“Truth, No Matter The Cost” The Torch BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER IGNITING STUDENTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUME 24 . . . No.8 TORCHBCC.COM MAY 2016 SGA Holds Elections Amidst Advisor Concerns

After 3 years, the BCC faculty finally signs the contract//Henry Fowler

The new Board members Treasurer Sibora Peca(left) Chief of Staff Yasmine Badaoui(mid left) Vice President Angelica Flores(mid right) and President David DeLizio(right) take the oath of office on May 6,2016//Henry Fowler

Part 1: New E-Board and Vice President respectively. The candidates running for the work ethics are really like before they are The elections ran from May 2-6, and President position have to collect 500 allowed to run and campaign. Sworn In the results of the elections were revealed signatures, the ones running for Vice “It took us a lot of time to decide what at 4 p.m. this past Friday afternoon. The President must collect at least 450, and we wanted to do. We didn’t want whoever LUCIA RUBI GODOY & LUIS ARI winners were then immediately sworn the ones running for Chief of Staff and would be the next Election Committee to LOPEZ WEI into office at the Ciccone Theatre. Treasurer must collect 400. look back and try to follow our footsteps,” online editor and features edtior The opportunity to run for a position Michelle Correa, who is the former said Correa. The Student Government Association in the SGA e-board opens up first to Vice President of SGA and Chair of the Another reason to delay the elections, elections have come to an end, with the the senators, then to the members of the Elections Committee, explained that the was to give any potential candidates results bringing in the new Executive House of Representatives, and finally to candidates don’t know who is part of the opportunity to complete application Board for the Fall 2016 Semester. David the rest of the student body. There are the Elections Committee until they are packages and run, thus preventing any DeLizio defeated Justin Jusino to become several requirements that a student has to approved to run for any position. candidates from running unopposed. the first SGA male president in over three meet in order to run in the elections. They This prevents them from acting Despite this, three of the four positions years. Sibora Peca,Yazmin Badaoui, and have to meet a grade point average of 3.0 any different with the members of the available had only one candidate running. Angelica Flores ran unopposed; winning and complete an application package committee than they would if they the positions of Treasurer, Chief-of-Staff in a given amount of time. Part of this knew who was part of it, and it helps the (Story Continues on pg. 2) package includes collecting signatures. committee observe what the senators’ Alumni Trustee Elected, Policy for Position Still in Question SAMUEL MCLAUGHLIN co-editor Isaac Isai Alejo Reyes of Phi Theta Kappa won the election for the college’s Alumni Trustee. The elections spanned from May 2 to 6, and had Reyes running BCC Avoids North Jersey against Tamara Taylor, Vice President of Tainted Water the Black Student Union. Story on pg. 2 The Alumni Trustee is one of 11 members that make up the college’s Board of Trustees. The BOT hold monthly public meetings to oversee operations at the College, as well as ratify or veto proposals that affect policies, budget, and educational curriculum. The number of potential candidates underwent a change in the last few weeks after Phi Theta Kappa member Andrew Fenwick was told that he would not be permitted to run this year. Administration had informed Fenwick that he could not run this year, because he will be Brooklyn Feels the Bern: graduating from BCC in August, due to taking a Summer 1 session class. An Exclusive Look “It is a very vague and unclear Centerfold on pgs. 12-13 policy,” Fenwick said after investigating the parameters for the Alumni Trustee Isaac Isai Alejo Reyes and Tamara Taylor faced off against each other for the Alumni Trustee position//BCC election. In the rule 2A in the policy, it states research and is something that could be told him that he cannot run, despite what “ [The candidate] must be a member of looked at,” said Lerner-Colucci regarding the policy states. the January, May or August graduating the wording of the policy. “The biggest disappointment for me class immediately preceding the term “The Board of Trustees are the is that there is no one in the administration of appointment, July 1-July 1.” Fenwick ones who write the policies, but my who is willing to help me try to make a argued that since he placed in the August question is why is it that the members of change now,” Fenwick said. graduating class, that should have made the administration get to be the ones to “I want to make this change no matter him eligible to run. interpret what the policies mean?” said what. Even if I cannot be the benefactor Dean of Student Life Rachel Lerner- Fenwick. When he approached other of it, at the end of the day I still want Colucci elaborated on the policy, stating members of the Board of Trustees about this change to be made. It is not fair for that according to the policy, his graduating the matter, they all consulted the policy students to run while being ‘supported’ Bergen Track to Nationals class would make him eligible to run for and told him that according to the policy, Story on pg. 23 Alumni Trustee in 2017. “I think that all he could run. It has only been members (Story Continues on pg. 5) policies are all open for exploration and of the administration board who have 2 News THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8| MAY 2016 BCC Avoids North Jersey Tainted Water

The water in BCC and Paramus is safe, but what about the rest of Bergen County?//Jessica Rodriguez ADRIANNA CARABALLO tainting the water in certain areas in issue include Fair Lawn, Garfield, According to PIX 11 news, “Newark’s staff writer Bergen County can be identified as Pompton Lakes and a few others. mayor is asking for donations of cases 1,4-dioxane. It is colorless, but can be According to northjersey.com, of bottled water.” Traces of a toxic chemical have described by having a subtle sweet “Those whose drinking water with Although New Jersey is currently been found in the water supplies of smell. 1,4-dioxane are left with little fighting the water safety issue, it did North Jersey. A test has shown that “It’s older buildings that were built information or guidance about whether not start here right away. parts of Bergen county’s water has been long before the college was built. The it is dangerous.” “So it all started in Flint, Michigan, contaminated so it raises the question, college didn’t exist until the mid 60’s, They are still waiting on science to where there was lead, not just in the is the water in our college safe? so by that time they weren’t using the say whether it is a large concern, and schools but in the entire municipalities, The Torch conducted their own lead pipes. They weren’t doing a lot the steps they need to take to correct so that has kind of shined a spotlight on study to test the water safety levels of other things that could cause some the issue. lead in drinking water,” said Hlavenka. of Paramus. After taking some water of the problems that you are seeing Meanwhile, Newark public schools It is believed that the containments samples from a BCC water fountain today,” said Larry Hlavenka, Managing are struggling with keeping their are coming from the pipes of older and and using the First Alert drinking Director of Public Relations. students safe, as the drinking water is urban areas. water test kit, it was discovered that The water is perfectly safe but in contaminated with lead. The students “On lead specifically, what you’re there were no traces of lead, chlorine, the unlikely event that the issue should are being warned not to drink the seeing is most of these incidents or abnormal bacteria, or pesticides in the come to BCC, “We would certainly use water. Lead poisoning can cause most of the problematic areas are more fountain water. It was also discovered all of the communication vehicles that developmental harm, kidney and urban areas,” said Hlavenka. that the pH level was between 7.5 to we utilize for any kind of emergency,” neurological damage. Young children, 8.5, the ideal level for drinking water. said Hlavenka. generally under six years old are The chemical that was found The towns faced with this daunting most susceptible to lead poisoning. SGA Holds Elections, Amidst Advisor Concerns (Story Continued from pg. 1)

