year's MDC
Cleaira Peterson, who is averaging 18.3 points and 12 rebounds per game, is at the forefront of the Lady Sharks' resurgent season that has them at 17-8.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards announced wins for female artists Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Doechii who each won their first Grammy.
The Reporter’s Ivette Gomez gives readers her opinion on the increase in book bans and censorship battles taking place in
Lady Sharks head basketball coach Susan Summons got her 700th win on Jan. 25 during a home game at Kendall Campus versus Florida Southwestern State College.
By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net
Susan Summons has garnered a plethora of milestones during her storied basketball coaching career, including induction into seven different Hall of Fames, a National Coach of The Year honor and now—700 career wins.
Summons, who has patrolled the sidelines at Miami Dade College for 38 years, picked up the landmark victory on Jan. 25 during a Lady Sharks 77-51 win versus Florida Southwestern State College at Kendall Campus.
“I really didn’t realize that happened until the game was over and they said ‘you did it’ and I was like, ‘did what?,” Summons said.
The loquacious coach ranks 12th all-time in wins in National Junior College Athletic Association history with 703.
Summons’ climb up the collegiate basketball mountaintop started at Roxbury Community College in Boston, Massachusetts in 1977.
The ultra gregarious point guard led her hometown team to two state championships.
Then she took her playmaking skills to Lamar University, in Beaumont, Texas, where Summons once scored 43 points in a game, an Association for Intercollegiate Athletics
for Women record that stood for 15 years.
“I had a mean crossover,” Summons fondly recalled. “They didn’t have a three point shot then, so I had to work pretty [hard] to score 43 points.”
That hard work took Summons to the Women’s Professional Basketball League, the first of its kind. The trailblazing organization was active from 1978-81. Summons played for the New Jersey Gems and New England Gulls.
But her professional basketball career hit a snag due to a serious health issue.
Summons soon shifted her focus from being a player to a team builder as a head coach. Her first opportunity came at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston. She led them to two state titles. During that period she was also a police officer.
“For two and a half years, I would juggle taking off my bulletproof vest, holstering my gun, taking the bullets out, changing my apparel—my police outfit—and putting on my sweatsuit and my whistle,” Summons told The Reporter in an interview in 2021.
In 1982, Summons returned to Roxbury Community College as the women’s head basketball coach. She led the school to a No. 5 Division I national ranking in the mid-80s before migrating to MDC in 1986.
Summons has built a basketball temple in Miami.
Under her guidance, the Lady Sharks have qualified for the state tournament 26 times, won seven conference titles and the more than 400 student-athletes she has mentored
An “isolated glitch” in late January disrupted e-mail communication between students and faculty for about a week. Service was restored on Jan. 27.
By Pietra Romano pietra.romano001@mymdc.net
A technological hiccup that affected Miami Dade College student email accounts for about a week in late January sparked confusion among students and faculty.
During the disruption, students were able to send emails but they did not receive emails from their professors. College officials said the issue was identified on Jan. 22 and resolved five days later, but some students told The Reporter they noticed the issue a few days before that.
Parrondo, the vice president of information technology and chief information officer at Miami Dade College.
“We received reports of students being unable to receive emails from MDC staff,” Parrondo said. “We immediately contacted Google and Microsoft for support to resolve the problem and identified an isolated glitch. The issue was corrected on January 27th, restoring normal email flow between MDC personnel (Microsoft) and students (Gmail).”
The college did not notify students, professors or staff of the issue. In previous situations like hurricanes or college closures, the school has announced information through its social media platforms, on their website, via phone calls and emails. Professors have also forwarded information to students through Canvas.
[the college’s responsibility] to contact students about that,” said Alexa Frederick, an 18-year-old Honors College student at Kendall Campus. “We shouldn’t have to figure it out on our own.”
Frederick was one of the students who was affected by the disruption in email service. While taking an MDC Live course, she emailed her professor on Jan. 26 to get an honors contract signed, a requirement for students in her program who enroll in nonHonors College courses.
“I had no other way of reaching him [besides email]. So, it took me like two weeks to work something out with him, and when he finally responded I ended up getting rejected for the contract,” Frederick said. “I wasted so much time when I could have just known from the get-go that the email wasn’t working.”
Unsure of how to complete an assignment for his American Government class, he reached out to his professor.
“Before [the week of the outage], I was able to communicate with the professor successfully through email, so I was confident I would get an answer eventually,” Mercado said. “I didn’t get any response from the professor till the [due] date, so I kind of [figured] it out by myself and just [did] it by how I think it was [supposed to be done].”
Nelson Sotomayor, an assistant economics professor, was also affected by the situation. He was confused when his emails to students went unanswered.
“I didn’t even realize it was an issue until a student brought it up. [...],” Sotomayor said. “At first, I thought [they’re] just ignoring me. But then it happened several times, so I figured something must be wrong.”
A.
It’s unclear if all MDC student accounts were affected. There are about 72,000 student mailboxes, according to Robert
“I can understand the college having technical difficulties, because you know, we are in a big area and things happen, but it is
Alejandro Mercado, a 20-year-old international student majoring in business administration, shared a similar experience.
Parrondo urged students to contact the College’s IT Helpdesk at (305) 237-2505 or at helpdesk@mdc.edu if problems arise.
Isabella Arce, Briefing Editor // T (305) 237-2157 // B isabella.arce001@mymdc.net
The Reporter Appoints New Arts & Entertainment Editor
Gabriela Bribiesca, a freshman in the Honors College at Kendall Campus, was selected as The Reporter ’s new arts and entertainment editor for the 2024-25 academic year.
As A/E editor, Bribiesca oversees a team of about 10 writers, assigning, writing and editing submissions for the section.
“I hope that I can [give] our writers a creative outlet [so they can] talk about things they’re passionate about,” Bribiesca said.
The 19-year-old joined The Reporter this fall after graduating from Terra Environmental Research Institute in 2024. She has written articles for the A/E section, including a review on the 67th Annual Grammy Awards and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Miami. She has also served as a briefing writer.
Bribiesca is expected to graduate with an associate’s degree in psychology from Miami Dade College in 2026. She aspires to have a career as a child psychologist.
Emily De Los Reyes
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is providing free tax preparation help at six Miami Dade College campuses—Wolfson, North, Kendall, Eduardo J. Padrón, Hialeah and Homestead—through April 15.
VITA, a program created by the Internal Revenue Service, is offering its services to individuals earning $57,000 or less.
In addition, assistance will be available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole at the North and Wolfson campuses.
Staff from MDC’s Miguel B. Fernandez School of Global Business, Trade and Transportation, will review the returns before submitting them electronically to the IRS.
Please visit https://www.mdc.edu/vita/ and select your preferred campus to view different operational days and times and appointment requirements.
Pietra Romano
Maryam Laguna Borrego was appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer for Miami Dade College on Dec. 5.
“I am honored to assume this role and to further Miami Dade College’s mission of transforming lives through education,” said Laguna Borrego in a college press release.
In 2012, she started her career at MDC as the executive assistant to the Wolfson Campus President, a position she held until 2014. Eight years later, she returned to the College as Vice President for External Affairs & Strategy and President Madeline Pumariega’s Chief of Staff.
