Page 1 January/February 2018

PCCC’s VISIONS Volume LX Issue 1 The Student Newspaper of Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ January/February 2018 2017: A Year in Review By Waad Mustafa and Eman Odeh The year 2017 was inar- lia—for 90 days and stopping all government. This statement un- Moving through the list of guably one of the most significant refugees from entering the country leashed a series of investigations the most significant events that oc- years in the U.S history with many for 120 days. After Trump’s travel on the accuracy of vote counting curred in 2017, these are the most social, cultural, and environmental ban was signed, hundreds of peo- and caused continuous questioning impactful social movements that events. This piece will highlight ple protested at the airport gates of the role the Russian government happened in 2017: the most notable events that oc- against Trump’s policy and urged may have played in the 2016 pres- - The Women’s March oc- curred in 2017 in several areas. the administration to denounce the idential elections. curred on January 21st and it was One of the major happen- order. In the 2017 New Jersey one of the largest protests ever to ings in 2017 was undoubtedly the On April 6th, the U.S general elections, democratic can- include the entire nation of Ameri- inauguration of Donald Trump as launched its first military strike didate Philip D. Murphy defeat- ca and across the world. The march the 45th president of the United on a Syrian government airbase ed his opponent, Kim Guadagno, followed the day of Trump’s in- States. President Trump’s inau- resulting in the death of 6 people. gaining 55.7% of the popular vote. auguration and it was meant to guration was undesired by many The airstrike was a response to Gov. Phil Murphy recited the oath advocate social causes like wom- people; this resulted in more than the Syrian government’s usage of of office on January 16th -to be en’s rights, LGBTQ rights, racial 1 million Americans protesting in chemical weapons on Syrian citi- come the 56th governor of New equality, and religion rights. the streets, disappointed by the in- zens which killed dozens of civil- Jersey. - Marches originated from auguration. ians. On December 6th, Presi- Boston then spread nationwide on On January 27th, President On June 21st, a US De- dent Trump fulfilled his campaign January 27th, protesting the Trav- Trump signed one of his first -ex partment of Homeland Security promise and announced his decla- el Ban executive order signed by ecutive order banning the entry of official stated that the presidential ration of Jerusalem as the capital President Trump and supporting citizens from seven Muslim-ma- voting systems in about 21 states city of Israel, and he announced to immigration and travel rights for jority countries—Syria, Iran, Iraq, were targeted by hackers that were move the U.S embassy from Tel the Muslims from the seven Mus- Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Soma- proven to be linked to the Russian Aviv to Israel. (Continued on Page 6) Holiday Gift and Food Drive at EOF 50th Anniversary PCCC: Revitalizing Paterson By Janiece Carter By Erica Russelman This year marks the 50th a college within a college. We anniversary of the Educational provide administrative support, At PCCC’s facul- Opportunity Fund program. The financial aid, [and a] support sys- ty party of 2017, the program has helped many stu- tem. EOF provides services that Student Government dents go on and accomplish their college does; however, EOF fo- Association collected dreams and goals. The Equal cuses on a small amount of col- donations for the New Opportunity Fund’s staff and stu- lege students.” Jersey Community De- dents share their excitement for Running a program like velopment Corpora- this milestone event. EOF is not easy. Through the tion’s 24th annual toy Mrs. Michelle Softly, the years she has had her most dif- drive. Going above EOF director, has worked with ficult moments and her most re- and beyond, the SGA the program since August of warding moments. collected donations for 1986. She first started in the fi- “Like anything in life you the 10th year in a row, nancial aid office at PCCC in No- have ups and downs. Sometimes bringing happiness to vember of 1979. you don’t have enough money dozens of children this “EOF means Extension to do things for the students, [or holiday season. of Family. It’s my dream job…I you’re] short of staff, but gener- Eman Odeh, always wanted to help people ally it’s not really that problemat- From left to right standing: Tahteanna Steadman (SGA the SGA’s chair of the Vice-president), Saray Calderin (SGA president), from my community.” ic for me. I’ll get a new employ- student programming Casey Bucceri (SPC CO-chair/SGA senator), Mrs. Softly was also just ee and do very well. The most committee, contribut- Elnora McQuarters-Houston (SGA Treasurer). like her EOF students: a first gen- rewarding [part] is working with ed a great amount of From left to right sitting: Eman Odeh (SPC Chair/SGA eration college student. When the students. The most rewarding time and effort to make senator), Ase Awari (Speaker of SGA). she first got to college, she had part is to be at graduation. I get this year’s toy drive no clue what college was going to know enough students per- a success. “The SGA “For 2017, the donations will go to to be like; that why she does what sonally. [I] might not remember has been hosting the toy drive for the New Jersey Community Devel- she was. When Mrs. Softly was your name but when you walk more than 10 years in the Faculty opment Corporation. This year, the in school, she was granted the that stage, I will be screaming Holiday Celebration Party. Every SGA collected a total of 184 dona- Michigan Opportunity Award. for you. In two years you’re go- year, the organization that receives tions.” Like EOF, it was awarded to first ing to be done and have a degree. the donations is different than the The New Jersey Community generation college students. The most rewarding moment was other,” Odeh wrote about the event. (Continued on Page 6) However, that program (Continued on Page 5) did not provide the sup- port EOF does, which influenced her to choose the career that she did. In This Issue The Michigan Opportu- News...... Pages 2; 5 nity Award did not pro- Opinion...... Page 3 vide the support service Business Club News...... Page 4 she needed and left her Around Campus...... Page 6 with no place to go for help. Features...... Page 7 “EOF is kind of Poetry Corner...... Pages 7-8 Page 2 News January/February 2018

