The Sandspur Volume 125 Issue 14

Issue 14 • Volume 125 Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 www.thesandspur.org

@thesandspur facebook.com/ thesandspur

‘Necessities not luxuries’: SGA to fund tampons, pads, and liners Menstrual items will be in some women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms by end of next week

By Hannah Butcher

hbutcher@rollins.edu

Students will soon see free menstrual products in some of the women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms on campus.

By next week, tampons, pads, and liners will be available in the Bush Science Center, Campus Center, and Olin Library.

The Student Government Association (SGA) teamed up with the Lucy Cross Center to provide this service.

The Lucy Cross Center previously offered free menstrual products in Chase Hall bathrooms; however, in anticipation of the demolition of Chase, the Center and SGA decided to expand the program.

Two Lucy Cross work study students, Carla Daza (‘20), SGA Diversity and Inclusion chair, and Gabbie Buendia (‘19), a lead coordinator with the Rollins Sustainability Program, are directly

involved in this process of introducing free menstrual products on campus. They helped research organic menstrual products for the program.

“Lucy Cross did not have the budget or capacity to scale this initiative up in the past. It is nice to see there is a student demand for it coming from SGA,” said Buendia.

Buendia said “that it is working to promote gender equality by making products that are a daily need more accessible. It serves to make students who use these products more comfortable and prepared.”

SGA President Nagina Chaudhry (’19) and Vice President Greg Taicher (’19) adopted the initiative as part of their political platform at the beginning of the year.

“It was something brought to our attention. We had the ability to do something, and we wanted to point it out,” Taicher

said.

The funding for the initiative stems from the SGA-specific budget of $23,000, which is a mix of sponsored and school-sanctioned money. With this funding, SGA has already ordered sustainable, organic menstrual products. Each order will be a recurring price of $200 “In terms of the companies we intend to use, we’re partnering with the Wellness Center to use the same supplier that they use for Health Services. This provides a major discount for the products,” said Abby Hollern, director of the Center for Inclusion & Campus Involvement.

The companies providing the products were carefully vetted by SGA and the Lucy Cross.

Menstrual pads will come from Seventh Generation, while tampons and liners will come from Veeda. Buendia pointed out that both of these companies use organic cotton and are free from

several other chemicals that are dangerous to product users and to environmental health.

The first few weeks of the initiative will serve as a trial run for women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms, after which SGA hopes to expand the products into men’s bathrooms.

However, some students are skeptical of this plan, claiming that, while SGA is trying to be gender-inclusive, they are also promoting gender norms by only starting with select women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms.

“While menstruation has typically been conflated with cis-gender women and girls, who do comprise the majority of menstruators, it can occur across a spectrum of genders,” said Kenzie Helmick, co-president of Voices for Women. “By only placing menstrual products in the women’s bathroom, Rollins would be perpetuating this gen‣ See Menstrual Page 4

Graphic by Anastasia Rooke

Freshman swimmer shows flexibility, promise for program

Holding 3 school records, Beatriz Olivieri looks to compete in the approaching national tournament

By Henri Balla

A

hballa@rollins.edu

s the Rollins swim team celebrated its departing seniors during last weekend’s meet against Lynn University, the swimming Tars’ new generation rises to the top. One of the distinguished members of the up-andcoming cohort is Beatriz Olivieri (‘22) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Olivieri made herself at home in the Alfond Swimming Pool by winning the 200-yard Individual Medley on her debut. She continued with a streak of wins and convincing performances, culminating in the Panther Invitational at Florida Tech.

Within that same weekend, Olivieri broke the school record in the 200-yard butterfly and 500yard freestyle (currently held by fellow freshman Sydney Willis).

As of the publication of this article, Olivieri holds the top three

fastest times in the nation in the 200-yard butterfly.

Olivieri emphasized the importance of staying positive: “Swimming is not supposed to be a burden, but something you have fun with,” she said. “Of course it’s tiring and no one likes to wake up early every day or stay in on a Friday night when your friends are going out, but there’s a lot of positivity in it.”

As a child, Olivieri was recommended swimming to help her deal with asthma and bronchitis.

“Back then, it was much more about being with my friends. The team vibe was what kept me going, because I wasn’t really good initially,” she recounted.

Olivieri revealed that she started competitive swimming in 2009: “In my family, everyone had to do some kind of sport, particularly when we were younger. I liked it a lot, but the

training schedule was always rough.” In a similar fashion, her older brothers had taken up soccer and martial arts.

