Monday, April 22, 2013 La Roche College • 9000 Babcock Boulevard • Pittsburgh, PA 15237 • 412.847.2505 Vol. 17, Issue 5 Renowned journalist visits La Roche College campus by Martika Cook “I have become such a huge fan of the world it’s lethal.” Things like gen- nuns,” he said. Kristof interviewed der selective abortion and the lack of a warlord in the rape capital of the basic medical aide during childbirth word, the Congo. “[The warlord] left and the like thin the number of fe- icholas Kristof, esteemed a deep impression on me, but the males in the world that we do not American journalist, shined a person who left an even deeper im- encounter in the developed world. light on how women are the pression was this extraordinary Pol- He said, “In much of the world “moralN challenge of the century,” and ish nun,” he said. when you don’t have enough to go our role in correcting that. Kristof talked about an Italian around you feed your son and may- On April 9th, La Roche College nun, Sr. Caroline, who ran an all- be you don’t feed your daughter. You welcomed Kristof to a gym full of girl school in the Congo. She went take your son to get vaccinated, but fans. He reminded people about ris- after a warlord and his army after you don’t take your daughter to get ing, and often brutal, issues of dis- the warlord kidnapped 139 of her vaccinated.” crimination towards women around students. “At first they just ignored Kristof said this is not a case of the world and explained how impor- her, laughed at her and mocked her, men oppressing women. This is a tant it is to pay attention to and cor- she kept running after them and giv- case of deeply rooted patriarchal © Twitter.com rect them. ing them an earful. They ended up attitudes that are often absorbed Kristof said that in his travels “you releasing 109 of those girls,” he said. and transmitted just as much by “Women and see some really terrible things some- Kristof asked the audience to vote women as by men. “In a ten year times, that remind you of the human on if there were more males or fe- period you have more girls who are capacity for evil, but side by side males in the world today. 98 percent discriminated against to death, than girls aren’t with the worst of humanity you can of the audience, which was mostly you have people who died in all the see the very best.” female, said there were more females genocides of 20th century,” he said. the problem, Kristof said that it was after his in the world. Two men said there With this it is easier to see why journey to the Congo that he dis- were more men. “I’m afraid the two women are the central moral chal- they are the covered that acts of evil might leave men were right,” he said. lenge of the century. Kristof said deep impressions, but it’s the acts of Kristof said that in an equitable while donating to charity and build- good that leave the deepest impres- world there would be more females. ing wells in villages with toxic wa- solution.” sions. While in the Congo he said “But the point is it’s not an equitable ter is important, the best things the saw many disturbing things, but world,” he said. “In gender discrimi- world can do is to educate these girls he also remembered a nun feeding nation we tend to think of it in terms and get them in to the labor force. starving kids, running a school and of unequal pay and inappropriate “Women and girls aren’t the prob- - Nicholas Kristof negotiating with a warlord. comments or touching. In much of lem, they are the solution,” he said. Turf finally comes to La Roche

by nate marsh yards away from the fire station to the lacrosse team, Dustin Reykdal, soccer team, Jessica Greco, said, “I’m avoid any more balls being thrown said that the addition of a turf field glad the school finally is getting a Co-Editor over the fence from multiple sports. “will be a great improvement that turf field. It’s going to be a benefit to he long talked about rumors of Some plans for the final layout of has been anticipated for the last few the soccer and lacrosse teams. I just a turf field coming to La Roche the field are being held back. For a years. The maintenance for a grass wish they would have done it sooner College have “almost definite- version of the plan, land behind the field in Pittsburgh is difficult with so we could play on it this fall. ly”T confirmed, as Athletic Director houses on the far side of the field three teams playing on the same field The entire plan for the field is to James Tinky has stated. must be purchased by the residents. almost year round. Hopefully it will have field