the most sanctioned people in the world.

Kosalapov’s father knew the ruble would fall in the event of a crisis, and, taking precautions to make sure his family would be able to survive, hoarded the U.S. dollar—a decision that today keeps them from suffering as badly as other Russians.

Rezhylo has received donations personally and has sent money to her friends volunteering in Ukraine, where they use the money to purchase food and medicine.

“I got together with my friends in Ukraine who have established volunteer organizations,” Rezhylo said. “They have two facilities and they stock supplies and goods and food. I send them money directly.”

Over the past 25 days, she says she’s received over $5000.

“I think I was pretty successful. I wouldn’t say that I’m a social media influencer,” Rezhylo said. “But I feel like that’s pretty significant.”

Rezhylo says history is repeating itself and that it will take time for Ukrainians to forgive Russians for the invasion.

“I know people who are ashamed, who are sorry,” Rezhylo said.

But to Rezhylo, as the second invasion of her country in her lifetime is underway, it seems connected to a kind of “joke.”

“You’re not sorry,” Rezhylo said.

“That’s happening because you’ve been supporting it for 8 years beforehand.

There are a lot of Russians I know who don’t support Putin, but at the same time, I think it comes down to your own choice—are you going to be sitting at the house scared because you’re going to get arrested? I don’t think realistically the

whole country is against it—there’s not enough police officers.”

As people approach her asking her the “obvious questions,” like how her family is doing, she believes they could be doing a lot more.

“How do you think they’re doing,” Rezhylo said. “If they’re in the bomb shelter?”

Not many Russians agree with Putin anymore, Kosalapov says.

“Especially my father—he’s one of the people who is concerned with the future of his children and family,” Kosalapov said.

“That’s part of the reason I’m studying here.”

Most of Kosalapov’s family disagrees with the invasion. But a very widespread situation, he notes, are those exposed to state media.

“If you’re watching these channels, you’re exposed to propaganda to a very high degree,” Kosalapov said.

Kosalapov regularly argues with his family members who support the invasion.

“We just don’t talk to them,” Rezhylo said.

Rezhylo has cut ties with the half of her family from the Donetsk region that supported the invasion.

“I was reading, and that’s really what made me very shameful of what is going on,” Kosalapov said. “I knew that after all this started, it’s going to be very bad for all of the Russians who have no relations to that—no one expected this to happen.”

As the war goes on, the semester nears its end and Rezhylo isn’t sure when she may return home to Ukraine.

Article continues on fscsouthern.com

Female campus ministry, ‘Delight,’ finds faith and friendship in new club Lauren Schreader Staff Writer Every Wednesday at 5:30 in Edge Hall women gather to grow their relationship and understanding of Christ through fellowship and bible study.

Delight Ministries is a nondenominational, non-profit organization that equips college campuses with resources such as scripture based curriculums for individuals to learn, understand, and further their relationship with Christ.

Currently, there are 205 student led chapters of Delight throughout the states.

“To me it is a place of belonging where women can be vulnerable with each other while learning more about Jesus, growing in leadership and deepening their walk with Christ.” Emma Lytle, president of Delight and junior at Florida Southern puts it.

Delight is all about creating a safe community for women on college campuses where they can grow in their faith and become “strong hearted leaders” in Christ. This ministry will also include the local community as the women in Delight find ways to serve the community, such as future community events and service projects.

Lytle felt that bringing Delight to the Florida Southern campus was placed on her heart during her freshman year when she saw it on social media.

She proposed the idea in the fall of 2021 and had many upcoming challenges to face before the kickoff this past January.

“I started the process but didn’t have the

Photo courtesy of Emma Lytle Delight members Elisa White, Abbey Bennett, Marleigh Christopher, Emma Lytle, Perry Davis and Ashlyn Herring meet every Wednesday at Edge Hall room 304. connections or time to follow through.”

Lytle explains the beginning of the challenge.

It wasn’t until the Summer of 2021 when she would come back to the idea of bringing Delight to Florida Southern.

During this past summer she interned in the Dominican Republic for GO Ministries and met a team leader of Delight from another college campus.

From then she began to explore the idea more.

This semester Delight at Florida Southern is going through the book of Genesis.

There is a study guide like devotional that allows a deeper dive into the meaning of

the scripture and for additional insight that costs $15. This is the only fee for this club, however having the book is not mandatory.

A typical Wednesday at Delight includes a small worship with Delight’s worship team, the Genesis scripture for that night, and a discussion about it.

