The Current - Vol.34 Issue 2

FEATURES | p. 6

Hispanic Heritage: the significance of art

ARTS | p. 10

Emmynominated composer joins NSU

THURSDAY

Sept. 21, 2023

Taylor Stockman: the player to watch

THE CURRENT

NSU's student-run newspaper, housed in the Department of

Communication, Media, and the Arts

Suicide: the crisis that can be stopped

By Lauren Do Nascimento

America has an epidemic: the level of young adults committing suicide is rising. Suicide now is one of the top causes of death for American youth.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Despite efforts to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, suicide rates have failed to decline.

Oren Hernandez, Ph.D., a licensed counselor at Better Help, said that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in people ages 10 to 64, and the second leading cause of death in people ages 10 to 14 and 20 to 34.

“In 2021, there were over 48,000 people that died by suicide. That breaks down to one death every 11 minutes. About 3.5 million

adults have made a [suicide] plan and about 17 million adults have attempted,” Hernandez said.

Many signs of a suicidal person are typically missed because people often interpret those struggling as attention-seekers, rather than people asking for help. Looking at someone's history can reveal signs, he added.

They include a tendency to be impulsive or aggressive, substance abuse, current or previous history of adverse childhood experience, a sense of hopelessness, violence, victimization, being a victim of bullying or in a violent relationship, recently suffering a loss, or a history of suicide. There also may be a genetic component.

Suzelle Guinart, a licensed mental health counselor and director at Henderson Student Counseling Services at NSU, said that signs

are common and suggests finding a source of support to work through them.

“It may be friends, family, other loved ones who you know are also experiencing that sense of loss," Guinart said. "Sometimes it may be a professional, whether it's a therapist or to someone who's willing to be a listening ear."

A major aspect of suicidal thoughts come from a sense of hopelessness. It may come from a person’s financial situation or a big loss, which isn’t limited to the loss of a loved one or material things, but also can be the loss of a friendship, job position, or anything else of value for the person.

Brielle Aguayo, junior communication major and art director/ reporter for The Current, first struggled with suicidal thoughts in middle school, and this continued

until high school.

"I always struggled with selfdoubt. My self-esteem was really low," Aguayo said. "I always thought I was ugly and not enough when I was a kid."

See SUICIDE PREVENTION, page 4

Commuter Lounge becomes Razor's Lounge

By Brielle Aguayo

On Sept. 15, the Commuter Lounge had its re-opening and became Razor’s Lounge. The Commuter lounge has always been a place for commuters to settle down and unwind in-between classes. This welcoming space is for students to have a home away from

home. The space is located at the Student Affairs Building on campus in room 105.

Christina Rajkumar-Castillo, director of Student Engagement, designed the lounge and her goal was to make the space more welcoming.

“My thought process was to make the environment welcoming for our

commuter students to be in and something that would make them feel like they have a place where they can relax in between classes, kind of like that at home feeling,” Rajkumar-Castillo said. The room consists of a lounge area, a small dining space and touches of Razor the mascot.

“My biggest thing was making sure that we had a space that our students could really come and unwind and maybe even encourage them if there's a late event or something going on, so that they have a space to stay until that event,” Rajkumar-Castillo said.

Senior VP Brad Williams poses with Razor during the re-opening of the lounge.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO NSU students visit Razor's Lounge and enjoy free refreshments and snacks.

THE CURRENT

The Student-Run Newspaper of Nova Southeastern University

Located in the Don Taft University Center Room 328

@makonews / makomedia.nova.edu

NEWSROOM

Phone: 954-262-8455

nsunews@nova.edu

Bryce Johnson Editor-in-Chief

Brielle Aguayo Art Director/ Reporter

Lauren Do Nascimento Editor

Nicole Shaker Editor

Danna Bertel Feature Writer

Angeline Gilliard Sports Writer

Bella Giaquinto Sports Writer/ Sports Editor

Adam Sadik Health Writer

Paul Paronich Health Writer

Ronald Martinez Reporter

Jules Batchker Reporter

Indaya Byer Photographer

Erika Foti Graphic Designer

Letter from the editor

Dear Readers,

Hello! Welcome to The Current, NSU’s student-run newspaper. I’m Bryce, and as The Current’s editorin-chief, I’d like to thank you for reading the latest issue of Volume 34.

With Hispanic Heritage Month underway, NSU is hosting several events in celebration. At the Alvin Sherman Library, there is an art exhibit, “Festival Cine & Arte Argentino – Latino,” and at the Center for Applied Humanities

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING

Phone: 954-262-8455

thecurrentad@nova.edu

Veronica Richard Intern/Reporter

Ana Sofia Aguiar Azambuja Web Editor

Kurbria Blaides Business Manager

Chris Delboni Mako Media Network Director

Mike Lynn Mako Media Network Assistant Director

Dr. Megan Fitzgerald Mako Media Network Faculty Adviser

Joyce Moed News Desk and Multimedia Adviser

Dr. Eric Mason Digital Faculty Adviser

Dr. Mario D'Agostino Sports Desk Adviser

Dr. Aarti Raja Health Desk Adviser

Dr. Shanti Bruce Chair, Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts

“Encanto: Everyday Magic.” You can learn more about these events in this issue.

September is also National Suicide Prevention Month. In this issue, we have a story detailing people’s experiences with suicidal thoughts and how they were able to overcome them. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please talk to someone you trust or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For other things happening around NSU, be sure to read through the paper. Stories include the new Preferred Name and Pronouns Policy, the Lauryn Lawrence art exhibit curated by the Museum Studies and Gallery Practices course, how Club Soccer is preparing for upcoming games and the science behind taking naps.

The Current is part of Mako Media Network, also home to Mako TV, NSU’s student-run broadcast news station on YouTube, and Mako Radio, NSU’s student-run radio station on 88.5 FM. If you’re interested in joining MMN, or if you have story ideas that you’d like to pitch, we’d love to hear from you. Our office is inside the UC in room 328. Please stop by during the day.

Every member of The Current’s team gave their all to make the paper the best it could be. Thank you for taking the time to look through it.

Happy reading, Bryce Johnson

An event fit for nobility at NSU

For one night, you would feel as a dignitary. You would feel like royalty.

Who doesn’t enjoy that feeling?

The Current serves Nova Southeastern University from its location in room 328 of the University Center. The Current is NSU’s established vehicle for student reporting. All community members are invited to contribute.

Editorials, commentaries and advertisements in this publication reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its officials, The Current or other advertisers. The Current will not publish unsigned letters except under special circumstances

at the discretion of the Editorin-Chief. The Current reserves the right to edit.

Contributing writers must not be directly involved with their coverage. Coverage by contributing writers must be meaningful and of interest to the NSU community. The Current reserves the right to edit, publish, or deny submitted works as it sees fit. The Current shall remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility or otherwise create bias, real or perceived.

By Ronald Martinez

Let’s be honest: everyone loves to look pretty every now and then. Usually, this opportunity comes when someone decides to hang out with friends at a club, or a romantic dinner with a partner. It can also come from special parties, such as proms, homecomings and other gatherings.