reasons. But a sentiment shared by really to the point where we weren’t most of the senators that stepped down, doing anything because everything was was that they felt SGA wasn’t doing against something,” Hamouda said. enough, and that being the case, their Currently, SGA has two advisors, time would be better spent on other Professor Mecheline Farhat and Dean pursuits. Rachel Lerner-Colucci. Professor Farhat “I’m the type of person where I feel is a criminal justice professor whose like if something doesn’t benefit me in office is at the Lyndhurst campus, and a way that will take me to where I want Dean Lerner-Colucci is the Dean of to go, I just drop it like a bad habit. So Student Affairs, whose office is located with that particular association, I didn’t in the Student Affairs suite in the main feel like we were doing anything to be building of the Paramus campus and honest with you,” said former senator both advisors have an open-door policy. Daniah Hamouda, who started a new Professor Farhat expressed that job a few months ago and was taking not many of the senators reach out to five classes the spring semester. Had her, even though she has an open door Hamouda felt that the organization was policy for members of SGA, because doing more and would benefit her, she her office is at the Lyndhurst campus. would have stuck with it. “But I don’t “My philosophy with all of my Yasmine Badaoui(Left) Angelica Flores(mid) and Sibora Peca(right) at the SGA debate//Henry Fowler think that it was,” she said. “I don’t students is that, I’m not gonna chase think the advisors put in as much work after you,” said Farhat. Professor Farhat as they make it seem like they do. And express that in her opinion, SGA needs “There will definitely be a learning e-board over the summer, especially that’s just the honest truth.” a third advisor. “We need another curve, but they [the new e-board] are being that she did not have a chance “Perhaps the senators wanted a little person as well,” she said. “People all fit for the roles, and they have to work with the previous e-board more guidance this semester, but the underestimate how much work SGA is. great potential,” said former President over last summer. Student Life has a advisors have provided a great amount SGA is a full time job. It needs to be Laura Zottarelli. Zottarelli, who served series of trainings planned for the new of support behind the scenes ,which split up by at least three people,” she as SGA president for the past two e-board, which include travelling to an has helped the e-board greatly. Since explained. “We’ve worked well in the semesters, shared that the ability to SGA e-board conference where they’ll senators aren’t having that directness past because we had three people,” said maneuver around complicated campus be focusing on preparing the new with the advisors the way the board Farhat. politics is a skill that is learned over leadership, “so that once the fall comes does, they don’t see it as much, but In an interview with Dean Lerner- time. around, they’re ready to rock and roll.” they have been our advocates since Colucci, she was asked if the attention “I didn’t feel like I was actually day one, which has helped the senators of her and Professor Farhat was being used to my [position until] the actual in an indirect way,” said former SGA spread thin with there being only two beginning of the Fall semester. It took Part 2: SGA Attempts President Laura Zottarelli. advisors. Some students, including me all summer to get used to it,” said to Gain Third Advisor Hamouda feels the SGA newly elected treasurer Badaoui, have SGA President Zottarelli. advisors had not made clear the stated that it has been hard to reach “I’m really excited [about the direction the organization and the advisors, and that replies to emails e-board], I think that the turning Amidst ongoing elections, members individual senators should take. When have sometimes taken up to two weeks. over of student government executive of Bergen Community College’s senators did have ideas for things they “To my knowledge, it has never taken boards is a real important transition Student Government Association had wanted to do, or proposals they wanted us two weeks to respond to a student,” piece,” said SGA advisor and Dean expressed some frustrations with the to push forward, the advisors would said Dean Lerner-Colucci. of Student Life and Affairs, Rachel current state of the organization. often tell senators why they could not Lerner-Colucci. She is looking forward Since the fall 2015 semester, eight go forward with their ideas. “Every (Continues on pg. 6) to the opportunity to work with the new senators had quit SGA, for various idea went against something and it was Op-Ed:Why are High Editorial: Let’s Find the School Students Middle Ground pg. 8 not Prepared For College? pg. 7 3 NEWS VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8| MAY 2016 The Torch Bergen Diplomats Make History at UN NOEMIE BROUSSOUX-COUTARD academically challenging,” reminisces staff writer Christian Dominguez, Head Delegate of Bergen students made history during the club. the 2016 National Model United Nations Throughout their stay in the Big Conference by being the recipients of an Apple, delegates found themselves Honorable Mention. Every year, a group in the midst of political negotiations, of students travel to New York City to business deals and scientific innovations, represent the college with the Model all recorded in a Resolution Paper, in United Nations Association. In October, which 30 delegations need to sign onto all 245 participating schools were given in order for it to pass. On the last day, a country to present at the conference, all committees attended a voting process, assigning each member of the schools to which determined the passing or failing a different committee. Resolution Papers. For months, student delegates “When our paper was passed with conducted extensive research on acclamation, meaning no delegation was their country’s position on specific opposed to it, it was like a dream come issues surrounding the committee: true. Seeing students understanding the “Representing the country of Myanmar need for change and amelioration in the has taught me that the important world was inspiring,” expresses Celine decisions made by the United Nations Simo, delegate for the Programme of affect every single individual,” states Action: Small Arms and Light Weapons Jona Ibronj, Bergen student delegate for (PoA SALW). In fact, Simo is far from the Habitat 3 committee, dealing with being the only student proud of their sustainable development and addressing work at the conference, as all of Bergen poverty on a global scale. delegates’ papers passed with flying On March 27 2016, 12 Bergen students colors. packed their bags, enormous research Thanks to their dedicated work as binders and diplomatic mindsets, and delegates at the conference, Bergen was finally headed to New York City for the also given the title of Honorable Mention 2016 National Model United Nations Delegation, 2016 being the first year Conference. where Bergen receives that prize at the “As one of the handful of students conference, the team leaving a golden lucky enough to attend this conference, mark on international soil. I can assess that this week was definitely BCC students celebrating their Model UN accomplishments//Noemie Broussoux-Coutard BCC Creates Missing Children’s Display GEORGE R. GUERRA to fit five of them into the case, staff writer he has been making efforts to at least go to local businesses to try Currently, there are 54 to get them to put the images up. missing children in New Jersey. The choice of location for The criteria by which one is the display case came from the labelled a “missing child” is their knowledge that many students having been under 18 years of age, who are new to Bergen will at the time of their disappearance. pass through public safety and For this reason, many of those it seemed like an appropriate 54 missing children are actually location, especially given the grown adults by now. assistance and support for the In a hall near Public Safety, project that was provided by the Efforts Against Human the head of Public Safety, Chief Trafficking club has put up a William Corcoran 5x3 display case with images of The inspiration for the project 22 missing children from New came from club member Robert Jersey. The club is referring to Michael, who’s experienced the display as “The Missing recognizing someone as being Children’s Display Case,” and from the database of missing while the justification for not children and contacting the having displayed all 54 is simply National Center for Missing and for the purposes of space, there Exploited Children. It supported are plans to cycle the images the club’s notion that a difference monthly. When asked about how could be made simply through the images were prioritized, club getting these children’s faces President and SGA senator Peter more public attention. Zalokostas commented “the ones that are currently in there are children missing from the past ten (Continues on years, dating back pretty much from present day to 2006.” When filtering database results using pg. 5) that criteria, Zalokostas found 27 22 Of the missing Children’s Faces will be displayed at a time //Genesis Fuentes results, and despite not being able JOIN THE TORCH Meetings every Tues., 12:30 p.m., SC-111C-D 4 News THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 5 news THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 THE RESTRICTION OF HONOR COURSES “Yeah absolutely, I think any professor would jump at the chance of teaching an honors class at any time.” -Dr. Daniel Salerno opportunity to take summer courses in the summer would also accelerate their graduation process. According to a survey constructed by SGA E-Board candidate Angelica Flores, 65 out of 85 students said they’re taking a course during the summer. Out of those same students, 92 percent of them said they would be interested in taking an honors course during the summer. According to Flores, she can envision honor courses offered in the near future at BCC. “I think that if enough people ask for an honors course then yes.” “If you supply the facts to whoever is in charge. they’ll compromise or be willing if the public is A strained college student who let her workload get the best of her//Illustration by Rebecca Karpinski demanding.” The honor students feel that they are more than capable of taking an honors course and JOHN CALIXTE and the fact that honor courses aren’t offered in the they won’t struggle with it. “It’s not easy taking an staff writer summer she can’t enroll in neither an honors course honors course but, it’s possible to put up with one. “It nor a non-honors course in the summer. “I wanted to ranges depending on each individual, it does take a The lack of summer courses given at Bergen take an honors class in the summer but since it’s not lot of commit and work but, if you do manage your Community College makes it problematic for offered I can’t take anything.” time it’s not a burden, it’s manageable,” says Flores. students to graduate with honors on time. Students Dr. Maria H. Makowiecka, has been familiarized There aren’t any additional fees to enroll in who plan on taking an honors course often can’t with the honors program dating back to 2007, while an honors course at Bergen Community College. advance within the two years, because honor serving as the JKW School of Honors co-Director The College of New Jersey, offers summer courses courses aren’t offered during the summer. This could then. Dr. Makowiecka, was not available for throughout the multiple summer sessions. TCNJ give possibly force honor students to take non-honors discussion regarding the matter. students who are visiting students or even incoming courses additionally, preventing them from wearing Dr. Daniel Salerno, who teaches English freshmen the opportunity to take an honors course. their sash, medals, and tassels on commencement Composition and English Literature says he wouldn’t Hopefully, Dr. Makowiecka, the director of the day. mind teaching an honors courses. “Yeah absolutely, JKW School of Honors, enables something where “Why should I have to only take honor classes in I think any professor would jump at the chance of honor courses are offered in the summer.The only the fall and spring?” says SGA E-Board candidate, teaching an honors class at any time.” qualifications making one eligible to take an honors Sibora Peca, who majors in Biotechnology. Peca, As an honors student, you are much more likely courses is having a GPA of at least 3.5 and a minimum has completed all of her general education courses to receive a scholarship to a four-year college. The of 24 credits. Missing Children’s Display at BCC (Continued from pg. 3) The club faced some initial opposition to the idea due to liability concerns involved with dealing with children who had grown into adulthood that may not SUMMER want to be found. It was established that the good that could be done by being one of the only colleges to have a display like this, far outweighed any potential negative externalities. SESSIONS 2016 Ultimately, Efforts Against Human Trafficking had three main goals in MAY • JUNE • JULY • AUGUST creating this display. The first was exposure and getting these children’s faces “out there” as Zalokostas put it. It makes it easier for success stories like Robert Michael’s to happen when people can more easily identify potential victims of human trafficking. The second goal is to increase awareness that children do in fact, go missing from our area, and it’s not just something that happens to other people in other places, but it is in fact a very real concern. There is a chance that a child has gone missing from your town and you don’t even know it. The third goal was to spark a movement to try and get people to do something about missing and exploited children in their area, in an effort to ultimately eliminate the threat of human trafficking. BCC’s Efforts Against Human Trafficking felt that special thanks should be given to Director of Public Safety William Corcoran and Coordinator of Student step closer to graduation. Life Greg Fenkart for their assistance in this project, and hold onto the hope that online, on campus, or both. someday the display will be empty. have your summer Alumni Trustee Elected, and earn credits too. Policy in Question (Continued from pg. 1) by an unclear policy.” only clear up the issue in this particular Tamara Taylor commented on the policy, but to cover all of the policies to policy at the ‘Meet Your Candidates’ make sure that they can be understood.” event in the Student Center on April 25. “The policy has caused some problems, and we need to make it clear to the committee that the policies are not clear to us,” Tamara commented. The issue of clarity in policies is not a new one and the current candidates are taking that into account. register now at montclair.edu/summer Reyes had similar feelings on the matter. “If I am elected as Alumni Trustee, it will be my top priority to not 6 news THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Adderall Use Among Students Still Prevalent the collegiate level or secondary level. “When I went to school, I noticed I According to Bergen Community couldn’t focus on anything, I couldn’t College registered nurse Dania retain anything. After I took Vyvanse, Huie, Adderall is often abused and I started remembering things and I used for recreational use rather than was able to retain certain details,” said treatment. “I don’t think they’re using Pansolini. it for Attention Deficit Disorder. It’s Many students say schooling has usually to get high because you’re gone to an intensifying level, however, usually diagnosed when you’re Registered Nurse Loretta Borrows, younger,” says Huie. According to The from Bergenfield High school Huffington Post, Adderall use without disagrees. “The school work isn’t a prescription increased from 0.73 getting hard it’s the kids that aren’t able percent to 1.2 percent. to concentrate because of all the social Many students, especially media and the technology that are college students, are mentally drained around them.” Borrows then goes on to by late April and early May. Students say,“They might not have ADHD, they find it hard to focus because of various may just be over stimulated,sometimes distractions swirling around campus it’s just a lack of study skills.” This is or just in their lives. On top of that, usually one of the first signs students many assignments are simply thrown notice when they realize they may at students. Finals week is tough on need a stimulant. everyone and it’s especially tough on Taking Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin, those who are diagnosed with ADHD. Dexedrine, and Vyvanse or any other Those who often take stimulants stimulant drug does just as much harm usually find it more necessary to for you than good physically, as it can consume, shortly before the semester worsen conditions such as anxiety, is over. “More towards the end when high blood pressure and depression. you’re hitting finals and research Pansolini said, “It actually can do both papers, a lot of pressure builds up and because your mind starts racing, I you really have to focus,” said Stephen could be on a problem during a test for Pansolini. Pansolini, a transfer student ten minutes and I end up overthinking from Marist College who majors in it.” post-production, is prescribed by his An average size of a pharmaceutical medical physician to take Vyvanse. “I stimulant is 10 mg, however the effects realized I really needed it when I was can be so lethal that users must be in college.” cautious when taking it. Students who According to Pansolini, the quick do not need medical attention are more transition from high school to college than likely to consume the stimulant was tough to grasp and it was even drug. “Full-time college students aged An overly stressed out student who is possibly addicted to prescribed medicine.//MCT Campus harder due to his disorder. “I couldn’t 18 to 22 are twice as likely to have used manage the stress of performing, Adderall than those who go part-time, JOHN CALIXTE many students are nearly drained due waking up, and managing my social and none of it is for a medical purpose, staff writer to the 15 week period. life.” This often seems to be a common a 2009 government study found,” as The end is near. As the spring Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin, thing with college students, the stress reported by the Medical Daily. semester is slowly coming to an end; Dexedrine, and Vyvanse are all level is often so severe and intense, that the workload is only getting harder, yet commonly used by students, whether at it’s often unbearable to handle. Numerous World Leaders Implicated SGA Holds Elections, in “Panama Papers” Leak Amidst Advisor Concerns has reported that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is going to review the leaked information to see if any anti- bribery laws have been broken. (Story Continued from pg. 2) The “Panama Papers” include 11.5 When asked if she felt adding a third advisor would address the concern million files, which contains 2.6 terabytes in SGA that they feel that the current advisor situation does not serve them of data, and covers a period from 1977 optimally, she said, “I think that’s something that we’re addressing internally.” to December 2015. To fathom how large Not all senators who quit was for this reason. Former senator Chadwyck that amount of data is, consider that there Linwood stated, “My experience was good actually, it was a positive are a 1000 gigabytes in a terabyte. The experience.” Wikileaks leak in 2010 contained about His decision to quit SGA came ultimately because he is a theatre major, 1.7 gigabytes, and intelligence information and the demands of being a senator were getting in the way of what he really leaked by Edward Snowden in 2013 wanted to be involved in - theater. However, the lack of being able to get comprised of 260 gigabytes. proposals passed also weighed in on Linwood’s decision to quit. Fonseca says it has set up over “I would say the only one that was really frustrated was me, because they 200,000 offshore companies around the kept turning down most of my stuff,” he said. “That made me want to quit, world, the majority of them being in the but I stuck it out for a little more. But then as I was sticking it out, it made British Virgin Islands, and has denied me realize what was more important and that’s when theatre came in.” He doing anything criminal and only acted admits that he would have thought harder about his decision to quit had more on instructions of intermediaries. In a proposals been passed. statement, they have said media reports Although SGA lost eight senators this semester, they were able to replace Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gun- have “misrepresented the nature of our nlaugsson has just one of the leaders named in six of them, leaving the Senate having filled 27 out of the 30 available work.” The firm has since said they were positions. The process for becoming a senator is similar to the process for the leak.//MCT Campus victims of a computer hack. running for an SGA e-board position. Those wishing to become senators President Petro O. Poroshenko of must collect 100 signatures from the student body, the signatures of three Ukraine and Prime Minister Sigmundur deans, and then interview with members of the SGA e-board. If they collect EMILY WEIKL David Gunnlaugsson have been named, staff writer all the required signatures and pass the interview, they become a senator. and the latter has since stepped down due Some felt that SGA hit a sort of bump in the road toward the beginning of to the controversy. His company set up in the spring semester, with the senators quitting and everyone still learning the Mossack Fonseca, an offshore the British Virgin Islands, Wintris Inc., Panamanian law firm, has leaked ropes, the organization started coming back into its own. “I would definitely lost millions of dollars in a 2008 financial say that we stepped into our stride further into the end of the year. It was a confidential documents revealing that crash and the company is claiming 4.2 government leaders have been using new e-board too, so they were just getting warmed up,” said SGA senator million from failed Icelandic banks. Tristan Anderson. “I really feel that SGA is heading in the right direction.” offshore tax havens to store their wealth. The crash was extremely detrimental to Süddeutsche Zeitung, a German There have been talks of adding on a third SGA advisor to mitigate Iceland’s economy. some of the communication problems the organization has faced the spring newspaper, first obtained these records Recent revelations include British from an anonymous source. The paper then semester. An Ad-hoc committee, led by incoming President David DeLizio Prime Minister David Cameron having and incoming Chief of Staff Yasmine Badaoui, has been created to discuss shared this information with the United earned money through a trust his States-based International Consortium of possible solutions for remedying the situation with the advisors. “We have father had set up with Fonseca, Russian been working with proposals and what we can add and take off,” said Investigative Journalists, or the ICIJ, and President Vladimir Putin calling the leak they gave international news partners this Badaoui. “I am not saying they are bad advisors. When they advise, they give an American plot, The El Salvadoran good advice for us, but another person would help too.” information. government taking computers and The money hidden in the offshore documents from a local office of Fonseca accounts by public figures is not illegal. and the relatives of the Chinese president However, the governments of leaders who having companies with the law firm. have been named, including the U.S., Many world leaders and other public have begun investigating into whether figures have responded with denials to the money has been used for tax evasion any wrongdoing done. or other financial wrongdoing. Reuters 7 Opinions THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016

Part Time Student, Full Bergen Stages Time Mother Presents pg.15 South Pacific pg.16 OPINIONS The Torch Why are High School Students not Prepared For College?

