“Truth No Matter The Cost” The Torch BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER IGNITING STUDENTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUME 22 . . . No. 8 TORCHBCC.COM MAY 2014 “Game of Thrones” Professor Takes Legal Action Against the College EMANUELE CALIANNO tragedies,” Schmidt said. staff writer Following the eight-day suspension, the school allowed Schmidt back on campus under the conditions of keeping Francis Schmidt is hardly in need of the matter private, avoid wearing clothing introductions nowadays. The story of with “questionable statements,” and not the BCC professor, suspended without make disparaging comments about the pay and required to undergo psychiatric college. evaluation for posting a picture of his But Schmidt feels that the school’s daughter online wearing a Game of actions and terms he had to agree Thrones t-shirt with the caption “I will constituted a violation of his rights and take what is mine with fire and blood,” damaging of his image. He states that has made international news in a matter he had no interest in sensationalizing of days. the event to the press, and had no idea it But following the event, Professor would receive such widespread coverage. Schmidt has decided to take legal “I only answered the media because action against the college, on the basis someone from the outside had heard of defamation and violation of First about what happened and contacted me,” Amendment rights. he said. What he plans to do is to take After initial press coverage, Larry action against the injustices he feels were Hlavenka, spokesperson for BCC, done against him. released an official statement about In recent weeks, the professor has been what motivated the suspension: “Since contacted by a non-profit organization January 1, 2014, 34 incidents of school focused on helping academic communities shootings have occurred in the United exercise their First Amendment rights on States. In following its safety and security campus, the Foundation for Individual procedures, the college investigates Rights in Education (FIRE). Schmidt has all situations where a member of its accepted their help in finding an attorney, community – students, faculty, staff or and together they are working to develop local residents – expresses a safety or a plan of action. security concern.” FIRE’s spokespeople have stated But Schmidt believes that there was that a plan of action will develop in the more motivating the decision. He views following weeks. “We do not believe the picture posted online by Professor his case as a prime example of improper Schmidt’s daughter pictured doing yoga and wearing a Game of Thrones t-shirt. The college found the picture threatening. conduct from the administration towards Schmidt constituted any kind of threat. Photo Courtesy of Francis Schmidt faculty and students in past semesters. He We feel the measures taken by the college feels that his suspension was “payback” are a direct violation of First Amendment and speak out against injustices they’ve school’s measures to be reasonable. The for filing a grievance after a rejected rights,” they have said. suffered from the Administration. My media coverage received by the event has request for sabbatical. In preparation of the legal process, colleagues and I have a responsibility to made BCC recipient of heavy criticism “The school used the fear of a mass Schmidt wishes to send a message to do so,” he said. toward the Administration from all over shooting [as reason for my suspension] members of the college, who he feels have An opinion poll on nj.com’s website the area-- much of which has been posted as a way to cover their own stupidity, been treated similarly in recent months. counting more than 4,000 votes showed on the school’s Facebook page, as well as and it’s an insult to the victims of these “Students shouldn’t be afraid to that less than 1.5 percent found the different news websites. exercise their First Amendment rights Faculty Clashing With Administration EMANUELE CALIANNO to several present, and although it was staff writer investigated and cleared both internally and externally, it caused many to BCC’s faculty is openly opposing the reproach the president for embarrassing current Administration. This was made the professor in question, and ask advice evident by the Faculty Association’s from the professor’s colleagues. vote of no confidence motioned against “This is out of order, a breach of President B. Kaye Walter on April 8, privacy,” one professor commented, with but the conflict has not shown signs of others present calling the act “despicable” improvement. and “outrageous,” and Student “I always enjoyed being part of Government Association Vice President this institution and coming to work, Victoria Tahhan referring to it as a “bully until recently,” said Dr. Alan Kaufman, tactic.” Prof. Fatemi asked the Texas- Chairperson of the Faculty Senate, as born president “why don’t you resign and he initiated its April 22 meeting. His [expletive deleted] go back to Texas?” statement apparently reflected the general Dr. George Cronk, Senate Secretary, sentiment of his colleagues, who have in (L) Professor Kaufman, Chairperson of the Faculty Senate,, and (R) Dr. B. Kaye Walter, President of BCC. told the president “I’ve tried to support recent weeks begun to speak openly about you, Dr. Walter, but I just can’t anymore.” their dissatisfaction. Dr. Walter apologized to the Senate As Dr. Ron Milon, former Vice the Academic Department Chair “Defining student success in terms following the reaction, admitting President of Administrative Services, left Organization, has stated that she has not of graduation rates is not an accurate discontent among faculty while visibly BCC on April 11, he commented as to met with department chairs since her measurement for a community college. shaken . what motivated his resignation: “I can no arrival in 2012. But this was not the only It doesn’t consider the numerous reasons Sources close to the professor in longer accomplish what I am trying to do complaint brought forward by the faculty. why people enroll here,” Prof. Theodore question, requesting anonymity as they here, as I feel increasingly stifled by the The combined efforts of the Solomon said. were not authorized to speak on the Administration. There is a lack of trust Administration and the Board of Trustees During a senate discussion calling subject, stated the professor has sought and collaboration [from administrators].” to “maximize potential for student for more collegial relations, Prof. Farivar legal counsel following the incident. When asked about his concerns regarding success,” which have been put into Fatemi spoke against the Administration Prior to recent events, the general the school, Milon said “We have a effect during the course of Dr. Walter’s and Board by saying “They don’t want tendency of the faculty had been to very politicized environment, which administration, have been object of collegiality. They’re businessmen, and abstain from commenting on the situation, sometimes overlooks the most important dispute between the two parties. Focused they want to make this a business.” either in fear of possible consequences reason why we’re here-- the students,” an on meeting guidelines pushed by the state But this level of dissent was minimal or negatively influencing the work impression seemingly shared by many as well as the Middle States Commission compared to the general outrage that environment. members of the faculty. on Higher Education, the college’s broke out minutes later. Faculty at the senate and in individual accrediting organization, they have After her arrival, President Walter interviews cited lack of communication pushed to raise the current graduation distributed copies of an investigative from President Walter, together with her rate by 25 percent. However, many report filed by a student charging a preference to work alongside the Board of faculty members said they do not feel an professor with sexual misconduct, and Trustees. academic approach has been adopted to asked faculty members how they would Greg Biermann, Chairperson of evaluate the situation. have responded. The case was known 2 News THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 BCC Student Code of Conduct Changed

BLAIR DELONG universities… The Campus SaVE Act seeks to news editor address the violence women face on campus.” With the new wording that has been introduced into the new Student Code of Conduct, it has At the April Board of Trustees meeting, there become a much easier to read document with clear was a change to the Student Code of Conduct that all and concise offenses and how they can be handled. students need to be aware of. These changes arrive According to the Clery Center, one of the biggest on the back of President Barack Obama’s signing problems that affects women on college campuses of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization is stalking. The Clery Center also reports, “... Act (VAWA), which imposes new obligations on the highest risk of nonfatal intimate partner colleges and universities under its Campus Sexual violence, and 20 to 25 percent of female students Violence Elimination Act, or SaVE Act provision. experiencing rape or attempted rape.” The new Student Code of Conduct includes According to the SaVE ACT, accountability changes in existing legal requirements and has clarified minimum standards for institutional government agency enforcement statements. It has disciplinary procedures covering domestic added this new language to the BCC Student Code violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and of Conduct according to Board of Trustees Action stalking, to ensure that, “Proceedings shall provide E/G 2, which was approved on April 1, 2014. The a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution was submitted by BCC President Dr. B. resolution and are conducted by officials receiving Puff or Pass, Marijuana Legalization Kaye Walter and Dr. Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus, annual training on domestic violence, sexual Vice President of Student Affairs, both of whom assault and stalking. [That] both parties may have submitted the authorization of the acceptance of others present during an institutional disciplinary the revised Student Code of Conduct, and were proceeding and any related meeting, including unavailable for comment on what their thoughts an advisor of their choice. [That] both parties were on the subject of a safer campus and how the will receive written outcomes of all disciplinary changes might impact incoming students. proceedings at the same time.” The Clery Center for Security On Campus, With the changing of the Student Code of which requires all colleges and universities that Conduct, students aware of these changes can make participate in federal financial aid programs to the campus a much safer place for all. The revised keep and disclose information about crime on version can be found in the coming fall semester’s and near their respective campuses; compliances Student Handbook that will be available for all are monitored by the United States Department of students at the Office of Student Life in Room SC- Education. According to Clerrycenter.org, “The 110 (take a left once you enter the Pitkin Education Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act Center next to the help desk), or online at Bergen. SaVE Act, helping to stem the tide of violence on campus represents a turning point in our nation’s handling edu. Use the search bar and search “Student Code Photo Courtesy of campussaveact.org of sexual misconduct on college campuses and Of Conduct,” and it will present a link to the PDF. So You Want To Graduate? RSVP and let the college know. You must also let the a.m.,- 3 p.m. and May 8th from 12-7p.m. in the BCC MATT ZDANEK staff writer college know who you plan to bring to the event which gymnasium. Students will pick up items including a cap will be held on May 22, in the IZOD center, 120 East and gown and be given information about the ceremony. Rutherford, New Jersey . The graduation ceremony Students are encouraged to bring as many guest as they So you’re a Bergen Community College student will begin at 7 p.m. Directions to the IZOD center or please. Parking for the official ceremony will be free preparing to graduate? You have successfully navigated any information regarding public transportation can be and any information in relation to the ceremony will be through the gauntlet of your first two years of college found at the office of student life room A-115. Gregory released at the Graduation Salute. Congratulations to and now you must take the next steps towards your Fenkart is BBC’s Coordinator of Student Development the graduating students of 2014. May you have the best future. This can be an exciting and overwhelming time and will help with any questions or concerns regarding of luck in all your future endeavors. Stay humble, and for prospective graduates, but with a little knowledge the ceremony. be positive! and planning, the transition from student to graduate Students planning to attend the ceremony must or continuing on to your next goal can be made a lot attend the Graduation Salute on May 7, from 9 smoother. The first in a series of steps a student must take is applying for their degree. This can be done in two ways: either online in your web-advisor, or with a written form. You must make sure you have completed the required course work for your degree or will be expected to finish by the end of the semester. Checking your program evaluation regularly can ensure you will be ready for graduation. On it you will see a little notification that reads “pending graduation” if you are in your final semester. Once a student has filed the necessary paperwork or submitted an online application for a diploma, it is now time for the student to focus on future goals. If you have plans to transfer to a four year university make sure you apply early to give yourself ample time to get the required transcripts in order and sent out. Official transcripts take time to process and you will need official transcripts from all colleges you have attended. Some might also find themselves needing to send out high school transcripts to coordinate with the two year language requirement. Do not wait until the last minute for this or you will find yourself missing application deadlines and potentially losing out on an opportunity to be accepted into your desired program. Contact the colleges you are transferring to for application deadlines. After students have applied for graduation and do plan on attending the graduation event, they must RSVP via email to [email protected]. The deadline for the 2014 graduation was March 31st; however if you still wish to walk during graduation you can still Students get ready to walk down the aisle, and into their promising future. Courtesy of MCTcampus.com JOIN THE TORCH Meetings every Tues., 12:30 p.m., SC-111A

