The Informer Issue Two

March 2013

In This Issue:

A Letter From the President P.1

Running For State Office P.2

The Amazing Race! P.2

Parliamentary Corner P.3

Winning At A National Level P.3

Leaving Your Mark P.4

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Important Dates:

Mar 5 - 9, 2013

TSA Advisor Appreciation

Week

Mar 13 - 20, 2013

State Conference &

Competition,

Double Tree - Seaworld

Apr 19- 20, 2013

Board of Directors

Meeting

Cape Canaveral

Jun 28 - Jul 2, 2013

National Conference &

Competition - Rosen

Shingle Creek Resort

Oct 16 - 19, 2013

Florida TSA Leadership

Conference &

Competition at

Radisson Celebration

Nov 1, 2013

FTEEA Conference

Feb 19 - 22, 2014

Florida TSA State

Conference &

Competition at

Double Tree Universal

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE FLORIDA TECHNOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATIONA QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE FLORIDA TECHNOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Our main goal as a State Officer Team this year is to encourage and

support all of our members to leave their legacy on TSA. Each year

we as members strive to do so, and no matter how we do it, we leave

our marks and set the bar for the next year. As I reflect upon our

Leadership Conference this past fall, that bar has been set very high.

Members, advisors, alumni, and STARS were all completely committed and gave

every last bit they had to reach success. I would like to personally thank everyone

who gave their personal time to help judge, set up, clean up, and especially our advi-

sors and chaperones for all that they do. The State Officer Team hopes that everyone

learned and sharpened their leadership super powers and have applied those skills in

a chapter and regional setting.

This year’s State Conference is shaping up to be an important one. The range of

opportunities in competitions and scholarships is expanding from year to year and

this year we are hosting the TSA National Conference. All of these opportunities

open doors to new pathways of success and learning. We encourage you to compete,

share, and build friendships with one another while you travel across five countries in

The T.S.A.mazing Race! Each year brings new experiences that you will never forget,

you just have to find them. I hope to see each and everyone of you

finish your “Amazing Race” and hopefully, create your very own

“Tradition of Excellence” this year.

A Letter From The President by Bryce Register

Bryce Register

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Hello Florida TSA! This is Morgan Honeycutt, your state Secretary here

to give you some tips on running for State Office. First of all, make sure

that you understand the commitment that comes with becoming a state

officer. It is a wonderful opportunity and with endless possibilities of

learning, but it is very hard work. You will be missing school to work, and you are

constantly planning events. This will take up a lot of your time. If after you have thought

long and hard about running, you still want to go through with it, you need to go to the

state website to get an application. This application requires information about your

experience and signatures from various adults. Read carefully and make sure you fill this

out to the best of your ability. You must turn this in by a certain deadline in order to be

considered for office. After you have turned this in and Mr. Lauer has approved it, you

will receive a parliamentary procedure skills test. You must obtain a certain score on the

test to continue to be considered. You will know if you are still in the running through

email. You will then be asked to send in your speech to the state officer advisor for it to

be approved. I suggest that you come up with a creative campaign and start working on

your display as soon as you receive the email with the state officer candidates. Once you

arrive at the state conference, make sure you are on your best behavior the entire time

because you have now entered the “glass house” so to speak, where everyone can see

what you are doing. This may sound intimidating, but I promise you that becoming a

state officer has been one of the best experiences of my life, it is so self enriching and

I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Running For State Office by Morgan Honeycutt

Florida TSA

State Competition

The

T.S.A.mazing RACE

Mar 13— 16

Double Tree

Seaworld Orlando, FL

65 Events

4 Days

One Goal:

The 2013

National Competition

Put on your

headband and

running shoes, grab

your passport, and

join Ally in the race

around the world!

Hey guys, this is Deuel, your State Treasurer. This year at State

conference the theme is The T.S.A.mazing Race. This theme set the

stage for a lot of fun spirit activities influenced by cultures from around

the world. We have some dancing from the fun-loving country of

Ireland, come on out and show off your fancy footwork. But the fun

doesn't stop there, from the country of India we have taken the game Kabaddi. This is

a game similar to tag, but with teams, a nice spin on a classic game. We’ve got a test of

speed and concentration in the game from Australia, "What Time is it, Mr. Wolf?", do

you think you're up for the challenge? Volleyball is a very popular sport in Brazil, but

how will your chapter do when they have to play … without hands? From the island

nation of Japan, we have a test of balance in the Kendama Race. And last but certainly

not least, in honor of America, we have a classic game of Battleship with a modern TSA

twist! Show up, compete, and show some pride in your chapters at this year’s spirit

activities!

