James rrero Chanita onllumni on Hop Anna Ramos on IvallaSato Overcoming on conlemporan wilh an

aWl '11111 Se IlarsblD llSlln s FEATURES James Marrero reports on a couple ofl..aGuardiu' finest alumni facing the world and leading us (0 new heigh .

David Brown overcomes obstacles and blazes trail '. Soon 5 he will be joining our finest alumni- story by Anna Ramos

Rudy Burgos had a brainstorm:"Putting tbe C mmunity b back in Community College." President Bowen expands on our mantra and comments.

8 Editor's Note 10 Janina Perez breaks it down, the history of OpeD Admissions and a tough question.

There are Myths and there are Facts, once tho. e are cleared 11 up we can progress to some concrete propo aJ . la­ Guardia's English Professor Lenore 8eaky and the CUNY Community College Conference explain.

How many healthplans cost $20 per year? Would y u like 14 one? Got your attention? Associate Health Director Vincent Banrey has worked hard to get a referendum 00 the ballot, now it's up to you! 11 Scholarship Listings 1q Word Craft Forming Committee OrigIDai Members 21 LGCC Sports Carolina oria Patricia Toche LaGuardia Students bring college to 6 gmders, you can too. Rudy Burgos 22 Shawn Torres The History and harmony of Martial Arts by Seop Song. 2~ Chanita Williams analyzes the impact of HipHop culture from its beginnings in dreams to its absorbtion into the 24 mainstream. 21 Rocky Road 28 Clubbing DIs,...... Meet our Students .. ~O By the way, around the way there happen to be eveml ~2 wonderful art spaces Ayako Sato reports on P.S. I.

Winner of December's "Bridge" Logo contel ( and very ~~ honorable mentions

More contemporary art at Long Island City Phun ~4 Phactory. Patterns like Pollack and Picas . Figure thal echo Lichtenstein and De kooning on a Modrianic background.(Those art classes come in bandy! Thanks Prof. Chris) The Bridge is the official student newspaper of LaGuardia Community CoIl• . /I is ...... 1Il published by an independent staff and financed by student activity funds. OpInlcHls expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the College, administration, faculty. or ...... student body The Bridge is not responsible for unsolicited materlsJand al/ mBterislls 6UbjtIct -­ to editing. Copyright by The Bridge is located in M117E at LaGuardia Community CoII6ge, 31·10 Thomson Ave .. LlC, N. Y 11101, (718) 482·5189. .. Bronx~ It's not Park ..lven~ but r have hopes and an Amer. an dream. w(teeler Ave.• is cold and . _ q\ (]loT. I have to go to the store. Iny j ~ as a video tap.,.ndor does not give me much time fOl' shopping. A' r approach myeront • doo., a car comes stealtl'lily dOWIl the block. The car store behind me e and four men get out, someone yells out aut4itoritatit ely "Stop, p~ lice !4» I tur ~round with my keys s. l in hand. I see a gun p oW1ted at me . • Holding that gun is a screaming • white male 4IP casual clothing. I see a flash. The pain be. ns as 19 b 1fllets pier ~ ~y body, pinning me to the door. The pain continues • as I fall and realize that the red sJiuff is my • bl ood.... . • LaGuardia's Alumni: COmDlunity Leaders by jaDles Marrero

The pain of this poor, unfortunate office because he recruited an outstand­ has a 100% rating by the New York Civil man stopped when his life ended at the ing staff and constructed great cam­ Liberties Union on the issues of C ivil hands ofthe police. Imagine being in this paigns. As Michael Jordan says, "lfyou Ri ghts. Some of the issues he votes on situation. If we do not contribute to law, put in the work, results will come." concelll hospital di scrimination and mul­ health, and education it creates problems. Ruben Diaz Jr. works with hi s tilingual tax forms. He also helps people Fortunately there are those who do con­ staff to improve education, economic de­ find housing and protects people with tribute. These individuals fight everyday velopment, civil rights, housing, and th e evictions by finding allorneys for them. in their own ways to prevent these types envirorunent. He says, "My statf and 1 He protects t:-1I11ilie s who make less than of situations. These people understand work with the YMCA, the Police Depart­ $20,000 annually who need an apartment. what it is like to come from humble be­ ment and many other organizations to He also makes sure that apartments arc gmnmgs. weed out correctl y made to tit the Today we are revering the La­ needs of the elderly and Guardia Community College the disabled. Alumni. These alumni repre­ When asked sent the community values of about his feelings on our LaGuardia Community Col­ college, Ruhen lege. We begin with the success res ponded," La(; ua I'd ia story of Ruben Diaz Jr. He is the COllllllunity College is im­ youngest Democratic Assembly­ portant to me because I can man of the Bronx, now serving educate mysel f about dif­ his second term. He represents ferent cultures by meeting the 75th Assembly District in the students who ha ve many South Bronx. He is also a mem­ different cultural back­ ber of the Assembly standing grounds. It is also afto rd­ Committee on Aging, Children and ahle. For a family man like Families, Cities, Corrections, Edu­ myself, thi s is certainly a cation and Government operations, benefit. We can al so learn as well as a member of the Assem­ not to pass judgement on bl y/ Senate Puerto Rican and llispan- cultures that we arc not ic Task Force. He is presently a part of the bad seeds of the city and help ri si ng knowlegable of. However, the college's LaGuardia Community College's Class flowers succeed." Assemblyman Di az weakness is the lack of communication of I ':)97 Liberal Arts Alumni. has recently gone on a media campaign that students have with the administra­ He started his career as a communi­ against police brutality. In the wake of tion." ty service activist, striving to enhance the the Abmner Louima attack and the Another successful alulllnus of La­ Bronx community. At age 15, Ruben Amadou Diallo shooting, Ruben Diaz Guardia COllllllunity College is Andrew helped senior citizens by bringing food has risen as one of the leading voices J. Saluga. lie is an Education graduate to the Senior Centers. Tn later years he against police brutality. "We also pro­ of I 97fl. He started hi s career as an ac­ joined the Christian Community in Ac­ vide a safe haven for youths to stay out ti vist and a sheet metal constructor for tion, whcre he made sure special sen'ic­ of trouble. We give state funding to th e number of years. Then a co-worker said es were gi ven to the disabled and elder­ schools for computers, after-schllol pro­ to him, " Do you really want to he like ly. ),.,'Tams, mentorship, recreation activities, me?" from that moment, he decided to In 1992, Ruben Diaz Jr. became a trips, and theater presentations lor the change hi s life. He enrolls in LaGuardia messenger and a central staff supervisor young people." Community College and now makes a for the New York City Council, where Assemhlyman Diaz has helped pass diffe rence. He says, "Thi s school helped he k amed the dynamics of politics by a bill that will eliminate taxes on college me estahlish that I have a brain and I alll joining the meetings among the politi­ texthooks, has dehated against a TAP and still using it 10 thi s day! We are a nuts cians. In 1 99fl, Ruben decided to run for PELL decrease, and has advocated for and bolts integrity workin g class insti­ State Assemblyman because his father state grants in order to increase funding tuti on. We provide for Illany people a sec­ Inst his bid for New York State Senator. for a variety of education prgrams like ond chancc." II i" father influenced him to become a College Discovery. He is now ihe Recr..:at ion and Fit­ politician. Ruben Diaz Jr. improves the econu­ ness Coordinator at LaGuardia hecau~e Ruben lost hi s first clectiml after re­ my conducting a Strategic Training Alli­ he lo ves spurts and wants to teach ahout cei ving 23 % of the votes. Despite the ance Program which prepares employees them. lie work s with hi s col k agucs tll ohstacles, Ruhen Wlln two more tenns in for the johs of thc next millennium. He operate gyms, the pools, and the teams.

4 He proclaims, "The philosophy of the de­ partment is to develop our students' life skills. Everyone in the world is involved ICC in head sports, head games and the phys- ical part is neglected." Sartre would have agreed. LaGuardia Community College has a involved. Become a leader and be a role diversity of activities and most benefi­ model." He believes in opening the doors cial programs the college offered to their to these students to give them an oppor­ attending students. One of the most re­ tunity to be in charge and show them that spected programs the college offers is it is possible to overcome their obstacles. the Office for Students with Disabilities. He stated, " always believe in yourself." Here you can find successful and coura­ I had the opportunity to also interview geous students who with their obstacles a former student in the office of disabili­ have proven to be great conquerors as ties at LaGuardia Community College. well as role models. She prefers not to use her name. She suf­ David Brown, a governor of Student fers from a mental illness which she has Andrew Saluga has been in his Government who ten years ago suffered fought against for the last ten years. She position for 15 years and has been with in an automobile accident on the job, has graduated in 1996 with a degree in Ger­ LaGuardia for 23 years. His success is successfully overcome his injury and is ontology Mental Health. She was also not about plaques on the wall; it is about more than prepared to move ahead. Dav­ member of Phi Theta Kappa. She now having people who care and support him id has undergone nineteen microsurgery tutors at the college and plans to receive when he is using his brain to help stu­ operations and is presently in physical a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She dents. This is why he often says, "I am therapy, but he doesn't allow any of this works as a volunteer with those who are this place" to interfere with his future dreams. Dav­ ill and assists their families. " I feel good Mr. Saluga's major interest is id at the moment is the only disabled stu­ when I help others," she notes cheerful­ teaching. His high school principal did dent in Student Government and manag­ ly. According to her, one must confront not believe Andrew could be a teacher. es Foreign Affairs where he works with incapability and seek help to overcome Andrew says, "I'm stilI trying to define thousands of students from 104 different it. what that means. I love to be witness countries. The hardest part of having a disabili­ when people learn something, the look David has a 7 year old son who motivates ty, according to her, is to be discriminat­ on their faces is what it's all about. The him even further to achieve his goals. ed against and lose many good opportu­ sense of accomplishment is a rush." He David enjoys writing music and singing nities." It is painful to be discriminated refers to the art of teaching someone to and plans to write a book and a movie against," she says. Although she must be a better athelete. He also gives speech­ which he hopes will help others like him­ take medications daily, she feels that she es at college city games. " If I could go self overcome hardships and injuries. is lucky enough to be who she is. She back 30 years I would tell my high school "Life is so important and people do not has an eagerness to help those who need principal that all I wanted to be is a gym appreciate what God has given them," he emotional and physical help. " ['m there teacher." He learns much about himself notes. He believes that we were born for for others when they need me. I like to through LaGuardia's internship program. a good reason, "God has brought us here help those who want to go forward like Mr. Saluga believes, "This to live and learn." myself." She admits that her illness has place is too huge. As you get bigger you When I asked David what had been his been an enonnous challenge, but she has lose intimacy. The cracks in the floor get major hardship concerning his disabili­ the greatest asset of all: a strong will. wider and more things fall through the ty, he acknowledged that it was not hav­ The Office for Students with Disabili­ cracks. This concerns me because I don't ing enough money. He strongly feels that ties, located in room M-120-B provides like to see people fail. We can develop those who become handicapped should students with tutors, early advisement, and flourish as our community streches be aided financiaI1y." I am tired of and academic, career and personal coun­ and redefine what we mean as commu­ watching people get hurt and suffering," seling. It also helps in test taking skills nity." David commented bitterly. Discrimina­ and offers many more support services. We are a microchosm of New York tion and lack of emotional support are The office is open 9:00 am to 5:00pm on City. The mix can be seen in "The Bridge also hardships according to him. weekdays. Newsmagazine" David graduates this year with a Para­ As you know, legal degree. After college he hopes to we are the voice donate money to open a program for that is going to those who get injured on the job and protect you from where they can be assisted to face finan­ those cracks. cial problems. According to David the advice he gives other disabled students is, " Get more

