The SignalThe official student voice of Florida State University Panama City

“Changing Lives By Degrees” Volume 4, Issue 5 February 2010

Spotlights Goal attainmentGary VirginEditor In Chief

Gary Virgin shares thoughts about goal attainment strategy.

Keshia Guerrero reflects on beauty and the beach.

Paul Bonnette accompanies Governor Crist during Panama City visit.

Jenna Whatley describes a special Valentine effort.

Jessica Weeks educates women about heart risk.

Paul Bonnette informs students about scheduled practice testing & the lost art of watch repair.

By the time students have reached FSU-PC, we understand the importance of setting attainable goals. I use the word “attainable” because it is easy to set goals that are too high. The push to achieve is

an ordinary exercise especially for the student who is trying to make up time, such as the nontraditional student who has interrupted their education for family, work, or other interests. When setting goals, it is important to be realistic. Often, when we look at a syllabus for the first time, we calculate the assignments and how

we will work them out ahead of schedule so we are not “stressed.” The tendency is to get ahead of the curve – and we want immediate results. It seldom pans out that way, because “life happens.” This natural urge for quick solution needs to be recognized. A goal attainment strategy should include incremental steps that are realistically within reach but with

just a nudge of pressure. A little pressure to attain excellence is healthy. Goal attainment strategy is especially important for select students who take the bull by the horns and sign up for five courses (or more).

See GOAL ATTAINMENT on pp.10

Scholarship receipients from all walks of life receive awards during a banquet at the FSU main campus. (Contributed photo by Gary Virgin)

Bryan Kichura shares the thoughts of a transfer student.

Holly Cross explains a successful internship attitude.

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The Signal StaffGary VirginEditor-In-Chief

The Signal, Volume 3, Number 10, is a for-student publication of the Florida State University Panama City and is published monthly. Your response to articles, ideas for future stories, and most of all your contributions are encouraged. Letters to the editor, comments, and announcements can be sent to The Society of Journalism; 4750 Collegiate Drive; Panama City, FL 32405-1009 or can be emailed to gv08c@fsu.edu The Signal reserves the right to refuse any materials based on space availability and appropriateness. Inclusion of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services. Opinions expressed in The Signal are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of its editors or polices of FSU Panama City.

Paul BonnetteAssociate Editor

Jessica WeeksManaging Editor

Jiwuan HaleySenior Staff Writer

Jenna WhatleySenior Staff Writer

Keshia GuerreroSenior Staff Writer

Lisa NixonSenior Staff Writer

Leo DurhamContributing

Writer

When you think of Panama City, the first thing that may come to mind is the warm weather, white sand beaches and maybe even spring speak, but Panama City has so much more to offer especially in the winter time. Let’s start with the beach; most people would agree that we indeed have the most beautiful beaches anywhere. However,

unless you live here year round it’s hard to appreciate the beach in the winter. Since it does get cold, I would not suggest a swim in the winter months (unless you are a member of the polar bear club). But on a brisk North Florida winter day, a walk on the white sand, uninterrupted by tourist or spring breakers, is a beautiful experience. Quiet and peaceful reflection can be enjoyed during the winter months on the world’s

most beautiful beaches. If quiet reflection is not your cup of tea, no problem; activities abound when the weather is cold. Night clubs such as Spinnaker and La Vela are open; Friday night is ladies night at both clubs and each club offers a calendar of activities and performances. If you are looking for more family friendly entertainment, the season of Mardi Gras is upon us during the month of February. Panama City Beach has a two day Mardi Gras Festival on February 5th & 6th with parade and

entertainment at Pier Park. Live bands, street dancing, classic cars and good food, can be had by all. But if you cannot make it to that weekend’s entertainment, don’t worry, St Andrews will host its 13th Annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade on Feb. 10th -13th in historical St Andrews, another family oriented event with food, fun & music.

