beachcomber february 2014 palm beach state college volume 76 issue 3

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Can US students still compete?Sugar Daddy Dating Drag racing vs Street racing

VOLUME 76 ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 2014 PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGEPalm Beach State College, 3160 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Garden, Fl, 33410 • Newsroom:LL217 • 561-207-5505 • [email protected] 76 ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 2014 PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGEVOLUME 76 ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 2014 PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGEVOLUME 76 ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 2014 PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE

In MemoriumJoanna Heath,Staff Writer, Lake Worth

A somber crowd gathered in the rain for a candlelight vigil in MLK Plaza on Feb. 5, uniting in grief at the loss of well-respected and beloved staff member Dacota Stewart-Dick.

As mourners huddled under tents seeking refuge from the stormy weather, a rainbow broke through the clouds overhead – a fi tt ing dis-play of symbolism for a woman who made a career out of being a bright spot in the lives of students.

Stewart-Dick, who police say was killed during a domestic dispute with her husband Alrick Oral Brown on Feb. 2, was the manager of Palm Beach State’s First-Year Experience program. Th e program provides guidance to incoming freshman and eases the transition to college life. Ms. Stewart-Dick was oft en one of the fi rst people new students forged relationships with on campus. A collective state of shock persisted for the Palm Beach State College community following the news of her passing.

Th e college issued the following statement as students and faculty alike struggled to cope with the

senseless loss of one of their own: “Th e Palm Beach State College community is mourning the loss of Dacota Stewart-Dick. As the First-Year Experience program leader, she was a special friend and mentor to our incoming students, one of the fi rst to welcome them to Palm Beach State as they began their edu-cational journey. For faculty and staff , she was a trusted colleague who was always warm, positive and a joyful presence. We hold her in

our hearts and extend our deepest sympathy to her family.”

Other institutions in academia are mourning as well. Colleagues described Stewart-Dick as “fi ercely dedicated to education”. Before arriving at Palm Beach State three years ago, she was the highly-re-garded director of the Early College High School STAR program at Brooklyn College.

“Th e entire Brooklyn College community was in a state of shock

when we received the news of Dacota’s death on Monday morn-ing. I have been receiving phone calls and emails from her colleagues and friends all over the CUNY system and beyond expressing their respect for her work with our academic programs as well as ex-pressing an admiration of her deep dedication, passion and commit-ment to the students she served,” said Deborah Shanley, Dean of Brooklyn College.

Former students came together on Twitt er and Facebook, express-ing their sadness at the passing of an educator many remarked they had been close to. Patrice Jack, a former Brooklyn student, said simply, “She served us well.”

At the vigil, students both current and past held hands as the crowd participated in a rendition of “Lean On Me”, followed by John Lennon’s “Imagine”, a song that those close to her agreed was one of Stewart-Dick’s favorites.

Various Palm Beach State College staff members, who considered Dacota much more than a co-work-er, spoke in her honor amid a crowd at times tearful, at times smiling at the memory of an anecdote.

Dr. Peter Barbatis, Vice President of Student Services, returned from a trip just in time to sum up his feel-ings with a quote from the Broad-way musical Wicked that he said evoked thoughts of his colleague: “I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you.”

Benjamin Jealous advocates public service at annual Martin Luther King, Jr. CelebrationAlexandra B. DesravinesEditor , Lake Worth Campus

“We’re here celebrating Martin Luther King, who didn’t die because he wanted to fi ght the good fi ght; he died because he was willing to believe we could win the good fi ght, “said Benjamin Jealous.

Benjamin Jealous, revered former CEO of the NAACP, gave a keynote speech in veneration of Martin Luther King Jr. at the 15th Annual Celebration Breakfast on the Lake Worth campus on Jan. 15. A continental breakfast in MLK Plaza preceded the ceremony in the Duncan Th eatre, which began with a moment of silence to honor of the life Nelson Mandela.

Th e former NAACP president spoke of John Rosamond Johnson, former NAACP member and com-poser of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Johnson, Jealous explained, did not set out to write a Negro National

Anthem, but rather “was writing a song to encourage us in the struggle to make our nation one.”

Jealous advised and encouraged att endees considering a career in public service that “it is not worth

fi ghting any fi ght unless we are willing to win that fi ght.” He ad-dressed the ongoing segregation in America, and discussed the issues of the nation’s economy, poverty, incarceration, and education, re-minding the audience “we are not too old to change the world.”

“As an institution of higher education, Palm Beach State Col-lege is a signifi cant source of hope and support and transformation. Here we subscribe to a philosophy: ‘believe in order to become.’ In the words of Dr. King, it is making a dream come true. You have to believe in something, and our mes-sage to the people in the communi-ties we serve is believe in yourself. You don’t know what you can do without trying,” said Dr. Irving Berkowitz, Dean of Academic Af-fairs at the Lake Worth campus.

Other speakers of the event in-cluded Maria M. Vallejo, Provost of the Lake Worth campus; Dr. Barry

Moore, Dean of Academic Aff airs and Student Services at Belle Glade; Carolyn L. Williams, Dis-trict Board of Trustees Chairper-son; Keneisha Dale, District Board of Trustees’ Student Trustee; and President of Palm Beach State Col-lege Dr. Dennis P. Gallon. MLK Leadership Awards were presented to Nepthalie Jean, Estella Pyfrom, George G. Gentile and the PEACE organization for outstanding work and dedication in the community.

February marks Black History Month, twenty-eight days de-voted to the homage of leaders and individuals that have fought, lost and won many battles in hope of a better future, and to the remembrance of lives of men and women of color.

Jealous, who left the NAACP at the end of 2013, to spend time with his family, told Beachcomber he intends to run for offi ce in 10 years.

JOANNA HEATHCandlelight vigil held on Lake Worth Campus for Dacota Stewart-Dick.

AL CLAYTON, PHOTO EDITOR

Benjamin Jealous speaking to students on the Lake Worth Campus.

2 NOVEMBER 2013

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End Domestic ViolenceIn October, Palm Beach State College held an event to bring awareness to domestic violence. In February, it held a vigil for one of their own.

