Vol. 26... No. 7 TORCHBCC.COM APRIL/MAY 2018 TEDxBergen: Life In a World of Change ADRIANNA CARABALLO Co-Editor On Tuesday, March 6, “What are the answers that weakness into her strength. created packages for various TEDx partnered up with will consume you?” Aguirre Goldstein suffers from companies like Moon Pie, Icy Bergen Community College’s said. dyslexia, a disorder that causes Hot and Bayer. Center of Peace, Justice and He left the audience difficulty in reading and Many others spoke Reconciliation once again. The pondering their interactions understanding words, which briefly during the program, event ran from 8:15 am to 3:15 with others and how they can became beneficial to her. encouraging the students of pm. change for the better to build Goldstein was able to see BCC to make a change to This year, the theme was stronger bonds. symbols and colors in a unique better their lives and the lives “Life in a World of Change.” Soon after, Terri way, she described this as “the of others. How do we make change? How Goldstein, founder and CEO of mind’s eye.” does change transform us and the Goldstein Group, gave her Using those symbols, those around us? Can change TED talk on how she turned a Goldstein and her company create a better world? Holocaust These are all questions addressed by the speakers in Survivor Visits this year’s TEDx event. BCC, Reflects on Cornell Thomas, an author and motivational speaker, gave Being a Hidden his short but powerful speech Child on why we are here and why we should be grateful for life. “Do not sit here and tell pg. 4 me you do not have a purpose,” said Thomas. Thomas also gave a short anecdote about a man pouring money into the lottery every day, in hopes of winning. “You are the lottery,” Thomas said. Another TED talk, by Steve Aguirre, focused on the power of questions. Aguirre made the point to remind the audience that we live in a world of social media. People feel the What I Learned need to always to be the best and outdo those around them. Being a Leader According to Aguirre, we would rather talk than listen, pg. 6 which causes a disconnect between ourselves and others. “Be curious, ask questions,” Aguirre said. He believes that we lost our curiosity somewhere in our childhood because we are afraid to be vulnerable. Presenter Cornell Thomas shared his perspective at the annual summit. // Adriana Caraballo NJ Attorney General Grewal Visits Bergen DAVID JOO Staff Writer As BCC is in the middle number of Asian Americans science. Asian Americans stated that increasing numbers of its Asian-Pacific American make up an exponentially are continuously being well- of juveniles are engaging Heritage Month, students and larger population in America represented in journalism, in racist conduct like spray- faculty members have been compared to that of 50 years media and art. painting swastikas and bigoted The Kids Are holding in-school events like ago. He also delved into New However, he detailed the comments in schools. Speaking; It’s a fashion show to celebrate Jersey’s large numbers of racial disparities he faces as Grewal ended with and honor all types of Asian Asians and Pacific islanders a Sikh American Attorney inspiring commentary for Time to Listen backgrounds and cultures. in Bergen and Middlesex General through news article other Asian Americans to On April 12, NJ Attorney counties. comments and social media. pursue towards success in a General Gurbir Grewal held He moved on to discuss Grewal stated that users more diverse America, adding pg. 12 a presentation at the Ciccone how numbers of Asian of these outlets would make that one of his reasons for Theatre discussing topics on Americans having high-power extremely racist comments working in a state, powerful Asian Americans living in the positions such as CEOs of top towards him like, “Ragheads position was to show that he U.S. companies have increased over are for target practice.” can be himself while calling Being the first Sikh- the past few years. He used these examples himself an American. American Attorney General Grewal spoke of how Asian to discuss how racism is still For the remainder of his and the first Sikh-American Americans are continuing to rampant in the U.S. because of time, Grewal held a Q&A county prosecutor in U.S. work in all sorts of fields such the integration and accessibility with the audience, answering history, he was a great as technology, education and of the internet. As a result, he questions about terrorism, selection to have speak on religion and other topics behalf of BCC’s Asian-Pacific related to issues that Asian and American Heritage Month. Pacific Islanders face living in His topics of discussion America. ranged from racism in a His answers to questions workplace environment, drew from his own personal increases in Asian populations experiences as a county in New Jersey towns, prosecutor and an attorney accomplishments and general, giving as much insight Christine Zaggia, contributions by Asian and as he could by cases that he BCC’s New Pacific Americans and his handled personally. personal life from working in At the end of the Softball Coach law enforcement as the Bergen Q&A, Grewal was given a County prosecutor to becoming commemorative plaque and a the sixty-first Attorney General shawl by BCC staff as a gift for pg. 23 of New Jersey. his appearance. He discussed that the Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal // nj.gov 2 News THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 NEWS BCC Hosts Speech Competitions PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editor The Asian Heritage Committee communication skills. It also adds questions as a short essay and then others when understanding that we are held a speech competition for all involvement in the college. send them to Professor Ahn. These not alone in our way to success. currently, enrolled students at Bergen The first round of the competition questions were made available on the On March 28, students had to Community College. Another one took place on April 12, where there posters that were advertised throughout tell their story in the form of a speech was sponsored by communications were five to six students in each the campus. competition for about three to five professor Dr. Williams, and it was competition room. “The financial aspect of the minutes. There were three separate known as the 10th Annual Speech In the competition room, the judges scholarship is of course helpful but levels of recognition. Competition. filled out a ballot, that included the more than that, I hope that telling their The first place winner was awarded “What is your story?’’ was this student’s ranks and number of speaker stories will be empowering for our $300, second place winner earned $200 year’s theme that was held by the Asian points. students,” said Ahn. and third place winner got $100. The Heritage Committee, and students had Dr. Williams then tallied the scores The speech competition is winners were then invited to the annual to write a brief summary about their of all the speakers and then notified the beneficial to all students. If students Asian Recognition Luncheon that was story with 300-500 words. students after 48 hours, if they were engage in this competition it will reflect on April 12. During the luncheon, After the story was written, it had qualified for the final round, which was upon their own journey of life and lead the first place winner delivered their to be emailed to Professor Mina Ahn on April 26. to increased self-awareness. speech. by March 1. The qualified students During the first round, students “It could also be therapeutic to talk During the final round of the were then notified by March 8, if were not allowed to use PowerPoint or about their experience and listen to Communication Department’s 10th they were to participate in the speech other electronic visual aids. other’s stories,” said Ahn. Annual Speech Competition, the top competition, which was on March 28. In the speech competition that was While listening to others’ stories, five students from the first round took “We want to provide an opportunity held by the Asian Heritage Committee, students could always learn from each part in it. for BCC students to articulate their the applying students had to answer other and feel empathetic towards The awards ceremony also took own ideas of success and share their place on the same day. The five stories. There were amazing stories contestants presented their speeches in that were told by the students,” said front of the panel. Professor Mina Ahn, Co-Chair of the While the students were presenting, Asian Heritage Committee. five professors who were either in The stories were based on how communications or theater completed students were trying to get a college a ballot for each speaker. On the ballot, education, and due to the challenges the judges determined who will be that they were facing, the committee ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place. thought that it was a good idea to offer The Office of the Vice President a scholarship opportunity. of Academic Affairs sponsored a total “The 10th Annual Speech was of $2,500 in awards for the top five giving students an opportunity to speakers. First place winner earned hone their public speaking skills in an $1,000, second place was $700, third academic setting. It helps build their place was $500, fourth place was $200 confidence as speakers and assists them and fifth place was $100. in developing the most sought after The Awards Ceremony followed and highly valued skill of rhetorical a program of speakers such as Dean competence,” said Williams. of Humanities Beatrice Bridglall, and This competition provided Associate Professor Elin Schikler, recognition to the high achieving Chair of the Communication students and was a direct assessment Department. Awards were presented of student’s oral and written Students competed over the course of several rounds. // Joan Liu-Devizio by Dr. Williams. Trump Proposes Death Penalty for Drug Dealers

