Florida State Honors Program Newsletter Issue #15-November 2018

Issue #15 November 2018

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

HONORS

Photo by Kayla Rojics

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A MESSAGE FROM YOUR E-BOARD

12 ADVICE TO FIRST YEAR

STUDENTS

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UPCOMING EVENTS

14 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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DIRECTOR'S DESK

16 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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ADVISOR'S CORNER

18 EFFECTS OF LONG TERM

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THE TRUE STORY OF THANKSGIVING

STRESS AND ANXIETY 19 DORM ROOM RECIPE

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

20 EVENT PHOTOS

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A MESSAGE FROM YOUR HSA E-BOARD

Hello students!

This year, three members of the HSA executive board were asked to participate in the National Collegiate Honors Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. This conference brought together students and faculty from different Honors programs and colleges all over the country, as well as some from around the world. Each day was filled with various panels, presentations and workshops focused on sharing ideas about how to improve our honors programs and celebrating all the things that make each program special. We attended workshops on civic engagement, creating a fun honors space, second amendment rights versus student safety and many, many more. There were so many things we learned about that we are excited to introduce to you all in the coming semesters! Please enjoy the cover photos, both of which were taken from the beautiful city of Boston, where the leaves really do change colors!

Director's Desk

with Dr. Annette Schwabe

Dear Honors Students: The past several weeks have been very trying for everyone, particularly as part of the larger community in Tallahassee grieves those lost due to gun violence at a local yoga studio. If you were affected by this event – directly or indirectly – I hope you can find peace over the holiday break.

Here are some tips for the kind of Thanksgiving holiday that I hope will leave you feel fulfilled and, possibly, even rested!

1) Sleep as long as you can (research shows adequate sleep predicts better mood and longer life expectancy). Then, try to go out and do anything physical that you enjoy. Walk. Run. Dance.

Do yoga; paddle a canoe; swim or just splash around some body or vessel of water! A friendly pick-up game of basketball or flag football anyone? Movement is a great form of preventive stress physically and mentally. Do this alone or with family or friends.

2) Try to do at least one small thing that you long to do on Thanksgiving Day without “permission” from others. One honors student with whom I spoke last week said she bought a subscription to the NY Times and the New Yorker magazine as a high school graduation present and loves to read them in her free time. Perhaps she’ll steal even 10 minutes to read one good column to make her brain and heart happy.

3) If you are expected to cook or help with a Thanksgiving meal, use a list. Cross-check with other lists if needed. Listen to your favorite music as you prep. Enlist others to help, especially if they look like they’re feeling awkward or annoyed while listening to uncle Hank or aunt Nellie’s latest diatribe. If you’re not expected to help out, rescue the trapped family member or friend and take a turn engaging Hank and Nellie to see what makes them tick!

4) Do not discuss politics or religion unless everyone agrees! If so, just dive in!

5) Now and then, stop and take in the beauty of the social scene 6) Appreciate the fact that you are able to give and get thanks with food. Not everyone in the world can.

7) Clean up or end the day with more good music! Repeat the above if uncle Hank or aunt Nellie still has the ear of some poor soul after the meal is over.

Director's Desk

with Dr. Annette Schwabe

8) Don’t be a turkey. Recycle. Of course, I imagine that was already in your plans!

9) To thank someone is to express gratitude verbally. “Thank” is a verb. “Gratitude” is a noun and describes a state or feeling of appreciation for others in your life. You can turn gratitude into a verb by thanking people in your life out loud, by doing something for them, and – even – by allowing them to do something for you. Give gratitude to others and accept and celebrate their gratitude for having you in their lives. This will give your day a sense of meaning and peace.

10) For all of you who like things to be in even or in “typical” numeric increments don’t worry that I only have 9 tips instead of 10. Add your own here – it’s your life and your holiday!

As I try to practice what I preach, I will try to tick off all of the boxes above while spending the weekend in Fort Pierce with my loving husband, wonderful son and his equally wonderful girlfriend!

