The Bridge June 1996 FIORELLO H. LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CITY UNiVERSITY OF NEW YORK VOL# V

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Suing the untouchables: Mter two year of Liligation the editors of UOttardja coHege new pa r The Bridge, prevailed over CUNY .in Smith v. City University of New .Ym:,k. The editor, Joseph N. Smith and WBAI reporter, Errol Maitland 'filed suit uriderthe Open Muti,ngs LawiU'ter they were barred from entering a College Association meeting with anomey Ronald McGuire. When they learned that the College Association had ilfl6catedbver 5,000.00 while meeting in a secret session, they filed suit in the State Supreme Court. "The Open Government Laws are virtually the only legal protectiOns tud ,. !1.ts have over the aUocalion of lheirludent activity fees". said Ronald McGuir.e." "A victory for CUNY would strip students of any accountability over the allocation Oltheir student activity fees"; McOuireadded . · Smith Graduates LAiGUARDIA ALUMNUS .'~.,. : After Court Victory LErADSTHE CITY

by KiyvQf141, BlGlld

When Joseph Smith came to LaGuardia Commuirity College in For the first time in LaGuardia Community College's history, Rudy 1993, 1be'Bridae Newspaper did not exist. The college paper had not betn Washingtoq, 41, a 1974 graduate, delivered the Keynote Address at the in circulation for about two years. But while' many might say matbe.cause Commencetnent Ceremony: for the 1994 graduating class. As keynote , . . of him The BtidGremained non-existent, it is.his persistence for student speaker, he~elivered asymbolic address to the next alumni. Mr. Washing- power and his determinatio,n against administration control· that most of ton said, "¥ ou (need) to have .the right mental attitude and things in CUNY officials will remember him. After Mr. Smith became Editor-In­ perspectiv~} Most kids think it's going to happen overnight, and when it Chief in the fall semester of 1994, he allowed the publication ofa contro- . doesn't, theY become discouraged and give up." v'ersialpiece by Todd "One" Williams (student at the time). The article was " Thi~ Queens native has cornea very long way from his school days condemned by writers from the New York Post and the Anti-defamation . majorlngin:Business for two years. He enrolled in LaGuardia at the age of League. Mr. Srn.jth was defamed in the rebuttals while college administrators' 17. He hoped to fight in the Vietnam war but his father was totally against questioned his achieved status. The Bridie was suspended and a meeting this. Instead, he started college and majored in business, "with no itention was conducted by Dean Lugo on March 30, 1994 to discuss the operation of that this is w,hat I wanted to do." He was quickly adopted and taken in by 'student funded' press. Since then, an odyssey of harassment was launched. Professor Nuball, Professor Washington, and Dean Minter, "they helped to The elections in which Smith was elected ,as Editor-In-Chief in '94- . develop me?' He became active in the Student Government and was elected '95 and '95-'96 were investigated by a committee to detennine if it was Presiqent . in his freshman year. He states, "I was among a Student consistent with The Bridie governing document. Although the recent Government of people who had 5 to 6 years experience, for most of which election was upheld as legal and binding, [Irene Sos~,Co-ordinator of were Vietnam Veterans. lowe the start of my political career to LaGuardia, Student Life and Development and Milton Silva, Director of Personal .because as President, I begin to fight for issues such as creating day care Counseling and Student Life and Development, Dean Lugo prodded for an cent~ for the community." '. ,, " cOlltillud 011 pgl contillued 011 pgJ

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University Of New York held in the New York Smith's reluctance to have administration con­ Court Victory State Supreme Coun on January 25,1996. A trol prevented the president's appointee, Sam federal judge, Karla Moskowitz ruled that 'a Amoako from sustaining his position. During journalist and student's attorney were deliber­ Smith's guidance, The Bridee had been recog­ investigation. Mr. Smith and other editors were ately excluded [from the] meeting ... in violation nized by "Perspectives On Multiculturalism & prohibited from spending the allocated budget of of the provisions of the open meeting law', based Diversity From Nation's Campuses" as one ofthe The Bridee including the time of investigation on on the March 1994 meeting held by LaGuardia twenty best college newspapers in the nation. the last election. Because of the last issue of ~ College Association in which security guards This honor was categorized with Harvard Uni­ Bridee, Dean Lugo attempted to charge Mr. Smith were instructed to stop Smith and his lawyer, Ron versity, Jackson State, Iowa State University and ' with having engaged in misconduct by publish­ McGuire from entering the C-building. This may other recognized colleges. ing October 16-31, 1995 issue ... without appro­ prove costly for the City University as the judge Now Mr. Smith has completed his fmal priate college authorization'. But Smith's humble granted attorney's fees to Mr. McGuire who had semester and has resigned his position. He plans character, procedural manner and litigious atti­ been retained for one dollar. The amount will be to complete his study at Queens college. He feels tude prevailed over all. The charges were dropped announced and settled in a the decision by Judge that the lack of student involvement and perse­ because he threatened to challenge the accusation Moskowitz. verance will cause the administration to take The in court. He conducted business with college Joseph N. Smith majored in Business Bridge in their own hands. He hoped his hard officials only through memorandum on the basis Administration but he pioneered for free student work and belief will reflect on other students and that verbal comments would not suffice in court. press at LaGuardia. Raymond Bowen, pushed encourage a healthy , sociable, multicultural press Perhaps his most devastating action against the for a full time faculty advisor to The Bridge based in the college community. ~dministration was in the case Smith ys . City on his power as president of the college but

THE BRIDGE 31-10 THOMSON AVENUE Negron Leaves Politics LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 (This story was written before the elec­ Phone (718) 482- 5189 tions.) Fax (718) 482-5599 by Gary Bloke

"The greatest legacy you can leave be­ hind in this school is people who share in the same Editorial Board ideology that you do," ..said William Negron, Chairpers n of the Inivetsity StudentSena , in ary Blake Editor-in-Chief an exclusive interview with members of the Edi­ amba Mbaye Assistant Editor torial Board of The Bridge. William Negron, gela Hayes News Editor former President of Student Government, would arik Cherkaoui Managing Editor not have accepted a seat if he was elect¢ in the Features Editor Student Government elections. Ans Editor He began the interview by saying, "before osaleen Crotty Sports Editor I even came to LaGuardia, my life had no single asmine Vasquez Photo Editor purpose." At that time, he lived in Bensonhurst, . Milton Silva Interim Faculty Mentor where he experienced social unrest surrounding ose Gousse Staff Writer the shooting of Yusof Hawkins and it troubled him. He thought he could make a difference. His Typeset/Layout by Joseph N. Smith fiancee, then treasurer of Student Government at I Outgoing USS Chairman William Negron. . and Gary Blake LaGuardia had encouraged him to attend college Special thanks to Joanne O'Connell and become a part of the Student Government. start up money for the Student Center for Women; He respected students in the Student Government allocated $76,000 for the brand new state of the Help Wanted! ano they became his mentors. So, he entered art fitness center. In the second year, "we suc­ LaGuardia's student politics expecting to be­ cessfully lobbied for $5.4 million for the renova­ Help Wanted! come "a mentor for someone else and be a part of tion of the C-Building." a tradition of activism .. .it was a very high grounded Mr. Negron believes he has done very reason for running." well as a student leader, except for the issue Bill Negron believed in changing the concerning the closure of The Bridge newspaper. "I wish I could have approached it differently, ... we ---Writers world. "College is a place where you can try out new ideas and create in terms of how you are were riding this moral high ground about pro­ ---Photographers going into so~iety and change the world." He tecting students and being racially conscious." ---Artists believed in student rights and an autonomous Also, there was a lot of pressure from adminis­ Student Government, ran solely by students. In tration, but Student Government did not believe his first year, Bill and his executive board brought in administration interfering. A charge was made No experience needed stability to the Student Government. They broke by a student stating that the elections of The Bridee the link between Student Government and Student was not done properly. The administration and the Senate used this opportunity to suspend ~ Come to Our Meeting Every Life and Development (then Student Activities) by appointing their own faculty mentor (faculty Bridge. "That was a rouse to close The Brid&e, to Wendesday advisor). He challenged the administration on quiet things down." . RoomMl18-E @5:00PM issues such as the make-up of the budget com­ Also, he confessed that he delayed the signing of a check, so that the newspaper would Phone (718) 482-5189 mittee, which he later chaired and where students had the majority. In that year, they created the not print anything negative about him before an continlUd on pg 6

~ ------.... --~------.. ~~--~~------3 Mr. Washington resides with his wife of 14 years, Rudy Washington Deborah Cheney, and their In continuing to excel at higher educa­ two children, Rudy II, aged tion, after graduating from LaGuardia, Mr. 7 and Ava, aged 5. His Washington went on to obtain a Bachelors of Am hobbies include model ra­ from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in dio-controlled airplanes 1975. Mr. Washington then attended the Univer­ and skiing. sity of Bradford in England on a fellowship in It was unani­ 1976, and subsequently did graduate work to­ mously decided that Rudy wards a Masters in Business Administration at St. Washington be profiled in John's University. this issue of The Bridge. With such a diverse list of achievements, He displays the motivation, it is not hard to believe all that Rudy Washington the drive and the will to has accomplished. After only four years of accomplish what he wanted graduating from LaGuardia, he founded and was in life. He truly defines the president of the F. J. Washington, Inc., a business phrase, "ACHIEVE IN that began as a heating and plumbing company. WHAT YOU BELIEVE When asked what it felt like to actually start your IN." own business, he replied, "when I started out, I At left, Deputy Mayor of had to go door to door, for six months before I got Planning and Commu­ my first contract. After the first contract, it got nity Relations, Rudy progressively easier, I started to get the knack and Wasnington. He was the began to develop a name for myself at the same first black Deputy Mayor time." F.J. Washington began to evolve into a appointed under the heavy construction. Some of F.J. Washington's Rudy Giuliani adminis­ major work include projects on the City of New tration. York's bridges, tunnels, air ports, in addition to the Indian Point nuclear power plant. Mr. Washington, a Republican, was ap.., ' , pointed Commissioner of Business Services in ' October of 1995 by Mayor Rudy Guiliani. While Commissioner, Washington was one of the archi­ tects of the, City's Empowerment Zone applica­ Unfair Advertising practices tion and the creator of the "Made in , ew York City" campaign which is a marketing and busi­ ness incentive program designed to create manu­ by Tarik Cherkaoui tion. It is tempting but fallacious to wonder if facturing jobs in New York City. some clubs purposefully avoid advertising so as On May 1, 1996, Mr. Washington was A lot happens on campus at LaGuardia, to keep undesired students out of their events. If appointed Deputy Mayor of Planning and Com­ parties, trips, conferences, concerts, fashion such is not the case, and if absence ofadvertising munity Relations. He was the first black Deputy shows, celebrations and more. Yet, the aver­ is the result of a lack of organization, then it is a Mayor appointed under the Giuliani administra­ age student does not attend any of them. The shame, because the show itself was a success and tion. When appointing Washington, the Mayor situation is so inadmissible one wonders how an opportunity to savor the precious richness of cited his successful management of the Fulton it was ever allowed to be. It is not exaggerated the cultural diversity of our college. Fish Market, where he collected as much as $2 to say that a college culture that keeps SDL in association with the Performing million in rent from fishmongers, where just two LaGuardia together is non-existent. The $50 Arts Center organized another outstanding but years ago the city only collected $270,000. students' activities fees go to those who are very poorly advertised event: the N ucanchi Llacta Councilwoman C. Virginia Fields (D-Manhat­ smart enough, nosy enough or, lucky enough Folkloric Ballet. Since 1969 when they started, tan) said, "Washington has used the resources of to take advantage of them. Student Life and the Ecuadorian group of thirty highly professional his agency to help Harlem community leaders Development (SLD) requires that every student and experienced dancers and musicians has an move sidewalk vendors off 125th Street to an at LaGuardia should be allowed to attend any international profile in Ecuador, Venezuela, alternative location, and eventually to vacant event organized by the school but that situation Mexico, Brazil and the US. They alternated storefronts on the strip." is far from being true. Most events are ad­ musical themes such as the famous "El Condor As if his plate isn't already full, he is vertised on a word of mouth basis and students Pasa" with dances portraying several aspects of chairman of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Develop­ who do not belong to a club or have friends Ecuadorian culture, such as courting and cel­ ment Corporation, a member of the Council for who do, never hear about them. ebrating a new house. The audience was totally Airport Opportunity and chairman of the City'S Examples of such events are numerous. dazzled by the colorful costumes, the grace of the eight state Economic Development Zone Boards. The Bangladesh Cultural Night, called a "ma­ dancers and the soothing effect of Ecuadorian Mr. Washington has been very active in jor event", was not advertised at all. The show music. A student commented: "It's like having the community as well as the political arena. featured poetry readings, a dance performance, a back rub. You are in a whole other mood when Washington is former president of the Jamaica, a rock'n roll band and a free dinner. All it is over." Sixty seconds of vivid applause Queens, Rotary Club, former president of the speeches were in Bangali except for the one followed the show. It seemed as if the Linle Afro-American Day Care Centers One and Two, delivered by the president of the club. The Theater was full when it was about two thirds a board member of the Central Queens YMCA, audience was almost exclusively Bangladesh­ empty. The reason behind the poor attendance is former member of President Jimmy Carter's En­ American, a percentage of them not even stu­ the fact that the event was advertised on the day ergy Advisory Group, and was a State Commit­ dents at LaGuardia. Even the brochures were it was scheduled to take place! Pink flyers with teeman for the 29th Assembly District in Queens in Bangali. Some SDL advisors, were present a big "Today" and "Free! Free!" were rushed from 1984 to 1986. but did not seem to be disturqed by the situa- around the campus in the last minute. In the continued on pg 18

