May 2012

HCC Rally Targets Racial Profiling and Violence...............................3 By Jay LederMan senior staff writer Evening Stroll in your Neighborhood? Nervous? ................................3 By greg BLaCkweLL staff writer Electronics: Addiction or Obsession? ...................................................4 By a rayansy garCia staff writer The BIG Apple ........................................................................................4 By Ciara Lewis staff writer Stay Alive! Dont Text and Drive ...........................................................5 By dana M souza senior staff writer HCCs Alumni Association ....................................................................5 By Peter Murszewski staff writer The Womens Center: .............................................................................6 By MiChaeL Bandy staff writer Talkin Bout Our Generation ................................................................6 By Laura gustafson editor Who are We? HCC! ................................................................................7 By k iMBerLy Jennings staff writer The Internal Struggle Most People Think is Happiness............................................................7 By r auL rodriguez senior staff writer Southwestern Connecticut Community College Football Team Moves to Bridgeport .....................................................8 By austin r. vaughn senior staff writer Unity Club Welcomes All .......................................................................8 By k rystaL PiCCinino staff writer A Playwright Among Us .........................................................................9 By M ary e. a nderson senior staff writer Summer Fun ............................................................................................9 By JaMes h arLow senior staff writer Is Lafayette Hall the Remedial Building? ........................................9 By sandrene foster staff writer Adieu ........................................................................................................10 By Lovanda dava Brown editor-in-Chief And The Winner Is... ..............................................................................11 By ashLey weLfare editor Work And School Do Not Mix ...............................................................11 By PauLa tavares staff writer Less Talking, More Action .....................................................................12 By david weidenfeLLer editor

Were Just Friends ..................................................................................12 By a Manda d friot staff writer Traditional or Online Courses ...............................................................13 By seMhar saMueLs staff writer Its Hard to Say Goodbye .......................................................................13 By deB torreso outreaCh editor Home Problems and Their Impact on School.......................................14 By ashLey CaMPBeLL senior staff writer Remedial Classes Slowing Down The Process of Graduation ............14 By soMaLi saMueLs staff writer Mandatory Invasive Procedure Before Abortion Goes Too Far ...............................................................15 By saMantha deLgado editor The Reason Why: ....................................................................................15 By ashLey weLfare editor Procrastinating, Success and More Effective Study Habits................16 By JuLia Bowers staff writer Rate My Professor: A Students Best Friend........................................16 By toM CahiLL editor Registration: ............................................................................................17 By MiChaeL Bandy staff writer Summer Fashion Dos and Donts! ........................................................17 By k aren d. fernandez staff writer Helping Friends Dealing with Family and Intimate Partner Violence ..............................................................18 By saMantha deLgado editor Summer Time = Crunch Time...............................................................19 By k iMBerLy Jennings staff writer Photography Club Provides Experience to Art Majors ......................20 By a rayansy garCia staff writer HCC Sugar Convention ..........................................................................20 By Lauren weinstoCk senior staff writers HCC Dating Disasters ............................................................................21 By Lauren weinstoCk senior staff writer Can We See Our Ladies Win Gold? ......................................................23 By Jose a. rosas senior staff writer And the Winner is...... .............................................................................23 By Jose a. rosas senior staff writer Tebow Time in the Big Apple .................................................................24 By Chris gaLLi senior staff writer

Horizons Staff
Editor-in-ChiEf Lovanda dava Brown Advisor Professor steve Mark Editors toM CahiLL saMantha deLgado Laura gustafson deB torreso ashLey weLfare dave weidenfeLLer

WEb dEvElopEr adaM BeLLo stAff WritErs MiChaeL Bandy eryn BarCia JuLia Bowers JaneLLe Cook karen fernandez sandrene foster aManda friot arayansy garCia soraya garCia-saCCo kiMBerLy Jennings Peter Murszewski destiny nieves

krystLe PiCCinino seMhar saMueLs soMaLi saMueLs Chadran sMith Jeff sPenCer sEnior stAff WritErs Mary anderson ashLey CaMPBeLL stePhanie CastiLLo Chris gaLLi JaMes harLow keri-ann JaCkson Jay LederMan Ciara Lewis rauL rodriguez

Jose rosas eriC swanson dana souza austin vaughn Lauren weinstoCk distribution And promotion CoordinAtor BoBBi Brown Art And dEsign dirECtor aBeLardo PuLido dEsign Advisor Professor andy Pinto

HORIZONS News

HCC Rally Targets Racial Profiling and Violence

by JAy lEdErmAn sEnior stAff WritEr

ome 300 supporters flooded the courtyard of Housatonic Community College on March 28 for the I Am Trayvon Martin Rally just one month after the 17-year-old Florida resident was slain. The rally, which was organized to denounce issues like racial profiling, was triggered by the death of Trayvon Martin, a Florida teen who was wearing a hoodie sweatshirt, and carrying a bag of Skittles candy and an Arizona iced tea when he was shot and killed by a block watch volunteer. George Zimmerman, the 28-year-old man who admitted to killing Martin, was charged with second-degree murder in mid-April. In a 911 call, he told police the 17-year-old black male looked like he was on drugs, suspecting he may be responsible for a rash of recent break ins around the community, Zimmerman proceeded to followed Martin, against the wishes of the 911 operator. Shortly after a confrontation ensued, Zimmerman claimed he was accosted and severely beaten by Martin, according to a police report he reached for his Kel Tel 9mm pistol, shooting the unarmed teen. The audience began filling in the grassy quad just before 5 p.m. with high school and HCC students. Many of the supporters were wearing hoodies, including parents, politicians, police officers, and professors. It lasted over two hours. Bishop Courtney F. Williams voice echoed through the courtyard, shaded by the parking garage, the crowd bowed their heads in a moment of silence. He voiced his concerns about gun violence among youths, an issue that has plagued the city of Bridgeport for the past 12 years. Kirk Wesley, 26, the HCC student who organized the event on his Facebook, is the president of the Community Action Network, a student group dedicated to community service. At the rally, he spoke about the blackon-black crime epidemic in the country,

Supporters gather in the quad of Housatonic Community College. Photo by Kristina Kyoryosh

linking the Trayvon Martin killing to the events of the Civil Rights movement 50-years ago. Think about how far weve come, Wesley said But we still have a long way to go.

Think about how far weve come, But we still have a long way to go.
The rally, featured speakers like Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, HCC President Anita Gliniecki and Professor Edwena Chance. The mayor stressed the citys involvement in assisting local crime enforcement, in order to prevent future fatalities like the Trayvon Martin killing. It is still unclear what actually happened the night Martin was killed. People continue to rally across the country, demanding that justice prevails.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch speaks at the rally. Photo by Kristina Kyoryosh

Evening Stroll in your Neighborhood? Nervous?

by grEg blACkWEll stAff WritEr

ince the shooting of Trayvon Martin on February 26, there has been a significant uproar in terms of what happened and also a noticeable impact on the people around the USA. To reiterate the story, in Florida around 7 p.m., George Zimmerman (a man on night watch in the town of Sanford) claimed to have seen a young man (Trayvon Martin) walking the streets, with his hand around his waist band, possibly holding something. Zimmerman seemed to think he was armed and phoned the police, notifying them of the situation so they can dispatch officers. The officer told Zimmerman not to pursue Martin but Zimmerman ran after Martin anyway. Zimmerman then pursued

Martin and shot and killed him. Recently, George Zimmerman has been taken into custody and awaits trial. This incident surely has had an effect on people who followed the case and it is safe to say some people may not feel comfortable around their neighborhood, as they would like to be due to this. HCC student Jeffrey Spencer states, Im not too worried about my neighborhood, it seems people arent going to randomly jump you. I do however think you always have to keep your guard up and be prepared for anything. Be particularly aware of your surroundings. Another student, Candy Reinoso says, Talking about this entire situation makes me nervous. Its hard to comprehend being hesitant to step outside your door, but it seems youre never quite as safe as you

think you are. Candy has been following the Martin fatality case and it has stricken some fear in her. Candy admits occurrences such as this have happened before, but this seems to be a new breed of murder. In and around the area of Bridgeport, discrimination and acts of violence have been prevalent for quite some time. Now, with the national news of the Martin case reaching ears, people are beginning to acknowledge a more potential threat. It seems to me that, granted, people will not wish to live in a state of constant fear and worry about their surrounding neighbors, but it is a good idea to keep an open mind, and know how to react around these events. Even in the town of Fairfield, where crime is quite low, there have been jewelry store workers being gunned down, murders close to the Westport area, and robberies

within the last few years that make the populace extremely worried about going out at night and if they do, making sure they take the necessary precautions. If Im going to be going out of town or even on my drive to work, my brother, Matt, says, Im going to make sure Im prepared for anything. I have a son and a wife and I will never jeopardize my life as well as theirs. Blackwell has a license to carry arms and he takes self-defense quite seriously. Judging by the overall way the Zimmerman case became national news within a short span of time shows how it has made an impact on peoples lives, especially involving their security amongst neighbors. One things for certain, the world we live in is not as safe as it is supposed to be and you should always be vigilant.

HORIZONS News

Electronics: Addiction or Obsession?

by ArAyAnsy gArCiA stAff WritEr

s easily as junkies can be addicted to drugs and alcohol, the people of today can quickly get hooked on various electronic devices. Psychology and Human Services Professor Claudine J. Coba-Loh says that in order to distinguish an electronic addiction from an obsession, an individual has to acknowledge what their reaction would be if they didnt have the object. One thing I tend to tell people when they ask me if they are addicted to somethingI say to them, dont do it and see what happens, she said. Some folks get hooked on electronics, technological gadgets and that sort, though I am not sure if I would call it addiction, maybe more of an obsession or a preoccupation, Coba-Loh said. According to Gallup, an international research-based consulting company, nearly half of Americans are frequent Internet users which means that they spend a significant amount of time on various electronic devices.

In a poll conducted by Gallup on January 2, 2009, age makes a difference in the amount of time spent on the Internet. People between the ages of 18-29 ranked in at a 62% of more than an hour of usage on the internet per day, followed by people aged 30-49 at 54%, 50-64 at 45%, and 65 plus at 23%.

How many devices could one person possibly have? I have a phone, ipod, ipad, two laptops, a netbook...no desktop, and thats it, Housatonic student Nourhan Albezreh, of age group 18-29, said. Im always on my ipad...netbook only when I have homework.. How much do people really rely on their devices?

Photo Courtey of loraleeslooneytunes.com

I have a basic cell phone, a laptop, and a desktop, Professor Farshad Ravanshad, of age group 50-64, said. I definitely rely on both my laptop and my desktop the most. Without them, life would be kind of impossible for me. I rarely use my basic cell phone. When looking at people, whether its here at Housatonic or at your local supermarket, youll notice that theyre on their cell phones constantly. Hmm, I use my cell the most because its an iphone and has games, texting, internet and ipod all available to me, Jasmine Rivera, of age group 18-29, said. Younger people have the tendency to use electronic devices more than older people. I have no patience with technologyif its suppose to work than work, Donald Wilson, of age group 30-49, said. I rely on my phone the most and email. I rather send email on the computer than text because its easier for me. The more technology advances, the more people depend on it. Electronics have one of the biggest influences on society when it comes to our addictions and obsessions. So, are you addicted or obsessed?

Technology, The Takeover, and College

by CiArA lEWis stAff WritEr

The BIG Apple

remember it like it was yesterday when I received my first Apple product. It wasnt much at the time; a little iPod shuffle that only held roughly 100 songs. But to me, about six years ago, it meant a lot. The first generation ipod was small and unique. It didnt do much. However, it was a step in the right direction. Fast forward to present day and what a difference Apple has made in such a short time. The rise of Apple came quickly and swiftly. Everywhere you go, someone has some type of Apple device, says student, Jermaine Smith. Whether it is the iPod, a MacBook or the iPhone, most people in America have a great love for Apple. According to the website, Mashable, just over half of all households in the country own at least one Apple product. This is a drastic change to just over a decade ago when most people had only CD players or even tape players. Smith said that he had an iPod for a long time and absolutely loved it. When it was time to upgrade, Smith decided to get two iPhones and they have changed his life forever. For the past decade or so, Apple has changed the way most people view technology. Its company has also shaped the

way other companies have moved forward with their own devices. Technology has become smarter, smaller and faster. Few brands have such a deep reach among American consumers, writes Peter Pachal about Apple in an article in Mashable. Pushing the view of what we thought was possible, Apple has transformed their products into formidable competition and the envy to anything trying to stand in its way. Student Wynton Brantley says that he never understood the hype of them until buying an iPad 2. Now I cant put it down. This seems to be a common theme for many Americans experiencing an Apple product for the first time. Now, Apple has taken on a new challenge. College. Unveiling its new app, ITunes U in 2011, Apple has set the stage for a new form of education. Although iTunes U is not available in every school, the application has spread across America through many colleges and universities. What can the app do? For starters, it allows for thousands of textbooks, audio and visual content needed for particular courses. Also, iTunes U has the ability to have entire courses inside the app, tracking a students progress for the semester. This app is the beginning of a brand new way for students to experience college outside of the regular routine. Unfortunately, HCC and its content

is not yet available on the application. College has evolved into much more than just students going into a classroom for a lecture and taking notes, says HCC student Cathy Johnson. The way technology has been moving so quickly, more colleges and universities may begin using Apple devices as more of a primary source in the upcoming years inside of their schools. Everything I need is in the palm of my hands and have no use for my laptop anymore. Its almost as if Im carrying the world around with me, adds Brantley. It will only be a matter of time before the next big thing comes on the scene and takes technology up another level, if thats even possible. As for me, I gave up my iPod shuffle to a younger cousin when I bought the iPod nano a couple years later. With every upgrade Apple has, like many other fans, I enjoy seeing what the next product is. So of course, I now have an aiPod touch, an iPad 2, and an Apple TV.
Illustration By Abelardo Pulido

LOST AND FOUND: In the Public Safety/Security Office room A105

The Lost and Found Dept. has accumulated a large quantity of items. If you have lost something, please stop by the office. Thank you, Public Safety Dept.

HORIZONS News

Stay Alive! Dont Text and Drive

by dAnA m souzA sEnior stAff WritEr

hen something isnt new anymore, its almost not thought about as frequently or is not taken as seriously. However, that is not the case when it comes to texting and driving. Texting and driving is not such a new topic, yet it is still very serious and widely discussed. Handheld cell phone use and texting are prohibited for all Connecticut drivers. According to a statement released by handsfreeinfo.com, as of July 1, 2011 fines have increased. Under the 2011 distracted driving legislation, HB 6581 or also known as Public Act No. 11-213, first offenders receive $125 fine, then $250 fine, then $400 fine. In addition to these fines, the driver may also face license suspension, as well as paying court fees. The consequences are far from cheap, yet this hasnt prevented drivers from putting their fingers to work while operating a motor vehicle. The H.C.C. garage is one of the many places where those fingers are tapping their keyboard. Yet, this is a very congested and pedestrian filled roadway. It is a school, and there is a large population here. Most of us who drive would agree that the H.C.C. garage is anything but easy to navigate through. Joaquina Abner is a Small Business major at H.C.C., and is waiting patiently to finish her last semester before graduating. However, Abner is not patient for those who find the need to text while they are on the road. Ive seen this in the garage, I dont understand what is so important, says Abner. Its not so hard to wait... I really cant stand it. Texting and driving in the garage makes it much more difficult and unsafe to travel through. There are already problems such as slower movement when finding parking, not staying on the right side of the roadway, and not seeing other cars and people around you. Add texting to that and it just becomes a dangerous chaos. Richard Worde has been a Security Officer in the garage here at H.C.C. for 10 years. You have probably seen him directing traffic and warning all drivers to maintain a speed of five mph, or you may notice him reminding drivers to keep both hands on the wheel.