Corrections to stories that appeared in the April 2014 edition: On page 2, the article titled “Faculty: No Confidence in Walter” has a typo. President’s Walter quote should say “Faculty union.” On page 23, the byline for the article “Wrestlemania 30” should be Adrian Yllatopa. My Last Letter: A Pleading Cry for Peace Pg. 8 Uncle Blair Pg. 9 3 NEWS VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 The Torch Puff or Pass, Marijuana Legalization NOMI EIJKENAAR staff writer A big controversy that has everyone According to the US government, involved is whether the use of Marijuana marijuana is a Schedule I drug, meaning should be legalized or not. On April 21, it is not allowed to be used as medicine two very interesting men came to discuss whatsoever. Hager said, “We spend more the issue here at Bergen Community on healthcare than any other nation College at the Anna Maria Ciccone on this earth, by far, and yet we have Theater. Bob Stutman represented the one of the worst health care systems of side of those who do not believe in the all the industrialized nations on earth. legalization of Marijuana, while Steve How come we spend so much and get Hager shared his opinion and explained so little?” Hager stated that children why marijuana should be legalized. are given dangerous pharmaceutical Stutman made a 25-year career as medications from the time of birth and one of America’s highest profile drug by the time you’re 60, they want people busters. He was a Department of Drug on 20 pills a day. He believes they don’t Enforcement Administration agent, so do it because it’s good for us, but because well known that at some point in his they make money off of it. In his opinion, career, he was targeted for assassination. if marijuana would be legalized, our Ever since retiring from his DEA position, generation and all generations to come Stutman has been working to provide would have an unlimited and free supply substance abuse prevention programs. of medication. Hager is the former Editor-in-Chief Hager’s second reason was that hemp and the Creative Director of High Times is healthy for the environment. There are Magazine. He is also a leading figure 30,000 things that can be used from this in the hemp legalization movement by plant such as rope, clothes, paper; even the creating the first national hemp tour. first American flag was made of hemp. Hagar is one of the most well known Hager said, “there is almost nothing Bob Stuntman and Steve Hager locked horns in an intense marijuana legalization debate. Nomi Eijkenaar//The Torch and active people working towards you cannot make out of this plant.” His the legalization of marijuana. He has third reason was that too many people campaigned on the social, political, are put into jail because of their use of his position regarding the matter. He looking at it” said Stutman. Even though economic, and judicial reasons he feels marijuana. It is a waste of money and explained that just like no other medication hemp might be a great way to create marijuana should be legalized. space to create so many new jails. Hager’s is legal to grow on your own, marijuana products, it does not mean people will In the debate, Hager began with fourth reason was that too much money is should not be either. Medication should buy it. Stutman asked “Why do 97 sharing his five reasons why marijuana being spent on illegal drugs. If marijuana be prescribed, given in the correct dosage percent of college students in Europe not should be legalized. According to Hager, was legal, that money would be in other to the right people, and not assumed by wear hemp clothes, or use hemp paper, or smoking marijuana can help with eating peoples hands, used to own things and the user. “If you went to a doctor and she hemp ink? It must not be as great as Steve disorders, depression, epilepsy, and advance society. His fifth and last point gave you pills, if you asked how many you said it was before.” In response to what almost any other disease. “There are was that consuming Marijuana is a part are suppose to take and she said to take Hager said about marijuana being a part more diseases in this world which this of some individuals culture, cultures that as many as you need, what would your of a religion, Stutman said, “Just because is a useful treatment for than any other want peace and brotherhood. response be? That is the same concept you do something in the name of religion, substance under the sun” said Hager. On the other hand, Stutman explained with personal use of marijuana as a drug. does not mean it is right.” No one can tell you how strong it is by Why Summer Classes Matter To You NOMI EIJKENAAR staff writer

Bergen Community College is spring semester. called a two year college, but is it It is difficult to accept the fact really? The truth is, this may not that while all our other friends always be the case. In order for a attending four years schools will student to be eligible to graduate, be on their summer vacation, we they must complete at least 64 might still be here at Bergen taking college-level credits. When classes, but in all honesty, it is truly thinking of a two year college, worth it. Summer I and Summer most will assume that it will II sessions are 5 weeks long, and consist of four semesters: two in students can take up to three the fall and two in the spring. Even courses in each 5 week period. as a full time student, however, 12 This make it possible for students credits per semester won’t make to potentially complete 18 credits you eligible to graduate in four in the summer, and guarantee a semesters. In reality, you must take degree in two-years, if not less! five classes per semester in order Not only is it smart to finish up to finish in two years, unless you at Bergen as quickly as possible to come in and take extra classes be able to transfer to a four year during summer break. school, it is also much cheaper There are many misconceptions to collect credits at Bergen. All about summer classes. Many schools in New Jersey are required students think that because to accept any Bergen Community summer classes are shorter, they College graduate as a junior and might not count as actual classes. allow the transferring of all credits Some might think they are difficult they have collected. to transfer out, and some might Make the right decision: think they are not equivalent to push a little harder, take summer the fall or spring semester classes classes, and finish your two year because one cannot pay for them college degree within the two through Sallie Mae, the financial years you believed it would take aid assistance service offered to when stepping in here at the very Courtesy of MCTcampus.com students during the fall and the beginning. 4 News THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 The Green Team, Fighting For Our Future MATT ZDANEK trash, defeating the goal that was employed from the game changers. I have seen that percentage of students, staff writer beginning. That's where the Green Team comes in and faculty and staff here at BCC that really care that we separates the trash from the recycling themselves in create long-term sustainability- through vision, action order to ensure the recyclables are actually recycled. and financial stability. I know here at BCC we're going You may have caught a glimpse of them emptying Among other activities, the team has set up bee to flip this paradigm,” Weiland said. trash cans and recycling bins around campus. They wear hives from which they obtain their own honey. They One option being proposed is to have a “Green their distinct tie-dye shirts and are joined by a common also create compost from waste to be used in the aid Fee” added to the tuition of all BCC students. Raising purpose. To help move the college in the direction of a of plant life around campus. All of this is done on little the fee by $1 would not only revive the Green Team and sustainable and thriving environment. The members that to no funding and now with the Federal Work Study its ambitions but help it thrive. Weiland said “I want make up the Green Team, a skeleton crew of concerned funding coming to a startling halt, the group faces a to see us thriving, lets put our ethics to good use, I'm students that have spearheaded a movement on campus dire challenge. ready lets do it!” College is an investment. We take to establish an eco-friendly culture and atmosphere. If there is one message that Professor Wieland passes out loans to pay our tuition with the premise that after Their hope and ambition is to educate students and on, it is that you, the students can help. Statistically we graduate we will earn back a larger percentage of provide everyone on campus with the ability to recycle speaking it takes 2.5 percent of a population to invoke what we paid in. BCC students must ask themselves is and take part in preserving our way of life. true change. “2.5 percent of the population can flip the it worth the investment and tuition prices being raised In modern times it is an unfortunate reality that entire paradigm for 100 percent of the people. It all starts a dollar to benefit the green movement on campus? The concerns for a healthy environment take the backseat to with that 2.5 percent the believers, the visionaries, the fate of our planet ,our world, our home is in our hands. other dilemmas. However, Ecologist and Environmental scientists have been forewarning the direct impacts people have had on the planet already. Much of the damage at this juncture is irreversible, a sad truth that nobody wants to admit. However, it is not too late to act and it all starts with being educated. The Green Team students are mostly volunteers. The movement itself was being funded by grants, BCC funds and Federal Work Study, which has effectively been discontinued. Leaving Rachel Wieland the Green Team manager in a conundrum. Without the Federal Work Study there is no Green Team. Most of the members are already taking their time to sift through garbage cans and sort out recyclables from trash. They do this without any paycheck. In fact when the Green Team approached the administration about putting recycling bins around campus they were stonewalled. The group didn't take no for an answer; instead they collaborated with the Art Department and developed their own hand-made recycling receptacles. Students started to use these recycling bins around campus and before long administration took note of this and began to establish official recycling units throughout the college. Figuratively as well as logistically it was a success. It showed that when given a choice people will often will make the right decisions like putting an empty water bottle in a recycling container instead of throwing it in the trash. Unfortunately the college still doesn't support a full recycling process, many of the recycling bins are later emptied and combined into the SaVE Act, helping to stem the tide of violence on campus Matt Zdanek// The Torch Student Leaders at Bergen Community College CLIFTON TAULBERT It was interesting as we talked Clifton Taulbert, guest speaker at BCC inspired student leaders to continue thriving. best-selling author & about various ideologies of world Courtesy of Clifton Taulbert guest speaker at bcc leaders and what was good, as well as what was missing. I wanted them to In my work as an international understand that their fellow students consultant, most often I am working would be expecting the best of them, with business leaders within the and rightly so. commerce and non-profit sectors. To that point, we talked about their However, a few weeks ago, I had a commitment to building community rather nice deviation from my norm. through the Eight Habits of the Heart as Instead of senior leaders of industry tools (Nurturing attitude, responsibility, and academia, I had the pleasure dependability, friendship, brotherhood- of spending a full day with those sisterhood, high expectations, courage, identified as student leaders. I was and hope) to buttress their specific struck by their sense of commitment leadership assignments. As they to their respective posts. As our work progressed through the eight habits, I progressed throughout the day, they feel that they caught the vision of their were present; not just occupying a responsibility as partners. seat, but really there. Of course, this is Our discussions were lively and important if they are to be their peers’ interactive and maybe with a bit of a representatives to the administration healthy competition; especially when of Bergen Community College and the they were challenged to draw the other New Jersey community colleges answer. Stick figures to masterful that were present. works of art appeared as they provided First and foremost I wanted each a clear picture of how an environment leader to understand that their roles would look, if certain positive habits carried more weight than maybe were present or absent. originally felt. I wanted them to We ended our day giving each understand that their positions also leader an opportunity to reflect upon made them partners in creating an the day and to decide in writing environment for success. As leaders, what they would STOP, START, or I challenged them to embrace the ACCELERATE to continue along accountability and commitment that a progressive and inclusive path of were essential to carry out the functions leadership. These responses will be of their respective positions. They were provided for the next class of student in some respect, the feet on the ground, leaders. It was indeed a joy to be part mingling with and interacting with of their enthusiasm. If this enthusiasm their fellow students; thus exposing continues, their fellow students will be their leadership ideology on a daily the long-term beneficiaries. basis. MAY 2014 | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 TORCHBCC.COM News 5 Miryam Suserman, A True Survivor NOMI EIJKENAAR staff writer

