october 2012 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SUNY COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY #529 T H E www.catalystatoldwestbury.comCATALYST“IGNITING THE MIND” FREE THE NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING OPENS By Hope Trama

he long-awaited New Academic Building has finally opened. The Tmajority of classes for the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, and School of Education are taking place in this new facility, which has dramati- cally changed campus life away from the old Academic Village building. The only classes being held in the Academic Village this fall are those for PowerTrack Math. Not only are there forty brand new classrooms, but they are all smart rooms with up-to-date technology. Of the com- puter labs in the new building, four are for “general purposes,” while others are prioritized for social sciences and modern language classes, computer science, teacher education, and business. This facility will not only provide Old Westbury with a new learning atmo- sphere, it will also have two large lounges and numerous sitting areas available for students during their breaks. The first floor lounge has a Dunkin’ Donuts, due to popular demand. Wi-Fi access is available in the lounges, along with the rest of the building. The 147,000 square-foot building has four floors, including the basement. The smart classrooms are equipped with computers, DVD equipment, and large screens, which make it easier for film use. Previously in the old Academic Village professors had to push TV’s on wheels into the classrooms. (Cont. on page 3.) The New Academic Building PARKING ON CAMPUS PANTHER PRIDE By Hope Trama and Traci Newman our new academic building. even miss class. Everyone wants the closest Visitors to the campus have WEEK (pg. 4) hose of us who drive, parking, which would be in also had problems finding park- whether we live on the Campus Center right by the ing. Tcampus or commute, are new building, but it is very hard Police Chief Michael Yanni- FROM LYRICISM all facing the same hardship. It to find parking unless you come ello said there were a few con- is extremely apparent that there very early for classes. The lack tributing factors to the parking TO BUBBLE is a huge parking issue on the of parking is causing many stu- issue. campus because of the arrival of dents to be late and sometimes (Cont. on page 3.) GUM RAP(pg. 8) THE CATALYST Executive Editor LETTER FROM Karyn Dyer TABLE OF CONTENTS Managing Editor THE EDITOR Greetings to the Old Westbury Ryan Zukowski community, Campus News: Copy Editor We at the Catalyst would like to extend a formal welcome back to our Pages 3 – 4 Bethany Rodriguez readers. We thank you all for being dedicated and supportive of the Business Manager newspaper. We hope to continue to have Alhia Harris your support. The staff features some old and some new faces and we would like to Love, Life and Style: Office Manager have more people join our staff as writers, Hope Trama photographers and editors. We’re looking for people with the passion to write, and Page 5 Layout Designer the drive to lead. So if you think that is you, then feel free to stop by at our Joseph Wood meetings which are every Tuesday at Online Editors common hour in room 331 in the Student Union. Feature: Traci Newman Also, continue to support our website edition of the Catalyst, which is Page 6 Christine Sheh going to feature a lot more articles and Faculty Advisor podcasts than ever before! Until next month, John S. Friedman Karyn Dyer – Executive Editor Arts and Review: Note to Students SUNY Old Westbury will be hosting two upcoming flu vaccine clinics, sponsored by Page 7 CVS Pharmacy. Tuesday, 10/16/12 10am-2:30pm New Academic Building (NAB) Room 0100 Wednesday, 11/14/12 Opinion: 10am-2:30pm NAB Room 0100 Pages 8 - 11 The cost of the vaccine is $20. CVS accepts most insurance policies, with the excep- tion of Empire and Cigna. It is suggested to wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves that can expose your upper arm easily if you are receiving a vaccine. Watch for flyers posted on campus for further information. Sports: Susan Mundy, RN Director, Student Health Services SUNY College at Old Westbury Pages 14 - 16 516 876 3250 SGA SENIOR SENATOR GREETINGS! ello all, but most importantly, days until graduation. What is it that you upstairs in the library. One of the most SENIORS! First I’ll start with should exactly be doing to prepare your- important things to look into for after Hintroducing myself. My name is self for after your undergraduate career? graduating is money. Graduate school Amber Hurt and I am your senior senator. First, I’d suggest, no matter what does not fund itself, so you must look in My purpose is to serve the senior class you would like to take whether it is depth for sources of financial aid. and provide you with any resources or school, a job, or time off, visit the career This year may seem overwhelming information you believe you need to center. It’s located in the Student Union, with so much to do in so little time. I’m make your year successful, fun and mem- Suite 303. They provide you with FREE here to help you with all of that because I orable! My committee and I will do our services for resumes, internships, gradu- would like to see things go as smoothly as best to accommodate you if it is realistic ate school, jobs, choices on your major, they can for you. It’s time to buckle down and do-able. This semester so far we have etc. If you were to search for these ser- while still enjoying your last year. You had a successful senior week, great t-shirt vices outside of our campus community, only get this time once so let’s make the sales (which are still on sale for $5), free they could cost you hundreds of dollars. best of it! Never hesitate to contact me bands stating “SUNY OW Class of 2013” This leads me to say, take advantage of all with any questions, comments, concerns, on them, as well as a lot of valuable infor- resources that are given to you while you or ideas. With all of this being said, cheers mation. My committee and I have way are here. Something else you should keep to a successful senior year (of course with more to come for you. Future events in mind is that graduate testing such as mocktails because this is a dry campus)! geared towards seniors are: “Gearing up the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and any for Graduate School” October 1-4 at others you may need, are important if Stay involved with the senior information: common hour in MPR C, another Gradu- you’d like to go to graduate school. Be ate School Prep October 24th Hall 4 1st mindful of all dates for the testing and : OW Senior Senator ’12-‘13 floor lounge at 8:30pm, a spring break when your graduate applications may be SUNY College at Old Westbury Class of 2013 informational November 8th at 7pm in due. Have resumes on hand and ready to : OWSENIORS_2013 the MPR, ticket sales for the Senior Ball go at any time, as well as people you can : @OWSENIORS2013 November 12-14, the Senior Ball and go to for recommendations. Seek help brunch which will occur the first weekend from professors, faculty, or staff you feel Download Oohlala on your smart phones! in December. comfortable talking to. The writing center My email: [email protected] We have a little over two hundred is also a great place to go; it’s located 2 [email protected] THE CATALYST 223 Store Hill Rd. Old Westbury, NY, 11568 (516)876-3208 CAMPUS NEWS THE NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING OPENS Cont. from Page 1 LATINO EVENTS As faculty offices are included that firm has designed are the Languages throughout the building and depart- and Literature Building At NYU, the Com- ments are more contiguous to each other, puter science Building at Princeton, and it is easier for students to find professors the Arts and Sciences Building at SUNY and administrators. Albany. The new building has large windows The College at Old Westbury has and bright classrooms equipped with come a long way in the last couple of central air conditioning. Elevators are on years in terms of growth and develop- each floor. ment with the recent additions of the new Students are generally pleased academic building and the new police as the new building provides a more headquarters. modern, upbeat feel to the campus. “The Other projects are planned or are new AV is a great look for Old Westbury already under construction. For example, hopefully it will enhance the academic The Campus Center will be renovated as integrity of the school,” said Laurice a whole and topped with solar panels. .alliant.edu Lusane. Professor Tom DelGiudice, the “I think it’s better than the old Director of Capital Planning, was a guid- building because we have more access to ing force behind the successful planning By Bethany Rodriguez the Woodland halls. Along with food, electronics than previously, classrooms and construction of the new building. attendees were able to play dominoes are bigger, and there is air conditioning,” The main purpose for all of these and listen to music. The environment was n honor of Hispanic Heritage month, noted Tyler Hammett. projects over the next decade, Professor very much that of a backyard barbeque, the National Association Latino Fra- “It’s a nice building, but I’m DelGiudice says, is to give students, fac- welcoming many members of the easily distracted with