Hands free devices are okay, but today culating, converting, and being accurate Texting and driving is just irresponyou can receive E-mails and take pictures with motor vehicle and crucial accident sible, no matter what you have to text, it can on these phones. Texting is worse because information. wait until youre not behind the wheel, says the driver is looking down and there are The average time it takes to look at Molly Terrell, 21, part-time H.C.C. student. lots of vehicles in a small area... And peo- your phone, open a text message and start If you find yourself guilty of texting ple stop short, says Officer Worden. it is four seconds. If you are traveling at while driving, perhaps the NevertextandLots of these students are rushing to 55 mph, you are covering 80 feet per sec- drive mobile application can help. class, but if they crash they Never text and drive is a will be much more late, project that started over a year says Worden. ago by a group of friends. The parking authority at Sacred Heart University H.C.C. gives a notice to a student of Fairfield, CEO and texting driver on their first Founder Sonny Bifalco, and offense. A second offense Co. Founders Joey Ambroresults in a written warnsini, Thomas McGrath, and ing, and a third time dexter Robert Paolini. (driver and texter, as I call We vision ourselves to it) is considered in violation be a company that gives back and will lose parking privito the community. We want leges to the garage. In adto help promote and prevent dition to the violation, the a daunting cause that society offenses will be forwarded deals with. We know everyto State Police. body talks about how texting Rebecca Johnson, a and driving is bad, but we Journalism/Communicawant to go beyond that and tions major at H.C.C., create and interactive reward doesnt exactly feel that based system so people will the law is as enforced as it be safer drivers, says Bisounds. falco, who is very passionate I think the parking and dedicated towards Never authority should step it up text and Drive. and enforce the rules some The mobile app will be more. Ive never seen them used to prevent texting actually tell anybody to while driving, with a unique pull over, and its unsafe to twist. All you have to do is, allow let people get away Practice safe driving. with it, says Johnson. When you open the app The parking authority it will block and hold incomand state law allow three ing calls and text messages. warnings/consequences, You will accumulate points but it only takes ONE text until you close out of the and ONE accident to take app. (Which will hopefully somebodys life. be when you reach your Graphic courtesy of http://www.infographicsshowcase.com It could be one and destination) You will then DONE. Humans dont have luck like cats ond. Multiply that by four seconds (to start receive your held calls and text messagdo, there arent nine lives granted for your text message) you have traveled 322 es, and the points you have accumulated victims of a texting and driving accident. feet without even knowing the space and you can use online towards prizes and Familiar with the law, Bobby Lee, 41, ground you have covered because you raffles,explains Bifalco. has been an Officer with Trumbull P.D. for were too busy looking at your phone, exIf being rewarded will help you keep 16 years and knows this problem isnt easy plains Lee. your phone out of your hands and keep to stop. People dont realize how much ground your hands on the wheel, then hey, its Its like the seat belt law, the fine has they cover quickly. Thats like driving making the world a safer driving environincreased, and there is the click it-or-tick- across a football field, Lee adds. ment for everyone! et seat belt enforcement campaign all over www.Distraction.gov posted a study by Keep your eye out for the Never Text the place, yet there are still drivers who the University of Utah which states, Using a and Drive App which will soon be redont wear their seat belt, he says, cell phone while driving - whether its hand- leased. More information can be found at Lee is also an accident Reconstruction- held or hands-free delays a drivers reactions http://www.nevertextanddrive.com. ist through formal police training. He is as much as having a blood alcohol concenFor the time being, just keep this in mind: very knowledgeable when it comes to cal- tration at the legal limit of .08 percent. If you text and drive, you wont arrive.

HCCs Alumni Association

by pEtEr murszEWski stAff WritEr

he HCC Alumni Association has been working hard to improve Housatonic for over two decades. Since 1990 the Association has worked hard by to assist HCC students by fundraising and creating scholarships, which are given to distinguished students. The Association also assists students preparing to graduate by mentoring them and preparing them for the working world. According to the Alumni Associations Mission Statement The Office of Alumni Affairs develops relationships and establishes lifelong connections between Housatonic Community College and its alumni and friends, leading to increased support for the institutions mission and goals and yet many students attending HCC are unaware of the Alumni Association and the work they

do to help the student body. Many Alumni, who are Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, have come back and spoken to many groups and clubs. David Peck, former Fairfield Police Chief has come to campus several times and has spoken to many classes via the Success Coaching Program. Many involved in the Alumni Association are also club advisors such as Institutional Advancement Associate Magaly Cajigas, part of the Alumni Affairs staff, who is the advisor for the Association of Latin American Students. In 2009, after the Alumni Hall of Fame Gala Event, the Alumni Association asked the Alumni to reach out to the student body more and start interacting as mentors or coaches, according to Cajigas. The idea is to have past students, who have gone through all the trials that face recent graduates, give a hand to graduating students to ease the transition. Having Alumni talk to soon-tobe graduates helps alleviate the stress of

graduating and finding a job. It is a daunting world out there and the Alumni Association does its best to help. Another major way the Alumni Association is involved with the student body is through a scholarship assistance program. The program is comprised of many different private donations and grants. These funds are administered by Cindy Cominsky, our Scholarship Administrator, whose office is at B127 Lafayette Hall. According to Cajigas, During this time in the scholarship arena, Cindy Cominsky has the Fall scholarship applications available for those students who qualify. Students should come by the office in person for those applications. Deadline for submission of applications is June 5th.. Students that are in need of tuition assistance should head over. The Alumni Association has a table set up at graduation for students to get information about the Alumni Association and to

sign up for the electronic newsletter. Many alumni still come to the graduation events and according to Cajigas, We also have a section set aside for alumni to come and enjoy the HCC graduation ceremonies. Following its Mission Statement to the letter, the Alumni Association promotes that Successful relations are the result of the strategic and deliberate cultivation of alumni as leaders, volunteers, advocates and donors for Housatonic Community College.. If you are a graduating student there has to be some way the association has helped you, so make sure to sign-up with them to pass the same assistance to future students. If you want to learn more about the Alumni Association or make use of many of the great programs they offer students you can find information on the HCC website or calling the HCC Foundation at 203-3325000. There is also a Facebook and Linkedin page for Alumni to use to keep connected.

HORIZONS News

Supporting the Students of HCC

by miChAEl bAndy stAff WritEr

The Womens Center:

he Womens Center, located room 371 in Beacon Hall, consists of a group of faculty members, students, and concerned community members who are interested in womens issues in and around the school. They call the center a place to gather, share, learn and support, and according to student Catherine Williams, an active member of the Center, they aim to do just that. We offer support as far as financial services in the form of seminars and things like that, bullying, or if you just need someone to talk to, you can come here, Williams said. Even though were the womens center, men and families are more than welcome to join in as well. Were also a resource about women, says Beth Lazar, an HCC alumni and one of the founders of the Center, which was re-established in 2000 after a long hiatus. We have a library full of books by and about women, and if students need research material, they can come here to get it. Another important part of the Womens Center activities are the many programs they put on every year, geared toward giving students information, support, or just a

day full of fun. Each semester, the Center puts on two to three events a month, called their Food for Thought Series, focusing on a number of different topics. This semesters events consisted of an Environmental Fair, Love146 - a program dedicated to ending child sex slavery, workshops on how to get a job, and even a massage day. Linda Wolfson, the Centers Coordinator, says they try to cater to everyones needs. We handle all kinds of things, like sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking, Wolfson said. We try to have events that educate and inform students. The Center often partners with other clubs around the school for events. Last year, they partnered with the Mens Center to do a play about date rape, educating students on how to recognize when its happening and what to do about it. Theyve also partnered with the Theater Arts department several times to put on other small productions aimed at educating students. According to Wolfson, the Womens Center is all about supporting the students here at HCC and focusing on the needs of women is particularly important. Its whats facing everybody today jobs, money, and keeping the family afloat, said Wolfson. A good majority of students here are single moms, and being

in a family setting while trying to get your education can be hard. Were here for those students. Williams says that as a contemporary in the office, she often listens to students with problems that run the gamut from small to the very serious. I hear a lot about bullying and students not knowing how to handle it, she said. Sometimes well talk it through, and they feel better. Ive also had students come in and talk about domestic violence, homelessness, and many other things. They often need help, and were here to talk them through it, as well as refer them to the Counseling Center if they need further assistance. The Womens Center has had help from many faculty members over the years, according to Wolfson. Kaitlyn Shake, our former assistant coordinator, really did a lot for students as far as activism along with another student, Kevin Green, Wolfson said. Liz Bragg has done a lot to educate students about breast cancer; Shirley Johansson, a very active member of the Center, is always here to lend a helping hand. There are so many others as well that have helped make the Center what it is today. The women who work in the Womens Center are really geared toward helping

people, and by doing so, theyve helped themselves. Beth Lazar has learned a lot since helping to establish the Center. Most of all, what Ive gained is some beautiful friendships, and Ive met some very powerful, beautiful women, Lazar said. Ive learned a lot about women in other cultures as well. I was really getting depressed about the plight of women, both here and around the world, and being in the Womens Center keeps me going. Williams agrees: Being here, Ive gained a support system. When I first came to HCC, I would walk around aimlessly trying to find support. One day, I met Kaitlyn, and she took me in and all of a sudden, I felt like I belonged. I felt like I could come to school and not only get an education, but also a sense of family. Wolfson feels its important they pass this feeling of support on to the students. This is YOUR Center, she said. Were here for you, and please dont hesitate to drop by. We exist only because youre here! Womens Center meetings are held every Monday from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in room 371 in Beacon Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. You can also contact the Center by phone at 203-3325268 or by email at HCCWomensCenter@ yahoo.com.

Talkin Bout Our Generation

by lAurA gustAfson Editor

ut down your cellphones, turn off your computer screens, and lower your Ipods volume. This is a public service announcement : Attention to those who have become engrossed in luxuries and have neglected the simplicities in which prior generations worked their fingers to the bone for, you have been caught by the net which seems to have entangled us all. The generations before our own prided themselves on hard labor, survival, and an avidity to provide for their family. Nowadays, our era is absorbed in technology, senseless leisure activities, and an unequivocal need to leave all the work for the machines yet little for the mind. In an article written by Stephanie Steinberg of USA TODAY entitled, College Students Have Less Empathy than Past Generations, Steinberg highlighted a study meant to acknowledge college-aged

students and their constant need for technology, which has significantly hindered social interaction. Michigan graduate student Edward OBrian, who helped collect data for the study, says the explosion in social networking has caused college students to spend less time with each other. You might spend your night posting on Facebook walls and sending out tweets to hundreds of your online friends, but by doing so, youre also not spending time with real people and gaining valuable interpersonal experience, OBrian said. The study showed a 40 percent decrease in empathy within the last thirty years. Although these numbers may only resonate with a select few, they hit a bigger picture which illustrates students and individuals born into the Generation Z, Generation I or Internet Generation as being less conscious of others feelings. This can been seen in the virtual world of online forums such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and several other websites

that give people a place to channel their thoughts in a very discrete way. A good example of this can be seen in the usage of the like button on Facebook which is a tool that shows other individuals using the sight that you may share common interests, thoughts and concerns for a specific issue. A problem with this is that too many people sit behind screens and hope (or like) for change rather than fight for what he or she may consider right. Our generation did things to make a statement even if it meant getting dragged away, said Professor Bednarik. He commented on the bigger issue saying, My generation was very different; the work ethic is not the same as it was. Our elders reminisce on days when they found themselves working two to three jobs at a factory, walking miles to work and enduring hours of hard labor to provide a meal for their children and family. The daily stresses mentioned above seem unfathomable now, but used to be a

reality for many. Our current generation should try to obtain these ideals and put them to use. Gaining work experience is an opportunity to expand personal skills, learn to appreciate amenities we may take for granted and earn our own income. Although some jobs have given us unholy hours, a less than deserved paycheck, or a difficult boss to comply with, we need to look at the bigger picture. Its good practice when you have your real career, said HCC student Jimmy Lyman. There are opportunities for individuals to get involved in situations meant to produce change. Take a stand and become a part of something you believe in. We all can take steps in trying to close these generational gaps that are ruining our communication skills, work ethic, and passion for truth. As Professor Bednarik puts it, Gadgets are good if you use them and dont let them use you.

HORIZONS News

Day of Community Service A Success

by kimbErly JEnnings stAff WritEr

Who are We? HCC!

ver 60 HCC students marched State Street in Bridgeport in white HCC Community Service Day shirts, waving HCC flags and pom-poms. High spirited, the students chanted Who are we, HCC on their way to the United Congregational Church, located on the corner of State Street and Park Ave to participate in the first, but hopefully not last, HCC Day of Community Service. Linda Bayusik, Director of Student Activities, organized this first time event. So many of you have stepped up to the plate and volunteered! My heart is so happy and Im beaming with pride! HCC students are awesome! she told the crowd. In total, about 100 students, faculty, and staff participated, according to Bayusik. At 9:45 a.m. all HCC volunteers marched to the United Congregational Church. At the

church the students were welcomed by Eleanor McCormick, Executive Director of the Norma F. Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiatives Inc. that is partnered with the United Congressional Church of Bridgeport. McCormick helped organize the event with Bayusik. With megaphone in hand, she said she was very excited for this to be the first year she was able to partner with Housatonic to make this event happen. She welcomed and praised the students. I hopewe can encourage others to become involved, she added. Patsy Dresden, a HCC student who is graduating in May, was very impressed. Everything was very organized, she said. At the Church students were split up into five groups. These five groups were assigned areas that they would rotate. All students had opportunities to work in the Community Garden, Food Pantry, and Clothing Closet.

With a temperature of around 65 degrees and the sun reaching out beyond the clouds, it was a beautiful day to help in the garden. Students were assisted by the landscape management to tidy up the outside of the church. This included pulling weeds, cleaning up litter, and mulching. Working together we made a difference, said HCC volunteer Yasmin Morales. Inside students helped organize items in the Food Pantry, and stock the shelves. McCormick was very proud to see the shelves stocked on a Saturday. In the Clothing Closet students helped hang and organize mens, womens, and childrens clothes. Books were also organized by genre and category in which they would be put out for the church tag sale. After three hours of hard work, volunteers from the church made sandwiches and a pasta salad for all HCC community who donated their time. All participants were very appreciative for the protein and

nutrients to refuel their bodies. McCormick praised the students, saying, Im so glad you are our first. Youve set the bar really high. Bayusik conducted surveys so she could try to make this event a continuous tradition by making it as enjoyable and productive as possible. At the end of the day Bayusik thanked everyone again for participating and spoke of plans of getting together for another event. I am very proud of HCC students, she added. Bayusik wants to make this a permanent yearly event and organize similar events at other community locations. However, everyone would sleep well that night from all of the hard work put it. Volunteers could take pride after all that hard work and knowing that they have helped the church, which continuously helps others and hope that others will be inspired and follow in their footsteps.

The Internal Struggle Most People Think is Happiness

by rAul rodriguEz sEnior stAff WritEr

hat memories have you tried to forget? According to a new essay from Queensland University, nostalgia can be poisonous to a persons mental health. The thought of good memories being bad for you sounds like craziness in itself, but some of the scientific research seem to be legitimate facts. Nostalgia is what the Merriam-Webster dictionary defined as homesickness or the wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition. People experience nostalgia through some evocation that reminds them of their past. This reoccurring event, which haunts some and comforts others, becomes more intense as one becomes older. Since nostalgia allows people to reflect, review, and reevaluate their past, one question comes to mind is what effects do these retrospections have in the transition from childhood to adulthood? A paper written by Aarti Iyer and Jolanden Jetten entitled Whats Left Behind: Identity Continuity Moderates the Effect of Nostalgia on Well-being and Life Choices discussed an experiment they conducted focusing on whether nostalgia really is positive or negative. It was so popular that it became published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. These two investigated the interactive

effects of nostalgia and identity continuity on three dependent variables. The three variables they came up with were psychological well-being, the ability to cope with challenges, and willingness to take advantage of new opportunities. The aforementioned term, identity continuity, is used to describe the sense of who someone is now and its correlation with who a person once was. They experimented this by giving out questionnaires to students entering their first year of college. They answered questions about home life, identity continuity, life satisfaction, interests in new and/or different opportunities, and the emotions about the transition. One of the more eye-opening portions of the article stated, There may be time when individuals are confronted with objects of nostalgia from which they are now disconnected, or there may be circumstances that force a sense of discontinuity from the object of nostalgia. Our result indicated that, under these circumstances, nostalgia can have relatively negative consequences. What it means is that one experiences a negative consequence of nostalgia if they are re-connected to something they tried to avoid. Chris Ayala, 21, of HCC said he understands the idea and that its fair to think that when presented with the information. Yet he also said of how, for him personally, it doesnt make him depressed. He

remembers the great times he had growing up in Brooklyn and going to school at I.S. 364 Starrett City, it was home. When asked about his final thoughts about what he felt of nostalgia he said, It shouldnt be a bad thing because it shows where you come from.. When this information was brought up to Professor Amico, he had other things to say. Michael Amico is an assistant professor in psychology in HCC who received his Ph.d. from Capella University. I agree you cant avoid certain things because of nostalgia. It is not only negative but it can also have a detrimental effect upon your psychological condition, he said. You can only avoid [something] so long before you have to deal with things.. When discussing the positive effects of nostalgia he said, The positive effects are that it allows one to recall an earlier experience in life with greater detail and clarity because of the emotions attached to that memory. But the effects can also be a persons achilles heel. The negative effects are that we can, change, alter, shape of those memories by selectively ignoring certain details that might not fit with what we want the image of that event. In the past he has had clients that had these dystrophies they had to deal with. These detrimental effects affect people so heavily influenced on the past. They distort reality and the truth to maintain a good view of life. They dont want to face

the real world and are more likely to make bad decisions. They start going through mental gymnastics as Amico put it. One current student of HCC who has had to deal with his own problems of nostalgia is Justin Quinn, 19. He talked to me about how his parents divorce affects him. He feels okay with the thought that his parents are apart ,but seeing them go out with different people is what damages him. Its almost like it distorts the image of his happy childhood, the life he misses. I feel differently, he said as he was describing the feeling of seeing his parents dating other people. Its like when you go to your childhood home from ten years ago, only to find its now some machinery factory. The importance of his issue is the outcome of it. Hes now unable to commit to relationships or even start any out of fear of turning out like his parents. Im not like my friends where I can go from relationship to relationship all willy-nilly. Amicos final thoughts of nostalgia are that they arent bad as long as you do not distort reality just to remain in the past in a more positive time. Albert Camus, author of the classic pulitzer prize winning novel The Stranger once said, Every act of rebellion expresses a nostalgia for innocence and an appeal to the essence of being. People constantly fight (could be internally or externally) to live in the ideal of what life once was for them and to keep it that way forever.