CHRISTOPHER MOLINA staff writer its resources on education unevenly. Naturally, towns Multiple years of high where there are higher school and middle school are income families have a supposed to prepare you for larger tax revenue that can the journey and experiences go to education. In poorer in college. However, schools neighborhoods, that does not are confronted with mediocre seem to be the case. “The state teachers, uncooperative tries to make up the difference, unions, and the relentless but it doesn’t always help. So obstacles to education reform. naturally, some students will The results of these challenges go to a school that has fewer is the growing percentage of resources and in some cases, high school students lacking the teachers won’t have that the essential skills in subjects advance in degrees,” said such as Math, Science and Goodell. With schools in a English. higher income environment, And specifically in BCC, the majority of teachers have a large percent students are Master’s degrees. Compared incapable of taking college level to the lower income courses; thus being placed into community, which puts those remedial classes. 1952 students schools in a position where enrolled in EBS classes in they cannot hire teachers as the Fall of 2015, and 1049 in competitively, because those Spring 2015. With that, there teachers don’t want to work in has been a lack of discourse that environment that has less with public schools in Bergen Students are seemingly being prepared to be good test takers in High School//MCT Campus resources. County as to why there is this Why isn’t their any serious trend has continued. “[There change? The answer is that is] not enough of us telling Bergen officials met with Community College, or any reason behind that has to do those teachers are protected them what we they need, and different principals, guidance college for that matter,” said with pay. For example, a 2011 by the state licensing laws, that not enough of them telling us counselors, and department Developmental Math Chair study done by Organization allows public schools to hire what they [are] doing,” said chairs of mathematics and Melanie Walker. for Economic Co-operation those teachers that do not have Professor Adam Goodell Dean gave them a syllabi of all the It is not just this, as the and Development found that required credentials. Meaning, of Humanities. “So I think it’s courses explaining to them teaching that occurs within the United States, teachers that schools have a guaranteed important for us especially what is expected of them out the classroom also contributes earned less than 60 percent of market and are shielded from for the community college to of high school. But a lot of to high school graduates the average pay for full-time competition. And all of that increase its communication time, they turn down these struggling to adjust to college. college-educated workers( comes with politicians and with the high schools, and proposals because they have In an early 90’s book called In Spain, teachers earned 20 Board of Education members we’re trying that.” to prepare for the ESPA “Ed School Follies: The percent more.) This leads to who are pleased with the way A program called High (English Speaking Proficiency Miseducation of America’s a less competitive job field, things are now, according School Outreach, a program Assessment). “We try to Teachers” by Rita Kramer, where alot of potentially bright to George Leef, Director of between Bergen Community make good with students and the country is allowing teachers opt to pursue other Research of the John W. Pope College and the high schools parents, so that they are aware mediocre teachers with little careers that will lead to more Center for Higher Education helps make them more of what is expected of the to no idea about the subject financially rewarding jobs. Policy. aware of the placement tests. students coming to Bergen they’re assigned to teach. The As well, The U.S. spends S.M.’s Cartoon Corner: The 2016 Presidential Candidates “Lame Ducks”

Illustration by Sammy Almaita 8 Opinions THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 The Torch THE TORCH, a member of the Editorial: Find the Middle Ground Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association, is the GABE WANISSIAN to the college’s justification of cutting solely on professional development, which official student newspaper of Bergen editor-in-chief Community College. The purpose of 64 lecturers and 150 part-time positions includes a Doctorate degree program for THE TORCH is to report on the events The improving system of checks and towards the end of July, giving faculty two dozen employees through National at BCC and the local community, balances at the college was in full effect chairs just one month to adequately American University. A constant stream and to offer the BCC community a at the May Board of Trustees meeting. replace those classes with adjuncts. of newly hired administrative positions forum for expression. The opinions After several faculty members made At the May BOT meeting, Board over the past few years also oppose the expressed in THE TORCH are not strong objections with the last minute Chairman E. Carter Corriston shared ever-decreasing amounts of the lecturer neccessarily those of THE TORCH. inclusion to implement an honors program that the college may very well make pool. All the materials submitted to THE coordinator (which would have effectively cuts yet again, but the severity of those The above mentioned occurrences TORCH become property of THE handed the honors program over to cuts remains to be seen. I implore the are not necessarily hurting the college, TORCH. administration), the board showed a sound college administration that, if similar as there is nothing wrong with investing slashes need to be made, to maintain some revenue into keeping the College GABE WANISSIAN sense of judgement in holding off on the Editor-In-Chief ratification, as the position in question did a transparent and open dialogue with infrastructure running optimally. I do not have a concrete job description in the the rest of the employees of the college not criticize the philosophy of trying SAMUEL MCLAUGHLIN proposal. regarding the matter. A repeat of last to strengthen the college’s professional Co-Editor This moment of cooperation was year’s last-minute decision to make those development to ensure we have capable hardly a revolutionary shift into some faculty and part-time cuts would yet again leaders making decisions on campus. I INESS RABAH sort of unified coalition, but it is a start, blindside the employees of the college, also do not think there is anything wrong Copy Editor and it seems as if the college finally has a unraveling the progress made by securing with creating administrative positions foundation to work out a sensible approach the professional/support staff and faculty when they are needed. BRENDAN DALY that can instill the most optimal institution contracts. But the key word here is, balance. News Editor for the student experience. However, the Of course, some of these increasingly When there is no luxury for excess riches, LUIS ARI LOPEZ WEI ability to hear out the other side is not difficult decisions that the college the impulse should not be solely to cut Features Editor just exclusive to the employees at Bergen; administration has had to make are out out BCC’s “working class,” without even student clubs and organizations must also of their control, due to current economics. trying to have an open discussion with all ADAM GRASSANI follow suit, or else this initial occurrence However, the college should reevaluate parties to find out what the most rational Sports Editor of rational, pragmatic planning will fall certain aspects of college spending in decision should be. flat on its own face. times of financial austerity to prevent Let us capitalize on this current LUCIA RUBI GODOY One factor that will test this, is the making cuts that would hurt the student moment of clarity and be willing to hear Online Editor upcoming revenue dip from last fiscal body. each other out, or else we will revert back year’s $166 million to $157 million due to Over $1 million is spent on on- to the storm of confusion of yesteryear; GENESIS FUENTES stagnant state funding and lower student call outside contractors to take care of the student body would much rather prefer INESS RABAH heating, A/C, plumbing and electrician to not become dampened by inefficient GABE WANISSIAN enrollment, according to the College Layout Editors Fact Book. Last year, revenue issues led needs; $1.7 million was spent last year politics.

FLORENCIA LLOSAS Ad Manager Dear Alumni Trustee: JESSICA RODRIGUEZ GENESIS FUENTES Photo Editors Become the Student Voice PROF. LEW WHEATON Advisor ANDREW FENWICK bcc graduate Corrections The Torch strives for the highest I would like to congratulate you on journalistic standards and accuracy. this worthy position and also for finishing Readers are encouraged to contact up your classes at Bergen Community us if they find any mistakes in any College. You have worked hard in your edition of the Torch. classes and in your community the past few years. That is why you won and now Editorial and hold this important seat on the Board of Trustees. I have been a student at Bergen Opinion Pieces As an open public forum, The Torch for over two years and have watched, welcomes guest opinion pieces and listened and spoken with countless letters to the editor from any member members of the BCC community. of the Bergen Community College My very first semester at Bergen, I community. Materials should be was privileged to learn just how important submitted to [email protected] or the Alumni Trustee position really is when delivered to The Torch office, SC- attending a Board of Trustees meeting. I 111. Such submissions must include learned that this seat is very uncomfortable the writer’s name, contact informa- to sit in, and has the brightest spotlight tion and affiliation with the college. shining on it compared to the other seats Students should include their major; at the trustee table. Everyone will be faculty and staff should include cam- pus title or position. Opinion pieces waiting for your singular voice to echo the are limited to 600 words and letters thousands of students you now represent. to the editor to 200 words. The Torch No one is truly ready to be in reserves the right to edit and to re- any position until they have already fuse publication of any submission. experienced doing it. In your position it is very important to ask questions, and many The Torch offices are located of them. What should I say? Who should I in Room SC-111D, talk to about that? How should I come to 400 Paramus Road my decision? These will all be questions that are probably already popping in your BCC Student Andrew Fenwick//Iness Rabah Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 head. The advice and answers you receive Next, it will be your actions that will by them, so by hearing their voices, you 201.493.5006/5007 through your term will be the framework truly define how effective you are as are becoming informed on their concerns. [email protected] of your actions in this role. Alumni Trustee. The policies you vote for You will empower them and provide pride Our advice and answers to your and the judgments you come to will impact to the Bergen community. questions should be the ones you take not just yourself, but play into the lives of The Alumni Trustee, the SGA and to heart. You represent us now, so our the students. other clubs on campus are going to be the FOLLOW perspectives on matters should be what You will need the advice on questions student leaders for the next year and need you hold to closest in your decision to help determine what sort of choices you to communicate a strong cohesive student making. We will be your biggest support will make. Begin the research now about voice to the BOT. The students will offer when things get shaky. Many of us have what will appear on the Trustees’ agenda their voice if you take the action to listen US been student representatives for Bergen during your term. to them. That is how you will learn how before and can be guides for unforeseen Be prepared to see the results of the to be an effective Alumni Trustee, by issues that arise. The club leaders on first semester with students paying to print. taking the time to listen and engage with campus will be resources to get word out Be aware that the grant that runs the shuttle the student body. Use the student voice of the student body and by hearing what will be over this year, which impacts how to speak at the BOT when the spotlight the student body is thinking. The students students will get from campus to campus. is shining on you and everyone wants to lifted you up in this position, so use them Start building relationships with the hear your voice. Your voice will be louder as your support and advisors for this trustees as soon as you can. Many students with 17,000 students backing it up. upcoming year. are aware of these issues and are impacted First Place Awards: General Excellence, Layout & First Place Awards Design, Editorial Writing, Biography/Personality Society of Professional Profile, Enterprise/Investigative Reporting, Journalists: Breaking FB.com/bergentorch Photography, 2014-2015 News Editorial, Winner for News Writing, Arts and Entertainment/ Editorial Writing, Critical Writing, Features Writing, Sports Writing, Best All-Around Overall Website, 2014-2015 Non-Daily Student New Jersey Press Foundation Better College Newspaper Newspaper Contest 9 Opinions THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 La Esquina Latina: El Mito del “Che” Guevara

FLORENCIA LLOSAS militar, escritor, periodista y firme ad manager defensor de la lucha armada. Se unió En medio de esta elección nacional a la revolución Cubana diciéndole con candidatos tan poco comunes; el al comandante Fidel Castro que era país reconciliándose políticamente médico. Ésta fue la primera de una larga con Cuba; marchas por los derechos sucesión de mentiras piadosas que se sociales de la minoría y cortinas de encargaron de poner una mancha negra gente demandando igualdad económica; en sus logros. no es extraño ver la cara del famoso En las mismas palabras del revolucionario “Che” Guevara en Vicepresidente de la Unión Liberal camisetas, tatuajes y pósters. Cubana, Alberto Guedes, contó su Antes de que se convirtiera en este experiencia durante el aniversario de los icono mundial, Ernesto Guevara era 40 años de la muerte de Guevara. conocido como el guerrillero socialista “Ernesto Guevara fue el responsable quien ayudó a Fidel Castro a gobernar. de la mayoría de los fusilamientos de la A medida que pasaron los años, con la cárcel de La Cabaña. Era un hombre ayuda del modernismo en el arte y la que castigaba con firmeza a cualquiera influencia de Andy Warhol, su imagen que no pensase como él. Castigaba a se transformó casi completamente. La los homosexuales, a los que vestían fotografía tomada por Alberto Korda, con ropa extranjera... Impuso para un cubano amigo de Guevara, produjo ellos trabajos forzados,” dijo el Cubano un efecto dominó tan poderoso que y agregó, “Mitificarlo es fruto de la hasta hoy genera furor entre las masas ignorancia. El ‘Che’ no fue Gandhi ni de jóvenes contraculturales. nada parecido a un pacifista, no quería Sin embargo, muy poca gente puede derechos humanos. Dijo que el hombre identificar y entender al sádico militar debía convertirse en una maquinaria de Argentino detrás de la imagen. matar al enemigo. Era un terrorista, un Capturado y asesinado en Bolivia violento... Tenía todas esas cosas que por el suboficial Boliviano René hoy alarman a la sociedad mundial y sin Barrientos, la fama del guerrillero embargo, en su caso, se ensalzan.” comenzó con su búsqueda dirigida por Además de ayudar con la reposición la CIA Estadounidense, la cual retornó del país, el “Che” también tomó parte de a EE.UU. decepcionada después de la futura organización del estado cubano su muerte ya que tenían otros planes en la parte económica. Fue nombrado para el mito Cubano. Su imagen iba presidente del Banco Nacional y a convertirse en un ejemplo contra ministro de Industria durante el periodo el castrismo pero en vez de eso, se de los años ‘50 y ‘60. Sobre ese aspecto encontraron que murió un mártir, que Guedes recuerda “Se dedicó a firmar incluso hoy inspira el amor de cientos billetes con la palabra ‘Che’ y nada de revolucionarios socialistas alrededor más, toda su administración fue un caos del mundo. y sumió al país en un profunda crisis Mejor conocido como el Che, económica.” Guevara era de nacionalidad Argentina, de donde nació su apodo ya que la frase “che” es típica del dialecto Argentino. English version available at torchbcc.com The controversial figure Guevara’s famous portrait//Wikipedia Además de revolucionario, era político, Racism Within Spanish Cultures

LUCIA RUBI GODOY online editor Racism, being a very sensitive topic, is still discussed often as an issue. People talk about institutional racism, whites vs. blacks and racism within minorities, but the fact that there is racism within the same race is rarely ever discussed. The members of the Hispanic community are guilty of being very racist towards each other. The community has a very wide variety of cultures and customs, and even though over 20 countries speak Spanish, they all have their unique ways of speaking, and use different dialects and slangs. The racism from the Hispanic community is not limited to other Hispanics. They are unable to relate with White people, they have an open rivalry with Black people, and every single Asian is “Chinese.” They are also almost completely ignorant and unwilling to learn about the Middle Eastern culture. Although language connects people, there are stronger forces that separate the Hispanic community, and creates tension between some of the countries. Whereas in America, racism is a matter of color between blacks and whites, the reasoning behind being racist to someone who belongs to your own race is more complex. Most Hispanics are able to tell, based on physical characteristics, if another person is South, or Central Colombians wait to cross the Colombia-Venezuela border //Flickr American. Although it is expected that two people who share language have enough in common to engage in a conversation; sometimes, speaking the same tongue backgrounds, (after many different European It is bad enough that some uneducated Americans just doesn’t cut it. immigrants escaped there after WWII) and will categorize all Hispanics as Mexicans, but it is Some countries have rivalries over territories, intertwined with the already Spaniard-influenced even worse that many Hispanics will be offended culture or more basic topics that even if they are not of Argentines and the rest of the South American and by being called so. The fact that we take it so great relevance in today’s world, still cause Hispanics Asian immigration, is infamous for racism. This is offensively to be called a different kind of Hispanic from certain countries to have hard feelings against seen with its really competitive relationship with just empowers outsiders to be racist toward us and other Hispanics. Uruguay, since they have a very similar culture, and deteriorate the general culture of the race by putting For example, some Bolivians may have hard with other countries like Colombia, Venezuela and Hispanic countries against one another. feelings against Chileans because Chile blocks the Ecuador, because they all have talented soccer teams. Especially In 2016,when we have presidential Pacific Ocean for them, depriving them from using it The problem with this, is that in America, candidates like Donald Trump, who has been openly as an economic resource. Hispanics continue to be one of the largest minorities, racist towards Hispanics during his campaign trail. Argentina, despite being one of the countries but if they segregate by countries because of historical This should be enough for Hispanic countries to be in South America with the most diverse cultural rivalries, it only adds to the hate that the whole race united and not encourage more racism than they receives from outsiders. already receive. 10 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016

