Sandy Strikes!

The Bullying Epidemic

Internet Gaming Class?
Unemployment Rates
Customer Service Blues
2
Relationships and Social Networking ...................................................9
By Rachel KuliKowsKi
staff wRiteR
Looking for Good Professors .................................................................9
By elliot GRiffin
staff wRiteR
Love to Dance? Get Paid to Dance As a Zumba Instructor ................9
By aRayansy GaRcia
senioR staff wRiteR
Extended Weekend Library Hours .......................................................11
By KRystle KRysi Piccinino
senioR staff wRiteR
Customer Service Blues ..........................................................................11
By KaRen feRnandez
editoR
What if It Was You? ................................................................................12
By d.c. weidenfelleR
editoR-in-chief
Hell and High-water: .............................................................................13
By Jay ledeRman
contRiButinG wRiteR
Seaside Village Homes Destroyed ..........................................................13
By KRystle KRysi Piccinino
senioR staff wRiteR
Simply Put: Sandy is Here......................................................................13
By Justin Quinn
staff wRiteR
A Sandy Sucker Punch ...........................................................................14
By d.c weidenfelleR
editoR-in-chief
Im SO Tired! ..........................................................................................15
staff wRiteR
Whats the Deal With No Smoking? ......................................................15
senioR staff wRiteR
Horizons Staff
Editor-in-ChiEf
david weidenfelleR
Advisor
PRofessoR steve maRK
Editor EmEritA
deB toRReso
Editor
samantha delGado, KaRen feRnandez, lauRa Gustafson
stAff WritErs
santiaGo achinelli, danny alamo, Katelyn aveRy, Jessica BRooKs, cathRyn cann, nicole caRPenteR, elizaBeth fiGueRoa,
elliot GRiffin, tiffany haRvey, ashile hendRicKson, anthony hoRan, sinaya howaRd, Rachel KuliKowsKi, ReBecca leGoute,
JeffRey milleR, sheRly montes, JosePh PReston, Justin Quinn, danyelle silva, steven simKo,
doReen sPeaRs, moRGan sPenceR, monica toRRes, Jonathan williams-hunteR, lanece woodson
sEnior stAff WritErs
GReG BlacKwell, amanda fRiot, aRayansy GaRcia, vanessa hylton, saBRina lewis, KRystelle Piccinino,
sam Rosoff, semhaR samuels, chadRan smith
Contributing WritEr
Jay ledeRman
Art And dEsign dirECtors
david Kisly, Jonathan shaPiRo, chaRles chen
Art And dEsign stAff
claude BlaKe, fRanK csanadi JR., Joice dominGues-toRRes, BRian KosaRKo, flahn manly, emmanuel mateo,
vonmaRie navaRRo, Kim nGuyen, huBeRt RoBeRts, feRnando veGa, elaine wheeleR, Justin williams
dEsign Advisor
PRofessoR andy Pinto
Bullying: The Global Epidemic .............................................................3
By Jessica BRooKs
staff wRiteR
Internet and Gaming in the Classroom ................................................3
By nicole caRPenteR
staff wRiteR
Folklore: A Part of Us .............................................................................4
By d.c. weidenfelleR
editoR-in-chief
Christian Studies Club ...........................................................................4
By elizaBeth fiGueRoa
staff wRiteR
Baumgartner: Balloons to Fame ...........................................................5
By Katelyn aveRy
staff wRiteR
Education Ofcials Amid Huge Wage Scandal ....................................5
By santiaGo achinelli
staff wRiteR
Federal and State Ofcials Offer Hurricane Aid at HCC ..................6
By d.c. weidenfelleR
editoR-in-chief
Where Do Seniors Go After Graduation? ............................................6
By ashile hendRicKson
staff wRiteR
Academic Advising Full Speed Ahead ..................................................7
By chadRan smith
staff wRiteR
Brush it Off? Or Take Offense? ............................................................7
By amanda fRiot
staff wRiteR
Full Time Student versus Full Time Adult ...........................................8
By anthony hoRan
staff wRiteR
The Critical Transition ...........................................................................8
By GReG BlacKwell
senizoR staff wRiteR
Cover Photos by David Wiedenfeller
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
HORIZONS News
by JEssiCA brooks
stAff WritEr
Bullying has been going on since
the beginning of time, but one of
the main questions is when bully-
ing turns deadly, can it be stopped?
Hundreds of thousands of children
have fallen victim to this spread-
ing epidemic and unfortunately,
theres no cure.
The story of a 15-year-old Ca-
nadian girl by the name of Aman-
da Todd has the entire nation in
mourning as her suicide sent shock-
waves through every community
in different countries. From cyber
bullying, emotional distress and be-
ing physically attacked, Todd mus-
tered up enough strength to create a
YouTube video and share her story
without saying one word.
Throughout the eight-minute
video, viewers got a chance to catch
a glimpse at Todds story and how
much she struggled. From wanting
to ft in and and being pressured
to having her self esteem plummet
to new lows. This story is heart
wrenching and may even evoke
tears, but what about the millions of
kids who fall prey to bullying ev-
ery year across the United States?
Todds case isnt individualized and
unfortunately, the outcome isnt ei-
ther.
Studies done by Brenda High,
the founder and one of the co-di-
rector of Bully Police Inc. has put
a number to the bullying epidemic
in each state across the country.
The top ten states on the Biggest
Bullies List may surprise readers
as you come to the realization that
Connecticut is number six on that
list and it was also reported that
bullying got became more prevalent
after the survey was completed by
students who were the target at that
time. Other states such as Illinois,
Minnesota, Alaska, Vermont, Iowa,
Maine, Washington, Montana and
New Hampshire joined Connecticut
in being the worst top ten states for
bullying.
Many people say that bullying is
just an outlet for troubled children
who have low self esteem, but now
people are starting to wonder if so-
ciety has contributed to the growing
problem. The normal pressures of
categorizing yourself in the infa-
mous school hierarchy like The
Jocks, The Cheerleaders, and
The Popular Kids are at the top
of the totem pole while the Band
Geeks and other social groups
stick together and survive the dirty
looks or cruel actions in
the hallway, but what if
a person has no one?
A movie called Mean
Girls starring Lindsay
Lohan gives a crystal
clear vision into the life
of a high school student
who moves to America
from Africa and tries to
ft in at school only to
transform herself to a
person that becomes the
It Girl. Though many
people might fnd the
main characters methods to gain
popularity surprising, it is actually
a normal tactic. On the surface, this
movie seems to simply be for comi-
cal satisfaction, but in reality, it is
shedding light on the growing prob-
lem that is taking over school insti-
tutions across the nation.
The lesson here is simple:
theres strength in numbers, says
Senior Master Babin, a Karate and
Martial Arts instructor at the world
renowned Black Belt Academy lo-
cated in Mesa, Arizona on his web-
site. One of the best ways to side-
step bullies is to reach out to other
friendly students and blend in with
the pack.
Unfortunately, bullying has tak-
en many forms and doesnt just stop
at the physical or emotional pains.
Because the the world is advanc-
ing at such an incredibly fast pace,
technology has an evil power is the
wrong people use it.
Cyber bullying has become the
fastest growing intimidating tactics
according to a Kids Health website
that gives warning signs to parents
for children who might be a victim
of bullying. Through cell phone
texts, emails, and social media sites,
bullies can torment their victims 24
hours a day. Picked-on kids can feel
like theyre getting blasted nonstop
and that there is no escape.
As Tim Fields was quoted say-
ing, Many children leave school
with a hatred of an education sys-
tem which breeds and sustains bul-
lying and which isolates, ridicules,
and excludes those who are in any
way different. No matter what
race, ethnicity, gender or age group,
bullying has become a growing epi-
demic in not only the United States,
but the world.
Bullying: The Global Epidemic
Student being bullied in class
photo by Joy Torres
by niColE CArpEntEr
stAff WritEr
Students at HCC have the oppor-
tunity to study a new and rapidly
growing subject, the sociological
effects of Internet and gaming. The
new class was frst introduced to
students this Fall 2012 semester.
Taught by Sociology professor
Henry Schissler, the special topics
sociology class offeres an s in depth
exploration of the sociological ef-
fects that the Internet and gaming
have on us as a culture. Technology
is an important and regular part of
student liIe. and the class is the frst
at Housatonic to delve deeper into
the subject.
By studying the sociological ef-
fects of Internet and gaming, stu-
dents in this class are entering a
new, and much less studied area
of sociology. The class is working
to apply typical sociological theo-
ries to experiences on the Internet.
One specifc topic that the students
have begun to dissect is that of im-
pression management and the so-
cial construction of reality. How
people are perceived on the Inter-
net through social media sites like
FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, is
an issue very relevant to us as col-
lege students and job seekers.
One HCC student, who wished
to remain anonymous, reported dis-
comfort from the lack of privacy
that is common from using these
sites. When asked if these sites have
had a negative effect on her life, she
responded, At times, yes. I feel
like Im constantly being judged on
FaceBook; the person who I am on
these sites isnt the same as who I
really am.
Along with this important and
relevant topic, Schissler aims to
keep the class relevant to HCC stu-
dents. There is constant communi-
cation between teacher and student.
The students are eager to study
topics that are important to them
as students, and residents of Con-
necticut. The format of the class,
which changes along with students
interests and current events, is one
that many students enjoy and ben-
eft Irom.
As a student in the class myself, I
have to agree. We are truly learning
about topics that will set us ahead
as we move forward, after our time
at Housatonic. This class has left
many students, including myself,
wondering whether or not this is the
direction that more classes will be
headed towards in the future.
Internet and Gaming in the Classroom
Student during internet and gaming class at HCC
photo by Joy Torres
4
HORIZONS News
by ElizAbEth figuEroA
stAff WritEr
T
he big R word is such a touchy topic
for so many people in the world. It
can start wars. it can cause fghts to
break out, and it can even get people to
turn away from what morals and beliefs
they grew up with.
The R word is Religion. Everyone
has an opinion on religion. Many believe
that their ways are higher or more righ-
teous than others. Religion is something
that is always practiced by using symbol-
ism, prayers, rituals, traditions, and can
easily be used as a moral system that you
learned growing up. Religion never gets to
the core of what the value of life really is.
Theres something with deeper meaning
and better than just following rules.
The Christian Studies club at HCC does
the complete opposite of just practicing reli-
gion. They are non- denominational,which
means they are not of any religion. They
do not discriminate towards any religious
beliefs as well.
Sherry Harris, who coordinates the
IMath lab at HCC, is the co-advisor of the
Christian Studies Club. She has a positive
attitude about what it means to her. Har-
ris states, A Christian is somebody who
believes in the divinity of Jesus Christ and
tries to live according to Christian val-
ues. She talked about how the club has
bible studies and discussions about living
in modern society from a Christian point
of view.
Club member David Desrosiers said,
We just dont read the bible. We look at
it on its effects in society. He continued
on talking about how the club is planning
on getting a speaker from Georgia to speak
to HCC. There will be no cost for this and
dates are still to be determined.
HCC student Rebecca Figueroa is a
Christian; she doesnt follow any kind
of religion. She states, Being a non-
denominational Christian means youre a
part of any religion, it means you believe
in Christ, you follow him, you love others
because he loves.
Kenny Dugue, who attends HCC as
well, has a different view on
Christianity. Dugue said,I
am a Catholic and everyone
has different beliefs. We are
all going to a place after we
die, either heaven or hell. He
believes that being Catho-
lic is nothing special it just
means youre in a religion.
Both students have not visit-
ed the Christian Studies club.
Kenny had no idea that a club
like that even existed.
The Christian Studies
club invites people in by stu-
dent orientation, and, Har-
ris says, We would love to
have more people.
You can fnd inIormation
about the Christian Studies
club and the dates they get
together on the bulletin board
next to the register`s oIfce in
Lafayette building.
Christian Studies Club
by d.C. WEidEnfEllEr
Editor-in-ChiEf
Its always easy to go anywhere in
New England that is rich with both his-
tory and hauntings, Connecticut is no ex-
ception, with its tales of monsters such as
the melonheads (inhabiting nearby forests)
and witches practicing their craft by can-
dlelight. We have our puzzling stories of
ghostly apparitions haunting historic sites
such as the old Tory Prison in Burlington
, CT and suspicious deaths only explained
by residents as...VAMPIRES!