YOO RA KIM Features Editor Donald Trump is arguably the world’s most controversial figure at the moment. It seems that whatever he says and does makes breaking news. This time around, the President of the United States expressed his personal belief that some drug dealers should be given the death penalty. President Trump gave a speech in Manchester, New Hampshire on March 19. He stated “If we don’t get tough on the drug dealers, we are wasting our time. And that toughness includes the death penalty. Dealers will kill thousands of people during their lifetime but won’t be punished for the carnage they cause.” The death penalty in itself is quite controversial in nature. There is the view that justice is being served because the receiver of the penalty has caused harm to many. However, there is also the viewpoint that the person should spend the rest of their days in prison, contemplating the Trump’s proposed policy takes the “War on Drugs” to a new level. // torange.biz wrongs they have committed. Clearly, the president firmly According to njtvonline.org, the the death penalty when appropriate.” She was referring to the Supreme believes in the first viewpoint. His take rate of heroin overdose in New Jersey Unsurprisingly, Trump’s proposed plan Court precedent that restricts the death on the matter is rather radical, mostly is three times the national average. has been met with an ample amount of penalty from being used on individuals because the crime does not seem to fit The website also stated that in the opposition. who have not killed. the punishment. last decade, admission to drug treatment Jesselyn McCurdy, deputy director Whatever your opinion may be on Focusing on preventing drug programs has risen 700 percent. In fact, of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Trump’s radical proposal, one thing is addiction is more important than this might be an issue that hits close to in the country’s capital, essentially gave for sure: he has an agenda and will use cracking down on the drug dealers. home for some. the president’s plan a thumbs-down. whatever political tools at his disposal The opioid epidemic is not something Attorney General Jeff Sessions McCurdy argued that, “Drug to achieve it. that can be easily solved like a cracked showed his support for Trump when he trafficking is not an offense for which window or a cavity; the battle is long is reported to have said he will “seek someone can receive the death penalty.” and ongoing. VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH News 3 Self Service Saves the Day KATY TEMPLE Staff Writer Registration season at BCC means view their missing documents and schedule side-by-side so students can communicate with advising and get three things: confusing emails from easily print them out. View remaining then click “view more sections” to pick a handle on financial aid, without financial aid, excessively long wait balance, and availability of Pell Grants. an alternative time slot. the hassle of spending extra time on times to talk to an advisor and an In the Student Planning section, All of the classes on the calendar campus. intimidatingly large cluster of students students can view the progress in their are also listed on the left-hand side, and Finals are stressful enough, standing around the registrar office. degree program, plan their courses on a classes can quickly be registered for or students don’t need to be stressing about It would be nice to think that after visual representation of their schedule, dropped with the click of a button. registration or financial aid either. hours upon hours of waiting around and register for classes, all in the same With easy-to-find register buttons So sit back, relax and enjoy your and being sent to five different offices spot. and the ability to send a quick message time exploring this new feature, it’ll we could take a deep breath and relax. After searching for a class, you can to advising, this entire platform save a lot of time, energy and distress. However, we would then have to jump add one section to the schedule. Even if provides a user friendly experience online and actually find the classes we classes overlap, they’ll be added to the that helps students register for classes, need to take and register. Once you actually get into WebAdvisor, pages upon pages of classes and sections with little to no visual representation of what your schedule actually looks like flood the screen. It isn’t until we hit that final register button that we realize that PSY101 overlaps with LIT210, and then we start the process all over. If you’re someone who has a tight schedule and has to fit all of their classes into a specific time frame, you know how much this dilemma could set you back. But Bergen has just launched the Self Service Menu to ease our pain. The Self Service Menu is available through MyBergen.edu, underneath “WebAdvisor for Students.” On the main page, students have the opportunity to view their financial aid, missing documents, grades, tax information, student finances and perhaps the most impressive section - student planning. Having tax information and financial aid documents so easily accessible will hopefully ease the entire financial aid process. It’s rare to find a student who actually knows how financial aid works, but far less rare to find a student who is aggravated with financial aid and wished that it were easier to get things done. Here in self service, students can BCC encourages students to register with the new system. // Edriel Fimbres South Africa’s Cape Town Faces Water Crisis

A chart mapping declining water stores in South Africa over the past five years. // Wikimedia Commons

JEREMY NIFRAS Staff Writer Cape Town, the second-largest city for mid-April, but was recently pushed in order to force citizens to use less The city of Melbourne, Australia in South Africa, is currently facing the back to mid-July, due to several water. claimed that they could run out of water most extreme water crisis in the city’s measures undertaken by local fruit Some claim that the Democratic in slightly over a decade. Reservoirs in history. growers and government committees. Alliance — the city’s leading political Sao Paulo, Brazil reached immensely This lack of accessible drinking Despite this, the event of “Day Zero” party — and the African National low levels in 2015, leading to mud- water can be attributed to two reasons: seems inevitable. Congress were to blame for the filled pipes, and the looting of several a recent growth in population, and a Cape Town has been frantically worsening of the crisis. According to emergency water vehicles. record drought, the latter of which is preparing for when “Day Zero” finally experts, these political groups knew For now, Cape Town plans to dig thought to be caused by climate change. arrives, such as setting up approximately about the impending crisis, but did not many new water wells, and a liquid South African leaders have 200 water stations, which city officials expect for it to escalate as quickly as sewage purification plant is currently announced the city will soon face what say would serve around 20,000 people. it did. under construction. they call “Day Zero,” or the projected The city also asked residents to Unfortunately, Cape Town is not Despite the predictions, it’s not date where water taps will be shut off heavily cut back on their water usage, the only major world city facing issues entirely certain when “Day Zero” will from homes and businesses in Cape but these pleas remained largely with accessible drinking water. Many come, but in case it arrives soon, the Town, due to the city’s critically low ignored. In cases where residents residents in Mexico City only have city is bracing for the worst. reservoirs. overuse water, the city plans to install enough running water to last them part “Day Zero” was initially projected Water Management Devices (WMDs) of the day. 4 News THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 Holocaust Survivor Visits BCC: Reflects on Being a Hidden Child

Maud Dahme was one of many “hidden children.” // Derrian Douglas

DERRIAN DOUGLAS News Editor On April 4, Maud Dahme stood train that the command claimed was At six and a half, she was confronted Dahme’s voice changed as she held in front of an audience at Bergen going east to get the Jews away from the with the realization that this was not a back tears she said, “even now, so many Community College and told her story bombings in their country. Suspicious vacation, and she prayed every night years later, it’s still very touching to of survival in remembrance of the of the letter, Dahme’s parents asked a that she’d survive the next day. me.” Holocaust. Christian friend of theirs what to do. When she was 7-years-old, she Dahme remembered that people Maud Dahme refused to speak The friend worked for the Dutch was almost caught by German soldiers were cheering and climbing on the about the three years she hid from the resistance and told Dahme’s parents and killed. As she came up from a trap tanks. Nazis that occupied her home country that he had a family that would hide door hidden in the barn after feeding Dahme later wrote a book entitled of the Netherlands until the 1980s. their daughters. The train was bringing another hidden child, she saw six Chocolate, the Taste of Freedom. When She saw a fan letter written to 60 Jews to transit camps before sending German soldiers waiting for her. Allied Forces came to free her village, Minutes about a segment they had done them off to concentration camps. She was terrified, “I knew I had to one of the Canadian soldiers offered about Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish Dahme was 6- years-old at the turn around and walk away, and pray her a chocolate bar. architect who famously saved many time, her younger sister was 4. Their because I knew I was going to be shot.” Being in hiding for so many years, Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust. parents told them that they’d be going But nobody ever returned to take them she had never eaten chocolate. But The portion of the letter shared on vacation to a farm for a few weeks, away. on the day her country was liberated, on 60 Minutes the following week and then they’d return back home and She knew that not all the soldiers chocolate was the first thing she ate. said, “The Jews of Europe were not be reunited with their parents again. were bad people, “amongst all this evil Dahme returned to the farming exterminated in gas chambers. The gas Almost overnight, Dahme and that existed, these were soldiers that town and her “aunt.” Her “uncle” had chambers were war-time propaganda her sister were brought to a house of had been drafted, I guess, and they died on January 20, 1944. There, she fantasies.” someone they didn’t know the owners never told anyone.” found out her parents had also survived. She was floored. She learned of. This family helped them get out of Soon after, Dahme, her sister They were hidden by another English so that she could tell her story. the city. and their “aunt” were almost caught. family friend. Dahme, her sister and She didn’t want people to forget the In the middle of the night, Dahme, Luckily, they were tipped off by a their parents returned to Amersfoort. truth of the Holocaust. To thicken the her sister, and the family trekked neighbor, and the neighbor took Dahme Dahme and her family moved to New blow, she knew the person who wrote through the woods until they made it to and her sister to another family. Their Jersey in 1950 after, her extended the letter. the train station in the next town. Their new family lived in a fishing village. family perished in the concentration In her hour long talk, Dahme father was too well-known in their One day, Dahme and her sister were camps. shared that she was 4-years-old when town for them to leave from their own walking to a neighbor to beg for food. She worked for Pan American, and Hitler invaded the Netherlands in 1940. train station. By this time the German command met her husband. Maud Dahme is an The Dutch surrendered on the fifth From there, the girls headed to the was starving the country. advocate of Holocaust education. She day of the Hitler’s invasion after the countryside and hid at the home of an People were doing anything they was featured in a PBS documentary in bombing of their biggest import cities, an older, poor farming couple for three could for food. The Allied Forces air which she revisited many of the places and the roundup of Jews began. years. raided the house Dahme and her sister from her time in hiding. In 1942, letters from the German They took on a new identity. They were heading to. She is featured in the Holocaust command were sent to all the Jewish were the nieces of the farm couple On April 19, 1945, the northern Museum in Washington D.C., and people living in Amersfoort, her and their family had been bombed part of the Netherlands was freed. has been a member of the New Jersey hometown. out of their hometown. They were not Canadian tanks, and trucks carrying Commission on Holocaust Education They were ordered to go to the train allowed to leave the house until they the Dutch resistance fighters arrived since 1982. station on a specific day and get on a memorized their new names and story. and freed the town. VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH News 5 China Teleports Particles into Orbit ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT Ad Manager According to a report published beam people from place to place like Information could potentially be sent get hacked and could be better than by the Cornell University Library, in Star Trek, it is still a fascinating very fast and whatever information was binary code, which is made up of zeros Chinese researchers and scientists have beginning to where quantum physics put into the original particle would also and ones. successfully teleported a photon from can take us. have affected the second, or “cloned”, The team of scientists sent millions Earth to 500 kilometers, just over 300 The method used for the particle. of photons later into space. Sending miles above into orbit. teleportation is called quantum Famous scientists such as Albert them into space is a harder task than The launch took place in the Gobi entanglement. This is enabled by Einstein and Erwin Schrodinger sending them to Earth from space due Desert, located in northern China. It creating pairs or groups of particles were not happy with the concept of to turbulence. was the first time any group of scientists that react with one another so that they entanglement as it violated the theory Other countries in Europe are were able to teleport anything to orbit. are dependent on each other. of relativity due to the speed in which working on the same experiment, Only photons, particles that Even if the particles are separated information could be sent through this but so far China is leading this new represent quantum light or radiation, by a very long distance, the particles method. technological revolution. have been launched by the team, but will still react the same way. If scientists Many scientists believe this could It is unknown if America will this is already the beginning of what made one particle spin in a clockwise be used for a new communication follow suit in this field, but the future almost seems like a science fiction motion, the other would also spin, but network. Entangled photons could of the internet seems to have to do with program. instead in a counterclockwise motion. carry information that would be in a quantum physics. Although science has not This would be similar to transmitting quantum state. progressed to the point where we can information via teleportation. This would make it less likely to