Editors-in-Chief Erica Russelman ByPCCC Francis Caceres Launches Astronomy Club Katherine Tapia As part of the STEM worldwide space race to Mars, Hayden Planetarium in the Rose Lab’s initiative to further satis- and the population’s future. Center for Earth and Space, di- Managing Editors fy students’ thirst for knowledge There will be club events, rected by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephany Ayala Waad Mustafa about space following the suc- with proposed activities such as residing in the American Muse- cess of the NCAS, or National stargazing socials, where club um of National History in New Copy Editors Community College Aerospace members will gather to view the York City. Katie Lee Scholars program, PCCC is clear night sky. The club will We are extremely excited Erica Russelman proud to announce the launch of also hold meetings to learn about for the Astronomy Club and have the Astronomy Club! the instruments and technology many more ideas in the pipeline Staff Writers The club’s ventures will used to study the stars and radio for the club and its members! The Stephany Ayala consist of discussions, activities, astronomy. Renowned Profes- date for the initial club meeting Janiece Carter and field trips, among other- ac sor Gary Swangin has proposed, is Wednesday, January 31 at 3:00 Martina Frasca tivities. The discussions will hosted, and presented trips to the P.M. in Room A312. Waad Mustafa be about predetermined topics PANTHER Academy Planetar- If you interested in sign- Eman Odeh regarding astronomy and cos- ium! In addition, the proposed ing up as a member or seek fur- Erica Russelman mology, with more than enough club field trips will be to the ther information, please contact Contributing Writers wiggle room to stray off topic for Liberty Science Center in Jersey Francis Caceres at fecaceres@ Francis Caceres any questions or ideas members City. Its planetarium, the Jenni- students.pccc.edu , or Rashell Indiana Done may have. We will also be keep- fer Chalsty Planetarium, is the Dilones at rdilones@students. Stephany Heilbron ing club members up to date on largest planetarium in the West- pccc.edu, or stop by the STEM Jose Lopez world affairs concerning astron- ern Hemisphere and the world’s Makerspace Lab at Room E210. Sheneika Morgan omy and cosmology and their fourth largest planetarium. An- We look forward to meeting and Minerva Vazquez impact on space exploration, the other proposed club trip is to the creating new pathways with you!

Layout Manager Martina Frasca Cooking Up Success at the 2017 Faculty Party

Layout By Erica Russelman Albert Bustos At the 2017 to and passion for her Faculty Holiday Cele- studies. Faculty Advisor bration Party, PCCC’s Throughout the Dr. Christine Redman-Waldeyer culinary program pro- night, attendees raved vided all the guests about the quality of with delicious food, the food and culinary ranging from bite program. At the Wan- Contact us at: sized pastries to filling aque campus, the cu- [email protected] entrees. Regardless of linary facilities have the type of dish, each recently gone under platter took days or complete renovation; even weeks to prepare. the equipment stu- Like Professor dents utilize is state and Chef Steve Levitt, of the art, allowing Chef Philippe Kaem- for the most effective merle, and Chef Louis hands-on educational Hernandez, Chef Pat- experience. rick Pierre-Jerome’s Sally Segovia serves food to guests of the Christmas Faculty Party of 2017. Thanks to many years of ex- the students’ hard perience in culinary At the event, student Sal- work, the many arts is a testimony to his passion ly Segovia helped serve the food. guests were both pleased and for what he does. “To do some- “She’s a leader in and outside of the stuffed. We are grateful to have thing this much, it takes love,” Chef classroom,” Chef Hernandez said. such a pioneering culinary program Pierre-Jerome said about culinary Her participation in preparing for for the students’ education and for arts. the faculty party and her role there the enjoyment of those eating their are a testament to her commitment food! “Open Education Resource- A New Educational Movement” By Stephany Heilbron At the beginning of the nity college without having to our campus was the rising pric- pare for their class. fall semester, a new program pay anything in textbook cost. es in textbooks— many students In the beginning, there was introduced to all students It was all essentially OER on campus are unable to pay were only a few programs on that offer OER, otherwise courses. This inspired several two-hundred dollars and up in campus that ran as OER. The known as Open Educational Re- faculty members to create their textbook cost. school was awarded a title five sources. own version of the Z-degree and Because of the rise in grant and used the gateway cen- A year and a half ago a called it OER. textbook prices, many students ter, as its purpose was to im- speaker by the name of Preston Dean Greg Fallon who don’t buy the book which caus- prove the chances of student Davis from Northern Virginia has led the OER program since es them to get behind in their success by redesigning courses Community College came to the beginning has defined it as courses. As a result, the school to be more interesting for stu- the school and spoke directly to a course in which you can use created this program in order dents as well as to provide sup- many faculty members about a open and free material with the to ensure that students have the port for students in terms of tu- program that their school runs purpose of reusing, revising, material needed for them to pass toring. called the Z-degree or the ze- remixing, redistributing, and their classes. This also helps It was a big team proj- ro-cost program, the idea of tak- retaining the information. The faculty because students now ect as it ing a whole degree at a commu- catalyst for this movement on have the content it order to pre- included (Continued on Page 3) Page 3 Opinion January/February 2018

