Winner of Multiple Awards fromo

Our college. Our news. Our voice. Naugatuck Valley Community College December 1, 2018 Waterbury, Connecticut Vol. 62, Iss. 8 Narcan Training: Two Hours Well Spent omas Ackerman Last year, NVCC was one of several community size, and vicinity to high overdose areas. colleges to receive $10,000 in annual grant Edward Schreiner, manager of Stoll’s money, for education on opioids. This Pharmacy, on Grove Street, in Waterbury, was especially relevant given the current attends NVCC’s trainings, and other events, statewide and nationwide opioid crisis. to supply information and Naloxone prod- NVCC has designated part of the grant money uct. Schreiner said Grove Street has a reputa- toward monthly 2-hour trainings regarding tion for drug use and crime, but the pharmacy “Naloxone.” Often referred to by its common is never bothered because of the services they brand-name, “Narcan,” it is an overdose provide the community. He and other phar- reversal medicine. The trainings—off ered free- macists at Stoll’s require a permit to dispense of-charge to students, staff , and faculty—are the drug outside of the office, as he does at meant to educate attendees on opioid abuse Valente’s trainings. and how to use Narcan. Schreiner works with Valente to offer Professor Sandra Valente, Coordinator Narcan as cheaply as possible to attendees. He of NVCC’s Drug and Alcohol Recovery can dispense Narcan like any other drug, and Counselor Program, hosts the trainings. She attendees can use their insurance to pay. If a said the grant is gifted from the CT Healthy co-pay is expensive, Schreiner said something Campus Initiative. Valente is also a member can be worked out, as profi t is not the goal, such of Waterbury’s Opioid Task Force, along with as getting the Narcan for free, from Dr. Valente. first responders, treatment providers, and Schreiner lost a “very, very” close fam- Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, who created ily member to addiction. The family thought the force. everything was under control, and the death 1,038 CT residents died in 2017 due to occurred shortly before Naloxone became well- heroin, morphine, and/or codeine detected known and available. “The goal is to keep that causes, according to data from the Office of Photos Courtesy of CDC person alive until they come to a realization CT’s Chief Medical Examiner. Valente men- they’ve had enough,” Schreiner said. He added public, I always carry my (Naloxone) bag now,” cost $3,500, while a kilogram of heroin may be tioned with some optimism that projected data, you can’t tell people to become sober. They have Rosado said. $50,000 to $65,000. She added the fentanyl-laced through the end of 2018, shows 1,032 deaths. to want it. Schreiner said he has prescribed The kit includes two 4 mg. nasal spray con- high is more potent, and consequently more She believes education, including the monthly multiple doses to an individual, due to them tainers, a set of plastic gloves, and a CPR face appealing to addicts, whether they became trainings at NVCC, is key to combatting over- using the product multiple times on the same shield. Rosado said the training included a pro- addicted through legal means or not. Another dose. Generally, between ten and thirty partic- loved one. cedure on identifying an overdosing person, goal of Valente’s training is to destigmatize ipants attend, almost every month, including Valente said some colleges with the CT the direction to call fi rst responders, and how addiction. To that end, she shares demographic DARC students, non-DARC students, faculty, Healthy Campus grant funding, have been to utilize the nasal spray. data. She said, in Waterbury, the typical opi- and staff . resistant to allowing Narcan trainings, despite Naloxone cannot cause overdose, Valente oid overdose victim is 30-59 years old, white, NVCC student Raymond appropriate faculty having certifications. A said. It has no eff ect on the brain, if there is no and male. The oldest patient from the data is 79 Christopher Rosado lost his college president or other administrator ulti- presence of opioids in the body. Narcan has a years old, while the youngest is seven months father to a drug overdose last mately determines whether trainings can stronger affi nity to the receptor site in the brain old, when a child found drugs on a table. February. Rosado attended occur. She said NVCC is lucky to have a sup- than opiates, Valente said, so it prevents the opi- Valente said Waterbury, and CT, are tar- the October training to bet- portive president. oid from binding there, temporarily reversing gets for opioid and drug traffi c because of its ter understand what happened. The fall semester’s final Narcan training the overdose. She added that opioids do not location along the I-95 corridor, which facili- He hopes to help others prevent will take place December 10th, from 6:00 – 8:00 metabolize immediately, but if there are enough tates North-South transportation. 32 percent a similar experience. “If I’m in pm in Kinney Hall Room 715. For information, opioids in the system, or if fentanyl is present, of local 9-1-1 initiated overdose interventions contact Dr. Valente: [email protected]. a person can start to overdose again, justifying do not involve Waterbury residents, the use of the second spray. but visitors coming to the city for It only takes While much coverage of the crisis has drugs. “Waterbury has a focused on legally dispensed opiate drugs very high overdose rate,” a little to enabling addiction, there is also a phenomenon Valente said, so aware- of drug dealers cutting product with cheaper ness of Narcan distribu- and deadlier drugs. These are often synthetic, tion is important because lose a lot. like fentanyl. of NVCC’s large campus Valente said a kilogram of fentanyl may Photo Courtesy of Duluth Police Department

forced change. It is as if you can now breathe is a reminder of the diffi culty of immigrating, Though I spoke English, and understood Foreign Souls underwater. the sense that you do not belong, do not fi t in it well, I was told I could not receive the Daniela Ullauri There are few who can understand the and have to cleanse, to change to blend. level of education I deserved due to the fact Blending into a impact and power of these words from Julia Part of the challenge of blending into a that my fi rst language was not English. This country you were Alvarez in “Queens, 1963”: “Everyone seemed society is fi nding confi dence to change where destroyed my confi dence; I was convinced not born into is like more American/ than we, newly arrived/ for- needed, but still holding on to the parts and I could not succeed in this new country. trying to breathe eign dirt still on our soles” (1-3). The term for pieces of yourself that make you who you However, when I looked at my family and underwater; there immigrants does feel fi tting at times: aliens. We are. As an immigrant, it is easy to lose confi - saw that, despite this language barrier, they is nothing that are foreign, trying to make contact with a dif- dence, and to feel oppressed and stifl ed sim- were fi ghting and achieving success in this feels natural, and ferent life in a diff erent place, just trying to sur- ply by language. In the poem, “First Muse,” whole new life for us, I was inspired, like the overwhelming vive, like everyone else. When I immigrated to Alvarez writes of a language barrier blocking Alvarez by her muse. This is when I realized urge to take the United States at age fi fteen, I did not want her from her creativity, making her fear her my voice could be heard not just in one lan- that breath of to leave my home, but my family was leaving, creative expression. It stems from a statement guage, but in two. air, to resume normalcy, becomes almost so I too had to leave. by a “famous poet” that “One can only write Blending into another country can intolerable. Being an immigrant, I know I had foreign dirt on my soles when I poems in the tongue /in which one fi rst said bring many obstacles, but our unique routes this diffi culty, and it is that empathy, that arrived, as if that dirt came from my core, and Mother,” (1-3). This ideology muddled Alvarez through those obstacles are what give us our experience, that makes two poems by it served as a remnant of my home in a place into thinking her voice is only heard in one lan- stories, and make us stronger. In the poems, Julia Alvarez, “Queens, 1963,” and “First that certainly was not home. Alvarez encap- guage; it made her question whether she could “Queens, 1963” and “First Muse,” Julia Muse,” so impacting. From vivid details, sulates so many of those feelings with her use pursue what she loves. Alvarez speaks of the difficulties of immi- to the poet’s expressions and emotion in of imagery and diction in “Queens, 1963”. The Like her, I was faced with a language bar- gration, but does so in a way that makes the the language—the heart of the poems—I dirt on her soles is an analogy for what she, rier that felt crippling, and at times oppres- reader hope. Hope for people to be more eas- understand it all too well. While it is diffi cult, and other immigrants, are to others, foreign sive. I was denied the opportunity of an equal ily accepted, hope for people’s creativity to be there is a remolding of character that is, “dirt”. While she eventually blended in, as I, education when I initially started school in the heard, and hope we can coexist as humans, without a doubt, a result of that strain, that too, have, to this beautiful country, this poem U.S. because of a suspected language barrier. even when those humans seem so diff erent. 2 News e Tamarack, December 1, 2018

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK Fresh Check SGA PRESIDENT Tamarack Sta Keeping December to Pace Remember There will always be It’s December which talk about the next big means it’s time to reflect travesty in our news. on what a great fall semester we had and There will always be look to the great spring semester we have another chaotic occurrence that makes us ahead of us. With December, comes the end wonder when it will slow down. Yet, with of a semester and a sigh of relief that classes everything that goes on around us, never has will be over. We have all come so far, so there been a more peaceful time known to congratulations to everyone who has made history. What we lack is clarity to see beyond it this far. the eye-catching negativity that is always As always, a new month means new SGA being pushed on to us. In our most primal activities! Our first event of the month will instincts, humans have evolved to think be our Annual Holiday Party on December negatively out of survival. 5th from 10:00 am - 1:30 pm. Everyone should Think about it, whenever we happen to come join us in Café West to enjoy a Winter come across a new person, our instinctual Wonderland with buffet-style food, ginger- thought is to find what is wrong with them. bread house building and so much more! This mindset has been imbedded in our psy- Our next and last event of the fall che through the legacy of our ancestors. All 2018 semester will be the final Waffles for they mostly desired was to keep safe as they Success. As always, the event will be held stemmed from small groups of likeminded in the Academic Center for Excellence. On people to simply find their next meal. Not December 12th from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, long ago, humans did not live to see past make sure to stop by the ACE to enjoy free their fifties. If you ran into one who did, they waffles, juice, and coffee as you study for would inform you it was on borrowed time. your finals. And speaking of finals, my fellow Fast-forward a couple of millennia and the SGA officers and I wish you the best of luck idea of penicillin, running water, and cell- in showing all you’ve learned this semester. phones are taken for granted. When we find With the semester coming to a close, our SGA meetings have come to an end. We’ll ourselves surrounded by all that goes on Photos Courtesy of Tom Ackerman around us, it is difficult to keep pace. There is be starting back up in the spring. However, just because we will no longer be meeting, a demand to do everything faster. Therefore, NVCC held its second annual “Fresh Check Printz referenced a quote someone had it’s important to slow down, breathe, find our doesn’t mean you can’t get involved. If you Day” event this November. The event written on a piece of fabric: “I am not what my are interested in becoming a senator for the center, and go at our own pace. originated with the Jordan Porco Foundation; father did.” The fabric is part of a collective December is bringing us to another end spring semester, or if you have any fun ideas Porco was a college freshman when he took his quilt being made, which will hang in Prism for events you want to see on campus, you’re of a semester, and with it, some of us are own life. Following their son’s death, his family Lounge. Printz said 144 pieces were made last likely to move on from NVCC. No doubt, always welcome to swing by S516, our office established an initiative to highlight mental year, and over 125 were made last month, to in Prism Lounge, or email us at NV-SGA@ there will be in some of our hands perhaps health, especially among college students. allow for voices to be heard in a more discrete an associate degree or something else which nv.edu. Happy Holidays, and I look forward Colleges and other institutions are joining the fashion. to seeing you all again next semester! makes us feel like we have hit a metaphor- effort to spread awareness. The Veterans’ Club hosted a booth, and ical milestone marker. Some may choose to “[The event] made access to support ser- talked with students about veterans’ trauma Best regards, go onto higher education, and others may vices more open and more accessible,” said and suicide. The group cited dramatically Tabitha Cruz not, but what we need to address is that, just Dean of Student Services Sarah Gager, who higher suicide data for military members. because we have earned something here, was instrumental in hosting the event. She Matthew Steinerman and Andrew Iava repre- does not mean it is over. See, we must earn said the college chose to provide both physical sented the club. Center for what we have done here every day. and mental health proponents. “It’s more com- Iava said people seem to think of military Most people think incorrectly to them- fortable to stop at a booth and have a conversa- veterans as tough, but said it is important to Teaching selves that, once this paper states I have a tion,” she said, as opposed to more traditional understand the mental shift soldiers experi- degree that the hard part is over. That I will means of students inquiring about their health. ence when they return home. He said boot not need to use my mind to exert myself in Eight clubs participated with booths and camp desensitizes soldiers to accomplish a Time for Reection this focus again. The mind and our educa- activities, up from five clubs last year. Around mission, but desensitization can be long-last- Prof. Lisa Kaufman tion need