Home Blog Page 89

Love Island Contestant Elan Bibas visits UM Hillel

The University of Miami Hillel welcomed Love Island season seven contestant Elan Bibas on Monday, Oct. 27 to share his experience on the show, his faith and mental health. 

With more than 18 billion streams, Love Island USA’s season seven has gained the attention of millions of fans globally, which probably means you are no stranger to its contestants. 

Drawing in over 250 students to register for the event, Bibas’ message was able to inspire a large audience to prioritize community, self-development and remaining true to ones’ values. 

Bibas centered his message on the importance of finding community and taking risks to discover who you truly are, even with a strong TV personality. One idea that resonated deeply with him is that “life boils down to the risks you take.” 

His biggest piece of advice for college students is to try everything as early as possible and begin figuring out who you are beyond academics or relationships.

“I realized that I really didn’t know how to define myself,” shared Bibas. “I made a list of everything I was interested in or had ever wanted to try and began checking things off, adding what I enjoyed and removing what I didn’t care for.” 

Elan Bibas posing for a selfie with a UM student at Hillel on October 27, 2025. // Photo credit: Daniella Krasney

It was in this way that he discovered his love for running, and it has now become an important part of his life, especially as he transitioned from being in the villa to returning to the outside world. He shared that “it’s a time in the day where my head is the most quiet.” 

“We are constantly stimulated, and there’s very little time where we sit and process our own thoughts and feelings.”

Bibas also touched on how important his family and friends have been throughout the entire transition. From working a nine-to-five job  to having a very large social media following and online presence, his family has been essential to making him feel like he’s still leading a somewhat normal life and providing their support.  

“He is the most important person in the world to me; I have an incredible amount of love for him,” said Bibas in reference to his younger brother and manager Tal.

While he did not expect to come home to almost 100,000 new followers, Bibas has remained close to family and friends as he goes back to his “new normal,” and he even said the first thing he did when he returned home was call the friends and family he hadn’t spoken to in months. 

Bibas touched on what his faith means to him, stating that he never thought he would leave the villa being known as “the Jewish bombshell”. 

“I didn’t realize coming off the show that I would be viewed as the Jewish person, and it has become a huge part of who I am now, especially in light of recent events,” he shared with the audience. 

Elan Bibas speaking at UM Hillel on October 27, 2025. // Photo credit: Daniella Krasney

He stated that it is extremely important for him to use his platform as a way to share the parts of himself the show did not properly showcase, and this includes his faith as well. Bibas said that being a proud Jew is significant to him, and he wishes to uphold the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam or “making the world a better place.”

“Whether that be in your community, among your friends- even loving yourself and who you are — it’s something that has really stuck with me.”

At the end of the interview, many attendees swarmed Bibas to take selfies, record videos and FaceTime friends to say hello. 

Bibas will be in New York City this weekend for the New York City marathon, where he hopes to inspire others to be bold and step out of their comfort in order to find parts of themselves they didn’t even know existed. You can find more information on him and his marathon journey on his Instagram, @elan.bibas. 

Phi Delta Epsilon stands for the kids, raises nearly $2,500

The University of Miami’s chapter of the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity celebrated its biggest event of the year, “Stand for the Kids,” on Oct. 22, 2025.

The annual tabling event serves as a fundraiser for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami’s only exclusively pediatric healthcare system. The Foote Green turned into a carnival, completely decked out with a dunk tank, bounce house, inflatable bull ride and many other activities. 

“It’s just so wonderful seeing everyone come together for a certain cause, like to support the children,” said Sydney Litten, one of PhiDE’s event planning chairs who helped to organize the event. “You really see the community that we have built when we all come together.”

PhiDE member “pied” to benefit Nicklaus Children’s Hospital at Stand for the Kids on October 22, 2025. // Will Skinner, contributed photo

“Stand for the Kids” is one of the fraternity’s internationally trademarked events, meaning that each chapter worldwide has their own annual version of the fundraiser on the same date. Last semester, PhiDE’s Anatomy Fashion Show raised over $10,000.

PhiDE CEO Karen Katz notably made an appearance. Though she “can’t have favorites,” she shared that the University of Miami’s chapter is definitely near the top of the list.

“When our headquarters was in Miami, we chose five chapters to beta test ‘Stand for the Kids’ in 2012 before it became the international philanthropy day,” said Katz. “The University of Miami was one of those.” 