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MERCURY BEACH MAID, INC. 29-10 THOMSON AVE. LlC. NY. 11101 718-7'29-6222 5 Noisy Library Prevents Students From Studying

addition to the 10,000 credit stu­ by Tank Cherlcaoui dents, 27,000 continuing educa­ One of the universal characteristics of a tion students, and three high library is silence. Unfortunately, the library at schools. The administration tried LaGuardia lacks it severely. In general, noise is to minimize the problem usin g present in every area of the facility. their limited resources. The con­ A survey conducted within the library ference room, when not used, was among thirty day and extended day students made available to students. In shows that 72% have difficulty studying when addition, the Library Information Strategies classroom was opened they are exposed to noise. 22% think the library is very noisy. 67 % believe it is a bit noisy and for students when vacant. How­ only 11 % think it is not noisy. 40% think thatthe ever, the additional Jnwunt of average level of noise in increasing. 48% believe space was st iII too smaJi to be the average level of noise is stable. effective at reducing the noi se When questioned about their opinion on problem. Ms Agbim commented the sources of noise, students gave many ex­ that she feels she is "the mother amples. Study groups discuss their subjects in of a poor and large family." loud voices. Students walking by, stop and chat Ms Agbim declared that with a friend. Friends use the library to meet and the college administration is in socialize. Some students eat. Some staff per­ the process of developing long sonnel in charge of the periodicals talk too loudly teml solutions. The purchase of the IDC building (part of which to students seeking help. The areas where noise producers concentrate seem to be the copiers. pointed the finger at a small number of students is now the C building) was approved. The English Department is proposed to be moved to the computers. the change machines, the peri­ who are very loud and have no consideration for od icals desk and the 'four-student' tables. others. Usually, they congregate in groups, the new location and the library to be expanded Students pointed at two main reasons that chatter loudly and laugh. Students suggested into the current location of the department. The account for the high level of noise in the facility that laws should by enforced and some resources second floor is planned to be expanded to equal re-allocated. The security guard could be as­ the size of the main floor. "But until that comes," Students should be part of signed to make frequent rounds and ensure that commented the chief librarian, " the situation is noise is kept minimal. Hand-outs should be always going to be terrible." the solution, not part of the given t.o students to promote awareness of the In. a second interview, Ms Ngosi dis­ problem. problem and ask them to help keep conversation closed that the issue was discussed in a staff to a minimum. Copiers and change machines meeting and that short teml solutions were de­ veloped. A security guard was assigned to make and offered many suggestion to help alleviate which tend to attract students in groups should silence-keeping rounds and staff members were the problem. Lack of space plays a major com­ be placed in a separate room. ponent of the problem. Many students stated Chief librarian Ngozi Agbim stated that asked to help solve the problem. Ms Ngozi . . . Agbim suggested that students should also be that they want to sit by themselves and study the library administration is aware of the prob­ quietly but do not find individual desks or empty lem and that she has received several letters of tables. When they are around friends, they think complaints from students. She confirmed that "] feel] alll the mother of a it is rude to say that they want to be alone and lack of space is a major cause of the noise study. Study groups would be willing to have a problem given that it is the most used library in large and poor family" separate section either inside or the City University. The facility services, in outside the current library where part of the solution, not part of the problem. She they can study together without proposed that student government organizes an disturbing those who want to be event to inform their fellow students and urge alone. Students who use the li­ them to consider the need for silence. She also brary to chat with their friends encourages individual students to stand up for claim that there are not enough their rights and ask for noise to be kept to a places where one can sit down minimum. cozily with friends. Ifsuch places Students and the administration share re­ existed or were not crowded sponsibility forthe problem. Until an awareness when they wanted to use them, develops among students or, the library size is they would use them instead of increased, students who cannot study in a noisy the library. environment will have to find creative ways to On the other hand, stu­ dents also blame their colleagues deal with the problem. for using double standards and failing to consider other's needs. Some students expect others to behave according to guidelines which they themselves do not follow. They complain when others make noise but talk when they want to. Students also Should a test decide your future? Will a test decide what your earning potential will be? Do you agree, that the more you know, the faster your money will grow? According to a fmal report wrinen by the CUNY (City University of New York) Faculty Committee, a test may be­ come part of CUNY policy that may decide your future as a college student in the CUNY system. The test is designed to evaluate whether a CUNY student is qualified to continue upper-level studies towards a bachelor's de gree in a senior college. If this test, which is officiall y called the Assessment Certification Exam, becomes policy of all CUNY colleges, it will be another hurdle to overcome for all students who want to further their education. According to the report, dated March 20, 1996, the test is "designed so that it does not UNY STUDENTS, F ACUL TV AND :-\DMINISTRA TION DEMONSTRATE ON MAY STH AT inappropriately disadvantage students because HAMBERS STREET AGAINST Bui>GET CUTS. (Photo by Tarlk Cherkaoul) of their cultural or linguistic background. "The Disciplines Committee Review", a comminee of 60 credits may take the test once without incur­ faculty from all the campuses and a wide range of ring any risk. All students enrolled in the bacca­ Negron Leaves disciplines have chosen the following competen­ laureate programs in the CUNY must take the test contin"~d from pg 2 cies as appropriate to gauge whether students in the term that brings them to 60 credits. Stu­ election. He accepts that what he did was wrong, should be certified for upper-level study: dents transferring to baccalaureate programs in and as since apologized to Joseph N. Smith, then description: students should be able to CUNY (whether from within CUNY or from the editor-in-chief. He ends by saying, "it does describe or summarize texts, problems, and other non-CUNY schools) may register for up to twelve not make up for the past sins." informational sources credits before they must take the test. . Students After three years, two as the President of analysis: students should be able to who are not verified mUst receive '.' faculty ad: Sfudent Government and one as'the chair of the :·:' \'i" ",i~ 'S!'" identify: (1) the elements of texts, problems, and visement and appropriate credit-bearing instruc­ U.S.S., "I lost my taste forrunning ... the first time other informational sources and tion at least one semester before taking the cer­ I ran, I thought I would be running to help (2) the ways in which these elements are tification test again. Students who are not veri­ students, I did not want to run against students related to one another. fied after three unsuccessful administrations of and this whole feeling of competition and rivalry problem-solving: students should be able the test (excluding the one-risk attempt prior to among students," frustrated Mr. Negron. Instead to identify and formulate problems and to develop 60 credits) cannot proceed to senior status except of "hostility and anger" among candidates there strategies for sol ving them. by approval of the appropriate ap~als committee should be some open discussions about tactics, . ' interpretation: students should be able at the college in which they are enrolled." whether people are capable of representing and to discover the central meaning oftexts , to identify There are many questions being raised leading their fellow students. what they believe to the "point," the main ideas, about this restrictive test, which might be an So, he stresses to the students running for the problems, the author's intentions. obstacle to attaining a baccalaureate degree in Student Government positions, "that they really criticaljudgment: students should be able any four-year CUNY college. Who decides who need to concentrate on what's really important to evaluate arguments, concepts, and solutions, will be chosen as part of the appeals committee? and band together as an unit and not as many units to identify contradictions and discrepancies, to Will this committee adequately represent the for a cause." "I think every student needs to feel draw conclusions, and to detennine significance. student community? What are the alternatives, if that they belong and have a sense of school spirit The members of campus forums who have any, available for the students who don't pass the and pride in their education and in the institution discussed this test agree that these general aca­ Assessment Certification Test after the failed in which they get it." demic competencies are standards that are prac­ third attempt to pass the test? Will this test help In ending, he explains the reasons for ticed across every CUNY college. Thus "making or hurt community college students? If you are approaching The Bridge to tell the college that he them an appropriate criteria by which to measure concerned, call the Vice Chancellor of CUNY, is not seeking re-election. His word as opposed the academic proficiency of students." Elsa Nunez-Womack at (212) 794-5428. to his accomplishments is very important to him Students will be required to take the test and The Bridge is a wonderful vehicle for doing after completing a certain number of credits, that and he was hopes it would be there even when which effects community college transfer stu­ Advertise III The Bridge and save he leaves. "The Bridge is one of the first, hard dents differently from students who have consis­ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ issues I had to tackle and I wanted to make peace tently anended one college. There are specific with that. I wanted to say, I am sorry and I hope procedures to follow if students do not pass the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ the relationship with you and other people will be test. Failing it three times leads to being ineli­ better than what we had." gible to continue towards your bachelor's degree. Tel. #(718)482-5189 "I have done all that I could, there is no These procedures are outlined in the following Fax #(718) 482-5599 more for me to do, I need to step down and let quote: other people do this and I need to take care of "No student may take the certification myself.. .I wanted to leave on my own terms." exam who has not earned 45 credits. A student His term as the chairman ofU.S.S. ends in Octo­ who has completed about 45 but not yet reached ber. Mr. Negron plans to graduate next year. ~ '7~"?;I"""