It is fun to loosen up and go wild dancing. Oftentimes, though, it gets much harder to enjoy as the night goes on. The same music is played from gathering to gathering, from a club having a themed party to the NSU homecoming. To me, constant parties like this feel less prestigious and not on par with the university’s level.

That is where a ball comes in. A beautiful display of wealth and prestige, with gourmet food and social interaction in a refined setting.

We obviously should not get rid of the typical party with DJs and bright lights. It can get monotonous. Same boom-ka beat, same conversations, the same Top 40s that are popular that year. Either that or the occasional Latino or Caribbean beat to cater to those groups. The same food provided as well, the same refreshments. It gets a little dull.

Wouldn't it be nice to feel as though you are true royalty? Even for one night, you would feel as though you truly are the face of NSU.

With a ball, NSU can be set apart from other universities, a university for scholars and the distinguished. Even past that, a grand dance to celebrate the students of Nova Southeastern University, the progress we have done in our year congratulated and embraced by a proud student base in an event open to all students.

Not a lot of universities have that. They have a homecoming dance, a prom of some kind but a ball? NSU should hold a ball. It would certainly set the school apart.

Now, would you like to dance?

Ronald Martinez, sophomore undecided major, is The Current's reporter.

PHOTO BY CHLOE ROUSSEAU Bryce Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Current.

NSU adopts name and pronoun policy

By Bryce Johnson

Em Joseph, third-year student in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program, uses the pronouns they/ them/theirs. Joseph would often get nervous having to be the first one to say their pronouns in a group setting.

“I can honestly say that I get a lot of nervousness on the first day of classes, having to be somebody who kind of sticks out,” Joseph said. “I mean, I like it sometimes, but it's definitely hard with certain professors or certain situations where you have to say your pronouns because they're different from the normal.”

Now, with NSU’s new Preferred Name and Pronouns Policy, professors can already know students’ pronouns before classes start. The policy, which was introduced on Sept. 1, allows students, faculty and staff to update their names and pronouns on their SharkCards, emails, Canvas accounts and more.

“NSU is not mandating that any individual affirm another’s gender identity, only that they demonstrate respect and politeness to those individuals who have selected a preferred name and/or pronouns by addressing them as such,” NSU

President George Hanbury wrote in an official statement.

Preferred names and pronouns are updated on NSU’s Self-Service Banner, which can be accessed through SharkLink. Once people update their names and pronouns, the change will be shown within 24 hours. After 48 hours, people can go to SharkCard Services and receive a free updated SharkCard.

Julian Orellana, third year history and education major, received his new SharkCard shortly after he updated his preferred name and pronouns.

“This is just a really good policy that they've implemented, and it actually provides a higher level of safety for people who do need this service instead of having to come up and say your chosen name or get deadnamed on accident,” Orellana said. “It's just really easy to do it in a sort of silent way for the people who don't feel as comfortable expressing themselves.”

Ash Wismar, second-year student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, who uses they/ them pronouns, is happy that the name on their registration can now be the name that they use. Wismar feels the policy is a step toward

inclusion.“I don't think that this policy is a substitution for when you introduce yourself with your preferred name to also include your pronouns,” Wismar said. “It's a step in the right direction and definitely opens up the doors for more conversations about inclusivity and how to make people feel comfortable.”

Bran Allen, first-year student also in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, finds the policy beneficial as someone who uses the pronoun they/them/theirs. But Allen feels NSU has more work to do.

“The bathrooms would probably be a really good step, making a gender neutral restroom in each building. This is actually the first school that I've been to where that's not a thing that's already in place,” Allen said. “The most important thing is this is not where we stop, because it's 2023 and Nova was behind, but it's good that we're making progress.”

Joseph encourages students and professors to update their pronouns if they feel safe and comfortable with the change.

“If you're kind of in a place where it doesn't feel safe, you could always change your name and leave your

pronouns out if that kind of helps at all,” Joseph said.

“I went by ‘Em’ before I started using they/them pronouns.”

Storytelling Festival promotes peace

By Ronald Martinez

On Sept. 29, the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Graduate and Doctoral program will host the Storytelling Festival of Conflict Resolution: Professional Series. Expert peace builders and conflict resolutionists will share stories on their peace building work from small communities to international settings. They hope to inspire others to follow a path of peace and conflict resolution for future endeavors, as well as pursue

peace-building activities that can transform the world for the better.

The event will be hosted on Zoom at https://nova.zoom. us/s/99763420345, from 2-4:50 p.m, and can also be attended in person in the Knight Auditorium in the DeSantis building.

“Peace begins with local action that grows into global response,"

Alexia Georgakopoulos, faculty and director of the Community of Practice Student Working Group, said. "[It is about] inspiring people to take action, how we promote peace

in the world.”

Two special guests, Lynn Cole and David Noganosh, will share their stories with attendants, providing background on their work in the field and some of the transformative work done by them during their careers.

Cole has worked as an international mediation specialist for USAID, an organization dedicated to providing foreign aid to communities. She has also worked as a trainer to develop mediation programs in Bulgaria, Jordan, Kosovo

and Sri Lanka.

Noganosh, who uses the spiritual name Spotted Hawk, has worked as a mediator, negotiator and trainer to develop programs to actively facilitate violence prevention, conflict resolution and anger management in Afro-Canadian and Aboriginal.

Georgakopoulos encourages students to attend the event.

“The world needs peace builders more than ever,” she said.

Pell Grant recipients are eligible for $11 tablet and services

By Kayla Mcgee

The Alvin Sherman Library has entered a partnership with Excess Telecom, a service provider for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The ACP is a government-funded benefits program operating under the Federal Communication Commission.

To be eligible for ACP services, an individual must be a participant in a government-initiated program or live on a qualifying Tribal land. One qualifying program is being awarded the Federal Pell Grant, which is awarded to an average of 30% to 40% of undergraduates yearly.

The ACP aims to ensure low-income families can obtain internet services and connected devices needed for work, school, healthcare and at more affordable rates.

If individuals can contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price, they can receive a one-time discount to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from a participating provider.

Through this program, NSU students who receive the Federal Pell Grant can apply on an online form to receive an $11 tablet including free services and unlimited data, texts and calls. The student will receive the tablet to keep indefinitely. The services will be good for a year, and once that time is up, they will be contacted to update information to maintain services for an additional $11 charge.

Documentation in the application must include the student’s name, the university name and the Federal Pell Grant for the fall 2023 semester. The online application takes a few minutes to complete,

but the Federal Government verification of the information may take a few weeks. Once the student has been verified, they will be contacted to meet with a representative to set up their tablet and services.

Most students who qualify are unaware of the program available to them, due to a lack of communication about the benefit.

“I was not aware of the program, but I am interested in learning more,” said Rueida Ali, sophomore psychology major and Pell Grant recipient.

Classes have turned digital with the use of interactive homework assignments and supplemental learning tools accessed on platforms like Canvas. Students who do not have access to the internet or devices at home are forced to seek other routes or risk failing.

"This program ensures all students have access to technologies needed to succeed in college and is something critical for all students to have in order to succeed,” said Kevin Dvorak, Ph.D., executive director of the Writing and Communication Center.

