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Spring Edition 2014

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More Than Just Money Allocations and Activities: Senate Polices their Own Page 4

Students Get Leadership Training from HCCs Newest Club Page 4

Page 5

New Society Takes HCC By Storm

New Home, New Life, New Discoveries

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Whats The Word On Flappy Bird? .................................................................3 BY OLIVIA HoDGE STAFF WRITER Are You Ready For Graduation? ......................................................................3 BY PAUL ChUhVoV STAFF WRITER Students Get Leadership Training from HCCs Newest Club ........................4 BY A LYXANDRA IRIZARRY STAFF WRITER More Than Just Money Allocations and Activities: Senate Polices their Own....................................................................................4 BY EMMA TEcUN EDIToR-AT-LARGE Webster Bank Arena Aids HCC .......................................................................5 BY NEIL K NoX OpINIoNs EDIToR New Society Takes HCC By Storm ...................................................................5 BY JAY LEDERMAN Get Healthier One Step at a Time ....................................................................6 BY SEkINAh ERskINE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Feeling Stressed? ...............................................................................................6 BY STEVEN EsZENYI STAFF WRITER More to this City than Meets the Eye ...............................................................7 BY MoNIcA MEDINA STAFF WRITER That Awkward Moment .....................................................................................7 BY ShERLY MoNTEs M ANAGING EDIToR The Truth About Alternative High Schools .....................................................8 BY AshLEY TEARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Foodies for Thought ...........................................................................................8 BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER Is Orwells Big Brother Here To Stay Or Is This Just A Visit? .....................9 BY NEIL K NoX OpINIoNs EDIToR Having a Learning Disability ...........................................................................9 BY LINDsEY BALDAssARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Dont Call Me Skinny ......................................................................................10 BY AshLEY SEEToo EDIToR-AT-LARGE The Importance of Public Radio .....................................................................10 BY BRENNA McINTYRE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Why Hate Writing? ..........................................................................................11 BY NIcoLE LAZARIUk SENIoR STAFF WRITER Professional Conduct and Childish Behavior ................................................11 BY D.C. WEIDENFELLER EDIToR-IN-ChIEF POP! Warhol and Others at Housatonic ........................................................12 BY SARAh SpRINGER STAFF WRITER Frank Striano: Student & Sports Savvy Entrepreneur ....................................................................................................13 BY A LYXANDRA IRIZARRY STAFF WRITER Becoming an Adult ..........................................................................................13 BY SARAh SpRINGER STAFF WRITER College Before College .....................................................................................14 BY LINDsEY BALDAssARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER My Darkest Year ..............................................................................................14 BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER Dont Fake Your Way to a Career ...................................................................15 BY NIcoLE LAZARIUk SENIoR STAFF WRITER The Impact of Stereotypes ..............................................................................15 BY BRENNA McINTYRE SENIoR STAFF WRITER New Home, New Life, New Discoveries ..........................................................16 BY AshLEY SEEToo SENIoR STAFF WRITER Finding the Balance with Pilates .....................................................................16 BY SEkINAh ERskINE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Wearing My Stripes .........................................................................................17 BY AshLEY TEARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER

arts & cont entertainment nts e

A New Feature For Students Coming To Horizons .....................................18 BY HoRIZoNs STAFF DownTime with Senator Chris Murphy ......................................................18 BY HoRIZoNs STAFF Friendships Created In College, Lasting A Lifetime ..................................19 BY: DANNYY A LAMo STUDENT SUbMIssIoN

Horizons Staff
Editor-in-Chief David Weidenfeller Advisor Prof. Steve Mark Managing Editor Sherly Montes Editors-at-Large Emma Tecun, Nicole Lazariuk, Ashley Seeto Opinions Editor Neil Knox Online and Social Media Editor Lindsey Baldasarre Staff Writers Paul Chuvov, Steven Eszenyi, Olivia Hodge, Alyxandra Irizarry, Monica Medina, Leslie Pizzagalli, Sarah Springer, Desiree Swendsen Senior Staff Writers Sekinah Erskine, Franklin Jusino, Brenna McIntyre, Stacy Shippee, Ashley Teare Contributing Writers Jay Lederman Art and Design Directors Vanessa Morales, Carolina Trinidad Design Advisor Prof. Andy Pinto Front Cover Design Carolina Trinidad

HORIZONS News

arts & entertainment news e

BY OLIVIA HoDGE STAFF WRITER

Whats The Word On Flappy Bird?

while passing between green pipes. For each set of pipes you successfully pass through, you earn one point. If any part of the bird touches these pipes, the bird dies and you have to start over. The setup of this game is kind of similar to the Super Mario game that came out in the 1980s. According to Ryan Williams, Folks just like that classy look. Some HCC students really liked the game. Jamique McKenzie thought it seemed fun. He says, I kept playing because I was anxious to beat my last score. I was satisfied with my score of 197. I dont play anymore because I got bored; Im too good at it. There are a few students who still play because its just something to do when theyre bored. Joshua Rodriguez says that he feels calm when he plays, but then it gets intense. I get a little frustrated after a while, but its not that serious, he adds. His score went from being 49 to 111 in less than a couple of hours. Other HCC students felt the game was aggravating. Steeni Hall says, Ive never played that stupid game. I just thought it was stupid. I saw my sister playing it and Im assuming she lost by the way she screamed at my son when he came near

eve all heard of the annoying bird who stars in one of the most addictive games out there: Flappy Bird. He (or she) is the bird who drove us crazy, the bird who drove us insane, the bird who is now permanently removed from the android market and app stores. In an interview with Forbes, Doug Nguyen, creator of the game, says, Flappy Bird was designed to play in a few minutes when you are relaxed. But it happened to become an addictive product. In case you didnt know, Flappy Bird is a quite intense game where you have to manage to keep a round bird in the air

her. Im glad its off the market now. So why exactly did this game get taken off the market? In a tweet made by Nguyen on February 4, 2014, he states: Press people are overrating the success of my games. It was something I never want[ed]. Please give me peace. This addictive game came out in May 2013, became popular in January of 2014, and was removed from the market in early February of this year. The game has become so popular, that people have gone as far as creating and downloading knock-off versions of it. Guess its safe to say that Nguyen paved the way! Bye-bye, Flappy Bird.

BY PAUL ChUhVoV STAFF WRITER

Are You Ready For Graduation?

Sheehan and he guided me every semester with my curriculum and I am all set, she added. Migliazza did not received a reply from the Professor Sheehan shared his thoughts and advice. The graduation application is an excellent idea as part of the graduation process. It forces the students on to find out what they want and then work with the graduation requirements as a framework. The graduation evaluation tells what is met and not met. I keep a record in my files and also give a copy to the student, Sheehan added. The Graduation Evaluation is available to students on the MyCommnet website. You can follow the handout available at the Registrar window on the racks. I personally went on the web site and did my own evaluation by following these steps: Go to the Student tab, then in the Student Self-Service block, and click on Student Academic Records. On the next window go to the bottom and click on Student Records. Then in the middle of the page look for Student Degree Evaluations. On the next page, at the bottom, click on the What If Analysis. Then you would select the term and other options. The graduation application can be downloaded as a PDF at URL: www.hcc.commnet.edu/resources/PDF/forms/GradApplication.pdf and then printed, filled out, and submitted with the graduation evaluation printout. However, the web pages can at times get confusing but overall they are easily decipherable. The Graduation Evaluation is a very useful tool because it tells you where you are with what you completed and what remains to be done.

t HCC, the theme Destination: Graduation does not happen automatically. Each student must have completed 60 credits and met the specific requirements in their chosen field. To graduate, a student must submit a Graduation Application accompanied with a Graduation Evaluation in their last semester. For the Spring 2014 semester, the specific deadline date is March 28. Usually students also get an email reminder from the registrars office. It would be best to file the application before the deadline. However, even if you are not graduating the Graduation Evaluation is a great tool for students to use, as it indicates which courses have been satisfied and which remain to be taken. Dr. Mary Clark is the Director of Academic Advising. The Graduation Evaluation is a tool that students can use to keep them on track to meet the graduation requirements in their major field of study. Using this tool can help students to graduate on time and not take any coursework that is not required for graduation, Clark said. Cathy Migliazza, a theatre major in the Stagecraft class, expects to graduate at the end of the Spring 2014 semester. I already submitted my Graduation Application during the Fall 2013 semester last December she said. My advisor is Professor Geoff

Registrars window in Lafayette Hall photo credit: Paul Chuhvov

Registrar yet but the filing of the forms she thought is really easy, even though she does not actually remember doing the Graduation Evaluation form.

to look at what the student has done toward a goal and what is not done will stand out, he said. I tell students to meet with me early

Please Recycle This Newspaper

Most of the classrooms at HCC have both a garbage bin and a blue recycling bin. There are only two things that you should put in those bins: - Printer Paper/Notebook Paper - Newspaper These items CANNOT go in the recycling bins: - Food - Plastic of any kind, including bottles - Other packaging Any non-paper items that you throw out while in class must go in the regular trash. The cleaners will not separate our waste for us. Any time you dispose of regular garbage in the recycling bins, the entire contents of that bin goes to the landfill. Horizons remains committed to assisting in efforts that will result in a cleaner campus and community. Please help us help you by recycling responsibly.

HORIZONS News

BY ALYXANDRA IRIZARRY STAFF WRITER

Students Get Leadership Training from HCCs Newest Club

to scholarships, book and computer discounts, an online job bank as well as leadership certification. Everyone needs some type of public speaking or leadership skill in whatever job that theyre doing. Whether its being a nurse or being a social worker or being a policeman...this club is really good for people, said Society Vice President Stephanie Brown. In order to be the first ever inducted class of the Society at HCC, members must meet rigid requirements. In addition to attending a standard orientation, students must also attend a Leadership Training day, three live broadcasts from speakers such as Blake Wycoskie, founder and creator of Toms shoes, as well as participate in three support networking groups, also known as SNTs. If students so choose, they can earn The National Excellence in Leadership Award by doubling the amount of speaker events and SNT groups they attend and partaking in five hours of community service. However according to Acting Director of Student Activities Kelly Hope, the additional SNT requirement has been removed, as she felt there was already enough work involved. Students looking to receive an award by volunteering have an upcoming opportunity, to put in some time on Mar. 19, 2014, at Roosevelt School, where members can read to young students from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. The arrival of The National Society of Leadership and success was brought about by Hope. I had started having leadership workshops on campus some students were coming and they found it interesting and helpful, she said. Shortly thereafter, Hope found the National Society of Leadership and Success. Hope has already set high goals for The Society stating that she would like to have at least 75% of those who enroll become inducted. As The Society progresses, Hope plans on it being recognized not only for its work in the Greater Bridgeport Area, but for its ability to aid students in networking. I feel that being involved in the chapter will definitely evolve networking. A huge thing is networking, said Society President, Ace Ricker. Really also getting different ideas and experiences from other individuals. Really getting an understanding and observing things that I havent been aware of about myself and about others that I might need to work on. Induction to the Society will be held, Friday, Apr. 25, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Students looking to gain leadership training in a hands on setting need not look any further but the HCC campus. This spring 2014 semester has brought with it, the first ever HCC chapter of The National Society for Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi. According to The Societys webpage, there are over 350,000 members nationwide, making HCC one of 415 colleges across the country to offer students a way to hone their leadership skills through The Society. Nearly 400 students received invitations in the mail, recognizing their academic success by asking them to join the HCC chapter, which requires a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher. Once students made their $85 registration payment, they were one step closer to induction to the society, which would allow them access