Dacota Stewart-Dick was a professor, and was in charge of the First Year Experience at our school. She lost her life on February 2, 2014; a victim of domestic violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women will expe-rience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Th e time to end domestic violence is now. Th e way we end it is twofold. First, we must educate people about this crisis. As students, we must make it a priority. Talk to your friends, your family, and your legislators. Get petitions together and get prevention education in

schools. Make it mandatory for students to know that violence is never the answer. If you are a victim, or a perpetrator, get help now.

Th e second is to get your legislators to do more to protect victims. Th ere need to be stronger penalties for abusers, stronger anti-stalking, and bullying laws. As students, you have powerful tools. Call, email, and tweet your legislators, they do listen. If enough people ask for the same thing, change will happen. Most importantly, vote; it is the only way legislators listen.

Professor Stewart-Dick touched a lot of lives during her time on earth. She spent her time serving others. Do not let her down; make a positive change to end domestic violence. You may save a life in the process.

A major d ecisionJoanna HeathStaff Writer, Lake Worth Campus

What do you want to do with your life? It is a question most people begin contemplating in childhood, and by the time students reach college, a clear and defi nitive answer becomes necessary.

With unemployment rates in Florida still hovering above 6 percent and the steady increase in tuition costs in America, the pressure to choose a major that is a good fi t may be more critical than ever for today’s students.

Changing one’s program of study often means paying significantly more money and completing extra semesters before graduation, yet a large number of students end up changing their minds about their goals and declaring a new major at some point in their college career, despite the added time and expense.

Th e University of Florida reports that approximately 61 percent of their stu-dents switch majors by the end of their second year. Th e state of the economy in recent years may be contributing to the trend, as students are directing their

goals more toward prospective employ-ability and less toward careers they are passionate about.

A 2013 study by the organization ACT - a non-profi t that promotes suc-cess in education and the workplace – concluded that 32 percent of last year’s high school seniors that responded to the survey had chosen majors that were categorized as a “poor fi t” based on their personal interests.

Students who consider earning poten-tial as the primary factor in their choice of major oft en end up considering it a mistake. Research shows that people who major in areas they are passionate about tend to excel academically, while those that aim for a high-paying career in a fi eld they are ambivalent about oft en have diffi culty fi nishing their degree.

John Copjec, a former Palm Beach State College student, initially planned on pursuing a degree in marine biology or oceanography. “I knew there was a lot of job opportunities in South Florida because of the proximity to the tropical ocean. I had friends who were in the fi eld making really great money. But I didn’t feel especially compelled by the

profession. I just wanted a good career.” Copjec changed his major to fi lm

production – an industry that genu-inely fascinated him but can be hard to “break into” – and eventually fi nished his studies at a university in New York. He currently lives in Brooklyn and owns a set production company. “I love my job; I meet awesome people and I live in an incredible city. I’m extremely happy with my decision.”

FEBRUARY 2014 3


IN THE NEWS

Race for the CureBrian GreenStaff Writer, Lake Worth Campus

The last Saturday in Janu-ary saw a sea of pink on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach that would have made a flamingo proud. Thousands of people from around the county and beyond, ran, walked, and just celebrated life for those that have survived breast cancer.

Additionally, the time was spent to honor those that succumbed to our nations’ number 2 cause of death among women specifically. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the number 2 cause is cancer in general with lung, colorectal and breast cancer deaths

occurring in that order.Second year student and Trio

participant Cynthia Ramirez and her grandmother also took part. Cynthia’s main motivation as she stated, “was in memory to her aunt who had passed away from the disease a few years ago.”

Yet, this was a happy occasion overall and one that was full of a “positive vibe in the air” as de-scribed by a passerby. From wom-en and men donning pink wigs, to pink butterfly wings, and even some Star Wars characters running around, the event was upbeat and involved many local TV and Radio stations, as well as large corporate sponsors. It was estimated that well over 10,000 people took part in the day’s event.

The day started off with a run by the women with air temperatures in the low 50’s. By the time the 5K walk was underway just after 9 a.m., the sun was out and all the body heat made it very comfortable for the participants.

Palm Beach State College was well represented by many students and staff from the SSS Trio pro-gram, Student Services volunteers and Phi Theta Kappa members among others. And as this is an issue that touches so many families worldwide, some “Panthers” had a close connection to the event.

This is just one of many events held annually down by the Intra-coastal Waterway in West Palm Beach in support of eradicating cancers of all types.

BRIAN GREENEven men donned pink to support cancer.

“Sugar Daddy” dating Joanna HeathStaff Writer, Lake Worth Campus

South Florida has long been known for the affluence of places like Palm Beach, Jupiter Island, and Delray Beach. It is also densely populated by college and univer-sity students, many who are living the reality of the “struggling coed” stereotype. Now, with tuition costs higher than ever and the online dating revolution at a peak, the two groups have found a way to benefit from each other.

It is a phenomenon known as “sugar daddy dating,” and for all its controversy, SeekingArrangement.com reports that student member-ship has increased by 54 percent in the past year. The site promotes match-making between wealthy, often-older suitors and attractive young people seeking generous benefactors that are willing to sup-port them financially.

For Florida college students, 51 percent of who carry significant student loan debt according to the Project on Student Debt, such an arrangement can be tempting. Uni-versity of Central Florida currently leads the nation in “fastest growing ‘sugarbaby’ schools. Florida Interna-tional University is ranked #12 and University of South Florida is #13.

Mike Francois, a Lake Worth campus student, laughs. “If I was a girl, I’d do it!” But while a large number of students have heard of sugar dating, some, like Lake Worth student Stephanie Belizaire, insist they would never use the sites themselves. “I understand it, because college costs are crazy. But there are better ways.” says Belizaire.

At least one student at Palm Beach State acknowledges using the site. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the 22-year-old said she and a friend joined the site last sum-

mer out of curiosity. “I went on a date, but it was really awkward. My friend still meets men from the site, and she loves it, but I guess I don’t have the personality for it.”

Many in the media have criticized the site – and its creator, MIT grad Brandon Wade – since its inception in 2006. Some say that the site is facilitating arrangements that are likened to prostitution.

Wade addresses such opinions on his personal site, AskBrandon-Wade.com, and acknowledges that “there will always be those who try to misuse the system or break the rules”. He has said that “escorts” are not welcome on the site and that there is no tolerance for those who cross the line.

