1 OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Top and Center Top and Center SUNY New Paltz TCI Staff

Bottom Marist College TCI Staff

Front and Back Covers by Mackenzie Palma and Nicolette Seeback SECTION EDITORS

Special Features Editors Tori Rice Stephanie Graiss

Tori Rice Stephanie Graiss

Art/Creative Writing Editors Ja’Lisha Higgs Valerie Kommer

Ja’Lisha Higgs Valerie Kommer

Campus Life Editor Pamela Ricklin

Pamela Ricklin

College Experiences Allie Dudas Anne Jacobs

Allie Dudas Anne Jacobs

Colligate Point of View Editors Joshua Otero Tori Rice

Joshua Otero Tori Rice

Cover Art and Design Editors Mackenzie Palma Nicolette Seeback

Mackenzie Palma Nicolette Seeback

Entertainment Editors Dana Leuffen Joseph Nikic

Dana Leuffen Joseph Nikic TCI Magazine 2012

4 Living It Up at SUNY New Paltz 18 A College Life Without Alcohol

USPP Program Changing the lives Sexiling Do’s and Dont’s of International Students 19 Preparing For a College Roommate 5 An Inside Look at the FYI Program 20 New Friends 6 Campus Life: My Orientation Experience 21 Agreements Make Things Clearer

5 Top SUNY New Paltz Resources 22 The Commuter Experience Students Should Know Adapting to a New College Experience 7 Hasbrouck: Hot or Not? 23 My Unexpected Meltdown 8 It’s Party Time 24 Talk To Me! 9 There is So Much More to College Than Just Studying 25 College Students Gradually Going Green

10 Avoiding First Year Clutter: Dealing With Daddy Tips on College Packing Special Features Section 26 - 29 New Paltz First Semester: My Own Personal Hell 26 A Rumble on Tumblr: Youth Rise Up...

11 To Commute or Not to Commute Fundraising: How to Get Involved With That Is the Question Humanitarian Causes on Campus

12 A New Beginning 27 Sports and Tumors

13 Learn to Love It 28 Changing the World One Child at a Time Dormcest 29 The Race for Life: Relay at SUNY New Paltz 14 Establishing Relationships With Your Professors Art Section 30 - 35

15 New School, New Friends, 33 Thunder New Experiences The Kosmic Dance Abandonment 16 Tips on Getting Off to a Good Start With Untitled Your Roommate! 34 The Life of an Art 17 The Roommate Code: Do’s & Don’ts Student... Not as Easy as it Looks

Political Awareness 49 Quick and Easy Everyday Through Pop Art Makeup Tips for Section Editors College Girls 36 From Paperback to the Big Fashion Editor Screen 49 Effective Strategies Renato Russo for Weight Loss 37 The Power of Music 50 Abnormal Eating Habits: Up-And-Coming Music: The Harmful Effects ... Young Grav 51 Strength of Body = 38 Once You’re Really Bad Strength of Confidence Health and Beauty Editors There is Only One Way Out Caroline Verdi 52 Managing your Time Amy German 39 Fake Fame While Playing a Sport

Nicki Minaj: Her Journey Ryan Braun: Clean or Dirty? 40 Hip to the Cosmos 53 The Career of a Legend 41 Rebuilding Windham In Our Time Relationships Editors Erica Vaccaro 42 A Changing Hudson Valley Jeremy Lin: Zameena Mejia A LINderella Story Parking Spaces: Why Freshman Need Them Too 54 A Sports Team, A Family and Many Love-Hate 43 Put Down The Keys Relationships

Sticks and Stones... 55 Don’t Lose Yourself While Travel Editor Losing Love Jacob Yoder 44 The Economics of Daniel Cassidy College Attendance 56 Dating Advice For Lonely Men 45 College Students and Facebook: Success or Failure Friendly vs. Flirty Three Tips to Resist Being 46 My European Discovery... Flirty Sports Editor Taking the Plunge Talha Mahmood Valerie Kommer 47 Get Outside

48 The Ultimate (and Affordable!) Summer Getaway Campus Life Living It Up at Deyo, DuBois, Bevier, Lefevre, Crisp- suits you better. If you live in a certain ell, and Lenape are the suite dormito- dormitory style and decide you do not SUNY New Paltz ries available at SUNY New Paltz. In like it, it is very easy to change rooms a suite, there are three or four rooms or buildings. If you are thinking about Pamela Ricklin with six or eight suite mates of the moving off-campus, ask someone who same gender. In the center of the suite, has done so and see what his apart- SUNY New Paltz there is a living room, often referred to ment looks like or take a few tours of as “the common room.” A few couch- apartments currently for rent; you do College years are some of the most es and chairs are provided which cre- not want to rent an apartment blindly important and exciting times of a per- ates a great socializing environment. without seeing it first. son’s life. One will meet hundreds of However, if one needs to study or people during these four years, some spend time alone, they have easy acces- that he will encounter only once and sibility to his room. I live in Deyo Hall USPP Program some that he will create lifelong friend- and one thing I dislike about living in a Changing the lives of ships with. Taking different types of suite is that because there are only four classes, joining clubs and committees, suites per hallway, I find it a lot harder International and going to parties are great ways to to meet other students than if I lived meet people. Another way is by meet- in a corridor. But I think the positives Students ing your neighbors in your dorm or outweigh the negatives; living in a suite apartment. At SUNY New Paltz, stu- gives students more space and more Caroline Sullivan dents have an option to live in on-cam- room for large crowds to socialize. pus corridors or suites or off-campus Marist College apartments. Each of these styles has Many students, beginning sophomore Any college freshman’s transition to its own unique perks that might not be or junior year, decide to live in off- college comes with some bumps in suited for certain types of people. campus apartments. Sometimes they the road – and that is completely fine are close enough to walk to campus but and normal. What is hard to imagine The corridor dormitories on the sometimes having a car is necessary to is coming to a college across the world SUNY New Paltz campus are Scudder, get to campus. Living off-campus is as a sophomore, and trying to fit into Gage, Bliss, Capen, Esopus, Lenape usually cheaper than living on-cam- an already established class. The US- (offers corridors and suites), Bouton, pus because the price is split between Sino Pathway Program, also known as and College/Shango. In a corridor, roommates. By living off-campus, stu- USPP program, offers all the advantag- two or three people of the same gen- dents do not need to worry about Resi- es of a traditional foundation program. der share a room and have many neigh- dent Advisors checking up on them. Four American universities in col- bors in their hallway. It is very easy to But students do have to provide meals laboration with Kaplan, Inc launched meet new people in a corridor because for themselves. Senior Jordan Garri- the USSP program in 2009. Students it is convenient to move from room to son lives in an off-campus apartment in China are immersed in a series of room. First-year student Haley Pow- and explains, “I like the independence English-language preparation courses ers has mixed feelings about living in of living on my own: I get to eat what throughout their senior year of high a corridor admitting, “I like being able I want, I’m very close to Main Street, school, and ‘freshman year’ of college. to leave my door open and see people and I meet a lot of non-college folks. They also learn how to manage their walk by and say hi. But I don’t like that But I do feel a slight detachment from time and resources in order to achieve I can’t remove myself from the rest of campus life and having easy access to the best possible outcome in some of my dorm when I want. Sometimes it everything in one location.” gets really noisy down the hall and I America’s most prestigious universities, transferring to them as sophomores. can hear it through my door.” Corri- Where one lives on campus is a very One of the six possible choices being dors are great for students who have important part of his college experi- Marist College where currently there no problem socializing around the ence but it all has to do with prefer- are 20 students from China receiving clock, even if that means during nor- ence. Taking a tour of corridors and a traditional American Degree, and mal homework and sleeping hours. suites is a great way to figure out which hopefully, a job after graduation.

4 This is extremely beneficial, not only to U.S.-Sino Pathway, is to help Chinese building and take classes together in these students but to the institutional families make informed choices and order to get better acquainted and ad- goals here at Marist College. to increase readiness for the American just to college life. Many people might experience. These students are impact- say that the program would keep first- As a college, there are strategic goals ed by coming to America, and here in year students from experiencing the and plans at Marist that are looked to America as their fellow peers we are true college life; however, it has defi- be achieved in a designated amount of impacted by their own culture and ideas nitely turned out to be a worthwhile time. Brian Apfel, who is one of the brought to our country. While there is experience. admissions counselors here at Marist no program set up for Marist students states, “The goal here at admissions to study in China like USPP, Marist stu- Other students who are not in the pro- is to create more diversity among the dents are encouraged to study abroad gram, often view it in a negative way. student body, not only that, but also with China being a destination option, They think that the students involved getting Marist’s name out there inter- It was an amazing experience learning in it need help socializing, because they nationally.” He went on to speak of about such a fabulous program that cannot do it on their own, but this is how the USPP program is a great way Marist is planning to expand as the ap- not true. While the FYI program al- to put Marist on the market in terms plications increase in future years. lows you to live with other freshman of increasing international student’s and socialize with them, it does so interests. Marist would like to expand much more and definitely benefits the its diversity on campus in hopes of An Inside Look at students that are in it. creating a more dynamic community the FYI Program working together to achieve excellence. Being in FYI, students not only have a The entire admissions office is excited Resident Assistant but also a Resident especially about the pool of incoming Stephanie Graiss Mentor. Both of these people work freshman for the coming year, as well SUNY New Paltz with the students to help them in any as the students who are currently thriv- aspect of college life that they might ing on campus. Coming into college, most people are need. The extra support that both of nervous about living in a new place, these people provide the freshman As a freshman here at Marist, I person- making new friends and getting adjust- students with really helps with the ad- ally had no idea about this program or ed to their new life away from home. justment process of being in college. the awesome students as well as fac- Walking into a new place for the first Some of their advice includes time ulty who have immersed themselves time, not knowing anyone or being management and about how to make a in American culture at Marist College. familiar with the area around you, is college career successful and fun. It is important to note that Marist also scary. College is an entirely new set- employs faculty from China who are ting for people coming in for their first The RM’s also put on several programs also part of this program. The stu- year and it is important for first-year and we participate in activities that re- dents who are a part of this program students to have an option to live with ally make the experience helpful and fully take advantage of their opportu- other first-year students and get ad- enjoyable. There are programs for nities in America, a sophomore named justed to the new environment. More only FYI students and there are also Song Wen Tao or ‘Lucas,’ fell in love students from all different campuses programs for all students in Esopus with Marist because of its proximity and universities have begun choosing that allow us to interact with everyone to the city and his love for fashion. He to live in a living/learning environment and get to know everyone. In the first knew the fashion program at Marist for their first year at college. semester, the RM’s had a program for was great, and through talking with the FYI students at which they showed us amazing Admissions office he made a The First Year Initiative program is a how to register for classes and gave us decision he does not regret. Living in living/learning community that was tips on how to get all the classes we a new country can be intimidating, but developed, here at SUNY New Paltz. wanted. In the second semester, the Lucas proves that the USPP program It was designed to better the first-year entire staff put together a Super Bowl was one that he hopes his friends back experience of the students. It allows program that was a huge success in home in China will try. The goal of first-year students to live in the same getting everyone together to watch the

5 game. Both programs contributed to and outgoing that he made me feel a many things that helped me adjust the success of the FYI program and lot calmer and less nervous about be- to college life in the fall. I met some benefited the students in the program ing there. There was a lot of work that amazing and helpful people during my both academically and socially. had to be sorted out during orientation orientation. I met so many friends and but there was also a lot of time for fun four of my closest friends here at col- The program not only benefits students that was fit in. lege are people I met during orienta- in these ways, it creates a sense of com- tion. fort and community among them. It is All of the OLs helped us out a lot dur- a way for students to be around the ing orientation and even put on enter- same people and feel comfortable in taining skits that taught us lessons, that 5 Top SUNY New the environment. Our closest friends as first year students, we would even- Paltz Resources are the ones in our hall. We live togeth- tually need. The skits included lessons er, take classes together and eat togeth- from how to deal with roommates, Students Should er. All of these things together create keeping on top of your schoolwork, the sense of family that a lot of people and how to be accepting of all the new Know have back home. Overall, I definitely different types of people we would do not regret my decision to be a part meet at college. Each skit was enter- Enza Enea of FYI, and I would recommend the taining yet had an underlying message. program to any incoming freshman. It The OLs also helped us pick our class- SUNY New Paltz is one of the biggest contributing fac- es for the semester ahead of us. I was tors to the amazing first year I have had nervous because I wasn’t sure which Entering college is a very huge step here at SUNY New Paltz. classes to take, but my OL helped me in life and sometimes it feels like you choose classes I was interested in and are alone. You don’t have that support that seemed cool to me. It was fun to close by any longer, but you need to Campus Life: be able to make my own schedule and know that you are definitely not alone. My Orientation choose classes and time slots that I Our campus has many resources avail- wanted. Along with choosing our own able for whatever you need. Below is a Experience classes, we also got to choose where we top 5 list of resources that every enter- wanted to live on campus in the fall. ing college student should know. Renata Russo Choosing things for myself gave me the sense of independence and control 1. The Student Union Building SUNY New Paltz over my life, which I really liked. Known to students as “the SUB,” the I was dreading getting out of my car My favorite part of orientation was the Student Union Building is only build- looking at what felt like a million un- lip-sync contest. Each of the twelve ing on our campus that is dedicated to familiar faces. I was so nervous to be groups made mixtapes of songs they students. The SUB contains several re- at orientation and so nervous to talk wanted to use in their skits. Then each sources, which includes a food court, to people I would be going to school group made routines and dances to the meeting rooms and common spaces to with. Gage Hall, where all of us orien- songs. The trick was to continually lip- use. So, if you’re trying to avoid Taco tation students would be staying, was sync along to the songs throughout the Tuesday at Hasbrouck, you can enjoy boiling hot and crowded with a sea entire routine. We performed our skits the different foods available to you at of confused and frightened students. in front of the whole orientation ses- the SUB. If you’re in need of books for In Gage, I met my orientation leader sion and our parents. The skits were your classes, the Campus Bookstore (OL for short) who would guide me all entertaining and really fun to watch. is also located here. School apparel, through my orientation experience and My group ended up coming in third supplies, as well as snacks can also be eventually help guide me through my place! found here. There are several offices freshman year. Our orientation session located in the SUB that are important was grouped off into twelve separate In all, orientation was a very fun and to students. Some of these offices in- groups. I was in group 12 with my OL, informative experience. I learned about clude Dining Services, ID/Meal Plan, Brendan, who was so outrageously nice

6 and HQ at the Student Union. The 4. Transportation Hasbrouck: HQ at the Student Union has employ- ment opportunities if you’re in need of Need a ride to go home for break? The Hot or Not? some cash. So, whether you want to go most popular mode of transportation out to eat with friends or find a job, is the Adirondack Trailways Bus Sta- you should definitely take advantage of tion. The schedule is posted online and Laura Kopczynski the SUB. you can buy tickets at the bus station SUNY New Paltz or the SUB (which you should already 2. OASIS and HAVEN be familiar with). The bus station is If you have visited college campuses located on the corner of Main Street or even talked to current students, you College can be very stressful to stu- and Prospect Street, and it is quick have most likely heard a few horror dents. Whether the stress stems from walk from school. Students should also stories about university dining halls. homework, relationships, or a room- take note that the bus also picks up I am here to help you understand the mate, the Psychological Counseling at designated locations on campus. If complexity of the Sodexo empire here Center is here to help those in distress. you need to get around town and don’t at SUNY New Paltz. Hi, my name OASIS offers peer counseling and feel like walking there is the New Paltz is Laura Kopczynski, and I have sat crisis intervention with students who Taxi, Inc. that will take you into town through one too many meals at the suffer depression, academic problems, for only $5. It is available from 6:00 predominantly Freshman eatery here and other issues, and it is all confiden- am-midnight. Just call 845-255-1550. on campus: Hasbrouck Dining Hall. tial. HAVEN, also confidential, offers counseling to survivors of unwanted 5. Orientation As a first year student, one is forced sexual experiences. Students can call into the “carte blanche” (unlimited) and have the opportunity to speak with Remember orientation? Probably the plan. This eating schedule costs $1,730 volunteers who are trained. Both re- longest day of your lives, visiting build- and allows students to come and go as sources also allow walk-ins. ings all over campus and forced to go they please throughout the day. This to assemblies. BUT you must remem- plan promotes the infamous “Fresh- 3. Student Health Center ber the one that led you to these places; man 15” more than helping students your orientation leader. They are some adjust to campus life. After the first se- Feeling under the weather? The Student of the most informed people on cam- mester, one can switch to a plan with Health Center is where to go. It is open pus. If you’re unsure about things or 14 meals a week. This plan still costs Monday through Friday from 8:30am would rather speak to someone who $1,730 but adds 200 dining dollars to to 4:30pm. During these hours, phone is also a student here, ask them your your student account. Dining dollars calls are welcome and the door is also questions, and they will do their best to allow students to eat in the Student open. It is located across Gage Hall; the answer them! Union Building where choices range round building. As stated on the school from fresh sushi to slices of pizza. Af- website, the health center’s goal is “to I hope this simple guide helps you on ter the first year, you can choose from begin a dialogue with students on how your journey through college. Just re- a wide variety of meal plans for differ- to make healthy choices in life with re- member you’re not alone. There are ent hunger levels. Hasbrouck Dining gard to diet, exercise, sleep, relaxation, so many resources available to you on Hall while having enough meal plans interpersonal relationships, tobacco campus. Take advantage of them! to cater to everyone’s needs, is lacking use, alcohol use, drug use, and receiv- in many other areas. ing immunizations.” Currently, for the Spring 2012 semester, the health center First of all, I would like to acknowl- is offering free Gardasil vaccinations, edge the hard work of the workers in for example. All you need to be eligible Hasbrouck. I do realize they do not for their services is a Health Report and control the scheduling, the food selec- you need to be registered for classes. tion, or most other issues at the din- ing hall. The employees themselves are phenomenal and really try to make

7 your eating experience enjoyable. With occurrence. I would like to see many Formal events should be offered much this being said, I would like to move on different types of fruits, vegetables, more often on campus because it gives to a couple of issues I have found and and meats put out every day in order students another way to have fun, dress discussed with my peers. As many of to get the vitamins and minerals one up, and go to spend time with friends. you know, classes begin at 8 am Mon- needs throughout the day. It also gives students the experience day through Friday. This seems like it of attending more formal occasions would be an early but not terrible time Hasbrouck Dining Hall is a great place so that later on we are more accus- for a class, right? Well, not if you want to meet other freshmen and social- tomed to and comfortable in a formal to eat breakfast! The kitchen opens at ize with the students here at SUNY scene. Another plus is that there is also 7:30 which allows enough time to scarf New Paltz. I would suggest alternative a possibility of meeting new people down some scrambled eggs and run to scheduling and food selections to im- and making new friends. When getting the academic buildings. It is not a good prove the quality of service at this res- dressed up to go out and party at a for- way to start your morning. Luckily, taurant. I do not think $1,730 is a fair mal event, rather than going out to get there is an easy fix to this situation! If price for limited selection and a rigid drunk and party at off campus parties, Hasbrouck changes the hours of open time frame. In making these changes, some people may find it easier to meet kitchen to a half hour earlier, students Hasbrouck will most likely see a large new friends at calmer, but just as fun, can enjoy their food instead of rush- difference in the amount happy cus- formal occasions. ing. Another scheduling issue I have tomers. SUNY New Paltz is a great heard many students complain about is college, but as for dining options, it is Some examples of these types of for- the weekends. Hasbrouck is open from much less than 5-star material. mal events on campus have been The 11 am to 8 pm on the weekends. Some Yule Ball and The Winter Formal. Both students do not want to wait until 11 It’s Party Time events were held as fundraisers to raise o’clock to eat breakfast. I personally money for different organizations. The have work at 9 am every Sunday but Yule Ball, held by a club on campus, am forced to go elsewhere and spend Nicholas Caponegro Dumbledore’s Army, raised money for money I do not have on breakfast, SUNY New Paltz The American Society for the Preven- even though I spend almost $2,000 for tion of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and The Winter Formal was held by a meal plan. Scheduling at this dining Formal events are an important part of the Residence Hall Student Associa- hall is a major issue in the eyes of many every person’s life. Weddings, proms, tion (RHSA), which raised money for SUNY New Paltz students. graduations, and many other occasions MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driv- are formal events that most people take ing. Many people attended both events, Besides being unavailable, Hasbrouck part in at some point or another. How- which shows why more of these types Dining Hall is not a great place to eat ever, why should we limit ourselves to of events should be hosted. Both for first-year students. Each and- ev just a few of the most important formal events had catered food and a DJ. The ery day french fries and hamburgers dates? These types of occasions should Winter Formal also had a photo booth, are available in the kitchen for anyone take place much more often. Formal which was a fun addition to the party. to eat. This should not be a constant events are rarely hosted on campus so Both events turned out to be success- choice for students since a properly these types of events and they should ful, providing a good time for those varied diet is proven to be the healthi- be offered more frequently. that attended. est for growing adults. Another con- cern students have with the choices is Although many people may not enjoy As we can see, if many people attended about different main courses through- the hassle of dressing up and getting the two formal events already held on out the week. Soft pretzels and churros fancy, formal events actually turn out campus, that if more events such as are served as a dinner which are both to be quite fun. Who wouldn’t enjoy these were offered, people would at- lacking in nutrition. Hasbrouck does eating good food, spending time with tend as well. Formal events may not not offer a large variety of foods for friends or family, taking pictures, and be for everyone, but for those that do the health conscious. Pizza, pasta, and dancing the night away? Not to men- enjoy such events, the campus is ca- fried foods are available almost every tion, we all get the satisfaction of pable of hosting great formal events. day, but different vegetables are a rare knowing that we are looking our best.