BY EMMA TEcUN EDIToR-AT-LARGE

More Than Just Money Allocations and Activities: Senate Polices their Own
of Rotunno to which HCC Security Officer Robert Gonzalez has tended to. According to the Hopes letter, Rotunno had been throwing water bottles, cursing, and was then invited to leave the student activities office and not attend the senate meeting. It was noted that this was not the first time this kind of behavior was seen from Rotunno. The letter continued to explain that this kind of behavior was abuse of the vice president position and cause for removal from the senate because it is intolerable, and not reflecting favorably on the senate. After the letter was read, Student Senate President Claudia Maldonado asked Rotunno if he had anything to add. I have nothing to say, he responded. The floor was then open to questions and comments. Members of the senate questioned if they had the power to remove Rotunno from the senate that very day. Many questions were asked regarding how the senate would move forward. Hope responded by explaining that the senate has the power to vote on all of the terms and conditions which would determine the outcome. Stephanie Battaglia, former HCC student and former student senate treasurer, who was observing the meeting along with about eitght other spectators then said, The recommendation of sources outside of senate, is just that. Battaglia went on to challenge the letter and the authority it held within the senate. It is at the discretion of the senate to raise the motion, or not and move on to the next discussion, she added. According to the standards of the Student Senate, the motion to remove any member from a senate position has to be raised by a senator. Hope is the advisor to the senate and is not able to raise a motion herself. When asked by the senate if he would like to stay for the remaining two months of his time in office, Rottuno responded, Yes, I wouldnt want to leave here without the job done; I dont want to be a disappointment. Battaglia began to speak up again in favor of Rotunno and stood up and began to become emotional when speaking of the times she has faced being a student. She mentioned she knew Rotunno personally and she understands him to be a passionate person. Dave Weidenfeller, editor-in-chief of Housatonics Horizons newspaper, added to the discussion by simply stating the idea of being accountable for your actions and recognizing mistakes we all make. We all have problems and nobody is perfect, but something Ive learned from my past is taking responsibility for our actions, he said. The final statement made on this topic addressed the need for a committee of standards, which would then give Rotunno a formal hearing and a final consensus of his status as a student senator. The final resolution to this matter will be made on March 27, the first meeting after spring break. The meeting also covered topics such as President Glinieckis statement of retirement. September 4 is the date set to be her last day as president. Michael Binck, senator, reported to the senate that he had attended the meeting of the College Senate in which it was announced that a number of new courses will be introduced in the coming semesters such as a paramedic course, Independent Study in Biology, Arabic, and Ethics. The senate then went on to vote on allocating money to the Criminal Justice Club for a trip to the 9/11 Memorial. And $1,150 to the Arts Club for a trip to visit New York City. The meeting then concluded with Officer Gonzalez explaining the shelter in place drill. (Additional contributions to this article were made by D.C. Weidenfeller.)

here hasnt been one in at least three years and possibly much longer than then that since the Housatonic Community College Student Senate convened a standards committee, a formal hearing concerning the conduct of its own. In a formal statement, Kelly Hope, Acting Director of Student Activities and Advisor to the Senate, said, Ive only been at HCC for 3 years. I can say since coming to HCC and working as the Assistant Director of Student Activities, I noticed that concerns with Student Senators were kind of overlooked or brushed off. So, I guess the answer would be yes, this is the first time the Student Senate has had to address a concern not related to food, transportation or fundraising. On Thursday March 6, Housatonics Student Senate held their weekly meeting where they discussed the possibility of the impeachment of the current Vice-President, Kenneth Rotunno Jr., due to his behavior the week before, which was unbecoming of a member of student senate. This is your first opportunity to do more than allocate funds, said Hope. She went on to read a letter she had sent to Dean of Students Avis Hendrickson and College President Anita T. Gliniecki, which explained the belligerent behavior

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Harold R. McAlindon

HORIZONS News

BY NEIL KNoX OpINIoNs EDIToR

Webster Bank Arena Aids HCC

I could return the favor. Well, here goes. I am a full fledged sports addict, born and raised in New York City. I spent half my childhood days waiting for the ushers at Yankee Stadium to roll up the Bleacher gates for us after the fifth inning of every Yankee home game. I had spent almost as much time at Madison Square Garden day. With local Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troops, local school choirs performing during breaks in the on ice action, followed up by pie, hot dog, trivia and singing contests, this is the place to bring a family. As the Public Relations Director for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Corey Hersch is here for every home game. stands to screaming fans. The flavor is definitely appealing to families and desperately needed in an era full of spoiled self- centered major league athletes posting salaries greater than some third world countries gross national product. This is the kind of event to which young impressionable children, whether involved in youth sports or not, should be exposed. It was all about fostering a love of community and family. Everywhere I turned the sight of parents with their children brought a smile to this old curmudgeons face. Nothing fake about it, no grandstanding athlete pounding their chest in look at me gestures, no talk of steroid cheats or loud mouths who have had a bit too much to drink hollering obscenities. Anders Lee, who plays center for the Sound Tigers, has been called up to the parent club in Long Island and has played against some of the biggest names in professional hockey. You can tell the difference in atmosphere as soon as you step out on the ice here, he said. You know deep down inside that playing in front of kids means something special, at least to me it does. They idolize players. You have to keep that in mind. Setting an example for them is important. Playing in front of crowds in the major cities of the NHL, you just know youre in for a different time. Fans can be very harsh and demanding, [but] this is great, he said. So, this is my payback to the Webster Bank Arena for helping a student fulfill his assignment requirement. I learned something that day. When asked, people we sometimes think are unreachable will extend themselves. Ive been out of the raising a family business for a long time now, but it did my heart good to see that are still places where a family can spend an afternoon together watching a sporting event without having the bank account take a substantial hit.

ome assignments required at HCC require students to reach out to the local community for assistance. Recently I found myself stuck for a solution to an assignment given in my Basic News Writing class. It required that members of the class find an event to cover and report on within the subscription radius of the Connecticut Post, not an easy task to perform in the late winter months. The coverage I had scheduled cancelled at the last minute, and I was left scratching my head with the guess Im taking this one on the chin blues. A brainstorm appeared off the Sunday morning horizon while reading that mornings issue of the Post. I saw that an event was taking place that day at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. That bell in my head that only goes off from time to time sounded, and out of sheer desperation, I took a chance. I searched and found the email address of the Public Relations people at the arena and fired off a quick S.O.S. (Thats short for Student Out of Solutions.) Dear Sir, would it be possible to make an accommodation to a Journalism Major from Housatonic Community College for Press Credentials in order to cover todays hockey game? Signing off, I figured what the hey, nothing ventured nothing gained, right:? Much to my surprise within 45 minutes I was told my credentials would be waiting for me at the media gate and access to the press box would be granted as well as post game locker room interviews if needed. Thats all I had to hear. Dressing in record time, I was out the door and on my way. Arriving a little before game time with my new credentials in hand, I was shown to the press box and took care of business. Standing there in the locker room after the game Im almost ashamed to say I was like a kid alone in a candy store. Assignment notes in hand and all the requirements met, I started to wonder how

Housatonic Advertisement at Webster bank Arena by Neil Knox

watching the Knicks and Rangers. However, I cant get into those places anymore. The cost of attending professional sporting events for any of the above mentioned teams is much too extravagant for not only my blood, but I am quite sure for many other people as well. his is where the Webster Bank Arena offers local families and others to take in a pro sporting event for a fraction of the cost of going into NYC to see a game. The ticket prices are reasonable for this day and age. Concession prices are also fair, but the thing that stood out the most was the family atmosphere at the rink that

We may not sell out every game, he said. It depends on the teams record, but this is the crowd we get and the one we strive for. Were big on family events during the game. Everyone seems to have a good time. Parents feel their children are safe here. Local businesses know what kind of crowd we draw, we offer them great rates to advertise on our big board and enable them to sponsor contests. It works out for all parties. Mascots and midget hockey teams run all over the ice during intermission, while arena workers skate around shooting team t-shirts out of airguns high up into the

BY JAY LEDERMAN

New Society Takes HCC By Storm

Activities and the Advisor to the society, Kelly Hope. It might not be that big of a secret, and any students who arent members are welcome to sit in during the societys meetings, but one thing is for certain, there is something mysteriously rewarding about being a member. Over the course of just one semester, the chosen few are required to attend speaker broadcast meetings, join special success network teams, and complete a leadership training day. In February, students had the privilege of being a part of two live speaker broadcasts with special guests Jim Cramer, the host of MSNBCs Mad Money, and self-made millionaire entrepreneur and owner of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie. Im excited because I think the student body has really taken a liking to the society and the speaker broadcasts, Hope said, They see the potential and benefits that success brings and its inspiring. With tens of thousands of students, and over 400 college chapters across the country, the NSLS has officially made HCC one of its own. Founded in 2001, the society was created as an organization for students to come together and learn from one another while building to become future leaders. With over 380 students who were hand selected to join HCCs chapter, many of them will do just that. This is a great opportunity for students to become better leaders, better students, and better community organizers, Hope said. Only after students have completed all requirements, will they officially be inducted into the society come April. Right now though, they are inspiring one another to secure their seats. With potential on the horizon, Hope believes there is a bright future for the society at Housatonic.This organization, she said, is going to be here at the college for many, many, years to come.

There is a secret society at Housatonic Community College, its members meet after class under the cover of darkness dedicating many long hours and weekends to achieving their goals, all while packed inside of the Beacon Hall Event Center by the hundreds; their intellectual outlook on education and unique perspective towards problem-solving are just some of the reasons why members of the National Society of Leadership and Success are casting long shadows these days all so that they may become the future leaders of tomorrow. The society is going to take HCC by storm, and nobody even knows who we are yet, said Acting Director of Student

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
John Maxwell

HORIZONS News You Can Use

arts & entertainment news you can use o

BY SEkINAh ERskINE SENIoR STAFF WRITER

Get Healthier One Step at a Time

potassium that the body needs. According to the website Everydaychoices.com, an affiliate of the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease (including stroke), cancer, and diabetes collectively account for approximately two thirds of all deaths in the United States and about $700 billion in direct and indirect economic costs each year. With those staggering statistics, why wouldnt more people choose to eat healthier? their food choices stem from the way they grew up and the foods that were prepared in their home. When Im short on time and on my way to class, I usually just pull up to my nearest drive-thru and order a quick meal off the dollar menu, said Shay Solomon, a Human Services major at neighboring school, University of Bridgeport. Solomon admits that shes trying to make better food choices and eat out less, but is often pressed for time. While some people dont see anything wrong with eating out every day and wont give up greasy burgers and fries, studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between the foods we eat and our overall health and well-being. Eating healthy can help reduce peoples risk for high blood pressure, cancer, as well as other diseases, states the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services website. A lot of people complain about lacking energy, but dont think that what theyre eating might be causing their symptoms. Without foods, high in nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D and iron, we tend to lack energy, and the ability to keep our minds focused and bodies in motion. When you dont eat right your immune system suffers and you get sick and cant bounce back. College students cant afford to get sick and miss classes and assignments. So its crucial that you treat your body well. Incorporate whole leafy green vegetables and get lots of proteins from foods like kidney beans and nuts. Throw some tuna on a mixed green salad and add some sun dried tomatoes, and walnuts. Salads are a good choice because veggies are made mostly of water, Jack said. Instead of white bread, try wheat, whole grain, or pita, she added. You can also throw fresh veggies onto any tortilla or wrap style bread for a delicious and tasty on the go meal. When you eat well, you feel good. Junk

f youre like most college students, youre probably always on the go and never enough time or money to make healthy eating habits a top priority. Its a lot easier to grab food on the go, than to prepare a healthy meal at home. Eating out is no longer a treat like it used to be, and for many people it has become a way of life. But, if youre really ready to give up relying on fast food, and want foods that are quick and easy to prepare, there are lots

Picture of the Dash Juicer and fruits & veggies Courtesy of Sekinah Erskine

of ways to cut back on eating out and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Making the decision to eat healthier foods is definitely worth it. Eating healthy has many major benefits, said health care professional DeShanon Jack, an LPN. She states that people should avoid eating fast foods as much as possible. Start out buying fruits and vegetables and leaving the skin on, Jack said. She adds that bananas, apples, and pears have fiber and

Money and the lack of knowledge seem to be two major contributors. A lot of people cant afford to purchase healthier foods. Eating a well-balanced diet of fruits and veggies, especially organically grown, tends to be more expensive. There are people who dont eat healthy because they never learned about the differences between eating foods high in nutrients versus those with high concentrations of saturated fats and sugars. A lot of

foods give a temporary fix. Then you crash and go back to being hungry. Hungry students cant concentrate. And when you cant concentrate, your school work suffers. Its a lifestyle change. It wont happen overnight. Eating healthier, means limiting your dairy, meat, and fat intake, but it doesnt mean you have to deprive yourself of tasty foods. The key is to pace yourself and set realistic goals that you can accomplish. Incorporate different food choices one day at a time to see what works for you. Grabbing fresh produce at places like your local Farmers Market or Trader Joes can prove to be cost effective. And invest in some vegetable wash, so that you can remove pesticide and waxy residue from your fruits and veggies before you eat them. And instead of eating a hamburger, try a turkey burger or be brave and opt for a veggie burger. If you dont like eating vegetables and fruits, drink them in a liquid form. A great way to pack all your daily veggies and fruits into one sitting is to invest in a great juicer like the Dash Juicer. It will turn your whole fruits and veggies into juice within 5 minutes. Add some honey or agave nectar to sweeten and make your own version of the popular Naked Juice right at home. Websites like ChooseMyPlate.gov and recipefinder.nal.usda.gov, offer some great recipes on healthy and inexpensive ways to prepare your foods. So remember instead of grabbing your favorite Girl Scout Cookie, you might want to substitute that craving with the natural sugar found in fresh strawberries and pineapples. And eating bright green vegetables like kale, swiss chard, broccoli, and foods rich in antioxidants like cranberries and blueberries can help fight fatigue and serious illnesses. Small changes equal big results, Jack said.