with full size bleachers, Tinky said that the immediate These negotiations are still in prog- be a good recruiting tool for the ath- locker rooms, and public restrooms plan right now is to have a full turf ress. letic program as well.” as well. “We want to create an atmo- field installed beginning this sum- “We’re excited about it,” Tinky However, because of the con- sphere,” Tinky said. “A collegiate at- mer. The field will consist of soccer said. “We’ve talked about it for too struction of the field, the men’s and mosphere.” However, many of these lines and both men’s and women’s long. We’re recruiting kids that are women’s soccer teams will be with- features are not planned on being in- lacrosse lines. coming from programs that have out a home field for their 2013 sea- stalled in the first phase of construc- The plans for the field as of now, better facilities than we do, and we son. Preparations are being made to tion. As of now, phase one is focused, Tinky said, is to push the field back need to step up. I will help us in re- play only conference games at home most importantly, on the field itself. towards the empty field behind the cruiting. It will help us with a lot of at local high schools like North Hills Future plans also are to begin a current location. In doing so, where things.” or Schaler. All other games will be women’s lacrosse team at La Roche the field is now is planned to be The expectation for completion of played on the road as it seems at the to fulfill Title Nine requirements of turned into a parking lot. The school the field is for spring of 2014, in time moment. equal opportunity for both men and would like to move the field 50 or 60 for Men’s Lacrosse. Junior captain of Junior captain of the women’s women in sports and academics.

This publication reflects the views, attitudes, interests, and tastes of the writers, editors and contributors to The Courier. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty and staff of La Roche College. 2 www.larochecourier.com 3 www.larochecourier.com April is Autism Awareness Month SportsThe La Roche Courier < April 22, 2013 by Tariq Shabaza counties with higher pre- Redhawk basketball teams find success Staff Writer cipitation levels have higher by Rachel Bachri utism now roughly autism rates. Staff Writer affects 1 in 88 chil- The Obama administra- oth the men’s and women’s bas- dren. tion spent 211 million dol- ketball teams had winning sea- AApproximately 67 million lars for autism research. sons this year continuing the recentB years of success. people in the world have au- Research suggests that The men’s team ended this sea- tism having an older father may son with a record of 17-11. They Autism is more common increase a child’s risk of au- made it to the Allegheny Mountain than childhood cancer, dia- tism. Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Tournament Semifinals, losing to betes, and AIDS combined. Dogs have been shown to Penn St.-Behrend, 55-48. Regard- There is no cure for autism improve autistic children’s less of the loss in the end, the team From the Greek autos quality of life, independence, played at their best throughout the whole season. Regarding the teams’ meaning “self,” autism liter- and safety. The presence of a success, junior Neal McKown said, ally means “alone.” trained dog can reduce ag- “We have long lines of tradition set Autistic people have many gressive behavior, calm the forth by Coach Lang and that is the child, and serve as a link to legacy that the men on our team try talents and abilities. to show each day and pass on to our Studies suggest that the child’s community. new comers.” © carladavisshow.com Senior Joel McIntosh and junior Sranding from left: Brittni Evans, Howard Dorsey, Erika Benson, Demetria © larochesports.com David Jackson were named AMCC Coleman, Brianna Gibbs, LaShauna Brothers, Shantaya White, Kam Gissendaner All-Conference Second Team Per- Seated from left: Leslie McPherson, Jessica Pitts, Amanda Garland, Casie Cygan formers for their accomplishments during this season. During his four years playing for La Roche, McIn- Finley said, “Despite the loss, La The team also had a new head great to be apart of the third straight tosh was one of the best centers in Roche Men’s Basketball enjoyed a coach this year, Kamela Gissendan- championship team. Although, this the AMCC and is ranked 11th in the fantastic season. They won their ner. Gissendanner came to La Roche one felt a little different because we AMCC for points, 10th in rebounds, second AMCC Conference Regular after coaching at