I had vampires on the brain as I scur-
ried my way to the Performing Arts Center
for a folklore lecture with Dr. Michael E.
Bell Ph.D, author of the book Food for the
Dead: On the Trail of New Englands Vam-
pires. The topic of this particular presenta-
tion was the vampire craze of Connecticut
in the mid 1800s from a folklorists
perspective. I was given the opportunity to
speak with him before his presentation and
gain a little insight into the man who was
about to stand before us presenting a lifes
work.
I felt that to begin the process of under-
standing Bells message I should get his
interpretation of what folklore is and com-
pare it to what I had found in New Oxford
American Dictionary. which defnes Iolk-
lore as:
Folklore
1. The traditional beliefs, customs and
stories, passed through generations by
word of mouth.
2. A body of popular myth and beliefs
relating to a particular place, activity or
group of people.
According to Bell`s defnition. this is
correct. It`s what the defnition lacked that
he seemed to be focused on with more
positive intent. Its a part of our lives, and
because it is community based, can vary
depending on location, he said.
Well of course folklore is still relevant
today, to anyone with a PhD in Folklore
(minor in Anthropology) from Indiana
University, an M.A., in Folklore and My-
thology from the University of California
at Los Angeles, and a B.A., in Anthropol-
ogy and Archaeology from the University
of Arizona, but how important... how rel-
evant in todays society could folklore be?
The clock struck 5 p.m., and the lecture
began with a customary introduction of
Bell by Robert Nelson. Assistant Professor
of English, and host of the seminar series
Monsters In America: What our fears re-
veal about us.
Bell was very quick to the point out that
the lecture was not about vampires in the
classical sense, but from the historic per-
spective. The monsters in Bells lecture
were not the fanged, pale, blood sucking
creatures of the night as in the infamous
Bella Lugosi or Bram Stokers Dracula,
but rather a much more sinister monster at
work: consumption or what is now known
as Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB). It was a
curious idea, but steadfast to the ideal of
folklore; the rituals explained by Bell were
brought by Dutch and German immigrants,
embraced and accepted by the locals and
used as their own.
This was not, however, the front of the
lecture. Though it was a primary aspect, it
was the beliefs and customary truths that
came from the events described by Bell
in his research, the people of Bells work
and research such as Everett Peck, and the
vampire Mercy Brown. It was the stories
like Pecks, who told about customs his
family took part in with whole hearted be-
lief, beliefs that to this day are still passed
down.
The comparison was made between
the symptoms of TB and how they very
much resembled the classic pale-skinned
and sunken-chested vampires of our night-
mares.
I refected on how Bell ft vampires into
folklore for me: They are legendary and
the separation between myth and legend is
that they are set in a true historical past.
Ok, so folklore is important because it
is a part of our lives, community, and cul-
ture so how keep it relevant today? Urban
legends is what Bell said.
Urban legends of today hold true to
folklore, even on the Internet, Bell ex-
plained to me before the event, Instead
of immediate physical groups of people,
we have electronic groups, many of whom
have never met, sharing ideas.
Irony decided to say hello as I picked
up this week`s issue oI the Fairfeld Coun-
ty Weekly. The cover adorned with what
seems to be a seventeenth or eighteenth
century engraving (a print reproduction is
probably more accurate) depicting some
sort of winged humanoid demon, an out-
stretched arm towards what appeared to
be followers of some kind. Righting An
Old Wrong is printed in big letters, and
just above the followers the caption read:
'Should the state oIfcially pardon people
accused of witchcraft over 300 years ago?
There could not be a better piece of
evidence shedding light on the presence of
folklore in our modern time. The Article
in the Weekly (10/18 - 10/24), Overdue
Pardons? by Gregory B. Hladky is much
more than a tale of witchcraft for the Hal-
loween Holiday. The article cites two, tried
and convicted women out of the eleven
executed in Connecticut for the apparent
practice of the occult. Alice Young is men-
tioned as the frst and Mary Barnes the last
in a 15 year period in the mid 1600s.
The article covered the plight of re-
tired New Haven police sergeant Anthony
Griego trying to convince the Connecticut
Governor Daniel Malloy, the Connecticut
General Assembly and even the Queen
of England. It may seem excessive, but it
goes back to the point made by Bell in his
lecture. These alleged witches and the tri-
als surrounding them are a part of our cul-
ture, our history. The stories have been kept
alive. Otherwise, their guilt or innocence
would be of no consequence to Griego or
any other activist fghting Ior the long de-
parted eleven. Though a more likely and
scientifc explanation may exist. such as
hallucinogenic spores which caused the
Trials in Salem Mass.
It seems here that not only is the folk-
lore of old presenting itself to us in all its
cultural glory, but we modern generations
are now adding to it. Pushing forward the
previous stories with our own experiences
for future generations to acquire and pass
on.
The Internet is exploding with urban
legend sites, todays folklore. We are creat-
ing folklore, urban legends, whatever you
want to call them as fast and as much if
not more than ever. Look around, folklore
is everywhere. Its in the old buildings of
downtown Bridgeport, the art we appreci-
ate new and old. Music tells us how it was
and how it is now and still follows in the
tradition of folklore. It is after all, our his-
tory.
Folklore: A Part of Us
Photo By Justi n Williams
5
HORIZONS News
by kAtElyn AvEry
stAff WritEr
I
n mid October the world watched Fe-
lix Baumgartner put on a custom-made
space suit and step into a hot air bal-
loon. Baumgartner went above the sound
barrier and peered over the side of his bal-
loon as he prepared for his jump. He could
have given Jack and Jill a run for their
money as he came tumbling down, until he
was able to pull his parachute.
Baumgartners death-defying stunt will
help N.A.S.A. create better space suits for
their astronauts since a human test sub-
ject proved their theories wrong or right,
but this isn`t the frst time a human sub-
ject has helped science progress. Captain
Scott is well known for leading his crew
to their deaths on their journey home from
monitoring penguin colonies but he laid
the foundations of modern polar science,
says historian David Wilson, great-nephew
of Scotts naturalist, Edward
Wilson.
In 1954, US Air Force
medical researcher John
Paul Stapp earned the title
the Fastest Man Alive
when he rode a rocket-pow-
ered sled to a then-world re-
cord land speed of 632 mph.
Stapps test improved hel-
mets, arm and leg restraints,
aircraft seats, and safety
harnesses. The price how-
ever was that Stapps land-
ing broke some of his bones
and detached his retinas. It
is this last bit of information
that makes Stapps achieve-
ments worth less than the
price he paid.
Even if science does take a step for-
ward, should az human pay the price?
Despite his injuries, Stapp volunteered for
29 rocket sled decel-
eration and windblast
experiments.
Housatonic psy-
chology professor
Michael Amico stated
that Ethics unfor-
tunately do not exist
in this case. It is not
a regulated study, so
then comes the ques-
tions of free will and
choice. This stunt
still has a crazy ele-
ment to it as daredevil
stunts are not expected
to be attempted by
people who think
clearly, but Amico
commented that
He might be in his right mind. He may be
what we call a sensation-seeker. That is the
biological makeup of his DNA which in-
volves dopamine receptors may be one that
he is biologically predisposed to do more
sensation-seeking behaviors such as this.
Baumgartner may sound a little off, but
psychology proves that he may be com-
pletely sane. Baumgartners crazy stunt
has helped NASA take steps towards bet-
ter space suits and he is not alone in his
position as a human subject. The history
of humans being used in science makes
Baumgartners experiment part of a distin-
guished crowd, as opposed to being on an
idiotic stunt list.
Baumgartner: Balloons to Fame
Illustration by Claude Blake
by sAntiAgo AChinElli
stAff WritEr
T
he Connecticut Board of
Regents has recently found
itself in a scandal involving
$300,000 of taxpayer money going
towards board member pay raises,
and their attempted coup of the Col-
lege Presidents that did not agree
with the proposed changes to cur-
riculum and teaching policy.
The Board of Regents (or BoR,
as its commonly known) is a public
institution set up by Governor Mal-
loy to help cut educational costs that
are contributing to the outstanding
state debt of over $40 billion.
This board is composed of 15
voting members, 9 of which are
appointed by the governor him-
self. They oversee the Connecticut
Community Colleges, as well as the
State University system (except for
UConn, but with Charter Oak Col-
lege included).
What has recently brought the
Board under fre has been the res-
ignation of President Kennedy and
Chairman Meotti, who were caught
up in a scandalous (and unauthor-
ized) attempt to give raises to the
board in excess of $300,000, with
Meotti receiving the largest sal-
ary increase, at 26 percent (over
$40,000, pushing his salary up to
over $200,000 a year). The Board
has given back the ill-begotten rais-
es, but trust issues still linger.
Even before this massive breach
of Connecticut taxpayers trust,
there had also been a smaller scan-
dal, one that has been overshadowed
by the Boards recent scramble to
save face in light of this egregious
misappropriation of funds.
Dr. Gena Glickman, President of
Manchester Community College,
sent out an email to her staff on
October 1 informing them that the
12 Community College Presidents
(which are overseen by the BoR)
were being offered a buyout option
that must be confrmed by October
31st.
Glickman was promptly con-
demned as misrepresenting the
meetings that took place between
the Boards VP of Human Re-
sources and the Community Col-
lege Presidents by none other than
Meotti himself in a memo where he
stated, Obviously, we cannot reach
our educational goals if we have
leaders who cannot support and
carry out decisions made in a
collaborative process.
Barbara Douglass, the Presi-
dent of Manchester Community
College, stepped forward to verify
what Glickman was asserting: that
the Presidents were indeed being
offered to a buyout to squelch op-
position to the controversial Senate
Bill 40, a controversial bill that is
meant to make the Connecticut col-
lege system more fscally sound. as
well as strengthen educational stan-
dards in our community colleges:
She [Glickman] is only guilty of
saying the truth.
However, this issue has quickly
faded into the background, as the
Board has decided to postpone the
October 31st deadline for Presi-
dents to decide whether to keep
their posts. Douglass also states: I
think this was a way for the pow-
ers-that-are-no-longer-there to get
people who were more compliant
on board. and it backfred.
Education Ofcials Amid Huge Wage Scandal
Overshadows other Controversial Actions Against
Community College Presidents.
Obviously, we cannot reach our educational goals if we
have leaders who cannot support and carry out decisions
made in a collaborative process.
6
HORIZONS News
by d.C. WEidEnfEllEr
Editor-in-ChiEf
O
n the morning of Wednesday No-
vember 1, following Hurricane
Sandy. Iederal and state oIfcials
met at HCC to make statements to the me-
dia concerning hurricane recovery for the
affected regions of Connecticut.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Gov-
ernor Nancy Wyman, Bridgeport Mayor
Bill Finch and members of Connecticuts
Congressional delegation met up with
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet
Napolitano and oIfcials Irom the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
at HCC. They gathered outside the State
Street entrance of Lafayette Hall in front
of a FEMA mobile center for media avail-
ability.
They announced that FEMA has opened
their 'frst disaster recovery center. as de-
scribed by FEMA oIfcials. in the PerIorm-
ing Arts Center of Lafayette Hall.
Prior to the televised statements, of-
fcials met in a confdential closed door
meeting regarding the effects of Hurricane
Sandy and the concerns for Connecticuts
recovery. College President Anita Gli-
niecki and representatives of Housatonic
Community College were allowed to at-
tend this meeting.
A representative from FEMA explained
why they had been sent and their involve-
ment in Connecticuts hurricane recovery.
Resource distribution, priority of restora-
tion, and a small bit on the effects of local
farming industry, were also among the top-
ics brought to the table.
Malloy leIt the meeting briefy to take a
telephone call, which was later revealed to
be from President Barack Obama.
For information regarding FEMA as-
sistance visit www.FEMA.gov. To apply for
assistance go
to disasterassistence.gov, call (800)
621-3362 or visit a local disaster recovery
center.
Federal and State Ofcials Offer
Hurricane Aid at HCC
Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch making a televised statement at HCC after Hurricane Sandy.