Got some news you want covered? Let us know! Write to housatonichorizons@gmail.com

HORIZONS News

Southwestern Connecticut Community College Football Team Moves to Bridgeport

by Austin r. vAughn sEnior stAff WritEr

uring their 2011 Awards Ceremony, the Grizzlies Head Coach, Bernie Armstrong, announced that the Grizzlies new home field would be Kennedy Stadium at Bridgeport Central High School. Im excited to give a college football opportunity to Bridgeport, said Armstrong, We had our biggest crowd when we decided to play our season opener at Kennedy Stadium. Coach Armstrong hopes to attract many Bridgeport high school players who thought they couldnt compete at the next level and help them to improve so they can get there. We practice [at United Athletic Center] in Bridgeport and now our home games will be in Bridgeport so I try to funnel most of our guys to HCC, continued Armstrong, Its convenient and even looks more like a college campus than most community colleges. The Southwestern Connecticut Grizzlies hosted their 2011 Awards Ceremony at the Stratford Hotel on April 10, 2012,

preceded by a new player interest meeting for the upcoming 2012 season. The Grizzlies, the club football team comprised of players from southwestern Connecticut community colleges, including HCC, were voted the 2011 National Champions by the Intercollegiate Club Football Conference (ICFC) and won the Yankee Football Conference (YFC) title for the second time in two years

Our #1 priority is helping you with your education and growing up

The consensus and real message conveyed by the coaching staff during the meeting was this isnt a team; it is a family. Our #1 priority is helping you with your education and growing up, said WR Coach George Taylor.The coaches spoke on molding the players into young men in order to help them succeed in areas of life that arent football related and the phrase

you are a student first and an athlete second was repeated by several members of the coaching staff. Football takes care of itself, said Defensive Coordinator John Prendeville, [players] need to focus on education and lining up your schools. If you have talent you will be found with this program. The Grizzlies were founded in 2010 to give student athletes a chance to improve either academically or athletically in order to advance on to a four year college or university. Football is a small window of opportunity, said Defensive Line coach Jerard Bullock, but youve got a long time to live life and we want to prepare you for that. The familial feeling between the coaches and players was really felt during their introductory speeches. Football is the gravy part, said Defensive Back coach, Court Sutherland, We want to get you ready for the hard part, the game of life. We want to see you be successful on and off the field, with or without us. The program consisted of basic information prospective players would need to

know such as dues, academic qualifications, and practice schedules. The Grizzly coaches even have mandated hour-long study halls for the players before practice in order to make sure they are kept on the right track. After the informational program, the coaches then presented certificates to their All-Conference players and their All-Academic players, those who held a 3.0 GPA or higher, which included HCCs own Andrew Conroy. Then the players were given their National Championship certificates and stood together for pictures before receiving their rings. Five Grizzlies also made announcements that they had committed to play football at universities next fall: OLB Andrew Lucus, WR E.J. Yearwood, and DL Joe Pierro committed to Worcester State University in Worcester, Mass., and CB Jamir James and MLB Terez Frost commited to Western Connecticut State in Danbury Conn. For more information about the team or player applications go to swcgrizz.com

Unity Club Welcomes All

by krystAl piCCinino stAff WritEr

nderstanding and Nurturing Individuality and Togetherness YearRound (U.N.I.T.Y.), the newly renamed GSA club at Housatonic Community College (HCC), invites all to partake in achieving their goal of making the school hear less homophobic remarks, experience less harassment and assault, help students feel safer at school and have a greater sense of belonging.

was thrilled to be able to be president of a group that allowed students to express themselves and to really be who they are, and that helped me tremendously. Do you feel discriminated against without anymore to turn? Bandy offers comforts to students by explaining, Without revealing too much about what students have said during meetings (because we try to keep things confidential), there

have been several students who have spoken out about experiences theyve had at home after coming out, experiences here at school with professors and students that have made them feel uncomfortable, and even things theyve experienced out in public where theyve felt discriminated against. By talking about these experiences, students were better able to understand how they felt about them, and what they

can do to feel more comfortable in their own skin. The club ranges from a total to 10-15 (sometimes 15+) students per meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Mondays in the club room located in Beacon Hall, Rm 317A. Club members encourage you to join if you want to achieve the main goal of the club, to make students with personal issues receive a comfort zone at HCC.

The UNITY club is open to EVERYONE from all walks of life...We try to foster a community of support as much as possible, and wed LOVE to have tons of new members join us!
Michael Bandy, former president from 2007-2010 and upcoming president of U.N.I.T.Y. Fall 2012, welcomes you by saying, The UNITY club is open to EVERYONE from all walks of life - gay, straight or otherwise. Its a place where we welcome open minds, and a place where you can speak without feeling judged. We try to foster a community of support as much as possible, and wed LOVE to have tons of new members join us! Expressing his personal views of how the club has helped him achieve peace with himself, Bandy adds, The GSA has personally helped me in letting me know that Im not alone. I think there are a lot of LGBT youth at HCC that perhaps dont feel comfortable coming out or talking about the things that they go through, but the GSA is a place that allows you to do that, and that was so important to me. I

Photo By Krystal Piccinino

HORIZONS News

A Playwright Among Us
by mAry E. AndErson sEnior stAff WritEr

randmas Alley is coming to HCC soon. For debut playwright and HCC student Tammie Smith, it is an answer to a prayer. Smith knows about the challenges that life can offer. She knows to a greater extent what it means to overcome these same challenges. Her inspiration now shines forth in Grandmas Alley a play of tests, trials, and triumphs God and my children inspire me the most to write. My children have been through a lot over the years but they have loved me along the way, Smith shares candidly. Grandmas Alley is Smiths first play and she wrote it on her own, with little formal training. She also wrote the lyrics for the musical numbers. The musical score was later composed by HCC student Gar-

rick Moss. Smiths play mixes genres of comedy, drama, music and dance, all which promise to bring a nuance of Broadway and a lot of heart and soul to the HCC stage. Even though Smith wrote the play in only six months, it is a reflection of her innermost feelings and her response to some of the most difficult times of her life. She is the first to admit that her once tortured soul has now found peace through her faith. Smith, a mother of six children, says that the overall message of her play is that prayer can change things. Her goal is to inspire people to pray and feel comfortable with praying about lifes trials. She adds that the inspiration for the play comes from her mother who prayed often. Definite plans for producing the play began when a conversation about writing among Smith and a few of her classmates took on a prophetic turn. Smith expressed

her desire to produce her play and fellow classmate Carlton Hamilton overheard and encouraged her to seek the help of two HCC student support groups. Smith followed Hamiltons advice and now You Can Do It (YCDI) and the Mens Center, two minority student support groups, are helping sponsor the play. Joseph Wickliffe, the director of both programs, feels Grandmas Alley is important because it can affect women in general and their role in society. We embrace it because it will help open the eyes of women and men and allow both sexes to respect the womans role and their contributions, he says. Wickliffe believes this is pivotal in ensuring success in relationships, particularly in marriages, which could ultimately lead to fewer one-parent households. Meanwhile Hamilton believes the play is from the heart and is excited to meet a student like Smith who is so passionate

about writing. In addition, Smith has received positive feedback on her script including a review from HCC student and actor Khallid Graham who has read it and loves it. The play is scheduled to take place on November 1, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to persons 17 years of age or older. Smith is recruiting talent for the fall production and will begin holding auditions in August. Periodic meetings are scheduled throughout this semester in order for Smith to pass along character information to those who want to audition in the fall. Keep your eyes open around campus since she has flyers posted to update the meetings. Her list of needs include a choreographer, actors, stagehands and seamstresses. If you like to act, sing, dance or help overall, contact Tammie Smith at at smithtammie69@yahoo.com.

Summer Fun
by JAmEs hArloW sEnior stAff WritEr

ummer Vacation. Possibly two of the best words that have ever been spoken in the human language. Summer is full of many different activities for many different people. Some people go on vacation, some people work to save money, some people take summer classes, and some people just hang out. No matter what it is that you like to do, there is a lot going on in our three months off. This reporter is finishing off his last semester at HCC right now, but doesnt have much planned for the summer except for work. However, the rest of HCC seems to have big plans. TJ Donovan who is in his second year at HCC is going to be working a lot, but will still be taking off some time to go to North Carolina. Its been awhile since I went on a vacation, so I am excited to finally do something this summer, other than work.

Just like TJ, first year student Cathy Migliazza is going to be working most of the summer at a camp called Summer Fun Days for kids. Migliazza is finishing her first year at HCC and she is ready for summer to come. Im really excited to see my friends who went out of state for school. Its been a long time since I have seen them, she said. Emily Davin is also finishing off her last semester at HCC this Spring, and she has a lot to get done before she moves on to one of the many universities she was accepted to this fall. Just some of those summer plans are a trip to Arlington, a cruise, plenty of concerts to attend, and working. It seems like her summer is going to quite action packed. Its not just the students that are looking forward to the fun of summer vacation; the staff is as well. English, Film, and Art History teacher, Professor Sommers has some very exciting plans. When I spoke with her she explained that usually she

takes a vacation, but she went to Rome over spring break, so she will be spending this summer in the US. Her plans here are very exciting, though. For the past year or so Ive been going into New York City and randomly taking one of the MTA busses to the end of the line. I just want to see whatever is outside the window. She explained to me that there is a lot to see in the city, but a good portion of it cant be seen from the ground level. She went on to say, My goal is to ride all the Manhattan busses and visit Illustration By every stop. So, if you hapAbelardo Pulido pen to see her in NYC this summer, stop and say hi! Most of the students here at HCC that I have Many people have briefly talked to have said places like Disney favorite vacation spots World, Cancun, California, and of course day that they like to trips to NYC. But, no matter what it is that you travel to each have planned for the summer, we here at Horisummer. zons hope that is if full of fun and adventure!

Is Lafayette Hall the Remedial Building?

by sAndrEnE fostEr stAff WritEr

ousatonic is a place where students come to further their education. It is like a fountain of knowledge, and the students are there to drink. Yet students enter Housatonic on different levels of foundation skills. As you may all know, Housatonic consists of two buildings: Lafayette Hall and Beacon Hall. Lafayette Hall has been deemed the Remedial Building by some, but how true is the name to the actual building? How is this affecting faculty members and students? Arent we all here for one purpose? Many of the faculty members and students are unaware of this issue. Still once known, they all want answers concerning this issue. What better way to get the students thoughts on this issue than to discuss it with their representative, The Dean of Students, Dr. Avis Hendrickson? Hendrickson said she was unaware of this issue, but she says, We are one institution whether we are one building, two buildings or more.

The College provides foundation skills at different levels, she added. In other words, students are placed in a developmental course, 100 level or 200 level class based on how much they know. The col-

lege helps students to advance their skills. We better service our students of where their skill levels are to getting a college degree. Whether it is developmental courses or not, we work towards the goal of pre-

Photo of Lafayette Hall by Cassandra Fama

paring our students to graduate, transfer, or into the world of work. Dean of Academics Elizabeth Roop notes that Housatonic has five academic departments: three in Lafayette Hall and two in Beacon Hall. Due to the rising population of over 6,000 students, Housatonic established Beacon Hall to give students the opportunity to come to Housatonic and take classes at their affordability, level, and convenience. If we just had everyone in Lafayette Hall, it would be a stampede. In other words, in order to prevent this stampede from happening, Housatonic consists of two buildings to better service students and provide them with the opportunity to obtain their Associates degree at different levels. Raniel Smith, 20, a student here at HCC, felt that this label is unnecessary. He said, All the important departments are in Lafayette building. The library, financial aid office, Registrar office, etc. I can see why students would have this perception because after all the developmental courses are all in this building, but students learn at different levels. We are all one body with different goals, he added.

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HORIZONS Opinions

Adieu
by lovAndA dAvA broWn Editor-in-ChiEf

entered Housatonic Community College as a part-time student in August of 2009. Admittedly, I remember feeling slightly discouraged. A circle of my closest associates disassembled and voyaged on to universities across the country, but I let lifes adversities impede my ability to join at least one of them. So I walked in telling myself that Id transfer to another institution before I would even be recognized as a student. I had no idea that the next two years would extend countless opportunities, embed a lifetime of memories, and of course grant me with a new circle of affiliates that Ill never forget. The opportunities that were placed before me turned into some of the greatest decisions I have ever made. I chose to pursue a career that placed emphasis on writing because I found no other craft that held true to me more than my innate ability to write. I also understood the importance of news. Needless to say, I established a major in Journalism. The program mandated that I become a Staff Writer for Housatonic Community Colleges student newspaper aptly titled, Horizons. I had no idea of this until I entered the doors of the room I attended the first day of my publications class with a vivid idea painted in my mind. I had just spent the past few hours listening to redundant expectations and syllabi discussions, and I just knew that this class would prove to be no different. The only problem is, it did. Noticeably, the atmosphere held quite a different tone than the preceding classes of that day, and as I assessed the room, it was evident which individuals had been there before. As the veterans greeted each other in blended and indistinct salutations, we were welcomed by the eager smile and action-ready energy of Professor Steve Mark. He let us know that it was okay to simply call him Steve, and I knew Id like the class from that point on. I decided that I would refer to Steve Mark as Mr. Steve, because after all, he does have two first names. I thought it would be okay to choose which one I liked best. Luckily, he understood my humor. After getting over the initial shock of becoming a staff writer for the school paper in a matter of minutes, I embraced the opportunity left before me. I remember feeling as though we were in training. The aggressively abrasive coach had stepped to the side, and the motivational speaker had

emerged to save the day. Needless to say, Steve Mark was that speaker. He continued to offer words of encouragement as he segued from one expectation to the next. And then, we were introduced to our talented editors. I remember thinking of them with such prestige. It seemed as though they harnessed all of the secrets the rest of us were dying to know, and I knew that I would have to trust them with my work. After much preparation, Mr. Steve let us venture out to document our articles for the impending first Issue of the semester. I remember optimistically writing my first article. I retrieved what I thought were great interviews, and I used my creative writing skills to the best of my ability. I submitted my piece to receive a startling response, or suggestions for improvement that is, from my editor. The carefully crafted piece of journalistic work had been squeezed into a bleeding pulp. The red responses outlined all of my imperfections, and I learned from that point on that writing like a reporter would not be an easy skill to master. I hadnt researched any of my claims, and I was guilty of creating sensationalized accounts. The effort I would have to exert to redeem myself was a challenge I looked forward to. Still struggling with confidence, I remained quiet for that entire first semester. I would only ask questions if absolutely necessary, and I relied heavily upon my own understanding to accomplish most tasks required of us. In aged time, I got the hang of the process. After two semesters of writing, Mr. Steve approached me with the opportunity to join the editorial board via email. Frankly, I read it and thought immediately, What? This has to be a mistake. I was fresh off of a long-stay in Jamaica, and I thought I completely missed the boat. I remember walking into the night class and asking Mr. Steve something closely along the lines of, There was an email sent to me about becoming an editor. Was it for me? I was assured that the emails intent was just as I did not believe. I was being asked to fulfill the role of an editors position. A surge of rampant thoughts took over my mind, and I was replete with emotions at that point. Needless to say, I accepted that position and I havent regretted it since. At that time, I didnt know there were even bigger plans for me because by the fall of 2011, I was offered the position of Editor-in-Chief. And the rest is history. I still cant believe that all it took was earnest and relentless hard work. All of the