5 Putting the "Community" Dr. Raymond Bowen, President of LaGuardia Community College

Recently T had the pleasure of hosting Our visitor then dropped in on a basic demolished as teachers and students em­ a distinguished visitor from South Afri­ writing class whose students were dili­ barked together on exciting educational ca, a man whose father had spent years gently composing essays at workstations ventures. Yet all of us were exhilarated imprisoned on Robben Island with Nel­ in one of the English Departments com­ by the knowledge that we were involved son Mandela and who himself had been puter labs. He lingered there, speaking in the creation of a brand new college, "detained" under the old apartheid regime with the professor who was conducting an educational institution that over the on numerous occasions. Having survived the class; this professor travels long dis­ years, in many ways, would continue to the absence of a father and the solitude tances to teach at LaGuardia, and after "break the mold" in its effort to build a of detention, our visitor to LaGuardia val­ 20 years of service, is still active in nu­ strong, vital community. ues the spirit of community wherever he merous important college committees. finds it. And he found it here at the Col­ Next, our new South African friend lege, so much so that he would like to toured the library where students were "More and more, La­ help start an institution based on the La­ busy using on-line catalogs to research Guardia's students Guardia model in Soweto, the huge black assignments, and studying in the library's township outside Johannesburg. well-used corrals. are challenged to jug­ What had this visitor seen that con­ Crossing from our "E" building to the vinced him that sense of conununity was "M" building our visitor strolled down gle required course alive and well at LaGuardia? In the LaGuardia's Hall of Flags. More than morning he spent time with students, 125 flags hang in this hall, reflecting our work and inflexible teachers and administrators at Middle students' national origins. Pausing be­ College, one of our three alternative high fore his own South African flag, our vis­ class schedules, jobs, schools on campus, a high school so suc­ itor observed that LaGuardia, in its com­ and family commit­ cessful in graduating its students and mitment to an all-embracing spirit of sending them on to higher education that community, is an inspiration for educa­ ments. " it has been replicated at dozens of sites tors around the world. around the nation. Following a cordial Each year literally thousands of edu­ Today we are still relatively young in lunch with administrators, he then toured cators and other interested observers like ternls of an educational history, but far our main buildings. He visited the gym, our new friend from South Africa visit more mature than 25 years ago. We are filled with students practicing and play­ LaGuardia and come away with a sense also constrained in ways that we never ing pick-up basketball. In a wonderfully that it is a very special place, an institu­ were in our early years. Classes are larg­ spontaneous moment he stopped to talk tion that has sustained a mission based er. More and more, LaGuardia's students with a student intern at the gym's front on educational opportunity for everyone are challenged to juggle required course desk: the student had just completed a who wants it. And despite the fact that work and inflexible class schedules,jobs research paper on South Africa! we are today a relatively large institution and family commitments. Similarly, La­ with some 11,000 full time students and Guardia's teachers have heavy loads and "And despite the fact 25,000 part time students, we have tried responsibilities; indeed the faculty is old­ to retain the same spirit of community er and, while many remain active in La­ that we are today a rela­ that characterized the College when it Guardia affairs, other are somewhat re­ tively large institution ... was founded in 1971. moved from the exuberance that charac­ When we opened in 1971, we had ap­ terized their earlier years at the College. we have tried to retain proximately 40 faculty and administra­ Moreover, external pressures have never tors and fewer than 500 students. The been more acute, with the city and state the same spirit of com­ old "M" building was closer in appear­ seemingly indifferent to our well-being munity that character­ ance to what it actually had been the and indeed hostile to many aspects of our Ford-Philco factory, than a college. In­ mission. To some authorities in high ized the college when it deed classes and campus operations werc places, we have become either a burden frequently conducted in a vast cavern we or a threat, or both. was founded in 1971." dubbed the "Great Hall" and in class­ LaGuardia continues to succeed despite rooms whose walls literally were being the odds. We provide a sound education

6 back in Community College

for all. We offer some of the best basic tors for whom coming to LaGuardia is Yet Tocqueville, another visitor to Amer­ skills programs, taught by some of the still a labor oflove after 20 or 25 years. I ica like our recen South best specialists in the country. We place know students who leave LaGuardia, African friend, also recognized that our students in internships, giving them move on to other colleges, and who come Americans join together in causes. "In valuable career experience. We gradu­ back to tell us that LaGuardia was the no country in the world," he wrote inDe­ ate significant numbers of students who best of all places, the community that mocracy in America, "the citizens make then transfer to four-year institutions, in­ nurtured them and got them started on such exertions for the common weal." cluding some of the most prestigious col­ the road to success. With the return of The Bridge, I know leges and universities in the country. We A healthy community is dynamic, open, that its staff will dedicate itself to the have innumerable special programs for tolerant, and willing to acknowledge its cause of community, covering events like special populations; for immigrants in problems and its faults. A case in point that of our distinguished South African need of language training, for welfare is the history of The Bridge, which cele­ visitor, and creating and filling its pages recipients trying to break cycles of pov­ brates its return to the LaGuardia com­ with news inspired by our lives together erty and dependency, for New York City's munity after several years' absence. Once at LaGuardia Community College. celebrated taxi cab drivers requiring ba­ grounded in the well-being of the com­ sic training in the rules of the road and munity and an open forum for diverse civility. We open our doors to the public opinions, The Bridge, which had won After serving the Col­ for drama, dance and music performanc­ national awards for college journalism, es. Those visitors who continue to jour­ went through a period of strife. During lege for a period over ney to LaGuardia from near and distant this volatile period, its staff departed fonn places to observe and evaluate our pro­ the common life of the College commu­ 25 years, President grams recognize that they have come to nity and created its own more narrow a place that is steeped in something that Bowen plans to retire agenda, ignoring and even assaulting the is crucial to our success but all-too-readi­ web of relationships supporting the in­ Iy lost: the spirit of community. at the end ofthis year. stitution. Quite frankly, that staff had no Think of the word community. It de­ interest in joining the larger community. The staff of The rives from the word common, which es­ That staff stood apart sentially means "together." LaGuardia from it, reminding Bridge would like to is a community because its members have a common purpose and a sense of shared express our grati­ life together. Admittedly a "commuter college" (and virtually all the nation's queville's tude for his efforts 1,200 community colleges fall into this observation category) has a real challenge in foster­ in the 1830's in the revival of our ing this sense oftogetherness, for its stu­ that Ameri­ student voice. dents and faculty come and go in seem­ cans have a ingly random ways, each leaving behind tendency to be at the end of the day the common institu­ aggressive and tionallife for private concerns. Yet I am self-serving. constantly amazed by the numbers of stu­ dents and faculty who continue to participate in the common life of the college, calculating in their own ways how much of themselves they are willing to give to the institution. I know teachers and administra-

7 emment that cares more about the Presi­ Hey Young dent's sex life than providing affordable World, the world healthcare to its citizens. The madness of a mayor that preaches on the quality of is ours! Young life yet ignores the brutality of his po­ lice. The dream is clouded by everyone World, we are who in one way or another not only failed themselves but the deserving members of the students of this institution. F.H. LaGuardia The dream is clouded but not lost. We are standing on the shoulders of Community Col­ those who came before us, looking over a great wall into the new millennium, and lege. We are ten it looks good. It looks good because we can change. thousand We can purge the apathy that strong. We work, runs rampant in our midst like a plague. We can stop the murder of opportunity. support families, We can change a school system that is infected with two bit, second rate educa­ are alone, and tors that suffer from what our president kindly refers to as a "lack of exuberance." have traveled We can change the promise breakers, all long roads to at­ those ethical egoists and opportunists picking through the garbage of false tend school. We friends and second faces. We can change the complainers who do nothing but make philosophically noise. We can change all those mediocre middlemen with their petty squabbles. pursue educa­ That is not where we find self value. To tion living with all the self serving cogs of the Machine hear us roar. Th e Bridge is here to help the reality of so­ us make that change. It is a platfonll for our voices, ideas, hearts, our minds and ciety's obsta­ souls. It disturbed me greatly that La­ cles. We are the Guardia lacked a student newspaper. The laughter be­ freedom of the press is an essential one. I found it disturbing that a public service tween the clank­ would lose its funding and SUpp0l1 due to an opinion piece. It seemed out of thc ing of pots and ordinary; usually a retraction or apology would be made in the following issue. In pans in restau- the case of "Th e Bridge" a lawsuit was necessary to clear the air. from hereto Miami . Weare rants On Feb. 16th, 1999, Th e New the singing in the fields, the factories and York Law Journal published a decision sweatshops. We are the silver lining of a made by State Court of Appeals. This melting pot that too often bums. We are verdi ct found LaGuardia Community here because people fought, often shed­ Coll ege guilty of violati ng the state Open ding blood, for the right to attend college. Meetings Law. The Court of Appeals We are here to better ourselves and pur­ found our college in violation when it sue the dream. refused to allow Joseph Smith, the Chief But that dream is clouded by Editor of The Bridge at the time, access madness. The madness of this world, to a March 1994 meeting of the La­ watched by a teary eyed God night after Guardia Community College Associa­ night on CNN. The madness of a gov- tion.

8 IlL The Association is a board of facul­ ty and students which sets the budgets We, the Editorial stan, (sound familiar;J) are happy to for student clubs and the newspaper. It exercises enormous power over the finan­ anllounce the ... cialmatters of the college, especially stu­ dent activities money. The ruling an­ 1st Annual nulled actions taken to stifle The Bridge . It caused a deep rift between students Bridge Investigative Reporting on the staff, faculty and the administra­ tion. The BridRe continued, but without the true support of the school and even­ Contest tually with the rapid transition of students at a two-year institution, it slowly dwin­ dled away. That day everyone lost. $200 Grand Prize Although these wounds were still sensitive when Patricia Toche. Rudy Bur­ for best feature article gos, Carolina Coria, and I first came upon this project, they were showing signs of Deadline: Mav 31st, 1999 healing. We enjoy much support from the Office of Student Life and Development Your storv will appear in Summer '99 and feel that the school is ready once more to continue the college's tradition issue 01 "The Bridge" of "breaking the mold". We as a staff are If, 1111 or '"llIl'IIIIl' ~ 111 1 kllll" i, a" an' III' "'IIIl' i""l' Ihal 1I t'~alh d~ dedicated to the cause of community. As afh'ch lhl' ,I I/tll'lI I ""d~ III' .... 11. l.a<;lIard i;l ("lIt1llllt " lil~ (ulk/,!l' p h'a\l' our president wrote. a healthy communi­ kl II, 1"11",.\11.' /H'r,oll. Jiron'''. 01' plan' Ihal i, a h il1dnllll'l' ty is one that is "dynamic, open. toler­ (0"" " npp"I"IlIlIilil" autl pn"l'lIl dT"r" rill" Ill'ltl'r fill II n · , , hOIl IIl IIO( Ill' ant, and willing to acknowledge its prob­ I"il' .. all·d, Topil" 1lI;1~ inchllh' 'l'\I1:11 h:1I" :'''"Il'II1. II II iii It·arlll· ...... inap­ lems and faults. We understand the in­ propriall' lI'l' uf ~rhool fund .... rari'1I1, II n'aI"l' I r ;l\ r l mull'" apathl'lir tegrity ofjoumalism, and The Bridge will kadl'r ... hip. hl'allh ,iolalion'.l'In·ll·ra. \011 11111,1 h;I\ l' p ruor ;lIId 'or never again publish a divisive, racist or rdiahk \fHlrl"l' ~ . 1>01101 fl·;I .. ; il i, 0111' n"I'0Il, i hilil~ 1o lIlal.l' 'IIrt' Ihal otherwise inappropriate article. It will ~ Oil .. ,Iorin lul lo\\ ,t;lIH!anh III" l'Ih iral jUllrtwli'lII. \ flll .. 'Wril" \\ ill hl' never again allow personal interest on ,uh,lallliall·cl. proufrl'acl and l'dill'cl hdon' I'lIh lkalioll. SUhllli"ioll behalf of students, administration and the fun", an' ;1\ ailahll' ill RUIIII" ' 111:'i a lid ' II I XL 11", 011 haH' :lll.' faculty to disgrace its noble foundation. !funt iu no, pil';I\l' "flJI II.' 011 .. ullin', \J I I X L or ~';I II I ... tI 71 X-.tX!-5I1N. In this spirit we hope that the series of (;uocl I .IId.: events that led to the fall of The BridRe will never again be repeated. We hope this not out of fear. but out of a responsi­ Because there are those who talk about bility to reflect and represent the open community that we are; a community that changing things, will be emulated not only in South Afri­ ca but all over the world. and those who do change things. We have too many enemies to con­ tinue sleeping, allowing those around us to bicker over crumbs. Let us shine to­ gers. LaGuardia has to clean house be­ gether. Young World. like Gulliver, we fore it deals with the times ahead. This arc a sleeping giant being held down by issue was only a waming shot. little people with little hearts and narrow Nosotros somos elfi.tturo. We arc the Co ..o minds. But unlike Gulliver we are not future leaders of the only Superpower gullible enough to believe the lies. The left; a Superpower that can feed the en­ Soool webs weaved by spin doctors will be re­ tire world, fix the environment before its vealed and not hold us down. too late and usher in a PaxAmericana. So. SllCllllbld II Those of you in our community who wake up Young World! Stand up! Speak fear light being cast in your direction. we IRlm.,m up! Act out! Vote and Stay tuned! suggest you stop whatever it is you are Keep your head up. Peace. doing right now. Brace yourselves. next EI 00111 I Shawn Torres issue we will name names and point fin- Editor-in-Chief