Laguna Borrego, who is continuing as chief of staff, will oversee departments such as Business, Government and Cultural Affairs, Human Resources and Organizational Development, Marketing and Communications, Information Technology, Facilities and The Idea Center.
The 35-year-old has worked with various organizations, including Leadership Florida, Take Stock in Children, The Miami Foundation and the United Way of Miami-Dade, and institutions such as the University of Miami and the University of Florida.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology and a master’s degree in public policy/public affairs administration from the University of Florida in 2009 and 2011, respectively. In 2021, Laguna Borrego obtained a doctorate of education degree in higher education leadership from the University of Miami.
Pietra Romano
The New World School of the Arts will host their production of Chicago at the Louise O. Gerrits Theater at Wolfson Campus, 25th N.E. 2nd St.
Productions of the musical will take place on the 8th floor of the 5000 building on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., March 1 at 2 p.m., March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m.
The show follows two criminals navigating fame and using their polarizing images to their advantage while facing murder charges.
“It’s a critique of society’s fascination with fame and scandal. We see it all the time: criminals using fame to lighten their sentences,” said Matthew Buffalo, who is directing the student-led production. “We’re complicit when we fall in love with these criminals.”
General admissions is $15 per show; admission for students and seniors admissions is $10.
For more information, please visit https://tinyurl. com/9bza2m74 or call (305) 237-3541.
Benjamin Vera
The Museum of Art and Design hosted an art contest in celebration of the Freedom Tower’s centennial this year.
All media evolved around the theme of “Home” and respond to the prompt “What is home to you?” Participants were also encouraged to explore additional prompts such as, “Is home a place, a feeling, or a person?” and “What informs our ideas of home?”
Entries were accepted through Feb. 18. The contest was open to all Miami Dade College students who are 18 years or older. Each student was allowed to submit up to three entries.
Winners will be announced on March 3. Prizes will include a $200 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials and a feature on MOAD and The Freedom Tower’s Instagram pages.
To submit entries, students had to email a photo of their art piece.
For more information, visit https://moadmdc.org/blog/ mdc-student-art-contest
Gabriela Bribiesca
Tavares Jones, co-anchor of WSVN 7’s TODAY IN FLORIDA, will be a guest at the Miami Dade College Journalism Speaker Series on March 13.
The event will take place at 1 p.m. at North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., Room 4209.
Jones, an Emmy-nominated journalist, has worked at various television news markets including Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Arkansas during the last decade. He is a University of Florida graduate with dual degrees in broadcast journalism and political science.
The MDC Journalism Speaker Series was launched in 2008 to offer students seeking careers in journalism an opportunity to meet and network with professional journalists. Since the program’s inception, more than 82 journalists have participated in the series.
Emily De Los Reyes
Applications for the Dream.US National Scholarship for undocumented immigrants students are open until Feb. 28.
Recipients can receive up to $33,000 for the tuition and fees of a bachelor’s degree at one of the partnering institutions. Some scholars may be awarded an additional $6,000 for books, supplies and transportation.
To be eligible, applicants must be undocumented, have arrived in the United States before Nov. 1, 2019, be under the age of 16 years old at the time of arrival and with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status.
Additionally, students must be enrolled full-time in an associate's or bachelor’s degree program at a partner college, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, have an unmet financial need and be eligible for in-state tuition. The application requires college transcripts, financial information, disclosure of home responsibilities and a 750 word (max) essay that shows you have the dedication to succeed academically.
To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/7r467ysy.
Brendan Chuy
The Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees Scholarship is now open until March 21.
The scholarship, which aims to provide financial assistance to graduating students, awards $5,000 to eight students—one from each campus.
To be eligible, applicants must graduate this semester with an associate’s in arts degree, have a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need and plan on transferring to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Applicants are required to submit a short response essay, resume, unofficial transcript, two letters of recommendation, proof of service hours and proof of admission.
To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/mryp5hdz.
Ninette Portero
Eduardo Febles was appointed as the chairperson of the World Languages Department at Kendall Campus.
Febles was selected for the position last semester after the previous chairperson passed away. His goal is to inspire students to enroll in Miami Dade College’s foreign language and study abroad programs.
“I feel like this is home, because I believe in [MDC’s] mission, and it’s a very inspiring place. I am very, very grateful to have landed here,” said Febles, who previously taught French and served as the chair of the Department of Modern Languages at Simmons University in Boston.
As chair, Febles oversees the department and curriculum for Spanish, French, Italian, German, American Sign Language and the English for Academic Purposes program.
This semester, he is also teaching elementary French 2. He has a bachelor’s degree in French studies and political economy from Tulane University in New Orleans, and a master’s and doctoral degree in French studies from Brown University in Rhode Island.
Emily De Los Reyes
Game On: North Campus held a soccer game that featured staff, faculty and students on Jan. 28 in the grassy area next to the 4000 building. The game was part of the campus’ wellness series.
Good Chemistry: Students from the Chemistry Club pose in front of their table during Club Rush at North Campus on Jan. 22.
Spreading The Love: Wolfson Campus hosted the Don't Go Breaking My Heart Love Fest Fair on Feb. 12 in the building 2 breezeway. It included singers and free cotton candy and student clubs had information tables. Pictured are two young women posing with a pink heart sign.
Puppy Love: Miami Dade College, in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, hosted a Choice Expo to showcase programs at the College for local high school students on Jan. 11 at Kendall Campus. Pictured is a puppy that was at the event.
Miami Dade College and MasTec, a leading power plant and renewable energy construction company, teamed up to build the Broadband Utilities Lab at North Campus.
By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net
Miami Dade College teamed up with MasTec, a force in the power plant and renewable energy construction company sphere, to open the Broadband Utilities Lab at North Campus.
The grand opening ceremony for the facility took place at North Campus on Jan. 30. President Madeline Pumariega and MasTec Chief Executive Officer Jose Mas signed the official agreement, which focuses on arming students with the skills needed to succeed in the broadband technology arena.
“It provides another avenue for students to find the skill set that they see [is] best fit to gain meaningful employment or for them to have good careers,” said North Campus President Fermin Vazquez.
On Feb. 3, a cohort of 12 students, the program’s first, started work on courses that will count toward the new nine-course Telecommunication and Fiber Optics Technician certificate program.
Grand Opening: North Campus launched its Broadband Utilities Lab on Feb. 3 to support its new Telecommunication and Fiber Optics Technician certificate program.
The courses include aerial lineman, fiber optic cable blowing, coax splicing, workplace safety and health, fiber splicing, safe wreckout operations, flagger and traffic control, underground construction training and horizontal directional drill operator training.
To enroll in the courses, applicants must be at least 18-years-old and have a high school diploma.
The 4,400 sq. ft. facility, which was previously an Army barrack, underwent a $255,000 renovation. Located on the southeast corner of the North Campus, the
refurbished site has two classrooms, accommodating up to 30 students each.
But the standout feature is its hands-on training area outfitted with Broadband pole corrals. The outdoor training area, which is next to the main facility, includes
23 and 35-ft. poles, 20 eye level poles and an emergency safety shower.
At the site, students can practice pole climbing, use safety equipment, and refine their skills in rescue techniques, pole framing, support line installation, and fiber optics and coaxial wire setup.
