POLKcast | Polk State's Podcast Series | Polk State College
Polk State College
Welcome to Polk State College's official podcast, POLKcast, where listeners have the opportunity to hear the stories of students, faculty, and staff.
POLKcast: Getting ready for success and overcoming academic under-preparedness
In this episode of POLKcast, the Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter focuses on the challenges many students face when they feel unprepared for the academic demands of college. The discussion dives into why some students struggle to keep up with college-level coursework and how to overcome these hurdles. Key topics include bridging gaps in academic preparedness through resources like remedial courses, tutoring, and study groups. Guests for the episode include:
Kelly Tye, former Xi Pi member and writi
POLKcast: Being a student caretaker, balancing studies and family
In the latest episode of POLKcast, Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi delves into the challenges faced by students who must juggle the responsibilities of caring for sick or elderly family members while pursuing their academic goals. This episode discusses the emotional and practical pressures these students face, such as the struggle to balance coursework, caregiving, and personal well-being.
Arielyz Armaiz, a former Xi Pi Vice President of Service and caretaker for her mother during her battle with cancer,
POLKcast: Overcoming emotional stress and finding balance in college
Disclaimer: This episode of POLKcast contains conversations revolving around suicide, depression, and trauma. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
In this episode of POLKcast, the Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter tackles the topic of emotional stress—one of the top concerns facing college students today. Guests explore the common challenges that contribute to stress, including balancing academic demands, personal responsibiliti
POLKcast: Balancing college, kids, and a busy life
In this episode of POLKcast, the Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter explores the challenges and strategies for maintaining a family while attending college. Balancing academic demands with parenting responsibilities can be overwhelming, but guest Tania Sanchez, a mother of three and former Xi Pi Chapter President, offers practical advice and personal insights.
Anthony Cornett, Xi Pi Chapter Advisor and Professor of Biology, discusses the various pressures faced by student-parents and highlights
POLKcast: Breaking the mental health stigma in college
In this episode of POLKcast, Phi Theta Kappa’s Xi Pi Chapter explores common mental health challenges faced by students, such as anxiety and depression, and discusses strategies for addressing these issues. Guests include Kim Pearsall, Director of Disability and Counseling Services, who shares insights into campus resources like the BayCare Student Assistance Program.
Listeners will also hear powerful stories from student guests, Madison Desoto and Alyssa Hall, who open up about their person
Phi Theta Kappa launches Pathways to Success series
POLKcast returns for its highly anticipated fifth season, featuring Polk State College’s Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter. Hosted by Cole Johnson, the chapter’s Vice President for Leadership, this season tackles the pressing challenges faced by students—insights drawn directly from a survey conducted by the Xi Pi Chapter.
Each episode explores a variety of topics, from emotional and mental stress to the cost of attending college and preparing for classes. With a focus on raising awareness and provi
POLKcast: SGA VP talks inspiration, mentorship & family fostered by student life
In this episode of POLKcast: The SGA Takeover, co-hosts Subrina Akter and Alex Gonalez sit down with the Student Government Association Vice President for the Winter Haven Campus, Fenil Barot, to talk about the positive impact the Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO) and SGA have had on his college experience. He shares who and what inspires him, the mentors and friends he has gained, and how Polk State’s student life fosters a family-like culture.
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POLKcast: Student Engagement Specialist supports students in making the most of their college experience
In this episode of POLKcast: The SGA Takeover, Winter Haven Campus Student Engagement Specialist Mario Aguirre shares how the Student Government Association supports students in “making the most” of their time in college. Aguirre strategizes, develops, and executes initiatives and events that foster peer involvement in student life, networking among students, and connection to college resources. He also serves as Team Leader of Polk State’s Up to Us chapter, which advocates for a sustainable fis
POLKcast: SGA takes over with President Jonasia Hilliard
POLKcast returns for its fourth season with the Student Government Association’s takeover of Polk State College’s official podcast.
Hosts Subrina Akter and Alexander Gonzalez sit down with President of the Winter Haven Campus SGA Jonasia Hilliard to discuss student life, school-life balance, mental health, and resources for students.
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POLKcast: Polk State Baseball alum becomes Survivor star
A former two-way player and member of Head Coach Al Corbeil’s first Polk State Baseball team, Chris Noble went on to achieve stardom on the reality television series, Survivor. Noble later worked as a model in New York and Chicago and as a personal trainer. His image even appeared on a Versace billboard on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Noble revisits his time at Polk State, his reality TV experience, and his career accomplishments in the final episode of POLKcast’s third season.
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POLKcast: A Polk State history lesson with Polk County Historical Preservation Manager Myrtice Young
This POLKcast guest is the person you’d want on your trivia team for Polk County history. Students – if you’re doing research on Polk, listen closely. We’re joined by Myrtice Young, the Historic Preservation Manager for Polk County.
She graduated from Polk State College with an Associate in Science degree in 1970 and later returned to complete an Associate in Arts in 1980. In 2005, she was named a Polk State Distinguished Alumna.