The fundraiser was fostered in part by the Children’s Miracle Network, which serves as a liaison between PhiDE and children’s hospitals across the United States. 

“We chose Children’s Miracle Network because we were and are their current physicians,” said Katz. “We wanted a charity or philanthropy where we could not only raise money, but also take part in making a difference daily.”

Through this event and others, Phi Delta Epsilon has raised more than $2 million for children’s hospitals worldwide. 

“I believe this philanthropy does a lot for our hearts because when you become a physician, you are always in the hospital but you can leave at the end of the day,” said Katz. “When you’re a patient, you [can’t] necessarily do that. So this is a reminder of how important it is to remember that these children are not just patients. They are someone’s child. They are the future of the world.” 

Shelton Henderson: The next true freshman star at Miami

0

In only his first year on campus, receiver Malachi Toney’s meteoric rise to the top of college football stardom has spotlighted him as one of the most electrifying talents to watch in the country. Already establishing himself as Miami’s leading wideout, his breakout season has cemented him among the nation’s most elite playmakers and catapulted him to instant celebrity status in Coral Gables – just a month after his 18th birthday. 

On the hardwood for the Hurricanes, five-star freshman recruit Shelton Henderson could be on a similar trajectory. 

With the NCAA men’s basketball season slated to begin on Nov. 3, Henderson, the No. 1 ranked player from Texas in the class of 2025, looks poised to make an immediate impact and be the next young star in line at the University of Miami.  

Originally committed to Duke, the powerful 6 ‘6, 240 lb forward transferred to UM in April to follow new head coach Jai Lucas, who was formerly part of the Blue Devils’ staff. Lucas and Henderson’s relationship dates back to when Henderson was in fourth grade – both are Bellaire High School alums from Bellaire, Texas. At the team’s media day on Tuesday afternoon, Lucas lauded him for his versatility and as someone that will make waves for the squad instantly. 

“His impact on the game will be seen right away.” Lucas said. “People will see him and think he’s just some downhill physical presence, but his basketball IQ and his ability to pass and make reads will be something that surprises a lot of people…He’s a guy that will play four positions for us.” 

Photo Credit: @CanesHoops via X // Miami Hurricanes basketball coach Jai Lucas speaks to reporters on Oct. 28, 2025

Associate Coach Charlton “C.Y.” Young also showered the coveted recruit with high praise. With 30 years of Division I coaching experience, Young already considers Henderson as an NBA-caliber athlete, stamping him next to some of the league’s current stars. 

“I think he’s a pro,” Young said. “My alarm goes off just like when I had Scottie Barnes, Patrick Williams, and Devin Vassell. It’s just a matter of when.” 

Shelton Henderson’s raw talent is undeniable. With unprecedented size and strength for his age, the 2025 Houston High School Player of the Year has been touted as one of the most physically imposing freshmen in the country. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing players, being both an unstoppable force when attacking the basket and a lockdown defender. 

But just like Toney, what separates him from others in his class is his relentless work ethic and desire for greatness. 

Each morning, Henderson arrives early at the Watsco Center before his scheduled team lift to work on his shooting. Then, after an entire day of workouts and practices, Henderson will come back at night to continue putting up shots. 

Discipline and consistency are the pillars of his success. Built on routine and repetition, that foundation has given him the self-belief and conviction to trust his work and chase the high standards he’s set for himself. 

“I want to win ACC Freshman of the Year,” Henderson said. “I have the utmost confidence in myself to do that.”

Photo Credit: @CanesHoops via X /// Miami Hurricanes forward Shelton Henderson speaks to reporters on Oct. 28, 2025

The Miami hoops prodigy has the tools and tenacity to thrive at the collegiate level in his first season. His phenomenal talent, work rate, and competitive edge puts him on another level – which is why perhaps his most remarkable quality is his complete devotion to UM’s success. 

Since his commitment to the program, Henderson has always displayed a selfless, team-first mentality. Personal goals and expectations aside, the number one priority remains unchanged: win. And after an abysmal 7-24 finish last season, the true freshman pledges 

to restore excitement to Miami men’s basketball.

“Seeing what they’re doing on the football field…I want to do the same exact thing and bring an excitement to the campus,” Henderson said. “I know it’s been rough last year, so I just want to change the culture around here and have fun while doing it.” 

Henderson promises ‘Canes fans will see results fast. 

“I think we have a chance to be one of the best defensive teams in the country,” he said. “People are going to see that we’re a legit team very early in the season.”