“I want to see a sustainable program that [allows] our students [to] secure a job in the industry,” said Sunyen Lee, who is the chair of the continuing education department at North Campus.
The corral area also has 13 splicing pedestals with telecommunications equipment such as coax amplifiers, fiber splice enclosures and fiber to the premise terminals.
It also includes an underground vault with a piping system to help students practice pulling and pushing telecommunication using industry-standard methods.
“I think as a college part of our duty is to help the community in any way we can, and it’s building programs like [this] where there is a need in the community,” said Evelyn Rodriguez, the senior director of campus administration at North Campus.
To register for courses in the program or for more information, visit: ce.mdc.edu/fiberoptics.
Kimberly Coffman launched Threads of Change to give the Miami Dade College community access to free clothing and an opportunity to learn about sustainable fashion.
By Pietra Romano pietra.romano001@mymdc.net
In 2007, Kimberly Coffman was struggling financially. She couldn’t afford to buy new clothes for her two sons who had upcoming job interviews.
The experience became the genesis for her latest project, Threads of Change, a clothing swap initiative at Kendall Campus that allows the Miami Dade College community to acquire donated clothes for free.
Threads of Change takes its roots from an event—the Wolfson Clothing Swap—hosted during MDC’s first Changemaker Week in 2023.
Coffman hosted her first event on Sept. 18, during last year’s Changemaker Week in partnership with the Institute of Civic Engagement and Democracy. It drew more than 60 participants.
“There were at least three people who definitely needed the clothes… [It] was super important for all of us when we realized that we were really helping people who had nothing,” Coffman said. “I got chills and almost cried.”
The event was so successful “that [Coffman] wanted to do it again,” said Priya Pershadsingh, iCED director at Kendall Campus.
As a result, two additional events were held in Room 2108 on Nov. 20 and Feb. 19.
Among the items donated: men’s dress shirts, jackets, dresses, blouses, skirts, polos, T-shirts, undershirts, cargo pants, jeans, shoes, kids clothing and accessories such as sunglasses, purses and belts.
Donations for future events can be dropped off in Room 8201. Acceptable items include clean, gently used clothing items for all ages, shoes and household items like furniture, cups and rugs.
“The experience [is] like walking through a consignment shop,” Coffman said. “[People] can just come in, browse and then leave. It’s a very comfortable experience.”
At each event a video aimed at educating attendees on the harm of fast fashion and the importance of sustainability plays in the background.
To get clothing at the Threads of Change participants don’t need to donate or be referred. They can simply show up.
Coffman hopes the project encourages people to reconsider their clothing choices and develop a sense of community and willingness to share with others in need.
“Accessibility and sustainability go handin-hand, and I think that’s what Threads of Change really offers our community,” said Fiona Machado, who volunteered at the first Threads of Change event.
To volunteer for Threads of Change go here: https://shorturl.at/lzRgu
For more information, contact Pershadsingh at ppershad@mdc.edu or (305) 237-0631, or Coffman at kcoffman@mdc.edu or (305) 237-2127.
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This year’s MDC Journalism Speaker Series will feature journalists from the Miami Herald, Univision New England WSVN 7 and WLRN
By Yazid Guelida yazid.guelida001@mymdc.net
The Miami Dade College Journalism Speaker Series is back.
This year’s edition, the 17th installation in the series which was started in 2008, will feature journalists from the Miami Herald , Univision , WSVN 7 and WLRN
Segments, which last 30 minutes and are posted on MDC-TV’s YouTube Channel, will be filmed in February, March, April and May.
“We are excited to hear from this year’s guests,” said Manolo Barco, the founder of the series and media adviser to The Reporter, the student newspaper at MDC. “Having them share their knowledge and experiences is a gift.”
Kicking off this year’s series was Joshua Ceballos, a local government accountability reporter at WLRN. He spoke on Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. at Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Avenue, Room 8503.
Before joining WLRN, Ceballos was a staff writer for Miami New Times , focusing on public corruption and how it affects the lives of real people.
Ceballos, a graduate of Westland Hialeah Senior High School,
started his journalism career at PantherNOW, Florida International University’s student newspaper and website. He was the organization’s news director and investigations editor.
TODAY IN FLORIDA news anchor, Tavares Jones, will visit the MDC Journalism Speaker Series on March 13 at North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27h avenue, Room 4209 at 1 p.m.
The WSVN 7, Emmy-nominated journalist has worked in television
markets in Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Arkansas. Tavares, a University of Florida graduate, has a dual bachelors degree in broadcast journalism and political science.
Miami Herald investigative reporter Brittany Wallman will be the third speaker in the series on April 15 at North Campus, Room 2131 at noon.
Prior to the Herald , Wallman worked at the South Florida Sun Sentinel in Broward County for 25 years. First as a local government
reporter and then as a member of the paper’s investigations team, serving as editor.
In 2019, Wallman, a UF graduate, shared in the Sun Sentinel ’s Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their coverage of the Parkland school shooting.
Giraldo served as a photographer for The Reporter last year, winning two first-place awards for best news story and picture story from the Florida College System Publications Association in November.
“Being in [The Reporter] gave me many ways to see things differently and [allowed] me to grow my career toward what I wanted to continue achieving professionally,” Giraldo said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Giraldo, who has a bachelor’s degree in audiovisual communication from the University of Medellin in Colombia, launched People News , an Instagram page that posted weekly news segments of about 45 minutes throughout the outbreak. He managed a team of about 13 aspiring journalists, including correspondents in Colombia, France, Mexico, the United States and Venezuela.
The MDC Journalism Speaker Series was launched in February of 2008 to provide students an opportunity to meet and network with working journalists. To date, more than 82 journalists have participated in the series.
For more information, contact Manolo Barco at (305) 237-1255 or at mbarco@mdc.edu.
The speaker series’ final guest will be Andrés Giraldo, a multimedia journalist at Univision New England . A specific date has not been selected for the segment but he will speak at Hialeah Campus; his interview will be conducted in Spanish, a first for the Speaker Series.
A 23 x 16 inch acrylic plaque now honors the memory of Miami Dade College baseball icon Demie Mainiero at the entrance of the facility that bears his name.
By Yazid Guelida yazid.guelida001@mymdc.net
North Campus continues to cement the legacy of Demie Mainieri, the first junior college baseball coach to win 1,000 games.
On Jan. 10, the campus dedicated a 23 X 16 inch acrylic plaque with a photo of Mainieri and a listing of his accomplishments from 1960 to 1990. The memorial is located at the entrance of Demie Mainieri Field at northwest 110th street and 32nd avenue.
Among those who attended the ceremony were North Campus President Fermin Vazquez, current Miami Dade College Head Baseball Coach Lazaro Llanes and former assistant baseball coach Jim Mansilla.
The Sharks played Lynn University in an exhibition on the field after the dedication.
“There’s people that are going to walk in and [ask], ‘Who’s Demie Mainieri?’ Nobody knows what he really did, when he started the program and the heights that he brought it to, so I mentioned to [ President Vazquez] that it would be nice if there was some kind of
Legend: Miami Dade College legend Demie Mainieri won 1,012 games while serving as the head baseball coach at North Campus. He was at the school from 1960 to 1990.
plaque or recognition,” said Demie’s son, Paul, who won a national title as the head coach at Louisiana State University in 2009 and is now overseeing the baseball program at the University of South Carolina.
the baseball diamond as well. He is remembered for the warmth and care he showed his players and the baseball community.
