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LATEST ARTICLES
Today is National Unplugging Day—Here’s why you should join in
National Day of Unplugging, a holiday created to bring awareness to the hold that technology has on the everyday person, is next Friday, March 5. A holiday you may not have heard of, participants in this annual tradition bathe in a digital detox for 24 hours– no cell phones, no laptops…just mindfulness.
The holiday originates from a Jewish nonprofit called ‘Reboot,’ an organization that started in New York City but is rapidly growing in cities across the country. If you’re thinking, “I’m not Jewish,” don’t worry. The holiday is for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
In recent years, the event has had hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide, and it is looking to be a major hit again this year. According to the celebration’s website, it aims to help participants “start living a different life: connect with the people in your street, neighborhood and city, have an uninterrupted meal or read a book to your child.”
Audrey Cleary, a University of Miami licensed clinical psychologist, spoke with The Miami Hurricane about why putting your phone down for a bit to focus on the world around you might not sound as bad as you think.
“Mindfulness can be as simple as becoming aware of what is around you– experiencing the sounds, sensations and your senses as a whole,” she explained. “You can deliberately become mindful in the moment with effort, but in general, focusing on one thing helps. Also, focus on gratitude and appreciation. Take time to focus on what you’re appreciative for. It can improve your happiness and overall well being.”
Cleary also spoke about the negative side effects of cell phone overuse, often seen in college students across the nation.
“Cell phone usage can be too much when it starts causing problems in your life. The distraction from academics it brings, and conflict in relationships. Not being present with the people around you can be a sign,” she said. “Social media can also bring on negative comparisons to other people. You don’t want to compare yourself to the negative, edited versions of someone else.”
According to Cleary, the benefits of unplugging can be monumental. Breaking the habit of always having to check your cell phone over and over again for notifications can be a positive experience. Yes, technology has provided many benefits into everyday life, but no one should want to feel locked down by their cell phone.
“It can be healthful to not have to focus on your cell phone and other technology. Kicking away that demand on your attention can help a person get reconnected with their natural environment. Getting aware of your emotional experiences can make the urge of your cell phone less powerful. Even just being present and aware of the negative emotions in your mind like sadness or anxiety can help you feel better about them since you know they are there.”
She continued to list the specific benefits of unplugging, saying that the awareness and physical contact with other people around you to be especially powerful. She says that when you are face to face with a person, your communication can often feel way more authentic. According to Cleary, an improved sleep schedule is another benefit worth mentioning.
Psychologists and researchers have begun identifying disorders that exist when individuals are unable to go lengths of time without their cell phone. One such disorder, known as ‘phone separation anxiety,’ is a struggle that many students deal with every day.
This disorder may sound funny or peculiar, but according to Cleary, it is not a joke. It is defined as “a sense of fear and panic when separated from a mobile phone and the overwhelming fear of anxiety coming from the inability to immediately respond to a notification or have your device in your hand.”
“If having immediate contact with your cell phone is something you’ve learned to depend on, it’s definitely real,” she explained. “If students are feeling anxious about not having their cell phone, it’s important to really think about why. Identify what the fear is, and challenge your fears associated with the phone.”
She listed several questions that students who think they may have this disorder might want to consider in order to try and cure their separation anxiety.
“What do you think you’re missing out on? Do you feel like you’ll really miss out on those things? Are the consequences really as bad as you think they are?”
Whatever the case is, she assured that phone separation anxiety does not have to be permanent. It can be overcome with a little cognitive work.
So, whether you unplug or plug in, make sure to think again about your technology habits. While 24 hours away from a cell phone may not immediately cure problems, everyone has to start somewhere.
Featured image from flickr.com.
Sydney Gonzalez makes history as first ever cheer recruit
Sydney Gonzalez, a freshman nursing student, is the first cheerleader recruit for UM, making history for Miami cheer and setting a path for others interested in cheerleading at the University.
“Honestly, it doesn’t feel real sometimes because, to this day, people will remind me that I was recruited, and I was the first to ever do so. It’s amazing and quite an honor because I’m setting the path for anyone else who wants to be recruited,” Gonzalez said.
A Georgia native, Miami was not on her radar when applying to schools. On a trip down to Florida with her mom, they stopped on campus and she applied soon after. That was after learning of Miami’s esteemed nursing program, which fulfilled her professional goals.
She then contacted the cheerleading coaches to learn more about Miami’s cheerleading program.
“I reached out to the coaches and the spirit coordinator. I just wanted to know more about the program. I asked just baseline information,” Gonzalez said. “Two days later, I got an email back. The coach, she was ecstatic.”