They were normal people. They had children, families, friends, jobs, homes, hobbies, money, and lives. They were just like us, until one group, the Nazis, destroyed 6 million of them. Imagine wiping out all students here at Bergen Community College and multiply that number by 350, that was the ungraspable amount of Jews murdered by the Nazis. On Thursday April 10, at a meeting of the Jewish club here at BCC, I was privileged enough to meet one of the strongest women I have ever laid my eyes upon. Miryam Suserman, an almost 80-year-old woman born in Paris, France, and one of the few survivors of the Holocaust. She was almost 8-years- old when the war hit home. Her mother and father emigrated from Poland to Paris and brought five children into the world, three boys and two girls. Suserman’s father was a tailor who tailored military clothing which he had to deliver as well. One day, in 1941 he walked outside in the street to deliver some of the clothes he made. During this time, Jewish people had to walk around with a yellow Star of David on the front of their shirt so that others could identify them as Jews. All Jewish Miryam Suserman speaks about her experiences as a child in the Holocaust. people standing with him at the bus stop Nomi Eijkenaar//The Torch waiting to go home were forced onto a truck which took them to a concentration income, Miryam’s oldest brother Robert and I. My middle brother and older mothers were screaming. I remember a camp called Drancy. and middle brother David, used to go out brother were not in the house at the cacophony of noise and despair, it was After her father was taken away, the to the outskirts of Paris and sell gloves time, they were out selling gloves. All unbelievable. We were being shoved into family had no means of income. Jewish -- that was their only income. of a sudden there was a knocking on trucks that were lined up on the street. people were not allowed to work, see a On July 16, 1942, the majority of the door. Someone was yelling ‘Open They drove us to a center close to where doctor, or get medication. Her mother Jewish people were arrested in Paris. the door!’ We opened the door and the the Eiffel Tower is today. We were given was a very sick woman who needed Miryam said, “The noise on the street French police were there. That was when [a little] cabbage and [a little] potato a surgery. Since she could not get the was horrendous. I remember running they took us away.” day. We had one piece of bread that was proper treatment, she was able to have into my mother’s bedroom and crying As described by Miryam, “The supposed to last us a full day. Water was a Jewish doctor from the black market because I was scared. At home, there screams in the street were unbelievable, close to impossible to get while toilets come to her home and operate on her in were only my little brother, my sister, babies were crying, children were yelling, her own house. Since the family had no Continued on pg. 6

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NYU-SCPS Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications Job Number: a1314-0772 Pub/Issue Date: Bergen CC 5/2/14 Product: McGheeTrans Date 4/25/14 Size: 10”x 7.5” Artist: pw Bleed: NA Proof #: 2 (resubmit) Color/Space: BW Note: 6 News THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 Are You Health Informed? MICHELLE ABRIL information being given, Taryn staff writer responded, “Everything is from the FDA and the CHC, everything is from these legitimate clinics where As a college student, the last thing on one’s mind the information is available.” This is focusing on their health. The truth is, most students information varies from prenatal focus more on school, tests, and the possibility of a care, STDs, cancer in both men social life. Our health seems to always take second to and women, depression, and our already busy schedules. If only our school provided menopause. a service which would educate students about our Taryn stressed how important health and prevention. this information is for students to On April 10, the school did just that with the research because something that can Health Profession Opportunity Grant, or HPOG, be so minimal could turn serious, hosting an event in the Student Center that was catered but with the right information it to informing the student body on their health and could be prevented. HPOG also prevention of sickness. HPOG threw their second joins with the Dental Hygiene “Women’s Health Awareness” event, which shared Program to bring awareness of health awareness varying from not only women but dental hygiene and inform students men’s health concerns as well. how easy one could get a simply I had the opportunity to sit down with the founder teeth cleaning for a mere $20. of the event Taryn Torsiello, a now graduating student Not only does this event bring of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and an awareness to student’s health but it HPOG student. When asked what brought her to start shows where on campus a student this event she said, ”I wasn’t interested [in] the other can go for more information. If you service opportunities available so when I started my have more questions concerning clinicals over the summer I saw a lack of knowledge their own personal health they of prenatal care, simply because they [didn’t] know. can head down to Wellness and It sparked my interest because I have the knowledge Health Services Office next to the and platform to spread the word and get other students gymnasium and speak to someone that are also in the health industry to get together and there. spread the word.” Other than that now Taryn From where we stood, one can perfectly see the provided her email taryntorsiello@ table arranged with pamphlets and coupons. This gmail.com for any students who information is available for everyone who is interested has questions they are more than in doing the research since it is free as Taryn says,” welcomed to contact her. Taryn Everything [on] this table aside from the candy came to stresses one to be aware of their us for free. Everything is available, so that’s why we are health present and future as well as here to bridge the gap between not knowing and also be informing to read up on information an approachable face of knowledge, that can make one open their eyes When asked how beneficial and honest the to the importance of your health.

Courtesy of MCTcampus.com Miryam Suserman, A True Survivor warmth or somebody to be next to me.” Continued from pg. 5 One morning, Miryam was given a letter in an office and was told to give it to were buckets or holes in a wooden plank. the old lady she was caring for. The lady We had no toilet paper, no leaves, and no sat her down by her on the bunk and told water, nothing to clean ourselves.” her “little girl, my life I have had. Take They used to receive dirty green water this little paper, go to the door tomorrow to wash up in and green bars of soap. morning, and have your own life.” As a Suserman described, they were made little girl, Miryam listened. She hugged of some type of cement which irritated the lady and they cried together, and that their skin. After some time in the first was the very last time she saw her. camp they were moved onto the second The next morning, she and four or five one. When coming in, any trucks going other people left the camp. They walked in were there to stay and those going out in the heat and hid by the road. They stole were filled with people on their way to fruit from the trees and ate roots from the get terminated. Miryam said her very ground. As Miryam said, “By now, all of first adulthood experience came that first us had shaved heads and infectious bites night. She describes herself as one who all over our bodies. We had pus-filled never had a true youth or childhood. pimples and were bleeding all over.” They “The first night was memorable to me finally reached the outskirts of Paris and because there were insects, huge flies, someone was nice enough to pay for them lice, ants, field mice, rats. They were to go on the Metro. all passing under us between the straw When Miryam reached her station, she we had to sit or lay on. It was crowded, crossed the street and rang the doorbell it smelled, it was hot and dirty, and all to her house. Her brother Robert opened animals were biting us from under the the door. He looked at her and she said straw. All I heard was the moaning of “It’s me”. He picked her up, threw her in coupling, of babies, of fright, of hunger, the air and they cried. From there on, for of unexplainable sensations filling all of six months, her brothers were taking care us, ‘Why us?’” said Miryam. of her with the help of doctors from the As time moved on, both her sister black market. and her mother were taken away as well. In the middle of the night in 1943, the All that were left were her and her little doorbell rang again. The French police brother. One night, her little brother was there again and that time they were Henry had an attack of appendicitis; he there for Robert. Robert was out selling was taken away, and she never saw him gloves. which is why they took David. again. She was alone, frightened, hungry They wanted to take Miryam as well but in ways one could not even understand. David was able to convince the police As she said, “it was a torture in the front man to let him hide her at the house of of my stomach, my chest hurt, and my their father’s good friends. throat was burning. I was so thirsty, but David was taken away, Robert was there was no water.” gone, her sister was gone, her brother For the third time, Miryam was moved was gone, her mother was gone, and her to another camp. In this one, she got to father was missing. One day, the sister sleep on a bunk but they had no mats, of the man who was caring for Miryam and used straw instead. One day, two men saw her father on the street and told him brought an old lady into the room that Miryam was safe with them. Miryam and couldn’t even walk on her own. They her father met up, they were the only two Miryam Suserman speaks about her experiences as a child in the Holocaust. told Miryam it was her responsibility to survive the war from their family. Nomi Eijkenaar//The Torch to now care for the woman, and that is Miryam grew older in Paris and on what she did. “I finally had something April 10, 1954, she was married. On the world a girl and a boy. She is now a she is a living proof that the Holocaust to do, someone to talk to. I called her January 2, 1956, when she was 22-years- grandmother to four children; two girls really did happen. It was a horrifying grandmother in Yiddish. She was soft and old, her and her husband moved to the and two boys. destruction of 6 million people that will she used to hug me. That’s all I wanted, United States, where they brought into She survived it. She made it. But never be forgotten and never be erased. MAY 2014 | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 TORCHBCC.COM News 7

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Learn More fdu.edu/bcc-fdu 8 Editorials THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 7 | MAY 2014 The Torch THE TORCH, a member of the My Last Letter: A Pleading Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association, is the official student newspaper of Bergen Community College. The purpose of THE TORCH is to report on the events Cry for Peace at BCC and the local community, and to offer the BCC community a forum for expression. The opinions expressed in THE TORCH are not neccessarily those of THE TORCH. All the materials submitted to THE TORCH become property of THE TORCH.