hours spent fighting to meet deadlines and ensuring that my pieces would surpass expectations had paid off in a huge way. As I really consider everything, I realize how much of myself I gave to this school. I took on more roles than the average student, and embraced them as much as time allowed. But of everything that offers me recognition, Ill always place my time as part of the Horizons team in a separate division of importance. It truly hurts to write this. My eyes sting just knowing that this is it. This is the last piece of myself that I have to offer as a member of the Horizons staff. This is indeed my last article, and Im still trying to accept it. But before I can venture off and walk the new halls of Quinnipiac University in the fall, it is essential that I recognize a few people who have done more than help me along the way. To Brandon Bisceglia, the preceding Chief: You will never know how much your efforts as both a student and editor have influenced my time here. Thank you for setting the bar. Victoria Tori Centopanti: You showed me that the woman in charge role isnt so bad. Thank you. Michael Mike Bednarsky: You are one of the truest friends I will take from this experience, and your brilliance will take you far. The option to do whatever you want is completely within your realm. Continue to fight for whatever it is. Youll get there, I promise. Jennifer Jen my Pen Claybrook: You are another true friend. You have been through so much, and you have turned out so well. Keep doing all that youre doing, and remain as intelligent as you are. Youre already making your mother proud. Deborah Deb Torreso: You are such a joy to work with, and your personality just exudes positive energy. Just stay who youve been because it works just fine. I still remember you editing my second article, Being Skinny is NOT a Universal Compliment; you really said things that built my confidence as a writer. Thank you for being you. Karyn Smith and Scott Empric: My other advisors! Thank you both so much for the opportunities that you have both extended. Scott, I recognize you, as more than an advisor, youre my friend as well. Ill bring the jerk chicken for you one day, I promise. Karyn, you are such a great person, and Im so happy that I had the chance to work with you over the semesters. Keep teaching; its your calling! Ill keep in

touch with both of you. Scouts honor. Professor Janet Zamparo: If you have the chance to read this, please know that you are a delight. I only wish the entering students had the chance to be taught by you. I wouldnt be the writer I am today without your encouragement and your expectations of me as a student. Continue to remind yourself that youre great. I dont see you that often to assure you. Professor Cindy Boynton: You expect so much of your students that, while challenging, its nearly impossible to meet anything less than your standards. Your story will continue to inspire the journey yet to come. Thank you for molding me into a true reporter and journalist. Mona Mitri and Marianne Tecun: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help others understand the English language as I do. I truly do love my job. Last but certainly not least, Steve Mark: My eyes literally went from stinging to flooding in the matter of seconds. I cant believe its over. Thank you for being as great as you are and have been. I wouldnt be the writer that I am today without your guidance as both an advisor and as a friend. The opportunities that youve granted me with opened the door to so many others. Without the confidence I gained from being both a reporter and Editor, I dont think I would take on nearly as much things as I have in the past. I feel more than prepared to see what Quinnipiac has to offer and you play a great role in that confidence. Ill never forget the lessons you have taught and who you are in general. You, above all, will be greatly missed. Ill always keep in touch. And for everyone I failed or neglected to mention including the whole entire past/present Horizons staff members: Ill miss you all! Thank you for teaching me about myself and the business along the way. For the affiliates, directors, professors, deans and, of course, the lovely President of HCC Anita Gliniecki: This is truly a wonderful establishment. All of the tools are present to build and shape successful students for years to come. Thank you for ensuring that the schools mission is accomplished every year. And now I can move forward knowing that all is well with my pen as my defending apparatus. Thanks again to all of you for your efforts. I bid you all adieu.

HORIZONS Opinions

11

And The Winner Is...

by AshlEy WElfArE Editor

hen Vaughn Sims asked me early one Tuesday morning to be a part of the Miss Housatonic 2012 pageant, I was actually very shocked. I never competed in a beauty pageant before, and this was an opportunity that I did not want to miss out on. As a novice to the pageant process, I didnt know of the paperwork that was crucial to the setup. I sent in all the paperwork that Sims needed on time, and I went to all of the mandatory meetings. While at the meetings, I was starting to get a little nervous when Vaughn, who is the pageant coordinator, gave me lessons on how to execute my pageant walk. I felt as if I didnt know how to do it right. Maybe it was the fact that I wasnt confident enough in myself. I mean, for someone who doesnt feel as pretty as I should at all times, I even wondered why he thought of me as a potential contestant. Why me? Sims continued to encourage me while adding suggestions for improvement. I kept on listening to his words of encouragement, and I practiced until I couldnt practice anymore. He even stated that each contestant has her own walk, so it makes it easier on them and him. As the day of the event grew closer, I started to worry just a little bit more. I was so afraid that I wasnt meant to do this. I cant explain why I felt this way; was it because of my self-esteem not being as high as people might believe it should be, or was it that I was the youngest and the most inexperienced? I was even unsure as to what talent I should perform. I write songs, but I am not the greatest singer. I write stories, but those are too long to read. And I write poetry, but last years winner read poems, and from what I remember, her poetry was too excellent. I didnt want to even step in

her shadow. I realized, again, that the lack of confidence I had in myself was preparing me for failure. I heard someone say How can you be in a pageant if you do not have confidence? Well, I must have hidden confidence that need to come out, because when April 16th came, I got up and got myself mentally and physically prepared for the show. I came

Ashley Welfare was crowned Miss Beacon Hall 2012 Photo courtesy of Ashley Welfare

to HCC with all of my outfits including my gown that I received the night before. I hung out in the Events Center room from about 3:30 p.m. until the time of the event, just praying to God that I would do well and waiting for Vaughns makeup artist to come and get us pageant ready. One of the make-up artists chose to get color happy on my face, which is something I personally do not normally do in

everyday life. She mixed an array of foundation, mascara, and even some blush. She also added eyeliner, eye shadow. And other types of makeup I dont even normally wear. As a result, I grew sort of self-conscious. It wasnt as if I wanted it to be that way, but looking at the other contestants and sizing myself up to the competition, it all started to get to me, especially when for the first outfit, which was What Decade Are You From? I had someone with the similar decade and style as my own, and I felt as if she was wearing it better than I did. Nonetheless, there was something I did that made me feel different about the whole evening. I told myself that this is an awesome experience, and I do not want to forget it or miss out due to anxiety. I told myself to stop tripping and when I heard them call my name and I stepped out onto the audience and judges, all the self-doubt stopped there. I went out there with pride while hula-hooping to a song by Keri Hilson titled Pretty Girls Rock. I smiled with poise and elegance as I answered the question in my beautiful blue gown as I waited for the crowning of the new Miss HCC. Standing there, waiting for Sims to give out his awards, I looked into the audience. I saw my family who came to support me. Even the people who didnt know my name before that day, was shouting it in support of me. On my left, there were beautiful ladies who stood wonderfully in their gowns. To my right, there were my friends from the Music Club who were smiling at me. The next thing I heard that woke me out of my daze was.... First Runner Up, Miss Beacon Hall goes to...Ashley Welfare! Smiling from ear to ear as I received my crown, sash, and trophy, I stood out looking and feeling like a queen. So I might not had won the big crown, but for someone who placed second in her first pageant ever and who normally lacks confidence, I guess you can say, the winner was really... me.

Work And School Do Not Mix

by pAulA tAvArEs stAff WritEr

eing a full time student and working is very difficult task to manage. Many students are failing because they can not keep up with all the work. It can affect your sleeping, relationships and your health for being stressed out all the time. Studying away in the computer lab Rae Ann Nezat, a freshman at Housatonic, who is majoring in Nursing, is overwhelmed by all the school work plus having to work retail 30 hours a week. Nezat says, I have no time for anything anymore! She never thought that juggling school and work could be so difficult. She said I did it in high school, so I thought I would be able to handle it in college. Her grades have dropped tremendously and she is always exhausted, and cannot focus. She chooses to work because she wants to able to pay for her own things and not have to rely on her parents for everything. Also it is not just school and work. Students have social lives as well. Between family, friends, and dating it is extremely difficult to juggle everything. Taking five class and working 30 hours a week has also put a strain on her relationship with

her boyfriend of two years. Nezat says that she has no time to just hang out with him anymore and it is very stressful. She plans to to only take three classes next semester so she can stop rushing everywhere and actually catch up on some sleep!

tics say, If you are doing 15 hours of class time then you should be spending about 30 hours a week studying, and that is equal to about 45 hours a week.That is like a full time job right there so how can you work without failing your classes? Plus, if you

Photo Courtesy of calibermag.org.

According to www.collegeparents.org, a site for parents of college students, statis-

want to spend time with your friends and family and actually get enough sleep so

you can function it is highly impossible. Your health is very important because without good health you can not function in your everyday tasks. Many people think that sleep is not that important but it is one the most important things you need. Lack of sleep plays a part in weight gain. People use food to keep themselves awake. Appetite is regulated by sleep as well. said Dr. Jamie Boero, sleep specialist at Marshfield Clinic, in an article on the clinic. That makes so much sense because when students are pulling an all nighter for an exam, they drink caffeinated drinks like coffee and energy drinks which are not good for you at all and snack on foods to keep them awake. Students do not realize lack of sleep can actually have a huge affect on the human brain, Sleep is a fascinating field. Every single organ in the body is affected by sleep and can be improved by sleep, Bolero added. You are going to school to get the knowledge you need to become your career choice in the future. So you need to be able to focus and get good grades so you can take your chosen career path. You should not have to worry about going to work and having it affect your health.

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HORIZONS Opinions

Less Talking, More Action

by dAvid WEidEnfEllEr Editor

hy dont they do something about that garbage? Its gross. Hope the those food banks can feed everyone. Our leaders are crooks. That shelter is falling apart. There just isnt enough money to get the help. I wish there was something to do/ Im BORED/ Blah Blah Blah/ We all have said something like the statements above at some point or another, seen, even complained about something, shrugging the responsibility off on someone or something else, like a nation that needs mommy to hold its hand and complain when she does. Its time to shut up and start living. Get involved and its not hard to do. When I say take action, I do not necessarily mean go protest something or any type of rally cry for anything irrational. Taking action is just becoming active in this case active in life, your community, state or country. It doesnt matter how big or how small. It doesnt have to cost anything. My good friend Tyson Troller would be proud of me for saying this. Get out and vote during elections. Its called participation. Its the beginning point of a WORKING RELATIONSHIP between the government and the people. Remember our government is supposed to work for us, not above us. Staying involved after voting is important. Town and city council meetings are a chance to voice your concerns. Writing letters to senators or any government officials can also prove to be very effective, especially if accompanied by notarized petitions. Voiced issues of concern backed by a proven number of supporters can be very persuasive. But as true

with everything, there is more to being involved than just the government. Every Sunday under the John Street Bridge here in good old Bridgeport a number of regular folk come to the underpass with cars packed with various goods. Bananas and little bags of peanuts, a box of yesterdays baked goods are handed out to the homeless from that back of the Bagel Ladys maroon hatchback. Another couple comes with those little mini New Testament bibles in both English and Spanish. Groups of volunteers from community churches show up in vans with hot soup and coffee, others with clothing and sandwiches. Both donations are both the gift of material and of time. Sometimes just spending a few minutes and sharing a smile can be more helpful than any material gift. So getting involved is an act of giving but giving of the self not just of the material. I work for the Bridgeport Furniture Collaborative, a not for profit organization that deals directly with the individuals we help. We pick up donated furniture and small appliances from homes and offices and store them at our warehouse, at which point clients referred by participating member agencies to pick out what items they may use to furnish their home. They come to us from shelters and disaster relief, and are poor, usually on Section 8 or some other subsidized rent program and/or collecting social security. Donating a couch or a dresser that is sitting in the basement being ignored for the new fluffy soft, brand new stuff, will make the difference to someone who has lived in a shelter for the past year, or lost everything due to fire or bed bug infestation. I was told a story by one of my employers, Larry Carol, Executive Director of Bridgehouse, about a little boy who wanted to help Carol out at his new job at

Bridge House, so he opened up his lemonade stand. The total donation was about seven dollars. The point of the story isnt about the amount of the donation or how he did it as creative and ambitious as it is, but as Carol points out that giving and becoming involved start at home. Yes... it starts at home. Being involved is also a family thing, the teaching and guiding of children, and in some cases child teaching the parent. Taking part in family activities and being involved in a childs development not only builds a better relationship among family members but sets the stage for those children to be a part of their childrens lives and so on, keeping involvement an important part of family value and tradition. I was at Ellsworth Park in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport Easter afternoon with my girlfriend and her little girl to have a little romp in the newly renovated playground on a beautiful sunny Easter Sunday afternoon. Like all the other parents there, we noticed that the entrances to the park had no gates. Several neighborhood mothers were gathered and were complaining about it. My girlfriend said her piece and then followed it with Honey, maybe you could find out about the gates. Maybe they havent put them in yet? This was a suggested action to a simple yet important concern, and I use this example for the fact that a mother who lives on the other side of town is willing to take action while the neighborhood gals simply complain and shift the blame and or responsibility to the town. Getting involved isnt just about being active in politics or committing oneself to charitable works and digging out the philanthropist inside us. That is just one aspect of involvement. Students who are actively involved in

social clubs and other extracurricular activities are getting involved. These clubs and activities may be fun but serve a vital purpose in the learning and growing process. They help students learn to work together or work within a group and share ideas and responsibilities. I see this when I attend Literary Club meetings. Here we write and we share ideas and we have a good time together. English Instructor and faculty liaison to the Literary Club Karyn Smith works right along side Club president Lovanda Brown, who is also Editor-in-Chief of Horizons. See where in going with this the relationship built here, the experiences that will come of this working relationship in the blended form of a social club and academics. It may inspire club member Samantha Delgado to strive to become Literary Club president some day, or Smith to utilize the school newspaper into one of her creative writing exercises, each now supporting the other and hopefully keeping people involved. Getting involved is life. All you need is an idea and a couple of friends. You could end up being the one who inspires a spring tradition of cleaning up the neighborhood park, or a Christmas feast at the diner among tenants in your building. Getting involved is becoming part of the human experience and the sharing of ideas and being a part of something bigger than you. This piece is dedicated to all the men and women that I have shared a soup kitchen line or park bench with and to all of us who strive to make this world a better place. You can contact dcweid.weidenfeller8 @gmail.com and give your comments on this article or for any questions you may have.

Were Just Friends

by AmAndA d friot stAff WritEr

very day we stumble across a pair of friends which happens to be the opposite sex, and we all say to ourselves, Hmm, they must be dating. or Is that your significant other? We all tend to forget sometimes that these two laughing, smiling, and giggling associates can just be friends. Rumors of course will arise through the grapevine and questioning official titles such as boyfriends or girlfriends will be thrown here and there. Not only do we have to plow through the petty nonsense of societys comments on our cross sex friendships, but unfortunately also deal with the obstacles that comes along with the friendship itself. We dont always prepare ourselves for the drama because, well, I dont like him and he doesnt like me so what could possibly ever go wrong? This could be true on your end, but what about theirs? Maybe your close girl/guy friend secretly has a fascination with you but is too ashamed to admit it because they are trapped in the friend zone. Or maybe your best guy/ girl friends significant other is jealous of the fact that you both are just getting too close. We would all love it if things went swell and wonderful 24/7, but we will always experience that glitch like in any other relationship. 62 percent of all subjects reported that sexual tension was present in their crosssex friendships, says Psychology Today. Yes, we would all be very fortunate if

we could be so close to the opposite sex without developing romantic feelings, but something like that can and will cross our minds. Even if your friend does have secret feelings towards you, opening up that door can end up potentially hurting your friendship with your guy or gal, especially if the feeling is not mutual. I find it easier to hold a friendship with a guy that Ive known forever simply because he knows exactly where we stand and has known for a while. These are the people who have figured it out years ago that nothing is ever going to come out of the friendship and still chooses to stick around, mostly because they have never seen you in any other aspect as well. Its a little harder to just meet someone and become best friends because the guy/girl does not know each other well enough to be able to read what the other is looking for. Whenever I first meet a guy, I am confused as to whether or not they are looking for a girlfriend, a friend, or a hook-up. Im not going to lie. On numerous occasions I have run into the ones looking for a hookup and it has completely turned me off, which is why I cling to the guy friends Ive had for years. This pattern continues and therefore I go to the men that will protect me, my true friends. One of my best friends is a guy who has been around for years and it completely worked out but in the beginning he did have a crush on me, says Stratford resident Monika Solc. In time he ended up losing those feelings and expectations because he realized it was not going to go anywhere, says Solc. Im sure many of us have had the

privilege of this rocky road as well. Viceversa too. I, myself have fallen for just a friend and I did have to wait for the feelings to disappear in order to be 100 percent dedicated to my end of the friendship. Sometimes it requires a huge gap of not speaking or falling apart in order to recuperate. Set aside from the feelings and butterflies that are silently becoming more overpowering, yet left unsaid there are other things that lead up to diminishing an opposite sex friendship. I have had friendships end with girls because my girlfriend at the time starting to become suspicious and jealous, says Stratford resident Eddie Hannania. On many occasions there will come that day when your significant other will wonder why you are hanging out and texting your so called best friend on almost a daily basis. Now yes, a good chunk of us may feel like this is totally unfair and uncalled for because this is just a friend, but at the same time we may not have encountered being on the other side of the fence. In other words, lets put ourselves in their place and maybe now a scenario such as this one would not fly as much. An informal survey showed that both men and women were uncomfortable with their partners having close friendships with the opposite sex, says First things First, a very intriguing website which provides details on common occurrences in relationships. This website allows people to express situations that they have experienced with their opposite sex friends. Feedback is given, which then gives people opportunity to come to resolutions as to how to

go about fixing and adjusting issues in and around the friendship/relationship. Unfortunately, choosing one or the other may come into play, but um you dont want to do this because you love both your friend and your partner. It is extremely hard to balance both these relationships sometimes when there are feelings involved or your partner tends to get a little loopy or jealous every now and then. From experience, if you are falling for your best friend try to back off a little bit and let them breathe. The distance will help get your emotions together then eventually you can pick up the friendship on a later note without completely going cold turkey. Who knows, maybe within that healing process you will stumble accross the one that takes your breath away to where your best guy/gal means nothing to you any longer in the romantic department. When jealousy arises and the smoke gets heavy try expressing your feelings to both parties. Develop and consistently nurture a best friend relationship with your partner, says First things First. Being extra close and understanding with both your partner and your best friend may create a stronger bond as to where they will realize that your friends are very important to you and without him/her in your life you would be miserable. There are calm ways to go about keeping up your cross sex friendship. We all must stay cool and know where we stand in order to keep positive minds and healthy relationships without going off the deep end.