Also a pamphlet could be sent by mail detailing enroll in any of the classes they seek. By KiwQfUI Blond the availability of counseling programs. Why can't the Registrar's Office provide Evening students also face obstacles when evening students with both a day and an evening Night students at LaGuardia Community registering for classes. The majority of evening registering appointment? This would give College do not have the same opportunities as students work full-time and need a schedule that evening students a chance to decide if they would day students, research has detennined. As an blends into their workplace lives. I fmd that each prefer to register earlier, or come at the usual evening student for three years, I have encoun­ time I have registered, I am prevented from time. As a working student, I would have ample tered obstacles which I believe, are not experi­ classes originally offered because some courses time to attend a day appointment. enced by day students. are cancelled. This is unfair because as a night Another recommendation is to implement Day students are more accessible to coun­ student who must pay the same amount of tuition a computerized registering system like other col­ selors, professors and other college administra­ as a day student, I should be able to choose the leges such as Baruch College. This would meet tors, and are offered more classes, memberships courses I need for my career. the need of evening students, because they could to clubs and programs than evening students. According to Raymond Schoenberg, the obtain classes by phone which would be a more This imbalance in services and class availability Registrar, the process of registration is initially efficient method of registration. is unfair. affected by seniority, and other factors including Until remedies are implemented, I sug­ One of the major problem,s is the limita­ health or number of credits and is subsequently gest evening students do the following: first, tions of access to counselors and advisors. Most broken down into day or evening. For example, make an outline of all the classes that you would evening students work full-time jobs, commuting students who are physically disabled or students like to take in the future. Upon receiving your in rush-hour, to arrive on-time for classes. In with the most credits, automatically are allowed registration card in the mai 1, immediately contact addition, most evening students adjust their work to register before someone with fewer credits. the Academic Department Chairperson, who schedule to accommodate their college matricu­ This practice permits a day student with 50 cred­ oversees the implementation of th e class you lation, which makes it difficult to meet with its to register before an evening student with 50 desire. Then, this person will know that you are counselors face-to-face during the day. credits. Mr. Schoenberg said that the computer interested in this course. This procedure would I offer the following common-sense sug­ system 'automatically seats a day student with a most likely ensure that the course you want will gestions to remedy the shortcomings in the CUf­ day registering appointment and does the same be included that semester. rent system: A voice·messaging , $y,stem fp.f " f, r an e Y~~i:"~ n~', " e mo t imp rt nt int, i t 1e t that evening students to facilitate contact with coun­ This p~ocess isunjUst: because it doe" not there are everal cIa e that are n t offered to · 1,,; ...... :, selors. Evening students could then leave de­ ensure that a person with as few as 21 credits or evening students. Are we being penalized be- tailed messages and expect prompt responses. an evening student for that matter, will be able to ------continued on pg 10 ··· h:' /A,U· A.. :.". .,... F.....···..·u· ·u" ...' ·.....r'; Q.\;.(.., T·· ...... :'· r··· \;.(Q,Q.°t .....· · ·· ~ ·.· y.·...... " .... ·'.... t··...h· :· ...· C"'.""/ 'Y...: /I'm...... ": ' ..:·' ..·.. e.·,... .;

decade there will be a significant increase in the sharp increase in the number of crimes commit­ male teenage population and this will lead to a ted. By the year 2005, there is expected to be a dramatic increase in crime. 23% increase in 14- to 17- old males. This will In the fall of 1996, I took a very interest­ A bomb has been set to explode. Accord­ cause a dramatic increase in violent crimes, espe­ ing class with Professor Mary Leacy of the Social ing to a survey of 400 city officials by the League cially those that involve the use and possession of Science Department. During one of our two and of Cities, 62 percent said that youth crime is their dangerous weapons. This will be a serious prob­ a half hour classes, she made a statement which biggest problem. Males from the ages of 13 and lem, that will not only impact the police force, but was confusing to me and my fellow classmates. upward are becoming "superpredators" in the also the residents of New York City. We were discussing the effects of crime on the majority of cities in the U.S.A. In New York City, We need to defuse this demographic time economy. She stated that Mayor Rudolph Guiliani the arrest of juveniles increased by 15% from bomb before it explodes in our faces. We are and the former Police Commissioner William 1984 -1994. Arrests for violent crimes soared by aware of what's coming, so the next step is to Bratton were not solely responsible for the sharp 72% while arrests that involved the use and prevent it or, brace ourselves for the inevitable. decrease in crime in New York City over the last possession of dangerous weapons increased by Governor George E. Pataki has designed a pro­ two years. What other factors could cause this 98%. In the state, murder tripled increasing gram of sweeping reforms and has allocated decrease except for an efficient police depart­ 239% during the same period. $13.8 million to be used by law enforcement. ment under the control of a qualified and stem Since Commissioner Bratton arrived in "We must close the revolving door of crime." Commissioner Bratton, we asked. Being a soci­ 1994, there has been a decrease in crime. Murder The Governor recommends tougher sentences ologist, she supponed her statement by saying is down 39%, auto theft 35% and total felonies for violent juveniles. He proposes to increase the that there is a decrease in the number of male 27%. This decrease is due mainly to less crimes minimum prison sentences authorized for juve­ teenagers between the ages of 16 and 24. She being committed by adults and, more inventive nile offenders by fifty percent and to expand the paused and we sighed "so." Hence, there is a ways of policing. The Commissioner and the "designated felony acts" category to include all decrease in crime and also, she points out, a police department havehad an impact on crime, violent felonies. "Young people have the ability decrease in the number of crimes committed by but they alone did not cause the decrease in crime. to decide between right and wrong, as the vast adults. She continued by saying that this age Demographics played a major role in the decline majority of our young people do everyday. Those category (16-24) is responsible for most crimes of crime. who choose to prey on other juveniles, or senior committed. She is worried because in the next In the coming century there will be a continued on pgS 8 Excerpts from interview with William Negron