We’ll also celebrate with our three rowdy dogs, who love to run on the beach and who will certainly beg for scraps when the food hits the table.

I am grateful to have everyone in the FSU Honors Program in my life! It is sincerely the most wonderful job I have ever had because of my connections with you all, which I find energizing and fulfilling on a daily basis. Spending time with honors students gives me much hope for a bright future and I hope to get to know more of you as the year unfolds.

Happy Thanksgiving!

ADVISOR'S CORNER HOW TO FIND A RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION As the program coordinator for Honors in the Major, I have a lot of students ask me how they can find a professor to work with for research or for their Honors Thesis. The advice below applies to students in any major who would like to do independent study or research with a professor at FSU. Step 1: Clarify your interests Early on, it’s important to get an idea of what kind of projects or topics you would be interested in working on. Sometimes it’s hard to get a feel for current research areas if you are still in prerequisite courses for your major, so if you can try to take upper-level courses in your discipline, or attend research events and presentations by graduate students. You can also search your major’s website to find information on faculty research interests. Most department websites list not only faculty bios, but also recent publications. You can access and read many of these publications through the FSU libraries.

Step 2: Select professors Now that you have a good idea what research is going on in your major (or related majors) you can start to form a list of professors you might want to work with. Try to find out more about these professors as people. You may know someone who is currently researching with them, or has taken a class with them

before. Some professors take on lots of undergraduate researchers, and some might choose not to take on any. The key is to find out the professor’s style of supervision, and see if it would be a good fit for you.

Step 3: Reach out You might want to reach out to more than one professor, in case they say “no”. In that case, plan to work from your top choice down your list, so as to avoid accidentally double-booking yourself in two research positions! If you’re taking a class with the professor, visit their office hours and bring a copy of your resume with you.

Start with small talk, but move towards expressing interest in their research. “I read your paper on …and thought it was very interesting. I specifically have questions about…” is one example of how you might make that transition.

If you haven’t ever met this professor in person, you can start by sending a formal email to request a meeting.

Include a copy of your resume in case they are interested, and specifically ask for a meeting to discuss research assistant opportunities. Explain why you qualify for the position, and include relevant courses you have already taken.

The professor you reach out to may not need help. In that case, you’ve lost nothing by asking.

Thank them for their time, and ask if they know of anyone on campus with similar interests who are looking for undergraduate assistants, or move on to the next possible professor on your list.

Sample Template (from UC Irvine Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) Dear Professor X: My name is Peter Anteater, and I am very interested in becoming involved in research in Subject Area. I am a X year student with a GPA of X. I have taken Courses and Additional Experiences. My goal is to Goal.

I have reviewed your faculty profile and am interested in the work that you have done. I was intrigued by your journal article, "Article Title." It Additional Information about Topic. I would like to get involved in research in this area because it will help me to better prepare for Goals. I’ve attached a copy of my resume for your convenience.

Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss Topic and my possible involvement in research? I am available Days and Times. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Peter Anteater Student ID Address Phone Email

THE TRUE STORY OF

Thanksgiving

by Ellis Daugherty

At the height of religious exoduses, the tiny ship called the Mayflower left England and headed for the New World in September 1620. On this ship, there were only 102 passengers of varying denominations seeking a home where they could prosper and practice in peace.

They were excited for the mysterious promise the New World offered. The tales of fertile, cheap land and adventure was enough to spark interest in the stubbornest of hearts. The voyage was difficult. For 66 days, the voyagers ate only dried meat and fish, grains and flour, dried fruit, cheese, and hard biscuits.

Sickness was rampant. Somehow the tiny ship found its destination and eventually landed in Massachusetts. The Pilgrims, as they nicknamed themselves, began to establish a village at Plymouth. All seemed well as they prepared for the winter ahead.

Winter came and was brutal for the young town. Because the Pilgrims had arrived so late in the season, it was near impossible to begin constructing homes.

