VOL. 26... NO. 4 TORCHBCC.COM DECEMBER 2017 Missed Connection: WiFi and Service Issues Remain JEREMY NIFRAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER Across Bergen Community College, students are always connected — whether it be for leisurely activities, such as using social media and watching Netflix, or for educational purposes, such as typing an important paper on Google Docs, or checking Moodle for class assignments. In addition, many students call and text each other on a daily B-Wing basis for a variety of reasons. Beautification In the information age, the constant use of the internet and wireless communication is pg 2 a way of life around campus, which makes the growing issue of poor Wi-Fi and cell service much more problematic. The lack of cell service is most apparent in the college’s oldest building, Ender Hall. Itamar Mahal, a student at Bergen who takes a government course at Ender Hall, views the building as a “dead zone” for service. :[\KLU[ZVM[LUZ[Y\NNSL[VÄUKYLSPHISLPU[LYUL[HJJLZZVUJHTW\Z1LYLT`5PMYHZ “The service in [Ender] is the school], you start to lose cell When I do, it’s very slow, and provider you have, whether it never sustained, and we lose service. I know for a fact that I think something needs to be be Verizon, AT&T or others,” it all the time,” Mahal says. around the registration area, improved,” said Ribeiro. Beebe said. “The school needs to install there’s barely any reception Tyler Beebe, the Technical According to Beebe, something to change that over there,” said Kadesh. Systems Manager in Bergen’s Verizon has been working around here.” Hudson Ribeiro, a student IT department, said the to improve the cell service Ben Kadesh, another who frequently comes to the problem with cell service at the Pitkin Center building Measurements student at Bergen, has Pitkin Center library to study, is mostly the fault of the and presumably, Ender Hall. experienced service issues, believes changes need to be providers. He suggests that anyone who of Success even at the main Pitkin made to solve these issues. “We don’t provide the has service problems around Education Center. “Whenever I come here, I cell service on campus, and campus should contact their The further you go [into can almost never get service. it would depend on what provider. pg. 6 *65;05<,+657(.,

StudentsCHARLIE LEPPERT Learn What It Means to be a Leader LAYOUT EDITOR Early in the morning capabilities, and patience, of Saturday, November 11, forcing them to work as a students boarded a bus at team to accomplish their goals Bergen Community College and respect all of the possible and drove out to Hands In 4 solutions presented by their Youth’s Camp Vacamas in peers, valuable skills in all West Milford. The sprawling student leadership positions. camp is home to obstacle After the activities for the courses, a beautiful lake, and day were completed, students various gymnasiums and broke up into smaller groups to conference rooms. review what they felt they had Every year, the Office of learned that day before coming Day of Student Life offers this retreat together as a whole again to to help student leaders develop express their definitions of Transgender important skills to aid them leadership and what they had Awareness in their leadership roles. This learned. is the first year the retreat has Fritz Batista described been hosted at Camp Vacamas. leadership as “an opportunity Students began the day to help others stand out.” pg. 10 with warm-up exercises as Similarly, Greg Kahanec, a whole before being split a member of the Chess Club, into teams, engaging in team said that leadership means building exercises and trust “putting yourself aside to let exercises, such as trust falls, other succeed.” before lunch. Rafila Naveed, who works After lunch, the individual in the Office of Student Life, groups worked as teams to said he believes a leader is complete various obstacle someone “who makes the courses with both physical and whole group work.” mental challenges. One such This theme of selflessness challenge had a team lined up and cooperation as central to standing on a log, and they had leadership skills continued to line up according to various throughout the group criteria without speaking or discussions. leaving the log. Greg Fenkart, the Another required students Coordinator of Student Life, Students using the “giant skis,” an exercise in cooperation, since every- Bergen Cross to first obtain a tire swing quoted Professor Win Win one on them must move in sync to move them at all. This was just one from the center of a zip line Kyi, the Faculty Advisor to Phi of many team-building exercises. // Erick Moreno Country Finishes where it was suspended, then Theta Kappa Honors Society, them invaluable skills of Student Life and Conduct Strong send each individual team who says “We have two ears leadership and cooperation who advised students that “If member across the zip line to and one mouth, so we should to their leadership positions there is anything you bring the other side of the course listen twice as much as we on campus as well as their back with you today let it be pg. 20 without touching the ground. speak.” everyday lives. a new friend, a new skill, and These obstacles challenged As students took the bus The takeaway from the day all those little things you bring the students’ problem- back to Bergen’s Paramus was probably best summarized with you.” solving abilities, cooperative campus, they brought with by Rachel Lerner, Dean of DREAMers Defend Stress Free Week at DACA Bergen pg. 4 pg. 3

2 EWS N THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2017 NEWS

BCCYOO RA KIM Secretary Beautifies B-Wing CONTRIBUTING WRITER If anyone had classes in the B-Wing prior to the spring semester, they would know that the hallway lacked a certain pizazz. Sandra Haan, Secretary of the Mathematics department, has taken the necessary steps to make the B-wing look more lively. There were plenty of plants and pieces of artwork placed around the hallway that made a world of difference. The artwork mostly features scenes from nature, but it is an overall diverse collection. Haan’s daughter helped to contribute some of the paintings. The paintings depict serene surroundings that fill the viewer with peace. Who wouldn’t want to feel a sense of peace on their way to class? Then, there’s the B-wing conference room, which used to have rusting filing cabinets and drab curtains, but both of those pieces of furniture are long gone. They have been replaced by a stunning array of African violets and :VTLYLJLU[PTWYV]LTLU[ZVU[OL[OPYKÅVVY@VV9H2PT a thoughtfully decorated bookshelf. incense sticks and a convenient shelving her job. The next time you walk down the Anyone holding a conference in this unit to put purses or bags on spruced up And who could forget the polished B-Wing, make sure to check out the room will definitely notice the positive the otherwise unaesthetic bathroom. bulletin boards? There’s colorful paper lovely decorations. The difference is change in the environment. When asked why she chose to framing, the posters and advertisements subtle, but makes the environment The faculty bathroom in the B-wing undertake this project, Haan simply on the boards which gives them more much more visually pleasing and has experienced some minor renovations said, “I just wanted the hall to look a of a pop. Not to mention, they don’t overall increased the quality of the as well. The addition of wall decals, bit nicer.” She certainly accomplished look messy from too much clutter. hallway. Bergen Internet Connection Issues “IT isn’t in charge of the cell *65;05<,+-9647(., service; that’s mostly up to the cell He says these students resort to using phone providers. If the providers get their own hotspots or data because they enough feedback from customers about don’t know how to connect to the WiFi problems at Ender Hall, they can reach network. out to us and say ‘We’d like to do “I know some of my ESL students some work on the building;’ and that aren’t aware of how to connect to the it’s worth putting a new cell site over network to begin with,” Karahan says. there,” said Beebe. “Someone should put up a poster Aside from the concerns over around the school that instructs how cellphone service, the Bergen Wi-Fi to connect using their Bergen portal network has also had its own share of accounts. This way, it saves them time complaints and issues. Many students and effort. If you were to walk into the around campus have complained of ESL class and ask around if they’re connectivity issues during the busiest connected to the Wi-Fi, 80 percent hours on campus, which could most would say ‘no.’” likely be attributed to the large amount He continued to say that many ESL of traffic on the network. students require Wi-Fi to finish their “During different times of the homework, as they cannot complete day we have a lot of users. We nearly their work on their own and frequently doubled our bandwidth in the past require assistance. year,” Beebe claims. “The more people Karahan said, “Sometimes ESL stream video, watch Netflix, and play students need help and can’t work on games, the more bandwidth will be grammar-dependent work, such as used. At this point, it’s very rare that essays, on their own without having to we max out […] if that does happen, it go the library. They have to constantly may cause some problems, but it’s not be at a computer that is provided by the an everyday issue.” school.” Beebe encouraged students who Due to growing complaints about are experiencing issues to reach out to the college’s current technological state, IT, and insisted they will work to solve it’s only a matter of time before some any problems. improvements take place. As more He told me, “I don’t believe we’ve people continue to use smartphones and received any feedback from students in laptops around campus, these concerns the past year about slowness on WiFi. will only remain until someone decides If anyone is having an issue, it would take action. be important for them to reach out to However, despite these various us or to the help desk, and (to) be as complaints, some students haven’t specific as you can. Detailed feedback experienced much problems yet. Salim really helps us evaluate what we need Alrashdan, a student who takes an to be working on.” English course at Ender Hall, believes Apart from connectivity issues, the college’s current progress with the main process of connecting to the connectivity has been sufficient. network remains difficult for certain “As far as I can tell, I haven’t had students. many problems connecting around Doguhan Karahan, a student who campus,” Alrashdan said. “The area works within Bergen’s ESL program, near Dunkin’ Donuts doesn’t have great worries about the lack of knowledge service, but other than that, everything of how to connect to Bergen’s WiFi. 1LZZPJH9VKYPN\La seems to be pretty good.” 3 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2017 Proposed Oil Pipeline Sparks Protests, Indigenous Resistance in Ramapo IAN HARTMAN Pipeline Group to object to CONTRIBUTING WRITER the pipeline going through Plans for the construction their communities. The of two oil pipelines stretching group, which includes towns 170 miles from Albany, such Oakland, Livingston New York to Linden, and Mahwah grew out of a New Jersey have come up series of public information against protests organized sessions about the pipeline by an alliance of municipal and private meetings between authorities; members of the the mayors of the participating Ramapough-Lenape Nation municipalities. and environmental activists. The group retains legal “The proposed Pilgrim council and aims to make Pipeline would carry up to its voice heard when “the 200,000 gallons a day of crude pipeline company applies for oil and refined petroleum permits from The New Jersey products,” according to the Department of Environmental Record Online. Affairs,” according to Tap into The Coalition Against the Chatham. Pilgrim Pipeline, an alliance of According to Coalition environmental groups in New Against the Pilgrim Pipeline, Jersey and New York, have the pipeline is currently concerns about the danger to undergoing an environmental local water supplies from the review co-led by the State pipeline. Department of Environmental The group’s website 7YV[LZ[VYZZWLHRPUNV\[HNHPUZ[[OL7PSNYPT7PWLSPUL>0RPTLKPH*VTTVUZ Conservation and New York raises concerns about spills Times. struggle against the Dakota Warning about the damage State Thruway Authority. contaminating the local The Ramapough, who Access Pipeline. a pipeline rupture would do While Pilgrim Pipeline water supply and the long- have never been granted The immediate to our families and wildlife, LLC, the company behind term damage fossil fuels are recognition as a native tribe by response of the tribe to the the camp aims to work the project, has made initial doing to the environment. In The Bureau of Indian Affairs, pipeline was to occupy the with existing and ongoing contact with the New Jersey addition, members of The organized protests beginning Split Rock sacred site and to grassroots organizations and Environmental Protection Ramapough Lenape Nation in late 2016 against the form the Sweetwater Prayer water protectors to combat Agency, they have not object to the pipeline’s path, pipeline. These protests, which Camp. The goal of this camp is these pipelines. submitted paperwork yet. which threatens to destroy galvanized a wider coalition to inform the public about the In addition to the street It appears that the pipeline their traditional ceremonial of environmental groups, have threat posed by the pipelines protests and occupations, an company hopes to receive grounds, according to tribal been inspired by the national to the local water supply in our alliance of town governments the go-ahead from New York elders quoted in The New York attention garnered by the region. have formed the Municipal before attempting to get approval in New Jersey. Students Celebrate Stress Free Week PURNASREE SAHA FEATURES EDITOR On November 8, Bergen and relieving the stress of “The reason why therapy center provided services. David Mindful Bergen Workshops, Community College held college life. dogs were provided was to Rivera, an event coordinator, the goal is similar by helping Stress-Free Week for all “It is good to relieve stress reduce stress for students who brought an infinity chair and a students to feel mentally students, staff and faculty all around campus either may feel anxious during this massage chair. healthy,” said Fenkart. members in the Student Center. inside or outside of school,” semester,” said Barton. “The infinity chair helps New to the event this year The main purpose of this said Matos. Stress-Free Week align the spinal cord and the was the relaxing herbal tea bar event was to relieve stress for Fenkart wanted students to was open to everyone on massage chair is beneficial for provided by Office of Student midterms and finals. Posters feel relaxed and mentally well campus to enhance the student the back and the neck,” said Life. were displayed around campus. throughout the semester. experience. Rivera. This beneficial annual Clubs also spread the news to One-day sessions “Students had access Tanisha Jones, a massage event provides free services students about this event. were offered at the Lyndhurst to counseling and support therapist, gave five-to-ten- to faculty and staff members Greg Fenkart, Coordinator and Hackensack campuses services on campus. We don’t minute massages. “Massaging as well as students. Anyone of The Office of Student on November 6. Professor want students to have any allows students to focus on who attends Stress-Free Life, and Magalye Matos, the Barton of The Center for barriers,” said Matos. school and helps the brain to Week will benefit from the Generalist of Student Life, ran Health, Wellness and Personal Outside vendors, function,” said Jones. experience, but students who Stress-Free Week, focusing on Counseling provided therapy internal faculty members and “Even though the feel particularly overwhelmed the benefits for school work dogs at the Lyndhurst campus. volunteers from the massage stress event is different from will benefit the most.