See BEACHES on pp. 10

Winter in Panama CityKeshia Guerrero

Senior Staff Writer

Panama City Beach, a beautiful, world-class beach, offers a quiet reflection in the cold of winter. (Contributed photo by Keshia Guerrero)

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In an unexpected move, Governor Charlie Crist made a surprise visit to Panama City. Two places of interest on the Governor’s agenda were Berg Steel Pipe and Sallie Mae. David Delie, President and CEO of Burg Steel got an early morning call

from State Representative Jimmy Patronis asking if Berg Steel Pipe would be interested in hosting a tour for the Governor. This surprise tour not only thrilled Dave Delie but the employees as well. “It was great to show off the company and the employees here in Northwest Florida…most of our employees were excited that Governor Crist picked Berg Steel Pipe.” Berg Steel Pipe, which is located across from Gulf Coast

Community College, is home to about 320 employees; an important number of jobs in this economy. The Governor chose Berg Steel Pipe and Sallie Mae as part of his economic tour to promote tax cuts for businesses. The Governor unveiled his 100 million dollar tax relief plan to help Florida businesses. The overall goal of these cuts are to “retain and recruit new businesses,” according to Governor Crist. The Governor was

also impressed with Berg Steel Pipe and it’s employees saying, “ I want to thank Dave and the team here, and this is such an impressive thing to see, you almost feel like you are in Pittsburg when touring a steel pipe place like this, but it’s right here in beautiful Florida.” When asked why Governor Crist chose this day to come to the panhandle he replied, “This day is important because Friday

we have to roll out the entire budget recommendation… today we are talking about cutting taxes for businesses.” Tax cuts for businesses were exactly what Dave Delie wanted to hear. “It was refreshing to hear about tax cuts in this economy, every break we get helps make us more competitive.” Along with Governor Crist, Representative Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) also toured the plant where he stressed the importance of

“commitment and to help guys like Dave grow their business.” After touring the Berg Steel Pipe plant, the Governor moved on to speak to several hundred employees at Sallie Mae where he emphasized the importance of recruiting new businesses to Florida, as well as protecting existing jobs in businesses such as Sallie Mae.

Governor Crist visits Panama CityPaul BonnetteAssociate Editor

Berg Steel Pipe President and CEO, Dave Delie, explains the various aspects of the plant to Governor Crist. (Contributed photo by Paul Bonnette)

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Emerald Coast Hospice has over 100 patients and the it is the goal of the Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Peeples, LMHC, that each patient receive a Basket of Love for Valentine’s Day. Peeples stated that “Valentine’s Day is a lost holiday for people who are

alone, we try to make Valentines Day special for them to show them that they are special and that they matter”. Emerald Coast Hospice has been involved with Baskets of Love for four years, starting at the Pensacola branch, and worked its way to the Panama City branch two years ago. They partnered with Peoples Bank until their closure and Hancock Bank has stepped up to continue the partnership. The Baskets of Love will be gathered from January 19-

February 10, 2010 and can be dropped off at any Hancock Bank or at Emerald Coast Hospice, located at 2925 Martin Luther King Blvd. The baskets are going to be given to both men and women. Baskets can be donated by individuals or groups can come together to make a basket; individual items, empty baskets, and monetary donations are also accepted. Some examples

of items to be included in the baskets are chapstick, books, note cards, pens, snack crackers, playing cards, soaps or lotions, stuffed animals, crossword or Sudoku puzzle books, any Valentine related item, and hand written cards. Some organizations that have already committed to providing baskets are the Junior Service League, Women of the Moose, Widowed Persons Service, First Baptist Church of Panama City, St. Andrews

United Methodist, and the staff at Hancock Bank. The Society of Student Social Workers has also come together as a group to make some Baskets of Love. They are collecting items until February 10, 2010 and then will be putting the baskets together to deliver to Emerald Coast Hospice. If you would like to donate items to the Student Social Workers group at the Panama City campus,

please contact the club President, Meredith Finch at mmf09@fsu.edu or the club Faculty Advisor, Claire Calohan at ccalohan@pc.fsu.edu or 850-770-2240. For more information about the Baskets of Love program or if you are interested in becoming an Emerald Coast Hospice volunteer, please contact the Emerald Coast Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Peeples, at 850-769-0055.

Students and community showing some loveJenna WhatleySenior Staff Writer

Baskets of Love will be given to men and women under Emerald Coast Hospice’s care. (Contributed photo by Jenna Whatley)

