Page 1 February 2015/March2015

PCCC’s VISIONS Volume XLIV Issue 3 The Student Newspaper of Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ February 2015/March 2015 Huntoon’s Corner Is free education A monument dedicated to two men who helped slaves to really free? freedom here in Paterson By Diego Mendoza By Albert Bustos “Community college should be as free and universal in America as high On November 21st 2014 the city of Pat- “Paterson was a stopover during the Civil school.” -Barack Obama, President of the erson unveiled a monument dedicated to the Un- War…Peering down from Garret Mountain [the United States derground Railroad that housed runaway slaves hill] towards Paterson, a lookout would focus his Will a free community college help in the mid-19th century. The monument is on attention on a small factory on Broadway. the United States, and how would it pay it- Broadway between Church Street and Memorial When the way was clear for the escap- self? This is a controversial topic with many Drive, right across the street from PCCC’s main ing slaves and their guides to enter the city, a questions that need answers. PCCC is a di- campus. lantern was placed in the [safe-house] verse campus of race, age, and social-eco- Paterson is a tower. When the nomics. special place with a light was seen According to the article “Remarks by rich history. It was one by the men on

Albert Bustos the President on America’s College Promise” of the nation’s might- the mountain, January 09, 2015 whitehouse.gov, President iest and first-planned the group en- Obama wanted a plan to give the first two industrial cities of the tered the city and years of community college free for students United States. It is hid the slaves who deserve it and are willing to work hard deemed as a historic in rooms in the for it. district because of the basement of the He went on to say how Tennessee and Great Falls. For a very buildings until Chicago are showing that a free community long time though no the following college is possible. His plan would encour- one was aware that Paterson was home to a se- night…one of the more traveled routes was from age students to do well and be debt-free. cret safe house for runaway slaves heading north New Brunswick through Paterson to New York But according to Communitycol- via the Underground Railroad. City, then Syracuse and finally Canada.” legereview.com, “New Study: 70% of Cal- The location of the monument was home Unfortunately, the City of Pater- ifornia Community College Students Fail,” to the Excelsior Coffee and Spice Factory, a son demolished Huntoon’s home and factory in it shows that 70% of students in California large and prosperous business owned by Josiah the 1980s before local historians had any hard fail in community college. What is California Huntoon, one of the wealthiest men in the city evidence of the buildings’ role in escaped slaves’ doing wrong that Tennessee and Chicago are during the mid-1850s. Huntoon’s home was route to freedom. There are no remains of either doing right? Is this all up to the government across the street from his coffee factory on the the coffee plant or the house where he lived. to deal with it, or do the students themselves grounds of what is presently PCCC’s main cam- Little is known about the Underground have to put some effort into it? pus. His black apprentice, business partner, and Railroad in Paterson; no records were kept be- Maria Villagran, 18, Exercise Science life-long friend, William Van Rensalier together cause it was a secret part of the Underground major said “I think the state or community were both abolitionists. Railroad network. college would be the ones that decide who The way runaway slaves would reach A key figure in this is of a woman named is eligible for free community college and and hideout at Huntoon’s factory is told accord- Dolores Van Rensalier, the great granddaughter it would probably be based on the student’s ing to, “Did You Know” pamphlets published by of Huntoon’s apprentice, William Van Rensalier. grades in high school or their grades based the city’s Mayor Kramer during the late 1960s. on their previous semester. Also, some states It reads: (Continued on page 2) might decide to only offer free community college to residents or citizens of the United States and not students with only Social Se- Poet Martin Espada reads RAW curity numbers or work permits, and that is By Diane Ortega not fair in my opinion.” Villagran continued by adding on, Thursday, February 19- RAW sponsored event took place in the Paterson room, which is “I think this change at PCCC would en- a reading from renowned poet, Martin Espada, inside the cafeteria during PCCC’s student activ- courage students to here at Passaic County Community College. This ity hour 1:10-2:25 p.m. (Continued on page 4) Professor Lauren Schmidt welcomed ev- eryone to the RAW kick off reading. She spoke Real Artistic Writers Club about the club and grateful she was that they Poetry & Open Mic Reading with Special Guest were able to raise enough money to make this possible. This was the first time that Espada was Martín Espada on PCCC Campus.

February 19, 2015 Espada read poems for about 35 min- 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm utes after being introduced by Loren Kleinman,

Main Campus Writing Center Director. Kleinman described The Paterson Room (in Academic Hall) how Espada humanizes poetry.

Featured Reading Espada works with students in the com- & Open Mic for All! Image from: www.businessinsider.com munity inspiring teens to write poetry. Espada is

a former lawyer with a degree from Northwest- Called “the Latino poet of his generation,” Martín Espada is a Brooklyn-born poet, editor, essayist, translator and author of over 15 books. ern University Law School. Espada is also an

His latest poetry collection The Trouble Ball received the Milt Kessler Award, English Professor at the University of Massa- a Massachusetts Book Award, and an International Latino Book Award. The Republic of Poetry won the Paterson Award for Sustained In this issue Literary Achievement and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. chusetts.

Mr. Espada’s other honors include an American Book Award, Espada read poems from his two latest the Robert Creeley Award, and a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. His work has been widely translated and published internationally. books The Trouble Ball and Alabanza. Before News...... Pages 1 - 5

A former lawyer with a degree from Northwestern University Law School, Mr. Espada Features...... Pages 4 - 8 is currently an English professor at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst Espada read he gave a special thank you to the RAW club and Professor Schmidt. Espada talk- Opinion...... Pages 9 - 13 INFO: Professor Lauren Schmidt  Faculty Advisor – Office 206 RAW is an SGA ed about how RAW is not only about poetry, but Editorial...... Pages 14 - 15 [email protected] Affiliate  also social justice. Health...... Page 16 (Continued on page 4)

Page 2 News February 2015/March 2015 Huntoon-Van Rensalier Underground Railroad Monument Editor-in-Chief (Continued from page 1) X’Zaviour Johnson Dolores Van Rensalier grew up in California and ered documents and writings made in 1904 by Josiah Senior Editors wasn’t aware of her African-American roots. Light- Huntoon’s son, Louise, who was doing his own genealog- Albert Bustos skinned, Dolores said she was raised to believe she was ical research. Nicole C. Richardson white by parents who never acknowledged their black Dolores said, “Louise Huntoon wrote that the heritage. As a teenager she began searching for her own basement of his father’s home as well as that of the cof- Full-time Staff Writer identity and lineage. fee and spice factory had been used as a way-station on Jada Osgood Through her search, she learned one of her ances- the Underground Railroad. He even recalled how his sis- tors was an abolitionist that worked as an apprentice at a ter would carry food and blankets to the fugitives hidden Faculty Advisors coffee and spice factory. Dolores said that her mother told down in the cellar. That evidence prompted the city’s his- Christine Redman-Waldeyer her William Van Rensalier was a “conductor on the rail- toric commission to designate the site a local landmark in Walter Behr road.” Later through further research Dolores learned that 1996.” the “railroad” her great grandfather had served was not Further references to the site’s Underground Rail- Faculty Editors the conventional kind, but rather the Underground Rail- road came from the “Did You Know” pamphlets. Geoffrey Kenmuir road. The Paterson historic commission now had enough In 1984 Dolores’ search led her to the location evidence to designate “Huntoon’s Corner” as the site of a Visions Alumni where her great grandfather and Huntoon once helped local landmark in 1996. Sadia-adu Phillips slaves on their mission to freedom. She recalled her first Dolores said, “The city had more than one safe- visit and said, “When I saw that it was an abandoned lot, house that hid fugitive slaves on the way to Canada and Layout I was devastated, but then I had the realization that below freedom, but ‘Huntoon’s Corner’ is the only documented Albert Bustos this very ground, slaves were being brought to freedom. Paterson site.” That was a very moving moment for me.” Local history advocates, and descendants of the Contributing Writers “All I had to start with was a deed to a grave in families involved with the Underground Railroad, con- Steven Almonacid Paterson,” said Dolores. ducted a fund-raising campaign to build the monument Meir Esral The grave was of a descendant of William Van honoring Josiah Huntoon and William Van Rensalier for Samantha Ferreira Rensalier. From there Dolores went to the Paterson li- their heroic actions in aiding runaway slaves toward free- Yolanda Fraser brary, where she combed through books on local histo- dom. Darien Gabriel-Jones ry. One day, she opened a book about famous Paterson The unveiling ceremony brought out several gen- Brian Gomez residents and read a brief biography of Josiah Huntoon. erations of Paterson leaders. The crowd was filled with Jessica Gulino It mentioned Huntoon as an “ardent abolitionist” and his diversity from race, nationality, creed, and age. Many Jessica Henderson assistant William Van Rensalier, was a “conductor” on the came to witness this historic event take place. This piece Naftaly Hiraldo Underground Railroad. The book also gave the location of history is not only for the city of Paterson, but also for Jad Judeh of Huntoon’s coffee and spice factory. At that moment the country as a whole. Diane Ortega Dolores realized she was truly a black woman and that Ed Dwight, a renowned African-American sculp- Anthony Mantilla her great grandfather was a black hero. tor designed and constructed the memorial monument. Thomas McKernan A decade since the factory was demolished, the Dolores Van Rensalier said the power of the Diego Mendoza Paterson historic commission was asked to designate the Huntoon-Van Rensalier story is an example of blacks and Jenny Pagan site as a historic landmark, but the panel members needed whites working together for justice. “To them, the soul Talia Simpson more proof of the site’s significance. had no color,” she said. “That is their power, and that is That’s when Dolores Van Rensalier discov- their legacy.” Aspen S. Thompson Photos by Albert Bustos

