Two weeks before beginning my undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, I sat for hours in my room researching the dozens of involvement opportunities that operate within the College of Journalism and Communications. I remember having written down around 10 different organizations I had an interest in joining. Four years later, as I reflect on my experiences within the college, I feel thankful to have had resources that enhanced my learning beyond what I could have ever imagined.

Attending one of the most distinguished universities in the country has been an honor, to say the least. The caliber of my curriculum has challenged me, but has also enhanced my understanding of the world beyond what I could have ever imagined. The UF CJC is equipped with the latest gadgets and tools that take reporting, and journalism as a whole, to another level. One of the greatest resources the University offers is the Center for Media Innovation + Research. This space allows students to think outside the box, and elevate the general understanding of what it means to be the “media.” It’s all about what’s next, and finding the answer to the question, “What can we do better?” I wouldn’t be surprised to see some great things come from this space, aside from the fact that it allows students to stretch themselves and create magic.

My passion for journalism began early on. I was a freshman in high school when I discovered that standing in front of a camera filled me with a certain fire I had never experienced before. Eight years later, and I’m still chasing my dreams of being a multimedia journalist.

I can’t help but replay that memory in my head of a young, bright-eyed and bushy tailed me, sitting in my room – eager to leave this campus greater than how I  had found it. As my time at UF comes to a close, I reflect with a smile on my face, knowing that my time here was incredible. I am excited to take this new step in my life, but I owe so much of my growth to this institution, it’s resources, and my teacher’s for pouring into me and setting the foundation for a great career ahead.

The book “The Tipping Point” highlights innovation and creativity while honing in on an idea’s ability to grow into something global. Throughout the text, it explains how one concept can become an “epidemic” and be known all throughout world. But, you must ask yourself “How can I make this greater?” to the point that it becomes a permanent part of society.

When I read this book, all I could think of was a pot that is boiling over, but instead of turning off the heat, you crank it up. With this mentality, your idea, or whatever is in your pot, will take off. The book also mentioned stickiness, so, let’s make this stick!

“The Tipping Point” lists three different lessons that are learned, or taught, when creating something new. Reaching the tipping point is defined as creating something that is a must have for a lot of people, i.e. Instagram! Or a lot of other innovations didn’t take off immediately until multiple (thousands and more) found it to be a “necessity.”

The second lesson points out the kinds of people that have the ability and characteristics to make their innovations take off. Connectors are those that continuously build their network and are able to influence the masses. Salesmen are those that are able to easily connect with others and be relatable . (I feel like I’m the salesmen group!) And lastly, the mavens. Mavens are able to contain and recite a great amount of facts. With this, they are able to persuade people and get them on board!

The last lesson that the book talks about is stickiness, as I previously mentioned. Focusing on something spreading like wildfire probably won’t make it happen. Instead, focus on stickiness. How many people would need your innovation? How many would use it? How accessible is it? Asking yourself this will make your idea something can’t live without. And at the moment, you can say you’ve officially reached your tipping point!

The University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications builds students up from the moment they enroll in classes. It’s no surprise that the program is ranked among the top 1o in the country. But aside from all of the cool gear, incredible teachers, and state of the art technology, the students are what really make the magic happen.

In this post, I would like to highlight three incredibly talented peers of mine: Dino Bizzarro, Vanessa Villalobos, and Quan McWil.

Aside from being fortunate enough to work with each of them, I have been able to witness their growth and look to them for guidance. They have a bright future ahead, and I can’t wait to see where they end up!

Throughout my time at the University of Florida, I have had the distinct pleasure of working with ambitious and dedicated students – just like Kyrin Mayfield.

Working with him both inside and outside of a classroom setting has been an absolute pleasure. He pushes himself all the time, regardless of any adversity he may be facing. In his blog, Kyrin speaks heavily on his love for sports, which is something I have been able to witness firsthand.  Whether it be commenting live Gator games, calling live baseball games on site, or working with the Union County High baseball and softball teams, he shines brightly in all he does.