They also do other activities outside of the allotted meeting time. They hammock outside of Barnett Residence Halls, make bracelets, paint tote bags and eat Dunkin Donuts donuts with pink frosting that match the aesthetic theme of Delight.

“Delight filled a space for community and fellowship that I was missing on this campus. I’m surrounded by women who

love God,” regular of Delight Hannah Noll said. “Love me and love everyone in that room! What else could you ask for?”

Delight is for those women looking for a place to belong and a community of other women to “love and accept them for who they are.”

Lytle encourages women of all different walks in life and their faith journey to come to Delight and “meet new people and grow in fellowship.”

Whether you love Jesus or you want to start a relationship with him, but don’t know where to start, Delight will welcome any girl on campus with open arms and a welcoming heart.

The Southern MARCH 25, 2022

4

ENTERTAINMENT FSC Dance produces upcoming performance ‘Em/Bodied’ The Festival of Fine Arts returns for its 63rd year at FSC, showcasing the diverse talents of the school’s students and faculty.

Its solo dance performance premieres Dance Em/Bodied, FSC’s edition of the annual spring concert featuring majors and minors in the field.

Em/Bodied will be the festival’s second event, held at Branscomb Auditorium March 26 at 7 p.m and March 27 at 2:30 p.m.

Directed by professor Erin LaSala Phillips, the show is composed of two acts.

The first will present a brief performance of the Raymonda ballet, while the second incorporates original choreography from Ashley Hearn, CJ Inzirillo and LaSala, herself.

“Em/Bodied is going to look very different than anything the FSC dance program has put on before,” senior

“

Em/Bodied is going to look very different than anything the FSC dance program has put on before.

-Kinsey Vaughn FSC senior

“

Caroline Bryant Staff Writer

performer Kinsey Vaughn said. “This show includes a lot of action, story telling, artistry, musicality, and unique use of technology. Some of the themes that arise throughout the performance are elements of celebration and humanity, as well as the toll that the advances in technology can take on us as human beings looking to connect with oneself and one another.”

Vaughn will lead the Raymonda and will star in Hearn and Inzirillo’s pieces.

With it being her last spring concert, she

is ready to give it her all.

“I am super excited for this performance because we have all been working extremely hard and tapping into [the] movement that we have never done before,” Vaughn said. “It has been a lot of work, but I am so honored to get to do what I love to do everyday.”

And after preparing for the show all semester, Vaughn hopes her peers will be in attendance. Fellow senior performer Shannon Smyth agrees.

“Students should come see the show because not only is it a taste of both classic and modern dance, but it is also super entertaining,” Smyth said. “There are very different pieces, so there’s definitely something for everyone. Your fellow classmates and friends are in it too, so be sure to support them and the arts.”

Tickets are free to FSC students, faculty and staff with their FSC ID. The event is also open to the public, costing $9 for children and $18 for adults.

Photo by Jennifer Mehlig These can be purchased on FSC’s Senior Kinsey Vaughn after Raymoda website and are separate purchases from ballet dress rehersal. other festival events.

DC releases ‘The Batman’ movie starring Robert Pattinson Lauren Schreader Staff Writer Directed by Matt Reeves, DC fans have been waiting for the release of “The Batman” since the original release date of June 25, 2021.

“

... it’s more fun when you’re an underdog. There’s no expectation of you.

“

-Robert Pattinson “The Batman” actor

The release date was inevitably pushed back twice due to the current pandemic to be released March 4, 2022.

Robert Pattinson takes on the role of Batman with some controversy between fans of DC toward Pattinson for the role.

Many feared that he was not the right fit for the role while others argued that he is a diverse actor and would have no problem tackling the complex character.

After the confirmation of Pattinsons casting, in regards to the controversy surrounding Pattinson for the role, he told Variety that “it’s more fun when you’re an underdog. There’s no expectation of you.”

To fill the shoes of previous Batmans, such as Ben Affleck, Christian Bale and George Clooney, Pattinson “prepared by reading old comics and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” said Looper.

Joining Pattinson in the cast is Zoe Kravitz as “Selina Kyle”, the infamous Catwoman.

It’s safe to say that Kravitz will have some big shoes to fill with the actress line of Catwoman including Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, and Anne Hathaway.

Kravitz prepared for the role by taking a training process that would set her apart

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Robert Pattinson plays eccentric billionaire ‘Bruce Wayne’ in new film “The Batman.” from the previous adaptations to put her own spin on the role of Catwoman.

“The Batman” had an estimated budget of $150 million.

Within the first three days, the box office was projected to make a profit of $135-$185 million globally according to Collider.

However, within the first three days, the box office surpassed these expectations by almost doubling them and coming out to about $248.5 million.