RICARDO MONTERO-HERNANDEZ Editor-In-Chief

BRANDON REIS Co-Editor

JEFF CARBONE Copy Editor

BLAIR DELONG News Editor

ROGER ECHEGOYÉN Features Editor

JESSIE CASTELLANOS Sports Editor

JASON FELIX LINDA ECHEVERRY RICARDO MONTERO-HERNANDEZ RICARDO MONTERO editor-in-chief Layout Editors

PAOLA BAEZ Ad Manager

VALERIE BATISTA Photo Editor

PROF. LEW WHEATON Advisor

Corrections The Torch strives for the highest Captain Walter clumsily steers the U.S.S. BCC into the deadly iceberg named “Labor Negotiations,” journalistic standards and accuracy. Readers are encouraged to contact and is the first to abandon ship. LeslieMartinez//The Torch us if they find any mistakes in any edition of the Torch. Everyone in this delicate we needed someone with his expertise and ecosystem affects one another, it is a trickle RICARDO MONTERO-HERNANDEZ assist us with labor negotiations,” as quoted Editorial and editor-in-chief down effect of positivity or negativity that by Chairman E. Carter Corriston at the is felt by all, and it is currently being felt by Opinion Pieces October 2013, Board of Trustees meeting. all, with the tension upstairs, to the sulky, As an open public forum, The Torch Money and power have corrupted This article was not written to criticize tired faces of the professors to the optical welcomes guest opinion pieces and everything. For as long as humans have the Administration, neither was it written and auditory feedback that the students letters to the editor from any member to criticize the decisions that they are of the Bergen Community College had some type of currency or have tasted are receiving. In no case is this good, for making. It is more of an informational anyone, to continue this reckless spending community. Materials should be some sort of power, the universal avarice outcry of bewilderment, and more than submitted to [email protected] or that has consumed all of us has always been and unfruitful labor negotiations. that, it is an expression of disillusionment I ask anyone who is reading this to please delivered to The Torch office, SC- historically present, waiting for the moment and disappointment towards the people that 111. Such submissions must include cease this Cold War of opposing collegiate where its insatiable thirst can be quenched are providing me my education. the writer’s name, contact informa- once more. powers, to leave pride and dignity and the tion and affiliation with the college. It is unbelievable to me how money and I am in this college precisely to avoid overwhelming human condition aside and Students should include their major; power, like an infectious disease, is able to situations like the one we currently come together for the benefit of all. There faculty and staff should include cam- get by any crease, to fill any crack in this find ourselves in; I came to learn how is no need for this hostility, there is no need pus title or position. Opinion pieces fake network of socioeconomic ranks and to effectively communicate and solve for this negativity and there is certainly no are limited to 600 words and letters mass judgments that we call society. It has problems, to ready myself for the “real need for this spending if the people involved to the editor to 200 words. The Torch world” so I can one day I can provide for my in this would use common sense. Everyone reserves the right to edit and to re- drowned great men, it has obscured great family and be successful. Unfortunately, the fuse publication of any submission. projects and now it has even found it’s way is being affected by this, and everything is into our college. adults of this college, people with masters, only becoming worse by the minute. doctorates and years of education, cannot Lastly, I’d like to communicate to The Torch offices are located BCC Administration has not had come together to compromise to something in Room SC-111, effective negotiations with faculty and staff the students that caring about BCC does since June 2013, but instead, felt that it was so obvious and simple. matter. Most of you do not give a shit 400 Paramus Road necessary to pay almost half a million on It is pathetic to me that, just because about what happens or what is being done Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 legal consultants, John Schepisi Esq. and of the human condition, it is forgivable with your money or how your education 201.493.5006/5007 Marvin Goldstein, Esq., responsible for when someone in power forgets what their is being affected. Leave the thought that [email protected] making the negotiations effective. That office is for, and proceeds to carry on community college doesn’t matter aside, it $400,000 could have been used to actually his or her own agenda. May I remind the is not beneficial to you or to those around solve the contract negotiations, instead of Administration, The Board of Trustees, the you, and try and care for the present, and being misdirected towards a source that faculty and the staff and anyone else who it value yourself for who you are, not who has done nothing to better the situation. may apply to, that you are here to educate everyone believes you to be. us, that is the sole purpose of your existence This is my last article as Editor-in- FOLLOW In all honesty, if I was paid $44,187.00 here, so I and my fellow students can get a for a few days work, just by sitting at a Chief of The Torch. I, Ricardo Montero- table and arguing, I would keep making proper education and graduate. Hernandez, have hoped that through this that argument as long and complicated as You all have seem to have forgotten that interesting year of creation and destruction, possible. colleges work as a balanced ecosystem, that my editorial board and I have provided US Tuition is being raised again, faculty and revolves around the presence of students, you with the best journalism on this side staff continue to work without contracts and not for your own. of the Mississippi, and I hope that we have the atmosphere in the college could not be Please understand that without the had some sort of impact in your collegiate more tense. There are obviously excuses as students, you would be unemployed. career, for you have impacted mine. Love, to why, instead of coming to a logical deal However, do not forget that your jobs also respect and be patient with one another, with the unions, the administration feels involve each other, so instead of locking enjoy who you are and appreciate what you the need to keep on pumping cash into the arms in blindfolded disagreement, it is in have, and never let anyone tell you who you your best interest to try peace instead of ought to be. labor consultant firms that are doing little worrying about factors like money and FB.com/bergentorch to no work to better the financial state or Thank you for reading, this is Ricardo the morale state of the college. All these power, which have done nothing more than Montero-Hernandez signing off. Stay based excuses narrowed down to “We believe corrupt and demoralize this college. Bergen.

First Place Awards: General Excellence, Layout & First Place Awards Design, Column/Opinion 2011-2012 Society of Professional Winner for, Enterprise/Investigative Reporting Journalists: Breaking 2011-2012 News Editorial, @torchheadsays Winner for News & Arts and Entertainment/Critical Editorial Writing, Writing, Features, Sports Writing, 2011-2012 Best All-Around New Jersey Press Foundation Better College Non-Daily Student Newspaper Contest Newspaper Një Global gemenskapen bei BCC Pg. 12 & 13 9 OPINIONS VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 The Torch Uncle Blair: Hey Let’s Just Keep Throwing Money Around

(Left) John Schepisi Esq., the acting legal consul of BCC and (Right) Dr. Kaye Walter, President of BCC sitting at the Board of Trustees Photo illustration by Linda Echeverry & Ricardo Montero

BLAIR DELONG section that is on the Board of Trustee's contracts offered to the Faculty Union. Ladies and gentleman, we have found news editor section at bergen.edu. Mr. Goldstein’s Currently there are 13 petitions total, 9 of ourselves a leak. I’m afraid that if it isn’t company has billed BCC over $145,000 which are being connected to the contract fixed quick enough, we’re going to find over the course of 2013 as well. for the faculty. ourselves sinking deeper into obscurity During Bergen County Executive During this time, the faculty and other Since the motion for a vote of no and the trappings of a joke of a Bi-Partisan Kathleen Donovan’s State of the County support staff here on campus have been confidence in BCC’s President B. Kaye Board of Trustees as they continue to let Address, she said, “[President Walter] has working without a contract since June of Walter was brought forth by the Faculty their strings be pulled by the very same been cutting waste and directing dollars 2013. While at first the negotiations were Association on April 8, it seems as though person we have payed almost a half a to where they help us achieve the primary only being handled by Mr. Goldstein, Mr. this campus might be going to hell in a million dollars to. goal of the college – educating students.” Schepisi’s company has gotten involved handbasket real quick. The faculty think We as students should be aware of At this point in time, this statement with the negotiations. According to a that they don't have any confidence in Dr. how wasteful BCC has become with couldn’t be any less true. While not source in the Faculty Association, as Walter, and frankly, neither do I. the money we play to study here. We entirely on Bergen Community College’s of March 1, 2014, Mr. Goldstein’s firm I don’t like being referred to as a as students should stand up for those very own President B. Kaye Walter’s has profited over $156,000 and Mr “customer” and my tuition (I’m studying men and women who work tirelessly to back, the money hasn’t been directed Schepisi’s firm since coming in to help on the GI Bill and quite frankly have give us the best possible education they to educating students. Instead it’s being with negotiations against the very people paid for my tuition in blood) referred to can provide us. It only takes a spark to directed straight to the accounts of two that are here to help us in our collegiate “revenue.” I hate the fact that my money ignite a fire. This, my fellow students, individuals, John Schepisi Esq. and studies has been paid $190,000. is finding its way into the pockets of the should be that spark. Stand up and Marvin Goldstein Esq. Based on these numbers, my source some of the members of the “Good Old make your opinions heard. Don’t let this While Mr. Schepisi is the acting in the Faculty Association said that the Boys,” Mr. Schepisi and Mr.Goldstein. administration stifle our words, don’t let legal consul of BCC, Mr. Goldstein was money spent on the negotiations alone Instead of spending all of this “revenue” this administration think it can do what brought onboard to help with the labor could have added 1.5 percent to faculty as some have called it( IT’S TUITION), it wants. Remember this above all else, negotiations with the separate unions at based salaries instead of trying to fight this money should find its way into the we as students are the majority. It is, we BCC as of this printing. the Faculty Union. Since the negotiations pockets of those who care about my the students, who have the loudest voice. Over $400,000 found its way to Mr. began last year, they have now reached education and those who have been in It’s only right that our collective voice Schepisi’s company in 2013 alone. If there an impasse. BCC has filed Scope of the so called trenches, teaching every is heard and not stand for these actions is any question of the amount of money, Negotiations Petitions, which asks public day, grading papers, taking longer office against us and our educations...Frag out. you can review the LEGAL BILLS employees to strip pieces from the hours to help students in need. 10 Editorials THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2013 CONGRATULATIONS! WHAT’S NEXT?