St. Francis Univer- won it with only eight players and 9th in offensive rebounds and 9th in Season Championship and reached sity. She is a Penn State University a new coach.” Even though it was free throw percentage. the ECAC Tournament Semifinals basketball alumni and went on to a little different from the previous Jackson was an All-Conference for the second straight season.” play for the Los Angeles Sparks in years, the team was able to continue Second Team selection last season The Women’s Team ended their the Women’s National Basketball As- playing strong throughout the whole as well. This season he ranked as season with a record of 24-3. This is sociation (WNBA). She also played season. one of the best defensive players in also the third consecutive year that a season in Norway’s Kvinnenligaen There are no seniors on the team the AMCC. He led the conference in they have won the AMCC Confer- League where she was the leading this year and as a result everyone will defensive and offensive rebounding ence Championship. The AMCC scorer and MVP. be returning to play again next sea- Editor-in-Chief and finished in the top 10 in blocked championship game was against Before the season, James Finley son. Cygan also explained, “I think shots and defensive rebounds. Penn State-Behrend in which the quoted Gissendanner saying, “Coach the style we play and types of players The team was also invited to Redhawks were victorious, 63-58. Benton has done a great job laying we have is what sets us apart because Shay Badolato play in the Eastern College Athletic After winning the AMCCs they ad- the foundation for the program and we’re just an overall quicker and Conference (ECAC) Tournament. vanced to the NCAA Tournament we have a great core group of girls stronger team then the rest of the Co-Editor They again made it to the semifi- but lost against DePauw University, who are ready to be successful in the teams. We have no seniors so the full nals but then lost to Albright 82-71. the number one team in the country, classroom as well as on the court.” team will be returning as we look to Nate Marsh Sports Information Director, James in the first round, 73-43. Junior Casie Cygan stated, “It felt win 4 in a row.” Staff Writers Revamped pitching staff offers new hope Rachel Bachri By Steve Young sition and will be the starting left- is fully recovered and depending on Tariq Shabaz hander in the back of the rotation. how well Jonathan Sanchez plays. He had an ERA of 8.74 last year, but Joel Hanrahan is gone and veteran A.J. Burnett he Pirates have added some his spring training ERA is 5.50 and Jason Grilli will be the new closer. Contributing Writers depth in pitching and are look- hopefully he will do better than Erik He finished last season with 32 holds ing for a winning season in Bedard did last year. Sanchez is fill- and was the most consistent reliever leads off the 2013,T the first in 20 years. ing the spot formerly held by Erik in the bullpen. Steven Young At the beginning of last Au- Bedard, who finished the season The acquisition of reliever Mark starting rota- gust the Pirates were sixteen games with 7 wins and 14 losses. Melancon will add some strength to Grant Wentzel above .500 and were competing for The Pirates have three pitchers the bullpen as well. He finished last tion. He was a wild card spot, but by the end of recovering from injuries that could year with an ERA of 5.59 and joins the season they fell to a .488 win- end up in the rotation in the second Jared Hughes, Tony Watson, Justin the team leader Martika Cook percentage. The batting and pitching half of the season. Jeff Karstens and Wilson, Chris Leroux, and Jeanmear slumped and the Pirates finished in Charlie Morton are familiar faces Gomez in the bullpen. last season with Ivan Kostov their 20th consecutive losing season. that could earn a spot in the rotation. The depth in pitching could be the A.J. Burnett leads off the starting Injuries kept both men sidelined last strength that leads the team to a win- rotation. He was the team leader last year. ning season. Burnett had a solid year 16 wins, 180 Elizabeth Schwartz season with 16 wins, 180 strikeouts, The Pirates also signed the injured last season, however James McDon- and a 3.51 ERA. The rest of the start- Francisco Liriano, who is recovering ald only did well the first half of the strikeouts, and Advisor ing rotation consists of Wandy Ro- from an injury to his non-throwing season. The pitching roster is strong driguez, James McDonald, Jonathan arm. He is a left-hander with a career enough that it could be a solution to a 3.51 ERA. Sanchez, and Jeff Locke. ERA of 4.40. Liriano may end up in team injuries and slumps later on in Ed Stankowski Jonathan Sanchez is a new acqui- the starting rotation, providing he the season. 4 www.larochecourier.com 5 www.larochecourier.com Student Government Association wraps up 2012-2013 school year SurveyThe La Roche Courier < April 17, 2013 says... by Elizabeth Schwartz