Henderson’s long-awaited arrival will come on Nov. 3, when men’s hoops tips off their season at 8 p.m. against Jacksonville University at the Watsco Center. Until then, Hurricanes guard Tru Washington says NCAA basketball can only brace for impact. 

“He’s ranked a five star for a reason. He’s gonna come in and show the world what he can do.”

‘Canes bounce back and new Hall of Fame class announced

Pablo recaps a strong rebound week for the Hurricanes across the board. Miami Volleyball defended home court with back-to-back wins while Canes Golf captured the White Sands Invitational title behind Ashleen Kaur’s stellar play. Women’s Soccer closed its home season in style with a dramatic upset over UNC, and the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was revealed, featuring Canes legends like Duke Johnson and Mark Richt. Pablo also breaks down the football team’s 42–7 statement win over Stanford, a look ahead to the SMU matchup, basketball’s season kickoff at Watsco, and the return of the Fall Baseball Classic.

Nude Project brings Puerto Rican artists to Miami’s Design District

Under the fluorescent glow of the Miami Design District, creativity pulsed from the walls of the Paradise Plaza Building. The space — usually reserved for sleek storefronts and tourists with designer bags — had been transformed into something far more human: a pop-up playground of sound, fashion and culture courtesy of the Nude Project.

The pop-up, open from Oct. 11 to 26, featured Puerto Rican artists Pink Pablo, Matt Louis and producer duo Slow Jamz. Sponsored by Nocco, the night buzzed with the taste of lemon-lime and blood orange as people crowded in, ready to see what the new generation of Boricua music could sound like.

Around 8 p.m., Slow Jamz took over the decks, with their set flowing like a warm current through the crowd. Puerto Rican underground hits like “Vitamina C” by VEI HABACHE and their own track “SUERTE” filled the room, weaving effortlessly into Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro staples. The energy was electric but intimate — like being let in on a secret that the rest of the world hadn’t caught up to yet.

Next, Pink Pablo took the stage, diving into earlier favorites like “perdimos el control” and “veo luces,” then testing new material like “ME QUEDO AKI” and an unreleased track called “ellos saben” that had fans leaning forward, phones raised and faces glowing. 

Lastly came the closer, Matt Louis, who carried himself with the calm confidence of an artist sure of where he’s headed. His set unfolded like a cinematic sequence — lush, rhythmic and sensual. Songs off his latest EP “GAMMA” — including “KONFESSION” and “LUNA” — moved seamlessly into his newest single, “DEMBOi.” 

I spoke with Matt the previous day at Billboard Latin Music Week, right after his participation in the “Breaking a New Artist: Building a Career Beyond the Hype” panel presented by SONAR. Still buzzing from the experience, he smiled and said, “Super feliz. Tenía muchas ganas de venir a Miami y conocer la industria como artista emergente.”

For Matt, Miami isn’t just another stop — it’s a full-circle moment. His very first trip here was years ago, at 18, to audition at La Banda, long before he met his first producers, Lara Project or connected with the creative collective LV CIUDVD, which helped him grow into the artist he is today.

Outside of the studio, he draws from photography, film, clothing and reading. “I listen to myself,” he said, “and see what images come to mind that correspond to that.” It’s a process that makes sense the moment you see him perform — each song feels less like a track and more like a still from a film he’s directing in real time.

Next up for Matt is more music, more experimentation and more exploration of his evolving sound. His latest single, “DEMBOi,” is already out, signaling a new phase of growth rooted in the same fearless curiosity that brought him here in the first place.

And that, really, is what Billboard Latin Music Week represents. It’s not just a celebration of the artists who’ve made it, but a meeting point for those still defining themselves — where producers, singers and fans from across the world gather to honor what connects them all: the power of music to bring people together.

Miami Women’s Basketball resets ahead of 2025-26 season

0

The University of Miami’s women’s basketball program enters the 2025-2026 season with fresh talent and energy. Over the offseason, head coach Tricia Cullop and her staff revamped the roster, bringing in new players and raising expectations for the season ahead. 

With 12 out of the 14 players on the roster new to the program, the Hurricanes are in the midst of a rebuild, creating a new team atmosphere. The incoming talent has earned national recognition, with Miami’s freshman and transfer recruiting class ranked among the best in the country.

Headlining the Hurricanes roster overhaul are two key transfers, expected to play pivotal roles: Ra Shaya Kyle and Gal Raviv, both projected to be dominant forces on the court. 