Eventually, with all its advantages and scholarships, swimming for the Tars provided a path to the future for Olivieri.

Even though it sometimes felt beyond reach, Olivieri trusted herself.

“Coming to Rollins is the fulfillment of a dream, something which I worked very hard for. Sometimes in class I have these moments when I’m just like, ‘Wow, I’m really here. It actually worked,’” she said.

As a tournament that boasts the highest GPA in the country, the Sunshine State Conference considers academic success a prerequisite for triumph in the pool.

The coaching staff was certainly appreciative of Olivieri’s academic excellence, but ‣ See SWIMMING Page 8

Kira Bernhard

Beatriz Olivieri (top right) broke three school records in last weekend’s meet.

2 Established in 1894 with the following editorial:

The Sandspur • February 7, 2019

‘Map the inequality’: Speaker explains water inequality across US Non-profit founder spoke with students about clean water crisis Americans silently face

By Alec Stanley

EXECUTIVE STAFF Ellie Rushing Editor-in-Chief Christina Fuleihan Managing Editor

CONTENT STAFF Alex Candage Head Copy Editor Siobhan Nolet David Smith Hannah Butcher Copy Editors Maura Leaden Assigning Editor Alyssa Malto Headlines Kira Bernhard Photo Editor

DESIGN DEPARTMENT Lya Dominguez Head Designer Dana Wagenhauser Pat Murray Hannah Jahosky Designer Anastasia Rooke Designer / Illustrator

G

astanley@rollins.edu

eorge McGraw, founder and executive director of DIGDEEP, spoke at Rollins last week to inspire and encourage students and faculty. DIGDEEP is a human rights non-profit that works to ensure every American has access to clean running water.

McGraw explained that he and his team at DIGDEEP take two approaches to eliminating water-poverty from America.

First, in areas without clean water, DIGDEEP empowers the local people with community-led water access projects, an example being its ongoing Navajo Water Project. The local community is at the forefront of all its endeavors.

Second, in places like Winter

Park where clean water is readily available, McGraw runs education and advocacy programs to change the way American citizens think about water.

During his presentation, McGraw said, “We need a fundamental code switch.” He asserted that clean water must be viewed as a human right rather than a luxury.

McGraw emphasized that DIGDEEP is more than just a water charity. It is a human rights organization because its message is that a lack of running water is an injustice.

In providing clean water to the 40 percent of Navajo Native Americans who still live without it, McGraw suggested that we “map the inequality.” McGraw noted how different the modern American experience of water and the indigenous American experience of water is.

McGraw also pointed out the opportunity cost of having to transport one’s own water, the potential illnesses from contaminated water, and the consequences of water poverty feeding into the greater cycle of inequality. McGraw recognized the racial elements at play in this inequality.

For those with ample access to water, McGraw revealed steps to change our relationship to water so that we do not take it for granted.

“I suggest finding a gallon jug­—just a regular jug—and using that as all your water for the day,” he said. He then added that, while most people can skip a shower, not many can overcome the need to do laundry.

When it comes to convincing someone to care about water as a right, McGraw explained that the best way is to “set up a mir-

ror” and allow them to encounter “someone they can identify with.” However, DIGDEEP’s outreach is dedicated to a positive message, looking to inspire rather than frighten. The organization avoids what McGraw termed “poverty pornography.”

McGraw hoped that water awareness will eventually run even deeper when an appreciation for the resource is instilled in youth.

With all the work that DIGDEEP does, providing clean water to the 1.6 million Americans affected by water poverty is still a gargantuan task.

“We’re the only non-profit in America that does this, and we are small,” McGraw said when asked about the ability of the non-profit sector to provide water to all. “But it goes back to looking at water as a human right.”

WEB STAFF Kalli Joslin Neny Lairet Katie McCree

Digital Content Editors

BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden

Director of Student Media

Dr. Leslie Poole Faculty Advisor Luis Diego Student Media Graduate Assistant

ADVERTISING

Contact: studentmedia@rollins.edu

Courtesy of George McGraw

George McGraw, founder of DIGDEEP, works to empower young people to address drinking water inequalities across the U.S.

