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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Darvin Nelson

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter

In grade school, mystery books were the only kind of books I could tolerate. While my peers were reading The Fault in Our Stars, I either had my nose in a Nancy Drew novel or was in the middle of a chapter in Encyclopedia Brown. There was something about the characters’ ability to investigate a situation that I was envious of. So naturally, as I grew up, I gravitated to the idea of working in a student news environment.

Fresh out of high school, during Summer B 2019, I googled if UNF had a student news organization. That’s how I found Spinnaker, a warm nook in the Student Union with a welcoming staff. I started volunteering immediately. Since then, I’ve navigated almost half of the positions in the news department and learned tremendously from each.

I’m a photography major, so for me, combining photography and writing has been a successful recipe for informing others through effective journalism. Although there are challenges here and there that most journalists face, my curious mind keeps bringing me back to journalism, a truly alluring craft.

All content by Darvin Nelson
President Szymanski addresses Pride month

President Szymanski addresses Pride month

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Jun 3, 2020

President Szymanski issued an email to students regarding Pride Month: “Dear Osprey Community, June is Pride Month and is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the positive impact that people who...

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Blast from the past: Twin Peaks

Blast from the past: Twin Peaks

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | May 28, 2020

The fictional small town of Twin Peaks, Washington is shaken by of the recent murder of Laura Palmer as her body was found wrapped in plastic on the shore of the local river. Laura’s death hits the...

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Olympics moved to summer of 2021

Olympics moved to summer of 2021

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | May 21, 2020

The corona-virus has dramatically impacted sports worldwide. As many sports programs were paused, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was no exception and will now be held next year, in July of 2021. The Olympics...

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Blast from the past: Beverly Hills 90210

Blast from the past: Beverly Hills 90210

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | May 20, 2020

Beverly Hills 90210 was one of the first teen dramas that greatly impacted American television. While on air, the show gained a large following and over the years, fans have been hoping for a successful...

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Blast From The Past: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Blast From The Past: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | May 2, 2020

From “West Philadelphia born and raised,” Will Smith (played by Will Smith), is sent to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousins in their Bel-Air mansion. He soon realizes his street-smart style,...

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A guide to learning a new language

A guide to learning a new language

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Apr 24, 2020

Lots of people want to be bilingual, but may not have the time or don't know where to start. Since COVID-19 has us stuck in our houses for the next few weeks, it is the perfect time to learn a new language....

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Netflix's "Outer Banks" review

Netflix’s “Outer Banks” review

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Apr 22, 2020

“Outer Banks” (OBX) follows a group of teenagers that are trying to stay afloat as they uncover the secrets of a long lost treasure. Enemies multiply as they soon realize they’re not the only ones...

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Foods that boost your immune system

Foods that boost your immune system

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Apr 16, 2020

 As hand sanitizer disappears from the shelves of stores nation-wide, COVID-19 has made people more aware of their health. People are looking for ways to avoid becoming sick and while hand sanitizer and...

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Tik Tok vs. Vine

Tik Tok vs. Vine

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Apr 15, 2020

Digital media thrived in the 2000s and social media evolved to many platforms. Vine and Tik Tok are very similar social media platforms as creators have limited time to create entertaining videos, and...

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How to travel virtually from home

How to travel virtually from home

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Apr 8, 2020

Traveling the world may not be a good idea considering the COVID-19 pandemic, but with today’s technology, you can travel without having to leave your bed.  Many companies and institutions all over...

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Photo by Camille Shaw.

Remaining dining services on campus

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Mar 26, 2020

From March 23 through May 1, UNF Dining Services will have special hours for the Cafe and Ozzie’s at the Fountains. Chick-Fil-a, Panda Express, Einstein Bagels, Slice, Chopped n Wrapped, Jamba Juice,...

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Quality cinema to watch while you're at home

Quality cinema to watch while you’re at home

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Mar 26, 2020

Here is some quality entertainment you can watch while you're social distancing. The list is not in any particular order and includes various genres and film styles that range from old to new, so there’s...

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University of No Fun? Apathy at UNF

University of No Fun? Apathy at UNF

Darvin Nelson, Features Editor | Mar 6, 2020

You may not be involved in your school, be a member of an organization that helps you work towards your goal, or participate in a student club.  Like you, many students are not involved on campus and...

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Jacksonville Book-fest with Brad Meltzer

Jacksonville Book-fest with Brad Meltzer

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Feb 27, 2020

The Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) is hosting a Book Fest where local and national authors will come to interact. Author Brad Meltzer, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of “The Inner Circle”,...

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The Talon Review presents Open Mic Night

The Talon Review presents Open Mic Night

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Feb 27, 2020

The Talon Review is having an Open Mic Night tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the UNF Gallery of Art. Students will reading their own short stories and poetry. The Talon review, founded in 2012,...

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Oz-Fest recap: Carnival and concert

Oz-Fest recap: Carnival and concert

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Feb 24, 2020

A giant crowd of UNF students swarmed as rappers Rich the Kid and Gunna performed. Gates opened a little after 5 p.m. and students were welcomed with free items, such as an Oz-Fest t-shirt and a stuffed...

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Photo by Darvin Nelson.

Body Image Workshop: A Conversation on Love

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Feb 17, 2020

Valentine’s Day either serves as a reminder of those who love you, or the absence of such love. Love is something most of us feel and is displayed in infinite ways; whether it's feelings, thoughts, flowers,...

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UNF Osprey Sculpture. Photo credit Jonathan Merin.

Spring Into Action With These Events This Semester

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Feb 4, 2020

Madeleine Albright: Tomorrow at 7:00 pm., Madeleine Albright, the first female secretary of state (under Bill Clinton) will be discussing her new book and career highlights at the UNF Arena. Prior to the...

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Madeleine Albright.

Madeleine Albright to visit UNF

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Feb 4, 2020

Tomorrow at 7:00 p.m., Madeleine Albright, the first female Secretary of State (under Bill Clinton) will be discussing her new book and career highlights at the UNF Arena. Prior to the event, the...

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Photo credit Darvin Nelson.

Treatment on Candy Cane Lake

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Jan 31, 2020

“I had no idea if it was algae or some kind of chemical,” worried Angela Baldi, a political science major. Have you walked by the lake and smelled something you can’t quite put your finger...

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Photo credit Darvin Nelson.

“The Sound of Music” photo gallery

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Jan 28, 2020

The Swooptroupe presented an outstanding portrayal of the famous “The Sound of Music” musical with silky smooth vocals and a beautiful backdrop of the mountains. Funny lyrics, characters and comical...

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Darvin Nelson

A Level-Up for the Gameroom

Darvin Nelson, General Assignment Reporter | Jan 15, 2020

Back in October, UNF’s Student Government had plans to place a Lend-A-Wing Pantry in the Student Union between Fall and Spring semester, including downgrading the size of the Gameroom to make room for...

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