"This is important information to be “communicated to all students that qualify as quickly and clearly as possible," Dvorak said. For

PHOTO BY PARKER LEE

Bran Allen, first-year student in the Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Program, talks about the Preferred Name and Pronouns Policy.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Bullying and striving for perfection were key factors that drove Aguayo to suicidal thoughts.

Aguayo shared that on top of feeling driven to be the perfect daughter, she was bullied because of her appearance. She has thick, darkbrown hair and is half-Peruvian and half-Italian.

“People don't realize they bully you until they do. One comment might be a joke, but it's not funny. And it affects me like to this day," Aguayo said. "I still think about my eyebrows being ugly because of what someone told me when I was little.”

Aguayo confirmed she never attempted suicide, but she shared a moment when her suicidal thoughts were at their highest.

“I was on a cruise with my family, and I was going through a fight with my boyfriend, and he just didn't support me, and he put me through a really hard time," she said. "I was looking over the balcony of the cruise ship, and I really thought about hurting myself, but then I just like was like, 'no, you have so much to live for.'"

Stories like Aguayo's are more common than some may realize.

Stefani Stanic, senior health science major at Florida Atlantic University, had a similar experience dealing with bullying and strivingfor perfection in her childhood.

She said her father instilled in her that "a pretty face will only make you go so far.”

Stanic often dealt with loneliness

and anxiety.

“In middle school, I didn't really have any friends. The only thing that I had was God," Stanic said. "He was my ultimate friend, and I had my church, and my community. I would attend [church] every Sunday and Tuesday, and it would help calm the anxious thoughts.”

Stanic also had an experience when her suicidal thoughts almost put her life at risk.

“I remember there was one day I was driving to church, and I truly believe this was a demon that was talking to me, but he was saying, ‘Just crash into that traffic pole and it'll be over. Your pain will be over. You don't have to deal with this tomorrow.’ I wanted to so badly, but it was kind of like that internal war going on with me. I couldn't go through with it,” Stanic said.

But unlike Aguayo, Stanic didn’t receive the external help she expected. Her school dismissed the fact that she was struggling.

“I went to a psychologist, and I did four sessions with her," she said. "She ended up writing a letter of exemption to my school. She wrote, ‘This student is suffering from PTSD, please consider her exemption from this exam’ and the school completely ignored it."

Church and faith were pillars of help for both Aguayo and Stanic to overcome their suicidal thoughts.

“A teacher told me this once when I was little: ‘You are put through things because God or whoever you believe knows you can handle

them,'" Aguayo said."I feel like I've lived by that so much because I always think, 'why was I put through this, why me? No, you're strong enough to be put through this, and you're going to get through this.'"

They also both received professional counseling and now believe that suicide is preventable and that life is worth living.

“Compassion and encouragement can help mainly because I feel like it's such a powerful weapon against suicide," Stanic said. "You give people a different perspective on life. You see them in a way that they don't see themselves and that can give them motivation to live another day.”

Guinart agrees.

"The thoughts are more common than we would imagine but know that you're not alone going through that," she said. "There's a lot of individuals who truly care and who want to make a difference."

Hernandez said suicide is a preventable public health crisis.

“I think that it's something that must be prevented. It contributes to premature death and long-term disability," Hernandez said. "Not everyone [who attempts suicide] is successful, so there are many individuals who are disabled because whatever method they chose was not successful."

Aguayo now has a fuller perspective on life.

“I want to live every single day like it's my last," she said. "When I was little, I would be scared to do

anything. But now I think I'm going to go get that job, I'm going to go dance in the rain and do things that are just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You just take them.”

NSU will be hosting a walk in support of mental health next month.

"We'll be marching on Oct. 7 to raise awareness on mental health and its importance," Guinart said.

NSU students are eligible for 10 free counseling sessions every year at Henderson Student Counseling Services, and NSU provides a Student Care Team.

For more information: The national suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). There is also a chat option through www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

For CDC info, people can call 1-800-232-4636. The suicide and crisis lifeline number is 988, and for veterans, it's 988, and then dialing 1. There is help and hope out there for those who need it.

211 Broward is a 24-hour hotline for those who live in the Broward county area. The National Alliance of Mental Health is also a resource that people search for information on suicide prevention. It is available through www.nami.org.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with NSU's Center for Applied Humanities

By Luqman Gbenro

NSU’s Center for Applied Humanities is gearing up for its annual series on Hispanic Heritage Month. The theme is “Encanto: Everyday Magic,” and from Sept. 19 to Oct. 11, all members of the community are welcome to attend events that explore the threads of magic sewn into the tapestry of Hispanic culture.

This is the center’s third year hosting the series and the hope is that attendees gain perspective and connect with the heart of this celebration.

“It's an idea that we're looking back and we're looking forward, and that we take those things that we've been given [and] we use them to build the future,” said Marlisa Santos, Ph.D., humanities

professor and event organizer.

For Santo's, this is more than an event, it’s an opportunity.

This is a chance for the community to have an up close and personal interaction with the humanities. Attendees will see how the humanities built the realities that Hispanic Americans see today. The center specializes in engagements like these. Its mission is “to apply the discipline of the humanities for positive change and public good,” Santos said.

Her message of positive change and building toward the future resonates with students like Angelina Alonzo, a political science major and second-generation Dominican-American.

“One thing that should be done is offering more opportunities to younger generations in order for

them to better excel in whatever path they take in life,” Alonzo said. “This holiday is meant as a celebration of history, culture and innovation.”

The event was held in the Cotilla Gallery in the Alvin Sherman Library on Sept. 19. The celebration kicked off with a discussion on magical realism with New York Times bestselling author Patricia Engel, who delves further into the meaning of magical realism. The discussion explores how “the whole theme revolves around the fantastic, or the out of the ordinary all around us,” and how “those elements and ways of thinking are very integral to Hispanic communities,” Santos said.

As the series continues, the events will cover topics like enduring myths about Cuban life, cryptids

from Latin America and the Caribbean and a Day of the Dead musical performance. These events are meant to be lively and diverse, a reflection of the communities they represent.

“We really want the families and friends of university students and staff and faculty to come and be part of these events, because that's really what makes them alive,” Santos said.

Sharks Speak: What do NSU students like to do outside of class?

"I like to go home, for one thing. Secondly, I like to volunteer on Wednesdays at a youth group," said William Singley, senior psychology major.

BY Ronald Martinez

"Outside of school, outside of class, I'm a really big gamer. I spend most of my time playing PC games," said Zed DeVries, freshman chemistry major.

"I like to hang out with my friends, go shopping, read, pretty much anything, really, I'm down," said Elana Winston, sophomore chemistry major.

Biz Bash photo recap

"Outside of class, I like to sing, crochet and hang out with my friends," Laury Pierre, said freshman neuroscience major.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SILVA

Arianna Goulbourne, sophomore environmental science major, enjoys the taste of hummus from Dips for You.

Taylor de Jesus, senior business management major, takes interest in Bran Media Photography Company.

A group of NSU students check out jewelry from LF Gems. Kai Dear, freshman entrepreneurship major, gets his eyebrows refreshed by Highlight Beauty MC.

Students attended the grand opening of the Shark Cage businesses, which are run by fellow students, on Sept. 1.