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POLKcast: Kim Newsome-Reynolds shares how Polk State helped her reach soccer stardom
A two-time All-American at Polk State College in 2007 and 2008, Kim Newsome-Reynolds was a goal-scoring machine for the program. Named the 2007 Polk Women’s Athlete of the Year, Newsome later starred at the University of Central Florida where she was recognized as an All-Conference USA selection in 2010. The Apopka native went on to play professionally in the United States in 2016 with the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League.
In this episode of POLKcast, Newsome-Reynolds reflects
POLKcast: Business, leadership & community with Nikki Smith
In this episode, POLKcast sits down with Nikki Smith, founder of ASAP Prints who received her Associate in Arts degree from Polk State in 1991. ASAP Prints is a commercial print shop located in Winter Haven and has been listed as one of the Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
She was awarded the Polk State Distinguished Alumna Award in the spring of 2019 and says it was a moment to be cherished forever.
As a business leader, creative consultant, and philanthropist, S
POLKcast: Polk State Basketball alum Bart Ross supports program that supported him
POLKcast, Polk State College’s official podcast, returns for its third season featuring distinguished alumni and standout athletes. Guests come from diverse walks of life and a variety of career fields, but they all have a commonality: they have built on the strong foundation they gained at Polk State.
A former Polk State Basketball forward and FCSAA state champion, Bart Ross is a Lakeland business owner and fervent supporter of the program. Ross played under and served as an assistant coach to
POLKcast: Sheriff Grady Judd on getting his start at Polk State College
Sheriff Grady Judd joins POLKcast to share about his 50 years with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and how it all started right here at Polk State College.
Sheriff Judd is a Polk State Distinguished Alumnus who went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rollins College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and the FBI National Executive Institute.
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POLKcast: Polk State Softball alum Greta Cecchetti an Italian trailblazer
POLKcast, Polk State College’s official podcast, returns for its third season featuring distinguished alumni and standout athletes. Guests come from diverse walks of life and a variety of career fields, but they all have a commonality: they have built on the strong foundation they gained at Polk State.
In this episode, Greta Cecchetti shares about her softball career across the globe after retiring her Eagles jersey in 2013. Cecchetti is the first born-and-raised Italian to play softball at the
POLKcast: Diversity, inclusivity & community with Christine Samuel
POLKcast, Polk State College’s official podcast, returns for its third season featuring distinguished alumni and standout athletes. Guests come from diverse walks of life and a variety of career fields, but they all have a commonality: they have built on the strong foundation of knowledge they gained at Polk State College.
In this episode, Christine Samuel, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the City of Winter Haven, shares her experience from serving as a custodian at the College to becomi
POLKcast: President Garcia Falconetti & Trustee Bell Barnett kick off season 3
POLKcast, Polk State College’s official podcast, returns for its third season featuring distinguished alumni and standout athletes.
The alumni featured this season come from diverse walks of life, have established successful careers in a variety of fields, and all have a commonality: they have built on the strong foundation of knowledge they gained at Polk State College to make differences in their lives, their families, their respective careers, and in the community.
In this kick-off episode, P
POLKcast: Being SLIC with Chris Fullerton and Jarrod Jones
In the last episode of POLKcast season 2, Winter Haven Library and Teaching Learning Computing Center Director Chris Fullerton and Librarian Jarrod Jones share one of the newest resources available to students — the Student Learning Innovation Centers (SLICs). The SLICs provide the technology, software, and assistance for students to create multimedia projects that will wow their peers and professors.
The Winter Haven Campus Library SLIC is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m
POLKcast: The Writing Studio and grammar jokes with Rebecka Ramos
In this episode of POLKcast, Professor Rebecka Ramos entertains some grammar jokes and shares about Polk State College’s The Writing Studio — a valuable tutoring resource for students to receive assistance from the College’s dedicated English faculty both online and in person.
The Writing Studio sessions are open to all students, who are advised to bring their writing assignments and questions. Tutoring takes place at scheduled times on Canvas, in WSC 135 on the Winter Haven Campus, and in LLC 2
POLKcast: Scholarships and the power of giving with Tracy Porter
Tracy Porter is Executive Director of the Polk State College Foundation, which awards approximately $1.5 million in scholarships to Polk State students each year. In this episode of POLKcast, Porter shares the support that is available through the Foundation and how students can apply for scholarships. She thanks the Foundation’s generous donors and illustrates how their support is transforming the lives of students through the power of philanthropy and a Polk State education.
Donations can be m
POLKcast: The importance of Polk State in Lake Wales with Andy Oguntola
In this episode of POLKcast, Polk State JD Alexander Center Director Andy Oguntola shares the critical importance of the Lake Wales Campus, which serves approximately 1,100 students each year — many who would not be able to access higher education outside of southeast Polk County.