to be exercised similarly to the 400 students attended, which made the event ing. Returning home means leaving financial Lisa Kaufman, NVCC Professor of Communications body. When we step away from constantly one of the most popular she has seen. Students support, food, friends, and a place to live. The and co-advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honors becoming better, we inevitably become dull. had the chance to enter a raffle to win prizes, need to re-adjust to society can weigh heavily Society, is a longtime CFT committee member. My intention here is not to orchestrate anx- such as a TV, by receiving a stamp from a select on veterans. Before you leave for a long-deserved break iety, but for us to help each other to be pre- number of booths. Hula hoops, drunk gog- Daiana Malcervelli, a first-year student from academics, take some time to reflect on pared in our lifelong journey. gle obstacles, and the creation of a Safe Haven from Brazil, said, “People don’t see clarity to the fall semester. Ask yourself: What have I Finally, a quote for the break from Quilt, were among the activities. their problem,” urging those in dire straits, learned? How has my community changed? Seneca, “As long as you live, keep learning Louisa Printz is a community educator not to give up. “Call it a second chance to live What will I do differently when I return to how to live.” and prevention coordinator, for Safe Haven your life,” she said. Tiana Laurendeau, another classes in January? Regards, of Greater Waterbury. She works with NVCC, NVCC student, did not know all the resources You gained a lot of new ideas this semes- Alam Khan and is often invited by faculty to speak in the school makes available, until she attended ter. What knowledge can you use in the future? Editor-in-Chief classrooms. Safe Haven provides support and for the first time, last year. Returning this year, When I teach presentation skills in my classes, [email protected] resources to victims of sexual assault and Laurendeau said the event comes at an oppor- I urge students to transfer that information to abuse. tune time in the semester. other classes and even work situations. What you learn in classes can be used in a multi- tude of ways. Don’ make your education a fif- teen-week marathon. Legal Assistant Club Revival Who were the students with whom you Tom Ackerman “Nicole or Kevin brought it up,” Clough shared classes or club memberships? Think of said, referring to Vice President Kevin Pistilli. these people you’ve surrounded yourself with When Nicole Zappone, a jack-of-all-trades semester. Professor Clough will again advise “I was gratified,” he said. “Listen, guys,” he as your new friends and colleagues. You can and aspiring legal assistant, asked Professor the group. He said there is much interest, told the two, “this used to be a very active club, depend on each other for support, study skills, David Clough about the possibility of a Legal both from his and Nicole’s class, as well as and a lot of fun.” He said the group, previously and maybe even a good time. You will feel Assistant Club, Clough told her one previously previous students, and others, who have around 15 members, often met at Spartan’s more comfortable and enjoy your education if existed. In fact, Clough said, the club was active reached out. Restaurant. They hosted lawyers, judges, and you expand your community. Don’t make your and vibrant for years, until around 2016, when Clough said there are approximately 15 once went to New Haven to observe a criminal relationships a fifteen-week marathon. interest faded. That was all the encouragement students who could serve as a core group, arraignment proceeding. After all of the reflection, what will you Zappone needed, and now students are while others showed some interest, and may Pistilli said, in an email, “[The club] seems do differently next semester? Do you need to reviving NVCC’s Legal Assistant Club. attend intermittently. “The key thing is hav- like a very low key and informal way for stu- adjust your college or work schedule? Think Zappone joked she did not want to pay ing very motivated students, and I’m see- dents to interact with people in the legal pro- carefully about your priorities. Is your fam- exuberant amounts to be a lawyer, yet, but ing that in a number of students right now,” fession and get a unique insight into how our ily life suffering? Did you make enough time that writing and law are her passions, which Clough added. justice system works.” He added he felt the for your friends? Did you allow new friends to work well, in tandem, to be a paralegal. She Clough is active in the field of law, and need to take initiative because of his class- come into your life? Don’t make your priorities added, “I want to make a difference here [at knows many people within the industry. He mates’ desire to gain more practical under- a fifteen-week marathon. NVCC]. I want to bring the club back to life!” was involved with the club from his first year standing of the paralegal’s role in the legal Make sure to enjoy yourself over winter Zappone also writes for a number of local news- at NVCC, 1994, until around 2005. At that system. Both Pistilli and Zappone are excited break. Relax and recharge. Celebrate the hol- papers, and wrote public affairs articles with point, another professor, Walter Lippincott, and grateful. idays—and your academic achievements— her high school NROTC group, which shaped now retired, wanted to become more involved. “Getting people interested in this club has with family and friends. Don’t forget about the her interests. Professor Kathy Taylor later took over when not been hard at all! I think the worst part about knowledge you gained, the new communities While the club was approved at a recent the club seemed to merge with the Accounting [getting the club reestablished] was just filling you formed, and what adjustments you will SGA meeting, it may not take off until next Club, until it dissipated. out the paperwork,” Pistilli wrote. make in the future. Don’t make next semester a fifteen-week marathon. e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 News 3 EDITORIAL Answering a Need Andre J.R. Williams and omas Ackerman “Standing, like a resolute tree, as your source for news.” Alpha Males? Established last year, NVCC’s Food Pantry, As for now, the pantry committee would Editorial Alam Khan, Editor-in-Chief They say men are supposed to be tough located on the third floor of Ekstrom Hall, like students to spread the word about the pan- Christopher Gordon, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus and take no crap from anyone. Well…that below the ACE, is seeking to match with a try, since there are many out there who don’t Chelsea Clow, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus might be a bit of a problem. To be fair, being designated local grocery store. The pantry know it exists. However, students should not is showing increases in its use, each month, see it as a place to come and get free food, in Alexander Wilson, Senior Sta Writer tough is not itself a problem, nor is not taking Nicole Hayes, Emeritus Senior Sta Writer any guff from some palooka. If you’re not despite many students being unaware of its order to spend food money on something else Richard Bosco, Emeritus Senior Sta Writer a Popeye fan that means taking crap. The existence. that’s not a necessity. Professor and Program Coordinator, “Some people just come because they for-  omas Ackerman, Sta Writer/News Editor problem comes when people take it too Rick Bellagamba, Sta Writer far. You might recognize this term: toxic Kathleen Leblanc, said October saw 1,095 stu- got their lunch, they’re having a hard week, Tom Conte, Sta Writer masculinity. Maybe you might recognize its dent visits for “grab-and-go” food, and 55 stu- or they had a big bill. Then there are people Christian Cruz, Sta Writer other common label, Alpha Male. dents registered for more regular pickups of coming every day because they’ve graduated Christopher Gordon, Sta Writer grocery items. Grab-and-go food is equivalent from high school, and they had a free break- Alyssa Katz, Alumni Contributor/Editor In modern terms, Alpha Males are men Mitchell Maknis, Sta Writer/Editor who get what they want. Sadly, this means to a snack, such as crackers or granola bars. fast and lunch at school. Now they’re in col- Gwenydd Miller, Sta Writer/Editor disregarding everyone else; other men, Leblanc explained that the pantry joined lege, and they’re missing ten meals a week,” David Pacheco, Sta Writer/Managing Editor the Food Resource Committee of the United Leblanc said. Christian Soto, Sta Writer women, children, it doesn’t seem to mat- Matthew O. Spence, Sta Writer ter. But selfi shness is not actually an alpha Way of Greater Waterbury. In December, the This is important because food insecu- Imani Stewart, Sta Writer attribute. It takes something far more to rise group will meet with a CT food bank. “We’re rity can contribute to lowered success rates, as Andre J.R. Williams, Sta Writer above the “pack” and lead. asking to become a part of the Food Recovery hungry students are unable to pay attention Program, where they would match us with in class, perhaps even resulting in students Rick Bellagamba, Tabitha Cruz, Bonnie Goulet, Jaime Leaders encourage everyone; leaders Hammond, Irisa Hoxha, Alyssa Katz, Lisa Kaufman, have the best interests of their followers a grocery store,” Leblanc said. The store will dropping out. The food pantry wants students Jessica Ney, Alexander Wilson, Columnists in mind, and leaders are sometimes called allow for more fresh foods, like fruits and to see the campus as a place that really wel- upon to sacrifi ce what they personally want vegetables. comes them. Karlene Ball, Anna Bunovsky, President Daisy Cocco “I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes Janel Abdul-Lateef is a full-time employee; De Filippis, Juliann Dignan, Jeannie Evans-Boniecki, in favor of improving the group. Modern Matthew Gilbode, Tae Kyeong Kim, Matthew Olivares, representations of Alpha Males do none of who’s already using and depending on a partic- her position is funded through an Americorps Robert Pinto, Joshua Poole, Rose-Mary Rodrigues, that. In fact, they do the opposite and work ular store,” Leblanc said. “I don’t want to show grant. She started work at NVCC in September, Pamela Tolbert-Bynum Rivers, Daniela Ullauri, Guest up at Big Y, and fi nd that [another pantry] is and said she likes for students to feel comfort- Contributors to interfere with real leaders. Does that mean Alpha Males are bad? Of using it. That’s how you end up with problems.” able in the pantry. At the Fresh Check event, Art course not! They simply have a lot of work to One of the ultimate goals of the pantry is Abdul-Lateef talked with many students who Janice Bielawa, Creative Director to become a self-sustaining and integral part did not know about the pantry, but said they Matthew Olivares, Cartoonist do on themselves before they can claim the alpha title. Support and encouragement are of the College. This would mean they’d have were hungry. Web/Video necessary, as well as keeping an open mind. dedicated staff , and multiple services to help Leblanc referenced a student who was tak- Daniella Cruz, Webmaster Working hard to set the example of a hard students in need. Next semester, they will be ing time to decide what grab-and-go item to Faculty Advisor worker is also a necessary trait. A lazy per- working with a local community agency to choose. “She saw me looking at her, and she Prof. Steve Parlato son who belittles others, then claims credit establish wrap-around services, with the goal said, ‘I’m trying to decide if I want something for all of the work, is not exactly the noble of off ering students vouchers for clothing. They hot for breakfast or lunch.’ It’s hard,” Leblanc Consulting Faculty would also eventually like faculty to assign said. While she wishes she could make excep- Prof. Ray Leite, Design/Online soul one would fi nd in leadership. To boastfully lay claim to “alpha” sta- service learning coursework, where students tions, food is costly, and the goal is to feed as Join us! Weekly editorial meetings, tus is not a good thing; intimidation is not are given a credit-bearing assignment to work many students as possible. Leblanc said there Weds. 2:00 p.m., S519 the mark of a leader. To rule through fear is with the pantry. is $10,000 in funding from United Way, and Follow us! @ eTamarackNVCC Eventually, the pantry would like to $5,000 from the NVCC Foundation, but the Share us! nv.edu/tamarack or ourschoolnewspaper. to misunderstand the true ability it takes to com/tamarack lead. Things might get done, but they will expand into a place that offers services for money goes very quickly, with an average of Email us! [email protected] never survive the threat. In modern life, it basic needs, such as food stamps, housing sub- $2 per student visit. Call us! 203-596-8653 sidies, and energy assistance. Leblanc noted the The food pantry is looking for volunteers Visit us! e Tamarack Newsroom, S519 seems too tempting for a few to wield fear as To advertise: [email protected] / 203-596-8653 the terrible swift sword of command. pantry currently has student interns, and these who can dedicate at least 20 hours a week. Only those who inspire greatness can positions fulfi l a required internship aspect to They’re looking for students they can count Back issues available at nv.edu/tamarack or ourschool- claim true greatness. Tyrants who would graduate from the Human Services Program. on. These volunteers will need to go through newspaper.com/tamarack Professor Leblanc said more volunteers will training and will also need a reference letter. terrorize all in their sight to preserve their Look for us at the start of each academic month! fragile, ego-based sense of control, will only be needed next year, as current students pre- Contact Professor Leblanc for more info: kLeb- ever be remembered as bullies. To potential pare to graduate. [email protected]  e presence of paid advertisements does not equal alphas reading these words, fi nd the people endorsement on the part of  e Tamarack, NVCC, its in your life who help you grow and become students, employees, or a liates. Copyright ©Naugatuck the best person you can be. Then use that Valley Community College 2018. All Rights Reserved. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without as a framework to help others grow equally New Secretary Naugatuck Valley Community College’s express consent. as well. We stand better working with each other in support of the common goal. After all, Joins SGA the strongest ropes are those that entwine Christian Soto together many pieces of string, not those made of a thick single strand. So reject weak- One day I needed ness masquerading as strength, and grip some help with tight the hands of those leaders, be they of my Music Theory any gender, who promote a legacy of unity. homework, so I asked my classmate, Tabitha Cruz because she’s one of the more knowledgeable people in the class. Multicultural Celebration of Bread We worked on the homework in the Karlene Ball S.G.A. office, and while we worked, Tabitha mentioned that the Student Government Association officers were looking for a new SGA Secretary. I wasn’t sure if I could take on that role at fi rst because I didn’t think I could handle the responsibility, considering I take fi ve classes at the moment. I am also in Music Society; I partic- ipate in writing for The Tamarack, and I recently got involved in the Male Encouragement Network (M.E.N.) Club. After much thought, I decided S.G.A. is something I can do to not only benefi t myself, but the school as well. I enjoy taking on new challenges and responsibilities and trying Academic Dean Dr. Lisa Dresdner; student, Wafaa Algharib of Lebanon; and Karlene Students, faculty, and staff celebrate community in Café West. things I have never done before, things that Ball, ESL Coordinator (l to r) at Algharib’s table at the event. Photo Courtesy of Arbenita Musliu take me out of my comfort zone. I’m typically a shy person, but I do enjoy The Multicultural Celebration of Bread on HSU. fried dough, mandazi which complemented meeting new people, and I saw this as a great November 12 was a wonderful community Students, faculty and club advisors shared the offerings from Greece to Jamaica from opportunity to be more engaged with the gathering around bread from all over the brioche, bun and cheese, casabe, challah, corn- Brazil to Israel. It was a wonderful way to cel- school. I have attended Naugatuck Valley for world. The event was organized by the ESL bread, hard-dough, kifl e, kulaç, pan de agua, ebrate this season of Thanksgiving through quite some time now, and I’ve always been Program and the Office of Multicultural pâo de quiejo, pita, saj and tsoureki. New to the sharing of our daily bread. grateful for the resources and opportunities the Aff airs with support from the BSU and the the celebration this year was the Ugandan College has given me, so I fi gured it was about time that I gave back. 4 News e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 A Respectful Words of Honor A Bouquet of Wishes Request NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. Tamarack Sta shares her “reflections on a professor, teacher, Gwenydd Miller mentor, colleague, and generous member of our With the closing of Café East two months ago, NVCC family.” there’s been plenty of talk about why it occurred: “Cambia todo cambia” (“change, every- students using vulgar language, playing loud thing changes”), the poet once said. Yes, of music, and damaging school property. The course, life is about change, about hellos and closure was not without controversy. Some good-byes. How do I say hasta luego, hasta argue it isn’t fair everyone has to suffer for pronto, perhaps, adios, to someone who, the crimes of a few. However, many students through the years, but in particular this avoid Café East entirely because they feel past decade as I have witnessed, has given uncomfortable and somewhat threatened by of himself to all of us? the loud and rowdy behavior. So how is that William Foster III, brother professor fair to them? Bill, is a larger-than-life presence. As I con- One concern is Public Safety cannot step in sider how do we count the ways to say gra- without a complaint. However, people aren’t cias, mil gracias y bendiciones, images come submitting complaints; they’re ducking and running, avoiding the situation altogether. “William Foster III, brother Unfortunately, that doesn’t solve the problem. I want to encourage people to speak up about professor Bill, is a larger- these disturbances, so Public Safety can better than-life presence.... May your prevent them in the future. path be shining and kind, and I admit though, I’ve been guilty of not mak- may happiness and justice ing formal complaints as well. I know usually at NVCC Dance students, (l to r) Fallon Dignan, Arii Alamo, and Robert Collazo, pose with least one person in Café East every time I pass accompany your days.” Professor Foster (center) and Assistant Professor Megan Boyd (far right). The students performed by, and I don’t want to get them in trouble, or NVCC President original choreography by Boyd, presenting Prof. Foster with a dozen roses in honor of his get their friends in trouble. Normally, you’d Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. retirement. think knowing someone would make it easier to say something. But it can make it more dif- ficult to speak up as well, due to peer pressure to my mind: student orientations, issues of and not wanting to offend a friend. The Tamarack, publications of student course- A Man and His Multiverse So, hear me out. I bet most, if not all, those work, karate classes and functions, talent Jeannie Evans-Boniecki in Café East do not intend to create an uncom- show presentations, writers’ conferences, fortable environment. They’re just blowing off Confluencia readings and facilitations, pub- Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Professor look up from their cubicles. “Hey, glad to see steam, relaxing with friends, and if they were lications, playing checkers with students in William Foster III, and he has decided to retire you.” After five or six greetings, he arrives at made aware of their effect on other students, the cafeteria, stopping by my office to share this December, after 25 years of teaching at the cafeteria, then begins to chat with ten to maybe they’d tone it down a little. It’s all about an article, teaching across the hall, co-teach- NVCC. twelve ping-pong and pool players before giv- approaching people respectfully. So, if you ing with me (well, mostly he taught) during Over his quarter century of service, Prof. ing a hug to the cashier. know someone contributing to the disturbances my first years here, courses on Comparative Foster has contributed to NVCC in a multi- in Café East, perhaps take them aside and just Literature and African-American Literature. tude of ways: You might have known him as “I’ll miss the students, but I want to let them know. And if you’re a student who How then, do we count the ways he will sometimes gets a little too noisy, it never hurts your spring 1998 Communications or English get back to my writing...” be missed? We will all miss him. There are professor; you might have attended one of his to check your own behavior. By always making no words to say thank you, please come back presentations on representations of African Professor William Foster III sure to clean up after yourself and exercising to see us because your absence will be felt. Americans or Native Americans in comic a measure of self-control, you just might set an “Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino books back in the early 2000s. Maybe you got Along with his vibrant personality, Prof. example for others. al andar,” mused another poet (“ fellow trav- painted up as a zombie and rifled through Foster is known for his work. In addition to As the semester comes to a close, these are eler, the path is ours for the making”). May back issues of Lone Wolf and Cub at his annual plays and poetry, Prof. Foster’s published some things to keep in mind for spring. Let’s your path be shining and kind, and may Brass City Comic Con in Leever Atrium works include Looking for a Face Like Mine, make Café East a place we can all feel welcome happiness and justice accompany your days. during some summer. Dreaming of A Face Like Ours and The Untold when we come back from winter break. You might have known him as Sensei History of Black Comic Books. He’s become a Foster, demonstrating sets of push-ups or world-class authority on the history of African encouraging you to confidently disarm an American representation in comic books and In Reverence assailant. Maybe he got you to smile some spoken at numerous conferences in New York, e Circle Halloween when he served as costumed MC California, Australia, and China. Pamela Tolbert-Bynum Rivers for the Writer’s Conference Open Mic. Maybe Retirement from teaching can be a huge Expands you danced behind him to the Electric Slide at transition. Professors become accustomed to The Swahili people believe “when there are Christopher Gordon the Student Awards Banquet in 2005. Whether being surrounded by large numbers of peo- experts, there will never be a lack of learners.” you knew him as advisor to The Tamarack, or ple, to being “on stage,” to being needed. Their As such, when experts leave us—uprooting to Fresh Ink or the Otaku club, your life has lives become cyclical, following a semes- and retiring their gift of scholarship—every been touched by his exuberance, positive atti- ter-by-semester pattern. At the retirement of library bows its head in reverence. We respect tude, and passion. someone as energetic and engaged as Prof. Bill and affirm you, Professor Bill Foster, for the Prof. Foster is best known for his ability Foster, the question has to be: What’s next? joy and sheer magnitude of your talent. to lift spirits with a kind word. A walk down In his own words: “I’ll miss the students, Graciously, we relinquish your expertise to the 5th floor hallway with him tells it all: but I want to get back to my writing. I have a new, universal family of learners, just as Heading to Café East… a young man with a so many projects in the works, but it’s hard to hungry as we for your poetic sustenance. backpack approaches. “Yo, my brother (hand find the time. I’m looking forward to immers- Ascend, sir! clasp, bump)! He turns back, smiles. “Like I ing myself in my new book.” As the multi- was saying….” But then two young women verse expands, we wish him the best. Foster’s Fabulous Farewell Feast Tamarack Sta Photo Courtesy of Chris Gordon

November 2, 2018, Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis and the President’s Circle Committee inducted three 2018-2019 Circle members. With pride and dignity, the trio of honored students–Irisa Hoxha, John Williams, and Ingrid Taveras, (l to r, flanked by Circle members, Chelsea Clow and Chris Gordon)–accepted their blue blazers and circle pins, as well as their new responsibilities as NVCC student ambassadors. The challenge is not an easy one. Being a student ambassador is not simply a title, but a philosophy of charitable giving and academic rigor that does not end at graduation. It is a pledge to always represent the values of NVCC, wherever members of the Circle study, work, and live. Foster poses with Ron Picard, Pamela Tolbert-Bynum Rivers, Nikki McGary, and Professors Kate Pelletier, Julia Petitfrere, and Nikki McGary (l to r) With advice and encouragement from pre- Jeannie Evans-Boniecki (r to l). join forces to wish Prof. Foster well. vious inductees, Irisa, Ingrid, and John are on LABSS Division faculty and staff gathered November 19th to commemorate Professor Foster’s retirement. The event, modeled on the traditional their way to doing even more great things for holiday potluck Foster has spearheaded each fall, was a fitting tribute. our community. We welcome these exemplary individuals to this special Circle! e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 News 5

Honoring Between the FACE IN THE CROWD Adjuncts Bookends Scholar, Scout, Scuba, Positively Powerful News from the and Scares Mitchell Maknis Maggie Sachse-Skidd NVCC Library I’m Mitchell Maknis; I’ve been a Connecticut Jaime Hammond resident since I was born. Through my two decades of life, I have witnessed and participated in an eclectic group of experiences that I’ve been fortunate enough to share with family and friends. For instance, throughout my younger years, I followed in my family’s footsteps by Maknis Photo Courtesy of Tracey joining karate, specifically the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation. I was fortunate enough to Sound School has an amazing aquaculture be taught by my own mother, a master belt program I felt would complement my love of who would constantly have me practice dif- sea life. I was ready to launch into a career in Photo Courtesy of Max Raul Egusquiza ferent forms and techniques in and outside Marine Biology until during my high school the dojo. Thanks to my mother’s and my own tenure, I came to the realization that I have a Jaime Hammond is the Director of Library Services. persistence, I received my black belt and set disdain for the minutia of science. Although She loves being a community college librarian and off on my next journey: Boy Scouts. I was disillusioned by the intricacies the wants you to ask her obscure questions. I joined Middlebury’s Troop 444, where job of a Marine Biologist entailed, I learned It’s December, which means two things: I spent my time honing my scouting skills. a lot about myself, and my time there was bad weather and questions about works cited During those years, I forged friendships I well spent. I went from a disinterested and Photo Courtesy of Maggie Sachse-Skidd pages. Luckily, the Max R. Traurig Library can feel sure will endure throughout my lifetime. inauspicious student to an inquisitive and help with both! Many of the library’s resources I finished my time in Scouting by becoming ultimately successful one, graduating with and tools can be accessed from off campus, the Troop’s Senior Patrol Leader. I’m proud honors and earning the George Foote School “I am fascinated by human which means that, even if the weather is fright- to say that, after several years in Boy Scouts, Spirit Scholarship. ful, doing your homework doesn’t have to be. behavior and enjoy exploring and with the help of friends, family and Scout During my college years, I feel I have Here’s an overview of some of our most import- the potential of the mind and leaders, I was able to receive the rank of Eagle grown and flourished as a scholar. Currently, ant virtual resources: biology of the brain Scout, the highest achievement in scouting. I write for Naugatuck Valley’s newspaper, with students.” • EBooks, streaming films, and online One of my favorite merit badges I earned The Tamarack, and have had multiple arti- journals: When you search for a book as a Boy Scout was the scuba diving merit cles published, ranging from news, to arts or article in NV Search (the library cata- badge. I credit my family’s love of the ocean and culture. During my freshman year I was log), you can easily limit results to online and respect for sea life that led my father and nominated and won NVCC’s Male Image My name is Maggie Sachse-Skidd, and I teach resources. After you enter your search me to become certified scuba divers. We then Award, and recently I was inducted into Phi psychology at Naugatuck Valley Community topic, click search. On the results page, joined our instructor, Dr. William Zarillo, in Theta Kappa National Honor Society. College and Western Connecticut State you’ll see an option called “Delivery his Venture Crew named Crew 3000. Crew While I do focus on my academic studies, University. I have been teaching at NVCC for Format”- choose “Online”. Then, under 3000 is a non-profit organization; its main a passion of mine is to understand all aspects more than two decades and have taught just “Resource Type,” you’ll be able to choose focus is on coral restoration. For my volunteer of