// picserver.org 4 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2017 You May Say They’re Dreamers, but They’re Not the Only Ones JACQUELYN CARILLO CONTRIBUTING WRITER Some wake up on the wrong side of the bed, but others wake up on the wrong side of the law, at no fault of their own. Days are spent privately and quietly, working tirelessly for a better tomorrow. This plot is all too real for the 690,000 Dreamers currently protected by DACA. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a two-year long renewal-based program that offers work permits and protection from deportation for immigrants who have arrived in the United States at an age younger than 16 but offers no path to citizenship or even residency. To qualify for DACA, one must be younger than 31, have entered the United States prior to June 15, 2012, currently attend school or have obtained a high school diploma or an equivalent GED, have not been convicted of any felonies or “significant misdemeanors” and most importantly not have posed a threat to national security. DACA has been renewable every 2 years for a fee of $465 until September 5, 2017, when President Trump announced a rollback of the Obama- era DACA, leaving everything up to Congress. DACA has not only transformed the lives of young undocumented 4VSS`(KHTZ]PHÅPJRYJVT immigrants, but also has strengthened their first car after the instatement the monumental program comes from Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, our sense of community and economy of DACA and 5 percent are business a place of ignorance or xenophobia, United States Senate Minority with hourly wages of recipients raising owner. we, a community of young students, Leader, have been working closely by 42 percent. If the statistics show how viable and must band together to resist hatred, and relentlessly with President Trump There is no question of whether valuable Dreamers are to society and stay educated, break the stigma and to cooperate on a bipartisan plan by or not Dreamers, recipients of DACA, the economy, where does the incessant advocate for our Dreamer friends. the deadline of March 5, 2018 for the are contributing members of society, desire to end this program and punish As of September 6, 2017, the fate future of Dreamers. let alone “American as apple pie,” nearly 700,000 people come from? of 700,000 college students, teachers, There is a strong urgency among said Nancy Pelosi; the facts say it all. Trump’s announcement of the business owners and many other people Congress and the general population According to Newsweek and Vox, 72 morally and economically wrong is left up to Congress. of the United States to include a path percent of Dreamers are enrolled in rescinding of DACA has fear running CNN has reported on several to citizenship in this plan, or else higher education, 65 percent bought ramped throughout the immigrant occasions that Nancy Pelosi, Minority Dreamers and Congress alike will be community. Whether the rollback of Leader of the United States House of back to square one. Marijuana: A Road To...? ALYSSA BORGES she said she would have ended up dead CONTRIBUTING WRITER if she continued going down that road and found other ways to find joy and Do you think marijuana should happiness. be legal in the state of New Jersey? A police officer of East Rutherford, Whichever side of this debate you’re on, New Jersey and Vice President of Chief the presentation and panel discussion and Police Association, John Russo, Marijuana: A Road to... ?, which was explained that he still has not seen a presented in TEC -128 on Thursday, good outcome from marijuana users. November 16 , would’ve made you Bergen County Municipal Alliance think twice about your position. coordinator Judy Forman said that The program is part of Bergen their main priority for the community Community College’s Addiction is promoting wellness as much as they Series, partnered with the Center for can. Peace, Justice and Reconciliation and Kristina Ziobro, being a mother of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. a victim of marijuana use was strong The keynote speaker, Dr. Kevin enough to come to talk about her son Sabet, is the director of the Drug Policy Michael’s experience. Institute at the University of Florida and He used marijuana for his stomach an Assistant Professor in the College of pains that he had his whole life, and Medicine. with no diagnosis, found that the pain He has studied marijuana for 20 only went away when using marijuana. years, won many awards and travels ÅPJRYJVT After he did all his research to make internationally, working to reduce drug sure it was safe, but one day, she found abuse and its consequences. her son dead on his bedroom floor due He informed the audience on arrested, to say the least. website for more information is www. to a heart arrhythmia. She explained the subject of marijuana during his Dr. Sabet informed? the audience learnaboutsam.org. Another website he how her main reason for coming was presentation at this important time, that most people dying from the opiate encouraged for more information was to let the younger audience know about given that our elected governor epidemic are not kids or teens, but www.NJ-RAMP.org. her son’s tragic experience with weed. promised to legalize marijuana in New the people in their late 30’s who’ve Lisa, the member of the recovering Joanne Zito of the Coalition for Jersey. probably been in and out of treatment community, explained that she had Medical Marijuana, explained how she “We now have more people dead a dozen times. They are also the ones been smoking weed since she was had been arrested before for weed, and from opiate overdoses than car crashes whose drug problem started when they 12 and is now 22. She is currently in it had prevented her from getting a job and gunshot wounds, something we were young with accessible drugs of Spring House for her addiction. She when she was younger, which has had would have never thought would’ve alcohol and marijuana. first believed smoking marijuana lifelong consequences. happened years ago,” Dr. Sabet said as “If you don’t remember anything wasn’t a big deal until she realized it Examples of these consequences he continued to explain, “I’m actually from this talk, just remember this: started becoming a problem. are losing insurance and financial aid. here to talk about marijuana.” the only customers that anyone in the Waking up, thinking about She explained legalizing marijuana Dr. Sabet explained how the legal addictive business cares about are smoking marijuana, moving onto other is a matter of life or death, and that a drugs we have already, such as alcohol heavy users,” Dr. Sabet said. drugs, such as xanax, robbing to get lot of people are dying due to medical and tobacco, haven’t been working out At the end of Dr. Sabet’s marijuana, stealing from family and reasons because marijuana is illegal so well, being that they have killed presentation, he wrapped up his doing anything to get high. and expensive. 650,000 people a year combined for informative speech with the project She ended up in jail for a couple Zito said they were advocating the last eight decades. Also they’re the Smart Approaches to Marijuana of years and institutions due to her to legalize marijuana to get the best number one reason why people are (SAM), which he is a co-founder of. The problem. If it wasn’t for Spring House, medication to the right people. 5 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2017 6 PINIONS O THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4| DECEMBER 2017