10 Reasons to Transfer to Centenary 1. Seamlessly transfer up to 72 credits 2. Free transfer credit evaluation at any time 3. Individual attention from application to attendance 4. Numerous scholarships and grants available 5. Apply academics with hands-on learning 6. Enjoy greatg internships and career services 7. Join a strong community of transfer students 8. Degrees like Fashion and Sports Management 9. Take in the beautiful, safe, diverse campus 10. Finish your degree on time

NAACP Tries To Get Section 4

CentenaryCollege.edu/Bergen JUST A DEGREE AWAY MAY 2014 | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 TORCHBCC.COM Editorials 11 Navigating Through Scholarship Applications

EMANUELE CALIANNO Paola Baez, Ad Manager receives a scholarship. staff writer Courtesy of BCC

“The school gives out up to 200 scholarships each semester, but we never get more than 500 or 600 applications out of 17,000 students.” Administrative Assistant for the BCC Foundation Nicole Rivera is not hesitant to voice her disappointment at the amount of applicants for scholarships, and along with the rest of the department, she has been working to bring the numbers up. The Foundation occupies itself with raising funds to support scholarships, faculty and student development, and construction among other services. It relies on the support of groups and individuals from the public and private sector, whose donations make it possible for many of the services offered to be available. For students, this means that the flux of donations influences the amount of scholarships available each semester, along with the amount awarded. But as Ms. Rivera points out, most of these end up not being applied for anyway. According to her, the reasons why students do not fill out forms vary. Some feel they don’t have a chance because they already receive financial aid, while some are reluctant for the exact opposite reason; they believe scholarships are only for those in financial need. A lot of students are also discouraged by previous rejection, which Ms. Rivera admits is not uncommon. Even students with a GPA of 4.0 may not qualify at a specific time if they do not meet the financial requirements, or have not shown involvement in campus activities. At times, even the most involved of students with a low income may simply be beaten out by other applicants. “People apply once, and if they see they didn’t qualify for any scholarship, they don’t bother again. But it’s a definite possibility they may the right candidate for it the following semester.” Scholarships are awarded either solely based on merit, financial need, or a combination of the two, according to The range of awards shifts from like that ever applies,” she says. first time. The application process can be the terms of the grant stipulated. Most semester to semester, but it is always The Foundation announces that a elaborate, with several information, essays are applied for by filling out a standard so varied, that there is always a chance new scholarship is due for approval early and letters of recommendation requested. application, which after examination by a to be selected. “We have scholarships in May that will be open for application Further information and application committee of faculty and administrators, for very specific people. We have one until the end of the month, which will forms may be found online and at the gets sorted into groups according to what laying around for a Puerto Rican woman evaluate students on merit alone; and Foundation’s office in room L-340. scholarships one may qualify for. studying to become a doctor, but no one also be eligible to F-1 visa students for the NAACP Tries To Get Section 4 Reckless IVAN WEI be very difficult if some of the legislators contributing writer in congress are making it harder for a select group of people to vote. They tell Driving Poses The Voting Rights Amendment Act Section 4 was replaced with Section 5 us that we, the people, are the government last year and the National Association for because we can vote for the people we Advancement of Colored People is trying want in office. to get Section 4 back. Section 4 of the Voting for the people we want in Risk to Students Voting Rights Amendment Act was part office is difficult if we don’t know where of the law that stops voter suppression. By the polls are, that the times of the polling replacing section 4 with section 5, voter places change, or that now a voter ID suppression can be done more easily and card is required to vote when one was not required before. We must all fight on Campus without consequences. Voter suppression can be done by for our right to vote because it’s one that thousands of people fought for us to have. ALFREDO PEREZ regards to speeding. There are fewer making people get Voter ID cards which contributing writer public safety officials patrolling, which can be up to $35 in some states, change Let’s ask our congressmen and makes accidents more likely to occur. polling locations without warning, have women to support Section 4. The more This is due to the inconsistent traffic law early voting days that might not be that support the bill by co-sponsoring it Morning and afternoon rush hour enforcement in the lot. If students were announced to all people, not getting early the more likely it is to get reenacted. Start can easily translate into bumper-to- to receive more tickets daily for speeding ballots out to voters, ‘blacklisting’ people learning about the issues and become bumper road rage in the BCC parking or violating other common traffic laws, it and more. All of these ideas are ways to more informed. If you want to do more, lot. While some students assertively race could decrease the amount of congestion suppress people from voting. The people then call congress then get involved with for an empty spot to avoid circling the lot we have. that certain lawmakers are working to some local advocacy groups, both on again, others tend vent their frustration However, a bulk of the responsibility suppress the votes from are minorities, campus and off. There’s evem a local toward other drivers, leading to verbal falls upon the students. They which in turn only hurts one side of the NAACP chapter here at Bergen. and potentially physical confrontations. inadvertently create an atmosphere of voting spectrum. They are hoping that The NAACP is also looking for new Part of the reason for the aggression is carelessness which jeopardizes the safety they can keep Section 5 around for a members who want to make a change in the trending disregard for traffic laws. It of the students and faculty members while. the world, and one way we are doing that is not uncommon to witness the infamous when competing for parking spots. But the NAACP is working hard to is by informing people about important “rolling stop” or excessive speeding. The ongoing construction fuels this inform people about the VRA and trying issues like VRA Section 4. Please, if you Students who are guilty of doing this competition by taking up more space. to get Section 4 reenacted. The right to feel that voting is a right that all people have a variety of excuses. Some feel they Students should remain alert and vote was earned by the people of this should have, do your part by calling your do not have a choice, or they believe they resist the temptation of engaging in road country through unfortunate wars. We local congressmen and ask them to co- can get away with it; unfortunately, most rage the next time a car attempts to cut should honour those that fought and died sponsor the VRA bill. Get informed more students do. you off or ignore the stop sign. Driving is for us to have the chance to make our about the issues, join some advocacy Many students agree that evening a privilege, and we should treat it as such. voices heard at the polls. That is going to groups, or join the BCC NAACP! times are the worst, particularly with Një Global gemenskapen bei BCC “A Global Community at BCC”

EMANUELE CALIANNO staff writer

They come from all over the world to study at Bergen. Our school’s International Student Center counts more than 650 students currently enrolled under F-1 study permits, and a total of over 1,000 international students. The center reports most students begin their academic journey with ESL courses, and then continue to pursue their major. Their places of origin couldn’t be more diverse: with the exception of Antarctica and Oceania, there are hundreds of students coming from each continent. The main reason for coming here is obviously education. “Everybody who wants to succeed comes to America,” says Computer Science major Arion Ndrigjoni from Albania. But finding success has a different meaning for each of them. For Clarence Ramothibe, it meant giving up a comfortable life, and taking a leap of faith. Working as a bank manager in Namibia, he made the decision to move to New Jersey to have new experiences, and has now chosen a career in paralegal studies. “I was well off in my country, and it’s not to say that once I’m done studying here I will be doing better than I was back home,” he says, “but it’s a decision I took, and it was the best I could make for myself- it’s made me grow a lot.” Jason Mavivululu, who came from Switzerland in 2011 and studies engineering, says he came here “because you have to make experiences, you know? And I love it here, I used to watch NBA games all the time back home, so it was easy learning the culture, and now I play for the basketball team here.” Still, some had some trouble adjusting to life in the States. “I remember going to a supermarket for the first time,” says Seul Lee, a Business major from South Korea, “and looking at how big everything was. And I thought, wow, this is America!” Almost none of them had heard of a community college prior to coming here, and many make note of the opportunity Bergen is giving them. “I never thought I would be able to continue my education in South Korea. Over there, you only have one shot; if you don’t get into a university right away, you don’t get another chance easily,” says Hyun Shin, an East Asian Studies major. For some however, coming to our school didn’t mean having a second chance, but rather the opportunity to see a different side of education. Sanah Peerbhai lived in her native Lesotho and in India prior to coming here. Since moving to the States in 2010 to study Architecture, she has studied at Parsons in NYC and also taken summer courses at Harvard before enrolling at BCC last winter to study Accounting. Despite attending such prestigious schools, she says she enjoys the environment here. “I like the experience I’ve had here better. At big schools, you don’t have that connection with people. Here you can walk into an office or classroom and build relationships. The classes here are also much smaller, so it helps establish a connection with the subject and the professor.” Whatever the reason may be that pushes so many foreign students to enroll at BCC, none of them take this lightly; they all say to be here is to pursue the opportunity of a lifetime. “In America, everything depends on you, nothing can stop you if you’re stubborn enough,” says Bulgarian Business major Aleksandra Gavazova. And their stubbornness has made for one of the most unique communities in an institution already recognized and praised for its ethnic and cultural diversity.

Sanah Peerbhai Lesotho Accounting major. Një Global gemenskapen bei BCC “A Global Community at BCC”

Arion Ndrigjoni Jason Mavivululu Albania Switzerland A Computer Science major. Engineering major.

Sanah Peerbhai Erlan Nyssanov Clarence Ramobithe Lesotho Kazakhstan Namibia Accounting major. President of International Student Association Paralegal Studies 14 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 La Esquina Latina Un Mundo Perdido en la Traducción EMANUELE CALIANNO staff writer

