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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Lauren Fox

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor

Lauren Fox is a communication major at the University of North Florida, focusing on journalism. Lauren has years of international work experience, working jobs in countries such as Australia, New Caledonia, Vietnam and Morocco. She aspires to use her writing skills to raise awareness about global issues. Lauren also works as a freelance surf photographer and enjoys contending with the sea in her quest for the perfect photo.

All content by Lauren Fox
Singing for his church initially inspired Karim to learn English and continue performing (Photo courtesy of Karim Zabaneh)

“Keep on pushing:” A UNF student and his voice

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Dec 15, 2022

It started with wet pants. A terrified six-year-old in Egypt, tasked with singing a four-minute song in his non-native language, wet his pants before giving a performance that would earn him his first...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Email phishing scams

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Oct 7, 2022

“There is a need for an urgent replacement for a Personal assistant (Virtual),” said a Sept. 15 email from a University of North Florida (UNF) professor… or at least, an email appearing to be from...

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UNF IT email alert

UNF disables access to university accounts without Duo app

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Oct 4, 2022

Ospreys without Duo, the multi-factor authentication app, won’t be able to log into their MyWings account, the University of North Florida (UNF) Information Technology Services (ITS) announced Tuesday...

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Coastal Watches/Warnings and Forecast Cone for Storm Center as of 1 p.m. Thursday

Free Wi-Fi hotspots available amidst power outages, some UNF services to resume after Ian

Lauren Fox, Carter Mudgett, and Nathan Turoff Sep 29, 2022

Comcast announced yesterday that its public Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots are open to everyone in Florida — even people who are not subscribers — in the wake of over 2.6 million Florida homes being without...

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The library viewed from the outside

Banned Books Week is about fighting censorship, UNF librarian says

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Sep 19, 2022

Are you a rule breaker? Have you ever wanted to be? Well, the University of North Florida Library might be the place to go to fulfill that rebel desire (and don't worry- you won't even get in trouble for...

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The first page of the judicial decision explaining who the case is about

SG president, vice-president reprimanded in July for limiting access to Lend-A-Wing pantry, records reveal

Carter Mudgett, Lauren Fox, and Mallory Pace Sep 16, 2022

Student Body President Nathaniel Rodefer and Vice-President Joshua Murry faced repercussions in July for unapproved operation changes made to Lend-A-Wing — the University of North Florida’s food pantry...

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An iPhone with headphones with podcasts open on Spotify

The power of podcasts

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Sep 15, 2022

A news story can be a funny thing. Depending on the medium, an anchor may use a 30-second segment to read out the very basics of a multi-faceted, exceedingly complex issue before moving on to the next....

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Suspicious driver arrested with loaded weapon on Alumni Drive

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Sep 6, 2022

Driving around campus around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, a vehicle full of University of North Florida (UNF) students noticed a vehicle with its headlights turned off, allegedly following them as they drove. Contacting...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Alleged Instagram extortion

Elizabeth Tarter and Lauren Fox Aug 30, 2022

Threats were made to a University of North Florida student over Instagram direct messages on Monday, threatening to kill the student if they did not send them $500, according to a University Police Department...

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Students, faculty and staff stand between the Student Union East and West buildings after they were evacuated because of a small microwave fire.

UNF Student Union evacuated after microwave fire

Lauren Fox and Carter Mudgett Aug 24, 2022

The Student Union evacuated around 11 a.m. Wednesday in the midst of the Week of Welcome Market Day event after a fire alarm went off.  “It was a small microwave fire that caused the alarm in the...

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Lynne Arriale leaning over a table with her arms crossed

UNF music professor on the “language of jazz”

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Aug 23, 2022

When Lynne Arriale was 25, she had an "epiphany." "I was walking down the street in Milwaukee when I was finishing up my Master's degree requirements, and I had a passing thought, and that thought was,...

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Jacksonville, Florida

UNF poll shows strong opposition for funding of new Jags stadium, voters split on property tax increase

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Aug 17, 2022

A new poll of likely primary voters in Duval County released Wednesday by the University of North Florida (UNF) Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) showed a split among party lines regarding a proposed...