8 They give students that are interested prizes. are representatives from all the differ- a reason to get fancy and go with their ent clubs at Marist. The fair provides friends to have a good time, and pos- They also plan twenty-five dollar trips an opportunity for students to get a sible meet new friends as well. Formal to the city to see Broadway shows like glimpse of all the available clubs and events, primarily just for fun such as Billy Elliot, Memphis, How to Suc- what they have to offer. By joining dif- The Yule Ball and The Winter Formal, ceed in Business, and even the Radio ferent clubs, students can meet other create good memories that students City Christmas Spectacular. Since it is students who share similar interests, will never forget from their college ex- such a bargain, tickets go fast, so it is which can lead to new friendships. Col- periences. important to get in line early. The Stu- lege is the time to explore and expand dent Programming Council also plans one’s comfort zone, and being involved the Fall and Spring concerts which are in the clubs and attending the events at There is So Much highly anticipated by many students. Marist is a great way to start. More to College than This year, the fall 2011 concert was 3OH3! The students enjoyed having a Just Studying break from work to listen to a popular band perform. The artists are differ- Marisa Scarpitta ent every year, providing a variety of Marist College genres and music. The concerts are an excellent way for the Marist Commu- nity to gather together. The SPC sends Marist College definitely has no room out emails every week to keep students for boredom with all the activities and updated on the upcoming events that events it has to offer. Many people will be going on. coming to a new school for the first time may be apprehensive, because Marist College has a variety of clubs they feel like it will be hard to make that are sure to pertain to everyone’s new friends and get involved. Marist interests. There is a great art club provides so many different activities, known as Red Ink. The club is a fun from trivia games to bus trips to the way to do different crafts including, city. There is always something going bracelet making, pumpkin carving, tie- on making it easy to try new things and dying and origami; this club is perfect meet different people. for all the artistic students. Dance en- semble is a popular club at Marist as The Student Programming Council, or well. Students choreograph numbers better known as SPC, is made up of a for all different types of dances. There group of dedicated students who plan is a Fall and Spring dance show to rep- and organize weekly on campus events. resent the hard work of the dancers. Some examples of the events are, the There are clubs for those who like vid- screening of popular movies on the eo games, and even those who like ad- weekend in the PAR, or Performing ventures, like hiking and rock climbing. Arts Room across from college activi- Clubs such as, Teachers of Tomorrow, ties in the student center. Movies in- Business Club, Marist Fashion Inc., clude Jack and Jill, Paranormal Activ- Psychology Club and Math Club are ity 3, Hangover 2 and many more. The valuable because they allow students in SPC is responsible for bringing guest those various majors to interact, while comedians, poets and singers onto getting involved in activities for the ca- campus. They plan trivia nights, and reers they are pursuing. bingo nights where students can take a There is an activity fair during both the break from their homework, have fun, Fall and Spring semesters where there mingle with new people, and even win

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A College Experience Avoiding First Year can help you avoid disease! one needs two refrigerators. Before purchasing or bringing anything big Clutter: Tips on 3. Buy Plastic Drawers: It is hard to such as a television or a microwave, ask fit your whole wardrobe into two your roommate if they were planning College Packing drawers and a closet you may have to on bringing one. Perhaps divide up the share. In purchasing plastic drawers, big things, allow on of you to bring a which can easily fit under a bed, you television and one to bring a fridge. Anne Jacobs can keep more clothing in your dorm More than one of any big item such SUNY New Paltz without the clutter. These drawers can as these takes up a lot of needed space also be used for holding books or food and can be extraneous. When a first year comes to a college because there is not to much other similar to SUNY New Paltz, it means storage space either! The idea of you first year may be a he or she will have to live in a Residence little nerve wracking, but going into Hall their first year. Living in a Residence 4. Do Not Bring Your Whole it prepared is the best thing to do. Hall is a great opportunity to make Wardrobe: Having shorts and bathing Remember the amount of space you friends and get involved in campus life, suits is not necessary in the winter. have and the amount of stuff you will but it also means students have to fit a To save yourself room, bring your be bringing, and you will do just fine. lot of clothing, books, and other living warm weather clothes home over supplies into a small amount of space. Thanksgiving and bring them back There were also items I never would over Spring Break. New Paltz First have thought have to bring, and had to Semester: My Own run out and purchase my first weekend 5. Silverware: Do not forget knives, in New Paltz. Having dealt with this spoons, forks, plates, and bowls! As a Personal Hell conundrum on my own and watching college student living on campus, you many close friends experience the will most likely want to take breaks same, there are certainly items that you in your meal plan, which requires you Allie K. Dudas should bring to college, and items that have the right cutlery to make your you should not bring. The following is own food. SUNY New Paltz a list of good ideas and tips for college If the title did not give it away, my first packing for any first year student. 6. Invest in a Mattress Pad: One of the most important things to college semester at New Paltz was not a happy one. During my first semester I was 1. Buy A Planner: Time management students is sleep. The mattresses in homesick to the point of tear almost is one of the most important skills your Residence Hall probably are every night. College was not looking you will learn in college. This can be not what you are used to in terms of to be such a great experience for me at a challenge for a first year because it comfort. Bringing a mattress pad helps all. Things did change a little but it took means the only one in charge of staying you sleep easier and makes it harder a lot of time for me to transition from on top of his or her schedule is his or to feel the springs in the bad on your home to school. herself. Getting a planner can help you back. organize class time, study time, extra To begin New Paltz is over six and a curricular activities, and help you make 7. Do Not Bring a Lot of Extra Books: half hours by car from my home town time for yourself. Maybe one or two, but in college there is unfortunately not a lot of time for of Depew. Depew is actually a village inside a larger town called Lancaster 2. Bring Shower Shoes: Whether you personal reading. Books take up a lot which is in Buffalo, New York. One of are living in a corridor or a suite, you of space, and your textbooks alone the biggest annoyances with coming to will be sharing your shower, often with will be a hassle to place. Try and bring a school full of people not from where people you do not know. To avoid books in one by one if you feel you can you are from is clearing up stereotypes. picking up diseases like foot fungus, handle it. I cannot tell you how many times I had purchase a pair of shower shoes. These to explain to people that Buffalo is not can be regular $1 flip flops, but these 8. Contact Your Roommate: No

10 negative seven year round, that cows from high school to college is hard to be focused on. Feeling homesick and farms are not on every corner and enough without having to do it alone. is normal, but if you are homesick most importantly that it is Western every day, like I was, you need to find New York not Upstate New York. Oh Also, being away from family was a lot someone to talk about it. Moving far and let us not forget my favorite one, harder on me than I ever thought it away is a big step, but you can do it! when people ask how many Canadians would be. My mother and I have never I have seen, it is not like Canadians been close, my brothers and I have are an endangered species! Besides it drifted a lot in recent years, and my To Commute or Not is very difficult to walk through the step-father and I are pretty much arch to Commute mall and pick out whom is Canadian enemies, so I thought leaving them all and who is not, so I could not even tell would be easy. Needless to say I was That Is the Question you how many I have seen. So having wrong. I found myself wishing that my to clear up stereotypes was a big part little brother was around annoying me of my first semester, but I assume that and that my mother was here to yell at Scott C. Kastberg most people have a similar problem me, it was rather strange. In a way it SUNY New Paltz dealing with stereotypes. I do not really was actually a good thing because me know what else I expected I knew that being away has brought me and my College can be a stressful time for a the majority of the student body was family members closer. I spend extra student fresh out of high school. There from Long Island so I knew I was truly time with family when I go home now. are many decisions these students need going to be an outsider. Once they are no longer around you to make. One of these decisions may realize how much you love your family. be the decision to commute. When the In addition the distance was horrible. In time I have gotten used to New idea of commuting is thought through, It did not seem like New Paltz would Paltz. the decision to commute makes perfect be too far from home, but it was. It sense. Students may commute to save was even harder knowing that all of I am not as homesick as I once was. money, or maybe they don’t want my friends were home together and Every so often I do still long for the too much of a change in their lives. I was here. Not a single one of my comforts of home but not nearly However, the worst decision that I friends went to a school outside of as much as I did first semester. My made was to commute to college. Buffalo. My group of friends back suitemates really helped me this home has been together all throughout transition. They are not from Buffalo Commuting does have tempting high school so needless to say we are or anywhere that far but they had a advantages. Commuters save money very close. On top of that at least one few issues with leaving home too. They by not paying for room and board, of my friends would be writing on my helped me get used to life with those I especially if these students live close wall, tweeting me, or texting me every had always been with. Finding a good by, but with these advantages come day telling me that they had something support system is the most important many unforeseen disadvantages. For a new to tell me or that they missed me; part of the transition. You need people student like me, living in a town thirty it was pure torture. I came to college that you can lean on when things get minutes away, commuting to college knowing that I would have to make tough, people who understand what was torturous. The commute was an new friends and leave my old ones, but you are going through, and will listen hour drive each day to attend classes. I had no idea how hard that would be. to you as you complain about the same It was a terrible feeling to know that I do not think I will ever have friends thing for the fiftieth time. a whole hour of my day was spent like those that I have at home. That is driving in a car. not to say I will never have other close College is a time to create yourself and friends, just that no other friends could find out who you really are and that is Students who commute cope with ever hold a place in my heart like they difficult to do if you are stuck in the unneeded stress. When commuting, do. I honestly would not recommend past. High school may have been great, parents usually do not recognize that going away to school without at least your hometown may be where your their children’s lives have changed. one friend to anyone. Everyone likes heart lies, but college is your right here, They tend to treat their children as if to see a familiar face and the transition your right now, and that is what needs they are still high school students. For

11 me, my parents left for work before I Students and Student to get a study group with either other had classes and arrived home after me. athletes or other students in your class. They believed that I had a large amount Athletes This is important because if one does of free time after classes, but most of not understand the material and cannot this time was dedicated to homework. make it to the professor’s office hours, I cannot describe how stressful it was Alan Siergiej one can at least ask someone who is in to have a full day of classes just to drive SUNY New Paltz his or her class. Weekends should be home and have a list of chores waiting spent relaxing or spending time with for me. friends. It also should be spent catching You just got into college and are up on some homework or studying a now nervous or excited, maybe even Commuting can also deprive students little more for a test coming up. both. You should start thinking about from a social life. Even though it everything you need to bring to is possible for commuting students Making a class schedule is important college. Make a list of important things to become socially active at college, for a student’s first year. A first year to bring. The first thing all incoming those chances are very slim. For me, student does not want to make a college students should try to buy is a I tried to be socially active through difficult schedule the first year because calendar, white board, or a corkboard. club activities. It partially assisted me one has never even taken a college class Anyone of these items will be of huge in keeping a social life, but at the end or has seen what it is all about. So for all importance to a college student in of the meetings, I would hear people first year students, especially athletes, trying to stay organized. Students will making plans for eating at the dining try to make a schedule consisting of be able to post due dates, daily to do hall, or hanging out that I could not mainly general education courses. lists, and upcoming tests. Being able participate in These are the courses one is required to stay organized will allow one to stay to take before one graduates. A big on top of things going around one’s Eventually, the stress of commuting thing to remember is to not freak out schedule. Staying organized can help a became too great. I told my parents over a bad grade on one’s first exam, student achieve higher grades because that I needed to move on campus. quiz, essay, or presentation. It comes one will be able to plan a schedule of Fortunately, I was able to find a with adapting from high school exams doing homework and studying. dorm room in the middle of my first to college exams. So when making a semester. After I moved, it was as if my first semester schedule, remember, Now that the college student has problems were solved. I did not need to keep it simple. become organized and even set up a drive back and forth every day. I could schedule for studying, one must now spend time with my friends during my mange the rest of his or her time. If the free time, and the only chores that I I write all of these important things student is an athlete, it is a little more have at college are laundry and cleaning for new students to remember because difficult but do not be afraid. First, start my room. I lived through it all. I did receive a off by finding out the practice time bad grade on my first exam. I was slot. Once that has been accomplished, Commuting seems like a good idea in not organized and did not have good one starts building around it. One theory, but when it is put into practice, time management. I made a difficult can create a class schedule for the commuting can become something schedule and did not have a study morning if one has a practice time very different. I’m not saying that it group. I made all of these mistakes later at night and vice versa. If one is impossible for a student to enjoy in the beginning my first semester. has a time slot in the afternoon, try going to college while commuting, but However, I changed everything around and make a schedule for the morning. I am going to say that for me, living towards the end of it and the beginning Now that the student has a class and on campus has greatly benefited my of the second semester. I avoided all practice schedule, it is time to make college experience. of these mistakes now, except getting a study schedule. Now obviously one a bad grade on my first exam, and find should use the remainder of the day college life a lot less stressful. Follow studying and doing homework. The these steps, and one can fully enjoy most important thing to do though is the college experience and become

12 successful. One can only get better and go where you want to attend. If Dormcest with practice, so why not start by doing you end up not attending school where the best that you can. you first expect to, do not discount what experience you will get; both Aryln Martinez types of schools have positives. Small Marist College Learn to Love It schools have a great atmosphere where everyone is friends, where your classes In college, the lifestyle for many Melanie White are more personal, and the given opportunity to adventure off campus. students is to go to parties to dance, Marist College If you do not attend the school of have fun, and often times, hooking your dreams, do not worry. Whatever up with random people. Now, there is nothing wrong with that and no one is Growing up in a city centered on a huge school you attend will have something to judge another’s lifestyle. However, university on the West Coast, I always you will enjoy. There are plenty of what happens when you hook up with wanted to attend a large university: that opportunities at either type of school someone who lives in your dorm, or on is all I have ever known. When it came to meet new people, and make sure to your floor? This is something known time to make a college decision, I was take advantage of those opportunities. as dormcest, and like anything else, waiting for schools to contact me about There are intramural sports and tons of dormcest has its pros and cons. softball scholarships, and the best one I clubs and activities that cater to many received was to a small, private school types of interests. There is of course The thing about most random hookups on the East Coast; the exact opposite the typical, meet people at parties, but is that they are simply just that, random. of what I wanted. Everyone told me if this is not your scene, do not worry. While in the club, people may be under what a great opportunity it would be There are plenty of people who feel the influence and may be just looking and what a unique experience I would the same way. for fun. While in this search for “fun”, receive. It seemed like everyone was college students end up hooking up more excited for me than I was for An extremely important part of learning with random individuals. Usually, myself, especially my friends who were to love your school, wherever you go, is following random hookups students going to the big schools I wanted and to get to know your professors and ask go their separate ways and often ignore living my dream. for help as soon as soon as you need it. each other thereafter. Since the other I am currently not getting the They understand and if you are making person is “random” and you do not experience I wanted like tailgating at 9 an effort to do well, they will be more know the person, it is easier to go your am for the big football game at 2 pm, likely to assist you. Professors often separate ways.But what happens when seeing hundreds of people every day I make or break classes, and depending the person you hook up with lives in have never seen in my life, and sitting on your relationship with them, it can your dorm, or worse yet, your floor. in lecture halls of 200 people. There make or break your college experience. Things can get very tricky from here on are not limitless options on campus, out. Usually, hookups in clubs do not and people are not as friendly in the Whatever school you end up attending mean much in terms of a connection. northeast. Talking to my friends makes make sure to give it time and do not People often may feel awkward knowing the experience I am missing freak out too soon if it is not your being next to or seeing a person they out on even harder. The differences in dream school. You will learn to love randomly hooked up with. the schools make enjoying where I am your school and the best things to do at difficult. However, the transition to are to be open minded and do not With this in mind, it is understandable the school is easier when I have a more compare your friends’ experiences to why dormcest has its downsides. If positive attitude. yours. Chances are your friends only tell you the really juicy stories anyways, and someone lives on your dorm, or on your floor, the likelihood is that you will Learning to love my school is possible accept your experiences are bound to encounter them several times is high when I forget all my previous thoughts be different than expected. Whatever making it difficult to ignore that person and do not compare my experiences you do, keep a positive attitude and you or go your separate ways and seeing to my friends’ experiences. When you will learn to love it. each other will be responsible for go to school, be sure of your decision

13 many awkward moments. If someone a lot more work than high school, but and effort into his or her class and that lives in your dorm or floor, you may often students forget that and put their you are not slacking off. By knowing a also have mutual friends who will only work off till the last minute and then professor personally, you can let them make things even more awkward. This do not perform as well as they hoped. know if you are experiencing some is because friendships may be strained After completing almost one whole outside stress that may be affecting and the awkwardness will extend to the year of college, I can confidently say your work as well. Having them there mutual friends as well. college is a lot different than high at college can also act as a support school. You learn twice the amount system or aid as a guidance counselor. However, if both parties felt that the of material in a semester, and the Also if you are able to establish a hookup meant something, and are teachers do not seek you out if you are strong bond with the professor, he can attracted to each other, some may struggling. It is important to speak to be used for future recommendations say that in this case dormcest has its them first if you are having difficulty when you are starting an internship benefits. In this case, two people are or even just to make sure they know or even your career. Even though attracted to each other do not have to who you are. approaching a professor or someone travel very far to see each other, and of higher authority can be difficult or it seems dormcest is not much of an When I first came to college, I started scary at first, once you start a small issue. struggling in a couple of my classes, conversation, you will realize they are and I was getting grades that I was not not that intimidating, and they are Even this though, can cause problems. happy with considering the amount always willing to help you out, so you As mentioned before people living in of studying I was putting in for those are able to succeed. Make sure when the same dorm/floor will often have subjects. After I had gotten the second you come to college to try very hard mutual friends. While things may be bad grade, I realized I needed to let and form relationships with faculty fine and dandy while the relationship my professor know I am concerned and your very own professors. This is going well, what happens if a with my grade, so he does not think I will make your transition into college, relationship goes sour? What happens am okay with doing poorly and that I which is a whole new environment, when the relationship ends, especially do care about my performance in his that much easier and less stressful. on bad terms? More than likely you will class. I also wanted to let him know encounter someone that person had a how much effort I was putting in. falling out with several times, which After speaking with professors one New School, New is not something anyone would like. on one, they really get to know you Friends, New This can lead to more problems, and better as an individual and can help if there are mutual friends involved, it you with some study techniques or try Experiences can complicate things within a friend to correct the mistakes you are making. group. Dorcmcest can be that innocent Most professors are very willing to bug or a dangerous epidemic spreading help improve your grades, and they will Lisa Henry throughout campuses. make the effort to schedule time with Suny New Paltz you to sit down and give you extra help. At the start of my first semester Not only has speaking to teachers freshman year, all I was focused on Establishing improved my grades, but I feel more was trying to be best friends with my comfortable now that they know me Relationships with roommate and going to as many events as a person, and I often speak to them that Tara Sestanovich had scheduled about personal things or even plans for Your Professors during welcome week and for first year the future. Even though they are your Fridays. As much fun as I had, I felt like professor, a student is able to have a I had started to miss out on meeting Melanie Walsh strong outside relationship with them as new people and doing other things well. Building a strong relationship will Marist College that I looked forward to doing on the benefit a student greatly. The professor weekends. I found myself spending will see that you are putting a lot of time Yes, everyone always hears college is more time in my room than I would

