1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

While useful, studying abroad is not for everyone

Sep. 21, 2015

In the last week alone, I’ve been asked if I’ve ever studied abroad on four separate occasions. Sadly enough, the answer has been "no" every time. Both of my collegiate summers have been spent interning and feeling jealous while stalking social media either here in Gainesville or back home in Palm Beach. Yet, nearly all of my friends have spent a semester or two gallivanting across the globe, whether in Madrid, Beijing or London, and all have returned claiming to be much worldlier than when they left.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter to the Editor: 09/22/2015

Sep. 21, 2015

I am writing today in reference to an article that was run earlier this week about dropped charges on my record for possession of fake identification. While I am upset that after a long and successful career in the Student Senate this issue is only being brought up now during election season, I wanted to take the time to address many of the claims made in the article.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Republican foreign policy: Fact or fiction?

Sep. 21, 2015

Last Wednesday night, I, like many Americans, cozied up on the couch with a tub of popcorn to watch the second GOP debate, hosted by America’s most trusted news network, CNN. It was my night to have the TV, and I wasn’t about to let the two affable bros with whom I share a flat box me out with the second season of "Burn Notice." "This concerns the fate of our nation! Contrary to popular belief, Jeffrey Donovan does NOT take precedence tonight," I bellowed. "Now go put some goddamn shirts on and lower the Daughtry." And with that heroic stand, I was free to claim the living room and arrange my snacks while moderator Jake Tapper laid the ground rules for the debate.

Sophomore Karolina Vlckova high fives coach Emily Glaser during the final round of the 2015 SunTrust Gator Invitational on March 8.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Freshman thrives in UF’s first two rounds

By Matt Brannon | Sep. 21, 2015

When freshman Sam Wagner joined the women’s golf team, head coach Emily Glaser probably figured it would take her a couple tournaments to get in rhythm.

OPINION | COLUMNS

9/11 first responders deserve more than a hashtag

Sep. 21, 2015

Oct. 3 marks a crucial date for more than 30,000 Americans: the expiration of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

UF outside hitter Carli Snyder swings for a kill attempt during Florida's 3-1 win on Sept. 20, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida volleyball crediting early success to team’s depth

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 21, 2015

You wouldn’t believe the depth Florida’s volleyball team has.

UF soccer coach Becky Burleigh talks with her team following Florida's 2-1 loss to Texas A&M on Sept. 10, 2015, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida soccer team learning to trust each other

By Kyle Brutman | Sep. 21, 2015

Trust can not be taught nor can it be coached.

UF's Austin Hardin connects on an extra-point attempt during Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Senior anchoring defensive line for UF

By GRAHAM HACK | Sep. 21, 2015

After choosing to come back for his senior season, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard is making his presence felt both in the trenches and off the field for Florida.

UF quarterback Will Grier drops back to pass during Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Still no starter: Quarterback position remains under review

By Luis Torres | Sep. 21, 2015

Will Grier had a chance to solidify himself as Florida's starting quarterback for the rest of the season against Kentucky.

UF linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) and defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr. record a tackle during Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Grading the Gators: Evaluating the team’s progress through three games

By GRAHAM HALL | Sep. 21, 2015

After three games, the Gators are undefeated and looking to continue the winning streak against Tennessee on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. With the season a quarter of the way finished, here’s how each unit ranks following the first Southeastern Conference game of the season.

UF setter Mackenzie Dagostino (6) sets the ball for middle blocker Simone Antwi (16) during Florida's 3-1 win on Sept. 20, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida volleyball rallies to defeat Florida State

By Brian Lee | Sep. 20, 2015

Florida was aware Sunday’s game against Florida State was more meaningful than most, and it wasn’t hard to tell.

UF forward Brooke Sharp dribbles the ball during Florida's 2-1 loss to Texas A&M on Sept. 10, 2015.

SPORTS | SOCCER

UF women’s soccer uses scoring barrage to down Florida International

By Ryan Summers | Sep. 20, 2015

Florida wanted to come out with a sense of urgency, but coach Becky Burleigh likely didn’t envision a season-high scoring performance.

UF running back Kelvin Taylor rushes during Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF running back responds following sideline lashing

By Luis Torres | Sep. 20, 2015

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kelvin Taylor had his chance to put last week’s sideline berating by head coach Jim McElwain during Florida’s 31-24 win over East Carolina behind him on Saturday against Kentucky.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Caught in the middle: International students restricted to on-campus jobs

By Alexandra Fernandez | Sep. 20, 2015

Vinayak Ganesh said the day he left Mumbai, India, was one of the saddest of his life.

METRO

Alachua County Labor Coalition campaigns for higher wages

By Brooke Baitinger | Sep. 20, 2015

After UF President Kent Fuchs raised the university’s minimum wage from $10 to $12 an hour, the Alachua County Labor Coalition is still contending with other actors in the community to do the same.

UF football coach Jim McElwain walks out of the visitor's tunnel prior to Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

‘FIGURING OUT HOW TO WIN’: UF looking to ride momentum

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Sep. 20, 2015

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jim McElwain walked off the field at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday breathing a sigh of relief.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Keys fire leaves residents without laundry room, Wi-Fi

By Ariana Figueroa | Sep. 20, 2015

Aamir Rahim hadn’t done laundry in two and a half weeks.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Will Grier should start the rest of the season for Florida

By GRAHAM HACK | Sep. 20, 2015

Jim McElwain made the right decision by playing quarterback Will Grier for the entire game against Kentucky.

Brianna Morgan awaits a serve during Florida's 4-0 win against Maryland on Jan. 25 at the Ring Tennis Complex. Morgan defeated Georgia Tech's Kendal Woodard, 6-2, 6-3 at the No. 3 position on Saturday to help the Gators advance to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Senior takes first place title as Gators see success at Duke Invite

By Madison Belfour | Sep. 20, 2015

Four Gators will be returning to Gainesville with trophies from this weekend’s Duke Invite in Cary, North Carolina.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student Body president files petition to UF supreme court

By Caitlin Ostroff | Sep. 20, 2015

UF Student Body President Joselin Padron-Rasines filed a petition with UF’s Supreme Court on Friday regarding the constitutionality of the current SG executive committee.

El Caimán