9 ~rlh](€JL()1Jl? lrh@)y F((]Jll)Jglbfl f1((]JJJ T1Jl~ = Will w@ ffftfilJbdl fl({)),lt By J(Q1JIJlJJJIJlC!5J JP@)JJ@)~ pay more and more each year. lfthe Trust­ Ms. Paolucci, et.a\. believe this ees are so concerned why can 't they use It all happened April 22, maneuver this will increase the value of the financial system SUNY uses? The the CUNY diploma, push the graduation 1969; the beginning of the distributions of funds are entirely differ­ rate up but most importantly put tax-pay­ massive integration of the City Univer­ ent. While we have to go up against the ers' money to better use. These Trustees sity of New York. The CUNY system was rest of the city's debts SUNY has ac­ want to have limited access to those stu­ challenged with a social movement that counts set aside for them. They also have dents that are considered "academically would change the course of education for a lower non-white population. Is there unfit." In essence they are looking for an everyone. This was the year when Black a connection? elite group of students. Latino students, in alliance with Open Admissions was a privilege and The irony of the situation is that SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation that had to be won. It has indefinitely Herman Badillo was a CUNY graduate. and Knowledge) students, and White stu­ changed the courses of many lives. It has Ruth Messinger, Borough President of dents of SDS (Students for a Democratic given an opportunity to those who Manhattan, comments that many in the Society) at City College started the Open wouldn't otherwise have one. This aspect CUNY debate, "Might best be described Admissions strike. of history has now been .attacked with as having climbed up the ladders them­ Open Admissions won and has great force. It is up to us to maintain what selves, and when they got to the top, been the backbone of CUNY for almost has given us: the chance to better our turned around and pulled the ladder up twenty-eight years. It has given all stu­ communities and ourselves. after them." Mr. Badillo has been Mayor dents the chance to receive higher edu­ Guliani's consultant for the past couple cation at a low cost. The policy guaran­ of years. CC any New York high school graduate January 25,1999- LaGuardia tees What is really accomplished by a seat in one of the seventeen CUNY col­ Professor WIllIam CraIn of CCNY cutting Open Admissions? The negative leges. Although this may not seem like a appeared In lull robes to protest the im- effects are numerous. The amount of non­ privilege to many, it indeed is . This poli­ pending trustees deGlssion to end remedla­ white students will drop significantly; cy was among the few to encourage non­ As he calmly approached the stage he fewer women will be attending CUNY, UGn. white students and women to attend a escorted out and ar­ and the number of high school students was stopped by poke, college. This has also allowed for many recently graduated will have limited ac­ rested. Asian, Latino , African-American and cess to college education thereby increas­ Photo By Gary Weelock female scholars to develop and emerge. ing the labor force with unskilled work­ The CUNY system awards more master's ers. Community colleges will be over­ degrees to Blacks and Latinos than any crowded; the proficiency of the academ­ other college network in the nation. There ic program will diminish, and there won't have been eight Nobel Prize winners be enough professors to accommodate the from City College alone. Hunter College needs of every student. CUNY is un­ is the third largest institution in the coun­ der-funded as of now, with the end try of women who receive doctorates. of Open Admissions the supplies The successes at CUNY are grand con­ needed for each major field of sidering the economic hardship and ra­ study and institutional support cial tension it has been through. will be scarce. Political, racial and economic It's a wonder why CU­ boundaries were broken down the day NY's finances are one of the CUNY shook hands with the Open Ad­ main concerns of the admin­ missions policy. This forbidden friend­ istrators. The only way the ship has been threatened once again re­ city accepted offering finan­ cently. This time from within. This time cial aid to students was by the opposing forces are very strong. In having them pay first. In May 1998 the Board of Trustees led by 1979 the first tuition was Chairwoman Anne Paolucci and Vice charged, changing the entire President Herman Badillo, proposed the framework of a free university. elimination of remedial classes at the se­ The city apparently cannot live nior colleges, thus -de facto- getting rid up to its side of the deal and are of Open Admissions. therefore trying to get students to

II) which nationally are open admissions maintain standards, preparing students Faculty and Stafffrom institutions. In so doing, CUNY would newly out of high school who have been cancel the ticket into the middle class that ill-served by their prior educational ex­ the City University of tens of thousands of New Yorkers have periences, adults who have heen out ol taken advantage of since 1970, terminat­ school for many years and need time to New York, Fal/1998. ing an almost 30-year commitment. get back up to speed, or immigrants who INTRODU CTION: In an effort to end open admis­ must master a second language.(forty The mission of the City University sions and build the case that remedial percent of CUNY students speak English of New York, founded in 1847 "The Free education belongs outside of the Univer­ as a second language.) Academy," has always been the educa­ sity in the hands of private, for-profit College remedial reading, writing, tion of "the children of all the people." companies, CUNY critics have created a and math courses help these students In the 1960's, admissions were deter­ number of myths. In the following pag­ develop the critical thinking and proh­ mined by high school averages in the es, we respond to those myths with the lem-solving skills required/hI' all college mid to high 80's and "reasonably good" facts that critics routinely ignore, and we courses. At Queensborough Community scores on the SAT tests. But after the pro­ make our own proposal: Paving the Way College, 40 percent of students enrolled tests in 1969 that black and Hispanic stu­ to Academic Success for CUNY Stu­ in calculus during Spring 1998 started out dents were being excluded from CUNY, dents. in a remedial math class. Further, accord­ in 1970 CUNY opened its doors fully, REMEDIATION: MYTHS ing to a 1998 survey, 59 percent of guaranteeing a place somewhere within and FACTS Queensborough graduates also started th e university for all high school gradu­ l.The Myth: CUNY is unique in out in remedial math. Ofthose graduates, ates or those with an equivalency diplo­ providing remediation. 60 percent have gone on to earn a BA or ma. For a student who did not have an 80 THE FACTS: BS, another 10 percent are currently average or who was not in the top half of Seventy-eight percent of all colleg­ studying at a senior college, and 19 per­ a high school class, this meant a place at es in the United States provide some cent have earned an MA or higher. a community college. remedation, according to the U.S. Depart­ Along with the guarantee of a ment of Education, including nearly all The efj(xtiveness ofCUNn ed­ place came the commitment that stan­ public community colleges and 81 per­ ucation is demonstrated by the success dards of academic excellence and ethnic cent ofall public four-year colleges. Only ofCUNY graduates in gettingjohs. meet­ integration of the colleges would be 25 percent of these schools limit reme­ ing the academic standards set b.Y' other maintained and enhanced and that "re­ dation; many of these courses carry cred­ universities, and winning honors. In tes­ medial and other supportive services it. Virtually, all NYC-area private colleg­ timony before the Committee on Higher [would be supplied] for all students re­ es offer remedial courses, as do MIT, Education of the New York Assembly quiring them" (Board of Trustees Reso­ UCLA, Berkeley, and all SUNY campus­ (June 5, 1998), Trustee Edith Everett lution, July 9, 1969). Once students were es. reported that 120 corporations and agen­ accepted at a college, determination of Underprepared students and "re­ cies, many of them long-term partici­ remedial requirements was made by medial" courses have been a fact ofU .S. pants, rented booths at a recent CUNY placement tests in writing, reading, and education since the nineteenth century. job fair. About 1,000 students were hired math. In 1849 an entire division at the Univer­ that day. According to David Lavin and In May 1998, under pressure sity of Wisconsin was created to help un­ David Hyllegard, "Under open admis­ from Mayor Gulliani and Governor Pata­ derprepared students. By 1889, 80 per­ sions, proportions of minority students ki, CUNY's Board of Trustees voted to cent of colleges and universities had pre­ earning post-graduate degrees more than end remedation at the senior colleges in paratory programs; the identical percent­ doubled. Especially noteworthy as well stages, beginning in September 1999 and age was reported in 1915. Similar results is that two-thirds of master's degrees and ending in 2002. With no remedial option were found in surveys in the 1970s, 1985, more than 90 percent of advanced and at the four year colleges, students would and 1991. professional degrees were earned at uni­ be excluded from the senior colleges on 2. THE MYTH "Remediation has versities outside the CUNY system." the basis oftests in reading, writing, and cheapened the CUNY degree, and (Testimony before the Higher Education math originally designed for placement dumb[ ed] down .. .college level classes." Suhcommittee, The New York City Coun­ purposes. In addition, proposals have (Robert Berman, Daily News). cil, February 9, /998.) been discussed to sharply limit remeda­ THE FACTS: Far from "dumbing CUNY students, most olwhom have come through remedial programs, tion even at the community colleges down" college work, remedation helps to

II amount attend graduate school. Stu­ replicate the skills courses given during one year, and the vast majority within dents have gone on from the Vassar pro­ the regular academic year; they are vol­ three semesters. According to Judith gram to Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Cornell, untary, students pay no tuition, and book Watson, the Board of Trustees' own re­ Colgate, Columbia, and Barnard. Artic­ money is provided. searcher, among BA students at CUNY, ulation agreements for particular pro­ Since 1996, CUNY has experiment­ 75 percent of students completed reme­ grams within community colleges exist ed with ojJ~campus English as a Second diation in one year, almost 90 percent in not only within the university but also Language immersion programs. Howev­ three semesters. Among associate's de­ with Long Island University, New York er, off-campus institutes appear to be par­ gree (AA) students, the respective figures University, and SUNY. ticularly inappropriate settings for cu­ were 64 percent and 86 percent. Among Many impressive Spring 1998 grad­ NY's many adult learners who are already BA ESL students, 63 percent completed uates started in remedial classes. For ex­ getting a late start. Proven principles of in two semesters and 77 percent in three; ample, at Borough of Manhattan, a vale­ effective pedagogy indicate that students among AA ESL students, the figures were dictorian, and two students won scholar­ perfonn better and are retained at higher 50 percent and 70 percent. Furthennore, ships to Long Island University; at La­ rates when they are integrated into the at the BA level, the graduation rates of Guardia, two students won $17,000 college curriculum in a college setting. students who had not taken remedial scholarships to NYU; at Kingsborough , Isolating students in programs outside the course were only five percent higher than two fonner ESL students, one with a 4.0 college prevents them from receiving fi­ for students who had taken remedation. grade point average and one with a 3.8 nancial aid and taking credit-bearing For AA students, the graduation rate for were accepted into a very competitive course in areas where they do not need students who had not taken remedial physical therapy programs; at Queens, an remediation. courses was actually 2.6 percent lower English major, turned down Berkeley to The Mayor has appointed a com­ than for students who had. accept a place in the African American mission to examine CUNY, especially to As for the costs, Watson reported Studies program at Yale, where he won a address the question ofwhether remeda­ that in 1995 expenditures/or basic skills full doctoral scholarship and the sterling tion at the CUNY community colleges courses represented about 10 percent of Fellowship for the most promising enter­ should be turned over to private compa­ the budget made about 12 percent of in­ ing student in hi s field. A Brooklyn Col­ nies. This commission is chaired by Ben­ struction CUNYwide. Moreover, CUNY lege student who took remedial math no Schimdt Jr. and includes others who degrees payoff economically. Lavin and courses and received an Associate's De­ like Schmidt, are either associated with Hyllegard report that in one year during gree from Borough of Manhattan Com­ private companies that provide services the mid-19RO's "fonner open-admissions munity College, graduated with distinc­ to public schools or have gone on record student earned $67 million more than tion from Brooklyn College with a Bach­ as favoring privatization. There is no ev­ they would have" had they not been ad­ elor's degree in Political Science and will idence that for-profit companies provide mitted to college, with obvious benefits enter the CUNY political science Ph.D. better services. Furthennore, in other going not only to them, but to the City program as a Magnet/Presidential Fellow states private companies have creamed and the State. in the fall. off the best students, dropping those with 3. THE MYTH: Remedation can the greatest needs. PAVING THE WAYTOAC­ be more effectively and efficiently pro­ 4. THE MYTH: Students lan­ ADEMIC SUCCESS FOR vided at off-campus and private "immer­ guish in remedial courses, never advanc­ CUNY STUDENTS sion" institutes. ing, never graduating , endlessly repeat­ THE FACTS: Thefreshmanskills ing their remedation. Or, according to KEEP OPEN ADMISSIONS: immersion programs that have been pro­ Robert Bennan in the Daily News, "Most vided by some CUNY campuses since students at Remedial U never do attain Do not use tests designed for place­ 1985 are entirely different from those college-level standards" ... and "make tax­ ment to exclude students fonn CUNY. proposed by th e Mayor and some of the payers pay for a high school education Trustees. The long-standing immersion again and again." Within the colleges, validate stu­ courses are taught on campus by regular THE FACTS: Most students ac­ dents' competence in reading, writing , full-time and part-time faculty and tually pass their remedial course within and math using multiple measures rather