film, television, and theater. This also leads about psych every course we offer. I recently between books, audio visual (like movies work in Crew 3000, I was awarded the Bronze to my favorite past-time when I am not work- developed two honors courses in Positive and music), and journals. Triton Award for my conservation efforts. ing or writing. I lie down on the couch with Psychology and Positive Organizational • Research Guides: Need help with your Due to my background in coral resto- my dog and watch obscure horror movies I Scholarship at WESCONN. Psychology or English research paper, ration, I was accepted into The Sound School find while attending local comic and horror This semester, I am teaching Behavior but it’s late? Check out the library’s sub- in New Haven for my high school years. The conventions. Modification and Organizational Psychology ject-based Research Guides! Each guide at NVCC, and next semester I will be teaching will recommend books, articles, jour- General Psychology and Criminal Behavior. I nals, and websites to help you with your am fascinated by human behavior and enjoy research, and include helpful citation exploring the potential of the mind and biol- information. They’re a great way to get Excelsior, Now and Always ogy of the brain with students. started—and you’ll also find them in My recent certification in Positive your Blackboard courses, under “Library Farewell, Stan Lee Psychology from UPENN has informed my Study Guide”. Anna Bunovsky teaching by exploring the role of positive emo- • MLA, APA… Turabian? The library has tions, positive experiences and positive insti- some great citation guides you can use tutions through the lens of each course. This adventure books and the swashbuckler movies to check your work, see sample Works of Errol Flynn, and carried that love of the dar- semester in Organizational Psychology, we Cited/Reference pages, and generate worked on developing positive work identi- ing and fantastical into adulthood. After gradu- website citations. Check http://nvcc.lib- ating from DeWitt Clinton High School, Lieber ties, job crafting and mapping our professional guides.com/CitationGuides to get started. energy networks. In Behavior Modification, we began his life of entertainment and writing by did a deep dive into the power of habit loops, Speaking of citations, every year your friendly joining the WPA Federal Theatre Project. By and students created self-management pro- NVCC librarians host a really fun event called 1939, he took a job for $8 a week as a gofer for grams to power up their plans to show up in Exciting Snacks. We cook up some delicious Timely Comics, and two years on, he wrote a the world the way they want to. treats for you to enjoy (free of charge), and two-page story for Jack Kirby and Joe Simon’s Captain America I currently am a monthly contribut- then we provide the recipes, complete with comic titled “The Traitor’s ing writer to Wild + Free Magazine and The their MLA and APA citations! We also hand Revenge!” He used the pen name Stan Lee. Secular Homeschooler. I also published my out worksheets to help answer your questions, By 1942, Lee enlisted in the U.S. Army and first book last month, We Travel As A Tribe: and you can bring your paper to get on-the-spot served with the Signal Corps, writing manu- Homeschooling with Vision. I homeschooled advice. Each year we have a huge turnout for als and training films, and working alongside all four of my children from birth to col- this great event, and we hear that the citation legends such as Frank Capra, William Saroyan, lege. They all attended NVCC as part of their help is even more appreciated than the snacks and Theodore Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). Following homeschool high school experience and (But the snacks are really, really good too)! This the end of World War II, Lee returned to com- transferred to four-year schools and gradu- event will take place on Wednesday, December ics and served as editor. In 1961, the newly ate schools. I frequently speak at homeschool 5th, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in room L501. We renamed Marvel Comics needed heroes that conferences and am currently working on can’t wait to see you there! This past summer, devoted fans walked out of would put them on par with DC Comics and Avengers: Infinity War releasing a podcast, We Travel As A Tribe, movie theatres screening their immensely popular Justice League, so aimed at giving tools to women to dream big feeling less like they’d seen a movie, and more Lee and Kirby wasted no time. The duo cre- for themselves and their families. like they’d been punched in the gut. With the ated icons of the superhero genre such as the I love teaching and view it as a privilege now iconic snapping of fingers, half of the most Fantastic Four, a charismatic family of do-good- to share in a student’s education. This semes- celebrated superheroes of the past ten years ers; Spider-Man, the web-slinging teen bal- ter I start each class with the question, “Who quite literally vanished into dust. It’s not hard ancing the responsibilities of a hero with the has good news to share?” The field of psychol- to understand why fans reacted so strongly; for struggles of adolescence; and the X-Men, a team ogy has historically worked within a disease many of them, these characters have been an of mutants fighting for their rights as well as Speak Up integral part of their childhoods. Whether they saving the day. As the new roster of charac- model and developed a science of mental ill- ness. Positive psychology seeks to balance the grew up reading the classic Marvel comics, or ters found quick success, the seeds of a legacy Are you interested in where your Student study of psychology with the scientific study watched the Marvel Cinematic Universe unfold were planted, bringing us to where we are now. Activities Fees are spent? If so, voice your of happiness, well-being, and what makes life throughout their formative years, many an With the passing of Stan Lee, one word worth living. As a behavioral scientist and opinion at NVCC’s Student Government imagination has been captured by the likes of has come up in many a farewell: Excelsior! positive psychology practitioner, my goal is meetings held every Wednesday, 4-5 p.m. in Captain America and Black Panther. If we are Lee chose the word to close off his stories for to present tools, science, and share stories to L501, across from the Library. so deeply affected by the loss of our favorite its uniqueness, as he needed a catchphrase characters, how can we cope with the very real that competitors would not copy, yet the word encourage optimal living. I look forward to see- For more information ing you in class. loss of their creator? bears a greater significance. The Latin word call 203-596-2185, stop Born December 28, 1922, Stanley Martin means “ever upward,” and what better way to by S516, or emailSGA@ Lieber was the son of a poor Romanian immi- send off a man who always elevated storytell- nvcc.commnet.edu. grant who made his living as a dress-cutter in ing upward toward its wildest potential? So, I the Washington Heights. He was an avid fan of too, say Excelsior! 6 News e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 Take Back the Night My Student PTK Column Special from the Women’s Center Worker Limitless Women! Do Not Excuse Irisa Hoxha the Accused!!!” “Take Experience Back the Night, Take Back Your Life, Take Gwenydd Miller Back Your Rights,” “I should be able to walk Assistant Professor Christopher Rempfer, alone,” “No More Rape, Coordinator for the Liberal Arts and Sciences No More Hate” and Degree Program, and Assistant Professor of more. Sociology Nikki McGary, are co-chairs of the Take Back the Night Center For Teaching. Recently, they got their (TBTN) is about the first-ever student worker. I’m happy to say I power of speaking out. was lucky enough to get the job. Rape, sexual assault, Many people may know me from around sexual abuse, and campus, seeing as I’m in way too many clubs, domestic violence are including Creative Writing and Safe Space, as often labeled as “crimes well as the Honors Society, Phi Theta Kappa. Pictured (l to r): PTK Officers, Egzon Dauti, Irisa of silence” because Obviously, I also write for The Tamarack. This Hoxha, Erika Crabe, and Anthony Rosa with Faculty of low reporting rates semester, I decided I’d be crazy and extend my Advisor Prof. Greg Harding (back row). and social discomfort hours on campus with a new job. Rose-Mary Rodrigues, Director of the Women’s Center (front left), poses with public discussion Until a friend suggested it, I never thought Hello there, everyone! This month, PTK offi- with students, Millennia Figueroa, Savanna Turner, Michael Matovu (l to r), about having an on-campus job. The big appeal and (back l to r) Antonio Gonzales, Mathieu McPadden, Diante George, and around these traumatic cers are sending greetings from Massachusetts. Eduardo Melendez at the TBTN event. Photo Courtesy of Tamarack Staff events. is that, since I already spend a lot of time at The five of us, including our advisor, Professor By shattering the school, I might as well be working while I’m Greg Harding, attended the New England silence on sexual vio- here. Another thing I really like about work- Region’s Fall Conference, hosted by Massasoit lence, TBTN events help ing on campus is the flexibility; my work sched- Community College. All the PTK members survivors, and friends ule is built around my classes. It’s also really enjoyed a day filled with workshops, meetings, and family of survivors, nice to get to see the familiar faces of students and a transfer fair. It was a great experience know that they are not and faculty. with positive synergy everywhere. alone. Such gatherings My work is more or less an administra- There were more than 100 students reinforce the fact that tive assistant job; my most recent projects have from Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, these crimes will not be been designing flyers and brochures, organiz- Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. tolerated, nor will their ing Social Justice Series review forms, tracking “Limitless Leadership” was a three-hour ben- survivors be left to go CFT events, making and sending certificates, eficial training from Tom Healy, a national silently into the night. and much more. I also run small errands, like speaker and consultant who is an expert in TBTN is inclusive of delivering paperwork. helping leaders reach their extraordinary lead- all ethnicities, national- There are two programs I know of that pro- ership potential. According to Healy, “If you ities, genders, religions, vide on-campus jobs for NVCC students. Jobs want to see YOU as a leader, you should sur- sexual orientations, on Campus is the one I’m most familiar with, as round yourself with smart people while you ages, abilities, political that’s where my pay comes from. The require- are working hard.” He also suggested com- philosophies, socio-eco- ments are to be carrying nine credits, have a 2.5 paring yourself not with others, but with your nomic groups, and edu- GPA, and have a FAFSA on file. Well that’s easy. past self. If you ask yourself “What is next?” The last requirement, though, confused me. Photo Courtesy of Rose-Mary Rodrigues cational backgrounds. the answer contains different options: contrib- In addition to providing You must either be ineligible for Work Study ute, do better, inspire, be great, and THRIVE November 14, a group of students and staff support for those who have experienced sex- Funds, or Work Study Funds must be depleted. in the moment! gathered on a frigid night. Their purpose was ual violence, the events provide education and Well, what exactly are Work Study Funds? After this training, we enjoyed lunch pro- to stand together, to create awareness, and inspire others to become allies and supporters After a lovely discussion with Lisa Boyko, vided by the hosting college. Later on, we to empower those who have been victims of of survivors. More information is available at Associate Director of Financial Aid, I was attended a college transfer fair with representa- sexual assault. TakeBacktheNight.Org. informed that, while Jobs on Campus is pri- tives from different universities located all over Prior to the event, many students gathered vately funded, Work Study Funds are federal. the United States. Afternoon found us attend- in the Leever Atrium to make signs to carry The qualifications are a GPA of 2.0, a completed ing different workshops which were orga- during the march. The event opened with a FAFSA, and taking a minimum of six credits. nized by the New England Region Advisory beautiful piano performance of Lady Gaga’s On the FAFSA, there is usually a box to check, Board Members. They talked about the com- “Till It Happens to You” played by our very showing interest in a Work Study position. An petitive edge, educational forums, the honors own Gil Harel, Assistant Professor of Music. email will then be sent out to all those who in action and college project, APA formatting Speakers at the event included Rose- checked said box. and scholarships. Mary Rodrigues, Associate Director of the Being the CFT student worker has been Before leaving, we got to enjoy the door ACE and Director of the Women’s Center; Dr. one of the best experiences. I’m almost sorry prize drawing in which most of us got gifts; the Lisa Dresdner, Dean of Academic Affairs; and to see this semester end, but I hope to continue raffle was hosted by the board members. I also Heather, a representative from Safe Haven. in spring 2019. Prof. McGary is probably one want to share my favorite quote from this con- Together, the small group of twenty braved of the best bosses I could have asked for. Prof. ference: “There may be people who have more the cold with lit candles and marched with Rempfer? Eh, he’s all right (Kidding! He’s great; talent than you, but there is no excuse for any- posters with messages that included “Believe Photo Courtesy of Rose-Mary Rodrigues just don’t tell him I said so!). I’m very thank- one to work harder.” Thus, as college students, ful to them both for all they do, and all they’ve we should put effort every day to achieve our taught me—as my professors, my employers, goals if we want to succeed in this life. and probably most of all, by being the wonder- Besides the conference, another project ful people they are. Happy holidays, and see completed successfully by PTK active mem- you next semester! bers was “Coats for Coffee,” led by PTK Vice President, Egzon Dauti. Dozens of coats and Trim that Tree! hoodies were donated by NVCC students, staff, and faculty members to benefit homeless peo- Tamarack Sta ple around town. Moreover, this project served as a fundraiser to attend the next conference to be held in spring 2019. We want to say thank you to all the people at NVCC who supported us with donations and the purchase of home- made cupcakes. Let me ask you something before I close: How great can you be? As great as YOU want! PTK is looking forward to seeing you in our next meeting and at future activities.

