While violence is not new to society, it’s an increasing presence to the human race. New gun laws have focused to decrease the access to firearms and explosives, but still with its attempt it is inevitable that violence will prevail. As we narrow the scope into the latest school shootings, bombings, and inflating rate of homicides we notice the ominous trend. Our youth and adolescents are becoming more prone to violent acts. Many factors could be evaluated such as poverty, psychological stresses, and exposure to domestic violence, and even substance abuse. Over the past decades there have been research comparing the relationship between television violence and etiology of youth behavior. It’s not clear who is more acceptable to media violence but for certain there is a correlation between media and human behavior.

            Televised violence and the presence of television in American households have increased steadily over the years. In 1950, only 10% of American homes had a television (Beresin).  Now television’s are in about 99% of homes and in every bedroom. The increase in television gives children more chances of watching unsupervised programs. Many empirical Tests have suggested correlation between media violence and cognitive behaviors. Studies reveal that children watch approximately 28 hours of Tv a week, more time than they spend in school. The typical American child will view more than 200,000 acts of violence, including more than 16,000 murders before age 18 (Beresin). Children imitate what they see physically and emotionally. Television is playing a huge role in behavior.  The environment we live in can influence our actions and the notions we consume with our time.

         Not only does television influence aggressive behavior but it also creates an idolization of sensational lifestyles of celebrities. I read an article called Charles in Charge by Rob Sheffield this article focuses on Charlie Sheen and multiple interviews he’s been through in the past year. His antics and impulsive behavior has made Charlie Sheen one of the most recognized actors in television. The violence and drug life style he lives made him known as one of Americas Bad boys. This implies that Sheen’s attitude represent what American’s idolize. Before the charades Charlie was hardly spoke of and mentioned in media but after his huge on air blow up between him and the producer of Two and Half Men and his drug addiction he has found a way to propel his career forward. He tried to prove to the world that no matter if he was fired or not he was still “winning”. “Staring failure in the face and calling it "winning" -- that's the closest thing we have to an American religion.” The fact that Americans relate to Sheen is a scary thought. Being fired from a job and making a fool out of yourself because you think you are above the rules should not be considered “winning”, but sadly it has become the motto of many Americans who follow his ideas. The term winning has become a nation-wide, if not worldwide phrase, that makes a mockery of real success and puts on a pedestal the outlandish behavior that gain attention. This proves we are a product of our environment we attract to negative and superficial lifestyles.

           Another widespread argument of media violence is audiences tend to prefer to violent productions more than other genre’s. In Meta-Analytical Review of Selective Exposure to and the Enjoyment of Media Violence by A.J Weaver it shows that violence has effects on both exposure and enjoyment. We like action movies it stimulates us and arouse our motives.  For example there are so many shows these days that are award-winning shows that include an excess of violent behaviors, but these behaviors are portrayed as necessary. For example, in a very popular show that I watch myself, The Walking Dead, violence is necessary for survival. In the series, zombies have taken over and the only way to prevent being bitten or eaten by the zombies is to stab them straight through the brain with any object in sight. Now, hopefully, most people know that this is not normal behavior nor is it realistic, but it does desensitize people to the use of guns, knives, and bow-and-arrows to the brain. I’ve never seen a show depict so much violence, but that is what makes it unique. The problem is that when people identify with characters on a show, they may subconsciously identify with their violent behaviors because of desensitization. Another interesting point is that advisory notices of violence and inappropriate content on television for younger audiences may spark even more curiosity in viewers.

         How can society address these issues? Television personalities have the power to alter the American modern lifestyle and infiltrate mass media. Using an interdisciplinary approach many disciplines can be integrated in solving the issue. We have to evaluate key issues and use appropriate approaches. Psychiatrist, pediatricians, and physician can play important roles by influencing parents to reduce the amount of television children watches a day. Laws can prohibit production companies from producing extensive violent portraying acts. Mass media can be more sensitive to films and series being released. Those disciplines have the power to change this ongoing issue. Media influences are a new frontier and coming up with solutions to diminish its effect is crucial for our generation. 

                                           Work cited

Beresin, Eugene. "The Impact of Media Violence on Children and Adolescents: Opportunities for Clinical Interventions." American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Develop Mentor, 2 12 2010. Web. 22 Apr 2013.

http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/developmentor/the_impact_of_media_violence_on_children_and_adolescents_opportunities_for_clinical_interventions>.