14 have liked. I loved the time that I spent So you might be wondering why I am terrible roommate situations, I am with the people I call my best friends, telling you all of this. How does it apply going to tell you the ten most important but I felt like I had limited my friendship to you? And what will you benefit by things to talk to your roommate about circle to three or four people, and I reading this article? Hopefully, you can in order to make living arrangements was ultimately missing out on my first learn from the same mistake that I made as comfortable as possible: semester college experience because I my first semester of my freshman year. was focusing way too much time with 1. Guest Arrangements—How do you the little friends that I had. The big mistake I made my freshman feel about overnight guests of the same year was sticking with the same people or opposite sex? How long could he or Over the winter break, I was talking to every day. As much as I love everyone she stay? Do you have a boyfriend or my friends at home, and I asked them I encountered, it had gotten a little girlfriend that will be visiting a lot? for advice about my situation. They boring after doing the same thing kept on talking about the amazing each and every day. I learned from this We have all heard the stories. “My experience that they had their first mistake by making an effort to meet roommate’s boyfriend is always in the semester, while I only had stories that new people and broaden my friendship room” or “I’m not going back to my revolved on what I did in my room. At circle. I learned that whatever you do room because they’re probably having that moment, I promised myself that I in college is your experience and the sex.” Although this issue is probably was going to enjoy spring semester so choice is yours. Nobody has to tell you more common than you think, it is also much more than fall. Also I promised where to be, what to do, and when to something that you could easily avoid. myself that I would make more of an do it. You’re living on your own and If you and your roommate come to effort to meet new people and make the things that you do and the people an understanding and an agreement new friends by doing activities outside that do it with you are your business on significant others, you will not only of my room. and your business only. By being feel more comfortable in your room— more open to meeting new people but you are going to encounter less My plan to make sure I was busy with and by putting yourself out there, you awkward situations as well! doing things outside of my room was a can make the most of your college success, and this is how I accomplished experience. Do not worry about what 2. Sleeping arrangements—What time such a task. I made sure I ate meals other people think of you because it’s do you go to sleep? Can you sleep with with different people each day to make ultimately your decision and you are the television on? Do the lights have to sure I was spending time with more the only one that matters. be off for you to be able to fall asleep? people than the usual four. Also, when I pass people on my way to class, or I have had an issue with this topic in my residence hall, I made an effort Tips on Getting Off personally. I go to sleep particularly to smile and say hi to as many people to a Good Start with early and my roommate is a night as possible. It’s really awkward in the owl. At the beginning of the year laundry room, when all you hear is Your Roommate! I found her listening to loud music the washing and drying machines and watching movies which were at work. So, I made an effort in the distracting me from falling asleep. At laundry room to talk to people I don’t Meghan Vumback first, it may be uncomfortable, but normally or usually talk to. Being that Marist College as soon as you address the situation, I joined the Relay for Life Committee it will only get better. And that’s and Emerging Leaders last (fall 2011) We have all heard the horror roommate what I did. Without hesitation my semester, I made more of an effort stories: whether it’s being sexiled, roommate threw headphones in and to talk to people there, and believe it dealing with obnoxious habits or living said, “problem solved!” Speaking up or not, I made a lot of new friends by with a kleptomaniac. The solution is about my concerns made my sleeping just doing that; by talking to people simple: talk. Talking to your roommate arrangements better and I’m positive it about similar interests or just the club before incidents have an opportunity will work for you too! in general. to occur will prevent them. Because of all of the stories circulating regarding 3. Schoolwork—Could you concentrate

15 with the television on? How about if one of you needs a helping hand or the both of you! music? Do you see yourself doing help getting to the doctor! schoolwork in the room or going to the 9. Sharing—How do you feel about library to get work done? 6. Room temperature—Do you like it sharing school supplies, food, or cold when you sleep? Do you get hot/ clothes? Are you over protective of This topic is always a hassle because cold easily? your stuff? people like to do their schoolwork at all different times of the day. But Room temperature is a bigger issue Sharing is one of the most important whether you like to get it done at than you would think. Some people things to talk about. Are you going three in the afternoon, or three in like it cold when they sleep so they can to rotate bringing cases of water? Or the morning, school is important. If snuggle up and others like it warm so are you going to bring water for only doing schoolwork in your room is they can sleep without sheets. Either yourself? Simple situations like this most comfortable for you, but your way, you and your roommate are in it for can give you a sense of what type of roommate is always distracting you by the long haul. Agreements on simple person your roommate is, and what talking, listening to music or the TV, things such as room temperature can you need to make living arrangements speak up so that your grades do not guarantee that you are comfortable in as simple as possible! suffer! your room! 10. Night life—Do you go out 4. Spacing issues—Do you get annoyed 7. Pet peeve—Is there anything in regularly? Do you drink? How late do easily? Are you a neat freak or are you particular that other people do that you stay out, and would you want to go messy? Do you get claustrophobic? annoys you? out together?

Spacing issues are always good to talk Pet peeves can be a big problem. They Understanding your roommate’s about. Some people can spend all day can range from cracking your knuckles partying habits are important. If your and all night with one person without to tapping your pen on your desk. roommate goes out every night, you get annoyed, but some people can’t. But no matter what the pet peeve, ask need to know whether he or she is It is good to talk about things such as and listen! If your roommate is easily going to be drinking. It is also good this. And it is also always important annoyed, you will be sure to get on their to know if you are invited to tag along! to remember, it’s not you! Everyone nerves before you know it, especially These questions could bring you gets in bad moods sometimes, and you if you do not know what they get together as roommates and as friends! need to understand that you aren’t the annoyed with. Simple questions about cause! In college, you can’t go to your cleanliness and personal issues will As you can see, all of your problems can room if you want to be alone, because cause less stress living arrangements be answered with communication. So you have a roommate. It is important for everyone! SPEAK UP. Talking to your roommate to give each other space and talk about and coming to an understanding about what’s bothering you! 8. Personality—Are you a morning or all of these potential situations will keep night person? Do you have any shows you both happy. When you discuss 5. Medical problems—Do you have that you would want to watch all the these ten important topics with your any allergies? Do you have any issues time? Would you want to be left alone roommate it is important that you are that cause you to faint, sleepwalk, sleep when you are in a bad mood? both honest and open with each other. excessively, etc.? Do you have diabetes If you keep each other’s interests in or need to take physical injections or These personality traits can explain mind throughout living together, you pills that I should know about? a lot about your attitude and mood and your roommate are guaranteed at different times of the day. For care-free living arrangements for the Medical issues are important for example, if you are not a morning year! your roommate to know. In case of person, it would not be acceptable for emergency, discuss any health problems your roommate to wake you up singing! you may have with your roommate. Simple questions like this could avoid This way, there will be no confusion little arguments and make life easier for

16 The Roommate quiet, peaceful zone and getting ahead that college is one of the best times of of the game by starting projects and your life and to live everyday with the Code: Do’s & Don’ts work much earlier than they were due. understanding that your future is what My roommate had a quite opposite you make of it. If your roommate idea which caused some tension. The situation is not ideal, remember there Taylor A. Rao do’s involving studying definitely are other alternatives that will make depends on the person, but finding a your experience at college appeasing. SUNY New Paltz zone where you can work to the best But for now, as you wait for that fateful of your ability is a necessity! Even if first day of college, remember to take Roommates: one of the most nerve your work zones do not include your a breath and keep an open mind about racking yet exciting word ever presented dorm, go the extra distance (literally) your future roommate! to a high school senior awaiting their and travel to the library, dorm halls, arrival at college. Over the years, with lecture centers, etc. Your GPA will each passing grade, students come improve drastically, and you will gain A College Life back to their old town and tell exciting better knowledge in a studious sense and sometimes even horror stories Without Alcohol and a social sense. Attendance is also a involving their roommates. Everyone key to college success. I found that in in my graduating class seemed to be my first semester, my roommate would overwhelmed with excitement when Dylan Babcock influence my decision on going to class it came to attending a university in the Marist College or not. I would awake groggy in the fall. I, on the other hand, was petrified. morning and decide that my roommate From the first submission of a college Alcohol, as I am sure you are aware, looks so cozy in bed that I should do application, to the diploma being has become the focal point of many the same. Overall, when it comes to personally delivered on stage, I was discussions in recent years, especially school work, try to compromise with shaken. Regarding myself, I was always its use on college campuses. All too your roommate and distinguish how self dependent and got home sick often you hear horror stories of what your shared time will positively affect when staying away from my parents happened to someone while he was both of you. for more than two nights. Also, to drunk; whether it was getting in a add onto my list of what seemed to fight, drinking too much and getting Another issue surrounding roommates be inconveniences for dorming, were sick, or worse getting in to an accident is personal schedules. Obviously you my obsessive compulsive disorder and while driving drunk. Unfortunately I two will not be doing every single anxiety. For the first couple of weeks, myself have a story that fits into this thing together and will most likely be I was still testing the waters with category, but first let me give you a on totally opposite schedules involving my roommate and figuring out her little background information. classes, recreation and other events. basics. Thus far, in my freshman year, Figure out both of your systems and second semester, I am living peacefully I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes decide appropriate roommate behavior. and actually extremely happily with when I was about thirteen years old; At my university, the dorm advisors my roommate. A lot of first year for those of you who do not know helped greatly in that department students will definitely be frightened, drinking and diabetes do not mix well. by providing questionnaires and but hopefully this article will lead you As a result, I did not drink at all through roommate code of conduct sheets into a more comforting state of mind high school, and it was not a huge deal, to help express ourselves deeply with by providing you all with the do’s and but when I arrived at college, I began one another. These schedules include don’ts involving “roommate code.” to think, like most teenagers, that I was going out, guests, television, music and invincible and that while alcohol might cell phones. Each person is unique, and One of the main issues revolving be dangerous for other diabetics, I developing a mutual respect for each college life is the issue of studying surely could handle it. Boy was I wrong! other will help gain the foundation for and attending class. Even though my a peaceful living arrangement. roommate and I get along perfectly well, One night I decided enough was our work ethic couldn’t be any more enough, and it was time to give it a try. I I have been told over and over again different. I was always for working in a woke up at about 4 a.m. in the hospital

17 across the street from campus with an worry about. While it can be tempting situations. IV in my arm. I only remembered bits at times to drink with all of my friends, and pieces of the night before. The all I have to do is think about that Sexiling, by many, is frowned upon, doctor informed me that I had been night, and I am perfectly content with and maybe for good reason. At transported here via ambulance with just going out as the sober kid. times, it can be inconsiderate to the a blood alcohol level of .29; keep in roommate being sexiled, especially mind this was not until a few hours if it is occurring on a regular basis. after I had stopped drinking, so it was Sexiling Do’s and There are times when sexiling is just likely higher at one point. On top of Dont’s not appropriate, such as when one that, apparently in my drunken stupor, roommate knows the other is doing I had walked out of the hospital while work for a class or when the other the physicians were tending to another Jeremy Mulvey roommate has a personal problem. If patient; I drunkenly stumbled out of SUNY New Paltz you constantly put your own needs in the hospital at around 2 a.m. in a t-shirt front of your roommate’s, and not just and jeans in the middle of November. with sexiling, this can cause a stressful Your college roommate proceeds I made my way down from the hospital, and unhealthy environment between through the door one night, but not luckily not making any wrong turns you and your roommate. This can all alone. He or she has brought someone and getting lost in the not so nice areas be avoided however, just as long as you back, and by the way they are acting of Poughkeepsie, across probably the set up a system before-hand that both towards each other, it is obvious that busiest highways in the city back to my you and your roommate agree upon. they want to be alone. Your roommate campus. I had not made it to my bed asks you, “Do you mind leaving for before I heard a knock on the door, Personally, I think there is nothing a little while?” Now, as a roommate, and to my surprise, there was a team of wrong with sexiling, just as long as what would you do in this situation? paramedics standing outside my door, it goes both ways. If I do it for my Do you get mad at your roommate even more surprising, they seemed to roommate, I expect the same to be for suggesting that you have to step know me. One of the paramedics said done for me and vice versa. As long out without warning and say you that if he had to pick me up again that as it stays equal, there should be no won’t leave? Or will you simply just night he would be pretty upset. problem between roommates. Other leave your roommate to be alone with ideas to be considered are putting out whoever he or she brought back? This My first night of drinking and I signals such as a tie or hat on the door. happens to many college students, managed to not only be sent to the Using a dry-erase board or post-it and both female and male, at some point in hospital, but escape as it were and be writing “busy” on it can also prove their college experience. For some, the sent back again. This my friends is why to be an effective method. Instead act of “sexiling” is a touchy subject, I no longer drink I realized how much of your roommate coming back to but others say, “I don’t find a problem danger I put myself in and how many the room, only to find that he cannot with it most of the time really.” When ways that night could have ended much, enter because you are “busy,” which a roommate is sexiled, however, their much worse for me. I have found it to can also be inconsiderate at times, why reaction depends on the circumstance be very nice just hanging out with my not just offer a warning text. Asking at hand. Many things can be factored friends even if they are drinking and I your roommate beforehand if he or into whether the reaction is a positive am not, not to mention there are more she can leave the room for a little while one or a negative one. Things like: the than a few benefits to drinking. For is a much more polite method versus other roommate’s mood, the condition example my friends often complain kicking your roommate out. If you of the roommate and the person about how expensive it is, but that’s simply text your roommate before you they brought with them, whether the not a problem for me, or how after a come home, “Hey, do you mind leaving roommate is working or not, and, what night of heavy drinking they tend to the room for a little while so I can have I find is most important from personal not feel so great in the morning, and some privacy?” or “Hey, I’m on my way experiences, the relationship between last but certainly not least there are the back with someone, do you mind if we the roommates. There are a few simple serious health issues that are associated could be alone?”, establishes that you ways that I found to be effective that with binge drinking that I don’t have to are not telling your roommate to leave, can bypass all of these problematic

18 but actually asking them courteously away to school will be that much more mall. We did not even buy anything; it and giving them an option which shows exciting because you will not have to was simply a way to spend some time you are respectful towards them. This worry about living with a stranger. with each other and bond before we could also strengthen your relationship had to live together. This made moving with your roommate because you have One fear about having a roommate into the dorm a lot more comfortable established a sense of respect. is if you are going to get along with because we had already met each other that person. If you are unable to get and had spoken several times; it was Just remember that to keep this sense along with your roommate, or if you not as nerve racking sharing a room, of respect and a healthy environment, are not compatible with him or her, especially those first few days, which you must do the same for your it can make your college experience are usually the most uncomfortable. roommate as he or she does for you. stressful because you live in the same However, if you are planning to live Following these tips of the spoken space. A person does not want to with a friend, you will not have to and unspoken “Roommate Code” can feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in worry about getting to know him or bring you and your roommate closer his or her own room; your room is her, but there may be other concerns than before and leave both of you with supposed to be your sanctuary and a that go along with that type of living a satisfied and happy feeling at the end place where you can relax. However, situation. of each semester. what people do not realize is when it comes to roommates, and even suite Some people plan to live with someone mates for that matter, it all comes that they already know when they go down to respect. If everyone respects away to school. However, that does Preparing For a one another, there will not be any not mean they should not talk about College Roommate problems. A good idea is to talk about certain concerns they have; just because certain things that bother you, such two people are friends, does not mean as leaving the lights on when no one that they can live together. If this is Marisa Giannico is in the room, so that both of you the case, you should make sure that you SUNY New Paltz know what irritates the other person. can in fact live with that person; asking Also, talk about habits that you may him or her specific questions will Getting ready to go away to college is have. For instance, in the beginning help you decide. For example, some probably one of the most intimidating of the school year, my roommate and questions that you could ask is what and nerve racking experiences a person I talked about what time we usually go time he or she usually goes to bed, if will go through. There is a lot of to sleep. Fortunately, we both went to he or she is clean or messy, and if he or excitement that goes along with this bed around the same time. However, she plans to go out more or less than process, but there are many fears as if that is not the case, then the two of you do. Questions like these will help well. Going away to school is entering you should have a discussion about give you an idea on what it is going to into a place of the unknown; a person that and try to come up with a solution. be like living with that person. does not have any idea as to what he Another good idea about how to get or she should expect. One fear or over the fear or concern you may have Getting ready to go away to college concern that people have about going about having a roommate is meeting or can be stressful enough without having to college is getting along with their talking before school starts. concerns about getting along with a roommate. When two people are going roommate. By taking the time to get to room together, it is difficult to know If it is possible, you should try to get to know your roommate, specifically in if you both are actually compatible together with your roommate before person, it can help you feel a lot better as roommates. There are some cases school begins. That way, when it about your living situation. Also, if where a person will room with a friend, comes time to move into the dorms, you are rooming with a friend, you but just because that person is your you will know who your roommate is should focus more on figuring out if friend, does not mean that the two and he or she will not necessarily be a you and your friend are compatible of you will be able to live with each stranger anymore. My roommate and living together. In addition, you must other. By taking the time out to get to I met over the summer; we had lunch always remember that your roommate know your roommate, preparing to go together, and then went shopping at a will most likely have the same fears that

19 you do; therefore, it will not only make time I would spend thinking about my Agreements Make you feel better, but it will make your family, and how much I missed them. roommate feel better as well. Forming friendships at college helps Things Clearer the transition tremendously and makes the college experience so much better. New Friends I do not know what I would do without Yoana L. Duarte the group of friends I have made. We SUNY New Paltz Anna Horrigan are all always there for one another and Marist College know how to cheer someone up when they are having a bad day or missing “Some people may not take the home. Making a good group of friends roommate agreement seriously” Before I came to college, all I could at school can really provide you with (Jack Ellis). This quote is part of a think about was whether or not I was many benefits. Not only are they there contract all college students who live going to make new friends. It was to cheer you up and support you but on campus are asked to make. The weird to think about leaving all the best they can also help with schoolwork. roommate agreement is a paper that friends I had made in high school. Even Having friends that you can study should be filled out together by the as I was pulling out of my driveway, the with really helps. You can create study roommates rooming together. The morning I left for Marist, all I could groups and help one another with contract asks questions concerning think was who am I going to hang out things that you might be confused what times they can have guests, with tonight or even better, who will with. They also become a great source what times should be set aside for I get dinner with? I was so nervous I of motivation to get through the studying, when low background noise would not make new friends. weeks when you have a lot of work. is allowed, the times each roommate My group of friends has become my will be expected to sleep, the times Most of these worries ended right on second family. I am so grateful to have each roommate is expected to wake the first day. Everyone was so friendly formed these friendships and will up, housekeeping, and pet peeves. In and welcoming. I had no problem forever cherish them. They have each most cases, these agreements are taken meeting people and having someone to made my freshman year more than I as a joke because we tend to think that hang out with. After the first day, I had could have ever imagined. we trust the person we are rooming formed many great bonds. The bonds with, and it is pathetic to sign these that I made within the first couple I would recommend to all students agreements as if something wrong was of weeks helped so much with my going away to college to be open going to happen. In reality, we do not transition to college. Leaving home and minded about coming to school and know what will happen in the future. my family was extremely hard for me meeting new people. Making new Towards the end, we will not tolerate and having a great group of friends to friends will make the college experience what we did tolerate in the beginning. support me and be there for me, made so much better. It also helps to have There are several things that not both everything a lot easier. I was constantly people around who can help you when roommates will agree to, for example doing something with someone and you do not have your family with you. who will do housekeeping, when will it was always kept busy. Adjusting to college can be a little scary be done, noise levels in the room, and and maybe challenging at times but just what personal property is not allowed As I was getting ready for college and remember that everyone around you to be touched. leaving home, being homesick was is going through the same thing and it always on my mind. I am extremely helps to be there for one another. Agreeing with everything is not always close with my family so I knew leaving the best idea. The roommates should would be hard for me. Making friends set limits from the start because if they at college made everything a lot do not misunderstandings build up. easier, and I was not as homesick as A room is the place we should take I thought I would be. Having friends care of because it is our home. This in my residence hall greatly helped environment should be well maintained because it took away from the down because who would want to live under

20 a dirty environment. Housekeeping trust with your roommate, but in some At SUNY New Paltz, the room and is a must when it comes to college cases, like mine being too comfortable board alone cost more than the price dorms. Most of us college students and not setting barriers from the of tuition. There are many ways to are busy with assignments, exams and beginning leads to misunderstandings. save money, helping to offset the have personal business to take care of; Letting someone use something can additional costs of college but not however, there should always be time become a habit therefor it could be many people consider staying at home to clean the place we call our home. allowed once but it should also be clear and commuting to school as a means Personally, I am a clean freak, and I that it should not be a daily routine to of saving money, and some believe feel that I cannot concentrate in a place borrow something. that commuting is only for community that is dirty. That is something that I colleges. However, this can be an would write in a roommate agreement. Roommate agreements should be excellent way to save more than half Contract housekeeping should be taken seriously because if a conflict the cost of college, and keep your divided and each roommate should ever shows up, you can always go hard earned money, allowing it to be contribute to cleaning the room. back to the agreement and settle put toward other things or to reduce Housekeeping to me is important, and things in a civilized manner. It is very student debt. in my first semester as a freshman, I hard for freshman to find the perfect experienced problems in coming to an roommate. All the conflicts come from According to the CollegeBoard, the agreement about cleaning the room. not agreeing with the same things or average student who attends and sometimes because limits are not set in graduates from a public college does Not everyone has the same mentality. the beginning. Stuff like house cleaning, so with around $22,000 in student Each individual works differently noise levels and personal property are loan debt and that number jumps to and has different habits. Some just some of the things that should over $28,000 for private institutions students concentrate more with be talked about with your roommate. of higher education. When you music while others need complete There is nothing worse than having remove $10,000 per year in room and silence when doing school work. conflicts with the person you live with. board savings and add in some minor Whatever the case might be, each The roommate agreement is a type additional spending on things such as individual should be respected. It is of peace treaty that helps roommates car maintenance and gas, a student very rude and inconsiderate if one get to know each other and also helps can easily reduce their spending by roommate is studying while the other them understand what to expect living enough to offset or eliminate their has music playing in the background. with another person. If taken the debt altogether. Commuting to school An agreement concerning when roommate agreement more seriously, I is a great way to save some money and there should be noise in the room is know I would not have the problems reduce your debt at the end of your something both roommates should I am facing now. However, we learn college career. agree upon from the start. Everything from our mistakes and everyone could be talked out, and in my case, should learn to take these agreements Some may say that finding parking I guess the lack of communication more seriously. can be difficult. This is true, but only is what made things worse. I should if you have bad timing. Once you get have said something right away, the the timing down to find that perfect few times when I felt disrespected The Commuter spot, parking is a breeze. This can by the noise levels when I was doing Experience sometimes lead you to class a bit early homework. but it can also allow some extra time to ask the professor questions or print The saying “what is mine is yours” does Connor Morabito out assignments before class begins. not always apply to everyone. It is hard SUNY New Paltz One thing that is often brought up to trust others with personal property is the commute itself. While students especially in college when rooming who live on campus may only have with a complete stranger. Touching the Lets face it- college can be expensive; a five minute walk from their dorm personal property of others should not tuition, books, room, activity fees, and room to a classroom, commuters may be allowed. It is not a problem to build board all go into a college experience. have to travel over an hour to campus.