The International Space Station // Wikimedia Commons

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OPINIONSThe Torch The Torch THE TORCH, a member of the What I Learned Being a Leader Associated Collegiate Press and the LESHAY JONES College Media Association, is the Editor-In-Chief official student newspaper of Bergen Community College. The purpose of After being the Editor- tell someone that they had to I’ve learned that as a somehow, everything will THE TORCH is to report on the events in-Chief of The Torch for the get their act together. There leader, you cannot be afraid work out (when I find a better at BCC and the local community, and past year, there are a lot of were times where I had to tell to speak your mind. I used way, I’ll let you know). to offer the BCC community a forum for things that I have learned; one people to hit the road, and to be the type of person who I’ve learned that you expression. The opinions expressed of the main things is that it is those times were hard for me. wasn’t very good a voicing cannot please everyone, and in THE TORCH are not neccessarily not easy being a leader. One of the hardest things my opinion to people I wasn’t those of THE TORCH. All the materials if you try to, you will make submitted to THE TORCH become Many people believe that for me was delegation. Sure comfortable with. yourself miserable. it is ideal to be your own boss each editor has his or her job, Being in this position Most importantly, I property of THE TORCH. and be able to have the final but there were times where I taught me that it is learned more about myself LESHAY JONES say, and admittedly, that kind put a lot of work on myself to important to speak out and than I ever had before. I found Editor-In-Chief of power is satisfying. fill in for some of the times that everyone’s opinion is new things that make me tick However, I have learned we fell short. important, even if it differs and new things that make me ADRIANNA CARABALLO that these decisions are not all When things go wrong from your own. This helped smile or laugh. Co-Editor that easy to make. the first person they all turn my writing as well. I’ve learned that I really I have talked before about to is you because you are the I’ve learned that patience do want to be a journalist OWEN MCCLOSKEY leading with compassion and leader, and at times it can be is key. There are going to be and not a public relations Copy Editor how that is my preferred style overwhelming. times that you get frustrated specialist because I can make of leadership. However, there I am very blessed to have because things aren’t going more money. DERRIAN DOUGLAS News Editor were times where I had to put the team that I have because the way they’re supposed to, There are so many things my foot down. they are all hard workers and but being patient helps things that The Torch has taught me; YOO RA KIM Those times were some they all helped where they to go a little smoother. there are so many things that Features Editor of the hardest because I didn’t could. I’ve learned that people Bergen has taught me. I have want to be that person; the I have worked with many change, for the better and the learned to be a leader and I PURNASREE SAHA one who yelled at people for different personalities, some worst. I’ve learned that there will continue learning to be a Sports Editor their shortcomings rather than easier to deal with than others. are people who will just walk leader. praising them for their hard I had to learn to remain out and quit. I’ve learned that although CHARLIE LEPPERT work. professional with people who The best way to deal with it is not easy, I love being a Layout Editor There were times where weren’t particularly easy to that is to just work harder leader. I had to be that person and work with. AMANDA BARANDAS and know that some way and Online Editor

ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT Ad Manager

EDRIEL FIMBRES Photo Editor

PROF. LEW WHEATON Advisor Corrections The Torch strives for the highest journalistic standards and accuracy. Readers are encouraged to contact us if they find any mistakes in any edition of the Torch