the new large win- ulty, and administrators a more typical ternal Organization (NALFO) hosted I campus community. dows especially on the first floor, and the college environment. Bringing “every- several events in an effort to get the Throughout the event, members rep- desks are way too small,” said Kenneth thing close together,” with the “meadow campus community involved in their cel- resented their different fraternities and Teape. behind the campus center becoming like ebration. The fraternities and sororities sororities and went through the crowd, The building was designed by Kli- a quad,” or central point to the campus. that are part of NALFO are Lambda Upsi- making sure that everyone had registered ment Halsband Architects, a - The new academic building is only the lon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., Hermandad to vote. Registration papers were made based firm that has earned more than beginning. de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., Omega Phi fifty design awards. Among the projects Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Iota Alpha Frater- available to attendees who were not yet nity, Inc., and Lambda Sigma Upsilon registered to vote. Students received Fraternity, Inc. The programs showcased iTunes cards for thirty free songs after by the association were 21 Flavors, Latino registering. This incentive shows just how Explosion, and the Student vs. Staff Soft- important it is to the Latino community PARKING ON CAMPUS ball game. Each event hosted by the asso- to mobilize voters and take part in the ciation was aimed to bring the Latino upcoming elections. Cont. from Page 1 population together. The of the barbeque was First, enrollment has increased, suggest that you consider parking in the 21 Latino Flavors, a program held in the dance contest which was comprised “Fourteen years ago there were 2,900 stu- Clark Center lot which a short walk to the the multi-purpose room of the Student of three rounds: bachata, meringue, and dents now there are 4,600 students.” He academic building. You should allow Union on September 18, was hosted by salsa. At the beginning, seven couples the Latino Greek organizations that are noted that he has never seen so many enough time to park and get to class.” were asked to participate, and after each represented on campus. At the opening, round two couples were removed until residents using cars, which is why the The University is waiting until October to one member of each Greek organization the last two remained. The salsa contest Campus Center lot is always full. He also find out how many parking stickers have introduced themselves with their names was the final and most intense round of attributed the present construction to been sold. The school records the total part of the problem but now that he has and founding dates. This event was made the entire contest. Both sets of partners number of cars registered and how many freed up those , that should help specifically to inform and teach students danced their best, but in the end only one were sold individually, to the staff, facul- resolve some of the parking. about 21 different Spanish-speaking could stand. Jeffery Bolivar and Lumilla ty, and students. Once the school knows Yanniello said that the school is very countries including Columbia, Puerto Laporte came out on top, winning small the actual amount of parking that is aware of the parking problem. He added Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, prizes for their efforts. After the dance that there is a parking committee, con- needed, they can make better decisions Panama, and El Salvador to name a few contest, music continued to play, and sisting of himself, faculty, and students, to fix the problem. that are prominently represented on students continued to dance, until 9:00 campus. In order to receive food, attend- who are closely working together to find The chief is hopeful that sooner than when the festivities came to a close. ees were told to go around the tables, a solution. Their primary focus is to eval- later, there will be at least 110 to 125 new On Friday, September 21, the student which provided distinct facts about each uate the current conditions and rethink useable parking spaces available. vs. staff softball game was played, hosted particular country represented, and to get new ways to more positively utilize the In the meantime, while waiting on by NALFO. Members of NALFO, students, one fact that they put on a slip, which had structures in place. The committee the solution, Yanniello said, “There is and a few staff members made up the ten spaces to fill in the facts. Once all ten decided against moving all residents from plenty of parking in the Clark Center as teams: students vs. staff. The staff team spaces were filled in, students were per- the Campus Center parking lot. was captained by Usama Shaikh, Director well as in the old AV building. Drive into mitted to indulge in the tasteful and cul- They are looking into freeing up of Residential Life, and the student cap- the Campus Center and if you are unable tural foods provided such as, white rice, some of the handicapped spaces in the tain was Enrique Castillo, President of Phi to find parking, rather than waiting pork, chicken, fried plantains, and maca- old Academic Village lot, which would Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In the first around for a spot to free, just drive to the roni salad. create more spaces for cars. Clark Center. It is the best alternative, The incentive to get information inning, it seemed that the staff team was At the Student Life Committee meet- there are always spots open.” about different countries for food was going to take a far lead, but their oppo- ing in mid-September, the major topic He also went on to talk about the good because it forced people to learn nents soon overtook them and kept a was the parking situation. Rollie Buchan- comfortable lead up until the final plays, school’s parking expenses: “You know, in about other cultures, even if most people an, the Dean of Students, told the com- with a final score of 12-8, students. The other schools you have to pay for the used the population number. None of the mittee that much of the construction staff team had three home runs, two of semester of parking. It can be in excess of facts were too difficult to remember, and equipment has been moved from the which were made by Coach K and the two hundred dollars, and here we only hopefully it will make people more aware Campus C enter parking lot to the tennis of what goes on in different countries, other was made by Bruce Marks, from the charge ten dollars for a parking sticker. courts. The move freed up approximately despite their commonality of predomi- School of Business. This price has not gone up in years, so 80 spaces for students and staff. nantly Spanish-speaking people. NALFO and their programs reached there is also an effort being made to keep In his interview, Yanniello added, “I On Wednesday, September 19th, many people. The fraternities and sorori- am aware of the parking issue and the parking cost effective for all the students.” NALFO hosted another event to bring the ties who were a part of these events have college is examining alternatives. I would Hispanic community together. Latino made Old Westbury a more welcome Explosion was a barbeque held in the home for the Hispanic community. courtyard between halls one and two of 3 CAMPUS NEWS 21 FLAVORS FOR 21 COUNTRIES By Jessica Reed food tastes just like theirs.” Another senior, Mildred Luman, 22, n September 18th, the National said, “I had great experience here, for the Association of Latino Fraternal first time on a campus that supports OOrganization (NALFO) held a pro- Multi-Cultural backgrounds as the stu- gram at the Student Union. As the event dents enjoy each others’ culture... As a began, all of the students were required to Mexican/Latina it is a great idea for a seek out a paper that said “passport” and paper passport to integrate and educate gather ten signatures from each Latino/ students to other ethnic groups in the Latina Greek Organization on campus. Latino/Latina and Hispanic communi- After they had received the ten signatures, ties.” they were allowed to earn the privilege of NALFO helps reach out to five frater- eating twenty one flavors of the Spanish nal organizations on campus. The mem- dishes. (The number twenty-one symbol- bers of this non-profit organization are La izes the number of countries in Latin Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda America.) The variety of foods that Latino Fraternity, Inc., Hermandad de (NALFO) provided were rice, beans, plan- Sigma Iota Alpha Latina Sorority, Inc., Lambda Sigma Upsilon Fraternity, Inc., tains, chicken, potato salad and pulled leges that supports all Latino fraternities While listening and learning to what Omega Phi Beta Latina Sorority, Inc., and pork that left you wanting more for days and sororities on all college campuses each Latina\Latino member shared at the Phi Iota Alpha Latino Fraternity, Inc. The because it was so rich in flavor. within their own communities. twenty one flavors event in the Student motto of this non-profit organization is to A senior Bettina Mosley 22, who had An alumna of Sigma Iota Alpha Union, the Latino/Latina Greek life unite all Latino fraternities and sororities enjoyed herself that night said, “I live in Latina Sorority Inc., Delianna Castillo, emphasized how their legacy and pride that promote unity, respect, leadership, the Bronx and I am used to the Hispanic/ made a great point about each 21 Latino/ brought enlightenment to all different honesty and professionalism in all Latin culture around me. I enjoyed my Latina Cultures: “Spanish is not a race, it backgrounds of students on campus who aspects of life. NALFO originated in 1998 friends’ food even though I am a vegetar- is a language that is associated with had found something in common which and is still continuing to run strong; it ian. I loved their rice! When I am around Latino/Latina ethnic groups,” said Cas- each ethnic group. represents prestige throughout all col- friends back home and at this event, the tillo. GET READY FOR PANTHER PRIDE By Karyn Dyer