By Eman Odeh “I’m goingNew to make ing toSemester, submit their assignments perspectives Newon how to achieve Me.to-do lists and accomplish as the most out of this semester,” and not produce their best work. their semester goals: many things as I can. I make “Straight A’s or nothing,” “I’m A common path students take– Nada Hinawi, a biology sure I proof-read my papers and ready to beat my college game,” especially freshmen–after they major at PCCC, spoke about her have them ready one day before are phrases every college fresh- have been through this situa- experience as a full-time col- their due dates. I also manage man have said, and if not all tion is procrastinate for the rest lege student. She states, “I am a my time by spending a specific three of them, at least one of of the semester and accept that biology major and the classes I amount of time on each assign- them. The semester goes on and they will not do better in their take are not easy, and I have a ment and moving on to the next suddenly you realize you have coursework. part-time job. In order to keep quickly.” three essays to submit, two tests What students do not re- up with my academic responsi- Personally, the way I to study for and three projects to alize is the mistakes they make bilities, I make sure that when- choose to deal with my academ- prepare, all due in two days. during their first semester in col- ever I am assigned to do papers, ics is the following: I always You feel frustrated and lege will be the first things they tests…etc., I get working on carry around a planner to record anxious, thinking about excuses fail to do during the rest of their them right away so that I do not all the dates of my assignments to buy yourself extra time, and semesters. In order for a person have to worry about them later and meetings and I check my even with the time you have, to succeed and push themselves on. It feels satisfying to know planner daily. I also examine you’re still not halfway through beyond their limits, it is essen- that your work is done two days the mistakes I have made in the your to-do list. You are going to tial for them to make mistakes prior to their due dates.” past and base my current perfor- feel terrible and guilty, thinking so they can ensure they will not Halla Yousef, who is an mance on them. I encounter my there is no way you can fix what be repeated. aspiring nursing student gave mistakes as blessings, because you did. Several students who her advice to students stating, how will I ever reach success if Situations like these have been attending PCCC for “The best thing I do to bal- I have never experienced down- force students under undesired at least two semesters have been ance my work, academics, and falls? pressure and result in them fail- interviewed and gave their own personal life is to create daily Confidence Is Key this Semester By Martina Frasca Every now and then, semesters. Students may not that everything is a learning ex- student can be tricky. Stressing many students come across be able to go back and fix past perience and should not assume over skills like these takes away grades they are not proud of. mistakes, but there are plenty of they are incorrect. time from focusing on academ- When students do not live up to ways to avoid future mistakes. Looking back on past ic commitments and putting in their academic commitments, One way students can over- successes is a way students their best effort. By avoiding this may cause some students come obstacles is developing should remind themselves that procrastination and planning to feel anxiety and self-doubt a new attitude and regaining they’ve achieved goals before ahead, giving enough studying about moving forward to start- confidence. One of the reasons and they can do it again. Having time towards each subject that ing a new semester. In some cas- students might be having self- those reminders can help boost is taken can help. es, it may even cause students to doubt about an assignment or a up motivation and give the con- Professors are the most give up and loose motivation as class is because their confidence fidence a student needs helpful resources for students to they continue through their col- level has dropped. According to Time management and make sure the current and future lege career. an article in the Huffington Post, establishing balance can help semesters are a success. Profes- The great thing about students should count their past those students who become sors want students to succeed starting a new semester is that successes and trust themselves overwhelmed and want to re- and ask for help when needed. students get a fresh start and re- and their knowledge moving lieve stress. Both of these skills Being organized and hav- ceive new opportunities. Having forward. are not only great for managing ing a positive attitude through- a fresh start means leaving old Students who have self- the current semester but life in out the semester can help moti- habits and fears behind and tak- doubt often feel less experi- general as well. vate students and make it easier ing action to achieve the goals enced, uncertain, and less se- Balancing life along with to achieve the goals of academic you struggled with in previous cure. Students should realize time management as a college commitments. “Open Education Resource- A New Educational Movement” (Continued from Page 2) instructors to sit down with the BC campus which is indexed by was conducted last spring to I would definitely take another librarians in order to find the subject content. some of the first students who OER class in the future if it per- correct course material for each It took a little over a year participated in OER courses, the tains to my program.” class, then an instructional de- for faculty to develop 49 distinct responses were mostly positive This program is a step signer helped integrate the con- courses in addition to devel- with comments such as the fol- in the right direction for com- tent. oping an honors program that lowing: munity colleges that have many Twenty-five faculty is cohort-based, which means “I loved the fact that it low-income students. It’s bene- members were involved includ- that if you are taking an honors was scanned documents, in- ficial to all parties involved as it ing adjunct faculty. class, every single student in stead of purchasing a textbook. helps for students to stay moti- The course material was there is also an honors student. The fact that this class substitut- vated and continue in the course found through repositories such This resulted in development of ed textbooks with open materi- rather than dropping out. as OPENSTAX from Rice Uni- fifteen honors courses which all al was good. I would definitely During the fall semester, versity in which they have 25 run using OER. take another OER class because 33 OER classes ran out of the 49 different textbooks that facul- The school also achieved the material was good and easy that were created. There is still ty members have developed a Z-program degree in the lib- to follow.” room for growth and improve- with the purpose of using it as eral arts degree and the general “The fact that this course gave ment for these classes in the an open educational resource. humanities option. out open material was good coming spring semester. There is also another one called There was a survey that for students with low income, Page 4 Business Club News January/February 2018 Business Club News: Fall 2017 Business Internships By Minerva Vazquez On December 14, 2017, sionals outside of the workplace the business students, with Pro- setting, who showed interest in fessor Kourani, attended the students by taking the time to From Left to Right: Professor Kathleen Kelly, Dr. Ali Saleh, New Jersey Primary Care Asso- answer questions related to the Dean Bassel Stassis, Salvatore Rodriguez, ELS, Dr. Oksana ciation (NJPCA) Passaic Chap- practice of accounting in the real Bauer (missing: Professor Agnes Drath) ter seminar at the Brownstone. world. There are different ac- The seminar was about Taxation. counting paths to follow and this Not only were we exposed to the seminar allowed us to gain in- fundamentals and services, but sight on various issues in Corpo- it was also a chance to meet and rate Accounting. Great time and speak with accounting profes- exposure for Business students!