A Zoom call was scheduled shortly after that, which assessed Gonzalez’s skills and assets she would bring to the team. That was followed by a second Zoom call with her parents and some of the coaching staff – head coach Cecilia Esteban and one of the all-girl team assistant coaches – where she was offered a spot on the cheer team
Gonzalez chose the University of Miami as her school 24 hours after the meeting.
“In my heart and soul, I knew what the right one was, but obviously there were things that I had to like to consider and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, I chose this school and this program, so I emailed them back the next morning saying that I wanted to accept the spot on the team.”
Her story does not end there. Upon starting at the University, she quickly learned how to balance her life as a student-athlete at Miami.
“Luckily, I’ve been doing this for so long that at a very early age, I was always really good at time management,” Gonzalez said. “It was rough at first, just a little bit just. I had to get my scheduling down.”
Being a student-athlete at Miami does come with its perks, including its own dining hall and early registration. Because cheerleading is not registered under the NCAA, athletic scholarships are not given to any cheerleaders, recruited or not. Instead, they receive stipends, helping with the costs of being a student-athlete.
Gonzalez mentioned that Miami’s cheer program is young with a new coaching staff. Only recently has the team begun competing at the Universal Cheerleaders Association in Orlando, Florida.
The younger staff allows the cheerleaders to shape the program into their future vision.
“The coaches asked me what I wanted to do and what the plans that I see for the program in the future,” Gonzalez said. “They’re giving us the opportunity to use our voices to kind of guide the experience we want in college.”
Gonzalez’s journey from high school ALL-STARS to college-level cheer is unique. From seven competitions a year to one massive competition, along with dozens of division one games thrown into the mix, this recruited cheerleader is already exceeding expectations.
She hopes to see other cheerleaders follow in her footsteps at the University of Miami and open the door to more recruits in the coming years.
Sydney Gonzalez makes history as first ever cheer recruit
Sydney Gonzalez, a freshman nursing student, is the first cheerleader recruit for UM, making history for Miami cheer and setting a path for others interested in cheerleading at the University.
“Honestly, it doesn’t feel real sometimes because, to this day, people will remind me that I was recruited, and I was the first to ever do so. It’s amazing and quite an honor because I’m setting the path for anyone else who wants to be recruited,” Gonzalez said.
A Georgia native, Miami was not on her radar when applying to schools. On a trip down to Florida with her mom, they stopped on campus and she applied soon after. That was after learning of Miami’s esteemed nursing program, which fulfilled her professional goals.
She then contacted the cheerleading coaches to learn more about Miami’s cheerleading program.
“I reached out to the coaches and the spirit coordinator. I just wanted to know more about the program. I asked just baseline information,” Gonzalez said. “Two days later, I got an email back. The coach, she was ecstatic.”
A Zoom call was scheduled shortly after that, which assessed Gonzalez’s skills and assets she would bring to the team. That was followed by a second Zoom call with her parents and some of the coaching staff – head coach Cecilia Esteban and one of the all-girl team assistant coaches – where she was offered a spot on the cheer team
Gonzalez chose the University of Miami as her school 24 hours after the meeting.
“In my heart and soul, I knew what the right one was, but obviously there were things that I had to like to consider and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, I chose this school and this program, so I emailed them back the next morning saying that I wanted to accept the spot on the team.”
Her story does not end there. Upon starting at the University, she quickly learned how to balance her life as a student-athlete at Miami.
“Luckily, I’ve been doing this for so long that at a very early age, I was always really good at time management,” Gonzalez said. “It was rough at first, just a little bit just. I had to get my scheduling down.”
Being a student-athlete at Miami does come with its perks, including its own dining hall and early registration. Because cheerleading is not registered under the NCAA, athletic scholarships are not given to any cheerleaders, recruited or not. Instead, they receive stipends, helping with the costs of being a student-athlete.
Gonzalez mentioned that Miami’s cheer program is young with a new coaching staff. Only recently has the team begun competing at the Universal Cheerleaders Association in Orlando, Florida.
The younger staff allows the cheerleaders to shape the program into their future vision.
“The coaches asked me what I wanted to do and what the plans that I see for the program in the future,” Gonzalez said. “They’re giving us the opportunity to use our voices to kind of guide the experience we want in college.”
Gonzalez’s journey from high school ALL-STARS to college-level cheer is unique. From seven competitions a year to one massive competition, along with dozens of division one games thrown into the mix, this recruited cheerleader is already exceeding expectations.
She hopes to see other cheerleaders follow in her footsteps at the University of Miami and open the door to more recruits in the coming years.
‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ creator on his award-winning ode to Cuban culture, ‘Los Frikis’
Directors Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson premiered their latest project, “Los Frikis,” at the Miami Film Festival this April alongside academy-award winners and producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
The creatives received standing ovations and a $20,000 cash prize after highlighting the importance of finding joy when facing tragedy with their dramatic coming-of-age film.
