Volume 19, Issue #5 April 2018

  

Consolidation Update

SEAT might cut TRCC Route

Regional St. Patrick’s Day Events Advisor The Current is the official student publication of Three Rivers Community College. The Kevin Amenta Current is written, edited, and designed solely by students. The Current staff is producing five issues this Spring which Editor are free of charge. We encourage students, Cheryl Gibson faculty, staff, and other readers to contribute to future issues.

Front Cover Email submissions, responses, and ideas to: [email protected] Cheryl Gibson or to Kevin Amenta at: [email protected]

Staff Only submissions with proper contact Catalina Anzola information will be accepted. The Current reserves the right to edit submissions. Views Katherine Collins expressed are those of the writers and are not to be considered those of The Current, TRCC, the Kenzie Costello faculty, staff or administration. Mark Dunning Cheryl Gibson Ashley Hanson Abigail Moran Find and Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ George Simones TRCCTheCurrent

Special Thanks: Dr. Mary Ellen Jukoski, Robert Allen Painter, Kenzie Costello, Shelley Reynolds, Alexa Shelton, Kathryn Gaffney and the TRCC Copy Center

2 The Current CONTENTS

4 Editorial 5 Writer’s Guild Contest 12 6 College Consolidation 8 Transportation Budget Cuts 18 10 Veterans Resource Fair 12 Regional St. Patty’s Events 14 Rights of the Undocumented 17 TRCC Baseball 18 Food on the Go 20 At the Movies 20 22 GamerCon is Back! Trinity COMPLETE IDP YOUR DEGREE Fall in love with learning again! Trinity’s Individualized Degree Program (IDP) offers: • Excellent need-based, year-round financial aid • Accessible academic advising • Full-time or part-time study • Faculty-guided undergraduate research • Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholars Program • 41 majors and many minors

Contact us to arrange for a personalized visit. idp.trincoll.edu (860) 297-2150 [email protected]

TRINITY IDP facebook.com/TrinityIDP The Current 3 Convenience versus Talent: A Never-Ending Battle An industry evolved from cameras now EDITORIAL being smothered by the never ending technological revolution.

Editorial by Kenzie Costello

n today’s society, everywhere cell phone technology improves, you look you see someone credibility is taken away from DSLR I with their iPhone out taking photographers and you can now be an aesthetically pleasing photo seen as a professional just from a for their newest photography shot captured on your cell phone. Instagram. Unfortunately, the individuals taking pictures from Despite smartphones having a cell phone have been taking attachments available, DSLR’s have away business from those who the best quality of images. Phones work with DSLR cameras. do not have the same abilities that cameras have such as ability to It is noticeable that the typical adjust the aperture and shutter set up for photographers are speed manually. often “stolen” by cell phone photographers through lighting, backgrounds and themes. As

4 The Current Calling All Writers! The Writers Guild is having a Writing Contest!

Story & Photo by Abigail Moran

t started on February 13th and If you are interested in writing went on until March 26th of this but missed the contest, you can year at Three Rivers Community always join the club! The Writers I Guild meets on Tuesdays this College – the Writers Guild Contest. semester from 3 to 5 pm in Room This was a competition that F205. Their official club poster welcomed authors and poets of all says to “Come join other budding levels to join in the love of literature Writers as we write, review, for cash prizes and the glory of edit, and exercise our abilities,” winning. Two categories could be which, along with the welcoming submitted; these would be short competition, shows the amount stories and poems. of community and inclusion of With three top placements of their club. substantial cash, they submitted their best work and now comes the time to see who the official winners are! On November 5th, the Writers Guild is holding an event called the Student Showcase where the winners of this contest will officially be announced! This event is from 6 to 9pm in Room F117 and there will be food! It’s free to attend and it’s a great way to see others talent or showcase your own! Contests like these are a great way to show off your writing skill!