Left to Right: Mr. Fontanella, Mr. Gray, Ms. Mingione, Professor Kourani, Marta Lazorko (student), and Minerva Vazquez (student)

CUMAC On Friday, December 1, knew I owed my community By Jose Lopez 2017 members of the Business members a big help. I stayed Leadership Club, along with to further CUMAC’s cause and Club Advisor Professor Kou- I’m glad I did. rani, participated in providing My experience was community service at CUMAC. wonderful, it helped me calm CUMAC is a non-profit orga- my stress from finals and - re nization dedicated to serving minded me that there’s more to community food pantries and college than just projects and changing lives through pro- research papers. The workers viding disaster relief services, were amazing people. They job training, supportive hous- guided us very well and made ing, and many other services to the task simpler and easy to help keep our community safe, follow for the seven of us. The healthy and hunger-free. thought of many people in need Sometimes I forget of of a meal lining up the next how fortunate I am myself, and day was motivating. Certainly, how there are many people out there is a type of pleasure that there who worry about when takes away stress which is a Business Leadership Club members and adviser Prof. Kourani and where their next meal will great reason for other students provided community service at CUMAC. be. While I am aware of my to come and join us next time. personal time constraint, I also

BusinessBy Indiana Done Movie Day On Thursday, Novem- The movie discussed ber 30, 2017 the Business business ethics, emotional in- Leadership Club held a “busi- telligence, power, and leader- ness movie day” event screen- ship. Business students enjoy ing the film Inside Job in the watching these kinds of mov- theater. The movie educated ies because is applicable to our business students about everything they learn in their the financial crisis of 2008. business classes.

Eva’sBy Sheneika Morgan Village On October 25, paying respect to the hu- 2017, members of the man dignity of everyone. It Business Leadership Club was a great experience for (BLC), along with Club business students and all Advisor Professor Koura- members felt good about ni, provided community performing community service assistance at Eva’s service and utilizing their Village. The mission of time to help others. Eva’s Village is to feed the For more informa- hungry, shelter the home- tion about BLC, contact less, treat the addicted, Professor Kourani at and provide free medical [email protected] and dental care to the poor, or 973-684-7643. Page 5 News January/February 2018