“I feel it’s the one time of the year where the campus community can come together and take pride in our school and in each other,” says Joseph Manfredi, OWWR Director and one of the co-chairs of Panther Pride Week. The opening ceremonies, the carni- val, Old Westbury’s Got Talent, the Mr. and Mrs. Old Westbury pageant are some of the wonderful things that make up this amazing, fun-filled and spirited week. But what else should we be looking forward to? From October 10th to October 13th, the SUNY Old Westbury community will come together to contribute to a week of programming, events, and spirit. One event to keep an eye out for is the James Baldwin’s “Down from the Mountaintop” which will be brought to us by First Year Experience on October 11th. There will be an Intramural game competition between the clubs/organizations and the fraterni- ties and sororities on October 11th. On October 12th, SGA will be hosting a concert for the Old Westbury commu- nity featuring a named music artist. You want to know who? You have to pay attention and participate in the festivities during the week to find out! On Saturday, October 13th, look forward to all the favorite events such as the family carni- val, the ceremonial dinner and the pag- to have the impact that it has so far. “A lot prior years. Every year is different…When teer for Panther Pride Week, please con- eant. of new programs were added over the something is lost, we always acquire tact Randi Harris, another co-chair of the In the year 2008, no one would have years,” says Manfredi. “I think there has something new.” Panther Pride committee and help spread possibly expected for Panther Pride Week been more student involvement than in For those who would like to volun- the spirit! 4 LOVE, LIFE AND STYLE LOVE ADDICTION TOURE DESIGNS By Joseph Randazzo one gets from another. Another chemi- cal produced en masse while you’re in n addict is a prisoner of his own love is the Nerve Growth Factor chemi- STEAL THE SHOW mind. Possessed by one thought, cal, neurotrophin. This was discovered By Marlon Morgan Amoving through a world he would by scientists at the University of Pisa. rather not participate in. The only way Neurotrophin is in charge of the regen- ew York fashion Week has come an addict can leave this prison of habit is eration of cells. In essence, being in love to a close, but it definitely went by doing the time. Chipping away at the gives us a weaker form of Wolverine’s out with a bang. On September walls around him is a slow hour by hour regenerative mutant ability. N 12th, Toure Designs fashion show was process like Andy Dufresne and that Tequilqa and a of Jack are held in the elegant Limelight Market- little spoon he used to dig through amazing but if you take too much of it, place in the Flatiron District. The all- Shawshank Prison. The difference is, there’s a hard wall waiting for you to hit white scenery gave the show a very Andy made his way out of Shawshank it. The same thing can go for love. An artistic ambiance, and Toure’s upcom- after crawling through “500 yards of sh*t excess of happiness chemicals come ing fall collection matched it perfectly. smelling foulness” –as Morgan Freeman with a price. In the University of Pisa, The designer’s models ripped the described Andy’s escape. Addiction is researchers discovered serotonin levels runway with a wide range of pieces that more like moving a boulder up a hill but are the same in a person in love as they were to die for. there’s no peak to lay down your flag would if they suffered from Obsessive The first piece introduced was a signifying your freedom from your inner Compulsive Disorder. stunning female motorcycle leather. demons. One sudden slip can lead to The chemical serotonin is a mood This leather was detailed with alligator hitting bottom once again. stabilizer. In a way it’s the conscience arms, and a variety of zippers that When most think addiction, they drug. When you suffer from OCD, Sero- wowed the crowd. The second model associate it with the usual suspects. tonin is blocked from entering the brain. that ripped the all-white runway was a Drugs, alcohol and gambling are human The lack of it is the reason behind irra- beautiful African-American female poison but they aren’t the most tional behavior like washing your hands sporting a cheetah body suit. This piece common plagues. The one right in front a lot or leaving seven voicemails because drew a collective cheer from every of us can that nobody even thinks of is you thought your boyfriend was ignor- female in the building. The cheetah pat- love. What is love? Ask different people ing you while he was actually watching tern hugged the body just right, and the and you’ll get a separate answer most the 3 a.m. showing of the Dark Knight top portion didn’t show too much cleav- times. Rises. age, which makes it appropriate for Will Ferrell wouldn’t answer the Helen Fisher is a biological anthro- many different occasions. Without a question. He’d just bob his lead to the pologist who also goes by the name, “Dr. doubt, the standout piece of the night left with Chris Kattan in sparkly purple Love.” Similar to the University of Pisa’s was the men’s fur vest. This item is per- sports coats. Some would say love is a study, Fisher deducted from her fect for the fall season, and is very fash- spiritual bond between two people. The research that the brain reacts the same ionable. The leather pockets connected romantics –and maybe even Will Fer- way after a break up as it would if a at the bottom of the fur, displayed rell’s SNL character- would be let down person was jonesing for cocaine or nico- Toure’s creativity. to know that love is a biological reaction tine. According to her study, the pre- The talented designer saved his best inside us made up of testosterone, estro- frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in piece for last, and his strategy worked gen, dopamine, serotonin, neurotroph- the brain are at the center of addiction. perfectly. The crowd rose to their feet, in, norepinephrine, oxytocin and vaso- The objects of attraction –whether it be and gave the man of the hour, Toure, a pressin. a person or shot of tequila- are seen as a standing ovation as he walked out to Each chemical plays a role in attrac- sort of reward to those sections after acknowledge the raucous crowd. tion in our body. While in love, a per- experiencing a certain amount pleasure Accompanying Toure was rapper Cas- son’s body produces large quantities of from whatever your poison may be. sidy. Cassidy performed his classic hit serotonin and dopamine. These chemi- Something as simple as getting a text “I’m a hustler” as the flock of fashion- cals are responsible for the happy feeling from that special someone sends a able individuals left the venue, and filled signal to the brain to make it seem like the N.Y. streets. you’ve accomplished something. The Ghanaian-born designer show- Laws against banned substances cased his ability to appeal to both urban are out there to protect us from our- and high end designer consumers at the selves yet the things we’re being pro- same time. His colleagues in the fashion tected from don’t even lead to the most industry gave him rave reviews. The common form of addiction. It makes anticipation for his line begins to build sense that love can be just as addictive upcoming season line. Fashion designer as any drug just based off our music. Polo the Fur King said,‘’Toure’s clothing Two things musicians touch upon are impressed me, but surprisingly the drugs and love. Of course not all love is venue was amazing. Definitely one of this destructive, obsessive force. The the best fashion shows of Fashion definition of excess is different for every- week.” Jaime from Armed and Danger- one. A steady diet of drugs and alcohol ous Clothing stated, “Toure’s line was killed Jimi Hendrix. His old roadie, amazing. I am so proud of him because Lemmy, the lead singer of Motorhead, is he continues to push the envelope with a regular user of crystal meth and he fashion.” downs a bottle of Jack Daniels to start Swizz Beats , rap group A.S.A.P., his morning. Lemmy’s very much alive Lola Monroe, Cassidy, and Debra Atney at 66 years old which is around the age were some of the many celebs that filled Hendrix would be if he were around the front rows in support for the celeb- today. Life isn’t about shielding yourself rity designer. Both levels were filled to from potentially harmful things but capacity as a very fashionable crowd more figuring out what your limits are. watched an impressive array of clothing that will make noise this fall season.