The Current 5 College Consolidation Affects Students, Faculty and Education as a Whole

Story by George Simones

he merging of CT’s community colleges T is still controversial in many ways. Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, writer for The CT Mirror, wrote a couple of very informative articles regarding the consolidation of Connecticut’s community colleges. In her article, “Merging CT’s Community Colleges is Controversial. Here’s Why”, Jacqueline states, “Hundreds of positions at Connecticut’s 12 community colleges will be shed, more administrative functions will be handled at a central office and millions will be saved without impacting students’ education.” This lets us know that this consolidation will be Photos courtesty of Pexels.com doing plenty of damage to many people that have established their careers at

6 The Current Students, Faculty and

their respective schools. This is arise and to be their voice to damaging to people’s lives. college administrators.” It’s also implied by many that This will be a detriment this consolidation is trying to to students who rely on focus on the students more this faculty position for than anything, hence the name assistance. The article also “Students First”, that was gives information regarding given to it by Board of Regents how other faculty members President Mark Ojakian. in schools feel about the However, there is the side that elimination of the Department argues that students will also be Chair position. affected by the consolidation. “The proposed elimination Jacqueline wrote another of these department chair article entitled, “How the positions is upsetting to faculty. “Students First” College That’s because many view Consolidation Effects Students”, these chairs as their advocates in which she gives plenty of who understand the nuances detail regarding why students and challenges they face — will also be affected by the problems that may be unique to consolidation. their departments.” Department Chairs are a So as it is evident, the college position that Board of Regents consolidation effects educators, President Mark Ojakian plan students, faculty, and in turn will do away with by the will effect the education beginning of July 2020. This process that is going on in position is very important for school. students. The matter of the college “When students have a consolidation is constantly problem with a grade they being updated as the plan is received or other aspects of officially being brought up for their education, department consideration on the 18th of chairs at many of the colleges April. More information will are tasked with trying to come as soon as it becomes remedy the situation. Faculty available, but as for now the rely on their department chairs debate continues. to help them when problems

The Current 7 Proposed State Transportation Budget Cuts Directly Affect TRCC Students

Story and Photo by Catalina Anzola

he proposed transportation through the State’s Transportation budget cuts will affect Three Fund (STF) by taxing gasoline Rivers Community College and diesel fuels. Since 2000, the T gasoline tax has not changed and (TRCC) students who rely on the Southeast Area Transit Direct vehicles have become more fuel (SEAT) bus service to get to school. efficient, causing revenues to decline.

A student waits to ride the TRCC route SEAT bus

In January of 2018, the state announced it would cut subsidies On March 22, 2018, SEAT notified to its transportation by 15 % the community on social media for the upcoming fiscal year. about the proposed service cuts Consequently, SEAT could face a and the step it would have to take 15% cut in funding starting in July if the STF is not fixed. Among 2018 and a 50% cut the following the cuts being considered is the years. elimination of the Three Rivers service route used by students to In the past, Connecticut has get to school, and the elimination of funded its transportation programs bus service after 7 p.m. which would

8 The Current Proposed State Transportation Budget

also adversely affect students who President Jukoski and state attend evening classes. representatives was suggested TRCC has students from all over by Montalban. Connecticut, and not all who attend Montalban has taken further own a vehicle. These students rely steps to help his cause. He on public transportation to get to created a petition and sent it to classes. Senator Cathy Osten. “I got a Student Raul Montalban is one message back from her saying of the students at TRCC who takes that she got it, and that she is the SEAT bus to get to and from going to be working to help.” He the college. Concerned about the stated. proposed cuts, he stated, “Many Students who rely on public students including myself rely on transportation have arranged the transportation to get here, and their class schedules around if they eliminate it in general that the bus, including Montalban. would cause many people who use He feels the effect would be it currently, and in the future, to be grave on these students if the unable to come to the college.” bus schedule was eliminated or Eliminating routes would make altered. it more challenging for students to When asked what he would get to the school. Montalban lives do if the bus routes were cut, in Ashford, Ct. He already spends Montalban replied, “I would a total of four hours on the bus to either not be able to come and from school Monday through to school. Or my mom would Thursday. He stated, “If they have to work something out. eliminate the TRCC service bus, I Not coming to school is not an would have to walk around a mile or option. I need to be going to two from the main station where I college.” get dropped off at.” Montalban urges student Montalban has taken on the task to have their voice heard. of raising awareness at school “Students should call our about the transportation budget representatives to get their cuts. He wrote a proposal to the opinion in there. Every little bit President of TRCC, Mary Ellen helps. Showing public support Jukoski, about the repercussions for the SEAT bus would really of proposed transportation cuts, in make a difference.” which he asked President Jukoski to survey the student population To voice your concerns, contact your that rely on public transit through state legislature. Find their contact commnet. Also, a meeting between information by calling 860-240-0100 or by visiting http://bit.ly/1qEsxHP.

