[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he amount of times I have walked back and forth in front of a brick wall on this campus, hoping to find a solution for the academic problem I needed to resolve has been infinite. Moat times, I pray for a magical door to appear. But then, it may be possible that I am relying too much on fiction, created by an English-born magic enthusiast, Ms. J.K. Rowling, to assist me with my academic struggles. If you are unfamiliar with what I speak of, then quickly run to your local blockbuster and rent HP4 The Goblet of Fire. Too tedious? I can just tell you then!
There is a room in Hogwarts that is lacking a door. If one were to walk by this room three times, while thinking about a requirement that needed filling, and if the room deemed it that this person deserved help, then a door will appear thus giving the inquirer access to the room. In this room, help is found and every issue is solved! The specific advice that someone may like to adopt as creed, in this context, reads as such: “Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who deserve it.” These are strong words that imply, “hey come in to the Room of Requirement and you should get some quiet, villain-free silent study because YOU DESERVE IT!” [pullquote]The Academic Success Center’s sign summons everyone towards it once somebody steps into the J Building.[/pullquote]
The students here at Seminole State are slightly less magical; so I think. But they can still excel because they deserve it. I bet it may be safe to say that some folks on campus may be unaware that at the Sanford Lake Mary campus, there is a newly renovated & highly impressive “Room of Requirement” for those of who never actually got out letters from Hagrid. I am not sure about you, but I find hiding from a janitor around this campus to be nearly impossible. And, as a student who in the past knows how the semester seems to get harder as time passes, let me suggest to you to seek out this room long before you ever need it. But to give you a quick preview and, to ensure it had what the students required, I sought out this Academic Success Center.
The Academic Success Center’s sign summons everyone towards it once somebody steps into the J Building. I appreciate the bug towards a light approach because I have always found bright lights make travel simpler. But simple was far from what I was to find on the other side of the door that leads to the center. As I walked into the well framed Academic Success Center, I felt the atmosphere envelope me. I was immediately greeted by Ruth Anne who asked what I needed help with. Deciding not indulge her in my life troubles that came to mind, I proceeded to let Ruth Anne know I just wanted to look around. The warm response that still came from me declining assistance was still remarkable. Already a tone was set at the entranceway that I could bring any of my academic troubles here to be addressed and I had yet to see any of the features of this room.
In this room, there is a very calming Writing Corner with several tables and chairs to work in. I find that people are always there to help students edit their papers or just to talk about grammar related matters general. On the opposing wall of the room, and past five impressive rows of computers, there is a study room for science tutoring and meetings. The room is filled with tools and information that can further a student’s academic practices in the subject, and it does not hurt that professors are constantly rolling through to primarily help students. Outside of the science themed room is by far the most interesting feature, at least to me. There are two rather large back-to-back cubbies with dry erase boards bordering the insides where groups can work out problems and study the day away while in comfy spinney chairs. This is besides the fact that every computer is staggered to face the opposite direction of the computer next to it, and this forces a student or user of the computer to face the user next to him or her.
I am a large fan social interaction since studies show that people get more from education when they work with fellow peers and teachers that are not only assigned to. I have not seen any spells or magical creatures being thrown around but I do feel safe in saying this might be the most magically thought out study room I have ever seen.
Go check out the magic for yourself.
Any comments for Nick Wills? Reach him at nick@theseminolescribe.com