5 FEATURE STUDYING ABROAD: A HONG KONG EXPERIENCE By Alhia Harris

ducation, to me, is the driving force The program allowed us to dorm on harbor. Another place that I had visited, person could use it both at the train sta- for an individual to learn. It is one of campus with the university students. and went often to, was the Lady’s Market. tion and at the grocery store. In addition, Ethe important motivators for my Classes were from 9:30am to 5:15pm, The Lady’s Market is a place where unlike New York City trains that are usu- family. My father did not finish his edu- giving us a two hour break at 12:15pm to people can shop for anything from to ally dirty; the trains in Hong Kong are cation, yet he felt it was his duty to make go and get prepared for our next class. bags, to shoes, clothing and even souve- clean because a person cannot eat or sure that I should do so and have an The two classes I took were Human nirs . What I liked the most about this drink on it. If they are caught eating or experience like no other. He showed me Resource Management and Business place is that a person can bargain prices drinking they can get a fine up to 5,000 it was important to not be a closed-mind- Policy and Strategy. down real low. For example, if a bag cost Hong Kong dollars. Hong Kong has cabs ed person, but to be an open-minded When I studied abroad in Hong just as New York City does. There are person. This knowledge that my father Kong, some things happened that I three types of taxis in Hong Kong; the red instilled in me made me want to explore couldn’t control. First, the plane ride taxis travel the urban areas, the green the world. This summer I took that jour- from NYC to Hong Kong took me 24 taxis travel within the New Territories and ney and went to study abroad in Hong hours. I was so upset and my feet were so the blue taxis travel on Lantau Island. Kong, China at The Chinese University of swollen that it took a week until the swell- The green taxis are usually the ones that Hong Kong (CUHK). ing came down. Also, during the first take people to campus but if a person is Knowing about different cultures week at the school I had become sick with in an urban area and need to take a red has always fascinated me. Living in Amer- a stomach bug because I was not accus- taxi, it can be hard to do sometimes. Since ica has left me curious to see what other tomed to the different kinds of food, and the CUHK is so far from everything and cultures are there to explore. Being able an ATM machine took my debit card, so I the train stops running after 11:30pm, it to experience college and get a chance to didn’t have any money for a week. In can be costly to take a cab so people usu- study abroad is a good experience to addition, my roommate left me in a club ally share a cab if they are going to the obtain in life. Not only did I have the the first night I went out. I wanted to cry same place. When I initially arrived in opportunity to learn about other cultures and go home when all these things were Hong Kong I assumed that New York City and customs, but I got the chance to live happening to me, but somehow I was the only city that “Never Sleeps,” but in another country for a summer. remained calm and reminded myself that 200 Hong Kong dollars, I would bargain my arrival to Hong Kong showed me oth- The Chinese University of Hong I was just blessed to be in another coun- the price down and get it for 100 Hong erwise. The night life was amazing Kong is a beautiful 137.3-hectare campus try. Also there were many different cul- Kong dollars. If the seller doesn’t want to because there were so many lights, and that overlooks Tolo Harbor. It was found- ture shocks when I arrived in Hong Kong. give the bag at the price, the person the clubs played the best music. The ed in 1963 and its motto is “To broaden People looked at me all the time because would walk away and the seller would drinking age was 18 instead of 21 in the I didn’t look like them, and especially give in and let the buyer get the bag at 100 . I had the chance to go to because of my hair. Before my trip, in Hong Kong dollars. It is a win-win situa- the world’s tallest bar and lounge called order to make sure my hair would not get tion because both parties, the buyer and Ozone that is located on the 118th floor. messed up, I decided to put my hair in the seller , are happy. My experience in Hong Kong was box braids. Hong Kong people never saw Food was an important part of my amazing and I did not want to leave. I met any hair like this, so they were very study abroad experience. Since earlier in people from all over the world and made intrigued by my hair. People would often my trip I had gotten sick because of eating friends that I will never forget. Studying stop me on the train and ask me, “How something bad , I was very skeptical abroad can be challenging, yet overall a did you get your hair like this?” or “Can about eating Chinese food. When I start- rewarding experience that a person will you even wash that?” and I would ed to feel better I only ate at Western food never forget. Every person attending col- respond “I got my hair done by a hair styl- places like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King lege should, if willing, take the opportu- ist in New York and yes I can wash my and Pizza Hut. However, when I got tired nity to study abroad. An important ben- hair.” In addition, people would ask to of eating Western food, I decided to give efit that I gained is gaining a new take pictures of me because they wanted Chinese food another try. I fell in love perspective on a culture. I felt this is to show their families my hair style. with eating Dim Sum. Dim Sum is a style important to know because in the world Another big culture shock was that people of Chinese food that is prepared as small we live in people often judge where never said “excuse me” when they portion sized foods that are served in others come from. Studying abroad in pushed, sneezed or coughed. I felt that steam baskets, or small plates. Dump- Hong Kong, China was important they were being rude because I was so lings, chicken feet, and my favorite, BBQ because it made me become more aware used to saying “excuse me.” pork buns are some main dim sum dishes of my surroundings. Not everyone has Despite the bad things that hap- that I have tried. Hot pot was another similar reactions to a situation. By going pened, I got to see some amazing sights . style of Chinese food that I tried and actu- through this experience I was made more The summer school at CUHK provided us ally liked. Hot pot is when different raw aware of how people communicate. one’s intellectual horizon and keep with weekly trips to different parts of slices of meats such as beef and pork are Today, China is one of the leading within the bounds of propriety.” The uni- Hong Kong. My favorite place that we put in a boiling metal pot of stock (water nations in Business, and I would like to versity has its own train stop called “Uni- went to was The Big Buddha. It is located or soup) at the center of the dining table. prepare for the future. My major is Busi- versity,” which makes traveling around on an island surrounding Hong Kong Then a person can add noodles, vegeta- ness Administration and I want to Hong Kong much easier. Since the called Lantau Island. In order to reach bles, and different spices to the pot. The become a human resource manager. campus is very big, the university had the Big Buddha, I had to climb over 250 meat should be taken out the pot fast Becoming a human resource manager, is many shuttles that ran every 15 minutes stairs to see this beautiful site. Another depending how the person likes their a big responsibility and being able to from the train station to take people to place we went to was an amusement park meat cooked. communicate with different people. various campus stops .The Chinese Uni- called Ocean Park. It is a park that has Hong Kong made me feel like I was Studying abroad in Hong Kong, China versity International Summer School thrill rides and has an aquarium so kids home in New York City. Their train improved my communication skills in Program in 2012 included 650 students can learn about different sea animals. We system was better than the MTA because dealing with people not only from Amer- from different countries of the world and also went to The Victoria Peak, which is a you didn’t need a MetroCard; instead you ica, but from all over the world, expanded it lasted five weeks, which started in the mountain in Hong Kong and has a view used what they called an Octopus card. my horizons, and has taught me just to end of June and ended in early August. like no other overlooking the city and the The benefits of this card were that a appreciate life in general. 6 ARTS AND REVIEW THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ARTIST By Danielle Menke is important to have honesty with your- main character. “La Mercedes de la them don’t give a damn anymore, some self.” Velarde’s art is the testimony of Virgen,” a religious painting, with Velarde of them are upset, or angry….” Kukuli Velarde what she calls, “a woman aging.” She depicted as the Virgin Mary, her husband A self-proclaimed child prodigy, Ceramics and Paintings states that it is very challenging for a as Don Pedro and her child as baby Jesus Velarde claims to have never had a child- woman to talk about and come to terms sucking her breast, definitely rose more hood. According to the artist, at the age of Amelie A. Wallace Gallery with her age. than a few eyebrows. When questioned ten she began selling her paintings. How- September13-October 16 Posted at the far end of the gallery, about the painting, Velarde jokingly ever, her father did not like her sculp- hang four unusual paintings. The first on replied, “I think the Catholic religion is a tures. “I wasn’t satisfied with my art or the far left, entitled “Your Turtupilin,” terrible institution. If some Catholic priest myself until I started doing what I wanted, alking into the Amelie A. Wal- portrays the story of a love unreturned. A gets upset about my painting, I could not just to satisfy my father. What could lace Gallery at SUNY College at woman who desired the love of a man, always say it’s a family portrait.” be more honest than myself?” WOld Westbury, one might be a who did not return her love, brought a Velarde’s ceramic statues might are After listening to her story, Velarde’s little taken back by the art displayed. needle and thread to a shaman who even more intriguing. The series of sculp- audience likely got the impression that Ceramic statues inscribed with tribal would hunt for a turtupilin bird. After the tures entitled “Plunder Me Baby” were she does not see herself the way her audi- markings and in compromising positions, bird was caught, he would pierce the inspired by her background of Peruvian ence does; she sees herself as an older paintings of seemingly bizarre faces and heart of the bird with the needle and and Colombian culture. Upon closer woman with self esteem issues due to scenes, and a video displaying two smok- thread. With the blooded thread, the inspection, the faces of the sculptures aging. But after speaking with the artist, ing women, might make the audience woman would sew the name of the man also belong to Velarde. She explains, onlookers are able to get a grasp of the wonder about the artist. she loved into a handkerchief. This, the “With ‘Plunder Me Baby’…if I was using amount of bravery