“I’m so fond of the memories I had with him…,” said Mansilla, who played for Demie in 1969 to 1971. “[What] I learned from him I incorporated in my coaching style like pushing [the players] and making them understand that they were a part of something bigger than everybody.”
Today, Demie Mainieri field is used by local high schools such as Mater Lakes Academy and Hialeah Gardens High School.
It has also been used by organizations like the Federación Profesional Cubana de Béisbol (Cuban Professional Baseball Federation), which held a Hall of Fame exhibition game against the Sharks on Jan. 18.
In addition, the facility has served as a practice field during the World Baseball Classic and Caribbean Series.
He finished his career with 1,012 wins and was inducted into seven Hall of Fames. Mainieri also served as athletic director.
The baseball field at North was renamed in honor of Mainieri in 1989; however, games at the field
Under Demie Mainieri’s leadership, the North Campus Falcons brought home their only national title in 1964.
were discontinued in 1995 after the athletics department was moved to Kendall Campus amidst budget cuts.
But four years after Maineri’s death, the field underwent a $2.5 million dollar facelift and reopened in 2023.
Mainieri was a giant away from
“Think about the moms, dads, abuelitos (grandparents), primos (cousins) and tios (uncles) that are showing up now to watch their loved one play baseball,” Vazquez said. “They get a moment to touch upon that little bit of history of Miami Dade College and Demie Mainieri.”
Professors Elio Arteaga, Eric Cornish and Adrian Garcia were named 2024 Endowed Teaching Chairs—the most prestigious award a professor can receive at Miami Dade College.
By Yazid Guelida yazid.guelida001@mymdc.net
North Campus’ School of Entertainment & Design Technology professors Elio Arteaga, Eric Cornish and Adrian Garcia were named 2024 Endowed Teaching Chairs.
The award, which was presented to ten educators at a ceremony at Wolfson Campus on Dec. 12, is the most prestigious award a professor can receive at Miami Dade College. Since 1992, faculty members have been selected based on their success and teaching capabilities.
Winners receive an annual stipend of $7,500 for three years, which is funded by the MDC Foundation.
“Usually one professor from the department wins at a time. This is the first time that the Endowed Chair honorees are three professors from the same department,” said Barry Gordon, chairperson of SEDT.
Elio Arteaga
Arteaga, an associate professor of graphic design and web design, grew up drawing cartoon characters like Yogi Bear and Fred Flintstone.
The MDC alumni discovered his love for sharing knowledge with others as a student assistant
at North Campus in 1989 before becoming an instructional assistant for 22 years. He returned to the College in 2015 as an assistant professor.
“Part of the fun of being a teacher is to expose students to new things and steer them in the right direction,” said Arteaga, who incorporates artificial intelligence and gamification into his lectures.
The 59-year-old was awarded the Miami Dade College Alumni Association Endowed Teaching Chair. He plans to use the stipend to purchase farmland in northern Florida.
Arteaga received an associate’s degree in commercial art and advertising design from MDC in 1987. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Florida International University in 1996 and a master’s degree in graphic design from Florida Atlantic University in 2003.
Eric Cornish
Cornish is a senior associate professor of graphic design and animation, who found his passion for design through drawing as a kid.
The 48-year-old has worked at MDC since 2007, beginning as an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate senior professor in 2017.
Cornish is the founder of D3, an annual art and design expo that gives students an insight into the industry. In 2024, he led a study abroad trip to South Korea that exposed students to the country’s pop culture and art history. He is also one of the advisors of AXIS, the creative arts magazine at
North Campus that won a national Pacemaker award in 2024.
“It’s all about practice, the effort and the amount of time you can put in, and you can do anything. That’s what I try to tell the students,” Cornish said.
He was awarded the Gerrits Construction Company Endowed Teaching Chair. He plans to use his stipend to travel and bring back insight from around the world to his classroom through design.
Cornish received a bachelor’s degree in computer animation from International Fine Arts College in 1996, as well as a master’s degree in computer animation from Miami International University in 2001. He obtained his doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership from the University
of the Cumberlands in 2022.
Adrian Garcia
Garcia has been an associate film professor at the College since 2015.
“[My parents] certainly inculcated in me a love and passion for films,” said Garcia, who grew up discussing classics such as Jaws and The Godfather with his father.
The 41-year-old is a founder of the “Telemundo Academy,” a course that allows students to get hands-on experience with Telemundo executives and scholarships opportunities.
Last spring, he taught a study abroad program in Prague. He also teaches film production classes at Everglades Correctional Institute, where incarcerated students get
the opportunity to write, act, direct and make films.
“We’re here to change lives, make it easier for people to get jobs in the industry, and make it easier for people to reintegrate into society,” Garcia said. “I want people always thinking back to, ‘This is what I accomplished at Miami Dade and this is how Miami Dade changed my life forever.’”
Adrian was awarded the Daniel K. Gill Endowed Teaching Chair. He plans to use his stipend to travel and build partnerships with film schools abroad to offer more study abroad programs.
Garcia received a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2005 and a master’s degree in Motion Picture Production in 2007 from the University of Miami.
Víctor González, a sophomore in the Honors College at Kendall Campus, published his third scholarly research paper on Dec. 6.
The 21-year-old, who immigrated from Cuba, wants to use his love for math to help the community.
By Isabella Arce isabella.arce001@mymdc.net
Víctor González discovered his passion for physics and mathematics in the fourth grade.
But in Cuba, he struggled to find resources to feed his curiosity.
However, a laptop he was gifted at the age of nine was a game changer.
“I started looking at Wikipedia for articles about math and scientists like Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, and this world of physics,” González said. “I [said,] ‘Oh, this is really cool. I would like to investigate more.’”
Today, González—a sophomore studying mathematics in the Honors College at Kendall Campus—is researching the topics that captivated him as a child.
On Dec. 6, the 21-year-old copublished his third scholarly research paper entitled, Localization of unique factorization semidomains.
The 11-page paper, featured in Cornell University’s arXiv research platform, was completed under the guidance of Harold Polo, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California Irvine.
In the last two years, González
has co-published On the ascent of almost and quasi-atomicity to monoid semidomains and On the atomicity of power monoids of Puiseux monoids.
The latter is featured in the International Journal of Algebra and Computation.
“It’s truly impressive to see how much Víctor is already contributing to the mathematical community at such a young age,” Polo said.
González grew up participating in olympiads in Cuba that required him to solve complex math and physics problems.
“I [would] say, ‘Oh, my God, I love to do these, to go deep into questions and just think about [them,]” he recalls.
During high school, González, who attended Instituto Preuniversitario Vocacional de Ciencias Exactas Vladímir Ilich Lenin, participated in the country’s annual National Knowledge Contest twice.
Despite lacking resources to prepare for the physics competition the first time, he made due—with translated Russian textbooks—winning a gold medal both years.