PHOTOS BY INDAYA BYER

NSU's Pre-Health advising center to open soon

By Bryce Johnson

Dev Gohel, fourth-year biology major, is one of 21 consultants at NSU’s new Pre-Health & Pre-Professional Advising Office. As a consultant, Gohel is mostly looking forward to getting to know fellow pre-health students.

“I feel like since we're at a very similar point in our lives, that I can really be of service, and I would appreciate that,” Gohel said. “I have people who were like that for me when I was trying to get through my stuff.”

Located in room 317 of the Mailman Hollywood building, NSU is launching the Pre-Health & Pre-Professional Advising Office to help students get into competitive graduate programs.

Emilio Lorenzo, director of Student Success and Pre-Health Services, oversees the office.

"I've been with the university for over 11 years and in every role I've played, I've also supported the university by being the prehealth expert. But now there's a big need because most universities have a pre-health office," Lorenzo said. "This is something also that

students have wanted for a long time. So SGA has done a number of different initiatives in hopes of an office like this coming to fruition. And so it's been a long time coming for this office to be created."

The office is open, but one-onone advising will fully launch next month.

“Sixty-six to 70% of our undergraduate student population are on some sort of career track towards a healthcare career,” Lorenzo said. “So this office was launched to support predominantly pre-health students, but really any student who is on a long-term career track towards professional school.”

The pre-health office has several events scheduled to help students find a career path, including the Shark Path Panel + Networking event on Sept. 27 and the PreHealth Day Conference on Oct. 18.

“We're hosting a number of different events including pre-health conferences, webinars, workshops. We're bringing current professionals in the field as guest speakers to help network with these students,” Lorenzo said. "We're collaborating really closely with the CAPS office because they also do professional

development and they work with employers. And so we're working hand in hand together to do these types of events and programs."

Starting Oct. 16, students can also take advantage of one-on-one advising with pre-health consultants, who are undergraduate students trained by the Pre-Health & Pre-Professional Advising office. When it becomes available, students can schedule appointments on Navigate, which can be accessed through SharkLink.

"[The office] will start taking oneon-one and dropping in appointments to give students guidance on their resume, how to find shadowing opportunities, how to find research opportunities, how to make the most of their undergraduate years so that when they graduate, they're a competitive applicant for professional school,” Lorenzo said.

Diego Abad, senior biology major on the pre-dental track, is another consultant at the pre-health office. He is excited to see how the program expands in the coming weeks.

“As I'm leaving NSU, it's one of those things that I hope I at least leave a mark on and a big impact,”

Abad said. “Pre-Health advising, it's going to be very important for students who are still confused and still don't know what to do with their long goal careers or journey.”

Manas Peddiboyina, senior public health major, received pre-health advising from Lorenzo before. Peddiboyina expects to try advising again once appointments are open.

“It's amazing because you get to kind of understand from somebody who already knows what's going on with it, what to do and the steps to take,” Peddiboyina said. “I would definitely go back and I would highly recommend other people do as well.”

For more information

About the pre-health office, email prehealth@nova.edu.

Hispanic Heritage Month: the significance of art

By Danna Bertel and Alexandra Acevedo

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, on the second floor of the Alvin Sherman Library, the Cotilla Gallery is showcasing “Festival Cine & Arte,” which consists of an exhibit featuring the artwork of six different artists as well as the screening of four films. The exhibit began on Aug. 27 and will remain open until Oct. 17.

The artists featured in the exhibition have Latin American

backgrounds. The art displayed includes sculptures and paintings with different styles and mediums.

The exhibit was curated by Adriana Bianco, Argentinian actress and journalist. The theme for “Festival Cine & Arte” revolves around Spain.

“This occasion was dedicated to Spain, having this idea that Spain is our mother. We both share history, language and culture and it's a great exhibition with different talented artists,” Bianco said.

Students like Aliesha Boodram,

senior public health major, were interested in learning about different cultures and decided to visit the Cotilla Gallery.

“I like to go to museums a lot, so when I saw there was an exhibit, I wanted to see what it was about,” Boodram said. “I think that art sticks with people and it gives a way to express itself and pass down culture.”

Lauren Nicieza, sophomore biology major, shares why art is important when it comes to culture.

“I think it's a way to express one's

background and perspective inside their own culture. You can kind of see in the art gallery that each artist had their own way of artistically expressing themselves and what their culture meant to them,” Nicieza said.

The exhibit is free of charge and open to the general public.

For more information: Visit

PHOTO BY PARKER LEE

Rachel Taylor, graduate student in the Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program, appreciates the art exhibit.

PHOTO BY PARKER LEE

Sydney Gwilliam, freshmen pre-nursing major and Isabell Norton, freshmen biology major, observe the artwork around them.

FOOD

What's up in the neighborhood?

By Brielle Aguayo and Elizabeth Franklin

With thousands of students living on campus, a variety of dining options are essential. NSU provides plentiful dining options, but some students still prefer to go off campus, close to many great food spots.

Blaze Pizza

Blaze Pizza, less than 10 minutes from campus on University Drive, is a pizza restaurant chain best known for serving made-to-order pizzas. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, Blaze Pizza offers different types of pizzas, toppings, breads, salads and drinks.

“I like Blaze Pizza. It is a good place to go if you're hungry late at night," said Emily Humphrey, freshman marketing major. "They also offer plant-based options, which is nice. That's why I go there — I usually get their vegan pizza."

The 11-inch mega mushroom pizza is the special for the month of September. Students can order online and do in-store pickup.

“My opinion on Blaze is that it's actually really good pizza. It is affordable, especially when we have athletic games. We get discounts, coupons, and things like that. They also treat you really nice and if you have your Shark Card, and you have Shark Cash on your Shark Card, you're able to pay with that too," said Laura Aviles, senior secondary English education major. "So it is a really good option, especially if you like pizza and you don't want to go to mainstream pizza chains."

Flashback Diner

Another option in Davie is Flashback Diner, a sit-down restaurant with all-day breakfast. The diner describes itself as a place to “get it all.” The diner has been around for more than 30 years and is open 24/7.

The menu has many items for students to enjoy, including French fries, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and vegetables. They also have seasonal items, such as pumpkin spice pancakes, roasted sweet potato turkey, and apple cranberry Belgian waffles.

The one drawback may be the prices.

“I think Flashback Diner is overpriced, and the food's not really that good for how much they're charging," said Adam Camerino, junior secondary education major. "I was charged $10 for a single milkshake. That's outrageous. I'm trying to ball on a budget. I cannot afford that."

Still, if students are looking for comfort food, they can always stop by here for a good meal.

“I've been to Flashback Diner once. I think the homey vibe of it was really nice and cozy," said Justin Tran, sophomore marketing major.

Fresh Kitchen

For students who are looking for a healthier option, Fresh Kitchen, located on University Drive, is the place for them. At Fresh Kitchen, students can custom make their own bowls and select healthy ingredients, such as vegetables, proteins and homemade dressings. The ingredients are gluten-free, the meats are antibiotic-free and hormone-free, and the vegetables are hand-picked.

Lauren Capote, sophomore theater major, said her go-to from Fresh Kitchen is a rice bowl with mushrooms and green beans. She said she feels healthy when she eats there.

“I really like Fresh Kitchen. I think it's a super good off-campus food option," Capote said. "I think it's affordable. They have a lot of options, and their lemonades are good, too."