Photo by D.C. Weidenfeller.
by AshilE hEndriCkson
stAff WritEr
A
fter almost a decade, the unem-
ployment rate is fnally under 8.
What are the job rates for seniors
who are graduating out of college in the
near Iuture? II seniors are fnding iobs out
of college, are they being underemployed,
and are they being paid what they need to
be?
Some seniors who recently went out
into the harsh markets of 2010 and 2011
Iound that they were overqualifed Ior
a iob. or couldn`t fnd a iob at all. What
does this unemployment rate being at 7.8
mean for the class of the 2013 Seniors?
Students who have recently gradu-
ated college are struggling to get full time
jobs. Rutgers University recently released
a study that 11 oI recent graduates are
either not working, or unemployed. Even
with this harsh reality, theres some good
news for seniors who are graduating this
year. In the last year 200,000 jobs were
added during the recession for bachelor
degree holders, and 2 million jobs were
added for college-educated workers. With
this being said it is still tough for students
to get jobs in an economy when there are
250,000 people looking to get hired into
those 200,000 jobs that were created. Stu-
dents are even sometimes overqualifed Ior
certain jobs, companies would rather hire a
student with fewer credentials to pay them
less than the student with the 4.0 grade
point average.
Seniors who were graduating into the
economy had mixed feelings about going
into the real world. One student began
saying, I dont know what Im going to
do, my grades are okay. How am I sup-
posed to stand out on paper to the genius
from harvard with a 4.0 scale going for the
same job as me?
Another student said. ' I Ieel confdent
I worked hard in the classroom, also I did
numerous internships. I have a great feel-
ing that this internship I am in now will
turn into my real job.
College freshmen have one of the hard-
est choices to make: Which major should I
take? This is a problem because many in-
coming students are choosing majors that
dont interest them, they choose majors
that are going to offer more jobs in this
economy. I believe that your major and
your interest should coincide with your
major. If you dont like your major this is
where adults fnd themselves at 30 thinking
of a different career path. Students need to
take their career into their own hands.
Students are coming out of college with
a lot of debt. The average for student loan
debts are $27,000. This is a down payment
on a house.This is insane, that coming out
of college you already have to start paying
these back. This is just an average its get-
ting higher every year, with more student
loans and taxes rising. The future is ours,
in the words of Michael Jordan you miss
a hundred percent of the shots you dont
take. For students you miss a hundred per-
cent of every opportunity not seized.
Where Do Seniors Go After Graduation?
What are the job rates for seniors who are graduating
out of college in the near future?
College President Anita Gliniecki looks on during a discussion between Governor Malloy, Sec-
retarv of Homeland Securitv Janet Napolitano. and Senator Joe Leiberman during the briehng.
Photo By D.C. Weidenfeller.
Bridgeport Mavor Bill Finch And Disaster Relief Ofhcials Meeting at HCC
Photo By D.C. Weidenfeller.
Advice To Juniors and Underclassmen
-Talk with you Career Advance-
ment Center
-Choose a major you love (even if it
doesnt pay well)
-Take hold of your own career no one
will put you on the right path
-Get involved with different activities
around your campus
-Look into internships starting fresh-
men year (different career paths)
7
HORIZONS News
by AmAndA friot
stAff WritEr
M
any individuals of all ages deal
with gossip and maybe even
surrender into contributing to
gossip on what seems like an everyday or
at least an every other day basis. It is the
rumors/trash talk that stems from drama
pertaining to family, inside of school, out-
side of school, work or even social outings.
Of course, the worst kind of drama involv-
ing yourself may not even be your fault,
but just being in the wrong place at the
wrong time or the fact that you hang out
with trouble makers, even though that is
not your style, but automatically you are
judged as being on the bandwagon. Guilty
by association, you could say. Nice, right?
Pretty unfair.
At some point or another weve all
heard things about ourselves through the
grapevine that was either partially true,
fairly true, not true at all or completely
over the top dead false. You know, the ru-
mors that are so far-fetched to the degree
it seems as if the rumor spreader just sat
up all night collecting thoughts with no
evidence which is slowly leading to their
next iuicy lie? The lie that will be foating
around town in approximately, lets say,
no later than the sun rises and the new day
begins.
Some people truly are comfortable with
their inner self and who they are on the in-
side and on the outside. They may still be
partially bothered but can at the same time
gather up the courage to know that they are
worth a heck of a lot more than the rumor
that just fell out of the sky. Gossip to-
wards me I fnd is silly. My real Iriends and
family know what is true and what is false.
Everyone else is completely irrelevant to
me, says friend Joseph Hylinski.
Unfortunately, not all of us maintain
an oh that doesnt bother me at all type
of personality. Some of us will go as far
as being heavily bothered or depressed by
what we have heard. I never really brush
it off, says former University of Bridge-
port student Marissa Caruso. Its hard to
brush rumors off especially if we think of
ourselves as nice, low key and refrain from
contributing to the immature bashing par-
ties. In this case we wonder how on earth
our names possibly got brought up? The
bottom line is that nobody can really es-
cape hearing the ugly talk unless, well, we
lock ourselves in a closet and never come
out. If we just keep this in mind and know
that weve all been there and experienced
it, the advice from others who have brutal-
ly been there may be benefcial. I fnd that
chatting with people I think are perfect
and care-free help a lot because if they are
truthful with what they have been through
in life it can really show how even the
perfect people have been talked about
and hurt as well.
About 58 percent of kids and teens
have reported malicious name calling, ru-
mors, or slanderous comments have been
made about them behind their back, to
their face or directed at them online, says
Facts on Teenage Depression.
If you are someone who is sensitive to
the point where you cannot handle what is
being said about you, remember you are
not alone and there are ways to brush this
off without taking offense. Think outside
of the box. Maybe these people are assum-
ing something about you and spreading it
hoping to gain popularity or hoping just to
gain more appraisals because they intend
on becoming the new cool 411. You may
feel like the talk of the town this week, but
keep in mind that next week and the week
after there are going to be dozens more
in line right after you, who may even get
more upset than you did and take it to heart
even more than you did. Remember, you
are never going to be the frst or last person
to be whispered about. Try looking at the
rumor as benefcial and let it remind you
of all the poor qualities that the gossiping
provider entails and how you as the victim
was being a good person and minding their
own business the whole time.
I would probably ask myself if the
rumor was true in my eyes, maybe some-
one is noticing something about me that I
could improve about myself. If that is not
the case I would try to forget about it,
says former Quinnipiac University student
Rachel Donaher. Anything which does not
serve you or enlighten your life, know that
within a year from now or even sooner you
will no longer be dwelling on this because
there are so many other things in life to be
taken care of and accomplished.
Seek support. when anxiety is fowing
and youre racking your brains out about
these foating bubbles oI rumors with your
name it, always speak to the peers you
trust. When analyzing with them, a good
friend or family member can make a ter-
rible situation seem a little sunnier which
will uplift you a bit. Who knows you may
even crack up at the end of the day about
the rumor once moral support has walked
through your door.
Gain some courage to speak up. You
have every right to address something if
your name belongs in it. When the victim
and the rumor spreader are face to face,
chances are some questions will be an-
swered for a little better of an understand-
ing, which means a little more weight lift-
ed off your shoulders. You owe nothing to
the gossip transporter, they owe you.
People who are constantly talk-
ing about other people make me sad and
they are so draining, says Donaher. In
times like these cherish all the good things
youve heard about yourself and all the
compliments you have received in the
past. Gather your inner strength, get sup-
port from people who care, focus on posi-
tive things, and believe in yourself, says
Ten Health. There are so many great times
ahead which people who dont appreciate
you dont deserve to be engaging in.
Brush it Off? Or Take Offense?
by ChAdrAn smith
stAff WritEr

I
ts fnally here. that dreaded time
when HCC students are faced with the
daunting task of choosing classes for
the upcoming semester. For many students,
picking the right courses for ones major
can be extremely stressful.
Registering for classes always seems
like a stressful process, said Kelvin Sim-
mons, 20, graphic design major. I hon-
estly dont even know what classes I need
to take for my major. I just want to get this
over with!
Now is the time for students to meet
with their advisors to discuss next se-
mesters course selections. The registra-
tion process will run more smoothly with
the help of an advisor. An advisor makes
sure that you are registering for the cor-
rect courses for your major and that you
are earning the right amount of credits to
graduate on time.
The purpose of academic advising is to
help students take the right courses in the
right order so they wont waste their time
or funding, said Sandra Barnes, associ-
ate professor of biology and advisor to the
nursing program.
The advising process is quick and easy.
First, set up a meeting with your advisor as
early as possible to ensure that you have
a great selection of courses from which
to choose. During your appointment, you
can expect to go over a list of courses that
you, the student, are required to take for
your major. This is also the time to ask
any questions regarding courses, prereq-
uisites, or any other academic concerns.I
usually start the advising process by ask-
ing students what their goal is, (what job
they want in the future, what school they
want to transfer to, what degree they want
from HCC). I ask them whether they are
an HCC student, currently taking classes,
what those classes are, and how the semes-
ter is going said Barnes. If they have at-
tended more than one semester I print off
their transcript if they dont have it with
them. II they are close to fnishing I might
also print out a graduation evaluation so
they can see how close they are to gradu-
ating and what courses they will need to
fnish up.
Plan ahead for your advising meeting.
You can also be of assistance to your ad-
visor during your meeting by bringing all
your necessary paperwork, knowing how
to log into your myCommNet account and
how to print out a degree evaluation. Its
great if a student can bring their transcript
when they come to advising, said Barnes.
Early registration is really helpful for
me because it gives me the upper-hand to
pick the classes I want and need, said Jes-
sica Nguyen, business major. I dont have
to worry about picking random alternative
courses. So whether you choose to get as-
sistance from an advisor or not, be sure to
avoid potential problems such as late regis-
tration, missing prerequisites, or creating a
conficting schedule.
I advise primarily students who want
to be nurses, and since this course is a pre-
req to so many of the sciences, this is a hard
conversation. Im basically telling some-
one its time to give up on that dream and
start building a new one. Sometimes its
obvious a student doesnt really want to be
a nurse - someone close to them told them
its a great career, but their heart isnt in
it. Sometimes I look at their transcript and
they are very strong in liberal arts but weak
in sciences - again, we have a conversation
about perhaps following their strengths
instead of continuing to swim against the
current, said Barnes. I also advise stu-
dents who are taking too many courses and
doing poorly, or repeating the same course
over and over, to do something different!
Math 137 is a good example. In my opin-
ion, once youve taken that course three
times unsuccessfully, its time to start mak-
ing plans for another degree that doesnt
require it.
HCC Students are welcome
in either the Counseling Cen-
ter in LH- A108 or the Academic
Advising Center in LH- A111 on a walk-in
basis when faculty advisors are not avail-
able.
Academic Advising Full Speed Ahead
The purpose of academic advising is to help students take
the right courses in the right order so they wont waste their
time or funding.
Visit HCC Online!
Curious about the services, courses, and programs at HCC? Go to http://www.hcc.commnet.edu, the colleges home
page. From there you can navigate the various departments, search for courses, or follow links to other useful sites,
such as MyCommnet and the HCC Foundation.
8
HORIZONS News You Can Use
by grEg blACkWEll
sEnior stAff WritEr

E
very college student has had to sur-
pass the intimidating and, at times,
arduous ordeal of attending high
school. When you frst started high school
you likely thought to yourself, Im in for
a long haul. And then theres college. Just
about everybody will declare how much
more challenging college is in comparison
to high school. However, some of us had
to have a slight wake up call or were
quite shocked to fnd out iust how demand-
ing it really is.
Ryan Mcphail states. 'At frst I was
pretty nervous about the transition as it took
some time to get used to it. As a student go-
ing straight to college after high school, the
classes were somewhat similar and a little
bit more diIfcult. I did like the Ieeling oI
increased independence, though.
According to a 2011 Harvard Survey
titled 'Pathways to Prosperity. only 29
of applicants actuated towards their Asso-
ciates Degree achieve it in a one to three
year span. Also, according to the Organi-
zation for Economic Co-operation and De-
velopment. only 46 oI Americans com-
plete college once they start. This could be
due to several factors, the most notorious
being the cost necessary to obtain a col-
lege degree. Other reasons may be due to
poor study habits, time constraining care of
loved ones, or being required to work a full
time job.
