Dear FIU,
We live in dark times that consume our thoughts. We also need to be able to focus on the beauty of things. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, whether that be from your partner, your friend, or even your love for our school. We, as a team, have embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day and have collaborated on a series of love letters detailing the things we love about FIU. As well, our cartoonists have collaborated on a series of images to follow our letters. Whether small or big, there is always a reason to celebrate.
Love,
PantherNow Opinion Column and Cartoonists
Cartoon by Mariana Castillo
Director | Brooke Johnson
Dear Turtle Pond,
I remember when I first toured FIU, almost four years ago. I’ve changed a lot since that tour, but one thing that has remained the same is my love for the turtle pond. I don’t often get to cross the bridge, but I sometimes take the long way around to see the turtles. No matter the mood I’m in, looking down into the water and seeing the turtles always makes me smile. Getting to see them in their natural habitat, swimming about, can make even the grumpiest person smile. The bridge may suck during busy hours, but it holds a dear memory for me. The pond is also shaped like a heart, if you didn’t know. Tradition says that if you kiss a person you love on top of the bridge, then you’ll be together forever. I was able to kiss my love on top of the bridge (during non-busy hours), surrounded by the energetic turtles. So turtle pond, you will stay close to my heart forever.
Love,
Brooke
Cartoon by Michael Viciedo
Staff Writer | Kendall Moffett
Dear Biscayne Bay sweet escape,
Living on the Biscayne Bay campus, I cherish the opportunity to take refreshing walks along the scenic BBC trail by the bay. After a week filled with classes and mounting stress, stepping away from the textbooks and screens to immerse myself in nature allows me to be a part of the surrounding nature and beautiful views. These moments allow me to be fully present, reflecting on how far I’ve come, and help me envision where I’m headed. The BBC trail also helps me prioritize my physical health, and this time outdoors provides a space to de-stress and focus on what truly matters to me. Thanks to the beautiful trail, I return to my dorm feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to face new challenges.
Love,
Kendall
Cartoon by Mariana Castillo
Staff Writer | Dayon Hokim Jr
Dear Green Library,
I find myself thinking about you, not just as a building of bricks and glass, but as a quiet companion that has stood by my side through some of the most demanding times.
For me, you’ve been more than just a study space, but you have been my refuge when school felt overwhelming. You have added to my confidence and have provided me with a place to lock in to become the greatest version of myself. The Starbucks on the first floor recharged me for all of the long nights preparing for midterms and finals. You’re more than just a building to me. You are the place I go when I need to remind myself that I’m capable of more. Thank you for always holding space for my goals. And thank you for every long hour that helped me grow into what I am becoming.
Love,
Dayon Hokim Jr
Cartoon by Mariana Castillo
Staff Writer | Linette Garcia
Dear FIU’s Nightlife,
Once Friday hits and classes finish for the day, you become my on-and-off toxic situationship. You’re loud, overpriced, and the reason my sleep schedule is dysfunctional—and yet, I’d still choose you every weekend. FIU is always committed to its party culture, whether it’s the occasional social events during the day or the energetic parties at night. Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on how I’m feeling—I don’t attend FIU’s functions in the daytime, so I stick to the ones after dark. From frat parties in the dorms to venturing around the nearest college clubs and raves, I will go to nearly all of them. There’s something about the ritual of it all: the group chat plans, outfits laid out, the Uber rides to campus filled with chaotic optimism. FIU’s nightlife feels more than just loud music and overly expensive drinks—it’s the euphoric feeling of freedom after being stressed out from exams and homework under a kaleidoscope of hazy neon lights. And seeing other FIU students reveling in the same atmosphere as me is always a blast to witness, a true testament to the unifying power of music. So, thank you to the organized and local party scenes on- and off-campus, especially from FIU’s Greek Life, for delivering a transformative night after lectures.
Love,
Linette
Cartoon by Michael Viciedo
Contributing Writer | Ryan Ziwa
Dear FIU Student Organizations,
One of the few things that has lived up to what I imagined college would be is the student organizations at FIU. I pictured a variety of active clubs with lots of opportunities to try new experiences and find community. The student organizations at FIU offer exactly that. They also present a much-needed window to connect, network, and learn from peers. From the Writer’s Club to the Vietnamese International Student Association, there are a ton of events and activities to keep one positively engaged. In a plea to avoid sounding like I’m complying with the terms of an advertisement contract for these organizations (I’m not), I will point out a con: my calendar doesn’t have enough blank blocks. I’d like to consistently attend all the events of so many other organizations, including the Filmmarkers Club, Bubble City Community Project, Garden Club, African Student Union, and the Fencing Club.
I’m beyond grateful for all the student leaders behind the organizations at FIU and the members who contribute to the vision of the organizations. Thank you for creating spaces where everyone can fit. And to students who are not part of any organizations, join one, or even better, create a space you feel doesn’t exist! Continue spreading love and positive experiences.
Love,
Ryan
Cartoon by Michael Viciedo
Contributing Writer | Alexandra Perez
Dear FIU Strangers,
You started as a blur of faces in a lecture room and names I couldn’t remember. You were the people I sat next to on the first day of class, and in my mind, temporary. What I didn’t expect was that you would contribute something formative to my college experience. Somewhere in the chaos of class group chats, icebreakers, and group projects, you stopped being strangers and transformed into something more. Completely oblivious to it at the start, we became a community. The type that does not need to be established on dramatic or monumental moments, but instead, on small and quiet ones. Little by little, you made things feel less overwhelming. I knew that I wasn’t in it alone. You reminded me that college isn’t just about degrees, but about the people who walk alongside you while you figure it all out.
What I had originally thought would be an experience consisting of distance, independence, and even loneliness has turned out to be one so fruitful and filled with compelling moments and people. Of course, not everyone stuck around. Some faces faded after the semester ended, and some conversations stopped at the classroom door. But even these temporary or short-lived connections mean something. It is this exact sense of community that makes FIU unique. To have a place where you can feel that you are truly welcome and embraced is irreplaceable. So thank you to the strangers of FIU, for making this place feel less like a campus and more like a home. As semesters change and classes begin, the faces will too. New strangers will take seats beside us, and I urge everyone to take a chance and create connections where none existed before. Let FIU be your garden, and make it one that blooms every season.
Love,
Alexandra
Cartoon by Michael Viciedo
Contributing Writer | Joshua Aarons
Dear Dining at FIU,
I know that when all is said and done, there will always be food available to me on campus. If I miss breakfast at home, I know that I can stop by any of the Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts and grab a breakfast sandwich before my morning classes. If I get hungry waiting for one of my club meetings, I can grab some fried rice and orange chicken from the Panda Express, or if I’m not feeling that, a chicken sandwich from the Chick-fil-A. No matter what mood I’m in, there is always something to satisfy my appetite.
The saying goes that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. That’s exactly how you’ve made it into my heart, FIU. Having a diverse array of options means that I don’t even have the opportunity to be peckish while navigating my day of classes and extracurriculars. I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you. Thank you for granting me and all other students, even those without the money to afford food, the ability to go without hunger as we pursue our education.
Love,
Joshua
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