Excerpts from the interview on May 18, 1996 with being taken in the Daily News", his life is in danger. to charge the Dean with getting an investigation William Negron by members of the Editorial Board of Joseph did not take kindly to that, we were riding this together to overlook the charges. This was a political The Bridge. moral high ground about protecting students and thing, they went to the Dean, Chair of the College being racially conscious. Association, who was chair of the budget committee, I sat on the College Association [along with other What was your involvement and Student Gov­ Was there pressure coming from any quarters? student leaders and faculty members]... We were ernment regarding the closure of The Bridl:e? Yes,absolutely,the students were all pawned, appointed to the sub-committee to review the charges. In that year, before the Todd "One" Williams doped into this. We were getting a lot of pressure In the meantime, the Bridge was suspended. But I said piece on "Who is the real problem" regarding Jews from the legislature, councilmen, assemblymen and that this can't be the result of what happened with and so on. That same year we had another problem even the Chancellor. Because of all this pressure, Todd "One", it was supposed to be one thing and it with the Greek Club. The Greek club had specifically plus from the College Senate, they wanted an im­ turned into another thing. told Black and Hispanics students that they were not mediate investigation, and the President was quoted welcomed, someone spat on one of the Puerto Rican in the Daily News[saying] that we would put an I challenge that you colluded with that? girls. So, we closed that club in a couple of weeks an administrative task force to overlook the Bridge and I did, but I did unknowingly, and because I article appeared in the New York Post, the article was we told him that if he did that. he would be in a fight had this moral high ground. There is a combination of already out along time ago. So me, riding my moral with Student Government because we did not believe things and I'm not proud of that situation. But I was high ground went up to Joseph Smith and Todd 'One' in administration interfering in anything. new and was trying to do right To me, it was about because Todd has his picture in the Daily News ... and a first amendment thing, it was about reviewing the we got all these death threats ... But you interfered with the running of'The Bridge' , charter[The Bridge governing document]. But the I wish I could have approached it differently. in effect? College Senate kept asking the sub-committee about I was very concerned that people would come looking Through the College Senate a charge from a the article. I said that I did not believe anything was for him[Todd 'One'], so I went into the paper and I student was made that the elections of the Bridge wrong with the charter. We closed The Bridge, to blasted Joseph, "why are you letting this guy's picture were not done properly. So they used that opportuni ty review The Bridge. But that was a rouse to close the Bridge, to quiet things down, because we were getting all kinds of political (influence) from the College Senate from outside and the Daily News and the New continued from pg 7 YOUTH CRIME youths"We should learn about children and try t York Post and the Associated Press. citizens, merchants or homeowners will have to understand them." There are warning signs to th If you had the chance how would you do it differ­ pay for their crimes," said the Governor. He children that will become "superpredators." Thes ently? children are abused, neglected, and are ofte supports this statement by proposing to transfer There was a meeting this year... I told them let aggressiv~ to~ards children and animals, asead custody of violent juvenile offenders from th~ TbeBtidge priittevmffiOu~ it had SfUff about me. Youth Division to the adult prison system and to as the kindergarten stage. Ins't~ad of spendin' because I know what we did was wrong. I was willing sharply increase sentences for youths convicted 60,000 - 75,000 dollars a year incarcerating to take the consequences no matter what they printed. of a second felony. "We can no longer afford to youth after he commits a crime, we should rather What I think was ugly about this is that there is an excuse young people who commit violent crimes spend the 3,000 - 10,000 dollars before in child entity in this school that will badger students into from responsibility simply because of their age." hood prevention programs. compliance, whenever they decided to step out of the Those who support the Governor's rec­ He proposes that, as college students, w normal parameters and voice their own opinions and ommendations believe these reforms will make should try and be alert to the warning sign this is becoming a trend not only with the Bridge but the streets safer by placing violent youths behind among our friends and family members. Thes even with Student Government and Associations across CUNY and I have seen it too many times and bars. Opponents say this will not solve the friends and relatives might be abused, violent 0 I did not want to be a party to that anymore. It does problem that awaits us. There is a major flaw in are 'hanging around' with the wrong group 0 not make up for the past sins. the argument that by placing youths behind bars people. These are the people prone to havin with adults the streets will be safer. Isn't there a children who will be "superpredators". If a stu Was it after or before this publication that you problem with the adult prison system? The prison dent knows anyone that is being abused, or i delayed the signing of a check, so that the process system has been a failure and the Governor is neglecting their child, he/she should try and hel would not go through? proposing to place these young people into this them by referring them to counseling program This was way before, and I do concede I did failed system. This will not solve the problem, within the college or at clinics and hospitals in th that. That was two years ago when I was running for opponents say, it will only make these youths city. At colleges, they could consult their psy re-election and I was fearful that Joseph would bring more violent. According to Philip B. Uninsky, chology department, or LaGuardia students could out an article about me right before an election and I senior attorney for the Statewide Youth Advo­ contact the Women's Center and the Person was know that was a wrong thing to do. cacy, "we know that the longer the time served, Counseling department. Most hospitals hav You actually used your power to interfere with the the more dangerous kids become." counseling programs, such as Elmhurst, an publication of the Bridge? Queens General. 1bese opponents propose to stop this surge I did, but it was under duress. I was told by of crime before it happens. They point to an According to Professor Leacy, "by en administration that the Bridge was going to be writing increase of children in foster care, a very high risk couraging chikilren to go to college they will hav articles about me, I was told by Student Life,and other group of children. They propose to create new increased earning power," hence they will not students, so they said 'Bill if you could delay it, you jobs, improve the school systems, create after enticed to commit crimes. As college student should delay it'! school programs, and provide alternatives to gangs who know the advantages of a post-secondary and drugs. We should strengthen religious insti­ education, we should stress the importance an But, you don't have to blame the administration, tutions to instill better values. James Levin, a benefits of attending college to people who sho you had to make the ultimate decision? Professor of John Jay College, is currently doing signs of contributing to the problem. We shoul And I was wrong to do that, and I accept that it was wrong to do that. a study of juvenile crime. He states that there is teach and guide young people to be contributors a lot we can do to prevent this onslaught of to society and not to the growing popUlation 0 And have you conveyed this to the Bridge? prisons. As students, we should fight for in crimes. He believes in better parenting, helping They lrnow I did it and they lrnow it was single mothers and teenagers who are likely to creased spending in preventive programs rathe wrong. There is nothing else to say. I said all I had to have children who will become troubled than in the prison system. cod","*, 0" n 9 9 funds unquestioned to sponsor, to cover their ex­ astic in trying to get something done that she may not Negron Interview penses at the leadership conference. weigh evenly all the things ... Also I think that she continued from pg 8 made a lot of bad decisions or she followed some bad To cover Student Life expenses? advise regarding some of the issues of the Bridge and say, when I told Joseph I was wrong for everything I Right, so what we did was, we had already Student Government... I think that she was more did, and what I took a party to. allocated money for the Florida Conference. We had worried about the image of the school than whether no idea what they had in mind. But we shouldn't have the Bridge had a right to print or not, and I expound You took some stick after this issue came out? any idea. This was clarified by Joan Ruden of the on that to her. The President and the Dean after this issue Business Office, it was explained to Student Life that came out said "you see, you see Bill" and I am like, "I they had no jurisdiction over our money. They Do you think that she in anyway used your posi­ don't care, this had to come out". This is an' arC'. This counted on money that they did not have. They tion in the Bridge situation? is another reason why I don't feel I need to be budgeted on a conference with money from our budget We were both very new ... we were both three involved with student leadership anymore. This isn't including witn theirs and then counted on our money months into our jobs. I think everyone rcally my fight, this isn't why I ran, to delay a newspaper, to be there .... so we spent it, because it is our money. chickened out on that one, I really do. I think but it became my fight, because there is a lot of everyone got intimidated. Anti-Semeticism in this collusion in Student leadership, whether people realize Because of the Florida Conference, you found out school seemed to be a very dirty word and it seemed it or not, look,when you are in student politics you are about this? to be the most prolific dirty word. supposed to represent your constituents. A lot of my This is the problem, because we became an constituents are influenced by outside politics. There autonomous organization, for the first time the money How long have you been in this school and how is just not two ways around it and in this school we belonged to us and we treated it like it was ours. many credits have you completed at this time? have a whole bunch of camps and students are in­ That is my personal records and I don't feel volved in these camps because faculty and adminis­ "Records have indicated that Student Government like commenting on that. I have been here three years trationpawn the students everyday, you have student has regularly advanced stipendsfor sessions before and I would like to graduate next year. life camps, the counseling camp.... the end ofthe session while their constitution only permits them to receive stipends after work has If you had the chance over, what would you do You have the student camp? been performed" (Kevin Degidon) differently? ... No, no really it is not like that, when we When we asked for an advance on our stipend, I would like to have been more of a menlor... come into a school, we are supposed to be fresh clay. we are asking for money that already belongs to the greatest legacy you can leave behind in this We don't know who to trust or who not to trust. The us .... because it is entitled under the fiscal account­ school is people who share in the same ideology that administration will be here twenty years after we are ability handbook. you do. I think because of all the tumultuous situa­ gone. They already know the game. tions that this school is going through there is a lot of The Valentines Ball, tell me why $10,000 had to be different ideologies that clash with one another. I am The Florida trip? There is a lot of concern that it spent to have a dance down in the gym? really afraid for this school, for this campus, because did not take twelve or thirteen people to attend a The Student Government really spent $5,000 people can't seem to get together on anything, but Conference! Could we afford this? ... We solicited the clubs to sponsor the other half. We that is a reflection of the administration and the I don't think it was necessary whether you had a contract that says if you are in agreement you faculty at this school... The air of this school is very could afford it.ornoJ., lthiQktt~~,aYeq! itIlpq~tant ~ill,seo~r)J&,~()y are,n()tjn,jl~~e~D1~.t, yo~don 't divisive and it starts from the top and works its way conference, we made incredible contacts. .. ' baveto.~. ThiS wasihe ftfSftbhe~¢pil!~~~ '; :lld"'It:,:~';iW'/f#~; ", ',:'i~!':·: ,;';:, ~~"'~':~,~ ;.-:?\},:' ,,~'";I~~<"'~ ~:: this big and it was experimental. The administration, How much money was spent on the Conference? faculty and students thought it was successful. It gave That is a serious allegation! $9,000. our Student Government a good image of organizers ... There is too much weak leadership in this who could put events together. school, nobody is willing to take the chance to say, But the Government, administration passed the... wait a minute, this is all crap. What are we doing No, What happened was I did not have a vote What would be your response to people who say here? either way because as the Chair of the Student Gov- you cater to administration? ernment I don't have a vote unless it is a tie. The They have to understand that my job is to What would be your response if someone said Government did vote to go. I did express some represent them ... at all facets of the College, if they your leadership was weak? reservation but I support my government because I see me sitting with the Dean, a Director, I am doing I would say, if you think you can do belter, promised them that I would, I still do. They voted for my job. I am letting those people know what the I welcome you to step into my place and I would the twelve people. student perspective is ... the students perspective of leave which I am doing now! what the Student Government does, and what the In the last edition of the Bridge, Kevin Degidon Student Government does are two different things. Any advise for students going for election? wrote an article titled "$9,559.50 Down the Drain' I think that they really need to concentrate on which he states: "On January of 1994, Student Can you expand on this? what's really important and get away from the rheto­ Government requested a $8,000 budget in order I think students want us to be like this town ric. I think they should try very desperately to band to co-sponsor the Annual Student Conference. choir of the College's sins and there is a place for that. together as a unit and not as many units for a cause. From the amount approved, Student Government There is nothing wrong with demonstration and being ... What happens is that each unit will fight for supe­ only spent $4,559.50 for the conference which was vocal. However, there is a time when you have to sit riority on how to lead the entire group ... every student to cover the expenses for their members and some at the table with people and let them know where you needs to feel that they belong and have a sense of of their association. The remaining amount of are coming from and we do that. If that is being school spirit and pride in their education and in the fUllds were transferred to the Florida Conference interpreted as me catering to the administration, then institution in which they get it. budget which totaled $9,852.15" I accept that objective ... you just don't bang on a door No! The money was in the budget conference just for banging on the door. You have to eventually all along ... we never moved money, I did not prepare go in and you have to eventually talk to people. that budget. It was created when Student Life was the Who said you can't write!! designated faculty advisor. Student Life would sti­ What is your relationship to Dean Lugo? Join The Bridge and experience the freedom pend from our budget, without us knowing, so we said I am not going to lie, Dean Lugo and I are ()f expressing yourself to your fellow look... very good friends. I do happen to admire and like her 5tudents, faculty and administration. pretty much for the some reason why she likes me. The Bridge is dedicated to We do a lot of stuff and are often misunderstood ... I Student activities acknowledges this that they had nform, entertain and empower the college been stipending money from Student Government think what the Dean has done in this school is rapid f'ommunity every year? change and I think people are afraid of rapid change ... What happened was that in the past, they She's not a person without faults, obviously she is a The Bridge is located in room M118-e would take a fixed amount of Student Government very autocratic person, sometimes she is so enthusi- < Tel.# (718) 482-5189 10 Evening Students continued from pg7 cause we are only night school students? Are our they want the course, I may even advertise it in a mandatory rule providing at least two evening course offerings being limited arbitrarily? the Black Student Union as well as other places sections of Ethnic Studies, and certain Business I am a Liberal Arts student, preparing for within the school, but once the class is offered, courses such as Journalism, Accounting, Physi­ a career as a newspaper reporter. As a night there is low attendance." cal Therapy and Nursing, etc. student, I have not been able to obtain the Jour­ Dean of Faculty, Roberta Matthews re­ In a school that holds approximately nalism class that has been offered to day students marked that when the budget is given to each 11,000 students, 3,000 of which attend evening for past semesters. As a full-time employee, department, based on the student demand for a classes, teachers could then be scheduled each when will I have the oportunity to take this class particular course, the Chairperson then decides if semester to either work during the day or the if it continues to only be offered in the day? There that course should be offered for that semester. evening, not affecting the "No Overload Rule." is no compelling reason to exclude me from the This process holds true for evening students as Thus, making more classes available for evening courses offered to day students. well. students. To go even further, in such a diverse Another factoris the lack offaculty avail­ Greater student involvement can help ethnic school as LaGuardia, with students from able for the evening. One source familiar with the bring about the changes I have advocated. Stu­ Russia, China, Ireland, Jamaica and Africa, (just process said, "Full-time faculty do not want to dents should inquire and investigate all aspects of to name a few), there is no excuse fornot offering teach in the evening, prompting the hiring of non­ these college services. If we unite to advocate our more courses about the heritage of these groups trained teachers to instruct the classes." mutual interests in education, it will ensure that to night students. One reason given was the "No Overload we always get treated fairly and equitably. I I would like to enroll in an Afro-Ameri­ Rule". According to this rule, "Certain courses believe that these problems need to be resolved. can heritage class, but I am barred because it is that were taught by full-time professors in the This would guarantee that each student's tenure only offered to day-time students. How can an evenings were reassigned to adjuncts, because at LaGuardia is productive, efficient and less institution continue to educate, without letting full-time professors were not allowed to overload burdened. students appreciate other's diversity. Professor their day." The Brid2e will conduct a poll of evening Terrence Julien, who teaches the only Afro­ In some ways, evening students have the students to express the concerns and interests of American class in LaGuardia gave the following advantage of being taught by a professional ad­ each students. The poll will include these propos­ reason - "Low attendance, which in turn shows junct instead of a teacher, but the lack of full-time als and those of other students. The results will be lack of interest is a major factor of why courses professors available in the evening is aproble . submitted to members of the faculty, as well as are dropped betonnegiStrationor are not evel!". I propose tfte hiring ofadditional'l'&fiamt tn plJti&_lrt"1.~1Jtrt'lxDJBriI.i;';'fr~'§;:)"~ offered." Professor Julien said, "students say