ver this past school year, the Coffee drives college life Student Government Asso- Inked and tatted ciation (SGA) coordinated “It keeps me awake, it is delicious, by Grant Wentzel Omany events that have proved them- by Nate Marsh who we are. “If it isn’t for a tribute or and somewhat of an addiction,” Der- selves very successful. Co-Editor spiritual reason I feel it is pointless,” ek Meeder, a mid level math educa- sophomore Jonathan Monahan indi- recent survey showed that tion major said. In the fall they held a voter reg- cated. Some of these are in the forms La Roche College students When asked about the average istration drive and on Election Day f your parents have tattoos, chanc- they even provided a shuttle for stu- es are you do too. of Bible verses and crosses. Others spend enough money on cof- amount of money spent on a cup of are more creative. feeA equivalent to a down payment on dents to get to the local polling sta- coffee, five students said they pay less In a recent survey of La tion. IRoche College students, 41 percent “I got mine as a tribute to my a house. than one dollar. Sixty-two reported Nana who passed away because I This survey was conducted to to spending $2 to $4 and 25 reported In honor of Veterans Day, a panel of the participants have tattoos, and discussion was held consisting of of that, 60 percent of their parents was very close to her,” Carly Sorco, see if college students, targeted at to drinking $5 to $6. Only eight stu- a junior psychology major, said. On La Roche College, were relying on dents said that they pay more than three veteran La Roche students. also had tattoos. Eight percent of These veterans spoke to a group of students whose parents have tattoos her hip, she has “Bella Principessa” coffee as a dependency to get them seven dollars per cup. through the work week. The results The survey showed that 21 stu- students in the Ryan Room about have not followed in their parents’ what it is like to have served in the footsteps and gone under the gun. of the survey show that coffee drink- dents drink one to three cups of cof- “To me tattoos ing is a costly dependence. fee a week. Nineteen students drink military, their individual experienc- This survey was done on La Roche es, and how it is to be back in school. College’s campus. The survey com- Out of the 100 surveyed college four to six cups of coffee per week. have a meaning students, there were 20 freshman, 19 Forty-four reported to drinking sev- This event was a great success and prises 100 of the school’s 1,419 stu- plans are already being made to do it dents. sophomores, 24 juniors, 37 seniors. en to nine cups and16 students said © laroche.edu Thirty-eight percent were males and they consume more than 10 cups of again next year. Parents aren’t the only ones that – whether to a The SGA also held a “Pinkout” for new battery charger for public safety. sang Christmas carols with the se- bunny costume. influence people to get tattoos. 62 percent were females. coffee a week. Thirty-seven out of 100 La Roche The major responses that resulted breast cancer awareness in October. It is available for use when a car bat- niors. They were even kind enough The SGA will be attending a lead- Eighty-six percent of La Roche stu- person or a point Everyone entered to win prizes and tery dies in the parking lot which, to help them back to their rooms. ership conference in Philadelphia dents say that they believe kids are college students said they drink cof- from this survey was that 64 percent fee more than twice a day. “I need preferred retailed coffee. 