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The heart is a peculiar organ; without it, we have no chance of survival, yet many Americans do not take care of it effectively. According to the National Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of Americans. Did

you know that heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer in women in America? In Florida alone 33.4% of female deaths are due to heart disease with the largest death rates in the panhandle. According to the American Heart Association web site, that means that on an average day in Florida 76 females die from heart disease and stroke. Due to this staggering information, in 1963, the month of February was declared “American Heart Month” in hope of bringing awareness to

cardiovascular diseases. We take our bodies for granted every day, especially college students, as we each the BigMac, large fry, and coke every day without realizing what it’s slowly doing to our bodies. Through a few simple lifestyle changes we can decrease our risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. Three simple ways to prevent heart disease are avoid tobacco, be more

active, and choose good nutrition. We are all aware that tobacco is not good for us, and of course it’s understandable that it could cause heart-related problems. Being more active doesn’t mean going to the gym every day. Instead of taking the elevator, choose the stairs. Start a dance class or walking with friends are also great ways to become physically active. Choosing good nutrition can be difficult, especially since many of us eat fast food on a regular basis. Instead of going to that supersize of fries, choose a baked potato or salad. Just use

common sense and prevention can become easier. Knowing your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, glucose and body weight can help decrease your chance of heart disease. The average healthy woman should have a total cholesterol of less than 200mg/dL and LDL (bad) cholesterol should be kept as low as possible. Other important levels can be found at http://www.

goredforwomen.org/know_your_numbers.aspx. Monitoring them can allow you to see if your body is sending you a S.O.S. message. These are only a few tips on the American Cancer Society’s Go Red for Women web site and these barley scratch the surface. Decreasing your risk of heart disease and stroke is easy--it’s just of matter of choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. Be sure to exercise, eat healthier and monitor your body so you can be one less woman affected by cardiovascular diseases.

Going Red for Women to help prevent cardiovascular disease

Jessica WeeksManaging Editor

Alicia Hatcher, Rachel Thompson, and Kayla Albritton are entering the FSU PC gym for a quick workout before class. (Contributed photo by Jessica Weeks)

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On Saturday February 20th, the Holley Building at FSU PC will host a series of important

tests. The GRE, GMAT, MCAT and LSAT are required tests for students wishing to enroll in Graduate or Law School. The tests given on this day are practice exams; students learn whether they would pass or fail the exams, plus, they can identify

areas of strengths or weakness. Practice testing helps the student prepare for the real thing, a beneficial exercise when you consider these tests are required before admittance into the Graduate program. The cost of official exams range upward

of $140 and is not refundable – even if the student does not pass. The Communication Club only asks for a ten dollar donation, a bargain opportunity. The tests will be given between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The LSAT will last from 10:00 a.m. to

2:00 p.m.; the GMAT and MCAT will last from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The GRE will be given at 11:00 a.m. and will end at 12:45 p.m. All tests will be given in the Holley Building. To register for the GRE, MCAT, GMAT or LSAT visit

www.kaptest.com or contact Lisa Nixon at Lisa.a.nixon@hotmail.com.

Communication Club hosts practice GRE, GMAT, MCAT and LSAT testing

Paul BonnetteAssociate Editor

Lisa Nixon, Keisha Guerrero, Shannon Cromer, and Niki Runion of the Communication Club host the GRE,GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT practice testing at FSU PC. (Contributed photo by Keshia Guerrero)

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There is an art form that has been passed down for hundreds of years. This mysterious art involves steady hands, a clear vision, patience and precision. It is the art of Watch Repair. Horology or the art of watch making and repair is a trade that has existed for centuries. The idea of a watch began in the 15th century

by French, German and Italian clockmakers who had plenty of experience crafting timepieces. As many people owned clocks, it soon became necessary for a smaller timepiece because of a rapidly evolving world. These “clock-watches” as they were first called were an instant success. Though the appearance would change into smaller “pocket watches” the idea continued to be the trend throughout the world. Aside from telling time, pocket watches were

a symbol for fashion and success. The more expensive, the more it symbolized success. As the 20th Century dawned, pocket watches became so common among the middle and upper class a new style of timepiece was created – the bracelet wrist watch. At first, these new timepieces were only made for ladies. However by World War 1, convenience created the need for men’s wristwatches. In 1929, during the stock market crash, wrist watches became an overnight sensation due to its inexpensive price.

As more people began wearing watches, a new market was born – watch repair. For many years watch repair was a popular trade. Today, computer technology has become far more popular, making watch repair a unique skill. Horology is mostly handed down through apprenticeships, so the skill of watch repair is a rare profession. With fewer places that cater to watch repair, the craft remains a thriving business, especially during times of economic crisis. As

unemployment continues to rise and housing prices continue to fall more Americans are realizing the value of fixing things instead of purchasing new ones. One example is by repairing their old watches. Today, more Americans install new batteries instead of buying new watches. Watch repair continues to be a valuable skill. Watch repair is basically two categories: “minor” and “major”. Most repairs are minor, such as installing new batteries, adjusting & repairing the band, replacing the stem or the crystal, etc. Major

repair includes installing new movement (inside workings), or overhauling (cleaning and repairing the movement). Some watches use a charging system (self winding charges by motion); others have solar capabilities and are recharged by the sun. Watch repair is fascinating and demanding. Many in the trade would agree that watch repair is a skill acquired over a long number of years and never fully mastered because of the way technology is used to measure time.