The Current 9 Veterans Looking for New Opportunities Three Rivers Community College Hosts Annual Resource Fair for Military Veterans

Story and Photos by Mark Dunning

hree Rivers Community University, explains the benefits College hosted their fifth of the veterans are hoping to look T annual Veterans Resource for when pursuing an education. Fair On March 22,2018. A one-stop “Basically, when coming to the resource for jobs, education, health University to be able to provide services, financial benefits, and them the resources they are going networking. The fair was open to all to need to be successful in school, veterans and their families within as well as being able to take full the Second Congressional District advantages they have as a veteran, (Eastern Connecticut). and being able to make sure that There were over 40 organizations they utilize the benefits properly,” and 20 yellow-ribbon that were Snowden said. representing this event. Universities “We try to educate them as far such as University of New Haven and as what benefits they have, what Southern Connecticut State College they might be eligible for, and just were in attendance, companies such provide them as much information as Pfizer and Eversource were also as we possibly can to make sure that there to discuss to veterans for job this university has the resources opportunities, and even financial they have in order for them to be advisors from Navy Federal Credit successful.” Snowden then goes into Union, SUBASE New London Branch more detail on what benefits the were also there to discuss financial vets will be receiving. benefits for veterans. “In terms of benefits from a Sir Snowden, Assistant Director resource standpoint, we have a for Veterans and Military Affairs veteran’s lounge for students that for Southern Connecticut State can be able to go there and get away

Fifth annual TRCC Veterans Resource Fair in the multipurpose room Meeting with Connecticut Healthcare Organization

1010TheThe CurrentCurrent Veterans Looking

from campus life. We also have credit has been destroyed so setting diversity programs that we have set up a credit card, small personal up for students to be successful, expense loan, and car loans.” and we just try to do our best to Tracy also mentions how all be able to separate ourselves from veterans, including retirees, and other institutions, just to being able family members, that is a member of to have our veterans to talk to other navy federal can really be beneficial veterans, meet other people and to them. These examples highlight have other various interactions, but the many benefits of what a veteran also at the same time still be able to could be expecting when pursuing take advantages all of the resources an education or making a financial we provide.” Snowden said. plan. Kim Tracy, a Member Service The TRCC Veterans Resource Fair Representative for the SUBASE showed that many universities and New London Branch for Navy organizations wanted to make sure Federal Credit Union, also weighs that these veterans are getting the in on how their bank can help out correct resources when pursuing veterans with financial benefits. a degree or looking for a job after Tracy mentions how their bank can serving in the military. These vets help out veterans and their military want to have a smooth transition families. when entering the second stage of “We help veterans set up any their life after being in the service of their financial needs, so if they and these organizations are willing need help setting up a mortgage or to help that big transition for these checking account or savings account, veterans. basically that’s what we do,” Tracy said. “Some need help establishing credit because some of them their

Meeting with Connecticut Healthcare Organization Two Vietnam Vets speak with a vendor Pfizer spokesperson talks to veterans

TheThe Current Current 1111 REGIONAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS

Mystic Caps Weeks of Celebrations Shenanigans Persist at 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Story & Photos by Cheryl Gibson