Kyle, a 6-foot-6 center who previously played at the University of Florida, was the sixth new transfer to the team. Coming off of a career year with the Gators where she started 37 games, Kyle ranked first on the team and sixth overall in the SEC for rebounds per game (8.7 RPG). She also averaged 14.2 points per game, reaching double figures in 32 of 37 games. 

Raviv, a 5-foot-9 sophomore point guard from Netanya, Israel, joins the Hurricanes after a standout freshman season at Quinnipiac. She was named the 2025 Mid-American Athletic Conference (MAC) Player of the Year, the 2025 MAC Rookie of the Year, and earned All-MACC First Team and Rookie Team honors. Raviv led Quinnipiac to a 28-5 record, averaging 17.9 points per game while contributing in rebounds, assists, and steals. She also represented Israel in the FIBA U-18 Women’s Eurobasket in Portugal, where she averaged 17.3 points per game and was the fourth-leading scorer in the tournament. 

Other significant transfers to Miami include Vittoria Blasigh, Amarachie Kimpson, Candace Kpetikou, Mya Kone and Jessica Peterson, who all bring strength and versatility to the roster.  

Miami’s 2025 recruiting class, ranked fifth nationally by ESPNW, adds more potential impact players. Texas guard Camille Williams, averaged 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in her high school senior season. Guard Meredith Tippner, a two-time state champion, was named 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana and earned All-State honors three times. Natalie Wetzel, standing at 6-foot-3, averaged 17.4 points per game and led her team to 6A Championship, earning 6A Player of the Year honors.

Guard Danielle Osho is a two-time state champion and 2024 State Championship MVP, earning All-State, All-County honors, and All-Defensive honors. Forward Soma Okolo averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists as a junior, leading her team to a district championship and regional final. 

The experience and versatility of the players will be tested early, as Miami faces one of the toughest ACC schedules in recent years, including the likes of NC State, Duke, Louisville, and Notre Dame. 

With key transfers and a new freshman class, the ’Canes enter the season poised with momentum and high expectations, aiming to turn potential into consistent results. The Hurricanes open the season against Hofstra at home on Nov. 3 at 5:00 p.m. 

Players on the Miami women’s basketball team celebrate after defeating Clemson on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Watsco Center Photo credit: Miami Athletics

New leadership, new hope for Miami Men’s basketball

0

In 2021 and 2022, Miami Hurricanes Men’s basketball reached heights the program had never seen. An Elite Eight appearance in ‘21 followed by a Final Four appearance the next year had fans hopeful for a national title – a trophy that has forever evaded UM basketball.

However, following their two years of glory, the ’Canes crashed back down to Earth, missing the NCAA tournament in ‘23 and ‘24. 

Then came the biggest shift of all. 

After the ‘24 season, legendary head coach Jim Larrañaga retired, and with key players graduating or transferring, 2025 marks a new chapter for Hurricanes hoops – one filled with lots of questions, but also possibility.

To replace their all-time winningest head coach, Miami brought in former Duke assistant Jai Lucas. 

At just 36, Lucas is relatively young for a head coaching role, but he brings a wealth of experience. He spent 12 seasons in assistant roles at Duke, Kentucky and Texas, where he helped guide them to a combined seven NCAA tournament appearances. 

With many veterans gone, recruiting will be crucial to Lucas’ success. At Duke, he helped secure the nation’s top recruiting class two years in a row — and he wasted no time getting started in Coral Gables.

Lucas landed multiple key transfers in the portal, who will all be key contributors for the ’Canes this season.

Photo Credit: @CanesHoops via X // Members of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team throw up the “U” at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025

Tre Donaldson, a senior point guard coming from the University of Michigan, brings a true veteran presence to the team. ​Ernest Udeh Jr., a center out of TCU, is expected to lead the defense as he possesses strong rebounding and shot-blocking skills. Lastly, guard Tru Washington from New Mexico and forward Malik Reneau from Indiana both bring solid scoring and rebounding abilities to the team. 

The two most notable high-school recruits Lucas was able to land were five-star Shelton Henderson and four-star Dante Allen. Henderson, a physical 6-foot-10 forward with 6-foot-6 wingspan, excels on defense and is a powerful finisher at the rim. With a developing jumper, Henderson could play a key role on the Hurricanes even as a freshman. 

Allen, standing at 6-foot-4 and 220-pounds, is a powerful guard with a high basketball IQ. With his size and athleticism, he is able to be a defensive menace while also being a true playmaker on offense.