21 Driving an hour each way, several days years of their lives, there are many already been let down once before or a week, just to attend school can be an factors that come into play. Some had a bad time at a community college. annoyance, but the potential savings major factors students need to worry can make it worth the travel. about is if they feel comfortable being Transfer students usual have a whole away from home, making new friends, different situation coming to a new As a commuter, some experiences are living under different conditions, and school, then other students, they do different than living on campus. There if they will like the school in general. not get to pick their classes until after is no roommate, you still have to listen Some students believe the college they everyone else, and often they are left to your parents while at home, and you choose ends up not being the best fit with not the best choices. A transfer may find it more difficult to attend on for them relating to their chosen career. student may already know a few campus social events. If you live close These students will have to go through people, or he may know no one, but enough, making the effort to stop in the process of finding another school it is still hard to work into a group of for social activities is a great way to and transferring to make their college friends because the group is already connect with on campus students. experience better. established and outsiders are not always Commuting students have rules too welcomed. If a transfer student feels such as when parked on campus they There are two different types of transfer that the school is a better fit and that need to remember to hang their parking students; there are the students who go they will give it a chance, they will end pass to ensure an officer doesn’t issue a to a college and plan to transfer, and up having a better time than they did at ticket while they are in class is a big one. the students who go to a school and their old school and have a great college It doesn’t make for a good day when end up transferring because the school experience. Being a transfer student is you return to your car to find a parking is not the right choice. No matter why it a stressful process, but it is worth it to ticket on it because your hangtag wasn’t is that a person transfers schools, there get the best college experience possible readily visible (but still in the car). are many changes and challenges that if you weren’t already. While it may be Overall, being a commuter is a good come from transferring and adapting hard to fit in and learn a new school, if way to transition from high school to to a new school. Some different you put your mind to it, the experience college. You still get to live at home like challenges that new students face after will most likely be better than that you did in high school but you are also transferring are trying to make new of the past. Fitting in and becoming given more freedom and responsibility friends again, adjusting to different familiar will be easy if you give the than previously. If you’re a student types of networks and teaching school a chance and surround yourself who struggles any time you enter a patterns, learning the new campus, and with people that you would fit in with new school, this transition could be a learning campus functions. While these and like to be around. great opportunity to save some money, students are adjusting and having to transition more slowly, and do better worry about all these different factors, in school. Overall, commuting is an they will also have a heavy work load My Unexpected idea more students should seriously because they are now adjusting to the Meltdown consider. second semester of freshman year, when more is expected of students Adapting to a New then in the first semester. Being a Rebecca D’Antuono transfer student puts a lot of pressure Marist College College Experience on this person mentally, and it is very stressful. I always wanted to leave home and John Wigand Finding a school for a second time can go away to college. I had worked very hard for my grades in high school and Marist College lead to a lot of work leaving the old school and being hesitant about if the always stayed involved so that I would new school is better and more fitting. have a good shot at getting into a good While high school students decide on Some people even are too hard on the college. I applied to a few colleges where they would want to go to college new school and end up not even giving and ended up choosing Marist as the and live for the next four upcoming the school a chance because they have college for me. There was no doubt in

22 my mind that I wanted to continue my I had built up the idea of college to uncomfortable in the beginning. education, and to me that meant going some sort of utopia. We all believed Freshmen college students make one away to a school and learning to live on we were going to make great new of the biggest adjustments in their my own. I did not believe that it was friends and love being on our own. We lives when they leave for college, even good for young adults to stay home in were so excited that we were making it though many of my family and friends their comfort zone with the same kids something that it could never live up told me this to try and comfort me. from high school and their familiar to. It was unrealistic of us to think this The important thing is to give the homes. I believed whole-heartedly that way. It takes time for people to make new adjustment some time. Some I was ready to grow up and go away to great friendships. It also takes time to people may decide it is not for them, college. Unfortunately, I did not know get used to new adjustments. but others may learn that it is the most myself very well. fun and exciting time of their lives. My extreme homesickness ended by the Either way, students will learn about My whole life, I had always thought end of my first semester. I had a few themselves and grow. Even if a student that I would go away to college, meet rough patches after that, but they were does not end up staying at college, it many new and interesting friends and nothing compared to my experiences was a courageous act to try it in the love my new life immediately. My first during the first semester. I was not first place. semester at college did not live up to prepared for this type of reaction at this expectation. Two days after my all. Needless to say, I returned for my parents dropped me off, I was begging second semester at Marist. My parents Talk To Me! them on the phone to come pick convinced me to give it another shot me up. My homesickness was more since I ended the first semester on a Matt Mailloux overwhelming than it had ever been good note with good grades. During SUNY New Paltz in my entire life. I felt like everyone the second semester, I found a group on campus had friends already and I of friends that became my family, I A major cause of a lot of problems had no one. I also missed my family learned what to expect from college within relationships is the failure to more than I had ever before. I was classes, I began dating a boy, and communicate. As college students, having extreme separation anxiety and suddenly I was enjoying school. No surrounded by a large number of had to call them multiple times a day. one was more surprised than me by people within our dormitories, this Everyone kept telling me, “Give it these positive events. becomes even more evident, as we more time.” This was something that must learn to live with people we may I was very reluctant to do. The only This experience really taught me about not be familiar with. Between my thing I wanted to do was to go home. I myself. I found that it could take girlfriend and I, we have experienced was begging my parents to let me go to time to adjust to new life situations. this phenomena a number of times the community college and live home. Personally, I found that it takes me a already. My friends and family were sending little more time to adjust than other me cards and calling me telling me that people. I also realized that my family Before we started dating, we were a everyone goes through this and that it really is always there for me. We part of a group of friends who seemed would get better. Although I knew that became extremely close through my to be filled with fun and nice people. they were most likely right, I could not struggles and it became obvious what We would hang out with them often stop myself from being upset all the an amazing family I had. I learned to and have dinner with them whenever time. On top of all this, I was putting appreciate all of my blessings. we could. Once my roommate started so much pressure on myself to love dating one of the girls within the group, college. I thought, “Everyone else It is important for future college our friends stopped coming into my loves college, why can I not love it?” I students who are leaving home to room to hang out. My roommate and had vowed that I would not return to realize that the beginning of college his girlfriend spend pretty much every Marist for my sophomore year. may be absolutely amazing, but it also second of every day together, so that may be extremely difficult to adapt to. pushed our friends away from them. I believe that I had this experience It all depends on the type of person. On top of that, my roommate and his because before college, my friends and There is nothing wrong with feeling girlfriend are not opposed to public

23 displays of affection, and this makes an extremely frustrating situation for Dealing With Daddy people feel very awkward. me, but I held it in for a long time. I told people I knew more times than Following up the eventual distancing I can count, “where is their common Sarah Davis between my girlfriend and my friends, sense?!” It was not until around we began to hang out alone together November that I confronted my SUNY New Paltz a lot more. The more time we spent roommate, however timidly, about my together, the less it seemed our friends feelings. He was very nice about it, and Since the day I was born, I’ve been wanted to be around us, as if they it stopped for a while, but since then, daddy’s little girl. My only sibling, an thought we would follow the same it seems like new frustrations pop up older brother, was definitely drawn road my roommate and his girlfriend all the time because of Derrick and to my mother’s presence more than were currently on. Whenever we Teresa’s actions. I’m not the type of my father’s., so naturally, I became asked if they wanted to have dinner person who likes to confront people, the apple of my father’s eye. This with us, they responded, “I have plans so it’s hard for me to do so when I have was extremely beneficial when I was with other people,” and every time we a problem. It has become very clear younger; my father would side with me told them we didn’t see them much to me that my roommate no longer in arguments, give me the last cookie anymore, they simply said, “I’m busy.” even puts thought into whether or and would let me get away with things not what he does with Teresa in our that my brother never could. I had my Eventually we stopped asking them room irritates me or not. Yet, such a father wrapped around my little finger, if they wanted to hang out at all. It situation could probably easily be fixed and I loved it. That is until I started became very awkward whenever we with some communication. looking at colleges and started talking talked to them after that. This went on about leaving home. for a few months, until my girlfriend These are just a few situations in which finally asked one of our friends - let’s better communication would help My father would tell me over and over call her Helga for the sake of the article immensely. I urge future students and how much he was going to miss me. I – why she stopped talking to us at all. those facing relationship problems felt awful for leaving him, and when he Helga did not really give a straight right now to let those causing drove away after dropping me off the answer, but after my girlfriend asked frustrations know what is going on. first day of school, I was heartbroken her a few more questions she only People cannot read minds, and some and felt so guilty. Soon I found a mustered “I don’t want to be a third lack even common sense. Therefore, pattern that began to develop as my wheel.” This made no sense because they need to be told exactly what is father would call me multiple times a Helga always surrounded herself with wrong to understand. Do not become week just to see how I was doing, or to a good amount of her friends. My stressed when dealing with a dilemma update me on the goings on at home. girlfriend and I still don’t know the that could be solved with some good These phone calls just deepened my true reasons behind the squandered communication. There is no need to feelings of guilt and heartbreak. relationships we once had, and spent a be afraid or nervous about the response few months talking to each other and of the person with whom the conflict Cases of parents missing their children wondering what the deal was. lies. The least that can be done is to when they go off to college are not make them aware of the conflict, and uncommon, but even though it is nice Another example of bad if a problem persists, speak up!! to be missed by someone, it can also communication exists between my be inconvenient, bothersome or just roommate and I. I’m going to use fake plain embarrassing to have a parent names to help explain the situation. who needs to be in constant contact. When my roommate, Derrick, first The problem is how does one deal with started dating his girlfriend, Teresa, a parent who reacts like this? How do he used to sleep with her in my room you tell the people who raised you and overnight constantly. Teresa was in the who will always love you, that they’re room 24/7, and it started to feel like being overbearing and you don’t want living with a married couple. It was to talk to them every day? Well, here a

24 few solutions to this problem: student can easily change unwanted embarrassments and bothersome My brother preemptively took care of actions caused by their parents. But of one problem for me when he decided, course, it’s always smart to approach with my parents, that Sundays would these topics with caution as parents be his day to call. He could then can easily be insulted or get their relay the conversation to my parents. feelings hurt. Following these tips will Establishing a time with your parents ensure that, as Vonnegut would say, to call during the week is a great way “everything was beautiful and nothing to keep them from calling every day hurt.” at any time. When your parents reach for the phone to call, they’ll remember that in a day you will be calling them and hang up the phone. While these arrangements work for me and my parents, some parents may want to talk to their children more often like twice a week or only once every two weeks, so discuss calling arrangements with your parents before you leave for school.

While my father does not intentionally try to make me feel guilty, every time he says goodbye to me on the phone, I can hear him get sadder with each passing word. Although this is painful, I remind myself that not going way to school would have robbed me of the opportunities and experiences of living away at college, and that ultimately, my parents, who worked so hard to get me here, just really want the best for me.

So find ways to make them feel appreciated, such as when you go home for breaks and all your friends are home, refrain from immediately leaving to hang out with your friends. Instead, have a family dinner with your parents before heading out. Many times I have gotten so caught up in the conversations at the dinner table that I ended up being late to hang out with my friends. While at first you may be reluctant to stay in with your parents (even if it is just for dinner), it may turn into something you enjoy!

With these suggestions, a college

25 Special Feature A Rumble on student loans, it should be the job of Fundraising: How the college student to assure something Tumblr: Youth Rise is done to distribute wealth and create to Get Involved opportunity for their future selves. Up to Propel the From the photos on the “We are the With Humanitarian Change They Want 99 percent” Tumblog, to those taking Causes on Campus the Occupy movement to the streets, to See people know the growth of the next generation begins with this one. Jacob Yoder SUNY New Paltz Zameena Mejia On November 16, 2011, Tumblr along with Mozilla, Google, Free Press, SUNY New Paltz If you are someone who wants and many other Internet companies to do some good for the world participated in American Censorship and help others, fundraising for When the public decided to take a stand Day by placing black banners on humanitarian causes is a great way to on the Occupy Wall Street movement their logos which read “STOP make a difference. Wether you have and fight against the government plans CENSORSHIP.” This effort was participated in fundraisers in the past, for Internet censorship, hundreds made to show the government that or if you are interested in doing so for upon thousands of bloggers took these Internet companies’ users will the first time, this article will provide to social media to make their voices not put up with being censored in the you with information on how to get heard. Of all the social networks and place where they should have the most involved, how to find worthwhile multi-platform media sites, young freedom of speech. Although the Stop causes, and some effective methods of and old citizens alike have taken to Online Piracy Act-- better known as fundraising, particularly on a college the blogosphere of Tumblr. Today is SOPA--is well-intentioned, the fact that campus. always the day for change, and here are it would give the government the power a few of the ways that Tumblr users to shut down websites outraged many. The first and most important step have worked their blogs for the better In many respects, SOPA is violating is finding a cause that you are truly of the world. the First Amendment by removing passionate about. Think about local, freedom of speech, a right that youth national, or global issues that appeal In August 2011, the phrase “We Are most identify with and desire. That to your interests. There are all kinds the 99 Percent” came to surface on a same day in November, Tumblr and of causes out there that are worthy of Tumblr page, alluding to the majority its users generated 87,834 phone calls devoting time and effort to, so try not of the American population who to United States Representatives in a to get overwhelmed. Be sure to find have faced the consequences of the 1 collective effort to protect the Internet. percent of the population who hold something that calls to you, something that you feel is important and is aligned a majority of the nation’s wealth. The From small-scale movements to help with your personal values. Do some Tumblr page consists of photos from end bullying, to large-scale movements research on non-profit organizations, different people each holding up a to protect their rights, people have or get in contact with organizations in piece of paper with their stories on come to learn the power behind your community or on your campus. it, each story ending with “We are the popular social media like Tumblr and There are many groups devoted to 99 percent.” With the cause taken to Twitter. Though many use Tumblr different issues, and some deal with the streets in the form of the Occupy for recreational purposes, the site can many different causes. Find the contact Wall Street movement there are many help bring revolution to a world in information for these organizations stories which deal with people well need of change. With the way youth and begin going to the meetings. If you past their twenties speaking out, but have become audacious enough to use have something which you are already this is a movement college students their resources to support their beliefs, committed to, you can always start your should especially keep track of. With a surely this won’t be where their voices own club or organization and begin lack of job openings and a surplus of stop being heard. students falling into debt because of finding friends and connections who will join you and give their support.

26 The Positive Things We Do

Simply gather a few people together money for an organization called By looking for these types of resources and apply to start an organization. “Young Heroes,” which raises money and simply sharing your cause with Once you have started an organization for orphans of the AIDs epidemic them, you’d be surprised at how much you can advertise by making fliers in Swaziland, Africa. I did the same help you can gain. Start with the closest and a facebook page in order to start fundraiser last year in high school, and people, like your hall staff, then branch recruiting new members! over the summer I went to Swaziland outward and try to join forces with as for two weeks after raising as much many other people and organizations There are more sources of support money as I could. Many children there as possible. Soon you will have multiple around you in a college community have lost their parents to AIDs, and it fundraisers going on at once and the than you might think. Places, is causing a huge crisis in the country. donations will be flowing in. The best organizations, and people you can These are children who deserve a part is, once you have someone on branch out to are in abundant supply. happy life but have been dealt very your side, they will take it from there In fact, one could argue that a college difficult cards. It was an unforgettable and take some of the stress off your community is one of the best places trip, and it left me even more motivated shoulders. As a team you will be able to for an individual to seek support for toward the cause. I am now in the rake in more donations than you could humanitarian causes. Once you are process of raising money again, and have alone, plus it’s not as difficult to committed to something, start seeking now that I am in college, it has been fight for your cause when you have support from others. Branching out is a different experience. I started out support from others. by far the most effective way to raise with just myself, doing everything I money. Think of it this way: if you could to ask friends for donations or to ask someone for a contribution and ask their parents to donate. However, Sports and Tumors they donate, that’s good. However, I soon found a lot more support if you can recruit another person to on campus. First, I talked to my RM Sarah Lembo support you and start asking people (resident mentor). All I had to do was Marist College for donations themselves, it will double create a simple powerpoint explaining your results because you now have the cause, and after showing it to her, Thousands of children are diagnosed two people advocating for your cause she had my back 100%. She then with brain tumors each year. Many instead of just yourself. Speaking from spread the word to the entire residence of these children are very young and personal experience, this is by far the hall staff, and they helped me come up become discouraged while in the best approach. with fundraising ideas and programs hospital. A little girl by the name of we could potentially organize in the Jaclyn experienced this when she was My own fundraising endeavors as a first building and on campus. That’s when only nine years old. In 2004, she was year college student have proven to be things started to pick up. I went on diagnosed with medullo-blastoma, much more effective than I thought. to meet with many organizations in which is a malignant brain tumor. I was surprised at the amount of the coming week, including Circle K While undergoing her treatment, she support I received, and the variety of International, RHSA (residence hall was inspired by a picture of a woman resources at my disposal. Since I had to student association), Relay for Life, and lacrosse player on the wall of the figure it all out step by step along the my Hall government. Before I knew hospital. way, my personal story serves as a good it, I had an overwhelming amount of guideline for where to go, what to do, support. With their help, a lot more In 2005, Northwestern University’s and who to talk to. Before coming to fundraising has been possible, such Lacrosse coach was told about Jaclyn college I had no idea who I would be as a door to door bottle drive in the and the struggles she was going able go to for help, but once you start residence halls, which is generating a through. This lacrosse team adopted the year, it doesn’t take long to get significant amount of revenue from Jaclyn, and they began to play for her. comfortable and figure out how things the 5 cent returnables we collect. This This brought Jaclyn much happiness work. By my second semester, when would not have been possible without and in turn, had a positive effect on her I started my fundraiser, I had a vague the help of my hall staff and hall health. idea of where to start: my residence government! hall staff. What I am doing is raising After seeing this positive experience

27 that Jaclyn had and realizing how it Through their hard work and media establishment of the Countee Cullen helped her recover, she wanted to coverage, The Friends of Jaclyn Community Center, one of the first provide that same experience to other Foundation has enhanced awareness in Harlem. It offered many different children suffering from various tumors of pediatric brain tumors. It has also services and activities that students in the hospital. Jaclyn and her parents shown children and their families and families could partake in after decided to make a difference and create that there is hope and people who school, on weekends, and even during a foundation that would allow children truly care about the health of these the summer. In an effort to help suffering from pediatric brain tumors children. This organization is a model keep public schools safer, they even to have the support of a college sports of inspiration to anyone, regardless of started a Peacemaker program that team, like Jaclyn did. who you are or what struggles you are placed AmeriCorps participants in the going through. Each and every one of classrooms with the students. In 2005, her parents, Denis and Lynda us can use this foundation as a model Murphy started The Friends of Jaclyn of hope and encouragement towards In the beginning, the Harlem Foundation in order to improve the others through their struggles and Children’s Zone was only around quality of life for children suffering hardships. 24 blocks, but today the zone has from pediatric brain tumors and their expanded to around 100 blocks. It also families. They showed these children Changing the World now includes programs that follow and their families this inspiration students all the way through college. through pairing each child with a One Child at a Time They even provide programs to aid the college athletic team. Through this children’s families. The Baby College is adoption process, the relationship a nine week program to help expecting between the child and the sports team Gregory P. Miller parents and parents of children up to involves text messaging, emails, phone Marist College the age of three, which teaches them calls, Facebook and Twitter postings. good parenting. The Harlem Gems is an all-day pre-school program that This foundation has grown to having In a world that is plagued by war, gets children ready to enter school over 300 children being adopted by over terrorism, disease, and economic and starts to teach them English, 20 college sports teams throughout strife, it is easy to develop a pessimistic Spanish, and French. The main part the whole country. More than 1,000 view of the world. This is extremely of the Harlem Children’s Zone is the schools are on a waiting list through sad because there are so many good Promise Academy, a charter school, the foundation to adopt a child. things happening in the world that go has extended school day hours and This foundation has grown through unnoticed simply because they are not longer school years to provide extra their nationwide recognition. This “good television.” People are more time to those kids who need it. In 2006, recognition has even reached Marist focused on the bad things happening the Promise Academy added a health College! The women’s basketball in this world than the good things clinic to the middle-school building team at Marist College adopted a little that people are doing. The Harlem to provide free medical and dental girl named Nina who suffered from a Children’s Zone is a program that does services to the kids who attend the pediatric brain tumor as well. the opposite and helps make the world school. a better place. The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation also The amazing thing about the Harlem plays a part at Marist College through The Harlem Children’s Zone was Children’s Zone program is that a one other very important and exciting originally started in 1970 as the majority of its funding comes from fact. Jaclyn, the nine-year-old girl who organization Rheedlen. It was everyday people and the program started this amazing organization, will established as a program to help completely free for the students. This be attending Marist College in the fall! counteract truancy because truancy is alone shows how good the world The campus community is so excited to a large problem in certain areas within can be because it is an anonymous have such a strong young girl become the city. Although the organization person providing education to some part of the Marist family. began in 1970, it did not really pick child they do not know at all. That up until the early 1990s with its education they are providing also has

