All the News a Lake Sumter Student Can Use!
THE ANGLER LSSC
The Student News Publication of Lake Sumter State College
Student Journalism and News
Events
We are a student-led news publication, here to express and represent the Students of Lake Sumter State College and our surrounding Clermont Community.
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Entering the Homestretch
April 3, 2024
By: Jossette White
There is nothing worse than looking at your canvas Monday morning and realizing you somehow missed an assignment that had been due yesterday at 11:59 p.m. Now is the time to keep up with all your due dates.
If you have a question or are having a problem, email your Teacher or visit them during Office Hours. Many times they are able to answer your questions and help you get back on track academically.
Finals are coming up, make sure you schedule time every day to study. Doing homework and studying the material are two different things. Sure, doing homework reinforces the lectures, and labs, but looking over your notes and reading the book or written material that comes with the course will help you retain the information. Wait, what if I don’t have notes? Now is a good time to take notes and make a study guide. Form a study group with your classmates, it is fun!
What if I have the BEST/WORST Professor, ever?
If you have the BEST Professor ever, talk to the professor and let them know you love their class and why. You can also let their Departmental Dean know how happy you are with the Professor and why.
If you have the WORST Professor ever, talk to that professor’s Departmental Dean and let them know what is happening. You can even talk to Dean Hogans or President Bigard if it is a big problem or something you feel strongly about.
Recently, I was talking to someone about end of course evaluations. I have left amazing evaluations and (ahem) maybe one not-so-good evaluation. I thought I would share why they are so important. Not only does it feel really good to leave positive feedback for those professors you love; but it is also advantageous (and satisfying) to leave negative feedback toward a professor you did not see eye to eye with.
No matter what, the end of course evaluations are how you can share your viewpoint with your professor, and your professor’s boss. You can leave a kudos, or a scathing review of what they did wrong. The evaluations go into the professor’s permanent record and are an important metric used during their annual evaluations. Use your voice to be heard! Fill out your annual evaluation for each class and make a difference.
Remember, you got this!
Let's Talk About It
April 2, 2024
By: Jossette White
In this day and age of Political Correctness, or PC, I have noticed a trend of people either not talking about beliefs, or screaming from the rooftops that their belief is correct and any differing belief is wrong! Neither of these options contributes to a healthy, thriving society.
Until this new era of cancel culture, we were free to discuss, argue, and joke about things we think and believe without fear of losing a friend, losing a job, or being labeled anti-mainstream. Evelyn Beatrice Hall summarized Voltaire’s viewpoint in her famous quote, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”.
It is important that we are able to talk freely about the important news of the day with an open mind and clear thoughts. From our student body here at Lake Sumter, Ethan H. says about cancel culture, “I find it funny but stupid”; and Brian S. has this to say, “It started with good intentions, but through mob mentality became ill-willed”. The NY Times collected responses from teens around the country about what they thought of cancel culture; Javier A. has this to say, “I think cancel culture is primitive and closed-minded…[I] think of old religious groups who would execute members of other religions. It’s such a poor way to handle things…it creates a lack of respect or understanding”.
Here in America, we are blessed to have the First Amendment to our US Constitution; protecting not only our right to free speech, but also freedom of religion, freedom to peacefully assemble, and the right to petition our government when we feel they are not performing their job effectively. With this being a presidential election year, there is a potential for feelings and reactions to rage out of control. We will all benefit from everyone taking a deep collective breath, and slowly counting to five before speaking, especially if you feel triggered about something that has been said.
There is no right or wrong side; we are all residents of planet Earth, all human, and all in this life together. I have strong feelings about what policies I have witnessed working or failing over the years, but I would not try to convince someone else that they are wrong if they dissent. The best way to handle a dispute is to listen to each other with an open mind, think about the information and how it fits with your current beliefs, and trust yourself if you come up with questions or a way to integrate the new information.
As Albert Einstein said, “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think”. In college, we learn to think and reason and freely debate ideas with one another and hopefully, our professors. The fertile ground of higher education has the potential to grow ideas and expand minds of all ages.
Get Ready to Vote!
By Nafisah Azar
March 20, 2024
Voting can be scary, especially when you don't know what you could be voting for, but voting is the best way if you are passionate about changing the world. One vote can seem meaningless, but even one vote can make a huge impact.