“Los Frikis” is inspired by a true story which follows young and struggling Cuban rockstars in the middle of Fidel Castro’s rule.
As the prime minister bans rock music, the young musicians become desperate to ease their pain. They then inject themselves with HIV to live in federal treatment homes for a chance at paradise.
The characters’ rebellious attitudes are identical to the real Cuban punk subculture that originated in the 1980s. Cuban Frikis, a Spanish play on the word “freaky,” wore mohawks, tattoos, piercings and long hair to rebel against societal expectations.
When the AIDs epidemic reached Cuba in the 1990s, allegedly over 200 Frikis injected themselves with the virus to live in health clinics.
The creative duo casted native Cuban actors, such as Héctor Medina and Eros de la Puente, used historical objects instead of replicas and let actors improvise to preserve the film’s depiction of authentic Cuban culture.
Endless research went into constructing period accurate sets. The filmmaker’s allegiance to authenticity led them to use a specific wood from 1990s Cuba to build a practical barn.
In instances when the Cuban actors couldn’t travel, Schwartz wouldn’t settle for replacements. Schwartz went as far as learning how to speak and write Spanish to adapt to his actor’s needs.
“I think we just don’t make the movie if we can’t get the Cubans here yet,” Schwartz said.
Medina was just as dedicated to embodying Paco, the film’s protagonist. The Cuban native walked 25 miles every day and sent pictures of his meals to the directors as part of his physical training.
“By the time he arrived in the Dominican Republic to shoot his scenes, he was transformed,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz recalled Medina saying he was starving while filming. Medina denied food offers, saying it’s good he felt the same as Paco.
Contrary to most directors, Schwartz and Nilson didn’t film with a bonafide vision. They listened to their actors’ input to modify the film.
Schwartz would incorporate genuine reactions to 1990s Cuba’s grueling conditions into scenes. Actors’ dialogue and scene suggestions were welcomed and fostered.
“We might be more similar to documentary filmmakers,” Schwartz said. “We can see the beauty, pain and hardship and help organize it, but we’re not the ones generating it.”
Combining the character’s youthful humor and impending death proved challenging. Producers Lord and Miller advised Schwartz and Nilson to not solely explore the characters’ tragedy, but also their joy.
The directors included humorous banter to maintain realism and highlight the characters’ relationships, increasing the audiences’ dread over knowing the characters will eventually succumb to HIV.
“These characters adjust and they still found time to joke, play and laugh,” Schwartz said. “To ignore that feels like we won’t be telling the whole story.”
Character arcs are integral to “Los Frikis” as HIV began changing the character’s physicality and mentality. Lord focused on one character at a time when rereading the script to ensure they all had a consistent impact and presence.
Every character’s actions and dialogue culminate in the film’s exploration of finding laughter and family in the darkest moments. Its ending also holds special meaning to those familiar with Frikis culture.
“There’s sort of an exchange that was made between the real Frikis in Cuba in the 1990s that was: we will sacrifice our future for the now,” Schwartz said.
An energetic punk song is played at the film’s end to highlight the characters commitment to Frikis culture instead of their sadness.
On April 6, the film’s world premiere was held at the Adrienne Arts Center’s Knight Concert Hall to wide acclaim. “Los Frikis” was then awarded the $20,000 Marimbas award, an accord presented to films jurors deem exemplify cinema’s bright future.
“The story had beautiful character arcs. We saw the characters react to an increasingly difficult authoritarian rule and cope using the resources that they had at their disposal,” premiere attendee and professor Elizabeth Mateu said.
“Los Frikis” touched hearts and healed souls as Medina received a heartfelt letter from an attendee who grew up with Frikis in Cuba the day after the premiere.
“Watching Los Frikis at its Miami Film Festival premiere is one of my favorite movie crowd experiences,” senior motion picture major Xiu Meiying Hau said. “The Cuban cast did a phenomenal job portraying each character, and I can’t wait for the entire world to discover them.”
Schwartz and Nilson are working to have the film purchased by a distributor to give their Cuban crew the chance to shine.
“People are afraid to show vulnerability and to show strength in the way this movie does,” Schwartz said. “I think it can inspire people to live their best lives, to feel alive every moment.”
Cement the Frikis legacy and get the chance to watch the poignant film in theaters by supporting “Los Frikis” on their Instagram @losfrikis.movie and movie review platforms.
Russell Robinson’s path to a national championship
Russell Robinson reached the peak of college track and field when he took home the national championship at the 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships for the triple jump in March.
Not only did he earn gold, Robinson, a senior track and field athlete, set several records, breaking his personal best and school record by setting a new facility high at the TRACK at New Balance.
Coming out of high school, Robinson was a Florida state champion for the long jump, but coming to Miami, he was a walk-on who faced an uphill battle.