12 than one standardized test. The CUNY Community Col­ to the pub li c at large. USE DATA AND RESEARCH lege Conference is an organi zation of Steering Committee Member: FROM CUNY, professional organi­ faculty and staff of the community col­ Co-chairs, Lorrain e Cohen and Anne zations, and authoritative studies to guide leges of the City University. Fri edman; Treasurer;Will Saunders; po li cies, programs, and practice. The Conference works to: Secretary, Lenore Reaky; Communica­ Continue remediati on at communi­ Encourage academic and organiza­ ti ons Co-chair, Francine Egger-Sider and ty colleges. tional excell ence within the community Alberta Grossman; Outreach Co-chairs, Restore remedation at senior colleg- colleges while supporting open access to Karen Anderson and Sam Farrell ; Pro­ es. CUNY; gram Co-chairs, Gay Brookes and Sha­ Keep all academic support for stu­ Create opportunities for public di s­ rona Levy. dents on the campus where they are en­ cussion of issues affecting the CUNY rolled, with part-time and full-time fac­ community coll eges; For more information , contact ul ty fro m that campus as teachers. Promote the exchange of informa­ Co-chairs: Don't expect to "cure" students of tion and the sharing of viewpoints among language difficulties before they go into the facul ty, staff, and students ofthe com­ Anne Friedman the regular academic program. As they munity colleges; BMCC (2 12) 346-8338 move through their courses, give students Link the faculty and staff of CUNY an fb m(a!cunyvlll.cuny.ed u th e academic support they need, e. g. community colleges with their local and th rough paired course, extended class broader constituencies; LOITaine Cohen hours, tutori ng, and writing centers. Provide a voice fo r facu lty and staff LAGCC (7 18) 482-5 789 PROMOTE THE CONDI­ j [email protected] TIONS that make it easier for faculty to provide support for students. Limit cl ass sizes fo llowing guide­ On Januarv 25, 1999 lines established by professional organi­ The CUNY Trustees zations. Hire more full-time faculty, and pay voted to end remedia­ adj unct faculty for office hours with stu­ tion at all senior colleges. dents. This means that all students RESTORE PROGRAMS that in need of MAT 095, MAT 096, ENG ease students' burdens so that they can more easil y and qui ckly pursue their stud- 099 will be barred from the COl­ ies. leges. Several people on this day Provide additional state tuition as­ were arrested when they re­ sistance for part-time students. Restore fused to clear the sidewalk for state supplemental tui tion assistance for police. students who require remediation before entering credit-bearing courses. What does this mean;» Enforce the law that allows welfare recipients to fu lfill work requirements on campus. WhV did the Trustees do I.-t:l STOP PUSHING STUDENTS LaGuardia CommunitY College, Jan. OUT OF CUNY! GIVE THEM 25th 1999 THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO Where were vou;» In spite of an inlurad armProf. ACHIEVE SUCCESS! Lenore BeakV stands WIth students as they protest -Photo bv Shawn Torres Who are vour leaders;»

13 nBalln services lor laGuardia Students bv Vincent Banrev

-ical emergencies within the col­ Health Center of West em Queens lege. The Center coordinates the lo­ Col­ cated in Long Island City. lege's Immunization Program, main­ tains Health Services Proposal immunization records and pro­ The Student Services Cluster, vides Measles, Mumps, Rubella which and is under the Di Hepatitis "B" clinic, vision of Student Affairs flu-vaccine clin­ and ics, Enrollment Management, is propos­ facilitates medical leaves of ab­ ing a Student Activities Fee increa sence, dispenses and monitors over-the se of $5 .00 per student per semester --counter medication and provides to be ear­ Health care continues blood marked for to be a major pressure monitoring. health services. This would concern in the United The Health Cen­ amount States, as per a re­ ter staff to an additional $10.00 increase cent also coordinates on-campus government report, approximately per student per year. As of the health fairs and manages a comprehen­ Fall 1998 forty three (43) million American semester, according s do not sive HlV/AIDS prevention to the LaGuardia have health care. According /services 1998 Institutional to an article program titled Health Profile booklet, there published in Education Learn­ were The Journal oj" American ing 10,925 matriculated students at Project and Services (HELPS). Stu­ the Health in January 1994, " The majority college. The fOnllUla below dents are recruited and trained displays how of college students are now every much revenue uninsured or semester to become can be generated if an ad­ underinsured Peer Health Edu­ ditional because a lack of high qual­ cators. $10.00 were to be assessed: ity college or university- based student 10,925 students health care delivery and financing sys­ Parent Collaborations X$I 0.00 per year tems. The current with system is dysfunction­ Health $109,250.00 al because college Service Providers students represent a *Note : Cost of care for the students cohesive group that would be better paying the additional $10.00 in student The Health Center at served by a single institution based LaGuardia is activities fees per year stu­ presently collaborating amount to a cost dent health care delivery and financing with North of approximately Shore University .03 cents per day. system." The City University Hospital (HIV/AIDS of New counseling York has and testing), New York City been examining what types of This additional funding would Department of Health (providing then health services are provided to students HIV/ be utilized to provide AIDS educational students on cam­ within the University. The literature and con­ pus with an CUNY Office doms), array of free health services. of Student Services and the Community Family conducted a survey These services could include the follow­ and Planning Center (HIV/ AIDS developed a minimal model that counsel­ Il1g: CUNY ing and testing, screening for campuses should adhere to when STD's, Free Physical Examinations OB/GYN services, general it comes to the provision of health medical Medical Treatment care treatment, medical services on campuses throughout examinations and Gynecological the Uni­ follow-up) Exams versity. . The Community Family Pregnancy Planning TestingPrescription of Center services are provided Medication by for Illnesses Of particular a physician and nurse every two interest, in a freshman Wellness Health Education Work­ survey weeks. that was administered at La­ shop Guardia Lastly, we also have established during the Fall of 199, 41 % of a General Health Care Information the collaborative agreement with The respondents indicated that they had New no York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell health insurance whatsoever (1997 Medical Center, which New Student Survey Report, Office is based in Man­ afIn­ hattan. This stitutional Research). program provides free screening for Chlamydia, which is the # I sexually LaGuardia Conununity transmitted disease in the College United Sates. Health Services It is a major cause of in­ fertility , ecoptic pregnancies, pelvic in­ flammation disease, and chronic The Health Center offers pelvic a variety pain. It is extremely dangerous of services free of because charge to the entire usually there college are no signs or symptoms The community. The Registered important point is that the ser­ of infection. Any students that are Nurse and Emergency Medical pos­ vices would be at no additional Techni­ itively diagnosed will cost to cians (EMT) respond be provided with all fee paying services. to and treat all med free medical A health services treatment at The Family initiative of this type would go a long way

14 CUNY Colleges Are In Top Six in bridging the gap or filling in the void for individua ls who have absolutely no in Nation In health care benefits. The Student Gov­ ernment Association has reviewed the proposal and they are full y endorsing it. Associate's Degree Earned By However, it is still up to each student to decide whether they would like to expand Minorities the size and scope of health services on campus by either sib'lling or not signing Four C ity University of New City Technical College is fifth. a petition that will be circulating through­ York colleges rank among the top six in In Computer and Information out the college. If the required amount of the country in the number of Associate's Sciences, LaGuardia COll1munity college students ( I 0% of he student population) degrees conferred on minority students ranks second, BMCC and Queensbor­ signs the petition, all students will then in all disciplines, according to Commu­ ough occupy eighth and I (llh pl ace and vote on the refe rendum in the annual Stu­ nity College Week's study of " I 00 Top Kingsborough is 17'h New York C it y dent Government Elections that will take Associate's Degree Producers" in the '/uly Technical College ranks third among place in May of 1999. The final decision 13th issue. Borough of Manhattan Com­ four-year in stitutions. NYCTC takes is up to you. munity College is in second place in the ninth place among four-year institutions nation, with LaG uardia Community Col­ in the number of Associate's degrees in The Director of the Student Servic­ lege, New York City Technical College Eng ineering-related techno logies. (n es C luster is Renee Butler and the center and Bronx Community College occupy­ Health Profess ions and Related Scicnce, is staffed by Elizabeth Carde, Staff Nurse; ing fourth, fifth and sixth place. There LaGuardia Community Co ll ege is in 12'h Robert Sipel, E MT; John Rugen, EMT; are 1, 123 community collcges in the pl ace in the nation. and A lyce Rubenste in, College Assistant. United States. The C ity University of New York, If you are in need of health services or Among other CUNY community the nation's leading urban university. ,h would like to get additional information collcges, Kingsborough ranked 15 , Hos­ comprises II senior coll eges. six com­ concerning any ofthe programs that werc tos ranked 20th and Queensborough was munity colleges, a graduate scho()l , a law outlined in this article, please stop in the in 28th place in the publication's analysis school, a medical school and an afti liat­ Hea lth Center located Room MB40 or ofU .S. Department of Education data fo r ed school of medi cine. Close to 202,000 you can call (7 18) 482-5280. The hours 1995-1990. degree-credit students and 150,000 adult of operation for the Center are from (:00 BMCC leads the nation in the and continuing education stude nt s are am to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Fri­ number of Associate's degrees conferred enro lled throughout the five boroughs of day. on African American students and follow­ the City of New York. ing closely are N ew York City Technical More information is ava il abl e o n th e (lll IP: \\ \\\\ , '.I!! ). MI: Vin cent BUflrey College in third place, Bronx Communi­ CUNY Website t. !ili .. Associate Director of ty College in seventh, Kingsboroug h Community Coll ege in ninth and La­ Student Services Press release from City Guardia Community Coll ege in e leventh Cluster University, provided by Jay place. Hershenson and Rita Rodin. LaGuardia Community College LaGuardia Community conferred the nation's third largest num­ College Parking Information ber of Associate's degrees in al l disci­ plines on Hispanic students. BMCC ranks Parking is availablefor all stu­ fifth, Hostos Community College is sixth, Attention! ... dents ,faculty, and staff Session de­ Bronx Community College is 12th and cols are sold in th e Business Or/ice, New York City Technical Coll ege is 19th LaGuardia CO lllllllll1it\' Room E-413, Monday Ihrou;:h Fri­ CUNY community colleges are College Earlv Ch ildhood day, 9:30 am to 4:30pm. Daily and the leading sources for Associate's de­ evening passes are sold in the Cen­ Learning Center Programs grees in a number of individual academ­ ter IV garage, Monday through Fri­ In c. is register; ng eh; ldren .Ii)}' ic disciplines that prepare students for day, 7:00 all1 to / / :OOpm. its extended dal' programs careers in expanding fields. In Commu­ Hours o{operatiol1: Monday agcs 2. 10 years- 12 vcal'S. nications Technologies, Kingsborough through Friday, & 9:00 am to /1 pm. l(v() /1 (l rc inicresTed ill reg­ and BMCC rank first and second. (n Closed 01/ Saturdays and Sundays. istering VOl/r child/ill' tlie WillieI' Business Management and Administra­ For more information call oj / 999 or Spring 0( / 999 session tive Services, BMCC is second in the na­ th e Business Office Accounting De­ stop hv MB09 or call liS at (71 8) tion, Kingsborough is fourth, LaGuardia partment (7/8) 482-55/5. Email: 482-5295. is e ighth, and Queensborough is l 7'h ERlI/[email protected] Among f<.mr-year institutions, New York

15 ARention all LaGuardia Students: It cost The Bridge $8,000 to bring vou this publication. Student Government controls a student activities budget 01 82 million. What are they doing with it;»

Vote!