He’s currently looking for a baseball-related internship… so check him out – and hire him!

Within WUFT, there are many talented students, who pursue their passions each and everyday. One of these students is Tessa Bentulan.

Once you read her blog, you will understand exactly what I’m talking about. From the moment she stepped foot on UF’s campus, she chased every goal she set for herself. As she continues on her career path, there is no doubt in my mind that she will continue to surpass any bar that may have been set. She’s SPECIAL… and I can’t wait to witness all of the incredible things she will do.

Last but not least, I wanted to highlight one of the coolest girls I know. Sydney Jones is one of the few female sports reporters at WUFT. Despite being a minority in her field, she is one of the most talented and successful people I know in my class. There is no doubt in my mind that she’s well on her way to one heck of a career!

Hi everyone! Hope all has been well since the last time we chatted on here. I wanted to take some time to dig deeper into who I am, and what I want to do for the rest of my life… whatever that means!

I’m currently wrapping up my time in college. For those of you that don’t know, I’m a senior at the University of Florida majoring in Telecommunication with a focus in News and minoring in Innovation. My time here has been nothing short of amazing. I have learned a great deal, built some of the greatest friendships, and have created amazing memories – but as the saying goes.. all good things must come to an end.

So, here I am. 39 days away from graduation to be exact. Still figuring out “what’s next” as everybody likes to ask. But, the good thing is, I definitely have options! For those of you wondering, I want to work as a multi-media journalist right out of college and see where that road leads. After all, it is what I’ve worked towards the last four years.

If that path doesn’t work out for me. Then I’ll probably switch over to production – for a national news network or for TV shows (Ellen – hire me!). Nonetheless, it’s all part of this exciting journey called life and I’m beyond excited to see where this next step leads me.

I hope y’all join me for the ride, I promise it’s gonna be a fun one.

All of my love,

AB.

After coming back from Spring Break – I was motivated to cook something from my own hometown. I grew up eating things just like the recipe I’m about to show y’all, among some other really flavorful foods! Hands down my favorite cuisine EVER!

If you’ve never been, Miami is literally a mecca for all things flavor. *Cue  Guy Fieri “Welcome to Flavor Town!”* LOL. But really, some of the best food I’ve ever eaten has been from the iconic 305. In addition to being from Miami, I’m also 100% Cuban. I was raised on mountains of rice and beans, steak, and plantains. SO there’s a little background on me.

     Moving to Gainesville was a little bit of an adjustment, considering the fact that there’s only one good place in town, Mi Apa, I knew I had to cook up some of my favorite’s from back home. I want to share with y’all a recipe for my “Arroz con Todo,” translating to rice with everything and churrasco, AKA skirt steak with Chimichurri sauce.

Check out my recipe below!

Arroz con todo:

– One bag of white rice (uncooked)

– One packet of Sazon con achote

– One can of cooked sweet corn

– 10 slices of cooked bacon (chopped)

Skirt Steak:

– Olive Oil

– Salt & Pepper

– Garlic Powder

Instructions:

In a pot cook 2 cups of rice with two cups of water. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tsp each of salt and garlic powder. Cook rice through and add can of corn (drained) and bacon pieces.

For steak, heat olive oil in pan. Season generously and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.

Here’s a quick, tasty meal that will transport you from your kitchen to the island of Cuba!

Enjoy!

Hi everyone!

     This week I want to talk to y’all about healthy eating. If you follow my blog regularly, you may have noticed that I don’t post the healthiest content on here. Usually, my posts are all about buttery, creamy, and greasy foods. Now, doesn’t that sound tasty. LOL! But, in all reality eating well can sound just as good.

     As a kid, I was a little bit on the chunkier side – so I wasn’t allowed to eat meals that were as indulgent as the one’s I frequently write about. Consequently, I learned some pretty great healthy eating habits, and I always try to incorporate greens, grains, and poultry or fish into my diet. (I usually leave the other stuff for the weekends.)