The one drawback with Fresh Kitchen may be the long wait.

"Sometimes the line gets really long, and it's annoying because I don't really want to wait in a long line," Capote said. "But I think the food is really good."

COURTESY OF HAYLEE HEBERT

Aleena Vargas, junior paralegal studies major, enjoys a slice of pizza at Blaze Pizza.

Science supports taking naps

By Adam Sadik and Paul Paronich

With a hectic college life during the semester, students may find it difficult with their schedule for a good night’s rest. To compensate for this, many students take midday naps.

“I only take naps when [I am] tired. Tired to the point when I cannot read a sentence, I’m falling asleep at my desk,” said Sajan Parikh, junior public health major.

Jamie Tartar, neuroscience professor and researcher in the Department of Psychology, said these naps are actually beneficial for your health, especially short-term naps.

“If you feel some of the cognitive detriments we associate with being

fatigued and sleepy, even a short 20–30-minute nap can do a lot to improve that," Tartar said. “Napping can be a really good way of combatting sleep loss.”

The quality and length of rest can immensely affect bodily functions and everything from energy to mood.

According to Cornell Health, most college-aged students need 7–9 hours of sleep in order to avoid daytime drowsiness.

“A little bit of sleep is always better than no sleep; 24 hours of sleep deprivation is absolutely horrific,” Tartar said.

“This is not something you want to do. We have tested it on healthy young college students and terrible things happen emotionally and

How

By Veronica Richard and Milani Wetjin

With the onset of the fall semester and the hundreds of students gathering on campus, germs are running rampant. Sharks can practice healthy habits to avoid getting sick.

Staying healthy does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. Completing small tasks can make a huge difference in preventing sickness.

“Honestly, it may seem super simple, but it’s keeping hands washed constantly – underneath the nails, as a lot of bacteria hangs out there," said Dr. Sandi Scott-Holman, at the NSU Student Medical Center.

physically.”

Short-term naps can fit well in an active schedule, as it does not take too much time out of the day and gives rejuvenating effects.

Sonya Okungu, junior in the optometry program, agrees that naps are advantageous, and tries to squeeze them in during the day.

“I do feel better [after a nap]. I nap because I usually do not sleep the night before. I get up at 7 a.m. most days. So, If I am extremely tired, I am like OK, ‘I need to close my eyes for a second,’" Okungu said.

The length of these midday naps is often important to monitor, as longer length naps can be possibly detrimental to your health, Tartar said.

to avoid getting sick on campus

Genesis Grullon, senior biology major, has a few healthy habits of her own.

“I’m more conscious about spreading my own bacteria,” Grullon said. “I always use hand sanitizer. I wash my hands often. I also don’t lay in bed with the clothes I wore outside.”

Keeping a balanced diet is also important for staying healthy.

NSU has introduced new, healthier dining options on campus, like Qdoba and Sambazon, that can help students branch out from the usual fast-food dining options.

“When I first got here, I definitely got sick having some of the food around here,” said Yabsera Negussie, freshman neuroscience major.

“I would say the healthier options like the Açaí and Qdoba definitely make me feel better.”

Scott-Holman had more tips:

“Try to avoid group scenarios, which is the hardest. Everyone’s moved onto campus, everybody wants to meet everybody, but it’s a small area and a lot of respiratory particles are being spread. Keep distance, [wear] masks, because right now we are seeing quite a few sick students,” Scott-Holman said.

If students do feel unwell, NSU has on-campus clinics available for all students and faculty.

Appointments are available daily at the main Student Medical Center, located in the Sanford L. Ziff Health Care Center.

“We want to avoid taking naps that span from 45 minutes to an hour, because what it is going to do is put your brain into what's called 'deep sleep,'" Tartar said. “When we first go to sleep at night, we experience a light sleep, and then with continued sleep goes into deep sleep and then go back into light sleep. We do this all night long. You do not want to wake up from a deep sleep because you will feel really yucky. We call that sleep inertia.”

Daja Long and Maya Totev contributed to this story.

On Wednesdays, a satellite Student Medical Center is open for students in the Commons Residence Hall from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with a 1-2 p.m. lunch break.

To make an appointment at any NSU healthcare facility, students can call 954-262-1262.

If students are feeling too unwell for class, they should notify the professor and submit their absence as excused to the Office for Disability Services by emailing the absence with proof of illness (this could be a doctor’s note) to disabilityservices@nova.edu.

COURTESY OF EMILY BOYCE

Grace Quattrocchi, freshman criminal justice major, takes a quick nap while waiting for the rest of her Starbucks order.

COURTESY OF BRANDON NEAL

Eddie Morgan, sophomore finance major, rests in the Don Taft University Center.

ONSHORE

FSA FRIDAY: FILIPINO STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Sept. 21, noon

Flight Deck

Multipurpose Room

YOGA WITH KARLA DURAN

Sept. 27, noon

Relaxation Room

MARCH OF DIMES - “STICK WITH MARCH OF DIMES”

Sept. 27, 11 a.m.

UC Spine

Guest Artist Exhibition: Lauryn Lawrence

By Danna Bertel

The Department of Communication, Media and the Arts is hosting an exhibition with guest artist Lauryn Lawrence. The opening reception will be on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. and the exhibition will run until Nov. 14 at Gallery 217.

Students taking the Museum Studies and Gallery Practices course will curate the exhibit.

"The goal for us as a class is to curate the gallery space in a way to get the artist's goal and message across and to make the visitors feel

accepted, seen and comfortable," said Margeaux Miller, senior art and design major.

Lawrence is Jamaican-American and Dominican-American, a photographer and curator who focuses on intersectionality, feminism, identity and the relationship between people.

The exhibit will feature 10 framed photographs by Lawrence.

Wanting to fit the theme of Lawrence's work, the name of the exhibition will be "She’s Safe Here: The Vulnerability of Existing."

Additionally, an artist workshop

OFFSHORE

Sept. 22, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25, 6 p.m.

will take place on Oct. 18 at 12:30 p.m. in Galery 127, which will consist of a yoga or meditation night.

"Lauryn Laurence wanted her theme of the photos to be based on intersectionality and feminism. We really want to make sure that everybody and any community member on campus feels welcome and feels that sense of security and unity entering the gallery," Miller said.

Emmy-nominated composer joins NSU

By Danna Bertel

Passionate about music at a young age, Christina Chatelier, freshman political science major, is taking Commercial Music Theory with Assistant Prof. Bill Withem. With an interest in songwriting and composing, Chatelier decided to take the course to dissect music and understand what makes pop music great. She enjoys being able to apply the material she learned.

“It's about the real music behind it and how people use the things that we're learning in class to create something that we never even think about,” Chatelier said. “I can be more logical about my music. So it's not just about me working to push out that emotion. It's about creating something logical and making a plan to completely construct what I have in my mind, so I think it's very important to take these types of classes.”

Before starting his first semester at Nova Southeastern University, Withem worked for 13 years at Mott Community College. Feeling ready to embark on a new adventure, Withem searched for a school that was not too steeped in tradition, and NSU caught his interest.