Listing of Counseling Programs

Here is some essential information to help night components, which are: ESL (English as a Sec­ counselor are available Monday through Thurs­ students who share these problems: According to ond Language), Health Services, HRA Advocate day until 6:00 p.m., and Friday until 8:00 p.m.), Milton Silva, Director of Student Development Office, Early Childhood Office and Students Tel. 482-5960 ****Note**** -There is also an and Life and Personal Counseling, there are with Disabilities. actual classroom where students can take their counselors in four clusters available for evening ESL is located in Room E2OO, (2 counsel­ kids, to play and learn. The hours are Monday students. These clusters include: Personal ors available Monday.. through Thursday, with at through Friday until 11:00 p.m. Counseling, Academic Advisement, College leastl counselor available up to 7 :30p.m., and on Students with Disabilities is located in Discovery and Student Services. Fridays until %:00 p.m.), Tel, 482-5364. Room M119, (2 counselors available Monday Personal Counseling is located in Room Health Services is located in Room MB40, through Friday until 5:00 p.m., and Thursday M116, (5 counselors, 4 interns available daily, (there is an Acting Director, Vincent Banrey as until 8:00 p.m.), Tel. 482-5260 or 5278. with 1 counselor available Wednesdays and well as a Medical Staff available Monday through In addition to the counseling programs, Thursdays up to 8:00 p.m.), Tel. 482-5264. Friday until 6:00 p.m.. at least one Emergency there are other facilities such as Registration. Academic Advisement is located in Medical Tech.t1ician is on the facility until 10:00 Admission, Bursar and Financial Aid that stay Room M119, (approximately 12 counselors p.m.), Tel. 482-5280. open until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thurs­ available Monday and Tuesday until 6:00 p.m., HRA Advocate Office is located in Room days, and even later on peak hours. and Wednesday and Thursday until 8:00 p.m.), MB09, (there is a Student Advocate, Minnie Augmenting these advisory services is Tel. 482-5288. Carlisle available on Monday through Friday Extended Day Advisor, Vincent Bruno. Mr. College Discovery is located in Room until 5:00 p.m.) Tel. 482-5959 ****Note**** Bruno acts as a mediator, and will endeavor to C229, (6 counselors available daily up to 6:00 Ms. Carlisle assists students in all types of prob­ assist you. His office is located in Room M 103A, p.m., Wednesday and Thursday until 6:30 p.m., lems including Public Assistance, the necessity (he is available Monday through Friday until 8:30 ****Note****This is a Special program for stu­ of clothing, shelter, and Welfare Reform. p.m., and Saturday until 2:00 p.m.), or call the dents assigned to College Discovery only), Tel. Early Childhood Office is located in Room Evening Hotline at 482-5395. 482-5255. MB09, (The director of the entire Student Ser­ Student Services includes 5 separate vices Program, Renee Butler and an additional 11 EMILY'S RESOLUTION b, Gory Blab Students, have you seen flyers or memo­ their own" and to have the confidence to "back excitedly as he explains some of the situations randums advertising the Task Force on Pluralism themselves" by following up on their requests. involved. A situation might involve two stu­ and The Network to Confront Racism? Well, I Victor emphasizes the importance of students dents, or a student and an instructor, or a student saw a flyer and being the inquisitive type, I making sure that "what they ask done, is being and staff member. He says that "as a mediator, decided to ask students if they have ever heard of done, especially when it comes to their academ- our goal is to solve a con­ any of these organizations. I re­ flict but instead of jumping ceived feedback which was not into an argument, one must pleasant, some that was, and other realize the trigger words and students did not care to know what then, calm down the parties the organizations were about. But involved," then, begin ask­ for the students who would like to ing questions to resolve the know, I began making phone calls. conflict. It is "a way of After a couple of calls, I was given humbling yourself, by sit­ the number of Emily Carrasquillo, ting back and listening." He a counselor. After our initial describes Sally and Michael appointment was canceled, we as a "great team" of co­ fmally.met in her office. She told mediators, that is, two per­ me about the history of the orga­ sons resol ving one conflict. nizations and how students be­ The Conflict came involved in them. Resolution/Mediati on In 1993, the chancellor of Training is the first step in CUNY proposed a Task Force on achieving the goals of the Pluralism which mandated that student component of the each campus "develop a specific Network to Confront Rac­ local plan to confront racism and ism. Emily plans to open a promote pluralism, and develop mediation center with 15- mechanisms for anti-racist, pluralistic interac­ ics." The training. progr3ffi ·. giv~ ..stqdents the 20 fully committed people by next fall. She tion and cooperative projects with its immediate confidence and the "voice" to create .positive hopes to have a center that will be available to community," Out Qf this Task Force grew the social cha.nge. ,.' )IY: students, faculty and staff from Monday-Friday , Network. to Confront Racism,whicbaUirsteon..,,:; ~ougb 9Illy six students actually fin­ 9am-7pm. The center will provide the college sisted of only faculty members. Then in 1995, ished the progra:n1, the remaining · nine could . c()mmunity with a safe environment where stu- . Emily along with Sandy Watson ofthe Continuing make up the sessions missed·by attending this dents can resolve conflicts. Also, she hopes to Education Division, saw the need for a student semester's training program. Victor missed two have Brooklyn Law students doing their intern­ component of the Network to Confro~t Racism. sessions due to work, so he was coached on what ships elsco-mediators with LaGuardia students in They approached the members, of tb.e,network, he missed. But, he says thatl1e "Y.ill ~: andmake the tenter. and the Task Force on Pluralism who strongly up the two he missed even though he is consid­ Emily's determination and drive shows supported their plans. Emily then informed Dean ered qualified. Although he has not used the when she distributed thousands of flyers adver­ Ruth Lugo, who also supported their plans. With skills learned in an actual conflict that needs to be tising the training program to various depart­ the Dean's support, they approached the College resolved, he is confident that he could be able to ments and by attending meetings promoting her Association that approved a budget of $3500. mediate one if the need arises. "I hope it doesn't cause. She states quite adamantly that if the With Emily as the coordinator of the happen, that's what we all hope," he pauses, "but, flyers do not work in getting students involved in student component of the network, they started it is like 1 was watching this movie, a 'Few Good the program, she will personally send a letter to informing the college community about the pro­ Men' and ,a -reporter asked a soldier the same every single student of LaGuardia. "Advertising gram. They informed the students that as a question, and he replied that he hopes it doesn't is the key," explains Victor, "with good people student member: you will be able to participate in happen but, 'I am prepared for war'." The six advertising, I could sell a block of wood as a toy." a conflict resolution training program; mediate qualified students also have the ability to facili­ Emily is disappointed at the apparent lack disputes and/or conflicts; plan, develop and tate and co-conduct town ,meetings, coordinate of students' interest in the program. She believes implement college-wide activities; promote multi­ thematic film viewings, and develop, plan and that to be a part of the program one needs to' be culturalism and diveISity; develop leadeIShip skills implement college-wide activities that celebrate committed, and genuinely care about the issues. and enhance your communication skills. our diversity. Victor also believes that " .. . theQnly qualifica­ Last semester, they had their first "Con­ The program was taught by Sally Pope tion that is needed is dedication." As we came to flict Resolution/Mediation Training" program and Michael Bastin; Sally.Pope is an attorney, the end of our interview, Emily said in a pleading willi an outstanding and diverse 'group of fifteen expenmediator, instructor at Brooklyn Law and tone, "this project is too important and delicate a students. According to Victor Araque, one of the Cordosa Law School and also, has her own prac... matter for students not to care." Emily and Victor students who completed the training program, tice. They found her through the International urge students to become members of The Net­ "the students were leaders within their ethnic High School where she had conducted a similar work to Confront Racism. group." As a qualified mediator, Victor had to conflict resolution seminar. Sally and Michael, a attend eight weeks of four hour sessions. He is student at Brooklyn law, demonstrated the expe­ For further information, contact: now quCJ.lified in "accessing a conflict, being riential approach to resolving conflicts through Emily Carrasquillo - Room# MB-09, Tel. # 482 recognized by security and being able to defuse a role playing and body language exercises. Role -5957 situation." As a mediator, one is "trying to solve playing was very important in showirig the group Juan (Doc) Gonzalez - Room # M-165, Tel. # the situation by dialogue" so that the two parties how to "deal with bias and racial incidents in and 482-5297 can come to an agreement The training gives the out of the classroom;" Victor claps and moves students the ability to be a leader, "to do things on gence of its people are among numerous advan­ against Libya is one expression of the American tages Africa has over those who viewed it from attempt to rule the continent and dictate its will. the pessimistic side. One of the challenges Africa The bombing of this latter country in 1986 by The images of killing, looting and anar­ will face in the future will be its struggle against American war planes was a typical international chy in Liberia have invaded the screens of Ameri­ aggression. N othirig had been done by the United can households like those in Somalia four years Nations to condemn this act of agression. Pros­ ago. However, this time the U.S. won't land on pects don't seem to be good for Africa in the the shores of Monrovia. The world seems to be future. But it is just a matter of struggle. Africans tired of Africa. A simple analysis of the images have displayed through their history, skills to of war, starvation, misery and death can bring deal with this question. The struggle will be very many minds to the conclusion that thirty six years demanding. The best way to achieve i~ is for after the African independences, the Black conti­ Africans to join the fight of our brothers and nent is still struggling to survive. While many sisters from the diaspora. The bridge has to be countries in Asia have found the way to express built between Blacks wherever they are, whoever themselves economically, the economy in most they are. If not, we will continue to be victims of African countries is still at the embryonic stage. the same discriminations that were and still are Historically, African countries have experienced aimed at oppressing us. The most obvious ex- more challenges and set backs than any other . preSSion of this is easily spotted in the area of country in any other continent ever faced. The immigration. While asylum status and financial scars of slavery and colonization haven't yet help to attend schools are granted to those coming healed. To these conditions are grafted new ones from eastern European countries on the ground like the new economic order, the public debt, the that they may face persecution and death back emergence of a new pool of interest for Western home, these favors are denied to Africans enter:.. countries in Eastern Europe and the lack of real ing the U.S. on the same grounds. Many Africans leadership in many African countries. After students are victims of this double standard and WWII, Europe was maintained by an fmandal, have to work harder to make it in school. economical, psychological and even emotional However, their .level of achievement is . American'IVtll'erapy1iliown asfue Marshal Plan. above av rage. They teach to many'expen 'of . . /. Africa dido't get anything in exchange for the Africa what the continent is really about. It is not blood and sweat poured while being sucked dry just about starvation, diseases and death. It is by the world. The adjustment plans of the IMF about hope and progress too. Liberia, Somalia, and the WORLD BANK have left African coun­ R wanda, their sweat, blood and sufferings are the tries in bad economic and social shape with the imperialism. This imperialism has taken many way by which we must go to reach Nirvana. It dismemberment of the educational and health faces over the past years. Its new face seems to be will be a long way. It is our way. We don'thave care systems, and the lack of any economic per­ the United Nations in which the United States are to be ashamed of it. spective. The wealth of its soil. and the intelli- imposing their view the world. The sanctions

B,: RoMh~" CI'OIt1 to help his oppressed people. While working in country without valid travel papers), was put on the Transvaal mines, he earned a B. A. degree, by trial again. The following year he and eight other Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for conespondence, from the University of South ANC leaders were convicted of sabotage and twenty-seven years because of his fight against Africa. In 1944 Mandela joined the African treason, crimes punishable by death. World me­ racial inequality in his native South Africa. He National Council, an illegal organization com­ dia attention on the trial is presumed to be the was fmally released on February 11, 1990. mitted to ending apartheid (racial inequality), in reason the Court sentenced the eight defendants In April 26-29, 1994, in the first every South Africa. For nearly two decades thereafter to life in prison with no chance of parole. free elections open to all South Mricans, Mr. he committed himself to fighting apartheid through Mr. Mandela was incarcerated in the Mandela was elected President of South Africa. non-violent means. However, the situation for maximum security prison on Robben Island. In On May 8th, the South African Government black South AfIicans only worsened. Apartheid the early years of his imprisonment, Mr. adopted a new constitution outlawing racial in­ laws were enacted forbidding intermarriage among Mandela's life was one of hard labor and depri­ equality, an event that was unimaginable even 10 races and forcing people of different races to live vation. His cell was seven foot square with only years ago. Throughout the world, President in designated areas (with blacks being forced to a mat on the floor for sleeping. Conversation Mandela is recognized as playing a major role in live in the worse areas). among prisoners was forbidden. He was only the evolution of the new South Africa. In June of 1963, the South Mrican police allowed one brief letter and one visitor ever six Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in raided the ANC headquarters and sized docu­ months. He was not allowed to read newspapers. South Africa in 1918. His father, Henry Mandela ments pertaining to the organization's plans to Work consisted of brick-making, digging in the was chief of the Tembu tribe in the Transkei wage guerrilla warfare in South Africa. Mr. lime quarries and other forms of hard labor. territory. Mr. Mandela renounced his hereditary Mandela (who was already incarcerated since the Throughout his twenty-seven years of right as successor to the tribal chiefdom deciding end of November 1962 when he was found guilty incarceration, Nelson Mandela never gave in to that a political career would be the better option of inciting workers to strike and to leave the despair~ . ~~ always b~lieved that he would one. cod".. " ... nIl