The Double Edged Sword #MeToo Movement of Trump’s Bigotry pg. 9 pg. 8

OPINIONSThe Torch The Torch

THE TORCH, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the MeasurementsLESHAY JONES of Success College Media Association, is the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RIÀFLDO VWXGHQW QHZVSDSHU RI %HUJHQ &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH 7KH SXUSRVH RI If there is one thing THE TORCHLVWRUHSRUWRQWKHHYHQWV that society loves to do, it DW%&&DQGWKHORFDOFRPPXQLW\DQG is materializing everything WRRIIHUWKH%&&FRPPXQLW\DIRUXPIRU that is out there. One that H[SUHVVLRQ  7KH RSLQLRQV H[SUHVVHG really grinds my gears is in THE TORCH DUH QRW QHFFHVVDULO\ those of 7+(725&+All the materials materializing success. VXEPLWWHG WR THE TORCH become Think about it. When you are young, you dream about SURSHUW\RI7+(725&+ having a huge house with a LESHAY JONES beautiful family, a fancy car, Editor-In-Chief and diamond rings on each finger. Then, the older you get, ADRIANNA CARABALLO the more you realize what a Co-Editor load of crap that all is. Success should not be OWEN MCCLOSKEY measured by the amount of Copy Editor money you have in the bank or JULIANA OLEKSY by how many luxury cars you News Editor have in your driveway. Instead, it should be measured by how PURNASREE SAHA you see fit. Features Editor There are people out there who don’t have anything but CHRISTOPHER MOLINA five dollars in their pocket Sports Editor and work three jobs and go to school, just to make sure that CHARLIE LEPPERT their kids have food on the Layout Editor table at the end of the day. To AMANDA BARANDAS them, that is success. Online Editor There are people out there who don’t have a car in ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT their name but still manage to Ad Manager make it to and from their job everyday, working their behind REBECCA KARPINSKI off to get that promotion they Photo Editor have been trying land for the past few years. To them, that is PROF. LEW WHEATON success. Advisor There are people out there CORRECTIONS who have trouble just getting 7KH7RUFKVWULYHVIRUWKHKLJKHVW // pexels.com MRXUQDOLVWLFVWDQGDUGVDQGDFFXUDF\ out of the bed in the morning success. All it does is prove 5HDGHUVDUHHQFRXUDJHGWRFRQWDFW but somehow they find the XVLIWKH\ÀQGDQ\PLVWDNHVLQDQ\ to others that you are what edition of the Torch will to do so. To them, that is society defines as successful, success. and it helps when you want to  Success, to me, is when prove all the people who said EDITORIAL AND you find something that you could not do it wrong. OPINION PIECES motivates you to keep getting Like I said last month, $VDQRSHQSXEOLFIRUXP7KH7RUFK out of bed in the morning and we are all here for a reason. ZHOFRPHVJXHVWRSLQLRQSLHFHVDQG working hard. Once you reach We want an education, and OHWWHUVWRWKHHGLWRUIURPDQ\PHPEHU the top, you keep working hard we want to be successful. Just RIWKH%HUJHQ&RPPXQLW\&ROOHJH and never stop because there FRPPXQLW\0DWHULDOVVKRXOGEH know that it is okay to measure VXEPLWWHGWRHLFWRUFK#JPDLOFRPRU is so much more out there to your success differently; it is GHOLYHUHGWR7KH7RUFKRIÀFH6& learn and to gain. okay to be humble. 6XFKVXEPLVVLRQVPXVWLQFOXGH When you put your heart, To me, success isn’t just WKHZULWHU·VQDPHFRQWDFWLQIRUPD mind and soul into everything about the flashy, material WLRQDQGDIÀOLDWLRQZLWKWKHFROOHJH you do, success will come and things; it’s about the experience 6WXGHQWVVKRXOGLQFOXGHWKHLUPDMRU in turn, so will happiness. and all of the lessons that you IDFXOW\DQGVWDIIVKRXOGLQFOXGH Sure, all of the material learn along the way. FDPSXVWLWOHRUSRVLWLRQ2SLQLRQ things are great, but to me, they SLHFHVDUHOLPLWHGWRZRUGVDQG don’t add to the value of your OHWWHUVWRWKHHGLWRUWRZRUGV7KH 7RUFKUHVHUYHVWKHULJKWWRHGLWDQGWR UHIXVHSXEOLFDWLRQRIDQ\VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH7RUFKRIÀFHVDUHORFDWHG Corrections to the in Room SC-111D, 400 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 201.493.5006/5007 November Edition [email protected] Danita Ruiz’s article Theater Brings Ultimate “Smoking Ban Is Ineffective” Movie Experience” on page on page 10 incorrectly stated 19 was incorrectly attributed that the smoking ban was to Alyssa Borges. This article imposed two years ago, was written by Alyssa Blundo, considering the wishes only Staff Writer. of non-smokers. The smoking ban was instituted 10 years ago, in 2007, based on surveys of the full college community. The article “High-End 7 PINIONS O THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2017 The Rate of Opioid Overdose Could Stop Marijuana Legalization MARK GUCIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER The opioid crisis plaguing society “beyond stupidity,” and a public health has been carving a nest for itself in hazard that could promote the use of Bergen County, New Jersey for the past opioids and heroin. year, and it shows no signs of slowing Before the marijuana users of New down. Jersey rejoice in the fact that they may NJ.com has stated that so far there be able to come out of their basements have been 79 overdose deaths in Bergen and backyard, to smoke weed legally, County. Now, Governor-Elect Phil the legalization may not be smooth Murphy plans to legalize recreational sailing. marijuana, which some may feel is a The opposition came from the gateway drug. former Republican Party front-runner Is it possible that he will be met Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. with heavy opposition from those A spokeswoman for her said, “She opposed to legalizing marijuana, who is opposed to legalization.” may use opioid and heroin overdose as Now, some may think that her their battle cry? opinion may not matter, given that she 7P_HIH` Nj.com writer Susan K. Livio lost the election which is because New reader, there is a divide between those years. reported in her article “With Phil Jersey is a liberal state. However, to in favor of marijuana legalization and Only 35.1 percent of New Jersey Murphy’s Win, It’s ‘Full Steam Ahead’ believe that the road to legalization will those opposed to it. It is all going to residents casted a vote on election day. for Legal Marijuana,” that Governor be easy, is far from the truth. come down to a vote, and we have seen With a hot-button topic like marijuana Chris Christie called legalizing pot No matter the opinion of the that voter turnout has dropped in recent legalization, that number may rise. Conspiracy Theories in American Politics IAN HARTMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Do you believe that they are out Most recently, Jones stoked fears to get you? The phrase “conspiracy that protests called by Refuse Fascism theory” usually conjures up images of (an anti-Trump campaign organization) weird loners wearing tinfoil hats, but on November 4 were cover for mass there are more and more Americans uprisings organized by Antifa (a who believe in them. militant anti-facist direct action movement). Nationally, the first sign that The problem with combatting Donald Trump was going to run for conspiracy theories is that they are born president came when he joined the out of real anger at real powerlessness chorus of right-wingers who questioned in the face of massive economic- whether Obama was born in America. political forces. This so-called “birther movement”, Most Americans spend more time which played on white anxieties about at work than anywhere else, for most of the first black president, was one of our waking lives we are making money the core grievances animating the for someone else. Is it any wonder that conservative Tea Party movement that people imagine large, unseen forces won control of Congress in the 2010 control their lives? midterm elections. A few papers get moved around Conspiracy theory is not a recent on Wall Street, and millions of people phenomenon in American political are homeless. Conspiracy theories life. Populist political movements such may not be accurate, but they provide as the nativist Know-Nothing-Anti a convincing narrative to explain real Masonic Party date back to the post- suffering. revolutionary era. However, they render ordinary In times of major economic people powerless, if the all powerful upheaval, Americans have often blamed illuminati is behind everything what shadowy cabals for social dislocation. resistance is even conceivable? These groups, often referred to as The reality is that those who The Illuminate (after an obscure control society are merely human, and enlightenment-era revolutionary group) that they are not doing it in the service or The New World Order, guide world of a million year grand plan to destroy events toward some nefarious goal. >PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ civilization. Conspiracy theorists tend to turn in many flavors, almost all modern However, since Donald Trump They run society to profit their fire upon bankers who are accused ones owe a debt to Alex Jones and his began his campaign for President, themselves at the expense of those of making “money out of thin air,” and Infowars media empire. Infowars has become a major voice under them, like every other ruling are opposed to industrial capitalists Since 1996, Jones has peddled his of the “alt right” (the less openly anti class in history. who actually produce goods. unique brand of American nationalism Semitic and racist wing of the alt right) As an old German said, “the This, of course, plays into the anti- with a daily radio show and website. movement. history of all hitherto existing societies Semitism that almost all European and Since 2016, Jones was most famous He has a habit of accusing any is the history of class struggles,” it’s not European diaspora conspiracy theories for spearheading the “9/11 Truth protest not organized by the extreme a conspiracy; it’s just history. draw upon whether their authors are Movement,” which argued that the right of being funded by George Soros, aware upon of it or not. US government orchestrated the the bete noir of the far-right from While conspiracy theorists come destruction of The World Trade Center. America to Hungary. 8 PINIONS O THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4| DECEMBER 2017 Trump’s Administration Emboldens Those It Targets OWEN MCCLOSKEY COPY EDITOR

Donald Trump’s presidency -- an Virginia elections may mark a new administration hallmarked by racism, emboldening of Democrats, who for sexism, homophobia and xenophobia months have promised to represent the -- has brought about some hideous very people that Donald Trump has divides in the country and coerced put down throughout his election and a large population of Americans to administration. reveal their true colors, which just so Mollie Hemingway of The happen to be the same colors as the Federalist writes, “Democrats are Confederate battle flag. finally focusing on statehouse races, With no advocacy from the current and this should terrify Republicans.” administration, women and people of This sentiment could not be more same-sex orientations and opposite accurate. Democratic incumbents, gender identities have felt disheartened. like New Jersey’s Phil Murphy, have For example, Trump’s failed attracted progressively-minded voters transgender military ban, that he to a game-changing extent. attempted to push through last In fact, the very groups that Trump summer, has left many willing and able has failed to advocate for have swept transgender Americans who currently the recent Democratic races. serve in the military concerned about Washington Post reports on the future of their careers. Furthermore, Danica Roem, a former journalist and Trump, to little surprise of the general the first transgender woman to win a population, has failed to make steps state legislature seat in Virginia. Roem toward paid maternity leave. defeated Bob Marshall, a historically If you wanted to examine a litany of conservative delegate. comments that undermine civil rights In northern Virginia, seven female and the wishes of many Americans, Democratic candidates unseated a then let yourself fall into the wormhole handful of Republican male senators. of our President’s Twitter page. One of the incoming seat members The point is, Donald Trump has is Latina and one Asian-American, disenfranchised women and minority marking yet two more firsts for the groups to the tune of applause by Virginia State Legislature. millions of Americans who want to It seems that Trump’s consolidate their power, or are just administration has called more voters anxiously awaiting a massive change to action against his party than he had that will save them from the clutches of intended. Democrats won elections that crestfallen poverty. were not expected, all because of the However, voters in New Jersey and action brought upon by progressively- Virginia have made their voices heard minded voters. and sent a signal to the Republicans Although Trump’s rhetoric may and Trump alike that Americans are seem terrifying, it is calling people to not going to sit in silence in the face of action in a pretty incredible way that inaction. could mark a turning point in American The 2017 New Jersey and 7YLZPKLU[+VUHSK1;Y\TW]PTLVJVT history. Holiday Season or Cuffing Season?