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UNF Student Union

COVID-19 is still here; UNF plan will rely on “honor system,” SHS Director explains

Lauren Fox and Carter Mudgett Aug 9, 2022

The University of North Florida's (UNF) plan to combat COVID-19 will remain remarkably similar to the previous term. With an average of 8,689 reported cases in Florida last week, according to the New York...

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A laptop with a Zoom class on a desk with a coffee mug

Online programs offer education, regardless of location

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Aug 4, 2022

Imagine earning a college degree without commuting to campus, getting dressed for class or even leaving your bed. For many students, this may not sound too far-fetched after living through a pandemic,...

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UNF Interim President Pamella "Pam" Chally poses for a photograph

UNF’s Interim President ends her role, Dr. Limayem’s term begins

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 27, 2022

The University of North Florida’s (UNF) Interim President, Dr. Pamela Chally, concludes her time leading the university this week, and Dr. Moez Limayem will begin his term as UNF’s president Monday,...

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Staff photos of Carter Mudgett and Riley Platt side by side

Two Spinnaker writers become award-winning journalists

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 26, 2022

The University of North Florida Spinnaker’s Editor-in-Chief, Carter Mudgett, and Sports Editor, Riley Platt, are among the winners of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) 2022 Green Eyeshade...

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Logo of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Discounted Jaguars season tickets coming to Student Union

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 25, 2022

The upcoming Fall semester may mean the start of more classes, but it also means a new season of football is right around the corner. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Student Government partnered up to bring...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Update: License plate of stolen vehicle swapped for faculty member’s tag

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 21, 2022

A University of North Florida (UNF) faculty member contacted the University Police Department (UPD) on July 13 after receiving several parking tickets on UNF property over two days, suspecting their license...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Stolen vehicle, loaded weapon leads to arrest at UNF

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 18, 2022

A reported stolen vehicle was found on the second floor of Parking Garage 44 last Thursday afternoon, leading to the arrest of 26-year-old Malik Billings on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession...

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FILE - A woman walks below a Google sign on the campus in Mountain View, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2019. For myriad reasons, both political and philosophical, data privacy laws in the U.S. have lagged far behind those adopted in Europe in 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Digital security of period-tracking apps in question, UNF professor explains

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 15, 2022

The future legality of abortion in the United States has created countless discussions, and questions have arisen over how law enforcement could catch women seeking abortions regardless of the law.  Period...

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a man signs a document

A breakdown of UNF’s seventh president’s contract

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 11, 2022

Dr. Moez Limayem signed his contract with the University of North Florida (UNF) Board of Trustees (BOT) on June 30, which will go into effect on August 1, making him the seventh president of UNF. Spinnaker...

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Protesters hold up signs during a rally for abortion rights

Roe v. Wade was overturned, now what?

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 8, 2022

The right to an abortion is no longer protected by the federal government, but if you live in Florida, you might not immediately notice any significant changes. Does the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade...

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Wearing a black swim cap and goggles, Morgan Ray stands on a diving block

‘Just swim’: UNF swimmer brings home silver

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jul 1, 2022

Morgan Ray, 19, has brought home a silver medal in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke after representing Team USA in the 2022 Para Swimming World Championships on June 17 in Portugal. The University...

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demonstrators outside the Supreme Court protest about abortion

Abortion no longer a constitutional right, Jacksonville protests planned

Lauren Fox, Carter Mudgett, and Phoebe Mullis Jun 24, 2022

Roe v. Wade was overturned in a 6-3 Supreme Court decision Friday morning, nearly 50 years after the case set the precedent that abortions were protected by the Constitution. With the case overturned,...

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The UNF Surf Team stands on the beach waving the Florida flag

UNF Surf Team returns from California as 4th in nation with a national champion

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jun 22, 2022

The University of North Florida (UNF) has a new national champion. Upcoming junior, Blake Speir, placed first among college men's shortboarders in the 2022 National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA)...

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(Lauren Fox/Spinnaker)

Pride and pandering: Are companies supporting equality or good PR?

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jun 20, 2022

Pride Month in June celebrates equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community, creating opportunities for corporations to market off the rainbow-themed festivities. While pandering to the queer community...