All in all, the three hour run time of the movie could hold the appropriate audience.

Those invested into the plot line and the DC franchise may find this movie to be intriguing and compelling.

On the other hand, those watching just for the action and the popular storyline may be disappointed.

Throughout the film there is a nice balance between action and details to

enhance and further the story along, but personally I found this movie to be a bit long. In the beginning and startup of events, and even throughout the climax, it took a bit more to remain invested in the plot.

The storyline is complex. There are a lot of characters that are fleshed out to enhance the plot in some way, shape, or form.

Those who find it difficult to keep up with a fast moving plot may be lost throughout the film. However, it was easy to re engage at the times where the storyline picked up, such as the parts with more action.

As for the actors casted in the film, a lot of them proved to have earned their roles, such as Pattinson as Batman.

Pattinson’s presence playing the role of Batman set him apart from the previous Batmans, and offered a different execution to the role.

Throughout the film he remains poised, controlled, and frigid in a convincing way that never seemed to falter throughout the entirety of the film.

Among others who executed their roles intentionally and convincingly were Paul Dano as Riddler, Colin Farrell as Penguin and Jeffery Wright as James Gordon.

However, I felt that Kravitz was an underdeveloped character.

Although Catwoman is not a major presence in this film, her character serves as an important piece of the film.

I felt as though her character got lost within the lines of the plot and caused her to slip through to a role that did not serve the audience in the way the filmmakers and screenwriters had hoped.

Based on the trailer, the audience can infer that Catwoman’s portrayal in the movie will be an important role; however, I felt that watching the movie you forget about her because the scenes she’s in are easily forgettable or sporadic.

Perhaps the best part about this movie is the ending that leaves the audience wondering what will come next.

With Barry Keoghan’s small appearance in a minor role for this film, but perhaps a bigger one in a potential sequel, and a shift in Batman’s persona and moral objective, fans of The Batman will be left in anticipation for the events of a coming sequel.

They will be left with basically a clean slate for a new plotline and the potential of a new character to enter in should there be a sequel.

Although nothing has been confirmed towards a sequel, director Reeves does have plans for The Batman 2.

With all of this in mind, I believe that fans of the DC franchise, specifically Batman, and fans of Pattinson will find this movie interesting with some unexpected adaptations and twists.

However, if one is looking for something to top the 2008 “Batman,” “The Dark Knight,” I believe that this one may slightly disappoint them.

On the contrary, the controversy that surrounded Pattinson for the role should be revoked as he proved himself worthy as Batman.

5 The Southern MARCH 25, 2022

OPINIONS Providing an outside look into the Ukraine-Russia conflict ‘Overwhelmed by the media and the news, I had to take a break from it all.’

T’Ahara Willis Staff Writer “Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now, he and his country will bear the consequences.”

These were the words spoken and posted by President Biden on his Instagram page @joebiden on Feb. 24.

Biden‘s piercing remarks against Putin condemn the Kremlin for his predatory advances against Ukraine.

President Biden is not the only one in his stance against Russia’s actions. The flag of disapproval is being waved by people from all around the world.

Recently there has been a wave of support for the people of Ukraine, whether by charitable donations or by diplomats staging a walk-out at the United Nations in Geneva during the Russian foreign minister’s speech.

It’s becoming more apparent that the score of support for Putin is being tallied up to slim to none.

Ukrainians have had to fight these past few weeks to avoid having their country forcibly removed from their hands. They have had to endure missiles being launched at their homes, fleeing to basement bomb shelters and leaving behind their livelihoods to seek refuge in other nearby countries.

But even surrounded by ruin and filled with uncertainty for their futures, the people of Ukraine are not backing down.

Preparing to fight back against the Russian invasion, Ukraine has taken drastic measures, including arming their civilians with weapons. In these unfortunate times, Ukranians refuse to

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Putin and Biden on a videoconference call in December, only weeks before Ukraine invasions begin. give up.

It’s one thing to be experiencing what’s happening in Ukraine behind a computer or television screen, and it’s another thing to actually be in the midst of crumbled cement, dead bodies and the chilling sound of air raid sirens.

The balance of who is affected is certainly disproportionate, yet everyone is feeling something as these series of unfortunate events roll out. Family and friends worry about the safety of their loved ones in Ukraine, and there are those who don’t have any connection at all but are bothered by the evident injustice being rained down on Ukraine nonetheless.

I have been dealing with the sickening

College updates FSCares policies Promise Davis Staff Writer Feb. 24 Florida Southern sent out an email outlining new changes to the FSCares Covid-19 guidelines. Due to the decline in cases in the local area, it was decided there would be a new set of rules in place.