Student Government elections are coming. Don't YOU want to have a say on how that money is spent=-

16 The Career and Transfer Center tion Phi Theta Kappa 19 Jolmson Avenue All USA Community and Junior When looking to finance your educa­ Kingston, NY 12401 - 5241 College Academic Team tion through scholarships or grants, it's En::lish and ESL important to find scholarships for Arnold Berri Scholarship Fund Science which you can meet the basic require­ Contact Professor Lily Shohat Undergraduate Research Fellowship ments. Great places to do scholarship Social Science Department E-235 Lena Chang Scholarship research are the Career and Transfer Library Research Review Competi­ American Society of Microbiology Center (C-266), the school library or tion Office of Education and Training web sites like fastweb.com and Contact Profesor Lewis Ext. 5428 1325 Massachusettes Avenue collegenet.com. You can also access NW, Washington, DC 20005 scholarship information at the Founda­ General Education tion Center, which is located at 79 5th AIDS Education Conm1ittee Special Thanks to Judith Gazzola, th Avenue between 16 and 17th streets, 8th Contact Professor Dillion E-300J Associate Director and her staff for fl. (212) 620-4230. Write to the Professor Green E-I 03M help with this article. organization that is sponsoring the Compiled by John Yonehara scholarship or grant and request an Alan J. Berman Scholarship application. If you need help filling out Contact LuAnn Buteroni C-229 applications, the best place to get help Jose Febard E-115 is the Career and Transfer Center. The Clemente Lewis E-l 0 I Congratulations staff there will be more than willing to Belle Zeller Scholarship Trust to help you. Fund the "New Bridge" When requesting an application, 25 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 Campus make sure you send a self-addressed, News Magazine stamped envelope with your request to the organization, which will help them Franklin Lindsey Student Aid get the application to you as soon as Fund Welcome new and re­ possible. Next, neatly print or type turning students to La­ your application. Finally, keep JC Penney Original Arizona Jeans Guardia. The Job Place­ photocopies of applications, essays, or Company Scholarship ment Office (C-I02) is here of any materials that you will be JCPENNY to ass,ist you in career sending out. P.O. Box planning,job rediness The following list contains names of Dallas, TX 75034 - 4302 skills, career seminars, scholarships, funds and grants that may and placement of part­ help to finance your education: Mcneil Consumer Products time and full-time jobs. Tylenol Scholarship Fund It is important that stu­ Tylenol Scholarship Fund Art dents educate themselves Academy of Television Arts & P.O. Box 8656 Sciences/College Television Award Clinton, IA 52736-8656 about the labor market Educational Programs and Services and degrees of the 21st 5220 Lankershim Blvd National Hispanic Scholarship century. North Hollywood, CA 91901-3109 Fund Get on Track National Hispanic Scholarship Fund JOB FAIR (.;QMINQ Elizabeth Greenshields Grant 1 Sansome Street, Suite 1000 SOON!! Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation San Francisco, CA 94104 Wed. April 28th, 1999 1814 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite I NSEP awards From 1Dam -3pm Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3H lE4 Prepare Now Union Plus Credit card Scholar­ JI'!:) i!~J£) SB J JJ.l £) ship Illustrators of the Future Contest V1011: L.Ron Hubbard Union Plus Credit Card O

17

WordCraft Sky Catcher By Theresa Rose "Me" I hear a sweet little red robin, "Who I was" I'm Puerto Ri co And she sings a happy tune. rice, chicken, "Goya" I see a strong proud hoot owl, canned beans, And she flies high by the glow of the moon. Heritage, love, land. I see a nesting snow white dove, "Who I am" And she is primming her soft feathery breast. ['m Puerto Rican I see the old grey alley cat, It is difficult Spanish, Indian, And she's put them all to rest. to get the news from poems Colored yet men die miserably every day Hated by th is for lack land. of what is found there. "Who Iwill be" Honorably here -Excerpt from Educated, proud and me. "Asphodel, That Greeny Flower" I love myself now. William Carlos Williams by Edwin Hernandez

The Only Time

The only time [ see myself is when I am by myself. The only time I feel love is when it comes from above. The onl y time I seek is when I am weak. The only time I fall is when I don't hear the call. The only time I breathe is when I achieve. The only time I flow is when I let go. The only time it is real is when I feel GOD'S appeal. The only time I lust is when I don't trust. The only time I win is when I don't subject myself to sin . By Joseph Berrios

My Prayer The Lord is my shepherd and I am his sheep. I keep the Lord in my heart so very, very deep. Though r sometimes tum to the evil, and to the night I remember my shepherd and his bright, bright light. Lord, forgive me for my sins for I know not what I do. I shall always repent and keep you in my heart, .. ,this is my prayer. And I pray that we may never be apart by Edwin Hernandez

19 WordCraft Striving and Surviving So, here I am, still waiting for the revolution Striving and Surviving And oh, if antennas had branches that bloomed I yearn for waterfalls If street lights had bark For their cleansing feeling Oh. If I could wiggle my toes in concrete I yearn for clouds and the If asphalt had dew Dreams they give me But what is Eden if it isn't earned') I yearn for freshly cut grass after the rain has fallen Th La uardia Liibrary will Striving and Surviving I yearn for the sound of Om in my chest I yearn for the moments between coffee and prl'! cnt an e hibition f po try Walking that thin line between Jerry Springer cigarettes in celebration ofP ctry Month. norn1S I yearn for the brightness of newly fallen snow and Cosby Show goals Where do I find this paradise? W' invite all 'tudents to panic­ That thin line between wine glassesllattes Is it behind the eyes of a woman" ipute by 'ubmitting their b t Forties and Bustello Behind the smile of a friend" Pizza shops and Chinese restaurants keeping me Around the corner of a hug" P em t Pr fe . r hri:tine alive Is it the moments after the shower, the cup of tea tcnstr m. or Linda ofia of the Tsk, tsk, tsk, bendito on a stormy day" Reading books with pages thin like mom used to Chasing rainbows dancing on campact disc. Library Media R . ourc: n­ slice cheese Striving and surviving. ter. panel fjudgc fr m the Type small, like the bills in my pocket Searching for my place between Beethoven and Words long and strange like downtown alleys Biggie Smalls ngl i h epartment and the Fuck Gcstalt! Library wi ll elect the be 't p - Striving and Surviving Because this is part of society II] is greater than the wholc el11 f r the xhibit. Tho!; that I saw T.S. Eliot on the subway and he said, I am the breakbeat arc sci ~ctcd will b> placed in "Oh, do not ask the question; I have seen them I am the wave's crest all, the eyes that fix you with a formulated Part of the sea reaching for the sky the di play en near the refer­ phrase." Maybe I am a t()ol among the knaves en e de k. The ~xhibiti n i. He got off at about fin'h strret Brave enough to believe in a lie I saw Piri 111Ol11as on a 110'", passed me a Success 'chcdulcd t b gin on April I bomher .md said than nothing at all and run nl..: month. H we cr. "It's all about rep, hombre." Jimi Hendrix was there with a guitar case full of Striving and Surviving ci en ugh po m t coins keep the 'hibit going bey nd "Don't point your conservative finger at me'" Maslow's self actualization Last night I saw a transvestite dressed like a nun is a pyramid pri!. c wi ll d and asked her/him to teach l11e the ways And I am about here of the Lord I can't wait to see the man on the mountain of It did the sign of the cross and said, "You are my Id Thi . Y ur pp rtunity t blessed, my child." He'll probably say something so eloquent as .. d 111 n lrat your talent l t'lC­ Here I am running through a world gone wild "Come on up. Thought you were the delivery guy. A man can't live on lotus flowers alone. ult , :Ialr and (cllo\ tud nt . Striving and surviving Word. Plea chip make thi . pI' gram What I'm saying is what I'm saying though Last night I met Marv Albert's dominatrix. She mos def all'" and parti ipate! lry u drank scotch from a straw through false sho' nutf." ha ~ any que tion pica e call teeth Last night I met Kenneth Sturr and he molested Striving and Surviving Pr f rK nRi ardiaI71.- me 4lL- ~ 4. News at cleven And in the meantime I Striving and Surviving Will Find eternity in Running through a world that commits the Self Words Governor Pataki Serving Seven Words in Through cookie cutter perceptions Infinity is FLUNKING Through madness and mannequins Infinity in Higher Education Just trying to win Joy Grading The Governor's J llSt trying to smile Joy in 1999-20(X) Budget for CUNY Past haunted basketball courts Solace Ghost telling me, "The beef was over twenty Solace in dollars." Peace Why bother .) Peace in I walk through the valley everyday, thinking of Balance green pastures and still waters Balance in More afraid of my own Chaos F 111an the cats that refuse loans By Shawn Ton"es