“I came from being the best in my high school and in my state to being the worst jumper here at Miami,” Robinson said.
Though his career with the Hurricanes started with him playing catch up, Robinson attributes this challenge to his success.
“Training with guys that were better than me pushed me and motivated me to get better and do what I needed to,” he says.
Those “guys” were not just average names; they were athletes like Isaiah Holmes and Justin Forde, former collegiate track and field stars who were some of the best in the nation. They pushed Robinson to make the leaps necessary to get to the next level.
He made consistent strides year by year, competing in the ACC championships his first two years. Though COVID-19 took away the outdoor half of his freshman year, it allowed him to continue to build and improve.
Eventually, Robinson started to see the results of this work. In the long jump during the 2021 outdoor season, he became a record holder with a jump of 7.99 meters, a mark that has yet to be topped.
Going into 2022, Robinson notched multiple first-place finishes during the indoor season. It was during that year’s outdoor season, however, that he really began to take off. Notching consistent first-place finishes throughout the season, he eventually took home his first ACC triple jump championship, leading into a third-place finish at the NCAA preliminary round and finishing with second-team All-American honors in the triple jump.
As he continued to progress, he shifted his focus from being the best on the team to being the best in the nation.
“As those guys left, I used my motivation as other guys around the nation,” Robinson said. “Guys that I compete against almost every other weekend, just thinking that they’re doing this in the weight room or this on the track. I need to put my 100% in to keep up with them or go even further.”
After a phenomenal 2023 campaign, Robinson certified himself as not only one of the best in the nation but in the world, representing Team USA at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association Under 23 Championships and earning a gold medal.
During the indoor season, he took double silver medals in both the long jump and triple jump, this time earning first-team All-American honors.
Then, during the outdoor season, he finished in the top three for the ACC, then took second place in the national championship. Through it all, he became the outdoor record holder in the triple jump.
This all culminated in the last year when Robinson reached the pinnacle of his college career. He has consistently been at the top of the ACC and the nation in the triple jump through both the indoor and outdoor seasons. To top off his indoor season, he finished second for the ACC and took home a gold, becoming the national champion.
It’s been a long and tough process to get to this point, and it’s a journey Russell credits the people around him for making happen.
“Just trusting the process and not wavering you know, believing in my coach and the training program, and everyone here on the training staff that’s helped me become the best I could be,” Robinson said.
This staff includes long-time jump and combined events coach Rob Jarvis, who saw the potential in Russell and helped him grow into one of the best triple jumpers in the nation.
“As an 18-year-old freshman he had the dream, determination, and trust … Russ and his family understood the vision and four-year plan I laid out for them,” Jarvis said.
He laid the foundation and a clear plan to ensure Robinson’s success.
Though his path hasn’t been easy, Robinson’s goals have been clear, and he knows which ones he wants to continue to pursue.
“I definitely want an ACC title,” Robinson said. “It’s been two years since I had my last one.”
Robinson also has his sights set on another national title and Paris for the Olympics. Trials for the Olympics are in June.
Miami track and field ends off season on a high not at UNF East Coast
Miami track and field ended the season on a high note at the UNF East Coast Relays. Over the two days of the weekend, the Hurricanes set new records, personal bests and took home big victories.
This weekend included four new record holders in the Miami history books, two of which were entirely new. For starters, in his first ever appearance in the 3000m steeplechase, junior Austen Cannon broke the school record by five seconds. His mark of 9:02.22 broke the 23-year-old record set by Dan Boniface back in 2001. Along with him was the men’s 4x400m team, made up of seniors Jalen Gordon and Solomon Strader, sophomore Robert Joseph and freshman Ace Malone, who broke the record set back in 2019. For Strader, this is his fourth appearance in the top five. He was a part of three other top-five squads before this.
With them were a couple of members who pushed themselves further ahead in Miami history. Junior Damphnee Lavassas in the 5000m race at 16:08.90 broke her own record from last year and beat out the competition by 49 seconds. Senior Milton Ingraham II, while securing two first-place finishes, also continued to reach new heights. In the discus, he recorded a throw of 61.66m, breaking his own record he set a month ago and moving him to seventh in the nation in the event. In the shot put. he put up a throw of 18.08m, good for fifth all-time for Miami and fifth in the ACC.
Miami also had several other first-place finishes throughout its dominant weekend. Senior Natalie Varela took first place in the 800m with a time of 2:07.48 while also taking home a fourth-place finish in the 1500m. She was joined by freshman Maddie Scheier, who set a new personal best in eighth place.
Sophomore Enrique Borrego set a new personal best while taking home first place honors by a margin of eight seconds in the 5000m. Junior Deisiane Teixeira took home first in the javelin with a throw of 48.29m. Lastly, sophomore Kennedy Sauder’s mark of 2.15m in the high jump put him at the top for the day.