• 13

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Address by President Nelson Mandela on the real problems. Today we celebrate that coming Many new provisions on gender issues reflect the occasion of the Adoption of the New Constitution of age. progress that we are making as a nation towards of South Africa. Long before the intense moments of the last few securing equality for our women compatriots Cape Town, South Africa days, you, the representatives of the people, had who have for far too long suffered too many May 8,1996 decided that open and accountable government privations merely because of their gender. Yet it will be reinforced by co-operative governance is in actual practice that our ideals and intentions Honorable Deputy Chairperson of the Constitu­ among all tiers. And thus, we strike out along a will be tested. tional Assembly; Honorable Members; Distin­ new road, in which the preoccupation of elected And we have not shied away from acknowledg­ guished Guests. representatives, at all level of government, will ing that we are a democracy with many other be how to co-operate in the service of the people, realities bequeathed by history. Not least among The brief seconds when the majority of Honor­ rather that competing for power which otherwise these realities is the role of traditional leaders, able Members quietly assented to the new basic belongs not to us, but to the people. which is not only acknowledged, but is to be law of the land have captured, in a fleeting mo­ We were therefore able, in the national interest, to further elaborated upon, with their participation, ment, the centuries of history that the South locate governing powers at the level where they in national and provincial legislation. African people have endured in search of a better appropriately belong and to ensure the national Indeed, Honorable Members, we can go on and future. As one, you the representatives of the parliament is not an exclusive preserve of an on, demonstrating the new and higher level of overwhelming majority of South Africans, have imaginary national politician, but the workplace national consensus that today's ceremony repre­ given voice to the yearning of millions. in which representatives from all levels can pur­ sents. What all this reflects is that we are at last And so it has come to pass, that South Africa sue their mandate. maturing to become a nonnal society founded on today undergoes her rebirth, cleansed of a hor­ Through the Council of Provinces, the improve­ mutual trust, bonded by mutual aspirations, and rible past, matured from a tentative beginning, ment of the status of Local Government, and the shaped by the reality of our existence rather that and reaching out to the future with confidence. style of governance based on transparency, par­ the fulmination of a warped imagination. In our The nation teetered on a knife edge over the past ticipation and consultation, we shall ensure that racial, language, religious and sectoral diversity, few days, with reports of intractable deadlocks democracy indeed constitutes government by the as the weak and the mighty, we are one people and an abyss in waiting. This was to be expected, people, for the people. with one destiny. given the difficult issues we were dealing with; Today, we can proudly report to the nation that and given the tight negotiating deadlines., Hono~tbl~,~ the int~rinl.~~date~a,~ esse~tictlly be~n. ful- But aren't South Africans a wonderful people, to The:neW~n '~~ed:~'Amoni'.ers,criticatmstitutionSsuchas whom the words "deadlock" and "miracle" have prove the quality of life of the people. In this the Constitutional Court, the Human Rights come to nestle in comfortable proximity; and sense, our national consensus recognizes that Commission and others have started doing their alternately, to grip the national imagination like there is nothing else that can justify the existence work in the most splendid manner, conscious of the plague. of government but to redress the centuries of the fact that their flrst port of call is the people Be that as it may, we dare not, in the midst of the unspeakable privations, by striving to mate pov­ rather that government on high. excitement of last-minute solutions, forget the erty, illiteracy, homelessness and disease. It In reiterating their integrity and independence, malmitude of the achievement we celebrate to- obliges us, too, to promote the development of the new constitution reaffirms our commitment day. For, beyond these uses, lies a fundamental independent civil society structures. to the rights of citizens and the need to build sea-change in South Africa's bOOy politic that While in the past, diversity was seen by the genuine equality across the board. this historic moment symbolizes. powers-that-be as a basis for division and domi­ The welcome transformation that we are afflrm­ nation, while in earlier negotiations, reference to ing today, will mean that we have to redeflne the Honorable Deputy Chairperson; such diversity was looked at with suspicion; role ofsome ofthe representatives in this Chamber. Long before the grueling sessions of the final today we afflrm in no uncertain terms that we are With the setting up of the National Council of moments, it had been agreed that once and for all, mature enough to derive strength, trust and unity Provinces, many Honorable Senators will enjoy South Africa will have a democratic constitution from the tapestry of language, religious and cul­ the privilege of being re-deployed closer to the based on that universal principle of democratic tural attributes that make up our nation. people. Needless to say, this creative approach majority rule. Today, we formalize this consen­ With confidence, we are asserting that the indi­ derives in part form the seriousness with which sus. As such, our nation takes the historic step vidual rights and national self-determination of the Senate had approached its work - all the time beyond the transitory arrangements which obliged the South African people shall not be inhibited, searching for the correct solution to the question its representatives, by dint of law, to work to­ but reinforced by the collective rights of commu­ of their mandate and their relation to provincial gether across the racial and political divide. nities. Through the Commission for the Promo­ government. For this, we congratulate them, and Now it is universally acknowledged that unity tion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, thank them profoundly for the enormous contri­ and' reconciliation are written in the hearts of Religious and Linguistic Communities, we have bution that they have made to the beginnings of millions of South Africans. They are an indelible found an innovative way of addressing an issue our social transformation. principle of out founding pledge. They are the which, when swept under the carpet, comes back We say with confidence that the interim mandate flowing fire of our New Patriotism. They shall in ugly forms to haunt the architects of artificial has been fulfilled, thanks also to the critical role remain the condition for reconstruction and de­ unity. that our security forces have played in protecting velopment, in as much as reconstruction and We are extremely proud that the new constitution our young democracy like the apple of their eye. development will depend on unity and reconcili­ asserts equality among South Africa's languages; The new constitution recognizes their impor­ ation. and that, for the first time, the languages particu­ tance to society. And we can say without any Our consensus speaks of the maturing of our larly of the Khoi, Nama and San communities shadow of doubt, that it crates even better condi­ young democracy, it speaks of the trust that has will receive the attention they deserve, after years tions for them and other public servants, to serve grown in the blast furnace of practical work, as of being trampled upon in the most humiliating with pride and with dignity, in the full knowledge we, together, rolled up our sleeves to tackle the and degrading manner. that their rights as citizens and as employees of colfli "IUI~ Oil n 16 Ready to transfer? Lehman College The City University of New York

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by Gary BlDle

The Student Center for Women (not to be confused with the Women's Center or the Women's Support Group) was founded as a sup­ port group "to empower women within LaGuardia." From its inception two women, Laurie Dinan and Astrid Neebles have struggled and fought against adversities to keep the center open. Laurie Dinan, an occupational therapy major, and single mother of three, was asked by Lance Seuranine, the then interim Director of Personal Services Cluster, to join the center. Meanwhile Astrid Neebles, a physical challenged student, studying mental health was approached by Ruth Lugo, the Dean of Student Mfairs to join the program. Other persons were involved but soon dropped the project. So, the operation of the center was left to Astrid and Laurie. The center is a support group where there is no hierarchy, unlike a club that has a President, Vice President, etc. It is run totally run by students with a budget of $14,000 per year which was approved by the College Association in the fall of 1994. They meet every Monday in time to plan as many activities and workshops. twelve steps psychodrama workshop for drug Room M-114 at 2:00 pm with Dr. Lakshmi They needed help. But,the students would not abuse, alcoholism and other forms of addiction. Bandlamudi of the Social Science Department to return after they had attended the sessions. They Astrid said that the prior workshops were "great plan the upcoming events to fulfill their objec­ became frustrated and disappointed with tIle stu­ sessions" where the participants "come in as tives. The goal of the Student Center for Women dents non-involvement. Finally, they got a secre­ strangers," she sets her hands apart, "developed is to raise the confidence of women so that they tary, .NaQira Danzy, through the .Federal Work ·. 'new friendship :' slowly her hand come t().: .: ...... " .' Study program. She helps to conduct the day to gether, "and become one," she clasps her hands. day affairs of the center. Whenever she doesn't In ending, they said that many people have a class, she remains in the room so that have a misconception about the Student Center This ongoing group is for men students can have access to the library of books, for Women-they believe it is solely for women. tapes, and other material. With the three of them They refute this misconception by stating that and women who are interested involved, activities and workshops became more one of the clauses in the mission statement is to in exploring personal growth frequent. improve gender relationships among students at Last April, they had their big event, a LaGuardia. On the flyer advertising the work­ themes that arise during lecture entitled "Can Feminist and Family Values shops on Psychodrama, it states, "this ongoing the process of recovery. Meet?" by Professor Patricia Thompson, an emi­ group is for men and women." Although the nent feminist. She spoke of the combination center is called "The Student Center for Women," between feminism and family values. She ex­ it is also for men. But, as Astrid says, "we believe plained the different roles that women had from we are serving the majority," since most of can pursue positions of authority within the Col­ tending to children, and going to school, caring LaGuardia's students are women. lege. They would like to see women run for more for the family and still producing and being With the increased activity, "more stu­ positions within Student Government and other competitive in the market. As an example, she dents are coming back, but still not being intrin­ organizations within LaGuardia. Astrid loves Dr. made an analogy to the Clintons, and the way in sically involved," says Laurie. Astrid say~ "I Bandlamudi because "she lets us be creative, which Mrs. Clinton has to be a nurturing mother, guess, I believe in the idealistic view, that by productive, she does not interfere with any of the stand by her husband, and still be the First Lady. working hard, your dreams will come true. Both programs, doesn't say "no", she guides us, and During the month of May and the first of them have stuck by this view and so far, it motivates us." week of June, every Wednesday from 2:00pm- seems their dream for the Student Center for With their budget, they have redecorated 4:00pm, there will be sessions called "Psycho­ Women are beginning to come through. their room with posters. They purchased furni­ drama Group for People in Co-dependency Rela­ ture, books, video and audio tapes. They have tionships." ''This ongoing group is for men and turned the room into a resource center. They are women who are interested in exploring personal currently waiting for the cabinets and shelves to growth themes that arise during the process of store the supply of books and tapes. Also, they recovery." This role reversal therapy will be plan to use the center to conduct workshops and conducted by Louise Lipman, a licensed psycho­ discussions. Even though the room is not com­ therapist and certified psycho dramatist. She has pleted, professors bring their students to have conducted two workshops before: female survi­ classes on personal growth, self-esteem and other vors of childhood trauma, where women and men character development issues. discuss cases of sexual, emotional andphysical In the beginning, they did not have the abuse that occurred in their childhood, and the 16 pirations of the people and the abiding values of our nation. In this way, you were paying tribute to the shining example of those, like John Mafukuzela Dube, Olive Schreiner, Reverend the state are protected. getting together to discuss clauses, and to resi­ Calata, Dr. Naicker, Dr. Abduraman and others dents of Peddie in the Eastern Cape who contin­ who, long years ago, called for equality and Honorable Deputy Chairperson; ued with their meeting in pouring rain to debate democracy. Your were acknowledging the suf­ In the fmal analysis, the praise that we are apt to the role of traditional leaders ... fering of the many witnesses who are appearing heap upon ourselves appears misplaced, against To all ofthem, we say, thank you for taking your before the Truth and Reconciliation Commis­ the backdrop of the active participation of the destiny into your own hands. And we congratu­ sion, and many more citizens, dehumanized, people in the drafting of the new constitution. late the Chairperson of the Assembly, the Deputy maimed and deprived, but unbowed and unshaken The determination of this Assembly to ensure Chairperson, the Management Committee in in their confidence in our young democracy. You that the people play their rightful role, and the which all the parties were represented, and the were recognizing the indelible role of pioneers of meticulous planning and execution that this en­ staff, for their dedication and drive to ensure that the negotiations process such as Olive Tambo tailed, broke new ground in ways of engaging we attain this historic moment. and visionaries within the apartheid establish­ society in the process of legislation. Reaching Among us are representatives of the international ment who were able to sense the momentum of out through the media; opening the process to community who honored us by sharing in this, history. inputs from across society; and going out across our moment of joy . Yet the boundaries that might Indeed, you were paying homage to Chris Hani, the length and breadth of the country for face-to separate our countries cannot subtract from your Johan Heyns and other martyrs whose love for face interactions with communities; the Consti­ own labors in ensuring that South Africa achieves the country and belief in change inspired more tutional Assembly reinvigorated civil society in a her freedom, and that we emerge with a constitu­ than their immediate supporters. In tribute to manner that no other process in recent times has tion of which, we hope, humanity shall be proud. them, we stand today before our people and done. Directly and indirectly, your contributions and humanity to present this our new basic law of the Present today in the public gallery are represen­ your force of example, provided the fountain land, whose founding principles of human dig­ tatives of almost every organized sector of civil from which we drank with relish. ' nity, non-racialism and non-sexism and whose society which made their inputs into the process: This constitution is our own humble contribu­ commitment to universal adult suffrage, regular the legal fraternity, women, local communities, tions to democracy and the culture of human elections and multi-party democracy are immu­ traditional structures, and leaders of sectors deal­ rights world-wide; and it is our pledge to humanity table. ing with business, labor, land issues, the media, that nothing will steer us from this course. This our national soul, our compact with one arts and culture, youth, the disabled, children's another as citizens, underpinned by our highest rights and many more. Honorable Members; aspirations and our deepest apprehensive. Beyond those present Clre the millions W~9 wrote .'NJ~~~v,~g;~~:*\~~~, 2igY",~I"'ce~,f" .O.J'.~O~f7 Our' pleilg4' is: ~ev~~~~vellagaiJlc'htttl~ letters and who took part in public forums: from meritw()ii\ne IUfure'iS thi'unsfOppafhe' . laws of ourla:ndrend oUfPeople apart or legalize the policeman in a charge office in the furthest democracy. You have accomplished what you their oppression and repression. Together, we corner of the Northern Province, to prisoners have, to the extent that you represented the as- shall march, hand-in-hand, to a brighter future.