28 greater ramifications than most people battling cancer. Over 400 students and by emailing us at nprelayforlife@ see. The kids who attend the Promise community members attended Relay gmail.com or on our website, www. Academy are starting to change their for Life during which the Relay for relayforlife.org/sunynewpaltz. attitudes about education. They now Life at SUNY New Paltz club raised feel that it is “cool” to be smart and about $3,000 for the American Cancer believe that they are learning what they Society bringing their overall total for need to succeed in life. If the Promise the year to $24,000. Academy is able to change how students feel about not only education Hugo the Hawk, the SUNY New but about themselves, then anyone who Paltz mascot, was also in attendance. donates or participates in the Harlem Various student performing groups Children’s Zone are helping improve from the SUNY New Paltz campus the Harlem Zone as a whole and also performed throughout the day to keep the lives of the people who live there. everyone entertained. Groups such as Jam Asia, Culture Shock, Epic Glee, The Harlem Children’s Zone program Absolute Acapella, The Sexy Pitches, is helping to change the lives of the SUNY New Paltz Cheerleaders, many kids by providing them with and TBA Improv came by to perform. an education which is immensely Instructors from the Zumba and Dance invaluable today. Although, the world Groove classes at the SUNY New focuses on the bad things like the Paltz Athletic and Wellness Center led ongoing war on terrorism or economic participants in mini-workouts to keep problems there are people out there them moving. There was lots of food looking to change the world for including bagels from the New Paltz the better. The many donators and Bagel Café, coffee and sandwiches participants to the Harlem Children’s from Panera Bread, cookies and drinks Zone are trying to change the world from Campus Auxiliary Services/ one child at a time. Sodexo, pizza and salad from Fat Bobs and Rhino’s Pizza, buffalo wings from The Race for Life Buffalo Wild Wings. DJ’s from the SUNY New Paltz student run radio Relay at SUNY New station, WFNP the Edge, volunteered to be the DJ’s for the Relay for Life Paltz providing hours of great music.

The support of many local businesses David Manas resulted in numerous raffle baskets SUNY New Paltz that were raffled off throughout the day. Various gift certificates, coffee, and Relay for Life promotional items The annual Relay for Life at SUNY made up each basket. Other activities New Paltz took place on Saturday, included face painting, root beer April 21st, 2012 on the Old Main Quad pong, a celebrity look-alike contest, on the SUNY New Paltz campus from and a bouncy house. Overall, it was 10am to 10pm. During the day, cancer an emotional day for many, but at the survivors were celebrated, loved ones same time, a very successful one in the who lost their battle against cancer were ongoing fight against cancer. More remembered, and everyone fought information regarding Relay for Life back with those who are currently at SUNY New Paltz can be found

29 Works of Art

A Small Kitchen Toilet Art Work By Comfort Kimberly Mara The Jali

30 E_W_

By Mike Hague 31 Lust and Other Feelings Gold Kurt Cobain Mike Hague Mike Hague

Untitled Andrea Austin

32 Artful Musings

Thunder kosmos had not known. What happens when you dance with the chaos that grooves within? Meghan M. Walsh Blown matter. Conceptions questioned; some kept, SUNY New Paltz some shattered. Love pristine, T he loud drums are all I can Respects love in I, in them. H ear. I hide Once the great dance ends, U nder the bed May you find you are indeed coupled N ot alone, but with the with all. D arkness as I Ever so slowly succumb to the R ippling river of thunder and lightning. Abandonment

Ja’Lisha Higgs The Kosmic Dance SUNY New Paltz Untitled Pia Wyss Joshua Otero Sitting there all alone, on the phone No one is home, but her SUNY New Paltz The youngest house wife, who’s not even married Entered the door with a rifle in hand, Yet, all she does is cook and clean feet bare; move to walk from stand. Sewing up the seams, of her little An arm is lifted, a finger retracts. brothers shirt Multiple worlds are set to turn black. Getting hurt, poking herself with When they awoke their entire world theneedle was moving, No one cares of any fatal damages that Colors doing, what they had never may occur, before seen them doing All they know is how to abandon her! Kosmic energy, reaching visual realization; Keeping you locked in with no key to What has always been, is becoming leave, demonstration. Can’t come and go when you please. For so long they have had their wilds They treat you like you have a disease, silenced; Or maybe you do! All it took was one gunshot to instill The disease called. . . metaphysical riot. ABANDONMENT Breathe in through nostrils, air permeates soul; Vibrant transmissions circling around a Untitled centerpiece.

Color! Color frenzy! Diana Metz

Moon reveals strongholds of a devil’s SUNY New Paltz Untitled rebel. You and I Kristen Lowe Mind blown to propotions the previous Two separate souls

33 Who both wish to attain the reason of I wanted to prevent what I feared the But just know, why we exist most, which was to be I’m not angry with you. Yes, as individuals, but also as a pair alone, I’m not disappointed in your choice. Suddenly our souls became one, you With out your presence. I’m not looking for an explanation and I were But how could anymore. One you Just know Aaron, Your ideas became mine, do this to me? That you made an impact on my life, My vocabulary seemed to be coherent How can And on everyone else’s… with yours. you Your smile is engrained in my head, You possessed my strength do this to yourself, and As I pulled you up from your lowest. Your friends, your beautiful words are healing my You, the most powerful person that I Your family? heart. knew, We all love You are such a beautiful person, inside The one who possessed all my strengths you. and out. Was the one who overtly made me As you and I sat on that 30 story roof, I wish I could’ve saved you one last weak. Discussing, crying and comforting time. No you did not know. And still don’t each other after your first attempt, However, the circumstances are a bit know. I continue to ask myself, different this time. But that moment when you told me Why didn’t you just call me? You, you loved me, Tell me you need me again, My angel, I laughed and walked away. I’ll be out of here, Look after me, It was awkward, and never mentioned To save you again. And save me. again, You promised. Your leap for freedom from those 30 But I, PROMISED. stories, that you and I encountered, Who feared the consequences about You promised me, From that rooftop where you and I being together… As we both innocently looked into first kissed, Now, each other’s eyes, From that same place where you told Realize, that I am in fact, in love with Staring helplessly. me you weren’t gonna do it, you too. I thought I saved you. Made many people realize your You were someone who I grew And after you called me your angel, importance. comfortable around. Now, you for me, You are an amazing Someone who became me. Me, who Are my angel. Friend. became you. As I look up at the sky after your leap Your memories will continue living in But, June 29th, you disappeared, of hope, my veins, and I will Longest week of my life… I really hope you look over me, Smile, And boom, like a flash, you’re back As I face this life alone. Like how you loved. into my life. However, I appreciate you, always. You were in a hospital and I picked you I’m glad you’re not suffering, I love you always. up. Glad you’re not reliving those And I miss you always. I was ready to mentally make you better, experiences again… REST IN PEACE to care for you when you needed it. Just know when I look up at those blue AARON FAROOQI When your unreliable ex-girlfriend skies, wasn’t around, I was there. And feel that wind chill, After you spilled those three words, My spine shivers, and I smile. I I know it’s you. Need You’re watching me, You, You know that I miss you. I ran for As I write this, you. The wells of my eyes swell up,

34 all-nighters and complaining to my Political Awareness The Life of an Art friends and family about how hard it Student...Not as Easy is and how much I don’t want to be an Through Pop Art art major, in the end, the final result as it Looks of my project always makes me think otherwise when I realize that I was in Andrea M. Austin fact able to live through it. Art students Kristen Lowe around the world all deal with the same SUNY New Paltz SUNY New Paltz problem, that being an extremely heavy Police brutality seems to be a trending workload. Many art students do end topic in today’s society. Whether it up switching majors because they like Before becoming an art student, I is because of protests, drug laws, doing artwork for fun and don’t want knew it wouldn’t be a breeze. Some or simply a desire for power; police to be told what projects to do and people believe that being an art student throughout the years have used their how they should go about doing them. is the easy way out of getting a degree. weapons and authority to suppress Art is about freedom, but to be an art This is not true at all. In fact, being many of our rights as American student, you have to be able to deal an art major is probably one of the citizens and human beings. One of with some of your freedom being taken most difficult majors offered on my the most recent examples of police away. It is definitely not easy, but after campus at SUNY New Paltz. Although violence would have to be the Wall doing twenty dreaded self portraits, or we are doing what we love, when we Street protests beginning in the fall making a huge cardboard structure that are watching the sun rise at Smiley of last year. Thousands of citizens took hours upon hours, we will all be Art Building several nights a week it practicing their right to peacefully drained, but we will also become more becomes work instead of the hobby protest were oppressed by the New skilled artists every minute that we we are passionate about. On top of the York Police Department using such work on a project. If we have enough work load, we have two studios a week simple weapons as pepper spray cans. passion for our art, we will be able to that are 5 hours each. My Wednesday Though not particularly dangerous make it through art school and all come consists of a five hour studio from or harmful, pepper spray causes out being successful artists, and most 12:15-5:45 P.M. and then an Art immediate tearing and extreme pain importantly be proud of the work Seminar class from 6:00-8:45 P.M. I to the eyes. Those sprayed can also that we are producing, and proud of have about ten minutes to shove down experience temporary blindness which ourselves for sticking it out. This piece dinner so that my stomach doesn’t can be a truly frightening experience. below is a charcoal drawing that I did grumble the whole class, and then I Throughout the weeks of protests, of waterfalls keeping somatic mark in arrive home to rush through homework dozens of innocent protesters were mind. It created an abstract look to the so I can go to bed at a reasonable hour. sprayed with this painful chemical for piece. This was one of the pieces that These are just art classes, we also still no reason at all. One video filmed kept me, and many other art students have to take general education classes by a bystander even shows a police up until sunrise. In the end, I learned like everyone else, making it difficult officer nonchalantly spraying a line of so much from working on this piece, to even graduate in four years. As sitting protesters while they screamed and put behind me all the sweat and incredibly difficult as this major may in agony, showing no emotion brainpower that it took from me. be, I don’t want to complain too much whatsoever. Many came to believe that because I still love the world of art. the police officers were overusing their We also do have a great art program at authority and making a sick game out SUNY New Paltz, which is one of the of harming these people because they main reasons why most art students knew there would be no consequences come here. That also explains why it is to them for doing it. so incredibly difficult. Us art students have to be extremely passionate about When given an independent project art to be willing to do all the work assignment in my Intro to Painting that comes along with the major. course, I decided it would be a good After suffering through countless

35 Let Me Entertain You idea to showcase these past events in From Paperback to is convinced is his good luck charm. an artistic and unassuming kind of way. I was instantly inspired by pop the Big Screen In the epic finale of the hit saga, art, since it lacks depth and shading, Breaking Dawn part 2 picks up where presenting a flat, almost comic like part 1 left off. After the birth of her image. However, even though it is Dana Leuffen child, Renesmee, Bella and the rest of not always as detailed as other types the Cullen clan fight to save her from of artwork, it has a tendency of SUNY New Paltz the evil Volturi clan. Stephanie Meyer’s catching a person’s eye and relaying a vampire romance series has gained a During 2012, Hollywood will be message with a solid image. Pop art huge and dedicated fan base. Despite spewing out a series of film adaptations was also often used in advertising and some of the negative feedback the of popular novels. Fans of current for propaganda in the past. Some of movie adaptations receive, the fans YA novels as well as fans of classic my biggest inspirations were Andy remain excited to see the conclusion. novels will be excited to see some Warhol’s paintings which presented Returning cast members include of their favorite books come to life. an object repeatedly in different color Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, schemes. The importance of this for and Taylor Lautner. This movie is set On March 23, 2012 Lionsgate released me was to present the gloominess of to be released on November 16, 2012. its adaptation of Suzanne Collins first such a simple weapon and make it novel in The Hunger Games series. appear as if it were an advertisement If young adult novels aren’t your Set in a futuristic dystopian society, for a harmless product, since there was thing, F.Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Hunger Games tells the story of so much of this controversy occurring, novel The Great Gatsby will also Katniss Everdeen as she is forced to but with little public awareness. It be hitting the big screen. The novel enter an arena and battle to the death also represented how pop culture takes place on Long Island during on live television. The movie features often overpowers more important the 1920s and follows the story of popular actors and actresses such as and pertinent issues in the world, Nick Carraway as he is pulled into the Jennifer Lawerence, Josh Hutcherson, grabbing people’s attention because lavish lifestyle and past love of Gatsby Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, and of its bright and happy colors. In my and Daisy. Starring Tobey Mcguire, Woody Harrelson, playing some of painting, I present a pepper spray Carrey Mulligan and Leopnardo fans’ favorite characters. Fans were very can in nine different color schemes DiCaprio as Gatsby. The film is set pleased to see that director Gary Ross and incorporate the American flag to be released on December 25, 2012. stayed true to the beloved novel. The to compel viewers to see that it had Hunger Games grossed 155 million something to do with America. I also They very popular coming of age dollars just three days after its release, strategically chose the middle square novel Perks of Being a Wallflower making the 3rd most successful movie, to be bright green, representing the by Stephen Chbosy will be hitting behind Harry Potter part 7 and The greed and money issues that were theaters in 2012 (exact date is TBA). Dark Knight, for opening weekend. being protested in the “Occupy Wall Starring Logan Lerman as Charlie, the The cast has already signed with Street” movement. I believe that art novel’s main character, tells the story Lionsgate for the next two movies in the that presents political and social issues of his ups and downs faced during series: Catching Fire and Mockingjay. in a compelling way is one of the most High School. The coming of age April 20, 2012 the popular novel influential and moving types of art. movie will also star some big names by Nicholas Sparks, The Lucky If a person is able to present an issue such as Emma Watson, Paul Rudd, One, starring Zac Efron and Blythe in an artistic way, it is bound to affect Nina Dobrev, and Dylan Mcdermott. Danner, will hit theaters. Many of more people than reading a simple Nicholas Sparks’s books including news article or watching a clip. Art Book to film series have become The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, has the power to force people to think extremely popular with today’s Dear John, and The Last Song have beyond traditional means of relaying generation. With the Harry Potter also been turned into movies. In The and taking in information and makes movie series coming to an end last Lucky One, Sparks tells the story of a an impression in a person’s mind for a summer and The Twilight Saga ending marine in search of the woman who he very long time. in November, fans have been anxiously

36 waiting for a new series to take its the 1950’s, segregation was a serious language that we all speak, and music place. Now, Hunger Games fans have issue that was crippling the people of is a common way to express those 3 movies to look forward to with the the United States. People of color were feelings because everyone enjoys some final film set to release in 2015. This looked at as second class citizens and type of it. Music helps bring people year, 2012, will be a very popular year were not given the same freedom as from all over the world together to for book lovers, but will the films do Caucasians. Through all the chaos and aid one another in a time of crisis. these movies justice? Looks like we turmoil, people of color and Caucasians will have to hit the theaters to find out! found a common ground in music. Music is an amazing tool which is used not only to foster one’s skills Jazz and Rhythm and Blues are genres but to serve as a universal form of The Power of Music of music whose roots are from Blues. expression. Almost everywhere one Blues is music that is rooted on the goes, music is present, and it brings life plantations where slaves were forced to and relief to the world. In all its glory, Amy German work. Slaves used this form of music music acts as a universal language to express their deep disdains and which people from all walks of life SUNY New Paltz mourn their unfortunate situations. enjoy in some way. Music has not only Through generations, music evolved affected the world in political and social Human beings live in a world divided by and Jazz, Rock and Roll and Rhythm ways, but acted as a means of relief skin color, rules, countries, and social and Blues used the essence of Blues when people were in need of solace. class structures. They often misjudge to get their messages across. All over one another by the constraints that the United State people of different divide them. What humans may lack colors and economic backgrounds Up-And-Coming in compassion and understanding for began to enjoy the same type of music. Music: Young Grav one another, they make up for in the The realization that both African appreciation of each other’s cultures. American and Caucasian artists where Along with food, music is a very singing about the same troubles Joseph Nikic important factor which allows people such as love, heartbreak, poverty from other cultures to connect and and injustice, provided more fuel for SUNY New Paltz learn from one another. Music shapes the Civil Rights Movement. These one’s life and brings people from troubles, which ultimately helped Hailing from Harlem in New York different cultures and social classes bring a nation divided together using City, Young Grav, otherwise known together. Music has existed since human music and its Civil Rights leaders as as just Grav, shows all the signs of beings have discovered the ability to a catalyst, brought people together in an artist destined for success. Grav project sound. Throughout time, and using music as a way of expressing recently released his first mixtape of 8 with the development of technology, how people are truly all the same. songs called “Aerial Takeover.” Even music has become inescapably a global the title subliminally illuminates Grav’s language which helps mold the entire Today music still acts as a common intentions: a takeover of the rap game world. It is in commercials, movies, TV ground to help aid serious issues. is what everyone should be expecting. shows, and at weddings, funerals and When a catastrophe arises, many many other everyday and important celebrities often use music to raise Why should you believe in Grav? predicaments. Without music, not only money in order to help the people Listen to any of his songs. Variety would life be dull and lack expression, affected. When a massive earthquake reigns supreme in all of his tracks. He but human beings would not have one struck the small country of Haiti has made songs that are fast, songs of the most (if not the most) common in 2010, many celebrities joined the that are slow, songs about anything grounds to connect to one another. cause in helping raise money for from love to making it to the top the people affected. Many of those and stopping at nothing to do so. His In a nation divided, music stood as a celebrities were musicians who used flowing words attract the ears of all common language in which human benefit concert as the means to raise music fans upon first listen. The best beings related to one another. During money. Pain and suffering is a universal thing about him is his age. He’s only

37 20 years old with many years still ahead Once You’re Really of who is real and soon reality gives of him to grow and create an image to way solely to the existence of White separate himself from other rappers. Bad There is Only as not only a character, but a person.