Rounding it out, there were some other nice performances from the weekend. Junior Erikka Hill doubled down in events and impressed with second-place finishes for shotput and fifth in the hammer throw. Senior Russell Robinson, participating in the long jump, took home a second-place finish with 7.82m, a season high for him. In the 800m, Oskars Bambals placed second. Senior Christina Warren hit the 13m mark, setting a new personal best and placing in third, and senior Kennedy Brace came in fifth place for the 400m, setting a new personal record at 53.00 seconds.
With a strong end to the season for the ‘Canes, they hope to carry that momentum into the postseason. They will travel to Atlanta for the ACC outdoor championships from May 9–11.
Graduating senior receives prestigious award to teach English abroad
At the end of February, senior Lindsay Faucher received an email that changed the course of her life after graduation. The email notified Faucher that she had received the coveted Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award.
Upon graduation, Faucher will leave the tropical climate of Miami to work as an ETA in Solothurn, a small town in the north-west region of Switzerland.
“I’ve always been interested in international experiences, so I knew the Fulbright program would be a great fit for me,” Faucher, a triple major in international studies, psychology and French, said.
The Fulbright program awards grants and funding to American students interested in going abroad to complete a postgraduate degree, teach English or conduct research. As a recipient of the award, Faucher will spend 10 months in Switzerland teaching English and immersing herself in a new culture.
“I’ve been to Switzerland before, but to the French speaking part,” Faucher said. “This time I will be in a more German dominated area, which is completely unfamiliar to me.”
The senior is excited at the prospect of a challenge, and is confident her past experiences have prepared her for the job.
At UM, she has been involved in several student organizations such as the Homecoming Executive Committee and United Black Students. She was also a Research Assistant in the psychology department.
However, her international experiences have laid the foundation for her future in Switzerland.
Doing a summer exchange program in France during high school inspired her to declare international studies and French majors upon arriving at UM. Throughout her time at the UM, she took several unique courses such as Global Issues and Filmmaking, which only grew her love for international diplomacy and cross-cultural exploration.
“My discussion-heavy international studies classes taught me the value of being a good listener,” Faucher said. “I learned as much from my classmates as I did from my professors by learning about their backgrounds and being open to hearing their perspectives.”
Faucher applied this value of open-mindedness two years ago during her internship as an English Teaching Assistant in Portugal.
“This opportunity gave me a glimpse into what being an ETA is like,” she said. “It was so interesting to interact with kids who had never met a foreigner before. Those two months, I was able to share things about American culture while also learning about theirs.”
Faucher’s time in Portugal served as the foreshadowing of her future as an ETA in Switzerland. However, she hopes her time in Switzerland will serve as the catalyst of an exciting career in the field of diplomacy.
“Language plays a big part in understanding different cultures,” Faucher said. “So I think that’s something I’ll be able to take into my future career, as I will hopefully one day be a diplomat working with and connecting with people from other countries.”
Faucher advises anyone interested in spending significant time abroad to look into the Fulbright program and take a chance in applying, even if it seems intimidating.
“Be true to yourself,” she said. “That’s the only way you will stand out. And don’t be afraid of trying something new.”
Although she is excited about her ten months in Europe, Faucher holds bittersweet feelings towards graduating and leaving Miami.
“I’m for sure going to miss the sunshine,” Faucher said. “While I’m in Switzerland I know I’ll remember those moments sitting in a glider with a smoothie in hand, feeling like it’s always summer.”
Faucher is eager and certain that getting on that 14-hour flight to Solothurn, Switzerland, will be the next step in what is sure to be an exciting career and life.
“I don’t want to say goodbye, but I know that it’s part of life,” Faucher said. “I am optimistic about this next journey.”
Harvard, get ready for future mental health counselor, Emily Goldstein
Ever since Emily Goldstein toured the University of Miami, she knew she would spread her love for mental health on campus. In her four years at UM, she has been involved in organizations like Counseling Outreach Peer Education, Miami Motion Dance Team, Delta Delta Delta and various others.
Her extensive resume has led to her recent acceptance and commitment to pursue a master’s degree in human development and education at Harvard University, with future plans to become a mental health counselor.
“This is exactly where you need to be,” Goldstein, a senior studying psychology and community and applied psychological studies, said.
She lives by this motto in every aspect of her life. As the chair of COPE and the vice president of Miami Motion Dance Team, she believes she is always one step closer to where she is meant to be.
Goldstein has taken advantage of many leadership opportunities at UM, climbing her way up from being an introverted student to an influential student leader and role model.
When she is not preparing for Harvard, she’s around campus coordinating outreach events for COPE, like Love Your Body Day and Clothesline Project. You can also find her dancing with the Miami Motion Dance Team at their annual showcase or at a social with Delta Delta Delta.