3

The Sandspur • February 7, 2019

Hillel and Psychology dept. walk in support of suicide prevention Students and faculty participated in the Out of the Darkness walk, raised $300 for suicide awareness

Courtesy of Maddie Holland

By Caroline Klouse

L

cklouse@rollins.edu

ast weekend, members of the Rollins community participated in Orlando’s 12th annual Out of the Darkness community walk in aid of suicide prevention. The Department of Psychology and Hillel, the Jewish student organization, both created teams to join the walk.

The Rollins chapter of the National Honors Society in Psychology, Psi Chi, represented the department’s team.

Maddie Holland (‘20), the president of Psi Chi, said that the walk was “so inspiring. We raised so much today and it’s just such an intense, powerful event... For everyone to enjoy this experience and walk around the lake was very eye-opening.”

Psi Chi set up a table during the event and generated $300 in funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This year alone, a total of 211 teams and 1,971 participants raised $141,241 for AFSP. The goals of AFSP are to increase awareness of the issues surrounding suicide and to raise funds for the advocacy of new research on suicide loss and prevention. The organization aims to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.

The department has been participating in the Orlando event since its inception 12 years ago. This year they were led by the department’s administrative assistant, Vicki Long, who lost

her father to suicide. Long was also the chair for the Orlando Walk, which occurred in Baldwin Park.

Holland explained that this experience is particularly impactful for the Rollins community: “Since Rollins has had so many instances of suicide over the last two years, it is especially important that we, alongside Vicki Long, spearhead this effort and advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention.”

After a member of Hillel died by suicide this past summer, Emily Block, the associate director of Jewish Student Life, explained that Hillel’s efforts to organize a team to walk is just one step in its goal to becoming more aware of mental health.

The event was complete with booths stationed all around Baldwin Park, and in the center a stage showcased the opening ceremony, as well as the performance of Dance Out Bullying, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of and preventing bullying.

Psi Chi’s table, which was called Paws For Prevention, shared information on websites for suicide prevention and the suicide hotline. It also sold handkerchiefs for dogs that read Paws For Prevention, dog toys, pet food, and bowls. A raffle was held at the end of the day, and the winner received the entire display on the table.

Besides its participation in Out of Darkness, Chi Psi promotes mental health awareness on campus by collaborating with

the Wellness Center during its annual Wellness Fair. Its group, Elephant in the Room, spreads discussion about suicide awareness while promoting the idea that people have a lot more in common than they think.

Courtesy of Maddie Holland

Dr. Rachelle Yankelevitz (left) gathers with walk participants.

4

‣

Menstrual Continued from page 1 der-normative conflation of menstruation with women.”

SGA emphasized that if there is a demand to expand the initiative into men’s bathrooms, then it will happen.

“In terms of starting out, we don’t want to do it on a large scale,” Taicher said. “Right now, we’re not in a position to make that decision. We are targeting gender-neutral bathrooms, and depending on the trial, we will adjust our plan. Opening it up to student’s voices is what we want to do. We’re always welcome to hearing student ideas.”

Once the initiative officially gets underway, SGA will put out a suggestion box for students so that, if they so desire, they can request for more products in all bathrooms.

Chaudhry thought that, once the trial turns into a fullscale initiative, it will elevate Rollins as a distinct, inclusive, and safe campus.

“In terms of looking at higher educational institutions, I would love for Rollins to be the first to spearhead it. These are necessities, not luxuries. It would put us

The Sandspur • February 7, 2019

on the map,” Chaudhry said.

While the trial runs, SGA representatives and Lucy Cross Center volunteers will check the supply once a week.

In order to avoid abuse, overuse, or neglect of the sanitary products, SGA plans to post signs in the bathrooms that ask students to be respectful; however, Helmick does not think SGA has to worry about students taking these products for granted: “Usually, when programs offering free menstrual products in bathrooms are introduced, critics respond with questions about cost or misuse,” Helmick said. “However, you’ll never find these same sorts of questions directed towards the funding of toilet paper or paper towels in bathrooms.”

The College is also keeping gender inclusivity in mind when planning the new residence hall’s bathroom layout. Each dorm will have a personal bathroom layout rather than a community one.

“We’re definitely making an effort, although there’s always room for improvement,” Chaudhry said. “Hopefully we can establish these processes that will last well beyond [when] we’re gone.”

A place for every date: 5 nearby Valentine’s date ideas

Graphic by Anastasia Rooke

By Jeanne Amend

jamend@rollins.edu

OPINION

V

alentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and the pressure is on to plan the perfect date for you and your significant other—or for you and your emotionally unavailable homies.