Lucas has had high praise for Allen, saying, “I’ve watched Dante play the last three years…and I always said if I was somewhere that he would be appreciated and valued, he’d be one of the first people I’d recruit.” 

With a strong new core, the Hurricanes have a solid chance at making a run at the NCAA tournament, but it all depends on how these new pieces mesh together and fit into Lucas’ scheme.

Their 2025–26 campaign tips off  Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. against Jacksonville in the Watsco Center.

Photo Credit: @CanesHoops via X // Members of the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team take photo at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 31, 2025

Receiving weapons galore: 5 breakout candidates in the Hurricanes’ passing game

0

A deep receiver and tight end room has been historically synonymous with University of Miami football, producing college football legends like Michael Irvin in the 1980s and Andre Johnson in the early 2000s.

LSU transfer CJ Daniels and true freshman Malachi Toney have lived up to these high standards, putting up big numbers as the Hurricanes’ top two receivers this season. 

However, there is a significant drop in receiving production beyond what Daniels and Toney have done this season.

Toney has exploded into the college football scene from the slot with 562 yards and three touchdowns in his first seven games, while Daniels has been on the receiving end of over 300 yards and six touchdowns.

No other Hurricane has over 200 receiving yards or two touchdown receptions.

For a Miami offense that has struggled at times to move the chains this season, the emergence of a true number three target for quarterback Carson Beck could pay massive dividends later in the year as the Hurricanes look to make a deep playoff run.

Here are just a few of Miami’s talented pass catchers that have the potential to step up for the remainder of this season.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Freshman Wide Reciever Malachi Toney is fired up after a big punt return on October 26, 2025.

Jojo Trader


A five star recruit out of high school, South Florida native Joshisa “Jojo” Trader was expected to emerge as a tremendous deep ball threat for the Hurricanes in his sophomore season after putting up 91 yards and a score as a freshman.

In last year’s Pop Tarts Bowl, Trader put the college football world on notice where he stiff-armed an Iowa defender on route to a 40 yard touchdown for Miami. 

Despite his immense potential, Trader logged just one snap against Louisville and has been a non-factor this entire season.

“What happened to Jojo Trader?. I don’t see him out there for Miami,” posted NFL quarterback  Lamar Jackson on X during the Louisville game.

The reason for Trader’s lack of snaps is largely unknown, but the UM coaching staff may consider giving the talented sophomore more snaps in this 2025 Hurricane offense.

Freshman wide receiver Joshisa Trader scores his first collegiate touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Photo Credit: Emily Rice

Elijah Lofton

After the departure of superstar tight end Elijah Arroyo to the NFL, many Miami fans had hoped for a breakout year from sophomore Elija Lofton going into this season.

Unfortunately, such a breakout is yet to come. The Las Vegas native has put up 111 yards on 14 receptions in what has been a rather disappointing campaign for one of Miami’s promising young talents.

Lofton has even received some criticism from fans for his role in the game-ending interception against Louisville this season, a loss that ended UM’s once perfect season.

Regardless, Lofton is still an immensely talented tight end who could become a security blanket for Beck, providing a sense of stability to this sometimes turbulent offense. 

Keelan Marion 

BYU transfer Keelan Marion is currently third in receiving for UM with 176 yards on the year, but has averaged just 9.8 yards per reception and is yet to emerge as a true weapon for the Hurricanes.

In his freshman year at UConn, Marion averaged nearly 17 yards per catch on 28 receptions for 474 yards. 

If Marion can rediscover his freshman year form as a redshirt senior, Beck could find himself with yet another deep threat receiver to target along with Daniels and Toney.

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Redshirt senior wide receiver Keelan Marion struggles for the ball against Louisville on Friday Oct. 17, 2025.

Joshua Moore

True freshman Joshua Moore has put up 114 yards on ten receptions this season, including an impressive performance against USF where he scored two touchdowns for Miami en route to a 49-12 blowout victory.

Following his breakout performance against the Bulls, however, Moore is yet to log a single reception, begging the question as to why he hasn’t received more snaps since.

The Miami native impressed as a high school senior with over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns, choosing UM over schools including LSU, Ohio State, and Penn State.

If Moore can get more opportunities in the UM offense, he may be able to prove why he was so highly touted out of high school. 