Goldstein first came into UM as a psychology major, but later switched to community and applied psychological studies and psychology, where she found mentors who helped her grow personally and professionally.
“This major really started changing the way I see the world and the impact it has on individuals,” Goldstein said. “It has really helped me examine my privileges and biases.”
Mental health has always been a passion for Goldstein. She joined COPE, a group of mental health peer educators on campus, in her sophomore year with the hope of making a difference for the student body.
“I really wanted to immerse myself fully and play a part in destigmatizing these issues,” Goldstein said, “Even just helping one person is making a difference.”
Before her senior year, Goldstein applied to be a part of COPE’s E-board. To her surprise, she got the position of Outgoing Chair, which really helped her develop her leadership skills.
“Being chair of COPE really helped me understand my own visions and share them with others,” Goldstein said. “I explored my love for COPE even more and all I could do for UM.”
COPE has given Goldstein countless memorable opportunities, but the one that makes her most proud is talking to the U.S. Surgeon General about mental health and loneliness in students.
“Being in a position where I represented COPE made me feel so proud of myself and for my fellow members. It’s something I’ll never forget,” Goldstein said.
Another achievement that makes her feel proud is being a part of the Dean’s list and honor rolls, but she recognizes that pieces of paper are not all she is taking from UM when she leaves.
“Receiving those feels like my efforts are being recognized, but I will certainly remember the other little things, the people I met and everything that impacted me,” Goldstein said. “As amazing as the awards are, they are not everything.”
Derryl Barnes, Seizing Opportunities to Stand Out
In four years, Derryl Barnes has built a resume that most broadcast journalism majors can only dream of. From The Wall Street Journal to ESPN, Barnes’ impressive accomplishments can be traced to his beginnings within the School of Communication.
“I’ve worked for ESPN twice,” Barnes said. “I worked for The Wall Street Journal’s video team. I’ve been an on-air reporter for TNT Sports at NBA All-Star Weekend, working with Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neil, Charles Barkley all before I left school. It was because of the opportunities that I was given here – because I made the most out of them.”
From producing award-winning projects to scoring highly competitive internships, Barnes has truly maximized his time at the U. However, his passion for broadcasting started long before he enrolled at UM.
Opportunity of a lifetime
Barnes first learned the fundamentals of film and broadcasting at the Beacon Academy of Digital and Media Arts in Illinois, competing against high school students in similar programs.
A self-proclaimed college TV nerd, Barnes fell in love with UMTV stations SportsDesk and NewsVision. He reminisces on staying in the weight room after basketball practice to watch new episodes as soon as they aired.
“It was to the point where the motion sensor lights would turn off because I was watching UMTV of all things, which is a really nerdy thing to say,” Barnes said.
When Barnes found out he received a full-ride merit scholarship to the University of Miami at one of his basketball games, he was ecstatic.
“I think I missed every single layup in that layup line once we went and warmed up but I didn’t care,” Barnes said. “I had a smile on my face cause I was like ‘I can go to school for free.’”
Leading early on
Barnes’ high school skills seamlessly transferred to UMTV. So much so, he was entrusted to create his own Instagram TV shows, going on to mentor peers as a freshman.
“It was really cool to see that it was something I was able to bring here and start here,” Barnes said. “I’m a freshman in a position where I’m teaching other people how to do this, then they’re passing it along semester by semester.”
Barnes’ expertise prompted him to create “Off the Bench” his freshman year, a SportsDesk segment where he tried out different club sports at UM. His favorite episode features humorous clips of him attempting to sail on the water.
“They put me in a boat with one of their captains who probably hasn’t flipped over in years,” Barnes said. “We barely even make it out of the dock, and I flip over the boat.”
Ironically, Barnes’ senior Capstone episode echoes the chaotic charm of his sailing excursion from three years prior.
After receiving last place in a wakeboarding competition, his opponent gave him a trophy for his efforts.
“He felt bad that I was going home empty-handed,” Barnes said.
Going the extra mile
Leveraging the resources available at the School of Communication, Barnes also took on additional projects outside the studio with the help of UMTV faculty.
“The professors are going to seek out opportunities for you just because they see that you’re a go-getter,” Barnes said.
His documentary, “Hand U: The History of Throwing up the U,” he created with Professor Edward Julbe won the NATAS Suncoast Region Student Production Award in 2022 and the Crystal Pillar for Sports Story/Segment.
“We put together a story that basically led to a media tour around the country because it won a bunch of awards,” Barnes said.
Although prestigious awards highlight Barnes’ expertise, they are just a glimpse into how UM has enriched his life.
Once a ’Cane, always a ’Cane
“Everything I learned in UMTV definitely overlapped into the real world, my professional experiences,” he said.