20 FIORELLO'S FINEST SWEAT IT OUT! HIT SQUAD CAPS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROBERTS REPEATS AS HANDBALL CHAMP BLOODBATH TAKES 3-0N-3 BASKETBALL CROWN Those who believe there is a short­ tain, Richard Romano led hi s other age of competitive athletic opportunities teammates Luis Lopez, Gregory Ad­ at LaGuardia have obviously not ams, Chris Maldonado, and Ari­ visited the Gymnasium this past se­ el Pagan, up to collect their cham­ mester. The Recreation, Fitness & pionship trophies. Aquatics Department sponsored In the photo at left, Recreation several successful programs during Assistant, and referee Everton the Fall I and 11 terms. According Brown (kneeling, striped shirt) to Intramural Supervisor Joseph joins members of the Flag Foot­ Harris, "This was the largest tum­ ball League champions, Hit Squad out of student-athletes, and some and runners-up, Flatlinerz follow­ of the closest competition we've ing trophy presentations. had in several seasons." On October 8th, 15th, and The central activity of Fall I 22nd, ) 998, the Recreation Depart­ was the Flag Football League. ment hosted its annual Fall Hand­ More than sixty players, compris­ ball Tournament. Twenty singles ing seven teams, enjoyed weekly players and seven doubles teams games from September to Decem- joined the one-wall shootout. An­ ber. Every game counted in the standings Iinerz 14. Overtime followed, and it took thony Guzman, a student in the Parale­ and helped teams to improve their seed­ not one, not two, but an unprecedented gal Studies program, was the #1 seed and ing for the playoffs. The semifinals and three overtime periods before Flatlinerz reigning campus handball champion. But championship games were held on De­ pushed in the winning touchdown for a former LaGuardia student, now Commu­ cember 2nd, 1998. 21 - 14 victory. N . W. O.'s Ignacio Re­ nity member, Anthony Roberts was a The opening semifinal game fea­ strepo was bummed because his team late entry to the fi eld, and he had he ld tured The Outlaws against the Hit lost the opportunity to repeat as Flag the title in the late '80s and early '90s. Squad in a match-up with promise. Da­ Football division champs. Since they were in opposite ends of the many Fobbs of The Outlaws really want­ These semifinal results set up a clas­ toumament draw, a showdown looked ed this one, since he had been trading sic championship game - # 1 seed, Hit possible. Guzman was dominant on hi s trash talk with Hit Squad's Jermaine Squad against #2 seed, Flatlinerz. The way to the fin als . He polished off Dar­ Delgado all week prior to the game. Fans line on the game had Hit Squad as the rell Moncado (21-7) and Gustavo Git were shocked when the underdog Out­ favorite but players from Flatlinerz, like (21-10) before facing the feisty Fernan­ laws put points up first with the opening Doug Gittens and David Cadogen, ad­ do Medina. Medina, who's a scrappy, touchdown. Edwin Rivera got Hit Squad vised against that wager. Barry Rivera diving player, could manage only four back in the game with a key interception, of Hit Squad was psyched to be part of points, and Guzman was into the cham­ and the first half ended in a 14-all tie. In the championship, and noted with irony pionship game. Roberts appeared to have the second half, Hit Squad exploded for that he had played for the Flatlinerz last the tougher road. After an opening win three unanswered touchdowns and it was year, when th ey were less successful. over Kareem Arnold (21-2), he had to too much for The Outlaws, who went Eventually, the talking stopped, play be­ face Frank Rivera, last year's runner­ down 35 - 2l. gan, and the teams got down to business. up. But Frankie was off his game, and The second semifinal game proved And Hit Squad got real busy. Juan Clar­ lost 2) -8. Roberts then handled Victor to be even more of a thriller between ke and Jermaine Delgado grabbed three Hernandez Flatlinerz and N. W. O. Hollywood. touchdowns between them, as quarter­ (21-7) to set up the Finals. Guzman Team captain and quarterback Eric back Edwin Rivera went for the kill. The and Roberts weren't strangers to each Mouscardy oozed confidence before the Flatlinerz welcomed the halftime whis­ other having played together in touma­ game, while N. W. O.'s playmaker Noel tle as an opportunity to regroup, down ments at parks and playgrounds through­ Figueroa said he'd do his talking on the 2) - O. The second half was a defensive out the five boroughs. In the opening playing field. The first half was tight and struggle. Fernando Medina of Flatlin­ game, it looked like Roberts would each team traded big plays and field po­ erz was all over the field, pressuring the breeze. He grabbed the momentum and sition. The talk in the bleachers among quarterback and hoping to create tum­ a 15-4 win. But Guzman gathered him­ the spectators was who was going to get overs. Flatlinerz, perhaps drained from self, tumed it around and took the sec­ the break, or make the mistake, to decide their triple-overtime, semifinal victory, ond, 15-9. The tiebreaker was to come this one. Regulation time ended with the couldn't crack the Hit Squad and went and the crowd shouted encouragement for score tied: N. W. O. Hollywood 14, Flat- down to defeat, 28 - 7. Hit Squad cap- their favorite. Roberts changed his strat-

21 egy in the third game, keeping an ex­ School division, captain Spencer "Shaq" Recreation Coordinator Andy Saluga hausted Guzman on the move. Experi­ Howell led his M. C. team (including advises all interested athletes to stop by ence overcame youth, and Roberts beat Marius Dewer, Ronald Campbell and the Pool or Gym control desks, or the Guzman, 15-3, to reclaim the singles Jose Rosario) over captain Anthony Recreation office, MB-31, to pick up a championship. In the doubles competi­ Mells' FlipMod Squad (Jonathan copy of the Spring semester program fly­ tion, Roberts and Medina paired off Henao, Jamal Johnson and Carlen er. Preliminary intramural plans for against Rivera and Moncada in the Fi­ Bien-Aime), 52-46 and 33-30. The Col­ Spring include: an Indoor Soccer League nals. The cool Roberts and the fiery Me­ lege championship was a beauty, pitting and a full-court, 5-on-5 Basketball dina were formidable, and took it in three, the Running Rebs (Tremain Lyons, League as well as a Table Tennis Tour­ 15-11,14-15, 15-9. captain, Doug Gittens, Peter Perez and nament, Coed Volleyball Tournament, Highlighting the Fall II session was Peter Jean) against Bloodbath (Jer­ and Handball Tournament. Events are the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. The maine Trusty, captain, Jeffrey Edusei, open to all, men and women, with a val­ double-elimination format, which en­ Shawn Billingslea and Jose Cruz). The idated LaGuardia ID card or a Recreation abled teams to stay alive even ifthey lost opening game was all Bloodbath, and membership. Call him at 482-5044 if you one game, drew eight College teams, and they cruised to a 52-41 win. The second have questions or suggestions. for the first time, five High School teams game seemed to be more of the same, in their own special division. Every with Bloodbath holding a comfortable We love Mall Wednesday of the six-week term had halftime lead. But the Running Rebs got Wrhetousl tournament basketball action, and unusu­ hot in the second half, and a 14-2 run cut ally large crowds of spectators enjoyed the deficit to four. Late in the game, on Tell us how we are the action. Surprisingly, the champions four consecutive possessions, the Rebs doino. in both divisions came out of the conso­ had a chance to pull even. Bloodbath lation bracket, which meant they had to stopped the bleeding, made the defensive Our Mail Box win two consecutive games. In the High stops when they needed to, and won the Rm.Ml15 championship, 47-43.

To increa e minority oportunite to college dilemmas to elementary, chool Bound Program. LaGuardia tud nt college admis ion, The Queen Ur­ 'tudent and the younger one advi e rhe David Brown. ancy Diaz.. Rafael Ha "­ ban Partnership in collab ration with older one : a re erse mentoring exerci e. bun. Alejandro Huertaas Anthony Pap­ the McBride Foundation have iniat­ The program culminate in a field trip: a pas. laudio Perc7., idee Reyes. Israel ed a d mon tration project entitled visit to LaGuardia where the elementary Rodriguez Patricia Toche and Shawn " ollege Bound. ' It is a community school children participate in mu ic labs, orre have been elected to erve a art tudio. cience lab the media cen­ - ba d program that link public guides and mentor . n March 30 1998 ter and the archive . . B tudents will take a tour of LaGuardia chool with local universitie 01- M' hc I Patter on and Solange Pereira, ommunity ollege, a good opportunity lege, and vocational in ttution to Director and ollcge Bound Site oor- for them 10 sample college life. provid di advantaged grade chool The collegc- chool collaboration i a part children with a practical and po i- of an overall ten-year Queen rban Part- J1J1 ] JE tive introduction to higher cducato­ nership !Tort funded by the Ford F un­ in and th pportunitie it provide . dation. to increase the number of under- upportcd by the McBride and Ford erved student who acquire a Bacealau­ F undation ' ollege tudent mentor reaLe degree. fourth. fifth. and sixth-graders toincr a e Piloted in the spring of 1998, the program college awarenes . Similar to the origi­ evaluation by students and faculty ha nal ExploringTran fer Program. thecur­ been overwhelmingly po iti v. pon rent effort cent rs on five one-hour , e - completion of the ollege Bound pro­ ion in the elementary and middle dinator at Queens Urban Partnership re- gram on fifih gradt: tudent 'aid: " 1 am chool cia. room where the college stu­ pectively, will conduct the proje I rart­ doing well in . hool now, but afier all dent talk in mall group ' to younger ing Mareeh 12 , 1999, aided by the direc­ the thing ' I leamed in College Bound it chool chi ldren about what ollege i lion ofthestaf f of Ule McBride ounda­ made me place more importan on Illy lion. ne hundred and fifty 6,J, grade lu­ like and the opportwltie for them at La­ education. YOll Illude me {"eel that if I uardia. During advisory council . cs­ dem ' from Public ehool 22 and 24 don't get good grade in junior high sion. college tudents pre ent real life their leacher and La uardia tudent fa­ eho I, and if I don 't mpletc college, I cilitators will participate in the allege will never e the bright id of the w rid."

22 ,

Song and Harmony Martial Arts at LaGuardia by Seop Song

It is a shocking experien to 1 rn nou." These exercises marked the earlier fonus of martial arts from about other cultures. It is astonishing 1111 b ginning of Shaolin temple boxing. Korea and China. "Tae" refers to a that you can leam about other world l:Iuang Ti's ~mphasis . wlls on "Chi" jumping, flying kick or smash with through different people. A lot of people wh.ich isi!ll In icenergy that can be the foot. "Kwon" refers to any blows, are fascinated and dazzled by the myste­ cultivated '" ith bTeadl~ng exercise and . rious world of the Orient. On the after­ meditation. ' r i tiB part of the strike, or thrusts done with the hand. . "D " noon of Nov. 25, 1998 hundreds of stu­ essential foundati n f h ' olin kung II. .. 0 means art, aT way. dents and faculty gathered in front of the Today, the most well known bran h~ 1~e .. kwan do is famous for its LaGuardia Community College Library. es of Shaolin kungfu are Northern powyrfulleap in~ and spinning ki cks, ,~;:(\\'<> They were waiting to witness an encoun- Shaolin and Southem Shaolin. nh- .: nand fighting Ulrows, and joint maniRu- "< ;;:~j;. ,~[ vvith one of the many di verse cul­ em Shaolin style emphasizes kicking. ·1, {jon. Pati ncl,;; and self disciplin arc tuf~;st)hCamplls. This event was a dem­ endurance, acrobatics and ground- .'. 1'1 thr ugh t ugh and repetitious onstralion oftae kwan do. It was one of fighting techniques. A practitioner of ph . . rEal training. The philosophy the many events of the "Korean Culture thi s style will patiently wait for an behind tae kwon do has two goals. The Festival." A storm of hand clapping re­ attack. Once this attack comes he will first is to achieve han1lony between the sounded throughout the hall in response quickly block and counter. body and the mind. The second goal is to the display. The Japanese word "karate" actually to achieve harmony with other people. Many people often wonder why means "einptyhand" in English. The di- Although tae kwon do does provides martial arts are practiced. Another rect antecedent of karat ' wa the Oki- effective defense skills, many people common question is are martial arts a nawan fighting system r to-teo Okina- study it for its other benefits. These practice of fighting or a sport? Most of wa is a large island that lie belween Ja- include cardiovascular fitness, in- , ,,. ,-',,, , the practice of martial arts is abun­ pan and the Chinese maio land. In the past creased mental energy and greater self­ dantly centered in the areas in East the proud and ,spirited' kin wans need- discipline. Asia. These martial arts have a strong ed a way to get rid or p . , ible conquer-' According to Morgan Rogers who philosophy and long history behind ors. They were also all.- ious to protect works at the fitn c ' cent in LaGuardia them. therp elves from pirat s and brigands. . Community lIege. p cticing martiaL. . The first documented fon1l of a maT- h.ey egan to develop secret W~ys of .... arts helps you to get used' in your .. ~ tial art is of humans fighting against n- fightin . They al'o hid 1 p ractl~ed the clast or at your job. He ha practiced ~ imals. There were many th r forms f:Chine. c martiat'arts. Wh urale came shotokan which is a Japane. manial the art developed through ul the years; around to the Japanese in I it was art for six cars. He won a t(. Id m d I the orm of the art as we kn w it has deep encouraged as a means of tais'ing the at the" c nth Annual Ta K w n D r l ' in hi lOry that is .b~st5apfured~ by Okinawans' ~ clofaggre. ion. . hampi n hip Open" thai to k pIa. e in tale .of the p 't. 1,'he':my,sterious begin- Karate i ' n illl acl-bas fi ghting 1991. nin 0 onl: O(1tl o(the art is captured system. It u bvi u mu cular e rt If- ' nfidence deri cd from the in the rollowing tory. to accelei'atc the ann and legs. II prol ti of martfalart II akes pc pi About Ii c th ' ~~~~iSo the. '.. styl u e the me b ic bod w p_ gcnerou in their attitud ' to ard kgcndary figur :1"ellow Empe'mr, ' ~'~:;"~", :;n~Qn.~. The power of aka te punch Iher. that are weaker than them Ives . Huang Ti •. up osedly defeated a com from hip action cc mpani >d y Th practitioners can mote' than ' ... mon leT with h iS bare hands. In 525 a rapid {'ull-ba k of the non-punching Ii ." ly stand as an equal again tan :: "yt; AD a h Iy man by the name of ann. Ener y uilds whil the ti'l is 0 ponent. The martial art .:d n l Bodhidb nna left from his place in a accelerating.; Thi i qui klY'h . th' 1I0w these pe pie to use ullnecessa'1 i" ~onastcrv in Southem.tndl·'\lHe did so elbow straighten. Karat kicks' re force or to in. inuate an unfair assiwle ~,/ In order lo travel to hma ~, ere he e emely force ful. Many ki k' U' th Th~ ~racti c of martial arts gives ;, ,I i1 could , pread the. uddhist r' ~ gi n. ball f the foot as he impa t a. IlldlvlduaJs a slrong mental athtl.l~e~~ ": . Whil traveling 'in China he r und a Tltelnvon doe wa first d tim n t~ well as III c ·t . Th~ irtues of ;:;;,. , t Illple called Shaolin Ssu (YOUllg ed . ~ugh ali. Ther ar .t mb Plli'rit- mode 'l and el1erus.i4!tAre derived ~) re s t Temple). The mo~~ ,the.t:~~e~e ing fr m Koguryo," .which was an mostly (ror!1haying self...confidence in