Editorial. and Leadership is often a difficult concept to define. // pxhere.com Opinion Pieces As an open public forum, The Torch welcomes guest opinion pieces and letters to the editor from any member of the Bergen Community College Why You Should Be a Feminist community. Materials should be submitted to [email protected] or TIFFANY MARIE VELEZ delivered to The Torch office, SC-111. Staff Writer Such submissions must include It is simply impossible belonged in the kitchen. the writer’s name, contact informa- tion and affiliation with the college. to walk into a clothing store Women had to stay home Students should include their major; today and not see a shirt that and care for the children faculty and staff should include reads “girl power,” but what and put dinner on the table. campus title or position. Opinion about “boy power?” Women in the 1960s weren’t pieces are limited to 600 words and Many people confuse allowed to follow their letters to the editor to 200 words. The the idea of feminism with dreams, pursue a higher Torch reserves the right to edit and to just being about girls, but education or get a good job in refuse publication of any submission. they’re sorely mistaken! To the workforce. be a feminist, you have to Betty Friedan didn’t The Torch offices are located support the idea of wanting approve of this. Women in Room SC-111D, equal rights for both men and around the world resonated 400 Paramus Road women. with this book, and in 1963, Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 You may be a feminist The Feminine Mystique 201.493.5006/5007 and don’t even know it! became a bestseller. The novel [email protected] It’s such an easy concept, was a hit because it spoke everyone just seems to about what every woman complicate it. wanted to say, but didn’t have Some men are baffled by the courage to. Follow Us: feminism. They don’t see the “Women, as well as point of it, and they think it’s men, can only find their stupid. identity in work that uses Facebook.com/ But again, this is their full capacities,” said only some men. It’s really Betty Friedan. Even from the BergenTorch important for someone to beginning, it was never just understand feminism because about women. if you’re not a feminist, then In 2018, women are Twitter.com/ what are you? Who doesn’t supporting women. Women want equal rights for both are running for office, sexes? becoming CEOs, police BergenTorch Either this percentage officers, football players, of men are extremely Rosie the Riveter // Pixabay.com authors, artists, teachers, uninformed or just plain doctors, filling student Instagram: arrogant. For a man to on the percentage of men who Feminine Mystique. She government positions and the oppose feminism, he’s got do support feminism, and they helped shatter the glass list goes on and on. to be tremendously insecure must be appreciated. ceiling for women in the Notice, we are running @thebergentorch if it shakes his facade of In 1963, Betty Friedan 1960s and still today in 2018. towards what we want, not masculinity to the core. wrote a book called The Men believed that their wives away from it anymore. We must also shed light VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH o pinions 7 On the March For Our Lives as an American Interested in Change NICHOLAS CONTRERAS Staff Writer In 1795, the German philosopher Our society is at the precipice of Immanuel Kant had written and either a small step towards progress, or published a philosophical essay titled learning nothing at all. Perpetual Peace. The essay, essentially, The newly synthesized result I would list all the ideas and doctrines hope will not be simple disarmament of what Kant and Kantians concluded and more regulations on guns, to be the rules for establishing peace but actions and limitations on the and moral governance across Europe. rampant corruption and nepotism that One of those ideas is is essentially plaguing all modern disarmament: relinquishing our American politics and subverting real means of war and destruction, democracy. instead allowing change of laws and March For Our Lives is a fantastic legislation through arbitration overseen movement I support, but its ideologies by a neutral “peace party” that would must be challenged and expanded, its uphold the values of parties involved. tactics and demonstrations be more Despite his influence, intellect and disturbing to power, demands be clear optimistic outlook of a utopian society, and a greater discussion with people of the idea was not particularly popular, more seniority must come forward. considering the violent, storied It is, as other movements that have histories of not only Europe but of picked up momentum but ultimately nations across the world in the 19th lost it, only demanding ‘an end to gun and 20th centuries. violence’ and a ‘comprehensive and Hegel, another German It certainly isn’t. // Wikimedia Commons effective’ bill be brought to Congress. philosopher and intellectual, had seen It can’t rely on the very people the evolution of all hitherto history of Unfortunately, rather than being as they stand now, my primary who benefit on arms sales to make societies in a three-step manner called a source of enlightenment, modern scrutiny is the disconnect from hosting more laws on arms sales. the dialectic. technology and our consumption of it discussion, valuing and romanticizing The labor and civil rights There is an existing force and/or has led us to arrogance. large reaction we are exhibiting as movements did not only host protests, proposition, a contradicting force that Rather than making use of our a culture and its stunting impact on but peacefully interrupted the status becomes a mechanism for conflict communication technology to actively strategic thinking and real political quo through strikes, boycotts, sit-ins and a resolution called a synthesis reach those who are not heard in the change. and other means of facilitating their that often takes elements from the two world, we correspond to each other Emotionalist, idealist attitudes cause in a way that did not give the original forces and negating ones that in stretching our already grand egos, that have perpetuated as a result of state a choice but to comply. were lost in the ‘second step’. every minute. our perceived apolitical quality of March For Our Lives must do We’re seeing it now. Effortless, non-costly labor and life and the way mainstream media the something. Privileges will be It is the 21st century. Modern commodities produced by machinery presents issues in ideals and ideal lost, they will be fined, blocked from communication technology has has only served to widen the economic scenarios hurts each of our political certain groups and, of course, younger been adapted for practical, work and gap rather than being directed in autonomies before we make more activists will face the probability of personal uses in nearly every facet of improving the quality of life across the sound conclusions for everyone. losing some future academic and life in America. world. But how does this all effect the career prospects. Automation in manufacturing is We are consistently focused on March For Our Lives? But that’s what fighting for only bolstered with greater efficiency ourselves, putting the idea of the The Parkland shooting on Feb. change is. It’s a heavy decision that and precision thanks to the application individual onto an altar. Technology’s 14th was the systemic mechanism of understandably one is free to not of computer sciences. I can tap a few pervasiveness and its seemingly change, finally inciting a discontented, choose. displayed letters on a glass screen cosmopolitan nature has dragged us infuriated and hurt people to Just understand it’s a full-on encasing wiring and hardware in the into a false sense of being worldly engage in a conflict of interests in commitment of your whole person palm of my hand and send a message ourselves. a realized, dialectical relationship to save other people. If you wish for to someone on the other side of the While I am simultaneously between themselves and an uncaring change, that is. planet instantaneously. offering a sort of criticism of systems government. Binge Drinking in College TIFFANY MARIE VELEZ Staff Writer Unfortunately, college and alcohol to keep up with, just to make it seem the point where they need medical trauma. It’s so easy to give into the couldn’t exist without each other. A like the party they’re at is so much assistance. In that case, it’s not a pressures of friends to binge drink, or newfound freedom, later-to-no curfew, more fun than it actually is! laughing matter. be influenced by social media. new friends and a stressful workload Binge drinking is a phenomenon It’s extremely rare to hang out on It’s important for people to stay will make anyone want to go out and amongst teenagers. Instagram pages the weekends with friends and not be true to themselves, take care of let their hair down. like Barstoolsports and 5thyear display exposed to alcohol. These days, many himself/herself and one another. There For those who go away to school, videos of college students blacking people don’t understand that having are several innocent ways to relieve it’s a remarkably different experience. out after an exam, binge drinking at a fun doesn’t always require drinking. stress, which include going to the Their parents aren’t around to enforce party and shotgunning a beer. Binge drinking can lead to movie theater, taking a walk in the any rules, so they make their own Followed by millions, these pages alcoholism and sometimes death. park or just hanging out with friends rules. Whether students go away to encourage other students that this is Alcoholism is a serious disease that at home. school or go to community college, the ‘cool’ and funny. Yes of course, some millions of people struggle with every There is no harm in remaining one thing that both groups of students of the videos are hysterical but only day. innocent, but when a person self can relate to is the stress of homework if the student doesn’t have a drinking The risk factors of alcoholism are destructs, the process to recovery is and deadlines. problem and they don’t overdo it to typically stress, anxiety and childhood grueling, but possible. High school is meant to prepare students for college, but college has a special way of making a person feel like they had no preparation at all. The classes get more difficult, more homework, more exams, more textbooks and overall more stress. It’s easy for a student to want to let loose on the weekend, after a week of an overwhelming amount of assignments. More stress means the more a person wants to have fun, to forget about everything for a bit and this is where alcohol comes along. According to a national survey by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, almost 60 percent of college students ages 18–22 drank alcohol in the past month, one and almost two out of three of them engaged in binge drinking during that same timeframe. The social pressures and unrealistic expectations from parents to do well in school could make any student want to party and get drunk. Why not, right? It’s fun and it’s a perfect opportunity to take a photo for the Instagram a student is also trying Many do not seem to take the threat of college binge drinking seriously. // pixabay.com 8 o pinions THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7| APRIL/MAY 2018 I Don’t Want a Gun Ban, Either KATY TEMPLE Staff Writer When you think gun control, you think the Constitution. And when you because people can still get drugs. think the Constitution, you think of You’re right, they can. all the ways this document has been The people who want AR-15’s are reinterpreted, often to cater to certain going to go out and get themselves agendas. an AR-15. But is it really irrational A definition of the term “human to think that making that purchase a life” has been changed and changed little more difficult isn’t worthwhile if again depending on who’s gaining it means there’s a possibility that even traction in the abortion debate. one person who should not own a gun Prohibition was added and is denied access to it? repealed because of societal pressure. The vast majority of gun owners And we all seem to ignore the clause are made up of responsible citizens in the Thirteenth Amendment that who are educated and qualified to states “Neither slavery nor involuntary own guns for sport or recreational servitude, except as punishment for purposes. crime whereof the party shall have However, the vast majority of been duly convicted, shall exist within gun supporters seem to be the ones, the United States, or any place subject ironically, up in arms about the to their jurisdiction.” //pexels.com possibility of gun legislation. If you That’s right, the Thirteenth are in fact a responsible and law- Amendment abolished slavery as long abiding citizen, why is a background social advances. What purpose do these guns serve in check or extended waiting period such as you weren’t convicted of a crime It is your Second Amendment the real world other than being a nice and sentenced to slavery. When was a problem? right to bear arms, and the government collection piece? You’ll still get your gun, you can the last time someone in this country is not trying to take that away from And if they are just a collection was sentenced to slavery? Never, still go hunting and you can still have you. piece, is your right to a gun collection a cabinet full of guns if that’s the kind because we realized how ridiculous What we should be trying to do more important than making it just that would be. of decor you’re into. It’ll just take an is ensure that those weapons do not a little bit harder for someone with extra day or so. A professor stood in front of fall into the wrong hands. If you want the wrong intentions to have that gun my political philosophy class and There is a gray area in this to buy a hunting rifle, go ahead. If available to them? seemingly black and white problem told us that the Constitution was a you want a handgun as a form of self Of course illegal gun sales still living document that needed constant that everyone is ignoring. Tragedy is defense, by all means. If you want exist, and the black market would be something that is supposed to bring reinterpretation. an antique gun to hang on your wall, a valid argument against gun control In everyday life and in government people together, not rip them apart. you’re entitled to that. If you want an if the goal was to ban every gun in the I want to know why this issue is settings, that’s exactly what happens. AR-15, I’m probably questioning you. country. The Constitution is interpreted in a so polarizing. I want to know why we You can sit here and tell me that The black market will continue to can’t reach a middle ground. way that is convenient for whatever assault-style weapons only account for exist with or without gun control, just political or social group screams the I want to know why people armed a small percentage of mass shootings as drugs remain on the street despite with the Second Amendment are so loudest. in America, and I’ll believe you. drug laws. However, the Second Amendment afraid of those who are only armed But, if these guns only account Saying that gun legislation won’t with the First. is the only clause that seems to stay for such a small percentage, why is it work, therefore it should not exist, is concrete, unchanged and ceases to be a problem to restrict access to them? like saying drug laws shouldn’t exist reinterpreted despite technological and The Impact of Instagram on Art Amazon Crushing the American Dream KAROLINE SANTOS SOUZA Staff Writer Art mirrors society, at the same time, society shapes art. With the invention of social media, our culture has changed completely. Now, it is not about what is interesting, but rather what is relevant for a picture, video, selfie or blog; How many likes a person can get? // Wikimedia Commons This phenomenon was called “The Kusama effect.” Do you remember the KARISSA ROSEN Japanese woman with contemporary Contributing Writer sculptures and installations? If you do Amazon is the ultimate online Sure, online shopping is extremely not, do you remember those pictures store that is taking over the world convenient but if one is not in the food on Instagram with dots? as we know it. Stores are closing, industry, then one must be the best in Kusama’s works has always had the convenience of lounging on our town with loyal customers, as well as a strong presence on social media, couches and shopping has become so a set creative business plan and great and her influence on young adults has popular amongst the people of this prices. persisted for several years, helping to “lazy” era. On the upside, Amazon is indeed increase museums and exhibitions. Her The American dream, to come to creating jobs faster than they’re taking sculptures and installations involve this wonderful country of ours and them, but this new feature is changing highly immersive fantasy and of start a business. Creating a business our modern day world. course, provides a good self. nowadays has to be unique or else When one sees the word “free” On the other hand, we also have Amazon will shut it down due to lack it automatically draws their attention. artists that even with the impact on of sales from physical customers. Amazon offers free shipping on Instagram, do not have their work // Edriel Fimbres To open up a successful business almost everything which is one of the photographed. For example, the in today’s world you need to know main ways they draw so many people American artist James Turrell said chance to see something that maybe he exactly who you are, what you’re in. that the picture compromises the real or she would never had the chance to selling, how to sell it and you better Unlike many stores, Amazon experience with the work. see in person, and through the picture make sure you are elite. America is has a return policy which allows one However, Instagram now has more of the art, they will connect with a competitive country and everyone to return almost anything within a than 800 million monthly active users something new. is constantly racing to the top of the certain amount of days. and around 500 million daily active The use of social media, such as chain. From the newest best selling users. This makes things difficult for Instagram, will always have two sides The aroma and vibes of a coffee novels to cheap toiletry items, Amazon artists who do not appreciate when where people will use it as a tool for shop can’t be overthrown by simplistic is the ultimate online store, crushing people share their work on social inspiration, to promote someone, to online shopping but supporting local everything in its path. media. Museums are even changing share moments, cultures, art and do bookshops or toy stores, for example, In our rapidly growing era, their policy about pictures. their own art. is a thing of the past. everything seems to be online, one Instagram can have two distincts Even so, there will always be Not to mention Amazon has better could even find their spouse online sides of power in this game. Besides a dark side involving plagiarism, bulk prices for household items than a if they wish to do so. The growth in the artist’s view we also have the selfishness, labels and stereotypes. grocery store and the best thing is that technology is playing a major role in spectator’s view which includes their The way we use social media and it’s delivered right to your doorstep. the development of our future. involvement with the art. internet will determine and shape Huge companies like Toys R Us According to Taylor Soper, writer One issue is that a person can several areas in our life. It is a unique and local businesses are shutting down at Geekwire, “Amazon bought Whole reduce their experience of going to an method to be closer with the world and because let’s be honest, if one had a Foods for $13.7 billion last year, a deal exhibition because they can see the promote moments with people that we choice to either press a few buttons that sent shares of brick-and-mortar picture online. Or sometimes, they’ll like. and get an item delivered to their door retailers down — Target included — just go to an exhibition to take the Just as Horace, a Roman lyric or to get ready, drive to a store, waste and has caused grocers like Albertsons same picture and maintain this cycle poet, said “A picture is a poem without gas and possibly find what they’re to partner with delivery companies where people revisit places they’ve words.” Art in the Instagram age is looking for than most people will take like Instacart.” seen on social media. still art, but the way we allow our eyes the easy way out. Amazon is in fact the new way to The second issue is the opposite. to see and experience that art will Amazon is closing stores, taking shop, the American Dream crusher, It involves an individual having the change. jobs and diminishing business dreams. the luxury yet downfall for all. VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH o pinions 9 Mental Medication: a Slippery Slope