44 reported was invited to wear pink. as it turns out, happens frequently. This spring, they had a great suc- this April hosted by the American influenced by their favorite athletes, in life.” They had an open forum with Sis- Thanks to the SGA, we will no lon- cess with the Burundi Dinner to sup- Student Government Organization musicians and actors. the energy,” sophomore Julia Scott drinking about seven to nine cups a said, “Without coffee, I cannot make week and 62 percent spending two ter Candace. This gave the students ger be in fear of being stranded! port female victims of the destruc- and hope to learn some new skills to Our friends are possibly the most an opportunity to pose questions to During the Festival of Lights they tion of the country’s central market apply to the La Roche campus. On influential factor in students getting it through my day.” to four dollars. That averages that The majority of the surveyed pop- about 59 percent of the surveyed the President of the college. did “Cans for Cocoa,” where people this winter. They raffled off some April 7th the SGA participated in a tattoos. All 41 people who admitted - Caily Amann The SGA has also approved a few donated non-perishable food items goody baskets and were able to raise highway cleanup. On April 3rd, Aar- to having tattoos said that they had ulation, 66 percent, admitted to typi- students who answered with the written meaning beautiful princess cally drinking coffee in the morn- most popular answer. Each student new clubs, such as LFI (La Roche in exchange for hot chocolate. They $647 for the Burundi girls, exceed- on Cooksey led an event to speak on at least one friend that had tattoos as Fashion Innovators) and an Ulti- also assisted with a Christmas party ing their goal of $500. The SGA also the dangers of drunk driving. “We’re well. Thirty-four of those said that in Italian. “That is what she called ing. Twenty percent said they drink spends about 12 dollars on coffee a me in Italian,” Sorco said. during the afternoon, four percent week, concluding to $708 a year. If mate Frisbee Club. at a retirement home in Bethel Park. held an Easter Bunny Brunch, for expecting a good turnout” said SGA they had over five friends with tat- The SGA has also invested in a The participants made puzzles and which they purchased a new Easter president Nick Yund. toos. Even our furry companions reported to drinking during the eve- 59 percent of the surveyed selection Everyone has different reasons to memories are being attributed. Trev- ning, and eight percent drink coffee each spend about $708 on coffee a get tattoos. If you get something that or Donley, a computer science major at night. year, that leads to an annual $36,816 you have to display on your skin for in his sophomore year, wrote: “I got The survey revealed that 66 per- of money going to coffee. the rest of your life, you generally the paw print of my dog because he cent of students prefer retail coffee That being said, 100 students only want it to be sentimental or mean- is my best friend and I didn’t want to than a home brew. This could be the reported to the survey, and there are Penguins GM ingful. “There are many reasons [that lose a memory.” reason why 60 students reported to approximately 1419 students that at- people get tattoos],” junior Rachel Tattoos have become such a big drinking specialty coffees such as tend La Roche College. If out of ev- Spontak said. “Although I do believe part of our culture today that even lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos. ery 100 students, 59 people spend some people do it for the right rea- the 59 percent without tattoos have Jalyn Evans, a junior American stud- $36,816 combined a year, then how make major moves sons, there are a lot who do it for the at least one friend with the. Thirty- ies major, said she drinks specialty much will 1419 students pay? Well, wrong reasons because it’s a lot more two percent of those students have coffees for the taste and energy. you do the math. accepted now. They don’t think be- five or more friends with tattoos. fore they go under the needle.” Of course our favorite stars con- for Stanley Cup However, Caily Amann, a sopho- tinue to influence us as adults. Of more, said she thinks a tad different- the un-inked of La Roche’s students, Employers using Facebook? ly. “To me,” she wrote, “tattoos have 33 said that they want tattoos in the a meaning – whether to a person or future, while 23 said they did not by Grant Wentzel reported employers claimed to hire by Steve Young the goal from Sidney Crosby that a point in life.” Though some of the want to, and four said maybe they a candidate because of their social captured the 2010 Olympic gold tattoos people get are, at a glance, would go under the gun. Shows like network profile. “The internet can medal for team Canada. probably regrettable or dumb or im- “Ink Masters” and “LA Ink” only in- ecent studies are proving that get people’s honest opinions because Douglas Murray was acquired on mature, Amann is saying that they crease the desire for tattoos further social media is a tool for em- they let their guard down,” said Han- s the trade deadline