But he has also made a statement that many agree is realistic. “The truth the media seem willing to conveniently ignore is that ‘sex’ and ‘money’ are always involved in all

romantic relationships.” Currently, college students ac-

count for more than 42 percent of SeekingArrangement’s ‘sugarbaby’ memberships. The site also reports that over one million students logged on in 2013. With the student population as its target demographic, SeekingArrangement.com offers free premium memberships to those who

use an .edu email address at signup. While SeekingArrangement.com

has gotten much acclaim as being the most reputable, copycat sites began showing up in search results soon after its launch, proving there is a large, enthusiastic market for the idea. Similar sites include Sugardad-die.com and SugarSugar.com.

Students in the photo are not members of any dating site.

Are GMO mosquitoes coming to Florida?Patricia MedinaEditor-in-ChiefWith contributions by Sarah Ryan

Mosquito Control in Key West is considering releasing Genetically Modified (GM) mosquitos into the populace to combat dengue fever.

Oxitec, a British company, has been trying to release GM mosqui-tos in order to control the mosquito population and combat dengue fever. Jeffery Smith, a consumer advocate promoting healthier non-GMO choices, came to South Florida to discuss the issue facing Floridians. He pointed out that the release of the GM mosquitos could have economic, health, and environmental consequences.

According to Mosquito Control in Key West’s web page keysmosquito.org/modified-mosquito-release, “Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an environ-ment-friendly, species-specific method of insect control” and “has been used very successfully

in agriculture for over 50 years.”The only problems are, the mos-

quitos are genetically modified and Key West has not seen a dengue fever outbreak since 2010. Jeffery Smith counters, “If there are no

cases (of dengue fever) how are you going to measure the success?”

“My children are not a 90 day experiment,” said Jenna, a mother of three, and a Florida resident. She, along with 50 other South Florida

residents attended an event featuring Jeffery Smith, a consumer advocate promoting healthier non-GMO choices, came to South Florida to discuss the issue facing Floridians.

“Once you release the mosquitos, three or four percent minimum, will release viable offspring, not sterile…how are you going recall that if it turns out there’s a problem?” asked Jeffery Smith. “This is a permanent release; this is not just a test.”

“There is a possibility of catastrophic health problems for humans,” continued Smith. “There is a possibility that the larva is toxic, that the bites of the mosquitos be-come toxic. It is unlikely according to the three scientists I spoke with, but if it’s unlikely, if that’s the best you can do for a technology that is going to be released, forever, that unlikely is too much.”

There is another area which could be affected, tourism. “(If ) someone gets bit, they have some kind of reaction unrelated to the mosquito, but they believe it’s

the mosquito…, it gets picked up by anyone (media) and now you think about the impact on tourism, far worse in terms than dengue fever,” said Smith.

State Senator Joseph Abruzzo, who attended the Teaching Tal-lahassee event on Boca campus, responded “As Vice Chair of both Commerce and Tourism and the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committees, I am committed to the well-being of Florida’s attractions and the envi-ronment in which they thrive in. The State Legislature would have to acknowledge the importance of the GMO mosquitoes and understand the adverse effects they could poten-tially have on other industries as their release is considered in the future.”

Though the GM mosquitoes have not yet been released, a petition by a Florida mother is being circulated to prevent it from happening. To watch the full interview with Jeffery Smith, please visit www.beach-combermedia.com.

AL CLAYTON, PHOTO EDITOR

Jeffery Smith, a consumer advocate promoting healthier non-GMO choices.

4 DECEMBER 2013


CAMPUS NEWS

Senator Maria Sachs, speaking to students at the Teaching Tallahassee event on Boca Raton Campus.PATRICIA MEDINA

Who’s Who at Palm Beach State

Winzer LorissaintStaff Writer

You normally wouldn’t notice her walking down the hallways or pay her much att ention in class, but this young lady has big dreams and plans on accomplishing big things. Edline Francois is her name and success is her game. She is only a college sophomore, but she has managed to get an internship at Scripps Research Institute—one of the premiere research facilities in the entire country.

What exactly is Scripps Institute?

Scripps is the forefront of bio medical research. We look into problems that the world faces today such as infectious disease, problems with aging, cancer, and prett y much anything you can think of that has to do with bio medical sciences.

Aft er you get done with school what exactly do you intend to do?

Well I’m majoring in Bio-Chemistry so I plan to pursue a career in that area. A bio chemist can do a number of things, but I have three diff erent pathways I’d like to take: medical doctor,

researcher, or work for a cosmet-ics company.

Out of those three which would you rather do?

I have no idea; I’d like to do all three, but I’m only one per-son. If everything falls through then who knows where I might be. I may speak of these three careers, but land somewhere completely different.

Is there ever a time when you get tired of the due dates, the term papers, and the tests?

Yes, like any student I get a litt le

exhausted, but whenever that hap-pens I tend to go out and unwind. I’m not a book worm. I love going out and gett ing to know other people and learning the culture they come from. When I do have time I go to the beach a lot; not only that, but I love gett ing lost in my car with nothing to keep me company except my radio (when I have gas). Studying is important and school as well, but you have to live a litt le.

Once again her name is Edline Francois: a name that is sure to make waves in the bio chemistry fi eld. Focused, determined, and motivated—three words that describe this young lady.

Meeting our state legislatorsPatricia MedinaEditor-in-Chief

Palm Beach State College students had the opportunity to question their state Representa-tives in January. “I wanted the students to have an opportunity to bring their concerns and issues to the elected offi cials and for them to experience their rights as citizens and exercise civic en-gagement,” said Dr. Bernadette M. Russell, Provost for the Boca Raton Campus.

Participating in the event were Senator Joseph Abruzzo, Rep-resentative Bill Hager, Senator Maria Sachs, and Representative Dave Kerner. They discussed the role of the Florida Legislature; underscore the sole role as de-livering a balanced budget, and

having a session of only 60 days, the shortest in the nation.

One of the major issues fac-ing Palm Beach State College students are the changes to mandatory remedial courses. Senator Abruzzo, a member of the Appropriations Sub-committee on Education, voted against Senate Bill 1720, which made remedial courses voluntary, because “the chang-es to our student’s education were not in their best interest.”

Senator Sachs, who is also on the Appropriations Sub-committee on Education, said “The need for remedial courses shows that work needs to hap-pen earlier in education.”