~~ ak. Thyy could noLper/arm hiS . ' ! ' '. f K tha oneself. Th health hbody which . . ., ...... , anCI",nt k, ; .~d{)m o · area · t use . I rl.~ on u · medltallOn. 0 aile iatc thi "" '~i?,~ " '''' .. ", .", .)Jt< marlin art · d' I P m k one active prahl m he incorporated calisthenics tfi~ .recogmzal5'fe po.s(ure; .These and p \ erful. SUch. mental and , ',. ; 'into their routine, The exercise' pamhng d~te from as far bac:k as CE phy i al . c1f- onfiderice is beneficial to included (1) "The Mu scle,Change 427. This was a centUry'prior to the the mental health of the individual. It is 13 sic," (2) "The MarrowWa, hil,g," ad ent of Bodhdhanna or before the also inlpcrativc in cr orin continuum '" and (3) "The Eighteen Hand Move- influence of Buddhhn. ,,,,...,ill.WJL for tbe ha pincss f one' fam ily, menl (If the Enlightened One" other- < Tcie kwon do was developed over neighbors, and also the harmony of ~ i 'known as "The Eigbteeu Lo Han 20 centuries in Korea. It is based on one's nation. Photo By Gary Wcclock

23

as well), the artist's favorite hang- differs from the linear meaning Named after a popular 70 's out spot, his/her recreational ac- that the word now holds today (an slang term which means to talk, tivities and friends or loved ones. attractive male or female). Like- rap music found its messengers, Equally important is egotism; ego wise, the mannerisms and behav- innovative Black poets who spoke boosting is a longtime staple in the ior associated with the hip-hop in rhymes. From the depths of the recipe of rap music. In real life, culture have become associated ghetto, the language of rap soon these are some of the events and with mainstream culture. Take a found a home in a distinct musi- experiences that an urban youth in look at pop music. For instance, cal setting, one which incorporates New York City may nonnally en- do you remember seeing a fully elements from the different types counter. In a broader view, imag- choreographed pop music stage of music that preceded it: rock 'n' ine how the experiences of hip performance, complete with back- roll, jazz and the blues. The com- hoppers on the other six continents ground dancers before the arrival bination of rap vocals and unique contribute to the culture. of Heavy D and the Boyz in 1986? instmmental rhythms gave birth to In thinking about the con- Probably not. How about the pop a sound that was both energetic tributions to the hip hop culture, artists who urge crowd participa- and excitable, resulting in the fin- consider the fact that it has intro- tion by telling the audience to yell ished product of rap music. The duced different fashion trends, "Ho!" or "Wave your hands from excitement of the music is one of verbal expressions and manner- side to side" chanting familiar time its greatest attributes, attracting isms to mainstream culture. honored phrases related to hip- millions of fans from all over the Fernando explains, "The perva- hop? Sound familiar? It should. It globe. sive influence of hip-hop extends had its start in the hip-hop culture. Part of its magnetism is its to television, film, advertising, ad- In addition to its influence diverse culture born from its cre- vertising, fashion, the print media, in mainstream culture, rap music ators and fans nearly thirty years and language itself. Transcending has had an important influence on ago: the hip-hop culture. During all these, hip-hop represents a cul- its followers, from its early days its development, it has evolved ture with deep roots that had ex- until now. In the ever changing and continues to evolve through ploded onto the mainstream and culture of hip-hop, its patterns will active agents, the people who each expressed itself via rap music."2 nonnally change with each era of bring something different to it. In recent years, rappers like Grand development in rap music. In the Perhaps the best way to under- Pub a helped to popularize Tommy heyday of RUN DMC, rap fans stand the culture is to experience Hilfiger's line of clothing. Conse- wore shell-toed Adidas sneakers, it. Writes author S.H. Fernando Jr., quently, Hilfiger later introduced Lee jeans and gold rope chains like "like other modes of artistic ex- a line of hip-hop style clothing that the artists did. Rap's influence is pression, music, offers a direct in- grew in appeal reaching consum- felt today among fans today who sight into the soul, and connects ers beyond the minority market. listen to the hardcore or "thugged those who have Language has always been out" type of rap and dress in army traveled the same paths."1 For a substantial part of the hip-hop fatigues, boasting of their "thug- those who haven't had the oppor- culture which has also found a gish" mannerisms, the same way tunity, a vicarious experience home in mainstream culture. This the artists do. with the culture may bring about manner of speech was developed Another of hip-hop's no- a better understanding. and nurtured in the hip-hop table features is its ability to con- For this experiment, let's culture. In the early 1980's it was nect with its listeners heart-to- look at East Coast rap music (the the hip-hop follower who urged heart. With every new message music created by East Coast based his hostile friend to "chill out," that rap music sends there is al- rap artists). Typically, a song in long before any actor on network ways an audience willing to re- this vein makes reference to any television; and in 1988, a "hottie" ceive it. The group Public Enemy (or all) of the five boroughs of was an attractive or could personally attest to this; their New York City (and other cities promiscuous young woman. This success was largely based on the

25 militant, political message in their and/or create musical groups that music. Their arrival was met by serve young, sometimes very In its essence, rap music and generations of people who were young listeners, the baby boomers the hip-hop culture have distinct enlightened by their messages of ofthe previous generation. This is meanings. The music, which Black pride and consciousness to similar to the idea that brought rap­ speaks volumes to its listeners, the ills of society. Their words ex­ pers Kris Kross to the attention of means significant factors of life: pressed the pain, anguish and frus­ producer mogul, Jermaine Dupri. laughter, compassion, unity, and tration felt by many. The influence The story goes that the two teen­ heritage among many other things. showed in the attitudes of hip-hop agers, whose stage names are The hip-hop culture has become followers who wore Africa-shaped Mack Daddy and Daddy Mack, synonymous with pride in the ur­ medallions in support of African were approached one day by Du­ ban community, individuality and desegregation, and gave a much pri, while just minding their own freedom of expression, the threads needed voice to their pol it i c a I business. The producer of fabric that connect people from VIews. liked their look and thought that all walks of life. For this writer, they would appeal to young rap rap music and the hip-hop culture Today, more than fans. Low and behold, Dupri was mean love, pleasure and fun, feel­ right. Kris Kross's debut album, ings that make life worth living. ever, rap music has l. From S.H. Fernando's "The New Beats." New "Totally Krossed Out" went on to York: Anchor Press, xvii . Fernando di scusses the multiplatinum success, selling importance of the hip-hop culture and its effects on more fans of all its fans. several million copies. Some fans 2. Fernando on the explosion of hip-hop culture into ages, races and­ may remember a few of these mainstream culture. groups marketed in the same way: backgrounds. In addi­ ABC, A Small Change, The Boys, tion to bringing global attention Voices, and Immature. to its artists, it has brought atten­ At present, rap music finds tion to many areas of commerce itself in good company with art­ on an equally large scale through ists who have built successful commercial ads that feature (or ex­ names and impressive track p
oit' depending on one's own per­ records for themselves. Some of ception) the music. The ever pop­ today's most popular rappers in­ ular trend geared toward attract­ clude the Wu Tang clan, Redman, ing business will usually feature Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, Lau­ rap jingles to promote products ryn Hill, DMX and Jay-Z, just a from such corporations as Post few of the many artists who are Cereal, Burger King, Kraft Foods, respected for their creativity and and even Disney, whom currently raw approach to music. Others in­ run a television ad utilizing rap clude artists from the old school music to promote their children's ofrap like KRS-ONE, Eric B. and radio station, Radio Disney, 1560 Rakim, Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo, AM. Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Salt In effect, the popularity of 'N' Pepa, MC Lyte, Queen Lati­ rap music can be directly (or in fah and Yo-Yo, rappers who pio­ some cases, indirectly) responsi­ neered hip-hop and rap music into ble for the recent shift in music the 1990's. These are the artists marketing. This shift indicates the who have proven and continue to conscious manipulation by record prove themselves as genuine, ir­ companies and executives to hire replaceable components of hip­ hop.