one would have to Behind a crowd of students towards woman hoped, would make the man somebody else’s face, it would seem that have to choose her own path against their the middle of the gallery, sits a small, return her love. “I thought and felt it was I am detaching myself from the situation father, to do what they wanted and to put petite Hispanic woman with her hands unfair that the only one that had to die of and that I am not affected…so I put my themselves (mind and body) on display. folded in her lap and a smile on her face. love was the bird and I wanted to show face there with the purpose of defiance Her words are powerful, “Sometimes you At a closer look, one could tell she is how something so tiny can keep people and daring.” Many of her sculptures are feel as if the floor is going to fall from older yet attractive with short, dark brown together,” Velarde said. The woman in seen with large enticing eyes, open under your feet. I always thought that if I hair and tan skin. However when Kukuli the painting is a naked Velarde seen sit- mouths and full breasts. When ques- did what I wanted to do, people will be Velarde declares she uses her own face in ting on the ground covering her chest tioned about her work in a pamphlet afraid. But you can’t be afraid of your her paintings and sculptures, the audi- above her heart with her hand. SheBy Javere Pinnockobtained at the gallery entitled, work. To give everything and to have hon- ence might have trouble making the con- is the unfortunate bird that died of love. “Kukuli Velarde: Ceramics & Paintings,” esty – that’s art.” nection. In her art, the faces seem older, Kukuli Velarde’s next three paintings she discloses that she wanted her sculp- more harsh and unusual unlike her own. all tell her personal of pity, temp- tures to look as if they were just waking She said, “My art is not traditional. I cre- tation and the way she views herself, up in a museum: “They don’t know where ated them on my own to be seen by respectively. They also depict her as the they are, some of them have fear, some of myself; not to be made for the male eye. It JOEY DIAZ’S “TESTI- CLE TESTAMENTS” By Joe Randazzo charge of tossing Vella in the trunk put on his headlights on the way to the air- port. After getting pulled over for some- oey Diaz says the day he went to thing so routine, the cop heard the mum- prison was the best and worst day of bling in the trunk. Both Vella and the his life. Thirty years later this mon- J driver told the police that Joey had all the strous comedic presence is revisiting his coke. He got in the most trouble because criminal past on stage and releasing these he was a victim of the times. It was Ronald performances on ITunes. Every month he Reagan’s America which placed a heavy puts out a new volume to the comedy emphasis on its war on drugs. album series he calls the “Testicle Testa- A point Joey touched on a lot was ments.” how arrogant he was in his youth. Joey The name “Testicle Testaments” got away with many crimes before this came from his frustration of there not and was convinced he’d get away with being a “Vagina Monologues” for men. To this too after finding out the police were him, this is the male counterpart to the after him. When he brought himself to the popular book and play. In each volume police station he was sure he’d make it he strays from the typical formula of back in time to see Don Johnson’s wed- setup and punch line and focuses more ding on Miami Vice. “Don’t worry about on the details of his old lifestyle. Joey’s it” Joey recalls telling his then girlfriend. stage presence is that of a story telling “I’ll tell em’ something and be out before muse who puts stage 2 at the Pasadena the wedding.” Ice House Comedy Club in a trance. The Once Joey walked in to the Colorado “Testicle Testaments” are the best Police Station, nineteen cops pointed comedy albums to feature more quiet their guns and threw him to the floor. He than laughter from the audience. was arrested for kidnapping one, kidnap- to the judge for two days to “get things gone from relative unknowns to headlin- Volume one focuses on the kidnap- ping two, aggravated robbery, accessory together” as if he were Ray Liotta. Instead ing comics quicker than in the days of ping of a drug dealer named Vella. Joey’s to a felony, and a crime of violence. The of relying on record labels, Tonight Shows Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. But there plan was to keep the money in his pocket, suit he bought for the Miami Vice wed- and luck, he just throws his material on steal the blow and then scare Vella out of ding never had the chance to be worn ITunes and lets his talent do all the work. isn’t a late night show long enough which Boulder, Colorado. He would have gotten that night. Joey and many comics like him have can do justice to Joey Diaz’s unique story. away with it too had the driver he left in After being sentenced, Joey pleaded taken destiny in to their own hands and 7 OPINION FROM LYRICISM TO BUBBLE GUM RAP By Tahucha Jean

s youths in the early stages of Hip one know that “my lip gloss is poppin’.” Hop, we have almost all pondered The messages once conveyed by a previ- Awho it was “paging me at 5:46 in ously uplifting genre have dissipated into the morning, crack o’ dawn,” and all nothing but sexist banter and narcissistic soaked in the realization that the “sky’s verses. Nas would comment on the the limit.”The past, where lyrics would amount of wrong things children are express the ills and struggles of life as being taught and guide them with prom- minority, set a standard in music history. ise in “I Know I Can.” Even Tupac We finally had an outlet to release the observed how hard teenage motherhood tension and disgust of our living situa- was and how people ideals on public tions. Battered and bruised emotionally, assistance was atrocious in “Brenda’s Got pens were lifted and flew off pages in a Baby.” But, sorrowfully, our speakers poetic liberation to make it known that are filled with gloats of high status and we were tired of the stigma of being a “stackin’ paper,” because everyone wants minority; of being the lesser humans in to hear about monetary success. And America. So, when did expressions of whatever brings in cash is exactly what being on the bottom of the societal totem so-called artists will sell, no matter how pole become manifestations of scantily many inadequate statements there are clad ladies swinging on them? The birth about his ill earned success; no matter of our artistic baby has been tainted over how many times his “hoes” have to wiggle the years, when stanzas became sprinkled and jiggle in front of the camera while he with useless phrases and pathetic jargon talks about absolutely nothing. that have little or no constructive impact One can argue that hip hop is no anymore. Hip Hop has become nothing longer a category of music, but more of a more of an outlet for pretty rhyming business. Whatever appeals to the masses words and chauvinist chatter. However, gets the higher revenue, and therefore the real issue that people fail to realize is must be distributed. The music is no the actual decline that is happening: The longer a channel that used to be benefi- fall from Lyricism to “Bubble Gum Rap.” cial towards a racial advancement of a As defined byTheFreeDiction- positive outlook on an already dishon- ary.com, bubble gum rap is “a style of ored section of people. Minorities are just popular [rap] music designed to appeal to that: minorities. With a wide array of adolescents, characterized by bouncy inspirational pieces released by names rhythms and a generally cheerful tone,” a like Nas, Tupac, Biggie Smalls, we would contrast to the definition of rap itself, think that the legacy of “attempted defined as “a form of popular music change” would exhibit itself in the music developed especially in African American that we created for the purpose of being urban communities characterized by… heard. rhyming lyrics with a strong rhythmic But what is being heard when noth- accompaniment…used to express ing is being said? orally.”We’ve gone from the days of “FIGHT THE POWER!” to letting every-

8 OPINION ARAB SPRING WILDFIRE By Denise Rivera bloomed in Tunisia. During March 2011, gates the outcome of the gold miners’ protesters gathered in Kuwait City, strike, which encountered violent he Arab Spring that commenced in demanding reform and another prime exchanges with the police, leaving 46 Tunisia was a huge, immense spark minister; by the end of the month, the people dead. These unfortunate Tthat left the world in awe. The result nation’s cabinet had resigned. In Algeria, encounters serve as a reminder of what of this movement would remove long- college students rallied and demanded the consequences are of enforcing jus- time leaders from office. Overall, it ignited the removal of their Education Minister tice. a profound awakening that would pro- in April 2011. Unfortunately, the results Although many nations still face voke waves of protests throughout the produced in Egypt and Kuwait weren’t more trials and obstacles to overcome,

African continent. experienced everywhere. Originally, Themba Hadebe/Associated Press, The Washington Post these revolutions have allowed the The protests of the removal of Syrian protesters were united under one South African Miners rally world to see how powerful human Tunisian president Ben Ali didn’t remain : to remove President Bashar Assad. 2012. Protesters were clearly expressing courage and determination can be. Unfortunately, Assad responded brutally their anger over the inefficiency of their Whether fighting for basic natural rights, and the nation is currently divided and government. It was no surprise that they or against forces that use natural resourc- swarming under violence, bloodshed, faced blockades of police forces. The es as a way to hinder the majority of a and warfare. The Arab Spring wildfire article evaluates how a week of this strike that spread in Syria has now become a made Nigerian President Goodluck Jona- grave international issue that remains than vulnerable. This is a prime example unresolved. of how not meeting the demands of the One specific nation that comes governed can injure the stability of a to mind as a result of the Arab Spring is a country. non-Arab nation--Nigeria. However, this The Arab Spring epidemic has West African nation was protesting spread very far to South Africa. Currently, Akintunde Akinleye/Reuters,Akintunde The New York Times

Agence-France Presse, The New York Times against one of the most precious natural there is a protest occurring among South Nigerian protesters taking Protesters march in the northeastern resources: oil. In a New York Times arti- African gold miners. The protesters the streets of Lagos Syrian town of Qamishli cle, “Under Pressure, Nigerian Leader demanded higher wages for their labor- in one nation. According to an NPR arti- Relents on Gas Price,” journalist Adam intensive jobs. Gold is one of the natural population, it’s amazing to see how the cle, “A Guide to Protests in Middle East, Nossiter investigates the result of Nigeri- resources that South Africa greatly relies Arab Spring created so much vigor as North Africa,” N orth African nations that an protests over heightened gas prices on. The BBC News article , “South Africa people voice cries for fairness and were succumbing to the protest epidemic and removal of fuel subsidies in January gold miners on strike at Anglo,” investi- reform.