Many people stayed on the ship during the winter where they suffered from exposure, scurvy, and epidemics of contagious disease. In the first winter, 45 of the 102

passengers died. At this point, many began wondering if they should desert their new home.

The survivors endured to see their first New England spring. The sun’s powerful rays melted the snow and coaxed the passengers out of the ship to explore.

Houses began to be built and a community began to bud. One day, the Pilgrims received a visit from a lone individual. Historians later identified this man as Samoset, a member of the Abenaki tribe. To the Pilgrims’ surprise, he spoke their language! Several days after this meeting, he returned with another man, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto knew near fluent English which he learned after being kidnapped by an English sea captain.

Squanto patiently taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate corn, catch fish, avoid poisonous plants, and extract sap from maple trees. His knowledge of the English language helped the settlers create an alliance with the Wampanoag, the local tribe. The friendship Squanto helped forge would last for more than 50 years and remains one of the lonely examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.

In November 1621, the settlers had many reasons to be grateful. They were about to survive another harsh New England winter with a bountiful corn harvest from the help of Squanto and the

Wampanoag. In celebration and friendship, Governor William Bradford organized what became known as America’s “first Thanksgiving”. This celebration lasted for three days!

Unfortunately, the meal did not include the coveted pumpkin pie, cakes, or other desserts like modern celebrations.

However, the “first Thanksgiving” is a beautiful reminder to be grateful for the abundance this nation now possesses. It’s a powerful reminder that a little help can go a long way. Samoset and Squanto didn’t have to help the settlers, but they did.

Because of their kindness, the settlers were able to prosper and our nation had a chance to be born years later. In this holiday season, I hope that we can remember this scene of friendship. The United States of America is in a turbulent time as of late. As we try to heal and repair ourselves, it is my sincere hope that we will remember the tenderness, patience, and the extended hand of friendship that allowed our nation to be born in the first place.

“The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth,” Jennie Brownscombe, 1914.

ADVICE TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

by Ellis Daugherty

Freshman year. 365 days of changes, confusion, and probably a few tears. New friends come and go. Laughter is shared with strangers as you struggle with your bulging laundry basket in the dormitory elevator. Thoughts of your future career and life pushed aside for a midnight Insomnia cookie run with your roommate.

15 pounds later, you arrive at the end of your first year as a Florida State Seminole. How does it feel? As a thirdyear student at FSU, I remember feeling proud, but mostly relieved that I had survived my first year. I didn’t entirely get along with my roommate, changed my major three times, and still wasn’t exactly sure how to use all the equipment at the Leach. Now, don’t get me wrong, I did fine in school thanks to my very patient Chemistry teacher. Looking back though, there are some things I wish I knew before embarking on my college adventure.

It’s okay not to know. First-year students, it’s okay not to know what you’re doing with your life. Yes, you. I’m talking to you that’s still deciding between interior design and rocket science. Or you, that’s been set on the pre-Med track since middle school, but

now don’t know if you really want to go through the pain of Organic Chemistry.

College is a time to explore. You’re going to school at one of the biggest and greatest universities in Florida. FSU offers ample opportunities to explore your interests from circus skills to the coolest of physics classes. There will never be another time in your life that you access to so many things for free. Go out and take advantage of these opportunities and learn who you are. If the person you become is radically different than who you thought you would be and you like it, then that’s okay, too. Unless you’re doing drugs, stay away from drugs.

Not all your friends will stay your friends. Yes, I know you and Susan have been best friends since the 5th grade and all you guys have talked about is growing up and going to Florida State with one another. Susan and you may stay the best of friends, but if you two drift from one another, let it happen organically.

University in that aspect is a huge change from high school. All of your friends will not be a part of your day, unless you somehow are all in the same major and taking all the same classes. I have many friends now that we’ve drifted apart just because adult life is busy, but I still

ADVICE TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS consider my friends. We catch up when we see each other or randomly chat online. So, keep up with the friendships you want to keep, but realize that not every cool person you meet in your classes will still be in your “circle” by graduation.

