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Tyler Benjamin

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UM ‘24⛵️

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the season got beat 🎄

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every summer, my extended family would drive about forty minutes north of dubuque to spend a weekend camping near a run-down cottage on the edge of the mississippi—not to stay in it (it was usually snake-infested), but to pitch tents nearby. my grandmother grew up there with her four siblings, and so did my dad—and eventually, so did i. we’d park coolers on the porch, slap on sunscreen, and throw blankets on the cut bank to nap under the trees. kids always ended up in the murky river, armed with water shoes and goggles, scrambling down the terrifying stairs to the beach. one would get leeches, another would claim a stump as their throne. sandcastles, shells, turtles. the adults might be above us, hitting golf balls into the river (hopefully aiming high).

dinner meant a “shower”—usually standing naked on the back porch with a pot of boiled water, praying no car pulled in. everyone shucked corn like the world depended on it. some adults would return from the river with fresh catfish to cook over the fire, next to country-style potatoes. my favorite was always grandma’s applesauce jello. dessert brought s’mores, sparklers, and a bonfire so hot it could singe your eyebrows- dead serious. when the mosquitoes or fish flies got bad, we’d retreat to tents filled with spiders—giving the adults time to drink and play cards. sometimes i’d sneak out to watch, shooting stars overhead. the mosquitoes were relentless.

by morning, you’d wake to the fireplace lit again—pancakes on the way. the adults might rally for volleyball in the field while kids wandered to the beach or played games. beanbags were a hit with all ages. eventually, we’d pack up, hoping to do it again next weekend.

my favorite part, no contest: the trains. the tracks ran right beside the cottage. at least once an hour, we’d run down the drive to watch them roar by, waving to the conductor and hoping for a toot of the horn. almost always, he obliged.

no ac, little plumbing, no heat. the roof is caving, trees have fallen, the cut bank creeps closer. one day, nature—or fate—will reclaim it all. i’ll likely never see it again. my remaining youth cries today for the river rat i was.

sry for yapping lol.

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2024, thank you for being what I needed. thank you for allowing me the space to heal, create peace in myself and my life, and grow further into myself. The more I take control of myself, the more comfortable in my body and style I become. I’m far more outspoken, more confident, and more regulated than I have ever been. thank you to those who’ve stuck by me through my seasons, who’ve re-established bonds with me after learning the truth, and for those who’ve been steadfast in their love and patience. I’ve got a long way to go until I feel fully actualized, and it feels like half the world doesn’t want me to be so; however, the other half is in my corner and I know that now more than ever. Look out for your people, especially in these times. I know I will be. Here’s to the hope that 2025 doesn’t cause a regression.

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Happy Fall Break UM! Make sure you get outside this weekend.

Checkout our staff doing cool things in the outdoors.

#outdooradventures #mountains #rockclimbing #horsebackriding #paddleboarding

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CLIMBING LEAGUE is calling...

Give us a call or swing by with any questions you have. Climbing League is open to all levels and availble for sign-ups at the link in our bio. Maybe you will even win one of those chalk bags? or a hat?

#climbingleague #rockclimbing #outdooradventures #competition

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august(us gloop)

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Next up on our student spotlight is none other than the illustrious Thomas McPherson! Here’s his story as a ‘Cane:

Hey everybody! My name is Thomas McPherson and I’m a senior here at the U graduating with my bachelors of science in health science (BSHS) with minors in criminology and public health. 👨🏼‍🎓

When I applied to U Miami, I never imagined that I would actually get accepted or be able to make it happen for financial reasons. But when I received my financial aid package prior to my freshmen year, I knew that there was nothing standing in my way so I committed that same day and here I am four years later! 🤩

My time here has been nothing short of incredible. During the last four years I have made so many amazing memories with my friends, professors, and by being involved in various organizations on campus! A highlight of my time in undergrad has been working for Housing and Residential Life as a Resident Assistant in the freshmen dorms. Although this role has been challenging at times, I have met so many amazing people and connected with so many students on campus! 😌

Following graduation, I will be going home for 2 short months to spend some time with family before returning to the U in the Fall to begin my Master of Health Administration (MHA)! I couldn’t be more excited to be a double ‘Cane and be with my favorite people for another 2 years! If you have any questions about applying to grad school here don’t be scared to shoot me a DM!🙌🏼

Fun facts about myself: I love to play tennis 🎾, sing obnoxiously loud in the shower 🎶, and my dog, Tobi, lives with me in my dorm! 🐶

To the incoming class of 2028: STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! Coming to college, especially in a city like Miami, can be intimidating, but don’t let that stop you from doing amazing things! Connect with people in your classes and residential communities and get plugged in on campus! One thing about U Miami is that there is a community here for everybody and ‘Canes really do care for ‘Canes! 💚🧡

LYGC

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Sound up for this one

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seasons keep beating me (merry christmas/happy yule to all) ✨🎄❄️

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first basketball game 😅

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Thank you all SHPE Familia for attending our wonderful live interactive product showcase visit by global cardiovascular firm Terumo Aortic! 🥼🧬🔬
Thank you Dr. Manns, the chair of the UMiami BME department, for attending! We love all the support from our UMiami familia!
We hope you all loved the Bad Bunny heart plushies giveaway and had a great “Un Verano Sin Terumo” with us! 💃❤️😁
See you all at the next event!!!

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