My first meeting with the young artist One Way Out By naming it the final season, AMC was more than I could have asked for. promises to tie off loose ends and Grav’s swag is immediately noticed Luke A.C. Olso cliff hangers that have been amassing when you talk to the guy. He’s laid back throughout the show. Season four and cool and is always just looking for SUNY New Paltz left off with Walter being in more a good time. If you ask him, he doesn’t dire circumstances than ever before have time to worry about all the bad Dramatic, well done and completely and fans of the show will be treated things. He loves making music, and addicting; Breaking Bad returns for to the gripping intensity of watching will collaborate with almost anybody its fifth and final season this summer his life play out once again, one nail who is passionate and interested in and promises to end with a bang biting episode at a time. However making “poppin’” music. Part of what comparable only to the previous four this time there will be an end to all will make Grav so successful is his seasons of mayhem that have kept fans the chaos waiting at the finale of want for new innovative and creative waiting on the edge of their seats for the upcoming season and a freeing music that people have never heard summer 2012. This show represents of Walter White from the life of before. But at the same time he stays AMC’s successful foray into the action that fans are so hypnotized by. true to the rap game and makes tracks creation of original series and stands as with the old-school feel to them. nothing less than the highest quality of A huge part of what makes Breaking television you can ask for. The series Bad is the overall quality of the New York City has produced talent in revolves around the life of Walter series. The cast of characters is all genres of music for decades, and White, an aging high school chemistry strong throughout and a well-mixed Grav is just another one of those lucky teacher overqualified for his job and combination of those you can learn New York City brand artists born working two jobs just to provide for to love and those you know you hate. with a talent for creating good music. his family. Walter’s life quickly takes The great cinematography aids the Something about him stands out, it a drastic turn for the worse when narration of the series and helps it to might be the look or it might be the he finds out he has lung cancer and stand out from most shows today by talent, but it’s something that you can soon he turns to the production of being visually very intriguing in addition only understand once you encounter a methamphetamine with one of his to every other strong point behind real Young Grav experience. You can old students to make money for his the show. The writing is impeccable, download his mixtape online for free, family while he still can. Breaking leaving you wanting more of the it is definitely worth the listening time. Bad has held the attention of viewers show. As a package the characters, You can also find him on Facebook, at every turn thus far, and the final cinematography and writing in Breaking and on Twitter @YoungGrav. Look out season promises not to disappoint. Bad represent quality entertainment on for Grav in a place near you, I am sure television that should not disappoint you will see him everywhere and soon. The intensity of the series is not for as season five quickly approaches. everyone, but those who start find it very hard to pull away from. The twists Thus far Breaking Bad has proved and turns of the life of this elderly itself as a standout series in the eyes of meth cook are very hard to predict and viewers. In this day and age the ability the inability to relate only leads to the to find quality television is arguable, unpredictability of the show. Walter but AMC really raises the bar with White, played by actor Bryan Cranston, a show that is entertaining on a level is a character unlike most in the utter uncommon today. The future of Walter rawness he brings to every single White is uncertain, but one thing that is episode. Cranston plays his character certain is the fact that AMC is sure to so well you soon begin to lose track bring their storytelling expertise to the

38 table one more time and put forth a fifth cannot be criticized. This seems to Lobster restaurant in the Bronx. She season that is entertaining television, be a growing idea in society, that since grew up with a family that was unstable worth every second of your time. someone has attempted to be a singer and dysfunctional. Her father was a but has no talent, you cannot tell them severe drug addict with a long history they are untalented simply because they of violence. Tragedy struck last year Fake Fame tried. It is an extremely fascinating when her cousin died from a shooting epidemic to me. But these untalented incident. She has paid tribute to him people have millions of views because in her song “Moment for Life”. With Alexandra Vittorini It seems that the idea of talent has the struggles she went through, it Marist College completely disappeared due to the caused her to strive to be better and sensitivity of those who try, and this rise above the life her parents knew. In this digital age we live in, may seem harsh but that is what these Her success today is an example of communication allows for easy access “famous” people need, a wake-up call. how people who grew up in an abusive to everything. The exchange of videos environment can do anything they and music creates this very thin line The more we all treat these social want if they put their minds to it. between fantasy and reality of media. sites such as Youtube and Twitter as Nowadays, you can’t even tell if a video a way to fame, the more we coddle Minaj attended La Guardia High of someone singing poorly is a joke or these fake celebrities. Yes, Justin School of Music and Art. Her career if they sincerely think they are talented Bieber was discovered from Youtube, was launched after being signed with and are delusional. Social networking but that does not mean all music rapper Lil Wayne, when he saw how sites such as Twitter and YouTube has producers spend their days looking for talented she was, and now she is one made mediocre people, “Famous.” The singers on the Internet. Just because of the richest female rappers. Nicki amount of times someone has looked someone has 200,000 followers on Minaj has a very unique style and does at your video on YouTube dictates twitter does not mean anything, and not care what anybody says about her. a level of fame. The same goes for most likely they are following that She is well known for her voluptuous Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, the person in hopes to get more followers body and outrageous fashion. Her amount of followers and followers themselves. Numbers mean nothing. sexual orientation is not defined by her, you have makes you famous. Fame Followers mean nothing. Real fame which creates a curiosity in the media. has taken on a completely different is when you are recognized for your She embraces people of all lifestyles. definition. Your numbers decide your talent and success, not for being that level of fame. The higher the number, girl who fell in that Youtube video. Many different personas are used in the bigger the fame. Only this type of her performances, and this makes her fame is not based on talent or skill, but memorable and different from other on mockery. Everyone knows videos Nicki Minaj artists. In some of her songs, she has of the people who can’t sing but Her Journey created an alter-ego. As a child, Nicki these videos OVERCAST the people would pretend to be someone else and who are actually talented. Because, did this as a way of coping with the let’s be honest, we all would rather Ashley M. Scott turmoil surrounding her parents. She see “Scarlet Takes a Tumble” instead utilized the talent she had since she of a news segment on YouTube. Marist College was twelve to get where she is now. Her collaboration with other artists and Saturday Night Live, portrayed this Onika Tanya Maraj otherwise known as production of mix tapes has expanded phenomenon in a sketch called “You Nicki Minaj is currently one of the top her career. She made number one on the Can Do Anything.” Everyone should female hip hop rappers, singers, and U.S. Billboard 200 chart with her debut take a chance to see it, because it song writers. She was born in Trinidad album Pink Friday. Her performances addresses the problems delusional fame and lived with her grandmother in have made her the star of the world. At in a very funny way, but completely Tobago. She later, moved to Queens, the age of twenty eight, she has already accurate. The main belief is that New York at the age of five. One of received numerous awards for her since they have tried something they her first jobs was working at a Red success. With the influence of other

39 A Collegial Point of View female rappers, she was able to succeed. have been repeated over and over. had existed long before them, Hippies Peace, love, happiness. These words viewed the world as an energy that This success has enabled her to have become seemingly empty now, lost existed in all things. Peace, love, and purchase a home for her mother and to in an age that occurred centuries ago. freedom are preached, based on the participate in many charity events such On October 6, 1967, after the summer belief that each individual organism’s as breast cancer awareness. She tries to of love, a group of Hippies known as existence is connected. When you are be a role model for other children who the diggers, held a mock funeral known harming another, you are harming are living in an abusive environment. as “Death of the Hippie” in the Haight yourself. Women are encouraged by her to be district of San Francisco. This was the powerful, figure out their talent, and end to the vibrant era that had occurred, Much like Hindu belief, Hippies also use it. She defeated the odds as an but not the philosophy and culture that saw the world as transitory, an energy immigrant and grew up to be a talented, it had given life to. This philosophy and process that comes and goes; but they successful young lady. Her message to culture cannot be fully appreciated, or take this belief and give it a youthful teenagers is to be outspoken and do not understood without knowledge about twist. Instead of denouncing life, and let other’s negatively influence them. the history of the counterculture or the choosing a dispassionate esthetic life, meaning behind it. they chose to live as jubilant esthetics. College students should make their During the period of the mid 1960’s fantasy a reality, like Onika, and use the The Hippie subculture has roots in a Hippies did not own many material talent they have to achieve long term literary movement that occurred in the possessions as they traveled the freely, happiness and success. College students 1950’s known as the Beat generation. finding refuge in the homes of other should not give up in school because The beatniks advocated the acceptance members of the culture. One of the they never know how the benefits of of all forms of sexuality, drug use, outcomes to the Hippie’s rejection to higher education can assist them in rejection of society and materialism, materialism was that the possessions their journey to success. They can make and embraced spiritual practices they did have were many times organic. their family proud and be a role model from eastern religions. A few of the Many Hippies grew their own food, and for other family members who may Beats most influential poets, known made their own clothes. Also, not a lot be experiencing tragic lifestyles and as beatniks, are Allen Ginsberg, Jack of emphasis was placed on money, with situations. Anybody can do anything; Keuroc, Gary Snyder, and Michael the belief that money was monetary they might not have much, but they McClure. From this literary and and held no true intrinsic value. This can use all they have to eventually give cultural movement, came the onset of is why groups such as the diggers were back to their community and to the the Hippie subculture. essential in the livelihood of the Hippie world. Part of living life is learning. culture in Haight-Ashbury. They had “I’ve always had this female- The Hippie movement was a youth shops set up throughout the district empowerment thing in the back of centered, anti-war movement, where they gave away free clothes, my mind because I wanted my mother preaching pacifism and acceptance of food, money, and other items so the to be stronger, and she couldn’t all individuals, as well as adopting the community could sustain itself. be. I thought if I’m successful, I philosophy of the beats. The Hippie can change her life.” – Nicki Minaj subculture began in the Haight- At the end of the 60’s the Hippie Ashbury district of San Francisco in the culture that had been in full groove mid-1960’s. It was here that the largest began to die out. Because of increasing Hip to the Cosmos population of Hippies existed in the media exposure, youth from all over the United States; co-existing peacefully country made their way to the Haight Joshua Otero with one another in a world outside of Ashbury district. With these youth, mainstream society. The word “hip” came those who did not practice the Suny New Paltz means to be with the cosmic process, Hippie lifestyle, but nonetheless fled to aware of what’s going on in the the Haight Ashbury district, tarnishing It has occurred to me that many people world; and it originated from African the peaceful balance that had existed. do not actually know what a Hippie is. American culture. Much like the Hindu What they know is the mantras that and Native American religions that The Hippie subculture may no longer

40 exist as it had centuries ago, but that to recover so quickly. I interviewed However, the most important factor in does not mean the culture can no several residents who were either the recovery was the people within the longer be found today. There are affected by the hurricane and received town itself. festivals that are held throughout the help from others, or who were not country where remnants of this culture affected as greatly and instead helped It is an undeniable fact that people still flourish. There are also towns and others who were. I set out to uncover living in smaller towns, live simpler cities where the Hippie lifestyle can be why Windham, a town with such lives. It can even be argued that they found, accompanied many times by severe damage, was able to get back live happier lives. Everyone in the music, art, acceptance, freedom. The on their feet faster than most other town knows one another, and for Hippie way of life is not quarantined places with half the damage and with some reason, people in these towns to only those who practiced it when it so little external help. However, what are significantly nicer, and friendlier had been in full swing. It is open to all I learned extended past simple relief to one another than people whom, for of those who, as Timothy Leary would efforts. I learned the secret to small example, live in bigger cities. Though say: “Turn on, tune in, drop out”. Feel town success. a well-known concept, the reasons why free to feel free. You may just find remain a mystery. Maybe it is because some of the Hippie culture resonates After talking to several people in the things are simpler and less stressful in within you. town of Windham, it was evident how these towns, or maybe it is because they they were able to get back on their all know one another. Whatever the feet so quickly. Three main aspects of reason, this directly affected the rate Rebuilding small town life made the recovery fast of which Windham recovered. The Windham and easy. people of Windham were not hesitant to help each other out, putting their The first is self-sufficiency. When you neighbors needs before their own. It Katie McGoldrick live in a small town so isolated from was their selflessness that allowed for Marist College others, you learn to do everything on the town to rebuild itself so quickly. your own. Everyone in Windham In towns like these, your neighbors are owns their own plows to plow their more than just people who live next As a child growing up in a small middle own streets when it snows, mow their door, they are your family, and in times of no where town, its your worst own several acre lawns, go to the post of crisis, they are all you have in the nightmare. With nothing to do, and office to pick up their own mail, clean hope of surviving. a graduating class of about forty, one up their own fallen trees and more. could not wait to leave and never look They live on their own and fix their own If we all live our lives the way these back. You do not appreciate the magic problems, as opposed to waiting for people do, we could essentially live in a of small town life until much older or someone to come help. This prepared perfect world. If we take our opinions until tragedy strikes. On August 28th them for what was to come this past of a perfect society, where everyone 2012, Hurricane Irene nearly wiped the August. No one hesitated to clean up treats everyone like family, helps town of Windham off the mountain in the damage done to their homes and each other unconditionally, can live which it resides. There was little help lands, instead of waiting for someone independently and take action when from the outside, as the residents of to come and do it for them. they want something done, a simpler, Windham rebuilt their small town. happier world, exists. If you have ever The second factor, which stems doubted humanity, happiness, or true I visited Windham about three months from the first, is the access to needed independence, I suggest you take a trip after this disaster expecting to find the resources. Since they are so self- upstate, and see for yourself the magic town in near ruins. However, when I sufficient, they own the things they of living in a small town. got there, it seemed as though nothing needed to clean up and rebuild the had ever happened. Having family town. Those who did not could that was there during the hurricane easily borrow from a neighbor. With and the cleanup, I heard the stories access to heavy machinery, they were and saw the pictures, so I could not able to do everything on their own. believe it was possible for the town

41 A Changing Hudson that will increase disease-carrying The government as well as the people insects will affect local farmers and of the Hudson Valley needs to act and Valley their crops. These invasive insects act now to conserve what we have left and plants too, will flourish in elevated of the environment. Not only do our levels of carbon dioxide, pollution futures depend on it but our children’s Mariah O’Shea related asthma will increase as well as futures. heat exhaustion due to rising summer SUNY New Paltz air temperatures and local floods will increase as a result of rising sea levels The world is changing and fast. But and more powerful storms. Parking Spaces: one can’t limit that to just the broad, abstract, far away view of the world. Why Freshman Need But there are possible solutions to The change is happening right here answer these disastrous predictions. Them Too in our back yards, all around us in First, ordinary people can make the Hudson Valley. According to changes. Anyone can reduce the New York State Department of Nicolette Seeback greenhouse emissions by walking, Environmental Conservation, the riding a bike or carpooling. Buying SUNY New Paltz average temperature has gone up Energy Star Appliances or planting nearly two degrees Fahrenheit, winter trees along streams to protect water Many universities in the United States temperatures have warmed 5 degrees quality and moderate increasing water do not allow first year students to have Fahrenheit and the bloom dates of temperatures can help a lot too. cars on campus. Since this seems to plant species are four to eight days be a rule for a wide array of schools, earlier. But that isn’t all. Weather There is a place for local government most students are used to it and have related federal disasters have spiked to do their best to deal with climate accepted it. Instead of being tolerated, in the Hudson Valley over the last five change and to prevent as much drastic this rule should be removed instead. It years. Sullivan County has declared consequences as they can. Local is a matter of first year students’ safety four weather related disasters, Orange governments should be encouraged and well being as a whole. County five and Ulster County six. to develop emergency management teams and improve emergency First year students take up a large There are many contributing factors to communication in case of any weather amount of housing on campus these alarming statistics. One major related disasters. Local government here at SUNY New Paltz. If first one being the increase emissions of can reduce developments in flood- year students were allowed to have greenhouse gases. A 2011 report prone areas, find alternatives to paved cars, it would probably call for the from Columbia University, Cornell surfaces to reduce flooding and construction of an extra parking lot. University and the University of New conserve wetlands and forests that This is obviously an inconvenience York found sea levels have risen by a absorb floodwaters and restore the and will cost money and time. The foot since 1900 due to an increase of groundwater. Governments can take reason this rule is in place could also gases such as carbon dioxide. Another action to reduce greenhouse emissions be a matter of responsibility. Perhaps important element is the underlying and improve the energy efficiency of it is thought that first year college bedrock in New York, generally shale civic buildings and operations as well students are not responsible enough to bedrock that cannot effectively store as save money. Other ways to save handle having a car on campus. They ground water thus increasing flooding money and reduce greenhouse gas are young, entering into an unfamiliar according to Russell Urban-Mead, emissions are to install solar, wind and environment, and perhaps it is thought senior hydrogeologist at The Chazen other renewable energy technologies in that they do not know how to make Companies. power facilities, add hybrid and more responsible decisions just yet. fuel-efficient vehicles to government As a result many things are changing owned buildings and vehicles as well These reasons are understandable, but in the Hudson Valley. Shorter, warmer as reducing waste through recycling this matter should be viewed from winters and longer hotter summers programs. another perspective. During my time

42 as a freshman at SUNY New Paltz, Colleges not allowing first year the decision to get in the car. I never in I have sometimes found myself in students to have parking passes is a million years thought anything within frightening situations. These have all more than just an inconvenience. It is these circumstances would happen to involved myself walking alone at night, time that school officials consider this me. But, it did and it was only a short therefore would be avoidable if I was matter and look at it from a different month ago a family member of mine permitted to have a car. Obviously perspective. Instead of a parking space was killed because of a drunk driving students are advised not to walk alone being a privilege for upper class men, incident. Do your friends, family, and at night, but sometimes this is not it should be a right. Having access to yourself a favor and put the keys down. possible. With conflicting schedules, a car is having access to safety, and to It is not worth it. students often rely on themselves to deny parking spaces from one-fourth get things done rather than waiting of the student body is to deny our for others. These students who are safety. not allowed to have cars must travel Sticks and Stones by foot and can therefore be putting Bullying Goes Past themselves in harms way. Put Down The Keys the Playground Public transportation is an option for Megan E. Reilly students but it can often be unreliable, SUNY New Paltz and buses do not come to campus for Elizabeth Randazzo many hours of the day. Even if you Have you ever been intoxicated and SUNY New Paltz have to travel by bus, you often have thought to yourself, “I’m fine and to walk to and from town. The New functionable. I can totally drive if “Sticks and stones may break my bones, Paltz Loop bus does not even run on needed”? Well let me answer that but words with never hurt me.” To a the weekends, when most students question for you… You’re not fine child that has never been bullied, these would probably take it. If a first year and you’re not able to function behind words ring true. To a child that has student needs to go off campus, it is the wheel. Being even the slightest bit been bullied, the same words could not almost never convenient. drunk means your cerebellum (part of be more wrong. Physical injuries can the brain) is affected. The cerebellum and will heal, while emotional injuries Although another assumption may is the part of the brain that is involved may not. Studies show that people that be that freshman will be irresponsible with coordination, reflexes, and were bullied suffer from scarring, but with cars, having a vehicle could balance. To have those three essential not always from physical injuries. It actually make students more careful. aspects impaired means you do not have seems the worst scars are left by the If a student is driving he or she may the ability to operate a vehicle. Take a cruel words of others. bemore likely to refrain from drinking. moment and consider this; would you Name-calling, teasing, and heckling are If someone does not want to walk suggest someone close to you to drive some of the main forms of torture for home late at night, many peers with a car (or get in the passengers seat with children. This torture lives forever in cars will be available to call for help. a drunk driver) if they had extremely their minds, no matter where they go Most scary situations involve walking delayed coordination, reflexes, and in life. In fact, many children grow up in the dark, and a car is an absolute horrible balance? I wouldn’t think so. to be adults that still fear the torture safer alternative to walking. So why would you ever feel the need they endured as children. Certain social to put yourself in that position? It situations are avoided. In more extreme First year students are also the newest may seem like a hassle at the time, but cases, opportunities may be turned drivers. It is dangerous to go for making the phone call to get picked up down solely because the recipient months without driving and then or spending money for a taxi is much suffered from bullying and now lives start again when returning home. It more worth getting you or someone in constant fear of being bullied again. can often take some getting used to else injured or even killed. It may seem after not being behind the wheel for a like one of those tragedy stories that Bullying has many effects, both long long time, especially for relatively new could never happen to you, but in reality and short term. Some of the short term drivers. it could happen to anyone who makes effects are anger, depression, weakened

43 immune system, lower grades, suicidal these things, but doing so is next to After four years, the college student is thoughts and feelings, and avoidance impossible without consulting a sizable $80,000 dollars in debt. This student of settings where bullying might sample of the student body. But even could have possibly gotten a part time occur. Many of these effects are well to these people, it is reasonable to job. It is fair to reason that this job known and not surprising. The long- assume many people attend college to could be 20 hours per week at $8.00 term effects are less known and also get a good job, and by extension, get a an hour. This would increase the less common. They include lingering decent salary. student’s lifetime earnings to a debt feelings of anger and bitterness, a thirst of $46,720. How has the high school for revenge, a tendency to be a loner, Given that many people attend college graduate faired? His job has earned reduced job opportunities, self-esteem to earn money, college can be seen as him $100,000. His investment in MCD problems, difficulty trusting people, a sort of investment. People give vast has most likely risen substantially. Over fear and avoidance of social situations, sums of their time and money in the the past five years, MCD has averaged interpersonal difficulties, perception of hopes that it will pay off later in life. an annual dividend of 3.10% (“Yahoo! self as a victim, and a higher likelihood According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Finance”). Over the past four years, of being bullied or teased by others. a high school graduate can expect to the stock MCD has grown in value earn $1.2 million over their working by 73.57% (“Google Finance”). This Unfortunately in the past society turned life. Those with a bachelor’s degree growth is a persistent and continuing its cheek to bullying. People thought can expect to earn $2.1 million (Day, trend, and was not stopped at all by that it wouldn’t cause a problem later and Newburger). At first glance, the the current economic downturn. on. It was thought of as a way to decision seems obvious. Those with a Applying these numbers to our high toughen up and get prepared for the four year degree earn $900,000 more school graduate’s investment, we find real world, because in the real world no than a high school graduate over their that his investment of $80,000 dollars one is nice. The most unfortunate part working life. This number is misleading has grown to $156,000 dollars. After is that it took until now to realize that because it does not consider the options selling some shares of stock to pay while the real world might not be nice, a high school graduate could take. The back the loan, the high school student childhood can be even worse. College Board computes the costs of has 453 shares of MCD valued at attending SUNY New Paltz for one 168.85 per share. The investment is year to be $20,000 (“CollegeBoard”). now worth $76489.05. At a respectable The Economics of This means that a bachelor’s degree return of 7% per year, this investment College Attendance from New Paltz would cost $80,000. will yield $1,145,382.05 after 40 years This is money that any student has to (Observations). Given that this sum is come up with in some way, whether greater than $900,000, this high school Brendon Johansson it is loans, aid, or rich uncles. Let the graduate has out earned his college SUNY New Paltz assumption be made that $80,000 counterpart. dollars is loaned at no interest to two people, one who attends college for Though many of the assumptions made Listen to students talking on a college four years, and one who does not. The in this essay are unrealistic, such as the campus and often complaints will be one who does not attend college takes idea that a student could ever get a zero heard about all-nighters, essays, tests, his $80,000 loan and invests it into the interest loan, the theory here is still and having ramen for the fourth night stock market, specifically MCD, the sound. As a purely monetary endeavor, in a row. No sane person would deny stock of McDonalds. The high school college is not nearly as beneficial as that college is an intensive consumer graduate also enters the labor market many people think. This essay cannot of both time and money. With this and finds a job with a salary of $25,000 consider the other benefits that college in mind, it is not unreasonable to ask dollars a year, a figure far lower than provides, but those who are merely the important question; Is college the median annual earnings of a high interested in money would likely be worth all of this time and money? For school graduate (“National Center for better off investing in French fries. many people, college is not just about Education Statistics”). After four years, a job, but the experience, the parties, how has each person faired in gross the friends, and being an independent income? person. A price can be put on