BY STEVEN EsZENYI STAFF WRITER hances are, you arent the only one. It can be tough trying to balance school with work and your social life. Hours of homework on top of classes can be tiresome. This is the hardest part of being a student. Some students, including myself, can be stressed out by all the work. Does everyone feel stress the same way? What is the most stressful part of being in college? How do some people deal with the stress? Chris Santorelli, a student at HCC, says he doesnt let the stress of being in school bother him at all. It is easier to manage stress here than it was in high school, he said. On the flipside, some students are affected by stress to a greater degree. Chiemeka Ogbenta and Melissa Tarantino are two of these people. They both admitted to being easily stressed out by school.

Feeling Stressed?
I feel it when I dont understand certain things, Ogbenta said. But less so when I study and comprehend what I am learning. Tarantino, on the other hand, feels it a bit differently. Homework stresses me out, she said. Many other students feel that way as well because the amount of homework can be quite a bit at times. There are hours and hours of constant work. Add in the usual social obligations, allow for the normal procrastination and before you know it, trouble follows. It isnt much fun. It can be tough. Before it becomes a problem for you try to find out how others deal with stress? Learning how to deal with it is vital. Stress will always be there in the future, whether it be from a job or a relationship or even children,should you choose to have them. Some of the other tips that students have for dealing with stress are relatively easy ones. Tarantino has found one solution. I like to work out to relieve my stress after a long night of homework. I go to the gym and do some running on a treadmill or hop on one of the bikes, she said. I like to play video games and do things that calm me down, Ogbenta said Both agreed that relaxation is a way to get rid of their stress. Relaxing is one of the best ways to get back to feeling like yourself after a tough day of classes or homework. Next time you feel stressed, just remember that you arent alone. Some of these ideas might relax you but if they dont, do something that does, youll feel much better about yourself. If you dont believe some of your classmates, maybe some professionals will convince you. Joseph Goldberg, MD says keep a positive attitude, rather than defaulting to negatives. Always staying positive is, well, positive, he said. He also suggests to do things that you enjoy. If you like to play video games or exercise, be sure to do those things next time you feel stressed. If none of these seem to work for you, Goldberg also says seek out social support. Dont be afraid to talk to someone. It can be a friend, family member, that guy standing in front of you next time youre waiting for a drink at Starbucks, or anybody you feel say enough to talk with. You will have to deal with stress at some point in life, but learning to find ways to cope with it is important.. Any of these ways can help you relieve it try not to wait. Be sure to make it a priority.

The supreme quality of leadership is integrity.

DwIGhT EIsENhowER

HORIZONS News You Can Use

More to this City than Meets the Eye

BY MoNIcA MEDINA STAFF WRITER nter through a dimly lit hallway. The first thing you notice is the brilliant sunshine pouring in through the glass roof and the faint sound of music playing from the small speakers located on the second floor. The main area, an open floor plan, exposes beautiful green banisters and white arches holding together the glass roof. Built in 1840, the Arcade Mall at 1001 Main St, Bridgeport, CT is home to apartments, local businesses, and offices including Made in Bridgeport, Paradox Ink, Aron Security, Main St. Pharmacy and J. Galt Cafe. Receiving multiple renovations with the most recent in 2009, the Arcade maintained the original Victorian arches, making visitors feel like theyre walking into the past. One of the first, and oldest enclosed malls in America, its hard to believe that during World War I the glass roof was painted black to prevent bomber planes from seeing inside. With such long standing history, this building still holds its Victorian structure and the elegance of the period of its original construction. On the second level of the mall are a variety of offices and stores, yet in the early weekday hours it seems that only a few offices and perhaps 3 shops are open. Peeking into each window, Made in Bridgeport displays crafty jewelry made of scrap metals and other trinkets that look as though they were taken from a lost and found. Unfortunately, a majority of the storefront windows are covered with sheets displaying drawings of musical instruments, leading you to assume these areas are vacant in the Arcade. J. Galt Cafe seemed to be the one of the few facilities open. Jean Jacob, owner of Main St. Pharmacy decided to switch things up from being just a pharmacist. After five years of owning his own pharmacy, he began plans to

living out his dream; to own a coffee shop. The cafe has been in business for two months. With its intimate decor and the aroma of cinnamon, the atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing. Even if you arent a coffee drinker, J. Galt Cafe has free wifi and wants their customers to know that the staff encourages people to come in and relax, be it a lunch break from the hectic downtown life or just a place to sit and browse the web. With their foot in the Arcade door already, J. Galt Cafe plan to introduce a customer loyalty program, giving discounts and coupons to their avid coffee lovers. The cafes hours are 8 a.m to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and 8 a.m to 5 p.m on Saturdays. Sometimes they may decide to close early, however Joel Gonzalez, Manager and co-owner, said, Say youre walking in at 6 (p.m) and Im closing up the shop, Ill stay open and let you come in. The only downside, due to mall hours, the cafe cannot be open on Sundays despite Gonzalezs desire to have the shop open on the weekend and for longer hours. Joe Malfettone, customer, coffee lover and soon to be marketing manager, explains that with his love for coffee J. Galt Cafe puts all chain coffee shops to shame. You can really taste the coffee here. I went to Starbucks afterwards and their coffee tastes burnt in comparison. However, Gonzalez explains that it is difficult to keep businesses going in the Arcade considering the location. It isnt directly on the street and with little advertising. Only foot traffic through the Arcade know we are here, he said. Yet Malfettone says that once he joins the J. Galt team he plans to target the online market and test out the companies brand to really get the word out about this hidden coffee gem. With word slowly trending through the media circuits of Instagram and Facebook,

the food and coffee selection looks to bring an impressive new aspect to local eateries in the downtown area. J. Galt Cafes main brand of coffee is Counter Culture, based out of Durham, NC. They purchase and promote exotic beans from Africa, Colombia, Ecuador, etc. Gonzalez points out that Counter Culture buys their beans from small farms to help with their local business and give their customers a new experience and taste. Brewing the beans

isnt consistent just yet, the images alone leave a viewer to wonder what other crazy and delicious combinations the chef on duty will have in store for future patrons. Unlike the mass chains of Dunkin Donuts, located conveniently across the street from the campus, a brief five-minute walk down Broad Street to the Arcade can provide students with a choice of gourmet coffees from around the world, specializing in cappuccinos and lattes. As for the

View of the cafe and sitting area Photo taken by Monica Medina

fresh gives the customer a chance to really taste the oils and skin content meant to be in coffee said Malfettone. Aside from the delicious, fresh brewed coffee, J. Galt cafe is still working out a food menu, showing photos of chicken and waffles, bacon bits and salted caramel glazed donuts, and mini mac and cheese empanadas. Although the food selection

non-caffeine addicts, J. Galt Cafe swears they have the best hot chocolate in the area. If the smells of fresh brews do not entice the taste buds enough by itself, the employees and comforting atmosphere, along with the historical setting of the Arcade could perhaps peek enough interest to stop in and take a look at what Bridgeport once was and now is trying to become.

BY ShERLY MoNTEs MANAGING EDIToR You know that moment when you like someone as more than a friend, and you dont want to ruin the friendship? What about when you decide to take a chance and confess your undying love for that person, and they dont return the feelings? Talk about awkward. It suddenly feels like the walls have come crashing down around you and youre completely exposed; youve been emotionally stripped down to nothing, and worse, you did it to yourself. Its the worst feeling to find out he doesnt like you back, especially when you allow yourself to get really excited thinking he does, said HCC student Tichina Pemberton, reflecting on an experience she had. I know first hand from experience that sometimes telling someone how you feel can really mess things up, especially if the other person has

That Awkward Moment

already friend zoned you. I can recall an experience where I had a serious crush on this guy who I had been friends with for years and I thought he liked me too. All the signs were there, or so I thought. Maybe I deluded myself into thinking that he liked me back and read into these so-called signs a little too deeply. It took me quite some time to open up to my friend about my feelings and when I did, it didnt exactly go as I had planned. Honestly, it was the complete opposite of the many scenarios that I had created in my head. It made our friendship awkward, and I eventually figured out that in his mind I was just a friend. I would always be just a friend. I thought I would never recover from this embarrassing moment in my life and I just couldnt shake the feelings, no matter how hard I tried. Walking away when someone isnt interested in you is one of the toughest things to master, said Certified dating coach and radio show host Kira Sabin on her website, TheCollegeCrush. Those who have been in similar situations know that trying to get through this kind of thing can be complicated and troublesome for both the person with the romantic feelings, as well as the person who didnt return the feelings. In fact, a lot of times we think about how bad we feel for the person who admitted their feelings and got rejected, but what about the person who had to hear it and pour a bucket of ice water on their friend, so to say. I had a friend that I had known for a few months and one day on the phone she admitted that she liked me, but I didnt feel the same way about her, said Andre Phillips, an HCC Physical Therapy Assistant major,.She felt more like one of the bros to me. Being in either one of these positions is really tricky and it isnt the easiest thing to get through. Sometimes you can get over it really quickly and move on, but other times it takes time and a willingness from the person in order to move on. In a lot of cases, taking time and space for yourself until you can reach that state where it isnt awkward anymore is key. Once you can get over the initial shock and rejection from the person you thought you were destined to be with, it gets better. Its hard to accept rejection, but it becomes easier when you remember that you want someone to be as crazy about you as you are about them, said Sabin. Youll then be free to focus your energy on other things and other people. You might even find someone else has caught your eye, preferably someone who hasnt already friend zoned you.

Tips for getting through being rejected by the person you like:
Do your best to keep from making the situation even more awkward. Take as much or as little time as you need to heal emotionally. Focus your time and energy on other activities; dont just mope around. Realize your own worth and dont let your self-esteem hit the floor. Remember that you want to be with someone who is as crazy about you as you are about them.

HORIZONS Opinions

The Truth About Alternative High Schools

BY AshLEY TEARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER any people believe that alternative high schools are merely a dumping ground for at risk kids who failed to succeed in public school, and thus, will fail to succeed after graduation. Cooperative Educational Services in Trumbull, CT certainly wasnt like that, and Ive found that most alternative schools arent. The common perception of these schools is that the student body is comprised of lazy, ill-behaved, problem children; society tends to look down on them, and believes that alternative high school is the easy way out. But, the curriculum at C.E.S. provided me with more challenging work and independent study options. I also spent more time in the classroom than I would have in public school, which is true to the Therapeutic Day Programs mission statement, which notes how academic programs are individualized to meet specific learning needs of each student in both individual and small group instruction. Typically, seniors in regular high schools are granted early release, which cuts their school day short. I was presented with this option, but chose to continue with full school days, and take on extra classes. This allowed me to graduate a semester early with more credits than required by my district school. Plus, I was still able to participate in social functions, like prom, and walk in the graduation ceremony at my district school, where my diploma came from. Some students utilize C.E.S. as a means

of transitioning back to their district school. Sanjee Pauling is a former C.E.S. student who did just that. She is proud to say the program worked to raise her GPA, deal with home issues, and focus on self-improvement. Pauling said the atmosphere allowed her to feel comfortable and free from judgment, which helped her thrive and leave C.E.S better equipped to flourish in a traditional classroom setting. I was able to handle frustration better. Thats something I got out of C.E.S. I stopped getting so angry and started to respond to difficult situations, rather than react, she said. Pauling said these are skills she is now able to apply both in her everyday life, and in her pursuit of higher education. She is currently on track to graduate from Housatonic with a degree in theatre this coming spring. In a public message on the schools website, Dan French, Ph.D., director of the TDP at C.E.S. said he is always thrilled to see students leave much happier and more capable than when they arrived and many of these children also leave their mark on us. I know my work here has had a profoundly positive impact on my life and I am fortunate to be part of such an extraordinary experience. In an alternative school, teachers and staff become more like friends. At C.E.S., students were treated as equals. There was a mutual respect that fostered healthy relationships and a sense of community. Students were welcomed with an environment

in which they felt safe and accepted; this not only encouraged them to ask for help or share their thoughts, but often opened the door to good-natured banter and laughs shared by students and staff alike. That was the best part about our school, said Magdalena Lewandowska, a C.E.S. graduate currently training to become a police officer. I felt like I could trust my teachers. In regular school, I had a lot of personal things going on and no one seemed to understand. Lewandowska said she felt relieved when she was placed in alternative school because she was able to address the issues she was facing, which she said immediately changed her attitude and her grades. She believes the career path shes pursuing is an opportunity to make a difference in others lives in a similar way. C.E.S. provided students with opportunities that far exceeded what was available to me in my district school. Besides perks like class bowling trips every other Thursday and my own personal bus to school in the morning, C.E.S. gave students a chance to gain work experience. Students in good academic standing were allowed to work in the main buildings campus caf, Muffins and More, or were provided with transportation to work at Macys once a week. These were a privilege that supplied incentive to excel in academics, established a sense of responsibility and work ethic, but also aided students finding jobs after school. I was fortunate enough to be able to

volunteer at a state-funded day care for underprivileged children on Tuesdays, experience that helped me get a job at Trumbull Loves Children after school, and inspired me to continue working with kids as a summer counselor at Camp Teepee. Working with youths who sometimes faced more obstacles than those of us at C.E.S. reinforced the value of having good teachers; it was cathartic for many of us, and helped students gain an appreciation and respect for the guidance we received from staff at our own school. While my former peers and I have had positive experiences with alternative schooling, it is important to note that the high success rate of Cooperative Educational Services is not just an anomaly. An article titled Alternative Schools: The State of the Art featured in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Developments journal, Educational Leadership, compiled evidence from multiple studies over a period of years. These studies worked to conclude that alternative education facilities can serve as models for any school that seeks innovative change. Alternative schools pioneered practices like creating a strong community, directing students to work toward a common goal, and uniquely tailored learning approaches; not only would they serve well as a guide to public school reform, but expanding these principles to educational facilities across the board would allow all students to reap the benefits afforded by an alternative education.

BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER foodie is the type of person who will be the first in line to Burger town that seats patrons upside down so they can better taste the two-day-old cow meat. But are they just annoying hipsters or do they add value to the world? Compared to food critics or gourmets who represent elitism, foodies are hip, trendy equals. Foodies try to represent the best of both worlds. A discerning palate with a sense of whats happening. This enjoyment of food however doesnt always mean warm fuzzy feelings. People who hold a hobby to such high standards can come off as snobbish and distant to others. While they want to enjoy the tannins of a

Foodies for Thought

particular beer, their friends might just want to have a good time out. Maybe theyre just sick and tired of having their significant other pulling out the smart phone on whats supposed be a romantic dinner. But to the foodie the picture is a vital piece. It represents the visual that can be shared along with the taste which is enjoyed privately. But is a foodie just a hipster with food, or do they provide a legitimate service to the world? 60 percent of all restaurants fail within three years or less. Restaurants live and die by reviews. And not just those written up in big publications. Word of mouth is very much a real thing. And in an age of instantaneous information and with tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, it only takes a few seconds to spread that word. That means every foodie who visits the restaurant with a smartphone and an opinion has a message they can spread. And today with crowdsourcing websites like kickstarter proving that crowdsourcing is a viable method of creating things why dont we let food critique be part of it as well. Crowdfunding has proven to be a success in the past with even big names such as actor Zach Braff and director Spike Lee using such methods to successful fund events. But where are the crowdsourced review sites? While food can be objectively good there is a lot of subjectivity that comes into play. I might enjoy the decor, while another person makes the place unbearable. The best fish and chip place on the East Coast means nothing to me if I cannot stand the taste of fish. And food critics are only focused on the food, while a foodie might make mention of the fact that the food is eaten upside down. It means a person who enjoys food at its finest, a person who doesnt just eat because they physically have to but because they enjoy food and the atmosphere around it. And isnt that the most important part of life? The thrill, the experience of it all. So next time you see someone taking a picture of their dinner instead of scoffing and making fun maybe join in and tweet, or blog about it. Maybe itll be fun.

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HORIZONS Opinions

BY NEIL KNoX OpINIoNs EDIToR

Is Orwells Big Brother Here To Stay Or Is This Just A Visit?

to refer to the daily news briefings from the White House. The term Orwellian has in fact been used more and more recently to describe the implementation of new draconian laws being passed right here in the U.S. This should be cause for concern not just for me, but by all of us because, the times they just in case you already werent frightened enough,as if my day depended on whether it was level red or orange or yellow. These were very effective manipulations that still affect many people even today. A neighbor of mine, Terry Sweatman, told me, I commute back and forth to New York City every day, there isnt a day by TSA agents who treat every passenger as if they were intent upon bringing down a plane. It is a requirement now that you allow yourself to be groped and frisked like a common criminal in order to take a flight. Dont want to subject yourself to such things? Sorry, take a train or a bus. This type of illegality, among many others, falls under the umbrella of Homeland Security. While we were fast asleep, the suspension of laws such as Habeas Corpus ( a writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge and be informed of specific charges against them, especially where individual liberty is concerned) took place. The creation of The Patriot Act ( which has done more to destroy our constitutional rights than any law before or since) gives federal agencies the right to run roughshod over us. The NDAA, a new law recently signed by President Obama,is an extension of the Patriot Act,it allows for the outright assassination of any individual, including American citizens classified as an enemy by the national security apparatus. These types of laws dont make me feel any more secure; they make me feel as if I am the enemy, and I begin to feel the same way Orwells lead character, Winston Smith did in 1984. By someone elses interpretation I can be deemed an enemy of the state, and that is frightening. Slowly, progressively I am seeing my world be turned into the same world of 1984. It wasnt created overnight. One by one the rights of the individual were chipped away until eventually the people believed anything they were told to believe. Insidiously led to believe that a constant threat to their security existed, that they needed to be protected by the warm secure embrace of Big Brother. Those in Orwells world were psychologically manipulated until they were turned into emotionless automatons whose only function was to believe whatever they were told through the Telescreen, to believe that everyone was a potential threat to the security of the state, and especially to believe that without the state, they themselves were nothing. I certainly hope it never comes to that but ,as a wise man once said, A nation of sheep are soon governed by wolves.

Ive heard it said that if you want a really new idea, read an old book. After reading 1984 by George Orwell once again during this past holiday break, I couldnt help but think about some of the stark similarities between his creation and life today, right here in the good ole U.S.of A. Orwells characters lived in a constant fear, fear of each other, fear of the government, and fear of expressing their thoughts, at least in front of anyone else. Nationalism combined with suspicion of each other ruled the day. It is a nightmarish vision of a dystopian world where lies are truth, peace means war, and free thinking is viewed as a crime by the Thought Police. In this world each member of society is under constant surveillance, things like love, sex, personal emotion are viewed as abnormal behavior, the only religion allowed to be practiced is the open worship of Big Brother, and virtually everything a person does is to be done for the betterment of the State. In this world, individualism, creativity and any form of self expression are virtually extinct. The only Big Brother you may have heard of was a reality television show but, the actual term along with the concept of people living under constant surveillance belongs to Orwell. His novel became one of the more influential books of the twentieth century. It was also, at one time required reading for all high school students. It became apparent to me recently that this is no longer the case and, I cant help but wonder why, might there be more to it than just revision of the national reading curriculum? Much of the terminology used in the book has found its way into our current vernacular. Words and terms such as Newspeak, which often times is used to characterize political rhetoric. Thought Police has been used to refer to Internet tracking, interception of email and messaging services, Google would be a prime example as they seem to be everywhere monitoring our travels throughout the web. The Ministry of Truth is a satirical reference to various news organizations presenting the news with their own particular political stance attached to it and has also been used

Photo by Neil Knox

are changing, and not for the better. Granted, many of Orwells darkest visions pertaining to life in a post war world havent manifested themselves fully, nonetheless there are too many similarities coming to the fore. The easiest of his scenarios to recognize was this condition of unending warfare, the so called war against terror, instituted by a creation of our own CIA, Al-Qaeda, the boogeyman hellbent on destroying the American way of life. Also easily recognizable is the culture of fear that has virtually engulfed this country since the attacks of 9/11, fostered by a fear mongering press, enabled by the cable news networks, and heightened by various talking heads on radio talk shows. And who could forget those daily threat assessments made by the networks retired military experts that ratcheted up the fear level

I ride that train that I dont think about the possibility of something happening. On the train itself, inside Grand Central Station, it doesnt matter where, the fear is always somewhere on my mind. I hear discussions about the threats by others on the train all the time, its replaced normal everyday kind of talk between people Harold Kelly, who has worked in Grand Central Station for over 40 years, also sees the change. This station is an armed camp, National Guardsmen walking around with M-16s, bomb sniffing dogs, plain clothes marshalls are all over this place. I mean its 13 years later, when can we go back to normal, he said recently. These are just two small examples of how things are changing for the worse. Moving across the country by plane has become an exercise is illegal search

BY LINDsEY BALDAssARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER

Having a Learning Disability

person can just get rid of, it is something that you have to just deal with and find different ways to get around it. When I give my professors my accommodation letter I tell them that if they have any questions, ask me, so they understand what accommodations I need or why I have it. I have learned to deal with this by studying hard and getting more information on things that may not be clear to me right away. It is also not bad to ask questions and have the teacher explain what is going on. Having a learning disability and asking questions would be the best thing to do in order to learn more about what is going on in class or maybe going more in depth about a certain topic. It is upsetting to see how teachers dont want to have students in the classroom that have a learning disability. The teachers should be willing to help a student instead of putting the student down and making it harder for the student to be successful. The teacher is basically setting up the student to fail, said HCC student Sabrina Lorch. Lorch took notes for me one semester. Having a learning disability means that you have to study ten times harder than other students. Students that have learning disabilities deal with this in different ways. There are websites such as The National Center For Learning Disabilities that helps students understand what they can do to help you with things like talking to people at college and understanding what learning disability you have. I have worked with the Connecticut Parents Advocacy Center. The CPAC helps those that have learning disabilities get the resources they need. It helps students like me have a peace of mind knowing that there are other students like me. They helped me and my family when I got kicked out of special ed for being too smart and when a board of education told me that I was too stupid to graduate high school. On the Connecticut Parents Advocacy Center Website, you can get information on how to talk to people about what is happening or get resources to get more help in school. Having a Learning Disability is something that people hide because they are scared that they are going to be made fun of. My experiences at HCC have been really good. No one has made fun of me, and people are more willing to help. I am now leaving community college and going to a university in the fall. I am living proof that having support and getting help when you need it is the best thing you can do, and there are no limitations on what you can do in life.

aving a learning disability can be hard at times, but it doesnt mean that its impossible to get through. I have a learning disability. I have had good experiences, but I have also had bad experiences. I have had teachers and other people tell me that I wasnt supposed to make it in life. Some people are willing to help, but others are just like it`s not my problem. People believe that having a learning disability means that you cant make it in life. People may also think that the only job that they can get is at McDonalds. It`s all wrong. I am living proof that you can be successful in life. When I was at another community college, a teacher didn`t want to go with the accommodations. She told me if I was too stupid in the class, then I shouldnt be there. That is hard to hear from anyone. Having a disability isnt something that a

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HORIZONS Opinions

BY AshLEY SEEToo EDIToR-AT-LARGE kinny, anorexic, frail, boney These are, among many other words, adjectives that have been used to describe small people. Out of all these words, not one of them is acceptable. Why is it that smaller people can be criticized for their weight without any repercussions, but its the end of the world if bigger people get criticized for theirs? Any kind of judgement or name-calling can affect, and potentially harm a person no matter what their body-type. I found an interesting image on tumblr the other day. It was a picture of a rather skinny girl and captioned, I think a lot of overweight girls are hypocrites. Im naturally small and skinny, I eat what I want, I dont starve myself and I am beautiful. So why are you allowed to love your curves but its wrong for me to love my bones? Why is it okay for you to call me anorexic, but horrible for me to call you fat? If you can tell me to gain weight why cant I tell you to lose weight? If you can feel beautiful for being big, I can be beautiful for being small. People think that being called skinny is a compliment and a good thing. They

Dont Call Me Skinny

might be thinking, well it is good to be skinny rather than fat, but thats not always the case. Saying you are so skinny with a disgusted look on your face to a small person causes the same emotional effect as if you were to say you are so fat to a bigger person. For some reason, this concept is hard to understand. Throughout life, I have been chastised for my weight constantly. Coming from a large Italian family, it is kind of expected. Italians are known for their cultural foods, and because of their perceived traditions, they are stereotyped as bigger people. Just because I am the smallest one in the family, does not mean I am anorexic or starving myself. It takes an emotional toll on me because I feel like I am being looked down upon due to my weight and size. Maggie Butrym, age 18, is a graduate from Leominster High School. She has also struggled with being criticized for her weight. In high school, people used to call me Skelator, Butrym said. Having people call you names to the way you look is painful. No one is less desirable because of what they look like, she added. Stereotypes of larger people are well known and have been tossed around for a long time. However, nobody knows that stereotypes applying to thin people also exist. Calling someone anorexic and too skinny are in fact stereotypes, sometimes though we just dont realize it. Sheila Asija, age 20, is a student at HCC. She shared her insight with me about her thoughts on this particular view. I dont think bigger girls have the right to stereotype skinny girls because skinny girls dont have the right to stereotype bigger girls, Asija said. Some skinny people cant gain weight no matter what they eat, the same way some overweight people cant lose weight no matter how healthy or how little they eat. Another recent observation of mine was I noticed pictures of bigger women with captions that read, Because no one likes to cuddle sticks. It appears as if the fuller sized community is bashing smaller people out of revenge. I dont like the fact that they are making fun of smaller-framed girls and implying that they are better than them. Judging other people by their body type is wrong in every way, but to be vindictive and vengeful, what could be worse than that. No matter what body type you are, making fun of someone can have devastating effects on their lives, while harming them emotionally and physically as well. Psychology Major Rae Ann Nezat, age 20, is naturally short and small in stature. However, just because she is thin, does not mean she starves herself. She goes to the gym on a regular basis, and makes sure she gets the proper nutrition. Nezat does not agree with stereotypes or judging other women of different body types. Nobody has the right to judge anyones body. As long as the person is healthy, thats all that matters, Nezat said. Whether a person is overweight, slim, husky, or curvy, eating healthy and exercising regularly helps keep them in shape. Im not saying every skinny person in the world is healthy, but before you judge someone by body type, think about the consequences and effects it could have on them while considering some truths. What you say to people can affect their lives forever. Dont judge if you cant handle being judged.