Understanding Captain’s North Korea pg. 17 Corner:NCAA Athletes are Slave pg. 22 FEATURES The Torch Bright Future for Bergen’s Wrestling Captain

CHRISTINE VILLALOBOS contributing writer “Stay focused and don’t Maintaining motivation can come naturally for some and it can be challenging forget about your grades. for others. For James Henry, the 22-year-old wrestling captain here at Bergen Community Give yourself a good chance College, staying motivated has been nothing but hard work. to wrestle by maintaining Henry went from being curious about the wrestling posters in his class as an eighth good grades.” grader to the co-creator of Riot Wrestling Club in Hackensack. There, he coaches -James Henry young, aspiring wrestlers in fine tuning their skills. Henry, shifting his eyes away, as to look back in time, grasped at a distant the wrestling team wasn’t difficult enough, memory; “Growing up, I wasn’t the type of Henry tore his anterior cruciate ligament kid to have a lot of friends… Basically the during his first semester in 2014. Since his scenario for me was like for any other kid. ACL wasn’t completely torn, he continued After middle school, instead of getting into wrestling regardless of the risks that come trouble, I decided I was going to wrestle,” with putting stress on his injured knee. said Henry. “I was frustrated at times. But working Henry is currently the captain of BCC’s with my coach [Ed Kochakji], who was also wrestling team. As a wrestling captain, the coach of Mike Massenzio, the holder his duties include leading team practices, of the Division III National Wrestling keeping the wrestlers up-to-date and Championship title, made me want to work motivated for their matches, and making harder and push myself,” said Henry. sure the team maintains a good academic Mike Massenzio or ‘The Master of profile in order to meet the wrestling team Disaster’ according to the UFC Fighter standards. “Coaches aren’t just your coaches, Profile, was a head coach at BCC, who holds they’re like family. They look after you and a remarkable UFC record of 13-7-0 (Wins, make sure you’re okay,” said Henry. Losses, and Draws). His coach, Coach Ed Henry was eager to give advice to any curious wrestler looking to join the wrestling team at BCC. “Stay focused and don’t forget about your grades. Give yourself a good (Continues on pg. chance to wrestle by maintaining good James Henry representing the Bulldogs //Genesis Fuentes grades.” 21) As if keeping his grades up and overseeing The Leader Within You Has Awakened

ALYSSA BLUNDO staff writer related to each other. When asked about how they are Everyone felt the force at related, Professor Kyi said, “I think Leadership Weekend on Friday, April that leadership and culture are like 15 to Sunday, April 17 at the Dolce the head and the body connected. hotel in Basking Ridge, NJ. There, Think of the leadership as the head students spent three days and two and then the culture as the body. It is nights learning leadership skills and an awesome task to become a leader preparing, so that they could be used and some of us have different kinds of in our daily lives while participating in skills. There are certain leaders that fun activities inspired by “Star Wars: are eloquent, they can speak, talk, and The Force Awakens.” There were have dialogue. Then there you have the presentations from Bergen Community more quieter leaders, the intellectually College professors, Gene Calderon, quiet. Their force is in the quiet state Win Win Kyi, and Professor Mecheline of mind and there are others that are Farhat spoke. Mr. Ronald McKnight forceful.” and Ms. Gloria Cevallos also presented There was a lot of action involved as well as Keynote Speaker, Jon at Leadership Weekend, especially in Vroman. All of these presenters have the keynote presentation as well as the qualities that leaders should have and it activities that were presented. It was showed in their demonstrations. also an emotional roller coaster for When asked about defining a everyone. The most emotional part leader, Christiana Aghjayan, a Student of the weekend was sharing personal Activities Board member and BCC Bergen Students strike a pose in their Leadership Weekend t-shirts.//Luis Ari Lopez Wei stories and doing the closing activities. Participating in these proceedings can Freshman, told the Torch, “A leader presented at Leadership Weekend. character [in the movie] is different and is somebody who knows what their be difficult, but leaders can break Diversity also played a key role. yet they all show how leaders come in down barriers and jump over hurdles team wants and is a team player, but When asked about how “Star Wars” all different shapes, and sizes and even also knows how to guide people for the that life throws at them. Even leaders and leadership related to each other, colors.” struggle, and yet they overcome their better good of the entire team.” Andrew Fenwick, a student facilitator One of the professors that presented These traits were present in the obstacles, just like Rey overcame that will be graduating in August of on Saturday was Professor Win Win hers by facing Kylo Ren. It was an film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” 2016, told the Torch, Kyi, who has been teaching college in which Rey was the heroine. This incredible weekend, and everyone had “Star Wars was a great reference for students for 44 years. She did a session a blast. wasn’t the only theme that was leadership skills because every single on how leadership and culture are 11 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Memento Of a Fallen Brother was not just about Matthew, or one of our friends in particular, nor myself, but it was about all of us being together; just as a family would want to be. He would always strive to be the best at everything or at least he would confidently claim to be; he would have that fiendish smirk across his face as an attempt to hold back his unique laugh. He had a certain knack for telling stories that would put mine to shame. I wish he was still here to tell them. On April 26, 2006 my family was given the bad news about my cousin. Every military family always fears that call of bad news and hopes that they would never get one. While he was overseas in Iraq, he was injured in the line of duty. He had saved his Marine brothers from a suicide bomber. No one was hit by the blast of the explosion, but unfortunately, Matthew had been struck by a piece of shrapnel. He had suffered a severe head injury, rendering him unconscious. His Marine brothers really stuck to the exact saying from the “G.I Joe” cartoon did, “we all go home, or nobody goes home.” They safely carried him back to base and he was flown back to the U.S. accompanied by a marine escort. Once he was back in the States, my family and I all had hopes that Matthew would pull through. Unfortunately, He would pass away at home on U.S. soil, nine days later on May 5, the day after he was awarded the Purple Heart medal for his actions of selfless bravery. “He would always Sgt. Matthew J. Fenton’s dog tags//Jessica Rodriguez strive to be the best at everything or at least DREW VALENTIN he would confidently contributing writer million. He was nothing but selfless, as his actions speak louder than words. I have the utmost respect claim to be; he would While on campus at Bergen Community College, for all the brave men and women who serve in the I have been frequently asked if I have ever been in the military, as I could not imagine the perils they face have that fiendish military. I have never been in the military, but every on a daily basis. day I wear my cousin’s dog tags in honor of him. On He joined the Marines right out of high smirk across his face as occasion, it does become very difficult to talk about school. Before he became a heroic marine, I my cousin, Sgt. Matthew J. Fenton. We were close, as remember growing up with Matthew. Along with my an attempt to hold back close as brothers would be, and I still can not believe older brother, we had all watched many “G.I. Joe” his unique laugh.” that this year on May 5, will be a decade since his movies and cartoons for days on end. Which were passing. He served in the military as a United States all based on everyone sticking together no matter Marine. He passed away on May 5, 2006. It certainly what. We were different ages but all three of us even is a tragedy that Matthew is no longer walking upon went to the same high school. Matt, was a big joker (Continues on pg. 18) this earth, but our family is still doing their best and had a big crew of friends that were a force not to keep his memory alive. For those who had the to be reckoned with. All of us would become a huge privilege of knowing him, he was certainly one in a group and still to this day we share that same bond. It 1994 Genocide in Rwanda: The Story of Eugenie Mukeshimana

Germany until the end of the first World FERNANDO VAZQUEZ staff writer War, the country was controlled by the Ruanda-Urundi (the Belgian mandate). The Genocide Studies Speaker The Tutsis, Hutus, and Batwas were series, co-sponsored by the Center for united; they bartered their own goods Peace, Justice and Reconciliation and and lived in peace with each other, the Office of Multicultural Affairs until the Belgian government worked to hosted a wonderful event. Eugenie divide the ethnic groups. Under Belgian Mukeshimana, a survivor of the rule, the Tutsis were given better 1994 Genocide against Tutsis and the treatment and the Hutus were treated as founder and executive director of the second-class citizens. Genocide Survivors Support Network Mukeshimana told a heartbreaking (a charitable organization with a memory about when she and her mission to help out genocide survivors classmates were harassed by the Hutu with giving them a new chance to live soldiers on their way to school, the again), made a wonderful presentation moment when she was in trouble with and shared her heartbreaking a school assistant because the young, memories to the audience at the poor, and innocent girl didn’t know her Student Center Auditorium (Room ethnicity and what was going on because A-104). of the Hutu treatment against the Tutsis. Mukeshimana began with a calm When she was eight months pregnant and married, she witnessed Tutsis being introduction of Rwanda’s inhabitants Eugenie Mukeshima shares her personal experiences of survival //Henry Fowlers and its beautiful cultures, the Tutsis, executed by the Hutus. Hutus and the Batwas. She described The following day, soldiers, the wonders of Rwanda, its nature police and Hutu militias came to Mukeshimana’s home to execute her who opposed Hutu ideas and gave Mukeshimana. She lost her beloved and picturesque sights of the forests, her and four women shelter, until the father, husband and close family elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees, family, but they were able to bribe their would-be executioners and their policemen found out. Mukeshimana members in the genocide. among other beautiful attractions and witnessed the execution of two women Mukeshimana ended with a a country with a strong environmental lives were saved, at least until nightfall. Eugenie and her husband abandoned while the captain of the police offered wonderful quote “I want to share movement and ideas. According to her to be his “housewife” or “get two my story, for those who do not learn Mukeshimana, since 2012, the country their household, to avoid the threats from their Hutu neighbors, since the Hutu bullets” and she was able to survive as history are doomed to repeat it! But completely banned plastic bags. a servant until the genocide ceased. there is a way to stop it, to share my Mukeshimana, a Tutsi, told the militias has already executed their Tutsi neighbors. Mukeshimana survived by “It gives me heartbreak and anger story and in these years to come, it history of Rwanda. Before the Berlin to tell this situation of my life,” said won’t happen again.” Conference and the conquest from escaping to the household of a foreigner 12 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 13 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016

