By Jaycob Ammerman | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Growing up in Sweden, Elin Karlsson lived right next to a beautiful golf course.

“My dad used to bring me to that great golf course, and that is where I found out that I really enjoyed playing the game,” Karlsson said.

By Michael Newberger | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Standing in line by the door was the ideal American family. The mom and dad were holding hands, the son was about 11 and talking to his little sister, and she was the kind of redhead girl commercials use to show how “wholesome” a product is. It was nice to see such a portrait of family togetherness in this day and age. Did I mention the cute little girl was holding a snub-nose revolver?

This press release was written for a class project and was selected as a finalist for the Gargoyle’s 2011 Anthology. It is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Walt Disney World.
By Brittany …

By Brittany Hall | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Dec. 20 is the day that 10-year-old Tyler Youtz has been looking forward to all year. While most fifth graders would consider a birthday or Christmas to be their favorite day of the year, Tyler would rather spend it at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, adorned with a Santa hat. As the yellow delivery truck slows to a stop outside of the hospital’s entrance, he steps out of the passenger door to greet dozens of doctors, nurses and volunteers that are ready to help him bring nearly 2,000 toys to young cancer patients.

By Lauren Belcher | CBelcher@flagler.edu
Photo by Lauren Belcher

I missed my best friend’s birthday.

Not because I wasn’t close enough to attend; I’m right down the street. I’m still not sure why I chose to miss her birthday. All I know is: I woke up that morning and decided I couldn’t be there and I needed to spend time alone.

To anyone who knows me, that sounds like a joke. I hate being alone. In fact, I do everything in my power to avoid it (read my earlier piece if you don’t believe me.)

By Lauren Belcher | CBelcher@flagler.edu

Less than a year ago, I went on a journey.

It was five days of intense therapy called Hero’s Journey.

I was told to have someone drop me off at a hotel that was about 15 minutes away from my home in West Palm Beach. Pack five days worth of clothing and leave all electronics at home. No cell phone, no laptop. These days were to be spent with no distractions so you can only spend time with you and your thoughts.

By Lauren Belcher | CBelcher@flagler.edu

Webster’s dictionary defines a void as: not occupied; vacant; not inhabited; deserted; containing nothing. That sounds about right.

I define a void as: sadness; depression; loneliness; fear; defeat.

For as long as I can remember, I have tried to fill the void. I’m always trying to keep myself distracted so I won’t feel like I’m alone.

By Jill Houser | gargoyle@flagler.edu
The young American parents cried softly in the back seat of the car as it bounced and jolted through the streets of Liberia, Africa.

By Jessica Fashant | gargoyle@flagler.edu
The sunlight could barely reach beyond the heavy curtains Lauren Hinkley pulled closed in the living room. It was a beautiful day, but she wouldn’t be going outside anytime soon, or …

By Chrissy Makris | gargoyle@flagler.edu
“This is insane,” I thought, as I stared blankly at $170 of fruit, vegetables, nuts and hemp milk sprawled across my kitchen counter. I didn’t even know you could make …

By Ashley Wermick | gargoyle@flagler.edu
In May 2009, a patch of land on the side of a park was outlined and measured. Final plans were discussed. Although it was just a flat strip of land between …

The American Psychiatric Association proposed a controversial change in February to its manual that would make Asperger’s syndrome part of autism spectrum disorders rather than a separate diagnosis. In the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which helps health professionals identify conditions, it is not listed under autism.

by Jill Houser | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Several St. Johns County residents have traded in their suits and ties for ankle high work boots, hoping to get a job.

“It’s really sad,” Julie Tucker, customer service representative at Labor Ready in St. Augustine, said. “These aren’t homeless men. These are men who lost their jobs as actual business owners.”

By Christina Arzapalo | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Picture this: a student is almost late for English class and desperately needs to find an open computer to print out a paper that is due.

After frantically searching between rows and rows of occupied computers, the student realizes that no one is doing school work.

By J.D. Bray | gargoyle@flagler.edu

College life isn’t easy. Uncharted social situations, difficult coursework, strenuous exams and extracurricular activities can cause high levels of stress.

Now add a learning disability to the equation.