HORIZONS Opinions

13

Traditional or Online Courses

by sEmhAr sAmuEls stAff WritEr

ave you ever taken an online class and thought it would be easy, only to end up not doing well? Then maybe that learning model isnt for you. Traditional classes are more helpful for some students, depending on what type of person you are. They make understanding what you are learning easier. Traditional courses are more helpful, Jasmine Nieves, a student in her second semester at HCC, says. She has taken both traditional and online courses. Nieves said she preferred traditional courses over online courses. You learn from students as well as the teachers, she adds. She took two online courses last semester, English and Math, and it didnt work for her, especially in her math class. Nieves says she isnt good with math and that she barely passed with all the confusion going on. This semester she took math but the traditional class and found it to be more helpful than online. She asks her classmates for help. She stays after and her teacher helps her on parts of the lessons that she didnt quite understand. As online she couldnt do any of those things because she had no interaction with students or her professor.

Its hard for me to keep up with this class. Everything is at a fast pace, says Jessica Granda, who is also a student at HCC in her first semester is taking ENG 101 online and hates it. Granda is doesnt have a good understanding on whats going on. She doesnt check her emails every day to see what is new that she has to do. Her teacher gives her a lot of readings and deadlines on her papers and Jessica barely meets them. She doesnt know what type of writing style her teacher wants. Jessica isnt doing so well and she thought she was a good writer. She told herself that next semester she will not take any more online classes until she is fully focused for it. Online courses arent bad. They do have advantages for helping students. However, some students arent online students. Its only good to take online courses when you have too much going on at home and you cant come into a classroom on a regular basis.

For example, Tatiana Tracey is a student who takes online classes and feels like it benefits her more. She has two chil-

Illustration By Abelardo Pulido

dren and works full time. She cant go to classes as much as other students due to her responsibilities. She takes only English online because its easier to her and only comes in for math because its more difficult and she barely understands it. She knows thats not her strong area and its easier to have interaction with a professor to explain things she wont get. When youre pushing yourself, no one is on you about your homework or classwork is when online classes will be helpful to you. However, when taking these online classes you could lose out, especially your first year when meeting new people. Its hard to make friends when youre working from home. Some students dont do so well because they need help and cant find it elsewhere except their teacher and internet.

Its Hard to Say Goodbye

by dEb torrEso outrEACh Editor

ome say that life is a journey and we should enjoy the ride more than worry about whats at the end of the road. While that is a beautiful sentiment, it doesnt mean we should float through life without a plan. We should be flexible enough to switch gears if the plan takes an unexpected turnas life so often does, but staying on course and making progress is actually one of the beauties of the journey; finding the balance between the two is the real goal. After eight years of taking one or two classes each semester, I am proud to say I am graduating Housatonic Community College this year. I am the first person in any generation of my family to have the honor of pursuing a higher education. I came from a loving, Italian family who taught the value of staying close by rather than venturing out into the world. Add the fact that we didnt have money nor were allowed to consider seeking help from others, and going to college was not an option. Going to work was the only plan I could come up with at the time. A Chinese restaurant hired me at 15. I quit high school not long after. I thought school was a waste of time and I could break out into the world by babysitting and waitressing. I eventually saw the ridiculousness of that idea and chose to go back to a year later. I worked very hard going to Bunnell High every day and taking extra credit classes in culinary studies at night at Bullard Havens so I could graduate with my class, the class of 76. The legal age was 18 at the time, which meant it was possible to land a job in a restaurant where alcohol was served. For those of us who were getting out of school and in between that point of our lives and our future plans, there was good money to be made. I got hired by the hottest new club in Bridgeport and trained by some of the top NYC restaurant people in the in-

dustry at that timeI was on my way to making big money. To someone who has never had financial security, that can be the best and worst thing that ever happens. In my case, years would go by before I realized that late nights and giving up a social life wasnt what I really wanted. I found jobs in the secretarial field, advertising, and traveling across country introducing the new rage at the time, cable television. I went to college at night for art and English in the old HCC building on Barnum Avenue for a semester, and then life took one of those unexpected turns and I found myself putting my plans on hold. As many of us who dont go right into college after high school know, life can fly by. All of a sudden one day it hits youthat if you dont attempt to accomplish a goal that has been nagging at you, it may be too late and you will regret it forever. I was 44 when I found a class on line through HCC called Creative Writing, taught by Professor Steve Mark. I took it and fell in love with the idea of expressing myself through the beauty of words. I had kept a journal since I was a teenager, but my vulnerability arrested my desire for sharing my thoughts and feelings on paper for all to judge; it scared the hell out of me. As so many students have found out over the years, Professor Mark, with this enormous love and passion he possesses for his art, has a knack for gently guiding us toward a new personal and academic growth, one through which I built self-awareness and found an inner ability I didnt know I had. He suggested I join his beloved journalism programand I officially became a college student; it was surreal to me that I had finally reconnected to that long-awaited path. At HCC I found every class and every professor to be an incredible journey. I grew to love this college like a second home, a place where I could get my questions answered and intellectual needs met in a way like I had never known. Every professor I took a class with was

passionate about their field. Taking the journalism program means you can take several classes with Professor Mark, which offered me the opportunity to bond with many of the same writers for several semesters; we were like family. At first I would choose classes that interested me. Fortunately, they were part of the curriculum I needed for my degree. I have always had a fascination with the workings of the mind and what motivates us to act and react as we do. I had the pleasure of spending a semester with Professor Coba-Loh and the down-to-earth manner in which she laid out the complexity of Abnormal Psychology. Her in depth research articles on personality disorders and the time she spent walking us through each onein addition to a plethora of interesting information, brought to light how many people suffer with these conditions. Professor Sopchak was a riot in class. He worked us hard, but his humor and stories of life brought General Psychology home for each of us. He was interactive and approachable in a way that makes his lessons easy to grasp. He will go out of his way to catch you in the hall to say hello offering a warm smile, proving he genuinely sees us as people, not just his students for a semester. If I were in my twenties, I would have become a psych major thanks to these two great professors. Professor Koch taught me more than facts about Western Civilization. I have watched him transform classes from shy strangers into passionate debaters. I never noticed anyone quit his classes, but they were always too full to get into; he would squeeze you in if you tried, because his goal is to make everyone enjoy the experience (he was like that in his Hiking Club, too). The way he lectures is unbelievable. He is firm in his expectations, but will take you by the hand to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed above and beyond. By the time you are done with his class, you feel like you have traveled the maps, explored the lands and met the people of his

adventure packed, historical journey. I learned something about myself I didnt know in Professor Kindiliens Philosophy course. I always thought I was a philosopher at heart, until I found myself confronted with the irritation of trying to comprehend the frustrating uncertainty of philosophy. I decided I needed more concrete facts in life; that I am more of a linear thinker and not as Zen as I would like to think. He teases his students with a unique, dry sense of humor, and without realizing it, you have been enlightened by the message he has floated your way. Leaving is bittersweet for me. I cant imagine not coming here twice a week to get my HCC fix, yet I know its time to push toward to the next part of my own journey. If I said it once to people on the outside, I said it a million times: why spend the outrageous money at a four-year college for an associates degree, unless of course you have a four-year plan all worked out, when you can come to HCC with professors who are better than any four-year college has to offerat a fraction of the price. HCC gives us the opportunity to get a variety of experiences before making that transition. This is a time I hope each of you cherish, because you will look back on it forever as the place it all started. As far as HCCs counselors, they are meant for just thatguidance. I got lucky with Mr. Yepes who always seemed to understand me best, but I must caution you to participate actively in your own future, by paying attention. If you are in a program like Occupational Therapy or Journalism, try to meet with the advisors of those departments to construct a plan for your career. In the meantime, try to stay present in each class and experience all that HCC has to offer. There are signs of profound growth in the smallest incidents, and the slightest encounters. Enjoy your journey, one day you will be amazed at its impact on your life!

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HORIZONS Opinions

Home Problems and Their Impact on School

by AshlEy CAmpbEll sEnior stAff WritEr

veryone has their problems. No one is perfect. It can be financial problems, insecurities and even problems in a household that a person has to deal with. Problems at home can have a huge effect on a person in school no matter the age. Every family has certain issues either the parents are divorced and the child is stuck in the middle, a person can live with either their mom or dad and not get along with their parents significant other. A student can be living in an household thats conflicted. Major issues can be physical, sexual or verbal abuse. The family can be going through financial struggles, parents or single parents that are unemployed or even mourning a loss in the family. Parents can even have health concerns such as a disability or mental health issues, and the students change their role to a caretaker. Without the student concentrating on whats more important such as school they are stressing and thinking about how they can fix their situation and make it better. All of these problems at home can affect a person in school. What makes it even worse is they think to themselves Who

can I talk to about these issues?. Every school has a counselor where you can talk to and they can help you take steps into the right direction. Counselors would give you the best advice and might even share similar stories they had to give you better view on how you can deal and handle the situation. According to HCC counselor Indira Reddy, all these events happening at home can change a students academic performance. Students can start to get depressed, they feel alone, unable to concentrate on their studies, have difficulty sleeping, and attendance dramatically drops. Situations at home make it hard for students to focus because all of these things are constantly on their mind. All they need is someone to talk to and to know that someone cares about whats going on with them. Reddy says that all counselors take the time out to let the student know that they are available no matter what the issue is. It is also helpful to let the student know that they are in a non-judgmental zone and that their in a atmosphere of acceptance. A counselors first approach is to build trust and confidentiality with the student, and more importantly that they are listening, giving them time to tell their story. Letting

them know they are as much human as the other person. There are two types of students, one that comes to talk a counselor and the other who just doesnt. A counselor can notice the dramatic change in the student either by their grades and their ability to perform in their classes. This is when a counselor steps in and lets the student know that they are aware that there is a problem and that they can come talk anytime. A counselor provides every support possible.Their goal is to build a students confidence in to helping themselves overcome an issue. We are here to break down big problems into smaller steps, says Reddy. Counselors teach coping skills and stress management. Also how to cope with those negative thoughts. Its noted that past situations can affect a students present behavior or social skills, like being able to trust someone after all that theyve been through. Even though a student is going through a lot at home, school still plays a major role. A counselor steers a student into the right path to still being successful in their course. By setting up goals for the student, this is also a great way to build their confidence and making it realistic for them to achieve. They teach the student time man-

agement., how to manage their schedule and having the time to study. Some situations for a student are so extreme that if a counselor sees that it is impossible to complete a semester its only right for them to drop their classes. If a situation is too intense a counselor may recommend an outside source; like therapy in the community so they can receive more help. Another way a student can cope with issues at home is getting involved in activities at school or in your community. By getting involved this will help relieve some stress and build your social skills. You might even meet people who are going through the same things at you and might even give you advice on how they handled their situation. This will give you the motivation to think if they were able to do it, you can too. No one should let their chance of getting an education fail just because they feel the problems they have at home cannot be handled. When a student is aware that someone is out there waiting for them to ask for help, it helps in a major way. The fact that someone will actually lend a helping hand and listen makes the situation a bit lighter. It is good to take advantage of the people and the facilities that are available to help a situation. You are not alone.

Remedial Classes Slowing Down The Process of Graduation

by somAli sAmuEls stAff WritEr

emedial classes are a step back for college students. These classes can be frustrating, annoying, and pointless. There are so many other ways to find a solution for students who did not meet requirements for the placement test. Students want to get in and graduate as soon as possible. Students dont want take classes and not get credit for it. its a major step back from graduation. Seven out of ten students entering state community college take at least one noncredit remedial course ,which hinders their ability to graduate in two years, according to CT News Junkie. A new bill in the state legislature allows students to skip most developmental classes and would allow students who do not earn a high enough score on placement exams other options beyond enrolling in the remedial classes that consume money and time but do nothing to help students to earn a degree. I strongly feel that the remedial classes are a waste of time. I dont think these classes are helping bring students up to speed because students already know this work and they just need a little review to help them remember what was already learned. Now, if they arent exactly ready, there are many other solutions to work around the remedial classes. High Schools cant be cutting corners and letting these students graduate when theyre not ready to go on

to the next grade. Students who didnt meet placement test requirements should be able to go on to credit classes. If the professor feels the student needs to, and is not doing as well as the others, they can make it mandatory for that student to see a tutor twice a week to help them stay on track and re-

cessible, allowing students to take only 3 credits for math. Most students dont advance in math and take only three years. Therefore junior and senior year students are not using math or getting enough practice. Slacking off in math right before the placement test is the number one reason

Image courtesy ofblog.timesunion.com

fresh their memory. If theyre not prepared to do college level work then they should have a choice to take review courses over the summer before the semester starts. However, its not a good idea to bring high school courses to college. High schools arent preparing students for college. Weaver High School requirements for students to graduate are very ac-

why students score so low on the math segment. Basic Math is the number one subject that students fail on the placement test, notes Patricia Costeines, who handles the placements test at Housatonic Community College As for reading and writing, high schools teach English, but arent refreshing students memory of basic grammar, which

was taught in middle school, so the knowledge isnt being retained. HCC is now offering iMath. iMath is an intensive, online, math review which covers 13 modules or units of study, each consisting of 4 to 21 lessons. Each lesson has a tutorial video, online practice problems, printable practice problems, and a mastery test. The work is self-paced iMath allows you to get the review you need before the math segment and retake it. You can find all this information and more in the iMath brochure found in Lafayette Hall-room A227. As for the reading and writing, HCC will be starting a pilot this upcoming May to start a program similar to iMath but for reading segment, says Costeines. Hopefully with these new programs HCC is offering would allow students to get the help they need for the placement test and eventually et rid of the remedial classes and get students graduating on time. Only 13.6 percent of fulltime, degree-seeking students who took a remedial class in 2005, earned an associate degree within four years, as reported by the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. That means very few students graduate on time with the remedial classes. With graduation seeming so far away, and being that students have to take remedial classes, a lot of students drop out, wasting money and time. 70% of Community College students drop out statewide, stated on Caption Verbatim Pro website. The remedial classes have a big effect on students who drop out of college.