WHY I’M VOTING FOR GARY JOHNSON By Ryan Zukowski third-party candidate gathers enough sup- repealing the USA PATRI- biggest selling points is his port and spoils an election, like Ross Perot OT ACT, ending the wars pledge to end the war on ary Johnson is the Libertarian can- did in 1992, the act sends a message to the as soon as he got into drugs that costs American didate for President in the Novem- two establishment parties that there is a office, closing the Guan- taxpayers billions of dol- Gber election . Gary Johnson was large segment of the population unsatis- tanamo Bay torture sites lars, and many people governor of New Mexico from 1995 to fied with the status quo. This forces the and extending a diplo- their lives. Johnson has 2003, and was re-elected in a state that political establishment to be pulled in a matic hand to foreign said that he would legalize traditionally votes “2-1 Democrat,” more populist direction and incorporate countries. marijuana, cut the size of according to his campaign website. the views of a Green Party or Libertarian President Obama government, make an Johnson touts his record of cut- Party candidate into the regime’s policies. has continued the War on easier path for immigrants ting the size of New Mexico’s state govern- I am not a fan of President Drugs, continued the war in Afghanistan to obtain working visas and a path to citi- ment through reorganizing management Obama’s policies, Mitt Romney, or his according his predecessor’s plan, failed to zenship, as well as let the states take a and minimizing layoffs of state employees. positions on the current issues. The worst close Guantanamo Bay or end the torture more active role in determining health New roads were built, the debt was thing that someone can do this year is to that goes on there, has gone on military care systems, as our system of Dual Feder- reduced, and taxes were cut for the middle vote for the lesser of two evils. That is the adventures into Libya, and continued to alism was designed to do in the first place. class families of New Mexico under his essence of a wasted vote. What have you allow para-military contractors in Iraq You may disagree with Gary Johnson administration. The Presidential Whitepa- accomplished by voting for a Republican who have been reported going on steroid- and his stances. The important thing to pers section on Clubforgrowth.com states or a Democrat? You have just participated and-cocaine-fueled shooting rampages in remember this election, is not about that Johnson vetoed a total of 724 bills in the perpetuation of the Welfare-Warfare the nude. The President has cracked down voting for a candidate necessarily because brought before him as Governor . state, an expansion of debt, foreign mili- on states’ rights to dispense medical mari- of party affiliation or the way the look or You might be thinking, “If I tary adventures, restrictions of liberties juana, signed into law the Federal Govern- talk, but because of the content of their haven’t heard of him, he probably has no and more crony-capitalism in which both ment’s ability to torture or kill American character, their record and the promises chance of winning and voting for him is a parties participate. The political philoso- citizens without a warrant, due process, or they make and whether we believe them wasted vote.” While it is true that Johnson phies of the Republicans and Democrats even probable cause, and has overseen when they say they will uphold their has a zero percent chance of winning the are those that have gotten the country into and perjured himself on the Fast and Furi- promises. There are 19 total candidates presidential election, it’s the furthest thing the mess in which we still find ourselves ous gun-running scheme that has cost running for President, not two . Third from true to say that a vote for him is a mired. hundreds Mexican citizens, and a U.S. party candidates like Johnson are often wasted vote. Traditionally, the peace candi- border patrol agent, their lives. excluded from debates and denied media The biggest fallacy of our democ- date has won the election. In 1992, Clinton On the other hand, Gary Johnson has coverage despite requesting interviews racy is that elections are about voting for criticized George W. Bush for his military gained the reputation as the most honest and issuing press releases, as Johnson has a winner to speak for us. The truth regard- adventure into Iraq. In 2000, George W. man in politics. He gained re-election by claimed to have been doing. There is a ing casting a vote for a candidate is that Bush criticized Clinton for his military fulfilling campaign promises, unlike candidate who shares your positions and your views align most with that candidate. adventures into Bosnia, Kosovo and Obama or Romney. Gary Johnson advo- beliefs. It is the duty of a citizen in a It is not about winning or losing; it is about Somalia, running on a platform of a non- cates a non-interventionist foreign policy democracy to make an informed decision sending a message to the community. If a interventionist foreign policy. In 2008, and unlike Clinton or Bush, he can be when they cast their vote. Don’t waste Candidate Obama ran on a platform of counted on to stick to it. One of Johnson’s your right to vote, or you may lose it. 9 OPINION HOW I GOT OVER COLLEGE ANGST AND LEARNED TO LOVE OW By Ryan Zukowski Old Westbury, I lived in a dorm room with passions, I discovered that it was either upset to hear that I missed out on two two other fellows. They were nice enough, not what I wanted to do or that I did not dodge-ball tournaments and a league met a beauty queen last year while I but we never really hung out or talked. need a degree in the subject to practice it since I began attending Old Westbury. was in the New York State Assembly During a hall meeting, my R.A. stressed after college. Then, I discovered that only Old Westbury has forty-five clubs Iinternship program. As assemblymen that we needed to know our roommates; half of college graduates end up with a and fourteen fraternities/sororities. This clamored over each other to get a picture for instance, what was their favorite career in their field of study. In other is not to mention the Student Govern- with her, I heard one person say, “Miss color? When he asked me I said, “I don’t words, (for the most part) what you study ment, newspaper, TV and radio stations, Westchester went to Old Westbury.” I know their favorite colors, that’s why we is not really what is important; it is whom intramural dodge-ball, volleyball, basket- thought it would be nice to introduce get along so well.” It is hard to have a con- you know and the skills you develop: ball, flag football and many more activi- myself to a fellow Old Westbury student. flict with someone with whom you never work ethic, studying, research and net- ties, all at your fingertips. All you need to I made my way to Miss West- have contact. working. The most important of these do is ask. chester and introduced myself. She gave One roommate played video games skills is networking. The easiest way to The point I am trying to make is that a big, phony smile and said hello. I asked and talked on the phone with his friends network is to make friends and talk to you need to take charge of your experi- her if she went to SUNY Old Westbury, back home. The other was always out people. ence here. Ask around, don’t be afraid to she replied in the affirmative. I told her and about with attractive females, while I Since I became more active here talk with faculty, stop in at the Student that I also went there. She curled her lip sat at my desk and surfed the Internet or at Old Westbury, I have met some very Government Association and look for in a look I can only describe as a look of read books. interesting people with backgrounds something non-academic to do. Do not pity and disgust, “I’m sorry,” she said. Still, I was left wanting for my ranging from serving as a Navy SEAL, to be passive and expect opportunities to There is another girl who I see “college experience.” When the opportu- someone who has become a mentor to come to you, they won’t. Talk to everyone occasionally at bars who is also an nity for an internship in Albany came up, me on how to become politically active. I you can and jump at every opportunity to alumna of Old Westbury. Whenever we I took it and spent the spring semester of have met people from four different con- join an organization or activity. There is a see each other, all she ever has to say is, 2011 upstate being a secretary and coffee tinents and learned about their cultures whole college full of interesting experi- “You went to Old Westbury, right? runner, just to get away from Old West- and backgrounds. I became so much ences and people who are just waiting for Doesn’t it suck?” This goes the same for bury. I missed several networking con- more knowledgeable and appreciative you to join them. Don’t get me wrong, not many other students and alumni when- nections there but I realized something: it throughout