This summer I was fortunate enough to attend the European College of Sports Science (ECSS) conference in Rimini, Italy. I was there for the research project that Professor Saida Riddell led, and I worked under. We looked at the influence of the frequency of resistance training and education status on depression diagnoses among young adults. I was able to spend the week there listening to some of the leading experts in exercise science as well as getting to try out some of the latest sports technology available. I was also able to help support the other University of Tampa undergraduate and graduate students presenting tool! My favorite memory was making new friends all across the world- Italy, Germany, Senegal, and being able to experience their respective cultural traditions and languages. Being in Italy, of course I had to try some of its amazing food too. I am forever grateful for the Honors program for financially assisting me in my travels, allowing me to make memories I hope to never forget. – Bridget Klaus
The course begins on campus where you will learn filmmaking techniques for the first seven weeks, then travels to Mexico over Spring Break where you will co-create short documentary films about local changemakers, stay with host families, engage with local history and ecology through the Na’atik Language and Culture Institute, and visit a women’s embroidery collective, indigenous eco-cooperative, stingless bee sanctuary, underground swimming hole and then finish your trip with two nights in Tulum. You’ll spend the second seven weeks of the semester back on campus editing, incorporating changemaker feedback, and sending your films out to festivals. Counts as (IG) (NW) for the Baccalaureate Experience. Program fee: $2800 (plus airfare). Students can get one Honors credit for this course (HON 255) or a COM 212 credit. Apply here by Dec 1st.
While Tulum is an internationally known tourist destination famous for its beaches, Maya ruins, and nightlife, Felipe Carrillo Puerto (usually referred to as “Carrillo”) is more off the beaten path—a small, friendly, quiet town with a slower pace. As a small city with a tight-knit community, Carrillo is also extremely safe to walk and bike around the town. Getting around on your own is easy and many families stroll around the central park in the evenings to play with toys and eat fresh “marquesitas” (rolled crepes filled with cheese or Nutella). The population is of Maya descent and it’s still common to see older women in their traditional huipil dress speaking Maya. Your homestays and excursions will be organized by the Na’atik (which is Maya for “we understand each other”), a nonprofit intercultural language school which offers scholarships to local Maya children.
Review of Felipe Carrillo Puerto from The Wandering Monkey
The most recent Honors Symposium celebrated academic excellence and global learning through a series of engaging and informative presentations. The symposium featured impressive poster displays from Honors Thesis students and also highlighted students from the Oxford Study Abroad participants and Partners in the Park scholars. Honors students had the chance to explore the hard work and creativity of UT’s Honors students as they shared their research, experiences, and discoveries. Attendees were welcome to drop in at any time throughout the showcase to support the December Thesis Graduates and fellow Honors Spartans.