“If a school program says we're going to recognize the music that students might be more familiar with but also teach them the basics, the fundamentals of how music works, how to study music, perform and become better as a

musician then that's really cool and NSU seemed to get that and a lot of other schools don't do that,” Withem said.

Withem's journey in music started at a young age when he noticed that the music in movies felt dramatic and visual. Later, he expanded his knowledge by playing the trumpet at 13 and becoming part of an orchestra and jazz band in high school. But, it wasn't until college that Withem decided to pursue a career in music.

“While you're in rehearsal, you can just listen to all the sounds around you. It's very inspiring and gives you these ideas. It took a while to have those desires with music,” Withem said. “It came along later, but definitely by college, I had much more sense I really wanted to pursue this because this is cool and so much so that I changed my degree.”

Throughout his career, Withem delved into different projects following the footsteps of his favorite composers, Aaron Copland and Sergei Prokofiev. Music pieces he has composed range from orchestral pieces to composing music for choreographers as well as creating music for documentaries and films.

“Like my favorite composers, it kind of meant you're doing a little bit of all these different things, you're not just doing one thing over and over,” Withem said.

Some of Withem’s notable works are his orchestral work “Supernova” which was conducted by José

Luís Maúrtua in Peru and composing music for choreographer Lina Puodziukaite’s “Egle” which premiered at the Lincoln Center in New York. He also composed a score for the documentary “Imported from China,” which was nominated for an Emmy for best musical score in 2014.

Teaching at NSU, Withem strives to give his students the knowledge and skill sets necessary to build on their personal music careers in the outside world.

“We're going to have an assignment every week, so they're constantly working on stuff that means they're going to be comfortable and familiar. When they graduate, if they can purchase the equipment, then they can start building their own studio, start networking and get clients. Hit the ground running is what I want to go for,” he said.

Zolani Henry, junior music major, who wants to produce music in the future, finds the courses with Withem inspiring and helpful as he shares his experience.

“He also tells you about his experience in the work area. Knowing what your client wants, how to connect with people through music and finding jobs through music, which is really important as a music major because we want to know how we can make money off of music as well as get to do what we love,” Henry said.

Bill Withem comments on how poetry inspired his piece "Mud" that premiered at the Flint Local 432 concert venue.

For more information: Visit Gallery 217 on its Instagram @gallery_217.

Mako Radio interviews HARIZ

By Alex Hernández and Daja Long

Indie-alt-pop singer-songwriter

Justin Hariz, better known as HARIZ, is a passionate 26-year-old from Los Angeles.

HARIZ began his musical journey when he learned to play classical piano, drums and guitar at 4 years old. He then ventured into other creative outlets, including songwriting, originally at California Institute of the Arts. Eager for this craft, he joined a songwriting camp outside of college. He successfully composed and released “OVRBRD" in 2017, which secured him the opportunity to break into the music scene and perform at live shows with JVKE and Jake Miller as an opener.

The young artist is developing a new album rumored to be released in 2024.

HARIZ stopped by Mako Radio for an exclusive live interview about the inspiration behind his eclectic artistry, his latest music, and an exhilarating tour of which he was a part.

Here are the excerpts from Mako Radio's interview:

Alex Hernández:

For those of you who don't know HARIZ, not only is he a classically trained pianist, but he’s also been given awards for other past musical accomplishments. Can you talk about the history of HARIZ?

HARIZ:

Yeah, I started writing songs and as I did more songs, I presented them to people within the industry. Eventually, I went to an ASCAP writing camp. I ended up getting my first actual songwriting award. I think it was called the Harold Adamson Lyric Award in pop music for 2017 or 2018. That was cool, and it jump-started my career. This got me into a room with big artists and songwriters.

Hernández:

What are some musical influences from the past or the present that make you HARIZ?

HARIZ:

There’s a good amount from the

'70s and '80s, but classical music isn’t much of an influence on what I'm doing now. It rather gives me a structured basis of music theory. The rest of the musical influences come from every genre. I grew up in a house that always played music, even though my family's not in the industry at all. Influences like Lionel Richie, the Eagles, REO Speedwagon, Nirvana, Rihanna and Maroon 5. I mean you name it, and it was playing throughout the house. It was pretty much everything. Had I not listened to a variety of musical influences, I wouldn’t be where I mentally am as far as music.

Hernández:

I feel like all of us have a soundtrack that represents our lives. What soundtracks best represent your life?

HARIZ:

I would say “Hotel California” (is by far one) by the Eagles, “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd and “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5.

Hernández: What is your message or goal as an artist to the world?

HARIZ:

My highest-tier goal is to make people realize how interconnected we are emotionally, spiritually and mentally. No matter how different we may appear or seem.

Hernández:

I think it is important for a creative individual to want to explain the interconnectedness but also highlight the experiences people have, especially for this age group. Now, let's talk about upcoming things going on for you.

HARIZ:

Yeah, I’m going on a super fun tour with Jake Miller, who is a super cool guy with a great team. I also have a new song that will eventually come out called “Without You.” I’ve been able to play the song on the current tour. It’s been fun to play it and get a taste of how everyone likes it.

Hernández:

Is this a summer anthem or a fall-season starter?

HARIZ:

I think it's a little bit of both. I think it'll carry out the summer. If I'm imagining seasons as a relationship, summer is when you start feeling freer whereas winter is a cozy-up cuddle with someone vibe. Then people break up earlier in the following year and the summer is when you realize you’re doing so much better without the person. Which is kind of the essence of the song.

Hernández:

I see how fast you're growing as an artist. I just saw clips from the JVKE (artist) tour: WHAT TOUR FEELS LIKE that you’re on. It seems like it’s out of this world. Not a lot of people get that type of reception.

HARIZ:

I feel super honored and blown away at the fact that everyone has been so loving. I've done other tours where I feel like I’m really fighting for an audience. This is because I know that they’re there for the headliner. During my live shows, I've focused on trying not to just be someone who sings to the audience. My shows are very interactive. I'll teach you the words if you don't know them. I'll have you moving around or dancing. Whatever it needs to be for the half an hour that I'm on stage before Jake (JVKE). Props to Jake for letting me do this. It feels like it becomes my show then his show and that's super amazing. My goal is to provide some solace for everything that might be holding or weighing the audience down.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

Justin Hariz performs for Mako Radio during his interview with Alex Hernández

Men's soccer photo recap

SPORTS EVENTS

Sept. 23, 4 p.m

Women’s Tennis vs. Embry-Riddle University

Rick Case Arena

Sept. 29, 1 p.m.

Men’s Swimming vs. University of Florida

NSU Aquatic Center

Sept. 29, 1 p.m.

Women’s Swimming vs. Florida Atlantic University

NSU Aquatic Center

Sept. 29, 1 p.m.

Men’s Swimming vs. Florida Aquatic University

NSU Aquatic Center

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

Alessandro Salvadego, senior nutrition major, scores a goal.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

The men's soccer team celebrates a play during its game.

PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER

Harvey Read, MBA data analytics program, and center back position, looks to make an assist.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

Alessandro Salvadego and Liam Healey celebrate after scoring a goal.

PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER

Tobias Pellio, MBA in supply chain management and central midlfield position, runs to save the ball.

PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER

Tobias Pellio, MBA in supply chain management and central midlfield position, guards the ball.