Love during the holiday season. // pexels.com KAYLEE ALZAMORA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With the holiday season upon us, one. time of year to get into relationships. it’s too cold to be alone; whether it’s most kids are making their wishlists There’s something about the cold It’s because this is the season where inside or out, you need someone by for Christmas, and most parents are out weather that makes people want to there are the most holidays, especially your side, especially if you’re inside, buying the gifts on the list. However, get into relationships, or maybe it’s family-celebrated ones. so you have someone to cuddle with on single people have a different holiday the fact that during the holidays, most The weather also has something to those days that it’s too cold to even get ritual— for them, this is cuffing season. people spend time with their families. do with the fact that a lot relationships out the door. The name in itself sounds funny, Showing up to the family Christmas happen during the cold part of the There are countless of reasons why but it’s self-explanatory. For many party without somebody is only going year. During the summer or spring, if someone would go out of their way to singles, this season is the season to to lead to a lot of chit-chat and advice you’re in a relationship you enjoy it; get into a relationship for the holidays, become attached to someone; or in from family. but if you’re single, you yell it from the but that’s not always the case. other words, “cuffed.” Trust me, Aunt Lucy isn’t going rooftops. While a large majority of people Whether it’s the cold, icy air or the to let go of the fact that you showed There’s something about the cool, choose to be with someone during the image that has been imprinted into our to the Christmas party alone and will breezy air and the beating sun that holidays, there are some people that brains basically since birth by movies, keep insisting that you give her friend’s makes you feel overly proud of being would rather be alone and just enjoy we have been conditioned to think of neighbor’s son a chance, even though single. You can spend the nice weather the company of their family, and that’s how wonderful it is to be in love during you have told her a million times you’re with your friends, make memories and great too. the holidays. not interested. forget about relationships altogether. Whether you are spending it with Whatever the reason may be, it’s This happens fairly often to many Sadly, we can’t say the same thing just family and friends or you cuffed a known fact that during the holidays, people, so if it’s happened to you, trust about the winter because the moment someone down for this special season, whoever isn’t in a relationship chooses me, you’re not alone, but is just another the cold weather hits is when we feel don’t forget to enjoy the holiday season this time of the year to get into reason why most singles choose this the loneliest. This is the season where and to make the most out of it. 9 PINIONS O THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2017 Christie Raises Smoking Age to 21 ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT AD MANAGER As time was running out for Chris Christie as governor of New Jersey, he left young smokers displeased. Christie passed a bill that raised the smoking age to 21. Young college students who are addicted to smoking will likely be affected the most as they were probably already taking out their ID every time when the legal smoking age was 19. Christie’s decision is well defended, because according to a 2015 study by the National Institute of Medicine, raising the smoking age will resolve about 250,000 premature deaths in children and youth. This sounds pretty nice for our society and seems like it could be a good way to go, but what about the youth that is already addicted? Should there be no grandfather clause? It seems that no one has really asked these kind of questions. This could be because most of the people who are in support of this law are old enough to // pxhere.com buy tobacco products. time. In our modern era, however, we exception of nicotine. guy you barely know that you just Don’t take this the wrong way, it’s have invented a way to get a similar Let’s put this into a real life situation. asked for a cigarette is going to? good to see that our state is trying to effect to our bodies: vaping. You’re hanging around at school with No matter who is in favor of this prevent underage smoking, but what if The law also bans anyone under 21 a couple of friends when you get this decision or not, it already happened. it’s already too late? Those under 21 are from purchasing a vape or vape related sudden urge. You want to hit your Something that now has taken notice is left to quit cold turkey or get the tobacco products. Okay, banning cigarettes can vape, but then you realize you aren’t that stores are less lax about asking for products from friends and family. be justified very easily, but vapes, not old enough to buy vape juice anymore. IDs. This law seems like it would be so much. This feeling of need just might push If you like to smoke and are forcing many to quit because nicotine According to the National Center you to ask people for cigarettes since devastated by this law, there are other gums and patches also must be bought for Biotechnology Information, using they are more commonly purchased by ways to get an amazing feeling about by someone 21 and over. vapes rather than cigarettes can reduce others. life. Joining a club, a sports team or When most of us think about the intake of toxic chemicals such When convenient stores are going just doing something fun with a couple nicotine or tobacco products, we think as tar and carbon monoxide with the to ID you, do you honestly think that friends are a couple ways to kick back about cigarettes and cigars most of the that annoying feeling of addiction.

REBECCA KARPINSKI#MeToo Movement PHOTO EDITOR Me too. The two words that have harassment, abuse and assault. If there easier to come forward and to find your in shock. We do what we can to get flooded our timelines. Mothers, sisters, is one victim, I guarantee there are voice when someone else’s courage has out of these situations, and then feel friends, cousins, coworkers and even more. No normal person wants to get inspired you. The idea that “if they can absolutely lost. We just want to get on men. Me too. With two simple words, attention for a sex crime; people look come forward, then so can I” is what with our lives, and we repress. they stood up and said so much. The at you differently (not in a good way). has propelled this #metoo movement. By the time some of us even realize words mean that they have survived or Who the would volunteer for this? Abuse, sexual assault and rape the damage that has been done, so endured some form of sexual abuse; 4. “Why are so many coming are terrifying. Many victims (female many years have passed that we may either harassment or assault. forward now?” The answer is that it’s and male) are young, manipulated and want to talk about our experiences, but It may seem easy to type those two we don’t want to deal with charges and words, but for some, it took massive naming name, opening up old wounds amounts of inner strength. It made and reliving it all. memories long since shoved down I can understand questions being come flooding back to the surface. raised because plenty of people make The feeling when someone things up nowadays. These liars hurt predatory comes onto you and creeps real victims in the process by causing you out is awful. You feel unsafe people to not only be skeptical, which immediately and fear that you won’t is totally understandable; but also to get out of the situation, but the worse automatically not believe us when we part comes afterwards when you tell speak out. It’s a tough situation for someone about it, and they tell you everyone. their story. To all of the victims speaking Every person has their own story out: I believe you. I stand with you. about someone creeping and trying to I am amazed by your courage and make their advances in a way where strength and I hope that you continue your common sense just tells you to get to inspire others to speak out against out of there. their perpetrators. We need to see these To all the people who ask “why did disgusting predators for what they are they wait so long to speak out?”, “Why and to stop supporting them. didn’t you press charges?”, “Why didn’t There are people out there who you speak up sooner?”, “Why didn’t are truly understanding, but they don’t you tell someone?”, “Why didn’t you know what it’s like. The daily toll go to the police?” and “Why won’t you assault takes is something that can’t be name names?”: fathomed. It’s not always in the form of Let me clarify a few things for you: sadness or being brought back to that 1. Those responses are exactly the moment and having to relive it. It’s not reason why many women and men just cringing every time you hear about don’t come forward about sexual abuse, it on TV. It’s something that just pops assault and harassment. The fear that in your mind for no reason. no one will believe them is one of the You could be folding laundry and main reasons (along with misplaced suddenly remember the PJs you were shame and guilt) victims keep silent. wearing when it happened. It could be 2. Asking for evidence of sexual seeing leaves on the ground of your assault, abuse and harassment is like attackers favorite type of tree. asking someone to prove the existence It’s walking back to your old of Bigfoot. These predators are careful campus for the good memories, and and practiced. There often is no then suddenly realizing you’re walking physical evidence or witness to “prove” by the tree you sat under with your that the person is guilty. That’s why friend to tell her what happened. many in law enforcement refer to these It takes over your whole life in the crimes as “he said, she said.” It’s only most subtle ways, and it’s draining. when multiple reports occur that they Maybe this movement will make us often get taken seriously, and they often realize just how many of us have this have to be from two different people. experience on a daily basis, and maybe 3. False accusations are rare. You we’ll get the support we need. Not know what’s not rare? Unreported because we need recovery, but because 0SS\Z[YH[PVUI` Edriel Fimbres we need someone to understand. 10 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4| DECEMBER 2017 11 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4| DECEMBER 2017

Bergen’s Transgender OWENAwareness MCCLOSKEY Day Helps Squash Transphobia COPY EDITOR

Transgender awareness The keynote speaker of the for her service in Afghanistan, has become a staple of modern Transgender Awareness Day as well as the French National American culture in recent years, event was a United States Army Defense Medal; however, after and transphobia is gradually veteran named Jennifer Long, she was found out on Facebook fading away as an archaic epithet who spoke about her time in the by her employer, she was that no longer has a place in a military as well as the initial honorably discharged. post-progressive society. There reactions of those close to her When Jennifer had to reclaim are about 253,000 individuals in after she came out as trans. her military ID, she showed up the United States who identify Long had done tours in dressed as her natural self, which as transgender, according to the Iraq and Afghanistan, spec- acted as a symbolic victory keynote speaker of Bergen’s ops missions in South America against the very institution that fourth annual Transgender and the Middle East during discriminated against her. Awareness Day. the Desert Storm campaign, Long’s story highlights that For those who are uncertain, and worked security detail at of many trans Americans. After let me provide a little background Guantanamo Bay prison. fighting and saving lives for on what being transgender Long had attributed her her country with a courage and means. Transgender people attraction to a military career conviction unparalleled by most, aren’t necessarily homosexual to the concept of “hyper- Jennifer was treated as a second- — in fact, sexual orientation masculinity,” when trans women class citizen, forcibly discharged has nothing to do with gender enter masculine professions to from the profession that dictated identity. quell how they truly feel on the her life for over a decade. A transgender individual inside. After Long’s speech, a panel identifies as a different gender Jennifer went into personal of transgender students and than they were assigned to at detail during her speech, perhaps professors sat to take questions. birth. Transgender people prefer the most powerful anecdote The panel included DJ Scheibe, to be referred to by the gender being when she spoke about a Bergen professor, Justice that they prescribe themselves dressing up as a woman for the Gaines, a Rhode Island poet as, and it is considered boorish first time at a trans bar in New and activist, Aaron Barthold, a if one refers to a transgender York City. world languages major at Bergen individual with the incorrect “Jennifer was breathing and the Torch’s very own layout pronoun. outside air for the first time,” editor, Charlie Leppert. In the United States, trans and Long felt accepted, but The panel unanimously individuals have to travel a ashamed because of her family’s concluded that BCC has made road paved with discrimination conservative ideals. proper accommodations to trans of all calibers. Transgender Long recounted her time students. According to Aaron communities are — albeit in Afghanistan working as a Barthold, Bergen has been very quite slowly — coming out security advisor with French successful with making trans of the cultural woodwork and forces on the frontline. Because students feel at home, the only are starting to become more French culture encourages the use thing the school could work on accepted amongst average of co-ed showers and restrooms, is creating more gender-neutral Americans. Long felt accepted because she bathrooms in auxiliary buildings Bergen Community College didn’t feel comfortable in the like the Technology Building. is taking further steps to bridge men’s room. Bergen’s Transgender the divide between the trans Long actually felt some Awareness Day brought about an community and cisgender (non- acceptance from her brothers exchange of ideas and stories that trans) students. and sisters on the frontline. truly encapsulated the themes On November 8, BCC held When her estrogen pills were of transgender acceptance and its fourth annual Transgender found by an army doctor, Long awareness that are becoming all Awareness Day. A crowd packed had to come out to a few close the more prominent in the year into a room on the first floor of friends, some of whom actually 2017. the Technology Building as the chipped in and bought Jennifer a Hopefully, Bergen will hold aroma of freshly-brewed coffee sports bra. more events like these in the and finger-snacks wafted over “This [sports bra] was the future so that students, faculty a sea of intrigued students who greatest gift because it was a gift and attendees alike can learn wanted to learn more about their of acceptance,” Long said. more about their transgender fellow transgender classmates. Jennifer earned a bronze star counterparts.