Watch repair: a dying artPaul BonnetteAssociate Editor

Watch repair is a craft mastered by only a few. (Contributed photo by Paul Bonnette)

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I started college at Mosley High School as a dual enrolled student. It was easy to continue at GCCC because my friends were all going to college, and it was so close. Even though I was not sure what I wanted to major in, all my credits transferred, so it was pretty easy.

I leaned toward nursing. My original goal was to gain prerequisites to transfer to FSU PC’s undergraduate nursing program. That later changed to Social Science, because I wanted to learn more about the world. There were so many things I wanted to learn, I guess you could say I was undecided. I needed a sense of direction, and I found that at FSU PC. After meeting with the student counselors, I learned quickly that FSU PC staff and faculty were there for my needs. When I was

worried about my future, they were there to help guide me to the right path. Many students set their sights on FSU PC before they ever earn their AA degree. It is part of the process we go through to set personal goals and challenges. As a transferring student, visiting the campus certainly helped me build a trusting relationship with our distinguished faculty and staff, who in turn gave me a better sense of

direction. FSU PC made my transfer smooth. I will never forget Missy Conner in the office of Student Affairs. She was so patient; she took the time to help me find my future. Today, I am happy to say that I have a Bachelor of Science in Social Science and I am now a grad student working on my Master degree. For new students, it is important that you build trusting relationships with your professors, but beyond that, build relationships

with your student colleagues. We are fortunate that at FSU PC, the professors give you the extra time to help you succeed. Remember your classmates are peers with whom you will be working, hopefully, for many years in your professional career. This semester I am pleased to be part of the Student Government Council (SGC). I did not know much about this student body at first, but I have come to

realize the SGC genuinely cares about the student body. I share their view that we want the student voice to be heard. I have many plans, but I need your help. How can you help? You can help by putting letters of suggestion in the SGC drop boxes that we have on the 1st and 3rd floor of the Barron building. You are also invited to our SGC meetings, held twice a month on Tuesdays at 7:45pm, room 305 in the Barron building. See TRANSFER on pp. 10

Thoughts of a transfer studentBryan KichuraContributing Writer

Taking a tour of the campus while visitng FSU PC allows students to help FSU PC feel like home. (Contributed photo by Jessica Weeks)

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Most degrees at FSU-PC require an internship during your senior year. Does that mean you will be fetching coffee and donuts for a random office staff all semester long? Your internship is actually whatever you make out of it. Start by picking up the paperwork from your advisor early. Give yourself a month or two before the semester begins to locate an internship position and get the necessary paperwork filed with your internship employer and your advisor. Finding a suitable place to intern can be easy. Choose the field you want to work in or learn about and then start asking questions. You can either contact the company or organization yourself, or ask around campus because a fellow

student may work there or know someone who does. Most companies in Bay County appreciate and welcome interns every semester. Some companies, such as the local television stations, have interns every semester from a few different area schools. Find something you’re interested in, whether it is marketing, news, non-profit organizations, or social work, and find a corresponding business or organization in town. When you do get the internship you want, keep a positive attitude while in the workplace. Introduce yourself to everyone at the business or organization and ask about their specific jobs. Don’t distract them from their work, but inquire whether you can do anything to assist or if you can watch them as they complete a project. Set goals for yourself and accomplish

those goals. Learn everything you can about the business and do a bit of online research so you can make the most of your experience. Learn the slang and phrases that go along with the job and pay attention to the culture of the organization. Volunteer to help with projects at the job and seek out a mentor to work with you during your internship. Be professional while at your internship, dress appropriately, and conduct yourself as though you worked there. Network with others in the industry and be very enthusiastic about the career. Networking opens many doors and can lead to a future career in your chosen field. Above all, enjoy your internship, make yourself proud, and show the company that your degree will be more than just a piece of paper.