this process. The most all of them will work out. Some people are ever Old Westbury is mentioned. The big- is up to you to make your college experi- rewarding experience of all has been to sit here to party and have changed their gest complaint I hear from them is that ence. No one is going to do it for you. No with professors and hear about where major to Taking up Space and Wasting there is nothing to do on campus. Stu- one is going to offer you a letter of recom- they came from, their experiences and Money. Some people might just be oper- dents go to class, retreat back to their mendation, a job or a network connec- their expertise on their subject matter. ating on different wavelengths or are dorms, eat, occasionally bathe, and tion unless you earn and ask for it. Only then, three and a half years into col- going in different directions and some repeat. I have heard the worst opinions Despite being shy and timid in lege, did I discover what I should had people are just downright jerks. The about Old Westbury from commuters. all things, I decided that I was going to be been doing since the beginning. important thing is that you do not Later, the same commuters can be seen aggressive and start my college experi- Last semester, I sat in on a Stu- become discouraged and that you press eating, studying and napping in their ence. I joined the Politics, Economics and dent Life Committee meeting. I said, on to the next one. This is your college cars. Law club and walked into the Catalyst “Well, I have nothing better to do, why experience, define it yourself. Old Westbury is the fourth col- office and introduced myself. It is still a not?” A representative from the Athletic The last time I saw that girl at the bar, lege I have attended. Academically, I did learning process and I have made plenty Department sat in and offhandedly men- she said to me again, “You go to Old reasonably well in all my other institu- of mistakes, but I have also learned a lot tioned the intramural programs. “Wait, Westbury, right? Doesn’t it suck?” tions but never found the “college experi- of important lessons. what?” I exclaimed. He explained to me I replied, “It is what you make of it.” ence” for which I was looking. I have changed my major four about all the intramural programs that During my first semester here at times now. Every time I studied one of my Old Westbury had to offer. I was a little HAVING A BLAST AT CLUB BASH By Joseph Garcia

n the five years that I’ve been attend- good friend Danjela Nika who is the and a demonstration from one of the step ing SUNY Old Westbury, I’ve gone to president of the Poetry club, her table was teams we have on campus. Club Bash is IClub Bash every year as either an next door to The Catalyst table and she a great way for those who are new to Old “Club attendee or as a table monitor. This year, was so ready to share her poetry and Westbury (freshman and transfers), com- Club Bash was at its finest. Over the years inspire those who love poetry to join the muters and even those who have been Club Bash has grown with all the new club. (The same can be said for Alianza here for a while to get involved on Bash this clubs that appear on campus ready to Latina of which some of my friends are campus in the environment of their find new members for those who are executive board members.) Danjela was choosing. If you’re into anime and video interested. This year was the biggest turn kind enough to give a quote on her games, you can join the Anime/Video year was out I have ever seen. thoughts of club bash: “Club Bash this Game Club or if you want to be a writer From the table I was monitoring for year was such a huge turnout! So many you can join The Catalyst or even be part The Catalyst with the Executive Editor people came out and I wasn’t expecting of one of the step teams on campus such such a (Karyn Dyer), Managing Editor (Ryan this at all. There were more clubs than I as OOC (Out of Control) or Step Tunes. Zukowski) and the Business Manager thought on campus it really blew me It’s also possible to create your own club (Alhia Harris), there was so many people away, and the best part was the large with some friends and you can have your huge just eager to join the club that was right amount of people who came to my table, very own table at Club Bash next year. for them. Not so surprising, many of POETRY CLUB WHOOOOO!!!!!” All in all, Club Bash 2012 was very “ those at Club Bash weren’t freshman, I was amazed at the huge turnout successful, and very entreating and I look turnout! they were sophomores, juniors, seniors, this year as I was expecting a good forward to it again next year. transfers and plenty of commuters. amount of people but this blew my mind. Many of my close friends had their Everyone had a great time looking own tables for their clubs such as my around, getting free cups, shirts, candy 10 OPINION TRANSFERRING TO OLD WESTBURY By Traci Newman their classes were over. Students would weren’t enough desks for everyone. The The small classes, dedicated faculty, and actually sleep in their cars before and parking was bad there too. They have a students who want to be involved with n the first day of classes many pro- between classes instead of socializing parking lot about 2 miles away and had Old Westbury make me glad I transferred fessors will ask you to introduce with each other. shuttles running every 10-15 minutes. here. Oyourself to the class and say a few I graduated Farmingdale with my When it came time to sign up for classes, Of course everything is not perfect words, giving everyone a chance to get to Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and had I decided I wasn’t happy and was wasting here. We all know that parking is a prob- know each other. What I’ve noticed most absolutely no idea what to do from there. my money there. lem, there aren’t always enough classes is how many students have transferred to I started working for Abercrombie and I needed to go back to school and offered every semester, and I’m sure for SUNY Old Westbury from other universi- Fitch as a store manager. At first I liked it, after hearing really good things about Old students who dorm the list goes on and ties. I transferred here in the fall of 2012 working and making more money than I Westbury, I wanted to try it. I was nervous on. But after speaking to several other from Stony Brook University and earlier had in the past. But then three of my co- to start because of my disappointing past transfer students, I got the same over all had transferred from Farmingdale State managers walked out and quit during my experiences with other schools. I have to response; they feel they are really learning College. first week of training. It didn’t take me admit, I was pleasantly surprised. There and getting experiences here that will When I first started college as a fresh- long to realize why, so I very quickly are a lot of commuters here but the stu- help them in the future. Everyone wants man at Farmingdale, I wasn’t really sure started applying to schools again to go for dents and faculty really do get involved. college to be fun. But after graduation you what direction I wanted to follow or what my bachelors. There are so many different clubs and will be more thankful when you land a job major I should choose. So I went the I applied to a few schools and decid- organizations to join! I’m a media and because you have more education and undeclared route, and was thrown into a ed on Stony Brook. I knew it was a good communications major and I’m so happy training in your field than the person sit- bunch of random classes I wasn’t inter- school academically and I was eager to with this program. I really feel the profes- ting next to you applying for the same ested in. Eventually I had to choose, so I start. Within the first few weeks of classes sors know what they are talking about position. picked Liberal Arts. We all know what it I knew I had made mistake going there. I and have so much work experience to If you are a new to Old Westbury and means: “I still have no idea what I’m apologize in advance if you’re a fan of back them up! I’ve mostly taken classes not sure how you feel about it yet, just doing with the rest of my life.” I wasn’t Stony Brook, but personally I have noth- within the American Studies Department give it some time and make sure you get really happy at Farmingdale because ing good to say about the school. I was and have had some really great profes- involved. There are always clubs, activi- there isn’t much of a student life on nothing but a number and a tuition sors. Unfortunately for me, I had to take ties and sporting events to go too. The campus. Ninety percent of the students check. Most of my classes had 75-200 stu- math. It’s not my strong my point, but I school is what you make of it, and you are commuters and who left as soon as dents in them. I actually had to sit on the was lucky the professors really work should make the best of it! floor in two of my classes because there together and help the students succeed.