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FEATURESThe Torch Native American Heritage Month ESMERALDA LORA CONTRIBUTING WRITER Every November, Native survived. Americans all around the United States For Native Americans, are recognized for the historical event, Thanksgiving is more of a ritual of trying to defend their land against everyday practice than a one day European invaders from the days of celebration. They give thanks for the Christopher Columbus, who discovered gifts that nature provided them and the America to their historical and modern Earth they live in. contribution in our society today. There is a conversation about the There are over 100 tribes of the history books in school being false on Native American community all what they are teaching children about around the United States that have Thanksgiving by Native Americans that served a purpose politically, socially Pilgrims and Natives gathered together and religiously. Just recently, tribes like for their first Thanksgiving feast Standing Rock Sioux show examples declaring peace among themselves. of what tribes are capable of when it Native Americans just gave up comes down to what they believe in. their territory to make space for more The Standing Rock Sioux tribe settlers to come to America. protested against the North Dakota Truth be told, Native Americans pipeline and other tribes around the were forced out of their lands and United States gathered to support Pilgrims brought diseases to the Native them. They united in a time of need Americans. They faced a major increase and support in defense to keep the oil in deaths among the Native American pipeline from entering their reserved government seeming like genocide, as land, despite the bigotry they faced. well as experiencing enslavement. Native American Heritage Month is There is a day that Natives a reminder of the diversity in America gather together to mourn over the and celebrates their contribution and Pilgrims arrival, dated in the same culture in the United States. day of Thanksgiving. This day is to Thanksgiving is celebrated truly educate non-Natives and Native differently for many people in America, Americans about what happened when like camping in front of stores to be the Pilgrims arrived. first online to get their hands on their They march around in protest at desired possessions on sale or providing Plymouth, Massachusetts where their feast for families to gather together. ancestors were slaughters and land was Others dedicate the day to the stolen from them. Thanksgiving has homeless by providing a cooked more to offer from the Native American turkey meal, but for Native Americans, themselves and I encourage that we all November 24th may not be seen as a get to know more about them. celebration. It is a reminder of how their culture outlived many years and (THUPU[YHKP[PVUHSKYLZZH[[OL5HU[PJVRL3LUUP3LUHWL7V^>V^ÅPJRYJVT Dental Hygiene Clinic in Health Professions Building ANDREA RUIZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER Did you know that Bergen has a Dental Hygiene Clinic located at the Health Professions Building? Before the Health Professions Building even opened, the Dental Clinic was located in the Pitkin Education Center in room S-327. Since then, while the Health Professions Building was being built, they have decided to move the Hygiene Clinic over there. The clinic is open to all BCC students and the public, which provides precautionary dental care services. It is managed by students in the dental hygiene program, who are under the control of certified dentists and dental hygienists. The dental hygiene clinic offers many services to BCC students and the public. Located on the BCC website, the Dental Hygiene Clinic says, “our students have been providing quality care to the community since 1972.” Since September, there have been advertisements for children of ages 6-14 years old. There are free appointments that are funded by a grant called Horizon (UKYLH9\Pa Foundation for New Jersey, which were they would be pleased with having a fluoride treatment. The prophylaxis: and 1:00 p.m. on held Friday, September 29th, Monday teeth clean or any other services done (cleaning) is $20, x-rays: Bitewing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. October 9th, Saturday of October 14 for clean, white teeth. X-Rays are $5, Full Mouth X-Rays are The Spring semester is Monday at 9:00 a.m., and Friday of November Other than the appointments for the $15, a single x-ray is $5, which can be through Friday. For the ones who are 10. The last appointment will be on children, the services given at the dental sent to your dentist, sealants $5 per taking summer classes, it’s on Tuesdays Monday, December 11th at 8:30 a.m. or hygiene clinic are examinations and tooth and fluorides for $5. and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.. prophylaxis (prevention for disease), During the fall semester, The clinic is located at the Health If anyone has children, I’m sure x-rays - Bitewing X-rays, sealants and appointments are available at 8:30 a.m. Professions Building on the 1st floor. 13 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 |DECEMBER 2017 BCC Students Share Their Holiday Traditions ALYSSA BLUNDO CONTRIBUTING WRITER BCC students were given the opportunity to share their holiday traditions. These traditions have brought them and their families so much joy, and they would like to share them with students, faculty and staff members at Bergen Community College.

Janisa Mendez Major: Biology “I go to Pennsylvania with my Slhil Vitha cousins, an we all go camping out Major: Business: Accounting there for like a weekend.” “My family does celebrate Christmas, but we are not technically Christian,but we still do festivities and stuff.”

Robert Meg Major: Unknown Khadija Ziauddin “My grandma lives with me, and so Major: Business Accounting all of our family comes to our house “I like to give presents to literally to light the candles whenever it is Kevin Chaves Angelica Romano everyone I know, even if it’s not nighttime and we have a big first Major: Criminal Justice Major: Undecided about how much I spend on them, meal on the first day of Hanukkah “I will be spending time with “For me, I go to church every it’s that knowing everyone gets and the younger kids get like family.” Christmas Eve.” something.” presents and everything.” 9LILJJH2HYWPUZRP

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sarahit’s the Shurts most fascinating thing to study JULIANA OLEKSY because it’s the story of who we are, NEWS EDITOR the story of all of the things we’ve Dr. Sarah Shurts is an honors history accomplished and all the disciplines professor who runs the History club that we pursue.” every Tuesday at Bergen Community Next, I asked Dr. Shurts what College. While asking students who her favorite thing is about being a know Dr. Shurts what their opinion of professor, and she didn’t even hesitate her is, I received a completely positive in her answer of the students. She consensus of how truly incredible Dr. expanded upon her answer, “It is being Shurts is. As someone who has taken able to share something that I am really multiple of her courses, I can verify the passionate about that really excites me assessment that she is a professor who with someone else. What I really love puts her students first and goes over is watching students who don’t care and beyond for them. or really think that they despise this Dr. Shurts has always wanted particular field become passionate to teach ever since she was little and and excited and find something that always pretended to be a teacher while interests them that they want to pursue, playing as a child. She shared with me want to ask questions about and by her journey to teaching at a college the end of it, talk about becoming level, “I started when I was fifteen or History Majors because something has sixteen teaching dance lessons, and translated to them somehow. That’s for a long time I thought I was going sort of my goal.” to teach fourth or fifth grade. Then, I Well, she accomplished her goal fell in love with history, and I decided with me. I walked into her classroom that I wanted to focus on teaching my first semester of Bergen Community students history, so that sort of pushed College just wanting to check-off my me towards high school. I taught high history requirements. However, by the school for five years, and I loved end of the semester, I found myself it. You know, I would go back in a intrigued by the storytelling aspect of heartbeat, but I really wanted to be able history, wanting to learn and to know to do more. I wanted them to do some more about the discipline. readings and be able to talk about some When I asked if she has any goals more complex ideas, so that lead me to // bergen.edu for the future, Dr. Shurts told me that teaching college.” paths- rather than at the end. I’ve found which she thinks is really important to she is working on a book right now, Dr. Shurts originated from North it incredibly rewarding to help students getting students involved and excited and that her only goal right now is to Carolina where she completed all of recognize their abilities and their about history early. In addition, Shurts’ get that out and finished. “I’m looking her schooling, including her graduate strengths and move into a four year family always watched documentaries forward to finishing this textbook degrees. She ended up moving up environment where they can complete and historical movies, so she describes for Oxford, which is a collection of North because her husband took a job those pursuits. I also am glad that the all of these history-related things resources that helps teach students to in New Jersey. She went about looking community college allows me to work became a “family affair.” She said, do the work of history and see how for a job an hour away from her home, with students who often have not been “My brothers are History Majors, and historians craft our discipline and how and Bergen happened to be hiring. Dr. successful in the past, or who have my sister is a Latin teacher. It was sort it is relevant to other fields and to our Shurts describes this as “serendipity” been told for financial or other reasons of in our family to begin with.” lives today rather than just read a text and feels “very proud, privileged and that college is not for them, or who Dr. Shurts continued saying that and answer questions. I like the idea of honored to be here.” are returning after other professional if she could put her discipline into a being able to share my ideas about how I asked Shurts why she chose to experiences and are nervous about word, she would use the word it would to teach history beyond BCC by putting teach at a community college, and she starting back to school. It is exciting to be “storytelling.” She explained to me, these materials out for students across told me, “I actually see community watch students discover an academic “So you’re telling the story of other the country,” Dr. Shurts said. college to be no different from a passion and succeed even when they people’s lives, so it’s got psychology, it’s Dr. Shurts’ passions for what she four year school. I’m just getting had been told they could not.” got sociology, it’s got art, it’s got music does exudes when she teaches. She is students for their freshman and Both history and teaching are and it’s got science. History touches on one of the most genuine people I have sophomore years -- at the beginning Dr. Shurts’ passions, so I asked her so many different disciplines, it makes ever met and really cares about her of their college experience as they are about what made her want to teach use of so many different disciplines students. Shurts takes her students’ exploring their interests and trying to history particularly. She told me that and it influences so many disciplines. potentials, believes in them and helps find their profession and academic her family was always taking trips to Everything has a history, and you can them to reach their goals, even if it’s not places like Gettysburg and Jamestown, tell the story of everything. So, to me, in history. 14 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2017