The things happening worldwide are appalling, and I know many people of my generation post a lot to raise awareness of it, but you cannot stop there. Making awareness is excellent, but voting to create a more considerable difference is way better. Put your passion for posting to social media towards voting at the polls.
November 5, 2024 is the General Election day when you will get a chance to vote for the presidential election. It is an election year, and Although registration for the Presidential Preference Primary Election has passed, but you still have time to register or change party affiliation for the Primary election! The deadline is July 22, 2024. Also, the deadline for the General Election is October 7, 2024. I recommend registering before it is too late if you still need to register.
Are you unsure if you are registered to vote? Go to VOTE411.org; it is a great website to check your vote registration and register to vote. You can also see what will be on your ballot. It is an excellent resource for all your election needs, local and general.
Another great resource to check out if you have any confusion is the League of Women Voters (LWV), a nonpartisan organization that teaches people about voting. The League wants everyone to know why voting is essential regardless of party affiliation. Going through a website like that is perfect if you are unsure about voting because you do not need to be affiliated with a specific party to understand their message. You can also check out the social media, such as their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Is it Your First Time Voting?
By Nafisah Azar
March 20, 2024
Before voting for the first time last year during the local election, I had no idea of the importance of voting. Growing up, it was a dream of mine to vote, but when I was finally old enough, it was different than I had thought.
When I got to the polling location, I felt like I was about to take a test I had not studied for. Come to find out, you do not have to vote on every amendment or for every candidate. You can vote on whatever you feel is essential and leave.
Truly, I am still not a master of voting, but after joining the League of Women Voters team as an intern, I have been learning a lot. The team is made up of the kindest and most understanding people you will ever meet. When I met with them for the first time, I communicated that I had no idea what they were, but I knew I was the best fit, because going from clueless to understanding was just what they needed.
I am Gen Z, and this election relies on my generation's choice to vote. As someone who was confused with the concept of voting, I can be your "big sister" to guide you through the process.
If you want more information for voting, check out:
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The Angler website for on-campus events
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The LWV social media pages and website (LWVTRIFL.org website)
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(League of Women Voters of The Villages/Tri-County Area Florida-Facebook and Instagram).
The LWV has planned on-campus events, and if you would like to know about them when they happen, follow The Angler LSSC on Instagram for updates.
Being a Lake Sumter student has many benefits that students are not aware of. Career Development Services (CDS) is a great place to find job and internship opportunities; because of CDS, I found this fantastic internship that is an excellent gateway for my future endeavors. I am thankful to be a Lake Sumter student and have never been happier to have an internship with a fantastic team full of support. I hope you will get up and vote with me in this election season.
The Danger of Red Flags
March 6, 2024
By: Jossette White
Have you ever caught a red flag on the first date? You know, when something tells you that there is danger ahead. A nice thing about being an older, non-traditional student, is that I have an abundance of relational experience, and I have been through good and bad relationships with myself and my offspring. I would like to share a brief summary of some key actions and phrases to look out for when you are entering a new relationship, and it applies to both friend and romantic interest.
In my experience, mutual respect and communication are the two most important qualities. The New York State government (ny.gov) says that, “Healthy relationships involve honesty, trust, respect, and open communication…There is no imbalance of power. Partners respect each other’s independence…and share decisions”.
Is your person of interest (POA) able to smile and have a conversation with your family and other friends? Even an introvert can muster the courage to say Hi and have a brief chat with important people in your life. If they do not want to meet your family or friends, or speak poorly about them behind their back, that can be a red flag.
Does your POA have any friends or family they want you to meet? If they try to keep you from having friends or spending time with family, theirs or yours, that can be a red flag.
Does your POA have any interests, hobbies, goals, or dreams they are pursuing? Someone who makes you the only thing in their life is most likely not emotionally healthy. I have struggled with codependency in the past, and I know plenty of normally-functioning people with codependent tendencies, but a person being clingy, possessive, jealous, or making you the most important thing in their life can be a red flag.
How does your POA treat the janitors, the wait staff, or the cashier after they have been waiting in line a long time? Are they equally polite to everyone or do they think they are better than certain people? If they do not treat everyone with equal respect it can be a red flag.
While chemistry and attraction are important, a foundation of mutual respect and trust needs to be in place before the infatuation wears off. Love is not instant or at first sight, love, including friendship, is an investment of your time and energy into another person and, when done right, can give you a lifetime of rewards to share.
