Everyone knows that Hall of Fame is geared towards the students, past and present. This event is created for us to have fun, recognize Full Sail accomplishments, experience, learn, create, and prepare us for our future. But….what if I told you faculty mattered too? Would you believe me? Well, you should, because without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today, or have the experiences that we have and are continuously gaining. Our teachers, administrators, cleaning crew, police officers, and everyone who contributes to make Full Sail and its students better are our team, and sometimes we forget how much work and energy they put in while balancing their own personal lives. This is why I took the time out to interview some of our faculty on campus and get their thoughts, feelings, experiences during HOF.
During Hall of Fame, Emily headed up the content development team, which is a team dedicated to creating visual content on campus all week. She has been a support system for the students for eight years, and says the experience of HOF is different each year, constantly changing and adding diversity. Since she’s been here at Full Sail, she says that everyone has been working hard to make sure the students get a great and better experience each year. This was one of my favorite parts of the interview because I asked Emily, “Does it get easier each year to prepare?” She said no, it gets harder, due to not knowing the capacity of students that are going to be there, not always knowing what events are going to be on campus, and trying to keep HOF “fresh.” The reason this part stuck out to me was because not everyone realizes how much our faculty goes through trying to prepare and still be here for us. Emily is definitely one of our superwomen, because despite how much HOF can be draining (and that doesn’t even include the sun), she still puts in her all each and every year, we appreciate her! Emily really loves the students and believes in supporting every one of them.The last thing she said to me was if helping students create a “really solid portfolio piece” will help them get a job or internship after they cross that stage, and “if I can support them through that process, then it will feel like a job well done.”
Beth Strudgeon - Introduction to Media of Communications, Media Psychology, Media Sociology
I ran into this amazing woman while she was interacting with some students. Always smiling and always cheerful, Beth said she may not know much about editing and recording, but she’s always there for support. She is always there to help out her team and the students whenever and wherever she can. Quite the comedian, she’s also always there to keep a smile on your face whenever your day just isn’t your day. So stop in and visit Beth when you’re feeling overloaded or just need a laugh! An 18-year veteran at Full Sail, she has experienced many Hall of Fame events, but this is her fourth one in the MCBS program. She says every year it gets better, and in her personal opinion, it seems that the focus always remains on how to enhance the experience for both the alumni and the current students. It’s not just about fun. It’s also about how to engage students so that they are getting the learning experience and value that they need to succeed. Beth herself really values her students and loves that HOF allows for her to connect outside of the classroom. She says her favorite part of HOF is seeing us as students “do what we came here to do,” and she enjoys watching our growth.
Sarah E. - File Processing Team Manager (Online & Campus)
Sarah was bubbly, upbeat, and had me smiling just because she was so energetic. With so much positive energy, she was out there supporting her team (Turtle) and recruiting other students to play in “The Hoop Hop Showdown.” This was a game that consisted of jumping in hula hoops and playing rock paper scissors all the way to the end. Sarah said she was basically the hype person, and if the game didn’t reel you in, I promise you her personality would. Being at Full Sail for twelve years, she’s been there since the start of HOF, and says she enjoys participating and helping out with all the “fun stuff.” In all her bubbly glory, she said HOF has definitely gotten bigger, especially this year being that “it’s all inclusive.” I know what she means. I saw families and even pets enjoying the festivities. It was a very fun-filled and family-oriented atmosphere. When asked how she was feeling, she had me dying laughing at her response. Team Turtle’s hype man said, “Paper, rock, scissors shouldn’t make you want to take a nap. I want to lay down. I’m really tired.” We understand, Sarah! When you’re having that much fun in the Florida heat, I think we all deserve a bed and a fan, but all the while she never stopped smiling and cheering for her team.