He credits his time in UMTV’s NewsVision for honing his ability to learn diverse stories on a tight deadline—a skill crucial to his time with The Wall Street Journal.
“Having to familiarize myself with concepts that I’m unfamiliar with in a short amount of time is something I did every single day when I was on the breaking news team at The WSJ,” Barnes said.
Echoing how NewsVision taught Barnes to cover a variety of stories at The WSJ, his time at SportsDesk prepared him to cover a wide range of sports at ESPN.
“When I’m writing the shot sheet for Scott Van Pelt to do the ‘SportsCenter Top Ten,’ I was able to integrate some of those words and phrases I learned when I was learning how to play lacrosse for SportsDesk,” Barnes said.
Summing up his UM experience, Barnes emphasizes, “The opportunity is here at the University of Miami, it’s just what you make of it.”
UM senior takes acting to the seas in Royal Caribbean Cruises’ production of “Grease”
Graduating senior Eve Cohen will soon close the curtain on her time at the University of Miami after starring in six theater productions with the theatre department. Less than a month after graduation, she is set to play Sandy Dumbrowski from “Grease” in Royal Caribbean Cruises’ upcoming production starting June 1.
After starring in productions of “Legally Blonde,” “Bring It On” and “Cabaret,” Cohen never shied away from the spotlight. She encourages everyone to give their dreams a chance and cautions pursuing a career out of necessity.
Cohen found her love for the performing arts when attending musical theater summer camp in elementary school. At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and North Broward Preparatory School, she joined after-school programs to gain a competitive edge when applying to theater programs.
“Since a really young age, I don’t think I’ve gone more than six months without being in some show,” Cohen said.
At UM, Cohen starred in “The Threepenny Opera,” “A New Brain,” “Frogs” and “Take Flight.” Her voice coach Edgar Abreu guided her through the vocally-challenging roles.
“My biggest challenge as her voice teacher was guiding her to use her instrument sustainably and efficiently,” Abreu said. “This lesson is always tough for passionate actors who want to pour everything into their performances.”
Abreu honed Cohen’s vocal coordination and breath management skills in Italy at an three week program hosted by the University called “Musical Theatre Italy.” They delved into discovering the most effective air control to sharpen her passion into an unforgettable performance.
“What sets Eve apart from others is her unparalleled tenacity and vigor,” Abreu said. “When she sets her sights on a goal, nothing could stand in her way.”
Before memorizing any lines, Cohen imagines her character’s backstory and their similar or differing qualities to herself to strengthen her understanding of them.
“I like to pull a lot from myself,” Cohen said. “Every character I play is a version of myself in a different world.”
Despite meticulous preparation, Cohen has faced numerous rejections. Yet, her resolve grows stronger with each as she grows to not take them personally.
“You have no idea why that role didn’t work out for you. It could’ve been a million different reasons,” Cohen said. “Everything happens for a reason.”
In her senior year, Cohen got rejected for a role and later got accepted by Royal Caribbean. Had she gotten the other role, Cohen would’ve had to forfeit this life-changing opportunity.
“You’re always going to be put where you’re meant to be in this career,” Cohen said. “All you can do is keep working on your craft and try to be the best performer you can be.”
Cohen tries not to compare herself to the competition when auditioning. Hearing other actresses sing challenges her resolution and focus. She’s learned to be prepared enough to deliver an impressive performance, while leaving room to be unique.
“[Casting directors] aren’t looking for 60 carbon copies of the same thing,” Cohen said.
Her untraditional audition for Royal Caribbean tested her techniques. Cohen noticed Royal Caribbean was holding auditions in New York for their upcoming season. Because she was in Miami, Cohen contacted the casting director to inquire if self-tapes were accepted.
After getting approval, Cohen sent her tape and later received a phone call offering the role.
“You have to follow your gut,” Cohen said. “What do you have to lose?”
Currently, Cohen attends daily nine-hour rehearsals, practicing scenes and opening numbers for the upcoming complete run through.
“Everyone should at least give their dreams a shot,” Cohen said. “I could survive [with another career], but I wouldn’t be as fulfilled.”
Follow Cohen on Instagram @evecohen to see her childhood dreams become reality when she begins sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas on June 1, where she aims to dazzle and wow audiences with every note.
Out with the old, in with the new: UM dining to replace Tacos & Tattoos, introduce two-story dining hall and renovated Starbucks
For its centennial year, the University of Miami is elevating the dining experience for students. From a two-story dining hall to a freshly renovated Starbucks, students will be able to taste and see what UM Dining has to offer this upcoming year.
However, this upgrade is coming with a few changes to the University’s current dining options.
Tacos & Tattoos notified the University this spring that they would not be returning to provide dining services for the 2024-2025 school year.