As college students with limited budgets, we sometimes have to get creative in showing a person how much we care about them without breaking the bank.

Here are a few different date ideas that will keep you thrifty and thriving on or before Feb. 14.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Orlando Gay Chorus performs “Love Is...Duets” The Orlando Gay Chorus, the largest mixed gay choir in the country, will perform its annual cabaret show on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. This year’s theme is “Love is... Duets” and will feature various styles of songs about all types of love. In the past, the performance has included songs about food, dance, and percussion. Tickets are $20 and sold in advance.

Location: 1905 Kentucky Ave. Details: OrlandoGayChorus.org

Thornton Park Wine & Art Walk

Valentine’s Jazz Concert at Leu Gardens

On Feb. 14 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Thornton Park District will transform into an interactive local art event featuring great drinks. There will be art, live music, stilt walkers, tarot card readers, and other entertainment. A two-for-one ticket presale deal makes the date only $17 once all fees are added. If you wait, though, tickets will increase to $15 per person.

This date definitely leans more toward romance. From 7 to 10 p.m., you will be treated to beautiful, live music by Ricky and the Buzzcats, and you can bring your own picnic—alcohol is allowed! Make sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, since it is outdoors. Advance tickets sell for $15, and on the day of, tickets will sell for $20.

Location: 712 E. Washington St. Details: ThorntonParkDistrict. org

Location: 1920 N. Forest Ave. Details: LeuGardens.org

Á La Cart Orlando Á La Cart is a trendy new spot in town, and it is only about 10 to 15 minutes from campus. It features five tasty food trucks, plus an inside bar with a rotating selection of beers, wines, ciders, and coffee.

On Valentine’s Day, the venue is doing a “Sours and Stouts” night with craft beers. You can choose your treats and then take a seat in the adorable outdoor seating area. There is also a selection of lawn games to play.

Location: 609 Irvington Ave. Details: Alacartorlando.com

Chocolate and Beer Pairing Orlando Brewing is offering a beer and chocolate pairing on Valentine’s Day. It is self-guided and includes four five-oz. beers paired with four locally-made chocolates from CayCakes Bakery. The event is $18 per person and lasts all day from 3 to 10 p.m.

Make sure to get your tickets in advance.

Location: 1301 Atlanta Ave. Details: OrlandoBrewing.com

5

The Sandspur • February 7, 2019

Love is dead, Tinder killed her

Tinder’s hook-up culture makes building genuine relationships nearly impossible

By Victoria Alvarez

valvarez@rollins.edu

OPINION

U

npopular opinion: I hate hooking up. I need emotional connection or else I do not really, truly enjoy the situation. I would rather be taken on a date than have a one-nightstand. I would rather have a real conversation than a gross drunken make out.

That being said, because of how our generation works, I end up hooking up because everyone hooks up. It is hypocritical, but it seems like my only option.

I hate dating in our generation. Everyone wants the benefits of a relationship without the exclusivity. And if they do want the exclusivity, they do not want the title.

I hate our generation’s mindset, and I blame Tinder.

Swiping seems like the only way to meet people outside of the “Rollins bubble,” and meeting up with them is always sketchy.

Catfishing, or misrepresenting oneself online, is real, and there is no nice way out of that.

On the other hand, matching with people in your classes is kind of awkward, especially at such a small school. It is a bit of a struggle.

I have had a variety of experiences on Tinder. I matched with a guy from Rollins during my freshman year, and we ended up being really good friends throughout college. I went on a date with a guy from the University of Central Florida who was super cute and cool; we talked for a while, but he was not over his ex.

I have also had bad experiences. I went on a date with a guy who had graduated from University of Florida, but he was catfishing me, and I got my friend to fake an emergency call to get me out of it. I have had creepy guys who would not

stop messaging me. I have had stalkers. I have had guys who have made me wonder how their mother raised them. I have had everything in between. Tinder is a world of endless possibilities— each one more cringey than the next.

Everyone seems to want sex and only sex. And if they are vague, trying to find out what the other person’s intentions are should be considered an extreme sport.

Tinder endorses hook-up culture, and for people like me, it makes life harder.

It seems like there is a consistent motif: everyone is damaged from their past relationships and is just looking for something casual while they are in college.

They eventually get lonely, lead on a few people, and call them crazy if one of them gets attached.

No matter their gender, everyone does it. We are all at fault. Even I am at fault; everyone seems to fall victim to this mindset. At this point, real relationships seem so foreign.