Sparkles, lights, and plenty of attitude filled the runway as the men strutted their stuff at the Bras for a Cause fashion show. October is breast cancer awareness month, but Knights Go Pink believe increasing awareness is a year round job. Knights Go Pink is an organization at UCF that is dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer. The show was free admission, however donations were accepted to raise money. Tie dye T-shirts were also on sale for $8. The shirts were made by the children at the homeless shelter in downtown Orlando. Erica, a representative from the shelter, explained to me that half of the proceeds go to the homeless shelter and the other half to breast cancer awareness.  

Knights Go Pink organized the show with twenty male models who sashayed the catwalk in hand decorated bras. This was no Victoria Secret show, nevertheless the bras were amazingly creative and detailed.  There were costume bras, light up bras, and of course pink bras. Mr. Miss Adrien jump started the event with a performance to Beyonce’s Crazy in Love. The audience was full of laughter as each model took the stage. There was never a dull moment at this event.

Charlie Tong showed the audience there’s nothing more funny than a man in a bra breakdancing. James Thomson received a big reaction from the crowd when he hit the stage in a rhinestone bra with spinning tassels, however Cameron Boozar Jamehri won fan favorite with his performance. Dom Harris won first place dressed in a lion inspired outfit. Sean Lamphier earned a second place spot with his sporty cartwheel routine. Last but not least, Brian Tewes lit up the stage winning third place. Knights Go Pink prepare events throughout the school year in their efforts to raise awareness. Organizations such as Knights Go Pink give students at UCF a fun and exciting way to always be conscious about breast cancer.  

 

This past summer I was urged by my father to register for the National Association Black Journalists Convention that was coming up. On a bright, hot, July day, I was standing outside of the Gaylord Palms Hotel anxious to walk in to start.

This year’s NABJ Convention was conveniently held in Orlando this year, neatly located just minutes from Disney and 45 minutes from UCF. While most of us were on summer vacation, working or taking classes, my friends Robert, Josh, and I decided to take a stab at checking out the convention here. I wish there was enough space to completely wrap up this experience, and I wish those four days hadn’t flown by so quickly. In just a short time, I was able to meet a couple of “big wigs” in the journalism industry, befriend peers around the country from other NABJ chapters, listen to special guests weigh in social and political issues, and learn a thing or two about the real world.

I remember on the ride over the first day of Conference, we’d all talked about whom we wanted to meet and what we wanted to learn. Rob and Josh were more sports and broadcast oriented and looked forward to the ESPN task force meetings, while I focused on news and entertainment. Most days included running around all day, getting acquainted with the hotel and what was going on, and attending workshops to better our skills; there was anything and everything to learn. If you wanted to have a better presence on camera, there was a task force for that. If you wanted to learn better networking skills, there was a workshop to explore or someone to strike up a conversation about the matter. I can’t stress enough that anyone you talked to was a potential connection. Even just walking around, you could tell that the environment wasn’t uptight or intimidating; everyone was there to be helpful and friendly. At the end of the day, you’d probably be participating in fun activities with them too, might as well get comfortable.

An unexpected highlight was hearing Jamele Hill speak at the ESPN breakfast about working with your strengths and weaknesses and a handful of panels concerning the Travon Martin case, one in which included Martin’s family weighing in on how the media handled the controversial case. A funny highlight was meeting Journalist of the Year winner, Roland Martin and cracking jokes with him every time I saw him. Then, there was accidentally running into CNN reporter Suzanne Malveaux at a sushi restaurant and then hearing I missed Don Lemon... I can’t confirm or deny if I was breathing or not when that happened.

Some of my best experiences at the NABJ Conventionwas the fact that I was inevitably surrounding myself with people who were all chasing the same dream as me. It was a huge learning experience. Now I know those tedious things to do when I’m seriously looking for a job one day: investing in those business cards and to getting over the shyness as soon as I step out of the car, for one. You NEVER know who you’re going to meet or what companies are going to be at the internship fair. I know now that I’ve met a lot of people that I could call my friends after bonding for four days, and also friends that are there to share knowledge and be in your network one day.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to go to the NABJ conference each year. Yes, it’ll be a little hole in your pocket, but the value of the information and experience you’re going to get is priceless. As minority student journalists, it’s even more important now to get out there to build those connections and to sharpen our skills we need to better our passions. Next year’s convention is in Boston, so I hope to see everyone there. It’s going to be a whirlwind.

In Orlando, Florida, young adults are on a mission to leave their mark. It may not necessarily be a passion, but it’s truly an effort to a road of success. In our very own backyard, the University of Central Florida, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the infamous Marcel Lilavois Jr. Lilavois is one of the creators for UndeRatedMindz, a young people’s clothing line, launched during the summer of 2011.