Although high school was no slouch
when it came to requiring you to give it
your all, college curriculum causes you
to stay home on weekends at times, occa-
sionally ordering large amounts of Chinese
takeout in the process, staying after class
more often to question the professor, and
accelerating your study habits to cope with
the additional workload. Some college
freshmen are not aware of this, and may
fall behind as a result.
Professor Peter Ulisse states, In gen-
eral, I believe students would do better if
they waited until theyre older, and as thus
get more experience before continuing on
with the heightened education that col-
lege provides. Dedication and resilience
are earned in due time and I believe a year
or so (sometimes more) may make all the
difference. He feels in that time, students
will know what direction they should take,
while learning how to be more self reliant.
During high school, your teacher is con-
stantly striving to push you and they take
quite an active interest in ensuring your
success. Achieving your degree in college,
however. is 100 completely dependent
on you and how motivated you are. There
arent any professors that will constantly
remind you about due dates or assignments
to the degree of high school teachers. As a
result, you really have to balance respon-
sibilities while setting priorities. In addi-
tion, chances are, your parents will either
have given you much more independence,
or you are living farther away from them
if you went to a boarding college for your
bachelors. As a result of this, you will not
be able to rely on them standing sentinel
outside your bedroom door, reminding you
to study for tests and do your work.
Having more independence in college
is rather benefcial. however. it can be a
double edged sword as well. Some may be
too enthralled by the aspect of having their
own schedule. and may resort to flling
their available time slots with more enter-
taining activities which constrain a student
from studying. Being aware of this tempta-
tion and budgeting time is critical.
Disciplinary actions are different in col-
lege than in high school. In high school,
if you acted out of line, the teacher could
do a number of different things. They may
hand out a lengthy detention, which might
entail sending you to the principal`s oIfce
or dean of students, or they may simply
berate you during class. In college, how-
ever, if you misbehave consistently, the
professor will merely throw you out of the
classroom, resulting in you missing out
on the content discussed. In college, you
are classifed as an adult and and thus you
are treated as such. It is more closely tied
to real world dealings when situations
come to requiring disciplinary action.
Student Matt Tramnel says, the dif-
ference between high school and college
is that there is essentially a more rigorous
curriculum. Housatonic is challenging in
its own right and so there is more strain on
studying than in high school. Tramnel in-
sists upon the importance of studying and
working for your educational goals.
HCC Student Arthur Jackson says, I
had just came out of the army for several
years and am a relatively recent enroller at
HCC. I am currently still adjusting to col-
lege life as it takes some time getting used
to.
College environment has much more
temptation that high school has. You feel
signifcantly more independent Ior the frst
time in your life, and may be tempted to
splurge on social scenery. College is re-
nowned for hosting countless parties and
gatherings, and if you do not limit these,
they may equate to your academic demise.
After high school senioritis is said
and done and you are now embedding your
self into the standard collegiate way of life,
it is important that you pay due diligence
to all factors and put extra effort in your
classes and routine to be a success.
The Critical Transition
by Anthony horAn
stAff WritEr

I
n another life where the roads are
paved with gold and it rains one hun-
dred dollar bills, the normal college
kids life will actually be less stressful. In
todays day and age, a young person that
can attend school fulltime and not have to
work is already rich. The real life scenario
is working part-time, at the very least, and
attending school fulltime. How can this
done successfully?
I found a great article on Monster Col-
lege about how to be successful in college
while having a job. In How to Balance
Work and a Full Time Job, author Steve
Berman stresses time management, basi-
cally stating you have to be dedicated to
this life. You cant go into it halfway, its an
all or nothing scenario.
Let me break this down from a personal
experience: as a 30-year-old man, I am
paying for college on my own, and I try to
do the best I can. All the work gets done
when it should be done, and all the classes
are attended. When I was a 20-year-old col-
lege kid, and my parents paid for classes, it
would be a miracle Ior 50 oI the work
got done, and if I showed up to class at all.
Nuno Carvalho, a recent Southern Grad
with a bachelors in Business Administra-
tion, had another experience. His life up
until college was pretty easy. He attended
Notre Dame in Fairfeld and graduated
with honors. Carvalho`s frst year at school
was at the University of Rhode Island. He
said that being away from home took its
toll on him, not so much on his mental
state, but his academic performance. He
ended the semester with a .2 GPA. A short
time after that his parents pulled him out of
the $38,000 a year school, and he started
working at the family business.
Being away from home, with all that
freedom was to overwhelming at 18, Car-
valho said. It was one of the most exciting
six months of my life.
The following fall he enrolled at HCC
while working a 50-hour-a-week job.
Once I got a taste of the real world, and
the back of my fathers hand, I began to
appreciate school and the money involved
with going to school, he said. After that
frst semester at UR.I I pretty much got
all the partying out of my system and was
really able to focus on my studies. How-
ever, it did take him from the fall of 2002
to the spring of 2009 to receive his degree
from Southern.
On the other hand we have Tony Chick.
Chick came from a great family that
stressed the fact that education held pre-
cedence over all other activities. Having a
college degree meant the world to his dad;
being a self made man coming from a poor
mining town, he knew the value of a solid
education. Mr. Chick wasnt going to let
anything get into the way of his son receiv-
ing a degree.
My father came from nothing and
while working in the coal mines of York,
PA. he received a degree in business man-
agement from Penn State. Chick said. It
was great to be able to go to school fulltime
and not have to worry about working, this
helped me focus on school and not things
that would break my concentration. Chick
received his degree from Central Connecti-
cut State College, four years from the day
he graduated high school. Even though he
majored in computer science, he is now a
small business owner.
You know going to school at the same
time youre working 40 (or more) hours per
week is going to be tough. Now its time to
get real about how tough its going to be.
If you expect to get eight hours sleep and
three leisurely meals a day, youre going to
be very disappointed. Dont be surprised
if you have to pull some late nights study-
ing, Berman said in his article. Carvalho
and Chick both knew this. Whether Chick
sat in the library for hours after classes
were done or he stayed up till 2 a.m, the
end of the road was the same story, suc-
cess.
Both of these men, no matter which
road traveled, are both successful small
business owners at this time. Whether you
take one class a semester and work 60
hours, or you take 6 classes and have zero
life, the focal point is the same.
Full Time Student versus Full Time Adult
Photo by Anthony Horan.
Model: Charles Hemstock
HCC veteran Candy Reinoso studying.
Photo by Greg Blackwell.
9
HORIZONS News You Can Use
by rAChEl kulikoWski
stAff WritEr
A
s youre innocently scrolling
through Facebook, do you ever
notice something someone posts
on your boyfriends or girlfriends status
or a picture that upsets you? Or have you
ever come across people engaging in an
argument over a relationship in your news-
feed? Even if you havent, according to
Socialnomics.com; a recent study by the
American Academy of Matrimonial Law-
yers (AAML), revealed that 1 out of every
5 divorces site Facebook as the cause for
the breakup (United States). But is Face-
book whats really causing the problems,
or are people just causing problems for
themselves?
It is easy to blame Facebook for caus-
ing problems in your relationship. Face-
book makes it extremely easy for people
to get in touch with others from their past.
Before websites like this, if you did not
have someones phone number or address
people could be diIfcult to locate. Nowa-
days you can just type in someones name
and with just a simple friend request you
can see pictures of them, see places they
get tagged at, or with the click of a mouse
chat in a message. However, what one per-
son thinks of it as friendly chatting, another
person can interpret as firting.
A new user to Facebook, Christopher
Canal, shared that social networking
could be bad for your relationship if you let
it be bad. Another Facebook user, Melissa
Matto, says Facebook should just be used
for fun and catching up with old friends.
She also stated that sometimes on Face-
book people take things too seriously.
Before Facebook there was MySpace,
and the once popular chat rooms on AOL
and AOL instant messenger. Being un-
faithful to a partner using the Internet is
not a new thing. However, what is different
about Faccebook is that it combines all the
features from chat rooms, MySpace, e-mail
etc. all in one website. Nowadays profes-
sionals are using peoples social network-
ing profles when determining a potential
hire and even in legally settling divorce
cases. The website Ior The Law OIfce oI
Timothy J. Evans writes that No matter
on what grounds, if any, you are seeking
a divorce, you need to perform an Inter-
net search on yourself and see what is out
there. You should review any pages you
may have on any social media sites such
as Facebook and MySpace, Twitter, etc.
for any information or photos that may be
harmful. Because you may not understand
what could be harmful, you may want to
allow your attorney to access these pages
so he or she can review them. Pretty much
always be careful what you do and put on
the Internet. You might just not be harm-
ing your partner but you could be harming
yourself as well.
by Elliot griffin
stAff WritEr
W
ho are the professors actu-
ally teaching at Housatonic?
It seems this question should
have more answers than available. HCC
students certainly chatter about which pro-
fessors promote creativity and growth, and
which professors rely on the book to do the
teaching for them.
Some might argue students are noto-
rious for crying wolf on a teacher giving
too much homework, or actually correct-
ing worksheet handouts. But who, in this
search for productive professors, is more
important than the student?
Students are sincere.Whether positive
or critical, the average college students
will not pull any punches when forming an
opinion of a professor. Sincerity should al-
ways be held among the highest of values.
Students want to be taught by a human,
rather than a textbook. This connection
certainly stays with a student.
When asked who his most helpful pro-
fessor has been while at HCC, Kevin Chiz-
madia instantly stated, Michael Mandel.
Hands down. Hes an awesome guy and
defnitely knows what he`s talking about.
He knows how to make you comfortable
and motivated at the same time. It helps a
lot when a professor is so down to Earth
and honest. Hes a people-person who
knows his stuff, so really everyone loves
him.Perhaps rather than writing off stu-
dents criticism, we should value feedback.
Unfortunately, there certainly does
seem to be a number of professors hiding
behind their stories about where they used
to teach or even how they just came to the
country. Regardless of rhyme or reason,
it seems more constructive that we focus
on who the good professors are, and what
theyre doing to make us appreciate their
craft so much.
Although it might seem obvious, basi-
cally every kind of student prefers a less
structured, more open style of classroom.
Opinion and discussion are almost de-
manded by students today, as opposed to
students of the past hoping and waiting for
a time to voice their opinion on the sub-
ject matter. The subject of discussion never
seems to dictate the amount of discussion.
Even in a subject like Early Childhood
Development, students want to know why
things are the way they are. In speaking
with second-year student Breanna Miller,
I learned about her admiration and respect
for Early Childhood Development profes-
sor Michele Cohen. This is Breannas sec-
ond year with Cohen, and she cannot say
enough about the positive environment
throughout her course, coupled with Co-
hens friendly and helpful personality.
Shes super nice! She always gives me
great feedback on anything I have ques-
tions about.Students, like anyone or any-
thing in the learning process, respond very
positively to a helpful perspective.
At the risk of this article sounding like
one big thank you note, it seems worthy
to highlight some of the professors who
really allow their students to be creative
while steering them in the right direction.
Were all set with the photocopied work-
sheets, thank you.
Relationships and Social Networking
Looking for Good Professors
Students want to know why things are
the way they are.
by ArAyAnsy gArCiA
sEnior stAff WritEr
One! Two! Three! Zumba!
F
itness and dance centers all over
the U.S. and around the world are
dancing to Zumba, one of the most
popular and Iun-flled workouts to hit the
market in the last decade.
If you love Zumba, then becoming a
certifed Zumba instructor might iust be
your ticket to a fun job while still staying
in shape.
So what does it take to become a Zum-
ba Instructor?
The only prerequisite required is the
desire to become a Zumba instructor. Any-
one with a passion to teach Zumba can be-
come an instructor.
Housatonics Zumba Instructor, Chris-
tina Dancy, started dancing at the age of
three and taught dance for 10 years before
becoming a Zumba instructor.
'The strong background defnitely
helped me, but its not necessary. You just
need to love to dance! I love my job! Dan-
cy said.
According to Zumba Instructor Me-
lissa Sansone oI The EDGE ftness center.
Zumba classes are 55 minutes to an hour
long and can include anywhere between 3
to 175 attendees depending on the studio
size. Instructors can also have anywhere
between 10 to 18 songs for each class de-
pending on the length of the song.