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Welcoming Black History Month By Jada Osgood On February 3rd, Passaic County Com- Sahony Caba, a student ambassador, said will it be in house or not.” munity College held its annual African Ancestry a lot of planning goes into an event such as a Colon said the toughest part of having Month Opening Ceremony. The ceremony was cultural ceremony or luncheon. “Lots of plan- an event is marketing. “We try to get students to presented by the Student Programming Com- ning, brainstorming, organization, lots of help- come out. It’s a community and students should mittee and the Student Ambassadors. The event ing hands.” unite for event like these.” concluded with lunch that featured traditional Speaker of the Student Programming For the African Ancestry Opening Cere- African American cuisine. Committee, Pia Colon, went on to elaborate on mony, both speakers found it eye opening and Two student speakers from the event such steps. “We first start with finding rooms, hoped that other students viewed it the same spoke with Visions and gave insight into how then start planning for a speaker. Then when way. “Events like these stir inside a thirst for an event such as this ceremony gets put together have to see who’s available to work at the event, knowledge for the culture, and how we can be- successfully, and what they felt about the event. and decide will there be food or not, and if so, come one,” said Caba. (Continued on page 3) Page 3 News February 2015/March2015 Come and join Real Artistic Writers “Do you believe in the power of words?” By Diane Ortega There is a new club on PCCC campus, with his passion to be a writer. De Jesus wants mester in Passaic County Community College. Real Artistic Writers (R.A.W.). This is a poet- to help students find their inner poet, which he Professor Schmidt teaches Academic English in ry and spoken word club. R.A.W. meets every thinks everyone has in them. the Developmental Studies Department. Profes- Thursday from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in room sor Schmidt is also a published poet that A211 at the Main Campus. “R.A.W.’s main goal is to provide a safe has written three books: The Voodoo Doll Professor Lauren Schmidt’s goals Parade (2011), Psalm of the Dining Room for R.A.W. is to first develop a core group place for a progression of the craft…” (2011) and Two Black Eyes and a Patch of of poets. Professor Schmidt would like the Hair Missing (2013). poets to participate in community services like Professor Schmidt is looking to achieve If you do not have anything to do and you reading to children at PCCC’s daycare or vol- a creative environment for students at PCCC so love to write or just listen to poetry, this is a good unteering at homeless shelters. Also, she would that they can all find their inner voices and be club to join. This club is filled with wonderful like to get the poets involved in poetry-related heard. This club is not just about poetry; it is also people starting with the club’s mentor, Profes- activities like workshops and readings. about social justice. sor Schmidt, the president, Miguel De Jesus, the Some obstacles that Professor Schmidt R.A.W.’s main goal is to provide a safe vice president, Andre Brown and everyone else faced in making this club was getting the word place for progression of the craft and become a in the club. If you don’t want to read, you could out. Basically, since R.A.W. is a new club not place where students can take a stand and make a just come and be a part of the club supporting the too many people know that it exists. Professor statement or start a movement. R.A.W. members talent students of R.A.W. Schmidt wants everyone to know that R.A.W. are also participants in “Poets in the Schools.” You don’t have to be just a poet to join. has a welcoming group of people—it’s a place This is a workshop event that is held in high In this club you could rap, freestyle or even write of creativity and personal safety. schools to help students get involved with poet- short stories. If you like any more information Miguel De Jesus, 39, an English major is ry. feel free to contact either the advisor ischmidt@ glad to be the president of R.A.W. According to R.A.W. was founded by Professor Lau- pccc.edu or the president madejesus14514@stu- De Jesus, joining this club made him reconnect ren Schmidt, M.A, M.F. A., last fall 2014 se- dents.pccc.edu. R.A.W. inspiration By Yolanda Fraser PCCC’s Real Artistic Writers (R.A.W.) The video only lasted about eleven minutes but read were “All I Gotta Do,” “We, Too,” and a club held a poetry reading to celebrate African it felt as if it was longer. It appeared to have set room favorite “Choices.” Just as the students American History Month on Thursday, Feb- a positive mood. thought it couldn’t get any better, a poem from ruary 12, 2015 in the Paterson Room. There Then it was time for the beautiful poet- Maya Angelou called “Equality” was read. were very few seats left due to the many diverse ry. Students selected some very meaningful and The end of the readings came from a students that attended. Refreshments and food inspiring poets and read their works aloud to the student named, Miguel De Jesus, who read were provided that included mini quiches, pigs group. Perseverance, faith and inspiration were two poems, one being “The Negro Mother” by in a blanket, chicken wingettes, cheese and fruit. Langston Hughes. The second poem he read was The attendees happily partook of the cuisine. an original called “The Injustice of Their Jus- The event was announced by English Professor tice.” The poem itself was strong and insightful. Heather Wojdylo. In it De Jesus mentioned Eric Garner as one of It opened with a YouTube Motivational society’s recent tragedies and how it was han- Video from Eric Thomas who is a former pro- dled by authorities. fessional American football player turned moti- It was a pleasant experience to share with vational speaker, educator, author and minister. fellow classmates. Several students seemed to Thomas played cornerback for nine seasons for be meeting for the first time and they were very the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Den- friendly and engaging with one another. Al- ver Broncos. though they didn’t belong to the same classes, The video was titled “The Key to Pros- new friends were made to share their love of perity: Show up!” Thomas referenced three key poetry. It was a wonderful way for students to elements to succeeding in college that applies to express what was in their hearts and minds given any and all students. He stated that he got the the things that are happening around them every inspiration from another football player named, day. Cam Newton. the aura of the room. It was a pleasure to hear It is through history that students can The first one was “Show up,” because for poems written by Langston Hughes that includ- learn to forge strength and change. African one to succeed one has to be present. Secondly, ed the writing of “Simple” the character he cre- American History is to some extent everyone’s one must “believe in the dark what the creator ated as well as another great one called, “The history because we are all part of the same soci- told one in the light,” for if he tells you it will Negro Mother.” ety. It is hoped that more students take advantage happen then it will happen. This could be tak- There was a reading about Frederick of such an activity that encourages expression of en to mean to have faith in what you’re doing. Douglass by Robert Hayden. Someone in the the heart and mind. It can help bring people to- Thirdly, one must “Play through it;” this is to say room said that Frederick Douglass’ birthday was gether for the greater good. that one must perform through disappointment on February 12th but that may be questionable If all that is needed is inspiration then and not give up. And in essence, it is how to since he didn’t ever really know his actual date everybody ought to share as much as they have. “Walk into your destiny.” of birth, and it is said that he chose February Students were heard making plans for the next Students paid close attention to what 14th as a day to celebrate his birthday. reading since there is going to be a professional Thomas was saying. The message of inspiration All present were graced by the works of poet on the venue. The expectation seemed to be seemed to resonate strongly with them. Students one of the world’s best known African American that it would make it all that more special. discussed the video and agreed with the message. poets, Nikki Giovanni. Several of her poems Black History Month (Continued from page 2) Colon says that learning about African Ances- Colon said “And everyone should know where N. DavidOswald Jr. try opens students’ minds to a bigger picture they come from because you have to know other than slavery and gives students a better where you’re going.” Caba said it’s important sense of where they came from. to know the influence of people that have come The event concluded with lunch that before you regardless of your race. Black History Month Luncheon. Panelists from left to featured traditional African American cuisine. right: Ron Chavious, Brian Duncan, Moses Parker, “In a sense, I am African American,” Kenneth Pierce, Enrique Noguera, Demond James Page 4 News/Features February 2015/March 2015

Free education? “Taxes would definitely be the main way to fund the (Continued from page 1) colleges, but no one likes taxes, so they wouldn’t be grades and PCCC would gain a better reputation for its students.” With funding being a big issue, able to rely too heavily on them.” -Louis Barrios she states “I think it would come from the taxes from people in our state, which could potentially make some people angry.” Seeing as how the institute is a com- munity college, Villagran says “the community would benefit from free college because there would be more students enrolling in the hopes from: jmarbach.com Image of getting good grades and getting free tuition. There would be more professionals in the future of our community that would encourage edu- cation in the future generations. Money is what stops most people from pursuing education.” Finally, Villagran ended by saying, “I think the success of a free college depends on the state because if they don’t want to help out, then there’s no way to pay for the free tuition students would get. I don’t think NJ would pass this plan or any state in general because people aren’t go- ing to want to pay for someone else’s education since it’s their money and not their problem.” Alicja Kiplan, 21, a bio medical engineer In accordance with that, Barrios re- would be the incentive some people need to do major, thought for a while and said “I think the sponded that “taxes would definitely be the main better.” Her following statement, in regards to government would decide who is eligible. Peo- way to fund the colleges, but no one likes tax- the funding of free community colleges, was “I ple who deserve it and work for it should get a es, so they wouldn’t be able to rely too heavily think taxes would have to be raised and some free education.” She included her opinion that on them.” He then said “I feel a lot less people budgets cut back on the state’s and government’s PCCC would change because “students would would actually want to go to college if it can just part. I think donations from alumni would make be less eligible and face different requirements.” be handed to them. It’s not as big a deal then.” a great impact and also regular fundraising.” Next, Kiplan posed her idea that “grants Barrios said “the success depends on the Gjonpali was asked how the community and aid from the government would pay for the college, its curriculum, and the faculty. New Jer- would change and she said “I think more peo- free community colleges.” When asked how she sey would be unaffected, but the college would ple would want to give it a shot. If it was free, thought the community would change she re- surely receive less than acceptable responses they wouldn’t have much to lose if they dropped plied “more people from neighboring towns like from its people.” out because it wouldn’t be their money that was Wayne and Clifton would come to the school.” And finally Klodiane Gjonpali, 19, a lost.” Her last opinion was that “the success de- Finally, Kiplan believes that “the govern- Nursing student, believes “the government pends on a lot of factors, one most definitely be- ment would be responsible for the success and I should be in charge of who decides who a qual- ing the state but also the government and also think NJ wouldn’t be able to make this work.” ified student is. I think qualified students should people who want to make a difference. I think NJ Louis Barrios, 22, Architectural major, be students who were able to maintain a B av- would most definitely raise taxes and cut back was vocal in his belief that “the school should erage in high school, didn’t get into trouble, on things.” decide who is eligible and the student must have have no criminal records, and must do volunteer Only time will tell the direction the Na- at least passed high school.” He then claimed work.” tion will take on this issue. If its higher taxes for that “PCCC wouldn’t change much. I don’t think Gjonpali added “I think a lot of people communities, as PCCC students believe, there there would be a huge effect here, but maybe in at PCCC would get a break and not have to pay, may be pushback on Obama’s dream to make other schools.” and I think being able to go to college for free college available for all. Honoring Huntoon’s Corner through art Guest poet Martin Espada By Albert Bustos (Continued from page 1)