BY BRENNA McINTYRE SENIoR STAFF WRITER

The Importance of Public Radio

that is a true shame. One of the best aspects of WPKN is its programming of over 150 shows and 135 hosts. They are able to offer a huge variety. Every time you turn on the station it is different. One time it could be a program couple hours things change. A survey of listeners revealed that the number one reason for listening to WPKN is that they were being exposed to new things. There is an educational component, says DiContanzo, They are learning something about new music, a new culture, also a new point of view because we are not necessarily right wing, we are not left wing. We have programmers from all belief systems, sexual orientations, economic background, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. It is really remarkable from that point of view. Most people would agree that the most annoying part of mainstream radio stations is the constant stream of advertisements. However, WPKN is totally listener funded and nonprofit. They do not run advertisements like commercial radio stations. This allows for a very pleasurable listening experience since you are not assaulted by companies trying to sell you products when all you really want is to enjoy some music. WPKN is not trying to sell anything to anyone, which allows the hosts to play anything they wish, We are one of the last bastions of freedom of thought and freedom of opinion and that matters a lot, DiContanzo said. The two biggest goals for WPKN are to be as relevant and engaged as they can be in all the different communities. ...If we are not engaged and we are not relevant than we are irrelevant.We try to be a cultural hub for the community, says DiContanzo, We can do that by engaging all the different properties of WPKN, not just radio but twitter exchanges, facebook exchanges, and then community engagement. WPKN also partners with foundations, other nonprofits, and goes out to different events in the surrounding towns. One ongoing event is a partnership with the Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport for a music on film series, which plays different films, such as Jazz on a Summers Day, a film about music. Many young people see radio as an antiquated technology. However, with new technology public radio is able to bring itself into the 21st century. For example, National Public Radio has several smartphone apps to allow for listening anywhere. According to a radio ratings provider, Arbitron, the average age of the app users is 33 where the average age of a traditional radio listener is 55. WPKN incorporates technology by offering online streaming and an archive of old shows so anyone can listen as long as they have an internet connection. This makes WPKN more accessible than ever. Public radio has a certain charm that commercial radio can never replicate. It creates a strong bond with its listeners which causes them to support WPKN with both time and money. During three hours of answering phones for a fund drive, I personally collected over $1000 from listeners calling in and pledging their support for the station. It is time to usher in the new generation of listeners to join the dedicated older fans. WPKN is one of the best radio stations in the area and the younger generation needs to realize that.

ith news, music, interviews, and a dedicated staff, WPKN is a local public radio station that has been servicing our community for the past 50 years and strives to deliver diversity as well as break the conventions of

General Manager of WPKN, Steve DiContanzo. Photo courtesy of Steve DiContanzo

mainstream radio. The PKN aspect of their name stands for Purple Knights Network to commemorate the sports team of the University of Bridgeport, where WPKN records their shows. WPKN has a large and dedicated listenership. However, most people in the 18-24 age demographic do not regularly listen to any public radio, and

discussing the impending repairs on the international space station and another time it could be icelandic rock music. We truly are, in the broadest sense of the word, like wildly, extravagantly, eclectic. says Steve DiContanzo, the general manager of WPKN. Some songs youll like, some songs you wont like, but every

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.

HORIZONS Opinions

11

BY NIcoLE LAZARIUk SENIoR STAFF WRITER ave you ever been up at three in the morning freaked out because you had a paper due? I have, and I still love to write.Writing is fun and can be less stressful even if youve always felt it wasnt for you. Even people who love writing find it difficult, especially that first draft. All rough drafts are pretty much just that, rough. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Donald Murray wrote, The draft never equals the dream. This is true for me writing this article right now. It will never be as good as I want it to be. Patricia Beers, who tutors in the HCC Writing Center, says a lot of students seem to think that writing should come naturally. Yet Writing is a skill like any other, students think they have to be good right away...it will come with practice, she says. Procrastinating can make writing a nightmare. Ive procrastinated enough to know that youll just end up crying into your keyboard when the paper is due, so dont put off starting. Karyn Smith, English professor and the new HCC Writing Center coordinator advises students to not fall into the trap of stalling. Just get those first words on the page as quickly as possible, it can be shaped later, she likens it to putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Dont let not knowing what to write

Why Hate Writing?

stop you. You cant know what you are going to write until you write it. I know its a mind bender. Even Robert Frost said he had never written a poem he knew the end of. One student told Smith that his favorite moment in her class was watching her mentally figure out something while giving the lecture, He could see me learning in class...it showed him we are always learning new things, she said. Smith will sometimes have a student talk a paper out when they are stuck, Students dont realize what they want to say until they get into a conversation, she said. Think of writing a paper as having a fabulous conversation with a close friend. I know what youre thinking, but what about having to write about droughts in Egypt? Smith, who has a background in creative writing, says you can use creative techniques in all of your classes. Literary nonfiction does it all the time...you can use literary devices to draw the reader in and explain anything, she said. She is reading a good book right now written in this style called Death in the City of Light by David King, which is about a serial killer in Nazi occupied Paris. The book is all facts, but the writer is able to make it flow like fiction. If you are bored while writing it might be the particular topic. This may sound counterintuitive, but a more challenging topic will probably make easier writing. If you start off knowing all of the answers, whats the point? Murray wrote this on the subject, If you know what you want to say, youve probably said it before, or its not worth saying. Writing is thinking, and thought begins not with a conclusion but with an itch, a hint, a clue My professor in English 102 let us write about anything we wanted for our final exam. I thought great! Ill do both of the two short essays on Death of a Salesman. I had already done a research paper on the subject so it would be easy. Wrong. I could barely eek out anymore words on the subject, I ran out of points to make and started just repeating myself. It was painful. On the flip side when I wrote an essay for English 101, Benjamin Hoff Should Have Left Feminism Out of the Te of Piglet, I was so fired up I wrote the whole thing in one four-hour sitting. So once you have your topic you might want to create an outline. Smith, being a lover of creative writing, prefers freewriting to outlines, and I can see her point. Some may find them stifling, but I think if youre the type of person who does better with a step-by-step approach an outline can be useful. You just write the outline with questions instead of answers and then do some quick research and fill it in like a history test one sentence at a time. Once youre done getting all the facts down you can get creative. Go over it playing with the words to make it flow better and maybe change some stuff. Elaborate on what you like the most. This will keep you feeling organized if you are overwhelmed. Beers feels having a strategy is extremely important. Students dont plan enoughif they took five minutes to plan theyd be very surprised, she said. You can free write or make a detailed plan, but either way you will still learn something about yourself and the subject. This is the great thing about writing, It shows you where you stand. For example when I was young I thought being a bridesmaid would be the most fun a person could have. If I would have done a paper on weddings I would have discovered they are full of bad food, boring music, and waiting around. I could have saved a lot of money on bridesmaid dresses. If you need help writing a paper check out the Writing Center. Smith is working with tutors to build a little community and she has set up a fun Twitter account with writing and grammar tips. There is also a Facebook page you can visit for more information. Smith describes what they do at the Writing Center as, ...one on one teaching in a way...our goal is to help you go home and do it on your own I dont think writing would be fun any other way.

Professional Conduct and Childish Behavior

BY D.C. WEIDENFELLER EDIToR-IN-ChIEF asyhardly. More like that scene in the original Die Hard where our protagonist John McClane is forced to walk through a sea of broken glass hundreds of feet high in the Nakatomi Towerbarefoot. No, were not on the set of a mind blowing Hollywood blockbuster, but rather the classrooms and hallways of Housatonic Community College. No, nothing nearly as action packed either, but certainly something to consider; the conduct of students on campus including those who seek station of student government. Now I never really thought about it and in hindsight I realize the error of my I just want to write about festivals and poetry mindset, which just about cost me the opportunity of sharpening my life experience within the safety of my educational institution, but that is a tail of a different rabbit best saved for another day. In a recent situation involving the journalism program, the students of the senate, and of course that green token of the devil, money, my eyes were opened ocean wide. As a representative of Horizons, I went to Kelly Hope, Acting Director of Student Activities, to gain clearer insight as to what is going on in the student senate concerning the school paper and proposed conditions concerning funding. Money always a hot topic, and in this current economy it should be. The conversation between myself and Hope went very well, and I felt very

What to Consider When Electing People to Student Senate

good about how things were going, and even happy about my commitment to attend the next three student senate meetings, not just to look good, but because yes Horizons should have a reporter attending more consistently. Yet as I left and coincidentally was introduced to the two members of the executive board, including Vice President Kenny Rotunno, I could feel the tension. Rotunno had a rough sandpaper like feel to his body language and his words were not much softer: Yeah, I know whats going on here . I dont like it! What left an even more sour taste in my mouth is that speaking to senators before the actual meeting there were nothing but positive vibes as we spoke freely. Even in the meeting there was not tension and we all learned a little thing or two. Wouldnt it be sad for growth to be stunted by the actions of one bad apple? I ended up having a second meeting with Hope, concerning conduct issues with Rotunno and was informed that it was indeed his behavior on before the senate meeting that caused him to be absent. I was breifed about the situation and because of my own concerns was informed about what her course of action would be; a letter stating the incident which occured that day in question along with an explination of history. I was grateful that my concerns were taken seriously and that there is a sense of pride and responsibility among the faculty and student body. It is a learning experience said Hope when reading the letter

to the senate, and the elected leaders took the matter very seriously. I can only hope that students will consider taking part in the senate because there is much more to it then just talking about money and it is struggling as is. So the million-dollar question is when dealing with a broad spectrum of age groups when is enough is enough and when will people start being held accountable for their actions? Are we not accountable or responsible for our own actions? And to what standard do we hold our student officers? Is it any different than the rest of the student body or is it higher or below what we would consider acceptable conduct? Here is another question for you my fellow student. When you are approached by one of the FEW students seeking a position, why do you sign your name on the deal-making dotted line? It is after all your signature. Are they the best possible candidate with those qualities that signify a well-rounded adjusted and selfless leaderor is it just another scratch mark of achievement on their resume? Will they conduct themselves as trusted representatives of us the students of HCC, or it is a secret popularity contest? Will they take the responsibility, seriously take the additional time, aside from their academic responsibilities, to learn the by-laws and the constitution of the school, enabling them to work with the clubs and departments of the institution without fear of that nasty juvenile

behavior we all should have left behind in high school? Now before I go any further I feel I should state the obvious, that I know nobody is perfect. And I know for a fact that I do not want to write about a student officer throwing chairs and water bottles, during an argument with a faculty member, but it happened. We should really examine what qualities we want in our leaders; in the people we are putting forth to make the tough decisions that affect our school. I feel that it is not my place to suggest what these qualities are. Do you want a tough guy, or somebody with a hot head? Do you want somebody who is having a hard time with personal issues, which may affect how they conduct themselves or how they make decisions? It has always been my belief that government officials be it Federal, State, City and even student work for the people they govern. They should conduct themselves with dignity and pride with the ability to control themselves. Personal time is personal time; work time is work time. Lastly I would like to ensure that this opinion does not reflect a disdain for Mr. Rotunno or his character and in no way is meant to impugn that character, I just feel that it is important that students be aware of exactly how important conduct can be and how important being a part of the student senate is. They do work hard and they are under pressure, but that does not excuse them from accountability.