Dancy stated that it also depends on the
crowd and their ability to keep up with the
instructor as far as what songs an instruc-
tor chooses to use to teach their class. You
dont want to do moves that are too hard or
dance too fast if the crowd doesnt have the
ability, because then no one will be able to
keep up with you, she said.
Although Zumba is Latin-inspired
and mainly consists of Spanish music,
Sansone said that 30 percent of the mu-
sic a Zumba instructor teaches in a class
can be of other music as well, like rock.
Ai Se Eu Te Pego, I Will Survive, and
Mi Corazon Esta Muerto, were among
Dancys playlist for HCCs Zumba class.
Instructors usually dance from the
beginning to the end of each class, stated
Sansone. The theory behind Zumba is to
choose intermittent songs in between so
the heart rate goes up, and down to cool
off.
I teach 12 classes a week, Dancy
said. She teaches two classes on Mondays
through Wednesdays, 3 on Thursdays, and
1 on Fridays to Sundays. I work every
day! Dancy added with laughter and a
smile on her face.
You need to be energetic and have the
need to want to dance. The big question is
how do they stay so energized? Its ad-
dicting and gives you energy, Dancy said.
Im a vitamin person and drink a lot of
water. Dancy said she drinks fruit and
vegetable smoothees to help keep her en-
ergized.
According to Dancy, its important
to get a good nights sleep. If you dont
take care of yourself, you will crash, she
added.
Zumba instructors can teach at several
ftness. health care. and recreational cen-
ters. They can also work for themselves or
private facilities, and can even teach at uni-
versities and colleges like HCC.
Teaching Zumba doesnt mean you
have to stress about wearing yourself out
by dancing all day. The hours depend on
how many you choose to work and are
based upon the facility you work for as
well. Sansone teaches Zumba while also
working at The EDGE to accumulate her
40 hours per week as a full time employee.
Instructors are paid depending on
where and who they work for. Salary can
range from as much as $50 per class and
up. Factors for their pay rate include the
Love to Dance? Get Paid to Dance As a Zumba
Instructor
Continued On Page... 10
10
HORIZONS News You Can Use
average Zumba Instructor in Connecti-
cut makes about $40,000 and up per year.
The process for becoming a Zumba in-
structor consists oI becoming certifed by
attending a one-day, eight-hour training
class with a master trainer.
According to Zumba Fitness, LLC., the
frst step in becoming a Zumba instructor is
to take the certifcation course. It consists
of two introductory levels, Zumba Basic
Steps Level 1 and Jump Start Gold.
Zumba Basic Steps Level 1 focuses
on teaching new instructors the four basic
rhythms of Zumba which include meren-
gue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton. In this
course master trainers teach instructors
how to create their frst Zumba class by
incorporating the four learned steps into
a song. With this certifcation course. in-
structors receive a one year basic Zumba
license that provides them with all the tools
and resources necessary to teach a class.
Jump Start Gold narrows its focus on
training new instructors on how to teach
Zumba to the active older adults who want
to stay in shape by having a good time.
Its a day long training, Sansone said.
Its an 8 to 10 hour class and you receive
your certifcation aIter your done.
The price to get certifed is $210 - $285
depending on where you train and how
far in advance you sign up for the training
class.
Once instructors receive their
Zumba certifcation. they can then
look for employment at any facility.
The interview process consists of an indi-
viduals background and personal infor-
mation, and an audition. Its put on your
music and show me what you got, Dancy
said.
Sansone stated that you need to have
two original routines when auditioning, be
confdent. and have good choreography.
According to Dancy a person needs
to have their own style and be confdent.
When I started teaching Zumba I would
wear a fower in my hair so people would
remember me, and theyd be like yeah Im
looking Ior the girl with the fower in her
hair. She said its important to separate
yourself from other instructors, so people
request you to teach a class.
Being a Zumba instructor isnt just a
one day training, you have to keep up with
new music and learn the moves. So how do
instructors learn their moves? I come up
with my own choreography, Dancy said.
Dancy also stated that instructors have
to get re-certifed once a year and pay the
initial Iee they paid Ior their basic certifca-
tion every year unless they become
a Zumba Instructor Member (ZIN). The
ZIN membership is a $30 monthly sub-
scription and provides instructors with free
music and DVDs in the mail for Zumba
dance moves and music to incorporate into
their playlists to teach in their classes.
Even men teach Zumba and attend
classes. After all, the creator of Zumba
is Alberto Beto Perez from Columbia,
South America.
Zumba is for anyone, Dancy said.
You dont have to be a certain age or size.
Anyone can do it...theres a lady in my
class that has no arms but dances Zumba.
Theres a variety of Zumba classes of-
fered on the market which include Zumba
Fitness, Zumba Tonic for kids, Aqua Zum-
ba which is taught in a pool primarily for
people recovering from injuries, and Zum-
ba Toning for the ultimate ab toning.
With Zumba you can help people party
their way into shape with an occupation
thats enjoyable. Its an amazing feeling
when you love you job, Dancy said.
I love it! Sansone said.
Photo By Arayansy Garcia
11
HORIZONS Opinions
by krystlE krysi piCCinino
sEnior stAff WritEr
T
he library should be open longer on
the weekends to give students more
time to study and do their work
on days and hours that they do not attend
class. Saturdays the library is only open
from 8-2 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5
p.m. I use the library on a frequent basis,
and Im not happy with the limited time on
the weekends. While attending Southern
Connecticut State University, the library
hours were the same every day of the week
to make the library more accessible. HCC
should do the same to give students more
time instead of rushing through their work/
study hours.
Based on my own experience with Sat-
urday, the hours are irritating. By the time
I wake up, get ready and eat breakfast,
theres barely any time left to complete any
work or reading at the library. Another ex-
ample are students that dont have internet
access and fnd it more convenient to stay
on campus because of a Saturday class they
might have. Many can say that the Bridge-
port Public Library is right next door to the
HCC campus, which is true. The downfall
of not being able to use the HCC library is
that there are certain books and body part
sculptures for science classes that arent al-
lowed to leave the library, and the public
library does not have such resources. Also,
the public library only allows an individual
two hours a day to use their Internet access.
As far as Sara Nagy, HCC student, she
fnds the Sunday hours bewildering. Nagy
lives in Shelton, CT, has two kids the ages
of 5 and 6 and is also married. Nagy ex-
presses her feelings by saying, No one
understands how hard it is. My husband
works different shifts and doesnt get home
until Im ready to leave for school on Sun-
day. I go to school from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. and
that leaves me no peace and quiet time to
put in extra studying time at the library
before the class or after my classes. When
you have a house flled with two spirited
kids, it sets back how much school work
you can get done!
Even though I dont have any children
and take online classes, I prefer to go to the
library to get my work done. If I stay home
I would never get the work done because
Id be distracted by the television, talking
on the phone, cleaning, etc. Just about any-
thing to distract me, I would do. Being at
the library helps me to stay focused and get
my work done properly, which is why Im
on the Deans List. I go to the library about
three times during the week and wish that
the library hours would be open as long as
the weekdays so I wouldnt have to push
myself to do my work at a certain time
when Im not yet motivated.
HCC should develop the Willis 24/7
Library Hours ruled enacted March 24,
2011. It should be open 24/7 so that the
students, whenever they want, they can go
to the library, Ryan Cho, a senator for the
Texas Academy of Math and Science, said.
It gives the students the freedom to learn
whenever they want. The Willis Librarys
current hours are Monday through Thurs-
day from 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., and 7:30 a.m.
to midnight Friday. Saturday, the library is
open from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, and Sun-
day it is only open from 1pm to 2 a.m.
In order for the school to extend the li-
brary hours, many things can be done by
students that feel the same way. There can
be a petition, a higher library budget to pay
for the staff to work extra hours, etc.
by kArEn fErnAndEz
Editor
F
or some of us, the best part of start-
ing ones day is a freshly brewed,
sweet-smelling, hot cup of coffee in
the morning. Some people cant function
without their french vanilla latte, cappuc-
cino, or chai tea before work. They be-
come these hostile, zombie-like creatures
that dwell in the copy room or blankly stare
at their computer screens in their cubicle,
growling at anyone who breaks their focus.
I happen to be one of the fortunate individ-
uals who encounter these caffeine junkies
on a regular basis, and boy is it swell!
One of the main reasons why I decided
to work in a coffee bar was to learn how
to make all those amazingly delightful,
hot and cold drinks that fll people with
joy when made just right. I paid close at-
tention as my co-worker taught me how to
properly steam milk for a perfectly frothed
cappuccino, and how to make those pump-
kin-caramel spice lattes taste just like the
holidays.
I learned quickly. and when I fnally
mastered all the drinks on the menu, I felt
a warm, fuzzy, feeling inside called accom-
plishment. But that feeling died a slow, and
agonizingly painful death each day, rude
customer after unbelievably rude custom-
er, until it was dead and buried!
I get everything from the regular ill
mannered customers who like to throw
their money at me, as if I were an exotic
dancer, instead of handing it to me as a po-
lite human-being would. Then theres the
multi-taskers who think its perfectly ok
to order coffee whilst chatting away on
their phones with someone more important
than I, the coffee bar chick, who mean-
while prepares a special, scorching-lava-
hot drink for them. I also have my crazi-
est-crazy lady who never ceases to amaze
me with her ridiculous requests: can you
please put gloves on before touching my
cup, because I saw you cleaning things
with your hands. Do you understand that
I am very sick right now and my immune
system is very weak!?
Finally, theres that type of customer
who effortlessly won several gold med-
als in the barbarian olympics. I was lucky
enough to come across one of these savag-
es a couple of weeks ago, and as I handed
the people ahead of him their receipt and
coffee, he barked, I dont have time for
this, I have to be somewhere, move it!-
Yeah let me have two small cappuccinos
with whole milk! Of course, because my
nametag reads: chopped liver!
I went from being overly enthusiastic
and loving my job, to being unbelievably
disgusted and loathing it. There are good
days, when customers say things like,
now thats what I call a cappuccino! and
my day is made. But there are mostly bad
days, when they say dumb things like, this
doesnt taste like the one they make at Star-
bucks, when clearly theyve come to the
wrong place.
What is it with people nowadays and
their relentless arrogance? Its bad enough
we have to go to these dead-end jobs
dressed in ridiculous uniforms, to work
horrible hours, and repeat the process dai-
ly. To make matters worse and literally add
insult to injury, the customers offend us for
free!
My most recent dose of this was about
a month ago when, after misreading our
menu and blaming it on me, the customer
basically called me an imbecile. I believe
his exact words were, I was going to say
something intelligent, but Im not going to
waste my breath. Thank you, incredibly
insensitive, disrespectful man, for making
my day that much better!
On the upside, its better than work-
ing in the bakery department a couple
feet away. A woman called me dirty for
putting out bagged bread with my gloved
hands on display, only because it came
from a different basket than we regularly
use. She kept shouting, youre unsanitary!
youre dirty! I will never shop here again!
But she came back to buy bread from us
a week later, says my co-worker Amanda
Rodriguez.
People. it`s really not that diIfcult to
be polite, in fact, it takes more effort to
be grossly uncivilized considering how
one gets agitated, angry, ones heart rate
elevates, which in turn makes one sweat/
change colors, etc.., basically, its just not
worth it. In the end, one only ends up mak-
ing a jackass out of oneself.
Last Thanksgiving, another co-worker
of mine, Megan Duhancik, had the plea-
sure of dealing with a V.I.P (a very igno-
rant person) in the bakery. I approached
the woman and asked politely, hi, is there
anything I can help you with? And with an
attitude she said, no, you cant help me!
(Pointing to my supervisor...) He is already
helping me, so why dont you mind your
own business and go futter away! re-
counts Duhancik. I got very upset. I was
only doing my job trying to assist her, all
she had to say was, no thank you, Im al-
ready being helped, and I wouldve moved
on to the next person in line.
It seems that during the holiday sea-
son, people become raging ego maniacs,
especially in retail. We forget that the per-
son providing us the service is just that, a
regular person. They arent the CEO of the
company, theyre not the ones who manu-
facture the product being sold, and theyre
most defnitely not Superman. That person
is just an employee of perhaps a major cor-
poration whoms best interests are sales
and proft. not the happiness and satisIac-
tion of its miserable employees.