En una nación con más de 40 millones de Latinos, aprender español no es solo un requerimiento de la secundaria, sino una necesidad para entender la propia cultura Americana-- una cultura que está cambiando. En este país, la mejor manera de aprender español es a través de una inmersión cultural, hecha de frases como “fierro a la comida, guey!” y “estás quemando el pollo!”, así como otras frases que no son apropiadas para estas páginas. Yo aprendí español trabajando en un restaurante en donde todos los cocineros son Mexicanos. Siendo Italiano de nacimiento, pude aprender el idioma gracias a ellos en cuestión de meses—sin contar los errores gramaticales. Al fin de cuentas, no son profesores o eruditos. Pero aunque no me hayan enseñado el castellano de la Real Academia de la Lengua Española, trabajar con estas personas me ha ayudado a crecer, y ver la desigualdad que existe en este país. Esto se debe a que la industria de los restaurantes representa más que cualquier otro lugar, el estilo de vida y la estructura social de los Estados Unidos. Trabajar en un restaurante puede ser espantoso, y esto es a causa de la exigencia frenética por la comida preparada que, además de ser la más alta de cualquier otro país, requiere a menudo calidad de gourmet a precios bajos. Cuando estoy trabajando, veo dos mundos paralelos desde la ventana de una cocina. De un lado, una cultura absorbida en sus lujos y comodidades, y del otro lado, un grupo de hombres que alimentan la Emanuele Calianno//The Torch locura de los otros para ganarse la vida, cuando al mismo tiempo son despreciados. Demasiadas veces se agota, están etiquetados como vulgares e ignorantes. he escuchado a gente quejarse de la comida y decir padre. La ansiedad de un viejo lavaplatos que se preocupa Ahora, no voy a tratar de alabar a los trabajadores por ser despedido. La amargura de un joven cocinero que “esto es lo que sucede cuando se pone a trabajar a los de las cocinas de todo el país por sus buenos modales hispanos.” se obliga a hablar Inglés solamente, y se muere por ir a la y encanto-- me han dicho demasiadas malas palabras escuela nocturna. Día a día, sus esperanzas se hacen más Pero la verdad es que casi nadie que entra en un como para creer esto. Pero al igual que su lenguaje, restaurante tiene idea de lo que sucede en una cocina. pequeñas, mientras todos somos conscientes de que el único estos hombres son a menudo mal entendidos. Si inglés que leerá estará escrito en los pedidos de comida. Muchos no sabrían ni cómo freír un huevo. Y lo que pudieran comunicarse con el resto del país, no serían es más triste es que junto a los clientes, hay muchos Pero si ellos no van a ser capaces de aprender mi idioma, he tratados con tan poco respeto. decidido que voy a hablar el suyo, y aprenderé todo lo que meseros y meseras que hacen lo mismo, cuando un También, otros serían capaces de comprender cocinero, que muchas veces gana casi la mitad de un pueda sobre el mundo al otro lado de la ventana de la cocina. historias previamente no consideradas. Verían la tristeza Si la gente se tomara el tiempo para hacer lo mismo, tal vez mesero, se le olvida preparar algo o si un cliente deja de un cocinero que dejó México a los 15 años, y nunca una mala propina. Y cuando la paciencia los cocineros pudieran ser capaces de aprender más de lo que se imaginan, regresó a su casa, ni siquiera para ver el funeral de su y reconsiderar algunas cosas sobre sus estilos de vida. The Biggest Days of the 21st Century, Nobody Talks About it, Why? JEFF CARBONE of news. Now people can get the most up-to-date and copy editor most important news delivered right to them, and if they have a smartphone, it doesn’t matter where they Sunday May 1, 2011: one of, if not the, most are or what time it is; if something happens, they important days in modern American history. Do you know immediately. remember where you were? Or what you were doing The problem with this is twofold: on one hand, it on that day? Do you even remember why the date has leads to confirmation bias; on the other it leads to a any significance? rush for immediacy over factual correctness. It’s okay if you don’t; I asked many people if If you’re a liberal, there’s a news network and the date meant anything, and very few had any idea websites for you to hear how everything is the dirty Courtesy of MCTcampus.com what I was talking about or why I was asking. On conservative’s fault. If you’re a conservative, there May 1, 2011 at a little after 10:30 p.m. EST, President is a news network and websites dedicated to telling Barack Obama announced from the East Room of the you how everything is the fault of the hippy liberal White House that a group of highly trained military agenda. There’s no reason to challenge your own personnel had captured and killed Osama Bin Laden. views or opinions, just dozens of voices “reporting Bin Laden was the man behind the most deadly attack the news.” on American soil, responsible for the death of almost The bigger problem though, might be rushing 3,000 people, an attack that launched us into two to be first to print, and the casualty being factual decade-long wars. correctness. In the wake of the Boston Marathon As a small refresher, the group now known as bombing, CNN and The New York Post both SEAL Team Six tracked Bin Laden to a complex in reported completely factually incorrect stories about the Pakistani city of Islamabad, and under cover of the identity of the bombers, eventually leading to the night they took the compound, killing Bin Laden in complete shutdown of the city of Boston. a firefight. After confirming the kill, they buried the Circling back to the capture of Osama Bin Laden terror mastermind at sea. and its historical importance, when reported on the What should have been the signature moment of same level of biased stories, takedown pieces, and a presidency, and a defining moment of American factually devoid stories, it almost certainly loses history, was almost immediately wiped away. The 24 value. How could it not? When the voices reporting hour news cycle ate it up, devoted a day or two of something of such extreme importance are the same coverage, and immediately moved on to whatever the voices telling us conservatives are killing the country, public wanted to hear about next. Almost as soon as it or President Obama is a communist from Kenya, or happened, it became old news. two completely innocent kids wearing baseball caps I’m not here saying that we should still be talking attacked the Boston Marathon, it’s impossible for about it constantly three full years later, however the you to consciously or unconsciously not take it less fact that it got the same level of coverage as former seriously. New York State Senator Anthony Weiner tweeting a This isn’t a problem that you, or I, or any one picture of his genitals to a woman is a disgrace. person can solve. This is an identity crisis we as a The news media needs to take a step back and society are facing. We all need to make a conscious think about itself and ask a couple of really important effort to look for better news, to challenge news questions about the stories they’re reporting: Is it writers on TV, online, and in newspapers to deliver factually right? Is it fair? Is it honest? Finally, and not just facts but, important facts. Otherwise we’ll do just as important, what is the historical impact of it? our best to look elsewhere. The birth of the 24 hour news cycle and the Internet have become both a blessing and a curse in the world David Otunga Comes to BCC Pg. 18 Roving Reporter Pg. 21 15 FEATURES VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 The Torch The Threepenny Opera Is Priceless

(left) Kayson Burgos, Philip Hackett and Amanda Zac- cone. (Right) Hackett being hung. Henry Fowler//The Torch

GABE WANISSIAN Burgos), Macheath’s second lover Lucy Brown (Sarah it never became a hindrance to the show. (Note: It was staff writer Strickland), and the Prostitute (Rosa Martinez) are what Bergen Stages first instance in micing the entire cast) stand in the way of Polly’s parents plan to successfully The shows sets were appropriate for what Threepenny end the life of Macheath. set out to do; it was not overly produced, and it was Bergen Stages’ production of the 1928 classic musical The show wasted no time in immersing the audience successful in establishing time and setting. The “The Threepenny Opera” delivered one of the funnest and filling us in on what was to come, as beggars who illustrated London Street backdrop was an exceptional and most immersive presentations in recent memory at would later be characters in the show interacted with the set piece that brought the Victorian-era setting to life. Bergen Community College. Directed by Bergen Stages crowd, asking for spare change prior to starting time. The characters of “The Threepenny Opera” were producer Jim Bumgardner, Threepenny is essentially This breaking of the 4th wall would occur throughout perfectly cast; the actors added their own flavor to their a musical “hate mail” towards 18th century Victorian the show as well, and made for some unique and roles that gave each individual character a purpose in this London’s staggering inequality, deception, prejudice, entertaining scenes. It gave a sense of participation from play. That theme of individualism is found throughout and hypocrisy -- yet it is oh so funny! the crowd and added a new layer that is not typical of the show, as there is no clear cut character to get behind Threepenny’s plot revolves around the marriage performances. or a protagonist to get invested into -- and thats okay. between Mack “The Knife” Macheath, played by Philip A musical is only as good as the melodies performed, Threepenny is not a heartwarming story, nor does it try Hackett, and Polly Peachums, played by Amanda and Threepenny succeeded in doing just that. The to be. It succeeds in doing what it set out to do: making Zaccone. Mr. Jeremiah Peachums, Polly’s father (LJ orchestra’s execution was stellar, the tunes were catchy, social commentary whilst not taking itself too seriously; Hickmon), does not take news of this lightly, as he and and the vocal performances throughout the cast were Bergen Stages rendition of Threepenny managed to his wife (Elizabeth Marsh) devise a plan to eventually outstanding. The sound was great for the most part, yet capture and deliver that essence oh so well, and so The execute Macheath. Along the way, the Beggar Filch imbalanced at times due to the overpowering of the live Torch gives “The Threepenny Opera” a 9/10. (Zach McDevitt), Police Chief Tiger Brown (Kayson orchestra. There were also a few minor mic issues, but Bergen Studio Looking for Local Artists For New Exhibit BLAIR DELONG The Sandy exhibit featured artwork that displayed of professional activities; and a cover letter to Bergen news editor the devastation the super storm wrought on New Jersey. Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Gallery The exhibit featured pieces from Susannah Sayler and Bergen, W-225, Paramus, NJ 07652 by Tuesday, May 13. Edward Morris, who are apart of the Canary Project and Printed copies of the checklist and cover letter should be The Gallery Bergen is looking for local artists to Greg Brophy. included in the application packet as well. feature in an exhibit called “Pet, Beasts, Relations When asked about her motivation for the new exhibit When asked about the how she felt the reception for Between Human and Animal Creature” for this she said, “The topic is important to ecological threats the new exhibit would be, Dr. Boettger said, “I think the upcoming fall semester. to the biosphere globally. Also, more directly, I was public will be intrigued and stimulated to think about According to a press release sent out on April 7, local inspired by artist's work sent to the gallery for exhibiting their own relations, as represented by what they eat and artists can submit their pieces in any medium that will in general. Alex Arzt; her photos of humans and animals the materials they wear.” address the relations between animals and humans. led me to seek others for a group show.” The exhibition will open in September/October of the Bergen professor Dr. Suzaan Boettger, a founding There is no application fee to enter, but no honorarium 2014 fall semester. For additional information, contact member of the Gallery Bergen advisory committee, will be provided for use. To apply, send a DVD/CD/flash Julie Kirkpatrick at [email protected]. who co-curated for the first anniversary of Hurricane drive containing up to 10 JPEGs of no larger than 1 MB; Sandy, “Sandy: Artists Respond to a Once and Future a checklist of works including year made, size, material, Superstorm”, will curate the exhibition and conduct the insurance value, and address located for each a one-page selection process. artist’s statement about the submitted work; a resume 16 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014

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DIANA ROSARIO mouthwatering and affordable burgers. guarantees that the friendly customer staff writer They are prepared fresh daily with service skills his staff introduces to new oil and are well presented with, the customers will definitely keep every bite you indulge in leaves you you coming back to this restaurant in “So good you can’t resist.” With such wanting more with their unique classic search of more delicious items to dig catchy slogan Blue Star Burgers, recipe. Unlike the sloppy preparation into. located in Tenafly, has left quite an of other restaurants, Blue Star makes Deana Deo//The Torch impression on customers ordering burgers that are easy to eat and soft to their favorites off the menu. the touch of a finger so you won’t need Blue Star Burgers has become to panic in horror wondering if your the new “hangout spot” among shirt will be stained with ketchup once Tenafly’s youth who appear to have you savour your last bite. found a place with a cool and very Not only is this restaurant intimate atmosphere, allowing them to famous for burgers, but also for their socialize. Although its small size gives Blue Star fries, which are seasoned the restaurant a crowded feel when the lightly with rosemary and salt, and masses arrive, the ambient is really served in large portions with a soft comfortable. Not only is the restaurant texture in each bite. Also included on popular amongst the youth, but it is the menu are their famous milkshakes also charming enough to attract adults made with natural flavors for a smooth at any age with their hip atmosphere. and rich texture. The milkshake has It is simply impossible to a delicious flavor, created only at leave or even visit without trying their Blue Star. Owner Jason Greenfest Farewell From Your Spring 2014 E-Board

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Valerie Batista Paola Baez Ricardo Montero-Hernandez Roger Echegoyen Jeffrey Carbone Photo Editor Ad Manager Editor-In-Chief Features Editor Copy Editor All illustrations by Leslie Martinez//The Torch 18 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 Roving What Are Your Plans For The Reporter Summer? Kevin Mays Fatin Ali “My plans for the “My plans for summer are to get a Danielle Ciminnisi the summer are job and have fun. For Biology to work Monday now, I am looking for a “I would never regret studying, through Friday job that has to do with because that way I will get my at the Summer animals. That is the degree and hopefully become Fun Camp at my most important thing for a dentist and that has been school. I will also me to do this summer, I my dream since I was little, be working at would really like to get I know that by studying I will Staples. Hopefully to work with animals.” achieve it.“ I get to go to

Florida though!”