26 Greetings my brothers and sisters, I As I sit here in my studio writing this, Illp Wlntlll am DJ Rocky and I welcome you to the I can't stop wondering how good and Premiere issue of The Bridge. I will be unique the club life is here in the city. ditor -in- bier your guide through a tour of the last Imagine a place where you can go to a twelve months as we look back at the year hip hop club and jump over to a Latin in music. 1998 was a great year for all of club, without having to leave the build­ us in the music industry from DJ's, pro­ ing and that's what you get when you ducers, promoters, to major artists. Top­ enter Club Carbon in Manhattan. This is ping the list of events is "The Godfather a very happening place because it's three of Mixes" Frankie Knuckles. He won the floors of pure pleasure -pumping the best first ever Grammy for remixing. The tracks and featuring some of the best OJs night life is still a great part of our cul­ in the area such as Big Paul, Tedsmooth, ture. It has the ability to showcase artists Ted The Dillenger, Merrit, and Half Pint. to the general public. I've seen some great The acts that perforn1 there are the best: shows while out on the town, on any giv­ Big Pun, Total, La Banda Loca, and In­ en night, in New York City. I will also dia just to name a few. A jump hop into give a small list of nocturnal spots that Queens you will find Casablanca, the have kept me jumping. A club hopper's Mecca of Latin music and entertainment list from NYC all the way down to Mi­ for over seven years which still pumps ami's South Beach. I truly hope you en­ out week after week of nonstop parties. joy it !!!! People that like to dress elegantly will As I sit here and recall some of love this place and its environment. I truly this past year's events, one thing sticks so recommend this place, always full of out is that Latinos hit it big within the beautiful ladies and the gentlemen that industry in 1998, such artists as Victor go crazy for them. ManueIle, Marc Anthony, Olga Tanon, Before I go, I would like to anging Editor and India topped the charts with their re­ thank 1.1. Starr for taking time out and spected hits. I believe that the big winner talking to meand all my brothers and within that group is Manuelle because of sisters from International Latin DJs the number one song in the country as of Unlimited, especially Johnny, Debbie, late November entitled "Que Hubiera and Tony for all their support. To my sido de mi"/ "What would have been of family and friends nothing but all my me?" breaking all sales records and air love to them. Shawn and the rest of the time on the radio stations across the coun­ staff ofThe Bridge, I say le'ts rock it try. Latin Music from other genres such till 2000!!!! i Big Shout Out to Edwin as Latin pop, ballads, house, and rap have Jiminez and Salsa Kings Dance Studios Photo ditor made their presence known in the main­ and the Razz Mtazz Salsa? Mambo stream market with remakes or new Club. To all of you, the best in life and tracks having equal play time. A perfect love. Peace, love n happiness, OJ example ofthis is "Corazon Partio," writ­ Rocky. ten and sung by Alejandro Sanz, that was remade by Joe King in the Salsa version. Top 10 Latin Pop Hits of 1998 I enjoyed it very much, giving it a lot of l.Que Hubiera Sido de Mi play time while doing a gig or in my stu­ -Victor Manuelle, "Ironias," Sony 2.Asi Fue rt and Entertainment Editor dio. Radio stations are seeing an increase -Juan Gabriel, "Celebrando 25 Anos," N/A in Classics songs being requested. Tracks 3.Suavemente (Remixcs) such as "Mirandote" by Frankie Ruiz -Elvis Crcspo, "Suavcmcntc," Sony (RIP) and "Devorame otra vez" by Lalo 4.Vuelve -Ricky Martin "Vuclvc" Sony Rodriguez are now back on the air thanks 5. Y Hubo Alguien to a new competitor for NYC's La Mega - Marc Anthony, "Contra la Comcntc," RMM 97.9 FM, by way of WCAA 105.9 FM 6"Women Beat Their Men" "Caliente." I asked 1.1. Starr of La Mega -Submission, N/A Indcpendents 7. Si Te Vas 97.9 his opinion on the new competition. - Marc Anthony, "Contra la Corriente," RMM " I don't think there is any competition R. La LA La between the two listening stations due to - Gungic River, and Baron Lopez of the fact that it just basically broadens the PrcstigeProduaciotn Mix ffyou are intere tcd in 9. Things Just Ain't the Same j ining "The Bl'idR(! "plca e pick up an listenership for all Hispanics." (Hcx Hector's Dance Mix) appUcation in room M 115. - Deborah Cox, "Money Talks," Arista IO.Rezo -Carlos Poncc, "Rezo," Sony The Bana:ladesh Club supporter of the club. He has been a mentor for the The Bangladesh Club has been club for the past few an important part of LaGuardia for the years. His deep under­ past several years. There are over 500 standing of Bangladeshi Bangladeshi students in this campus. It Culture and students has about 100 members this semester. make him admired by all Usually members of the Bangladesh of the students. Club are very active. In the past mem­ The Bangladesh bers of the club have been presidents of Club welcomes all who The Student Government Association, are interested in joining, governors, senators, and peer leaders. please see us March 24th They are not only politically active, but 1999 at the club drive. at they are also members of Phi Theta Kap­ pa, the College's honor society. = After the beginning of this se­ .a-- mester members of the club initiated a food and clothing drive to help out flood .... Q) .a effected people in Bangladesh. The col­ C lege community responded very quick­ ·J:lc U ly and it was a big success. In order to (f) = encourage more students to come to C ~ u- LaGuardia and have a good relationship 4: >­ -Shamsul Haque with old students as well as learn how J:l (/) o o ..c- Q.. I::l .. .': Women Are the Most Beautiful Creation God Ever Created s• I have never been in love . '-. I thought love was an art. showed up for the show. More than 200 Ever since I've seen you . I've been thinking about you. people could not get into the theater be­ When I work, I think about you. cause of the limited seats. The show in­ Wben I walk, I think about you. When I drive, I think about you. cludes drama, songs, jokes and a fash­ When I sleep, I dream about you. ion show. Most of the participants are If these are the phenomena of love, then llove you. college students. If you were the Mississippi, I would stay on the side ofyou. When there is an event, most of 1 would talk to you tbe way only you and I could the members participate. The club has understand. If you were a sea, I would do witb the wind, and a book exchange program between club make sure you wave. members. They help fellow members If you were a flower, I would be born as a bee, and stay with you who cannot do well in mathematics. The forever. bottom line is that there is a very good If these are the pbenomena of love, then I love you. networking between the club members. If I were Shakespeare, I would write millions of poems about you. to negotiate college life, the club holds a Furthermore, at the beginning of the Fall If I were rich, I would build another Taj Mahal for New Student Orientation for incoming I semester the executive members of the you. I( 1 could discover another America, I would reserve Bangladeshi freshman every semester. Bangladesh Club wrote a letter to all it for you. Usually they invite some guest speakers clubs in order to have a good relation­ I( tbese are the phenomena of love, then I love you. Sometimes I wonder bow long God took to give you from the administration of LaGuardia and ship with them. They promised to work beauty. CUNY. There is an annual picnic day together with all of the clubs. Sometimes I wonder if God was in a very good mood, when members of the club along with The Bangladesh Club always re­ wben he made you. Sometimes I wonder, God would not create tbis other students go to the picnic. members their first mentor Professor universe if he did not create you. Additionally the club holds its Terry Cole. His encouragement, time I f these are tbe phenomena oflove, then I love you.

biggest event, the Annual Cultural Show, spent and strong leadership skills made By Shamsui to show its culture to the college com­ the club keep a solid existence. Profes­ munity. In fall '97 about 1,000 people sor Herman Washington is another great

28 Phi Theta Kappa Phi Theta Kappa is the "Interna­ tional Honor Society of the two year college." The purpose of the organi­ zation is to "provide opportunities for the development of students, and for service to the school. It is also for the development of an intellectual climate for exchanges of ideas and ideals. It's Colombian Club an organization directed and made for lively fellow scholars. It stimulates an ify for meinbership you must possess a Ever since the formation of the interest among all in continuing aca­ 3.5 cumulative GPA. You must also have club in March oflast year, the Colombi­ demic excellence." Among the oppor­ accumulated above 12 credits. an Club has left its mark on the school. tunities Phi Theta Kappa offers stu­ at They are actively involved in the day care dents are transfer workshops to pres­ The most recent success of Phi center. They also offer tutoring in math tigious academic institutions, confer­ Theta Kappa was a transfer fair that they and English. They help distribute Urban ences, outings, first-hand experience conducted. Over 90 students came. Four = Latino Magazine throughout the school. in preparing budget proposals, as well colleges were invited. The colleges were --.a They also throw a couple of bashes as the chance to build leadership skills New York University, St. John's Univer­ through team-oriented activities. To throughout the year. The Colombian sity, Manhattanville College, and Long .a LaGuardia Community College, Phi Club's goal is to start promoting more Island University. The representatives of Theta Kappa offers tutoring for Col­ magazines next semester. the schools, many of whom were admis­ They want to throw another bash, lege Discovery students, fundraising = sions officers, or worked in the admis­ or offer another trip as well next semes­ activities, and various workshops. U sions department, went over general re­ - ter. They even got the Colombian Con­ They also publish a quarterly news­ quirements, application procedures, sul to help the LaGuardia Colombian letter and they have a large website costs, sources of financial- aid, as well Club and its members. In return the mem­ that is a part of the LaGuardia web­ bers help the Consulate. The club wants site. The website is http:// as transfer articulation agreements. All to hold a Hispanic Heritage Showcase in www.lagcc.cuny ofthe students got the opportunity to ask October. They also plan to have more .edu/ptk. Another thing that they the representatives any questions they tutoring, and offer more help in different do is go on conventions that help them had. If they wanted to, they could talk subjects. Not too bad in just one year of learn leadership qualities, as well as with the representatives on an individu­ existence. al basis. many educational skills. In order to qual- Another event that Phi Theta Kappa offers to its members is a yearly The Colombian Club recently ran a food drive for the victims of the eartquake. induction ceremony. Over two hundred students are inducted in this ceremony, that includes a keynote speaker, as well as a large reception that is held at the poolside cafe. Another thing that Phi Theta Kappa is involved in is assisting in the academic advisement of foreign stu­ dents. If you are interested in joining Phi Theta Kappa or have any questions, please direct them to : Phi Theta Kappa C-245-R Tel. (718) 482-5249 e-mail: [email protected]

29 Amar Khan is a Computer Science opened earlier." She would also like to , Bachelor's degree." He would love to see Major. He regularly spends 18 hours "improve the Library; the Library has more computer programs offered at not lived up to it's potential in terms of school. He also wishes to have more in- resources." Carolyne believes that she would get more involved in school activities if she saw, "more loyalty to the causes and more team spirit." It could raise the morale of the students if people became more involved in school. Our college might need improvements but Carolyne believes that LaGuardia has a good impact on our community, and it has, "had a positive impact on me and presented stmmental, and singing courses offered, weekly at LaGuardia Community Col­ me with opportunity." especially at later hours. The Library lege. Amar participates in the college Clarisol Polanco is a Computer Sci­ should also, "buy some more computers through membership at the Muslim Club ence Major at LaGuardia. She spends an and expand its space; sometimes it's over­ and spending time in the gym. The most average of 20 hours a week at the col- crowded and I can't find a place to sit." positive thing for Amar about LaGuardia Hasanuzzaman wou ld not like "Open Ad­ is, "LaGuardia helped me to improve my missions" to die. "They shouldn 't close writing and reading skills by providing the door to students; the remediation pro­ the free tutoring centers." He also be­ gram is very good, and helps many im­ lieves that more tutors should be avail­ migrants." About LaGuardia he believes able in the Writing Center, and would like that it definitely has a positive impact on to see longer tutoring hours offered on the community as well as on him . "It has Saturday or Sunday. Among other things helped me to develop communication ,. he wishes the walk to the C-building skills as well as giving me the opportu­ i wasn't quite so long. His opinion on the nity to get a Bachelor's degree." :.~ "Open Admissions" issue is that passing Alhousseny Gamby is an Account­ ' : remedial exams should not be necessary lege. Her interests include playing vol­ ing Major, and nonnally spends 30 hours ~• in order to graduate from college. In leyball, watching movies, and working a week at LaGuardia. He likes working '•. terms of his education, his goals are be­ out at the gym. She is also a member of out in the gym, and lifting weights. When ing met by LaGuardia, "I will finish my the Dominican Club. Her belief is that asked about LaGuardia he said, "Every­ Associate [degree) very soon and trans­ student politics at school are doing well. thing is positive for me," and believes the fer out. [I will be able to] get a better job Clarisol's opinion of closing Open Ad­ programs are good the way they are. He in the future. missions at the CUNY colleges is, "They is not in favor of closing "Open Admis­ Carolyne Rodrigues is a Liberal should not close Open Admissions and sions." In regards to LaGuardia helping Arts Major at LaGuardia. She usually they should have remediation because him he tells us, that his future goals will spends 31 hours a week in college. there are people from different countries be made possible by LaGuardia. Carolyne's hobby is playing pool. that need help." [n terms of getting stu­ Among the programs she would like to dents more involved in activities at La­ Guardia, she told us, "There should be more interesti ng programs and activities; that will get students motivated." La­ Guardia to Clarisol plays a big part in the process that will help her achieve any­ thing she wants in life. Hasanuzzaman is a Computer Sci­ ence Major, he usually spends about 22 hours a week in college. His main goal is, "to concentrate on school to get a

see at LaGuardia is a billiards program. What role does LaGuardia Community Her suggestions also include, "a bigger gym, having more days and hours for College play your life? the computer labs and have the Library

30 I \ \. \ I) \ \ "\ I \ (, I I) ...... ( ) I I I I ( ) "\...... I I{ ( , \ \ I I \ \ - l I{ I I

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32 Arts Bac to Co

Ma atu A nimoto It i important to recognize that the logo i for "The Bridge.' ) put empha -i on the name 'The Bridge;" However, I pLaced more emphasi on 'LaGuardia. "

Christina tarobin "I de igned it on th 7 train. it has three version to it; Howe er it depend on how ab tra -\ you like it."

Maureen Dawn D. Vic nf "The idea of "The Bridge" is so that it 10 ks like an arc. Its a symbol for people to be well-rounded with what's going on in our surrounding by hiking a copy of the schools bridge organ. The sun in the back­ ground is a symbol of the enli~ri'~e"rit~ pe~p e get when they read the newspaper."

reb '"Its wa igned e pecially for the title; J k it from th top of the Manhattan build­ ing." (referrin to pho of bridgeincluded in submission.