Ive been working in retail since I was
sixteen, and one thing I can say is that its a
never-ending cycle of rude customers and
rude employees. In cases where the em-
ployee has a nasty attitude from the mo-
ment one walks up and says hi, it may
be that they are just fed up with the verbal
abuse day in and day out. I know there are
times when I too have reached my break-
ing point.
In a perfect world, customer service
would be a dream job, because one would
get to help other jolly people, such as one-
self, who aim to make the retail experience
as pleasant and peachy for others as well as
themselves.
Since our human race is not such, the
best thing one can do is, not be that d.b.
customer who cusses everyone out over a
shortage of boston-creme donuts, or that
employee with a nasty, attitude problem
whom everyone hates dealing with. Think
about it, life is short. Its unwise to waste
it having meaningless disputes with people
one barely knows over material things that
really dont matter.
Extended Weekend Library Hours
Photo by Justin Williams
Customer Service Blues
12 HORIZONS Opinions
What if It Was You?
by d.C. WEidEnfEllEr
Editor-in-ChiEf
Zombie Cat Case # 001
T
hey tend to hold themselves closely,
softly sturdy and elegant however
somewhat guarded. Not so much
snootiness rather the nature of a solitary
existence. One who in some cultures were
held on high, royalty even beyond. But not
this one, this one has been leftforgotten
outside. Some cruel dark souls trash.
I can hardly believe it is alive but it
is. As sad and cold as it may sound, I al-
most wish it wasnt. The knot in my throat
tightens to a sincere suffocation when I
walk past on my way to a warm comfort-
able safe dwelling.
The light grey fur from tired eyes to
hungry body to scrawny tail is matted and
greasy to the skin; it looks painful. What
passes as white fur on saddened face to
sore chest and empty belly is nothing more
than what can only be years of dirt, grime
and the funk of neglect. Infested with ear
mites, infected with something, as his la-
bored breathing causes a deep guttural hiss
and his tongue to hang permanently out of
its mouth as to ensure his airway remains
open if only slightly. Skinny bone skin-
ny and naturally small in stature food does
not come easy; neither does warm soothing
rest, or bodily strength. A tired soul who
somehow manages to fnd the will to con-
tinue, and an inspiration to me.
I call him Zombie Cat and he or she
lives (if you can call it that) somewhere on
the property of a small apartment building
not 50 feet from my girlfriends home. It
started out as a silly comment one sunny
morning in August as I walked towards
Madison Avenue. I realized that I had be-
gun to pay attention to this particular ani-
mal, even taking the time to grab a can of
Nine Lives and a paper bowl and give it
something to ease the aching in its belly.
I took a minute or two of video and as the
other stronger feral cats began to circle
in I decided that was enough. The bowl
was just about empty and Zombie cat was
full at least for now
Update 10/15/12 - it has been a few
weeks since I can remember seeing zom-
bie cat. It is reasonable to assume that its
suIIering has fnally come to an end. but its
suffering has not gone in vain. Zombie cat
will not be forgotten.
Dead Dog In A Box Case #002
The body was dumped on the side of the
road long a chain-link fence with the rest of
the litter. It is an industrial neighborhood.
A factory sits forlorn behind the fence. The
body was wrapped in a black plastic con-
tractors garbage bag and transported in a
dilapidated cardboard box, ripped, torn and
abused, most certainly like it was.
A brown tan blackish paw and leg show
along with the chest, a blotch of white al-
most resembling a star claims the breast-
plate. The rest remain shrouded with in its
plastic and cardboard tomb. The sight of
the head beneath the oxygen starving plas-
tic brings suffocating horror to my imagi-
nation. How did you die? How did you end
up here in this industrial wasteland? Why
does no one care about you? Im sorry. I
wish I could have helped you. What else
really is there to say? Is it possible for peo-
ple to change?
Pepper Case #003
She is skinny, but not quite to point
where skin draped over decaying bone is
an accurate description. The broad nose of
a pit bull was obvious, and, as she panted,
it very much looked as if she was smiling.
Her brown and black coat was dull and a
ragged and knotted piece of what looks
like cotton cord is around her neck, but
not choking her. Her energy is high and in
good health... but looks can be deceiving. I
called Animal Control, as that was my only
option. After all it seemed just for a mo-
ment as iI she is adopting me. I frst met
Pepper by the intersection of Iranistan Ave
and Fairfeld Ave iust aIter dropping my
work truck off at the shop. A small subtle
gesture that I was neither afraid of her or
a threat and she began to follow. Very...
VERY friendly and curious too, possibly
trying to fnd her way back home. For ten
minutes I waited following her as she was
following me. Only I was aware of the
motorized dangers, both of us narrowly
escaped getting hit by a green BMW. As
she lost interest in me and my not so fun
guardianship, she began curiously nosing
around a yard and I, knowing it was time
to go, sadly walked away. The chances I
will run into Pepper again are tiny, but are
much improved is her chances of survival
because today, she saw that not all people
are mean.
These are real, honest thoughts about
personal experiences with animals that
have been left to their own devices and
instinct for survival in a world far differ-
ent than they were meant for, a matter of
fact for domesticated animals. Though
possibly touching, they do not paint a pic-
ture remotely close the actual scope of the
problem. Shows like Animal Cops on Ani-
mal Planet, begin to show to a wider more
mainstream audience the many abuses and
the intensity of what they endure. They
also show what these lost souls face once
they are rescued and even sometimes the
legal aspects and penalties their cruelty
givers may go through.
To get an exact number or total of ani-
mal abuse cases is impossible. However,
there are organizations doing their best.
One such group undertaking these trauma-
tizing tasks are the people at pet-abuse.com
According to pet-abuse.com, Con-
necticut was reported to have six cases
of animal beatings. It doesnt sound like
much. but it accounts Ior 5.04 oI 119
cases nation wide. Try wrapping your head
around this one. Again, according to pet-
abuse.com, Conncticut had two cases or
18.18oI burning an animal with a caustic
substancechemical burns.on purpose.
With only 11 cases across the country, the
grand old Nutmeg state is equal to Califor-
nia. The other seven states have only single
occurrences of this brutality.
The next area Connecticut appears on
the cruelty list is for cases of choking,
strangulation, and suffocation, in which
out of a national total of 26 cases, one case
found its way to the pet-abuse.com list.
Two cases of animal hoarding have
been registered in the state, a problem that
is beginning to get much national attention.
These two cases make up 1.34 oI those
reported to this agency.
The next statistic is neglect and aban-
donment. Seven cases have been reported
to pet-abuse.com for abandonment and/ or
neglect. That`s 1.68 oI reported abandon-
ment cases. As mentioned above, it is very
hard to get exact accounts. fnd or prove
these cases except when they are the most
extreme.
One poor animal was the victim of a
shooting totaling .74 oI the total shoot-
ing case, which is 136 for the country,
while Connecticut accounted Ior 2.94 or
one case of throwing an animal with intent
to harm it. There was also two accounts
of illegal trapping / hunting in the state or
the top number of recorded incidences or
33.33 oI the six cases accounted Ior 2010
pet-abuse.com report.
Of the 31 documented cases of besti-
ality in the country Connecticut can lay
claim to one of those. The list goes on.
Theft, throwing, drowning... and as much
as I am repulsed from the grotesque nature
of the information I as gathering, I needed
to know more about the organization and
where and how this information is com-
piled together. The website also monitors
open cases and provides information on
cruelty conditions, abuse laws and a net-
work where people can turn to report abuse
incidences. An attempt to contact their me-
dia department has been made, however
due to its volunteer base model responses
are taking longer than anticipated. (Further
information on the site and organization
will be provided in part 2)
The most intense information came
from Dr Lewis Piper of the Barnum Animal
Hospital located in Stratford. With over 35
years practicing veterinary medicine, Piper
began to describe the horrifc end results
of animal abuse, the stabbings and broken
bodies. Living, breathing bags of bones
starved from food and water, deprived of
a healthy comfortable life. Piper told me of
a treatment for mange, consisting of kero-
sene and the drenching of the affected dog.
He told me of cases of brutal nightly beat-
ings lasting years until the slow and painful
death fnally claimed peace over the ani-
mal because of a stereotype. The most
gruesome incident involved a small group
oI men. knives. a 'game; the fnal piece oI
equipment was a small kitten. The facts
of that story I do not wish to tell again as
each retelling bring visual images to my
mind and a knot to my stomach.
Besides humans, chimps are the only
other creature that kills just because, ex-
plained Piper. Putting forth an overwhelm-
ing amount of information detailing the
pain and suffering that animals can endure
even after rescue, Piper said something
that struck me as very deep for something
so simply put, We set a bad example for
them, referring to the rest of the animal
kingdom.
Piper believes that education, both at
home and school, can help combat this
problem. He recalled a case in which a
young boy had shot a dog in the eyes, per-
manently blinding the animal. The father
of the child could not see the seriousness
of the situation and said the boy would be
dealt with. The patterns and psychology
behind animal abuse starts at home, and
should be dealt with appropriately. Piper
discussed with me how he believes that
the penalties for these crimes are far too
lenient and that more severe punishment
should be imposed on people who abuse
animals.
Part two will go into more detail the
patterns, signs, and why people become
animal abusers. The legal aspects will be
discussed as well, along with abuse track-
ing sites such as pet-abuse.com mentioned
earlier.
I will also feature information focusing
on the frst responders the animal rescue
world. With the damage caused by Hur-
ricane Sandy, it is important to remember
that animals domestic and wild suffer from
disasters, and people do put their safety
and even lives on the line to help. Also,
information on what to do should you en-
counter an abused animal or suspect that
an animal is being abused will also be pro-
vided and can contact these saviors of the
animal world.
Next time you want to think, Its just
an animal, think again What if it was
you?
Email D.C. Weidenfeller at dcweid.wei-
denfeller8@gmail.com
A dead dog wrapped in a garbage bag and left in a box by an old factory in Bridgeport CT
By D.C Weidenfeller
By D.C Weidenfeller
13
HORIZONS Opinions
by JAy lEdErmAn
Contributing WritEr
I
t didnt come as a complete surprise
that when the power went out as a re-
sult of Hurricane Sandy. People were
going to be in dire straits, and my experi-
ence was no different.
It was late afternoon Monday Oct. 29,
when the storm began impacting the Con-
necticut coastline. I planned on riding it out
just like my neighbors, but unlike them, I
was not prepared for what laid ahead. I
did not have a generator, or running city
water, and was not mentally ready to walk
through the fre.
Okay, so I may not have had to walk
through fre. but nonetheless I was abso-
lutely miserable without power. At exactly
6:35 p.m. on the evening the storm struck,
we lost electricity. And so my nightmare
began. Where I live it was clear the next
day that the wake of the storm had left
behind a path of destruction. Trees were
down, and had fallen on power lines. Some
were left hanging from branches, others
were sprawled across the road like the ten-
tacles oI malevolent sci-f creature Cthul-
hu, patiently waiting to claim the life of
an unsuspecting motorist. After the storm,
I tossed and turned; restlessness was set-
tling into my bones. The night was long
and I would come to fnd out the days were
no better. I stayed out of the house most
of the time looking for a place to charge
my cellphone. I found refuge in a Subway
restaurant in town that never lost power. I
ordered lunch and sat at a table next to an
electrical outlet on the wall, praising it as
if it were a golden god.
Oct. 30, mischief night, I ventured to a
friends business on the other side of town,
a local cigar shop. He had been without
power both at his home and his store-front
for two-days and was beginning to fear that
the cigars inside of the humidor were going
bad. We crowded around candlelight with
friends and family, smoking cigarettes,
drinking whisky, and eating McDonalds
cheeseburgers to pass the time. None of us
had showered in over two-days.