The Ebb-and-Flow of Depression and Anxiety
February 21, 2024
Staff Writer
It can be a hard topic to talk about, but anxiety and depression are very real feelings for some of us. There are those of us who may never experience these feelings, but for the rest of us who do, the feelings of sadness or anxiety can be as predictable as the tides. It is an ebb-and-flow cycle of sorts; it's certainly not desired, but it comes and shows itself, nonetheless. According to Mayo Clinic, in the 2021-2022 scholastic year, "44% of [college] students reported symptoms of depression and 15% reported seriously considering suicide in the past year." According to the Spring 2022 National College Health Assessment, more than 1/3 of college students are diagnosed with some type of anxiety type disorder, with rates around 34.9%.
On the eve of my 21st birthday, a young man took his own life right before my eyes. The duplex I was living in at the time had been robbed shortly before, and I was under the impression that this man (I never did learn his name) was here to rob me again. Instead of saying something, I waited and watched from my window for him to make a move. Instead, I inadvertently witnessed this young man hang himself in a cypress tree in the park next door. I only realized this when someone walking their dog came to the park and cut him down from the branch he was
hanging from. I was mortified. And I have never forgiven myself (and I don't think I ever will) for not speaking up. Could my asking him something as simple as, "What are you doing?" have stopped him from making this terrible decision? Unfortunately, it's an answer I will never have.
I think, in many ways, this event strongly contributed to my own anxiety and depression woes. In 2020, I fell into the worst depression of my life; I seriously considered ending it all. I wrote out letters and began figuring out the distribution of my most important possessions along with who would be responsible for the caretaking of my pets. And while I did finally get out of this low, I keep these letters and notes as a reminder to myself that even in my worst times of sorrow, there is a tomorrow, and things do get better. Since these events, I have tried to live as selflessly as possible. I strive to be an advocate for this topic and will be an ear for anyone who needs it, a friend to anyone who wants one.
That said, LSSC offers up to five free counseling sessions through its Student Assistance Program (SAP). Following that link, you will find an online form to fill out, after which you will be connected with a local counselor. You can also find help through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or by using their website to access chat and other resources. Remember you are not alone; you are loved, and WE are here for you.
Hugs and Health for Valentine's Day!
By Jossette White
February 12, 2024
Humans are created to be in relationships. There is a reason the old hermit in the woods is crazy, without interaction with another person his sanity slips away. Ward Hazell wrote an entertaining list of 10 Hermits if you want to check it out here.
If a baby is not touched or held enough they can die, and unfortunately, this does happen in other countries. Ty Gibson documents an experiment gone wrong, where babies taken from their mothers in the thirteenth century were not touched or talked to, and none survived. You can read that article here. Modern medicine calls it, “Failure to thrive”.
But there is now published research to support hugs and physical touch for healing. The National Library of Medicine has found that human touch, when prescribed in the form of hugs, can treat depression as well as support mental stability and physiological growth (Mooney, 1995).
Four hugs per day is a bare minimum and eight hugs are better, but to significantly improve health twelve hugs seem to be the magic number. On Oprah Daily, Kory Floyd, PhD, and Anna Lena Duren, PhD, discuss five benefits of hugging.
Hugging lowers blood pressure.
Hugging boosts immunity.
Hugging someone else makes you feel better, too!
Hugging for 10 seconds is more beneficial than hugging for 3 seconds or less if the other person also wants to be hugged. It is not beneficial if they do not want a hug.
Hugging a pet works, too!
My official job title is a massage therapist, and massage therapy is one of the best forms of physical touch for health and wellness! Along with Chiropractic adjustments, getting your hair done, and Manicure/Pedicures. All of these things have a price, but with your friends and family, hugs are always free.
In honor of Valentine's Day, make a healthy choice and hug your loved ones, your galentines, and your bros. Make hugging a habit and enjoy a little more happiness!
The Stages of Grief
By: Jossette White
January 21, 2024
This may seem like an unusual topic for the second week of school, but I had a friend’s child pass away last week and I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about this misunderstood topic.
Grief is not limited to a certain age or demographic; loss can happen at any time to anyone of any age. It can be a loss of a person, a relationship, a beloved pet, your reputation or career, health, a goal or dream, or even a treasured possession.
The Oxford Language Dictionary defines grief as (noun) deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death. Or, informally, trouble or annoyance.
In Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’ book, “On Death and Dying”, she identifies five stages of grief that can help you work through your loss.
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Denial: You may have difficulty accepting that a loss is real.
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Anger: You may direct anger at people, God, or even yourself.
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Bargaining: You may imagine reaching an agreement so you won’t have to deal with the loss or could regret past actions that may have spared you from the loss.
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Depression: You may feel depressed or emotionally detached.
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Acceptance: Eventually most people will accept the reality of the loss even if the pain lingers.
These stages are not set in stone, meaning not everyone experiences all of them or in that order. But knowing them can help if you do find yourself experiencing grief.
Something that I have seen in a family member is Inhibited grief. The Cleveland Clinic describes Inhibited grief as repressing emotions, and later those repressed emotions show up as physical symptoms such as an upset stomach, insomnia, anxiety, or panic attacks. Be mindful of this if you think this might be your coping strategy, and find a friend or trusted counselor to help you work through your feelings and emotions.
Three things you can do to lift your mood that are safe and appropriate for most people are: to sit in the sunshine for up to 10 minutes and let your skin absorb the warmth; to take a 10-minute walk outside and breathe the fresh air, preferably in the sunshine; and to eat nutritious food to support your immune system.
If you are feeling sad, overwhelmed, or hopeless, Lake Sumter offers up to five free counseling sessions to current students. Contact the Dean of Students to receive a referral for the Student Assistance Program (SAP) Referral Form.
https://www.lssc.edu/student-resources/student-assistance-program/
There is no shame in seeking counseling. As a society, we would be mentally and emotionally healthier if we could feel normal about sharing our feelings with others. Counseling has helped me through several difficult times in my life, and I recommend using the free resources provided by the college to see if counseling can help you.
Welcome Lakehawks! Spring 2024 Information.
January 8, 2024
By: Jossette White
Welcome, Lakehawks! We are so excited to be here for the Spring 2024 semester!
Remember, this is add/drop week so check out your classes! Sunday is the last day to drop a class and receive a refund!
If you have first-week jitters, just say Hi to someone in your class and make a new friend!
Establish good study habits from day one. Look over your notes from class as this helps you to remember the information.
Complete your homework early, and schedule a free tutoring session with our Learning Center if you need help. Our Learning Center is on the second floor of the Cooper Memorial Library, Room #202. Here is a link to schedule for tutoring and more information:
https://libguides.lssc.edu/learning
Happy New Year and let's make 2024 the best year yet!
Spotlight on the Student Life Director for LSSC Clermont campus: Jenn Unterbrink
November 20, 2023 By: Jossette White
Jenn knew since her Junior undergraduate year that she wanted to work with young adults. She disliked her teaching practicum enough to drop her teaching major, switching to her English minor. During her undergraduate years, Jenn was very involved in SGA; was an Orientation leader; did Admissions tours; and transitioned to RA for her dorm. It felt like home, and Jenn loved making personal connections. Student Affairs, what we know as Student Life, helped Jenn so much and she wanted to return that to other students.
What Jenn loves most about being the Student Life Director:
The students! The students at LSSC are grateful, kind, considerate, and make her job fun! She gets to help students with time management, conflict resolution, and seeing things from other perspectives.
The most challenging thing about being Student Life Director:
Wearing two hats. Advocating for students' needs and wants as well as navigating the political environment and college policies and procedures.
What Jenn wishes every LSSC student would know:
That a small part of student tuition goes to a student activity fee, and by not engaging with student life, you’re not taking full advantage.
You can see Jenn hard at work in her office from the Student Lounge in building #2.
Thank you, and we appreciate you, Jenn!
Run Toward Your Goals!
by: Jossette White
October 26, 2023
If I could impart wisdom to other students I would say, “Don’t hesitate! Run, don’t walk, toward your dreams and goals! Time is precious and fleeting, and once it passes you will never get it back, so don’t waste it!
If I could go back in time and choose the ideal college experience, it would be dual enrollment and then college upon high school graduation; but if this is not your experience do not give up! Non-traditional students may have additional challenges such as a family, a career, or unemployment, but I am here to encourage you that you can do this!
Recently, I had considered withdrawing from a class. My homework load on top of being a Mom, a wife, and working was overwhelming. But I prayed, I meditated, I thought about my options, and I sought out people who have succeeded and reached goals to share with me how they did it.