Screams of delight and thousands gathered along the laughter greeted the streets decorated with Irish and T-Rex’s as they waddled American flags. around the corner at Chilly temperatures made Broadway and East Main parade goers bundle up. Marilyn streets. and Suzie, mother and daughter, from Mystic, arrived an hour early to get the spot where they’ve watched the parade for the past seven years. Like everyone else, they prepared for the cold weather with sweaters, coats, scarves and blankets. Others found libations to Families and help keep them warm. Adult friends gathered along beverages already flowing the streets in Mystic, this for hours in the outdoor beer past Sunday, March 25th garden at the MBAR further to celebrate irish heritage down the parade route. This and watch. was the last of a long list of Top to bottom: ‘Irish twins’ waiting parades and celebrations in for the Mystic St. Patrick’s Day Parades are fun, parade; A pup takes a front row marching bands, kilted southeastern Connecticut, seat for all the action on E Main bag pipers, fire trucks, Norwich had a parade on March street in Mystic, CT ; 4 and Niantic held events on the Festooned bagpipers at the parade floats and Shriners in Mystic; Benjamin plays an Irish driving tiny cars. 17th. Jig along the parade route in The parade is in its fifteenth Mystic. The roads were blocked off to allow the 100 units year and is made possible with 2200 participants to through the hard work of the march the approximately Mystic Irish Parade Foundation, one-mile route through an all-volunteer organization downtown. Everyone that began the parade and was in good spirits as other events to celebrate Irish heritage. 12 The Current Mystic Caps Weeks of Celebrations Running Green at Niantic 5K Story & Photos by George Simones

he Irish Folk Music filled my ears races are held in Southington, Putnam, before I could even begin to see and Hartford. T the event. It was a cold morning in To quote Hartford Marathon’s website, Niantic, Connecticut as “ONiantic. No blarney, runners prepared for the this is a fast and flat 5K! annual 5k. Start and finish in front Green filled the streets of Niantic Bay Bicycles as far as the eye could and run by the quiet, off- see, from shirts to banners season cottages in the there was nowhere in Pine Grove community sight that wasn’t green. of Niantic, one of HMF’s The O’Niantic 5k was a favorite shoreline spots.” huge success for everyone Many sponsors involved. The race was involved with this filled to its maximum wonderful program capacity and was full of were thanked by the enthusiastic runners. announcer just before A bagpipe player could the race began. Smarty’s be seen and heard right Restaurant and Pub was to the side of the runners, Nick Migani and Gary Piotr, celebrate their one of the sponsors, he set the mood perfectly. 3rd and 1st place finish at the 2018 St. and they offered a Though it was extremely Patrick’s Day 5k in Niantic. free beer and cup of cold, the runners didn’t give chili to everyone that in to the adversity, with participated in the race. some even choosing to run Gary Piotr finished first place with shirtless. a time of 17 minutes flat. However, Hartford Marathon hosts several runs everyone deserves respect. around Connecticut, this St. Patrick’s Day 5k in Niantic is one of them. The other

The Current 13 What are the Status and Rights of Undocumented Immigrants? The Community Support and Involvement Committee sponsored a presentation by Attorneys Joanne Lewis and Kelly Bonafe to discuss the legal rights of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Story by Ashley Hanson Photos by Catalina Anzola

s the deadline for ending Attorney Lewis provided statistics the Deferred Action to highlight the significance of the A for Childhood Arrivals population they were discussing. program (DACA) came and went In the United States, 11 million on March 5, 2018, Attorneys undocumented immigrants live and Joanne Lewis and Kelly Bonafé work among citizens. In the state from Connecticut Legal Services of Connecticut alone there are an talked to students, faculty, estimated 105,000 undocumented and the public at TRCC about immigrants and 550,000 foreign- the rights of undocumented born people, which is 14.4% of the immigrants in the United States. state’s population. Statistics from an article Lewis presented in titled “Here’s the Reality about Illegal Immigrants in the United States,” indicated that the top two ways undocumented immigrants enter the United States is through overstayed visas and crossing over the Mexican border. Lewis told us there are several pathways to lawful permanent residence which can happen through Attorney Joanne Lewis presents “The Status and Rights of Undocumented Immigrants” to an open forum at TRCC on March 5th, 2018.