OWEN MCCLOSKEY Copy Editor According to statista.com, in 1990, ‘ Dr. Richard Friedman of The Times points out that dreadful. The imbalance of serotonin U.S. prescription drug expenditure was in my system caused me to be around 40 billion annually. In 2017, many of the antidepressants that Americans are dependent on the medicine. U.S. prescription drug sales shot up to When withdrawing, I would lose 360 billion. prescribed are simply copycats of one another, with my appetite, libido and I wouldn’t be In 2018, the industry is expected to slightly different side effects.’ able to sleep. My OCD would come reach over 800 billion. That’s double back ten times worse than it ever had, the sales in 2017. and sometimes I would break down, The prescription drug industry is due to the newfound discovery of depression. desperately calling my parents to get burgeoning past the seams, and more S.S.R.I.s — drugs that specifically Big pharma companies like me more pills. Americans than ever are being handed manipulate levels of serotonin in the GlaxoSmithKline have halted research Recently, I’ve quit Zoloft, and I’ve out prescriptions. brain. on antidepressants even though been the better for it. I don’t really Now, this article may seem like it’s Serotonin is an organic chemical S.S.R.I.s are not proven to work. go crazy over my OCD anymore, and headed in the direction of prescription compound found in the brain that However, despite halting research, I don’t experience any withdrawal opioids like Percocet and OxyContin, controls levels of appetite, sleep and the unconscionable demand for effects. and although those are an enormous sexual desire. psychotropic drugs has left big pharma I took a large variety of problem in the U.S., I’d like to focus However, only a few years later, continuing to prescribe archaic drugs antidepressants and ADHD on psychotropic drugs. researchers found that serotonin that are not proven to work. medications in the past, and each had You’ve probably read countless manipulation is not the finite answer At age six, I was diagnosed with the same effect, but with differing threads on the opioid epidemic, but that neurologists were looking for. ADHD, and this was in 2003, right adverse effects. unlike opioids, psychotropic drugs that Serotonin imbalances can help at the height of the psychotropic drug For example, the Adderall I took alter your mental state seem much less point out the problem, but increasing boom. I was prescribed Adderall, and would kill my appetite and keep me dangerous than their pain medication levels of serotonin only sedates the I even practiced swallowing pills with sedated, but that’s not me. My natural counterparts. patient to the reality of their disease, Tic Tacs. state is not sedation — I like to talk, I According to effectively numbing the disorder but Soon after, at age 11, I was like to laugh, I like to enjoy life. thescientificamerican.com, nearly one not treating it. diagnosed with debilitating OCD. Although an S.S.R.I. got me in six Americans took psychotropic Dr. Richard Friedman of The Not the kind of OCD where through a tough time, I realized it drugs like antidepressants and Times points out that many of the I would need to organize or set didn’t actually help me, it simply antipsychotics in 2016. antidepressants that Americans are things up just right, but the kind of numbed me from my disorder, and Drugs such as Xanax and Zoloft prescribed are simply copycats of one OCD where I would think horrific, my OCD always bubbled under the (sertraline) for depression and OCD, another, with slightly different side gruesome thoughts and not be able to surface. Vyvanse and Adderall for ADD and effects. turn my mind off. I realize I’m so much better ADHD, and Prozac for debilitating For example, Zoloft and Xanax It kept me up at night, it kept me without my medication, and I realize anxiety are some of the most are effectively the same drug, yet from sleeping, it kept me from eating, that I was only prescribed these drugs commonly prescribed, and chances are many doctors prescribe their patients it kept me from concentrating in because of a booming industry and you most likely know someone taking either of the two, not the same. school and I honestly couldn’t handle a complete disregard for the actual one or more of these medications. Friedman also states that these, it. repercussions that patients who are Gary Greenberg, contributor “available drugs leave a lot to be I was happy to take Zoloft prescribed may face. for the New Yorker, recounts that in desired,” as many of them do not (sertraline), which definitely curbed 1990s, antidepressants were the most effectively reduce the symptoms of the effects, but whenever I ran out widely-prescribed drugs in the country disorders like bipolar and clinical of medication, the side effects were Saving the Planet One Product at a Time KAYLEE ALMAZORA Staff Writer When was the last time you went The purpose of this day is for But they aren’t the only ones is to help the planet, they base their outside and actually looked around? everybody to go outside and appreciate showing their support, recently a new products around that by making the The last time you saw something the planet that we live on, and to help brand came out called Love Beauty bottles out of recycled products. The thrown on the ground outside and love and protect it too. And this is and Planet.Their main goal is to help bottles themselves are recyclable, picked it up instead of leaving it for why many TV networks like PBS and people feel beautiful while protecting animal cruelty free, vegan and someone else to do it? Nickelodeon put out Earth Day related the Earth at the same time. they make their conditioner more It has probably been a while, shows to help support. Since this brand’s main goal lightweight so it is able to wash out hasn’t it? This is the case for many quicker and you can save water. people. We see things thrown on This is just the start for this brand. the ground by others and instead of Brands like this are what really make picking it up we just leave it there the difference for the planet. They because “we didn’t do it.” are showing everyone that you can be Or in some cases, people will be beautiful and still help save the planet the ones to throw trash on the ground at the same time, and that’s what we because it’s easier to just throw it on need. the ground than to find a trash can. We can’t say that we are They do this with the mentality of improving as a country when we have “someone will pick it up.” Well that’s our aquatic animals dying because not always the case. of trash we throw in the water, and Once you’ve done away with your when global warming is at its highest trash, whether that be by throwing it because of all of the polluted air. on the ground or actually throwing it There is more than one way that in the trash can, you don’t think about we end up contaminating the earth, it anymore or care what happens to it whether that be by driving our cars, for that matter. using up electricity or having factories Not once do we stop and think throw their waste into the water. where all this stuff ends up, especially People should be more concerned the stuff thrown on the ground. about the earth and how we take care This stuff doesn’t just magically of it because at the end of the day, we disappear it ends up somewhere, and are the ones that live on this planet. nine times out of 10 it ends up in our We take care of our houses we lakes and rivers, contaminating the don’t want them dirty, but we forget living of certain animals. But thoughts about our main house, one that we all like that don’t cross our mind when we share, which is planet Earth. are throwing trash on the ground and We as human beings have to be just walking away. more involved with taking care of the And this is when Earth Day comes earth whether that be recycling, riding into play, which falls on April 22nd of your bike instead of driving your every year. And this day is celebrated car, wasting less electricity, wasting to promote worldwide earth protection. less water or even by just supporting I have learned so much about this brands like Love Beauty and Planet topic and learned to love it so much whose main purpose is to help us throughout the years. First, because it better our planet. lands on my birthday, but also because How are we supposed to teach the it’s something very important. future generation taking care of the We can’t expect to have everything planet when we ourselves don’t do it? nice and clean, clear waters and not The only thing we are doing is have our aquatic animals dying from leaving them with an Earth that is trash if we aren’t doing anything getting worse and worse each day to prevent this. Instead we are just Love Beauty and Planet advertises a variety of eco-friendly features in their because of us. helping to make things worse. products. //Kaylee Almazora 10 Opinions THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7| APRIL/MAY 2018