GABE WANISSIAN the United States in that region has made things even more unstable,” said editor-in-chief Erani. Peeking through the trees of Prospect Park, a sea of people could be seen storming Erani continued to grow discontent with presidential candidate Hillary onto the Brooklyn greenery. At a distance, the visual site was likely similar to the Clinton, who voted in favor of the war in Iraq, as well as not being satisfied Battle of Long Island that occurred on the same piece of land during the American with the “extreme” Republican protocols to deal with radical Islamic extremists Revolutionary War centuries ago. Brooklyn Feels The Bern: in the region. It was then, that she joined the Sanders hype train. On April 17, however, there weren’t any Patriot Soldiers engaging in a battle against “It didn’t work in 2002, so why do we keep doing it?” asked Erani the Redcoats with muskets; the 28,000 that took part in the “political revolution” of emphatically, as she continued to sell the handmade candles to the customers. Democratic nominee Bernie Sanders was an ideological battle on Washington D.C. that Erani, who also set up shop at the prior rally in Washington Square Park, has reached seismic proportions. would frequently break into in-depth conversation with customers. “They The thousands of onlookers were trying to push the Vermont Senator, and self An Exclusive Look Into the People bring an excitement and good vibe which is really important. It is enjoyable to described democratic socialist, ahead to a New York victory against the overwhelming be around.” favorite Hillary Clinton. Sanders would end up losing New York by 15 percent, as The dialogue between Sanders supporters became wildly enthusiastic the well as losing four out of the five must-win states on April 26; making his chances of closer one approached the rally stage. Nineteen-year-old Savion Washington, capturing the nomination (barring an extraordinary come-from-behind win, or an FBI Behind the Sanders Phenomenon who was undecided between Clinton and Sanders, found himself to be both at indictment over Clinton’s e-mails) nearly improbable at this point. odds and in tune with his discourses amongst Sanders supporters. Still, Sanders has done what many political pundits thought would be “I’ve had some interesting conversations for sure,” said Washington, impossible, making up a 50 percent deficit (back in August 2015) in the National a Dance major at SUNY Purchase, “especially with the older people.” polling averages. He is now only trailing the former Secretary of State by one Washington, who represents the demographic that many credit percent nationally, according to FiveThirtyEight (averaging out all National the Vermont Senator’s meteoric rise to political relevancy, has felt that polling data). Some may say however, that it is too little too late for the insurgent older voters unfairly criticise his age group as being “wishful thinkers” candidate to pull off the upset. in supporting Sanders’ free college and healthcare initiative. Except the devout Sanders supporters are not looking to go anywhere “I hate when people say that. I know nothing is really free. We anytime soon, and if the enthusiasm seen at the Brooklyn rally was a tell tale understand that. We see a guy who says we should spend less on war sign of the things that are to come, then a drastic metamorphosis is occurring in and more on education and that makes sense,” said Washington. “I just the political landscape. don’t know how much Congress would work with him. So I still don’t Hardly feeling like a political rally, the free-spirited vibe that was joined know if I would vote for him just yet.” with music that would delight any vinyl collecting millennial, entrenched an Washington was not the only undecided attendee. Those who atmosphere that was more befitting to a music festival from the 1960s. Creative refrained from being inside the packed crowd joined the rally out of signs and posters made by Bernie supporters could be spotted in the midst of the sheer curiosity; some coming from across the Atlantic Ocean. packed audience, and while there was an unsurprising sizeable portion of young “I won’t be able to vote, but I wanted to see what it was all about. twenty somethings; various age groups, ethnicities, and political affiliations And it was very enthusiastic, which is something I did not see often in provided an eclectic gathering at the function. France,” said Victor Schuft, who moved to the Big Apple from eastern Wave after increasing wave of electricity spread throughout the sunburned Paris in 2012. The conversation of free education and healthcare in crowd, after comedian Justin Long, famed actor Danny Devito, indie rock America to Schuft has been “a long time coming,” as Sanders’ views band Grizzly Bear, and Hawaiian Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard came out in in many European countries are considered quite pedestrian. “Bernie succession to give support for Brooklyn native Sanders. is pretty tame.The liberals in Europe are almost anarchist!” Schuft That wave reached tidal proportions when Senator Sanders, accompanied laughed. with his wife Jane Sanders, took the stage to a deafening applause. Zoe McCarthy from London (who relocated to Manhattan to “In case you haven’t noticed, there are a lot of people here,” said Mr. Sanders work as a project manager in a financial data company last year) had with a smirk as the crowd volume reached a fever pitch. “A year ago we were attended the rally with her friend Schuft, because of a similar curiosity. considered a fringe candidate. Well, we don’t seem like a fringe candidate “Obama’s campaign in 2008 really grabbed the U.K.’s attention. anymore!” added Sanders. We felt it so strongly, people were celebrating, they were even crying. “This is the beginning of my grandchildrens’ future,” said 65-year-old Kevin The last election[ in 2012] didn’t have that interest to us. But this year, Clay with hopeful inflection. “It’s amazing to see these young people supporting Bernie’s campaign has a little noise there,” said McCarthy. him.” For McCarthy, the large spectrum of policies that are noticeably Defying the stereotypical demographics of Sanders’ supporters, Clay who is absent in the United States compared to most of Europe came as a a Brooklynite Construction worker, and his longtime friend 58-year-old Nancy surprise to her. Cuozzo from Connecticut, both made a last minute trip to attend the rally. “So many of these things seem very antiquated,” said Having voted in presidential elections since 1968, Clay has stated that the McCarthy. A lack of paid maternity leave in the States country’s divisiveness has been nothing new. “Ever since [President Lyndon was the one that stood out to her the most. “I think that’s Johnson] signed the Civil Rights Bill in 64 which caused all of anti [civil] rights archaic.” people to switch to the Republican party, both parties suffered,” said Clay. The financial fears of motherhood also plagued the Cuozzo called the shift a “watering down” mind of 33-year-old Gabrielle Carr. “I want to be a mother of both parties, as the Republicans strengthened soon, and I want my kids to have the odds less stacked its Conservatism to appeal to Anti-Civil Rights against them. I had to do the whole ‘loans and work long Americans. In response, the leftists began to play hours’ thing, and only just now am I standing on my feet.” a more moderate approach as a form of damage The prospect of having paid maternity leave and free control to prevent a loss of voters. college was what won her over. “I want my kids to be able “Progressives sat on their thumbs for 40 years to get ahead by the time they are my age.” after that, and we let the establishment change all the However, not all of the Bernie supporters maintained laws around us,” said Cuozzo. Her disenfranchisement an optimistic attitude towards the likelihood of his radical with the Democratic party lead her to switch to an policies getting passed through a Republican dominated Independent back in 2004, but has since re-affiliated Congress. with the Democrats back in September to vote for “Me personally, I was incredibly cynical about the Sanders in the primaries. whole thing. I am just tired of seeing little to nothing get “Bernie has been so against the grain. He has done,” said 36-year-old California native Trevor Sanders gotten back to the roots of the Democratic party,” (unrelated to Bernie Sanders). “I just can’t bring myself to said Cuozzo. vote for Hillary, even though she would probably navigate The grassroots campaign that sprang up to push the obstacles in Congress more efficiently.” Trevor stressed cavaliering ideas such as free public college, and a his understanding into Clinton’s appeal, saying that single payer healthcare system, led to the Sanders Clinton’s establishment connections would help her work Campaign raising $185.5 million (as of May 2016) within the system. “Some people like that approach more.” based off of small donations averaging $27 each. His family, made up of mostly lawyers, share many of his Local businesses that were feeling the Bern liberal views, yet overwhelmingly side with Mrs. Clinton, set up carts in and around the Prospect Park Rally; “which makes for interesting dinner table conversations,” items that were for sale ranged from t-shirts and pins, said Trevor. The majority of his family, including Trevor to more eye catching memorabilia such as Bernie himself, are not exactly holding their breath for a Sanders Sanders church candles. upset in California; as Sanders is still down by nine percent The candles, which comically feature Sanders in the California polls according to FiveThirtyEight. wearing biblical-esque robes with the word “Bern” Even with a miraculous comeback victory in California, etched beneath him, had sold out as soon as they Top Header: 28,000 people attended the Sanders rally Sanders would have to win 65 percent of the remaining were set up. Above Left: A boy cheers on as Danny Devito greets the crowd delegates to even tie Mrs. Clinton in the delegate count, “I sell homemade clothing for a living, but Above Mid: Sanders addressing campaign finance reform according to FiveThirtyEight. I figured that the candles would be a fun way to Above Right: Attendees expressed dissaproval to current politics Still, for Trevor, and millions of Democrats, the so- contribute to the campaign,” said Brooklyn native Lower Left: People from all walks of life attended the rally called “political revolution” declared by Sanders will Gloria Erani. Being of half Israeli and Iraqi descent, Middle: A group of students from NYU showing support for Sanders continue regardless of the result, and many of them will Erani said that Sanders’ non-interventionist approach Middle Right: Erani’s Bernie church candles sold for $20 a piece see the short term result as irrelevant in the grand scheme to Middle Eastern affairs appealed to her back in the Lower Right: Thousands of signs were seen in in the crowd of things. “Bernie changed the conversation at that dinner Summer, but was still on the fence with still siding table for sure, possibly forever.” with the insurgent candidate at the time. “I have (All photos were taken by Gabe Wanissian and Ivet Anoro) family in Iraq and Israel, and I have seen how much 14 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Superheroes Inspired by Judaism

MANAHIL AHMAD Batman was also a merit of two Jews named staff writer Bill Finger and Bob Kane, followed by the creation of Captain America, invented by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who were also Jews. Bestselling author and Rabbi, Simcha “The front cover of the Captain America Weinstein came to Bergen Community was the first comic to have Hitler openly College on March 31 to discuss how the Jewish mentioned. It has Captain America smashing Culture and History shaped the comic book Hitler on the face. It’s iconic,” said Weinstein. Hero, at an event hosted by BCC’s Hillel club. “It’s cute and funny and nostalgic. Now In 2006, Weinstein’s first book “Up Up and imagine this was coming from immigrant Oy Vey,” was published. In 2008, he released Jews who were getting letters from their his second book “Shtick Shift: Jewish Humor families back home about the explosion of the in the 21st Century.” old country. They knew what was happening to At the event, Weinstein explained that their families. In that context, what a powerful every single superhero that encapsulated the image, a powerful portrayal it was.” imagination of the world for some 70-80 So are they really Jewish, because there’s years are the works of Jewish writers, Jewish nothing more American than Superman, illustrators as well as Jewish marketers. The right? He’s a traditional, classic, red, white question is, why is the superhero a Jewish and blue superman. He’s all American. “If invention? “The late 1950s were a very you think about it, he’s not really American,” particularly anti-semitic period in American said Weinstein. “What Superman represents history. If you were a Jew with artistic is the wish fulfilment of what it means to be acumen you couldn’t get into the mainstream American. He’s the fantasy of what it means arts. Many Ivy league schools barred Jews to be American, coming from immigrants from living there. Country clubs and even who wanted to be all American. The fantasy neighbourhoods barred Jews from getting was so beautiful that the mainstream America involved,” said Weinstein. “Advertising would adopted the fantasy as reality. Call it the not hire Jews. The comic books were a joke, American dream.” they would give it away for free in the middle “Jews are not superheroes and superheroes of newspapers, there were no barriers to entry are not Jews. They’re not Jewish because and the doors were always wide open, and so they are not real. However, I believe there many young immigrants found this door to is a very real Jewish influence. The creators which they wanted right in.” were Jewish and there is a very historical In the 1930s, the first action comic connection. I believe as a Rabbi, it’s a Jewish superhero, Superman, was published. spiritual message and it’s something everyone Superman is the creation of two Jewish men, The jewish influence have birthed iconic superheros like Superman//Genesis Fuentes can connect to. It’s something to be proud of.” Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The creation of A Letter for a Troubled Society!! FERNANDO VAZQUEZ based on an old style Roman face, in staff writer the early sixteenth century for Italian Renaissance painter and publisher Aldus The novel, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Manutius (1449-1515). These letters aim “Between the World and Me,” describes at the feelings, symbolism, and realities a very difficult topic. It is known to be associated with being black in the U.S. an interesting and philosophical novel. Coates paraphrases the American Its storyline is about the troubled U.S. history of violence against the African- society and the most intimate concerns American communities and it’s unfair of a father for his son. vigilance from the law over the black Coates’ attempt to answer in a letter youth. to his fourteen-year-old son, explains Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between to him and shares the stories of his the World and Me” consists of a awakening to the truth about his place, controversial and philosophical novel from Howard University to the South that cannot be ignored. Toni Morrison Side of Chicago. This also continues praised this wonderful novel. “The from his childhood home in Baltimore, Language of Between the World and to his friend’s suspicious death, and Me, like Coates’ journey, is visceral, to the living rooms of mothers whose eloquent, and beautifully redemptive. Its children’s lives were taken, explaining examination of the hazards and hopes serious occurrences of injustices and of black male life is as profound as it police brutality. Through a series of is revelatory. This is required reading,” dramatic and colorful experiences, said Morrison.”Between the World and Coates’ vision coincides into the Me” consists of a very challenging topic, segregation and violence around the interesting, realistic, and philosophical Civil Rights Movement era, to the reality novel that all young men and women of racism and violence seen today. should read. The novel breaks down into three Left photo: Book cover Right photo:Author Ta-Nehisi Coates. //Wikipedia wonderful letters, according to Coates’ set which was in Bembo, a typeface What Are Psychology Majors Up Against? LUCIA RUBI GODOY different disorders, like anxiety and stress. online editor As of now, she sees mostly teenagers. “It can be very frustrating and emotionally The Psychology Club at Bergen draining,” said Ross. She explained that Community College and Psi Beta invited teenagers want to be heard, but it is also Psychologist Nansie Ross to talk to the common to welcome patients that will sit students. The psychologist had spent 16 down for the whole hour of therapy and not years doing school psychology, and 16 years say a word. Many of them don’t know what doing private psychology. to say if they are not used to being listened On April 7, Room C-324 filled up to. quickly with members of the Psychology Ross recommended to anybody club and other students. Nansie Ross began pursuing psychology as a career to maintain by describing the academic process that a life outside the office, since it is very one must go through to be a therapist, a emotionally draining. Since a psychologist psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, and who works on private practice manages his what the legal difference is between them. or her own schedule, it is possible to work Ross encouraged the students to pursue long hours and late afternoons. psychology as a career, since it is as she says Finally, Nansie Ross provided students “very rewarding. People who walk in are with links to different websites in which they usually looking for help,” said Ross. can search for volunteer opportunities in the The psychologist discussed techniques field. This is useful for psychology students, used to overcome phobias, which are since they need a certain amount of practice irrational fears of specific things or hours in order to be a professional. activities. She explained how during Ross discusses the difficulties and rewards of her profession.//Lucia Rubi Godoy therapy, patients or clients are helped to treat 15 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Part Time Student, Full Time Mother: Nia Whittingham’s Story