Health guidelines during a pandemic should be updated and assessed regularly and the frequency in which FSC sends out updates is respectable. The constant communication allows for there to be no mistakes or confusion when it comes to the school’s policy.

“

After Spring Break on March 14, all of campus will be mask optional...

“

-FSCares email

As of Feb. 24, students, staff and visitors were no longer required to wear masks in any areas other than classroom settings.

This overall leads to a potential spread with an abrupt abandonment of the mask guideline. Although the option of wearing the mask is there, people who do not feel comfortable taking their masks off may feel uncomfortable wearing a mask in the midst of so many people not

wearing masks.

Later in the email, it is explained that upon our return from spring break, masks will be optional in all areas, including classrooms. It is later pointed out that if necessary, the university will reinstate the mask rule, but as of now, it is optional.

“After Spring Break on March 14, all of campus will be mask optional if conditions remain as they are now or further decrease,” the email said.

Once again, having the choice of whether or not to wear a mask is nice, but risky. As students and staff enjoyed their break, they have traveled to places and returned without being tested. If a person contracted Covid-19 while on break and due to the nonnecessity of a negative test, it could be brought back to campus.

Some students and potentially departments have recommended wearing masks in classes and around campus for at least ten days to combat the contraction and spread of Covid-19 after spring break.

As of Feb. 25 students who are unvaccinated no longer had to get tested biweekly. This means that if you’re feeling ill, you will have to go to get tested on your own and report any positive results back to the school.

Unvaccinated students that were getting tested while feeling ill before no longer have to make sure they are not sick. This could potentially lead to a rise in cases due to the decline in tests given, as well as leading to a possible incline of cases due to unknown sources.

feeling that comes with witnessing blatant atrocities against innocent people.

Overwhelmed by the media and the news, I had to take a break from it all.

I was careful to monitor how much of the news about Ukraine I was willing to let in. Allowing too much in, I began to feel deep sadness, I began feeling hatred as I reflected on injustices that have become commonplace on the news.

It put me in a bad head space and I don’t even live in Ukraine. My thoughts being overrun with constant bad news about Ukraine made me wish that there was some way to cause Russia to suffer.

I wanted the injustices to stop. I wanted President Biden to really think about

whether his sanctions placed on Russia were really enough to bring them to a halt.

But then I took a break. I realized the emotions I was feeling were warranted but weren’t allowing me to be in a healthy headspace. I prayed for Ukraine because I can’t possibly fathom what thoughts and emotions they are experiencing.

I prayed to not hold feelings of resentment against the world because of my narrow focus on all the darkness in the world.

When examining the facts presented in the news I found that Russia as an entirety is not the problem, it’s their leader. I saw news of hundreds of people in Russia protesting against the Kremlin, because they felt just as outraged as us.

My feelings began to change and I started to refocus my attention on what really matters. It doesn’t matter how dark this world can be, what matters is where we can find the light.

Can I find it in myself to still love even though it feels easier to hate? Is it possible to pray hopeful prayers for Ukraine as well as those in Russia who are suffering at the hands of Putin?

Whatever you feel about what should be done to stop Russia is fine, and however you choose to stand with Ukraine, whether by saying a prayer, donating to the cause or by other helpful means is great. I don’t feel that we are the exception, what is happening to Ukraine very well could have happened to us—and still can.

Evil isn’t blind to those who have the most wealth and resources, evil just wants to destroy and create darkness and chaos.

So, my question is what are you doing to be the light in darkness?

SOUTHERN

The Student Voice of Florida Southern College Florida Southern College 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Lakeland, Florida 33801 fscsouthern.com 863-680-4456 fscsouthern@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief

Sophia Gonzalez

sophiamcecc@gmail.com

Online Editor(s)

Sami Beason

samira.beason@gmail.com

Isabelle Hancock

isabellehancock1@gmail.com

News Editor

Jameson Champion

jamesonc1211@gmail.com

Features Editor

Salvatore Ambrosino

salvatoreysxe@gmail.com

Opinions Editor

Nathalie Moreno

morenonathalie78@gmail.com

Entertainment & Sports Editor Faith Miller

millercfaith@gmail.com

Graphic Designer

Christina DiGregory

christina.digregory@gmail.com

Advisor

Mike Trice

mtrice@flsouthern.edu

The Southern is published as an e-edition bi-weekly during fall and spring semesters of the academic year at Florida Southern College by students through the Communication Department. The Southern is unable to print a physical paper due to COVID-19, but is still available on fscsouthern.com. Opinions expressed on the opinions pages are not necessarily those of the department, the administration, the Board of Trustees or The Southern editorial board. Written and signed responses to views expressed on these pages, or relevant to other Florida Southern College issues, are encouraged and will be considered for publication.