Routine Number, Ext. 58113. Public Safety Emergency Number Ext. 58112 Department The department is staffed: 24 hours per day • 365 days per year

On Thursday, November 15th, as CT braced for a too-early winter storm, spirits were high on campus. Despite the impending weather—and unaware of the nightmarish commute it would Mondays Thursdays cause—the S.G.A. hosted its annual tree-trimming ceremony. With traditional carols playing, and Creative 2:30 - 4:00 3:00 - 4:00 tasty treats on hand, students and staff transformed Prism Lounge—even festooning the doorway Writing Club S517 S517 to The Tamarack office—into a festive holiday destination. e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 Arts & Culture 7 Visiting Colleges NVCC Students A Day in Salem 101 Move Audience Imani Stewart In fact, Salem is so popular with students Christian Cruz Juliann Dignan it’s been chosen as the fall trip for the past ten Well isn’t this a scary topic, visiting colleges? years. “I’ve been to Salem more than ten times,” Remember to breathe as I explain how you Blake admitted. She added it’s a must-go desti- should start exploring where you want to be nation for Halloween. Calling the trip a chance after NVCC. Many lost souls on campus do not for students to relax, take a break from stud- know what we’d like to do for a career or even ies, and have fun, Blake added, “I hope the a major. Before we know it, we’ve graduated students, make friends, and genuinely enjoy with our associate’s degree and have to transfer. the trip.” “Which college should I attend?” is a big For my brother and me, Salem was amaz- question. Sometimes, breaking it down, an indi- ing! The food, the scary costumes, the décor, all vidual expects the world. For example, a must- of it was as wicked as we could imagine. Salem have list might include: Fitting in on campus, also had a fair going on, so students could par- lots of scholarship opportunities, a good pro- ticipate, whether eating candy apples or enjoy- gram for my major, a clear path to enter my ing some rides. career fi eld, professors who are nice, good food, My favorite were the antique shops; every Photo Courtesy of Ray Shaw Photography and a plethora of other outrageous things we shop you walked in was decorated differ- expect as community college graduates. So let’s Five schools. Five Dances. All Connecticut. ently, but kept that creepy Halloween Salem create a more reasonable list and good start- That’s how it started sixteen years ago. The 5x5 vibe. Some shops sold tarot cards, others sold ing points. CT Contemporary Dance Festival, Connecticut’s brooms. I enjoyed the shops that specialized

First off , start searching early. Visit poten- largest and longest-running contemporary Photo Courtesy of Imani Stewart in zodiac gems. tial colleges and connect with those organiza- dance festival, has grown over the years to My brother was, quite surprisingly, excited tions. Then, try to envision yourself on their include professional dance companies sharing Salem, Massachusetts is one of the most about seeing the statue of Roger Conant, Salem’s campus and see if this college is right for you. a venue with student dancers. This concept beautifully historic places in the U.S.— founder. On our journey we saw many of the Another good way to start is to discuss this off ers students an opportunity to grow in their despite its gory past. I was fortunate to visit famous historical spots people rave about when with your parents and a close professor or art and to realize in part their own dream of as a sophomore in high school. This fall, while they visit Salem, for instance the Witch House. advisor early. They’ll have your best interest becoming professional dancers. looking for trips to take, I noticed an NVCC The Witch House must be the most tour- at heart; from there you can make a more rea- Held at the University of St. Joseph in West Student Activities fl yer for a Salem trip on Oct. isty part of Salem, since this is where Judge sonable decision. Hartford, the festival this year included a dance 20th, and I just had to go. I was allowed one Jonathan Corwin, one of the many judges Second, free is free. If a college, any col- choreographed by NVCC’s own Megan Boyd guest, so I invited my 15-year-old brother to involved in the Witch Trials, lived. It is the lege, off ers a free application, fi ll it out. What and Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Aguibou come along. He was just as excited as I was since only structure tied directly to the Witch Trials do you have to lose besides time? Fill it out. You Bougobali Sanou. The day’s activities included he was learning about Salem in class. that’s still standing. Of course, when we arrived never know, that college may shock you by their Master Classes taught by professionals such as I visited the Student Activities Office to there, the house was surrounded by hundreds enthusiasm or interest in you. Mr. Sanou and the event culminated in a show- ask why, when, and how they chose Salem as of people, but we still got a great look. Third, narrow your choices quickly by your case performance at night. the destination for this October. Karen Blake, I love Salem, and I’m pretty sure my brother last year of community college. It will make “Toungaranke” (Immigrant) was performed Director of Student Activities, said, “It’s pop- enjoyed it as well. If you’re ever looking for a you feel a lot more comfortable, and less over- with music from the Toungaranke Music Project ular with the students, so we decided to go special trip around Halloween, check to see if whelmed, knowing where you want to go by and by student dancers from NVCC, including again.” Apparently, student choice is a decid- the College is sponsoring another Salem trip. that point in your community college career. Nasaria Bennett, Alexandrea Angle, Austin ing factor, and destinations are voted on by It’s defi nitely a place I’d recommend, and truly Fourth, is price. Oh boy, it’s always a big fac- Gonzalez, Robert Collazo, Monica Mulligan, students. a day to remember. tor. How much will this experience cost? You Eric Mahoney, Michelle Wright, Fallon Dignan, always have to think about the bottom line: and Gilia Jose. Among the beautiful and soul How can I aff ord this experience? The numbers stirring performances of the evening, this and outcomes sometimes get crazy. However, expression of the human condition of immigra- knowing what you can aff ord is key. tion began quietly in sacred circle and moved Finally, visit EVERY COLLEGE you’re inter- gracefully through to stunning climax. ested in! Visiting is key to any of your final Using elegant and strong movement with choices. If you’re going to be somewhere for two a combination of the dancers’ own improvisa- or more years of your life, it better feel, smell, tional acts, it provided a natural and organic and taste like it will be worth the experience. sense of the struggles and elation felt by those When you go, bring an objective eye, and bring “moving from place to places looking for close family members and friends to help make peace” and a better place to live, as noted in that decision easier. the program. Through the masterful chore- As someone who’s checked out a few col- ography and performance, in the end, one felt leges, there are always positives and negatives lost in time and place and part of the human on each visit. At University of Rhode Island, I struggle, the human condition in that “we are found a beautiful and inviting campus. Eastern all immigrants.” CT State University felt like home away from This unique interpretive dance will be per- home. Though New Hampshire’s Colby Sawyer formed again in the Playbox Theatre at NVCC’s College is in the middle of nowhere, the com- Fall Dance Showcase on December 6th and 7th munity was friendly and welcoming. It all at 7:30 pm. The Showcase, sponsored by the depends on what experience you seek and how LABSS Division and the Terpsichorean Dance you want to personalize your college career. Ensemble, will also include an evening of dance Remember, here at NVCC, you learned how to choreographed and performed by NVCC stu- research. Now use those skills on your college dents. Tickets are just $5 and reservations may hunt. Good luck! be made by calling (203) 575-8193.

A Capella Carol Event Christian Soto

Lesser known carols will also be presented without sheet music; these will be sung as a set list amongst the A Capella Group for the enjoyment of those in attendance. Last year, there was a similar Messiah Sing Event that was a great success, with the audience singing along with lyrics to songs pulled up on their smartphones. The A Capella Group wishes to see that same enthusiasm towards singing along, con- sidering the song lyrics will be provided on paper this year. Music Society wishes to see as many people as possible attend the event. December 10th at 6:00 PM, Music Society is We also invite everyone who enjoys singing to hosting a caroling event in Founder’s Hall. join the A Capella Group. The event is sure to The A Capella Group will be singing many be a lot of fun, with snacks and beverages pro- popular carols and encouraging the audience vided to include hot chocolate and peppermint to sing along. Sheet music will be provided for hot chocolate. all the well-known carols, so everyone who Support your local NVCC artists, and join wants to sing with the A Capella Group will in the holiday spirit. Wishing you very happy be able to do so. holidays from Music Society! 8 Arts & Culture e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 An Artist’s Words Revolutionary Rhythms Tamarack Sta Queen’s Freddie Mercury We met some time ago, just there on the barren Will Rock You,” “We are the Champions,” birch tree. Now I sit and wait alone, for you. “Somebody to Love,” “Under Pressure,” Wherever you have flown. “Fat-bottomed Girls,” “Another one Bites the Dust,” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. “After the Meal” Mercury’s four-octave vocals and his high After the dance of forks and spoons, the octane stage presence captured the attention plates alone are left. The noise of chattering of fans. He knew how to entertain them and silverware drifts from the mind like an old often included them, inviting audiences to memory. Glasses of drink once full, are now sing along. empty. The trance of eating has ended. Light The film charts Queen’s success, while floods the room, bringing with it the color and also focusing on Mercury’s sexuality. While warmth of the sun. The golden shine plays with the song, “Love of My Life,” refers to Mary everything it touches. The tabletops flicker. The Austin, whom he was, in fact, going to marry, water in the flower vase shimmers. Your eyes Mercury eventually admitted his interest in sparkle like starlight. After the meal, we talk men. Though he and Austin remained friends, about life and how it has treated us. About how Photo Courtesy of Joshua Poole Mercury’s sexual liaisons eventually led to him it has lulled and whispered, pushed and pulled contracting AIDS. us. To where we now sit. Sharing our lives In the film, we see Mercury embrace the Joshua Poole is an NVCC student and plans to however briefly. Soon the details of the meal rock star lifestyle of over-the-top parties, los- graduate this coming spring. Majoring in the are forgotten and we talk about what people ing himself in drugs and meaningless sex. The arts, he enjoys illustration and printmaking talk about, after the meal. final wedge between him and the band was most. Joshua has been moving around most caused when Mercury signed a lucrative con- of his life. He’s lived in many different places “A Playground for Angels” Bohemian Rhapsody, a look into the formation tract to record a solo album. and met many new people, experiencing many Death the composer had a female’s voice, as we of the band Queen, as well as the underlying When Queen was invited to perform at different cultures. Much of his art is “about the sat in her taxi and she urged her passengers struggles of lead singer, Freddie Mercury, hit Live Aid in 1985, to raise money for famine joys and sorrows of having no place to look to fasten their seatbelts. The quiet murmur theaters November 2nd. Mercury, born Farrokh relief in Africa, Mercury convinced the band back on and call home.” Poole states, “The of people and luggage being placed into their Bulsara, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, had a brilliantly to reunite. Though rehearsals were rocky, and short precious time people spend together is temporary graves had ceased. The taxi crawled talented mind. After studying music in college, Mercury was suffering with a throat infection very important to me. In my art and writings and rattled along the runway as it gathered he befriended Brian May and Roger Taylor, his the day of the concert, he found new vigor, belt- I really try to connect the past and present. I speed. My brother next to me, started to cry, future bandmates, and they formed Queen ing out a 20-minute set, including “Bohemian try to connect the memories I run from, to the and I held his trembling hand. I told him in 1971; John Deacon joined later. The band Rhapsody” and other favorites. future I hope to have. Not to remind myself of everything would be okay, but I myself did released a self-titled album in 1973, but it wasn’t Sadly, in 1991, Mercury, succumbed, at age happy or sad times, but to remind myself—and not know the outcome. As our metal coffin until 1974, that their third album, Sheer Heart 45, to AIDS-related pneumonia. After announc- hopefully viewers and readers—that life is a shook ever so violently, I closed my eyes and Attack, delivered their first hit, “Killer Queen”. ing publicly that he had AIDS, he died the fol- journey, one with many beginnings and many prayed. With my eyes closed I could feel my A major focus of the movie was on the lowing day. In 1992, his bandmates put together ends, many seasons.” Poole hopes to illustrate stomach being left far below. Our coffin rose risky yet defining moment when the band cre- a tribute concert to honor Mercury and spread “what it took me so long to realize. I hope to higher and higher, above all fear and above all ated “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Mercury’s idea AIDS awareness. remind people, and myself, that we are because doubt. There we stayed, in that high place. A to incorporate an operatic feel at first seemed It’s impressive that, nearly thirty years after of the roads we have traveled, and that seasons gap between breaths. When I opened my eyes ridiculous, but it worked. The film depicts the Freddie Mercury’s death, Queen are still thrill- hold no malicious intent.” to look out of the nearest window, I imagined challenging rehearsals, doing take after take ing audiences. They remain iconic, not only for the worst. To my astonishment, what I saw to get it right, and all of the little details that their music, but for their showmanship, and “Of a Feather” was a symphony of light sparkling on the soft went into it. One risky element was that the fin- their lead singer’s unique vision. We met some time ago. Just there on the barren skin of clouds. At that moment my sorrow and ished song was very long—approximately six birch tree. In freshly fallen snow we walked isolation had given birth to wonder and hope as minutes—plus, it wasn’t the same kind of rock and sang. We neither knew how far we’d come our metal bird, and not coffin as I had initially music for which they’d been known. However, or whether we’d return. We only knew our thought, had lifted us to the playground of despite the risks, it was an instant hit, and feathers matched, and both us far from home. angels. remains an iconic song for the band. Queen’s success escalated throughout the 70s and early 80s. Those hits include “We Alyssa Katz Yuletide Traditions Gwenydd Miller yourself what a tree with lights on it has to do e Rise of E-sports with the birth of Christ. Yule is a three-day holiday. The first night is Christian Cruz Mother’s Night, when we decorate the Yule tree and get our first present of the holiday season: year. The only issue with the professional scene an ornament. On Yule Eve, as a ritual, we each at League of Legends E-sports is that profes- write a wish on a ribbon of wrapping paper, sional players do not last too long. Unless you then tie them onto a wreath we’ll burn on New are a very dominant player, you’ll probably Year’s Day, so they can be granted. After eat- only last one World’s tournament. ing a big dinner and watching Hogfather, we Yet, again, it is a business, and seeing the light a candle that burns until morning, to growth in this industry has been shocking and keep the light on the darkest night. After, we invigorating at the same time. Who would have make promises for the New Year on the back thought gaming could have risen to a profes- of a bread boar; then each of us takes a piece sional scene with paid benefits to players and to eat. It’s almost like a New Year’s resolution. work space given to practice