44 College Students and because the more you are online, the students have problems with getting more activity you have, which makes good grades, and one of them should Facebook: Success or you need to be on it more, which not be due to a social networking site. causes an inescapable downward spiral Though it may be challenging to take Failure into addiction. This description of down something so influential to most Facebook addiction actually parallels of the lives of our youth today, it can dependence on real drugs. and should be beat. Having a personal Tim Natsch limit for how much online time, and SUNY New Paltz There are many signs that a friend or keeping activity to a minimum are the even yourself may have a Facebook easiest ways to stop addiction before Facebook in college can be a blessing, addiction. One symptom is that you it starts. This is why Facebook has but also a curse. This site has become become paranoid, even asking yourself become such a problem for students a major part of many peoples’ lives in why people have not messaged you of all ages and how and why it should recent years. As of July 2011, it has back or answered your friend requests. be eliminated. acquired 750 million active users, with Also, spending more than an hour or the amount growing daily. In 2009, two on the site. Other signs consist of Facebook overtook Myspace as the a confusion of the divergence of real most popular social networking site life and Facebook, excessive friend and has now skyrocketed above all building and wall posts, and depression of the other competition. With this setting in during downtime; paired with success brings problems with addiction other withdrawal symptoms. If any of for some people. College students these signs seem familiar, definitely try already have a tough time with all the to go about ways of limiting or even balance of work and all of the other deactivating your account in order to social activities that come with getting keep a real view of reality. a higher education. Facebook can act as an aid to success in college, but on From personal experience, I have the opposite side of the spectrum, it dealt with Facebook for more than can be a major reason for failure as a four years now and it is very difficult college student. not to be on the entire day at times. With more than 1,400 friends now, it As of 2011, the average Facebook is almost impossible not to be online at user is online for about 6 hours and 20 least a few times a day. First semester, I minutes each day, which proves that it found myself online for hours on end has very addictive qualities. Though it wasting precious time that could have has its negatives, Facebook has actually been used for work, just browsing my become a major part of society with friends’ profiles. The only way I have many businesses and other companies overcame and defeated the risk of advertising and creating pages and becoming addicted was just not being groups all throughout the site. Also, it in my room as much as possible, and if is one of the best ways to communicate not, just not being alone. Besides that, with family and friends left at home, it is so hard not to be drawn to the and also talk and plan for work and computer because of how everything group projects. This can be taken too is online now. Professors put a lot of far when students spend constant, work online, and though it is on other unproductive time browsing aimlessly sites, it is so easy to click and be on through countless pictures and statuses Facebook instantly. of people they barely even know. It is difficult to find a balance, however, There is a plethora of ways that college

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Around the World In Eighty Days My European Austria, to Switzerland, and finally to leadership programs such as this one, Italy. Out of this entire journey, I gained visit http://www.peopletopeople.com. Discovery: many skills out of this experience that are useful today in the college setting. Advantageous for Some such skills include improved Taking the Plunge College Students time management, leadership, communication, and decision-making. Time management is a huge skill crucial Alicia Heinemann Genevieve Nicchi for college students that I learned the SUNY New Paltz first week in Paris, France. For such a Marist College big group, we were given very specific Need plans for spring break or activities time checks in which we absolutely had to start your college adventures? Have I never thought one trip to Europe to be back at our hotels each night. you ever wanted to discover another would change my life. In the summer of Our first night in Paris, my friends and world; to take the plunge into the 2009, it did just that. Anxiously arriving I decided to explore the town, bakeries, deep blue? Being in college gives all at the airport in my maroon polo and playgrounds, and shops. We had a little students the wonderful opportunity khaki pants, I was about to embark over an hour to be back for our time to experience the excitement of on a journey to four foreign countries check at 7 pm, and had no intentions of scuba diving. S.C.U.B.A. stands for with 41 strangers. My nerves and this being an issue. Soon enough, we, a self contained underwater breathing anxiety level at this point were through group of five American girls speaking apparatus. It is through this invention the roof. I slowly began questioning absolutely no French, found ourselves that people can descend 10 to 60 feet my decision more and more. Why did lost in Paris. We had to act fast and below the surface of earth’s oceans and I agree to come on this trip? What quickly I remembered a map of our explore vast underwater ecosystems. have I gotten myself into? Who are hotels inside my bag, ran to the nearest these people I will be travelling with? gas station, and asked for directions How can students get involved While endless questions kept running back. With less than 2 minutes to spare, in scuba diving? There are many through my mind, it was too late to we were back safe and sound. study abroad programs that offer back out. This flurry of doubts soon certification and diving expeditions vanished as I began on this journey It was moments like these that helped for students, especially if the area that helped me acquire skills I use in me not only attain values such as time is known for its marine sites. Study the college setting today. management, leadership, and fast abroad sites that are great for tropical decision making skills, but also helped scuba diving include New Zealand, Just a few months prior to the trip, I me to form strong bonds with my Australia, Hawaii, and areas bordering received a recommendation from my new and lasting friends. Holding such the Caribbean Sea, Southern Africa, English teacher for this leadership values has given me a strong advantage and the Mediterranean Sea. There is program entitled People-to-People in college. Today I am very time also scuba diving located in the most Ambassador Programs. I thought conscious, always have my work turned unlikely places such as the North Sea, this was just another flyer sent home in on time, and hardly procrastinate, the Dead Sea, and the Arctic Circle. Not that would be immediately ripped which is difficult for many college only can scuba diving enhance ones up, thrown away, and disregarded. students today. I use my leadership study abroad experience, a student can However, the letter I received inviting skills today, just recently joining a receive college credits just by getting me in on this European Discovery, sorority. I help schedule fundraisers certified. In addition, once a person was one of utmost importance. With and lead events on campus. I strongly has their recreational certification, that accepting this once in a lifetime urge that if you are granted with an person can continue to dive anywhere opportunity, not only did I discover opportunity such as this, definitely without having to renew their license. four culturally diverse countries, but I do not pass it up. It will one hundred This allows students who really enjoy also discovered whom I truly was. percent change your life for the better diving to continue exploring new and give you an advantage in the world. marine sites for the rest of their lives. In 19 days, I traveled from France, to For more information on rewarding

46 Scuba diving is especially great for In college one has opportunities to try “fun,” Russ and I just wanted an escape students studying any fields within new things and discover more about the into nature. We took his 1995 Volvo biology, geology, chemistry and world in which they live. Scuba diving wagon up to Connecticut first to stop environmental studies. The reason is a great way college students can by a friend’s house to borrow a canoe. for this is that it puts to practice what broaden their educational horizons and After picking up the canoe and crudely they have learned in their classes and experience life changing events. Would strapping it to the old, half broken from their text books. Everything you want discover an alien world? If rack atop his car, we drove up to the surrounding the sport of scuba diving so, your time in college is the best time Adirondack State Park. The drive relates to one of these science fields to take the plunge and discover our was over 11 hours long but not once in some way. The acts of descending earth’s last greatest frontier. did either of us say, or even think the below the surface and ascending at the words “are we there yet?” We knew end of a dive directly relate to chemistry that what we were about to experience and the laws surrounding pressure Get Outside was true peace and beauty. Upon our and temperature. The abundant and arrival to a base camp in the middle diverse marine life shows how different of what seemed to be “nowhere” we organisms can live in sequence and Daniel J. Cassidy realized that we had no idea what to harmony within an ecosystem to ensure SUNY New Paltz do. We searched around the camp longevity of their homes. The ocean in the dark for someone who could currents and the visible underwater In this world full of distracting tell us where we could pitch our tent trenches visibly display how hydraulics electronics such as computers, cell free of charge. After a long time of and plate tectonics work. Though this phones, videogame systems, and the searching we met a man named Rick. sport specifically benefits students like, it is easy to lose sight of the true Rick told us we were supposed to pay within these fields, diving benefits natural beauty that this earth provides to camp there but he would let us camp everyone by showing how important for each and every one of us. Even I with him for free. The next morning our planets oceans are. tend to fall into this cycle of electronic we hiked 14 miles at once with a guy distractions (just the fact that I am named Kacey. We were beat by the end I became a certified as a recreational typing this right now, reveals this truth). of the day, but not in the way where scuba diver in February 2010 on an In my experience I have seen so many you’re just sick and tired of walking. island in the Caribbean named Bonaire. people miss beautiful, natural moments We slept wonderfully inside a wooden For me the whole experience was and experiences just because their hut called a lean-to and woke refreshed completely life changing. To see all eyes and fingers are glued to their cell and ready to start a new day. kinds of alien corals and exotic fish was phones. If more people were to make a sight to see. The vibrant colors and a conscious effort to get outside and The rest of the days of our trip the ability to feel completely weightless see what this world has to offer, people consisted of paddling 2 to miles out was absolutely mind blowing. I felt as if could live happier, more authentic in search of an island on Lake George, I was in a wonderful dream from which lives. One way in which people can taking “showers” in the bathrooms I did not want to wake. However, when experience the world around us and of Laundromats, dunking our heads I was diving I noticed how humans escape the tendency to ignore it is by in waterfalls, and hanging out with have hurt the marine world. There was embarking on a hiking trip. hippies in Woodstock. The amount one dive in which I saw an entire reef of hiking and paddling Russ and I destroyed by incoming cruise ships. It Last summer, my best friend Russell did is unfathomable, however, not was devastating to see the absence of and I went on a weeklong adventure once were we too tired to persist. life and nothing but a dusty dessert to the Adirondack Mountains. We had Our adventure was nothing short of of nothingness. It was this experience planned this trip for months prior and spectacular. We are sure that those along with many others that have made we knew it would be the perfect way to days will never be forgotten for as me fully realize how important it is to start a new chapter of our lives before long as we live. Someone may ask protect our world oceans and the life college. Unlike the rest of the people why I never got tired and my answer that inhabits them. This realization will in our school, who were probably would be “because for once in my life, benefit all college students. partying and experiencing superficial I felt real.” What I mean by real is

47 that I felt myself immersed in a true of your first year of college, just like at night. There are regular festivals connection with the natural world the after any other school year, you’ll want for almost anything and several towns way I believe that human beings were to do nothing but kick back and relax have a happy hour every single night meant experience it. It was the first all summer. Fortunately for all the at sunset. Fire Island has something to time I felt authentically in tune with students that live south of New Paltz, offer anyone and this is why it is the nature. Things like Facebook, texting, you have access to some of the finest ultimate summer destination for any and video games can all be forgotten, beaches New York has to offer. college student looking to blow off but the beauty of nature imbeds itself some steam and have a full but relaxing in your mind for as long as you live. A ten minute ferry ride from the south summer. shore of Long Island across the Great Being out in the woods taught me a South Bay will take you to a summer lot about myself. It taught me about beach bum paradise. Fire Island is Quick and Easy nature, exercise, resource conservation, the ultimate beach goer destination. Everyday Makeup and definitely the value of my mother’s There are populated towns like Ocean home cooked meals. I used my cell Beach or Kismet with fabulous food Tips for College phone approximately once every other and a few grocery stores to stock day just to notify my parents that I was up on provisions. The beaches have Girls alive. I didn’t use a computer once for professional lifeguards on watch most 8 days and it was liberating. Aristotle days, making it safe for any level Delwara Begum once said “in all things of nature there swimmer. For the sun tanners, you can SUNY New Paltz is something of the marvelous.” This easily enjoy the feeling of a warming has proven true in all of my hiking towel over fine sand under the hot experiences including the ones in sun all day. For the ‘long walks on the Girls in college face a challenge every the New Paltz area. Anyone who beach’, type there are huge stretches morning when it comes to makeup. possesses a desire to feel truly alive, of sparsely populated beach and land You always want to try and look your should put down their cell phone, get to explore for hours on end. From best, but in between partying on the off their computer, go outside, feel the the top of the Fire Island lighthouse, weekends and studying hard during dirt beneath their feet, smell the air all one can see for miles in all directions, the week, you’re left with no time for around them, and see all the beautiful making for a breathtaking view. Fire anything else! Us college girls need sights there are to see in this world. Island is also home to the Watch Hill to get ready for early classes and are National Park. At Watch Hill there is a left with very little or no time to apply maze of boardwalks twisting through makeup in the morning. The best tip an expanse of uninterrupted wildlife about makeup is trying to achieve a The Ultimate that stretches for miles. Even outside natural, yet subtle look, which means (and Affordable!) Watch Hill, any appreciator of nature keeping it simple. Today, I am going can find a rich variety of wild land and to give you a lesson with quick and Summer Getaway marine life. Being located right on the easy makeup tips that any college girl Atlantic Ocean, Fire Island is also a can use as a beauty routine to achieve a great destination for surfers or anyone natural, subtle and beautiful look. Andrew F. Capone Jr. that wants to take advantage of some SUNY New Paltz quality ocean waves. All of this on a #1 The very first step of this quick and quiet island south of the mainland far easy beauty regimen starts with great from any overcrowded urban areas. skin. When your skin looks and feels Your first year of college might be great, your makeup routine becomes rough. You’ll be away from home for Fire Island is not just some beach easier. With great skin, you are also possibly the first time in your life for hermit paradise, however. For the able to use less makeup. A few tips to such an extended period time and partyers and kids who want to enjoy getting and maintaining great skin: taking on the hardest schoolwork that the night life, there are almost always you’ve ever encountered. At the end parties going on in the bigger towns -Drink lots of water! (Believe it or not,

48 Health and Beauty water helps to flush out toxins, and it -Dorm rooms tend to have poor inevitable that the weight loss process helps keep your skin hydrated) lighting, and when you put on makeup, will not be smooth. Factors include you need to be careful about how much busy schedules; work, family, kids, -Don’t ever go to bed without washing you’re putting on. Lighting is very travel and other various obligations your face. (Your skin produces oil important to quick and easy makeup can all interrupt this process. There and when this oil isn’t washed away, it because makeup may look bright and are also commitment factors including, tends to clog pores, causing pimples natural in poor lighting and outdoors it dedication, temptations, laziness, etc. and blackheads) If you are the type of may look artificial. Interrupting doesn’t mean that it is person to come back after a night of impossible to accomplish, it simply partying and hitting the sack, it might I really hope that these quick and means that one must set out a time to be smart to have makeup remover easy makeup tips helped you out, organize a set process that works for towlettes or even baby wipes on hand and I love feedback so email me with him/her. If this is done, then the cons to wipe away the makeup from your any suggestions or any other tips will never trump the pros to weight face. that you would like to see in my next loss. With losing weight comes endless article. I can be reached at my email: advantages that can benefit everyone. #2 The second step of this routine is [email protected] These advantages reduce the risk of to keep it simple. serious health conditions, for instance, Remember! Quick and Easy makeup cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart No one wants to spend hours in the is not about quantity, it’s about quality attacks, strokes, etc. One will obtain morning trying to get ready for class, meaning: It doesn’t matter how much more energy, a better life outlook, especially in the morning. The simpler makeup you put on, it matters what better moods and less stress. the makeup, the shorter the routine, you do with the makeup on your face. the less time you spend on your make- After considering both the pros and up every morning. It is also important the cons to weight loss, the question to make sure the products you put on Effective Strategies of ‘how to’ will rise. Many people your face give you a light and natural for Weight Loss debate the question: which is the more look instead of a heavy and dramatic effective strategy for weight loss? look (save that for the parties). Simple Diet or exercise? When attempting to beauty products such as lip-gloss, Chandler Smith answer this question, one must, first mascara, eyeliner and even blush go a and foremost, understand the basics. long way. Marist College Weight loss ultimately begins with calories. The Basic Metabolic Rate The #1 product found to be most Weight loss is one of the most popular (BMR) is the number of calories in useful by college girls is concealer. This as well as the most difficult goals which every person needs in order to is because most college students stay which people try to accomplish. The survive. To find the number of calories up all night. It is not a myth when I debate of diet versus exercise and one burns in a day, one must multiply tell you that college students do not which is more effective is the first his/her BMR by the amount of activity sleep…not at night at least. So, after thing considered when one starts the performed. This is also known as the a night of partying or studying, you weight loss process. That is because the total daily energy expenditure, which may end up with dark circles. This is average person is unaware of the right relates to both dieting and exercising. one occasion where concealer comes path to take. So if you are a determined Dieting will solely lowers one’s BMR all in handy. Concealer is also great in person who wants to lose weight, but by itself, which leads to a slower weight covering up any blemishes or dark doesn’t know exactly where to begin, loss process. The process becomes spots. read this article to gain a little insight. slower because when one diets he/ she is simply reducing the amount of #3 Last but not least, the third and Let’s begin with the cons. Ultimately, calories being consumed with no other most important step of this beauty there aren’t any cons if one understands added help of activity. On the other regimen is choosing proper lighting for that there are going to be obstacles hand when one only exercises, without your makeup. when trying to lose weight. It is reducing the amount of calories he/she

49 consumes, it will also result in a slower some method to rid herself of the heart arrhythmias. If some of these weight loss. Therefore it becomes food/calories. These methods could symptoms are not treated, they can evident that one strategy cannot be as include purging, excessive exercise cause serious illness or even death. effective without the other. Diet and or laxative use. Binge eating disorder Emotional problems come with exercise go hand in hand. The bottom arises when one binges, but does not these disorders as well. They include line is that weight loss is pretty simple; use methods to expel the food/calories depression, anxiety, distorted body one must burn more calories than he/ from their bodies. Eating disorders image, low self-esteem, guilt, and she consumes. Ultimately equilibrium not otherwise specified is a category social isolation. When people are of the two strategies is key. Balance is for people who have some of the being treated for eating disorders, they key! symptoms of anorexia, bulimia or face the medical and psychological binge eating disorders, but not all of problems that come along with the Abnormal Eating them. illness. Habits: The Harmful There are some risk factors associated There are a few things we can and Effects of Eating with eating disorders including social, should do as a culture to try to prevent psychological, family, genetic and eating disorders. One positive step Disorders environmental factors. The culture in would be to end teasing and harassment which one grows up in can be a risk about weight. The more people hear Kaitlyn Andersen factor, with many cultures putting a comments about weight and shape, large emphasis on thinness. American the more they focus on it and become SUNY New Paltz culture is definitely one with diet fads obsessed with it. Another step would constantly being thrown in our faces. Many college freshmen worry about Competitive sports can also lead gaining the infamous “freshmen someone to develop an eating disorder. be to stop following diet fads that make fifteen”. It is completely normal to Some sports emphasize thinness such people restrict certain kinds of food or think about this because for most of as dance and gymnastics. There is calories. Most things are okay as long us, this is our first time living without pressure to be the best in every aspect as they are in moderation. Instead our parents. We have no one who will of the sport. This pressure includes of dieting, people should be eating shop for food and cook for us. We being skinny. Stress of any kind can healthy foods and exercising for their may begin to worry that we are making also be a danger, including transitions health and enjoyment. It is important unhealthy choices at the dining hall and loss. College is a huge transition that everyone stop trying to compare and start to overcompensate with diet so it puts college students at risk. Also, themselves to pictures in magazines and exercise. It is very important to having a history of depression or and people in movies. Everyone is eat right and exercise while you are in anxiety can be associated with eating supposed to be different shapes and college and throughout your life. The disorders. Certain personality types sizes. Comparing oneself to anyone problem occurs when people take diet are more prone, like if a person is a just causes low self-esteem. and exercise to the extreme. perfectionist. There is research being done to look into the possible genetic While in college, make sure you take When people become obsessed with factors involved in eating disorders. care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, their weight and body images, they Evidence has been found that biology exercise when you can and get enough may be at risk for developing eating plays a role in eating disorders. sleep. It is very hard to function and disorders. There are four kinds of deal with the stress that we are under as eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, Eating disorders cause many problems college students when our bodies are bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder for those who endure them. Some of not being taken care of properly. and eating disorders not otherwise the physical issues that eating disorders specified. Anorexia occurs when cause are slow heart rate, low blood someone starves herself and has pressure, low body temperature, brittle excessive weight loss. Bulimia takes hair and finger nails, dehydration, place when someone binges and uses tooth decay/loss, dry flakey skin and