González also participated in
Wiz:
College student Víctor
published his third scholarly research paper on Dec. 6. González, a Cuban immigrant, aspires to help the community through his passion for math and physics.
the Iberoamerican Physics Olympics in El Salvador, where he earned a silver medal, and the Iranian Geometry Olympiad, which was held virtually during the pandemic.
In August of 2022, the aspiring mathematician immigrated to the United States.
“It was a very, very hard decision…” González recalls. “I was
really worried to start again, [in] a new country [where] I didn’t know the language, how things work[ed], and I didn’t want to leave my mom and my grandma alone.”
However, his desire to provide a better life for his mom and grandmother pushed him to persevere.
Prior to leaving Cuba, González’s former professor connected him with a mentee, Felix
Gotti, a postdoctoral fellow and research coordinator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
After witnessing the young man’s interest in mathematics, Gotti introduced him to CrowdMath—a research program through MIT that has allowed him to co-publish his three research papers.
At Miami Dade College, González is using his love for physics and mathematics to help his peers.
He serves as a founding member of Math4U—a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure everyone, especially immigrant students, have access to math tutoring—and tutors first-year Honors College students at Eduardo J. Padrón Campus.
“I would describe Víctor as already a success story,” said Maria Diaz-Medina, an academic advisor from the World Languages Department who met González last January. “Despite all his academic and personal accomplishments at such an early age, Víctor is a very humble person and is very committed to giving back to the community.”
González is slated to graduate with an associate’s of arts degree in mathematics from MDC this spring. He aspires to transfer to MIT and obtain a doctoral degree in mathematics.
Sophomore Faheim
Saintleger Meran is leading the Sharks revival this season. The guard is the team’s leading scorer with a 14 point average, as the men’s team boasts a 16-10 record.
By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net
After finishing with a mediocre 15-17 record last year, the men’s basketball team is having a bounce back season.
The Sharks are 16-10, including a 10-3 mark at home and a 7-5 record in Citrus Conference play.
A big reason for the team’s revival is the play of sophomore Faheim Saintleger Meran. The 6-foot-6 inch guard leads the Sharks in scoring with a 14 point average, he is second on the team with 87 total assists and second among guards with 108 total rebounds.
Meran is shooting 40.9% from the field and 33.6% from threepoint range. He has also been durable, suiting up in all 26 of the Sharks games this season.
“He’s a guy that can not only put the ball on the floor, but passes it well too,” said Sharks head coach Jorge Fernandez. “He’s among the best players in being able to get downhill and get into the paint and create pressure on defenses.”
Super Sophomore: Guard Faheim Saintleger Meran is averaging 14 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Miami Dade College men’s basketball team.
Opposing defenses have been challenged by the sophomore’s offensive prowess. He had an impressive four-game stretch that saw him score 20 points or more,
including a 34-point performance in the Sharks’ 90-65 rout of Monroe University at the Florida SouthWestern State College Classic on Dec. 14 in Fort Myers.
Originally from Miami, Meran started playing organized basketball at Pines Middle School in Broward County.
“I started playing for the love I
had for the game,” Meran said. “It keeps me going.”
He then transitioned to Miramar High School where he played for three seasons, winning a state title with the Patriots as a sophomore before wrapping up his high school career at West Oaks Academy in Orlando.
He started his collegiate career at Chicago State University in the 2022-23 season, playing sparingly—41 total minutes—before transferring to Three Rivers Community College in Connecticut where he averaged 9.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game last season.
Meran was put on the Sharks radar by one of his former coaches and he credits the Sharks staff for the smooth transition into the Miami Dade College system.
"They’re player’s coaches,” Meran said. “If you have to tell them something, there’s not a hassle about it. You don’t have too many coaches like them.”
As the Sharks enter the tail end of their regular season schedule, Meran will be a key factor in determining if MDC pushes into the postseason.
“I’m really excited to have had him, and I wish I could have him for another year,” Fernandez said. “We’re trying to help him move on to a Division I program.”
have a 95% graduation rate.
One of her former athletes—
Madeline Pumariega—is now the president at MDC. Pumariega was the school’s first female president, but in 1987, she was just a lanky basketball player who was on the court when Summons picked up her first win at MDC.
“[Coach Summons’] legacy goes far beyond the extraordinary number of wins,” said Rob Chaney, the associate director/athletics commissioner for the Florida College System Activities Association.
“Throughout her career, she has been equally committed to fostering the growth of young women as students, athletes and citizens, and the FCSAA is a better association for her contributions as a coach, mentor and leader on the Miami Dade College campus.”
Daliyah Brown is one of Summons’ success stories. During her recruiting visit to MDC in 2017, Summons told the Chicago-bred combo-guard: “I have a vision for you. I think you can be an All-American.”
Brown fulfilled that prophecy. She was tabbed as an All-American as a freshman and sophomore.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Brown averaged 26.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists a game during her final season at MDC. Today, Brown has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Liberty
University in Virginia. She works as a registered behavior technician helping children with autism and as an assistant basketball coach at Trinity High School in Illinois.
“Coach Summons means the absolute world to me,” Brown said.
“She saved me, and taught me to not only be a basketball player but
a woman, and I can’t thank her enough for the love and wisdom she poured into me consistently.”
Summons, a two-time endowed teaching chair at MDC who retired from the College for one year in 2021, said she has no plans to retire again.
“Coach is always going to be a mentor to anyone that will listen, and even to those that don’t, because she wants to see you win at what you put your mind and heart toward,” said Shameir Quimby, a sophomore guard, who leads the Lady Sharks in scoring this season with a 19.6 points per game average. “She makes you see the bigger picture in life. She doesn’t just want you to be an outstanding player, but an outstanding individual.”
Summons’ latest challenge is rebuilding the Lady Sharks basketball program. After a 24 loss season last year, she has this year’s squad primed for the playoffs with a 17-8 mark.
“Reaching 700 wins is a testament to her hard work and commitment,” said Michaela Lane, a center on this year’s team. “We’re all incredibly grateful to be part of her journey.”
Forward/center Cleaira Peterson is averaging 18.3 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Lady Sharks this season. She also second on the team with a 49.7 shooting percentage.
By Charlie Stemmer charlie.stemmer001@mymdc.net
The Miami Dade College women’s basketball team is trying to rebound from a 24-loss season that included six defeats by at least 28 points.
After a strong 17-8 start, the Lady Sharks are vindicating themselves on the court.
A big part of that redemption has been the play of forward/center Cleaira Peterson.
The 19-year-old freshman from Detroit Michigan leads the Lady Sharks with 12 rebounds per game; she is second on the squad with a 18.3 scoring average and a 49.7 shooting percentage.
“She is a threat in the paint,” said Lady Sharks guard Jazmyne Bynum. “If our intensity is low, she [says] something and [tells] us to pick it up. She loves to be a vocal leader and finish the game with a lot of energy.”
That intensity has made Peterson into a double-double machine.
Star Power: Freshman Cleaira Peterson is averaging 18.3 points and 12 rebounds for the Lady Sharks this season.
She scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a 72-58 loss to South Georgia Technical College on Nov. 1. Peterson
followed that performance with 28 points and 12 rebounds in a 101-87 win against Western Wyoming Community College at the Florida
SouthWestern Classic in Fort Myers on Nov. 16.