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HORIZONS Arts & Entertainment

arts & entertainment e

POP! Warhol and Others at Housatonic
recognizable contributors to Pop Art. The works shown include the famous Campbells Soup Cans and repeating flowers from the 1970s. Warhol was an innovative artist who incorporated both kitsch imagery and mass-production techniques in his art, attributes that were central to the movement. Danielle Speier, a student at Housatonic, was visiting the exhibition during its opening reception with her pottery class. This trip to the gallery is her second this year, having already attended the Pins & Needles exhibit in early 2014. Speier particularly likes a lithograph of Roy DeForests Untitled from the portfolio 10 West Coast Artists. The lithograph depicts an overlapping collage of sketched images in fuchsia, red, and black. In the center are two hands; one points left, to the fuchsia sketches, while the other points right, to the red. Its messy, Speier said, and kind of cool. Another interesting piece at the exhibit is a video installation of 13 Most Beautiful... Songs for Andy Warhols Screen Tests, which portrays thirteen screen tests (filmed by Warhol) of notable New Yorkers, including Dennis Hopper, Lou Reed, and Ann Buchanan. The original film is silent and black-and-white, and the installation is set to music. In addition to pieces by Warhol and DeForest, the exhibition features works from other notable artists including Alex Katz, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, and Ed Ruscha. These artists shared an interest in popular culture and mass communication, says Lauren Rosenblum, curator of this exhibition. The 1960s marked a time of new understanding of the impact of mass communication. The artwork[]reflects BY SARAh SpRINGER STAFF WRITER rom March 6 through March 28, 2014, the Housatonic Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition of Pop Art titled Pop! Andy Warhol and Artists from the Collection of the Housatonic Museum of Art in the Burt Chernow galleries in Lafayette Hall. Pop Art, which reached the height of its popularity in the 1960s, focused on incorporating elements of pop culture (images from television, advertisements, films, etc.) into fine art. The art was often brightly colored and featured images instantly recognizable to viewers of all walks of life: cans of soup, the American flag, faces of celebrities and politicians, and even stylistic elements like the Ben-Day dot comic book aesthetic. As a movement, it helped to merge the upper-class fine art world with that of the common citizen. The Pop! exhibit showcases some of the essential career-spanning works by Andy Warhol, perhaps one of the most

the preoccupation with its negative effects on interpersonal relationships and the increasing dependence on mass production. Rosenblum points out that the themes of popular culture and mass communication are still relevant today. The Internet continues [to] change our perception of the interconnectivity among people and the ways in which people depend on technology to mediate their experiences. While the paintings chosen all highlight these themes, one of Rosenblums favorites is John Wesleys Dream of Unicorns from 1965, in which a pin-up in a bikini floats alongside three rhinoceroses, enclosed by a border. She explained that this print illustrates the surrealistic elements of Pop Art, as well as the movements more humorous aspects. The Housatonic Museum of Art is free and open to the public seven days a week. More information can be found on their website, www.HousatonicMuseum.org.

Pastel Still Life by Sasha Acrilyc Paint by Barbara Phoenix

Graphite by Caorlina Trinidad

Digital illustration by Carolina Trinidad Pastel by Sasha

Graphite by Barbara Phoenix

arts & entertainm stud nt art e

HORIZONS Profiles

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BY ALYXANDRA IRIZARRY STAFF WRITER

Frank Striano: Student & Sports Savvy Entrepreneur

attempt by Striano, his father finally filed for divorce. Striano did however find solace in one thing, sports. He started out playing wiffle ball and eventually played baseball up until high school. It was in those years that he developed his love for the New York Yankees. Thats like the most important thing in the world to me, is sports, you know what I mean? Ill take off work if its a good game, I dont care. Thats my passion, he said. Currently a painter for his fathers company, Striano dreams of life beyond the paint cans. I want to get into sales Im really good at selling stuff, Im good at retail and knowing what works. It comes as no surprise that his favorite class at HCC has been Introduction to Business. He enjoyed the class because of the assignments given by his teacher. One such assignment was to make up your own business. In the assignment, Striano opened up a bar. Outside of the classroom, Striano has also considered opening up a bar, Yankee Land, or Die Hards Dive Sports, he hasnt yet decided. The dcor of the bar would most likely be vintage San Francisco 49ers, and other sports memorabilia, including, yes, the Yankees. Like many his age, Striano has no clue what the future holds for him but he does know that he wants to move out of Connecticut and settle down in California. In 2013 Striano visited the Golden State, and loved it. The weather was perfect. The atmosphere, everything was really laid back, people were considerate, he said. Regardless of where he lays his roots, Striano intends to one day meet someone and start a family of his own. For now though, hell settle for graduating from Housatonic and going on to attend UCONN Stamford. Writers Note: Frank Striano and Alyxandra Irizarry have had a long standing friendship since 2004.

ousatonic business major Frank Striano, 26, had a rough start in life, but as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Striano grew up close to his father, as his mother passed when he was just 7 years old. I dont really remember her, I remember she smoked Newports, he recalled. Three years later and very much like the fairy tales, Striano wound up with a wicked stepmother. She was just evil. She favored her kids over me, she would lock the kitchen after certain hoursshe would literally put a lock around the pantry doors so you couldnt open it, he said. After two and a half years and a runaway

BY SARAh SpRINGER STAFF WRITER ot quite ready to grow up herself, Johnna Vereb, 20, is eager to finish her studies in Early Childhood Education at Housatonic. I feel like I can connect with kids, Vereb says. And Im almost their height, too! I hope I never have adult conversations again; I feel like kids are easier to talk to. I can teach them something. Her attendance at the college was planned prior to her graduation from Bunnell High School in 2012. It was the most cost-effective option, and was

Becoming an Adult
heavily encouraged by her family. She looks forward to transferring to Southern Connecticut State University after her core courses are completed. Now in her last semester, shes most nervous about her workload, but it is also the additional step into adulthood that worries her. Theres a lot to do, so getting it all done in time, calling schools, setting up appointments being an adult, she says, shrugging. In her spare time, what little she has left after five courses and twenty observation hours, Vereb enjoys working on her novel. Shes been toiling over it for seven years, and its currently over 600 pages. She hesitates when questioned about it. Its not really a murder mystery. Its more of alife mystery, she says. Vereb also spends a lot of her time reading, focusing on a wide array of subjects her only preference is that it challenges her to think. She explains that reading something of her own choosing relaxes her, and she learns from it. I feel like I have a different not insight. I feel like I have a different mindset. Im very knowledgeable; I know all these facts about random things, Vereb says. Like the fact that the famous Mona Lisa actually has eyebrows. Still, like many in these challenging times, Vereb is afraid of having to decide between a lack of success and a lack of happiness. She feels that she is faced with the prospect of having a steady job that makes her miserable or a wonderful job that leaves her poor. With everything the way it is now, she says, looking down at the table and fiddling with a straw wrapper. I think Ill probably have to compromise.

ment

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HORIZONS Self Reflections

BY LINDsEY BALDAssARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER was scared to death when I went to college orientation. I didnt know what to expect. I was expecting to at least get a tour of the campus and, maybe go over some of the staff members just like high school. Nope, they were telling us how college is going to be a totally different experience from high school. They explained that no one was going to hold your hand and make sure that your homework was done or that you were going to class. The teachers didnt care if we went to class because they would still get paid at the end of the week. The entire staff treated us as if we already had been in college. But, of course, we still needed our parents signature as we were all under aged students. They let us choose any class we wanted. We had to take the placement test just in case we wanted to take Math or English. For my first college class, I chose philosophy. I wasn`t just in college. I was also still in high school taking AP and honors classes. My teacher was actually really nice, but to me, it was weird because I thought that college professors were going to be mean and nasty to the students. I got that

College Before College

idea from what I had seen in movies and TV shows. My teacher didnt know that I was still in high school. They gave us the choice of telling them we were in high school or keeping it a secret. I choose not to tell anyone. I felt as if I let the teacher know I was still in high school he would have treated me different than the other students in my class. At this point, I was trying to figure out if college was for me or not for me. As classes began, I really could not believe that I could get a decent grade in the class because of how much work they wanted us to do. My first reaction to the class was damn this is going to be a handful. Also I was on the varsity softball team in school. It was a lot on my plate and trust me, my parents were always driving me somewhere. I didnt have projects in that particular class, but I did have a lot of reading to do. The tests were not as hard as I thought theyd be. I actually was having a really fun time in my philosophy class. But coming home at 10 or 10:30 at night, not being able to fully go to sleep until 11:30 or 12 at night, was getting tiring because I still had to go to school and softball practice the next day. After a while, I finally got used to it. Still being in high school, I really didnt know much about being in college. The first time that my teacher cancelled class, I learned that checking your email before and after class is always important. Thank god, now I have a smartphone, where I can get emails to my phone. Trust me it is so much easier now. I never really knew how to use the mycommnet.edu website until my thrid semester . Honestly I didnt even know how to log on to the computers until halfway through my second semester. I remember when I would watch movies about college. They would use the blue booklets to take the test. I was so happy to see the blue books. I think I was happy because it was like the movies. I was also so scared at the same time. I waited until at least two or three people were done taking a test so that I wasnt the first one done. Surprisingly, the tests werent as hard as I thought they would be. One night when I was waiting for my dad to pick me because the class ended early, I ended up talking to this guy from my class. We were talking about the majors that we wanted to be in. At the time, I was a history major. We were also talking about how we thought the class was going. I ended up telling him how I wasnt really in college yet, I was doing a program through my high school. He went on to say how I was going to do great things in life because I am serious about my education. He was also telling me how he wished more young people like me would get involved. It made me feel as if I was on the right track for my life. When finals came around, it was a good and abad feeling about ending the class. I liked the class a lot, but I was glad to get more sleep. The day of the final, the guy that was I was talking to outside while waiting for my dad, got done before I did. He went by me and announced to the class that he knew that I was going to make it in life. He wished the best of luck to me in life then went out the door, I believe that this was a sign telling me that I am going to make it in life and I know what I have to do to make it. Once in a while, I believe I get signs from someone telling me your doing what you want to do in life and doing it the right way.

BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER he year 2008 was my darkest year. It was the year I tried to kill myself. I wasnt happy. Looking back now I hadnt been happy for awhile. I was starting over, entering college. And I made a bad decision over a girl. Id try to kill myself again a couple of other times. Obviously I wasnt successful, but for a whole year the feeling clung to me. I was scared of washing knifes. I drank, a lot. I smoked cigarettes and marijuana often. Food tasted bland. Colors seemed duller. I was seeing a psychiatrist, but it didnt help. How are you supposed just lay everything out to someone you didnt know? I felt distant from everyone. The psychiatrist didnt help. She told me that I couldnt blow off steam to friends; that they were getting tired of it. That they had said this to her. I was shocked. I felt even more that I had to keep everything in. so I did. After that I shut down to her, told her things like

My Darkest Year
I was feeling better and that I could maybe cut back on meetings when inside I felt already dead. I was staying up till 5 a.m. every other night. I can count the number of times I slept in my own room. I spent most of that semester sleeping on a buddys floor. I stopped going to my psychiatrist. She was nice but it didnt gel for me. So I let myself spiral more. My grades dropped hard because I couldnt motivate myself enough to go to class. The first thing you learn to do when youre in that situation is to smile. Nobody likes to be around a mopey person. After awhile the smiles became sort of real. I was getting sort of tired of people avoiding me and trying to make me feel better. One day I was eating lunch and the girl who had saved my life and who I had considered my friend said, This is why you dont have any friends. There was still that hollow feeling, but life started getting a bit better. I kept up all of my terrible habits. Some nights the razor would look so much better than trudging on. I remember one day I woke up early enough to catch breakfast, or what the school passed off as breakfast, and just sat in the cafeteria all day, just trying to find people to talk to. I eventually got to a point where I didnt feel so worthless, but I wasnt good, not really. I slid back a couple of times. It was almost never as bad as that first night. A single thin line on my leg or foot instead of my arm. No, I wouldnt ever get caught doing it again. If I killed myself I killed myself, but I would never let anyone find out until it was too late. I wrote a suicide note or two. Writing the notes always convinced me not to follow through. The notes would tell me I had too much to live for. If one good thing came out of the whole ordeal it was that I discovered I kind of had a talent for writing. Yay, I guess. That sort of thing sticks with you. Even now five years later, its difficult to think about. Ive come to grips that it happened and that I did it, but it feels like a different person, almost like a bad dream. Time heals all wounds, is true, but it doesnt mean it happens fast. Its long process from going to thinking youre better off dead to feeling like your life is worth it. But slowly and surely I built myself back up. I started going to the gym. I wrote a lot. But the damage was done. I failed out of my first college. That single night flipped my whole life around. But it didnt have to. I made poor decisions. I let myself think I could handle it alone. I was too proud to ask for help. I was in denial that I had even tried to do it for a while. But those were my mistakes. And they dont have to be yours. Please if you feel like I felt, if you even think you feel that way, call someone.