playing video The next morning, we open presents and eat games? Once a form of entertainment everyone as much breakfast pizza as my dad can make. thought my generation was wasting too much The winter holidays are here at last, and Christmas Eve, we go to my great aunt’s time on, now E-sports is something a young they’re “supposed to be jolly, with mistletoe house to celebrate with my dad’s side of the League of Legends is a free-to-play game player could potentially get into as a career and and holly...and other things ending in olly,” family over a fish and pasta dinner. My mom’s that’s really made a splash in the Multiplayer not sacrifice to do something they love. Those as goes my favorite quote from the Hogfather. side of the family usually picks a random day— Online Battle Arena (MOBA) universe. In these who get into it now can make an actual living It’s a yearly tradition in my house to watch the anywhere from before Christmas to the mid- games, individuals can’t win alone; they’re as a gamer. movie, Hogfather. It’s based on a Terry Pratchett dle of January—to exchange gifts. Christmas team-oriented games. Each team must achieve This year at World’s, a Chinese team won book about Disk World, a reality that’s a mirror morning, we go down to Mom’s to exchange an objective together to win the game. Every their first championship as best player, defeat- of our own, and it mirrors our holidays as well. presents. As a tradition, we go on a long walk, MOBA has different versions of how to create ing last year’s powerhouse team, KT Rolster. Hogswatch is the Disk World equivalent to our then out for Christmas sushi! Everywhere else these arenas. League’s most famous version is Rolster has decided to take a break after losing Christmas, but it has a lot in common with is closed. “Summoner’s Rift”. In this game mode, players his first World’s Championship since hitting the another holiday as well. Occasionally, on Christmas Eve, I go with pick champions who have five clearly defined professional scene. My family considers itself Neo-Pagan— my mom to a midnight service. When I walk roles, and they battle each other to ultimately These games are high octane and great fun meanwhile our extended family on my mom’s into a church, I sometimes feel, because I’m of destroy the other team’s nexus. to watch. Watching this year’s eventual cham- side is Lutheran, and on my dad’s side they’re a different faith, I shouldn’t be there. The silver Riot Games has made a world champion- pions in Invictus Gaming you could just feel Catholic. It’s a strange mix of religions, and I pentacle hanging around my neck—a symbol ship game for the last eight years, and it has the electricity throughout. When people say essentially grew up celebrating three different of harmony and balance—marks me as evil to generated amazing results. Besides them start- E-sports is a phase, and could never hold up Christmases each year. some people. But on Christmas Eve, with my ing out with the dominance of Korean teams to actual sports venues with athletics, I beg to The first holiday, Yule, is about keeping the family, holding a candle in a dark church, I this year at World’s, there has been a strong differ. E-sports can create that electricity that a light/life going through the Winter Solstice, the feel absolutely welcome. I can’t say I believe in showing, from European teams, to North sporting event can create with amazing games longest night of the year. The evergreen is sym- God, or Christmas, but I definitely believe in American teams, to other Asian teams finally and great storylines as well. Not to mention the bolic as it doesn’t lose its needles through the the night and the effect it can have on people. making a strong showing in the tournament. best part: gamers can now look up to somebody winter. Actually, this is where the Christmas However you choose to celebrate, I wish you It has been inspiring to see this game grow just like them, as they too hone their skills to tree came from. Don’t believe me? Then ask the happiest of holidays! as more professional teams join the rift every be the next professional on that grand stage. e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 Arts & Culture 9 Media Blasters FACE IN THE CROWD RECENTLY Mitchell Maknis READ To Be Happy Alexandria Miller

e Devil in the White City I was born on a brisk November day. My by Erik Larson mother named me Alexandria after her mother. My father, gave me the Indian name Is there any phenomenon quite so lurid as “Catches Wind by Tail,” for the speed and the true crime genre? From podcasts, Netflix high winds he experienced barreling down miniseries, and even entire television networks, the highway to meet me. My mother left true crime has seemingly captured the cultural my father two years later, and took us from zeitgeist. Yet, beneath the genre’s bedrock of Colorado to Connecticut to live with my blood and murder, lies the potential for richly grandparents. I didn’t know it was because of human stories. my father’s other daughter, my eldest sibling. Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City When I was four, we moved out of my tells such a story. A journalist turned historical grandparents’ house in Trumbull to Ansonia. writer, Larson masterfully crafts a twofold nar- I had a hard time making friends, so most Photo Courtesy of Alexandria Miller rative. This is the true story of America’s first of my free time was spent wrestling with When people asked, “What do you want to be known serial killer, pharmacist H. H. Holmes, my brother or watching television. I was when you grow up?” my only answer was, “I interwoven with the larger story of Chicago’s seldom allowed to leave the house. Later, I want to be happy!” What I didn’t know was 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, spear- Photo Courtesy of Mitchell Maknis joined the afterschool program called Boys what was going to make me happy. Things headed by architects Daniel Burnham and John and Girls Club. There I began a ten-year-long, are still pretty unclear…but I know I want to Root. Readers are witness to the Fair’s creation Throughout recent decades, Western society award-winning sewing career and a nine- be happy, so that’s a start! from conception to operation. Meanwhile, the has become accustomed to diversity in the year karate career (I test for black belt soon). In spring 2017, I began college as a psychol- easily unnoticed Holmes builds and maintains entertainment industry with the cultural It was nice to get out of the house and fill my ogy major. That summer, I picked up a full-time a hotel in which he murders his patrons. He influences of foreign films and anime. What time constructively. job at a hydroponic greenhouse, but kept my leaves an increasingly grisly trail of bloodshed consumers might not realize is commodities During that period, my mother devel- part-time job at JoAnn’s. With two jobs, it was in his wake, until finally being apprehended in such as these wouldn’t be available without oped depression and was constantly unem- difficult to maintain full-time student status. the closing days of the Fair. visionaries who recognized the potential of ployed. She didn’t allow us any contact with It was then, something inside my mother This is truly a non-fiction novel; the book these unique products. John Sirabella, founder our father until I was about seven. The strug- snapped. She began stealing from us, bust- perfectly straddles the line between plain of Media Blasters, is one such innovator. gle for visitation rights was a source of hatred ing down doors, and eventually changing the fact and driving narrative. Larson brings the I was able to sit down with Sirabella and and spite for my mother. In turn, her frustra- locks. I found myself homeless at 18 for almost world of streetcars, newsboys, and the stench gain insight on his business and experiences in tions were projected onto me and my brother. two weeks in the middle of my second semes- of slaughterhouses to vivid life, punctuated the entertainment industry. Sirabella described During high school, I was barely home. I ter. My brother invited me to move in with him with direct citation, lest a reader begin to ques- his company, saying, “Media Blasters is an inde- joined about thirteen clubs, including band and his friends. I agreed. Somehow, we were tion his authenticity. Structurally, Larson splits pendent film distributor. We translate, subtitle, and drama, as well as interning with Sikorsky able to collect our belongings from my moth- his work down the middle, with each chap- dub and release anime titles. We also license Bank. Being as busy as possible somehow er’s house and make a home for ourselves. ter switching between Burnham and Holmes products that don’t run through the studio sys- gave me purpose. More time away from home About a year has passed since then, and respectively. This choice best allows him to dis- tem and give them a proper release.” Located turned out to be beneficial with my moth- I have to say I am the happiest I’ve ever been till a complex network of events into a func- in New York, Media Blasters has been provid- er’s decline. in my life. Things could be better, but they tional story framework. ing fans with hit anime series for two decades I graduated high school at 17 in spring are one hell of a lot better than they were. I Perhaps the most important front that by releasing industry defining titles, such as 2016, ranked 11th in my class. Afterwards, I still don’t know what the future holds for me Larson delivers on is the horror. In the chap- Rurouni Kenshin (1996) and Berserk (1997). got a part-time job at JoAnn Fabrics and took or what big decisions I should make, but I ters devoted to Holmes, Larson engages in a When asked about how his company came a semester off to adjust. I was very torn as to always try to be optimistic. Happiness is my slow burn game, teasing out chilling scenarios to be, Sirabella recounted humble beginnings. what I wanted to do in life. I had no direction. goal, after all. without directly rendering gruesome details to It seems while attending a Star Trek convention, readers. Dramatic irony and grisly implications Sirabella came across a vendor selling video- are tools expertly employed here. These chap- tapes of Japanese anime. At this time, Japanese ters become like short stories unto themselves, anime was not a mainstream product in the in which charmed friends, acquaintances, and U.S. Interested, Sirabella purchased a couple passersby are slowly made to feel uneasy in the tapes. After viewing them, he remembered presence of Holmes. Only later, do they realize thinking they were “different.” He dug deeper, what readers knew from the outset: this man and after extensive research, Sirabella decided is a monster. this might be a product others would enjoy. For However, the real magic is how Larson over two decades, Sirabella and Media Blasters spins the mundane into the mythic. Here, the have been supplying consumers with its unique story of the World’s Columbian Exposition is brand of products. more than the work of stodgy old men smok- Although anime is Media Blaster’s main ing cigars in drawing rooms. Larson con- line of business, the firm has also been pro- jures it into something epic, like the American viding audiences with an eclectic group of Dream itself. Though Larson makes it clear products spanning a variety of genres. For many men shaped the Fair, principle archi- instance, they’ve distributed live-action fea- tect Daniel Burnham is the clear centerpiece tures including vintage cult classics such as of these chapters; he embodies the underdog Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971), and Destroy All nature of the whole undertaking. The Fair Monsters (1968). Media Blasters’ rising industry becomes an impossible ticking timeclock that influence allowed the company to venture out must be beaten, and Burnham’s crew is repeat- further and create content, co-producing films edly faced with setbacks. Still, they persevere in Japan like Death Trance (2005), The Machine to the finish. Girl (2008), and Tokyo Gore Police (2008). They It’s no coincidence Holmes’s story is also financed a number of their own inde- framed through the creation of his murder pendent features in the U.S., such as Flesh for hotel alongside architect Daniel Burnham. the Beast (2003) and Shadow: Dead Riot (2006), Holmes becomes like an architect, drafting among others. not just a building, but an extension of him- As the industry continues to change, self. In this way, architecture becomes meta- Sirabella believes more people watch anime phorical for driven people shaping the world and the product has transitioned into a around them in their image—be it great or household name. He remarked that currently terrible. Different in every way save for their Media Blasters’ strongest sales are in the com- ability to will visions into reality, the duality pany’s line of adult titles. Sirabella believes, shared between these two men is ironic given from an industry standpoint, the market has they would never meet—only coexist within shrunk and “the days of the 90s and 2000s the pages of this thrilling read. are over.” He further elaborated on how the Matthew Olivares internet has forever altered the home video business. However, Media Blasters continues to thrive, proven by the success of their recent line of English dubs which include Ladies Vs. Butlers!, Juden Chan Recharged, Rio Rainbow Gate, World War Blue, and Ai No Kusabi. Visit their website, www.media-blasters. com, or check out their social media platforms. They can be found on www.amazon.com or www.rightstuf.com and their line of titles is We ran this graphic PSA in the November issue, but failed to credit the artist. The piece was available for streaming on www.crunchyroll. designed by Tae Kyeong Kim in GRA150, Introduction to Graphic Design, taught by Terry Laslo. com, www.netflix.com and other streaming TK’s striking image is a good reminder to avoid distracted driving behaviors. Thank you for services. allowing us to publish it, TK! And thank you for assigning work that matters, Terry! 10 Opinions e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 Veteran’s Voice Queer Code Celebrate Safely Understanding PTSD e Troubles of Being Trans, Part 1 Tom Conte Rick Bellagamba Did you know alcohol poisoning is the number Alexander Wilson Post-traumatic stress support. I had no friends who were transgen- one cause of drug-related deaths? Alcohol, disorder (PTSD) is a der, at any point in their transitions. Several in general, is the most prevalent drug in chronic, debilitating months later, I have many. the United States and the rest of the world. psychiatric disorder At the time of publication, I’ll be celebrating However, many people view it as less lethal characterized ten months on testosterone. As I write this, I’m than marijuana, cocaine, and other substances. by symptoms of rubbing my face, feeling the strange beginnings Due to social norms, alcohol is associated re-experience, avoidance, of a beard. It’s mostly sideburns and under my with the everyday pastimes of the average and hyperarousal that I started identifying as trans about eighteen chin, but it’s definitely there. My voice, still not American citizen. Drinking at a restaurant, can arise immediately or many years after months ago. I wore my chest binder every day; really deep, is starting to settle into a different at a barbeque, or just sitting on one’s couch exposure to a traumatic event or injury. It’s I cut my hair shorter and shorter; I wore fairly tone. It still cracks, and when I wake up, it’s still watching the game, have become acceptable not just prevalent within the military. It can masculine clothing, especially jeans. I was high-pitched, but it’s changing. I’m called “sir” aspects of American life. affect anyone who experiences trauma, but never taken seriously. When I couldn’t take the more frequently at work, which I almost find Many people who generally don’t consume police officers, firefighters, EMTs, doctors, and torment of social dysphoria anymore, I looked hysterical. It’s always new customers, not the alcohol do drink during the holiday season, nurses—in other words, first responders—are for medical intervention. regulars yet, but it’s something. often to excess. As a result, many calls to 911 common sufferers. Many people don’t realize just how crucial I want you to understand: Just because I’ve will be made, as overconsumption can lead to Those in the business of saving lives get a it is for us to get the right kind of help, or how mentioned parts of my transition doesn’t mean the dangerous condition called alcohol poison- front row seat for some of the worst life has to impossible it sometimes can be. I got lucky in it’s okay to ask other people about theirs. I’m ing. Alcohol poisoning can cause lasting health offer. Such traumatic occurrences can become terms of my transition. My doctor sent me for open to discussing a fair amount of what I go effects such as brain damage. Due to