continued/rom pg 12 three children (a forth child died young). 1958 he day be free. The journalist, David McNicoll met - The Record of Understanding, that would lead married N ornzamo Winnie Madikizela. Through with Nelson Mandela in Robben Island prison. to open and free elections and, the drafting of a out his incarceration she was his principle sup­ Mr. Mandela said "On this [prison] island we new constitution recognizing equality for all porter and chief spokesperson, in later years abound in hope... I know that my cause will South Africans. charges of criminal behavior marred Mrs. Mandela triumph" (London Observer, April 22, 1973). In April 26 - 29, 1994, the democratic reputation. The couple became estranged and It was to be nearly seventeen more years elections became a reality. Not surprisingly eventually separated in 1992. before Mandela's hopes were to be realized. Nelson Mandela was elected President of the President Mandela has received numer­ After mounting world pressure on the South c01mtry. In his autobiography, The Long Walk to ous honors recognizing his endeavors in winning African Government, President F.W. de Klerk Freedom, President Mandela recalls " ..... the true equality for all South Africans. In 1993 he released Nelson Mandela on February 11, 1990. images of South Africans going to the polls that and F. W. de Klerk, leader of the National Party, A few months later Mandela embarked on a day are burned in my memory ...... old women were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. world tour. Wherever he went he was welcomed who had waited half a century to cast their first Other awards include a joint honorary degree as a hero and world leader. In the United States, vote saying that they felt like human beings for from thirty-eight traditionally black American Mr. Mandela addressed a joint session of con­ the first time in their lives; white men and women universities which President Mandela received in gress, later he and President Bush held a joint saying they were proud to live in a free country as 1990. press conference on the White House lawn. last... The vidlence and bombings ceased and it By the end of 1991, the gargantuan task of was as if we were a nation reborn" o you possess talent in poetry, establishing a truly democratic government in In Cape Town on May 8 of this year, after South Africa was underway. Nelson Mandela as a life time of struggling to end apartheid, after iterature, or art? Let your talent be head of the now legal African National Congress, twenty-seven years of incarcerations because of nown! held negotiations with the National Party, - the his endeavors to achieve equality for all South oin The Bridge and express your very same party which had enacted the apartheid Africans, President Nelson Mandela saw the kills. laws in 1948 that resulted in Nelson Mandela's adoption of the New Constitutions of South M­ eetings are held at 5 :OOpm on incarceration for twenty-seven years. rica fmally recognizing the full equality of all its ednesdays. A milestone in these difficult negotia­ citizens. tions came in September 1992 when Nelson Mr. Mandela was married to Evelyn Mase oom: M118-E Mandela and W.F. de Klerk signed an agreement from 1944 to 1956. From this marriage he has el. # (718) 482-5189 17 IF ~ (f; lID. n111 JP If® flu n~ ~ An~J~J]}~lf®oo An~~oo Jl[b)~J]}~~

Inlul'uwed by RosQleen Crotty

Students of LaGuardia Community College are fortunate to be supported by so many caring faculty and staff. The Brid~e would like to feature some of these members offaculty and staff in this and future editions as a way of saying 'Thank you'.

NAME: ALEJANDRO IBANEZ

Some comments from students:

"He is magnificent, he is fantastic, he is a very creative teacher. I like him because he stans from the easy to the complex. With Alex I got and' A' in 096. Without Alex I don 't believe I would ha ve gotten such a good grade. Apan from his college schedule, he meets with students on Friday nights for pre-Calculus. Anybody can come. That really helps a lot to enhance our grades. I failed my first test in pre-Calculus, Alex encouraged me and helped me raise my self-esteem, in the next test I got an 'A'. (Jean Jones - Math:2(0) Ed G~beandShirley ~a1ler. ,I Was able t

Inlerl'uw~d by Rosalun Crotty.

In La Guardia College there are many students who overcome great hurdles in their determina­ tion to pursue an education. Everyday heroes, some of whom are likely sitting beside you in one of the classes you are taking right now. This is the story of one of those heroes.

Name: Carol Serrano

How long are you in LaGuardia?

Three years - Full-time

Major: Micro Computer applications and sys­ tems

Tell me about yourself? I was married, three children ... three girls ...... three teenage girls. In 1989 Iwas forced to go back out to work because my husband decided he didn't want to be married any longer. I had to Any thing else you would like to add? support three girls in Catholic school. I was upset Advertisin/g - needless to say. But I was determined I was Don't be afraid when people say you going to survive because he told me that I couldn't panic, information on the flyer was not even can't do it, don't go in that dark shadow. Life - that I would fall flat on my face. And no man verified. It claimed the group to be premiering in change , it houldn'tgetyoudown,pickyour If was gong to say that to me! the US whil ~hey hadperfonned Sev ral tim ~ , , up, m ,'sense out of our, ·fe. e . n , hin Miami. Unfortunately:' t have not been able to ,"', you cannot do. 'Cannot' is not in the dictionary. I found a job with the Board of Education fmd out about the reasons of this inadequate Life has it's ups and downs and we all fall but we in 1989. I worked my way up to my present advertising in SLD and Performing Arts Center. will rise. This happened to me for a reason - that position as a secretary in the school. I knew when These are only two events from the doz­ I was left with my girls, so that the second part of I accepted the job as a secretary I had to go back ens which, even though paid for by all students, my life will be much better, and my fulfillment to College job. In order to get any pay increases remain unheard of to most of them. There is will be complete. I had to get my degree. Back in Spring of 1989, much work needed to change the current situation I sat down with my girls (11,12 & 16 years old), and to create a college culture at LaGuardia. It is No matter what faith you are, as long as and told them what was going to happen and that a huge but achievable enterprise. Strong action you have faith, you will succeed in this world. they would have to be more responsible in the needs to taken by SLD and the Counseling Cluster. You have to push yourself, it is not luck. I have house, and they were. Life is not easy. Working The school should pay special attention to the in­ full time, going to college full-time, and going a G.P.A. of 3.64 and if I can do it, anyone can! coming students who usually remain foreign to home to check their home work, and fmally doing extra-curricular activities during their first year. my own study in the wee hours of the morning The Bridie will investigate in the prob­ before getting up ... gain at 4:30. a.m. - sometimes lem and publish the results in the next issue. after only two hours sleep. Then, being a full­ Help Wanted! Editors will try to work along with SOL and the time Mom on the weekends - including catching counseling clusters to analyze the problem and up on a week's housekeeping: cooking, cleaning, Help Wanted! identify possible solutions. Input fonn students laundry, everything. I also teach religion on will be tremendously appreciated. If you want to Sundays, because I strongly believe the faith that The Bridge, your school share an experience, comment on the problem or I have kept us (the girls and me) together these newspaper, needs offer suggestions, please contact The Bridie at M- E. last three tough years. ---Writers 118 office Has coming to LaGuardia Community Col­ ---P~otographers "No person is your lege been a benefit to you? ---Artists friends who demands Yes! I find people here all get along regardless of age or ethnic background, you can No experience needed your silence or denies tell them things and they won't frown on you. We your right to grow. tt all help one another out. I have made a lot of Come to Our Meeting Every friends here. It gave me a positive out look on life. And Professors like, Terry Cole, John Appiah, Wendesday Alice Walker Josephine Corso and Marie Saccino have encour­ Room M118-E @5:00PM author 1983 aged me to go on with my education and to never Phone (718) 482-5189 give up the desire to become a high school teacher. 19

by Ja1le Pedolo. After Ii ving among the N acirema for many point they exchange pieces of paper with the know how relieved I was to get to this point. It is years I had decided to study one of the sub­ guard sitting at the top of the steps and the like a giant weight has been lifted off your shoul­ cultures of their society - the Galfostneduts. In entrance to the Great Hall. After this exchange ders - after a wait of many hours you have been order to do this I decided to join them, live as they they are permitted into the Great Hall itself. Once cleared and passed onto the next Elder and level do, and observe and record my fmdings. The inside they congregate in groups around many of awareness and wisdom. You have just finished following pages are some of my observations. papers with markings on them, positioned at the preparation for your next cycle of the ritual The Galfostneduts are a tribe of the several different places throughout. They sit in meetings; and so, the quest goes on. Nacirema who are seeking wisdom, understand­ the huge semi-circle another 1-2 hours before After observing the rituals of the ing, and know ledge. This is done in a social ritual being allowed to approach the Elders on the Galfostneduts and participating in them for the in which they meet and come together to pursue raised platform. During this time they appear to last two years I have decided that I will seek out this quest several times a week for a period of two be in a meditative trance focusing on a moveable After observing the rituals of the Galfostneduts to three years. After this time period is up they wall with markings that are changed periodically. and participating in them for the last two years i rna y elect to join another wisdom-seeking tribe to After this time they are allowed to go on the raised have decided that I will seek out another tribe continue the quest or they may decide to seek platform and approach the Elders. when I have fmished learning all there is to learn economic gains. The Galfostneduts range in age The 'Seeker' then presents the papers to here. I have enjoyed my time here even thought from 17 years and up, with no apparent maximum the Elder and waits while the Elder examines it, I have found some ot their rituals strange. The age limit. They come from all difference socio­ hoping that the Elder approves of the markings. one that perplexes me the most is their fixation economic classes of the Nacirema. The major If approved they are allowed to pass from the with these long columns of people. This seems to pre-requisite to become one of the Galfostnedut Elders into the inner sanctum where many holy be a very strange social gathering with the people tribe is the commitment to become a 'Seeker' - people sit mesmerized in front of their individual not facing or interacting with one another. They that is a person with a thirst for wisdom and glowing meditation boxes. Their hands rest be­ do not appear to enjoy this activity, yet, these knowledge. neath these boxes on a rectangular shaped board columns are apparent wherever I go. If this Joining the Galfostneduts involved shar­ with markings on it. They move their fmgers society and all its people do not enjoy themselves ing my know ledge with them. They needed to over this board with markings on it. They move at these gatherings, why do they still exist? Per­ know the scope of my knowledge and under­ their fmgers over this board after studying the haps, they are to recall an earlier more primitive standing in order to place me with the right Elder glowing box and the paper from the 'Seeker'. It time of their existence or, to signify some event (a master of knowledge, and other 'Seekers' of is here in the inner sanctum that the future meet­ from the past. When I asked why it was done this wisdom. To do this I had to go to their Great Hall ings and level of the 'Seeker' are determined. way - no one knew they said this was the way it and be questioned. I sat with other 'Seeker~', I When the q?lyper~9n;has llleditated longenQugh had always been done ant that they continue to do found myself, in a giant semi-circle facing the he returnS the paper to the 'Seeker'. The' Seeker' so. I did not understand this reasoning. .. knowledge Elders. They were on a raised plat­ has now passed on to the next level of wisdom. This culture must understand that in order form in front·of the Great Hall and observed us as As the 'Seeker' leaves the inner sanctum you can to exist they will have to learn to adapt and change our knowledge was put to test. Once I was see the happy and relived looks on their faces. I some existing rituals. Perhaps they could shorten accepted I now had to participate in the weekly, the ritual for moving on to the next level of wisdom-searching ritual of meeting several times knowledge. I know that I and many others would a week to search for truth, knowledge, and wis­ .. to exist they will have applaud that. In this respect this culture has dom. These meetings were conducted after la­ become stagnant, and for a culture to become boring all day and they sometimes continued to learn to adapt and stagnant and unchanging means for it to cease to until late night. Perhaps, one has to be tired be change some existing rituals. exist. I would hate for that to happen to the able to open one's mind to true wisdom and Galfostneduts. It is time for them to evolve and knowledge. The Elders never shared this reason­ become more dynamic. ing with us. Another unusual preoccupation of the Galfostneduts is their strange social gatherings where people stand in long columns behind one another. They don't seem to enjoy this, it is apparent by the glum, unhappy looks on their The 16th annual faces, yet they do it for many things. When they want advise from the Elders, when they want to look at the bound papers of knowledge, when Library Research Review Competition they want to consume food, or they want to relieve themselves, they stand in these single Co-sponsored by Faculty Council columns of one person after another until they reach the front. It is only when they arrive at this point that they seem to enjoy the gathering and become pleasant and social with one another. In addition to the weekly ritual of the Deadline: July 11,1996 meetings of 20-30 people Galfostneduts have a social gathering of the entire tribe four times a The Library and Faculty Council are pleased to announce the 16th Annual Library Research Review year. It is during these gatherings that the col­ Competition. umns are the longest and the people are most Please contact Professor Clementine Lewis in the Library, Room E -101,for the rules of entry. grim. They stand for hours in these columns until they come to the steps of the Great Hall. At this 20

by Kiwana Bland Between now and then getting to write, hopefully Between working full-time Raising student tuition for a school newspaper, maga­ and going to school part- ti nle Because every kid with an am­ zine, then subsequently I'm going out of my mind bition I'm going out of my mind will suddenly start committing Moving on to go to Col u mb ia School of journalis m When will I see the sun shine Crimes of frustration gaining experience reporting, and be able to combine just for demonstration while finally starting work experience with education out of being mad at the nation to vision and start to outline I find it hard for concentration writing for a daily newspaper, happily earning my living lV1y life Paying for college with no finan­ cuz at 22, it's full of stress and cial aid Looking back on the road of hard strife Being broke from paying bills as work and sacrifice The tension is so thick, I could soon as I get paid Anyone can fulfill his or her cut it with a knife Never offered journalism, Afro­ dreams in life American classes just stay focused and direct I've been in college for 3 years , Being penalized, because I'm your eyes towards the light in a 2-year college part of the night-school masses Think positive and don't raise Slowing earning credits, to build your white flag in the fight up my knowledge Only going to complete require­ Never let anyone tell you that I wish government would abol­ ments for a BA degree you're not good enough ish This city is full of successes that