(Continued from Page 1) EOF 50th Anniversary having mayor Hector Lora of Clif- up the phone and call other EOF months. Since her graduation, she alumni of the program helped him ton, New Jersey, who was a former directors and say, “it’s Mrs. Softly has recruited 500 students into the with the process. EOF provides EOF student at PCCC, visit and calling to talk about a student, so- EOF program. Since 2015, she transfer fairs and virtual tours of speak about his journey. When we rority scholarship committee, and has held her permanent position as universities. look at things like that, that’s what church scholarships.” EOF helps EOF admissions counselor. Overall, Zavaleta graduate makes it exciting and worth it.” students getting into the programs Christian Zavaleta is one of PCCC with a 3.8 GPA and is now Her greatest impact over and get professional development. the many EOF math tutors and has a junior at NJIT working on his in- the years is serving on the EOF One EOF alumni that grew been tutoring for three years. He dustrial engineering degree. He is PANJ which is the professional from the program is Patrice Carter, helped over 250 students with bet- just one of many students that EOF association for the EOF program EOF admissions counselor. She tering their grades and understand- has helped. across the state. She has served in was a former EOF student and says ing course material. Zavaleta, just EOF has helped thousands various positions including presi- that EOF helped her go to Rutgers like the other EOF students, came of students achieve their dreams dent, vice president, and treasurer University and get through school. in the summer to work and build and goals. Over the last 50 years, since 1986 and remains a mem- Also, the program helped her get on his Math and English skills. they have made a big impact in ber of the association today. She’s the job she has today. The EOF program gave the community. Happy 50 years to been there for the 20th, 40th, and During her time at Rutgers, him opportunities to get ahead in EOF and many more to come. 50th anniversaries. her EOF counselor helped her get his classes by taking some courses The advantage of being a through her semester when she had in the summer with EOF. When it part of PANJ is being able to pick two deaths in her family within six was time to transfer, EOF and the Upcoming Entertainment in 2018 By Marialys Gonzalez Throughout 2017, the Other types of music the second to final season of media. There will be continua- entertainment industry deliv- climbed to the charts. Recent- Games of Thrones, premiered tions of popular sagas as well, ered great pieces of work, de- ly, more than ever, K-pop (Ko- on HBO. Popular thriller films such as Avengers: Infinity War, spite controversial allegations rean Pop) has been hitting the such as It, Happy Death Day, Deadpool 2, and a spotlight film and reports. Albums from chart airways. Groups such as BTS and Get Out were seen by the for a popular character, Solo: A topping artists such as Ed Sheer- (known as Bangtan Boys or Be- millions. Many movies were re- Star Wars Story. Towards the an, Sam Smith, Lorde and many yond the Scene) and SHINee, leased with an international cult end of 2018, a biography of more hit the shelves. Hip-Hop with determined fans and strong following such as Star Wars: Freddie Mercury, lead singer of and Rap artists continue enter- social media presences, result in The Last Jedi, Thor: Ragnarok, Queen, will detail his lifetime taining music lovers with new to their international and rising and Spider-Man: Homecoming, until legendary performance at records from Future, 21 Savage, fame. Both of this boy bands which starred Tom Holland. the Live Aid concert in 1985. and Migos, a male trio. Not to originated from South Korea. A Excitedly, as a new year In 2018, ex-Fifth Har- mention, it was also an amazing difference between these bands rolled in, so did the countless mony member, Camila Cabel- year for female artists. Cardi B, are BTS have 7 members, while premiers of well-known and lo, will be releasing her debut a Bronx native, dominated the SHINee had 5. In December long waited television shows record, Camila, on January 12. music charts this past year. Her 2017, singer Jonghyun from and movies. The year 2017 gave This prominent rising star had anthem, “Bodak Yellow”, is the SHINee passed in Seoul, South us the films Wonder Woman, an astounding past year with only number one single from a Korea. At the time of this article, Beauty and the Beast, and Ju- singles “Havana” and “Crying female rapper since 1998. Also, there have not been any confir- manji starring Dwayne John- in the Club”. Also, other antic- 2017 paved the way for R&B mation of the faith of this group, son and comedian, Kevin Hart. ipated upcoming album releases music to become popular once but hopefully, the other mem- However, this coming year, include The 1975’s Music for again. Few female R&B artists bers would live on Jonghyun’s 2018, will be greatest year of Cars, Charlie Puth’s Voicenotes, by the names of SZA, Sabrina legacy. entertainment so far. Films like and Fall Out Boy’s MANIA. Claudio, and Mahalia contrib- In the terms of TV en- A Wrinkle of Time, Black Pan- Many older favorites in the mu- uted to this. As these women’s tertainment, Netflix delivered ther, and Ocean’s Eight, which sic industry will be surprising role are continuing to grow in Stranger Things: Season 2 and a will star female powerhouses fans with new music. The music the music industry, their voices controversial depiction of a teen such as Sandra Bullock, Rihan- scene this year in 2018 is going and songs will be in every play- novel turned to into a show: 13 na, and Anne Hathaway, has al- to be one for the books. list created in 2018. Reasons Why. Also, Season 7, ready create a lot buzz in social Page 6 Around Campus January/February 2018 AROUND CAMPUS What is your New Year’s Resolution? Miquel Watson Ernest Voelker Major: Biology Focus: Electro-mechani- Age: 19 cal Technician Certification Resolution: I want to connect with as many Resolution: I want to people as I can to listen more and to talk bring them joy. I want less. to change the anti-social air that I’ve experienced in college.