Please Recycle This Newspaper

Most of the classrooms at HCC have both a garbage bin and a blue recycling bin. There are only two things that you should put in those bins: - Printer Paper/Notebook Paper - Newspaper These items CANNOT go in the recycling bins: - Food - Plastic of any kind, including bottles - Other packaging Any non-paper items that you throw out while in class must go in the regular trash. The cleaners will not separate our waste for us. Any time you dispose of regular garbage in the recycling bins, the entire contents of that bin goes to the landfill. Horizons remains committed to assisting in efforts that will result in a cleaner campus and community. Please help us help you by recycling responsibly.

HORIZONS Self Reflections

15

BY NIcoLE LAZARIUk SENIoR STAFF WRITER

Dont Fake Your Way to a Career

When I think of how I reacted to his comment it tells me a lot. I didnt think. Well, Ill show him, or Ill go home and by God improve because graphic design is my life. I was slightly insulted but otherwise I was mentally shrugging my shoulders. I believed that it was normal to be disinterested in school and for it to be a combination of intense stress and boring routine. I planned to catch up and work on my drawing whenever I could. The problem was that subconsciously I knew something was off. In classes I felt disconnected as if I was watching the whole thing from outside of my body. But I had fallen in love with the idea of graphic design, and I would not be discouraged. Fake it till you make it was my mantra. I wore my art student uniform every day, some version of a worn out tie dyed grateful dead t-shirt, faded ripped jeans, and a sloppy ponytail. My accessories were always my headphones, a giant cup of coffee and an expression that said I am thinking about art pleasedo not disturb. Really I wanted distance from everyone so they wouldnt be able to find out I had no idea what I was doing. One day in class we all sat around a pile of various items that looked to be cast offs from our instructors attic. I sat on the floor with my legs crossed staring in horror at a beige seventies style wicker chair with a vase of colorful fake flowers perched on its seat. I was jazzed up on coffee, and my thoughts were scattered but one prevailed, just draw it. Who knew art class was going to be so harrowing. I wanted to run. Every thirty seconds I tried to convince myself I should bolt from the class. I could go home and consider a career in the hairdressing industry. I was an imposter and once I drew this mound of stuff everyone would know. I realized though that if I just pushed through nobody would be too hard on me. Besides what did my classmates care if my sketch stunk, I was doing them a favor. My art would make them look like Leonardo da Vinci in comparison. My sketch actually came out all right. It blended right in with the other drawings that were taped to the wall after the exercise. I shouldnt have had to talk myself into so much. Not all careers are going to be the same experience but whatever a person chooses should suit their personality. When you are inspired, you are energized and absorbed by the experience. You certainly dont have to pretend to be interested. Looking back I think graphic design was just an idea I got stuck in my head. I learned about it from my girlfriends boyfriend at a New Years Eve party. It sounded amazing. He was bragging about how it was a growing field and there would be a need for trained people. I loved that it was creative and had to do with computers, which made it sound like a solid career choice. For some powering through their classes might have actually been the right thing to do, but for me it was a sign that I wasnt in the right place. I had no passion for it. If you are doing the right thing your interest will fuel your studies. When I picked my major I wanted it to be a sensible choice that would pay off in the workforce, but just writing those words bores me to tears. If that is the only reason you go into something you may find your classes hard to get through. School shouldnt be boring or tedious. School should be an exciting time in your life getting you to the career you want, not the career you think you should want.

found myself in my first art class terrified of being discovered as a fake. I watched in awe on as the girl across from me laid out her many tools, charcoal pencils, erasers and rulers from her see- through art supply box. I was not aware that I needed any of those things. She was prepared and confident, and all I could think was how did I get here? I was lost. On the second day of drawing class we were instructed to sketch the side of the Housatonic building. We were supposed to focus on its hard lines. I really could have used a ruler. I was sitting in the courtyard and it was a beautiful sunny day. The professor quietly walked up on me casting his shadow on my poorly drawn picture. I had been folding a piece of scrap paper into a makeshift ruler and thinking, am I supposed to be able to draw these lines freehand? The hairs on the back of my neck started to dance and he said, Interesting and walked off. His tone was that of intense disinterest. If the biggest reaction my talent was going to stir from a man being paid to help inspire and encourage me was interesting, maybe graphic design wasnt for me.

BY BRENNA McINTYRE SENIoR STAFF WRITER

The Impact of Stereotypes

always been a dog person and I love fashion and make-up. Basically, I have always been a traditional girly-girl. Nobody told me that a lesbian could be like me. Every time I thought I might be gay I brushed it off because I didnt have any of the traits that I thought a lesbian needed. This caused an unbelieveable amount of inner turmoil. One would think that I would have figured it out, but society deeply ingrained those stereotypes into my head. When all the girls in my classes at school started to talk about the guys they thought were cute and who they had a crush on, I could not relate at all. Nonetheless, it didnt stop me from playing along for the longest time. I would pick guys to gossip about with my friends and make up crushes. The whole thing felt empty but me, being an ignorant child, thought that everyone felt this way and that they were just exaggerating their feelings for these boys. Once I started to get older, I really began to see that my peers were not exaggerating. At this point I really began to think there was something wrong with me. Did I have a social disorder? Was I incapable of having romantic feelings? Whenever I would begin to develop a crush on a girl, I told myself that I was wrong, that I was being silly and could never like a girl the way I was supposed to like a boy. Around my seventeenth birthday, I decided to see if there was anyone else in my situation and with the help of the Internet, I began to see that there were others like me. There were feminine women who liked other women. We even had a cute nickname in the LGBT community, lipstick lesbians. Once I began to accept that I was in fact gay, I realized how dangerous stereotypes can be. Television and films do not illustrate a diverse cross-section of the population, so everyone who grows up watching gets the wrong ideas. These seeming innocuous portrayals caused me so much grief and I cannot be the only person who feels this way. I am surprised that the media continues to use stereotypes. I turn on the television and see caricatures of minorities in an embarrassingly high number of shows. It seems that every minority has stereotypes associated with it and they are all harmful. They are harmful to the young people, like me, who view them and feel that they need to conform, to the ignorant people who view them and think that everyone of that minority acts like that, and to the minorities who then get bullied and harassed because of untrue negative stereotypes. Everyone is unique, you cant judge a persons personality or mannerisms based on something as simple as their skin color or who they find attractive. People need to be embraced and accepted for their differences. While the general public has improved over the years in terms of acceptance we still have a way to go. In my lifetime things have gotten so much better. When I was born, same-sex marriage was illegal in all fifty states and now there are seventeen who allow it. As time goes on things will continue to get better. All the stereotypes that are prevalent now will be remembered as embarrassing, similar to the way we currently view cartoons from the 1950s and 1960s, such as the episode of Bugs Bunny where he paints himself brown and pretends to be a slave. I will probably never know what it feels like to be a truly equal citizen in my lifetime, but I genuinely believe that in a few generations people like me will. Defying the stereotypes can be tremendously difficult. However, it has made me a stronger person. I have a stronger sense of self and I am not afraid to break social norms in order to accomplish what I want. I am beginning to feel comfortable in my own skin, and that is a precious feeling. I urge everyone to reevaluate themselves and think about what you are doing for yourself and what you are doing for societys sake.

rom a young age I knew I was different. I didnt know why or how, but deep down I knew I was different from my peers. This suspicion of mine was substantiated with my difficulty in making friends and being accepted by my classmates. I was around seventeen when I began to realize my difference, but it wasnt until I was nineteen and a half that I actually told someone for the first time. I am gay. Many people think that sexual orientation is a black and white issue. That it is something that you always know and you are either 100 percent straight or 100 percent gay. While some people are sure of their orientation from a young age, I was not so lucky. Society tells us that gay people act a certain way. One example that comes to mind is an episode of Family Guy called Brian Sings and Swings which premiered when I was in sixth grade. In the episode the character Meg decides that she is gay. Immediately after she cuts her hair into a short, manly style and dresses in a cut-off plaid shirt. She encompassed just a few of the stereotypes associated with gay women. Media says that all lesbians are butch, man-hating feminists who only wear oversized flannel shirts and love cats. However, I am not like that at all. I have

Leadership is not the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women. It is a process ordinary people use when they are bringing forth the best from themselves and others. When the leader in everyone is liberated extraordinary things happen.
JAMES M. KOUZES & BARRY Z. POSNER, ThE LEADERshIp ChALLENGE

16

HORIZONS Self Reflections

New Home, New Life, New Discoveries

BY AshLEY SEEToo SENIoR STAFF WRITER earing the band play the graduation song and seeing the crowd of family members and friends cheering on for their children was an overwhelming feeling. I had finally realized that I would be graduating after twelve long years of hard work and dedication. Some might consider high school graduation as the turning point in their life and the beginning of a new career. Others might have felt that it was not much of a change for them at all. While I was walking with my class of 2011, something came over me. All I could think of was the fact that in a few days, I would be leaving my family and friends behind. My family was the not the image of a perfect family. I was living with my mother, my stepfather, and my half brother. We had our fights and arguments, but thats common in a family. However, a time came when I figured out that the bond between me and my mother was different. We were constantly fighting, day in and day out, about even the smallest things. There was not one breath of fresh air where we could just be mother and daughter; a simple fork in the sink would create an explosion of frustration and stress. My grandmother was the only person I turned to whenever I had to vent my feelings. She lived in Florida, but she was just a phone call away. Ever since I was fifteen, my grandmother always told me to move to Florida to live with her and my grandfather. After all the phone calls shed

received for almost two years, she figured it would be best for me to get out of my house and distance myself from my mother. At that time, I was too young to realize how my connection between my mom was not healthy anymore. Shrugging it off, I told my grandmother that I was okay for now. Then one day, a horrible incident occurred and left me completely broken. On Halloween night 2010, when I was sixteen years old, my mother caught me sneaking out of my house to spend some time with my friends. At around 5:30 a.m., I received a call from my mom while I was at a friends house. I instantly knew she saw that I wasnt home and immediately told my friend that I had to go back home. I returned home to an enraged mother who already had some of my clothes packed up. She kicked me out, and I spent a week and a half living at my friend Ryans house. This was a situation that was too over the top and finally gave me the push I needed to make a decision to move out. I graduated in the spring of 2011 when I was seventeen. My whole graduation experience was kind of skewed because all I could think about was making the huge move out of my home to live in Florida with my grandparents. A few weeks of packing went by and the day finally came where I had to get on the plane that would take me someplace new. The goodbyes between me and my mom were bittersweet because neither one of us could believe it was actually happening. The moment I turned away from my mom

was a moment I will never forget. As I landed in Tampa National Airport, and stepped foot off the plane, I knew my life was going to be different. My grandparents greeted me with huge hugs and smiles. Seeing them comforted me in some way because they were there to take care of me and try to make my life better than what it was. The warm Florida air welcomed me, but exposed me to a different style of living. The people down south were beautiful. They were tan, light, and full of energy. Some were adventurous, and some were beach potatoes. Although I only made a few friends at school, they made me feel accepted and like I belonged there. I worked at a small family owned restaurant, and finally bought my own car. Its safe to say my life was looking up. However, I couldnt get the thought of my mom out of my head. No matter how bright the Florida sun shined or how warm and comfortable the weather was, I still felt saddened about my relationship with her. I missed my friends from home, my boyfriend, and the security of consistency. Living in Florida was like living an unpredictable life. Only living there for a year, I didnt built a routine that I felt comfortable with yet. Stores were different, school life was different, home life was different. Almost everything was different around me. It soon came to a point where I found myself. One day, around sunset, I took a walk around the complex of my grandparents house. I sat there for a good

two hours, just letting myself think about my mom. No interruptions, no distractions. Looking out at the lake, it finally dawned on me. Why should I fight for justification when I wont get it? Why does my mom flip out on me for the smallest things? Why should I get blamed for things I dont even do? All of these fights and brawls I get into with my mom is because of me. She reprimands me for the things Ive done wrong. Ive hurt her in ways I never ever thought of, and I needed to apologize. Moving to Florida made me realize how much I really love my mom. I know that sounds cliche, but I actually went through it. After I found my guilt and forgave myself for it, I wanted to go back to Connecticut and apologize for everything Ive done wrong to her. When I approached my grandparents and told them what happened to me, they understood why I wanted to go back home and they were proud of me for growing up. A few months later when I was done with my semester at school, I took the trip back home. Forgiving myself, and forgiving my mom really helped our relationship grow. Putting distance between us gave me the time to actually think about the problems. Of course we still have our spats, but our connection as mother and daughter is greater than ever, and can easily erase the negative space between us. Dont be afraid to create distance between you and a loved one. Distance can heal the heart and make you stronger in the end.