HORIZONS Opinions

15

Mandatory Invasive Procedure Before Abortion Goes Too Far

by sAmAnthA dElgAdo Editor

ast year Texas made into law a mandatory transvaginal ultrasound procedure for women who are thinking about having an abortion, spurring controversy and sending womens rights activists into a frenzy. With seven states soon following, but not forcing the transvaginal procedure, should women be concerned for their rights? I believe the trans-vaginal ultrasound should not be required of women who are thinking about having an abortion because it invades a womans privacy, violates her rights, and as outrageous as it sounds, this type of procedure can be a form of rape. I consider the procedure to be invasive because the transducer, a thick wand about 8 to 10 inches long, is inserted into the vagina to get a clearer look at the fetus. The transducer is usually covered with a latex sleeve or condom and a vaginal lubricant. The woman would have to lie on her back with her hips slightly raised and feet on each stirrup. The transducer will be inserted gently into her vagina, and then it will be moved and rotated to adjust the view displayed on the monitor. Woman may feel a light pressure when the transducer is moved in the vagina. The doctor then has to show and describe the heartbeat of the fetus to the woman, unless under certain circumstances, and in other states the description or viewing of the sonogram is optional. I mentioned that I believe this could be a form of rape because according to the definition of rape, from the Federal Bureau of Investigation website, Physical resistance from the victim is not required to demonstrate lack of consent, and also, ...penetration of the vagina and anus with an object or body part other than the penis [without consent] is rape. By making this procedure mandatory, a woman has to have her vagina probed by this instrument. She consents because she has to, not because she wants to. Some comments that I have read, from both men and women who agree with the bill, state that if the woman is going to have an abortion [if it is done] by vacuum (or suc-

tion) aspiration, an already invasive proce- this procedure is extremely invasive. If this Even the The American Congress of dure, then they should be able to handle a became mandatory in Connecticut, Santela Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) trans-vaginal ultrasound. But the huge dif- says she would not have a problem with it. say mandatory ultrasounds before an aborference between the two is that the woman It could help them change their mind if tion add unnecessary emotional and financonsents to one not the other. they actually see [the fetus], because if any- cial stress to an already difficult decision. Does a male opinion about whether or thing they should know what they have, They go on to say that these laws have not a woman has an ultrasound before an she said. I have to disagree with Santela on nothing to do with enhancing the health or abortion really matter? I only bring it up be- this, especially since there is no evidence safety of the patient, but merely establish cause they are not going through the proce- proving this procedure will change a wom- bureaucratic barriers. The ACOG opposes dure or abortion, and yet it is mostly white ans mind about getting an abortion. any legislation that dictates medical pracolder men who are making tice and/or that interferes with these decisions for women. the doctor-patient relationship My mindset is if you are a stating that, State legislators male who does not share the should not be determining the same opinion as me (and the conversation between a wommajority of women in Ameran and her doctor, regardless of ica) then I believe you have the issue. no right to force this this deThis controversy about the cision on me. You want to mandatory ultrasound, and put government restrictions earlier this year the issue over on a human body. How is whether or not contraceptives that okay? I can respect cershould be covered by health tain peoples opinion on this, insurance, are being heatedly like informing and relatdiscussed and debated by the ing all the options available Presidential candidates. As to women, but mandating of the writing of this article this invasive procedure to a Obama is running against woman who is already going GOP (Grand Old Party, a through enough and who has reference to the Republican already looked at all her opParty) hopefuls Mitt Romtions, is being sadistic. ney, Newt Gingrich and Ron Arizona, Kansas, LouiPaul. From the looks of things, siana, Mississippi, Alabama Photo Courtesy of the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Romney is in the lead and unand Florida require an ulless another candidate does showing the Trans-vaginal Ultrasound Procedure [www.mayoclinic.com] trasound, but leave it to the something to really turn things physician to determine the type. Texas is In an article by the American Inde- around he will be the Republican candithe only state that enforces a transvaginal pendent, an ongoing study that will be date. But with the Republicans waging ultrasound before abortions because they published later this year by Tracy Weitz, this war on womens rights it is no wonfeel this will give women all the knowl- assistant professor in the Department of der that a month ago a poll made by USA edge necessary to make an informed deci- Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive today/Gallup showed that women are votsion. But the new law also requires women Sciences at the University of California ing Democratic in 2012. And yes I say the who live within 100 miles from an abor- and director of university project Advanc- Republicans are waging a war because it tion provider to wait at least 24 hours after ing New Standards in Reproductive Health was the Republicans who first passed the they receive the ultrasound before they can [ANSRH], found that having a woman mandatory ultrasound law and it is the Reget the abortion. From my perspective, this view the sonogram of the fetus does not publicans who are opposed to contracepsounds more and more like officials are influence her decision in getting an abor- tives being covered by health insurance. It trying to punish women for seeking abor- tion. In the two studies, the response upon will be interesting to see if these womens tions, not helping them. viewing the image vary between women, rights issues will be the deciding vote in I was very surprised that Brittany San- some being happy while others having no the November elections. tela, a 21-year old student at HCC, is okay emotional response, both women still stuck with this law, even if it became mandatory with their scheduled procedures. Although I would like to hear what you think. You in Connecticut, mostly because I figured Weitz believes that women should be of- can contact me at housatonichorizons@ since she is a woman she would be more fered the option to have an ultrasound, she gmail.com for your response to possibly be sympathetic. But Santela does not believe does not think it should be mandatory. put in Letters to the Editor.

Students and the Reasons they Choose to Hang Out

by AshlEy WElfArE Editor

The Reason Why:

t Housatonic, there are rooms and lounges in both Beacon and Lafayette Hall where students can hang out in between classes, but some feel as if those rooms have become unnecessary as they promote educational and unproductive environments. However, people do not know that the students are waiting for class and using these grace periods to hang out and blow off stress. These students actually come together to talk to members of different school related activities and clubs. Many students have probably seen students hang out with others at the lounges that are both in Lafayette and Beacon, and most of the students probably do not understand just how important having rooms like this is. For students that have classes at different times of the day, and students

that do not have their own transportation, it is actually good to be able to have a place for time to fly by while waiting for class and for the time to go by before transportation comes. Javon Thompson, 20, who is a General Studies major, doesnt understand why students wouldnt want to keep the lounges as they are. It is a great place for the students who have to wait in the cold during the fall and winter semester for their rides, he says. College, no matter if it is a university or a two-year institution, can be very stressful on just about anyone. Having a safe haven in the same place that you get your education can actually be beneficial to the student. To be able to have somewhere to go when you just need a time for a breather, the TV room with its comfortable seats and couches offers just that. The pingpong room offers students a friendly atmo-

sphere, and can help them to forget about their worries, or about the unexpected test that your professor gave to you. There are also many places that a student can eat and not feel limited to the cafeteria like they probably were in high school. Ashley Stanley, who has been in Housatonic for about four years, remembers the first time she started coming here. I thought I wasnt going to do well. I was new to college and I never hung out with a lot of people in high school, but when I saw the students in the lounges hanging out, I stayed there and made friends, she says. Housatonic has so many activities from club meetings to events that you just cant help and tell one of your peers about them. As I watch the interaction of the students on the third floor, I notice how Music Clubs President Steven-Jean Baptiste asks the students who arent doing homework or studying to join the sessions they have

in the Ping-Pong room. Even having the walls that can see through rooms makes the environment more opening, which is something that brings all students together. HCC offers hidden spaces for all students to come together. If you have a gathering of people and you want to talk to them about something, there is a little corner that you can actually huddle everyone around, and use that area and that space to converse about anything from school, to activities, to homework, and even to personal beliefs. Thats where many students can start making new friends like Stanley did. Yes, there are complaints at times that there may be an issue with the noise level in some of the lounge areas with students having just a little bit too fun, but if other students understand the relief of stress that these places offer, maybe they will understand just why theyre so popular.

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HORIZONS News You Can Use

Procrastinating, Success and More Effective Study Habits

by JuliA boWErs stAff WritEr

veryone procrastinates, some more than others. While you can get away with it in high school pretty easily by cramming for the test during the class before, college procrastination is not as easy and can be very consequential. Students at Housatonic, including myself, have noticed the quicker pace in which teachers move through material, and soon enough realize study habits differ greatly when you move onto a higher educational level. Procrastination in school or any aspect of your life is just procrastination of accomplishments and success. By using better study habits, you can manage your time better and accomplish more. Former HCC student Paige Fletcher says it best when she says, I used to put off everything in high school and got good grades with no problem. College coursework moves faster and putting off assignments is a bigger challenge because you are putting off big assignments rather than the little insignificant daily homework that everyone finished in a matter of minutes in homeroom.. You cannot put off assignments or long readings until later, when another is due shortly around the corner. College work is longer and more rigorous, and will tire you out if you try to double or sometimes triple your workload by putting it off. This is a statement most college students have confirmed in addition to their being a large change in study habits. Procrastination usually occurs from students or people being overwhelmed and not knowing how to study or get their work done. Effective forms of studying and knowing the best way in which you learn will save you time and stress. People learn in different

ways and therefore have different studying habits to help them retain information. Some people prefer hands on classes while others can listen to everything the teacher says and retain it better without need to open a book. Unfortunately for some, like me, we need to actually read something to understand it. Listening helps but if I dont have notes to reread or a book to refer to, then we have a problem. I used to be one of those students who read the whole chapter and remembered almost all of it, but if I didnt read it all it didnt click. I learned the hard way my first semester of freshman year when I realized that I didnt possibly have time to read seventy-five page chapters for four or five different classes every night. This gave me anxiety when I began an assignment and I would end up putting it off for later. This had a huge impact on my grades and sleeping habits. I was staying up for days cramming for tests and trying to read the entire books because I didnt know how else to retain the information. The great thing about the professors at HCC is that they use multiple ways of teaching to help every student retain the information. Most professors review the material auditorily, has students read notes in the book or on the board, and then gives examples to practice for the students who need hands on learning. Faculty at Housatonic seem to agree in saying that it takes time, but are willing to figure out the way that helps you learn the best. Dont worry about how everyone else is doing or learning things and put your best effort forth has been the wise advice of several professors. This is helpful because I know plenty of students see others in class picking the material up right away and wondering why they dont just get it. Figuring out what way you learn can help you decide what your strengths

are and how to learn more effectively. The best way to get around procrastination is as Business Communications professor Michael Mandel says, do it afraid but do it.. Dont overthink the assignment or overwhelm yourself with every assignment you have due the same week. You are better off starting it and being able to fix or revise homework or a paper than doing it at the last minute and not being able to change anything. At the least, if you choose to leave the assignment as is then you have one less assignment to worry about and can move onto the next one. Take your time to figure out the study habits you feel are successful for you and start an assignment sooner rather later. To be successful sooner and prevent procrastinating, first make a schedule and make sure you give yourself enough time for each assignment or just nightly studying. Think about what you remember most in class. Is it usually something you heard or saw or is it an example you did in class as a group hands on? This will help you capitalize your strengths in which you absorb information. Flashcards may be useful or having a digital recorder to listen to things you may have missed while taking notes in class. The final and best advice that can be given about procrastination or getting things done is, as Nike says, just do it. You cannot succeed in anything you dont try and you will be more stressed and overwhelmed the longer you wait to begin something. The sooner you start an assignment the more relaxed you will be and the easier it will be to develop more fluent ideas and go more in depth with assignments or whatever you are pursuing, which will undoubtedly result in more success. Its never too late to create new habits, so put off putting off and tackle tomorrows task today.

Housatonic Community College has a student Senatte whose members are elected annuall by the student body. The Student Senate serves to promote good citizenship and harmonious relationships throughout the college and the community. It serves to provide a forum for student representation and to provide orderly direction of college activities. The Student Senate assists the Office of Student Life in the allocation and the distribution of the Student Activity Fund. Any Student who meets the necessary academic requirements, meets the Student Senate requirements as outlined in the membership application, and pays the student activity fee is eligible for election to the Student Senate.

For more info. about The Student Senate Contact 203.332.5094

Rate My Professor: A Students Best Friend

by tom CAhill Editor

teacher can make or break a college experience, especially for students new to college or back to school for the first time in years. Whether this is your first semester or last at Housy, youve probably blindly picked at least 1 of your teachers because you needed that class. There arent many poor teachers at our school, but there are without a doubt some excellent ones. The most direct route to that information would be on Ratemyprofessors.com. Truly, the key to finding whats best on campus in general is word of mouth. There arent always websites built for college students, by college students for every issue of a students life. However, when it comes to picking professors, there is. Dave Whitman, a fourth semester Housatonic veteran and advocate of this process. You cant buy into anything at first glance, but with the right amount of research its proven to be a very helpful resource, he said. Whitman believes that even if you cant

find enough feedback on the teacher you may have been looking for, there is enough information out there to essentially create a full-proof schedule any semester here. This is an interesting concept. You have to take the courses you need, but you dont want to take a shot in the dark with your teacher. Unfortunately, in any profession, at any institution, there will be at least a minority of people who do their job poorly. Ratemyprofessor.com is more so to prevent a poor experience than it is create the best. Juggling school and work is difficult enough for students,especially those who are getting back into school from some time off. The last thing you want is a teacher who puts you to sleep, giving you more motivation to stay home than to come to class. Ive fell victim to this scenario too many times, realizing afterward that I was forewarned on RMP, with fitting descriptions of my displeasures. Ratemyprofessor.com breaks the rating into categories of Helpfulness, Clarity, Easiness and an Overall Quality ranking, all on a 5 point scale. So you see here, not only does it cater to the inquisitive, but even the lazy scholar. I do understand for some that easy

translates as better. The rating set up is short and sweet, with an open forum set up for comments. Heres where your critical thinking needs to be your guide. You must decipher articulated, problem-specific responses from poorly thought out, rushed and misspelled rants. This is a response pulled directly from Ratemyprofessors.com, about a great teacher, in my opinion as well as the majority from this website, here at Housatonic. too much class discussions on her personal life and less on teaching the lesson.The class is overall poorly teach becuz she teaches it in a complex way.the list could go on and on . The grammatical errors were left for authenticity, plus I dont need any suits for libel. The point here is, consider your source. You cant trust everything you hear, whether it be spoken or typed; but when resources are available, take advantage. I am in my fifth semester at this school, and I can count the number of poor teachers Ive had on one hand. I believe Ratemyprofessors reflects accurately, when based on the majority of intelligible responses. I believe that to be true in case of both the best

and the worst teachers. Students do talk though, and the topic of teachers always seems to be a good ice breaker for class conversation. Ashley Meyers, third semester Housatonic student says, What class youre taking and with what teacher is something Ive been asked in every one of my classes here. The more I heard names like Koch and Sopchak repeated, the more I became interested to take their class.. Meyers says although she highly considers personal recommendations, she must confirm them with ratemyprofessors.com Jay Moss, Housatonic freshman says, even though there can be misspellings, the people dont lie. The beauty of this type of website is, you have a voice. If you believe that the articulated and clear responses are most credible, there is nothing stopping you from putting forth your word to be heard over the less credible responses. Its the public, says Moss. Any type of public forum will include less than sufficient information along with excellent information. The power to decipher is in your hands.

HORIZONS News You Can Use

17

How to Make the Most of Your Semester

by miChAEl bAndy stAff WritEr

Registration:

CC students began registering for Summer and Fall semester classes on April 2, and students as well as faculty members are speaking out about how to streamline the process. There are several different ways students can register for classes at HCC, but the two most popular methods are online and in person. Registering online is easy - simply go to the HCC website and click on Registration is Easy @ HCC. From there, students can find all the information they need to search for courses, check payment due dates and even contact their advisors. Online registration can be done anywhere - room B107 in Lafayette Hall has been designated as a student help center, where students can go online to search for classes, register and print out their schedules. Alternatively, students can come to the school and speak with the Admissions and Registrars offices and get all the help

they need in registering for next semesters classes. Jim Connolly, the Housatonic Registrar, says that HCC has tried to make the registration process as easy as possible. We opened the registration up online and here at the college, and its ongoing all day long, Connolly said. Weve designated one late night a month, and then as we get closer to classes we have more late nights. Were here for the students as much as possible. According to Connolly, the most important thing students can do to make registration easier is to get it done early. Making sure you come early is the biggest thing you can do, so you get the classes you want at the times you want, Connolly said. Also, making sure that youre registered for the right classes for your particular program, and seeing an advisor can help. Marilyn Wehr, a Counselor here at HCC, says seeing an advisor is a very important step in registration, especially for new students. Advisors are experts in their field and

will provide students the best program as well as career advice based on their individual goals, Wehr said. But students should make sure they have an understanding of the course requirements for their program and create a plan to meet these requirements, which an advisor can help with. Most students agree that registering for classes as early as possible is key, and also spoke about the different ways they register for classes. Student Braulio Feliciano said, If you dont register early, the classes you want will be full, plain and simple. Id recommend doing it here at the school, because computers have a way of messing things up. Anthony Veronesi, a student in his first semester here at HCC, agrees. I registered here at school - registering in person is nice because its much more personal and you get the right answers you need, from a person. Some students who have been at HCC for a while and registered both online and in person see the benefits of both options. Ace Ricker, who will enter his fourth se-

mester at HCC in the fall, says that while online registration is faster, visiting with an advisor at school first is very important. Theres a lot more work involved registering at school, because you have to go to different offices and move around a lot, whereas online, everything is done in one spot, Ricker said. Advisors are great when you first start out, because when I first came here I had no idea what I was doing, and speaking with them really helped me get a lay out of the land. Connolly says that hes always looking for ways to improve the registration process. If students have ideas for how we can improve registration, Id love to hear them, he said. Students can stop by the office or perhaps respond to your article with their ideas. Registration for the Summer and Fall semesters runs through mid to late August. If students have any questions regarding registration, they can visit an advisor in Lafayette Hall, room A108, or the Registrars Office in room B109.