Q: I’ve seen you around campus plenty of times. Where are you from? What brought you to Orlando? 
A: I’m originally from Queens, New York. I moved to St. Port Lucie, FL in 2005; that’s where I went to high school. I came to Orlando and went to Seminole State College. I switched to UCF in 2010.

Q: Since you've moved down here, how would you describe your taste in fashion?
A: My taste in fashion is really varied. I like a little bit of everything and I’m capable of making anything work. Sometimes I’ll go in my closet and pull out something—granted if it still fits me (laughs)—I’ll pull out something from way back and make it new. So, it really depends on the setting, but I’m crazy about my fashion. I do whatever I want.

Q: Hence you being from up North, what would you consider your favorite season when it comes to dressing up? I can probably guess this one.
A: Winter.
Q: Winter! Yes, I was on the ball. I prefer winter, too.
A: Most definitely. You get more to work with. There are layers and then, there’s the big comfy stuff.
Q: (laughs) I know what you mean. Since winter is influential in how you dress, who influences you as the individual you are today? Who inspires you?
A: Naturally, my parents inspire me. They always motivate me to do the best I can in life. So, that’s first and foremost. On the other hand, when you look on the broader scale, I can’t say one person, but it’s the people out there making a difference in the world, and finding creative ways to make a difference and a change—ways to improve everybody else.

Q: What sets your brand apart from others?
A: What sets UndeRatedMindz apart from others is that we’re not—we are a clothing line at the end of the day, but that’s not what we had in mind when we started it. Although, my partners and I are all fashion-oriented people and take a great deal of pride in fashion, we started as a way to become a more positive influence in our friends and other generations, such as the people around us. I think that’s what really sets us apart. Also, every portion of a sale that we make goes to scholarship funding named UndeRatedMindz and it’s for college students. We primarily made it for high school students who—besides FAFSA—didn’t necessarily have an opportunity to afford college or students whose parents that make enough, but still didn’t qualify for financial aid. We really design it for high school students who truly want to move on and want to advance in their education. That’s where we stand. So yes, we are a clothing line, but at the end of the day, we are service-oriented and dedicated to improving our community.

Q: I’ve realized that you’ve been saying “we” when you talk of UndeRatedMindz.
A: Around the University of Central Florida, everyone thinks I am primarily the founder but while I am one of the founders, the credit really goes to Dion Moore, including a friend of mine, Majestic Steele in Queens. That’s where we created the logo and from there, things got crazy. They’re the one that came up with the logo and decided to do something different, such as a clothing line. My role in the entire aspect is more visionary. I really saw the opportunity to help the community, especially on a college campus by spreading the name, as well as what we stand for. However, when it comes to Florida, anyone can call me the president of operations. I handle everything here, but in terms of the inception of UndeRatedMindz, most of the credit goes to Dion Moore. He’s the CEO.

Q: And as for the logo? What does it represent? 
A: A lot of people look at it and thinks it’s a robot. I’ve heard so many things, such as a microwave.
Q: (hysterically laughing) I can kind of see it, or maybe the brave little toaster.
A: (laughs) I’ve heard it all, but what it actually represents is an animated television. The little box is a television. We animated it because, at least for our generation, the television is the most important tool of influence.  Besides social networking and things of that nature, when something is occurring on television—being really popular—it’s killing social networks. We felt as if the TV inspired most of what we do now and the people we see on TV, so we wanted to change that. We wanted to bring the new sign of influence to something more positive that we can control better. Animated television reflects the fact we’re all animated people and we’re going to show our creativity on how to become a positive influence.

Q: So you’re basically telling me that’s what UndeRatedMindz means in terms of being a positive influence in the community? Was UndeRatedMindz called something else prior to what it is called today? Share its history.
A: The reason we came up with the name UndeRatedMindz is because we feel that as an entire generation, we are overlooked. In addition, the older generations feel that we are incapable in a sense. We wanted to represent the thinkers and the dreamers of our age. Regardless of what others say and think, we are all striving for the best. It’s definitely the beginning as far as what it will stay as. As individuals, we all do our own thing. In terms of the community, we try to help everyone as much as we can. This is our first collective effort in order to make a difference or a way to portray another level of helping. Our potential is endless. 