Senator Abruzzo also mentioned foreign language legislation he recently intro-duced; Senate Bill Number is

354 titled State University Fee Exemptions. This Bill allows a student who has taken a semes-ter in Mandarin or Portuguese at a state university, and re-ceived a grade of “B” or higher, exempt from tuition for each additional course in the same language in which the student is enrolled at a state university.

The purpose of this explained the Senator, was because “Our largest two trading partners are China and Brazil, but we have a very small workforce who speaks Mandarin and Portuguese.”

Th is was not the fi rst event held on the campus, and it will not be the last, according to Dr. Russell. “We are planning to have conversa-tions that allow for our students to be engaged on topics that would developed their civic responsibility and interest.”

Edline FrancoisCOURTESY OF EDLINE FRANCOIS

Watch the owls onlinePatricia MedinaEditor-in-Chief

If you set foot on Belle Glade campus, you are bound to hear the question “Have you see the owls?” An invitation by Dean Goldstein, lead the Beachcomb-er to find out more.

Dr. Vetaley Stashenko, began the “Barn Owl Project” in 2012. His goal, to provide students the opportunity to apply “real world” experience to science, caught on quickly. “I saw students need a push, something extra to att ract students,” said Professor Stashenko.

Professor Stashenko fi rst had the idea when he saw a box on campus when he arrived. Th at box was built to address the problem with sugar fi eld rats. But the two new nesting boxes, were built to last forever.

“If you provide the proper environment, (environmental) population will come,” said Dr. Stashenko on how they were able to att ract the owls naturally. Th e

Barn Owl Project is unique, no one else streams owls.

But the project is not just for science. “Students show their children and parents. It is slowly spreading, bringing community involvement,” and, continued Professor Stashenko, “students are using them in public speak-ing and writing classes. We have a libguide owl page.”

You too, can watch the owls.

Th ere are cameras in the nesting boxes that steam live online. Th e link is htt p://www.palmbeach-state.edu/programs/GladesBiol-ogy/owls.aspx. If you look care-fully, you might just get a glimpse of a hatchling. Or, you might get to see dinner being served.

Just be very careful when you go to the website to watch the owls. Once you start, you keep going back for more.

f i n d u s o n BeachcomberThe Voice of Palm

Beach State Collegefacebook

PATRICIA MEDINAMother owl with hatchlings, screen shot from live cam.

NOVEMBER 2013 5


CAMPUS NEWS Connect ProjectBruno Dos SantosSpecial Contributor

Th is year the Alpha Delta Iota chapter (ADI) of Phi Th eta Kappa organized a project to help seniors connect to family and friends via social media.

The Boca chapter formed partnerships with two seniors’ centers, the Volen Center and NE Focal Point. The group of volun-teers from ADI held the com-puter training sessions 3 days a week for 8 weeks and serviced more than 20 seniors.

This project was designed based on research that evidenced that seniors are being left behind on many benefi ts because of their technology defi ciency. This project resulted in a connec-tion not only of the seniors with technology, but also between the volunteers and seniors. Andres Velasquez, a Palm Beach State College student and volunteer said that “working with seniors

has thought me patience.”Th e Connect Project counted

with more than 20 PTK mem-bers over a course of six months. Members took leadership roles in research, organizing, and serving.

Our main objective was to introduce technology to senior citizens. Methods covered the benefits of technology, how to use technology, and how to keep senior interest during and after the project was complete.

Not only was needs-based plan created that would educate and teach computer skills. ADI, also educated and informed the se-niors about sensitive issues, such as scams and viruses.

In the end, the volunteers real-ized that they too, are going to age and be in their shoes one day. Abi-gail Matt hews said that “this experi-ence has helped me see through the eyes of the elderly. I am very glad I had the opportunity to teach them something valuable, while at the same time learning from them.”

A place of refuge for VeteransQuezia Salgado,Staff Writer, Boca Raton Campus

Palm Beach State College’s very own Veteran’s Club had their first meeting of the Spring Semester on Monday, January 27th, as part of the Student Ac-tivities’ Welcome Week 2014.

Under the leadership of President Joe Castellucci and Vice-president Rosie Szabo, the Veteran’s Club and Resource Center, provides students, who are also military veterans, with information about what is happening in the community and the benefi ts they are entitled to as Veteran students.

According to Joe, “Adjusting to a new civilian lifestyle can be

overwhelming at times, and that’s why we provide Veterans and their families with assistance in regards to resources such as the Vet Center, VA Hospital, as well as local, state, and federal benefi ts.”

At the Veteran’s Club, students also receive assistance in applying for VA Financial Aid and scholar-ships. Besides supporting student Veterans, the role of the club is also to aid existing organizations, as they continue to work towards improving the lives of the men and women who have sacrifi ced so much for the country.

Some organizations the club is involved with are: the Forgott en Soldiers Outreach (Lake Worth), Wounded Warriors, local high

schools’ JROTC programs, and just recently FAU Veteran Owls and Connected Warriors.

Freshman Junior Nogueira, who participated in his high school’s JROTC program, says “I think it’s great that colleges off er a place where student Veterans feel comfortable to seek help, and have access to the assistance they need.”

Th ere are currently about 600 new Veterans att ending school on Palm Beach State College cam-puses, and they are encouraged to join the club. For additional information about the club and how to get involved, those interested can reach Joe at (561)213-2594, or visit the Palm Beach State web page and search for Veteran’s Club.

Women’sEmpowerment

ForumPatricia MedinaEditor-in-Chief

Palm Beach State College’s Cen-ter for Leadership and Professional Studies, hosted an event on Eissy campus in February.

Th e event titled “Road to CEO: Refl ection & Insight as a Woman in Business” with keynote speaker Beth Kigel, the President and CEO for the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

Kigel, speaking to an audi-ence mostly fi lled with women, gave insight to her journey up the corporate ladder, while giving her audience pearls of wisdom along the way. “You don’t have to take a straight line from point A to point B,” Kigel told the audience before detailing her journey to the Cham-ber of Commerce.

Th e message she off ered was universal, and students should take heart and live by her words.

Kigel, a Florida native, was a single mother, and one of the only women in the Harris Corporation’s Flex Program, during her time there. She did not let her unique-ness hold her back, she used it to her advantage. “It’s great to be diff erent, people tend to remember you, they remember your face.”

“Don’t let anyone discourage you,” said Kigel, on taking challeng-es she might not have had experi-ence for, “I didn’t necessarily have the skills on paper.”