Oct. 31, Halloween night, the tempera-
ture began to plummet and my family be-
gan turning on each other. My house was
no longer warm and cozy. It was a burned
out hollow shell sitting on top of a dark and
lonely hill in rural suburbia, a home where
the tender warmth of a once loving family,
now screaming at each other in darkness,
felt miles away. I placed the jack-o-lantern
I had carved earlier that day outside on the
stoop. Its glowing twisted face served as a
shining beacon in the black night, warning
all those who dare enter do so at their own
risk.
by Justin Quinn
stAff WritEr
T
he hours before the storm
had hit everything had
seemed to be fne. The
streets were calm and smooth,
and cars just passed by like noth-
ing was going on. But for some
reason around the stroke of noon,
everyone in my town started to
have a panic. I remember a local
7-11 kept their doors wide open
with a huge sign saying: GEN-
ERATORS ON SALE. On the
inside, stuff was everywhere like
they were on a liquidation sale.
A few hours had passed and
things had gotten more sporadic,
and the winds had started to pick
up. Then the Facebook feeds
started to come in. Some people had post-
ed that they had their trampoline on their
wires in Milfor, but the most interesting
one was the one of the soldiers in Arlington
still guarding the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier in the storm. Thats when the news
broke on WTNH with Governor Malloy on
telling the people of the state to just stay
indoors and wait out the storm then it cut
over to shown one of the WTNH reporters
during the storm as people are driving by
trying to take pictures of the storm.
Around 6 a.m. the next morning around
four trees had fallen and blocked the streets
around my house, and a lot of generators
had blown up but I hadnt lost power. I
was called into my job at the hospital to
help with the evacuation effort, but nearly
every street I went down had a tree fallen.
I fnally I got my way around using 110.
where every light was out and you had to
just depend on the people in front of you.
Hell and High-water:
How Sandy Affected a Suburbanite
Slob
Simply Put: Sandy is
Here
Seaside Village Homes Destroyed
by krystlE krysi piCCinino
sEnior stAff WritEr
D
uring the years of World War I in
1918, the homes of Seaside Vil-
lage were built to house workers
during the wartime efforts. Seaside Village
is a historical landmark located near Sea-
side Park Beach in Bridgeport. It houses
257 units in 50 different buildings. Little
did residents know that their precious
homes would be fooded and under sewage
and seawater for three days due to Hurri-
cane Sandy.
Seaside Village is a huge food zone that
lies on a mini peninsula with a river on one
end and Seaside Park Beach on the other
end. Due to fooding being such a risk.
residents were encouraged by the police
and fre department more than fve times
starting on Saturday, October 27, 2012 to
evacuate the area.
Many people stayed in the village be-
cause tropical storm Irene caused fooding
in their basements and because of the salt
water, many appliances had to be replaced.
As a resident myselI. we fgured like many
other residents, if we stayed home then we
were able to use a sump pump to get the
water out while it started to food our base-
ments, hoping we would be lucky enough
to save our belongings so we would not
have to face losing everything two years in
a row.
On the down side, we were told by law
enIorcement oIfcials that iI we decided to
stay that it would be on our own terms and
that under any circumstances they were not
coming back to save us once the storm hit.
Unfortunately, due to the substation
nearby, on Monday, October 29th at 6:00
p.m. the power was shut off in the whole
village. Neighbors and myself immediately
rushed outdoors with fashlights to check
the streets to see iI there was any food-
ing because during tropical storm Irene,
the streets oI Seaside Village were fooded
with water to the point where it looked like
a river. People were even on rafts and ca-
noes rowing around to see the damages.
We decided to take a walk down the
street towards Seaside Park Beach to see
iI we could see any fooding but nothing
was visible. As soon as we returned to
our houses, our feet felt cold and wet. We
shined our fashlights down the road and
saw water swarming down the street like a
current and we quickly ran to our porches
for safety. In a matter of minutes the village
was completely fooded and the water level
was at the highest step of all of our porch-
es. My family stood at the top of our porch
nervously looking at the water pouring into
our basement from the window knowing
that without power there was nothing we
could do to save anything in the basement.
With nothing to do, we eventually went to
sleep awaiting daylight to see the massive
destruction the food had caused.
On Tuesday, October 30, 2012, Seaside
Village was in for a rude awakening. Once
again the streets of Seaside Village looked
like a river. Houses closer to the beach
were so fooded that when they opened
their basement doors. water flled their
kitchens. I myself had 3 feet in my base-
ment. When I opened the basement door, I
saw my washer and dryer tipped over from
the buoyancy of the water and my furnace
and hot water heater just drowning in the
water. My family knew right then and there
that there was no saving any of these appli-
ances this year.
Luckily, being a historical landmark in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, Seaside Village
received help from many different orga-
nizations. East Coast Plumbing and Drain
Cleaning. Inc. was there frst thing in the
morning with generators, and plenty of
workers ready to pump out all of our base-
ments. With the streets being fooded and
units being connected to one another, it
took three days for the water to be com-
pletely out of each basement.
On Wednesday, October 31, 2012, the
water was fnally cleared Irom the streets
and more help was on its way to save us
from our devastation. Mayor Bill Finch
sent in dumpsters for everyone to get rid
of things from their basement since every-
thing was contaminated by the water. As I
was in my basement, it saddened me to see
that so many personal belongings could not
be saved, such as my baby pictures, awards
since I was a little kid and old Disney orna-
ments I was saving for when I had children
of my own. It was devastating to see my
childhood literally being thrown away.
Luckily the American Red Cross also
came by with bottled water, food and toi-
letries. Mormons from the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints also spent two
days in Seaside Village helping residents to
clean up their basements and anything else
they needed. It was truly amazing to see
the help that we received to try and get our
historical landmark back on its feet.
On the downside, many people have
left and are moving out of Seaside Village
Homes due to the food damage. Some
people saw the amount of water they had
in their basements, packed up their belong-
ings and just moved out. Others are look-
ing for new houses or apartments because
they cannot deal with the amount oI food-
ing we have received the past two years
from Tropical Storm Irene and now Hur-
ricane Sandy. This historical landmark is
going downhill and needs to be saved.
Frank Ferrari, a Seaside Village Homes
resident. says. 'We`ve been fooded 2 years
in a row, what is this going to be an ev-
ery year thing? Something has to be done.
There must be something that the city of
Bridgeport can do to keep the water from
overfowing Long Island Sound at Seaside
Park Beach. There are preventative walls
at every other beach so why not here too?
HopeIully with the fooding being a
recurring thing, the city of Bridgeport can
fnd a way to somehow prevent the water
from causing so much damage to our city,
especially our precious historical landmark
of Seaside Village Homes.
Hurricane Sandy
Photo By David Wiedenfeller
14
HORIZONS Opinions
We are very excited about this second issue of Housatonic Horizons for the 2012 Fall semester, and we all would like to
thank you for picking up your copy of the paper. All of us from both Publications and Graphic Design worked very hard
to give you our best. Horizons is not just a class project... It is YOUR paper, so we invite you, faculty, family friends and
most of all the students to write in to us. We want to hear your comments questions and suggestions for future issues of
Horizons. Feel free to contact Housatonic Horizons sta at housatonichorizons@gmail.com or you can contact myself at
dcweid.weidenfeller8@gmail.comank you!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Editor in Chief
by d.C WEidEnfEllEr
Editor-in-ChiEf
My girlfriend was getting on my nerves.
Let me rephrase that. Her anxious nervous-
ness was getting to me, though charged
with the care of her adoring 5-year old-
daughter and living in an economically
challenged nation I did have a compassion-
ate understanding for it. Nonetheless Hur-
ricane Sandy was coming for an unwanted
fall visit.
I. on the other hand. was not fred with
great concern. The occasional hurricane to
the Northeast was not unheard of. Irene hit
with a tropical aggression, but my family
and friends made it through no worse for
wear, except for a little extra spending on
supplies, the inconvenience of losing elec-
tricity, the bother of all the complaining
and of course the damages from the storm
itself.
The girlfriend kept up with her talk
throughout the day, desperately trying to
sway my opinion of the menacing weather
quickly approaching, and I readily coun-
tered with what is my usual hurricane
comeback: My Dad lives in Florida
Blah Blah Blah, he wasnt too worried
about it blah blah blah and as I settled in
for the latest installment of AMCs The
Walking Dead. she did her best to fnish
preparations while trying to be social
and bed time.
I woke to growing winds, and grey
skies. The Storm of the Century is just
about to make her debut appearance on the
East Coast, and it was time for me to hit the
beat, iPhone in hand, to capture her com-
ing.
It wasnt long before the sirens of a
Bridgeport Fire Company blared down
Gilman Street, escorting one of Bridgeport
Transit Buses and a lit up police cruiser.
The electronic destination screen above the
front wind shield read EMERGENCY
TRANSPORT, something I remember
was a major complaint last year for Hur-
ricane Irene: the lack of transportation to
emergency shelters during an evacuation.
Rounding Gilman, the inner sanctum of
Ash Creek and its marshlands was rising
steadily but not to the threshold of threat-
ening to food the streets oI Black Rock.
not yet anyway. Further around the bend
closing in on the Connecticut shoreline, the
salt of long Island Sound could be tasted in
the air. The wind began to push me around;
Sandy was letting me know she was on her
way and close.
Unlike the waters of Ash Creek sur-
rounding Grand Island Marsh, the mouth
of the river and channel of South Benson
Marina |on the Fairfeld side| was begin-
ning to stand up as we used to say of
rough waters back when I worked the clam
boats of Bridgeport and Stratford.
That brownish yellow foam was begin-
ning to form along the rocks of the seawall,
white water shown its frothy self as wave
after wave began pounding the coastline.
As the wind intensifed. mist Irom break-
ing waves was carried through the air as
if it were the rain Sandy was predicted to
be drenching all in her Northerly path. I
recalled what I had heard for water height
and surge, including waves. At this point
however, the predictions of a 5-10 foot
storm surge and 16-foot waves seemed a
bit exaggerated. However. I also fgured it
was better to be safe than sorry.
Looking down at the growing swells,
I remembered that this was the earlier of
two high tides coming in during Sandys
most unwelcome visit. Plus this was all
happening during a full moon. A high tide
during a full moon is my worry meter
was beginning to rise but not much. The
day continued as any other Monday ex-
cept the closure of HCC and an extended
weekend Ior me. I fnished playing reporter
and decided it was time to get home. I was
getting pushed around, it was cold and ee-
rily wet as the usual rains of a hurricane
where not here sandy was still being
mean.
Throughout the day police and fre de-
partment personnel urged people to take
heed of the evacuation. A city bus sat idle
and empty, the driver waiting seemingly
indifferent to the goings on around him.
Bus leaves at noon and thats it not sure
if any more cops are comin back here but
this is the fnal bus he said. hands stuIIed
in his pockets. He permitted me to take a
handful of snapshots of the bus, thinking it
an insightful picture to share with a friend
in our journalistic endeavors.
The power went out about 7:25 p.m. I
guess exact time doesnt matter because
time seems to halt when the power goes
outand that is when the mind can wan-
der. I was on the phone with the girlfriend,
It was important to know that she and her
little one were okay home safe and sound.
Taking one last hurricane walk down to
the end of _________ where the street cor-
ner meets the water. Water levels walked
even with the top of the ______________
apartments complexs seawall also shared
by two one-family homes, the waves
though broken by the submerged wall
still found
much space
and freedom
of movement.
Mist and foam
fying through
the air, water
undoubt edl y
flling crawl
spaces and
b a s e me n t s .
The wind was
whipping and
cold, debris
danced across
the road and col-
lected about. Black
Rock was in the dark and sailing blind as
Sandy did as she wished during her visit.
Stress levels were high as I struggled
to reach my dearly missed companion. I
watched on as my neighborhood kin went
about their damage assessments. I was
lucky VERY LUCKY, no damage to the
homestead. not even a fooded basement.
very much unlike Irenes gifts last year
water in the basement for weeks. My only
commonality was the inconvenient loss of
electricity. I did fnally admit to myselI as
I continued to reach out to my love this
storm was pretty bad.
Boredom creeped arrogantly in my
mind, and to cure it I took to the streets.
A bicycle seemed ftting because with no
traIfc lights to control the untamed driv-
ers of Bridgeport, the roads were that much
more dangerous.
Police and emergency crews were
scrambling into position. National Guard
troops picked up the slack. The usual com-
plaining began, How long till we get pow-
er, I havent seen a UI truck yet what are
they doing? beginning most conversa-
tions.