dehydra- a major factor for an otherwise healthy per- a quick psych evaluation, just to be sure I knew through, but not all. No one has a right to ask tion from the alcohol consumed, liver and kid- son. Anyone who’s witnessed or experienced what I was getting into. Once that was cleared, me about any medical procedures I may or may ney issues can also result, as well as damage to a traumatic event can develop PTSD, creating I was prescribed testosterone. Not everyone is not go through, and that’s true of any transgen- one’s trachea, due to vomiting, which causes a need for mental health attention, and dis- this fortunate. der individual. stomach acid to surge upward through the cussing mental health should not be taboo. It’s It’s not always a fun process. Every week, No one has the right to ask us, or assume, throat. In extreme cases, alcohol poisoning can likely there are NVCC students or staff deal- on Wednesdays, I get home from work, usu- what we have “in our pants”. I don’t know even result in death. ing with PTSD. ally late at night and have to inject myself about the rest of us, but I’d just give a really The signs one may have alcohol poi- There wasn’t much support for return- with 1 milliliter of a 200 mg/mL concentration bizarre and unhelpful answer. Think of your- soning include cold or clammy skin. The ing WWI or WWII military veterans, or those of testosterone cypionate. I use an inch-long self. If you don’t want to be asked a certain person may also have blue-tinged skin, espe- returning from Korea and Vietnam, in regards 23-gauge needle on a 3 mL syringe. It hurts. A question regarding gender and presentation, cially around the lips or underneath the fin- to mental health. Those men and women came lot. But I need these to survive. chances are, we don’t either. ger nails. You may notice slurred speech or home (following WWI and WWII, diagnosed I began counting the days, weeks, months Respect is earned, not given. I’m perfectly confused or disorientated thinking and/or with “Shell Shock”) and were expected to reen- I’d been on testosterone. It never seemed like it fine cutting people out of my life who aren’t behavior. The individual may also be unable ter “normal” life. But no one really cared these would ever be enough to finally pass as male. going to support me in probably the most dif- to walk or lack physical coordination. Other lives might now be inundated with mental Some changes were ones only I could see when ficult point in my life. I’m essentially becoming physical symptoms may include choking, health trauma. I looked in a mirror. My leg hair was growing a whole new person on the outside, even if I’m vomiting, or loss of bowel or bladder control. They didn’t know better. I read an article in a lot thicker, and the hair on my stomach not changing on the inside. Hypothermia, loss of body heat, can also be a where the government basically said, “Suck was getting darker. The fat around my face, my I want to remind you, sometimes life doesn’t signal. In extreme cases, the inability to stay it up and deal with it.” (Sorry, I can’t find that cheeks especially, was shifting. My face was happen according to plan. I never planned on conscious or becoming unresponsive can lead reference again, but trust me, I didn’t make much less round. Those changes started in the being trans; it just happened. I love this part of to labored breathing or an irregular pulse. it up.) I’d ask my Dad, but it’s too late. PTSD first three months. me, and I wouldn’t give up being trans for any- Seizures are a sign that a person is in imme- also affects civilians who’ve lived through Then, the changes stopped for a bit. My thing, even though some steps in the journey diate danger. the horrors of war– in Europe, Russia, Africa, voice was still high-pitched, I didn’t have much are harder than others. The easier things I can If you suspect someone has alcohol poi- Southeast Asia—and those affected by violence facial hair, so I still wasn’t taken seriously. do will make my life as meaningful as possi- soning, call for emergency medical assistance in our own country. I’d correct people at work, but they’d never ble, which is why I keep writing this column. by dialing 911 and request paramedics imme- How can PTSD be treated? The correct themselves. It was frustrating; more Make your lives meaningful. diately. Here are some steps to follow when Veterans Administration (VA)-Yale Clinical importantly, it was affecting my dysphoria and With love, helping someone suffering from alcohol poi- Neurosciences PTSD Research Program has depression. Of course, I also didn’t have enough Alexander, who’s nally happy. Peace. soning: Keep the person stationary. Do not received a 10+ million dollar government let them “walk it off.” Keep the person con- grant to investigate the neurobiology of trau- scious if possible. Do not let them “sleep it matic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, off.” If the individual is able to drink, give and resilience to stress. The goal is to develop them water. Don’t offer caffeinated bever- new biological approaches for treatment of ages, as these will cause further dehydration. trauma-related disorders without opioids. The Concerned Citizens Get a warm blanket, as alcohol poisoning will likely make the person cold. Do not give them VA has reduced opioid prescriptions in recent Robert Pinto established the first law museum in Winsted, a cold shower. years by 33%. called the American Museum of Tort Law. It’s best to keep the person in a seated posi- Currently, VA Health Care System doc- A longer version of this piece, by NVCC student Having been to the museum, I found the estab- tion; however, if an individual is lying down, tors treat PTSD with a variety of psychother- Robert Pinto, titled, “The Quest to Bring Patagonia lishment to be one-of-a-kind, with its selection and you cannot move them into a seated posi- apies, depending on individual need. Family to Winsted,” was originally featured on sp-bx.com of famous tort cases and fantastic picturesque tion, roll them over onto their side with their Behavioral Therapy, Social Therapy, Substance Here I was, in Winsted, CT, to hear legend- quality. The museum even contains a recon- arms over their head to prevent them from Abuse Therapy, Depression Therapy, are just a ary consumer advocate, Ralph Nader give a structed red Chevrolet Corvair as well as a choking on their own vomit. Do not force the few of the treatments available for returning speech. It was a December evening at the local bookstore with dozens of volumes of books not person to vomit; let them vomit on their own if veterans. Substance abuse and alcohol addic- bookstore, The Law Works. typically found in a Barnes & Noble. they need to. Remember to check for breathing tion are prevalent issues. For millennials like myself, I want to give a During Nader’s speech I found myself rais- and a pulse. Do not give them any medications, Substance abuse treatments include one- backstory about Ralph Nader and the accomplish- ing my hand, as I normally do in my college for these will react with the alcohol. Never leave on-one sessions with psychiatrists and/or psy- ments he has made for society. Nader, a champion classes to pose questions and gain a journal- the person alone. chologists. Another aspect is Group Therapy, for consumer safety, grew up in Winsted. He istic insight. Be sure to act when someone is in need of veterans interacting with one another, shar- attended Princeton University and then Harvard “If you could bring any corporation to help; you could potentially save their life. When ing horrific memories, feelings and visions. Law School, graduating in 1959. He served in the Winsted, who would it be?” one of my friends suffered from alcohol poi- They discuss their positive successes, if any, U.S. Army and then went on to travel the world, “Patagonia,” he responded, explaining the soning, I was there with him every step of the and the problems of coming back to a normal working as a journalist and visiting interesting makers of outdoor clothing and gear would be way. I maintained his breathing by keeping him life in “the system.” Sharing personal prob- places including Cuba and Argentina. a fantastic corporation to bring to Winsted. He in a seated position. I kept him conscious and lems provides positive therapy, offering com- His story doesn’t stop there. Nader pub- steadfastly approves of their mission to bring envi- responsive, and I made sure he was drinking mon threads for abstinence from addiction; run lished his groundbreaking book, Unsafe at Any ronmental activism and awareness to the public. water. When he had to regurgitate, I made sure by therapists or psychologists, it’s been proven Speed, in 1965. He began a campaign that con- Nader mentioned other ways to bring tourism to he was near a toilet. Many of my other friends successful. I say that because I’ve been there. tinues today, fighting for justice for those nega- Winsted. He believes every student should know were there as well, and they were a big help. We Doctors and therapists use Cognitive tively affected by the misdeeds of corporations. where town hall is, the importance of bookstores called 911, and when paramedics arrived they Therapy, as a rule, in most PTSD and drug Nader travelled America, interviewing peo- and how his bookstore, The Law Works, is the only brought him to the hospital. My friend needed therapy cases. However, there are many ple, collecting information, and relaying it back bookstore in a 30-mile radius of Winsted. He also to be resuscitated multiple times; thankfully, forms of treatment offered, including Art to the public. His accomplishments include estab- stated, “All it takes is for citizens to dedicate any- he survived. Therapy, Music Therapy, Anger Management, lishing Public Citizen, a non-profit consumer where from 300-500 hours each year to bring about As the holidays approach, the key to cele- Depression Management, and others, depend- advocacy group in 1971; lobbying for OSHA; the change,” sharing, “My brother, Shafeek started brating safely is knowing when to say, “I’ve ing on individual needs. creation of the Clean Water Act; banning smok- Northwestern Connecticut Community College had enough.” Unfortunately, when alcohol is Some returning Iraq and Afghanistan vet- ing on airplanes; popularization of the term in 1965 with just five others.” involved, sometimes personal responsibility erans suffer chronic pain or nightmare mental “whistleblower”; and the installation of airbags To close the half hour discussion, Nader is forgotten. Be safe this holiday season, and illnesses. I have a son in this class. During my in cars. His is also responsible for the “Nader voiced concern over the rise of corporate giant, watch out for others. Keep the instructions many years of rehabilitation, I’ve heard count- bell” heard when trucks back up, and many Amazon. Applause filled the room, and we all above in mind, and if you’re in a social situ- less stories of their discomfort, to say it quickly more groundbreaking safety features in cars and filed into the open space of The Law Works, ation where people are overindulging, have and politely. The VA is doing its best to address trucks, as well as important health, safety, food, where shelves are neatly stacked with dozens their backs. If the situation gets out of hand, these struggling veterans, but we can each do and water regulations. His work, credited with of interesting, thought-provoking books. After and it seems like alcohol poisoning could our part by recognizing that PTSD is real. There saving millions of lives, continues today. the evening was over, and I drove home, I felt result, don’t hesitate to offer help or seek help should be no shame in asking for help, but it is Nader began his speech by discussing his compelled to take action, which is why I started from medical professionals. Helping save a a shame when it’s not offered. mission to bring more tourists to the town my Petition, “Bring Patagonia to Winsted, life could be the most important gift you give ank you for listening. God Bless our USA! of Winsted. In the past few years, he has Connecticut” on change.org Rick this season. e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 Opinions 11 at’s What She Said Table Talks: “We plow the elds….” ank You All Matthew Gilbode Perhaps if young farmers didn’t have to sub- Making For many of us, Thanksgiving was a celebration ject themselves to these high expenses because Herstory of family at the dinner table enjoying turkey, they had access to better federal support, and Heartfelt Thanks stuffing, and mashed potatoes while sharing had the equally important support of local mar- thoughts of the things we are thankful for. kets, we would see an increase in the number Irisa Hoxha Last month were the Rarely, however, is a thought, or thanks, given of people farming. midterm elections, and to the farmers who grew the food we eat. Now, people might protest this point and Congratulations, my beloved fellows! It is Jessica Ney in case you live under Ironically, many farmers were not able to sit bring up their towns’ small local farmers’ mar- officially the last month of fall semester, a rock, some pretty historic and incredible down and enjoy the holiday this year because of kets, and how gratifying it is to generously buy and NVCC students will soon be grateful things happened for ALL women out pressing issues on the farm that would not take a few tomatoes and a half dozen ears of corn to be done with their final exams. There is there. Over 100 women were elected into a holiday, whether that be baling hay, an animal after they’ve spent $300 at the local supermar- also excitement about registering for the Congress, many of them being women giving birth, fixing a broken piece of essential ket. It is important to point out that people don’t upcoming semester. As an overseas student, of color and women from a number of equipment, or dealing with the multiple attach as much value to locally produced food. words would not be enough to express my minority groups. economic issues that plague small farmers. The reality is the resulting higher prices associ- gratitude to all the NVCC people who have We have Sharice Davids, the first Native In recent years there has been a stigma ated with small scale farming operations keeps supported me since the beginning of my American woman and the first openly attached to being a farmer, and it shows in the those farmers’ markets small and the prices of journey as a college student. LBGTQ Congress member. Deb Halaand demographics. Today, according to the U.S. vegetables a bit higher than in the store. First, I am thankful to the Center for of New Mexico will also be bringing a Department of Labor Statistics, the average Also, many of the supposed farmers at Academic Planning and Student Success Native American perspective. There are age of a farmer is sixty years old. What is trou- these “grass roots” markets are not actual local (CAPSS), where I got the positive impact as now two elected officials who are Muslim bling is, typically, when the average worker producers of food at all, but rather are distribu- a freshman when I first started attending women, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. We in any given field is thirty years old, that field tors, buying produce from larger more distant college. After taking the Accuplacer test, I have Connecticut’s (and Waterbury’s) own is considered to be “dying.” So why, with a farms and reselling it. Supporting these oper- met with my charismatic advisor (also my Jahana Hayes, the first Black woman to rep- global population projected to be nine billion ations will not create a favorable market for mentor) Yvette J. Tucker, who taught me to resent our state in Congress. Across the by 2050, are small farmers becoming increas- small scale farmers. Having your local grocery celebrate all my achievements. As an advi- border, Massachusetts also elected Ayanna ingly scarce? What can we do about it? store buy locally will. sor, she helped me shape my vision and Presley, the first Black woman to win a One thing we can point to as a cause for the Hopefully, this year as you gathered at the reach my academic goals each semester. Congressional seat in that state’s history. dwindling number of young people invested dinner table, you gave thanks for your food, Yvette showed me the importance I had as Marsha Blackburn is the first woman in farming is the expensive points of entry. but also thanked the small scale farmer. For the a student and motivated me to interact with ever to be elected to the U.S. Senate in Small farmers have to rent or buy expensive remainder of this holiday season, show support different students and faculty members on Tennessee. New York also brings a first land and equipment in order to compete with of Connecticut small farms by including a dish campus. So, thank you, Yvette, for the sup- with the youngest woman elected; at only larger agricultural industry farming ventures. grown locally. Farmers