The Amazing Race Competition! By Deuel Allen

As TSA members we all share one common aspiration. I still remember

shaking as my school was called. Walking up to the stage with my team,

we all exchanged excited yet nervous glances. When we finally stepped

on that stage and heard the sweet sound of our schools name being

called, we smiled so much it hurt. Proud doesn't even begin to describe

the feeling of success. Winning at nationals is one of the most rewarding experiences of

being a TSA member. It is the culmination of months of hard work. It makes all the fail-

ure and the struggle worth every second. Unfortunately not everyone can have that

moment. However, being from Florida, our passion runs deep. I would just like to share

a few tips on how you can make sure you have your nationals moment this year. After

all, the conference is in Orlando, we need to make sure that we have a strong showing on

our stage!

Projects: One word, EARLY. Projects are the most important factor at nationals and they

need to be done as soon possible. Once they're finished you look over them and you

revise them as you would an essay. Peer review is essential. Have your advisors, friends,

and partners review your notebooks and final products. With so many people competing

it really comes down to the small details. This is what makes the difference between the

top 10 and the top 3.

Travel: Two years ago nationals was in Dallas, Texas. My project was finished and ready

to take onto the national competition. Nonetheless when it arrived at the Gaylord it was

in need of some serious repairs. The Texas heat had boiled the paint and stuck the

bubble wrap to the project. I ended up with pock marks all over the project and ended up

making a trip to find sandpaper and paint before check-ins the next morning. This year

nationals is in Orlando so hopefully no one will have this issue, but make sure you take

every precaution necessary to keep your projects safe.

Winning: Winning is the goal but it isn't everything. Enjoy your time and do your best.

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Winning At A National Level by Isaiah Beaton

The 2013 National TSA Conference

June 28 - July 2, 2013 This year Florida has

been granted the opportunity of hosting the 2013 National TSA

Conference at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, where it was

held back in 2008.

The theme for this year’s conference is

“A Tradition Of Excellence”, which is just what we bring to the table every year.

Let’s make this year just like the rest and

make Florida the #1 TSA

“All those in favor say ‘aye’” (wait for response). “All those opposed …

uh?” What DO you say when your asking for a negative vote? This is one

of the most commonly misused phrases in all of those that learn the

language of Robert’s Rules of Order. “Nay.” Nay is defined as a term only

to be used in conventions and should not be used as a negative voting

method in small groups or in any assembly other than a convention. Instead, you should

use “No” in your meetings. Regular chapter meetings will benefit from this, because

you’re using correct terms and it gets your chapter team in the habit of using the proper

verbiage. Another common error President’s use in meetings is, “All those opposed,

same sign.” If I’m against something, why should I signal an affirmative answer? Aye in

the real world is a synonym for always, yes and evermore. Keep this hint in mind when

you go to your next meeting!

Parliamentary Corner by Jayna Glover

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2012 Florida TSA Leadership Conference Seniors, it's your final hoorah! This is the last time you will be competing

at the State and National TSA competition. Have you accomplished

everything you wanted to? As a senior there are many responsibilities that

we have to handle throughout the year. Through the hectic schedules we

choose as an active member, managing our time appropriately and be

dedicated to TSA. I hope that everyone can take their final steps across that stage,

knowing that they put their all into every project, were committed to their chapter duties

and set the example of the professionalism and motivation that TSA requires. Leaving

behind your legacy as a TSA member for other students to look up to as they strive for

success in this T.S.A.mazing Race. As you say your final goodbyes to this organization and

move on to your future career endeavors, remember to put your best foot forward and

thank those who have guided or inspired you on this journey. As a senior myself I will have

do the same as I say goodbye to an organization that has given me so much and allowed

me to meet such intelligent and talented individuals. Though it pains me to say this,

goodbye TSA, you will be truly missed.

Announcements!

Florida TSA wants to spotlight YOUR TSA chapter! Send us a story and a picture of

your chapter to be featured in the next issue of The Informer!

We also need your State and National pictures! Make sure to send them to us

through Facebook to be in our future publications and conferences.

Leaving Your Legacy by Spencer York