14 The Current Undocumented Immigrants?

an employer-based petition, still waiting for it to be reviewed. humanitarian-based application There are some exceptions for and permission, diversity visa, the elderly and disabled, but it’s or family-based petition. Lewis very limited as Lewis said. There went on to talk about the are several other immigration difficulty of getting into the categories that a non-resident United States without these may fall into, such as lawful petitions. “If you don’t have a deferred action, temporary relative, if you don’t have a job, if protection, non-immigrant visas, you don’t qualify for the diversity and lawful permanent residence. Lewis pointed out that illegal immigrants don’t have much in terms of rights. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) and the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM) are a couple of the laws that legally support illegal immigrants. Under DACA, Students, faculty and the public attend the presentation from people who came Connecticut Legal Services. into the United States illegally before 2007 and visa, there isn’t any way to come were under the age of 16 were into the United States.” granted renewable status to With a family-based petition, work. However, they have no U.S. Citizens can request to legal status and must renew their sponsor a visa for a spouse, visa every 2 years. The current child, or other family member. political discussion has been However, the waitlist can be over the government’s decision quite extensive. For example, to rescind the DACA Program. according to statistics on a slide While a decision on this has been Lewis presented, siblings of U.S. put off until 2019, the initial Citizens from the Philippines act to rescind the program has who applied for a family-based left many immigrants at risk for petition in November 1994 are deportation as their visas expire,

The Current 15 Immigration Legal Services. Lewis also advises immigrants to not go to U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services without a lawyer because they can be detained even without a criminal record. If an immigrant is looking to obtain legal services, there are several local organizations that are qualified to provide them. Finally, Lewis explained the rigorous process a non-resident must go through in order to obtain citizenship. She said they must be a lawful permanent resident for Attorneys Joanne Lewis and Kelly Bonafe answer 5 years, a person of good moral questions from the forum on immigration issues. character, and pass an English language according to Lewis. and Civics While DACA recipients are at exam. risk of being deported, Lewis says the most at-risk population of immigrants are those who commit crimes and those who admit they’re undocumented. Both of these scenarios can result in deportation. Under the U.S. legal system, immigrants do not possess the same due process rights as Prof. Barry in the the Q&A session after citizens. This means they have “The Status and Rights of the right to an attorney, but not a Undocumented Immigrants” free one. Nor are they entitled to be read Miranda rights. To avoid deportation, Lewis said their organization advises immigrants to not use notaries in any scenario, even to acquire a legal status in the US because they are not licensed to provide

16 The Current TRCC’s Baseball Club is Ready to Play Ball!

Story by George Simones

f you have been around campus According to the TRCC baseball during some of the nice afternoons club’s constitution on their website, I that we’ve had recently, you probably Article 2 states, “The purpose of this have seen students throwing baseballs club is to bring a club baseball team/ around outside on the green. program to Three Rivers Community These students are members of the College, to bring an athletic program Three Rivers Community into Three Rivers College Baseball club getting Community College- themselves prepared for the supporting a varsity, upcoming spring season. junior varsity, and or freshman level team(s) The TRCC baseball club’s in baseball and any website provides many student popular sport.” different details regarding all types of aspects of the This provides a solid team. To quote the line that amount of information is stated perfectly in the regarding the program headline of the website, “A as a whole. The Three Rivers Community article continues by College Club since 2010, stating, “This club will we are now coming to the oversee and discuss all End of our Sixth Year and organizational issues 12th competitive season as within the baseball members of one of two club program, while leagues.” additionally finding new ways to aid the TRCC’s baseball club is as program’s expansion. legitimate as they come. As Such as, but not Photo courtesy of Pexels a longtime student, I can limited to, fundraising, vouch for their dedication and have seen advertising, and other innovative it since my first semester at the school. ideas.” We aren’t a school that has a wide variety of sports options, so it would All in all, from the perspective of a make sense that students are highly long-time TRCC student, the baseball passionate about one that is offered. club is something that all lovers of the sport should consider. Take advantage of the opportunities that you get as a student at TRCC.