“Local restaurants and businesses don’t typically frequent university settings, so this was a new thing for them,” said Ana Alvarez, assistant vice president of auxiliary services at UM. “So they just made the decision that they did not want to come back for year three.”
Alvarez works to manage relationships with third-party businesses that run services for the University.
Tacos & Tattoos, which replaced Lime Fresh Mexican Grill in August 2022, has become a favorite among students looking for a late-night dinner on campus.
However, due to inconsistent hours of operation typical of restaurants on a university campus, the joint has recently decided to take its business elsewhere.
“We have been working with the dining team to quickly identify some alternatives for that space,” Alvarez said. “We think that the quick-service Mexican offering is important for that space.”
While Tacos & Tattoos is on its way out, Alvarez confirmed that Pollo Tropical and several other campus restaurants are here to stay.
“We don’t have immediate plans for Pollo Tropical to leave yet–they’re still doing well,” Alvarez said.
When identifying whether or not campus restaurants will continue into the following year, auxiliary services recognize general trends in sales data or transaction volumes, which give them a general idea of how many more years the restaurant will be in operation.
Both Halal Shack, which opened in the Hurricane Food Court this past year, as well as Daybreak, which popped up in Lakeside Village in August 2022, have stepped up their sales and defended their place on campus.
“Daybreak had a really good year, and we’ve been really flexible with the menu,” Alvarez said. “We’ll probably keep Daybreak and just change the menu over the course of the remainder of the housing master plan. Once all of that gets built and we see how traffic patterns are established, then maybe we will look at Daybreak and consider another option for Daybreak.”
Adjacent to the Hurricane Food Court, the University’s 10-year-old Starbucks location is due for extensive renovations this summer.
“Students are going to come back to a really cool new state-of-the-art Starbucks,” Alvarez said. “We’re also going to be adding another register to help with the high volume of students and improve wait times.”
Across the lake, UM dining has been cooking up a new dining hall that will open for students this fall in Centennial Village.
“Students can expect new stations, all-day breakfast, an area called ‘Deliciously Without,’ which is going to be a new allergen-friendly station,” Alvarez said. “Being able to design a new facility that accommodates the needs of the students is very important.”
Aside from the traditional comfort foods that the dining hall provides such as pizza, pasta and deli options, the new Centennial Village dining hall will introduce a bake shop and an expanded teaching kitchen for students.
While the layout of the dining hall will be similar to the previous design, Alvarez emphasizes that food preparation will become the heart of the space.
“For the most part, it is an all-you-can-eat facility but with more robust platforms,” Alvarez said. “Cooking is more ‘out front’ and in the open versus a traditional program where the kitchen is more tucked towards the back.”
However, these improvements won’t come without a cost. With ongoing discussions about the rise in tuition for this upcoming year, it is clear that dining plans will cover a portion of that increase.
“Typically, we do see an increase when it comes to tuition, housing and meals. We are expecting an increase, but we don’t have that exact increase yet,” Alvarez said.
It is clear that UM Dining is committed to expanding and improving dining options for students both at Centennial Village and across campus.
“We’re organizing a lot of procurement programming around inviting resident students and commuter students to come over and take a look at the new space,” Alvarez said. “It’s going to be a wonderful addition to this campus and will really elevate the program tremendously.”
Miami adds Sam Brown, Jaylin Alderman by way of the transfer portal
Miami continues to reinforce its weakness with two experienced additions on both sides of the ball, Sam Brown and Jaylin Alderman.
Brown, the No. 2 available wide receiver this spring, according to On3, chose to make the move to Miami on Sunday over Texas A&M. After receiving limited playing opportunities with West Virginia, Brown transferred to Houston, where he put up 1286 yards and seven touchdowns the last two years despite spotty quarterback play at times. Brown now reunites with Shannon Dawson, his offensive coordinator during his first year in Houston.
Brown, at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, brings a nice blend of length, athleticism, and playmaking ability to this Miami receiving core. He’s strong at the catch point and can burn defenses with speed over the top and after the catch.
With him, Xavier Restrepo, and Jacolby George, the Hurricanes enter next season as the only team with a trio of receivers in the ACC who totaled even 500 yards last season. With the potential ascension of some other younger weapons such as Isaiah Horton and Elijah Arroyo, Miami’s passing attack could be very good and potentially one of, if not the best, in the ACC.
Miami also gets a chance to add some extra force to its front seven with its second recent addition: junior linebacker Jaylin Alderman. Miami got a firsthand look at Alderman last year when he was a member of the Louisville Cardinals and posted solid numbers. Last season, he totaled 62 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Alderman will slot into a strong linebacking core alongside Francisco Mauigoa and Wesley Bissainthe. They will try to keep Miami’s front seven strong despite the offseason losses of Corey Flagg Jr. and K.J. Cloyd from the linebacker room.