Summer Fashion Dos and Donts!

by kArEn d. fErnAndEz stAff WritEr

ver stroll down the street (or hallway at school) and literally feel your jaw drop in astonishment as a young woman walks past you with half her breasts falling out of her shirt, leggings so tight you cant decide whether or not shes wearing underwear; or a severe case of muffin top-itis? A female spectator would probably be thinking, What a hot mess! While the male specimen thinks, Daaaaaaamn! and breaks his neck to get a better view, as if he were getting a free peep-show at the local strip club. I bet that if you asked either one of them to describe what color the girls eyes were, or any other distinguishing facial features, they wouldnt remember. Thats because they were so distracted by the vulgar display of body parts their eyes couldnt help but focus on. They say, if youve got it, flaunt it, but theres a fine line between classy and trashy. Whether your style is bohemian-chic, prim and preppy, or rock couture, here are some Fashion Donts you definitely want to stay away from: Dont put the girls up for auction, opt for a color-contrasting/ lace cami instead. Beware of the dreaded VPL! (visible panty line), and make sure youre wearing the appropriate underwear for your marvelous look. If the clothes dont fit, you must acquit! Dont wear clothes three sizes too small; onesies are for babies, so please dress your size to avoid looking like the Michelin Man. Dont wear seethrough clothing before sunset (save it for the club). And please, save the yoga pants, spandex, and sweats for the gym! Wear them as separates instead, pairing your Juicy Couture hoodie with jeans or viceversa. Every year there are new, hot, trends that may look cool, but then again, so were

parachute pants when they were a trend. All fads have an expiration date, so if youre going to wear it, wear it right and work it! Avoid resembling a highlighter, or in other words dont overdose on neon. Dont go safari crazy with the animal prints; my close friend Mayra Reinoso thinks, cheetah overkill needs to go! Cheetah print all over your body makes you look like you belong in a zoo! As the summer temperatures rise, so do hemlines; do us all a favor and dont play peek-a-boo with your butt-cheeks (its not cute); instead dress them up in a sleek pair of bermuda shorts or linen trousers. I feel like girls use the hot summer weather as an excuse to wear really skimpy clothing, says Reinoso. She makes a valid point, for last summer I was horrified by the hoochie parade I

Its not attractive, I wouldnt want my girlfriend walking around like that, he added. Dont forget about the footwear! A huge pet peeve of mine is seeing a fabulous ensemble totally discredited by a pair of plain, old, gunky, Old Navy flip flops that in my opinion only belong in a public shower or the beach! Or even worse, pairing socks with sandals. You should just stay home says HCC student Gabriella Carr. Why not dress it up with a flirty pair of wedges, a strappy flat sandal, or kick it up a notch with some Keds? Anythings better than hearing that annoying flip flop sound all day. Some key points to keep in mind when completing an outfit are hair, makeup and accessories. When Im having a bad hair

Illustration by Karen Fernandez

saw at the local Walmart. I think theyre shopping for male attention, said my coworker Kane Andercheck, giving us the male perspective.

day I disguise it in a bow headwrap made from one of my scarves/bandanas. Less is always more, so when applying makeup dont cake it on layer by layer using all

the colors of the rainbow; go for a more natural look with light foundation, a kiss of blush, and hues that complement your skin tone. If youre full-figured and fabulous, accentuate your best features and show off your curves in an empire-waist top/sundress. Remember to distribute proportions accordingly by pairing a fitted shirt with a full skirt, or slim jeans with a flared blouse to avoid the muffin top. Wherever your day may take you, keep in mind versatility, can your outfit take you from a day at school to a night at the bar? It can if all you need to add is a pair of heels and smokey eyeshadow. As a student, its good to at least look like you care enough to look decent for school. Pajama pants look raggedy according to Carr, the person wearing them might be judged as, careless, depressed, has no confidence, lacks self-motivation, and even self-esteem. Carr says, I keep it classy, comfortable, but still look decent. Nobody looks at me and wants to offer me money like I need a handout. The saying is dont judge a book by its cover; but in reality, thats exactly how people are going to judge you, by your appearance. So if you dress like a hoe, guess what others will atthink of you? says Reinoso. I cant help but to agree with her. If you really want to make an impression, accessorize! Not necessarily by wearing your entire jewelry collection, but by choosing pieces that will catch someones eye, such as a cool leather bracelet or unique handbag. My favorite part about building an outfit is having fun with it, just like playing dress-up. If you feel beautiful and confident in an outfit that isnt exposing your goodies, chances are others will get that vibe from you and take you seriously not just by how you look on the outside, but by that great energy that shines through from the inside.

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HORIZONS News You Can Use

Helping Friends Dealing with Family and Intimate Partner Violence

by sAmAnthA dElgAdo Editor

amily Violence and Intimate Partner Violence (also known as Dating Violence) are terrifying situations to be in especially if the victim feels like there is nowhere they can go to get help. It is also hard to have a friend that is in trouble and not know how to comfort or give sage advice to them. For example, my friend that I have known for six years recently told me that her stepfather had been sexually abusing her since she was 14 years old. For 6 years I did not think much about the animosity she had toward him because I figured that was normal for a stepdaughter to feel. She went through this for years and even after telling her mom and five other people about her being raped nothing was done until November of last year. I had no clue and it still tears at my heart every time I think about it. Under Connecticut law, Family Violence (which falls under the definition of domestic violence) is defined as an incident between family or household members that either results in a physical injury or causes fear that a physical injury is going to happen. Victims of assault often experience a number of common effects. These may include flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty falling or staying asleep, anger, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilence, anxiety and panic, self-blame and shame, emotional numbing, physical symptoms and health problems. People may feel that Domestic Violence isnt affecting their loved ones but with startling statistics like more than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Intimate Partner and

Sexual Survey 2010 Report, there is a very real possibility someone you know is going through this. What cannot be ignored is that each year, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) results in an estimated 1,200 deaths and 2 million injuries among women and nearly 600,000 injuries among men. Dating violence includes psychological and emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. It occurs with casual dating or serious long-term relationships. Signs of an unhealthy relationship include focusing all your energy on your partner, dropping friends and family or activities you enjoy, feeling pressured or controlled a lot, having more bad times in the relationship than good, and feeling sad or scared when with your partner. A way to help your friend is to let him or her know about the resources available on campus. Linda Wolfson, specialist in domestic violence counseling at HCC, says that the first place a student should go to if they find themselves being abused by their partner [or anyone else] is the Counseling Center in Lafayette Hall. The Counseling Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and to 5 p.m. on Friday. Making an appointment is helpful but counselors see students on a walk in basis as well. Another way to help your friend is to let them know there are staff at school that are trained to help students who are in abusive situations. Wolfson said that at HCC many years ago a former nurse and the counselors wrote a grant that funded the training of several faculty and staff at the college offered by the Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County in Bridgeport. It was 40 hours of training in understanding and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Often, if a person is subjected to such abuse they are not that free to go to an off

campus site for help. The batterer keeps a very close eye on the person whose movements are therefore restricted, Wolfson said. Having college personnel who are trained in the area provides a safe knowledgeable person who can then help the student to access the aid needed. As it stands now the members of the group are Linda Wolfson, Mary Eady, Deloris Curtis, Mickey Reed, Heidi Szoboda, Janet Lanci, Joanne Azenberger and Jack Sopchak. If you suspect a friend is being abused, calling the police immediately may not be the best option, just like it will not be helpful for you to suggest they leave immediately. According to Wolfson both may put your friend in a very dangerous place. It is when a batterer feels that their world is crumbling that they becomes most dangerous and the friends life is at risk. Therefore, safety is extremely important in this situation. Wolfson explains that leaving can be a process. Taking important papers out of the house, having car keys ready (maybe a second set) at all times, are all issues that a trained counselor can explore. If, however, a friend feels that there is imminent danger then the police must be called. It important to the safety of all those who counsel victims of domestic violence that the person who is being abused does not tell the abuser who is helping them. That information can put the helping person in harms way since they are not protected by a hidden shelter. To the abuser they may be seen as a treat and abusers are violent people. Provide support for your friend and if possible suggest that they turn to a person who is trained in the area. Abuse is about disempowerment and one of the things that its important to do is to help the person in this situation gain the power to make their own decisions,

Wolfson adds. According to the Connecticut Coalition of Domestic Violence (CCADV) you can help someone who is abused or who has been assaulted by listening and offering comfort. Go with her or him to the police, the hospital, or to counseling and reinforce the message that she or he is not at fault and that it is natural to feel angry and ashamed. It is imperative that you believe them because a person has very little to gain by making up a story about sexual assault. Listen to your friend; a victim of assault needs someone who will listen to what they have to say without blame or judgment. It is important not to tell them what to do because a person who has been assaulted has had every ounce of power and control stripped from them. The only way they are going to gain that power back is by making decisions for themselves. But you can give them information and provide them with options. A great place to get more information is your local sexual assault center. You can reach your local crisis center at any time by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE (4673) or you can call The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). Wolfson adds that if a person is financially dependent on their abuser, once a person reaches a shelter or The Center for Women and Families in Bridgeport they will be given help and advice in these areas. If I couldnt see that my friend needed help before then maybe I can help one person who is reading this now, whether youre the one being hurt or youre afraid for a friend, I hope this article helps you. If you have any questions or comments about this issue, you can email me at delgadosamd@gmail.com or housatonichorizons@gmail.com.

Safe Places and Hotlines Where You Can Get Help

Counseling Center at HCC
LH-A108

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice (203) 332-5212 BH-251 Director of Admissions (203) 332-5102 LH-A106a Counselor (203) 332- 5037 LH-A108e Assistant Professor of Human Services (203) 332-8548 BH-249 Director of OTA Program (203) 332-5214 LH-C226 Associate Professor of Psychology (203) 332-8547 BH-252 Director of Early Childhood Lab School (203) 332-5030 LH-B137a Counselor (203) 332-5181 LH-A108g

Joanne Azenberger

Deloris Curtis

Mary Eady

Janet Lanci

Mickey Reed

Jack Sopchak

Heidi Szobota

Linda Wolfson

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

HORIZONS News You Can Use

19

Summer Time = Crunch Time

Flab to Fab By Making Smarter Choices
verge of diet sabotage, there will be someone to hold you back and reason with you, like me and my sisters do for each other. Try finding someone who you can relate to who also detests eating those high calorie, saturated fatty foods that, a moment on the lips, forever on the hips, stay. Everyone needs a diet plan that suits them. Not everyones bodies are the same. There is something called a set-point. Your body has a set point. If you are overweight your body strives to defend that weight so you eat more. The best choice and studies show that diet and exercise is necessary to maintain proper weight. You eat more, you need to exercise more and lean muscle burns more calories, HCC Biology Professor Holly Cuzzone said. Everyone is different and requires different amounts of exercise and food portions. Some advice she had for stuthe summer; from fast food at hot-dog stands, drive ups, and food at the beach. Better yet who doesnt like something cold to cool them off like ice cream? These may seem like good decisions when on the go in the heat, but there are better, healthier options. Ice cream is especially high in saturated fat. by kimbErly JEnnings stAff WritEr

hen the weather starts to get warmer, we start to realize that we will soon be at the beach in our bikinis; needless to say in front of hundreds of others, who will sit there and admire our physique. Conscious of this before hand, the pressure is on to look our best. Beach bods require flat stomachs, radiant glowing tans, and tight and lifted bottoms. These things just dont miraculously happen overnight or without any tending to. It takes effort to look your best while relaxing at the beach. It is hard to become motivated to exercise and eat healthy, especially when there are unhealthy choices all around us: cafeteria food, vending machine munchies, and the fast food conglomerates on every street corner. You have to be strong and say no to fatty foods. Remember summer is the season for fruits and vegetables, so surplus goes up and prices go down, making them readily available. Some favorite summertime fruits are watermelon; always refreshing, grapes; if you freeze them they are an alternative frozen delight, and plums; tangy skin on the outside and sweet and juicy the inside. It is always healthier to eat something that has not been modified, frozen or altered in anyway. I try to eat healthy like fruit, because its in season, my family has a garden so I eat vegetables from there in the summer. Fresh organic vegetables and fruits is the best way to go, said HCC student Amanda Chaffey HCC. Can you picture yourself? It helps to have a partner Photo courtesy of TightsandTiaras.com Smoothie photo courtesy of easyveganmeals.com so you can motivate each other. Get a bestie, or boyfriend to diet with dents was we overestimate our portions Instead you can satisfy your sweet tooth you. I have 7 sisters. Since 4 of us are try- and there is the problem. Watch portions, cravings without breaking the diet coming to be healthier, and want to look our calories and salt. Im sure everyone can re- mandments. For the same price of an best we are all on the same page. I know I late to a time when our eyes were bigger ice-cream sundae at Friendlys or Dairy can call them to go for walks or to go food than our stomachs. Queen you can visit your local smoothie shopping with me. It helps having someThere are alternatives to the unhealthy shop. Smoothie shops are becoming more one there because when the other is on the temptations we are all faced with during popular throughout Connecticut. Some lo-

cal examples are: P1 Juice Bar in Bridgeport, Robeks in Fairfield and Westport, and Jamba juice in Orange. Smoothie shops like Robeks also offer extra healthy ingredients. You can add a Boost shot to your shake for no additional charge. They have the 11 different options, which help boost: vitamins and minerals, energy, immunity, fiber and protein to name a few. Or you can take advantage of in season fruit by adding them to yogurt, cold cereal or hot oatmeal. Even brighten up a salad with apples, oranges, or strawberries. Remember to add a light vinaigrette dressing of your choice, so you can have the flavor with the benefit of being healthy. Dont have a best friend to do thing one yet? You can keep one in your pocket at all times with My Fitness Pal app for smartphones. With a calorie counter, diet and exercise journal, its everything you need to keep on the right track. My Fitness Pal also has a website to access all of their information. My fitness pals get to know you from your age to your normal activities in order to create a diet profile that suits you from nutrition goals to fitness goals. It helps you keep track of your calorie intake but takes into consideration the amount of carbs, fat, and protein you should also eat. I lost 11 pounds using Fitness Pal, my sister said. She introduced me and my other family members to Fitness Pal and now we are all on our way to feeling healthier and happier. If you have a smartphone, Fitness Pal can scan barcodes and the information gets entered right into your fitness plan calorie counter. The technology is amazing, and it is free. A major part of getting in shape and maintaining it is eating healthy and making healthier decisions. Dont forget you can also make better decisions by choosing to not be lazy. You can stay toned without a gym membership by going for a walk or stepping it up and jogging, in your neighborhood or local beach. Stop being lazy and taking the elevator or escalators. Take the stairs instead so your legs and butt get a workout. The summer is practically here with the 70 degree weather in April. There is no time to lose. Start making healthier choices now, we all want to look and feel great at the beach or at the pool!