BY SEkINAh ERskINE SENIoR STAFF WRITER

Finding the Balance with Pilates

track. It would be a chance encounter with my boss which led me to a destination where I would find the peace and harmony I so desperately needed. However, I had no idea that the secret to finding the balance would come in the form of a simple exercise routine known as Pilates. One afternoon, my boss was on her way to lunch, she suggested that I join her downstairs for the free Pilates lessons that my job was offering on Tuesday and Thursdays. I came up with every excuse as to why I could not join her. I told her how uncoordinated I was (which is true), and how shy I was about sharing my lack of coordination with a room full of in shape strangers who probably looked like they had just stepped off of a Sports Illustrated cover. I emphatically expressed to her that I would not be joining the class with her, and that I was not the type of girl who exercised or had ever owned a gym membership, nor did I plan on doing those things in the near future. She kept insisting that I would feel so much better if I would just try one class with her. So after weeks of her prodding and cajoling, I finally gave in to her whim and marched my tall lanky body, dressed in black yoga pants, and a white T-shirt down the hallway stairs and into the basement. I propped myself up onto my dark green Pilates mat and positioned myself close to my boss, as I waited for my impending embarrassment to take place at any moment. Well the embarrassment never came and I could not have been more wrong about the class, and my ability to be the healer of my own body. That first day of Pilates class was a life changing moment. It was the catalyst I needed to help put my life back in balance. I left that class with much more than I had walked in with. When I entered the large blue carpeted room, I was weary and tired and worn out physically and mentally. But when I left, I felt energized and empowered like rays of brightly colored sunshine were beating down upon me. I could hear the loud voice of the universe telling me that my life was about to take a shift for the better. The other people in the class were not concerned with my lack of coordination and the fact that I did not perform every movement with grace and perfection. Each person was there for healing and rejuvenation. For that small increment of time, everyone in the room was concerned about becoming in tune with their spirit and well-being, as an unseen energy force moved within their bodies and mine. It was amazing how effective a one hour class of breathing, moving, stretching and spine exercises could completely alter my mindset and help my body and spirit to recharge. It was hard for me at the beginning of my journey with Pilates to embrace the reality that I needed and deserved, to take good care of myself. At first I felt guilty about taking time out for me, because I had been conditioned by society to be a giver, but Pilates taught me how to be a receiver and it helped me to cope with the stressors of life without relying on modern medicine to take away the aches and pains of my headaches. I will admit that I do not get to do Pilates as much as I would like to when I am in school, however I try to incorporate it in my schedule at least once a week. I know that in order to limit the frequency of my migraine attacks, I have to keep my stress levels down and in order to keep my stress levels down, I rely on the simple movements and breathing techniques of Pilates to keep my mind and body happy and healthy. Every time that I lay still on t he mat with my eyes closed, and hands resting gently at my sides, as I breathe deeply in and out and listen to the rhythms of my own body, I am reminded of how important it is to slow down in life and take time out for rest and relaxation.

have always been the type of person who is constantly busy. Even during the moments when I have free time, I still tend to find something to keep me occupied. Most of my days are filled with countless obligations. Every second, minute, and hour is usually dedicated to someone or something else outside of myself. From dawn until dusk I am inundated with an infinite list of things to do. My life is dictated and monitored by time constraints, meetings, deadlines and a cell phone that wont stop ringing. Certainly it has been hard at times to find the balance and give my body its proper rest. About a year ago (and sometimes even now), I was completely overwhelmed with the stress of my life as a single mom, college student and working adult. My migraines had flared up horribly. I could not sleep, was experiencing bouts of anxiety, and my stress level had reached its maximum capacity. I felt like I was about to explode or rather implode at any moment. I knew I had to do something, but I did not want to resort to continuously popping over the counter drugs to relieve my headaches and make me feel better, so I embarked on a journey to find a natural solution to my very real crisis. I wanted and needed to get my life back on

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HORIZONS Self Reflections

17

BY AshLEY TEARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER ew people want to know a girl after catching a first glimpse of white lines running up her arms in the summertime. Or one who ducks her head as she walks, trying desperately to avoid eye contact. A girl whose eyes do an awkward dance, stumbling out of time if, by chance, her pupils do meet those of another. I was always nervous, like a squirrel when he realizes hes been caught clinging to the bird feeder. Hes mastered the art of a swift retreat, scurrying off into the trees, where wandering eyes cannot threaten. Even though he was only caught living, feeding like the others in the kingdom, he feels unwelcome. Hes been shunned and shooed, exiled and banished by the waving handle of a broom too many times. So many that he trusts not one of these creaturesthese humans. Towering with broad shoulders and stern jaw lines, they cant be trusted. No matter how soft their eyes when the skin crinkles in the corner, when they flash a seemingly sincere show of teeth and upward curving lips. Few will start a conversation with a girl who looks up only to see where shes

Wearing My Stripes
walking, so shes never faced with the awful situations her unconscious mind details in depth. Hypotheticals where shed stumble into someone and scatter her belongings. Oh, shed stutter and choke to render the words of an apology, face red and drips of ice water beneath her skin. A girl who turns into a miner after catching a body in her line of sight, digging in her Santa-sized handbag for nothing in particular. It was easier that way, not being noticed, so I spent a lot of time hiding. I spent countless summers under the blazing heat, concealing those shameful scars in long sleeves and cutoffs. On the few occasions I convinced myself no one would notice, that dressing like a nun in mid-July looked just as crazy, I was faced with just how cruel people could be. Hanging out in the local Dunkin Donuts parking lot, I had an older guy, just an acquaintance, but one Id known for a while, grab my arm and stare in disgust before proclaiming, What the fuck is wrong with you? Words fail to express the humiliation that washed over me in that moment; with everyone turning to see the source of commotion, I wanted to melt into the blacktop like the discarded iced coffee Id fixed my eyes on so I wouldnt have to face the stares. In that same parking lot a few years later, Id find myself trying to push some jerk off of my friend, only to have him tell me to go cut myself. So, naturally, I was overjoyed when the opportunity for a free laser scar removal consultation came along. I thought of how Id never have to explain the scars to my future children, how I wouldnt have to panic over future employers seeing them. Id be able to sunbathe at the beach without worry. And as quickly as Id gotten my hopes up, I had them stolen away. I learned what I have are called hypertrophic scars. I was told that they would fade in color over time, but because they were raised, a laser would be of no use to me. I was crushed, but I was conflicted. Part of me was relieved. These scars had been a part of me for so long. I looked at them the same way someone else might look at their hand and see just that, a hand. In a twisted sort of way, I liked them. They told a story, my story. It wasnt that I hated having them, it was that I hated having to hide. I let these scars, evidence of my past, prevent me from fully living in the present. I was endlessly worried that people would look at me and see only the mutilated flesh stretched over my limbs. Scars speak for themselves; no doubt theyd think someone who looks like that must be far more messed up on the inside. Theyd never want to know me. I let that fear keep me from ever letting new people get to know me. Once I came to terms with this fact, that I wasnt some leper unworthy of a normal human existence, I realized that I shouldnt be ashamed of my past experience with self-harm; I should be proud that I can say its something Ive left in the past. Ive since shed my year-round long sleeves. Wearing a tank top and shorts is no longer a foreign concept. While I dont flaunt my scars, I now wear them without shame, and without apology. And you know what? Ive also learned that when I dont act like its a big deal, other people tend to follow suit.

18

HORIZONS Pin it!

BY HoRIZoNs STAFF

A New Feature For Students Coming To Horizons

It will basically be run the same as a classified section of any newspaper but without any cost to you.. We reserve the right to cut any items that are considered inappropriate or unrelated to student activity. We also will not be held responsible for any financial transactions that may take place as a result of an ad posted in this section. Again, your school newspaper is published three times during a semester and we encourage all students to utilize this new feature. Your advertisement will run concurrently unless it becomes outdated or until you notify us to stop running it. To run your notice just send us the information you want posted with all pertinent data, making sure to list a contact number or email address, what it is you are selling, announcing or promoting to horizonsbulletinboard@gmail.com. If received in a timely manner, we will make sure it is printed in our next edition. If youd like it to run the full semester just add a note telling us. Again, this newspaper is yours and we hope that you will take advantage of the new feature.

e at Horizons are offering students an opportunity to utilize a new section of the schools newspaper. There certainly isnt a lack of bulletin boards throughout the campus. However, either they are underutilized or overcrowded. Most times many of the postings are outdated, difficult to understand, and just plain disorganized, leaving you frustrated and unsure. So, beginning immediately and depending on your response, we will begin publishing a new feature, a bulletin board/classified/announcement/lost and found page in each of the three editions we publish during a semester. If youd like to have your ad posted in the new section send us an ad or event notice that students might be interested in, make it as short as possible while including all the pertinent information. If youd like to submit a jpeg image we will do our best to accommodate you. This idea is in the formulation process right now, and depends on student response. It could become a permanent section in this publication. We strive to be your voice on campus and hope you will take advantage of this

Photo by Horizons Staff

opportunity. All items posted in the paper should be related to upcoming events in which students might be interested. Examples include, promotional announcements for an event, books, software,

study groups, tutoring sessions, local festivities or other items for sale. If youve lost something or found an item you can use this space to make other students aware of that fact.

DownTime with Senator Chris Murphy

BY HoRIZoNs STAFF ebruary 28 students of HCC met and shared theirs insights with Connecticut Senator Christopher Murphy about the college experience. Murphy also also took the time to get student

feedback after talking about an education bill that he is creating. Students raised issues such as having more college courses, student debt and job opportunities after graduation.

All Photographs supplied by Graphic Design President Craig Leachman

HORIZONS Pin it!

19

BY: DANNYY ALAMo STUDENT SUbMIssIoN

Friendships Created In College, Lasting A Lifetime

time with people their age over their own families, it creates either an immediate bond or an immediate interest to make future plans to work together. When youre in college you tend to open up to the people you meet about your interests, future plans and dream careers which opens up a communication flow between two parties says business Professor Stephanie Burke from University of Bridgeport. You dont go into a situation thinking that this is whats going to happen sometimes things fall into place that way. 36% of students come into college choosing a major that suits and interests them and thats where the thought of meeting people with similar interests comes into play, if youre a business major you start to hear how people have already begun to establish themselves in their respected career path, whether its opening a small business, starting a clothing line or tackling the entrepreneurial route. Most students start to think about their futures, states Professor Donna Oropall from the University of Bridgeport business department. Think about it, you walk into this building after graduating from high school thinking about all the experiences youre about to encounter, all the courses youll be taking and how you can make the journey a memorable one for yourself but you never think about how you might end up being co-workers with a classmate or being employed by someone who you sit across from in the library once a week. Many students who come into Housatonic that are studying business have already begun their journey into the career, Synques Jefferson CEO and creative director of Murder $he Wrote streetwear brand, Jesse Montalvo vice president of Xclusive Rebellion clothing and Kiersten Braxton CEO of KB by Kiersten Braxton have all started out at HCC and are now collaborating and networking with students who have an interest in film, photography and music to expand their small independent businesses. College is about taking risks, meeting people and finding your self. Take the time that you have and embrace it, find your calling and dont be afraid to take risks. Collaborate with your fellow classmates, if business is your calling open a small business and see what happens, put yourself out there and most importantly NETWORK yourself! This is the time to make decisions that could affect the rest of your life. Be smart but be fearless.

any students that attend Housatonic come into their college careers with friends from high school so no one has in their minds that they need to worry about making friends or networking themselves but in college friendships that are formed and can be long lasting and be beneficial for your future. Did you ever think that the people you associate yourself with in your college career could be potential business partners or employers? Have you ever thought about possibly opening a small business with someone youve had more than one class with? Sociology Professor Henry Schissler says the reason that percentage is currently the number and most likely going to rise is because, when students get into an atmosphere that forces them to engage one another and to spend more

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Questions: Contact Karyn Smith: (203)332-5133; KSmith@hcc.commnet.edu

1961 Hammond A-100 Spinet Organ Working Condition w/ all original parts Minor wood wear at Base Asking $300 contact Neil @ 203-296-9532

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