Q: I love how passionate you are when you talk about UndeRatedMindz. Is creating clothes your passion for the future as well?
A: Well, creating clothes isn’t necessarily my passion. My passion lies in helping. Besides UndeRatedMindz, most of what I do, I do for my family and my friends, as well as the people around me because at the end of the day, it’s not really about ourselves as individuals. It’s what we can do for one another.
Q: I like that mindset.
A: (smiles) That’s definitely what motivates me. If I did have an actual passion, that I could possibly define outright, it would be to help. Specifically, I would like to help my generation and the generations that come afterwards because they need it the most. I also have a passion for family. That is my hope for UndeRatedMindz.

Q: Well, since this isn’t considered a career move, what are you going to school for?
A: I am currently a legal studies major with a criminal justice minor. I’m going to be an attorney. I graduate this May and I’ll be looking to start law school sometime next year in New York. UndeRatedMindz isn’t a career move, but we have already started making a huge impact in our communities. I’m definitely hoping that it’ll grow. I want to see this get as big as it possibly can and help as many people as we possibly can.

Q: (smiles) Well, it’s certainly made an impact on the students that walk this campus. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for UndeRatedMindz. If someone were to be interested in making a purchase, how can they contact you?
A: Well, we did have a website, but it was taken down because we wanted to focus primarily on social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, and especially Instagram. For the market that we are trying to reach, that’s where they mainly are. What’s better than a website is seeing what I post on Instagram everyday rather than having that choice to go to our website. You’re going to have to see us no matter what. As it stands right now, if you see anything you like, you can ‘like” a picture or comment, send you my number, then link up. 

Q: Do you mind providing providing a Twitter or Instagram?
A: Matter of fact, I’m going to shout out a few. (laughs) My Instgram is @solid_asarock. The meaning of that, you know, is history. (laughs) But anyway, we will be creating an official UndeRatedMindz Instagram. Also, because sales have been increasing, and there’s just a lot more volume, we’re going to go back to having a website, which should be poppin’ in a couple of weeks. We’re still going to be primarily making moves though social networking. It makes us more interactive with everyone and gives us the chance to see what everyone likes or wants. Also, if anyone wants to see styles that we have to offer without going to my page, anyone can search ‘hashtag’ UndeRatedMindz (for example, #UndeRatedMindz) on Instagram, which provides over 200 photos in a variety of colors. Also, Dion Moore’s page is @meanerbdf_urm. He has exclusive ones that are only available in New York. Anyone should definitely check him out. Styles do vary by location. I primarily handle stuff here while he handles it there.

Q: It’s great that you have a team behind you. It’s like everyone is on the same page in order to make a difference for the community. How did you meet Dion Moore by the way?
A:  Well, he lived across the street from me since I was about 3. That’s like my brother from another mother; we’re best friends. When I left New York in either 2004 or 2005, we kept in contact over the years. And he’s into a lot of things, such as music and photography. He’s honestly the creative soul when it comes to UndeRatedMindz. We all have a sense of passion for our community, but we all have different aspects that we bring into this. With a few of my extracurricular activities, like the National Black Law Association, the Caribbean Student Association, and the Black Student Union, I can reach a lot more people. I’m also the Awareness Director of the Black Student Union. I’m able to bring in the educational ties. But all of the creative styles that you see, such as the logos and the colors, it’s all Dion. I can’t even take his credit. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have the authority that I have with UndeRatedMindz. I wouldn’t be able to expand it how I would like to expand it. He’s definitely the person that deserves majority of the credit. 

Q: Did you ever think that it was going to get this big?
A: No. I swear it just happened out of nowhere. We didn’t even make shirts at the time. It was just a thought. When I got back to Florida, Dion called me asking for my address. A few days later, I received a box in the mail and there were two shirts. One was for my cousin and me. Those were the very first UndeRatedMindz shirts. From there, I had friends from Florida telling me how much they liked them. They were asking me how could they get one and it blew up from there.

Q: Well, two years later, I say you all outdid yourselves with UndeRatedMindz. What’s your next move for 2013?
A: In terms of UndeRatedMindz, we will continue to expand. We’re working on putting on a few fashion shows. It’s not definite, but we’d like to put on a fashion show. The proceeds would go to more scholarships and charitable efforts. Also, look out for an UndeRatedMindz scholarship presented to a UCF student later in the semester. For myself, I’m ready to graduate and get this degree. 