NSU e-sports: what's to come this year

By Angeline Gilliard and Isabella Fernandez De Cueto

With the growing interest in e-sports across the globe, NSU welcomes new advancements and opportunities to the e-sports club this year.

NSU recognized the evolution of the billion-dollar e-sports industry when it created its own e-sports club five years ago. Today, NSU is looking forward to the expansion and reboot of the program.

“With the evolution of technology

and streaming platforms, there’s been a dramatic change from people watching regular sports to now watching people play video games. It’s a whole other part of the sports industry that’s never been covered," said Lavan Naveh, president of the NSU e-sports club.

Universities around the country have e-sports teams that compete at a varsity level, offer scholarships and recruit high school students. This year, the NSU e-sports club has joined the National Association of Collegiate E-sports, similar

to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Through NACE, members of the e-sports club at NSU will have access to competitions with schools all over the country.

"With NACE, we’re competing with Ivy League schools across the country along with local universities, such as the University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University," said Lavan Naveh, president of the NSU e-sports club.

NSU has teams competing in all of NACE’s six major titles: Call of

Duty, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Valorant, League of Legends and Apex Legends. Every team has weekly online matches that extend through the end of October. Similar to traditional sports, playoffs start in October. Champions for each game are determined by the end of November.

Aside from the opportunity with NACE, the e-sports organization has also made technological advances within their program.

“I’ve definitely seen this club evolve since my freshman year, especially with the equipment we had. This year we are pushing for a lot of changes, such as getting new PCs and custom gaming chairs with NSU embroidery," Navah said.

E-sports hopes a great way for students to meet new people and discover various opportunities.

“A lot of clubs are trying to build a sense of community, and e-sports has their own dedicated space whereas a lot of the other clubs share spaces. So, it’s a little bit easier to build that sense of community for the e-sports club," said Luke Bettencourt, assistant director of Intramurals, Club Sports and Well Being.

To keep up with the latest on NSU e-sports, follow @esportsnsu on Tiktok and Instagram.

A new addition to athletics: Meet Jonathan Carter

By Bella Giaquinto

Jonathan Carter, Nova Southeastern University’s new head Cross Country/Track and Field coach, is ready to use his passion, athleticism and ample experience to lead the Sharks to victory this season.

Carter previously coached at various universities, such as Long Island University, Florida International University and the University of Fort Lauderdale, along with high schools, such as Piper and Flanagan, both located in South Florida.

Carter has left a significant impact on every team he has coached for, creating a National Champion, multiple All-Americans and making history for various programs.

Carter’s track career began his freshman year of high school, with his coaching career following shortly after. Alongside running track, Carter discovered his passion for coaching during his time lifeguarding at various Broward County public pools. After squeezing in lifeguarding to his tight academic schedule, Carter eventually branched off into teaching

swimming lessons.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people, which teaching swimming lessons allowed me to do. It gave me a start in coaching,” Carter said.

Post high school graduation, Carter attended Florida State University, where he majored in criminology and continued to run track. During Carter’s time at FSU, he became a six-time All-American, a two-time Olympic Trials 100-meter Semi-Finalist and U.S. 100-meter Championship Finalist.

Carter’s coaching career officially began once he graduated from FSU and moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he coached men’s and women’s cross country/track and field at Long Island University. After coaching up north for several years, Carter moved back to his hometown in South Florida, where he since gained the majority of his coaching experience at universities and high schools.

Carter’s long line of coaching is also accompanied by his undeniable passion for helping others and giving back to his community,

something he plans on continuing at NSU.

Carter was previously an afterschool counselor for at-risk youth, a case manager for foster children, and also worked for the Florida Guardian ad Litem foundation, a state-funded program that advocates for children that have been abused, neglected or harmed. Carter plans on bringing high school seniors from the program to NSU, giving them an opportunity to get involved with the school.

"A lot of them don’t even get the chance to see a soccer or basketball game, let alone a college campus,” Carter said. “To have the opportunity to coach at this level in my community is a dream come true. Being able to know that you can give back to your community by furthering somebody's academic or athletic quest is definitely something I look forward to doing."

Carter is grateful to be coaching at NSU and is excited for what this season holds.

To keep up with Carter leading the Sharks to victory this season and making his mark on NSU, visit

https://nsusharks.com/sports/ mens-track-and-field or follow NSU_XCTF on Instagram and Twitter.

PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER

Brandon DeCelle sophomore computer science major, and Daniel Simeon, freshman computer science major, play super smash bros in Carl DeSantis 4101.

Sports shorts: Sept. 8-16

By Joshua Leatherman and Jonathan Day

Women’s volleyball, 9/8

Women’s volleyball started off its Hyatt Place Beach Bash tournament with a loss to Maryville University in three sets. Nadia Lindner and Kate Mihacevich (12 kills) were top performers for the Sharks.

Women’s volleyball, 9/9

NSU’s women’s volleyball fell to Rockhurst University with a final score of 3-0 in match one of a doubleheader. Taylor Stockman (10 kills) and Gabrielle Spankus (23 assists) led the Sharks offense. In Game 2, the Sharks concluded its trip to the Hyatt Place Beach Bash tournament, with a five-set victory over Wheeling University. Nadia Lindner was the Sharks leader on offense (23 kills).

Men’s soccer, 9/11

NSU’s men’s soccer defeated archrival Barry University 2-1 on a late goal by Fernando Herrera. Alessandro Salva scored the equalizing goal that laid the foundation for the squad’s comeback in the final minutes of the match.

Men’s golf, 9/11

The defending National Champion Nova Southeastern University’s men’s golf team began its season with a third-place finish (-5) at the National Preview at the Orange County National Golf Course. Joseba Torres shined in the match, shooting five-under on the day and placing third overall.

Women’s volleyball, 9/15 NSU’s women’s volleyball team was defeated by Lynn University in five sets. Nadia Lindner (23 kills)

and Madison Cook (44 assists) led the Sharks’ offense.

Cross-country, 9/15 NSU’s men's and women's cross-country recorded impressive times at the Keiser University Flagship Invitational. Marcus Tortorella earned a top-five finish with a season-best time of 15:34.12, leading NSU to a fifth-place team finish. On the women’s side, Eden Toal led the Sharks to a second-place team finish with a personal best time of 18:09.06.

Women’s volleyball, 9/16 NSU’s women’s volleyball team collected its first win in Sunshine State Conference play with a fourset win over the rival Barry University. The Sharks’ offense was powered by the trio of Nadia Lindner (19 kills), Taylor Stockman (15) and

Kate Mihacevich (14) as the Sharks got back into the win column.

Men’s soccer, 9/16 NSU’s men’s soccer team suffered a hard-fought loss against Florida Tech with a final score of 3-2. NSU’s offensive attack was fueled by goals from Alessandro Salva and Zyan Andrade.

Women’s soccer, 9/16 NSU’s women’s soccer team achieved a huge win against Florida Tech with a final score of 1-0. A late goal in the second half by Tabea Schutt brought the win home for the Lady Sharks and keeping its undefeated streak intact.

Taylor Stockman: the player to watch

By Angeline Gilliard and Devin Johnson

Taylor Stockman, sophomore exercise science major and volleyball player, won the Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year in 2022.