A. Wilder E. Murray Major: Early Childhood Position: Adjunct Pro- Education fessor of Business De- partment Resolution: I want to fo- cus on better time man- Resolution: I have agement and completing been trying to exercise my second semester more; next year 2018, positively. I want to exercise for 150 minutes a week 2017: A Year in Review (Continued from Page 1) lim majority countries. 2017 had its first big storm on May movie that was so emblematic. Af- many seriously violent hate crimes - In June 2017, the “We Are 7th. Even though severe storms rican-American film-maker Jordan and terrorist attacks. We witnessed Still In” movement was declared were rare, the spring season started Peele made it possible to make a the deadliest shooting in modern by universities, states, countries, off with a lot of them. Later in 2017 horror movie that included racism US History, which occurred on Oc- and leaders that stand by the Paris came a few strong heat waves that by portraying a black man sur- tober 1st, 2017. A gunman fired at Agreement and its goals in response caused hot and dry conditions and rounded by creepy racists. Such a a concert from a hotel room across to Trump’s announcement of with- led to early droughts in many states. strong movie was able to convey from the concert area resulting in 58 drawing the US from the Paris The largest fire Montana ever had themes of terrific horror and politics deaths and more than 500 injuries. Agreement. occurred, burning nearly 100,000 as well. In June, there was a tragic - The #MeToo movement, acres near Ashland. Such events After the massive flooding, bombing that occurred during Ari- originally established in 2006 by had led to even more grass fires. power outages, and destruction ana Grande’s Concert in Manches- social activist Tarana Burke, grew Heading into September caused by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, ter, England, which killed 23 people significantly in October 2017 as a and October, there was cooler and and Maria, celebrities came out to and injured more than 100. Ariana hashtag used on social media web- wetter weather which helped alle- help and raise money for charity. El- Grande was so devastated about the sites. The purpose of this movement viate the previous conditions. The len DeGeneres and the Kardashians attack that she performed a benefit was to expose the pervasiveness of first widespread snow of the season challenged others to donate to the concert afterwards. sexual assault and harassment, es- was on November 1st, which did organizations that helped aid the During October, a 29-year- pecially after the revelation of the not last long as there was dry and hurricane victims. Other celebrities old by the name of Sayfullo Saipov sexual misconduct allegations made warm weather in mid-November up such as Justin Bieber, Oprah Win- committed an act of terror by run- against Harvey Weinstein. until early December. Mid-Decem- frey, and Beyoncé were also fea- ning over pedestrians in New York - After declaring Jerusalem ber 2017 saw a significant drop in tured for aiding the victims. City. All these attacks have impact- as Israel’s capital on December 6th, temperature for cold weather and Millions of people, both ed event safety and gun control millions of protesters and activists heavier snow conditions. men and women, came out and as well as reinforced background from across the U.S and the world Overall, 2017 had tempera- marched in New York, Los Ange- checks on firearms. filled the streets protesting against tures a few degrees above normal at les, Washington, and other cities There has been a large in- the declaration and emphasizing each season. Precipitation was also for a Women’s March as a direct crease in security measurements their solidarity with Palestine. above normal in Western and Cen- response to President Trump’s inau- now to prevent any terrorist attacks. tral parts of the United States. guration, as they advocated for leg- Brad Paisley and Caleb Keeter who Weather islation involving LGBTQ rights, are famous country singers, have The year started off with Pop Culture immigration reform, and women’s spoken out about gun control and frigid temperatures beginning half- During March of 2017, the rights. safety, which promotes less vio- way through January, while the rest world was surprised by the way lence and more security. of winter and spring showed tem- Get Out saved the box office with Terrorist Attacks peratures above normal. The year its original innovation of a horror Throughout 2017 there were Holiday Gift and Food Drive at PCCC: Revitalizing Paterson (Continued from Page 1) Development Corporation (NJCDC) is a private to foster festivity in struggling neighborhoods. consecutive year. The SGA has reminded us that and nonprofit service that aims to improve youth With the help of community members, however, building each other up is what the giving season development while actively developing commu- a joyous holiday season can be made possible. is all about. As we look back at the success of nity service initiatives. Their work often focuses Oftentimes, toy drive donations are the the SGA’s annual toy drive, let’s look forward to on education, housing, and