ap- March 25 from the San Jose Sharks still have meaning. They may not than the stereotypical biker or misfit. ployers to gather information nah Wilson, an early education ma- proached, general manager for a 2013 second round pick and Now ink is becoming increasingly aboutR applicants. be in honor of your grandparents or jor attending Slippery Rock Univer- Ray Shero worked his magic a conditional 2014 second/third common in all walks of life. Popular social media sites such as sity. yetA again and acquired three veteran round pick. Murray is 6’3” at 245 fallen comrades, but they tell us who © usatoday.com you were at the moment you got that Those who don’t plan on getting Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are Another social media monitoring players. pounds and provides the tough tattoos do have one less thing to now being used to screen candidates tattoo. They tell the story of you. service, SocialHabit.com reported Shero has pulled off some amaz- physical play that can make him a deep into the playoffs. If these trades forward James Neal and defenseman worry about, however. Many em- for job positions. Reppler, a social Though it is hard to pinpoint a from 2008 to 2012, networking pro- ing trades before but his latest acqui- fan favorite in Pittsburgh. With vet- prove to be a success, this wouldn’t Matt Niskanen. Goligoski is a solid ployment opportunities, against the media monitoring service, conduct- single overall reason why most peo- files have nearly doubled. The per- sitions might be just what the Pen- eran defenseman Paul Martin is out be the first time that Shero has made offensive defenseman with 38 career growing trend of tattoos, prohibit ed a 300 person study involved in the ple get tattoos, there is one easy way centage of people in the U.S. who guins need to win another Stanley for 4 to 6 weeks with a broken hand. some incredible moves before the goals and 116 assists, but when it tattoos from being visible in the hiring process. Ninety-one percent to sum it all up: self-expression. have a social networking profile went Cup. Jerome Iginla was acquired on Murray has the ability to fill Martin’s trade deadline. comes down to the trade it has been workplace. However, 17 percent of of the employers polled use social Alexandrea Hanyc, a fresh- from 24 to 56 percent. “But this isn’t March 27 from the Calgary Flames role as a shutdown defenseman. In 2007-08 he acquired Marian in the Penguins favor. Niskanen has those who have modified their fleshy networking sites to screen prospec- man management major, wrote that a shock when you think about it,” for college prospects Kenneth Agos- Brenden Morrow is another vet- Hossa and Pascal Dupuis from the turned into a solid defenseman with canvas indicate they may have con- tive employees with forty-seven per- tattoos are “a form of art and a way said Chelsea Sorg, a nursing major at tino, Ben Hanowski, and a 2013 first eran whose acquisition provides Atlanta Thrashers for Erik Chris- a hard slap shot and Neal finished cerns that their alteration will hinder cent of employers screening the pro- to express yourself in a unique way.” West Virginia University. “Our lives round pick. Losing two prospects to leadership on the already exem- tensen, Colby Armstrong, Angelo last season with 81 points by way of their ability to find a job. files once receiving the candidate’s Kaylyn Zeff, a sophomore psy- are so busy anymore that social me- gain the veteran Igninla is a small plary Penguins roster. He has been Esposito, and a first round pick. 40 goals and 41 assists. College students say they don’t applications. chology major, also indicated that dia can keep us up to date on friends price to pay considering what he the long-time captain of the Dallas Hossa only played one year for the Pending the outcome of the sea- agree with the appearance restric- With a 1.06 billion population, “tattoos are for showing off some- you haven’t talked to in a while.” brings to the ice. He has played 1220 Stars and provides a strong presence Pens and opted out of a contract son, acquiring Iginla, Murray, and tions in the workplace, however. Facebook has been reported to be thing that you love.” This may be the intention of so- games and has a career record of 525 in front of the net and the ability to extension to play for Detroit Red Morrow may be another genius set Thirty-four percent of students, used by 76 percent of employers dur- Dylan Thomas, a junior majoring cial media, however it has developed goals and 570 assists. score big goals. He was acquired on