Q: Any last shout outs you’d like to make?
A: (laughs) Well, sure. I’m just going to shout out everybody on their grind that’s trying to do something productive with their lives. This is for the ones that want to better their selves by getting a good education because that’s the number one thing. Honestly, all of the problems in society can be solved by having an education. There should be less ignorance and more improvements. I’d like to shout out all of the movers and shakers.
Q: (laughs) I’m stealing that.
A: (laughs) I’d like to shout out my cousins Paul Baccas, Ikola Baccas, Jonathan Pierre-Louis; the ones that have been really trying to spread the name of UndeRatedMindz, the message, as well as what we’re trying to accomplish.
Q: (smiles) And I wish nothing, but the very best for UndeRatedMindz.
A: I appreciate it, truly.


Special thanks to the models Jonathan Pierre-Louis, Paul Baccas Jr, Marcel Lilavois Jr & Ikola Baccas 

It was a special night as UCF Homecoming week came to a close. The Homecoming King and Queen of 2012 were finally crowned (Congratulations to Michael Irene and Ashley Jaramillo) and thousands of fans got the chance to enjoy some college football on a cool Saturday evening. The football team had a chance to end the week with a bang and the Knights did not disappoint Saturday night as they improved to a (7-2) record with a convincing 42-17 victory over the Southern Methodist Mustangs (4-5). They played at a high level all night which was expected since it was UCF’s Homecoming game. Fans were encouraged to wear all black to Saturday’s game for a blackout, but some, as expected, obviously did not get the memo. It did not seem to bother the Knights on the field, as they became owners of a dominate performance.

The defense of the Knights was dominant all night. They put pressure on SMU quarterback Garrett Gilbert, forcing him to make arrant throws all game long. He finished the game 16-29 for 133 yards. The Knights held a SMU team that averages 30 points per a game to only 17 and had complete control of the game. They were very aggressive in the first half which played a role in SMU’s limited success on offense during that half. The Knights really settled down in the second half and focused on getting off the field on third down by forcing two 3 and outs and only allowing a touchdown which was scored in the final minute of the game.

The Knights did what they needed to do on offense. They were efficient and explosive. Saturday marked the fifth straight game the Knights had scored at least 35 points in a game. Blake Bortles was accurate in the passing game (10-15, 110 yards), but the Knights saw their real success on the ground as they rushed for over 240 yards as a team. Latavius Murray was a beast on the ground Saturday as had 23 rushes for a team high 155 yards. He also had a 28 yard touchdown reception from WR Jeff Godfrey, when the Knights called a trick play in the 3rd quarter.

It was an overall great performance by the Knights who are now winners of five straight, all against conference opponents. They are now (5-0) in conference play. The Knights look to make it six straight next Saturday as they travel to Texas to take on UTEP (2-7) in another Conference-USA game.

As the countdown began, numerous students waited with anticipation on Friday to get their feet wet in the Reflection Pond. It wasn’t long until everyone was having the time of their lives, drenched in water as ‘Splish Splash’ by Bobby Darin played in the background. Students’ phones were in the air catching all of the exciting footage. In addition, it was a beautiful day since the University of Central of Florida was celebrating their 50th anniversary. Students were crowd surfing in front of Milican Hall, as well as Knightro, who came prepared in his swimming trunks. Faculty stood on top of buildings, such as the library to witness the excitement over rubber ducks and free T-Shirts for the 17th Annual Spirit Splash, too. In attendance, UCF’s Spirit Squad, Marching Knights, and the 2012 Homecoming Court showed their support, as well as last years Mr. and Miss UCF. The thousands of students who chose to participate, the day was full of tradition and fun whether or not they skipped a class or wanting to be apart of history. 

Mother nature was kind to UCF Friday afternoon as thousands of students gathered around the Reflection Pond to be a part of the Nation’s Best Campus Tradition, Spirit Splash. It is UCF’s ultimate pep rally before their homecoming game the following night and the only day of the year where students are allowed to enter the pond. Students really started to show up in numbers as the clock approached 2pm. This was the time they would be allowed to enter the pond.

This year’s Spirit Splash was hosted by AJ and Ashley from K92.3 FM. They played some old and current jams making for a live atmosphere. The UCF Dance Team, Marching Knights, and Cheerleaders all performed routines exciting the large crowd. Then the moment we’d all been waiting for came, the countdown to enter the pond. As soon as the host reached zero, large waves of students rushed the pond with reckless abandon. It was quite the site to see. Students even got the chance to see UCF Mascot, Knightro, crowd surf. There were beach balls, frisbees, and ducks flying everywhere. This year’s duck was a fireman. It is something they truly treasure as every year, there is a different duck with that specific year on it. The UCF Homecoming Committee was also giving out free shirts and wristbands.