Focus on your goal. Give your time and energy wisely to those close to you and ignore distractions. For me that meant I temporarily stopped playing PokemonGo! as it was a distraction.
Write down your goals and the steps you will need to take to reach them. For me, the NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success) is a great resource for this.
Most importantly, keep moving toward your goal. Push through the obstacles and be persistent and steadfast. Even one step is better than not trying. Don’t give up.
The words of Thomas Edison are still relevant today, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison
A quick search of how many times Thomas Edison failed before successfully inventing the light bulb range from 1,000 to 10,000. I do not know exactly how many times he failed, but even though he failed many, many times he kept learning from each mistake and trying again.
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” ―Vince Lombardi, is another potent quote. Vince Lombardi is considered by many to be the greatest football coach and leader in American sports history. Whether it is sports or some other aspect of life, stay the course; get up and dust yourself off; try again.
You can do it, believe in yourself! Just my two cents.
Columbus vs. Indigenous Peoples’ Day
By Jossette White
October 4, 2023
The traditional Columbus Day is coming up on October 9. However, I noticed that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is now being celebrated on October 9. How does that play out for those of us who are of mixed ancestry?
Even though my Father is a white/Native American mix, our family does not receive benefits because my paternal grandmother was ashamed of being Native American and did not file the necessary paperwork to establish our tribal lineage.
Growing up in rural Michigan my olive complexion was the only brown in the tiny town. I was discriminated against and bullied, but since my mom was white she did not understand or explain to me about racism.
I moved to Orlando when I was 16 years old, and for the first time in my life, I beheld all the beautiful varieties of skin tones. I have found inclusiveness to be more a part of Florida Life than where I grew up.
There is still a long way to go, but celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Columbus Day is a step in the right direction.
Join me on Monday, October 9, 2023, to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and dress up the way your ancestors did.
Photo by Luis Pelegrin
College Friendship
September 21, 2023
by Jossette White
When I started college a year ago, I declared, “I am not here to make friends, I am here to learn!” Fast forward halfway through the semester; I was overwhelmed and had no one in my life that could relate to my journey besides professors, and a wise professor suggested I make friends at the college because they would be having similar experiences. I looked forward to study sessions with my classmates because it was more fun than studying alone, but most of my classmates were my kids’ ages and we only had school in common.
In the Spring semester, it happened, I met an amazing person in class. She had a great fashion sense, and we would often unintentionally show up to class wearing the same colors! We quickly learned we were close in age, both Moms, and in a similar financial situation. I encouraged her and she encouraged me. Little by little we shared our stories and became close friends. Next semester we deliberately took two classes together and that was the best semester I have had so far!
Having a friend in college has lightened my burden, and has inspired me to be a better friend, better wife, better mom, and better student.
Pick your friends wisely, quality over quantity. Someone who will encourage you to study when you do not feel like it, and speaks highly about you behind your back. Just my two cents.
The Importance of In-Person Classes
By: Brooke Haigh
9/21/23
For the past three years, schools have been offering more and more online class options. This is due to the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. While it was understandable to move classes online during that time, the pandemic is pretty much over. People are returning to society and going back to their normal routines. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about colleges.
When registering for college classes, one thing that many students look for is sitting in an actual classroom, surrounded by their peers. There’s an actual lecture to listen to and maybe some group discussions. I believe that online classes have been harmful, not only to community college students but to college students everywhere. It takes away the experiences that come from sitting in a physical classroom and learning with fellow students. It’s also a common fact that many students, myself included, learn better in person rather than online. We as humans were created to have that social interaction. Going to school and meeting new people is a huge part of that. If we continue to do purely online classes, we are taking away that human need.
One thing that I’ve noticed when registering for classes, is that there are three categories. You have ‘on campus fully seated, hybrid, and traditional online’. The thing that bothers me here, is the use of the word traditional. Online classes aren’t ‘traditional’. They weren’t even a huge thing until 2020. Sure, they’ve been around for a lot longer, but they didn’t become as prominent until three years ago. Sure, you have hybrid classes, which are a combination of both online and fully seated. However, they are rare and still aren’t as effective. With a hybrid class, you are only going to said class every so often. Otherwise, you’re still doing work from home on a computer. The only way we can get real education is through in-person courses.