She encouraged the women in att endance by lett ing them know “You can have a full and complete life. You can be a great mom and have personal interests.”

Th e event is the fi rst in a serious on Essiey campus. Th e next two are on April 1st, and June 3rd. Please visit htt p://www.palmbeachstate.edu/cce/leadership/ for more information.

President Joe Castellucci, Vice-president Rosie Szabo, and club member Rob.Honors in action. L-R: Tamara, Samson, Bruno, Shandra, Kameron, Abigail

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CIVILITY IS SWEET

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6 FEBRUARY 2014


BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Can US students still compete?Brian GreenStaff Writer, Lake Worth Campus

Last December the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) released the results of tests taken by 15 year olds from various countries around the world. Once again, the United States scored lower than several countries, rank-ing 17th in reading, 21st in science and 26th in math on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). st

The US rankings are given as an average of all participating 50 states, with the top scoring states being Massachusetts and Connecti-cut. The Florida, either ranked average, or below average, in comparison to other states, depending on the category. Once again, the Chinese province of Shanghai ranked first in

all three categories. And Asian countries were the four top leaders in all three categories.

One reason the Chinese may have such high scores across the board is that with their education model. Teachers are afforded up to 30 percent of their paid time toward self-education; devoting the other 70 percent toward teaching students. The Chinese also transfer teachers and administrators with the best records to areas that need improvement within the province.

“In the US, Schools of education are focus-ing too heavily on courses on how to teach, as opposed to the proper amount of time for the

future teacher’s subject matter.” Palm Beach State’s Professor Steve Brahlek commented on this balance of time toward self and stu-dents for educators.

Another possible reason for such high scores may lie within the practice of parent-teacher communication. Former education Chancellor of New York city’s education department, Joel Klein visited Shanghai and discovered this bond is highly promoted. In Shanghai it is common for a teacher to either telephone, email or talk in person with parents as much as two or three times weekly. The practice promotes a community effort in

educating the future leaders and workers of this emerging economic powerhouse.

The debate is continuing as to how we as a nation may better educate our youth. Lake Worth Campus student, Cherley Cherizard, one of four vice presidents for the campuses Phi Theta Kappa chapter, said of education is-sues here in America “Recently, at the Martin Luther King celebration, Benjamin Jealous summed it up well. He told us that, ‘our plane is losing altitude and we’re fighting about who’s in first class.’”

This statement by a national figure, in politics and civics, shows, that even at the top tiers of our nation’s organizations, this issue is not going unnoticed.

The next PISA’s results in 2015 will yield just how much movement toward betterment the country has achieved.

WE PROMISE EXPERIENCES OF A LIFETIME.

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Jan Term at the Winter X Gamespersonalized academics all learning styles welcome students from 87 countries

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Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability and/or age in administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and/or other school-administered programs. Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University.

IBM Apple™ Motorola NBC Universal Univision

Putting off your tax return may cost you3 Tips for Keeping More of Your

Own Money Special to the BeachcomberNearly 150 million Americans will

file federal income tax returns this year and, unfortunately, many will be shelling out much more of their hard-earned money than necessary, says veteran financial expert Jeff Gorton.

“With the ridiculous complexity of our tax code, I can understand how the average person might want to put off doing their homework, but that’ll cost you,” says Gorton, a veteran Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner™, and head of Gorton Financial Group (www.gortonfinancialgroup.com).

“When you think about all you do to earn your money, and the

lengths we’ll go to save a few bucks, it doesn’t make sense to not do all we can to prepare for the inevitable – our compulsory contribution to Uncle Sam’s bank account.”

Most Americans, however, don’t understand the basics of how to minimize the tax burden. “If you wait until the last minute to do your taxes, you’re sure to miss out on savings,” says Gorton, who offers some basic and more advanced tax-saving options.

Credits: Tax credits are usually subtracted dollar for dollar from the actual tax liability and may be utilized when filing for 201.

The Child Tax Credit, which allows up to $1,000 for children younger than 17.

The American Opportunity

Credit, featuring up to $2,500 in tax savings per eligible student for tuition costs for four years of post-high-school education

The Energy-Efficient Home Im-provement Tax Credit, which grants qualifying taxpayers 10 percent of the cost of certain energy-efficient building materials — up to a $500 lifetime credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit, for those who have to pay someone to care for a child younger than 13, or another dependent, of-fers up to $3,000 for one qualifying individual, or up to $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals.

Deductions: Like tax credits, de-ductions have phase-out limits, so you may want to consult with a pro-

fessional. Deductions are subtracted from your income before your taxes are calculated, which may reduce the amount of money on which you are taxed and, by extension, your eventual tax liability.

Tax-favored investing: This in-volves both tax-exempt investments and tax-deferred investments.

Tax-exempt investments, which include such vehicles as municipal bonds and certain money market funds, offer a way to grow your mon-ey that’s exempt from federal taxes.

Municipal bonds are free of federal income tax and may be free of state and local income taxes for investors who live in the area where the bond was issued.

Tax-deferred investments, on

which taxes are postponed until you withdraw your money, may include qualified retirement plans. Other examples include: traditional IRAs, employer-sponsored plans, annui-ties and sometimes, life insurance.

COURTESY OF JEFF GORTON

“In the US, Schools of education are focusing too heavily on courses on how to teach, as opposed to the proper amount of time for the future teacher’s subject matter.” ~ Palm Beach State’s Professor Steve Brahlek

FEBRUARY 2014 7


SPORTSThere’s a Difference: Drag Racing vs. Street Racing

Madelyn MarconiCampus Writer, Palm Beach Gardens

With all of the buzz over the ar-rest of Justin Bieber in late January in South Florida, the reports of his arrest have especially angered a certain community of people—the drag racing community.

According to the Huffington Post, it appears that the 19-year-old singer was arrested for a DUI and “drag racing” in Miami. This state-ment frustrated local and nation-wide racers around the country.

Their argument- Bieber was not drag racing he was street racing. Big difference! The news of a pop star being arrested for drag racing gives the sport a bad reputation. Drag racing is an organized race that takes place at a sanctioned racetrack with safety officials nearby.