CONTINUE ON YOUR HIGHERTRACK TOWARDS A DEGREE AT A LOWER COST. BCC+FDU

Bergen Community College and Fairleigh Dickinson University are partnering to offer you a more affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. Graduate with your associate’s degree from BCC, and you will be eligible to transfer to a FDU bachelor’s program at a significant tuition reduction. BCC-FDU Scholars Program benefits include:

40% tuition reduction for undergraduate Additional grants may be available programs, which may also be applicable for resident students, NJSTARS and to some master’s degrees at FDU students graduating with a 3.0+ GPA

Questions? Visit Almida Hernandez, FDU’s on-site advisor, Monday-Friday at the Pitkin Education Center, Room A126-b [email protected] or [email protected] 201-493-4088

LEARN MORE fdu.edu/bcc 15 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2017

ALYSSA BORGES Holiday Checklist CONTRIBUTING WRITER up to 42 lightning, fast snowtubing We’ve finally made it to the end of lanes and Basecamp One Lodge, you the year, which is known as the most and your crew are sure to have an out wonderful time of the year. Holiday of this world experience. music on the radio, Christmas films Without a shadow of a doubt, New playing every night on television and York City is definitely the place to holiday decorations lighting up the visit during the holidays. In November streets. during Thanksgiving, they will host However, there is so much more to their annual Macy’s Thanksgiving the wonderful holiday season, like the Day Parade that include some other various ways to celebrate it. performers, as well as amazing floats. Starting on November 18th through The performers this year are Smokey January 1st, Holiday in the Park will Robinson, Common, Cam, Andra Day, make it’s debut at Six Flags Great 98 Degrees, Sabrina Carpenter, Bebe Adventure. This includes millions Rexha, Kat Graham, and The Radio of glittering lights, dazzling holiday City Rockettes to mention a few. entertainment, delicious seasonal The worldwide symbol of the treats, Santa’s village and many popular holidays in New York City is the The rides magically transforming the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. summer thrill destination into a winter The tree was lit for the first time wonderland according to the Six Flags this year on Wednesday, November 29, website. There will also be festive, with live performances from 7–9pm, holiday foods and snacks at the park, at Rockefeller Plaza, between West as well as perfect gifts to purchase for 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth some holiday shopping. and Sixth Avenues. Gwen Stefani Although it may be getting colder performed as well as Brett Eldredge, outside, there are still ways to enjoy Leslie Odom Jr., Jennifer Nettles and doing outdoor activities. One of them The Tenors. is snow tubing. While at Rockefeller Center you Camelback Mountain in might also want to visit the classic Tannersville, P.A. offers three-hour NYC ice skating rink and if it’s not too snow tubing sessions in the Pocono crowded, skate as well. Bryant Park is Mountains for $25 during the midweek another alternative for ice skating in non-holiday period and $35 during the the city. weekend and holiday periods. During New Year’s Eve, New There will also be Galactic Snow York City is still the top spot and host Tubing according to their website, for the event. It may be crazy packed “Camelback Resort is excited to launch near the New Year’s Eve Ball in ‘Galactic Snow Tubing’ for the 2017/18 Times Square, but it may also be an winter season!” unforgettable experience being in the Already the biggest snowtubing city in general to celebrate the new park in the USA, now includes an after year. dark “Galactic” LED light show. With ÅPJRYJVT Labyrinth Contest Winner: Reverie by Michael John Mele Thank you to everyone who submitted to this contest, and congratulations to our winner, Michael John Mele. Any inquiries about or submissions to the upcoming edition of the Labyrinth We hope all who submitted to this contest will also submit to our spring print edition. Charlie Leppert, Labyrinth Editor-in-Chief Reverie is the imagination like horses who believe the gallop is followed by the whip. There is no freedom our thoughts and judgments are of minds all alike. We people looking down on people the rain falls down on us. I see nothing honorable in myself living working being in this place, not pride not production, not in strangers not in family. Tense we are living dying in this place. The muscles grip the bones the blood in the head rushes and overflows, migraines heating up our bodies and making us sick. Stuck in this masquerade I can’t take the routines any longer, the work is boring like listening to traffic outside day after day the horizon burns our done and undone tasks vanish any trace of the shriek cry of yesterday awakening asleep 16 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2017 Winter Film Preview: What to Expect Review:KEMRICK PETREE A Bad Moms Christmas CONTRIBUTING WRITER an all-star cast. January is a slow month, but one As Christmas arrives, we see the interesting piece is coming out on theme of the holidays start to break January 5th, Insidious: The Last Key out, and many people are starting to get deals with Dr. Elise Rainier’s family involved. Entertainment has everyone home. This is the final chapter of getting ready for the holiday spirit by Insidious hopefully. This is because of releasing many holiday films. award season in January and February, One in particular is Bad Moms >PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ TREVOR GIOIA it would start a dry spell. Christmas, which features actresses CONTRIBUTING WRITER February comes back with bigger Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn releases such as the final Fifty Shades Hahn, Christine Baranski, Cheryl With winter fast approaching and of Grey film - if you’re into that. Hines and Susan Sarandon. award season coming up, what movies On February 16, the first African- The film follows three best friends: should be on your radar? Word of American superhero comes to screen Amy (Mila Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) warning, this winter’s movie preview Black Panther. Black Panther is and Carla (Kathryn Hahn), who are will go into 2018, so get hyped. about T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) getting ready to celebrate the Christmas December of 2017 is the last returning to Wakanda in terminology. season with their families. However, month of this year, and here is what This marvel film is directed by Ryan there’s a huge twist that takes a turn to expect. On December 8, sports fans Coogler and stars a great all-star cast, for the worse when the girls’ mothers get a film about the interesting figure so definitely see this film on a big make a surprise visit. This then turns skater Tonya Harding. I, Tonya looks screen. this family, loving holiday into one of 4PSH2\UPZZ[HYVM[OLTV]PL>PRPTLKPH like it took inspiration from the fourth A possible film in February is the pure mishaps and confusion. Commons wall, reminiscent of moments from new Cloverfield movie. The Cloverfield The three women will have to intimate in the bedroom. Goodfellas. The film is about Tonya movie could be about space station endure the struggles of dealing with the Carla is a spitting image of her Harding (Margot Robbie) and personal disparaging where no one truly knows. holidays and prepping for the family, mother, Isis (Susan Sarandon) from ordeals she went through. Well, that’s my preview of winter while at the same time trying to enjoy her wild and erotic personality, to her “May the force be with you” on movies to watch, have a good holiday themselves. loving and shy, motherly traits. Once December 15, Star Wars:The Last Jedi break! Amy’s parents, Ruth (Christine Carla meets a new man Ty Swindle comes out with Star Wars fans foaming Baranski) and Hank (Peter Gallagher) (Justin Hartley) from her job, the two at the mouth for answers to the series’ take Amy off the wall, and not only hit off right away, and Isis enjoys Ty, as most burning questions. Star Wars: The because of the fact that her mother is well at the bar. Last Jedi is about young rebel warrior a total control freak. Amy must show This movie was pure comedy Rey, who trains with Luke Skywalker her that she can handle Christmas on at its finest, from the jokes to the while the rest of galaxy is dealing with her own. actuality that happens within homes, the destruction of New Republic. This Kiki has her own bizarre mother- the producers definitely had taken their film is directed by Rian Johnson and daughter relationship. Her mother, time with this one. The actresses that has all returning and a few new cast Sandy (Cheryl Hines), likes to be really were the main characters had me in members. I already got my tickets for close with her daughter, and it can be tears from the beginning to the end. this grand adventure. seen in a strange way. I have never watched a movie If you’re looking for something She tries to show her mom that where the whole female cast swear like more Oscar-worthy, than The Post is she has to step back a little bit without sailors, and I couldn’t help but laugh. right to film for you. The Post is about having her hurt her mother’s heart. The difficulty to enjoy this film was the Pentagon Papers in the 1970s and The scenario gets a little too weird hard, especially when you watch it on the newspaper publishing said papers. when she cuts her hair like Kiki’s, and Amazon Firestick, and the quality is The Post is directed by Steven Spielberg even watches her and her husband get horrible. and stars Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and >PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ=PTLVJVT Thor Ragnarok: Weird, Wacky and Wonderful