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black and white tiles spell out "AMAZING DAD" on a table

Creative Father’s Day gifts you can actually afford

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor Jun 13, 2022

Dads are notoriously hard to shop for. June 19 is Father's Day this year, and the deadline to find the right gift for your father figure is approaching. "I've given up now. I'll cook him something maybe,"...

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A protestor holds a sign during “The People’s Abortion Rally” for abortion rights in front of the Duval County Courthouse

Abortion in America through the ages, explained by UNF professors

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor May 31, 2022

Abortion has been a controversial topic throughout the lives of most college students, with politics playing a prominent role in the controversy. This was not always the case. To understand why Republicans...

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Deshmukh and Von Winning stand side by side on a tennis court

Teammates to business partners: former UNF tennis players found MyPro app

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor May 24, 2022

"We came up with the idea during COVID, like, when we were in quarantine we started building it out," said Sahil Deshmukh, the co-founder of the new app, MyPro. "It literally started on a piece of paper." Both...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Former UNF student sentenced in case of girlfriend’s 2017 death

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor May 20, 2022

A former University of North Florida student was sentenced to one year in jail Thursday for killing his girlfriend in 2017 and lying to authorities, claiming she committed suicide, according to the Duval...

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A hand drops a dime into a piggy bank with bills and other coins littering the table

Ways to save for next semester and beyond

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor May 19, 2022

Students are investors. From Pre-K to university, the time spent in the classroom is an investment in a student’s future. Investing in education starts early in life, but young people may be less prepared...

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Recapping the meet-and-greets: What you need to know

Recapping the meet-and-greets: What you need to know

Lauren Fox and Carter Mudgett May 7, 2022

The candidates for the University of North Florida’s presidential search have been narrowed down to four men: David Blackwell, David Brennen, Moez Limayem and Marc Miller. The university’s seventh...

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VJ Ibones (center) with members of his team

Osprey and entrepreneur: a UNF alum’s journey through the crypto world

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor May 3, 2022

In 2016, VJ Ibones, a graduate of the University of North Florida (UNF), had never heard of Bitcoin. Six years later, he is a founding creator of the cryptocurrency index protocol, Polylastic.  “I...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: The hunt for missing AirPods

Lauren Fox, Managing Editor May 2, 2022

Upon leaving class last Monday, a student noticed their AirPods were missing from their pocket at the start of a class in Building 42, read a University Police Department (UPD) report.  The student...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Bicycle trespasser

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Apr 19, 2022

A 28-year-old bicyclist was arrested on April 8 after a University Police Department officer saw two bikers riding away from The Flats after dark and without lights, according to a police report.  The...

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Four police cars sit parked in the parking lot outside the UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library.

Trio of sexual battery cases added to UNF student’s social media threat charge

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Apr 18, 2022

Now facing an additional three charges of sexual battery, Mateo Borda Boyanovich will appear in court Tuesday morning for threats he allegedly made to shoot up the University of North Florida (UNF) Green,...

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UNF Dining logo.

Balancing dietary and religious restrictions in college

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Apr 18, 2022

Students adhering to dietary restrictions for spiritual purposes or because of allergies must approach foods with caution as it’s essential for preserving their morals or even their lives.  On-campus...

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The University of North Florida Surf Team holds their trophies at the East Coast Championship in New Smyrna Beach.

UNF Surf Team places among best collegiate surfers in America

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Apr 8, 2022

The University of North Florida (UNF) Surf Team is now eight-time consecutive East Coast champions in the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) league, preparing to compete in California for the...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Man arrested after bike chase

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Mar 29, 2022

A 28-year-old man was arrested outside Osprey Fountains early Tuesday morning after allegedly attempting to flee from police on a bike, according to a University of North Florida Police Department (UPD)...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Suspicious people in scrubs

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Mar 28, 2022

Unidentified women dressed in medical scrubs went door to door requesting student insurance and identification information in exchange for free COVID-19 rapid tests and a $10 gift card at the University...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Serial bike thefts and extortion

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Mar 23, 2022

Serial Bike Thefts In total, ten bikes and one skateboard have been stolen on the University of North Florida (UNF) campus this year.  46-year-old Linwood Benner was arrested on March 7 behind Osprey...