     In college or in day-to-day life I feel like it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle – but a fit body is made 80% in the kitchen and 20% in the gym. Almost two years ago, Vale Food Co. opened up in Gainesville, and has been providing tasty, healthy meals to college students, kids, and adults alike.

     Their menu has a huge variety of options from chipotle mac and cheese, to ancho pulled chicken, and baked garlic rosemary mushrooms. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! SO if you ever wanna feel good and eat food that tastes even better, I definitely recommend this gem.

     Vale Food Co. is located at: 3841 SW Archer Road Suit B, Gainesville, FL 32608 an is open everyday from 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM

     Let me know what you think!

For some additional healthy recipes, the Food Network always has a great selection of easy, quick, and affordable recipes that make you and your pocket feel good!

The Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated hosted a fundraiser at Blaze Pizza in hopes of raising money for the March of Dimes Organization. Over 60 students from the University of Florida attended the fundraiser to support the cause.

     Blaze’s unique made-to-order pizza approach allows customers to order almost any type of pizza they would like. Our local Blaze Pizza is located at 3617 SW Archer Rd. It’s one of my favorite places here in the 352 and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out.

     For a discount on your pizza download the Gift Certificates and More app – such a bonus! Although there’s plenty of pizza places in town, Blaze is unique in that it doesn’t restrict you to a specific amount of toppings (if you order the build your own), it’s super affordable, and the portions are massive. One pizza usually serves as two separate meals for me!

     If you’re wondering what my order from Blaze is, have no worries! I’m about to list it for you!

Order a build your own pizza, add classic red sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, ovalini cheese, sausage, bacon, pepperoni, LOTS of mushrooms, oregano and sea salt! Let everything bake in the oven and finish it off with a drizzle of pesto – don’t forget the ranch sauce for dipping!

     Blaze hosts fundraisers just like this one pretty often, so if you ever happen to be in the area – check it out! Take a look at this video recap from the event below!

https://youtu.be/9sAIXAgB86U

Reading “Don’t Make me Think” by Steve Krug provided me with a lot of insight into how to successfully structure and create a user-friendly, appealing website. When I first started building blogs and websites, I struggled a lot with making the page appealing to my audience. Instead, I focused heavily on the content – which I think was a hinderance to my overall success. Krug emphasizes the use of easy, relatable language and mentions that items should be easy to find so that anybody could understand the subject of your blog. However, my biggest takeaway from reading the book was applying methods that will make users want to click on your article – as opposed to everybody else – and what I can do to achieve a higher traffic rate on my site. 

Strategically placing new content on your site and being direct helps viewers know exactly what you will be talking about. If I were to make somebody play the “guessing game” on what they are about to read, they more than likely will lose interest. Another take away, be clear with your writing and headlines. Being direct and listing things in a,b,c format will reduce the time a user spends on your site but will prove more effective because they would have read everything you posted. The last thing that really stood out to me: match up your writing with images or relatable content. They say this all the time in news production, especially when I’m editing my own stories – and it all makes sense! I just didn’t know I could or if I should apply the same to blogging – who would have thought! Providing your audience with something they can understand and “connect the dots” will help with being more personable, in a way, and tie things together. 

This semester, I plan on using the tips I learned from this reading this book and applying them to my blog. When I first thought of what kind of blog I wanted to write, it took me a while to choose between news related content, and food. See, I’m passionate about both. However, I feel like I already spend so much time focusing on news related content in my classes and extra curricular involvement, that I wanted to take some time to focus and something that brings me joy! So, of course, ‘Whiskey Business’ was born. However, I asked myself “Do I want to review restaurants? Do I wan to provide my own recipes? Etc.” In the end, I decided to do both – and I did. Because I’m still working out the logistics, I’m glad I read this book to in a way guide me, and help me build something that was greater than what I could have ever imagined! I’m excited to go on this journey with all of you and grow each step of the way. This is something I have wanted to work on for a while now – and this class is finally motivating me to do just that. 

Here’s to continued growth and of course, getting “whiskey!” 😉