>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ TREVOR GIOIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER If you said to me that a Thor movie People and What We Do In The Ruffalo). film in vain of Excalibur, with a synth was going to be the most like a comic Shadows. This team of actors brought such score that makes it into an awesome, book, I wouldn’t have believed you. Thor: Ragnarok is surprisingly great moments of comedy and heart weird time at the movies, I feel that Oh man, Thor: Ragnarok proved me short, but that plays into one of its to the movie. Now for the villains of each background was made to look wrong, and I love it. strengths. The other strength is how Thor: Ragnarok, Hela was a great right out of a comic book. Thor: Ragnarok is the third Thor good the actors’ chemistry is between foil for Thor to face and had a few The weakness in this is that the tone movie and knocks it out of the park each other. This can best be seen in the “oh crap” moments in the film. The sets too much like a comic book. Thor: compared to the other two Thor movies. “get help” scene which is a hilarious best character in the whole film is the Ragnarok, being very fun and comic This film is about Thor, who loses his and great relationship moment. The giant rock creature called Korg (Taiki book type could turn some people off. hammer to the new Queen Asgard Hela majority of the movie, plays into that Waititi), who gave the most laugh-out- In my honest opinion, it’s a great Thor (Kate Blanchett), and arriving on planet “witty banter,” which is similar to the loud moments. film and Taika Waititi knocks average Sakaar, finds the grandmaster (Jeff original Star Wars trilogy. The style of Thor: Ragnarok is film into something more . If do you Goldblum) enjoying gladiator fights The characters of Thor: Ragnarok quite unique in that it feels like a comic stay for the mid-credits for Thor: with the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo.) are different, but feels welcomed. The book with the vibrant colors on planet Ragnarok, you will get a hint of what’s Thor: Ragnarok comes from New “Revengers” team is made of Thor Sakaar. This film is weird, wacky and to come in May when the Avengers Zealand director Taika Waititi, who (Chris Hemsworth), Valkyrie (Tease wonderful which is all rolled into a face Thanos. So for that, I give Thor: made a few small films such as, Boy, Tomsponse), Loki (Tom Hiddleson), film with a classic rock feel throughout. Ragnarok a 5 out of 5. Eagle and Shark, Hunt for The Wilder and The Hulk/Dr.Bruce Banner( Mark As awesome 1980’s high fantasy 17 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2017 The Book That Will Change Your Life The History of Hanukkah PURNASREE SAHA FEATURES EDITOR and various metals. In November and December, Traditionally, before people light Jewish people celebrate the holiday the menorah, the whole family must known as Hanukkah, or Chanukah. be present and a blessing is recited. According to history.com, “Hanukkah” The candles should burn for at least celebrates the dedication of the rebuilt half an hour. Family members sing and temple in the sixth century BCE on the pray together and often the menorah 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. is placed in the window to be seen by During the celebrations today, a passers by. menorah lights up and entertainment Jews cook traditional foods in oil includes food, games, and gifts. during Hanukkah and this includes According to jewishgiftplace.com, potato pancakes, “latkes,” and jam- “for most Jews, the centerpiece of filled donuts. Jewish grocery stores or Hanukkah is the menorah, a nine- restaurants often provide free samples branched candelabrum. of latkes during the week of Hanukkah. A dreidel, a four sided spinning top This year Hanukkah begins on the with a Hebrew letter on each face, is a evening of December 12th and ends on traditional toy most Jews play during the evening of December 20th. Hanukkah. Like Hanukkah, the Hindu festival, On each of eight holiday nights, Diwali, also called the festival of light, after the sun is down, another candle spans about eight days with lights and is lit representing the miracle that candles in windows, gifts, and special inspired the holiday. A ninth candle, foods such as samosas, potato pastries, the Shamash or helper candle, usually which like latkes, are fried in oil. People in the center of the menorah, is used to of different religions can relate to each light the others. Menorahs are made in other’s traditions that share common either glass, aluminum, pottery, wood, elements.

2H[HYa`UHA\YH^ZRH KATARZYNA ZURAWSKA CONTRIBUTING WRITER Each part discusses different behavior, beliefs or our reactions on “To be yourself and to love yourself, some situations in our lives. Therefore, you must listen to yourself and realize each end of the part gives us that time that you are the ultimate authority on to think through the author’s message. you-- the chief executive officer of your Infinite Possibilities is a guide for life.” happiness, which bets with the universe Infinite Possibilities is one of Mike rules of the world. It says everyone is a Dooley’s books which develops the part of the universe and creates it. The subconscious and pushes the reader to book describes how we should behave rethink his or her life. The book offers to make our lives better. Also, it says an uncommon interpretation of the everything has some reason. world and how everything around us Only we create experiences and works. situations that are either good or bad. The book is arranged in an Certain situations can appear only if accessible way; there are twelve we are ready to face the consequences, chapters and each of them has a few even if we feel it overwhelmed us. But or more parts. Readers have many after all we discover that this experience opportunities to stop reading and take shows us things in new light. a break without losing the plot. Infinite Possibilities is an easy-to- These chapters are very helpful read book, which focuses on improving when we do not have the whole day to sit reader’s self-consciousness and how in an armchair and read a book. Mostly, to learn positive thinking. The main we read during our lunch breaks or on thought accompanying the entire book our way to school and work. A small is “thoughts become things,” so we part in every chapter is more convened have to be careful what we wish for. for readers. // pxhere.com Ready For It?: The Comeback of the Singer with the Bad Reputation JULIANA OLEKSY NEWS EDITOR Forget every single preconception you have about Taylor Swift’s music, because “the old Taylor is dead.” After time out of the spotlight, this singer has fully shed her girl next door image for a more mature album. This comeback album is more authentic than her other albums, and she is not “playing the victim” anymore. Instead, her songs are edgier and are filled with metaphorical lyrics of admittance to being imperfect and facing her past mistakes. An example of this is “I Did Something Bad” and “Getaway Car,” both speculated to be about Calvin Harris and Tom Hiddleston. Taylor still has her diss tracks of “This is Why >PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ We Can’t Have Nice Things” and the the album is more intimate. until now, the romance has been kept My personal favorite songs would satirical song “Look What You Made “...Ready for It?” starts the album undercover, but Taylor has beautifully be “Call It What You Want” and “New Me Do” for Kanye West and his wife off with a bang with Taylor Swift penned her romantic journey into the Year’s Day.” They’re both singer- Kim Kardashian. rapping, which she is able to pull off majority of this album. songwriter songs, with lyrics that make The techno-pop album’s songs well. The rapping theme continues with The main point that I picked up you want to fall deeply in love. The mesh together with the common “End Game” featuring Future and Ed while listening to this album is that catchiest songs would be “Getaway element of her bad reputation. There’s a Sheeran. Although the rap verses of Taylor really wants her relationship to Car” and “This is Why We Can’t Have fan theory floating around the internet Sheeran and Future are prominent in last. Another is how much Joe knows Nice Things,” which have been in my that Taylor’s album is split in half, the song, Taylor is not overshadowed her and likes her for who she is, not head since I purchased the album. signified by the use of ellipses in the and still holds her own in the song. what the media has to say about her. Taylor may have a bad reputation, song titles of “...Ready for It?” and “So During her year out of the She is genuinely in love, and you can but her Reputation has had a comeback. it Goes… .” spotlight, Taylor has fallen in love with feel it through the emotion in her voice Here’s to hoping to be able to get I would have to say that this is a her current boyfriend, Joe Alwyn. Up and lyrics. concert tickets! valid theory because the second half of 18 SPORTS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4| DECEMBER 2017 Former BCC Head Coach Dies at 80 Brooklyn Nets Midseason Review RYAN BLAKE CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Brooklyn Nets made a blockbuster trade in the summer, acquiring D’angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov from the Los Angeles Lakers for Brook Lopez. For the 28th pick, the Lakers drafted Kyle Kuzma and he’s been an absolute beast for >PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ them. They are 4th in the NBA in points Russell has been a star player for per game at 110.6. At the looks of it, the Nets, averaging 20.9 points per you’re probably thinking to yourself, game, along with 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 “Wow, how are they only 5-8 with one assists. Only players like Chris Paul, of the best offenses in the league?” Lebron James, Michael Jordan and Well, their offense isn’t so efficient. Tracy McGrady have had similar stat They are 28th in the league at 3 lines at the age 22 or younger. point shooting percentage at 32.9%. Russell is one of the best young When their threes aren’t hitting, their players in the league; he’s equipped offense goes in tailspin because they with elite passing vision and has a don’t have a lot of playmakers that can tremendous feel for the game. Not the get their own shot off the dribble. fastest guy in the league, but has a very Their defense is also a big problem. quick first step, a good finisher around They rank 28th in the league at the basket and has one of the best mid opposing teams points per game, and .\PSSLU^HZOLHKJVHJOMVYUPUL`LHYZILYNLUJJI\SSKVNZJVT they give up 114 each game. Their CHRISTOPHER MOLINA range pull-up jumpers in the league. SPORTS EDITOR The negatives of his game is he main defensive issue is their lack of big 2004. turns the ball over a little too much, men; they have Timofey Mozgov who Salvador Guillen, who was the Only after the 2015 season did and he isn’t shooting a great percentage isn’t the best, and Jarrett Allen, who is former head coach of Bergen’s men’s he finish coaching for 12 years. He from three, but that’s because he’s one a rookie, and has shown some flashes and women’s tennis and soccer teams, coached men’s tennis and in 2013 he of the few playmakers on his team, so but is still young and doesn’t get much and a tennis adjunct professor, has died. received a “10 Years of Service” award. there’s not another guy that can drive, playing time. Many at the Bergen Athletics During his time as a coach for suck in the defense and kick it out to They also have Tyler Zeller who Department are saddened by the news. Bergen, he was a major impact as a Russell for an easy shot. But Russell is decent, but he also doesn’t play Coach Guillen helped BCC to reach coach and as a mentor. One of those has exceeded expectations and he’s much. So they usually roll out Quincy two region men’s tennis championships impacted by him was former BCC only going to get better. Acy, Trevor Booker or Rondae Hollis in 2005 and 2013, where he earned men’s soccer coach, Coach Freddy Now let’s talk about the Nets as a Jefferson at the 5 who are all under Region XIX Men’s Tennis Coach of Herrera, who led men’s soccer to win team. They’re currently sitting in 13th 6’ 8”. Without a rim protector, other the Year. their first back-to-back region titles in place in the Eastern Conference with offenses can get whatever they want During his tenure, he coached ten 2015 and 2016. a record of 5-8. Their Head Coach, against the Nets’ defense. All-American including several trips “I played for him; I learned from Kenny Atkinson, is from the Spurs so Here some positives about the Nets; to the NJCAA Men’s Tennis National him. I’m a soccer coach thanks to him, he’s a very smart guy; he has the Nets they play hard, have some really good tournament, where his team won 3rd and he taught me to believe in myself! leading the league in pace - which role players like Spencer Dinwiddie, place in 2013 and 4th place in 2014 . Thank you professor, and God be with means they shoot the most shots per Allen Crabbe, Joe Harris and Rondae He has also led the intramural program you,” Herrera said. game, more than any other team in the Hollis Jefferson, who really improved at BCC for over 10 years. Many here at Bergen are privileged league. his jumpshot and his overall game. Coach Guillen began his coaching enough to have shared their time with They have an analytical approach Demmarre Carroll has also been pretty career at Bergen as an assistant coach Coach Guillen and the comfort in to how they play; they shoot a ton of solid and Trevor Booker has been the in men’s soccer in 1994. Later, he knowing of the positive impact he made threes, which is how pretty much team’s best big guy. became head coach from 2002 to 2010. on the students-athletes he coached everyone is playing now. The Nets If they continue to play hard and Aside from coaching soccer, he began for the last two decades remains shoot 32.5 threes a game ranked 4th in stay healthy, they’ll hopefully end up coaching the men’s tennis team in unforgettable. the NBA. with around 34 wins. Rising and Falling of the Top Four KEMRICK PETREE CONTRIBUTING WRITER No. 3 after a win against Wake Forest, Notre Dame Quarterback Brandon Heisman-watch candidate Josh Adams With the college football season to only 40 yards. Notre Dame came rounding up, the playoffs shaking up winning 48-37 which helped tally up Wimbush. Later that drive in two plays, some points for them. Rosier scored on a 16-yard touchdown into this came ranked No.5 in team and the bowl projections, fans are rushing yards with 303 yards per game. going insane. Even though coming into this run, which added to their three total game 8-2, the Fighting Irish weren’t rushing touchdowns. It wasn’t until the third quarter Entering this weekend in the AP when Notre Dame scored off a pass to Top 5 Poll are followed by teams from worried about the Hurricanes, who Miami Running backs, Travis were undefeated at 8-0 and ranked No. Homer and Deejay Dallas carried a lot Alize Jones from Brandon Wimbush, the Big Five Conferences. The Bulldogs who went 10 for 21 of 119 yards. Miami jumped to the No. 1 spot after beating 7. Miami scored in the first quarter, off of the load. Homer rushed for 146 yards a 7-yard touchdown caught by Braxton on 18 carries, and Dallas rushed for 53 went on to win by dominating Notre South Carolina last weekend 24-10 and Dame 41-8, which helped keep their with an impressive earlier win over Berrios from Quarterback Malik yards on 12 carries and a touchdown. Rosier. The Hurricanes’ defense dominated undefeated season going. Notre Dame on September 9. The Hurricanes went on to move Taking on the Bulldogs this The passing game for Notre Dame the Fighting Irish with an interception on the other hand was a rough one, the being returned for a touchdown by up five spots to No. 2, which knocked weekend was the Auburn Tigers. The Notre Dame down six spots on the poll Tigers came ranked in at No. 10, and Hurricanes intercepted three of the cornerback Trajan Brandy at the end Fighting Irish’s passes. of the first half, leaving the score 27- to No. 9. had just come off of a big win against The No. 5 ranked Oklahoma Texas A&M last week. Late in the first, quarter Safety 0. They held Notre Dame to only 109 Jaquan Johnson intercepted a pass from rushing yards and Running Back and Sooners and Heisman-watch candidate Auburn’s quarterback, Jarrett Quarterback Baker Mayfield, had Stidham, gave the Tigers a lot of help the challenge of hosting No.6 TCU. through the air; throwing 16 for 23 Oklahoma came out with the win with 214 yards and three touchdowns. by beating the Horned Frogs 38-20. Auburn then went on to win 40-17 and Mayfield went 18 of 27 for 333 yards will be knocking Georgia out of the and three touchdowns. The Sooners playoff picture, but might still fall short moved up two spots to No. 3 taking as well. over Notre Dame’s spot, while TCU Georgia fell down to No. 7 bumping dropped down to No. 11. the Tigers up to No. 6, which puts them Clemson was able to keep their in a great advantage for the playoffs. No. 4 spot on the polls by holding off Coming in ranked No. 2 was Florida State Seminoles, who came Alabama, who are undefeated still after into this game 3-5. The Tigers were coming off a win against LSU, but fell able to have control over the game, off the No. 1 spot after voter thought with the weight being pushed by the Georgia deserved it more. running game. Their 228 rushing yards The Crimson Tide had to travel helped them gain four touchdowns, to Davis Wade Stadium to take on and holding the Seminoles to 229 total the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The yards, opposed to Clemson’s 378 total Bulldogs came out strong in the first yards. quarter with an 11-yard run by Aeris The playoff bracket as of Nov. 12 Williams for his first touchdown of his has Alabama at No.1 Miami, No.2 two, Alabama retaking the No. 1 spot Oklahoma, No.3 and Clemson No. 4. puts them back ahead at 10-0, which Alabama will travel to Auburn to take knocked Mississippi State down to 7-3. on Nov. 25, while Clemson will be travel As for Notre Dame, they to South Carolina Nov. 25.Miami will unfortunately had a rough game against travel to Pitt Nov. 24, while Oklahoma the Miami Hurricanes at their home will be hosting West Virginia On Nov. field. Notre Dame came in ranked at *SLTZVU»ZOVTLÄLSK>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ 25 to take on the Mountaineers. 19 SPORTS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2017

