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 responsibilities, and social life.

Students Alijah Martinez, Xi Pi Vice President of Fellowship, and Rebecca Pace, Xi Pi Treasurer, share their personal experiences with emotional stress and the coping strategies they’ve found most effective, such as mindfulness, exercise, and time management.

Kim Pearsall, Director of Disability & Counseling Services at Polk State College, offers expert insight into how students can recognize emotional stress early and benefit from campus resources such as the BayCare Student Assistance Program which provides Polk State students with free, confidential access to counseling services. This episode highlights valuable tools for students to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain balance in their college journey.

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Anthony Cornett, Xi Pi Chapter Advisor and Professor of Biology, discusses the various pressures faced by student-parents and highlights the resources available to help navigate this journey, from flexible class schedules to childcare options. This POLKcast episode provides valuable perspectives on how to successfully bridge the family-college divide. Whether you’re a current or prospective student-parent, this episode offers helpful tips and inspiration for juggling both responsibilities.

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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 personal experiences with mental health struggles and the importance of reducing stigma on campus. Tune in to learn more about how students can access support and promote mental health awareness in their communities.

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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 providing actionable solutions, the Xi Pi Chapter invites a range of expert guests and community leaders to offer valuable resources and guidance for student success.

This season, POLKcast is more than just a conversation—it’s a resource for students to find the support they need to thrive at Polk State College and beyond. In this introductory episode, Johnson sits down with Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti to announce the latest season of POLKcast.

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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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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 fiscal future and educates students on financial responsibility.

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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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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.

Read the transcript

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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.

Read the transcript

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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 on her Polk State career, life in soccer, and more.

This episode was recorded in December 2022. 

Read the transcript

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