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Register Now: drew.edu/bcctransfer VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 |APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH Opinions 11 Placing Our Crosshairs On the Wrong Enemy DAVID JOO Staff Writer The 2016 Orlando shooting was committed by an assailant who was inspired by ISIS. The 1999 Columbine shooting was committed by two deranged students. There were people who bought the firearms, held their triggers and fired at innocent civilians for their own twisted reasons. While others feel that placing restrictions and bans on certain firearms, like the AR-15, may be a solution to this hot-button issue, I can assure you that these proposals will be absolutely useless in stopping tragic mass shootings that have taken the lives of countless people. We have been told constantly, by the media, to fear the AR-15, from its physical appearance to its name. While many may think that “AR” Banning the AR-15 is like taking a sledgehammer to a delicate surgery. // flickr.com stands for “assault rifle”, it is actually an abbreviation for “ArmaLite rifle”, more. the U.S. From 1994 to 2004, the Personally, I think that people a name coined by the company that A pump-action 12-gauge shotgun Federal Assault Weapons Ban, or blur the line between correlation and designed the firearm. outfitted with 00 buckshot can hold AWB, prohibited the manufacturing causation very often: violent video Confusion over the name arose up to five to 11 shells, each holding of certain semi-automatic firearms it games to children’s aggression and from fear-mongering by the media nine pellets. That means that each defined as assault weapons, such as the violent tendencies, fast food chains after the 2016 Orlando shooting when trigger pull can eject nine projectiles AR-15 and other “copycat” variants, to US obesity rates and AR-15’s to a nightclub’s bodyguard went rogue, compared to an AR-15’s single for civilians. shootings. injuring 58 people and killing 49 projectile per trigger pull. However, an academic study Criminals will find any means using an AR-15 and a semi-automatic If the AR-15 is being scrutinized showed that the AWB had little necessary in order to commit murders handgun. for having several characteristics to an effect on the annual numbers of mass and banning a firearm will not stop “Assault rifles” are firearms that assault rifle, why not scrutinize every shootings involving these weapons due them in their pursuits. must be capable of selective fire such other weapon for having similarities to the fact that there were numerous I want to seek a solution just as semi-auto, burst and auto. They are with or benefits to the AR-15? loopholes within the ban. as much as anyone else, but I want more powerful than pistols but less Which firearm do you think When the ban was lifted in 2004, one that is not shrouded by baseless powerful than standard rifles or battle is the most popular in homicide cases: there was no significant increase in rhetoric and misconstrued statistics rifles. handguns, rifles or shotguns? The murders involving weapons other than used to support biased opinions. It has ammunition that is supplied answer is handguns, exponentially. handguns. If banning the AR-15 did not from detachable box magazines According to the FBI’s homicide According to a report from the work in 1994 with the AWB, how and must have effective ranges of at data, in 2016, 7,105 murders were U.S. Department of Justice, in 1994, do you think it will work in 2018, an least 330 yards. The military’s M4 is committed with handguns, 3,066 with handguns were used in almost 83 entirely different era where someone an assault rifle that fits all of these knives, and 656 with bare fists and percent of all firearms homicides could 3D-print an AR receiver with criteria. The civilian AR-15 does not; feet. 374 murders were committed compared to 73 percent in 2011. schematics off the internet? it is not capable of selective fire as it with rifles of any variant, including Banning an “assault weapon” did While I do not have an answer can only fire one bullet per trigger those from the AR-15, in that year. not result in significant decreases in for mitigating the number of tragic pull. Therefore, it is not an assault Data from previous years also homicides. It decreased the number of mass shootings and firearms-related rifle. show similarly large gaps between homicides committed with a firearm homicides, I do know that trying to From this information, a question handgun-related homicides and classified as an “assault weapon”, but unnecessarily ban certain firearms arises: if it fits any of these criteria, rifle-related homicides.Why, then, are homicides committed with handguns will prove to be fruitless. should it not still be considered a AR-15’s being targeted when they are increased. Ruthless criminals seek any dangerous weapon that should be less of a threat, statistically, than a The AWB is comparable to a means to get their hands on any banned? A hunting rifle outfitted with handgun or even a person’s hands and person trying to plug up a hole in a weapon to maim and slaughter others, significantly larger rounds inside a feet? leaky ceiling, only to find a puddle regardless of whatever ban is instated. detachable box magazine can have an There actually was a time when beginning to grow on the floor effective range of up to 800 yards or AR-15’s were federally banned in elsewhere. The Freedom of Silence: An Advocacy for Apathy IAN ARDELLE Contributing Writer “You have the right to remain “They are kind of terrorizing you. It’s selecting topics on assignments that shamed for their opinion, even if it’s silent. Anything you say can be used completely backwards.” are to be published. a benign opinion. It takes a lot of against you in the court of law.” These We as humans are judgmental This gives students the ability courage to write it. We need people are the first two sentences of the creatures. To protect ourselves and to express their opinions on topics who have courage to stand up for the Miranda Warning, it has permeated our interests we tend to make the most which they are passionate about and important things: even people who are through our culture as every police conclusions from the least amount of gives them the benefits of publication against the grain.” officer is required to read these prior available information. including peer review and feedback Many of the people that come to interrogating a suspect. Having a politically charged topic from interested readers. to BCC are young adults pursuing This guarantees a person does be the focus of a person’s publication George expressed his concerns careers and enlightenment through not have to reveal information that represents their own beliefs, and may with the lack of activism in taking an education. It is hugely important that incriminates them and can choose to leave them equally liable as their paper unorthodox stance on controversial our voices as a community, and as remain silent on questions or issues in regards to biased judgment. issues. individuals, are heard and reviewed. they do not wish to comment on. A possible solution to this “Unfortunately, depending on your Our bipartisan political structure However, while these rights dilemma would be allowing students opinion, we live in a country where leaves a very polarizing political are guaranteed for potential criminals, creative freedom when it comes to everything is politicized. People get compass where it becomes difficult students are not guaranteed the same to convey moderate opinions and liberty. suggestions. On one hand, teachers may require Taking up a stance and students to write opinionated papers announcing your thoughts to the world on subjects they are not comfortable takes courage, and a type of initiative with. To the teachers’ credit, this is an that a classroom setting shouldn’t effective way to teach students to write force. efficiently by pushing them outside Lenin Luna, a BCC music student, their comfort zone. gives his thoughts; “Everybody should On the other hand, some teachers speak up on what they feel… just do require students to publish their what you feel baby!” assignments as a prerequisite for As a student of BCC I see a very acceptance. limited amount of tangible activism As an example, a teacher at from the students on campus. Bergen Community College assigned If you feel that change needs to be their students to draft a research paper made, I say stand up and fight for it! about gun violence and declared that However, don’t let your teacher be the the final step in the submission of the source of your opinions. assignment would be to publicize it on Let your passion guide your a website. actions and assertions, as an This is an outrageous demand. individual’s words can be extremely “They are forcing the opinion,” claims powerful. George, a BCC nursing student. // pexels.com 12 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7| APRIL/MAY 2018 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 |APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH Features 13 The Kids Are Speaking; It’s Time to Listen. DERRIAN DOUGLAS NEWS Editor Never again. safe, sharing their opposition of arming Most heart-wrenching were all generation out and fighting. marching for Alex Schachter, one they fear for her safety. Hotel & Tower hovered over the They’ve given voices to those who Students, teachers and gun-control teachers. the students there fighting for their Ravuri hopes to see a change of the victims of the shooting in New York has never seemed so marchers and attendees, the men, are too shaken to speak, to those who activists took to the streets on March 24, Britt Keshner, a teacher in Orange, own safety. Franky Kramer John, a in voting now that her generation is Parkland, and one of lively and powerful. Walking up and women and children on the ground cannot speak, to those who are too 2018 to tell the Trump administration NJ, admitted that, “it’s very scary to be sixth grader from New York, told me using their voice. their friends from summer camp. down the streets hearing snippets were far taller, far larger and far more young to realize what a threat this lack just that. a teacher right now.” that he came to march because he Sophia Hanover from Great They were also marching for of attendees own accounts with intimidating. of action is and to those who didn’t Never again will students, teachers, She said that she and her husband doesn’t want “more kids dying.” Neck North Middle School and Rose one of their friends from the same gun violence, words of wisdom and Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, grow up in a predominately white and parents and loved ones endure the were marching to make sure her Franky shared that he hopes Greer from BASIS Independent camp. She’ll be attending Marjory encouragement, and the harsh tones of Samantha Fuentes, Cameron Kasky, privileged neighborhood. horror of another school shooting or students and their own children are stricter gun laws and stricter security Brooklyn, both eighth graders, were Stoneman Douglas in the fall, and gun control reform talk, one couldn’t Alex Wind and Jaclyn Corin have It’s time we listen up, no matter what another act of gun violence. safe. will come out of this march because, help but get chills. encouraged students of all ages to fight the tragedy, the city, the demographic In protest of the government’s lack What does she hope will come “guns aren’t helping anyone.” Although Trump International for their own safety. or the amount of victims. of action after 17 people from Marjory from the march? She hopes “young Ravuri and her fellow classmate Stoneman Douglas were killed in a people will understand how important Aaria Bhatnagar both agreed that horrific massacre involving a former their voices are, and they’ll use them to they were excited to see the younger student and a fully-automatic AR-15, vote out the politicians getting money angry, hurt, empowered and grieving from the NRA.” Americans gathered in their cities. She believes the United States There, they marched for their lives, government should refer to what other the lives of their loved ones, and in the countries have done for gun control words of Northern Highlands High reform and follow in their footsteps. School senior, Hrithika Ravuri, “for the Sandy Bochese attended the march people who can’t.” with her sister. Bochese is a school Signs bearing the names of librarian at Edison Middle School in shooting victims crowded the streets of West Orange, NJ. She marched because New York City. Mothers held photos of she cannot fathom teachers being daughters deceased. Friends held each armed. other tight. But the impression I got On what she was hoping to witness from these Americans wasn’t one of at the march, “a powerful show of unity defeat, but one of resilience. that sends a message to the NRA and As the parade turnout grew, anyone who wants guns in schools.” participants, including myself, were For the future, she’d like to see less ushered to 86th street. A secondary influence on politicians from the NRA. march seemed to form on the way. She says that the NRA should remain While walking to the entrance of the an organization rather than a “political march, chants could be heard and signs power.” could be seen. Chants like “U.S.A. not NRA!” “I believe that we will win!” and Parkland survivor Emma Gonzalez’s “We call BS!” were heard through all 30 blocks we walked. While at the march, I talked with some incredible people who all shared similar ideals: gun control reform, keeping their children and students