Street racing, on the other hand, takes place on public roads. It involves two inexperienced drivers who race at high speeds. Street rac-ing is illegal and puts other people

on the roads in grave danger. Prominent drag race team owner

and driver, Dina Parise, vented in her blog on the matter. “As a Drag Racer I feel the need to want to educate the media (as well as the general public) on the difference between Drag Rac-ing and Street Racing. I have made 100′s calls to local newspapers and TV stations requesting the correc-tion. Their answer? We will make a note of it. Really a note? And the beat goes on.”

Although the two forms of racing might appear the same, they are clearly not. The street racing versus drag racing dilemma has been an ongoing argument that drag racers want to clear up to the public. Rac-ers want to encourage adrenaline junkies to take their racing habits to the racetrack. It is much safer.

It is evident that the news of Bieber’s arrests have stirred contro-versy throughout the drag racing community. In the end, the facts can all be found here. Drag racing is legal, street racing is not. Justin

Bieber was street racing. There is a big difference.

In Palm Beach County, drivers

can enjoy the safety and protection afforded drag racers at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter,

Florida. More information can be found at: http://www.racepbir.com

Musketeers in the boxing ringVincent Johnson, Gardens CampusSpecial Contribution to the BeachcomberContributing Editor: Patricia R. Medina

“Dangerous” Dave Lewter is an awesome boxer known for raw tal-ent in the ring and putting fighters on their backs. He was the three-time, two-division International Sport Karate Association World

Kickboxing champion. He’s also the owner & operator of Elite Boxing in West Palm Beach.

In 1995, “Dangerous” Dave won the Florida Golden Gloves Boxing championship in the middleweight division. He fought 30 fights in his amateur boxing career and received a black belt in a record of 18 months. But that has not stopped him from

connecting with students like myself, Palm Beach State College.

I, Vincent “Mad Dawg” John-son, met Lewter at Elite Boxing, in 2007, when I was in the 8th grade. We became fast friends inside and outside the ring. He teaches me how to gain confidence in myself and making me a jock in the boxing ring.

And, we box in the ring, exchange punches, talk trash. “I enjoy being the teacher of art and science in boxing,” Lewter said.

It was this bond and friend-ship of mentor-to-student and friend-to-friend that inspired me to do a boxing presentation last November, with my classmate Nate Demarco, in Dr. William Paczkowski’s business class.

In his professional boxing debut, Lewter beat Sylvan Plowright with a second round knockout in Miami, Florida. In the next year and a half he racked 16 pro fights. But On May 4, 2000, in Dallas, Texas,

he won the WBC Continental Americas middleweight title with a knockout in the ninth round. In his last professional bout, he won with a unanimous decision over Robert Davis. He had an outstand-ing pro boxing record of 22-4 with

15 knockouts.We look like brothers in the ring

and I have always admired him—brothers, best friends, teammates, and more importantly, Musketeers in the boxing ring.

It’s All for One and One for All.

Spectators watch as black muscle car gets ready to roar.

Mad Dawg Johnson and Dangerous Dave strike a pose in the boxing ring.COURTESY OF VINCENT JOHNSON

Vincent Johnson tells a tale of boxing for his business class.COURTESY OF VINCENT JOHNSON

2014 Palm Beach State College Men's Basketball Schedule

8-Feb Sat @ Broward Davie 4:00pm12-Feb Wed Eastern Florida State Lake Worth 7:00pm19-Feb Wed Indian River State Lake Worth 7:30pm22-Feb Sat @ Miami Dade Miami 4:00pm5-Mar Wed- FCSAA State

TournamentOcala TBD

8-Mar Sat17-Mar Tues NJCAA National

TournamentHutchinson, Kansas TBD

22-Mar Sat

2014 Palm Beach State College Women's Basketball Schedule

8-Feb SAT INDIAN RIVER FT. PIERCE 2PM11-Feb TUES EASTERN

FLORIDA STATELAKE WORTH 5:30

PM15-Feb SAT ST. PETE ST.

PETERSBURG2PM

19-Feb WED BROWARD LAKE WORTH 5:30PM22-Feb SAT MIAMI DADE MIAMI 2PM

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2014 Palm Beach State College Women’s Basketball Schedule

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8 NOVEMBER 2013


ENTERTAINMENT12 Years a SlaveEdline FrancoisStaff Writer, Eissey Campus

12 Years a Slave was an ex-tremely powerful fi lm. Director Steve McQueen and his cast made an impact on the world as a result of this fi lm.

Th e fi lm highlights a story about a man named Solomon Northup played by Chiwetel Ejio-for. Northup, was a freeman who resided in Saratoga, New York with his wife and two children. He was a well-known fi ddler and was favored amongst his peers, who was swindled by two men, and sold him into slavery.

Although there are many fi lms about slavery, this fi lm diff ers from most because the protago-nist of McQueen’s picture was an intelligent man. Moreover, he engineered a character that was relatable to his modern audience. Northup knew how to formulate diff erent perspectives to create a logical decision. Above all, he was a literate African American man.

Despite Northup’s adversity, his character exemplifi ed a resilient

spirit. Although he was physi-cally broken, he would not allow his circumstances to siphon his mental strength.

Th is fi lm gained 151 award nominations, and of those it won 104 awards. Needless to say, the performance from the cast was su-perb. One of the most honorable mentions was Lupita Nyong’o who played Patsey, and Ejifor. Th ey were nominated for multiple awards for their phenomenal performance in this fi lm.

12 Years a Slave is receiving such great recognition because it is appealing to an audience who is in Solomon Northup’s position. College students are taught to think critically, reason analytically, and communicate eff ectively, which is what Northup did. Mr. McQueen placed his audience into Northup’s shoes. Th at is the key att ribute that made this fi lm so outstanding.

All in all, this fi lm was worth seeing. Th is fi lm has made its audience question their values and change their perspective on life in general.

New Year, New YouMadelyn Marconi Campus Writer,Palm Beach Gardens

Well, the year 2014 has arrived! Right about now is when all of the New Year’s resolutions are put to the test. Some people gave up eating junk food, most decided they will start exercising every day while others decided to be more kind and happier. Whatever the resolution that was chosen is up to the person who declared it, but the true test is, how long will it last? Well here is a litt le advice.