For Black History Month, Marcos Salazar, a The first poem he read was En La Calle Sebas- graphic design major created a three-piece artwork tian, which was about the late African immigrants honoring the Huntoon’s Corner monument. The cen- that played music in El Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico, terpiece depicts Josiah Huntoon and William Van Ren- 1998. The second poem he read was about Bless- salier in shades of black, white and grey. ed Be the Truth-Teller. That story was inspired by Salazar included two side pieces, one on the the man, who inspired him to write poetry—Jack left and one on the right from the center piece depicting Agueros. the runaway slaves going toward safety at Huntoon’s Another poem he read was The Broken coffee and spice factory where they were welcomed Window of Rosa Ramos, Short Poem for Marino, to hide-out till it was safe to continue their mission Imagine the Angels of Bread. He dedicated the toward freedom. poem especially to the president of RAW. Another Marcos used the colors blue, yellow, orange poem he read was Sleeping on the Bus and Litany and brown for the two-side pieces. This is Salazar’s at the Tomb of Frederick Douglas. representation of the monument. Espada ended with a special poem Alaban- Salazar had his art exhibition titled An Altered za: In Praise of Local 100, a poem dedicated to 43 Reality at the Broadway and LRC Galleries. It was members of Hotel and Restaurant Employees that available up untill February 27, 2015. To see more were working in the World Trade Center Restau- of his art, visit: marcos0043.weebly.com or you can rant. These individuals lost their lives on 9/11. reach him at [email protected]. Image from: www.yesmagazine.org Image Page 5 News/Features February 2015/March2015 Be smart…….you will end up rich! By Talia Simpson Are you broke? Are you struggling to waste your time and money. aid so I have to pay for everything out of pocket.” pick a major? Is your student loan debt killing Another fellow student, Jessica Marro- When she graduates from PCCC and transfers to you? No need to worry! I am here to make sure quin, a Nursing Major, laughed when I asked a four year school she will eventually have to you are aware of the possible consequences Pas- her this question. She stated, “You cannot have a take out loans. saic County Community College students face beautiful life when you are in debt. You will be College loans are obviously hindering with student loan debt. forced to eat Ramen Noodles and Hot Pockets students from taking many different financial Before you decide to waste your precious every day until you have money to go to Olive steps into their future such as buying a car, a time and money, I am here to answer as many Garden again.” house, or saving up for their retirement. It is put- questions concerning college debt as I possibly She hopes that with hard work and de- ting them at a disadvantage and giving them a can. termination she will finish her degree and find a late start to wealth accumulation. Unfortunately, the cost of college has in- good paying job so she can get ahead of the debt When you defer your loans because you creased tremendously. Some of our fellow stu- she has accrued. do not have a full time job, the loans rack up dents were asked one simple question: What are Another student, Effrain Ramirez, who interest, which is another obstacle that makes some of the major difficulties you are going to is now in his second year of college, replied by paying the loans off even that much harder to face with the rising debt levels once you have saying “Student debt affects your independence accomplish. completed school? and it requires people to live at home for longer President Obama is proposing a bill that One fellow student, Andre Brown, a Per- periods of time and monthly budgets have to be will allow free tuition at all two year colleges. forming Arts major, responded by saying, “Stu- put on hold until your debt is fully paid off.” If you have a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) dent debt is swaying away from what major’s Sophomore Miguel De Jesus, who is an and have an Annual Gross Income (AGI) of people pick, because it causes students to imme- Engineering Science major that will be graduat- $200,000 or less then you will be eligible for this diately need a job once they finish college.” ing next semester, was taken back for a moment free tuition waiver. If the president’s plan is put When it all comes down to it, you are go- when I asked him the question. He said, “Fortu- into action, then it will not only benefit college ing to end up with a minimum wage or a very nately, I am an Honor’s Student, so I am there- students but it will also encourage them to do low paying job unless you finish a degree pro- fore accredited a partial scholarship that will well and this will make it easier for students so gram that is marketable. help to ease that burden of financial despair that they will not have to pay off so much debt. One of the many concerns students face awaits all future graduates that do not receive is does six months really give you enough time full financial aid or full scholarships to four year to find a job and start paying off the loans that colleges.” have added up? Until people are truly financially secure My best advice to any and all students they will continue to be forced to make sacrifices is to do your research before you choose what that they may not want to make, but it will be major to study. There is something out there for necessary. everyone, but make sure that it guarantees you a Ana Ortiz, who is twenty years old Com- job after you graduate from college. You do not munications major, took a different route. Ortiz from: www.observer.com Image want to be in school for four years or more and stated, “Unfortunately, I do not receive financial Melting those winter blues away

By Jessica Gulino jessica-agreatread.blogspot.com If you feel like your smile is drooping sledding, skiing, snowboarding, building snow- with the temperatures, it’s probably not your men and igloos, toasty fires, and a great excuse imagination. Since the days are getting shorter to stay in bed and watch Netflix all day. and the nights are getting colder, it’s easy for That doesn’t sound too bad; and after all, even the best of us to get bummed out with the it’s only a few months out of the year where we “winter blues.” can hibernate in our beds and stuff our faces be- According to a New York Times article, with ingredients everyone has in their kitchen! fore its bikini season again. one in five people get the ““winter blues,” which Aside from eating our feelings up, get- are categorized by mild depression, laziness and ting some extra sunlight is a great way to stay Here are a few yummy Pinterest recipes! low energy. Luckily, there are a ton of things positive throughout these chilly temperatures. that can be done to prevent this from happening Sunlight provides our bodies with tons of Brownies: https://www.pinterest.com/ to you during this freezing winter funk. vitamin D and is great for boosting our moods. pin/463870830342404420/ Exercise is one of the top cures for this Surprisingly, it releases the same chemicals into seasonal gloominess. Working out is not only our bodies that are released from exercising. Chocolate Chip Cookies: good for staying healthy and fit, but it releases Even if it’s super cold, try bundling up https://www.pinterest.com/ chemicals that get your body and brain moving and playing in the snow. pin/458382068295288455/ which is great for relieving stress. Joey Davis, 19, said that he enjoys going A good workout with a shower will take outside in the snow, even to shovel or plow. Nutella Hot Chocolate: a few hours, taking up the time you would have If it’s too cold to go outside, try to open https://www.pinterest.com/ been laying on the couch going crazy doing up all the shades in your house, or sit by win- pin/86412886574022876/ nothing. dows during class, in order to soak up as much Eating healthy is the next great remedy light as possible. Peanut Butter Cookies: for when its cold out and you’re stuck inside. The American Psychological Associ- https://www.pinterest.com/ What you eat greatly affects your mood, so ation says that there are other options as intri- pin/60165344996839343/ try consuming more complex carbs like whole cate as light therapy or as simple as changing wheat breads, brown rice, and fruits and vegeta- the light bulbs in your house to “full spectrum” bles, rather than processed foods! bulbs, which imitate natural light and affect you Dahlia Omar, 19, business administra- the same as the sun. tion major, says that she likes to drink hot tea to We all live busy lives: school, work, keep cozy and warm. Who doesn’t love a hot kids, family, appointments, so getting out of bed cup of tea on a cold day? is hard enough as it is, so treat yourself and re- Even though we are supposed to eat lax! healthy, a little treat never hurt anyone, right? Try taking the day off and going to a spa Baking or cooking is always a fun way to kill for a pedicure or a relaxing massage, or just relax time and treat you and your friends to a tasty at home with your loved ones! Rent a movie or snack. watch your favorite TV show to get your mind Talia Simpson, 20, a journalism major, off the cold and your busy life. Image from: says she loves to bake when she’s stuck inside Instead of hating and dwelling on your http://cincyshopper.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookies/ because of this windy winter weather. winter blues, embrace all the fun activities the Pinterest always has super simple recipes season comes with: hot chocolate and eggnog, Page 6 Features February 2015/March 2015 It’s a ruff life out in the world By Darien Gabriel-Jones

As a receptionist at Club Barks, I often ing in such dangerous situations just like people Adopting a dog is saving a life. There re- see “man’s best friend” get left behind for var- do. ally are too many dogs without a home and peo- ious reasons. One of the more common reasons People can seek other people for help to ple can change this. Shelters and Rescues have for putting a dog up for adoption is that the own- overcome such trauma but there’s no such thing all kinds of dogs of all temperaments and the dog ers feel as though they can no longer properly as a dog psychologist. This is especially a prob- would be happier in a permanent home rather provide for the dog. lem with dogs that have been in dangerous situ- than jump from foster home to foster home. Rescue agencies such as Coming Home ations for a long time and literally cannot trust Club Barks in Woodland Park is not only and Bonnie’s Animal Rescue Kingdom cooper- people if their life depends on it. a great place to bring your dog for day care but ate with other local shelters and even doggy day Dog that go through traumatic events they also help shelters find rescued animals a cares to reach out to find a safe environment for have a harder time getting adopted. With that home. Sometimes all you have to do is get the dogs without a home. They rescue dogs off of in mind there are puppies that come in and out word out and hopefully dogs can find a home in the street and take in dogs that cannot be in their of shelters every day. People often overlook the no time. previous home any longer. older dogs because they don’t know whether or For more information go to: Many people choose to buy from a breed- not the dog would be suitable for them and don’t http://clubbarks.com/. er because they want a purebred dog for social bother to give them a chance. status or even for competitions. People don’t Ian Flores, an IT major, would adopt an realize that no matter where you buy a dog, or older dog from a shelter if he had the chance. He what kind of dog it is, it may still have as many states that the dogs that have been going from issues as the next dog. shelter to shelter deserve to have a home just like Purebred dogs more than often have his- the puppies. There are various reasons for adopt- tories of inbreeding and could even have more ing a dog but the overall mindset remains that health issues than a mutt from a shelter. It seems people want to bring a dog into a healthy and as though the people that prefer buying a dog loving environment. do that because they don’t know of the adopted Another concern pet owners have is med- dog’s history or don’t want to take on the medi- ical care. After adopting a dog, taking care of it cal expenses of the dog. is widely considered to be a smart thing to do. After interviewing several students of Pet owners already know how expensive it can varying majors about their personal choice be- be to get them checked out by a professional vet, tween adopting or buying a dog, I’ve found that kind of similar to how expensive health care for these students are more likely to adopt dogs rath- humans can be. er than buy one. It’s quick to google what the breed of dog Donna Betsch, a Mental Health major, needs and then actually going out and finding it currently works at Club Barks in Woodland Park. commercially or buying them online can be a If given the chance and choice, she’d adopt. pain. Some breeds of dog have vastly different Betsch says pet stores that sell puppies often needs than others, such as the larger dogs hav- claim not to know where they get their puppies ing hip problems and the flat-faced dogs having from and she’s vehemently against the idea of breathing issues. puppy mills since they’re known to be cruel to Veterinarians are a good place to go for the dogs. pet help of course but sometimes they’ll charge This is Trapper, current resident of Club Puppy mills and kill shelters are widely unnecessarily large amounts of money. Jesus Barks in Woodland Park. He’s shy around infamous within the pet owner community for Vega, a Graphic Design major, says he would do new people but once he gets to know you their horrible mistreatment of animals that come research to take care of his dog since it would be he’s an energetic ball of love and fun. Help through there. Dogs can be traumatized from be- cruel if he didn’t. him find a home! Long neglected Great Falls to be renovated By Meir Esral Half a mile from the Paterson Campus is Falls produced so much woven silk that Paterson mid 80’s. “A lot of this will be decades too late.” the Great Falls. Although the Falls are in a run- Became known as “Silk City.” Many of the artifacts that were manu- down park surrounded by ruins, its existence is The mood is positive regarding these ren- factured in the now-ruined buildings have been the reason that Paterson even exists. In addition ovations, and many residents feel that the Great moved to the museum, “but it would have been to being a scene of natural beauty in its own right, Falls are in real need of help. good to send people to see it in its original place, the Falls are of significant historical interest. “All of this will be renovated eventual- Hotton said. These include the first modern sub- The renovation that began in November ly” said Glenn Hutton, an artist who works at the marine, and a multi-million dollar collection of 2013 is due to be completed early this year, the Paterson Museum, “but this comes many years original Colt Paterson Revolvers, the first repeat- National Park Service reported. Only the Mary too late for many of these buildings, like the Colt ing firearms to enter production anywhere. Ellen Kramer Park within the larger National Mill.” He went on to say that the ruined build- “I think this is good,” said Melanie Hi- Park is being renovated currently, according to ings were actually in good condition before the romoto, 19, a PCCC student. “This will help Pa- the Park website. terson become a nicer-looking According to the same “A lot of this will be decades too late” place.” Her friend Ryan Downes, website, Alexander Hamilton es- 19, of Clifton agreed with her. tablished Paterson as America’s “This will help make the Great first planned industrial city in 1792 specifi- Falls an attraction, so that people want cally because the falls could provide cheap to go there.” Albert Bustos reliable power from water wheels. This According to pamphlets distrib- was a lot of power, as the 77 foot high, 260 uted through the park museum, it was foot wide drop conducts two billion gal- not until 2011 that the park attained its lons a day. current status as a National Park. This is well known, and the there’s In recent years the park and its a monument to this effect overlooking the surroundings have achieved a state of Great Falls. marked disrepair. Many of the buildings Many major industrial milestones have collapsed roofs. were achieved in Paterson. The first mod- While not actually part of the ern submarine was manufactured here, park, the adjacent Hinchcliffe Stadium, along with the first train to travel from the one of only three Negro League Stadi- East to the West along the Transcontinen- ums standing, is disused, with promi- tal Railroad. At one time the Mills by the nent ‘no tres- The Great Falls of Paterson, NJ (Continued on page 9) Page 7 Features February 2015/March2015 Human Services up and rising By Jessica Henderson