restoring hope. only gifts some children will receive. The con- a new year of renewed hope, joy, and community From the beginning, NJCDC’s goal in organizing cern for the revitalization. a toy drive has been to revitalize communities. community faculty members and students have During the holidays, it can be especially difficult shown has truly made a difference for another Page 7 Features/Poetry January/February 2018 Born to teach: Teenage English Major Thrives By Angelina Gonzalo PCCC student Erica Russel- demic goals, from finishing a Bach- man serves as an aspiring professor, elorette to obtaining a doctorate in she is exploring through different education, with the hopes of per- avenues to complete her English forming as a passionate professor. degree. Russelman stated, “I hope Almost all students who to share my literary experiences attend Passaic County Community with my future students.” College have determined a major. Though the young aspirant Similarly, Erica Russelman spilled has made many accomplishments, the beans during Journalism class Russelman has yet to reach half of on Thursday, Feb. 1 while locat- the goals listed on her bucket list. ed in the Memorial building of the Most students carry the weight school- centered in the heart of of having a financial barrier, and downtown Paterson. Erica Russelman school expenses can pile up on Russelman chose English as some occasions, so, Russelman’s her major, and she is pursuing a ca- accordance to maintaining a great Getting involved in programs at main concern is finances. She reer in teaching because she would GPA (a point average that will at- an individual’s collegiate grounds thinks about the amount of school like to continue sightseeing through tract scholarships), paying for her opens doors. tuition. the realms of literature. last two semesters, and scored a Activities, especially ones “I contemplate how I am At that, Russelman began to position as a Co-Editor in Chief of conducted by professors, may serve going to pay for college; I already reflect upon her goals, and her pur- PCCC’s newspaper, Visions. as an asset in a person’s college have bills at the early stage of my pose for teaching. experience. Professors are known education,” said the comfortable “I really love literature and According to PCCC, Vi- for planting the seed in a student’s looking yet chic brunette. To finan- I want students to enjoy it as well,” sions serves as a source of mass path. cially support her goal, Russelman said Russelman, who at age is working on attaining an- 18 has made many accom- “I hope to share my literary other NJSTARS award and plishments during her first apply for additional schol- year in a college setting. experiences with my future students.” arships in order to fund her Russelman leaped into her devotion towards higher learning. first semester with an ambitious communication for the school’s For instance, a reporter from Next on her radar, Russel- mindset; she wanted to make it per- campuses. The college’s paper is The New Yorker reflected on her man will join public speaking ac- tinent to serve as the best college crafted by students under the stew- time in school, she advises students tivities, the opportunities will allow student in order to fulfill her -aca ardship of their advisor, Dr. Red- to connect with their instructors, her to hone the skills needed for a demic endeavors. man-Waldeyer. the anchor mentioned that one even classroom. “I want to entertain my Russelman, a talented in- In the same light, the con- “…recommended me for a position students which is why I must mas- dividual by any angle, is fervent tributors of Visions plan to inform, at The New Yorker, jump-starting ter the ability to speak effectively,” about teaching. The thought of in- educate, and entertain their audi- my career.” Russelman added. structing a class fills her with much ence—the three factors a primary Like the reporter, Russel- At the present time, Russel- fervor. She has begun to strategize motive; PCCC’s newsprint helps man makes it her priority to form man is a full-time student with un- a plan that will lead her towards the students get more involved. relationships with college staff. The paralleled passion for teaching. She profession of a professor. As a diligent and deter- comfortably dressed young English is willing to expand her breadth of “I am proud of what I have mined student, Russelman began major looks forward towards seek- knowledge and plans on maintain- contributed to the school,” Russel- to participate in the institution’s ing alternatives for completing her ing a positive mindset. “As an En- man stated. Her undertaking, most newspaper, which led her to land degree. glish professor, I also want to get of which represents a high-achiev- the role as Co-Editor in Chief. “The “I dream of attending Co- married and have a family,” con- ing college student’s trajectory, ap- position is enjoyable and I contin- lumbia University for my Master’s firmed the kind spirited student. pears to be relatively effective. ue to learn more about Journalism,” Degree,” says Russelman. She is Her accomplishments are in expressed the brunette with jeans. well-equipped to complete her aca-