In 2018-2019, the Lake Wales Campus served a student population that was 53 percent ethnic minority, 66 percent female, transportation disadvantaged like 38 percent of Polk County residents, and financially in need, wi
POLKcast: Honoring veterans with Byron Loyd
Coordinator of Veterans Services Byron Loyd joins POLKcast for an episode in honor of those who have served in the military. Loyd shares the support available to veterans who are students at Polk State College and encourages students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to the College’s upcoming Veterans Day events:
Polk State Veterans Day Event – Lakeland Campus
Tuesday, Nov. 5 | Noon – 1 p.m. | LAC 1133
Guest speaker Master Sergeant John Hillery, a retired Purple Heart recipient
Polk
POLKcast: Food pantries and an inclusive environment with Kim DeRonda
In this episode of POLKcast, Teaching Learning Computing Center (TLCC) Manager Kim DeRonda shares resources that are available at Polk State College to help students in need of food, hygiene products, information on social services, an environment accepting of those in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community, and more.
DeRonda, who serves as advisor of the Free To Be Me club, also encourages students, faculty, staff, and community members to join the College for its cele
POLKcast: Disability services and awareness with Kim Pearsall
For Disability Awareness Month, Director of Disability and Counseling Services Kim Pearsall joins POLKcast to share the resources available to students at Polk State College to overcome barriers and eliminate boundaries along their college journeys.
The Office of Disability Services provides access to college classes, programs, and activities for individuals with disabilities, and partners with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to breakdown stereotypes and foster an environment wher
POLKcast: Navigating career opportunities with Jeannette Grullon
College can be difficult and finding a career after graduation can seem overwhelming, but Polk State’s Career Development Services gives students the guidance and skills they need to network with peers and employers, write resumes and interview, and be successful in the job hunt.
In this episode of POLKcast, Jeannette Grullon, Coordinator of Polk State’s Career Development Services on the Winter Haven Campus, shares how her department and counterpart on the Lakeland Campus give students a confid
POLKcast: Flying through the First Year Experience with Cate Igo
Polk State’s First Year Experience (FYE) Program helps students transition to college and figure out what they are called to do academically and professionally. In this episode of POLKcast, Director of Academic Success Initiatives Cate Igo who leads FYE shares the resources available to students through the program.
Also, listen for POLKcast’s first-ever giveaway!
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Check out these photos from FYE’s 2019 First Flight events.
POLKcast: President Falconetti kicks off season 2
Season 2 of POLKcast aims to highlight the different services and resources available to students at Polk State College, from scholarships and career services to campus food pantries and disability services.
In this “presidential” episode of POLKcast, Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti shares the full scope of services available at the College and why it’s important for students to utilize these resources as Polk State heads into the 2019-2020 academic year!
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The
POLKcast: Larry Pakowski shares his True Colors
When Dean of Student Services Larry Pakowski isn’t assisting students with navigating their college journeys, he’s helping others determine their “true colors” through the personality-identification system used by educational institutions, businesses, and government organizations as a conflict management tool.
Learn more about True Colors and take the test at truecolorsintl.com.
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POLKcast: Mark Lillquist uses the force for good
Director of Purchasing Mark Lillquist joins POLKcast to talk about Star Wars and how he uses his interest in the epic space opera media franchise for good. As part of Star Wars costuming group 501st Legion, Lillquist participates in collective costume events, organized volunteer efforts, and charity work that brings people together through Star Wars fandom.
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POLKcast: Jet-setting with Annette Hutcherson
Dr. Annette Hutcherson, Director of Polk State’s Nursing Program, takes listeners on a world tour in this episode of POLKcast. While many know Dr. Hutcherson for her expertise in Nursing education, some may not be aware that Dr. Hutcherson has traveled to almost every state and will soon be able to say she has traveled to every continent, checking Africa off her list when she visits Egypt.
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POLKcast: John Fynn’s fabulous fascinators
At Polk State, John Fynn is known for his passion for mentoring and motivating students, but many may not know that outside of the College he is popular for his hat- and fascinator-making skills. Inspired by the British fashion statement, Fynn joins POLKcast with his models Shakisha, Karen, Dot, and Stacey to give listeners an inside look into the art of millinery.
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POLKcast: Shark tagging with Joey Maier
A man of many hobbies, Polk State Biology Professor Joey Maier joins POLKcast to talk about shark tagging and how students can get their feet wet in Guadeloupe this spring break on a study abroad trip focused on environmental and ocean sciences.
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For more on the Guadeloupe study abroad opportunity, visit Polk State’s Institute for Global Initiatives and Op
POLKcast: Madness, Murder & Murals with Holly Scoggins
The work of Polk State Professor of Art Holly Scoggins is described as a Southern Gothic memoir that leaves viewers with something “beautifully haunted.” In this Halloween-inspired episode, POLKcast delves into the creepy, thought-provoking experiences that have inspired her artwork.
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Check out Scoggins’ work at hollyscogginsart.com.
The following links provide further information about topics discussed in this episode.
Please note that materials may be sensitive to some
POLKcast: Melvin Thompson’s totally tubular toy collection
Melvin Thompson may be the POLKcast guest that students know best. Thompson serves as the Director of the Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO), but some may not know that he is an avid 80s toy collector.
In this episode, POLKcast explores Thompson’s collection of childhood toys he just can’t let go of.
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POLKcast: Peter Preston & Zen Fuse Box
Dive into POLKcast with Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School Guidance Counselor Peter Preston, lead singer of rock band Zen Fuse Box, credited with POLKcast’s catchy theme music.
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