“I had no idea I was going to get that award [SSC Freshman of the Year], let alone any awards. It was very surprising,” Stockman said.

Stockman worked hard during her freshman year, making sure to never slack off in practices or games. While Stockman maintains that she is a self-motivated individual, she credits her coaches, teammates and family for pushing her to be the best player she could be last season.

Stockman's volleyball journey began in the sixth grade when she decided to branch out and try something new. Her love of the sport led to her playing on both a travel team as well as her high school's squad back home in Kansas. In her junior year, Stockman's team won the Kansas state championship for

women's volleyball, and she credits her sisters for inspiring her to play at the collegiate level

“Both of my sisters played softball while growing up and I always looked up to them playing in college,” Stockman said.

Stockman broke her back in her

junior year of high school and was unable to play for several months. Her recovery from the injury was the biggest struggle in her career.

If she had the opportunity, Stockman would tell her younger self to, “not be so hard on myself, not every mistake is the end of the world.”

Stockman uses this advice to stay focused on the positive side of the sport and excel in her college athletic career. Alongside her on-court accomplishments, Stockman has learned how to balance her offcourt priorities in her academic and social life, with help from the upperclassmen on her team. Her coaches and teammates focus on the importance of breathing, staying mentally focused, maintaining a healthy personal life and not getting distracted during matches.

Stockman believes this has helped her become a better player and improved her technique on-court. As far as goals for this year's season, she wants to improve her skill and for her team to win the Sunshine State Conference.

Stockman is excited for the team's early success, including its victories against Seton Hill University and Bentley University, and left The Current with one final request.

“Tell as many people as you can to come to the games,” Stockman said.

COURTESY OF TAYLOR STOCKMAN

Taylor Stockman is a second year volleyball player here at Nova Southeastern. She is majoring in exercise science.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

Sharks Volleyball celebrates a set winning point against the Barry Buccaneers.

Men's Club Soccer gears up for the season

By Nicole Shaker

Jason Kim, third-year medical student and coach of NSU men's Club Soccer, recalls a player with temper issues he coached during his first year at the club.

“I think working with him and trying to get the best out of him was one of the most fulfilling things a coach can do. I was very honored to have been given that opportunity,” Kim said.

At Club Soccer, coaches and players see the person behind the sport and focus on personal growth just as much as competitive playing. This season, Kim has big goals.

“I would very much like to see an undefeated season,” Kim said. “But beyond that, I hope to see personal growth in each of these guys' discipline and work ethic, placing a lot of emphasis on how much these guys grow as people, not just players.”

Club Soccer had tryouts the last week of August and officially started training on Labor Day.

Almost 120 people attended tryouts, which is the most Kim has ever seen.

Raul Encio, president of the club and first-year dental student, is excited about this season's 24 player lineup.

“This year, we have a bunch of fresh new blood that just came into NSU, [that are] super excited to play,” Encio said. “More than half the team is freshmen, so that's super cool, and they are all super competitive and ready to start the season.”

The club lost nine seniors this season, and Encio said these new members have a big gap to fill.

This season, the roster has players from 10 different nationalities, three of which have played for Division II soccer.

He is especially pleased to welcome former NSU team player Christian Gorski, second-year graduate student in finance, to the club.

Returning members are geared up for this new season, coming off the end of spring 2023. The team won their last game 9-0.

Co-president Fabian Aguayo, sophomore sports and recreational management major, is also confident in his team this season.

“We're trying to know each player personally, but at the beginning I see that they are really good players,” Aguayo said. “I think this season is going to be awesome for us.”

But Club Soccer wasn’t always this successful. Kim recalled how during his first two seasons as coach in fall 2021 and spring 2022, Club Soccer won zero games. Its best result had been a tie.

“In my mind I questioned myself,” Kim said. “What am I actually bringing to this program?”

That year had been Encio’s first year as a member.

“When I joined, the club was pretty dead,” Encio said. “The tryouts were like 30 kids. And of those 30 kids, half of them don't even play soccer.”

He was passionate about seeing the club grow, and this year, as president, he is doing all he can to make that dream come true.

“I kept on trying to get involved,” Encio said. “I don't care about being president. I care more about the longevity of the club, and making it grow, because three years ago there was nobody there.”

Club Soccer has definitely grown since its humble beginnings. After that first shaky year under Kim, the club saw massive development starting in the fall of 2022 as its members got into the flow of competing and built a foundation.

“The spring season of 2023, the guys put everything together and I witnessed the biggest growth in the team that I've seen in such a short span of time,” Kim said. “If I had ended things as coach last year, I wouldn't have been that upset, because how we started versus how we finished last year has in and of itself been an amazing accomplishment.”

One exciting opportunity Club Soccer has recently acquired is a partnership with Red Bull and Celsius. The company provides the team free products in return for social media sponsorship from the members.

Encio sees bigger opportunities in the club’s future if it continues this level of performance. One of his goals is for his team to reach a skill level where it can competitively scrimmage the NSU team.

Encio also hopes that, one day, Club Soccer can be a gateway for students to walk onto the NSU team. He said that Club Soccer will soon try to forge a connection with the NSU team that can make it possible for club members to transition into NSU team members.

In the meantime, the team is focusing on building a solid track record. Its next games are against the University of Tampa on Sept. 23 and the University of Florida on Sept. 30.

For the most updated information on the club’s game schedule, visit its Instagram page, @ nsumensclubscocer.

For students who are interested in joining the team, tryouts are held every semester. Aguayo advises interested students to start physical training prior to tryouts because the team places a heavy emphasis on running and other physical activity. He advises above all, however, to be respectful to the other players.

Current members said that players gain a lot more than just soccer skills.

“My personal favorite thing about being part of the Club Soccer team is the connections you make and the long-lasting friendships that will truly last you throughout your whole life,” Encio said.

COURTESY OF SYDNI SMALLER

NSU's midfielder number 4 Santi Vargas defends a corner kick.

STAY CURRENT & STAY SAFE

MATH CORNER

To decipher a four-digit binary code (consisting of only 0’s and 1’s) in a video game, gamer Alpha can get help from four strangers: Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omega. All Alpha knows about these four strangers is that one is a soothsayer (who never lies), two are liars (who always lie) and the other is the sibling of one of the liars (who would never lie if they answer a question before their sibling answers but would always lie if they answer after their sibling answers).

Alpha asks: “What is the first digit in the code?”

Gamma says “0,” followed by Delta who says “0,” then Beta says “1,” and finally Omega says “1."

Alpha then asks: “What is the second digit in the code?”

Gamma says “1,” followed by Beta who says “0,” then Omega says “0,” and finally Delta says “1”.

Alpha then asks: “What is the third digit in the code?”

Beta says “0” followed by Delta who says “1” then Gamma says “1”, and finally Omega says “0."

Alpha then asks: “What is the fourth digit in the code?”

Gamma says “0” followed by Beta who says “1” then Delta says “0,” and finally Omega says: “1."

Based on this information, Alpha knows the code. What is the code?

TIC TAC TOE

This is a game where two players seek alternative ways to complete a row. One player is a circle while the other one is an X. Whoever completes three in a row is the first to win the game.