Wings. Dupuis, however, became a of trades by Ray Shero. These play- both tattooed and not, say that the ing the hiring process. Twitter, with in national security, for example, has as an employer database. Reports His leadership could help the March 24, along with a 2013 third big part of the Penguins team and is ers might be what the Penguins need expressions of one’s self on their skin 500 million users, is used by 53 per- “JOKER” written down his ribs to now prove that an uploaded photo, Pens at playoff time and could be a round draft pick for minor league on the top line with Sidney Crosby right now, especially with injuries to should not be a deciding factor for cent of employers. Lastly, LinkedIn represent his playful personality. quote, or message may be the next huge asset towards the quest for the defenseman Joe Morrow and a 2013 and Chris Kunitz. key players Kris Letang, Paul Mar- a job. Twenty-three of the unblem- with 200 million users, was deemed Tributes in the form of ink to past factor during your hiring process. So cup. Iginla has been a solid hockey fourth round draft pick. His biggest acquisition before the tin, and Sidney Crosby. When the ished of La Roche wrote that visible to be used by 48 percent of hiring family members or friends are also the next time you decide to upload a player and potential future Hall of These trades could have huge po- trade deadline was in the 2009-10 history books are written, Ray Shero tattoos should not be allowed in the employers. an ever-popular memorial and re- photo of you and your friends doing Famer. He has won two Olympic tential for the Penguins and could season. Defenseman Alex Goligoski might be considered the master of workplace. Sixty-eight percent of Reppler’s minder of who helped us become a keg stand, think twice. Gold Medals and had the assist on be just what the penguins need to go was traded to the Dallas Stars for the trade deadline. 6 www.larochecourier.com 7 www.larochecourier.com SGA president is more A bitter-sweet than meets the eye farewell by Ivan Kostov dangerous,” Nick said. There were bridges on the highway that Nick and the solders patrolled, which were often blown up by the anti- coalition forces. After bridges were he always polite, blonde man blow up USA engineers would re- we see working in the cafete- build them. It didn’t take long for ria day in and day out and the Iraq anti-coalition forces to set by Shay Badolato leadingT the Student Government up attacks on the American engi- meetings has a more interesting neers. Editor-in-Chief story than what meets the eye. Nick “We had to escort the engineers Yund, the Student Government As- and protect them,” Nick said. “My sociation (SGA) President has had tank got blown up twice. The one a lifetime of experiences already in time the tank was sent back for his young age. repair because it was permanently ell, I’m graduating in After graduating from North damaged. I am happy I was inside May, peace suckers! Hills High School in 2004, Nick the tank both times. Thank God I joined the United States Army. He didn’t get injured. It’s one of those WBefore I got to this mentality of was stationed in Texas, where he things that can end up very badly,” being almost done with school and was trained. Nick said. therefore not putting in the effort In his five year career in the The Iraq anti-coalition forces to my schoolwork as I once did, I Army, Nick was deployed to Iraq planted hidden bomb around the was on a journey that allowed me twice. The first time he was in Iraq city. “The more time that passes to discover my talents, my weak- for three months and was on active away from those events in Iraq the nesses, my confidences, my fears, duty for one month. Nick replaced crazier they seem,” Nick said. The my positives, and my faults, in ev- a guy over in Iraq who was steal- military experience which Nick ery aspect of my life. ing from the mail room. “Usually went through impacted him. “I As a freshman at La Roche I was you go to Iraq to replace injured or was there in Iraq and I survived, as in Dr. Jordan’s English class, where killed solders,” Nick said. a result I gained a lot of confidence during the first week of classes she The superior officers over in that helps me deal with life,” Nick pulled me into the hall. Terrified Iraq saw nick as a young blood. said. that my college career was ending “My superiors in Iraq were good Nick is very grateful to be home. even before I could declare a ma- people, I was told to lay low.” Nick He is in a wonderful relationship jor, she asked me, “What are you was