Mathew Rivas Julio Sabangan “I just signed up for summer one “My plans for the summer and summer two classes, they is to continue working on are pretty easy classes but are my acting career. I also interesting too so I am looking want to make sure I work a forwards to that. I am planning lot, that is really important on taking four classes, one of for me as well.” them is theater and another communications class.” Kevin Li “For this summer I am planning to move to Santa Rosa in California to be able to study at the Bergen University of Canine Studies which I will be transferring to around August after finishing my second semester here at Bergen Community College. I will need time in California to Fellix Lyu get used to my surroundings Fatima Abdelsalam “For the summer, I am going to while focusing on getting my “My plans for the summer are classes during summer session degree in Dog Psychology.” to volunteer at Holy Name one. After finishing this part of the Hospital, work a lot. Ramadan summer I am planning on going is also coming soon so I will to six flags, going to LA, and also NOMI EIJKENAAR be fasting for that.” I would really like to go to the staff writer What does it take to be an Editor in Chief of The Torch? NOMI EIJKENAAR staff writer

Even though many might think The Torch is not a club, they are wrong. Although there is no president, The Torch has a different leader, carrying a title known as Editor in Chief. The Torch is a group, a family, an organization; a thinking mind that works to create a Nomi Eijkenaar //The Torch beautiful final product: our baby, the paper. Our leader is Ricardo Montero- Hernandez, known to me as just Ricky. He is a Colombian immigrant who is currently 18 years old. This is Ricky’s fourth semseter at BCC, which he considers “wonderful.” As the Editor in Chief of The Torch, Ricardo finds himself doing almost anything. Between writing articles, laying out the paper, dead lining with the printing company, to managing his staff. As Ricardo said “my greatest responsibility is printing the greatest, most accurate, best piece of printed journalism on this side of the Mississippi.” As an Editor in Chief working with fellow students, professors, staff, and any other person walking around our campus, there are many things to like and dislike about having such an important position. As he said “I’ve learned to love most of the things that I thought I would hate. I love communicating with my staff, writing articles, teaching workshops, editing articles, and everything in between.” Some things he mentioned as things he disliked are commonly overlooked when thinking about fulfilling a position like his. He finds himself working long hours while sitting in front of a computer screen for days at a time. Mostly, he hates the “infectious procrastination that all college students seem to have in common.” As a dedicated writer myself, and a full time student, way. and producing a work that will be eternal and forever I must agree that procrastination is an infection all of us A very important thing about being Editor-in-Chief printed in the paper. college students suffer from. But even though many of is knowing what the overall goal to the position is. As As a very involved writer, I wanted to know what us writers take our time, the final result of our work is he said “My main goal as EIC, and as everything else would be one solid piece of advice Ricardo would give usually very pleasing. in life really, is to leave a positive legacy behind, to be to the following EIC’s making their way up. He said, Being an Editor in Chief means the position must remembered for my work, and to improve The Torch; not “Although you will want to kill everyone at times, stay follow up into one’s life. Ricardo believes his personal just because I was EIC, but to make an example of our calm, positive, and be understanding. It is better to be life stopped once he took over this position. “At times current Torch to future EIC’s.” loved than to be feared.” His advice was very simple and I catch myself editing things on the street or get into I personally love writing for the paper because I like to the point which is what I loved about it. It expressed ‘journalism mode’ in regular conversations.” expressing myself in written words, especially when in just a few words the way he has been dealing with his When I asked Ricardo what it was he liked about others get to read them. Ricardo is on the same page as position ever since I met him when I joined The Torch. I the people he gets to work with, his answer was very me. He finds the fact that his thoughts are being read will carry it forwards with me on my way to accomplish honest and true. He said he loves every single one of his and analyzed by readers as a reward on its own. He loves my own dreams. coworkers and how much they care about The Torch as seeing his name on the newspaper because it makes him an organization. It was also important for him to clarify feel like his voice is being heard. Also, when publishing that this is totally his opinion and not scripted in any your own works in the paper, you are leaving a stamp MAY 2014 | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 TORCHBCC.COM Features 19

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Usually when you are brought upon the presence of a movie star, you find yourself to be immediately star struck. If you are a wrestling fan and there is a professional wrestler who has been on national television right in front of you, you may also be star struck. If Torch Montero//The Ricardo by any chance a Harvard lawyer is in the same room as you, anyone could be lead to believe that they are a very intelligent and successful person. As soon as David Otunga step foot into the room, the audience felt star struck. In TEC-128 in the Tech Building, pro wrestler, movie star, and Harvard lawyer David Otunga gave an inspiring speech about his trials and tribulations to where he is today. Dealing with bullying and being stereotyped since childhood, Otunga never let the words of others discourage him. These words coming from his peers to his guidance counselors, he never stopped following his dreams. At a young age, David Otunga always wanted to become an entertainer. More specifically, he wanted to be an actor and a professional wrestler. He excelled very much in school, thus opening the door for many opportunities for him, just not the kind that he had wanted. In high school, after telling his guidance counselor what his plans for his future are, he was immediately told to settle for something more realistic. Graduating high school, Otunga was looking to push towards his fall back occupation from acting and wrestling, which was criminal law. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, he was eventually accepted into Harvard Law School. Otunga recalled the story of when visiting the A two time WWE Tag Team Champion, David of the event, the audience was invited to the next room dorms of Harvard, he was told to leave the campus as Otunga’s road to joining the WWE started after signing a a student thought he was a trespasser because of his where they were free to have refreshments and food with developmental contract. In nearly two years time, David Otunga. Not soon afterwards, a line formed of new and African-American heritage. This was another example Otunga found himself appearing on WWE’s flagship of stereotyping in his life that would later motivate him old fans, taking advantage of the autograph and photo program, Monday Night Raw. His current character is a opportunity. to graduate from Harvard Law School and pass the legal advisor, mirroring his real life practice. Illinois’ bar exam. David Otunga’s story brought much inspiration to Last year, Otunga starred in the thriller film The Call the people who have heard it first hand. After hearing Upon completing his studies at Harvard, Otunga along with Halle Berry. Playing a police officer. joined the highly prestigious Sidley Austin law firm about him being kicked down so many times in his life, Following his speech, there was a question and it motivates the students at Bergen Community College in Chicago, Illinois. After years of service at the firm, answer session where he answered questions from small Otunga followed his dreams by leaving Sidley Austin to pursue their dreams, no matter what anyone else has children to avid wrestling fans. Otunga responded to to say. and pursuing his aspiration of becoming an entertainer each question with the intelligent and educated flair as both an actor and a professional wrestler. that he portrayed throughout his speech. By the end

The NCAA Finals Makes Promising Stars Shine

FELLIX LYU staff writer

As the Final Four approached, UConn was matched up against Florida State, and Kentucky was matched up against Wisconsin. UConn won 63-53 against Florida State, and Kentucky won, with a close 74-73 win against Wisconsin. As the Huskies achieved victory against the Wildcats, with the score of 60-54, the fans of UConn created an uproar, celebrating winning their fourth championship title. Including their 2014 victory, UConn holds the 1999, 2004, and 2011 championship titles. The Huskies opened with a slow start of 16 to 5, but went into the half with a 4 point lead over the Wildcats; 35-31. As the second half continued, UConn came in strong, earning 25 points with a total of 60 points at the end. During the entire game, the audience saw the phenomenal effort of Guard, Shabazz Napier and Forward, Deandre Daniels. Deandre Daniels started off strong, and ended the game by scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds. With an impressive display of persistence, Napier scored 22 points, six rebounds and three steals. Thus, the Huskies had won the finals that they well- deserved. However, the most ironic subject about their victory was that the college had to endure a ban last season that prevented them from playing in the 2013 season. Courtesy of MCTcampus.com Every year, the NCAA has an Academic Progress Rate to see how the teams are Huskies had this to say afterwards, “This Columnist for the Bleacher Report had 4.5 assists per game throughout the Big doing in school. In the time span of 2010 is what happens when you ban us!” this to say, “In just a couple of months, Dance, he delivered a strong audition to 2011, the Academic Progress Rate Napier is number 31 on UConn’s all- he'll officially become a professional, as for the Association during the Huskies' for UConn was too low, thus occurred time shooter list with a total of 1,237 most scouts and experts are in agreement championship run.” It seems that the UConn’s ban from playing in the NCAA points and a two-time Big East player that he'll be a late first- or early second- senior has a prosperous future ahead for basketball tournament. Napier of the of the week. Daniel O’Brien, Featured round draft pick. With 21.2 points and the NBA. 22 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2013 Meditate Your Way to Victory JESSIE CASTELLANOS & to decreased anxiety, and an increased ability to GABE WANISSIAN focus. sports editor & staff writer Practice makes perfect and meditation may help with incorporating techniques learned When you think of meditation,there is a good in training at a faster rate. A study done by chance that athletic performance is not one of the University of California at Santa Barbara the first things that come to mind. It might not observed 48 undergraduate students undergo 10 even be in the top 10 things, but maybe this is to 20 minutes of mindfulness meditation practice a training tool that needs to be re-evaluated, daily whilst learning taught juggling. The especially considering the fact that many high group practicing meditation learned juggling level athletes have used meditation successfully techniques 15 percent quicker than the control to their advantage. Athletes like Lebron James, group. It is theorized that the increase in Alpha Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Barry Zito, Misty waves in meditation leads to better sleep cycles May-Treanor, and Kerri Walsh are all known to in which REM, Rapid Eye Movement, sleep incorporate mindfulness meditation as part of is reached more often and for longer periods their practice. of time. REM stage in sleep is when the brain Notably, NBA hall of famer and legendary incorporates the new information it collected coach Phil Jackson, who has lead two legendary throughout the day such as when one learns how franchises, the Chicago Bulls and the Los to solve a math equation or fixing a swing in Angeles Lakers, to win 11 NBA championships, baseball. is a believer. In six of these 11 wins, he According to a study published on Pubmed, incorporated meditation as part of their training. meditation has been linked to the ability to George Mumford, the meditation coach hired by maintain optimal bodily motor function even Phil Jackson, states “The opportunity to be in the in times of sleep deprivation. The little amount moment. In sports, what gets people’s attention is of sleep subjects were getting was better quality the idea of being in the zone, or playing in the sleep overall, reaching deep stages such as the zone. When they’re playing their best, they can 3rd(REM) and 4th stages of sleep. Increased do no wrong, and no matter what happens they Alpha and Theta waves activities in the brain that are always a step quicker, a step ahead. That are associated with relaxation and rejuvenation happens when we are in the moment, when we are increased by meditation as well. This is are mindful of what is going on.” something that would benefit both traveling It is hard to argue the point when it has been world-class athletes that have trouble finding used to such a success. According to studies time to sleep, and for students cramming the done by American Psychological Association, night before an exam. meditation is shown to alter neurological The benefits of meditation can be the small function in the brain. Measurable decreases of factor that can win or lose a game. brain activity in the parietal lobes were found; Staying calm and focused in high pressure the location within the brain that is correlated situations allows an athlete to perform at their with the fight or flight response. This allows the most optimal level; when theres 10 seconds left increase in Alpha waves to occur, which leads on the clock to score, that’s when it matters the Gabe Wanissian meditates before a baseball game. most. Tania Boghossian//The Torch Interview With Peter Dlugos: Professor & APPA Certified Philosophical Counselor