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HORIZONS News Briefs

Photography Club Provides Experience to Art Majors

by ArAyAnsy gArCiA stAff WritEr

HCC Sugar Convention

by lAurEn WEinstoCk sEnior stAff WritErs

ousatonic Community Colleges Photography Club specializes in taking pictures of events in Bridgeport and exhibits in Connecticut and New York, to gain expertise in the art of photography and to showcase their work at HCC. We take pictures at the Brooklyn and Bronx Botanical Gardens the Bronx Zoo Beardsley Zoo, Fine Arts Professor Michael D. Stein said. We also do stuff in Seaside Park, Photography Club Student President Tien Ngo , 24, said. We did the Valentines Day Dance too. Their latest work includes photos taken for a community service program at a congressional church in Bridgeport. I took pictures for the community service, Zack Cowan, 21, said. For HCCs Photography Club members, its more than just taking pictures. Graphics as a major requires hard work and creativity. All students here are pretty advanced beyond intro students, Stein said. Stein and Pinto are the best professors

for Graphics they explain stuff better, Amanda Corbesato, 26, said. Most of the graphics design is Photoshop, said Stein. According to Stein, the Photography Club has been around for 36 years. Stein is the club advisor of both the Photography and the Art Clubs at HCC. The Photography Club meets throughout the semester, usually on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:451:45 p.m. at the Lafayette Bldg. in room B221 on the main campus. Stein is the Club Advisor and Ngo is the Student President of the club. The club currently has 16 members including Professor Stein. The goal of their meetings is to organize field trips to events and exhibits to take photos for the graphics design class. Current Photography Club members who were present at their most recent meeting on April 25, 2012 are Professor Michael D. Stein, Tien Ngo, Thanh Ngo, Jessica Jennings, Cassandra Mendoza, John Shapiro, Cassondra Fama, Nicole Croce, Amanda Corbesato, Zack Cowan and Nicole Thornton.

ousatonic Community College has so many opportunities to offer to their student: awesome classes, and high tech computer labs, as well as gourmet cafeterias where you can get anything cooked to order. On a sunny and warm spring day, April 24, 2012 to be exact, the HCC campus became a field day of hungry students and staff members as a free fried dough stand was set up in the courtyard from eleven am to three pm. As soon as I had heard about this fabulous event, I immediately decided to attend and interview the eager students waiting in an enormous line to get their free fried dough. With your very own choice of powdered sugar, or Italian tomato sauce you just cant go wrong! Naturally, the powdered sugar was a highly popular decision for a topping for this tasty delight. Soon, the HCC courtyard was like a sugar convention. Everyone was so excited to see a fried dough stand here at their school, and to top it all off, it was all for free! Suddenly all the students around me were laughing and having a good time awaiting their free fried dough. Its amazing what a sugary treat can do for lifting spirits. As I waited in the line that seemed to take an hour to get through, I couldnt help but look around myself at all the happy and excited students. In line in front of me, I saw two girls raving about the snack they were about to receive. I budged myself into the conversation. How did you two find out about the stand? Did you know about it or just find out about it today? Dennisha D smiled as she began to answer. I saw a sign in the parking garage when I had arrived for my early class this morning. I was beyond excited the second I read about how there is going to be a FREE fried dough stand. So this must be a real treat for you then? I asked Dennisha. Yes very. I only get fried dough at carnivals or amusement parks and they are always so expensive. I believe that if HCC did this more often, students would be much happier coming to class. Plus the more things like this that happen on campus, the more donations the school can receive. I

smiled and happily agreed with Dennishas enthusiasm to her schools awesome event. As I stood in line, I watched all the students in the front of the line get their fried dough and smother it with delicious powdered sugar. All we needed was a Ferris wheel right smack in the middle of the courtyard and we would have our school a carnival. To the side of me, I began to interview Jonathan Resto. Fried Dough is one of my all time favorite foods ever, and the fact that it is free makes me even more pumped for this, he said. How did you find out about this event? I asked Jonathan. Well I had class this morning and my friend in my class had told me about how there is going to be a fried dough stand in the courtyard. I didnt find out it was free until I got here, then I was practically jumping for joy.. I told him to enjoy his free fried dough as I began to make my way through the crowd. I looked at my watch. The time was 11:35 a.m.. The line was progressing as I was getting closer and closer to enjoying the delicious fried dough. To the back of me was a very loud student making jokes at every second it seemed. I couldnt help but notice him and his excitement for the free fried dough. His name was Alex Voytek, a student here at HCC for about 4 semesters now. Well, Alex began, In my personal opinion free food is the best kind of food. HCC should most definitely have more events like this. It gets the students pumped up for class and to learn. Next time, Im going to be looking for a churro machine, maybe even some pizza and a ferris wheel, or even a slip and slide right on the grass in the middle of the courtyard. Students and staff members alike will get a kick out of that.. Well, if that happened we would probably have more people signing up to take classes here just for that I joked. We all had a good laugh. Alexs friend Shanice Del Pmo added in that her parents make fried dough all the time so she has something to compare the taste to. Homemade is always better no matter what it is, I told Shanice. Five minutes later, I received my free fried dough. I decided on powdered sugar as well and sat down on a nearby bench and dug in. It was superb. I finished every last bite and I have to say, it most definitely made my day better, along with every other student that had experienced HCCs free fried dough stand. It was without a doubt a sugary treat!

HCC Photograohy Club Photo by Amanda Corbesato

HORIZONS News Briefs

21

HCC Dating Disasters

by lAurEn WEinstoCk sEnior stAff WritEr

ollege is a time for growing, learning, and discovering, discovering what makes you happy for the rest of your life. College can also spark a discovery in your personal life as well, such as your dating habits and bad experiences. Here, in the dating world, it is filled with people going out to movies, going out to dinner, and just hanging out in each others company. Some of those dates can end up in a potential relationship, while others can end up as a disaster, a dating disaster. We all have had one: The bad date; The terrible eater, the guy or gal that stood you up, the rude remarks, the one where you had ran out of things to talk about in a matter of thirty minutes into a date that just wouldnt seem to end. Looking around the HCC campus, I thought, How many dating disasters has this school seen? One of the problems that we might encounter during dating is the awkwardness we might have. One interviewee, who asked not to be identified, explained to me that one of her terrible experiences was about someone she talked to in her class in high school. The two of them had continuously flirted back and forth until he finally asked her out on a date to the movies. I arrived at his house and immediately it was so awkward, I kept trying to start a conversation and keep it going, but he was just nodding and not participating in any way, shape, or form in the conversation so I quickly gave up trying to speak to him, she said. Five minutes into the movie, her date got up and walked out the theater without exchanging any words to her.

I had thought that perhaps he may have went to use the bathroom or make a quick phone call, but after a long five minutes and no return of my wonderful date, I decided to search him out since he was also my ride home. she said. Just as she expected, the jerk had left her stranded at the movies. Several weeks later, she received an apology message on Facebook, where he had blamed his ditching on nervousness. Another disaster date can include how some food just chooses not to stay in. This young gentleman, who chose to remain anonymous, took a girl out on a date to see a movie. During the beginning of the film, the girl ended up vomiting all over his shoes. That to me was a deal breaker, he said. I told her I was going to the bathroom to clean my shoes when really I went to my car to peace out and called up my boys and never called her again. Some disasters are so bad they make you question why you even went on the date in the first place. Take HCC student, Nick Morretti, for example. He decided to take a girl out on a date to Applebees. Nick had no car at the time, so his date had to pick him up. She arrived at 7 p.m. sharp. We had a five to ten minute car ride conversation about what we both wanted to

do with our lives. Then, she had suddenly stopped responding and I suddenly got the feeling that my date was no longer interested in me, Morretti explained. During dinner the tension between us was so high that I just had to ask her why she even agreed to go out on a date with me in the

Photo courtesy of blumtastic.blogspot.com

first place. She said to me, it was because she thought I was good looking and highly attractive, not interesting. A dating disaster resulted in nothing but shallowness. One last thing that people may always think and try to be aware of when dating is that the ones they are dating might try to date someone else while dating you. Another HCC student, who also asked to be anonymous, had just such an experience. She was starting to date this guy,

and instead of dating her, he ended up cheating on her with an acquaintance of hers. She started to get to know the girl better, and soon she found out that he began spreading rumors that she was his cousin. Sick, right? One night the girl and I had decided to three ways call this loser up. We pretty much called him scum and he didnt know how to react to this three way call, so he just hung up the phone on us. He and my friend began to date. Meanwhile, her and I became really close. They dated for about eight months until he started to cheat on her as well. The two of us both no longer talk to him. I am also able to laugh about the situation now. I guess its like the saying says Once a cheater always a cheater, she said. So there you have it, terrible dating experiences from your one and only Housatonic Community College students, from puking on sneakers, to ditching, to being stood up. It just cant get any worse from there. The best you can do is take your disastrous experiences with a grain of salt and realize it was just the opposite persons loss. Besides, everyone needs a bad date to experience all fabulous ones to come in their near dating future!

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HORIZONS News Briefs

HORIZONS Sports

23

Can We See Our Ladies Win Gold?

by JosE A. rosAs sEnior stAff WritEr

ife has its ups and downs, but losing a tournament final that featured only the 30 best countries in the world leaves a mark that will never disappear.

ed up losing the match after regulation to Japan, which many would believe the U.S women had the momentum to win it all. President Barack Obama showed the ladies his support by tweeting, Sorry I cant be there to see you play, but Ill be cheering you on from here. Lets go. The President

Illustration By Abelardo Pulido

Despite coming up short, the U.S Womens National Team has found out ways to bounce back from a very heartbreaking loss. Last summer, the Womens FIFA (Federation Internationale Football Association) World Cup featured the United States vs. Japan, an intriguing match. The match was utterly competitive and after 90 minutes of regulation play, a winner could not be yet declared. The American ladies end-

also saw the game with his wife and daughter in the treaty room office in the residence of the White House. Others that showed their support despite the loss included basketball star Lebron James, football player Aaron Rodgers, and Hollywoods own Tom Hanks. As of today, the Womens National Team finds itself first in the FIFA rankings. They have picked up some impressive vic-

tories over other teams such as Guatemala (14-0), Canada (4-0) and sweden (4-0) this year. They recently faced their rivals, Japan on April 1, and the game ended in a draw with the score of 1 to 1. Despite being ranked on top of the world, making it to the finale of the FIFA world cup and outplaying most of their recent opponents, they have yet to receive full support from television stations. There is an online petition that you can sign to help increase the number of womens soccer matches that will be televised. After having doing a outstanding job in representing the country and playing with heart and soul, its justifiable for these ladies to be viewed around the country to demonstrate to everyone what type of team they are. HCC student Thomas Enriquez said, Ive been a fan of mens soccer for a long time now, and I didnt even know there was a womens national team before seeing World Cup last year. After the final, I was pretty impressed with the way the womens U.S. national team played. They came up short, but they put a lot of effort in that game. It would be nice to see more of their games on air, that way I can get to know our team better. Yahoo sports says that about 18 million people play soccer and about 40 percent of that amount is made up by women, specifically stating, the rise of soccers popularity can be attributed to the U.S. Womens National Team.. This can mean that the more people get involved with the U.S National team, the more popular it will be around the country. This summers Olympics in London, team U.S.A will have another opportunity to showcase their talent, skills and aim at winning gold.

With great defense, great offense and great team chemistry, the U.S Womens National Team will look to continue their recent success and bring the gold medal home. Whether a soccer fan or not, many can sure appreciate their country team being represented on of the grandest stage and bringing the gold medal home. If you would like to help increase support for Women soccer games to be televised, please sign this online petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/foxsoccer-air-more-womens-soccer-gameson-television

And the Winner is......

by JosE A. rosAs sEnior stAff WritEr

he NBA lockout is history, the trade deadline has passed, Dwight Howards circus is out of town (for now), and after all that it has finally has come to that time of year: The NBA finals, the showcase of basketball where only the two best teams in the league matchup for a chance at calling themselves champions. As in every sport, debates rise whether who is the best of the best. Though most of the time it may be a debate between two, this season three teams have emerged as candidates to be the next champions in basketball. Patience was a factor for these three clubs, and throughout the season they have shown the commitment of a championship squad. The Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, and Oklahoma City Thunder are among the top candidates to winning the NBA title this year. The OKC Thunders era of new beginnings started the night Kevin Durant got drafted, which was in 2008. He was selected second overall, but plays like a first overall pick. The three amigos Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade, made it clear in their reunion speech last summer that now that they are all on the

same team, many titles would be heading Though the favorite of many may be to South Beach. Their performance this Miami, Chicago, and Oklahoma City, there season shows theyre no joke. The success are also some other runners up such as the Chicago Bulls have demonstrated is not the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakonly because of star player Derrick Rose, ers, and possibly the current champs, the but also because of their great coach with a Dallas Mavericks. Though all these three defensive mind set. Also the growth of the mentioned have winning records and have team has been climbing to the top. even been former Champions, they dont The Heat have really seem to be gone 9-1 without mentioned about Dwyane Wade (as winning it all. he missed sevThe Dallas eral games due Mavericks are the to injuries). The oldest team in the Thunder have NBA this season, won 4 out of the the Lakers suf5 last meetings fered the loss of against the heat. one of their key The Thunder players Lamar are on top the Odom, and the western ConferTim Duncan of Who will win it all this season? ence at the mothe Spurns is agCourtesy of mylatestdistaction.com ment and would ing and is no lonreally like to have home court advantage ger the player he once was. in the playoffs. Of course, we want to get According to Slam.com, the results of home-court, said Kevin Durant. But if a survey showing who general managers you want to get to where you want to get believe would win the Finals this year to in this league youve got to win on the showed up on January 17 of this year. The road. Of course, we would like to get the Miami Heat were the top candidates with No. 1 seed, but well just have to see what 74.1% of the votes, and the Oklahoma happens at the end of the season. City Thunder came in second place with

14.8%. Though the Bulls were not ranked among the top candidates by general manager, they have changed the Eastern conference standings since January 17th by sitting in first place and pretty much locking up the spot. The Bulls have shown not only their young and strong to win, but they have also shown chemistry. Winning more than a handful of games without their star player Derrick Rose says a lot. Even when he has played and struggled, the bulls have found ways to pick up victories. Im going with the Bulls, said HCC student Lloyd Blair. They have shown they can win ball games without Derrick Rose and when a team can win without their star player, that proves a lot to me. No matter who finishes first in the rankings, its sure these three squads will continue to impress throughout the playoffs with the extraordinary play they put up every night. Though many bets may be placed on a table, only one can walk out with the grand prize; just like in the NBA Finals. No matter how impressive a handful of teams can be, only one can be the King of Kings. Who will be the top dog this year? Only way to find out is to stay tuned in the interesting journey to the Finals

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HORIZONS Sports

Tebow Time in the Big Apple

by Chris gAlli sEnior stAff WritEr

he last time the New York Jets had anything to do with Tim Tebow, he was running for a 20- yard game winning touchdown with under a minute left to defeat the Jets back on November 17, 2011. Now the former Florida Gator star turned overnight celebrity will be lining up on the New York sideline this year.

began taking snaps back in 2009. But then just weeks after that, the Jets and Broncos completed a trade for the run first, throw second quarterback Tebow and a 7th round draft pick in exchange for a 4th and 6th round pick. Head Coach Rex Ryan has stated several times that Tim Tebow will be a major contributor to the Jets, and also stated that he could see Tebow taking as many as twenty snaps a game for Gang Green.

turning 16, and it will be exciting to see if the New York nightlife can corrupt the self-proclaimed virgin and his saint-like reputation. On Easter Sunday Tebow got attention for his off field accomplishments where he drew a crowd of more than 15,000 church goers that came to listen to him speak. According to Bill Hutchinson of the NY Daily News, Rev. Joe Champion of the Megachurch where Tebow spoke, joked,

Best friends forever! Photo by Chad Finn, Globe Staff, Boston.com

But what exactly will Tebows role be for the Jets, and does Mark Sanchez have any reason to be worried? Shortly after losing out in the Peyton Manning hunt, general manager Mike Tannenbaum announced that Sanchez is to be the quarterback of the future for the NY Jets, signing a 3-year extension worth $40.5 million to go along with the two years left on his rookie contract. Although last year Sanchez statistically had his best year in the pros, the Jets had their worst year since the University of Southern California quarterback

What isnt known is if all these snaps will be from the wildcat offense or if Rex has a few more tricks up his sleeve. John Kozlowski, HCC student and big football fan, says what he thinks of the Jets trading for the QB more known for his religious beliefs than actual skills: The Jets stole him for a 4th round pick, and if Sanchez gets off to a slow start that he guarantees they will bench him for Tebow, even if its simply just for jersey sales. He then went on to compare the Tebow situation to an Amish person

In Christianity, its the pope and Tebow.. Tebow spoke about how religion brought him success on the football field and how he was not happy that some athletes do not take their position as role model seriously, even if they do not want to be one. These quotes and example prove my point even more that people are more interested in Tebows personal life than what he can do on the football field. Theres no denying that Tebow is athletically gifted, but it takes more than pure athletic skills to play in the NFL, and it goes double to play arguably

the most important position in the sport. So in regard to fans, who in my opinion are not very knowledgable, that are already calling for Tebow to start, I ask now, that the NFL has figured out how to gameplan for Tebow as a full time starter; how is it going to be any better in New York, where the limelight is generally more difficult to play in and not to mention having to play the perennial powerhouse Patriots twice a year? As a New York Jets fan, when I initially heard about Tebow coming to the Big Apple, I was not the happiest of people, as I still held a grudge about that unfortunate day back in November. Then I started to think about what he can do for us, and became a little more positive. But with my optimism there was also some skepticism. I think that if he is used right in our system, and by that I mean strictly in run first packages, mainly wildcat where he will be allowed to throw sometimes, while looking more to run than pass, then the Jets offense can be much more successful than last year. But with a widely popular player like Tebow, and a starting quarterback in Sanchez that has, to say the least, some confidence issues, it will actually hurt the team with some QB competition. Although I am a believer that competition makes players better for the most part, that can only be said if the second quarterback competing has the actual throwing ability to be a full time starter. In my opinion, Tebow does not have the throwing ability to do this, despite being a gifted athlete. So my problem with Tebow coming to New York is that I believe the first time Sanchez struggles, many fans will be calling for Sanchezs head, even if it might not be best for the team. HCC student Adam Jeffries agrees, saying, Although Tebow might be a good football player, he is not a good quarterback, and all this whole situation is going to bring is more locker room drama, which is something the Jets struggled with last year, and the main reason they did not make the playoffs.. Jeffries continued, The only way I could see this working out is either Rex or someone in upper management comes out and says that there is no way Tebow is going to start, unless Sanchez gets injured, but this is something that I highly doubt will happen. And once again to the disagreers who will argue, well what about last year, when he led the Broncos to the playoffs?. I will respond, once again, with what happened when defenses began to figure out Tebow and realized how to gameplan for him and Tebow and the Broncos lost four out of their last five.