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Register Now: drew.edu/bcctransfer 20 SPORTS TheTHE TorchTORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2017 SPORTS Bergen Basketball Has Talent to Turn Season Around CHRISTOPHER MOLINA SPORTS EDITOR November 16th with a score of 83-77. Beginning the college basketball This helped the team turn the tide, season is challenging for every team, knowing that it’s too early in the season which is something that BCC men’s to fail. That win showed that they had basketball understands fully. overcome those problems they had After coming off a win at the start prior, which made the head coach very of the season against Johnson college, pleased. The men’s basketball team suffered a “In the last game we did not foul four-straight losing streak, which had as much. Our defense was tremendous Head Coach Donald Osbourne train last game, [and] we held the team his players hard in order to fix the down from 95 points to 77,” said coach problems the team needs to overcome. Osbourne. “We had some tough losses, where And with that tremendous defense, [we] did not play well on one of those the rest of the team is looking to build games. We were over-matched [and] from that and continue through the rest they were great games [but] the problem of the season. is that we were fouling too much [and] With every practice and game, giving them more opportunities to get Coach Osbourne expects a lot from his free foul shots on the foul line,” said players in hopes to continue the stride coach Osbourne. of success on the court. In spite of the ongoing loses, the “What we’re going to do is what we team was able to break that losing do every game: throw the whole kitchen streak by a win over Ulster County sink at that and see what happens,” said Community College on Thursday the @VOHUS`6Y[Pa)LYNLU**)\SSKVNZJVT Coach Osbourne. Bergen Cross Country Finishes Strong Inside Men’s Basketball 2017 Season

>VTLU»Z*YVZZ*V\U[Y`H[5H[PVUHSZ)LYNLU**)\SSKVNZJVT CHRISTOPHER MOLINA were, Justine Conca, Katiana Mendoza, SPORTS EDITOR Maria Pia, Paredes Cordova, Janisa The Bergen Bulldogs performed Mendez and Elinor Hershkovitz. well at National’s. The men’s and “Due to their excitement of women’s team gave it their all Saturday competing in a big meet like nationals, beating out many runners despite for everyone was really excited, there like the women’s team not having a full dedicated, they came to practices they team due to injuries. came to meets, so overall perform at a The Bulldogs finished in 11th good level.” said Malhar Vyas place with an average time of 29:37.36 Leading the men’s team was out of 29 teams who competed in the sophomore, Malhar Vyas, who led his 2017 NJCAA National Cross Country team by finishing in 58th place out of meet that was hosted by Holyoke CC in 203 runners, with an estimated time of Massachusetts. 29:04.9, a finish that he is very pleased In Nationals, sophomore Justine about. Conca finished the meet in 13th place “It’s like a reward to come to that out of 135 runners, with an estimated place, so yeah I’m really pleased with ;HHYPX*OLH[VT)LYNLU**)\SSKVNZJVT that result,” said Vyas. CHRISTOPHER MOLINA time of 20:18.6, and at regions she SPORTS EDITOR received 1st place in Division III two He was followed by other three years in a row which made everyone on of his runners; like Christopher The men’s basketball team Loughman who finished 70th place play well in one of those games, we were her team very proud. under first year head coach Donald over matched, they were great games, “She had a rough year with injuries; with a 29:24.8, Thomas Lotito finished Osbourne has been a roller coaster. 71st with a time of 29:28.0 and coming the problem was we were fouling too she possibly has a stress fracture on At first starting off with a win over much giving more opportunities to her foot. So for her to still do that, in 72nd was Richard Wisse with a time Bronx Community College with a of 29:37.7. Sophomore, Nikko Reyes, free foul shots from the foul line” said it’s phenomenal how that girl pushes score of 103 to 53 in beginning of head coach Osbourne. But with every herself,” said Head Coach Deana finalized the team scoring by finishing the season, but later their season fell in 102nd place with a time of 30:31.4. mistake comes with a lesson to be Dedovitch. into a swoop after losing four straight learned. Which helped lead up to their Coming in 13th place helped earned Ending the meet for the Bulldogs games. Fortunately the teams bounced was freshman, Edwin Asitimbay who victory over Ulster County Community Conca an All American Honorable back with a win against Ulster County College. “In the last game we did not Mention. placed 113th, and sophomore, Andy Community College with a score of 84 Jaipersaud in 135th place. foul as much, we only committed 19 Taking in 104th place was Katiana to 71. Not only it was break through fouls as opposed to 27 to 30 that we Mendoza with a time of 25:41.2, and With the end of the 2017 Cross from their losing streak but it was even Country season, many from the Athletic used to committing.” said Osbourne. Elinor Hershkovitz finished in 114th a bigger win form the bulldogs over a And with those corrections, the team place with a time of 26:56.1. Department send their congrats to team that came in with a 5-1 record. the Bulldogs for a successful season hopes to continue that streak through But that success wasn’t a surprise Considering it’s only a month into the rest of the season. “We held them for many considering the performance and best wishes to their sophomores the season, the team that has a long Christopher Loughman, Andy all in check, we held them to 18 point played out by the Bergen’s Women’s way to go before the season ends in late under their average per game, so it Cross Country team, who finished Jaipersaud, Nikko Reyes, Malhar Vyas, February. The reasons for the team’s Justine Conca and Kaitana Mendoza in was pretty good” said Osbourne. Head in second place in both the Region four straight losing record was from coach Osbourne also credited the win XIX Championship and Conference their future endeavors. fouling something that head coach “I’m really gonna miss my team from the number of fans who showed Championship. And much of that Osbourne made clear about. “ we had their support. This helped Bring in alot success came from the top five finishers and my coaches, [and] overall running some tough losses where we did not cross country for Bergen,” said Vyas. of intensity to the game. JOIN THE TORCH Meetings every Tues., 12:30 p.m., SC-111C-D