JESSIE CASTELLANOS & everyone feels ready to do this, and not everyone is GABE WANISSIAN 4. Is there a correlation between spirituality and happy with what they find, at least initially. But self- sports editor & staff writer meditation? if so how so? awareness is an important step in personal growth, so I never discourage anyone who has an interest. There are many, many styles and techniques of Ultimately, it’s about having a healthy mind, and 1. What is some background information about meditation, corresponding to various goals and living well. yourself? religious traditions. You can find some form of meditation in every major world religion, and in 6. Any suggestions/tips for beginners on beginning I grew up in Bergen County—in Montvale. I have some ancient philosophical traditions. So that’s the practice of meditation? a B.A. in Philosophy from Rutgers College, and an the immediate connection. But there is also now a M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University “secular” tradition of mindfulness meditation—no Be clear about your purpose, even if it is just of Virginia. I also recently earned a Graduate “belief” necessary—which has its historical roots in curiosity. That is, go in knowing what you want to get Certificate in Mindfulness for Educators, a joint the Buddhist tradition, but like Zen, is now practiced out of it. This will help you evaluate your experience. program offered by Antioch University’s Center for by people of all faiths—and no faith—for cultivating Also, don’t get discouraged if you find it difficult to School Renewal and the Barre Center for Buddhist inner peace and other personal and social benefits. quiet your mind initially—everyone experiences this, Studies. But aside from religious roots, it’s important to and you get better with practice. It’s like skiing or I’m a skeptic and independent thinker by emphasize that while these practices may be secular, any other skill that requires cultivation and practice. temperament and training, so it’s tough for me to they are not value-neutral. Kindness, patience, and Then it becomes satisfying. completely follow any “ism.” I was raised as a Roman compassion are integral to them. So you wouldn’t Also, as I’ve said, there are many traditions and Catholic. I was attracted to the Quaker tradition for expect a regular meditator to exhibit road-rage, or get practices, with different end goals. So do some many years, and still am. I meditate with Buddhists, into a brawl during holiday shopping. But I’m sure research beforehand, and know—at least a bit— and participate in a Unitarian Universalist Fellowship it’s happened—we are just human, after all. what you are doing. If you attend a public meeting, near my home in Sussex County. inquire about the background of the person leading 5. Who can benefit from Mediation/ what are the the meditation. While requests for a small donation 2. How would you define Meditation? benefits? are acceptable, you should not be asked for a lot of money. There are also many guided meditations On the most general level, I think of meditation I think that almost anyone can benefit from available online for no cost. If you continue, work as training the mind, and the heart. Goals of the meditation, but some people are not interested, with a teacher. training vary, but for virtually everyone, there are and others are not able or willing to invest the benefits that occur during the training or practice, time and effort. Meditators routinely report feeling 7. Anything else you’d like to share with the public? and there are benefits that one carries out into the more grounded and centered—more stable, more world, after the training or practice is over. Like calm. They report mental and emotional clarity, In addition to Logic and Reasoning classes, physical exercise, the impact is far-reaching, but only and greater ability to focus and pay attention in and Introduction to Philosophy, I teach an Eastern if you do it with some regularity. the present moment. Since the practice typically Philosophy course and a new Buddhist Scriptures involves subduing one’s wandering mind, you can course. In the latter two courses, I introduce students 3. What led you to begin meditating? see why this would be the case. Public figures like to tradition-specific meditation practices, in small Phil Jackson, now of the Knicks, have done much to (and always optional) ways, largely because a taste I’ve had an interest in the Eastern traditions since demonstrate the benefits of meditation for athletes. of the practices typically makes one’s academic I was in college, when I had my first meditation But we also find high-profile artists, musicians, understanding of the traditions so much more rich, experience. I’ve also been teaching Eastern and business gurus doing the same in their fields. and because claims to knowledge and wisdom in Philosophy in some form since graduate school-- Even the U.S. military has integrated it for various these traditions so often involve meditative insight. almost 20 years. But I did not have a regular practice purposes, including working with battlefield stress Many students have also reported that it has helped until a few years ago, when events in my professional and PTSD. And yoga and mindfulness in the K-12 them personally, in unexpected ways. That gave me life led my mind to be consumed by anger and grief. school curriculum is now a pretty major movement the idea of offering a weekly drop-in mindfulness After months of this, with no relief in sight, I decided in this country. Several major universities, including session for anyone on campus, which I’ve been doing to go on a retreat. That was the turning point, and the Univ. of Massachusetts, University of Pennsylvania, every Wednesday from 12:45 to 1:15 in Room C-315. beginning of a more intensive practice, and regular Oxford, UCLA, University of Virginia, and UC- It’s very basic instruction, and does not require any retreats. Within a few months I was able to regain Berkeley have mindfulness research and practice experience. And come as you are—there’s no need some control of my emotional life, and reorient centers. to be calm or relaxed or joyful before you attend— myself to the work in front of me. It’s been uphill But meditation does involve facing and observing that happens as a result of the practice. since then. your own mind—your thoughts and feelings. Not MAY 2014 | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 TORCHBCC.COM Sports 23

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14COEE169-BergenCounty-Ad.indd 1 4/30/14 2:23 PM 24 Sports The Torch VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014 SPORTS Bulldogs Keeping The Streak Strong Deana Deo//The Torch YAIDELISSE ROMAN staff writer

With the boys first two games of the Bergen Bulldog’s baseball season cancelled and the next two after postponed. Their season finally kicked off on March 18 during their spring trip to Myrtle Beach, SC where they went against Mohawk Valley Community College, and left with a victory of 14-2. During their trip to Myrtle beach, the boys earned three more victories against Chesapeake Community College (10-9), Garrett College (7-5), and Ancilla College (9-5). On March 20 they suffered their first two defeats against the College of Southern Maryland (7-8) and Chesapeake College (3-13). The Bulldogs finally came home and unfortunately racked up three more losses, two against Cumberland Community College. The first game ended with a score of 0-7 and the second game ended 2-15. The last loss was given to them by ASA Community College (3-4) which also sparked their upcoming winning streak. The second game against ASA CC ended in a victory with the scoreboard showing a clear 10-8 win. The boys picked up the pace again with a seven-game winning streak, with four games cancelled due to weather by April 9. Their victories include wins against; Union Community College (9-6), Luzerene Community College (3-2), Middlesex Community College (8-1), a second win against Union CC (4-3), and Atlantic Community College suffered two losses against Bergen’s Bulldogs. First game ended with a score of 9-4 and the second 4-2, the last win was against Raritin Community College, with a close call of 15-14. The boys went up against Gloucester Community College and took home a double loss. First game ending in a crushing defeat, 8-0, and the second with 8-4. Overall the boys are having a pretty good season this year. Student athlete of the month was Kevin Benjamin. The sophomore 3rd baseman put up a pretty good fight during this semester. He’s 27th in the nation in batting average, hitting .455 and 37th in RBI. He played the hot corner like it was second nature. Keep rooting for the boys to finish up the season strong! Bergen’s Track Bulldogs Fighting for Nationals DEANA DEO 400 meter hurdles at 60.68 seconds and 110 hurdles at online editor 19.98 seconds, Matulac is leaving big shoes to fill. When asked about his trip he bitterly sweet said “All As the season winds down there are only a few I can say is that it’s been a huge privilege and blessing more meets left to qualify for nationals. Bergen’s track to be on a team with such funny and talented people. I team has been hard at work, getting stronger, faster and treat my teammates like family because we are a track fighting through multiple injures, but how close are they family. This season ended short for me but it’s been to nationals? a great one. All the practices and meets were great. I This reporter will be going as a sophomore to never thought I could ever be more grateful to have run nationals for two events as of right now for Javelin with everyone. This move hurts me a lot because I feel hitting pass the mark to get into nationals with 26.34 like I’m letting the team down. I really wish I could meters at their last meet at TCNJ. In addition she will finish the season with the team but I have to take the also being going to nationals for Steeplechase with her opportunities in my life before they’re gone. All I ask time at 15:23. This weekend is the last chance to qualify for if you guys is to do work. Do it for Bergen track. for Nationals at the Region 19 District Championship Remember what Perry Williams said “it’s not about the where she will try to qualify for the 5k as well beginning, it’s about the end” so kill it towards the end Our relay 4x1 team ran by Brandon Matulac, of the season everybody! Thanks for everything!” We Kevin Manansala, Jacob Angu, and Edwin Gomez, wish him the best luck for his future and whatever life throws at him.

and substitution for Edwin Gomez last week, Wallace Deana Deo//The Torch Payne missed nationals by just one second in the last two meets. This is not to be looked down upon, this proves they’re hungry and they are willing in putting the work to get there. Edwin Gomez, freshman from North Bergen had this to say, “ The little things matter in the 4x1, exchanges and the start. Our exchanges are good and we have the speed, those things are going to help them get that one second and qualified for nationals”. Edgar Aguilar, freshman from Clifton, NJ will also be going for the 10k and try to obtain a time under 37:26, which he is only a few minutes away. Finishing their Season last week, Bergen Community says farewell to one of Bergen’s finest runners, Brandon Matulac. He is making a big journey off to the Philippines to go to school for Physical Therapy. With a GPA of 3.0 and his marks for the season at 400 meters at 55.74 seconds, 100 meters at 11.88 seconds,