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"A poem is something sacred. Let no one Take it for anything except itself." by Jose' julien Marti', journalist 1878

By your Power, By First Aid Love THE TEST your Grace By P.r. Johnson

By Lizette Cintron A promise is broken, lies are told The mind has received a mission. Deception of feelings, emotions Its objective is to pass the test. By Your Power, by your Grace withhold, The trust is devastating to The plan is to study and hope You rescued me during a most des­ answers preferred. Yelling and your retention is at its perate time of my life. screaming to us absurd. scintillating best. Your focus and From the Most Holy Place you Conversation and compromise, stability must stay at all times reached down, that's the key, strong, because many days are And with Your love captured my save your relationship upon you, and the hours may heart and took hold of my fleeting before it's broken in three. seem long. Dark forces are soul. Two years of love, this period against you and their sole purpose All the broken and shattered pieces is pain. Recapture the magic, ignite is to prevent you from passing the of my life, the old flame. Destroy your pride test. Procrastination is your You somehow brought together and step out of the rain. Forgive and enemy. And distraction will be And reconstructed the temple I love and let romance reign. As he is at its all-time best. The one who single-handedly tried to destroy. your king and you are his queen, the gives into confusion and My mind and my body respect will become royalty. And frustration has already failed. If which once housed darkness, forever will no longer be a dream. you stick to the agenda at hand, I s now the home in which Your Holy nothing will go wrong with what Spirit dwells. was first planned. This is what Dedicated to Vivian and Juan your brain demands: passing the By: p.r. Johnson test. 21

The perceptions people have about being 1. Say the following prayer every night and mean FEAR Ie parent in the 90's vary. Frankly, being a it with all my heart -- parent in the 90's is tough. I'm a full time Fear which leads to procrastination is the enemy it at LaGuardia and a single parent with two God, grant me the serenity to accept the thing that that holds us back. Nothing anchors to a painful en. So you know I'mneverbored. Without I cannot change the courage to change the things situation except fear of change and lack of faith in lse to share the work load with the children, that I can and the wisdom to know the difference. ourselves and in God. The challenge is to stop really feel overwhelmed at times. I have to dwelling on our problems and search within our­ lOtly find ways to stay motivated. With the 2. Take at least ten minutes every day and clear selves for solutions. We must constantly remind Ii God I know I'll make it. my mind and think of a peaceful place (This helps ourselves that God never closes one door without I believe that I am single for a reason. God me to relax and think clearly so that I may make opening another. He has never failed me yet. eat things in store for me. Sometimes I feel the right decisions through-out the day) God loves all of his children and we are all should devote all my time and energy to children of God. In order to receive the glorious g to know myself. Someone once told me 3. Remind myself daily that I am a divine, gifts that he has for us, we must learn to trust him the person that I wanted to be with." What original creation of God. with all of our hearts and he will take care of us. leant to me was all the expectations that I

> have for my partner, I would have to 4. Remind myself daily that if I work real hard I QUIET TIME is. I thought that was a very interesting will achieve my goals of success. pt. When you think about it, it wouldn't Quiet time is very important to all living beings. be very wise to expect something from 5. Remind myself daily that each day that I wake Everyone must take time to be quiet. Although me that you couldn't give in return. I have up God has given me another chance to strive for the terms "quiet time" and "time out" are usually rk hard to achieve success. In order to perfection and so lowe it to myself, my family associated with toddlers, they're actually vital to 'e success we must realize several things: and last but certainly not least, my God, to do my all living beings. We must fmd tUne to take quiet t's not going to happen without hard work best at being the best that I can be. time in our daily routines. It helps us to be aware 710~ it's not going to happen overnight. of what is happening and where we must tum to ler it's dealing with school, my children, or 6. Remind myself daily that all things work fmd the solutions. When in doubt-tune your ear, elationships, I know that I cannot hesitat~ to~etl1erf~r goo~L trust in God, then follow your feelings. You will Insider giving up, not even for One second. never be misled or disappointed, regardless ofthe now, I'm going through a lot of trials and 7. Whenever I start to feel stressed or over­ results of anyone decision, because at that point ltl~'JmQ\K!!tat I'm going through these whelmed I breathe in deep through my nose and whatever you choose will be the right thing. What for experience and 'growth. I feel that it exhale through my mouth at least lOtimes. (Doing makes the critical difference in our experience is be a shame before God to have gone breathing exercises is very relaxing for the body how we embrace change and how willing we are ~ all that I have gone through and not and soul.) to began again. We must allow ourselves to be I anything from the knowledge I've picked flexible and bend to whatever the situation may the way. Whatever it is that God is trying to A phrase that could be helpful: Nothing is forever. be. Without this ability we will stay in turmoil, rough to me, I've got to learn. I will con­ and constantly question our higher power as to to go through the same problems until I 8. In times of heartache I try to remember that why the situation couldn't be something other etely understand the lesson. I feel that I am "this too shall pass." than what it is. This is a no-no. Trust God and He or a lot of reasons and I probably don't all of them, but I'm sure God did not create CHANGE suffer! I have to keep reminding myself am a divine, and unique being. Many Change will always be a constant in our li ves. We : will have know ledge and understanding must realize this before we do anything. Some Help Wanted! y important issues because of me. I will changes we initiate, others are imposed on us as lard to educate my children about life and we pass through life. Whether a change delights Help Wanted! Ilciples of Christ. I cannot and will not stop us or makes us struggle, it always presents a new g to achieve success. beginning. It forces us to be engaged in life, to rrhe BridQ:e, your school newspaper What is success? In my opinion success focus, and to continually think of new ways of needs )iritually mature relationship with God, being so that we may fulfill our purpose-dis­ ---Writers tanding and knowledge of the principle of covering our divinity and living in all the rooms :::hrist. A career in which lives are being of our mansion. Life is the process of growing. ---Photographers 'ely influenced, pride in my accomplish­ Our mandate is the mandate for everything else in ---Artists and place on earth. To love uncondition­ creation. Either we grow or we die. There is no in­ .d to continuously strive to teach our chil­ between. So it makes no sense to try and avoid it. ow to truly love themselves and others In fact, just trying to avoid change becomes the No experience needed I them with the help of our heavenly Father. source of our problems and most of our unhappi­ :omplishing these things inner peace and ness. We are the offspring of God, creative Come to Our Meeting Every ility is sure to follow. beings in the image and likeness of the love who created us. We must be aware of our powers, and Wendesday an I immediately start to make steps to­ the advantage of being created in the likeness of Room Ml18-E @5:00PM my goal of success? God. We ean create a better, more fulfilling life Phone (718) 482-5189 at anytime we choose. 22 Tbe Knicks Event Calender for June eo"tiinued fro". pg 24 June 6 We then consider what management has trade for a superstar like Shaquille 0 'Neal or for Blood Drive. Blood donors save lives. to work with. First, nearly 10 million dollars and two players, like Reggie Miller and Juwan Howard. Please come! the 18th, 19th and 21st pick in the frrstround of The Knicks are losing their fan base Location: Main Building Cafeteria M169 the NBA draft for possible trades. Maybe, we quickly. They need to make a move and cross can mix and match and put together a formidable their fingers and hope that we do succeed. We team for next season. But, then a look at our don't want another Charles Smith. We plead with June 7 players and see Ewing who is ahnost 34, Harper the management to make a move so that we can Desi Jam Party. 34, Oakley 32, Mason 29 and Starks 30, all of win the championship again. Ewing said, "man­ 8pm-12pm. Location: M-169. Free. whom have two or more years remaining on their agement is going to do what they feel is best." and contracts. Our guys are old, in fact, the oldest we believe in Ewing and the Knick's. We are the team in the league. Definitely, we need to in­ fans of the New York Knicks. troduce younger players. We should either try to June 8 College For Children "Theatre Kids" 8:30am - 1 :OOpm. Little Theatre

June 13 End of Semester Celebration 7pm-midnight. M-169 Roberto OUZ. photographer

...... u ...... u ......

June 14 be us Airforce Band will playing the i music of DUke Ellington". .: .. ,' 7pm. Location: LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (E Building theater)

June 15 Family Institute Graduation lOam-2pm. Location: Mainstage theatre (E Building)

June 17 Nursing Club Pinning Ceremony 5:30pm-1O:OO. Location: Mainstage Theater

College Sampler 9:30am - 3:00pm. Little Theatre & Sky light Area

Upcoming Events

September 17 24th Annual Commencement Exercises Tuesday, September 17, 1996 11 :30am. Madison Square Garden 23

Photographs by Harry Fleury / Starlight Photography

" "'"''''''''l'>''''' ' ,.

The promoters looking sharp The bad boys of the Haitian "anyone for tennis," says the twins Club

Swimming 101! Got ya!!

Rosaleen Crotty, photo Tarek Cherkaoui,photo 24

B, Gilr, Billb

"It's frustrating and it huns. I feel very empty right now," said Patrick Ewing the day after the New York Knicks lost to the Chicago Bulls in game 5 of their best of seven series. But these words could have rolled off any Knickerbocker fan tongue. The faithful fans have struggled and fought along with these old warriors, hoping and dreaming of, one day, experienc­ ing the glory of winning a championship. Since 1991, when the Pat Riley era of professionalism and intensity began, we believed. We believed when he discarded Mo Cheeks, Mark Jackson and others. We believed when he forced management to keep Ewing. He bro~ghthope ~Y . pl,'QClaiminS ,, ~is ,famou . five yearpJan of . winning the NBA titie. We believed when aproven winner, h older oftwo championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers, professes that he would win the title in five years. A city that had been waiting for 20 years would believe. In the first year, he turned a team of underachievers into a team of 51 wins and the seventh game of the Eastern Conference semifmals. The next season, he followed by winning nine more games, but again The Knicks lost to the Bulls, with what most fans thought was the best team the Knicks had in this five year era. We believed. He gave the Knicks confidence, class and recognition as a contender for the title. Associated Press The next year, 1994, will be our year, we hummed and waited. "They had their chance when 1 was gone, " says Micheal Jordan Suddenly Michael Jordan left the Bulls and we thought, yes, this is definitely the year. The mighty Bulls were finally vulnerable. Although we only won Don Nelson attempted to change the team's stubborn mentality and 57 garnes, we made it to the NBA Finals and were up four' games to two bring about a new attitude in a couple of months. He suggested that the "gainst a Houston Rockets team that consisted of one star and a bunch of players run a bit more and maybe, Patrick Ewing the 7-footer, could utilize refug~es from the CBA. "I could see it clear as day," says Dave Checketts. some of his point guard skills. 1 don't think so. He was Iqcked out of town, So could we. We called family, friends and the city rocked~ound Patrick leaving behind harsh criticisms of Patrick Ewing and the rest of the Knicks Ewing and the Knicks~ But, "an good things must come to aP end," as they organizations. But, he left us questioning and doubting ourselves. Were we say. We lost to the Rockets in a s~tacular game 7, inwbJ.cb a.superstar really good enough? We were going at this for four years now, but there wore arose, Hakeem Olajuwon. , .; " t .. ' n()cring~ on the fingers of our players. Impossible,wesatd defiantly. We are Hun and disappointment, ~e , lost some' of our fire. ~at year. the" theNe~York Knicksled by Ewing, 'Oak', 'Mase',Starks and the vete~ · Knicks .and its fans lost some of their intensity and drive} The. endless, Harper/ We can do it.. . . bickering apd outbursts grew lou

continued on pg 22

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