Having about 8,000 students that attend around them. PCCC, it’s no question that these students are The gerontology option is for those who striving for something better. A higher educa- want to focus on the geriatric population. You tion and a better way of life. will be able to work in rehabilitation centers, Out of all the degrees that PCCC has to nursing homes, and even home health care. offer, “My major is Human Services,” seems to Tanisha Travis, also a Human Services be thrown around campus very frequently. The major, chose the Addictions option for many Human Services program gives students an op- reasons. Her own personal life experiences led portunity to grow not only as individuals, Image from: www.etsu.edu her to what some would call “the other side.” but to also gain knowledge in order to help After struggling with addiction herself, she others. “This field chose me.” has now made a drastic change in her own life, If you’re like the many students that This is true for Jimena Nunez, a Human and has decided to help those who are current- are still uncertain about want they want to major Services major here at PCCC. Starting off as a ly in place where she once was. in, then here’s some food for thought. According Biology major in 2012, she made the decision to Travis stated, “I hope to be able to reach to PCCC’s website, this program has a 99.4% switch her focus. She decided to take Professor at least one person, and save a life.” After grad- success rate in which 95% of these students go D’Arcangelo’s class, and that was all she need- uating PCCC, her plan is to move on to a 4 year on to a four year college to continue their educa- ed. Nunez stated, “I tried it out, and I loved it.” college in hopes of working at a rehab center, to tion. Currently, she is focusing on the Gener- continue to make positive changes in her own The number of students that are choos- alist option, which will allow her to learn about life as well as the lives of others. ing this area of study have been growing rapidly all the areas this program has to offer as a whole. As you can see, there could be many rea- since the 90’s. Starting off with only 25 students She wants to give people hope and to know that sons why a person chooses their major. Maybe enrolled in the program, we now have over 500 they are not alone. it’s a life experience, an influence or maybe it’s and counting. If you are more interested in focusing on just something you are passionate about. No Professor D’Arcangelo, head of the Hu- a specific area in this program, you have options! matter what it is, having the knowledge to help man Services department, is passionate about The mental health option of the program will al- others in a professional manner can not only what he does on and off of campus. While be- low students to gain an in depth view on mental save a life, it WILL make a difference in yours ing a part of this program for 15 years, and still health issues such as bi-polar disorder, depres- too. The Human Services program here at PCCC finding the time to make a difference by running sion, and schizophrenia. will help you do just that. his own practice, it’s very clear to see he has met Although these issues can come up in With just a click away, you can visit his goals. After asking him why he chose to get any of the options you choose to study, this ma- http://www.pccc.edu/prospective/academics/ into this field, his response was from the heart jor will allow you to help people cope with these academic-departments/human-services to get a without a doubt. “This field chose me.” disorders in their everyday life. better understanding on what this program has Whether it’s changing your major or your The addictions option focuses on assess- to offer. All in all, if you enjoy helping others, career, reaching our goals in life is something we ing, diagnosing and treating people who have and want to make a difference in people’s lives, all want to do. Regardless of the reasoning be- addictions, while recognizing the impact it has and the community, then this is the profession hind it, you may want to make a change. on their lives, as well as the lives of the people for you. Should I take a break? Are students who take a semester off at a disadvantage? By Aspen S. Thompson It isn’t a surprise when a student decides to take a year off or a 1973. Seven years after enlisting semester long break before returning to college. Maybe they just need a he began his college career here at break, perhaps they choose to because of financial reasons. Regardless of Passaic County Community Col- the reason, is it ever a good decision? lege, but only for a short period of time. It all depends on preference. 21-year-old Humanities major, Bill Not only did Thompson take one break from school, he took two. Cuello decided to go straight to college from high school, with the help of After only taking two courses here at the college, one being an EMT his parents. Cuello says one of his biggest influences is his parent’s: “They course, Thompson began his career with the Paterson Fire Department. told me they would help if I helped myself.” After being employed by them for thirty-one years he retired and returned Parents tend to have a major impact on students when making de- to PCCC in 2012 where he received his degree in Applied Science. cisions like these. They sometimes give ultimatums as Cuello’s parents According to Thompson, he believes all of his decisions have been did. “Their way or the highway” seems to be the motto when it comes to beneficial. It seems as though taking a break may not be such a horrible assisting with decision-making. decision. Taking off permanently, now that is a different story. But is forcing this decision upon students a healthy thing? There looks to not be any implied correlation between taking breaks Cuello also says “I have not met one person that said ‘I’m glad I and not doing well in college or even doing well in life. Some even say a took a break off from school.’” In fact everyone he knows who has taken break is needed like www.education-portal.com. The website describes “5 a break has said that they wish they would have kept going to school. Reasons to take a break from school.” Money, maturity, experience, health Other times the choice not to go straight to college is a personal and burnout are the top 5 reasons according to the site. one like that of George Thompson, 59-year-old PCCC alumni. Thompson On the other hand, www.thoughtcatalog.com has some informa- enlisted into the service just six months after his high school graduation in tion on “10 hard truths about taking a Semester (Continued on page 16) VISIONS Visions Newspaper is now recruiting reporters, editors, ad managers, photographers, and cartoonists. Meetings take place during student activity hour on Thursdays. For more information contact us at: [email protected]. Page 8 Features February 2015/March 2015 Bronies walking the halls of PCCC By Thomas McKernan