The Departed Son Shouting my name. “Mother!” you call me. “Mother!” By Katherine Tapia (I beg you, stay) Poetry Corner In this perilous state, trusting to tie All that is sweet has died on me, you not to the entrance of my chest, Rotting in higher clouds Licking my pity in the wounds of The air between the blackberry my scornful self trees and the cliff, whirring, Reclaiming my tired body And your voice afar, thrusting, like And its roots to its dust. a thousand needles,

Sigma Notation Introduction http://www.aimcenteraz.com to definite Integral, Riemman By Basheer Mahmoud Sum Vehicle By Katherine Tapia Reference:Guessing Calculusat limits notes & Look at this graph Text Book f(x)=X^2+5x-2 This is my only vehicle: Every time I look it makes me The rest has left me. Limits & Continuity laugh The colors, the music, the caress. (Discussed more Rigorously) Hell nah; to the no no no There comes a time Motivation for the definition of When one sits alone a two-sided-limit Newton’s method/ Rolle’s & – Or worst, lays lonely, The definition that attributed mean value theorems But you are not alone – the mathematician Calculus Project is due And the paintbrush falls, muted, After all, the limit of my under- Fluttering stifled protests http://www.uciencia.uma.es Let f(x)=L standing Against the parching gravel {xa} Does not exist… Grey, and deaf, and rough. Here is your definition Page 8 Poetry Corner January/February 2018 I am a shooting star live a better life? The Black Man’s Burden An angel whose light has dimmed from the Weighing down their backs with the bur- By Nazier Ivy wrongs of his mistakes den of unfair living? No! It’s snatched from But should I, do I deserve to remain face- their tired, scared hands and shoved into the Shooting stars are stained less, nameless greedy claws of inconsiderate rich men. Shooting stars are tainted In the shadows of the rich man who share Shooting stars are me. not the same struggle a I I always had so many questions with so lit- I am a blazing ball of fire, a shooting star. But are treated with benefits and luxuries tle answers… you can try to shoot me down if you may, that should be for me? Am I a shooting star, A fallen angel? but I won’t fall. the flame of my soul will never putter and Yes, I am a shooting star, a suffocating star Really, kick me when I’m down? extinguish. in need of resuscitation Will no one extend a warm, generous hand I will never stagger and kneel to the likes A beaten champion, In need of spiritual re- to the black man, pull him up to his feet, and of you. demption. forgive him for his mistakes? has it come to the time when all empathy is cascaded away I am a tired shooting star, feeble and weak Yet, is there no kindness, no sympathy for along with chivalry and fidelity? yet indignant and ferocious. the brothers and sister rotting in a concrete have we no humanity to treat thy neighbor yes, these are contradicting words. jungle? as thyself? Why feeble and weak? Nothing more to feed their empty mouths Is love not what the Lord pledged his only Why indignant and ferocious, you ask? and hungry souls than the table scraps son for? Because i am restless and agitated, my back of more privileged folk? hasn’t paying, in life always been a necessi- and shoulders ache ty to support others in need? like my weeping soul I sit around with my children, struggling Yes, I am a shooting star, a testament of I carry a resentment, a heavy burden with- and starving, craving a desire for life, while your kindness held for too long. the rich man greedily sucks his fingers of Yes, it’s hard to provide for yourself and The Black Man’s Burden wealth and temptations. others at times, but sometimes shooting My family and I shiver from the cold chill stars are just worth sacrificing for. This is not an angry letter, nor is it violent. of life at night, my clothes and fabric as torn No this is simply poetic justice. as my pride and dignity while the rich man So the next time you see me, take out your spends money frivolously on “blenders”, expensive phones, and take out your cam- Yes, I am an old shooting star, yet I live in and other unnecessary material items. eras. poverty Take an everlasting picture, of the Black amongst the streets of my kingdom where I Where is the black man’s big meals and Man’s Burden, maybe then you could take rule as prince. clean clothes? it from my shoulders, and carry it yourself. Where is the black man’s opportunity to those birds, The Flock And come back to stand on the Justice Too Long Delayed has always been stalked by By Katherine Tapia same spot they just were. death, Is Justice Denied Perhaps it is them. Perhaps it is (And) if they come for me in Outside the window, the birds not By Jared Jankowski the morning, they will come for conglomerate. And I cheat myself with the hope you in the night. The clothesline grows heavy with of continuance Why do you all push us around? If you don’t stand for some- their weight. To keep watching the same scene A nation’s culture resides in the thing you will fall for anything. They tweet the same chords for unfold hearts and in the soul of its peo- Life’s most persistent and ur- the same songs The same flock, feathers, feet, ple. We have to talk about lib- gent question is, ‘What are you Day after day, year after year, beaks. erating minds as well as liber- doing for others?’ time after time. The same stream of wind come ating society. Wrong is wrong, Our lives begin to end the day They have found in their freedom and gone no matter who does it or says it. we become silent about things A way to associate themselves. Like a torrent Freedom is never given; it is that matter. I feel alienated. Inundating the parks, and the won, There is no noise as powerful as I grab tightly the cup that holds clotheslines, All (Rosa Parks) was doing was the sound of the marching feet my coffee The many roads, and the home. trying to get home from work. of a determined people. Since that’s all I have left to grab. If there is no struggle, there is From the quotes of those who I watch them soar, across the sky, no progress. fought the painstaking fight for The only tired (she) was, was freedom wholeheartedly with- tired of giving in. out rest. Angela Davis What shall save us from a sec- Frederick Douglass ond slavery? Rosa Parks We may have all come on dif- Mahatma Gandhi W.E.B. Du ferent ships, but we’re in the Bois Martin Luther King Jr. A. same boat now. Philip Randolph Malcolm X We know the road to freedom

http://www.millvillepubliclibrary.org

ONE OF THE TOP 25 COLLEGES NATIONALLY WHERE GRADUATES CAN EARN Connect To: SIX-FIGURE A Higher Salary SALARIES njit.edu/visit - Money Magazine