Holly CrossContributing Writer

Interning

Are you thinking of going to Graduate or Law School?Take the practice GRE, GMAT, and LSAT!FSU PC Communicatin Club is hosting Kaplan Practice testing

Saturday, February 20, 2010FSU PC/Holley Building

GRE–11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.GMAT–10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.MCAT–10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.LSAT–10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Register online at www.kaptest.com or email lisa.a.nixon@hotmail.com for more information

$10 Donation FREE Chick-fil-a Breakfast and

LunchFood paid for by A&S fees.

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It does not take much time to realize there is little life or creative energy left over for goofing around. To prevent school from becoming a source of stress and disappointment, we have to understand the art and discipline of time management. For certain students this is not a problem, especially when school, and making excellent grades, becomes a source of fulfillment in and of itself. These are the class of individuals accurately described as “scholars”, those who belong to the world of academia. Keys to goal attainment are time management plus the discipline to stick to schedule. A

good tool to have in the box is narrow focus. Quiet surroundings are treasured. A supportive network of family and friends are the priceless fabric that bind our goals and self-worth together. Close relationships are a form of reassurance that we have chosen the right path. Without risk of sounding too idealistic, I must acknowledge the inevitable: things happen in our day to day lives that may not allow as much progress one week as we might make in other weeks. We profit by conditioning our mind to take disappointment not as an excuse to beat ourselves to death (my masochistic tendency),

but as a learning opportunity for future improvement.

Remind yourself that when a task does not progress as perfectly as you planned it’s ok. Glitches in life are an excellent opportunity to teach us that life has its success and its failures – the better we learn to cope with both, the more successful we will become as students, as friends, as partners, and as players in the game of life.

GOAL ATTAINMENT

Entertainment with a cause happens every third Thursday of the month at the Boatyard Restaurant. The Little Black Dress event invites women to slip into their favorite little black dress, enjoy champagne and dance the night away. It’s a great night out with elegance, drinks & door prizes and a chance to give back: all proceeds go to fight breast cancer.

If the arts are more appealing to you the Marina Civic Center hosts a number of Broadway plays each year. In January, The Wedding Singer came to town, Hairspray will stop by in February, and Annie will make an appearance in March. However the Civic Center is not the only theater in town; Martin Theater hosts a number of plays every month, as well as the

community theater Kaleidoscope. So the next time you think of Panama City as just the beach and warm weather, think again. The beach is great when the weather is hot but the cold brings its own greatness to the area. From Mardi Gras festivals, to the Panama City nightlife, to artistic enlightenment or quiet reflection, Panama City has lots to offer especially in the winter.

BEACHES

Know that I am available any time. I am a student just like you, and I share your concerns. Feel free to send me an email and know that your suggestions are important – not just to me, but to all of us who serve on the SGC

council. So please come and let’s brainstorm! Please contact me at bpk06@fsu.edu or (850) 896-4190. A word of encouragement: Dance as if no one’s watching, sing as if no one’s listening, and live everyday as if it were your last

(Irish saying). We are fortunate to have that freedom as students of FSU PC.

TRANSFER

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Communication Club Meeting 7:45 p.m. Barron Building/Room 305

Bobby Bowden’s Speech 7:00 p.m. 1st Baptist Church/Grace Ave.Student Government Council Meeting 7:45 p.m. Barron Building/Room 305

Communication Club Food Social 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Barron Commons (Chick-fil-a)4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Barron Commons (Hungry Howies)

CAT Club Meeting 7:45 p.m. Barron Building/Room 305

Lincoln’s BirthdayCommunication Club Trip to Montgomery, AL Montgomery, Alabama

Valentine’s Day

President’s DayCAT Club Black History Month Exhibit (Until Feb. 18th) Holley Building

Ash WednesdaySSSW Meeting 4:15 p.m. Holley Building/Room 202Society of Journalism Meeting 7:30 p.m. Barron Building/Room 305Communication Club Interview on WJHG 6:00 a.m.

Last day to submit form requesting S/U grading or to change S/U back to a gradeLast day to reduce course load without permission of academic dean. (Dean’s permission required to drop below 12 hours)Last day to drop without receiving a gradeLast day to withdraw from school without receiving a gradeCommunication Club Practice Kaplan Test Holley Building

Washington’s BirthdayCommunication Club Meeting 7:45 p.m. Barron Building/Room 305

SGC Meeting 7:45 p.m. Barron Building/Room 305

CAT Club Meeting 7:45 p.m. Barron Building/Room 305

Financial Aid Deferments Expire

CAT Club Eden Volunteer Day 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

February Calendar--“It’s all there in black and white.”

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