People young and old have an outlet in a little girl show “My Little Pony.” A show about candy colored horses that talk about the magic of friendship may be targeted to a little girl audience but since its inception in 2010, a large group of 20+ year old men and women have taken the show by storm and dubbed the “Brony” fandom. Behind the scenes of many American cartoons Lauren Faust has been a crucial person in the cartoon community winning Annie and Emmy awards for productions such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and her famous My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. In an interview on LA Weekly, Faust expressed feelings regarding the show “Think of the girls” and “They need to believe that the stuff they like isn’t stupid.” However Faust did not expect the show to be such a hit that men and women of all ages would create a fan base that would inspire artists to make original art, music, and videos based on a little girl’s cartoon. If you go to Baltimore’s convention center near mid or late knows what they like and July you will see bronies in their natural habit swamping the streets and they absorb as much fun out ports of Baltimore. Bronies will cosplay (costume play) as their favorite of it as possible. pony characters, sing songs, and sell merchandise. Times are changing Bronies also inhabit Facebook, YouTube, Team Fortress 2, and and that means getting used even the halls you walk in at PCCC. Though some may appear normal, to new things. Some might bronies have no clear cut of appearance because they come in all “shapes be skeptical of the brony and sizes.” community but hopefully Although not a hardcore brony, PCCC student Rnynaldi Thender- some will have a more pos- lcruz, 19, Occupational Therapy is more than aware of the brony fan base itive opinion on it. And who and has even watched an episode or two. knows Bronies might be Thenderlcruz’s positive opinion opens up to both children and sitting right next to you in bronies saying the show does a good job in encouraging kids to make class! friends and open up while the bronies have a positive outlet for their cre- ativity. Brony creations vary between original fan artwork, analytical re- views, original animations, and so much more one can comprehend. Although being a family friendly show comes first, fans of any background can take care in the fact that they share common interests. Parents and children can share a couch on Saturday mornings to watch the newest episode. Bronies with little siblings can do the same and bridge a generational gap that may or may not exist. PCCC student Yeremy D. Memdez 20, Early Childhood education said that everyone with a child can understand that everyone has their in- terests and if people can share those than there is nothing wrong with this MANAGEMENT HONORS ARCHITECTURE type of fandom. ENGINEERING But when is liking a show too much? Some news networks have TECHNOLOGY DESIGN criticized the fandom for being nothing more than a grown man’s excuse MATHEMATICS STEM COMPUTING to stay in their house looking up pictures of ponies and playing around with toys. Although not entirely true there are people in the (although any Ready To Transfer? fan community too) community who; regardless if they like the show or not; will take advantage of it and maybe target younger fans. PCCC Liberian and adjunct instructor Glen Bencivengo, said that Think NJIT pedophiles can exist in this kind of fan base. And parents should take heed as to not endanger the children. But if no harm is done, Mr. Ben- • Offers Degrees in the Hottest Fields civengo does believe that a show so influential should be supported. • Transferring is Easy - seamless credit transfer, junior Mr. Bencivengo isn’t the only person who aspires in protecting a standing with an Associate’s Degree, advising support community of bronies. Multiple staff members from the show have tack- led the issue first hand in interviews from many conventions. • Access to high paying internship and co-op programs Star Trek: The next Generation Actor John de Lancie plays a re- curring character in My Little Pony named Discord. Being a huge figure • Connect to over 22,800 job postings through in the acting field, De Lancie has stated in some interviews that the brony Career Development Services community “has to be protected.” Believing that the brony fan base is more than just a fad he sees magic in it that many dismiss but others see plain as day. De Lancie has even taken up bronies up in his house for a movie and a free diner on Take the Next Step occasion. JOIN US FOR Other staff members like Tara Strong, Andrea Libman, and Lau- Instant Decision Day - njit.edu/transfer OR ren Faust herself have also played their roles in supporting the fan base Apply Now - njit.edu/apply however they can. If you still believe that the brony phenomenon is just a playground Questions? Call 800-925-NJIT for adults to stay home and obsess than you aren’t the only one. Prof. Christine L. Redman-Waldeyer Journalism Program Coor- dinator at PCCC had a very skeptical mindset in regards to older men liking a children’s show in relation to her own young children. Having a better understanding of it Prof. Waldeyer has a more open mindset to this Office of University Admissions, University Heights, Newark, New Jersey 07102-1982 fandom. “It’s a playground for adults” was Prof. Waldeyer’s opinion on the brony community comparing it to a literal playground for kids. Everyone ALWAYS ON Transfer Ad 5 x 7” Page 9 Opinion February 2015/March2015 Feeling safe when you leave your house? By Jad Judeh With so many crimes happening in places you would catch your- the store. The world is a crazy place self being in from time to time, the question is, is anything safe anymore? no matter what and the more we live Today’s society has made it frightening to go anywhere without the fear of in fear the better chance we miss out a crime happening. on a lot of things.” Movies, Malls, Schools, and Marathons are all places and events Chung said, “all these in- that anyone would think are safe places to be, safe places to bring your cidents like the Boston Marathon children and not have to worry if anything bad is going to happen. Unfor- Bombing, The Colorado Shooting, tunately that is not the case; the sad part is all these “safe” places have had and Sandy Hook are all really sad tragic events happen and has made the world frightened. and horrible, but instead of looking We as a whole have gotten used to the idea of staying away from at them as isolated incidents, we crime ridden areas, but now it seems as if everywhere we go is a crime rid- should look at them as one big prob- den area. Some students at PCCC agree with the notion that they hesitate lem.” He added, from: http://4richmond.org/how-to-start-a- Image neighborhood-crime-watch-in-richmond/ “…these incidents like the Boston Marathon Bombing, “The number The Colorado Shooting, and Sandy Hook are all really one issue in all of these events are weapons, weapons should be sad and horrible, but instead of looking at them as isolat- banned! Without weapons none of these things are ed incidents, we should look at them as one big problem.” possible.” As a nation the only way these crimes stop happen- - Lee Chung ing is if somebody does something about it. when planning on going out late at night to places that may seem harmless. We shouldn’t fear leaving our own home to go to the supermarket Jacob Williams, 20, a Business major, said “I used to go to the or the movies or the mall. We should be able to enjoy what we can and not movies all the time but ever since what happened in Colorado, I rarely have to deprive ourselves because we don’t want to be shot or killed. go because if it can happen there, what makes me think it won’t happen Unfortunately we face the reality that more horrifying, terrible here—I mean if I can’t go to the movies without having to worry about events may occur before anybody with power decides to do anything about being shot then we have a problem.” it. It’s going to take something really drastic for somebody to realize that Samantha Hitchens, 18, Economics major, also agrees with Wil- we have to put an end to the massacres and the deaths. liams, regarding the movie shooting, but also added “seeing what hap- pened to those kids in Sandy Hook was horrible; it makes me scared to “The number one issue in all of these events have kids when I get older because I will always have the fear of some- thing terrifying happening to them. A school should be one of the safest are weapons, weapons should be banned! places for anyone, especially children.” Without weapons none of these things are Lee Chung, 21, Arts Major, said “we live in fear because we allow it—we can’t go wondering what’s going to happen next or is it safe to go to possible.” - Lee Chung Neglected Great Falls (Continued from page 6) The Park’s Website passing’ signs and graffiti. According to the Star-Ledger article http://www.nlbm.com: Negro League Baseball of March 12, 2013, the stadium was only named a National Historic Landmark that week. Museum Website According to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum http://www.nj.com: Collection of Articles From NJ Newspapers website, the Negro Leagues thrived from 1920 to around 1945, when Major League Baseball allowed black players. The Ne- gro Leagues played a pivotal role in the eventual integration of baseball. Because of the high professional standards of the league, this was where the early Black players of Major League Baseball got their start. To Michelle Neri, 24, a Paterson resident and concrete management specialist, Paterson’s history is as a factory town. “Paterson is called ‘Silk City’ because of the factories and the mills.” She said, “If they need to bring in tourist money by cleaning up the waterfall so they can justify spending on the old factories, that’s great. These old buildings are very expen- sive to fix.” The Great Falls did not only produce goods, they were also an important player in early 20th century labor disputes. As per the Encyclopedia of the American Left con- ditions in 300 silk mills and dye houses produced a massive strike in 1913, when twenty-five thousand workers shut down their places of work for almost five months. The strike ulti- mately failed at improving conditions but did succeed in keep- ONE NIGHT A WEEK, ONE CLASS AT ing them from getting worse. A TIME, IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS! Paterson has passed the height of its importance FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR THOSE amongst American cities, but it remains home to very signifi- WHO QUALIFY cant history. America’s rise to be an industrial superpower be- $6,500 IN TUITION GRANTS AVAILABLE gan here, and the decline of that industry is apparent here as AND ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS well. ACCREDITED BY THE MIDDLE STATES The story of how these changes in the economy will COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION affect the future is still being written. To look at the ruins is to feel foreboding. Across the river from them, though, repairs are beginning. The Falls have been here since before history and will continue to be here after, but for what would be a flicker of time on the geological scale, they propelled a massive human enterprise.

For Sources and More Info Visit: http://www.nps.gov/pagr/index.html Page 10 Opinion February 2015/March 2015 Weighing in: should marijuana be legalized? By Brian Gomez

How can a plant cause so much controversy? Two states, Colorado gredient for treatment. There are several ways marijuana can be used—it and Washington, legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational us- can be smoked, vaporized, eaten or taken as liquid. When it is vaporized it age. takes the key ingredients without producing any smoke. Marijuana can be Twenty-three states have legalized marijuana for medical use only, baked into cookies or candy. Marijuana relaxes the body taking away pain including N.J. In N.J. there are currently three marijuana dispensaries “Mi- and inflammation. crobes in Jersey,” located in Jersey City, “Natural Wellness & Edibles,” Although it still has side effects, which is dizziness, drowsiness also in Jersey City and “Greenleaf Compassion Center” in Montclair. and short-term memory loss; those effects are temporary. Not anyone can just get medical marijuana; patients must be 18 or older, not be pregnant or have a criminal record. In a recent [survey] from students on campus, students weighed in on the legalization of marijuana. James Ramsey, a graphic design major, believes that marijuana should only be used for medical reasons, not for recreational use. He also described a brief history of marijuana. According to Ramsey, marijuana Image from: nyulocal.com from: nyulocal.com Image was first used as hemp. Hemp was one of the oldest forms of material ever used. During World War II, they actually encouraged farmers to grow large amounts of hemp. Hemp was also used to make parachutes in WW II. Ramsey believes that [marijuana] use should be supervised by doc- tors. Why not recreational I asked Ramsey? He told me about a chemical weed substance known as salvia. Salvia is one of the strongest strains of weed. Ramsey said, “The effects of salvia are changes in vision, intense body sensations and feelings of detachment of one’s body. This feeling of detachment makes the user not able to interact with people around them. Many states allow their patients to grow their own medical marijuana. For People who have taken this drug have been known to have intense brain example, Colorado patients are allowed to grow up to six plants. In N.J., damage. they are not allowed to grow their own; they are only allowed to purchase Marcos Salazar, an artist and graphic designer, believes that mar- medical marijuana under marijuana dispensaries. ijuana should in fact be legalized. “Marijuana should be regulated like According to WebMD, doctors prescribe medical marijuana to alcohol. Only individuals who are 21 and over should be allowed to use treat such conditions like “muscles spasms, alternative cancer treatment marijuana for medical usage if ever legalized in N.J. for recreational us- for nausea, poor appetite, weight-loss caused by chronic illness like HIV age. Besides, drinking alcohol is what kills people. There are more drunk or nerve pain, seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and much more. Pa- drivers getting into accidents every year. Alcohol causes the person to be tients believe that using medical marijuana is better than using prescribed violent and aggressive. No one has ever gotten into a fight with a stoner. drugs. If anything, a stoner would probably be sleeping and laughing most of the The FDA approved tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as the main in- time anyway than actually try to fight you.” Do you feel your daily routine getting repetitive? By Steven Almonacid

After many hours of school and work, it’s time to take a break and the repetitive loop most of the time. He also commented by saying, “I hate enjoy myself. While I like to listen to music and check email, I’ve found it sometimes because it feels like I am trapped in a cage only moving into that most of time has been dedicated to research; specifically, the repeti- certain places before I find my way back from where I started.” tive life. After navigating through several random websites by placing the While some part of the world may argue that doing the same things words “repetitive life” into the google search bar, I have come across a over and over again will increase skill and give you a much easier time couple of question and answer to get through them, others sites that prompt the same might also add that you just question I have had for years: have to deal with it because “Why does life have to be so life in general gets repetitive repetitive?” regardless. Of course we all have You go to school to deal with our own commit- growing up, you go to col- ments such as going to school, lege every day until you fi- going to work in the mornings nally graduate and land a

etc. While we may say this is from: valleysleepcenter.com Image degree, you finally get that for the best and things will get dream job you worked hard better with hard work, dedica- for, but of course, you have tion, and time, we often find to go there every day and see ourselves within a never end- the same people and things ing loop every single day. on the way there. Now we might bore Another person I and tire of the same old things have asked is Daisy Marti- every day, so we attempt to nez, also a full time student, try and flip around the repet- about what she goes through itiveness and find positives in her daily life. Martinez from it. This type of repetitive mentions going to class, behavior often does not even let us be our own selves because we have walking her dog, cooking, and going to work being the only things she gets accustomed our mind and body to function the same way every day. At to do on a daily basis. And due to a tight schedule, she must stay focused times, some people may even become depressed and cranky because there on her routine just to get through the day. is no upside in being stuck in a rut. Martinez wishes that this loop would just blossom into something College students go through the rigors of balancing school and more but she does not find much of a problem with its rigors because it work together within the same week, and this takes its toll on many. keeps her focused on the task at hand, as well as helping her avoid stress- Bryan Wdowiak, full time student, dedicates the majority of his ing about other problems she may come across. time going to school to become a liberal arts major, but at the same time Edgar Cruz, full time student, has a lot on his daily plate; when he he does feel like he tires of doing the same thing every single day. He gets does have time, though he likes to takes drives around the neighborhood up early for class, comes home to do chores, and does his homework, and and clear his mind. Cruz explains that this is a great way to unlock his sub- then its right back to the same process the next day. conscious from being trapped in the same footsteps he has to experience Although he does try to salvage some part of his social life by find- every day. ing time to be around his close friends, he just feels like he is still stuck in Page 11 Opinion February 2015/March2015 Love bites: a very un-Valentine’s Day By Jenny Pagan