Charlie Webb - Recording Arts
I ran into Charlie on his way to help out with getting the audio setup for the events for the week. They chose the right person, because not only is he an amazing teacher on campus but he does live sound at events outside of Full Sail. So if you need advice or his assistance, don’t hesitate to drop by and give him a holler. When it comes to HOF, he says each year it continues to grow and get bigger, and he was out there making sure everything was functioning properly (then I came along and stopped his progress). Charlie is quite a humorous character, leaving me with this statement on how much he loves his students. “I’m actually headed back down to that stage to make sure that the kids I have running are fed, watered, clothed, all those important things.” We appreciate you, Charlie! You are our home away from home, there to provide the necessities. When it came to getting anything out of HOF, he replied he wasn’t looking to get anything out of it, he just wanted to give back, have the students learn something, and have fun at the events.
Heidi - International Admissions
I got a chance to meet Heidi at the Tech Expo where she was volunteering, and I was definitely appreciative that she took the time out to speak with me, being that it was very busy in there. As a first timer at HOF, she said she was amazed at everything she was seeing and felt great. Heidi hasn’t been at Full Sail long, and said she was really enjoying the experience. She also stated that she’s looking to learning more about Full Sail, and that HOF is giving her the chance to see first hand what it is the school does and has to offer. With a huge smile on her face she said she’s very proud. Well, we’re right there with you, Heidi. As students and faculty, we stand in the same shoes as a team, continuing to learn and grow together, and together we make each other proud.
Brendan - Volunteer for the “Paint By Numbers Mural”
First-time Hall of Famer Brendan was very fun to talk to. He was having a good time and enjoying his experience. He said he started off talking to students and learning about Full Sail over the phone, so he was happy to be there to actually see what Full Sail and HOF were about. He was also happy that he could finally put faces to the people who were educating him about the school over the phone. In the end, Brendan said, “This is a great campus here at Full Sail, I’m loving it!”
Kelly - the one on the left & Kathy - the one on the right
During one of the busiest weeks at Full Sail, Kelly and Kathy were on the go, making sure students were ready every day for HOF. You never know how much you appreciate someone until you have an all-nighter to pull, or are working on a big project. That’s where this duo comes in. They are our “pick-me-ups” when we want to just lay down. The coffee queens are always busy at work, serving the students with smiles on their faces and lots of energy. Hmm, wonder where they are getting their energy from? Thanks to these two, we can never make the excuse of “Oh, I fell asleep.” Nope, not on their watch. And fun fact: They don’t work for Starbucks, though many of us students think they do. They actually work for The Compass Group. So stop saying you’re going to Starbucks, because you’re really not! But when you do, decide to stop by pick up the drink called “The Waking Dead.” I heard it’s delicious.
Police Officer Ray Graham & Security Officer Jose Rodriguez
Here to protect and serve, these officers were friendly, and said they were having a great time. They were just out there making sure the students and staff were kept safe, and they also said, out of all the years working on campus, they’ve never had an issue. That’s always a good thing to hear. I just want to say thank you for all their hard work, dedication, and protection. Without them, Full Sail wouldn’t be able to run 24/7. By the way, if you ever need your car jump-started they help with that too. Trust me, I know.
Beth Strudgeon & Kathy Craven - MCBS Program Director
We all know the beautiful lady on the right from the previous section, but did you know that the other beautiful lady is Kathy Craven? Well, you should definitely get to know her. She’s always positive and has a bright spirit. Kathy made my first day at Full Sail an easy one. She always stays in contact with her students and is quick to give advice and a helping hand. Every time I reached out to her, she always responded. When I started this journey, I never felt alone, not even on my first day because she made sure to connect me with the right people, and pretty much held my hand every step of the way, until she felt I was ready to fly. Always there for her team and students, she is the gift that keeps giving, and one of many strong leaders. Remember her just in case you feel lost and don’t know what to do, because she’ll help you pick up your pieces and put you back together to lead you in the right direction. That’s what she did for my life and continues to do for others.
A BIG SHOUTOUT TO ALL THE FACULTY, OUR TEAM. WE APPRECIATE AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE SCENES, BECAUSE WITHOUT YOU WE WOULDN’T EVEN HAVE A RACE TO FINISH.
Photographer: Angel Ortiz - Instagram
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