In the midst of all the chaos a unique
opportunity was blessed upon me. I had
been given not only front line access to an
oIfcial Hurricane Sandy media event with
statements made by Secretary of Home-
land Security Janet Napolitano, Governor
Malloy, Bridgeports Mayor Bill Finch and
other federal and state big wigs, I was able
to sit in on a closed door no media allowed
disaster briefng which included inIorma-
tion from FEMA about what they would be
doing and the opening oI their frst 'relieI
center right in the performing arts center
of Lafyette Hall.
I felt apart of something bigger than
myself. I saw how much work goes into the
cooperative efforts and continuous work
involved, from damage and restoration pri-
ority assessment to resource management.
The experience quieted my complaints
and renewed my feeling of community. As
clean up continued and power restored life
began to resemble the normality we all are
accustomed to. Stores restocked erishable
goods, the blaring monotony of emer-
gency generators wasgone more and more
each day, except for those areas hardest hit
like coastal areas.
And with this gradual return to normal
life came the curiosity that dwells within,
leading to temptation and a drive through
Fairfeld and the realization oI the extent
of the devastation. Seven days after Sandy,
the Town oI Fairfeld`s beach community
was lined with ruin. Mattresses and wash-
ing machines, water heaters, space heaters,
and mountains of household items, per-
sonal effects, the the remainder of Hallow-
eens demise for the second straight year.
This was not the Jennings Beach park-
ing lot or Sand Castle playground fooded
beyond recognition only to that of a lake.
This was not the destruction of a tarmack
walkway to the Fairfeld Fishing Pier lay-
ing in rubble as sandy had eroded its sandy
foundation. it was the unexpected, pos-
sibly denied realization of my hometown
devastated. The places i ran amuck, peo-
ples homes and property gone, covered in
a salty, silty reminder from mother nature
and Long Island Sound.
My heart and prayers go out to all my
Connecticut kin, remembering that we are
but a part of nature and the world we live
in, not masters of it.
Yes, I admit it.... Ive been sucker
punched by Sandy.
A Sandy Sucker Punch
Photo By David Wiedenfeller
15
HORIZONS Health
Health
by shErly montEs
stAff WritEr
W
e all love hitting the snooze but-
ton in the morning and sleeping
in a little longer than we should.
We also spend most of our day complain-
ing about how tired we are...but why is
that?
Todays college students are so tired and
overworked by their demanding schedules
and hectic lives, which ultimately causes
sleep deprivation. Work, class, family, and
bills are just a few of the common issues
that college students have to deal with
from day to day that might cause them to
get less sleep than is necessary to function.
Housatonic student Nohley Trujillo
says that she tries typically to get eight
hours of sleep a night, but a lot of the time
other matters interfere.
'I fnd myselI staying up late every
night because I have a busy schedule, says
Trujillo. I dont think that I get enough
sleep because I always wake up feeling
tired, cranky and grouchy.
Yet Trujillo also suggested a tip for
those who feel sleep deprived, saying,
You should try to take naps during the
day, when possible, so that youre not
overly tired.
According to The Center for Disease
Control and Prevention, adults of eighteen
years of age and older are supposed to get
approximately seven to nine hours of sleep
a night. Unfortunately, on average 30 per-
cent of adults only get about six hours of
sleep a night, if that, or less.
Mark Merchan, a freshman at HCC,
said that he gets typically three to four
hours of sleep a night due to having a busy
schedule, along with having to complete
multiple reading and research assign-
ments. Merchan also said that the only
way he stays awake is by consuming large
amounts of caffeine every day.
I lack concentration, I doze off in
class. and lately I fnd myselI oversleep-
ing. Id wake up around 6 or 7 a.m. on the
frst couple weeks oI school. but now I fnd
myself waking up around 8 or 8:20 a.m.
for my classes which start at 9 a.m., said
Merchan.
While many students can
blame their sleep deprivation
on legitimate reasons such
as work, some students suf-
fer from it due to other trivial
matters.
HCC student Jasmyne
Sullivan says I try to get
seven hours of sleep each
night , but my laptop keeps
me up. I get distracted by
YouTube and I usually have
to force myself to go to sleep,
then when I wake up in the
morning, and I feel tired and
angry.
Sullivan says that laptops
and TVs can be a huge dis-
traction at night. She sug-
gests that if you have the
same problem, then you
should turn off the electronics and force
yourself to go to sleep.
In the long run, not getting enough
sleep will not only make your day to day
life unpleasant but it will also put you at
risk for multiple medical illnesses such as
high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke,
obesity, depression and psychiatric prob-
lems.
Sleep deprivation is a matter that should
be taken earnestly in order to lead a health-
ier, happier life. To avoid these long term
illnesses and maddening daily struggles,
hitting the sheets a little earlier at night
might be just what you need to feel better
rested and prepared for the next day!
There are many different causes for
sleep deprivation and although not every-
one may share the same reasons for their
lack of sleep, many of the symptoms are
the same, such as:
Constant sleepiness
Mood changes
Lack oI concentration
Hallucinations
Memory lapses
Complaining
Impatience
Irritability
If any of these symptoms seem to ring
a bell, then you might be suffering from
sleep deprivation. Now youre probably
wondering what you can do to fx your
sleep deprivation and get more rest. Well
below are a few tips for you to try out to
ensure that you get a better nights sleep.
ACCording to hElp guidE
(www.helpguide.org)
Try to go to bed at the same time
every night and wake up at the same
time every morning.
Avoid caIIeine. alcohol. and nicotine
before bed.
Make your bedroom a comIortable
space to sleep/relax in.
Create a bedtime routine iI you don`t
have one.
by krystlE krysi piCCinino
sEnior stAff WritEr
A
ccording to school policy, smok-
ing is not permitted anywhere in
Housatonic Community College.
However, there is no mention to the rules
of smoking outside on campus grounds.
In front of Lafayette Hall there is a no
smoking sign over 30 feet away from the
Iront door. Near the fnancial aid oIfce
there is a no smoking sign about 20 feet
away from the doors and it is also located
about 10 feet away from a smoking is al-
lowed sign. Near the bookstore in Beacon
Hall there is a no smoking past this point
sign 10 feet in front of the main doors.
On campus there is some controversy
when it comes to smoking on campus.
These signs are very close to one another,
so many wonder what is the difference? No
smoking in the courtyard but none of the
school windows can open -- so why is it
necessary?
Amber Onidi, a newcomer to HCC,
says, I thought that no smoking on high
school grounds was okay because not ev-
eryone is 18, but I never expected to come
to college and have smoking rules. We
should be able to smoke wherever we want
to, especially in the courtyard. Its a cut
through to classes and Id like to be able to
enjoy my cigarette on the way to class. The
no smoking signs are practically right
near the smoking is allowed signs so I
dont see what the difference is.
The no smoking rule on campus all
comes down to second hand smoke, ac-
cording to Americans for Nonsmokers
Rights. Second hand smoke can cause heart
disease and lung cancer for those that do
not smoke. According to Centers for Dis-
ease Control, For nonsmokers, breathing
secondhand smoke has immediate harm-
ful effects on the cardiovascular system
that can increase the risk for heart attack.
Nonsmokers who are exposed to second-
hand smoke at home or work increase their
heart disease risk by 2530.3. When it
comes to lung cancer, Non smokers who
are exposed to secondhand smoke at home
or work increase their lung cancer risk by
2030.3
Smokefree.gov is a website that in-
cludes step-by-step guides to quit smoking,
talking to an expert about smoking, a way
to fnd tools to help a person quit. a place
to learn about topics related to quiting and
shows some support for people that wish to
quit smoking. The website says that 20.6
of Americans are smokers. Connecticut
has a percentage oI 15.4 and is ranked
the 43rd state nationwide. The states of Ar-
kansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma require that
all public institutions be smoke-free, so
why doesnt Connecticut as well? The rea-
soning of HCC enacting this law is to ar-
ticulate the principles that underpin HCCs
commitment to be a smoke-free campus.
Some students fnd that the policy is a
good rule and decision to make. Sara Nagy,
HCC student of two years, says, I recently
quit smoking at the beginning of this se-
mester, I dont need to smell it when Im
walking outside on campus. Second hand
smoke is bad for people and Im sure every
non-smoker on campus feels the same way.
Why should we have to suffer in a cloud
full of smoke to satisfy other people? Its
disgusting.
Americans for Nonsmokers Rights in-
dicates, As of October 5, 2012, at least
826 colleges or universities in the U.S.
have adopted 100 smoke Iree campus
policies that eliminate smoking in indoor
and outdoor areas across the entire cam-
pus, including residences. The number of
colleges that are smoke free have grown
from 530 campuses since July 2011 and
420 campuses from July 2010. With the
increase visible, nosmoke.org hopes to see
the number continue to climb rapidly to
support smokefree environments for cam-
pus health and well-being.
Im SO Tired!
Whats the Deal With No Smoking?
Nohely Trujillo falling asleep while trying to accomplish home-
work due to sleep deprivation.
Photo by Sherly Montes
Got some news you want covered?
Have an opinion you want to express about something youve read?
Let us know!
Write to housatonichorizons@gmail.com.
16
by dEb torrEso
Editor-At-lArgE
I
often equate owning property on the
water with that of a love-hate relation-
ship. The effects of a weather element
can beat down your spirits, and then just
when you think you have had enough, it
sends you a beautiful bouquet of sunshine,
and a bottle of sweet summer breezes. You
will almost always forgive its transgres-
sions. Acquiescence will overthrow logic
just so you can feel that loving warmth on
your skin, and the wind tickling through
your hair. Yes. the sea`s come-hither fir-
tation can dangerously lull you into an in-
toxicating euphoria. You must, however,
be aware of its incredible power, one that
has fooled and manipulated mankind since
the beginning of time.
Herein lies the saga of The River Dog.
My brother Greg and I were in our third
year serving customers at the boat ramp in
StratIord. The frst year was new and ex-
citing. flled with great Iood. great times
and great people; we couldnt wait for year
two.
Year two started with more of the same;
however hurricane Irene would soon rear
her ugly head, not unlike the snake-venom
mane of Medusa, to savagely attack our
waterfront. I look back at our naivety as
we battened down the hatch, making
certain our plants were brought in, and our
perishables tucked away. Underestimating
the power of such an event, we innocently
went home thinking we would arrive the
next day to fnd a 'minor clean-up.
Needless to say, it was catastrophic, not
nearly as bad as the people who lost their
homes and personal belongingsor worse,
but in a way where we shared the shock,
and awe of this unexpected and violent af-
front. It was an eerie membership to a new
club with which we would forever be con-
nected.
Not seeing the damage actually occur,
left many wondering how such a thing
could happen. It was a melancholy time for
stories of the sea to be recited repeatedly
by eye-witnesses. One in particular would
leave me breathless as I replayed it in my
minds eye. A waterfront resident of the
neighboring Tide Harbor condominiums
said it looked like a Tsunami surging up
over the waters edge, effortlessly sweep-
ing the food stand up and out onto the side
of the river bed. We spent weeks locating
and moving each piece back onto dry land,
and months putting most of it back together
in time to reopen for the next season.
Looking back, it seemed as though we
had been forced to pay some hidden dues
for the right to share this sacred land with
Mother Nature and her aquatic warriors.
Well, fortunately life would go onmajor
tragedy averted. What could be the odds of
anything like this ever happening again?
As we entered our third year, we felt as
if we had learned our lessons and were now
ready to move to the next level.
All went well until Super Storm Sandy
showed us all how vulnerable we still were
as we found ourselves reliving last years
nightmareiust as nave as the frst time
who could have predicted two major hur-
ricanes in two years. We certainly werent
accustomed to such things around here, but
there it was. Im not proud to admit I never
saw it coming, and his time the damage
was extreme.
As I stood by this broken wreck once
again. I could Ieel the fght to overcome
subside and the need to succumbtake
over. Human nature is a funny thing,
though; we often feel the need to rene-
gotiate our decisions, especially the ones
tainted with emotionality. Once our pain
has eased and our spirits lifted, we may
fnd our strength return to meet that power
which has beat us downwith ferocity the
likes of which arenot to be underesti-
mated.
So You Say You Want to Live By the Water?
HORIZONS