Valentine’s Day is embraced by those in on each holiday, especially Valentines, makes icant other. society who enjoy celebrating love and affec- couples good to go for the rest of the year. 3. Other types of love tion. Others are sickened just from the thought A relationship needs love and commu- Romance is always No. 1 during Valentine’s Day, of the holiday coming near and abandon the day nication all year round besides on holidays, in- but what about the other types of love? There altogether. For anyone who would rather skip cluding Valentines. People are encouraged to isn’t any sort of acknowledgement towards the February 14 or believe it does not exist, here are express love because of all the hype that comes love of a child, or mother or father, or even a the reasons to avoid Valentine’s Day rather than with February to buy chocolates, flowers, etc., brother or sister. tagging alongside everyone in on the hype: but sometimes the perfect gift is themselves and There are holidays to celebrate the love 1. The holiday is more revolved around communicating affection to their lovers. of a mother and father, but they aren’t as popular profit rather than love. as Valentines and that type of affection People around the world recognize Valen- doesn’t make the cut. tine’s Day as a day of love—giving and The closeness of a sister and receiving gifts from beloved ones or to- brother are not really worth noting kens of friendship and appreciation. Some Albert Bustos during this holiday, and no one really like to enjoy a nice meal together and even bothers to mention it, especially share moments of romance. Even with all advertisers. of these things, when Valentines started, For Dinasia Chain, she turns to the motives began differently than what family and loved ones on this holiday, they are now. where she would buy chocolates for It’s unclear where Valentine’s Day friends and sibling and flowers for her originated from, but some say it was in- mother, expressing love and gratitude as spired from Pagan’s “Roman festival of a friend, a sister and a daughter. Lupercalia.” Others say it was a priest, 4. Attention to all singles! St. Valentine, who went against the law to Every single person knows when Feb- marry off those in love. There was another ruary 14 comes around. In the begin- story of him where he had been put in jail ning of the month, stores start stocking CVS Pharmacy during St. Valentine's day season for loving a warden’s daughter and with everything from decorations to would send her notes with “Your “All in all, love should be celebrated 365 days chocolates, TV commercials with Valentine” written on them. Valentine’s Day advertisements Valentine’s Day eventually in the year and not just on one lousy day.” start playing, the Internet sales, and evolved to cards after its mass pro- their friends with boyfriends or girl- duction in the United States back in 1847, and According to Medrano, it fully depends friends that won’t stop blabbering about it. today stores around the globe produce a variety on where the relationship stands in order to ei- For Waleska Medrano, being single on of cards just for Valentines. As a creation made ther receive a generic or creative gift. The usual Valentine’s Day does not affect her at all. She by retail businesses, they earn billions of dollars would be more for starting relationships, while thinks that once someone reaches a certain age, convincing society to buy cards and other gifts the more creative is for those couples that have it gets to the point where it doesn’t bother them and people cash in on a ridiculously over exag- been together for a long time now, in her view as much as it did when they were younger. She gerated holiday. point. “All in all, love should be celebrated 365 gets past all the excitement (or depression) when PCCC student Waleska Medrano, 27, days in the year and not just on one lousy day.” at a younger age it bothered her. majoring in education, fully believes these busi- PCCC student Dinasia Chain, 20, major- Celebrating love is a wonderful thing, but nesses are what molded people’s minds today ing in liberal arts, has a different image toward why reject the single people and exclude them into buying in with all the hype that Valentine’s this holiday. She would come up with a creative from celebrating with the “taken” people? Love Day has to offer. “Society is what created this way for a gift if she had the chance; however, she should not be a dividing factor, but a uniting one, holiday, and it is something people generally says that this holiday is where she is more likely letting them participate in on the fun. will follow, just like everything else that comes to receive gifts rather than give them out, since Love is fulfilling the commitment of the across our lives.” the holiday makes it seem like men should be the well-being of another person, whether it be a 2. Love reserved for only special occasions. ones giving, not women. significant other, a mother or father, a sibling or There are holidays that couples usually celebrate In a man’s point of view, PCCC student even a friend. We can set aside society’s views in different ways, such as for an anniversary, a Jorge Lopez, 21, majoring in ASL interpreting, on Valentine’s Day and be able to see what love gift is given and a fancy dinner takes place, or thought that something creative is different and a really is and how it should be. during Christmas, where they spend time with great idea but would usually stick with a generic More from ancient-origins.net: www.an- each other and kiss under the mistletoe. When gift for his girlfriend. His thoughts of caring for cient-origins.net/history/day-love-complex-ori- it’s New Year’s Eve, midnight hits and it’s cele- someone and doing all of these things for them gins-valentine-s-day-002672 brated with a kiss. It seems doing the right things is already showing and proving love for a signif- International Gastronomic Day Different cultures uniting together to raise money for the SGA Scholarship Award By Albert Bustos It was a lively place in the Paterson room on April 6th. The reason being, SGA put together an event to raise money for the SGA Scholarship Award via proceeds from selling foods from different cultures. Gutierrez JanCarlos The different PCCC clubs got to- gether for this common cause. Club leaders and members were able to bring foods in- cluding dishes, pastries, finger food, drinks, candy etc., to sell at the event. Tyler Solari Tyler Not only was that exciting, but many ASL/AESNJ clubs represented and showcased their cho- sen culture by bringing artifacts, paintings, SGA would like to extend a thanks to the books, music and even wearing clothes from American Sign Language Club, AESNJ their particular country. Club, Christian Fellowship Club, Graphic Overall it was a lovely event filled Design and Fine Arts Club, the Math Club, with vibrant colors, vibrant music, smiles Modern Visual Culture Club and the RAW and laughter and of course great tasting food Poetry Club for participating in this event making it a day to remember. and making it a great turnout. SGA Page 12 Opinion February 2015/March 2015 Early college prep “too early?” The seemingly never ending process raises concerns By Naftaly Hiraldo

PCCC students and faculty find that the “Financial issues make it difficult to go PCCC has a variety of resources that can ease best age to begin college prep is between ages after everything you want, but you just have to a student’s transition into school as well as help 13-15, as opposed to the rising trend of introduc- push for a better future. If you’re not gifted and them when transferring to a university. ing younger students to prep during elementary talented then you’re left behind,” says Aviles. The school offers a New Student Work- school. According to New York Times article She finds that all students, no matter the financial shop, which is a combination of orientation and dated Feb. 4, 2015, elementary school students handicaps, should experience the same things an advisement registration session, and a first are beginning to prepare for higher education as when it comes to exposure to higher education. year College Experience course that when paired young as first grade. together helps students get to Some argue that starting early is where they want to be. “These only adding unnecessary pres- “These experiences take you and say let’s experiences take you and say sure to an already “anxiety-laced think about why are you here, where are you let’s think about why are you process.” Yet, being prepared here, where are you going and can help ease the stresses to a going and how are you getting there?” how are you getting there?” practice that doesn’t quite end McGrath-Florance has where most think it does. When asked about the best age to start been working in higher education for 35 years Karina Gil, 18, Psychology major feels college prep Aviles responded, “Fourteen. At and believes that, “the first year lays the foun- that there is an extent to how early you prepare fourteen they are old enough to understand the dation for your future.” The Center for Student for college. She began college prep when she was importance of their decisions and how it will af- Success has a calendar full of academic work- thirteen, but felt that it was “just something I did fect them in the future.” shops and events that can assist students in pre- for a grade.” Her prep consisted of creating last Yet to those whose weight of their col- paring for school and job interviews as well as minute PowerPoint presentations reporting on lege resume is almost too much to handle, it is a transferring to four year universities. different colleges and their academic programs matter of having fun with it, reported Jancarlos “No matter where you’re going it is im- as well as building a career plan based on the Gomez, 19, Occupational Therapy Assistant ma- portant to meet with your advisor.” However, for results of a personality test on College Board. jor. “I think it’s just a waste of time if all you do those who don’t have time to come in, questions Ill-equipped and overwhelmed, Gil re- is just for college. If you’re doing it, and it’s not can be emailed to [email protected], where stu- frained from starting to make any true college for fun, then there is no point.” dent developmental specialists are there to an- plans to prevent offsetting her anxiety. “The In high school, Gomez joined several swer your questions. more you prepare, the more you know, but enjoy sports teams to show college recruiters that he This semester, March ushers in an abun- your younger years.” was both diverse and an overall good student, dance of instant decision days and events with an By the time Gil reached high school, but he regrets not focusing his strengths more on array of local universities. There will also be a the whole college application process left her basketball, which he feels could have gotten him transfer planning workshop, academic planning feeling indecisive because most of her plans re- a scholarship or two. workshops, an NJSTARS information session volved around outdated personality results. “El- After speaking with Darleen Mc- and a Career Speaker Bureau in which industry ementary school is too young. They are going to Grath-Florance, Director at the Center for Stu- specialist will come to the Paterson campus to be changing their minds consistently.” dent Success, it became clear that college prep speak with students about their areas of exper- In contrast, Chastidy Aviles, 29, Human Services does not end after getting accepted. “College tise. major and mother of two finds the early prep to prep levels the playing field when you’re look- “We all set goals but sometimes we hit a be a blessing in disguise. She finds the process ing at competitive schools. If people are in com- brick wall; there are folks here who can help.” to be “easier for kids today, there is just no mo- munities or schools where support programs are tivation.” offered, they need to take advantage of them.” Student energy crisis By Jada Osgood

I’ve been asked countless times: “How and I still manage to make it through my morn- you can’t get your body to move like you want come you’re so full of energy?” My response is ing classes. it to. It doesn’t matter what genre of music it’s usually a laugh, and a “I don’t know.” But I have from, as long as it can get you up and moving. decided to unlock my secrets and share with my #2 Sleep when you’re Tired Just the other day, I was feeling groggy and lis- fellow Panthers my tips on how to keep your en- This does not mean to nod off right in tened to “Fine China” by Chris Brown. I woke ergy throughout the day. I have 7 suggestions the middle of your 1 hour and 15 minute lecture right up. that may help students stay energized. class. This does mean to go to bed at night when you feel yourself beginning to drift. Yes, some- #5 Eat and Drink when Necessary #1 Stay Away from Coffee times that paper is due first thing in the morning Food is our number one energy source. This is my first most important tip. Be- and it must get done on time. But students should It’s hard as a college student to get a proper diet coming dependent on coffee is one of the biggest try to avoid putting themselves in that “all-night- and to eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. College mistakes college students make. Once students er” situation. That way when it’s time for bed, students end up eating when they can, and eating start needing coffee to wake them up, it becomes you can do so when your body tells you it’s time. whatever is convenient. My tip to students is to a mental crutch. Students begin to believe they Sleeping when you’re tired makes for a better eat and drink when you feel you need to. Even if can’t function without their morning coffee, night of sleep, and reduces that draggy feeling of it is something small like an apple or donut; it’s when in truth, they can. I never drank the stuff, being unrested the next morning. important to give your body a boost throughout the day. Also, carry a bottle of water with you ev- #3 Wake up in a Timely Manner ery day. It’s important to have a drink of water, We all know how this goes. The alarm if you ever feel your body fading fast. goes off, we hit the snooze button, and dream of 5 more minutes. 5 becomes 10, 10 becomes #6 Rest when Needed 20, 20 becomes late. Try to avoid those tempting Every now and then your body can get 5 more minutes. In reality they don’t help your overwhelmed and may need to rest. Do yourself body catch up on sleep, and only make you more a favor and rest. Sit down for 15 minutes, plug in tired. Waking up at the right time helps your the headphones, read a chapter out of that nov- body push through that initial sleep phase and el, or simply rest your head. Taking a 15 minute makes it easier to become alive. break from the rest of the school can do wonders #4 Listen to Music when you Need the Extra for your mental psyche, and your physical en- Boost ergy. I do not suggest skipping or being late to Every student should have a signature class in order to do this. But if you have a gap song they listen to almost every day. This song between classes use 15 minutes of that time to should be played during those moments when take a breather, so (Continued on page 16) image from: http://tryenerc.com/ Page 13 Opinion February 2015/March2015 Reconsidering traveling on airlines Are you afraid of flying? By Anthony Mantilla