All members of the Florida Southern community — students, staff, faculty, administrators, trustees, alumni and other friends of the college — are invited to voice their opinion in and about The Southern. All material submitted is subject to editing for length, style and taste. All material must be submitted to fscsouthern@gmail.com to be considered. The Southern office is in the Chatlos Building on Johnson Ave.

The Southern MARCH 25, 2022 6

SPORTS Assistant women's tennis coach inspires players

“

Olivia Bryant Staff Writer

I wanted a path to be able to stay in the sport, and stay competitive, without personally competing.

“

Bridging the gap between disabled and abled, a pioneer in wheelchair tennis and beloved college coach, one would never be able to guess by his nonchalant manners and sarcastic wit, just how many lives Paul Walker has positively influenced in his many years of coaching.

While he never envisioned himself as a coach, his love for the sport made it an inevitable road to follow.

“I wanted a path to be able to stay in the sport, and stay competitive, without personally competing,” Walker said. “I transferred my competitive playing nature into a competitive coaching nature.”

Competitive nature is an understatement when describing Walker's history and impact on the world of sports. Walker started his career as a baseball player at Florida Southern College, where he is now approaching his seventh year coaching women’s tennis.

He describes the environment of collegiate sports as unparalleled and appreciates how different opportunities lead him to college coaching.

“It's a tremendous environment of dedicated young student athletes and I respect that and recognize that at the stage of life they are in they do need guidance,” Walker said.

-Paul Walker Tennis assistant coach

Photo courtesy of FSC Athletics

Pictured above, women's tennis assistant coach Paul Walker.

Walker accomplishments are just as, or even greater, on the professional level.

Playing on the professional wheelchair tennis circuit for eight years, Walker reached a career high of no. 31 in the world and even competed in the first US Open wheelchair tennis competition.

As a coach, Walker has mentored world renowned players and even had the opportunity to travel to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Walker finds inspiration in the small aspects of the sport, like watching young “bright-eyed, enthusiastic” freshmen

2022 Spring Sports Updates

mature and find their way in the world.

He describes the four years of college as a pivotal moment in individuals lives and looks forward to seeing the athletes he is coaching preparing for the life ahead of them.

“It’s not that I’m happy to see them go, but I’m proud to see them go, there’s an important difference there,” Walker said.

Despite the adversities he has faced, Walker displays nothing but positive energy and determination in his everyday life.

“Folks look at someone like me with a

prominent physical disability and think ‘“wow he must have been through a lot and faced a lot of adversity,” Walker said. “One thing I’ve learned from being around a little ... is that everybody has gone through adversity, everybody has dealt with something or is dealing with something, some are just more prominently displayed than others” Walker embraces his disability expressing how it has allowed him to positively impact others lives.

“I may have the ability to help people deal with whatever their adversities are,” Walker said.

Falling back on his never-ending charm, Walker jokes “and who knows, maybe the chair even gives me a little street cred.”

Beach Volleyball 03.26 vs. Eckerd

Men’s tennis

03.26 vs. PBA 04.02 vs. Tampa* (@ PBA)

03.25 vs. University of Montevallo 04.02 vs. PBA* 04.07 vs. Embry Riddle 04.10 vs. Lynn

04.02 vs. PBA*

Women's tennis

04.02 vs. Embry Riddle 04.06 vs. Saint Leo* 04.09 vs. Tampa*

03.28 vs. Nova Southeastern 03.31 vs. Saint Leo* 04.02 vs. PBA* 04.03 vs. Barry* 04.06 vs. Embry Riddle

Baseball 03.25 vs. Florida Tech 03.26 vs. Florida Tech (DH) 04.01 vs. Rollins* 04.02 vs. Rollins* 04.03 vs. Rollins* 04.08 vs. PBA* 04.09 vs. PBA* (DH)

04.10 vs. Eckerd*

Men's Lacrosse

Women's Lacrosse 03.25 vs. Roberts Wesleyan College* (@ Tiffin) 03.27 vs. Tiffin* 04.02 vs. Lynn* 04.06 vs. Tampa 04.09 vs. Rollins*

Softball 03.25 vs. Florida Tech* 03.26 vs. Florida Tech* (DH) 04.01 vs. Rollins 04.02 vs. Rollins (DH) * indicates away games