For one thing, it is best to make the resolution realistic and more of a lifelong change rather than just for a couple of weeks. If someone decides to stop eating desserts for the rest of 2014, we can all agree that it won’t happen. Birthdays, holidays, and special occasions are all too much of a temptation to give up all desserts for good. What might be bett er to do is only eat desserts once a week on a specifi c day. Th at specifi c day

will give the person something to look forward to and motivate them to eat healthier during the other days as well.

As for exercising every day, that can be considered a tad bit unre-alistic. Instead, it would be more suffi cient to dedicate three days a week to exercise for about one hour.

A light jog, a bike ride, or even a swim in the pool are all excel-lent ways to get active. Th at amount is plenty of exercise for the average person and it won’t make them feel too pressured to have to keep up with it. Exercising is one of the hardest things to get motivated to do but once the workout begins, it feels great!

“I try to exercise three to four days a week for at least an hour. I don’t feel like I’m ob-ligated to do it, I actually look forward to exercising. It is a big stress reliever for me.” PBSC student, Emily Surmont, said about her workout routine.

Th e idea of making a New Year’s resolution is defi nitely a fun way to get revamped about

the New Year! However, making the resolutions more realistic is the most important thing a person can do. Keeping goals within a realistic view is vital to keeping up with the new routine that a person has taken upon themselves. It is a new year and it’s time to take work towards living a healthy lifestyle in 2014!

Give love, not fl owersParis KinseyStaff Writer, Eissey Campus

Chocolate coated treats, enormous stuff ed animals and a dozen red roses, sounds like a match made in heaven, right? As for the students at Palm Beach State College, these cliché gestures are everything but genuine.

Andrea Zuluaga, a freshman said “If you care about what you’re going to get for Valen-tine’s Day, then you’re not really doing it for Valentine’s Day, but just for the presents.”

Family, friends and happiness are just a few of the many words used by the students at Palm Beach Gardens Campus, to describe their plans for the upcoming holiday.

Th e holiday widely associated with “love” has become extremely commercialized. One’s romantic relationship status dictates how good of a Valentine’s Day one will have. Criminal Justice Major, Alex Osorio said “Society puts Valentine’s Day as relationships, but how I grew up it was about family.”

Teddy Bears and Cards are great but in the words of Nursing Major Sheena Simmonds “I don’t think Valentine’s Day should be for just one day, it should be year round.”

On being in a relationship and celebrating the 14th of February, P.A. major, Annie Vo stated “I have a boyfriend and it is just a normal day for us, we’re not in “puppy love”, we’re get-ting older, we don’t expect to be fancy.”

For students who may feel as if the ap-proaching holiday is just a painful remind-er of your relationship, or lack thereof. Biology Major Laura Llanos had some great words of wisdom “Just chill, you don’t have someone to spend the holiday’s with you can stay at home, have quality time for yourself or go shopping!”

“Even if you’re single, don’t be depressed about it,” Business major Diane Ho added “If you’re independent, be proud of it and do your thing!” Embrace and spread and the true es-sence of the 14th of February which is “love”.

I Don’t Have Friends, I Have AssociatesEdline FrancoisStaff Writer, Eissey Campus

Nowadays, it is diffi cult to identify a friend. Some of us have developed diff erent “levels’ of friendships, while others have a small group of people they call friends.

“[I would defi ne a friend as] someone who is loyal, loving has your back no matt er what and non-judgmental,” said sophomore Jalyn Howard.

According to a recent study, 50 percent of people desired friendships rather than a large group of friends. On a psychological note, hav-ing a deeper friendships completes one’s social needs according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Although people desire a more intimate friendship, they tend to guard their hearts for protection. In other words, they protect themselves to the point where they will not

let anyone in. Th is is completely understand-able and can be a great psychological defense mechanism. However, an individual cannot obtain a deep relationship if the individual is keeping everyone at arm’s length.

Dawan Hetzler is a speaker women’s mentor and author of “Walls of a Warrior: Conquering the Fears of Our Hearts”, has founded three ways to counteract the unhealthy walls that we build.

First, Hetzler explained, you have to know the walls you have built. Whatever made you build a wall, identify the source and you will be able to resolve the problem.

Second, Hetzler noted, you can sometimes build walls to protect yourself from yourselves. To illustrate this point, Hetzler said this indi-vidual takes on a lot of tasks so he or she will not be asked to do another person a favor.

Lastly, Hetzler suggested that you should

surround yourself with inspirational words. “My favorite quote is from Reverend Dr. Mar-tin Luther King Jr., [it exemplifi es that] it is so easy to be part of a group but it is not easy to stand alone”, said sophomore Shandra Griffi n.

All in all, strong friendships contribute to our levels of contentment. A new study found that

49 percent of people who have seven or more close friends were very happy most of the time.

Remember that relationships are a critical aspect to human development. In a sense, a ma-jority of those vital connections will happen in college. So let your guard down enough to build a strong friendship that will last a lifetime.

Have fun for cheap!Soriyah McCollumStaff Photographer, Eissey Campus

Being young and fun-seeking, college students are always trying to turn up. But as college students, it’s not always easy to go out. So if you have a litt le cash on you, here are some things you can do for under $20.

Gather some of your friends and take a ride to the beach or park for a picnic. You can en-joy a prett y scene, fi ll your stomach and laugh with your friends all at the same time.

If a picnic doesn’t seem appealing, you and your friends can go to Clematis. Th ey always have diff erent events going on with music and food. Th ere is also plenty of interesting stores to window shop in. You can even just

sit in one spot and people watch. You’d be surprised of what you see.

If you have a helping heart, you could volunteer for an organization. Th ere are plenty of places that need help from young and active college students. Painting houses, interacting with children, or helping pick up trash are some good ideas. Inviting some of your fun friends should assure that you don’t become bored and tired.

For those who like to exercise and be active, go to the park and bike ride along a pretty view. Or start a pickup game of any sport that you like, you may even meet some new people that have the same inter-ests as you that will be down to have some cheap fun next time!

SORIYAH MCCOLLUM

DECEMBER 2013 9


ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday Feb. 20th 8:00 PM

For More Info Contact 561-207-5356

Follow us @ PBSCSGAEISSEY

Eissey Campus Theater 11051 Campus Drive

New web, New lookBeachcomberMedia.com

The new site is the o� cial student voice for news, information and social media about Palm Beach

State College. Exclusive interviews and up-to-date social media activities at your � ngertips.