KATHERINE CANILLAS [understandably] couldn’t, because he went to boot staff writer camp for the Marines.” Every day, students may walk into school, mind Whittingham also had to balance out her seasonal their own business not knowing about the incredible job, which she later left because she needed the people on campus. Nia Whittingham, a second year time off. “I had a Sciatic nerve acting up during the student and mother of lovely daughter Nala, gave the time, because my baby weighed a lot, my pregnancy Torch and in depth look into what it’s like to be a affected my back mostly. I couldn’t stand for too long. part-time student and full-time mother, day in and I worked at Sunglass Hut in Westfield Mall. It would day out. be very painful.” As she started her second semester, the last thing On October 2 of 2015, baby Nala was born. “I on her mind was a pregnancy. “During the time I felt sick, I thought I had the flu because everyone was getting sick. I just had to assume that was the case,” “I was mentally said Whittingham.The morning sickness continued, prepared knowing I and she was surprised to have missed her period. was pregnant. Once I “I had an ultrasound done. I saw a dancing baby, literally. I wish I could have recorded it.” The surprise had her I admit it was caused her to nervously panic. “I tried not to stress overwhelming but it just as much, because I knew I had to tell my mom. The took a bit of time to get hardest part was obviously telling my parents. My the hang of it, now I feel boyfriend and I told our parents together.” A couple of days after telling her family the truth, like a baby pro.” her mother accepted the fact that she was pregnant and was happy to know she would soon be a grandmother. -Nia Whittingham After her second semester, commuting to and from school became stressful, she decided to take a break from school to take care of herself as she awaited the birth of her baby, who was due in October 2015. was mentally prepared knowing I was pregnant. Once She was hesitant when her mother pitched the I had her I admit it was overwhelming but it just took idea about taking online classes. “It was toward the a bit of time to get the hang of it, now I feel like a baby end of my pregnancy, so I was sleepy, always kept pro,” Nia said. up at night, and I was also extra-emotional,” said Since she had the semester off, Whittingham spent Whittingham. It was hard enough for her to focus on homework already, since at the time she was taking Introduction to Business and Sociology. During this demanding time, her boyfriend stuck (Continued on pg.21) Whittingham stays positive despite adversity.//Facebook by her, “he said he would be there for everything, but A Conversation with Rafiullah Naveed, SGA Senator PURNASREE SAHA contributing writer English, these students should be given a proper platform to speak, he thinks. When Rafiullah Naveed became “We wouldn’t criticize them. My team a senator of the Student Government and I in the SGA would give them Association this spring, he knew support.” he had found diverse crossroads at What else does one have to do to be BCC. “While I was working at the a senator at BCC? “It is mandatory to Information Desk this semester, I attend the meetings every Wednesday found out much more detail about the well dressed up, and I have to work at SGA. I submitted an application with least five hours a week [in the office]. an essay including 500 words and got It is not that difficult in becoming a two deans to sign my application,” said senator, but sometimes, there is an Naveed, who started at BCC in fall of issue with going to class because the 2014. He was, and still is, also a part of meeting goes until 1:30 p.m. and my the International Student Association. class starts at 1:45 p.m., so I have “In this club, students with different run to my class sometimes,” Naveed races and ethnicities describe their said. But the benefits are great. “I feel aspects, ideas, and differences of their responsible, beneficial, and part of culture and countries.” a team as a senator. I also feel like I Naveed knew much about am greeting and making new friends. collaboration, thanks to his background This role will also help me to achieve in science and academics. He was my career goals and help me toward working on a chemistry project in my major because I am gaining more STEM this January. “The process of experience.” learning how to help others, working as In the future he hopes that he can a team, and coming up with solutions help more people by helping them find based on the problems that students what is the right path for them. He were facing helped me become a is interested in becoming a physical senator in the SGA,” he said. As a therapist, a process that is similar to senator, he joined both the athletic and being a senator, he said, because both diversity committees. roles require plenty of patience and the “The diversity committee involves desire to help a lot of people. people talking about the differences in “My attitude has changed while their races and ethnicities and sharing becoming a senator because I learned their ideas from their countries, which how to communicate, behave, and be is similar to the International Student kind to others,” Naveed said. Association,” Naveed said. Even though they don’t always speak proper Rafiullah Naveed at Diversity Day//Ari Luis Lopez Wei 16 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Bergen Stages Presents South Pacific: The fight against Prejudice ADAM GRASSANI and it is a plot to be enjoyed. The sports editor setting and action takes place in two Bergen Stages hosted yet another South Pacific islands during the time one of their plays at the Ciccone of World War II. A man by the name Theatre. This time, a large crowd of of Emile de Becque(played by Philip students got a strong feel of atmosphere Hackett) and a woman named Nellie of the Pacific during a time of war Forbush (played by Sarah Strickland) when they witnessed the play “South are slowly starting to fall in love. Pacific”. The size of the crowd did not However, multiple bumps in the road go unnoticed from the producer of the come during their relationship, the show, college producer and assistant first coming when Nellie discovers professor Jim Bumgardner. that Emile once murdered a man out “I thought they were a wonderful of rebellion. This gets the U.S. Navy crowd!” said Bumgardner. “On force stationed on the island interested Monday we thought we had 80 people. in Emile; they ask Nellie for any Tonight we had about 240 people. So information about him, putting Nellie it was just excellent. Great opening under a lot of pressure. crowd.” This is where another key aspect One thing that definitely stood of the show kicked in, which is its out in the play is the on-point scenario excellent music. Most of the music props and costumes. The scenario was played on piano. The musical props set the environment and performances were not only a joy to atmosphere of the play. Furthermore hear, but were extremely fitting to both the props and costumes almost each situation. flawlessly fit into each setting of the However, what many can consider show. the greatest aspect of the show is its The plot of the play is adapted from theme of the evils of prejudice. Navy James A. Michener’s award-winning Lieutenant Joseph Cable (played by novel “Tales of the South Pacific” Brendan Schlenker), meets up with

The cast of South Pacific performing in front of a full house// Henry Fowler

Emile to offer him to join the military. through with the marriage of a dark In the beginning, Emile refuses, as he skinned girl. Cable then gives in to his wishes to live the rest of his life with prejudice and leaves Liat. Nellie. However, Nellie discovers that “I think it’s got a great lesson he already had two kids of his own about not being prejudiced,” said Jim with a dark skinned woman, which Bumgardner, giving his take of the causes Nellie to break up with him, strong theme and message of the show: exposing her prejudice against blacks. “About opening your eyes and allowing Afterward, the heartbroken Emile people to be who they are and accept agrees to join the Navy with Cable. them for who they are.” This theme is emphasized The play ended with Nellie throughout the play, as Cable goes receiving the news that Cable had through a similar problem with died in the battle. Nellie immediately prejudice against dark skins. A woman, believes Emile to be dead as well. She Bloody Mary, is searching for a man then goes back to Emile’s place to visit for her daughter, Liat. Believing Cable his kids, wanting to get over her initial to be a perfect match, Bloody Mary prejudice against them. Emile returns hooks the two up. She couldn’t be home from war to Nellie, who finally more right as Cable and Liat quickly agrees to marriage; A fantastic ending fall in love. However, Cable fears what to such a fantastic show his peers will think of him if he goes BCC Holds Progressive Male Leadership Conference

MICHELLE CORREA important it is to step up and realize what your staff writer potential can give you and that really hit home for me, before attending Bergen Community Over 100 male students attended the College I never really had that Black male Progressive Male Leadership Conference presence until I met Ron Mcknight. It really hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs just cemented why I’m doing the things that I here at Bergen Community College. The main do at BCC,” said SGA Chief of Staff Nicholas objective was to motivate students who are on Scales. the path to becoming leaders. Scales said that he has a great relationship The event took place on April 7, 2016 in the with Mr. McKnight and is very thankful for Tech Building in Room Tec-128, starting off it. In addition, Scales was a student speaker with leadership expert Matthew Horace as the for this event. He encouraged all the students first keynote speaker. There were 15 speakers at the conference to not give up, and to strive that the students were able to hear from. The for what they are most passionate about, speakers were comprised of influential male regardless of the obstacles they might run into. leaders from different professions. Many Scales reassured all students that at the end of topics were discussed, from education, careers the day, it’s all worth it and it’s okay to make and financial literacy. mistakes because we are all human; we are not Male middle and high school students perfect. from Teaneck, Englewood, Hackensack, and By learning about these important topics, many other towns in Bergen County took part students were connecting and engaging with in this inspiring event. Mr. Ron McKnight, the male panelists. Full of energy, Anthony the Director of the Office of Multicultural Johnson, award-winning journalist at WABC- Affairs, spoke for a good hour and made all TV served as the afternoon keynote speaker the students feel at home. for this uplifting event. The event was a “Ron Mcknight gave such an interesting success and motivated many students to shape speech targeted to Black and Latino males themselves into the leaders. about how important it is to be a leader, how Keynote Speaker Anthony Johnson//Henry Fowler 17 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Understanding North Korea FLORENCIA LLOSAS becomes beautiful, it becomes accepts rationalism, what will ad manager sacrificial,” Dr. Yi explained. he become? In his own way, Dr. Kil J. Yi, a journalist, He also showed the [Kim] is very calculating, and professor, and worker for audience the rationale behind very effective. He wants to international relations, the Supreme Leader’s actions, be recorded as North Korea’s delivered a presentation and why we, as products of Jesus of Nazareth.” for Asian Heritage Week a different culture, fail to He expressed his concern explaining in a captivating comprehend it. He explained for the country, repeating manner North Korea’s that Kim Jong-Un must live more than once how no one reasoning behind their up to the expectations of his should underestimate, nor constant threat with nuclear millions of supporters, just mock the dynasty, because it development. He opened like his father and grandfather is a powerful one. “They have with a very simple truth: that did before him. And through 80 percent of the technology he was not there to supply a slideshow and a video, done,” he said, talking about solutions. “If I had them, I also showed the difference the nuclear missiles. “This wouldn’t be here,” he said. between both American and Nation can really achieve The Bergen Professor North Korean rationalization, something, They could really went on to explain the which explained why create things out of nothing,” concept of Romanticism Western “rationalism” will said the professor. behind Kim Jong-un’s ruling not work when trying to However, Dr. Yi of the Republic. Contrasting reach a compromise with this concluded his presentation French Revolution-inspired government that still believes on a more hopeful note, by art, and North Korea’s own, the fervent idea that North showing pictures he took as Dr. Yi showed his audience America is an Imperialist a journalist on his journey to how the five million dynasty country which needs to be the country. supporters see Kim’s taken down. “I have hope in my heart development of Ballistic “The National psyche is that this situation is not missiles as the modern one of on-going revolution,” completely helpless. There equivalent of the late French said Dr Yi. “If Kim talks is a significant part of the movement. western rationale, his North Korean nation who are “When you put violence followers [around 20 percent willing to work with us.”

in the right context, it of the Nation’s citizens] will Dr. Kil J. Yi discusses rationalization in North Korean journalism//Henry Fowler think he is a traitor. If he Myanmar: Past, Present, Future

MARIA SUAREZ freedom of speech and originally divided could never steal your contributing writer the right to vote. The religiously, culturally education.” “Mingalaba!” people of Myanmar and linguistically. Following (Myanmese for Hello) did not have any of After being colonized, independence in said Dr Win Win Kyi this. Instead they were native inhabitants January 1948, to the audience in immobilized to never were not allowed Myanmar was its own A-104. This foreign learn to be critical to use their own worst enemy. Schools greeting originates thinkers, never to have language. In schools, were nationalized and from the people of creativity. They lived they had to change more money was spent Myanmar as it was under authoritarian their hereditary name on the military than presented on April 12 foreign rule for years. to attend, if they even on education. Several by Bergen Community Myanmar was subject had the opportunity of their leaders were College’s Dr. Kyi in her to rule by both China or money to go. uneducated and inspirational speech and India, and thus its They were limited unqualified. They for Asia Now. It is the culture was heavily to counting only gave out “guns like foreign tongue that influenced by these to a hundred and lollipops”. It was the does not have the need two large nations. reading and writing longest civil war in its to distinguish between Just recently, Dr. was scarce. At this independent history. good morning, good Kyi was given the time, education was Today, Dr. Kyi afternoon, or good opportunity to vote in a privilege that many teaches the acronym evening. It does, her country. “Better did not have. It was of LEADERSHIP however, differentiate late than never,” she valued but it was only “Love Enthusiasm the language of the said. Up until recently for the wealthy. Dr. Kyi And Dedication woman and of the the country lacked any says that education is Equals Respect, So man, unlike English form of freedom of the greatest equalizer. Help Inspire People.” that generalizes speech and the saying, “Education is the gift Respect is a two- language into I, Us, “Brain’s frozen, Eyes that no one could steal way street. Respect and We. shut, Ears closed, and from you. I could to one’s country is When the audience Mouths cemented,” steal your diamonds. the beginning of an was asked what do came about. I could steal your overdue pulse of the Americans value, In 1886, Myanmar castle. I could steal diverse people around answers varied from became a province your island. I could us.

opportunity to the of India. It was Dr. Win Win Kyi addresses the audience// Henry Fowler steal your plane, but I

Confucius PeterTeaching Dlugos and Wayne Bustin in led theModern presentation interactions, Society it spread throughout the rest of other with talks, PowerPoints, and videos. Asian countries. “It became more than a philosophy, Confucianism has a very impactful influence on it became a useful way of uniting a nation” said East Asian culture and society. Professor Bustin said Bustin. “if you read Confucius, his philosophy seems very China went through their own cultural revolution simple. They obtained natural observations. So you and had impacted Confucianism not too long ago. wonder why this philosophy was so important for Then, a video showing when China was under Mao development of East Asia.” Zedong’s rule and how it had shaken the culture and When applying Confucianism in government people was played. Mao Zedong didn’t want people and a lifestyle, Dlugos and Bustin explained that to have any ideas other than Maoism; a famous quote Confucism is not just about the great society, it is all from Mao was “You don’t become an emperor by about the individual responsibility of each person. reading books,” telling his people in several occasions “We often think of China having a very collective “you don’t need to think.” Ultimately, it differed from type of mentality, but actually, Confucianism was Confucius’ teachings, which valued teaching and Dr. Peter Dlugos speaks on Confucius//Henry Fowler first about the individual. It is about correcting your studying. KATHERINE CANILLAS own ways and maintaining your morality and then Dlugos and Wayne then did some Q & A and some staff writer transforming the world around you. It really started professors had shared their experiences from growing from the individual and built its way up. The thing up with the teachings in their own household, and The Philosophy Club and Philosophy and about Confucianism is that it can be an emperor even their experience from their country regarding Religion professors gave a presentation on Confucius or a common farmer, both of them had the same their Chinese background. Confucius’ teachings Teaching in Modern Society. The event, which took responsibility” Bustin explained. can be applied to everyday life. It teaches one to be place on Tuesday April 12 at 12:30, in A-104, was open The philosophy was deployed by the governments selfless, facing one toward the morally right path, to anyone who was interested in learning. Professors of China first, then with trade and political and the aspects of our responsibility as humans. 18 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Memento Of a Fallen Brother (continued from pg. 11)

The whole family was devastated by his loss. Once Sgt. Matthew Fenton had the marine; they both had tears in their eyes. passed on, there was a huge magnificent military funeral for him. The whole I was very distraught at the time and I don’t remember much of the ceremony town of Little Ferry, the Marines, and the Veterans from previous wars all came after that. I still recall that it felt like on that day the whole town became our together in his honor. Once we all started walking down Liberty Street, all of the family as we faced it together and as the day came to a close, I realized that I was war veterans proudly saluted as a huge American flag were draped high above the proud of Matthew’s level of dedication and of his loyalty. street. I still do not know how we had the strength to march down the whole street. Matthew’s actions were not just for his immediate family but also for the But as we all walked under it, we all had tears in our eyes as we were doing our strangers that he will never have the privilege of knowing, nor will the new best to hold each other up. generation ever recognize his face. I would rather struggle to tell his story, yet it After we all stopped marching behind the hearse, Matthew’s fellow Marines would be such a shame if the people of this world would forget his name. There stood motionless as they were dressed to the ‘T’ in their full dress blues uniform. is so much more that I would love to write about and it is a privilege and a great One of them broke from the formation. Once he opened the door of the hearse the honor to share his story with anyone. Some people get very quiet as they do hear whole family gasped. The marines carried his coffin out and it had been draped the answer of why I wear his dog tags. Most do try to change the subject as They over with an American flag. They began to carry his coffin upon the streets of see my eyes start to tear up. his hometown, and they did it proudly with so much gratitude and honor towards But to be honest, I would rather cry while telling his story, than having Matt’s one of their brothers who was no longer with us. Right before they reached the legacy become a forgotten one. Even at family events, i still feel as though there is doors of the funeral home, they stopped and one of the marines took the flag off a void where he should be present. I do wish he was still here, but not just because the coffin. He turned around with the flag in hand and as he began to fold it. The I miss him terribly, it is more about him. That he is missing out on everything whole family continued to shed more tears as he gave it to Matthew’s mother. since his passing. I really do wish there was peace, so the good don’t have to die After my aunt, Diane Fenton, had received the flag from the marine, she hugged young.