Traveling from state to state or even to different countries by plane is one of the most efficient ways to get to your destination. As ticket prices drop, more people are opting to travel by plane. Until recently, there has been many plane accidents from several airlines and it begs this question: Should you reconsider traveling by air? The most recent plane crash that went viral was the Trans Asia from www.aviophobia.net Image Airlines crash. The plane crashed into a river in Taipei just two minutes after taking off. In the article, “Taiwan plane crashes into river after take- off, killing 23,” from Yahoo News, it states that no one knows the cause of what made the plane crash and that they notified the manufacturers of the plane to inspect it. They stated that the engine had a burnout but did not believe that it was the main cause of the crash. It is also noted that the model that crashed in the river had a bad track record since it has had multiple accidents in the past. “While the recent news of plane crashes won’t affect my decision to trav- A spokesperson for Trans Asia stated that the plane in the crash, el, I will be more attentive and on edge when I’m going on vacation.” the ATR 72-600, is the latest model of their planes and that it’s less than Brian Gomez, 19, a PCCC student and graphic design major said, a year old, but the engines were supposedly replaced since a glitch was “You would expect planes to be safe but clearly they have to do a better found in them last year. job.” After being replaced, the plane’s engines were found to be normal Darien Gabriel, 19, a graphic design major said that he “heavily with no signs of damage. They also were checking into their other models dislikes traveling by plane” and that “there isn’t much useful information to make sure there was not any fault found within them before they were when a crash happens,” so it doesn’t affect his decision to travel unless he used. had to. Besides the other plane accidents from different airline companies, Jimmy Elkordy, 19, a biology major said that “more safety policies it seems like Trans Asia Airlines can’t shake off their bad reputation. Be- should be enforced on planes” when told about how old the model is. “If sides the Taiwan crash, they’ve had about two crashes just last year. One you don’t regulate safety constantly, then the chances of something going plane crashed in Penghu last July and another one crashed on December wrong will increase. They should just discontinue the model since it clear- 28th of last year. They also had a crash back in 2002, which apparently ly isn’t safe at this point.” was also an ATR 72-600 model. These recent plane crashes aren’t something that should be over- Out of all of Trans Asia’s models, the ATR seems to be the most looked so easily. These airline companies clearly need to revise their stan- defective one. Trans Asia stated that with the recent accidents they’ve had, dards if they don’t want to lose their loyal customers. they’ve noted their manufacturers to check all the models they create more Other airliners should also follow suit and reevaluate their stan- thoroughly before sending them to airline companies. dards. With these recent accidents, Jed Rosa, a graphic design major said, Why do pits have a bad rep? By Samantha Ferreira Imagine being beaten, tied up, freezing, two year old female pit bull and we named her daughter’s pit bull Fraser goes on to say, “I hate and left to die. On the cold night of January thir- Blaze. We picked her up from a shelter in Pat- how people turn them into monsters (pit bulls). ty-first, Officer Michael Palmer was on duty in erson, had her examined at a vet, and found she It’s not the dog’s fault that they don’t know their Haledon when he received a phone call at the had several broken ribs and a bullet that had own strength.” department. healed in her leg.” Giancarlo Medina, 21, a Music major, The call was about an abandoned pit bull Piedra continued, “Blaze was sweet and states, “I would adopt a pit bull in a heart beat. I puppy that was found with a broken leg from be- never tried to hurt my family, but there were think it is up to the (Continued on page 15) ing beaten, in an old porta-potty. Palmer and his times we couldn’t trust her behavior. She was partner went into their police car on a mission to a tough dog, and couldn’t go out for walks or rescue the neglected pup. be near other dogs because she would get into Is it only coincidence that the puppy hap- fights. It got to a point when we had to put her pened to be a pit bull? down, due to the damage done to another dog.” “I hate how people turn them into mon- sters (pit bulls). It’s not the dog’s fault that they don’t know their own strength.” - Fraser According to Officer Palmer, “Pit bulls Although it is common for people to have in this part of town have a bad reputation. The this fear of pit bulls, is it really fair? For exam- department always gets complaints of dog fights, ple, children are the example of their parents by loud barking, deviant behavior, and overall fear the way they were raised. Should not the same be for this type of breed.” If this is so, then why do said for dogs, no matter the breed? pit bulls have a bad reputation, not only in Hale- Given the right type of training, and en- don, but, also in Passaic County and in general? vironment; all dogs are examples of what their A fellow classmate, Yolanda Fraser, 54, owners teach them. To save more pit bulls’ lives an English Major, said, “My daughter has a pit and their reputations, it is only right that they get bull and I love him, but I only have him because treated fairly. Only the right kind people should of her. If it were up to me I would never adopt a be able to own a dog and go through an adoption pit bull. You can’t trust them, they might turn on process before being allowed to be owners. you.” Pit bulls are strong dogs, with wide heads According to Alyssa Piedra, 20, Unde- and big jaws. Their images are often thought clared, another student at Passaic County Com- of as frightening, but trained right they can be munity College, confirmed, “My dad adopted a just as loving as other pets. Thinking about her Page 14 Editorial February 2015/March 2015 What your teachers are saying about your writing Writing techniques that aren’t working for you By Albert Bustos