Brian Mulvey Assistant Photo Editor // Freshman wide receiver Josh Moore catches a touchdown versus USF on Sept. 14 2025

Tony Johnson

A redshirt senior from Ocala, Florida, Tony Johnson is still yet to break 150 yards on the year. Despite this lack of production, the Cincinnati transfer has proven his ability in the past with back to back 400 yard seasons in 2023 and 2024.

Johnson recently logged his best game in a Miami uniform at home against Stanford, catching three balls for 69 yards and finishing as the team’s receiving yards leader for the game.

UM fans will be hoping that Johnson’s recent performance is only the beginning of a second half resurgence for the highly skilled receiver. 

While a true number three target for Beck may be yet to materialize, there is clearly a wealth of talent in this Hurricanes wide receiver room. Time will only tell as to who exactly it will be to stamp their mark on Miami’s 2025 college football season. 

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Sixth Year Redshirt Senior Wide Reciever CJ Daniels makes an incredible catch over a Stanford cornerback on October 26, 2025.

Miami golf take first place in White Sands Invitational

0

All eyes were on the Miami Hurricanes golf program on Sunday after taking first place at the White Sands Invitational in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

The team finished with a total score of +35 over three days of play.

Starting with day one, Ashley Kaur led the way, securing second place overall at +6. Kaur’s performance was outstanding — she shot +4 on the first day and added +2 on the second. Behind Kaur, Rebekah Gardner recorded three rounds totaling +8, securing fourth place on the leaderboard.

Cleo Amino Vilarino finished fifth, just behind Kaur and Gardner, with three rounds totaling +10. Vilarino shot +3 in the first round, +2 in the second, and +5 on the final day.

Barbora Bujáková made a strong return after a season-ending injury, tying Miami’s Stella Jelinek for 13th place in the individual rankings. Bujáková shot +5 in round one, +7 in round two, and +2 on the final day to finish at +14 overall.

Jelinek also finished at +14, shooting +5, +5, and +4 across the three rounds.

The Hurricanes also had Katie Carman and Aada Rissanen competing as individuals. Carman placed 40th with a tournament total of +43, followed by Rissanen in 43rd at +65.

Following their successful tournament in the Bahamas, the Hurricanes will return to Miami to prepare for the spring season. Their next tournament will take place on Feb. 1 in Palos Verdes, California, where they will compete in Ohio State’s Regional Challenge.

Here’s a look at the full team results on Sunday compared to other universities:

  1. Miami (+35)
  2. USF (+40)
  3. High Point (+50)
  4. Middle Tennessee (+56)
  5. Northern Illinois (+74)
  6. Ohio (+88)
  7. Prairie View A&M (+152)

‘That’s so UMiami’: Nikki Pindor

Nikki Pindor, a freshman influencer at the University of Miami, sat down with Jamison and Sophia for an exclusive interview. Pindor shared her raw, unfiltered opinions on sorority recruitment, the influencer industry, cancel culture and the Miami nightlife scene. She’s the girl that you’ve seen and definitely heard of. Listen here for information you can’t find anywhere else.

Four UM students arrested in Key West during Fantasy Fest weekend

Four University of Miami students were arrested in Key West this past weekend at the annual Fantasy Fest halloween festival.

Three of the four students were arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, Oct. 25. One of these students was charged with one felony count of fraud and two misdemeanors for obstructing a criminal investigation and resisting an officer. 

Another was charged with a felony for possession of stolen property. According to the police report obtained by The Miami Hurricane, this student was involved in an altercation that led to the police looking at his identification, resulting in the charge. 

The other party involved in the conflict had a laceration to her head and was sent to the hospital after the UM student appeared to defend himself. When police saw his wallet, they also identified two fake IDs.  

The third student arrested on Saturday was charged with a misdemeanor for resisting an officer. According to the police report, the student drew attention because he was yelling at a group of officers, calling one a racist, and refused to step back and deescalate the situation. 

The fourth student was arrested on Sunday, Oct. 26 and charged with a felony count of drug possession for 3.3 grams of white powder that field tested positive as cocaine. White powder under the student’s nose also tested positive. 

These students have not been found guilty in a court of law. All four of their arraignment dates are scheduled for early Nov. 

The arrests took place during a weekend excursion where UM students made the drive to Key West to get decked out in costumes to celebrate Halloween on Duval Street. Fantasy Fest draws in close to 75,000 adults, many of whom dress in risque costumes or simply body paint. 

The Hurricane reached out to all four students who were arrested, but none of them wanted to participate in an interview. 