Don’t be afraid to get involved. Now that I’ve been at Florida State for a few years, I have an established group of friends and I’m involved in what makes my college experience feel complete.

Freshman year, I wandered from group to club to organization. Sophomore year is when I really nailed down where I wanted to be involved. I had to sit down and think about what was important to me. Don't be afraid to go out to

a ton of meetings until you find what clicks. It’s okay to join a club, but then find something that makes you happier and do that instead. Also, it’s great to go alone. You can make new friends that way, instead of leaning on the ones you know.

First-year, transfers, whoever reading this, Florida State is full of fun opportunities and adventures! But, it’s up to you to get up and get out and explore.

Alumni Spotlight: John Wilcox Co-Founder and CEO of DiaTech

It is no secret that the FSU Honors Program offers a wealth of opportunity to its students, but for recent Honors Alumni John Wilcox (Class of 2018), the recourses of the program have been paramount in his entrepreneurial success.

John received his Bachelors Degree in Biology this past Spring and is currently taking a gap year to prepare for medical school. As an honors student, John utilized the fantastic mentorship of Honors advisers to realize and pursue his passion for research, allowing him to participate in UROP. He also believed that the opportunity to be a colloquium leader provided him with excellent leadership and team working skills.

Together, John’s Honors experiences allowed him to culminate in a prestigious final project, his Honors Thesis. He spent his four years of undergrad working to complete his thesis with

the Chemistry Department and FSU’s College of Medicine, trying to identify injection site malfunctions for people who have insulin pumps.

John’s passion for improving diabetes technology began when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the tender age of 9. Since then, John has had a keen interest in the condition and was constantly fascinated by how the various treatments offered by his childhood doctors made him feel. His appreciation for the physicians that helped him cope with his condition promoted his love of endocrinology and his love of helping children with diabetes. It was a strong passion for working against the disease that led John to work in a diabetes clinic throughout his undergrad and eventually begin developing his

company DiaTech.

DiaTech is a company, of which John is currently co-founder and CEO, that focuses on developing medical technology for those with chronic illness. His current product is still in research and development and is aimed at improving the means of insulin injection in people with diabetes. To make his idea into a reality, John worked with the Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship at FSU. Within the school, John’s company won competitions that bolstered the company to the point of receiving their first real funding. With it, John was able to aggregate a great team focused on empathy and developing groundbreaking technology from the insufficiencies that exist in diabetes management.

If John could give students two words to live by, he would tell them resilience and empathy.

He stresses that these words, which are so near and dear to his heart, are necessary to become a good person and successful in life and in your passions. If you are interested in learning more about John’s company or investing in its future, visit the website at diatechsolutions.com or email diatechllc@gmail.com with any questions.

Student Spotlight: Stacey Pierre Student Body President at Florida State University

Senior Stacey Pierre is currently a Biology major at Florida State University, and has been involved with Honors, as well as several other on campus clubs, throughout her college career. Stacey feels honored to have been involved with the Center for Leadership & Social Change through the Service Scholar program, served as an Orientation Leader, led the Freshman Leadership Institute through her role as Assistant Director of the program, and currently serves as the Student Body President. As Student Body President, Stacey has been able to advocate on behalf of the student body, and represent populations that are typically not widely recognized. She also

frequently interacts with the Board of Trustees members and University administrators, which has allowed her to work with a diverse group of people, as well as represent students.

The Honors program helped Stacey to expand her knowledge of resources offered on campus, including the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society, and the Office of National Fellowships.

She also state that her experience at FSU was truly impacted by her time in the Honors colloquium class, because it allowed her to interact with students who had varying interests in majors and job fields.

Stacey advises Honors students to stay true to themselves, regardless of the situation.