“She’s proud to be a Shark, and the impact she’s had on the team
has been tremendous,” said Lady Sharks Head Basketball Coach Susan Summons. “She brings a high motor and IQ to the game and shows strong leadership on the floor.”
Peterson started playing basketball in the seventh grade at Harper Woods Middle School in Detroit.
“I started playing basketball because everybody used to tell me ‘you're so tall, you should try it out’,” Peterson said. “I tried it out and the rest is history.”
The frontcourt star played three years at Harper Woods High School, leading that squad to a 12-8 record as a junior. That offseason, she continued sharpening her skills for the 1 Nation AAU team before playing her senior season at Samuel C. Mumford High School.
Peterson’s transition to Miami has been a smooth one. It has been supported by the guidance of Summons, who has a penchant for fostering tight-knight environments.
“At the beginning of the season, it was hard because we had people from all over,” Peterson said. “Having coach Summons there to talk us through [it] and help us and [give us] input on what to do helped a lot.”
Sophia Arenas reviews Nosferatu, a remake of the 1992 Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. It captivates audiences with its haunting visuals and eerie atmosphere.
By Sophia Arenas sophia.arenas001mymdc.net
This past Christmas, I entered the movie theatre among people draped in layers of black clothing. Their expressions were stern but softened once they met their aesthetically equal companions. There was a peaceful ambiance filled with a few whispers, “Have you watched the original? Do you think you’ll like this version?” until the theater lights dimmed and the screening began.
More than a century after its initial release, the fans who accompanied me were there to watch director Robert Eggers’ remake of Nosferatu , a classic Gothic horror film.
The movie takes place in 19th century Germany and introduces Ellen Hutter, a young girl pleading for a spirit to relieve her of her solitude. She promises to devote herself to whatever entity answers her call. A vampire—Count Orlok—answers her call.
Despite the encounter happening during her youth, Orlok continues to haunt Ellen in her dreams well into adulthood. Although the nightmares are filled with twisted visions of death, she finds a disturbing comfort in them. But Ellen continues with her life, eventually marrying a real estate agent, Thomas Hutter.
One morning, Thomas is assigned to travel to Transylvania
to sell a property to Orlok. Knowing Ellen will not take his absence well, he brings her a bouquet of lilacs—a Victorian symbol of devotion. Before his departure, she tells him about his nightmares, begging him to stay, fearing she will not be well.
Thomas entrusts his friend Friedrich and his wife, Anna, to care for Ellen.
Her husband’s absence, combined with Orlok’s presence in her nightmares, makes Ellen go insane. Ellen’s caretakers seek help from professor Von Franz to alleviate her from the demonic episodes.
Ellen asks professor Von Franz, “Does evil come from within us or from beyond?” He concludes that she is under the spell of Nosferatu.
Before the film even hit theaters, people on the internet questioned if Lily-Rose Depp, who was cast as Ellen, landed the role due to nepotism or talent. However, Depp silenced critics and proved she had the skill needed to embody the character.
From the color grading and sound effects to makeup and cinematography, Nosferatu has many aspects to be praised.
Count Orlok’s makeup, visual effects and voice acting conjure a blood-curdling presence that solidifies the film’s horror.
The color grading brought a cold ambiance to colorless night scenes mimicking a real-life perspective
of the midnight moonlight.
In an interview with Focus News, Nosferatu ’s director of photography, Jarin Blaschke, states, “I had to observe how my own brain and eyes saw things in a low-light situation… What was left was mostly blue, which made everything look a certain way.”
Another scene that stood out to viewers was the crossroads sequence. Thomas stands in a snowy forest as a horse-drawn carriage awaits him. As he approaches, an unseen force compels him forward, his body practically floating into the carriage. The scene symbolizes a gateway into another world.
Although the film outdid itself visually, many felt that the plot was boring and left them wanting more. Unlike typical R-rated horror films, crowds were expecting a thriller horror not a squeamish one.
Contrary to other viewers who found it frustrating that some scenes were left open to interpretation, the different possibilities intrigued me.
Nosferatu ’s ending was incredible. Ellen sacrifices herself to save Thomas, performing a ritual by letting her hair down, which is traditionally saved for a spouse, before calling Orlok. At sunrise, he takes her life and they both die.
The final scene is beautifully shot and heavy with remorse. Thomas loses his wife, while Ellen either surrenders to her innermost desire to be consumed by Orlok or chooses to protect Thomas and their city.
At the 67th Annual Grammys, rising female artists Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Doechii won multiple awards and delivered show-stopping performances of their hit songs.
By Gabriela Bribiesca gabriel.bribiesca001@mymdc.net
As music fans eagerly tuned into the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 2nd, it was clear that this year’s ceremony was different. Instead of delivering playful jokes toward the nominees, host Trevor Noah encouraged the audience to donate to the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort. By the end of the show, it was revealed that the Grammys had raised more than $7 million for LA wildfire relief.
This year was also monumental for the rising female artists: Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, who were both nominated for Album of the Year.
Other nominees in the category included Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish. The award went to Beyoncé for her album COWBOY CARTER , making it her first project to win Album of the Year.
COWBOY CARTER also won Best Country Album, bringing
Beyoncé to a whopping 35 Grammy Awards won throughout her career.
Another highly-coveted award was the Grammy for Best New Artist. Nominees included Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Doechii. The award went to Chappell Roan, who performed her hit
single Pink Pony Club at the show while atop a giant plastic pony.
Despite losing the award for Best New Artist, Sabrina Carpenter won Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit single Espresso and Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n’ Sweet . Sabrina also performed a jazz-inspired mashup of her songs
Espresso and Please Please Please Grammy newcomer Charli XCX also had a big night, performing her songs Guess and Von Dutch Her album Brat won Best Electronic/Dance Album, Best Dance Pop Recording and Best Recording Package.
Rap artist Doechii gave a
theatrical performance of her jazz/hip hop single Denial Is A River and won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal . Despite the category being introduced in 1989, Doechii is only the third woman to win the award, after Cardi B and Lauryn Hill.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars also took to the stage to perform an emotional rendition of California Dreamin’, paying tribute to LA after the devastating wildfires. The duo also won a Grammy for their song Die With a Smile , which became the fastest song to reach one billion streams on Spotify.
However, Sabrina and Chappell did not win every category. The pop girls lost to Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Released last spring, the diss track swept all five categories it was nominated in.
Fans were also surprised to see that Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish won no Grammys for their albums The Tortured Poets Department , and HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, respectively.
Although she did not win any Grammys, Billie Eilish delivered a beautiful performance of her song Birds Of a Feather with brother and producer Finneas.
Gabriela Bribiesca A&E Editor
GABRIELA BRIBIESCA DISCUSSES HOW NETFLIX’S ANIMATED SERIES ARCANE, WHICH IS BASED ON THE VIDEO GAME LEAGUE OF LEGENDS, CAME TO AN ABRUPT CONCLUSION AFTER ONLY TWO SEASONS.
By Gabriela Bribiesca gabriel.bribiesca001@mymdc.net
Based on the popular video game League of Legends , Arcane has set a new precedent for video game film adaptations.