Nothing too exciting happens in the NOURA DAKKA first two hours of the movie. It was filled staff writer with predictability and awkward encounters Not only was this movie Batman vs. between Batman and Superman, exchanging Superman, but it was also fans vs. critics. blows. It kept you wondering when the action Before the movie even came out critics were was going to kick in. Affleck was not the best writing bad reviews, calling it “boring” and choice to play the part of Batman. Not that he “plodding.” This infuriated DC fans and is a bad actor, it just did not feel right. Not to they claimed that critics were being Marvel mention his costume was lame; it looked very biased and many even believed that critics fake, nothing was intimidating about it. were being paid to write negative reviews. The villain of the movie, Lex Rotten Tomatoes’ top critics gave Batman Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), gets a hold of vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice a 26 percent some kryptonite, which as we all know is rating. The actual truth was to be revealed Superman’s weakness, and then he creates when the movie finally came out. And for the monster from the comics, Doomsday. once the fans owe the critics an apology. Eisenberg’s acting in this movie was very Zack Snyder’s two hour and a half impressive, especially since he has never movie was indeed boring and plodding. The showed this wicked side to him. movie gradually showed the conflict between The only interesting character of the Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry movie was Wonder Woman. She captured Cavill) battling for glory. It was kind of your attention with her mysterious and hard to understand at first, that Batman and attractive personality. And she definitely Superman hated each other and they each took away the spotlight at the end of the wanted to be superior to the other. It was movie where she came to save the day (and never revealed why they had such an intense the movie) with her extraordinary powers. conflict to begin with. The city of Metropolis Batman vs. Superman has made over despised Superman for being reckless by 851.6 million dollars internationally since accidentally harming the citizens during its release date, March 25. Surprisingly this rescues, (shows how ungrateful people can movie made more than The Avengers did be). We later discover that the government on its first weekend, and that only happened was trying to eliminate Superman and who because we have all been waiting so long for else would we leave the investigation up to a DC movie. than the lovely journalist Lois Lane (Amy The Torch recommends you fast forward Adams). to the last 30 minutes because you really Batman and Superman just before their controversial kiss//MCT Campus won’t be missing much. Bards and Scribes Club Holds Autobiographical Poetry Workshop EMILY WEIKL This kind of poetry, also known as contributing writer confessional poetry, involved very open and honest personal revelations. A few poets that Imagine yourself as a house. What would wrote like this were John Berryman, Robert you look like? Would there be shutters on the Lowell, and Sylvia Plath. Surprisingly, all of windows, or would light flood in from every these poets had a mental health issue of some one? sort. By the 1970s, this type of poetry was no “One of the jobs of This was a writing prompt in the longer popular. Jonathan Findura-lead poetry workshop Findura said that, in poetry, “one of the the poet is to make it on autobiographical poetry. The prompt jobs of the poet is to make it interesting.” For was inspired by one of the poems read in example, in Plath’s poem “Daddy,” which was the workshop, called “Scary, No Scary” by discussed in the workshop, she compares her interesting.” Zachary Schomburg. One interpretation of the relationship with her father to that of a Jew and poem that was discussed was that the narrator a Nazi in World War II. Plath did not outright was talking about his past self as a house that condemn her father, but did so and explored it -Jonathan Findura they’re returning to. Everyone there, including through this comparison. An interesting factoid Findura, wrote on this. is that the line “Ghastly statue with one gray Findura has published his own poetry toe” refers to Mr. Plath dying from an infection and works in Bergen Community College’s in his toe. writing center. He started the workshop off “What intrigues me is how people’s minds with this information, and followed with more work,” Fintura said. In autobiographical poetry, background about the genre of autobiographical the machinations of one’s mind are on full poetry itself. “It was a movement that started display. in the 1950s and carried into the 60s,” said Findura. 19 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Fitness Facility and Friendships

Left photo: The Fitness Center Right Photo: Bergen Track//Genesis Fuentes

ADRIANNE COLEMAN NATOLI fitness center and the pool. No sticker Psychology at BCC. “It is mind focus.” have mourned together for deceased staff writer is required to use the track or tennis Pat LaRosa, another member spouses, parents, children and beloved Deana Dedovitch is the Coordinator courts. of the group said, “College is a place members. of Athletics and Equipment Manager. “One of the things that brings the where people often develop lifelong The eldest member is Viola She covers games, plans events and Wellness and Exercise Science (Wex) friendships.” Although this group Wills who is 90 and lives in a nursing coordinates student work hours and Department down is that it used to be has never officially attended BCC, home. “She used to fly her own plane,” new programs, . One question on the mandated that every major had to take they have developed and maintained said Kay. They get together and have mind of some students : is the track an athletic class,” said Dedovitch. “It’s lifelong friendships. lunch with her in the nursing home. open for students use? “Yes, when it is no longer mandated by the state, so In 1984, individuals registered The group has become much smaller closed, the procedure is to call public the students don’t have to take classes for an Aquacise Community education now. Some have moved away, but they safety and they will open the track,” over here.” This has encouraged class at BCC, which became a regular maintain strong bonds through emails, said Dedovitch It is the same policy for many students to utilize the amenities college course in September of 1986. letters and phone calls. the tennis courts.” available to stay in shape. Each semester brought new faces, “Each member can attest that The fitness Center at S-128 has free Kay Feeney, a Bergen County parents, business professionals, fitness has had a profoundly positive hours posted on the door and the pool resident takes advantage of BCC’s educators, nurses and new students. effect on his or her health and well- also has free swim hours posted on the community outreach. For over thirty Swimming for fitness has not being. We hope we are healthy role door. A medical form needs to be on years, she and over 66 community been their only benefit. They have models for other members of the BCC file to use these facilities. A sticker members have participated twice a week become lifelong friends in support community,” said LaRosa, “Especially from the Health Services department in Professor Kathy Pignatelli’s 8:00 of one another. Within the 30 years the young students. We encourage has to be issued and placed across the a.m. aquacise/swim class. “Swimming they have been swimming together, others to explore various physical student identification card. Once that is a good tool for concentration,” said they have shared weddings, children’s activities and discover their individual is complete, the student can use the Professor Pignatelli who also teaches births, and building careers. They “life-sport.” New Generation, New Barbie MELISSA SAENZ staff writer

Blonde, skinny, tall, and beautiful is what Barbie has always been. Barbie has been the icon of femininity since 1959, when it appeared in a toy fair in New York. It is one of the most common first toys for the young girls. As a many girls have had a Barbie doll of their own, whether as a way to play, or something as deep as filling the void of being very shy, enough to never have friends. Sadly, many have never

had the privilege to look at a doll that The iconic toy brand is broadening its horizons// Wikimedia resembles their body shape, eye color, or skin tone. skin tones, 22 different eye colors, and have learned through this that being taking care of a younger sibling or even However, thanks to a creative team 24 different hair styles. different, whether it is in our body type, themselves who have a problem with that included Kim Culmone and Robert The question that is on everyone’s skin tone, eye color, sexual orientation self-confidence can look up to someone Best from the company Mattel itself, mind is, what inspired the creative or disabilities, only adds to our beauty older and of course, the new Barbie can things have changed. team to create these new dolls? and uniqueness. Mattel is trying be reassured that they are beautiful. The toy company Mattel just Unfortunately, one of the reasons to teach the younger girls that even Adult students can give their daughter a announced its biggest project yet. is the decrease of sales since both if the original blonde hair and blue Barbie doll that looks likes them and is “Project Dawn” was released to Times Disney’s Frozen and the Lego’s new eyed Barbies are beautiful, the new dressed in the occupation they’re trying Magazine on January 28, drawing toys for females surpassed Mattel’s petite, curvy and small ones are just as to get can reassure their daughters, ’hey, attention from everyone around the sales. However, that wasn’t the only beautiful. mommy and Barbie are both beautiful world. It was so secretive that the reason. It was also the new generations; The great thing is BCC students and can do something for the world, members of the team couldn’t tell their more specifically our generation: the now have the privilege to get an you can too,’” said Genesis Fuentes, a loved ones with fear that the project Millennials. education and fight for change, first-year student at Bergen. might be exposed. Mattel has created We Millennials are huge believers whether it is for the change in a doll, The new changes are seen as minor three new dolls with realistic body of diversity existing everywhere. Just or teaching the younger girls that the to many individuals, but it’s a huge types which are petite, small and curvy. by entering BCC’s automatic doors, word “beautiful” has more than one change for the younger girls that will Yet, that’s not what all the creative team we enter a place where all women meaning. become women one day. did. Barbie dolls now come with four are different in various ways and “Bergen girls can be affected by different body shapes, seven different that’s what makes us special.Many the new Barbie by those girls who are 20 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Bright Future for Bergen’s Part Time Student, Full Wrestling Captain Time Mother (Continued from pg. 10) (Continued from pg. 15)

all her time with her newly born baby, school, “the first five months Nala was just in time for the holidays and for the breastfed. Now she is starting to eat family to get together. “It was fun, she’s for herself. It’s going to be a struggle a very fun baby, very entertaining. Her finding a babysitter if something goes personality was slowly coming in. She wrong. If she calls me for a problem I’ll would smile and laugh finally. Around be all the way in Paramus and I won’t that time my boyfriend came back be able to help her at that moment.” home. It was the first time meeting the She is proud that Nala is such a baby and what not. He wasn’t there for behaved girl “She’s a good baby. When the birthing.” we go out she is quiet and everyone When asked about managing enjoys her.” Lastly, she is glad that she motherhood and school, she shared that is keeping a good balance during this “it definitely consists of a lot of work semester in Bergen. and having support. So the fact that I have support makes everything easier.” She is worried about not being able to deliver to Nala’s needs when she is in

James Henry squaring up for his wrestling meet//Bergen Sports

(who just retired after 30 years of coaching), is an inductee of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Wrestling Hall of Fame. To say the least, having these two positive and inspirational role models in Henry’s life contributed to his determination in reaching his goals. “Keeping my head in the game was a really big struggle knowing that I had pain in my left knee each match. But each time, I would remind myself of the type of coach I had, a living legend in the sport of wrestling. He would keep my head in the game and he taught me how to stay focused.” This past year, Henry was qualified to compete at the National Wrestling Championship. Although, he didn’t take home the medal, he got a taste of what it’s like competing with the top wrestlers. “I’ve seen how hungry those wrestlers were to get the win. They will do anything possible to get it,” he said. Now that Henry’s seen what he’s up against, there’s no stopping this wrestling captain in his task to getting the National Championship title. “The sport of wrestling overall takes so much sacrifice and time. It’s a way of life for me.” “I’m going to train over the summer long. I want to get my body in mint condition and I’m going to do that the correct and healthy way with proper diet. I’m on a mission now,” Henry said. The inspiration by his coaches to be the best version himself, as a student and a wrestler, is an addition to the fuel Henry needs to keep going. Nia’s time with her baby has developed a new sense of meaning to life// Iness Rabah 21 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 |MAY 2016 TORCH Crossword Puzzle 22 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 Captain’s Corner: NCAA Athletes are Slaves