Oftentimes, we enter situations with pure intentions, and are swayed by our need to compare ourselves to one another, thus making us feel inadequate. Stacey advises students to do their best to follow their heart, and genuinely invest in people and organizations that they truly care about, and to avoid comparing themselves to their peers. Doing so will make their time extremely valuable, according to Stacey. Additionally, Stacey advises students not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone, and to place themselves in situations that challenge their beliefs and knowledge, because it will allow them to expand their desires and cultivate passions.

EFFECTS OF LONG TERM STRESS AND ANXIETY

By Jordan Block In college, mental health is discussed widely; campus

necessary functions, and potentially interfering with sleep,

counseling centers preach at students to reach out for help

digestion, and immunity to sickness. Burnout occurs when

when they need it, friends do their best to help each other

the body begins to have difficulty constantly producing

work through their problems, and the overwhelming

cortisol, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion, as

urgency of the present and the future can be unbearable for well as decreases in productivity. It is unclear as to whether some students. To be exact, 41.6% of students report that

anxiety can lead to burnout, or if burnout, and its ensuing

anxiety is their top presenting concern, and 85% of

emotional exhaustion, leads to increased anxiety, but it is

students have reported that they felt overwhelmed by

clear that stress and anxiety, if left untreated, can have long

everything they had to complete during the school year.

lasting physical effects on the body.

For many, fitting treatment in to an already packed schedule may seem like a daunting task, especially when

It’s easy for superiors and peers to tell their students or

students tend to do their best to avoid taking their mental

friends who are struggling with anxiety to just “get over it,” or

health seriously. However, long term untreated anxiety can

even suggest potentially seeing a therapist, but oftentimes

lead to serious short and long term health repercussions,

people are so wrapped up in their own stress, they don’t see a

including gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, heart

serious problem until it is too late. However, it is vital that

disease, and in some cases, strokes. When the tendency of

long-term stress and anxiety are treated before they result in

college students to drink, smoke, and get minimal sleep is

detrimental health issues. Researchers suggest several

added to this equation, the risk for these conditions

methods for reducing stress, including fitting time into your

increases exponentially.

schedule to participate in a hobby that is unrelated to school or work, such as exercising, reading, or creating art.

Similar to Type 2 diabetes, many doctors and

Additionally, they believe it is important to create strong

psychiatrists are now referring to “burnout” as a physical

connections with people in your life, who will support you, as

condition created by lifestyle factors, and they have been

well as provide relief from constant stress. Finally, in a world

increasingly diagnosing it in recent years. Essentially, our

as fast-paced as this one, downtime is essential; this could

bodies were designed to handle short-term stress, with the

mean turning off your phone and computer for an hour and

use of fight or flight response. When this happens, our

playing with a pet, or taking walks without distractions.

adrenaline and cortisol increases, thus allowing us to

Without a break from the constant movement that is college,

respond to and handle the situation at hand. In the case of

it’s difficult to decompress and give your brain a break, and

long-term stress on the body, our cortisol levels are

the effects of that will catch up eventually.

consistently elevated, making it more difficult for the body to carry out

DORM ROOM RECIPES

Pumpkin Pie Mug Cake INGREDIENTS 1 teaspoon unsalted butter 2 small gingersnaps, crushed 1/3 cup pumpkin puree 1 large egg 1 tablespoon milk or cream 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place the butter in a microwave-safe mug and melt. Stir in crushed gingersnaps and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the mug.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, milk or cream, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Pour into the mug.

3. Place the mug on a microwavesafe plate, and microwave for 2-5 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Let stand for a few minutes, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!

HSA Event Photos Can you spot yourself?

CAN YOU SPOT YOURSELF??

Halloween Happening

Halloween Happening

The Little Event

Halloween Happening

Light the Night

NCHC Conference

NCHC Conference

The Little Event

Photo by Kayla Rojics

Editor:-in-Chief:Â Kayla Rojics Content Editors: Ellis Daugherty and Jordan Block