Released in 2021, Arcane was an immediate hit with viewers and critics alike, in its first season, winning four Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Animated Program in 2022.
The studio behind Arcane , Fortiche , mixes 2D and 3D animation to create its unique style, placing it on par with movies like Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse
Although most characters in Arcane originate from League of Legends , the series expands on their backstories. Arcane ’s inaugural success set high expectations for the final season, and fans questioned if nine episodes was enough to bring the show to a satisfying conclusion.
Season 2, which was released last fall, immediately throws viewers into the rising conflict between the two main regions, Piltover and Zaun, with frequent and elaborate fight scenes.
Arcane does a wonderful job of introducing a nuanced conflict where there are no clear “good” or “bad” characters. Season 2 continues to do this with the character Caitlyn, who makes questionable decisions to
get revenge for her mother’s death.
Caitlyn’s morally grey decisions in the new season showed Arcane ’s commitment to fully exploring their characters. However, the pacing of Season 2 makes it difficult for the show to flesh out important character decisions.
For example, Vi, who once declared to never join the organization responsible for her parents’ deaths, becomes an enforcer in just one episode. The quick pacing makes her decision feel uncharacteristic rather than an important plot point for her development. This season’s fast pacing undermined important character deaths and left some storylines unresolved.
Co-creator Christian Linke revealed in an interview with Dexerto that the series finale was originally more than an hour long but was cut down to 50 minutes due to the expense and time required to animate such a long episode.
Linke also clarified that the series was always intended to end after two seasons, despite rampant rumors among fans that five seasons were planned.
The showrunners announced that another series set in the League of Legends universe is in development and will explore the regions of Noxus, Ionia and Demacia.
Fans are excited for the new series, but it’s evident that Arcane left them wanting more.
EPIC: The Musical is an adaptation of The Odyssey by Homer. It includes themes of family and betrayal and transports listeners to ancient Greece to rediscover the classic in a unique way.
By Paola Aranguren paola.aranguren001@mymdc.net
Award-winning Broadway productions like Hamilton and The Six have proven that blending music and history can create masterpieces. EPIC: The Musical is no exception.
In 2021, Puerto Rican musician Jorge Rivera-Herrans created his first TikTok of EPIC: The Musical as a way to document the process of creating the nine-part musical production, which is loosely based on Homer’s The Odyssey
Originally his senior year thesis at the University of Notre Dame, it debuted on Dec. 25 and now has more than two million monthly listeners on Spotify.
While EPIC is inspired by Homer’s classic, it’s a loose interpretation of the original. RiveraHerrans had creative freedom and took inspiration from various mediums, including video games and anime.
On Dec.
EPIC follows Odysseus’ journey after the Trojan War as he faces monsters, encounters goddesses and attempts to return home to Ithaca, where his son and wife await him.
The project started gaining attention as content creators auditioned to be part of it.
Rivera-Herrans shared behindthe-scenes outtakes on his TikTok account, @jorgeherrans. From fan-made animations and album covers to explanations of the instruments associated with each character, the community remains loyal to EPIC
After four years of development, the final saga, The Ithaca Saga , was realized on Dec. 25, marking a milestone in EPIC ’s journey.
To celebrate the project’s success, the cast and crew traveled to Ithaca, Greece.
Though it was the first time many of the actors met in person, social media fans quickly noticed their strong chemistry.
As anticipation has grown for Rivera-Herrans’ next step, many fans hope for an Iliad album.
EPIC has formed a passionate fanbase eager to see every detail of the creative process.
The story’s main theme is ruthlessness as Odysseus faces dilemmas like whether he should stay a man or become a monster.
Due to its enchanting nature,
Odysseus’ trajectory lasts twenty years and includes run-ins with witches Circe and Calypso, battles with Poseidon and heartwarming moments with his loved ones.
Rivera-Herrans held open auditions. The only requirement was to perform a TikTok duet with one of the songs, which led to an international cast of talented voices.
“EPIC pulls so much inspiration from all sorts of mediums, and so I would really love to explore [it] in each of those different mediums…” said Rivera-Herrans in a TikTok. “Our journey with EPIC does not end once the sagas are out, and I’m very excited to see where that journey takes us.”
Michael Dib discusses the lasting impact of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, from his involvement in Middle Eastern relations to the Mariel Boatlift, and how his work is reflected in today’s politics.
By Michael Dib
michael.dib001@mymdc.net
Former President James “Jimmy” Earl Carter Jr., who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on Dec. 29. He was 100 years old. His tenure was marked by many international and domestic turbulent events that continue to influence the present day.
During his presidency, the Cold War was in full swing, forcing Carter to balance his roles of humble peanut farmer and conductor of the international shadow war. However, two events from this era have continued to reverberate into the present.
On Sept. 5, 1978, Carter brokered the Camp David Accords, an agreement between Egypt and Israel. It established diplomatic relations between the two nations, returned land previously seized by the Israelis to the Egyptians and created a framework for negotiations for full autonomy of the West Bank and Gaza within five years. Domestically, one of Carter’s lasting legacies is the Mariel Boatlift of 1980, especially in Miami. Following the revolution on the island, in the 1970s, thousands of Cubans left the country.
In April of 1980, after more than 2,000 people flooded the Peruvian Embassy in Cuba, Castro declared that anyone who wanted to leave could do so via the Port of Mariel, as long as they had a ride.
Approximately 125,000 “Marielitos” came from Cuba to Miami from April to October of 1980. It’s the journey some of our parents and grandparents took to get here.
However, South Florida was not prepared for the influx of immigrants.
At the time, Liberty City and Overtown were experiencing
rioting due to racial tensions, the perceived privilege of immigrants over natives, and the reallocation of resources to the new Cuban community.
Those who were not settled in South Florida made their way across the United States, mostly finding refuge in relocation centers located at Wisconsin’s Fort McCoy, Pennsylvania’s Fort Indiantown Gap, and most notably— Arkansas’ Fort Chaffee.
Between May and June of 1980, refugees were housed at the Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center in Arkansas.
At the facility, refugees faced poor living conditions and racial prejudice. On June 1, a protest broke out that led to 62 being injured and 46 arrested. It was later determined that administrative delays led to the inhospitable environment.
The riot and the inability of the presidential administration to meet the movement would go on to define Carter’s legacy.
In 1984, all Marielitos received permanent legal status, and in 1986, under the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, they were allowed to apply for permanent residency.
With the death of Carter and the return of President Donald Trump, there are echoes of the past in the current day.
On his second inauguration day, Jan. 20, as the 47th President of the United States, Trump signed nearly 30 executive orders. Among the proposals: suspension of refugee admissions, citizenship denial for U.S.-born children of non-U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and construction of a barrier at the country’s southern border.
As tensions surrounding immigration and controversy about American identity continues to increase, hopefully, the lessons learned from the Marielitos have stuck.
Ivette Gomez discusses the rise of book bans and censorship battles in the United States, ultimately answering the viral question: "Are books political?"
By Ivette Gomez ivette.gomezfornos001@mymdc.net
In wake of the 2024 presidential election, an important question arose on social media: ‘Are books political?’
According to PEN America, “Since 2021, a movement to ban books has put students’ freedom to read in jeopardy.”