Crosshairs // Wikimedia Commons Center: Franky Kramer John, a 6th grader, doesn’t want “anymore kids dying.” // Derrian Douglas Center: Franky Kramer John, a 6th grader, doesn’t want “any more kids dying.” // Derrian Douglas Top Right: A group of Coney Island Prep students marching for their safety.// Derrian Douglas Bottom Left: Gun violence wasn’t the only issue tackled at the march. // Derrian Douglas Bottom Right: Marchers took to incorporating memes into their signs. // Derrian Douglas 14 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7| APRIL/MAY 2018

FEATURESThe Torch Us Too: The Stories of Collegiate Sexual Assault Victims DERRIAN DOUGLAS News Editor October 2017 saw the takedown of neck. She was so horrified that she some powerful men. Successful movie immediately left class. moguls and doctors, such as Harvey “I didn’t even ask my teacher to Weinstein and Larry Nassar, fell to leave. I just got up and walked out.” the accusations of men and women After approaching her principal, accusing them of sexual assault and this BCC student dealt with 2 weeks harassment. And now, college students of meetings. She was let down during are saying, “me too.” each one. The mother of her assaulter The Me Too movement started in denied the accusation. His friends in 2006 when Tarana Burke coined the the class denied it too. The end result phrase, “Me Too.” Burke, a sexual was a 3-day suspension for the senior assault survivor, started this movement boy. to help women and girls of color who Her teacher took the incident very had also endured sexual violence. seriously. This survivor explained that The movement has gained her teacher separated her and the boy. popularity on Twitter with survivors “My teacher put us on opposite using the hashtag, “#MeToo.” Men and sides of the room.” Her assaulter was women from across the globe shared not allowed to be anywhere near her, their stories of survival. Many of these “when I would get up to go to the accounts were from college students. bathroom, he wasn’t allowed to leave Natali, a first-year psychology The #MeToo movement has encouraged many survivors to share their sto- the room until I got back.” major at BCC, said that she believes ries. // Derrian Douglas Multiple women told me that they this movement has started a “snowball believe this is not just a female issue. effect.” Thanks to Tarana Burke and the people we sit in class with have been fear that they’ll see their assaulter on Men are assaulted too. However their brave women who helped her spread harassed or assaulted. This is not just campus, this is the ultimate let down take on it is that men are afraid to come her message, people of every age, in something that happens to celebrities; from school officials. out. every part of the world, no matter their it is not just a hashtag on social media. I was surprised at the feedback The pressures of being a man force occupation, are talking about this issue. Sexual violence is a true threat I was getting at BCC. Not only were male survivors to silence themselves in The Harvard Crimson reported that does not discriminate based on students open to talking to me about fear of “hurting their masculinity,” said in December 2017 that sexual assault gender. It comes in all shapes and sizes: sexual assault, they were willing to Natali. allegations from their students had gone catcalling, inappropriate touching or share their stories. Although I spoke to both male up 20 percent since multiple women comments, intentional avoidance of Most revealed that the Me Too and female BCC students, none of the came out with allegations accusing the word “no,” unsolicited pictures, movement was inspiring, and that men shared any experiences of sexual Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault and unwelcomed kissing, rape. they’d become more open to talking assault with me. However that doesn’t harassment a few months prior. Alyssa Pezzola, a BCC student, about their experiences than before mean they haven’t experienced it and America saw college students shared that a group of older men yelled because of it. However, some still that their experiences are any less speaking out, no matter how much their crude things at her and her friend while want to keep their anonymity, and traumatic than those of women. universities tried to silence them. they were walking around their town understandably so. While scrolling through stories As a 20-year-old woman, sexual one summer. A freshman at BCC quietly shared on Twitter I found men and women violence is sadly, nothing new to me. “We were just walking. I mean, we her experience with me in the bustling recounting sexual abuse involving their I’ve heard countless stories of sexual were in shorts but that’s because it was Student Center. As a sophomore in former significant others. These are the assault from friends and classmates, a hot summer day,” Pezzola said. high school, she was inappropriately stories we don’t think about because each just as disgusting as the one before Survivors of sexual violence rarely touched by a senior during class. if you’re in a relationship, the sex is it. see the day when their accusations are While sitting next to her, he always consensual, right? Wrong. It’s important to localize this taken seriously. Their assaulter rarely put his hand on her thigh. His hand For a continuation of this article, issue. We hear about these stories but gets the punishment they deserve. slowly moved from her thigh, up to please visit torchbcc.com don’t realize that our family, friends or For college students living in her stomach, to her breast, then to her Fashion for a Cause: the Rise of the Digital Charity