The rise of Tinder has only further damaged the way our generation sees love and relationships. It is hard to get a date on Valentine’s Day because it seems so serious—but why is it so difficult to just enjoy someone’s company? Why does it have to be so convoluted?

Can we just sit down and enjoy a meal without the fear of it turning into something serious?

Maybe I am just old fashioned, but a nice dinner and a genuine conversation for Valentine’s Day seems like the move.

The sad part is, I know that Valentine’s Day will just be another night of going out, with everyone making the same mistakes with the same people they will hide from while walking to class the next day. It sucks, but it is the nature of our generation.

Hopefully, this year, people will go against our Generation Z narrative and try something new (and better).

Swiping seems like the only way to meet people outside of the “Rollins bubble”

Graphic by Gracie Street and Anastasia Rooke

6

Students and children cultivate Spanish literacy

Class partners with Child Development Center to teach youth spanish

The Sandspur • February 7, 2019

The Sandspur Is hiring for 2019-20

Apply today!

By Caroline Klouse

dents in the past who have come to read in different languages, and German students have even earning at Rollins is for come to do plays with us,” said all ages. Dr. Patricia Doyle.

Tomé, Hispanic Studies Last week, Doyle gave a predirector and associate sentation to the Spanish class on professor of Spanish, is adding the importance of child literacy to this narrative through a course and its variations between sothat facilitates early Spanish cioeconomic statuses. She also learning in local children. spoke on the basic importance Tomé’s students in “SPN of reading to children. This in301: Advanced Spanish, Litera- cludes exposing students to ture, and Film” will engage with Spanish words so that they have the children at the Hume House a better grasp of the language in Child Development & Student later life.

Research J o s h C e n t e r Willard (CDC), a (‘19), who laboratory took a and early previous childhood model of program the class on campus, with Tomé to read last semesand develter and is op simple enrolled c o n ve r s a in this setional skills mester’s among the rendition, students. reflected Tomé on his exfirst began periences. this project At the end by instructof last seing her mester’s students course, he to read to found that Dr. Patricia Tomé the children he had exin Spanish for 30 to 45 minutes. panded his Spanish vocabulary This year, the project will raise alongside the children. Tomé’s the bar and become more struc- class is one of many Community tured. “We are now assigning a Engagement (CE) courses. These particular child with the student, are service-based learning classes where they can practice speak- where, in addition to class time, ing skills in Spanish,” said Di- students engage in 15-30 hours ane Doyle, director of the Hume of community-centered work House. and reflect on what the service Assigning partners that will experience has taught them.“You last the entire semester gives stu- are trying to maximize the vodents the opportunity to build a cabulary in any language and mentor-style relationship with form a relationship with them. the child, in hopes they learn This enhances the Rollins combasic Spanish vocabulary more munity in general because most easily. of the children at the CDC are This is not the only course professor’s children, so it is givwhere students expose the chil- ing back to the youngest Tars on dren at the CDC to different campus,” said Willard. languages. “We have had stu-

L

cklouse@rollins.edu

Freelance writers Staff writers Copy editors Section editors Page designers Photographers Ad representatives Illustrators

Open meetings: 5 p.m. every Monday Olin Library Room 230

Email sandspur@rollins.edu for applications for year-long, paid positions, or apply on our website for freelance positions.

7

The Sandspur • February 7, 2019

New play explores theatrical classic in #MeToo era “John Proctor is the Villain” takes a modern approach on “The Crucible” and Salem Witch trials

By Annie Murray-Campbell

amurraycampbell@rollins.edu

T

OPINION

he Annie Russell Theatre’s upcoming play, “John Proctor is the Villain,” explores the nuances of young women living amidst the #MeToo movement.

According to the Annie Russell’s roster of upcoming shows, the play takes place in a small town in Appalachian Georgia where a high school English class dives into Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” a dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials. John Proctor is “The Crucible’s” tragic hero, paired against Abigail Williams, an accuser during the Salem Witch trials.

As women in Hollywood are empowered to speak up, so are the students exploring this play.

“John Proctor is the Villain” follows a group of students finding their voice and making the Salem witches of 1692 into the heroines of the twenty-first century.

The play is fresh out of New York’s The Farm Theatre, a Brooklyn-based company that

collaborates with college theaters like the Annie Russell.