During the 2023-24 school year, 19 titles were banned in at least 50 school districts nationwide, with the most common being Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, which depicts a school shooting and
exposes the trauma of being an American teenager.
Book bans are expected to increase as conservative parental rights groups campaign against ‘wokeness’ in classrooms. The movement, supported by many politicians, aims to limit access to stories, perspectives and information. It is fueled by Project 2025, which states, “elementary and secondary education policy should be publicly funded but education
decisions are made by families.” If enacted, federal power will be used to facilitate book bans without consequences or revisions.
Among the books proposed for banning, young readers were enraged by the inclusion of modern phenomena such as The Hunger Games and Harry Potter sagas, which have become fundamental in the fantasy and dystopian genres, showcasing positive messages and inspiring readers.
Reflecting on this debate, I
revisited my journey with literature. The first book I read was a bedtime story about a little witch who faced rejection and fought to be accepted. The fairy tale showcased a narrative of self-acceptance and perseverance, mirroring real-world struggles. Overtime, I realized every book has a lesson that can’t be forgotten. Therefore, books are political because they are the materialization of an idea. Authors enact their right to freedom of speech, while
readers act on their right to learn and think.
Books are also a reflection of society by exposing its wrongs or creating a better world. They discuss human rights, power struggles, culture clashes—issues that are inherently political.
However, books challenge readers to place themselves in others’ shoes to understand their struggles, goals and mistakes.
If books weren’t political, there would be no calls to ban them or burn libraries. As George Orwell wrote in his book 1984, a classic on lists of banned books, “The further a society drifts from the truth the more it will hate those that speak it.”
Organizations like the American Library Association defended our right to read stating, “ALA will stand up for all Americans’ freedom to read—and we will need everyone who loves libraries to stand with us.”
On the verge of censorship, let’s recognize the privilege of books and the power of knowledge. Literature guides us through the complexities of life and inspires a fairer and equitable society.
As a viral poet and victim of censorship in the Soviet Union during the 1970s, Joseph Brodsky once said, “There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.”
Nicolas Ramos explains how Miami Dade College has implemented artificial intelligence into its curriculum and encourages students to use AI resources while keeping in mind its limitations.
By Nicolas Ramos nicolas.ramos001@mymdc.net
Technology has done it again!
Artificial intelligence is the new and shiny innovation of the tech era we live in, and now it is officially up and running at Miami Dade College.
In 2021, MDC launched its AI4ALL College Pathways program, training 500 faculty from different disciplines in AI curriculum and implementation.
The following year, the first Artificial Intelligence Center opened
at North Campus. In 2023, the second AI Center was unveiled at Wolfson Campus.
In addition to the two AI centers, the College started Florida’s first bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs, and two collegecredit certification programs focused on AI.
Despite the rapid expansion at MDC, AI remains a new technology, and many students are still uncertain about what to expect as it becomes more integrated into their academic experience.
It’s important to explore the benefits AI offers and the pitfalls we may face as students.
We gain additional learning
resources through the use of AI powered platforms and study apps used in classes.
For example, Packback is an AIpowered discussion platform that acts as a virtual lab for students. It features an AI assistant and coach that helps students write engaging, well-supported posts while providing feedback to improve critical thinking and writing skills.
One of AI’s greatest advantages is its ability to create a more personalized learning experience. By adapting to diverse learning styles and providing tailored learning modes, AI helps to ensure more effective learning outcomes.
Whether someone prefers textbased material, visual aids, or peer-based instruction, these tools can provide assistance in a way that supports the needs of each individual student.
The benefits of this technology in education can’t be overstated, but like any new and exciting thing, there’s a risk of misuse and overdependence that all AI users should be aware of.
For example, more time spent learning with virtual tools could reduce face-to-face interactions amongst students and teachers, which is important for our social development.
While AI has the potential to enhance learning, its convenience can lead to overdependence on AI-driven resources. As students, we must remember AI is a learning tool, not a replacement for professors.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills can be improved when engaging with such a tool, but relying too much on AI for answers can weaken these vital competencies.
As students, AI can enrich our educational experience, but it’s key that we embrace its advantages while staying mindful of its limitations.
Sean Yakobson, a North Campus film student, analyzes the decline of the Florida film industry due to the end of tax incentive programs and neighboring states with sunny backgrounds.
By Sean Yakobson sean.yakobson001@mymdc.net
South Florida is rich and vibrant with culture, you can describe it as the perfect cinematic for filming, except, it’s not.
There was a time when having a production in Florida was a viable option like in 2010 when the “Florida Film & Entertainment Incentive Program” existed. It attracted film, television and digital media productions by offering tax credits and other financial incentives.
The program led to increased film production in the state, benefiting local businesses, creating jobs, and promoting tourism.
All this changed in 2016, when the Florida Film & Entertainment
Incentive Program was discontinued. Governor Rick Scott and the legislature favored reducing spending for entertainment-related incentives to prioritize other economic development strategies.
Florida shifted to a “sales tax exemption” approach, offering tax exemptions on the sales of certain goods and services used in film production without the extensive rebates or credits that were previously available.
This effectively eliminated Florida as a place for major productions, allowing states such as Georgia, Louisiana and California to look like better deals.
For example, Georgia offers up to a 30% tax credit for eligible film and television productions, with no cap on the total amount of credits available, making the neighboring state a clear choice to film a production.
Even films set in Florida are filmed elsewhere. The remake of Roadhouse, where a fighter becomes a bouncer at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys, was mostly filmed in the Dominican Republic.
In an interview with WUSF, Bill Lawrence, an American television producer and screenwriter, stated, “[It’s] reasonable to shoot in Atlanta or Louisiana and pretend it’s Florida.”
So, what does this mean for aspiring filmmakers in Florida? It means we have to pack up our
things and leave the state if we’re serious about the industry.
Advocacy for changes continues with organizations like Film Florida, a nonprofit organization representing the state’s film industry, leading the efforts.
Last May, Miami-Dade County launched the High Impact Film Found Program, which offers up to $50 million for five years as productions qualify for a 20% cash rebate. While this is a step in the right direction, Florida Film and film fanatics continue to fight for statewide changes.
If other states continue to thrive
due to their tax incentives, Florida lawmakers will reconsider their stance. The state’s leadership would need to weigh the potential economic benefits against the cost of offering such incentives to make room for a modified program.
As a student in Miami Dade College’s film program, I know it isn’t an overnight process, but who we vote for on the state level can create changes in the film industry.
For now, we as aspiring filmmakers must look elsewhere, but I have faith that we will all return to our sunshine state someday to shoot our major film productions.
Editorial Board
Briones
Paola Aranguren, Sophia Arenas, Andrea Briones, Angelina Cabrera, Gabriel Cedeño, Brendan Chuy, Emily De Los Reyes, Michael Dib, Naya Escandon, Jesus Garcia, Ivette Gomez, Yazid Guelida, John Izquierdo, Geovanny Marcos-Pedro, Sophia Massie, Isabel Paz, Ninette Portero, Nicolas Ramos, Pietra Romano, Charles Stemmer, Lisa Marie Suarez, Benjamin Vera, Sean Yakobson
Manolo Barco, Media Adviser B mbarco@mdc.edu T NORTH.........................(305) 237-1255