50 A Good Sport Strength of Body = bones and ligaments for everyday spend a little time a day working out. tasks. It also helps improve the joints, Strength of hips, and knees. Any body structure can gain tremendous benefits from Confidence regular exercise. Strength training Managing your Time can truly change body image by While Playing a increasing muscles mass. Lean muscle Sarah Weissmann mass increases the body’s metabolism Sport SUNY New Paltz resulting in higher calorie burn. Another exercise that women should Girls listen up! For those of you that try is yoga. It improves flexibility, Greta Leberfinger are not elite athletes or raised on dance which counter acts strength training Marist College lessons anything is still possible. You by lengthening muscles as opposed to can achieve self-confidence and body contracting them. The spiritual nature Many of us have dedicated almost all of assurance with a minimal commitment of yoga’s asanas brings focus to the our life to our sport. While our friends to activity. Building strength and mind. It allows and teaches people to were out having fun in high school endurance can lead to a healthy balance shut out the chaos going on around on the weekends, we were watching, life. When challenged in class, hallways, them. This practice also incorporates learning, and practicing. Playing a sport or online, the confidence you build rhythmic breathing, which is shown to takes a lot of talent, skill, and time and from taking care of yourself helps you relive stress and allow the practitioner we must be willing to give up a part of to react appropriately. This is not a to calm the mind. a social life to take on the responsibility message about being thin or a certain of playing a division one sport in size. It is a message about feeling good The hardest step is the first step but college. In many cases, we are signing about yourself. once you start it becomes a habit. our life away when we decide to take Setting goals and achieving them builds on this responsibility. Becoming a part Physical benefits of exercise are the confidence. Walking a certain distance of a division I college athletic team is a bonus to the emotional health you or lifting a certain weight, whatever big decision one must make in college, will achieve. Aerobic training is one your goals are, once you reach them because not only do we have to learn area of exercise that is great. It works you start to believe that anything is to manage our time differently than the cardio vascular system to make it possible. There are a wide variety of the other students, we also have to give stronger. Aerobics elevate your heart facilities available including low cost up some of our social life and adapt rate through many different types gyms to high priced spas. There are to the hardships one faces throughout of workouts. Some aerobic exercises usually classes at the local recreation the years. include biking, zumba, step, and center that anyone can participate in. running. Zumba is appealing because Grab a friend and have fun working Time management is an important the high intensity of good music and out! skill we learn growing up. Throughout intense dance moves make aerobic high school, we hear a lot from our exercise more fun. There is also no The more time you spend working on teachers and parents about this topic excuse not to try running because all yourself the more confidence you will and how to improve on it. Most of us that is required is a pair of sneakers. have. Also the less time you will be learn how to manage our time on our Get outside on a beautiful day and worried about what people think or say own through mistakes. If we manage run for a half hour. You will feel the about you. Regardless of the number our time unwisely with a school ongoing benefits. Fresh air, sunshine on the scale or the size of your clothes assignment, we learn that we will most and aerobic activity can minimize engaging in regular exercise provides likely receive a poor grade. While any challenge or crisis that may be multiple benefits that impact every area learning all of this, add in a sport on happening. of a woman’s life. The weight room top of the schoolwork, and then try is not only for boys. Show them your managing your time. In college, playing Strength training can help you strength girls! You will feel wonderful a division I sport is a big responsibility minimize injury. It toughens the about yourself if you are willing to that needs a lot of focus and time. A

51 typical schedule for a sport would be Ryan Braun, left fielder for the Braun submitted his urine sample on waking up early, going to practice, Milwaukee Brewers, had a special a Friday night. The sample collector, going to classes, and then returning to season in 2011. Thanks to a power claiming that no FedEx office would practice in the afternoon for strength surge during the final two months of ship the sample until Monday, decided training or additional practice. On top the season, he claimed the National to take the urine home with him for of that, we must fit meals into our League’s Most Valuable Player Award the weekend before mailing the sample schedule. Along with meals, we need while leading the Brew Crew to their to the World Anti-Doping Agency time for homework, laundry, cleaning, first division title in decades. When headquarters in Montreal. When the and friends. As you can see, there are the playoffs began, Braun rose to the sample was tested, it was concluded not enough hours in the day to do occasion, batting .405 with a 1.182 that Braun had twenty times the normal all of this and have enough time to OPS over an 11 game span. Braun has ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone sleep and recuperate for the next day. been a consistently great player ever in his system (a normal ratio is 1:1). The Making a monthly, weekly, and even since breaking into the big leagues point at which a drug test is considered daily schedule helps a great deal when in 2007, but the 2011 season was his failed is a 4:1 ratio. Furthermore, a managing all of the activities. coming out party as he emerged as one second test revealed that the elevated of the game’s most dominant forces. testosterone in Braun’s system were College is said to be “the best four Shortly after the season ended, the synthetic, meaning they came from years of your life.” Many athletes baseball world was hit with a shocking somewhere other than his own body. worry about how much social time bit of news: Ryan Braun had tested they will have on top of practice and positive for performance enhancing The interesting part about Braun’s schoolwork. The answer is as much as drugs during the 2011 playoffs. appeal was that he never challenged you want. If you want to have a good the validity of the test results, but experience and go out a lot, you can. The news was devastating to baseball rather that the test collector broke the There is time for fun. You just have fans everywhere. The game has come chain of custody rules when he took to make sure you get your work done a long way since the days of literally the urine sample home with him rather or have time before your next class larger than life power hitters staining than mailing it immediately. Although in order to finish your work. If you the game with their medically induced the WADA headquarters in Montreal manage your time wisely and stay off long balls. The days of Barry Bonds concluded that Braun’s sample was in Facebook, Twitter and other social and Mark McGwire-type meatheads fact sealed when it arrived (thus not sites while doing your work, there is were supposed to be over. Braun tampered with), a neutral arbitrator plenty of time for fun. was supposed to be part of the new decided that the technicality was generation of clean players who enough of a violation to overturn the One way to help organize yourself is to married an incredible talent with suspension by a 2 to 1 vote. plan days where you give yourself time an insatiable work ethic. The true to relax and hang out with friends and baseball fans of the world were left Although Braun publicly came out days where homework should be your shaking their heads in dismay when and claimed his victory, seemingly priority. If you plan wisely and follow the headline read across the television: clearing his reputation for integrity, the your schedule, you will be in control of “Ryan Braun suspended 50 games fact remains that there was artificial your workload on top of working hard for violating MLB’s performance testosterone in his body and until he through practice, and still have time to enhancing drug policy. Braun will answers to that, which he has yet to experience a full college experience. appeal his suspension.” do, the jury is still out on his guilt or innocence. MLB has publicly criticized In an equally shocking manner, in the reversal of the suspension, but Ryan Braun: Clean or February, Braun won his appeal. He is Braun has officially been exonerated. Dirty? the first player to successfully appeal a What remains to be seen is whether suspension for PEDs. So all is right in or not he has been exonerated in the the baseball world again, right? Think court of public opinion. We will likely Alec Petrone again. The details of Braun’s appeal and find out when the Brewers make their Marist College the way in which he won it are murky. first road trip to a visiting stadium this

52 Spring. It will be interesting indeed to Manning is truly a legend of his time. great years. In his final year at Harvard, see how Braun will be received. Peyton has attended 11 Pro Bowls, has he helped the program set records that been first-team all-pro 5 times, second- the school had never reached before. team all-pro 3 times, has one Super His best game was a nationally televised The Career of a Bowl ring as well as being the MVP, game vs. UConn where he had 30 and has set Indianapolis Colt records points and 9 rebounds. UConn’s hall Legend in Our Time such as wins, touchdown passes, pass of fame coach Jim Calhoun praised attempts, pass completions, and passing Lin’s performance saying that he can Tyler W. Patasnik yards. Manning is also the fastest play on any team. ever to reach 50,000 yards passing Marist College and fastest to 4,000 completions. He Even with such high praise coming out currently has a completion percentage of college by coaches like Jim Calhoun, After fourteen tremendous years as 64.9 % and a passer rating of 94.9. His it was still going to be hard for an Ivy the Indianapolis Colts Quarterback statistics alone prove that Manning is League player to get drafted because it (1998-2011) Peyton Manning has an elite player. hadn’t happened since 1995. The draft finally become a Free Agent. He was came and went and Jeremy Lin didn’t released March 7th, 2012 as Colt’s Manning continues to decide on the have a team. Even though Jeremy owner announced that the #18 jersey perfect team where he could continue Lin did not have a team, he was still will never be worn by a Colt again. working his magic and further increase invited by the Dallas Mavericks to play Rumors have piled up about this his statistics. After being stuck between in the NBA Summer League where he quarterback’s trade. Some believe it teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, excelled and eventually got a contract was a financial issue for the Colts to Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans, offer to play for his hometown team be paying so much money to a 35 year Manning has decided to sign with the the Golden State Warriors. old quarterback was outrageous. Also, Denver for 5 years and 95 million this past season, Manning received 18 dollars. All we can do is wish him best In his rookie season, he did not play million dollars for simply sitting in the of luck and hope he can continue to do very much. He was stuck behind two stands and watching the games and also what he does best. Peyton believe that excellent guards Stephen Curry and refusing to take a pay cuts. And why he still has something left in him. Only Monta Ellis who were proven players. was he sitting in the stands? Manning time will tell. To start this season Golden State has been through four serious neck released Jeremy Lin to save money, and surgeries in 19 months. Manning had he was picked up by Houston. Less than been suffering from a pinched nerve Jeremy Lin: A 2 weeks later Houston released Jeremy that caused him constant pain. For his LINderella Story Lin again, and he was back without a third surgery, Manning went through team. The Knicks soon signed Jeremy a procedure called single level anterior Lin because the team was riddled with fusion, which is basically the removal Albert Sacchet injuries. The Knicks season was off to of a disc from the nerve and spinal cord Marist College a rough start, and the coach needed to which is then filled with bone graft. somehow shake things up and decided Doctors believe this surgery should be to give Jeremy the chance to play. beneficial for Manning and not harm Jeremy Lin was raised in Paolo Alto, the rest of his career. A fourth surgery California. It was there that he lead his Once he started playing bigger minutes, was an undisclosed procedure (It was team to a state title victory and made Jeremy Lin led his team to 7 straight widely reported that he only had three). first team All-State. His dream was to wins including 38 points against Kobe Even if this is all true, Manning was either play basketball at Stanford or Bryant and the Lakers and a game still due 28 million dollars. One just UCLA but both schools did not want winning three against the Raptors. In doesn’t pay that much for something to waste an athletic scholarship on him. his first week as a starting player, he that is damaged. Only Brown and Harvard guaranteed won NBA Eastern Conference Player him a spot on their roster. Jeremy Lin of the Week, scored 136 points in his With all that said and done, Peyton ended up choosing Harvard and had 4 first 5 starts, (which is the most by any

53 player NBA and ABA since the merger one another for practices, games, bus and purposefully not doing the right in 1976) and turned the Knicks season rides and meetings. Anything to do with things. That one practice might change around causing this “Linsanity.” the team, every single player is always the player’s attitude toward the coach, there, including the head and assistant and from then on, the player will not When life gives you an opportunity, coaches. They’re also together outside respect the coach. The relationship can you have to make the best of it. If of all of the sports activities. Most of easily be altered with a simple mistake injuries did not plague the Knicks in the players live in small groups, either of the player taking things personally. the beginning off the season and they in a house or in one of the dorms. didn’t start of with a terrible 8 – 15 These players become each other’s The player-to-player relationship is record, Jeremy Lin would have been best friends and literally do everything definitely different. It is somewhat either on the bench or released and together. Unlike other college students, forced on the players. Unlike the without a team once again. Jeremy making friends is very easy because coach-to-player relationship, the Lin made the best of his opportunity theonly people you usually see are your players don’t get to choose who their and has not taken all the credit for it. teammates. This aspect of being part of teammates are going to be. Just like He praises his teammates and how he a team has its pros and cons. The main family members and co-workers, you is just thankful for the opportunity. relationships on a sports team are the cannot pick your teammates. Not only This phenomenon has been out of teammate-to-teammate relationship are new relationships hard to build in control because of his spectacular and the coach-to-player relationship. general, but on the field, they are also performances, the fact that he came Both are extremely important but the extremely important. Coaching can from Harvard, and because he was able second one has more time to blossom only go so far, and once the whistle to do this in New York City. Jeremy and grow, at first. blows, the eleven girls or boys on the Lin is seen as a likeable character by field have to work together to become the media and NBA fans around the The college coach and teammate one unit; a unit without disputes or world, and he reminds people of Tim relationship starts even before problems. One argument can ruin the Tebow. Both are not only athletes that graduating high school. It all begins unity on the field. These relationships have great characters on and off the when he or she sees you play for are often stronger than the coach-to- field, but they both overcame certain the first time. After making the players relationships because all of the types of scrutiny for their style of commitment to pursue you, he or players are going through this difficult play. However, one thing is clear, when she will make the call and start the journey together. They all suffer the Jeremy Lin got his chance to play, he relationship. For many, it ends there, consequences of a loss, they all run for showed everyone what he was made but if the athlete is interested in the the equipment that was lost and they of, and in so doing, he has changed the school and playing on the team, it’s not are all accountable for one another. landscape of the NBA. even close to the end. The relationship grows more and more every time the The bonds made from a sports team coach and possible player talk. When will never be broken. Every year the A Sports Team, the player is accepted to the college, team changes, but the friendships the relationship becomes more serious. made are always amazingly strong. If A Family and The player is now part of that team; there is a chance in your future that you Many Love-Hate they are committed to it and to his can join any kind of sports team, take or her coach. During the season, the the opportunity. The friendships you Relationships relationship becomes more important. will make there will never be forgotten. It will make the season more difficult Expand your friends list in a different Emily Vanacore for both you and him or her if both the way, and join a team today! coach and the player are not respectful SUNY New Paltz and fair towards each other. For example, if the coach picks on a certain Most people don’t understand how player because he or she isn’t doing much time players on sports teams what she is supposed to be done, it will actually spend together. They are with turn into the player resenting the coach

54 Relationships Don’t Lose Yourself friends- a group of friends that you can Dating Advice For talk to and who actually listen to you. While Losing Love A funny friend will make you laugh Lonely Men about the situation, and a reasonable friend will help you to rationalize your Luana K. Horry situation. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll Chris Lau SUNY New Paltz find both of these qualities in one SUNY New Paltz person! Friends are a great support group because there’s a great chance One of the most devastating things to There is always that one question that they can identify with what you’re deal with is losing love and then having men have been asking for years and going through and lend their advices to pick up the pieces of a broken heart. that is: “Why can’t I get a girl?” Well, it’s and company. They remind you that The minute you realize that it’s over, most likely not because of the girl you there’s more than one type of love; your heart drops. It becomes harder are after. The main reason is actually your friends can love you just as much to breathe, eat, and sleep. Everything YOU!! Your behavior at attempting to as any romantic partner. Friends are around you becomes unhappy, and you get the girl of your interests, for most reminders that everything isn’t all bad feel like everything you lived for has men, actually pushes that girl away, and and that you’re not alone. been grabbed from beneath your feet you are left to wonder: “What did I do leaving you face flat on the ground. So, wrong?” Well, in the time you finish Lastly, space and time is the best way to to deal with this pain, what do you do? this article, you will have the knowledge healthily get over a person. In this day Partying sounds good. You meet new to get that cute girl. and age, it’s so easy to “stay in touch” people, you drink a lot of alcohol and with a person that when it comes probably even drugs that temporarily time to avoid them this seems to be Getting The Girl erase the pain and help you to forget. an impossible task. Block buttons are But what happens when you sober awesome. Block them on Facebook, Let’s just say as an example there is a up? You wake up with a really bad Twitter, Tumblr and any other social girl in your math class that has caught hangover, regret, and possibly more networking sites. Delete text messages, your interests. You want to ask her out pain than yesterday. numbers, and pictures. Rip up the love on a date, but you don’t know much letters. Throw out all the tangible items about her. A simple hello can start a There are many alternatives to that remind you of this person. Do not great conversation because from there destructive behavior in attempt to get call them just to talk. Do not pick up you can talk about almost anything. over a heart break. Music is therapy. the phone. This space and separation From the weather or even asking if she Turn up your favorite artist and dance. may be the hardest thing ever, but in would like to study with you, can be The exercise it provides and the the end, it’s healthy not to be in your some topics to talk about. After you’ve happiness of listening to music helps ex’s life. It only hurts you in the long gotten to know each other and you you to forget about all the bad things run to watch them live their lives KNOW that she is interested in you, in your life for a brief four minutes. without you. you have to show interest in her as well This temporary happiness won’t leave or else she will move on. If you get the you feeling sick in the morning; you Instead of hurting yourself or alienating courage to ask her out, DON’T ASK won’t worry about the things you can’t yourself, turn your phone off, listen to HER OUT BY TEXT! Asking her out remember doing…or not doing. Music music and hang out with a group of in person makes it more personal, and is another way of an artist letting you friends. Breaking up is always hard, she can actually see your expressions. know that countless people are going but you don’t have to drink or smoke Now that you have asked her out, and through what you’re going through. to get over it. If you can love yourself she has said yes, you must now prepare It can convey a message of letting go enough to let time heal all wounds, the for your date. and living life. Don’t lock yourself in a next relationship you enter will benefit room with depressing songs, but play songs that usually make you happy. from this immensely. The Date The best company you could keep On this date, make sure you don’t smell during this difficult time is a group of

55 bad or dress like a slob. Make sure Friendly vs. Flirty heading down a rough path. you find some nice clothes to put on and have taken a shower. Be on time! Three Tips to Resist Third, remember why you are in the If you are late, it shows her that you relationship in the first place. If you really didn’t have any interest and that Being Flirty have the urge to flirt and say or do you stood her up. When you are out things you shouldn’t, then maybe you on your date (assuming you are having Alicia Troncoso should evaluate your relationship. Is dinner together), ask things about her SUNY New Paltz it really worth it to give up a healthy that you don’t already know. There relationship for what is probably just are some things you should stay away a “fling?” It may look good when it’s from mentioning: Don’t ask her what Being in a relationship definitely has right in front of you but think about she has done with other guys and don’t its ups and downs. On top of the the consequences and the hurt you will mention any girls that you might have arguing and problems, we also have to cause your significant other. Always been with. Now just because you both deal with the temptations that are all have respect for yourself and for the went on one date, doesn’t mean you around us. Often times people struggle person you are with. Most importantly, two are in a relationship. But if both with trying to focus on their boyfriends if you truly love someone you should you begin a relationship with each or girlfriends and keep platonic never do anything to jeopardize losing other, there is more to do, so you can relationships (relationships without them. Life is too short to take our loved keep her as long as possible. physical or sexual aspects). While there ones for granted, so love hard and be is a thin line between friendly and flirty, friendly but don’t flirt. there are few tips we can use to fight Being With Her our temptations of being flirty. While you are with a girl, tell the truth First, we have to make sure we are and don’t hide anything from her. not giving off the wrong signals. Our When one of you finds out a secret body language and the way we act can that has been kept from you, there is suggest things that may not be true. For a chance that secret will cause you two example, a simple kiss on the cheek or a to break up (if it is really that serious). light touch when speaking can suggest Also, keep listening to her. Girls like you are being flirty. It is important to it when you listen to them even when refrain from being too “touchy-feely” you don’t want to. Last but not least, with friends; this can be a huge sign of keep taking them out on dates. Dates being flirtatious. should not stop just because you are in a relationship and once in awhile, you Second, we must not get too personal should take them out to enjoy a special or too comfortable in platonic night out together. Following these relationships. If you share too many rules, should allow you to get that cute things with this person you risk girl you’ve had your eye on and keep the chance of being attached. Our her for as long as possible. significant others should be our confidants, and the person we can After reading this article, you should connect with on a deep emotional level. be able to get the girl you want to be If you get too comfortable and start to with. Of course every situation is connect emotionally with someone, it different, and there are different ways won’t be long before it turns physical. of approaching them. However, if you Remember your partner should be follow these tips, you will find that it is your best friend and the person you a great guideline to help you improve can be vulnerable with, and if you feel that relationship with the girl of your that way towards a friend you might be dreams.

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It’s Been A Great Year!

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