A UM student who wished to remain unnamed said that Key West is planned well in advance as a weekend to party, drink and engage in risky behaviors that may cross the line.

“All year Key West is discussed, with everyone saying how they will ‘black out’ and make crazy decisions,” the student said. “Some people took their choices in Key West a bit far, such as getting arrested or going to the hospital.”

The unnamed student said that the student who went to the hospital is a fraternity member who experienced alcohol poisoning.

Another student who wished to remain unnamed emphasized that this is not the first time students have been arrested, and that this type of behavior is characteristic of the weekend. 

According to the Key West Police Department, Fantasy Fest deployed hundreds of officers from multiple agencies, including some mounted on horseback, FBI officials and “spotters” positioned on roofs of buildings located on Duvall street.  

Spotter seen on the roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street during Fantasy Fest. // Contributed photo

Public Information Officer at KWPD Alyson Crean says that the goal of the heightened police presence was not to prosecute students, but ensure safety.

“It’s really about deescalating rather than resisting,” Crean said. “Nobody wants to ruin somebody’s life, but they also don’t want it to turn into a barroom brawl.” 

Editor’s note: The Hurricane has decided not to name the four students who were arrested. The  cases are ongoing and we did not want to cause further harm to our peers. The Hurricane prides itself on being a source of reliable, unbiased, student-centered news dedicated to reporting on and for the UM community.

Fluent futures: Why a second language matters

0

In today’s inter-connected world, it feels as if knowing one language just isn’t enough. In the United States, only 1 in 5 people speak a second language. Not enough people seem to understand that having the ability to speak another language can open new opportunities for people that they might not otherwise be able to achieve with just a single language.

If we want to succeed in our globalized future, we need to treat bilingualism as a necessity and not a luxury. 

Now, as a bilingual individual myself — I understand how difficult it is to learn and maintain my second language. 

Growing up, the first language that I ever learned was Russian. I even went into kindergarten not knowing a single word of English. But now with English being my predominant language, it’s tough to maintain my proficiency in Russian. 

To keep it fresh, I make it a point to practice everyday with either my family and friends or by practicing a few words on Duolingo. Even these small efforts go a long way in helping me stay connected with my mother tongue. 

For UM students who are interested in expanding their language knowledge, the university offers Mango Languages through the school library. Students can sign up with their school email and learn languages that Duolingo or other language learning websites might not otherwise have at no additional cost.

Learning another language comes with many great benefits, with one of the most meaningful being that you can interact with people from across many cultures.

“It allows people to communicate with a broader range of people around the world and promotes a deeper understanding of different cultures” said Eiko Williams, a senior lecturer of Spanish and Japanese at the University of Miami. For many students, that connection is exactly what motivates them to learn a second language.

Communication goes deeper when it’s spoken in someone’s native language. Oftentimes, it shows respect to the person you are talking to and makes the person you are talking to feel at ease. 

By speaking in that person’s native language, you show that you are willing to break barriers in order to create a genuine connection.

I experience this first hand, as I am able to connect on a deeper level with my grandparents when I speak to them in their native language of Russian rather than in English. 

Through our conversations, I’ve learned stories about their lives in the Soviet Union and gained a deeper understanding of our traditions and customs as a family. Speaking their language not only allows me to strengthen my bond with them but also understand my family’s history and roots.

Learning an additional tongue can open new opportunities for you, including better job prospects. With our world being so inter-connected these days, many people of different ethnicities and cultures are present in the workplace. 

Employers understand this, which is why they are increasingly looking for candidates who can bridge language gaps and communicate effectively with clients of different backgrounds.

In fact, being bilingual gave me a real advantage in the job market. I was able to secure a job in the banking industry because I was able to effectively communicate with customers who felt more comfortable speaking in Russian. 

That ability helped me build trust and strong relationships with our clients, which set me apart from other equally qualified candidates.

Knowing more than one language can distinguish yourself from your peers. It can potentially lead to higher pay or even greater job security. Understanding another language is a valuable skill that could open new pathways for you in your professional life. 

My bilingual ability is an essential part of my identity, and I encourage more people to put in the effort that it takes to learn a second language. Learning a language beyond your native one is more than a skill, it’s a way to open more doors and build more meaningful relationships with people of other backgrounds. It can help you see life through a new, more broader perspective.

So please, take the time to learn a new language and see how it can broaden your horizons, deepen your connections with others and open your eyes to the world in ways you’d never suspect.