Naturally, having a few online classes is okay. Sometimes the more non-traditional students need them. However, they shouldn’t be the type of class that is most offered in college. So many students have tried to talk against having this many online options. However, we aren’t being heard. We miss the days of sitting next to like-minded students and having group discussions. We miss seeing the faces of our peers. Consider this a call to try and fix this issue. The dominance of online classes has gone on for far too long.
Did You Know?
by Nafisah Azar
September 2, 2023
Did You Know?
Lake Sumter is getting a new addition to the campus café! Teamont Cafe, the first Boba place to reach Clermont, is spreading its wings over to our local college! I mean, who doesn’t love boba? If you do not like boba or are intimidated by it, do not fret; they have a variety of drinks and food choices. “Boba is made from tapioca starch, also known as cassava starch” (Sugg). They are small black pearl-looking treats cooked in brown sugar syrup. They are delicious and not too sweet, but not for everyone. No shame if you don’t like it; most don’t. I recommend popping pearls if you don’t like boba. Popping pearls are fruit flavor spheres that pop in your mouth
with the fruit juice of your choice. If you are still not a fan, that is OK. You can order any drink without the pearls. At Teamont, you can choose between fruit or milk teas,
add boba or popping pearls, or add both if you like taking risks! If you haven’t tried it yet, try the cheese foam; it is delicious! Recommended Drinks! If you are a first-time Boba drinker and you like milk drinks, you should try Tiger Milk Tea. This drink is just “vanilla milk and brown sugar syrup drizzled all around the cup” (Teamont Boba). It’s simple but a classic. My go-to milk teas are Taro, Matcha, Lavender, and my all-time fav. Jasmine. I get all of mine with almond milk and basic tapioca boba. My go-to fruit tea is Lychee with the same flavor popping pearls. At Teamont, you are not limited to just a basic fruit or milk tea. You can turn any fruit or milk tea into a slushie! If you think turning a basic drink into a slushie is cool, you can try Ramune soda! It’s a delicious soda that is super fun to open. There is a glass pearl you need to push down to enjoy this soda. It is definitely a fun drink to try if you like carbonated drinks! Visit Teamont Cafe at the South Lake Campus café on 9/5/2023! We cannot wait to see you there! Check back next week for a personal interview with the owners!
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-boba/
https://teamontboba.com/
Constitution Day Event
September 18, 2023
by: Jossette White
I had the pleasure of competing with Dr. Mews in a game of trivia regarding our Civic history and Constitution at the Constitutional Day Event hosted by SGA! There was a station to write new laws, and another station to decorate a cookie! If you weren't able to stop by the SGA has more events planned throughout the semester so stay tuned for fun, and possibly more cookies!
WELCOME BACK LAKEHAWKS: Fall 2023!
By: Jossette White
August 22, 2023
Welcome to the Fall 2023 Term at Lake-Sumter State College! I am so excited to be here and look forward to sharing the news with you! The Fall Semester is a nice change of pace after the slightly accelerated and crazy Summer Semester I just had! How was your summer? Did you take a break or attend classes? Let me know at theanglerlssc@gmail.com! I love to hear from readers and maybe your comment will be featured in a future edition of the Angler.
Whether this is a semester back at LSSC or this is your first time here, I want to welcome
you, from the entire staff of The Angler.
Club Meetings will be held on the Clermont South Lake Campus every Thursday from 2:10-3:10pm in Building 2, Room #101, beginning August 31st, 2023.
Office hours are on Thursdays after the meetings, from 3:15-4:15pm.
Feel free to stop by and say Hi. Anyone is welcome to contribute to our school newspaper so get involved!
Learn more about all of the different clubs and organizations LSSC has to offer here.
Classes: Fully Seated, Hybrid, or Online?
By Jossette White Published Spring 2023
Over the last couple of years, there have been mostly online classes offered. Online classes are great if you have a job or other commitment that you need that flexibility with your schedule. The Hybrid classes are convenient if you can make it to campus but prefer to do most of the work online. The fully seated classes are for students who thrive on the in-person experience and need that structure to be more successful with the classwork.
Whichever format you choose, if the class you want is not offered in the format you want, or perhaps it is already full, please reach out to your Academic Advisor! Your advisor can let the faculty know, and if there is enough interest in a particular class they could open registration for another one!
A waitlist is a powerful tool that you did not even know you possessed! The waitlist is there to indicate the need for another class to open. There are 13 waitlist spots, and if all spots are filled, the college may open another class up for registration. Make sure you sign up for the waitlist!