GABE WANNISIAN editor-in-chief The NCAA extorts their student-athletes at inhumane levels that would make a communist sweatshop blush. Did I get your attention with the edgy lead sentence? Well I am afraid to inform you that there is not much hyperbole found within those words, as the growing empire that is college sports refuses to reward the very athletes that make them their large piles of cash. Take March Madness for example. Over $1 billion in TV revenue is made during its 30 day span in 2015 according to Kantar Media. This insane income surpasses the Super Bowl, and it’s not too far from the entire 2015 NFL postseason ad revenue combined. I mean hey, if the hardcore college sports fans tune in to watch these athletic specimens put on a show, those said athletes deserve their share, right? Not if slave-owning head of the NCAA Mark Emmert can help it. “They are not employees, they are student athletes,” he stated constantly like a broken record during an ESPN interview. Well that is all fine and dandy, until Shabazz Napier, current Orlando Magic player and former UCONN star shed some light on the reality many college athletes deal with. “Sometimes there are hungry nights where I don’t even eat. But I still got to play up to my capabilities,” he said postgame; one could hardly tell if he was a basketball player, or a Hunger Games survivor. Perhaps the NCAA should reconsider its corrupt ways//Imgur But Emmert would laughably argue that it is sufficient that the NCAA provides their athletes point of the athletes being barred from playing. while they yell and scream at their players for having with an education. “We give them a remarkable No better example of this can be found than in off games. Little do they know, while they get revenue opportunity to get an education through American an investigative report conducted at the University from their contracts, sponsored summer camps, and universities and colleges,” he said on ESPN. of North Carolina, in which student athletes that are TV deals, the players are managing their schedules, Now don’t get me wrong, a four-year struggling in their classes get offered “paper courses” and worrying about their mothers paying their bills. education is undeniably valuable. Of course, to bolster their GPA during the summer courses. Many would then argue, “Well they will all get assuming that you either don’t get hurt and lose But wait, There’s more! In order to maintain rich when they become professional.” Less than two your scholarship, or you don’t even have time to their status as a “non-profit” organization, universities percent make it to the pros. If you have dreams of study. “I would love for a regular student to have spend a ridiculous amount of money to bring their net being a viking or wizard, don’t, because you are more a student-athlete’s schedule during the season for gross even. Case and point, the top 10 largest stadiums likely become an actual viking or wizard. just one quarter or one semester and show me how in the U.S. all belong to colleges. But let us just pretend I am not saying they all need to get paid, but when you balance that,” said star NFL athlete Richard like the NCAA is a non-profit that is only in it for the the student behind the counter selling the jerseys Sherman. the love of the game, the way Pitbull makes countless makes more money than the actual athlete the jersey But let’s not be naive here; these players are lifeless radio hits for the love of music. is for, something is wrong. the NCAA’s sources of profit, and they cannot, and Also, coaches getting paid ludicrous contracts will not, accept their players grades to suffer to the West Indies Makes History

The West Indies Cricket Team celebrates its miraculous victory//Imgur MANAHIL AHMAD front of such passionate fans, it’s just tremendous,” said Darren Sammy, captain staff writer of the West Indies cricket team. West Indies won their second T20 title on Sunday, April 3 by winning against The full members of International cricket are 10 teams. Australia, Bangladesh, England with four wickets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India. Carlos Brathwaite Pakistan, India, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and had tears of joy among his fans when he discerned his win after a tough match. West Indies. West Indies is the only team who has won the ICC World Twenty20 By the last over, Marlon Samuels had made 85 runs off of 66 balls while twice, in 2012 and 2016. chasing the target of 156 runs, which England gave and were then left with 19 The West Indies Women’s team also won their T20 World Cup 2016 final runs. Carlos Brathwaite then hit four consecutive sixes determining the win for against Australia Women by eight wickets on the same day along with the victory West Indies. The West Indies celebrated their win fully as their song ‘Champions’ of under 19 Cricket World Cup in February. West Indies makes history by was to be heard out loud in the stadium. currently, holding the title of the T20 world cup, T20 women’s world cup as well “We had a lot of issues, we felt disrespected by our board. Mark Nicholas as the under 19 world cup. West Indies achieves it all in this year. described our team as a team with no brains. All these things before the tournament “For today, I’m going to celebrate with these 15 men and coaching staff. just brought this team together. I really want to thank these 15 men, the ability to So this win, I want to thank you my team, I want to thank you coaching staff. just put all those adversities aside and to come out and play this type of cricket in Everybody knows West Indies are the champion,” said Darren Sammy. 23 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8| Track and Field Races to MAY 2016 Nationals

The track team executes its multifaceted approach to victory//Claudette Alcobar CHRISTOPHER MOLINA staff writer Looking back at the men and women’s track and Because we don’t have that here.” this year. It does make a difference of what you do field season, a lot has happened. After losing their Despite the challenges faced in practice, many are the whole season. It’s just how you finish the season most trusted assistant coach, Angel Solias, early this pleased to be given that opportunity. at nationals matter more.” year, But many of the athletes looked to rise above the “Qualifying for nationals is pretty awesome,” First-year Bergen track athlete Tyler Olivieri bumps in the road.Three track athletes have qualified said Calupad. “I was the first girl to do it here, for the also qualified for nationals with an impressive show for nationals, along with others thus far, those being season, so it’s pretty cool.” in his first meet. With an extensive track background Thrower Garrett Pynn, Pole Vaulter Camil Calupad, The women’s track team seems to be well on in high school, this will be his first appearance in and Tyler Olivieri. their way to an impressive season, having nine girls nationals. ”Just gonna treat it like another meet, Nationals will take place at Westfield State to qualify for nationals along with three boys. Of can’t get too nervous,” said Olivieri. University, Mass from May 6 to May 9. Having those nine, five qualified on Saturday, April 23 at the Since Assistant coach Solias left before the start qualified for nationals Camil was named BCC’s Fitchburg State University Eric Loeschner Memorial of the season, along with troubling weather that had female athlete of the month for March. Calupad Track and field Invitational. Katiana Mendoza, Keli plagued the first half of the season, a lot of the qualified for nationals at the Elizabethtown Earlybird Galati, Melissa Duran, Amanada Duran are in the responsibility is on the shoulders of the head coach. opener, with a leap measured at 2.59 m and third in 4x800 and Alexandria Raffa is in the shot put. “The weather has been horrible, so hopefully this the pole vault event. Of course, the process of getting Qualifying for Nationals is no easy task, with next meet will be warm and not raining,” said head to that point isn’t easy, when facing the task of many athletes in track preparing for this event months track coach Erika Czujko. Czujko also received practicing at other high schools due to lack of proper in advance. This is what Thrower Garrett Pynn has plenty of help from cross country coach and former equipment at Bergen. been doing, who also qualified for two events: shot Bergen track athlete, Deana Dedovitch. “The process is kinda hard because Bergen put and discuss. “Coach Deanna, the cross country coach, doesn’t have mats,” said Calupad. “So it’s always “It definitely takes preparation,” said Pynn. “You comes back and helps when she can or gives some hard for me, to practice at the high school, trying prepare the whole year for it [and] the whole track workouts for the runners.” said Czujko. “We’ve to go there every day, and practicing the best I can. season. As for going to nationals, I have high hopes been making due. It has been helping out with that.” Argentinian National Soccer Coach at BCC

ALEJANDRO GIRALDO be how attentive the audience was. staff writer Over 100 Coaches had pens in hand, World class national team cameras and recording devices all coaches visiting Bergen Community on. No one dared to speak because College is not a common event. So one would miss something. There you can imagine the treat students was so much information to take got on Saturday April 16, when in, but everyone was ready and Gerardo “Tata” Martino held prepared. day one of his two day coaching The one major flaw to the event seminar. This lead to coaches from was the translation as Martino all over the tri-state area flying and doesn’t speak English, and the migrating to Bergen County for the translator was not a professional, weekend. The seminar ran from so many of Martinos words were 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday merely summarized. As most of and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the crowd was Hispanic, Tata and Sunday. This seminar was held by his staff would get carried away World Soccer Seminars out of Fort speaking in Spanish. The translator Lee New Jersey. could not possibly translate Martino is a world renowned everything. soccer coach. 18 days prior to being That being said, there was a in BCC he was leading Argentina handful of English only coaches and Messi to a 2-0 win over who didn’t have a problem with Bolivia in Argentina.Martino was a it. When I spoke to the group professional soccer player who later that was together they stated became a coach. He has coached “the visuals were enough.” Tata 11 teams including the Paraguayan Martino’s team did a great job with national team, Argentinian national their presentation to make it very team and Barcelona in 2013. He has understandable. led world class players in Europe The seminar had an on -ield as well as South America such as portion both days. For those Sergio Aguero, Angel Dimaria and sessions, the trainer was supplied Lionel Messi. with a Bergen community college This is one of the first seminars team. The team had both men and women and was asked to perform held in U.S. and it has been a major Tata Martino speaks to those that attended the seminar// Alejandro Giraldo success. All who attended were sessions that they had planned out. overjoyed to get that first hand top This seminar was implemented level knowledge. The atmosphere to help coaches become better from Connecticut and New York. There growing sport in the U.S.. With this boom was enjoyable and the coaches with the youth system in America. are plenty of coaches here in America that in coaches and seminars, the sky’s the limit were comfortable enough to make Many New Jersey youth club teams really will put the time and effort to grow for U.S. soccer at all levels. jokes. Although the best part had to were represented, as well as a few the sport. Right now soccer is the quickest 24 The Torch VOLUME 24 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2016 SPORTS Baseball Bulldogs Lose Nine Straight

The Baseball Team looks to bounce back for the remainder of the season// Claudette Alcobar

ADAM GRASSANI 37th in the nation. Shortstop Junior to steal second for his 17th of the Mimms said. “They know what’s sports editor Nasi has been the team’s biggest season. It looked to many that he was going on. And it’s kind of one of those offensive threat, hitting .383 as well safe, but the umpire called him out. messages that you tell them ‘Listen. Bergen’s Baseball Bulldogs have as stealing a total of 16 bases. Pitching “Tough call you know,” said We gotta get better. We’re not playing not had a strong middle half of the wise, the team’s ERA is currently 4.71, Mimms on the call. “Right now good baseball right now. We’re just not season, to say the least. Despite starting a slight improvement over the team’s umpire’s make the call. We’ve gotta go a good baseball team right now. We’re the season with an 8-3 record, the 4.81 average last season. with the discretion. I thought he had a a good group of guys. We’re athletic. team has dropped its last nine straight “Right now I think it’s just both base stolen. Sometimes calls don’t go We’re just not playing good baseball.’ games. It was unfamiliar territory for sides of the baseball,” said Mimms. your way. Sometimes the ball beats you So the clear message was we gotta Coach Steve Mimms, who has never “Not throwing strikes. Not making there and the umpires quick call that. work hard and get over this. We gotta experienced this kind of losing streak routine plays. Our bats can get hot, then It’s baseball. Sometimes you win some stay confident. We want our guys to before. cool off midway through the game. calls. Sometimes you lose some calls, stay positive. This is a tough time so “It’s tough,” Coach Mimms So once we get clicking, It’ll come and we were on the short end of the we gotta just go back out there and said. “First time in my career that this together.” stick on that one.” have fun and keep grinding. Let’s do has ever happened. I’ve never had a While the entire losing streak Things got especially ugly in the more than we usually do. Our goal is losing streak this long ever. So it’s one of the team has been rough, the lowest top of the eighth. Middlesex County trying to get that one. Once we break of those things where you’ve got to point came at the April 14 home game scored a total of 11 runs in the inning this streak here, we’ll be fine. That’s bear it out as a team.” against Middlesex County. Bergen got alone, including a grand slam, going the mindset we have. Let’s just get that One aspect of the Bulldogs’ off to a hot start, scoring four runs in on to win by a whopping score of 20- one.” game that has been a struggle is the the bottom of the second. However, 5, handing Bergen their eighth straight Thankfully, the Baseball Bulldogs bats. Last season when the Bulldogs it would all go downhill from there. loss. Mimms talked to the team after were able to get back on the winning finished 22-14, they finished fourth in Middlesex County scored nine runs in the game for a significant amount of track with a 5-3 win against Lehigh the nation in batting average with .360. the next five innings to give themselves time, sending a strong message to his Carbon, sparking a five game winning As of writing, the Bulldogs are hitting a 9-5 lead. Controversy arose when players. streak for the team. They finished their .296, which is only good enough for Bergen shortstop Junior Nasi attempted “It was very clear to these guys,” season with a 17-19 record.

MMA is now NYC Bound

The big time fights will be showcased in the Big Apple for UFC 200// Imgur ANTHONY KHELIL staff writer bill. “Since 2010, I have been relentless in my push to lift the statewide ban on professional MMA, and I am proud that we are now the closest we’ve ever come Guess what, mixed martial art fans? The MMA will soon have its opportunity to joining the rest of the nation in legalizing this competitive sport.” to finally be available in all 50 states, finally cementing and legitimizing the On April 5, after a 19 year ban, the Assembly decided to legalize the sport, as it will be making its way to New York. On April 4, 2016, the New York sport as they voted 113-25 to lift it. senate passed a bill to legalize professional mixed martial arts, the last state in The legalization of MMA in New York will not come free to the mixed which the sport was illegal. The Senate voted 48-14, approving an MMA bill for martial arts organizers. The fighting will be regulated by the New York State the seventh consecutive year. The bill will now go to the State Assembly, which Athletic Commission, which will set the rules for future MMA promotions. has never voted on legislation. Governor Andrew Cuomo asked lawmakers to MMA organizers will also have to obtain a license from the Commission in legalize the sport for the first time. order to host an event. MMA will be taxed in New York at a higher rate than Of course, there is still much opposition within the Democratic controlled any boxing or professional wrestling event. There will be an 8.5 percent tax on assembly and as such another bill has been introduced, which would place a two ticket sales to MMA fights, whereas those of wrestling or boxing matches are year moratorium on professional MMA. It would allow the state to study the only taxed at three percent. The bill will also impose a three percent tax on health impact of the repetitive head injuries the fighters suffer through. the combined gross receipts from internet streaming rights. These taxes on the “As mixed martial arts continues to rise in popularity, these passionate MMA fights could lead to substantial revenue for the state. Hopefully this tax athletes deserve to have the privilege of fighting safely and professionally in will not keep the MMA fans from New York away. their own home state,” said Senator Joe Griffo, who was the one sponsored the