Playwright Kimberly Belflower gave insight into the inspiration and message of her original play in a recent on-campus interview. She said that her initial play for The Farm Theatre commission addressed a completely different topic. It was not until she went to see her family in Appalachian Georgia, the same setting as the play, after the rise of the #MeToo movement that she made the switch.

As the cultural conversation of the movement permeated every corner of the country, Belflower was inspired to change the topic of her play to something as modern and culturally-conscious as this.

Belflower explained that by questioning established systems or beliefs, those systems can be improved. One such issue emphasized in her play is the flawed public school system.

Both public schools and 1692 Salem had systems that set up young people, especially young women, to fail.

Belflower also specifically criticized sex education, and how

it differs from the way sexuality was treated in the time of John Proctor and Abigail Williams.

Belflower revealed her excitement to see her work brought to life by such talented casts. As per the commission, “John Proctor is the Villain” is being performed by three different schools across the country. As Belflower recognized what each cast would bring to her work, she became increasingly excited to see her words landing on open ears.

The topical relevance of “John Proctor is the Villain” is not meant to shock, but instead to invite audiences to engage in the conversation. Belflower said that she wants audiences to “get angry and get hopeful.”

The play is directed by Department of Theatre Chair Dr. David Charles and stars Allison Stewart (‘22), Fiona Campbell (‘19), Alison Furlong (‘21), Josh Scott (‘20), Faith Artis (‘21), and many more.

“John Proctor is the Villain” is also stage managed by Meredith Egan (‘19) and slated to open Friday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.

More dates and times are listed to the right.

Courtesy of Chelsea Hilend

Nicole Ponce, Fristen Edwards, ad Allison Furlong star in “John Proctor is the Villain.” The play is set to open on Friday, Feb.15 at 8 p.m.

Performance times: ‣ Friday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ‣ Saturday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. ‣ Sunday, Feb. 17 at 4 p.m. ‣ Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ‣ Thursday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. ‣ Friday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. ‣ Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. ‣ Saturday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.

8

The Sandspur • February 7, 2019

‣

SWIMMING Continued from page 1 Olivieri’s enthusiasm and selflessness are the qualities that particularly stood out to Assistant Coach Julianne Kurke.

“She’s always open to swim whatever event we need her in.

That’s a big part of college swimming,” Kurke said. “Not necessarily swimming what you’ve been trained to swim, but to be a flexible athlete, to be willing to step up in a couple of different areas and fill up some gaps we have.”

Nonetheless, college swimming brought its fair share of personal challenges for Olivieri.

“Here we have dual meets, and our main focus is the result as a team,” she explained. “Of course, personal improvement is important, but I feel like each of us wants to do well so that the team does well. Especially in dual meets against other schools, it’s not really about your time, but how well you can push through and bring the results home.”

Team chemistry was an important criterion for Olivieri

when she was deciding between her college offers. She admitted that she thrives in the presence of others.

“From what I can tell, she’s a very social person, but that’s because she makes time for that sort of thing,” Kurke observed.

“We’re pretty optimistic she will be invited to the NCAA championships” “Bia keeps the connections with her friends back home, as well as making new friendships here on the team. She’s done a wonderful job fitting in, she’s very

supportive of her teammates and her teammates are very supportive of her.”

With two weeks left until the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, the team enters taper, which means the intensity of training drops so the swimmers are fully rested for competitions. However, coaches have their eyes set on the next stage already.

“We’re pretty optimistic she will be invited to the NCAA championships, so with that information, we want her to taper and peak specifically in midMarch,” Kurke explained.

This means Olivieri will be training more than everyone else ahead of conference. However, just the idea of competing at a national level provides her with all the motivation she needs.

When asked about her longterm objectives, her answer was reflective. “I want to leave feeling like I did a good thing for the team. I feel like we, the current swimmers, are responsible for putting the swimming team in a better place,” she said.

What’s New! • • • • •

VEGAN Beyond Burger VEGAN Farmer’s Burrito VEGAN Queso Dip VEGAN Mediterranean Bowl VEGAN Home-made Three Bean Chili • VEGAN Lo Mein

Kira Bernhard

Olivieri really enjoys being there to support her team.

What’s Popular?

• • • •

VEGAN Beyond Burger Make Your Own Milkshakes Chopped Cobb Salad Steak Frites

Visit between February 7 - February 14 and receive 10% off your order!

MENTION THAT YOU SAW OUR AD IN THE SANDSPUR FOR DISCOUNT!