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13 SPORTS NEW LEADERSHIP FOR OW ATHLETICS By Nathaniel Derosena the school’s Division I baseball team. She ing with is the transition from a primarily implemented the Bear Education Athletic Division II school to a Division III school. Retention program, or BEAR, an aca- She feels there is a difference in the atti- fter almost two years without a demic support program for student ath- tudes of the athletes here, as Division II definite head of the athletics letes. The program offered academic athletes get scholarships to play, while department at SUNY Old West- A assistance to student athletes in need, Division III athletes do not. “What I find bury, the department has finally found a and helped improve NYIT’s retention and with the student athletes here is that they qualified candidate to fill the position. graduation rates. enjoy the opportunity and find it to be a Lenore Walsh, a native and a Walsh received her bachelor’s degree privilege to be a part of the team,” Walsh Providence College alumna, has joined in 1996 from Providence College. After said. the Old Westbury staff as the new director graduation, she took a yearlong intern- Walsh said she is excited to start her of athletics. Walsh comes into the posi- ship with the Eastern College Athletic new chapter at SUNY Old Westbury. She tion, already with a vast experience in Conference (ECAC) in Massachusetts. took over the position on July 23, and has collegiate athletics. Before joining the Old While working for the ECAC, she got stated that her main goal is to “focus on Westbury athletic staff, Walsh was the involved in everything from event plan- the student athlete development.” So far, associate director of athletics and the and marketing, to conference she said, the staff has been very helpful as senior women’s administrator at the New championships. She learned to appreci- she has become acquainted with Pan- York Institute of Technology (NYIT). ate the business of college athletics, and thers players and coaches, and sees a During her tenure there, she oversaw wanted to learn more. bright future here at SUNY Old Westbury. eleven NCAA Division II teams, as well as One major difference Walsh is deal- Lenore Walsh HELLO BROOKLYN: WELCOME YOUR OWN BROOKLYN NETS By Omar Linton not convert to the black and white of the Brooklyn Nets rest assure, we can all bet hen the Dodgers left Ebbets to see those infamous specs on his 5’5 Field for the palm trees and frame decked out in orange and blue sit- Wsunny weather of Los Angeles in ting courtside with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Chris 1957, Brooklyn was left without a profes- Rock, Adam Sandler and other notable sional sports franchise. Talks of the Nets Brooklyn stars and celebrities at least leaving New Jersey started back in 2002- twice during the regular season. 2003. The original projected time for the Although they are not a 100% NBA Nets to play in Brooklyn was back in 2006 Championship caliber team just yet, the and then again in 2011. Failed negotia- Nets are still a force to be reckoned with tions among the courts and residents, as in the Eastern Conference, led by All-Star well as other business factors pushed point guard Deron Williams. The acquisi- back the anticipations of seeing Brooklyn tion of All-Star shooting guard Joe John- home to a professional team again. But son improves the talented backcourt that all of that changed when Russian billion- can collectively score 50 points on any aire, and now owner, Mikhail Prokhorov given night. Add swingman Gerald Wal- bought the former New Jersey franchise lace, rising star center Brook Lopez, and a in 2010 and made plans to relocate them promising young star named MarShon out of the Meadowlands swamp to Atlan- Brooks, and you’ve got a team that can tic and Flatbush Avenues in Brooklyn. very well be a playoff team every season. One major acquisition that did not New Yorkers have always had Madi- occur, was the hopeful signing of All-Star son Square Garden as the mecca of bas- perennial center, Dwight Howard, who ketball with the Knickerbockers as their signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. Had home team. But starting this fall after five the Nets been able to pull off that block- decades of not having a professional team buster signing, Brooklyn would’ve been in the borough of Brooklyn and with the looking to start filling their rafters with money and power behind Prokhorov, championship banners as early as June Ratner and Brooklynite, and hip-hop 2013. mogul and minority owner Jay-Z, there The Nets will be the first team in 55 will be a noticeable shift in home team years since the Dodgers, to represent pride as many folks have already started Brooklyn as their home on November 1st talking about the switch of colors from when they open the 2012-13 NBA season Knicks’ orange and blue to Nets’ black against their rival, New York Knicks, on and white. their home floor in front of 18,000 screaming fans in the Barclays Center. Well, just about everyone. When the Eleven trains, including the Long Island New York Times interviewed film director Railroad, will pull into and out of Atlantic and New York Knicks lifetime fan, Spike Avenue-Barclays Center giving access to cloudfront.net Lee, in August his response was: “I wish I people from all over NYC and Long had a dollar for every time people ask me Island. More than ever before , people will ough its first championship within the ers did in the fall of 1955. Until then…let’s that — I could finance another film…No, now be able to attend Nets home games next three years, the first, and last , since just say…Brooklyn is proud again. no and no. Can’t do that. Can’t. I am and concerts at the $1 billion arena. Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodg- orange and blue, baby.” While Spike may Prokhorov has promised to bring the bor-

14 SPORTS AS THE NHL LOCKOUT STARTS, WE LOOK AT THE 2012/2013 ISLANDERS By Scott Clinco for Colorado as a free agent. Unfortunately for the On defense they have Power-play Islanders, as the start of the ith the NHL having locked out quarterback Mark Streit along with the hockey season approaches its players on September 15th newly acquired Lubomir Visnovsky to go fans aren’t only on Wafter failing to agree to a new along with free agent signing Matt the season on the horizon CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) Carkner and Andrew McDonald. Also because of the uncertainty there are doubts in many circles that the Travis Hamonic took a huge step in his surrounding the teams NHL season will start on time. However, development last season establishing future on Long Island. most still have hope that there will be a himself as a top defenseman in the NHL. Recently, a lot of noise has season this year and this won’t be a It should be interesting to follow his pro- been made about Brooklyn repeat of the 04/05 lockout which ended gression this season to see how much he as a potential landing spot with that season being suspended. is able to build on last year. In net the for the team post July 31st, After experiencing a modest Islanders finally have some stability for 2015 when their lease improvement from the 2010-2011 season the first time in seemingly ages with expires at the Nassau Coli- to last season, our led having signed veteran goalie Evgeni seum. With the opening of by head coach Jack Capuano come into Nabakov to an extension late last season. the Barclays Center, the this season looking to take the next step The ever-talked about Rick Dipietro is still Brooklyn Nets already has a in the rebuilding of the team and make a around and has nine years left on the 15 brand new place the run for the playoffs for the first time since year deal he signed in 2006. Youngsters Islanders could call home. the 06-07 season. The Islanders are led by Kevin Poulin and Anders Nilsson will However, Ed Mangano and , who is quickly becoming share the third string spot and back up Nassau County aren’t ready one of the best players in hockey, as well Nabakov when Dipietro inevitably gets to give up just yet. Over the as forwards Kyle Okposo and Matt injured. The Islanders assuming every- last few months they have Moulson. With secondary offense one stays healthy could make a run for issued an RFQ (Request for coming from guys such as Michael Grab- the playoffs and maybe sneak in as the Qualifications) for the area. soon. However, Barclays Center majority ner, Frans Nieslen, and , they eighth seed. However, a lot would need They are seeking a master developer to owner Bruce Ratner was recently quoted hope to improve on last year’s offense to break right for that to happen so they develop the land and partner with the saying that he was “trying like hell” to get which was ranked 27th in the NHL. Free probably need some time before that Islanders to keep them here. They are the Islanders to Brooklyn. The battle of agent Brad Boyes also hopes to take the occurs. But who knows sports teams sur- down to three choices and reports sug- Brooklyn vs. Nassau County for the spot of departed PA Parenteau who left prise people all the time. gest a decision on this should be made Islanders should be an interesting one.

15 SPORTS OLD WESTBURY WOMEN’S SOCCER NOT AFFECTED BY SLOW START, LOOKING FOR MEMBERS

By Mike Smollins “It’s a great fun young team,” said because it sets the tone for the whole for the season to end in another trip to fifth year head coach Craig Newman. team. Allie and I have to make sure our the Skyline Conference Playoffs. While ven though the season hasn’t start- “We’re going places.” heads are in check.” there is a lot to look ahead to, Old West- ed out as planned for the Old West- The team has already seen some Added Pirone: “Being a leader has its bury has lost a few players to graduation, Ebury Women’s soccer team, the great progress this season as sophomore advantages and disadvantages. If your other schools, and personal reasons. young and talented Panthers have a lot of forward Stephanie Maybie has already teammates see you out there giving your According to Newman, the team is optimism going forward. Old Westbury made it to the Skyline Conference Weekly all, they’re going to give it their all too.” hoping to recruit some more girls as their went 2-5 in their first seven games of Sep- Honor Roll. Despite early struggles this season, original squad of 18 has fallen to 14. tember, but the team still has many rea- “Stephanie is a girl that has a lot of the Panthers are hopeful to turn it around “I know there are other soccer play- sons to believe that it can succeed this potential,” Newman said. “This week she down the stretch. They have a very strong ers out here that don’t know about our year. made the honor roll, so fingers crossed defensive core and sophomore goalkeep- program,” Newman said. “We’re hoping we’re going to get some good things out er, Caitlin Thomas, also recently tied a to create interest and that girl’s will step The Panthers, picked to finish third of her this year.” club record with her sixth career shut-out up and come practice with us.” in the Skyline Conference coaches poll, Newman is hoping that the partner- between the pipes. Anyone interested in trying out for are hoping that they can build upon last ship between Maybie and junior forward “I had no idea how many shutouts I the team should e-mail Craig Newman at year’s successful season. The team and team , JoAnna Kettell, will had,” Thomas said. “I was shocked and [email protected]. reached third place with a record of 9-9-1, lead the offense for Old Westbury this now for the rest of the season I just want The Panthers are hoping to put a and made it all the way to the Skyline year. Kettell, along with senior defender to keep getting shutouts and set the slow start behind them, and be on top at Conference semi-finals before ultimately Allie Pirone are the leaders of the team on record high and make it untouchable.” the very end. being eliminated from the playoffs. The and off the field. With the leadership of Kettell and “We always tend to start slow,” team is still predominantly young, but the “[Your teammates] look up to you,” Pirone, along with up-and-coming star Pirone said. “We’re starting to gel now experience of going deep into the playoffs Kettell said. “It’s hard because sometimes Maybie, and a strong defense backed by and hopefully it’ll be a good season.” has paid off. you want to goof off, but you can’t Thomas in net, the Panthers are hoping