UCF Students obviously felt a certain way about their most exciting homecoming event. Sophomore Kortni Perkins and Freshman Lori Cabot both had similar feelings regarding what they enjoyed most about Spirit Splash. They loved watching all the students rush in the pond. They also enjoyed seeing how diverse UCF really is as many different students came out. When asked whether he would come back next year, sophomore, Christian Moore, who is also a rapper on swolenation.net under the moniker Shirtoff Madoff, he replied, “Heck yeah!” But he also told me that UCF needs to make some minor changes to make this event even bigger than it already is. He wants UCF to cancel classes not for the whole day, but just during the Spirit Splash event, which lasts about two hours. It would bring in more participants to add more school spirit to an event already regarded as the best in the nation. I can agree with him on this. The school might as well cancel classes for Spirit Splash because half of the students there are probably already skipping class. So do us all a favor UCF and take Spirit Splash over the top.

Comedy Central’s own Jim Gaffigan graced the UCF stage as the featured comedian for Homecoming 2012: Comedy Knight. When the clock struck 11, within moments the arena was packed, making it the most attended Comedy Knight the University has ever seen! This could be in relation to the sudden yet disappointing rescheduling of the original show due to Hurricane Sandy, which delayed his flight on Tuesday night. Nevertheless fans came out to witness “Mr. Universe”, who is best known for his stand up routines on Comedy Central, his many movie appearances, and cameo television roles. 
 
UCF students welcomed Gaffigan with a standing ovation which proved the excitement and anticipation for the event. Undoubtedly, many had high expectations. For UCF freshman Amy Marzec, John Gaffigan was her first experience of a comedy show. “He’s definitely my favorite comedian and I would go to another one of his shows. His entire routine was hilarious!” From beginning to end the arena was filled with joyous and uncontrollable laughter that left everyone with a smile on their face or an aching stomach! Indeed, Jim Gaffigan was the highlight of everyone’s Thursday night who attended. Kudos to the homecoming committee for yet another successful show.

Many knights crammed into the UCF arena to partake in one of the most anticipated homecoming week events Movie Knight. This year the featured film was the summer blockbuster hit The Dark Knight Rises. Prior to the screening the homecoming committee was collecting donations for the victims of the Colorado Dark Knight Massacre that occurred on the premiere night of the Dark Knight Rises where 12 victims were killed during a mass shooting earlier this year. 

Once students walked into the arena they received free popcorn and t-shirts handed out by the 2012 UCF homecoming court. The UCF homecoming court also prior to the film introduced themselves and why they believed that they deserved to be Homecoming royalty. The homecoming committee also asked a few Batman trivia questions relating to the previous films for prizes to get students excited about the film.

Finally, a moment of silence was taken in memory for all of the victims who loss their lives in the Colorado Dark Knight Massacre shooting before the film had finally began. Overall the event was run smoothly and successfully and once again gave knights a chance to give back.

Though a chilled crowd of over 7,000 Obama supporters were not greeted by the man they hoped to see, they were greeted by the best possible stand in that anyone could’ve possibly asked for President Clinton. Many supporters had waited hours in line to see the current President of the United States and were reasonably disappointed when news spread that the President unfortunately had to cancel his speech at the University of Central Florida.

 UCF Hospitality and Event Management major freshmen Ashley Long waited nearly 8 hours in line to see the President and admits when she initially heard that the President wasn’t able to make it she was really disappointed and slightly angry. Though when Ashley heard the reason for the Presidents absence she said “I completely understood and I preferred him serving as commander and chief doing his job rather than him being here at UCF.”  

According to news sources, the President boarded Air Force 1 from the Orlando International Airport at around 8:30 AM to head to Washington D.C. to monitor and address the nation about Hurricane Sandy which is said to possibly affect over 50 million people in the North East. President Obamas’ main message for citizens was to “Please listen to what your state and local officials are saying.” The President also added that “We're confident that the assets are pre-positioned for an effective response in the aftermath of this storm."

Back at UCF former Governor Charlie Chris and Sen. Bill Nelson both gave their respected speeches and going over the way Obama has help support the state of Florida individually and why they thought highly of him not only as a candidate but as a person as well. President Clinton went into more specific details defending President Obama’s record and supporting policies from the economy, to healthcare and education. “President Obama and the congress invested in putting America back to work.” stated President Clinton. One of Clintons strongest points was on the subject of college loans and that “With our plan, nobody will ever have to drop out of college again.”   

As the race to Election Day begins to draw to a close, rallies such as this, urge supporters to make sure that they let their voices be heard and vote.