The Current 17 Five Crostini Bites Sure to Cure your Craving for a Quick Bite With a few ingredients and a couple of minutes you’re sure to be satisfied with these quick and easy to make crostini bites Story & Photos by Ashley Hanson

With just one ooking for a quick bite to eat? loaf of French Look no further! These easy to bread, you can L make crostini bites are perfect for make a whole any busy student! With a loaf of French lot of small bread and a few ingredients, you can snacks with make a warm snack on a cold spring delicious flavors. day or make a few and turn it into a meal.

Directions: To begin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut up a loaf of French bread into 1-inch thick pieces and drizzle lightly with Brie, Pear & Honey olive oil. Pop them into the oven Top with a slice of brie for 6 – 10 minutes or until golden and put it back in the brown. Once warmed through oven for 3 – 6 minutes, and lightly toasted, throw your or until the brie is favorite toppings on or try one of melted. Add a couple these recipes. slices of pear, drizzle with honey, and add a touch of cracked pepper.

Pepperoni & Mozzarella Top the crostini with a few layers of mozzarella then pepperoni. Layers can alternate between mozzarella and pepperoni or they can just be stacked. Put them back in the oven for 4 – 6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni heated through. Let it cool down before eating. 18 The Current Five Crostini Bites Sure to

Mozzarella & Tomato Place some deli cut or fresh mozzarella on top of the crostini and add a few slices of tomato. Enjoy cold or put it back in the oven for 2 – 4 minutes to melt the cheese.

Mozzarella, Tomato, and Avocado Add deli cut or fresh mozzarella on, a couple slices of tomato, and a sliver of avocado on top of the crostini. It can be eaten cold or put it back in the oven for 2 – 4 minutes to melt the cheese.

Cucumber & Cream Cheese Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each crostini. Add a few thinly sliced cucumbers to it and enjoy! This crostini is best served cold.

The Current 19 AT THE MOVIES

Red Sparrow: Lies, Spies, and Sex Story by Catalina Anzola

n Red Sparrow, plays mother, Dominika turns to her uncle who works for a Russian ballerina who becomes a the foreign intelligence service in Russia for help. I murderous spy. The film is filled with He offers her an unscrupulous job as a seductress gruesome bloodsheds, explicit sex scenes, for a man of interest. The assignment goes terribly and treasonous spies; all the ingredients of wrong. an entertaining spy As the only witness to thriller that, for the the botched job, Dominika most part, delivers. is forced to make a deal Red Sparrow is a to spare her life, she must familiar story, much train to be a ‘sparrow’ at a like the old 1990’s school that teaches the art movies, La Femme of seduction as a weapon Nikita and Point of to obtain information. No Return, where the After training, Dominika is female character is given the task of seducing given a new identity an American agent, Nate and trained as a played by . stylish top-secret Lawrence and Edgerton assassin, in lieu of a never manage to sell their death sentence. But, on-screen chemistry to this story has a few the viewer, which is a new twists and turns cornerstone of the tale. I to mix up the too was somewhat hesitant familiar story from to see Red Sparrow, the 90’s. It will hold perhaps my lowered your attention and, at expectations contributed times, bring a fresh to my enjoyment of the element of surprise. film. Was it great? By no Ms. Lawrence plays means. But, Jennifer brings Dominika Egorova, her well-known charm Russian prima ballerina and confidence to her who dominates the character.Red Sparrow is a stage until an accident solid 6.5 out of 10. ends her career. Left without a profession, Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox no money and an ailing