Go ahead, Check us out !

Palm Beach Gardens celebrates Black History month in a big way.

10 DECEMBER 2013

In mid-January, the Belle Glade Campus held its Spring Welcome Back event for students, faculty and staff. The theme was Superheroes—students wore their best superhero

costumes. Students had the opportunity to win superheroes posters and more.Photos by Belle Glade Student Activities

MAKING WAVES

To stress the importance of staying fit, Belle Glade students had the opportu-nity to take part in the 30-hour fitness challenge. Students were able to earn a

“30 hour” T- shirt upon the completion of 30 hours of “working out.”


NOVEMBER 2013 11


MAKING WAVESBlindMona AbdelwahabPoetess, Eissey Campus

On a scale from 1 to 10 how much do you care?Living in a cold ass world that just ain’t fairMoney for tobacco and alcoholThe things that’ll kill youBut no money for food& we got hunger around the world all begging for a menuTell me, do you ever hear it at all?The aching stomachs, waiting for us to answer their callFolks have 6 cars but drive none, makes no sense to meHow people spend their money recklessly, when they could be � lling up tummies that are emptyThey got hands out begging for crumbs just for the taste We got rich people spending money, just to wasteI used to think it was human nature to want to do goodBut how is that when we still not helping, when we know we couldDead bodies piling up and yet we still fail to seeThat we got enough to feed the whole societyThey ain’t asking for too much, just enough to healI ain’t asking for too much, just for ya’ll to feelI get thunder confused with hungry stomachsBecause they both so loudAnd yet people party every weekendCelebrating a sel� sh life, but they act so proudWe screaming “Feed the poor!” To a world full of deaf earsYelling “Help some more!”To a world soaked with tearsIf God blesses me to do so, I swear I’ll feed all I canIf God blesses me to do so, I wanna say thank you in advance

February Love

Miraide RegismeWriter, Lake Worth Campus

They say I’m too young to think the way that I doI said experience and unhappy circumstances do that to meI hope ones modesty is just accept by sincere honestySee, I’m here writing this love with paper and inkBut I hope the sentiments behind it really sink inI know it’s a cold world, with so much hateSo spare me the facade, and stop blaming fateWhat makes you think that love, and peace will last in everythingBetter yet, that wound and scars was from a battle settingWhat about the aging war that we have inside ourselvesInsecurities, temptations, lust, prides and ambitionsWhere do you get the idea that the world own you somethingAnd that everyone should bow down to you in commissionEverybody come here telling you how much you can beBut you afraid to tell them about the fear of weMe, Myself and I.It’s that holy force that makes it worth a tryBut I want you to remember that we want, they take, and hateYou love, they betray, no disrespect we’re all innocent ofThis life, dreams and everything elseI tell it to you like this, not because I’m trynna be coldBut it’s a mystery behind this poetryI hope you � nd the meaning in your favor mostlyFor this, is a February love, and that’s my way of being lovely

Love Cries John MayerWriter, Lake Worth Campus

Behind the bars, Humanity liesWhere evil and darkness exhale,waiting to see his own demiseHe lives on in a real hell

The man is bleeding everydayHis life is a melancholic songHumanity is about to decayHis agony endures too long

“Come closer” says LoveI would like to free youCome closer my doveI will make everything new

“Stay away from me” says ManI am in profound ecstasyDon’t you know I am not your fan?Please, stop annoying me

“If you want me , I will be staying hereyou know I can make you � neIf you want me, here I am, DearI can be yours ,you can be mine”

Man ignores Love tough fetteredHe waits until death passes byLove came back and found him expiredLove cried and never ceased to cry

Confession Of FearMiraide RegismeWriter, Lake Worth Campus As I walk through lifeI forget where to stepThe shadows of my dream Sprawled and faded away in regretsI don’t see the purpose of me being here.Die tomorrow... it’s a routineThen later become nothing but a faded memoryWorking hard is not a success guaranteedAll those centuries, people deal with the same miseryOur ambitions, and failures Make us feel like ghost living in the rectory When does it stop?, how do I achieve the victory?

The American dream;Successful woman, Good Samaritan I’m not even close to that, Where do I stand?How do I die? Dear God answers my plea to unchained my souls. Don’t let me drown in my worries Before I die. ..Will you set me freeOf regrets and pain... or miseryCause I have this philosophy If I can’t live right. . Please let me dieinstead of allowing me to live in wonder of prodigy Because the cycles of life Is not much a rhythm of prosodyStop… Descript. . Pause.... (God just give me a di� erent ending) Nah... Wait. . That’s how it’s gotta endI’ll die… They’ll cry... Much more like a prophecyThat’s when my journey’s stop,And someone else’s beginJust don’t let me be a faded memoryBut a reminder of hope andMotivation on a pervaded heart.For this is my requested prayerso please answer it my father who give all heavenly.

What I seeMona AbdelwahabPoetess, Eissey Campus

Furthest thing from perfect But it’s nice to know you think I’m worth itWorthy of being called thatWorthy of you believing that when it comes to me, it’s a factWorthy of you thinking that I’m “all of that”But if the word perfect took on human formYou would be the creationAnd if beauty gave answersYour smile would give in� nite explanationsAnd if loving you means hard workThen baby I’ll be the de� nition of dedicationBecause when it comes to youI have an infatuationAn infatuation with everything you doAn infatuation with simply just loving youAn infatuation that has no explanation that i do with no hesitation It’s like my heart’s a train on a mission for true love and it happened to stop at your station The station where you, the human form of the word perfect relies, the beautiful creation that I love even through the upmost frustration but that’s true love and true love overpowers any situationYou. You are my de� nition of perfectionYou are perfection wrapped around perfection and I could unravel you into countless sections, stare at you from di� erent directions, take on your form and stare into your re� ection and I would still see that perfection.Because you are thatYou. You have always been thatYou. You will always be thatMy eyes see it. See that you are my perfection that I share with this strong connection and even without you by my side I feel the warmth and protection from you, my perfection. And you would probably say that you’reFurthest thing from perfect But it’s nice to know I think you’re worth itWorthy of being called thatWorthy of me believing that when it comes to you it’s a factWorthy of me thinking that you’re “all of that”But if the word perfect took on human formYou would be the creationAnd if beauty gave answers Your smile would give in� nite explanationsYou, you are my perfection

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