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An outstretched hand painted with Ukraine’s national colors blue and yellow.

How students can help Ukraine

Lauren Fox and Indie Jones Mar 23, 2022

As the Ukrainian military works to fend off Russian forces, displaced people and journalists need aid; University of North Florida (UNF) students can help. Spinnaker spoke with UNF Professor Dr. Nataliya...

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Miles Dittmar smiles with some of his products outside UNF’s Library.

Introducing Miles Dittmar, student entrepreneur and CEO of the Beaten Path Co.

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Mar 21, 2022

"I didn't even know what entrepreneur meant until, like, outside of high school," 23-year-old UNF advertising senior and entrepreneur Miles Dittmar said. Operating out of his living room in St. Augustine,...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Fraud and a stop sign thief

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Mar 8, 2022

Online Fraud Leads to Death Threats An online scammer threatened someone's life Wednesday morning, March 2, after the alleged scammer emailed nine checks totaling $5,000 to the victim, with instructions...

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The Florida Statehouse. Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

New Bill could change Florida university presidential searches

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Mar 4, 2022

Florida Senate Bill (SB) 520 is currently in review by the House and, if passed, could impact the future of collegiate presidential searches by keeping the list of applicants off public record until the...

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Someone uses a laptop

Understanding online privacy

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Mar 3, 2022

On the internet, complete privacy is virtually impossible. Wi-Fi networks can determine a user’s approximate location and keep logs of the websites visited by users on the network, and websites use analytics...

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The words "Police Beat" are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Police Beat: Peep vandalization, chalk messages and the scent of marijuana

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Feb 28, 2022

Peeps and feces in a campus parked car A car on campus was vandalized with marshmallow Peeps Friday, according to a police report. The Peeps were found on the rear trunk lid of the car and wedged in a...

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Audience members and performers gather on stage.

Wrapping up Black History Month with the Black Excellence Expo

Lauren Fox, General Assignment Reporter Feb 28, 2022

Black artists showcased their talent Friday night at the Black Excellence Expo, hosted by the University of North Florida Black Student Union.  The evening was a celebration of Black history and...

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Mr. D (Joshua Benet) screams at the gods in anguish during the UNF Swoop Troupe’s performance of The Lightning Thief in Jacksonville, Florida, Friday, Feb. 11.

Gallery: The Lightning Thief

Justin Nedrow and Lauren Fox Feb 15, 2022

Check out some of the photos from the Swoop Troupe's performance of The Lightning Thief taken during rehearsal and during the performance! ___ For more information or news tips, or if you see...

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Percy has a weird dream during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show in Jacksonville, Florida.

Percy has a weird dream during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show in Jacksonville, Florida.

The campers bond over a campfire during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show in Jacksonville, Florida.

The campers bond over a campfire during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show in Jacksonville, Florida.

Percy and his friends talk to Charon (Jade Marino), the Ferryperson to the Underworld Grover explores Auntie Em’s Garden Emporium during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show in Jacksonville, Florida,

Percy and his friends talk to Charon (Jade Marino), the Ferryperson to the Underworld Grover explores Auntie Em’s Garden Emporium during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show...

Grover explores Auntie Em’s Garden Emporium during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show in Jacksonville, Florida,

Grover explores Auntie Em’s Garden Emporium during the UNF Swoop Troupe's rehearsal for The Lightning Thief show in Jacksonville, Florida.

Cast members for the Swoop Troupe production of the Lightning Thief after a run of the show.

Lightning in the theater: A first look at The Lightning Thief

Lauren Fox, Reporter Feb 10, 2022

The Lightning Thief, a coming-of-age adventure musical, premiers Friday night as the University of North Florida (UNF) Swoop Troupe brings the first book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series to...

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The words "smile" spray painted onto a driftwood next to a smiley face emoji.

New year, New you: How to succeed in Spring 2022

Mallory Pace and Lauren Fox Jan 31, 2022

As we kick out of bed and wake up into a new semester in a new year, it can be easy to get caught up in the same old routine. Wake up, log in to Zoom or go to class, eat something, go home, then contemplate...

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