will be grateful. port and motivation you gave me when I 29 years old, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, first started at NVCC. Thank you, every- born in the Bronx and of Puerto Rican one in CAPSS, for being there when stu- descent, will represent the state. stations only tell their audience what they dents need help, either with academic and This is truly a time to be celebrated, Readers Respond “think” is right, but this case has opened up career development, or personal growth. as 101 seats have been taken by a diverse many people’s eyes, including mine to learn Secondly, I want to mention my English Dear Editor, group of women. Prior to this, the highest more on their own instead of listening and professor, Eleni Saltourides, who made number ever held was 84. However, in light I was very interested when I read the title, agreeing with others. I would like to thank me test my limits as an ESL student. She of this accomplishment, we must not for- “Ignoring Red Flags,” by Christopher Gordon for this argumentative article. brought my English skills to another level. Gordon...referring to the heated debate on get there is still work to be done. We have ~ Sincerely, NVCC Student Thank you for making me challenge myself fought for these positions for a reason. Brett Kavanagh. Gordon made his opinion through analyzing and writing diverse arti- We still live in a culture of ignorance very clear within his article as well as making cles. Thanks to your accelerated class, now I Dear Editor, and hate; a hundred seats in the House is a very good argument, but I do have to am a proud student who owns a certificate a big step forward for equality, but the big- disagree with him. After hearing about all these accusations of for Advanced English Proficiency. gest battles are fought in the real world. Gordon states, “If innocent, he had sexual assault towards women in the media, Last but not least, I want to thank all Our Senate will not make change without nothing to fear from an investigation. Plus, and how the victims are accused of lying or the NVCC students who are determined a community response. They are the ves- his arrogance while being questioned by fabricating their stories, I am comforted in to achieve their educational goals, along sels for our voices. Congress highlighted his lack of character.” knowing that there are others who do side with other priorities. Thank you for invest- I leave you with a quote from Donna But I do then have to ask: If you were being with the victims just like I do. Jessica Ney’s ing in yourselves and actively making our Shalala, a Democrat recently elected to accused of something that you knew you did article, “P. T. S. Don’t Undermine My Trauma,” community a better place to live. Please, be Congress in Florida. Shalala, who ran for not commit, how would you react? Most of is a reminder that we should not take these open to the variety of opportunities NVCC Congress because of her anger over the pol- the way Kavanaugh reacted was due to the traumatic events of sexual assault lightly. offers to all students. Do not take anything icies of Donald Trump, stated, “Until this fact that he never committed sexual assault Just like the author, I too am lucky not for granted; appreciate all the resources you heartless administration is held account- against Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. to have experienced such horrific attacks, have as students in the U.S. able for their numerous injustices, we will Within Gordon’s article, he also talks but just the thought of what kind of fear and November was the month of not stop.” about his refusal to let the FBI investigate. horror these women must be going through Thanksgiving, but it is never too late to say We must not stop fighting for equal- But did you know, Kavanaugh went through breaks my heart. It enrages me to know that thank you to someone who crosses your ity for everyone; we owe it to each other. more than one investigation? People are look- women are not safe, that these attackers are mind after reading this article. Always So let’s enjoy our win, but let’s prepare for ing for evidence that is not there nor will not being held accountable for their actions, express your gratitude towards people who tomorrow. We have a duty to those who ever be there. I question Dr. Christine Blasey that not enough is being done to make sure help you become who you are. came before, those who struggle alongside Ford, not Brett Kavanaugh because there is no this does not continue to happen, and that Cheers to all the effort we put in this of us, and the precious women and girls evidence whatsoever; she waited more than not enough is being done to help these women semester! who will come after us. thirty years before telling what happened, heal. and there were many questions brought about Ney states, “…we are now fighting to pro- Ford’s polygraph test, which was never made tect future generations from the “suck it up” Loved it? Hated it? public. Seem a bit fishy? I think so. culture we’ve lived through.” Just like her, I Send us your letters in response to Tamarack articles, features, and profiles in The EDIT MEETINGS I hope people can review both sides of stand with victims, because by doing so, we Tamarack. Limit them to 200 words and the debate to form their own opinion. People can hope to make sure this is something our email them to [email protected] with the Wednesdays 2:00 pm, S519 should look more in depth with given evi- future generations will not have to worry subject line READERS RESPOND. Letters ALL WELCOME!! dence and their own research. Most news about anymore. ~ Sincerely, NVCC Student may be edited for length and grammar.

CommunityCollegeAd_2018OpenHouseTransfer_10x4.indd 1 9/6/18 9:52 AM 12 Opinions e Tamarack, December 1, 2018 A Frank Why Violence? Time to Get Emotional, Boys Rick Bellagamba Imani Stewart Discussion “Why?” I ask. There are so many religious affiliations. Which one is right? Does it matter? I always noticed, even at a young age, men and learn how to allow men to be emotional crea- Alam Khan I and most decent Americans don’t believe boys being told to suck it up when they were tures too.” Perhaps this article would have been so. There should be no difference in the value emotional or on the verge of crying. I’ve always Women are just as responsible for the more favored in the November issue; placed on life based on any of these beliefs— thought this societal rule odd since emotions uptight emotions men have. Women, since the nonetheless it is important. Every fall whether Christian, Jew, Muslim and so on. are out of human control. So, imagine your beginning of time, have raised their boys to be season, there comes a special time where Unfortunately, some single-minded res- brain, holding every emotion in, even the overly leaders and supporters and what they think of women and men alike participate in a form idents of the U.S. don’t agree. It is every- happy ones. Imagine never being able to have a as “strong men.” Forcing them into sports and of abstinence called, “No Nut November”. one’s right to disagree, but violence is not an shoulder to cry on because all your life you’ve telling them to get over something that emo- The rules are: you must stop viewing answer. I’m talking about the mass shooting been told that it makes you less as a person. tionally bothers them is one of many reasons pornographic material, and refrain from sex in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, one of the recent Men, I see what you’re going through, and men fear the act of showing emotion, espe- and masturbation from November 1 - 30. acts of senseless violence in our country, at I won’t stand among the quiet and let this issue cially to women. The reason for doing so is to simply gauge Tree of Life, L’Simcha Congregation on October continue. In a world so socially conscious that They fear women, not just men will look at one’s will. To my understanding, it also 27, 2018. During their Shabbat morning ser- women and men should be treated equally, them as less than a man, unworthy of a wom- further highlights the effects pornography vices, 11 people were killed, and seven more you would think men should feel comfortable an’s time. Tiarra Fryar thinks differently; she has on our generation. were injured. Let’s not just call it another “sad showing every emotion they feel. Yet, we see said, “When I see a man cry, I kind of melt We never talk about it in person with story,” but a senseless act of violence fueled by this isn’t the case. a bit because it shows he isn’t afraid to be in other students because it is an embar- anti-Semitism. With everyone trying to make women’s touch with the emotions he experiences like rassing topic, yet we know it is there. Can This kind of violence has proven many rights as strong as ever, let’s not forget men are any other human.” I had an overwhelming you even imagine telling a professor or times over throughout our country’s history equally important. Both need our attention, number of women tell me they find it not only someone in that caliber, Hey, we need to that no one wins. It doesn’t accomplish a thing, and as a young, upcoming activist, I took my attractive, but an important trait in a man. talk about pornography? It is insidious except creating hurt and sorrow. There have opinion to my peers and asked their thoughts According to Amber Ajro, “Vulnerability is by nature. Many people believe pornog- been so many mass shootings, such as the one on the idea that men should be able to cry and true strength because it shows you’re human, raphy has no detrimental effect. Yet this at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, show vulnerability. you hurt, and you’re not afraid of someone see- is furthest from the truth. Texas, November 5th, 2017. Twenty-six died and “Yes emotions, are the embodiment of all, ing your humanity.” Pornography will ruin your life and twenty others were injured. [but] men hold emotions to not show weakness, See men, not all women want you to be expectation when hit with reality. When In another mass shooting, nine African- which is a very dangerous stereotype,” accord- strong all the time. In retrospect it’s impossi- someone is viewing such things in their American worshipers died, plus three were ing to Adrian Maldonado. This got me think- ble. Emotions will always be a wonder of the own seclusion, the mind is being splashed wounded during a prayer service at the ing: If men think crying makes them weak, human psyche, and they were always meant to with colors of feel good dopamine and Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church what do other women think? Do they agree be expressed. Being emotional won’t make you other similar chemicals. This induction in Charleston, South Carolina on the evening of when men cry it deems them weak, or do they weak; it’ll just make you human, showing you, of an artificial experience along with the June 17, 2015. Yet another hate crime by a man appreciate sentiment? just like everyone else, have tough issues. When chemicals in our minds keeps the viewer targeting victims based on race. When I asked my female peers, Marquita they get overwhelming you should always coming back for more. On June 12, 2016, 49 people were killed, Rivers said, “They have feelings, too, I cry often, have a shoulder to cry on. As for me, I’ll con- In other words, if you did not catch the and 53 others were wounded in a lone terror- so imagine how men must be feeling if they tinue to teach my brother emotions aren’t a drift, I’m describing addiction. What started ist attack at Pulse, a gay night club in Orlando, have all that pent-up emotion they can’t show bad thing, and if he ever needs a shoulder to out as a routine viewing turns into the desire Florida. Again, innocent individuals were mur- because they’ll be ‘weak’ or ‘soft’; we need to cry on, I’m here. for imitation. This is where it really hits dered in an explosion of hate. home for people because there is an expec- Why should anyone take such offense over tation that what is viewed on screen is what what religious or political affirmations others Learning from Failure everyone wants. What people look away hold? After all we’re all humans. Should we from ironically is the fact that this is a busi- have to worry we’ll be murdered over our reli- Christian Cruz one subject I was struggling in. ness. Did you hear me in the back? gion? Over politics? Because of homophobia? My advice to current students going We students go into every semester with high Websites that offer such content are Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has through this struggle to keep up with cer- optimism for the new start. We love to look collecting ad revenue and making money stoked fear of the Muslim community, of immi- tain subjects is try to schedule your classes ahead and relish the thought of potential off the ill-fated desire to keep coming for grants. Are Muslims the enemy? Surely, not so. wisely. Use the resources available to you. opportunities that will present themselves more in order to see their fantasy played Are Jews? No. How about South Americans? Use Rate My Professor—and talk to fellow once we get through these things we call out. It cannot be stressed enough, this is Or Christians? This hate and fear scares the students—to find professors who will reso- college courses. However, getting through an issue no one is ready to tackle. So why hell out of me. nate with you in a classroom setting. is the hard part. Not all of us are the next do people watch it? What’s the problem? If we take time to get You should also get help from your advi- Einstein; some of us are only extremely skilled Well, for various reasons but not limited to learn about other religions, we’d see there’s sor, who can guide you into getting a good at a few things. It could be dance, art, playing to one. People watch it because it is an escape; not much of a difference. Jews, Muslims, and schedule formed around your requirements. instruments, writing, science, or mathematics. others might lack social skills, or depression. Christians share similar ancestries. There have Try not to experiment too much; keep it sim- Yet, even though school systems know this, The list is long but the solutions…the solu- always been major conflicts because of reli- ple. By that I mean, if there is a subject you we’re still required to take certain subjects we tions are often not expressed. If anyone is gion, but we all share a desire to live a happy struggle in, try to isolate that class where that may struggle with heavily. reading this and feels they have a problem, existence with our families in peace. No matter is the only class you take that day. For example, I would say I’m generally the best thing to do is seek help from those what we believe in, family, love, are the only That is what I did my next semester with confident when I go into something blind who are professionals. You may find your- real importance. MAT*137. I took it on a Tuesday/Thursday as because at that time I haven’t experienced self ashamed, embarrassed and reluctant to I truly hope this message will change some my only class that day, so I breathed just math failure. Then I got here and took MAT*137. do so, but living a life where you cannot stop thoughts and actions. What is the answer to the those days. It really did help me a lot to be Although I believed I was good at math, this yourself from doing the one thing you told growing slaughter of innocent people? Whether able to have a day dedicated just to math, and time was different. I made a schedule for yourself not to do is far worse. it happens in a place where people seek peace this time around I got a B+. Not bad! myself that was not very favorable and did We owe it to ourselves to conquer our with their god, or gather to be themselves, it is At the end of the day, do not worry about not give me enough time to do everything I mind and body, so we can get the best out of a national crisis. We need to focus on the mental what you can’t control, like future aspirations. needed to pass without a hitch. Yet, because life. The best place to start is your own med- health issues right in front of our noses. We need You’re not there yet. Worry about doing your I was stubborn, I stuck it out and ended up ical practitioner, but it may be that members to acknowledge the problem of hate instead of very best in the here and now, and even if you failing. I even took a hit in some of my other of our community here can do something ignoring it. We need more education around fail at something, apply the lesson learned to courses, as, before I realized it, I was slack- as well. Whatever the problem, a solution issues of troubled citizens. The problems of your next opportunity. Then the future will ing off in those classes to catch up with this starts with open communication. today can’t be solved with talk; there must be take care of itself. action–before the next fuse blows.

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