The college is open to feedback from students and your Academic Advisor is a perfect place to begin.
What's Up With Our Library?
By Jossette White Published Spring 2023
I have had issues with Cooper Memorial Library since beginning classes last year. The Librarians are awesome, and I appreciate the amazing library Staff. However, Lake Sumter State College students do not have a dedicated library. We share library and study space with the community in a public library. Having a dedicated place to complete classwork and study is imperative to successful learning outcomes.
Many of us have various reasons for using the library space to study. Our student lounge has a TV, games, and friends, and is too loud and distracting to study. Some of us have parents or siblings at home and that can be disruptive to studying. With a houseful of offspring, the sound of children is not conducive to my successful study at home.
Second, the public library hours do not accommodate a college lifestyle. Since Lake County sets the hours for the public library, we LSSC students only have access to our library and our Learning Center during those limited hours. Generally, Monday through Friday is considered a workweek. However, our library is only open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and on Friday the operational hours are only 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with a repeat of 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday. Compounding the problem; the Library, the Learning Center, and the Math Emporium are all closed on Sunday.
Maybe you can relate, but on Fridays, I do not have class and I want to sleep in. By the time I get up and ready it is already too late for me to study at the library because they close so early. For some reason, our Math Emporium follows the same schedule, and sometimes it is a choice between getting Math Lab hours in and completing work in another class.
Other colleges have libraries that are exclusively for their students, including our Lake Sumter State College’s Leesburg Campus.
This is the first in a series of articles regarding this issue. If you have any ideas or questions, feel free to talk to me during office hours. Thursdays, 3:15 to 4:00 pm, in The Angler office, Building 2, Room #124. If you are interested in Writing, Journalism, Graphic Design, or just want to be supportive, come to our Weekly Meetings on Thursday from 2:10=3:10pm; held in the Clubs room in Building 2, Room #101.
Proud of You: Back to School
by: Jossette White Published Fall 2022
To you moms and dads who are in college and happen to be the minority among the ocean of dual-enrolled and freshly graduated high school students. Let me say, I am proud of you!
When you graduate high school, you are expected to go to college or work. College can be an excellent way to figure out what you want to do with your life. For the older and parental students, we already have a life, career, and family. Going back to school is a way to change something in our life or pursue a goal we haven’t yet had the ability to meet.
We all have different reasons for going to college, and each story is inspiring. You may be a young mom who got pregnant in high school. Or you might be older like me, with children at home that depend on you. Whether you are single or married, and no matter how young or old your children are, you are here. You showed up. That takes courage and commitment.
I didn’t know it was going to be this hard or take so much of my time outside of school for each class. I sometimes feel guilty for pursuing my goals instead of being a full-time Mom at home. But then someone will tell me I am doing great, and they are proud of me, and it helps. So, I will tell you, you are doing great. I am proud of you.
IN THE COMMUNITY
A Highlight of Local Businesses
ENTERTAINMENT
KALEIDOSCOPE
January 24, 2023
People are looking for new, fresh things to watch as the new year begins. One hot trend right now is Kaleidoscope. Reaching Netflix’s number 1 show on their top 10 list, Kaleidoscope is a limited series that features the story of a grand heist and how the plan came together. Here’s where it gets interesting.
April 12, 2022
Out of all films produced by Studio Ghibli, one ranks the most successful. "Spirited Away," written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released in 2002, is one of the most successful films in Japan, second only to the recent 2020 Japan release of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." Gaining popularity in America, "Spirited Away" is one of the most influencing movies in the world.
February 7, 2023
A short story by: Writerzblock
I had just run away from my fifth foster home in Memphis. I planned to cross the border into Arkansas so the authorities wouldn’t find me. Once there, I just needed to lay low for a few days until I turned 18. At least I wouldn’t be alone...
ABOUT US
The Angler is the registered student newspaper of Lake Sumter State College. Opinions and ideas expressed in the Angler are those of the individual artists, authors, and student editors, and are not those of LSSC, its Board of Trustees, Administration, nor the advertisers.
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We are the Angler! Jossette is our hard-working Editor and writer; Nafisah is our amazing Photographer, Social Media Manager, and writer; Angel is our talented Sports writer; Cody is our newest writer. We love to write, take photos, and share the news with you!
