NSU Fall 2012 Horizons Magazine

around NSU Nova Southeastern University had three of its best representing the school during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. Swim team member Esau Simp- son competed for his home country of Grenada, coming in first in his heat in the 100-meter freestyle event. Al- though he didn’t advance to the semi- finals, Simpson was proud and honored to represent both Grenada and NSU in the games. NSU’s Hollie Bonewit-Cron coached the team hailing from the southeastern Caribbean island chain. Bonewit-Cron is the first-ever head coach of NSU’s new men’s and wom- en’s swimming and diving program, which has already seen great success, including both teams taking 2012 Sunshine State Champion- ship (SSC) titles. “This experience has already changed me. This level of competition only comes from constant, full-time dedica- tion. Esau has exemplified this type of commitment in the two years that he has been with this program,” said Bonewit-Cron. “Esau went to the Olympic games with a goal in mind and achieved that goal with a new Grenada national and Olympic record, as well as a new NSU long-course record. This experience will only help me be a better coach for the swimmers here at NSU.” A native of St. David’s, Grenada, Simpson trained six days a week at NSU with the Sharks Aquatic club team under Bonewit-Cron’s guidance. Simpson’s Monday-through- Saturday Olympic-preparation regimen consisted of aerobic- based training combined with speed and added power work. “The opportunity to represent myself, NSU, and my country, as well as the Grenada Amateur Swimming Association, transformed the experience into a goal-seeking, pioneering trip,” said Simpson, an NSU sophomore majoring in biology. “I will forever be grateful to the support from my amazing collegiate team. Without NSU, I would not be the swimmer I am today.” In addition to the swimming duo, Howard Layne, M.P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapy alumnus from what is now NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences, was selected to be a volunteer physical therapist for the London Olympics. He worked exclusively in the men’s basketball venue helping team USA. “Going to the Olympics in London was a once-in-a- lifetime experience. Of course, I was nervous about going and whether my skills would be on par with the rest of the world,” said Layne. “But the physical therapy skills that I learned while at NSU prepared me to be not just the best I could be, but a leader in the clinic and venue. I was invited to a special meet and greet at the Team Great Britain House where I met many Olympians and medalists. The highlight of the evening was definitely meeting Prince William and his wife Kate. When I speak to students at NSU or to people who ask me about the university, I tell them ‘NSU took me to the Olympics. Where can NSU take you?’ ” The opening ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic Games were held on July 27. The games then ran for more than two weeks, with closing ceremonies held on August 12. n NSU Well Represented at Olympics By Brandon Hensler Swimming coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron and NSU swimmer Esau Simpson traveled to London, England, to participate in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Age: 18 Hometown: Miami, Florida What program are you in? Musical Theatre; a sophomore Why did you choose NSU? NSU was the only university that offered a true musical theatre program in South Florida, so it was automatically on the top of my list. Once I went to orienta- tion, I knew it was a perfect fit for me. What is the best part about being a Shark? Shark Pride! I have never seen a school this young with so much spirit and so eager to start traditions. What’s your favorite NSU tradition? Fins Up—you can call this out anywhere around campus and most, if not all, of the people around you will join in. What organizations and activities are you involved in? The NSU Vocal Ensemble, vice president of the Commuter Student Organization, and the Orientation Team What made you decide to become an orientation leader? My own orientation leader did. I had such an awesome experience at my orientation, and I knew that I wanted to make incoming students feel as welcomed into the Shark Family as I was when I attended. What is your favorite class? My acting classes are the best! No matter what we’re working on, the lessons are always inter- active between the students and professor. What is your favorite place on campus? The West End Deli, by far. Whenever I’m working on an assignment or just looking for a nice place to relax between classes, I always find myself at the deli. What are your career aspirations? I would love to make it to Broadway one day. But until I get there, I would love to work on creating a camp for underprivileged children to expose them to the arts. What is a fun fact we should know about you? The first song that I ever sang in public was Fallin’ by Alicia Keys, and I won a televised talent competition with it. Sasha Pimentel ‘‘ …I knew that I wanted to make incoming students feel as welcomed into the Shark Family as I was when I attended.” 6 HORIZONS 7 HORIZONS