only eighteen at the time and with his wife. Nick likes La Roche doing in this class? I think you the superior officers didn’t want College very much and is a junior have been misplaced.” Of course I him to get injured. © Shay Badolato in the education program. “The assumed that I could not live up to Nick operated tanks, guarded a teachers give us plenty of home- the college’s standards of English bridge and looked around the city © post-gazette.com work, but we learn things, and and that I was going to be told to school is too small, the MyLa- now to say that I have utilized my be Co-President of the English In- with the other soldiers. The sec- nothing seems bad after the ex- leave the premises at once. But to roche page is slow, I’m bored, my resources and took full advantage ternational Honors Society, I said ond time that Nick was deployed perience I had in the army,” Nick my surprise, a college professor swipe card wont work, why is the of what La Roche had to offer me. yes. When Dr. Maher asked me to Iraq the stakes were raised. At “My tank got blown up twice. The one said. noticed my ability to write and Redhawk Café closed, the class I When Ed asked if I wanted to be to be a Nuance editor, I said yes. the actual day of deployment, Nick Nick is president of Student suggested that I be in a higher-lev- want isn’t offered for another three Fashion Editor, I said yes. When Ed When Janine Bayer said to apply and the other soldiers didn’t know time the tank was sent back for repair Government. As president of the el English course and to consider years, I NEED MORE WRITERS asked if I will be Editor-in-Chief for this internship, I said ok. where they were being deployed. student government Nick man- being an English major. So, Profes- FOR THE COURIER. of The Courier, I said yes. When You see, saying yes isn’t always “Some of the solders were very because it was permanently damaged. ages people. “You have to be very sional Writing it is, which means That last rant really only per- my friend Marvin asked me model a bad thing; it allowed me to build stressed,” Nick said. Nick and the sensitive with people, you don’t I am happy I was inside the tank both I’m stuck with Ed Stankowski. tains to me and maybe the entire in the GLOBE Fashion Show I said a resume, a portfolio, and to net- others were later told they were really know what is going on in People can complain about La English Department. yes. When the next year he asked work. My education was and is the deployed to Samara, a city in Iraq. their lives,” Nick said. His kind ap- t i m e s .” Roche all they want. The class- All we do is whine, and yes I me to be Treasure of GLOBE, I most important thing to me and I There Nick and the others pa- proach and clear understanding of room is too warm and too cold, confess I have too. But what it said yes. When he asked me the can only hope that my fellow La trolled a highway. people is a key for his contribution the food is unappetizing, the rules comes down to is what YOU do following year to take his place and Roche classmates share the same “The city of Samara was very - Nick Yund to the student government. for on-campus housing suck, this with your education and your time be Co-President of GLOBE, I said outlook. spent here. I have the confidence yes. When Dr. Maher asked me to So, I leave you all with this: bye.

Help Wanted Interested in writing, layout, or photography?

By Shay Badolato Editor-in-Chief Please contact Dr. The La Roche Courier needs writers for news articles, feature stories, sports coverage, and entertainment. Photographers, illustrators, and page designers o you enjoy reading, writ- reader, but also as a student taking ing, learning, and helping part in the learning process. Be- Christine Abbott are always wanted. others? ing a part of the Writers’ Center DOk, this isn’t an advertisement is like being a part of a family; we flyer. But if you do enjoy those work together, learn together, and things, consider working in La grow together. The Writers’ Center at 412.536.1227, or If you are interested in joining our staff, please contact our editor: Roche’s Writers’ Center. I have had is not a work-study job, it’s a paid [email protected] the privilege to work alongside on–campus job, that allows you to Dr. Christine Abbott, the Direc- become a certified tutor. English stop by her office at tor of the Writers’ Center, for the major, or not, you are welcome to past two years. The experience apply for the Writing Consultant has broadened my knowledge position. AB 208. and skills, not only as a writer and