20 The Current Love, Simon: A Movie You’ll Fall In Love With Story by Katherine Collins

t first when I heard about the ounce of emotion; all the way from crying a river of movie Love, Simon coming into sadness to gasping for air from laughing so hard. A theaters, I was honestly going There are many similar actors to the ones who are to ignore it altogether and watch used in the Netflix Original series, Thirteen Reasons another movie from the comfort of Why. This might make an audience uncomfortable as my own home. But then, the series was so once I saw the reviews graphic and is still of the new movie just relevant to today. days before it came out initially, I was hooked. If you are looking for a movie made The movie starts to warm your heart off with 17-year old and make you fall in Simon Spier discussing love with it, I would how he is just like any say that this movie other highschool kid would be the one for except that he has “one you. Anybody who huge ass secret”: he’s likes works such as gay. Simon attends Perks Of Being A Creekwood High School Wallflower, The Fault where the student In Our Stars, or even body has a website Thirteen Reasons dedicated to secrets Why would probably and confessions, really enjoy this called “CreekSecrets”. movie. If I were given Searching the secrets another opportunity, page, Simon finds a I would go back to student named Blue and see that movie in a falls in love with him heartbeat in theaters, over email messages, t and if I’m being trying to figure out his honest, I probably identity. will. I give Love, This movie would be Simon a perfect 10 a good movie for any out of 10. teenager to see as it will make you feel every Image courtesy of Rottentomatoes.com

The Current 21 Geeks Rejoice: GamerCon is Back!

Back by popular demand, CTGamerCon comes back to Mohegan Sun for a second year with an even greater turnout

Story & Photos by Katherine Collins

ith the growing going on”. One popularity of of the greatest W video games and things that consoles among generations, Deleon found there is no wonder as to was a copy of why this years GamerCon The Legend of was so successful. Hosted Zelda: A Link to by Mohegan Sun Resort the Past which Casino, the weekend of is a game that March 24th through the 25th came out for the was booming with business. Super Nintendo For only $20 per person, or Entertainment $30 for both days, someone System (SNES) could enjoy a wide variety over 25 years of cosplay, tournaments, ago. freeplay, vendors, and even For people artistic creations from nerds like Deleon, he across the spectrum. prefers to have Some of the things the retro version included in the vendors of the games and included stuffed plushies, consoles over keychains, cosplay Vendors make keychains, tags and other small current games accessories, magnets, posters, accessories for others to purchase at GamerCon and consoles any POP! Figures, jewelry, and even day, stating “I’m not some hidden gems such as retro games and really into whatever we have now...I buy consoles from decades past. the old versions of {the consoles} because One of the main reasons why Edwin I can afford it, and I like the old games Deleon came into GamerCon for the first better anyways.” place was just out of curiosity, however, However, for people who like modern- he managed to purchase some goodies day systems and games, there was plenty along the way. According to Deleon, “I was of fun to go around, as there were many just just hanging out… I wanted to pick up different types of tournaments, such some cool games, and see what else was as Call of Duty, Fortnite, Super Smash

22 The Current Geeks Rejoice: GamerCon is Back!

Brothers, and more. There was also a wide variety of freeplay games to choose from. Included in the list of freeplay games were titles such as Magic: The Gathering, Cuphead, Mortal Kombat, and various games on the Oculous Rift, Nintendo Switch, arcade games, and many more! GamerCon brings tons of different aspects of culture for everybody and anybody to interact with, such as steampunk, anime, superheroes, television shows, and more which is what makes it so personalized compared to any other convention someone may attend. According to Deleon, “Anybody can find something unique in here that you may not find anywhere else”. With GamerCon being such a hit the second time around, Mohegan Sun People go head-to-head, live streaming for fun as is planning to host a Terrificon in the they play Super Smash Bros: Brawl brand new Expo Center from August 17th-19th, which will be a trifecta of a comic convention, a gaming convention, and a kids comic convention.

Some vendors at GamerCon sell little “crates” which are smashed open to get some cool accessories, Plushies, figurines, or other memorabilia

The Current 23 GET THE EDUCATION YOU DESERVE TUITION FREE TO ALL CT STATE AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES

YOU CAN STILL AFFORD TO GO TO COLLEGE! College Benefits: Along With: 100% Free College Tuition Travel & Adventure Opportunities Montgomery GI Bill Pride in Serving your Country & Community Student Loan Repayment Affordable Insurance - Health/Dental/Life Yellow Ribbon Program Paid Training & Job Experience Federal Tuition Assistance Retirement Benefits & Thrift Savings Plan Contact a Connecticut Army National Guard recruiter today for more information on all the benefits we have to offer! 203-635-6165 NATIONALGUARD.com/CT