As May approaches, many of us will dent does terrible on an essay. You bring the stu- tional procedure, etc. It must be 700 – 1000 word be thinking about final exams and research pa- dent to your office, talk to the student for half an paper in APA format. This also is descriptive pers. Few students know how professors feel hour, you’re going over sheets and their paper, writing by describing their experience. about their writing. Here is a window into their they’re nodding their head and it feels like it’s For nursing 201 they have similar writing world—what they say works and doesn’t work going good. Then at the very end you ask if they projects, but they must now visit and describe in your writing. got it and they say, ‘I’m just gonna BS.” pre-natal clinics. On November 20, 2014, a professor Professor Kenmuir said to redefine cer- In nursing 202 they must follow an as- roundtable met to share ideas about how to im- tain terms. Reason: You want to establish control signed client for six weeks. They do an interview prove student writing. for your position and conversation so that they for assessment forms and write out a care-plan The speakers encouraged questions from are coming into your turf. Redefinition example: for their patient. They must also write teach- attendees that included part and full-time pro- “We’re not firing you we’re simply encouraging ing plans because they must teach clients about fessors. Most of the teachers urged that to write you to seek out new financial opportunities.” medications, disease processes, etc. and keep a well one must read also. You’re redefining the term “fire.” weekly journal emphasizing the care for the cli- Professor Amie Whigham-Roberts from Second step, make their point of argu- ent when they are discharged as follow-ups, so the science department gives formal assignments ment seem less important than it seems. For ex- they’re well-prepared to go home. that include her students keeping journals about ample getting fired is a big deal, “but thousands The final thing is to go to a dialysis to the aspect of science they are dealing with. She get fired every year and then they get back on watch the whole process and describing it. They also assigns “super summaries” where they must track and make positive cash flow.” So your must write a two-page paper on five objectives. write a summary limited to 150 words. argument of getting fired isn’t that important; The Nursing Department has a partnership with Her informal assignments consist of stu- “You’re going to bounce back up, it happens, the writing center to help students formulate the dents writing facts on index cards after every people do it all the time.” You want to make it papers. chapter. She collects all the index cards and the seem as if it’s less important. Professor Jennifer Gasparino from the best are typed up, the rest Human Services Depart- are returned back to the ment collaborates with students. The best ones the writing center and the get extra credit points, library. Albert Bustos which excites the stu- Her students start with re- dents. search on understanding Professor Mar- what a journal article is. shall Saunders from the They have after-semes- business department pri- ter workshops that teach marily teaches account- students how to evaluate ing. Professor Saunders a journal article, how to said, “We try to introduce prepare information for a writing whenever we can, research paper and how to to get them thinking.” do it in stages. To sell products The “crap” formula helps one must advertise and to make light of the as- promote by using every signment to students since method, such as bill- most think writing is crap. boards, TV, the Internet, Professor Gasparino said, Roundtable Writing Committee meeting at the Hamilton Club etc. Professor Saunders, “We talk about currency, said, “Advertisements tell you how great the Professor Kenmuir talked about the im- relevancy, accuracy and purpose. I love google, product is, but not its negatives; that’s called portance of students understanding framework. but it’s not good for scholar’s writing. marketing.” To frame an argument in a certain context. This We have students learn how to research Professor Saunders said students must is where we can get thesis statements and the set- and how it’s tied down to writing. These assign- write an essay about a product they purchased ting up of individual paragraphs. ments show how the library helps you look for a due to the influence of the product’s marketing, Professor Kenmuir gave an example: topic and how to evaluate it and then write about but that they later regretted buying. Through this “Picture yourself as a chubby six-year old boy it. reactive prompt students brought out angry feel- whose only friend is chocolate. You love your We give them exercises like writing sen- ings, it helps them put their feelings into words. friend a lot. One day you’re bored and you want tences about their bibliography. For example, A professor at the roundtable stated, someone to play with, but you have no money for “Where did you find it?” Professor Gasparino “Anytime you get students to react to something chocolate. What do you do? You steal it. What said, “We want them to research and move them emotional, they make a connection … you show do you say if you’re caught? If you steal you’re away from pulling different things off the inter- them why it’s important, because many times a criminal. What’s the definition of criminal? net. We want to teach them how to interpret and students in general say, ‘Why do I have to do this ‘How am I a criminal if I’m stealing this evaluate the information they are getting. assignment, why am I learning this?’ It’s great chocolate in order to survive?’ I’m not just steal- We teach not to plagiarize but to learn when you can connect it to their own life. It’s ing; ‘I’m stealing a friend.’ After that you might to develop their own voice in their writings. We therapeutic. Through emotions, it helps them get want to say, ‘It’s not that important. So I’m steal- also teach to write in APA style format. ideas.” ing chocolate, but realistically there’s people be- Loren Klienman Director of the Writing From the English Department, Professor ing killed in other countries.’ Center says that professors teach a lot of things Geoffrey Kenmuir says students have a difficult When you get to the end it’s sort of irrel- in isolation. “Students go from one course to an- time writing because aside from other issues, evant all together. You’re stealing chocolate, but other … how do each of the courses relate or tie they don’t have a strategy on how to write an ar- who doesn’t steal at some point in their life?” into one another, so they don’t see their gained gumentative paper. They feel uncomfortable and Professor Joyet Belcher from the Nurs- skills in reading and writing from one class as forced to write argumentative papers. ing Department teaches nursing 101 and 102. not valuable in another?” Professor Kenmuir gave four types of ar- Students in 101 must interview a client over 65 They want students to see the writing guments that students sell: years old. center and the library as a resource they need and 1. Single operation as proof for their argu- They must also do descriptive writing by that they’re interrelated. ment. The “one in a million chance.” “Anyone analyzing the client’s speech, tone, posture, ges- Students need to evaluate all their re- can beat HIV because Magic Johnson beat HIV.” ture, facial expression, eye contact, and physi- search so they can see if they really need all the 2. Students using a source for their ideas cal appearance. As a nurse they must analyze all information they gained in their work. Kleinman that doesn’t present analysis. these things. They must learn to use open-ended said, “Students sometimes consider all informa- 3. Personal life experience is not a founda- questions so the client can express their feelings. tion as good information and that’s not true.” tion for an argument. “My mom said this was In nursing 102 they go to the operating Professor Gasparino said, “Writing is a OK and therefore my argument is correct.” room to observe surgical procedures. They must discipline, it’s not a mastery. You never get to 4. The BS argument, Professor Kenmuir then choose four objectives to write about like the point where you’re done. To improve writing said, “The hardest one to swallow is when a stu- the surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologist, opera- they must do it all (Continued on page 15) Page 15 Editorial February 2015/March2015 Writing techniques from teachers (Continued from page 14) the time. We’re modeling the writing process to “We tend to disregard the type of reading internet, so we cover topics like plagiarism.” them. We tell them and show them how to do it. our students do. Our students do read quite a bit “I have students pretend they are a char- It’s a slow process.” if you think about their texting, they’re looking acter; it brings an element of creativity. They They stressed the importance of reading at sites like Instagram and Facebook, they’re have to write in first-person and their characters fluently. reading blurbs or news articles,” said Professor depend on the class. Professor Latoya Reid, an instructor of Reid. “They may not be reading in-depth pieces, For example in Western Civilization they Developmental Studies uses online and comput- but they’re reading quite a bit. You can learn a have to pretend they are a Roman. The Roman er games to engage students to write and as a lot just from those little bits of information put can be from any part of society. Sometimes the contextualization tool. Professor Reid said, “You here and there, but longer-length text they’re guys want to be a gladiator or Julius Cesar. Their can pick an online game that relates to your read- probably not reading as much as we would like character goes on a journey like from the Italian ing or the subject you are covering. It also helps them to.” Peninsula to Egypt or Macedonia. develop the student’s All their creativ- ideas for writing.” ity has to be based on Professor Reid “Students go from one course to another historic facts. They play said, “Educational games in character, but it must can help with research … how do each of the courses relate or tie be based on facts like papers. They include in- where they’re from, what formation about certain into one another, so they don’t see their they see, what they come economic trends, social across, where they’re trends and students can gained skills in reading and writing from traveling to, what they use the contents in those eat, where they stay; it all games as sources for re- one class as not valuable in another?” has to be historically ac- search papers.” curate.” She said it shows students that anything Professor Rocio Torres of the English Dr. Brozyna said other than that, they can be a source not just books or people, but Language Studies Department said she encour- can pretend, like making up their own name. It something like a game can also be used as a ages students to have a conversation and to in- makes it more fun for them. Shesaid, “There’s source for academic material in their writing. terview each other about their culture. The ac- the lessons and the likelihood of plagiarism. It She said www.icivics.org has a game tivity includes a chart with a set of questions that doesn’t completely eliminate it because plagia- called Crisis of Nations that can be good for a addresses each other’s cultural educational sys- rist will plagiarize. student in a sociology course, while We the Jury tems. In my U.S. History 1 class they pretend encourages the gamer to use evidence to compile Professor Torres said, “The ultimate goal to be colonists from the 13 Colonies. ‘I’m liv- an argument. Another site mentioned was www. is to write a comparison essay.” ing in Georgia and I’m taking a trip to the New gamesforchange.org, which divides games into They follow the questions on the chart York colony.’ Who are they? What do they see? categories by subject and includes a game called and fill in the information. For example things What’s their background? Again, it all has to be Spent. like dating in India and dating in America. The historically accurate.” The goal of the game Spent is to survive differences, the eating customs, driving customs, To learn more about PCCC’s College a whole month on just a minimum wage income. school systems, etc. The activity is about sharing Writing Committee, past roundtable writing Spent gives stats and figures on minimum wage information on a specific cultural aspect; then committee meetings, professors and members around the world. from there they will write a comparison essay. of the committee, writing contests, assignments The point of the importance of reading in Last, but not least Dr. Martha Brozyna, and exercises please visit: order to write better came up. Many agreed that history instructor of the Humanities Department http://pccc.libguides.com/collegewritingcom- students nowadays don’t do much reading which incorporates some kind of writing assignments, mittee. leads to poor writing. However Professor Reid usually between 750 – 1000 words. Dr. Brozyna added that students do read just not in-depth ma- said, “History is based on research. Most stu- terial. dents have a tendency to copy and paste off the Why pit-bulls with bad rep? (Continued from page 13) person to train the dog right. Most pit bulls have a bad reputation because so many of them have been used for dog fighting. They can be tough and dangerous if you raise them that way, but that can be said about any dog.” Anthony Lopez, 22, a Music Major, declared the same, “A pit bull is just a breed, not a killer. People only hear about the negatives about pit bulls, but when it comes down to it they are only dogs who are taught by the wrong people.” Officer Palmer added, “I want to keep her. After taking her to the vet and realizing all the harm and neglect she has gone through for just being a pit bull pup, I want to give her a better future.” The puppy now named Hazel, resides in West Paterson. She is still a little bit shell shocked from her past abuse, but her new owner claims she is growing and mov- ing away from it slowly every day. She shows no signs or hints of deviant behavior. Hazel has a cast for her now healing leg, a warm bed at night, food, and love. Page 16 Health February 2015/March 2015 Clean eating: the new wave in health By Nicole C. Richardson Growing up my diet had always consisted of TV dinners, boxed According to The Gracious Pantry, a website dedicated to teach- starches, microwaveable vegetables and, if I was lucky, a trip to Mickey ing people about eating clean gives three methods for people wanting to Ds. My mom was pretty much a fan of cooking quick-fix dinners or those make the switch from processed foods. The second method, which is the 10 minute pasta bag meals that taste really great with a little season, salt most popular, is to eat lots of plant-based foods, buy your meats from the and pepper with a side Iceberg salad. butcher and purchase foods with few ingredients to be as close to natural Now, I won’t completely throw my mother under the bus. She oc- as possible. Lastly, a person could choose to follow the Julian Michaels casionally baked from scratch, cakes and pies that is for the occasion- Method and eat whole and healthy foods every 2-3 hours with snacks in al birthday celebrations or to satisfy a sweet tooth. Although unhealthy between. choices, back in those days, I hardly ever gained a pound. Keep in mind that eating clean can get kind of expensive, espe- Who would have known, some very distance years, that eating a cially on a college student’s budget. Some suggestions include looking for lot of processed foods would affect me the way it’s affecting so many coupons in the mail or online to get the best price for your buck, plan out Americans. Eating these unnatural foods are having killer consequences your meals for the week that fits your budget, eat in season for fruits and contributing to overweight and obesity issues, diabetes and other illness- vegetables. If you must go organic, look up foods that are safe to eat. es that makes one realize that changing to a healthier diet can counteract If you try this new concept of eating, overtime your body will adapt these negative side effects. to your new eating habits. Be good to yourself and your body. Remember, In case you are wondering what is processed foods and why should one small simple change can make a world of difference to your health and we be leery of it, the answer is simple. Processed foods is anything that don’t forget to exercise. has been altered from its natural state. Basically, all the junk foods, boxed foods and foods with preservatives, additives and other chemicals added to what we eat should be avoided. Let’s for a moment take a closer examination at some of the ingre- dients to watch out for when making a purchase at the grocery store.

Avoid products containing: • BHA • MSG • Sulfur dioxide • Benzoic acid (aka sodium benzoate) • Propylene glycol • Refined or bleached flour

Foods containing these ingredients are meant to prolong the shelf- life of a product, cause you to overeat and are made to be addictive so that you keep coming back for more. The problem with processed foods is that it offers very little to no nutritional value and requires less time and ener- gy to digest which tricks your brain to thinking you haven’t eaten among other things. However, keep in mind that not all chemically altered foods a per- son may eat is bad for them. Some foods, like nutritional expert Shereen Lehman, MS, says in her article Are All Processed Foods Unhealthy, are actually good to eat. These example items include breakfast cereals made with 100 percent whole grains, frozen fruits and vegetables that do not contain added sugars or syrups, oatmeal and frozen seafood that is not coated in breading. Even though it might be okay to eat certain processed foods, still clean eating is the way to go. The basic principle of clean eating is con- suming foods that are whole or closest to its natural state. This way of eating is key for a healthy lifestyle. Student energy crisis A break from school? (Continued from page 12) (Continued from page 7) you’re ready for the next class. off.” As we can see there is no right or wrong or what a student should or should not #7 Think Positive do. Students must continue to think positively through Angel Cancel a 27-year-old Communications Major decided to go straight the day. Thinking positively gives you the motivation you to college after graduating high school. He made his decision based on his family need to push through the day. It’s an internal boost of ener- history. Cancel is the first in his family to obtain a college education. gy we are all capable of producing. When you start to drag Like many others, he has taken a break. Although he is in a comfortable posi- or feel tired, don’t think that you’re the only one with this tion now he does not consider his decision to be beneficial to him. problem. We all have those days, and they don’t last long. Much like the article on education-portal.com, other sites encourage students Think of each day as another day closer to your goal. You to take breaks, or at least explain to themselves that doing so is not that bad. They say should wake up ready to seize the day and make the best you should be willing to change your plans. College is a place to try new things, and of every opportunity. if taking time off will help do that then go for it. One former student says he “never regrets anything.” Na’Fee Lighty a 21-year- old former marketing major is currently taking a break from school. Although he says he will be returning since he misses school, Lighty stands by his decision. The purpose of Lighty’s break is to save up money and also to help out at home considering his mom’s inability to work right now. Financial reasons seem to be a common factor amongst dropouts and students who are taking breaks. So is this a personal decision, or a forced one? Will there be more graduations and fewer dropouts if financial aid was accessible to more stu- dents? Not only could this decision be forced by the school, but by peers and family

Image from: pennsylvaniafrack.com Image as well. As it seems, taking a break from school has different effects on different peo- ple. Like www.sparqvault.com says “willing to adapt is the best attitude you can have in college.”