When 19-year-old Charlie came out to his parents in sixth grade, the reaction was less than positive. Eventually, after the loss of his mother to cancer and several altercations, his father kicked him out of the house, leaving him homeless. “He told me to pack my bags and go,” said Charlie, who preferred only to…
Community, News
Campers splash into spring break
On the shores of Miami Beach, 27 staff members and 12 campers take to the waves this week to put their surfing skills to the test during the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities’ (UM-NSU CARD) Surf Camp. The annual program located at South Pointe Park hosts 12 children between…
Community, News
Chavez dies at 58, leaves fate of Venezuela uncertain
Freshman Veronica Lopez moved to the United States from Venezuela when she was 3 years old. In the 15 years she has lived in this country, she has visited Venezuela three times. The last time she visited was nine years ago. “We left because my dad feared the government and what could happen,” Lopez said….
Campus Life, Community, News
On-campus organizations foster commuter involvement
The dorms are not the only hub for a true college experience. “Most commuters get involved because they want to have the most real college experience,” said Bibi Yasmin Moghani, chair of the Committee on Student Organizations (COSO). About 25 percent of engaged student leaders on campus are commuter students, according to Danielle Howard, director…
Community, News
Plans for overpass not yet concrete
As students cross the intersection of U.S. 1 and Mariposa Court to grab a sandwich from Bagel Emporium or meet friends at T.G.I. Friday’s, they may not realize something is missing — the pedestrian overpass that was promised after UM student Ashley Kelly was struck and killed by an SUV that ran a red light…
Community, News
Grad students construct eco-friendly tents
Second-year graduate student Ruslana Makarenko plans on driving down to Everglades National Park and staying in the eco-tent provided at Flamingo Campground sometime in the near future. If she does, she will be intimately familiar with the wooden platform, fabric canvassing and steps of the shelter — she was one of 11 students from…
Community, News
Architecture students inspire reconstruction of Haiti
In times of turmoil and tragedy, sometimes the best place to look for a little hope and comfort is through one’s faith. When the massive earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, one of the most important buildings that is still severely damaged is the Port-au-Prince Cathedral. Even after three years, the cathedral is just a shell…
Community, News
Kids & Culture offer mentorship, guidance for local at-risk youth
University of Miami students in the Kids & Culture community service organization know that being a role model isn’t an easy task, and being one to a teenager is even harder because the teenage years can be extremely difficult and easily influenced. Kids & Culture will be starting its new mentoring program this Friday by…
Community, News
Camp Kesem empowers campers, counselors
Senior Brielle Buckler was 17 years old when her father was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. “It was so rare that Google turned up no results,” she said. Buckler remembers how Camp Kesem helped her cope with her father’s condition at a time when she didn’t know who to turn to or where…
Community, News
Dan Marino WalkAbout benefits local charities
Participants of Saturday’s WalkAbout Autism will walk through the team tunnel at Sun Life Stadium with Dan Marino, former Miami Dolphins quarterback, to benefit organizations in South Florida. Schools, groups and individuals in the South Florida community will congregate at Sun Life Stadium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to raise money and awareness…
Community, News
Spec’s closes down after more than 60 years
After serving its customers for more than 60 years, Spec’s Records & Tapes – one of the few record stores left in South Florida – is closing its doors. For now, the last of the shop’s albums and DVDs line up the aisles along with bright yellow discount signs. However, once the inventory is liquidated,…