KATY TEMPLE Staff Writer A t-shirt is a staple in everyone’s need to advance too. closet, and why not donate to charity Assemblies and posters don’t while enhancing your wardrobe? cut it anymore. Events, activities and Ditch the Label is a clothing brand interactive strategies do, which is based out of the U.K. that uses the why DTL caters to schools as well as sales of their merchandise to support people, and uses social media as a tool, anti-bullying, self empowerment and rather than blaming it for contributing provide resources and help for anyone to the problem. who may need it. DTL utilizes hashtags like Obviously the U.K. is a bit of a trip #labelsareforclothes to raise awareness, from Bergen County, which is why the market and fundraise. Everytime digital aspect of Ditch the Label is so someone uses the hashtag, a dollar is important and revolutionary. donated to their cause. Rather than listing therapists, They also offer QR codes that you facilities or other resources, DTL can scan on snapchat to gain access provides online help that is available to a DTL filter to use and share with 24/7 and worldwide to whoever your snapchat following. Everyone uses stumbles upon their website. social media, so it would be silly not This applies to victims of bullying, to use it to stand for something that the bullies themselves and the parents matters. or teachers of people getting bullied. DTL also recognizes that bullying DTL recognizes that people isn’t the only problem that adolescents getting bullied aren’t the only ones who and young adults may face. need help in these scenarios, and that While DTL raises money bullying often involves more than two specifically for anti-bullying, their parties. online help is geared towards things As an advocate for more anti- like body image, sexuality and mental bullying school campaigns, new ideas health. Slogans like “Labels are for and activities are shared almost every Clothes” and “Being Yourself is the day by DTL to inspire teachers and New Black” are printed on t-shirts, administration to take more action. hoodies and bracelets that are then We all remember sitting through sold through ditchthelabel.org, or River bullying assemblies, rolling our eyes Island- the U.K. equivalent of H&M. and thinking, “Wow, ok, we get it” These slogans and this company while focusing on just about anything as a whole encourages people to break else besides what the presenters were out of whatever box society tried to talking about. put them in, to rise above stereotypes Bullying has advanced, and that and to be unafraid of unapologetically means that anti-bullying strategies being themselves. A design from Ditch the Label. // Katy Temple VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH Features 15 The Era of Legal Marijuana KARISSA ROSEN Contributing Writer Marijuana, some call it “the Some of our founding fathers gateway drug,” others don’t consider it like George Washington and Thomas a drug. No matter what one thinks of Jefferson even grew marijuana marijuana, no one can deny the benefits according to multiple different sources that come from this natural plant. such as, Centennial Spotlight Marijuana From comforting cancer patients Goes Mainstream magazine. to easing anxiety, weed is an ultimate Our former presidents saw the God grown plant that should be used to advantages of cannabis and we all our full potential. should open up our eyes and discover According to Centennial Spotlight it for ourselves. Marijuana Goes Mainstream magazine, Speaking on behalf of the around 88% of Americans support American people, if we are all ok with legalization of medical marijuana the consumption of alcohol and it’s and a little over 60% of Americans horrible effects then we should be more support the legalization of recreational than alright with the countless positive marijuana use. effects that weed gives out. According to Jen Christensen, a Besides the tremendous benefits of contributing writer at CNN, Marijuana marijuana, the money aspect of legal helps a wide variety of diseases, recreational and medical marijuana are illnesses and medical conditions. terrific. Just in the state of Colorado Alcohol related incidents cause alone in 2016, the revenue from legal roughly 88,000 deaths annually pot sales drew in roughly 200 million according to the National Institute U.S. dollars. of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Stated by Summer Meza, a writer Alcohol consumption creates disaster, from U.S. edition of Newsweek, injuries, death and many other issues the legalization of marijuana in the while consuming marijuana the worst United States has, can and will create thing that’ll happen is you end up eating thousands of jobs, millions of dollars the whole pack of cookies instead two which boost our economy and many of them. more benefits which this country needs There are so many different strains right about now. of marijuana, each of them with a Like Summer Meza, thousands different purpose and effect. of other Americans agree on the As claimed by, Centennial legalization of weed for career purposes Spotlight Marijuana Goes Mainstream along with other beneficial reasons. magazine, experts in the cannabis We need to unify, vote and industry have discovered over 800 and do everything we can to support counting different strains of marijuana the legalization of medicinal and and every year there are more hybrids recreational cannabis. being created. // flickr.com Kirby Star Allies Review

Kirby Star Allies is a Nintendo Switch exclusive. // Wikimedia Commons

STEPHEN MINGNANELLI Staff Writer Kirby Star Allies is the newest even if the first player can’t play with and play a really solid game this is the remixes or the new music has sample game in Nintendo’s Kirby series. The other players, the game will control game for you. tracks from previous Kirby games. game is a side-scrolling platformer and the other allies. Playing the game with The gameplay is very solid. It Despite most of the music not being was developed by Hal Laboratory, the friends is what makes it so fun. doesn’t innovate in the platformer new to the series the soundtrack is still studio that created Kirby. The game is This entry, like the other Kirby genre, but the game is very fun. a joy to listen to. available on Nintendo Switch. games, is really easy. The series has Running through these levels with Kirby Star Allies is worth the This newest entry in the Kirby been known for being easy but, the friends is very fun. money if you have friends to play it series isn’t much different from the last game is way more maneuverable One point that needs to be with, or you really like Kirby. The few entries. It is very similar to 2016’s than past Kirby games because of the emphasized is playing this game with game is not that difficult nor does Kirby: Planet Robobot and 2011’s multiple characters. friends is the best way to enjoy it. it take a long time to complete, so it Kirby’s Return to Dream Land. The However, this game gives you Playing alone is fine, but without others would be the perfect activity when you game is best played with three other too many extra lives without any fear the game is not nearly as enjoyable. have friends over. players. of losing them. By the end of the third Kirby games always seem to If you are planning on playing The game supports up to four world I had forty lives, and had only have great music, and Star Allies is the game with friends it is worth the players. The first player is capable of lost three. no exception. The music ranges from $60. If you plan on playing it solo, I controlling Kirby and can turn enemies If you are looking for a difficult lighthearted and fun to dark, creepy recommend waiting for a price drop. into allies.The levels are designed to be game this is not the game for you. But if music by the end of the game. played with multiple people because you want a game to relax with friends, Most of the music consists of 16 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 Spring Into New Styles DERRIAN DOUGLAS News Editor

KATY TEMPLE Staff Writer Every new season brings the same begging question in need of fresh answers: what’s in this season? Spring fashion dawns the colors and patterns of a time separate from dreary, cold mornings and endless snowfalls, and we’re excited to inform you that this year’s fashion forecast won’t disappoint. Spring 2018 is bringing bolds and pastels, fringe and ruffles, checkered and florals and lots of sheer and sequins. With spring, comes color, and lots of it. Fashion blogs are predicting that Spring 2018 is all about flaunting bolds and pastels. Although red is a go-to bold color, Pantone has named Ultraviolet its Color of the Year 2018. So how can you rock ultraviolet? Add a pop of ultraviolet to your outfit in the form of statement piece like a faux-fur coat or a pair of ultraviolet shoes. Another way to ring in spring with Ultraviolet involves color-blocking. A light shade of pink would complement any ultraviolet piece perfectly. Pastels! The sure sign that spring is here. Pastels are a staple in spring fashion every year, but the way they’re worn is ever-changing. This year’s trend? Monochroming - wearing all the same shade from head-to-toe. There’s nothing as satisfying as a clean, chic outfit in all the same tone! However, we know how hard it is to find multiple pieces of the same tone, so an easy alternative would be to mix and match pastels or pair them with neutrals. If you want to make a statement, try pairing pastels with a pop of bright color. Seasons will come and go, but patterns will always remain. Checkered print, florals and vintage labels are the patterns of Spring 2018, and nobody Florals, pastel and fringe. // Katy Temple is complaining. Checkered print is extremely versatile. we don’t have to be! And finally, it’s always true that what notch with a denim skirt and sandals. Feeling preppy? Throw on your Good news is, florals can be was once popular, will always make its Either way, throw on your favorite cat favorite checkered mini-skirt. Want to dressed up or down. A floral blouse way back around.This time, it’s vintage eye or mirrored sunnies, and you’re experiment with street style? can easily be paired with ripped jeans labels. good to go! Pick out a flannel. Woke up feeling and sneakers. Want to carry that floral It’s time to dust off your mom’s old Ruffles are great for adding a chic? Grab the checkered camel coat piece into the night? Gucci purses and Fendi wallets, and feminine touch to whatever outfit before heading out. We know Miranda Change into a cute skirt or a nice clip-on those designer fanny packs! you’re piecing together. Whether it be Priestly is tired of florals for spring, but pair of slim trousers, and you’re set! Pair any vintage piece with your outfit a statement ruffle on a neckline, or a and you’ll be sure to get some glances skirt that has layers upon layers, ruffles walking down the street. can fit into whatever your personal It is really easy to overdo it on the style may be. fringe. Is anyone else having flashbacks Structured ruffles - think peplum to those horrible brown suede boots - can emphasize parts of the body that covered in fringe that everyone wore you may want to emphasize, like your in the sixth grade? I don’t want to be hips or chest, while looser ruffles made reminded! out of chiffon or cotton, add a more Lucky for us, it’s also really easy bohemian vibe. to add a simple piece or accessory to Bodysuits have been around for amp up your look with some texture. a while now, and just because spring A pair of black fringe earrings can is here doesn’t mean they’re leaving. easily get paired with a pair of jeans They’re just going sheer! Sheer sleeves and a t-shirt, and a fringe detail on a or necklines leave a little skin without backpack or purse never hurt anyone. bearing it all. Just remember, a little bit of fringe can Dress them up for a night out with go a long way. skirts or leather, or dress them down Who doesn’t love a little bit of for class or a day trip in the city with sparkle? Sequins are great for spicing jeans and sneakers. If you’re more into up an outfit, or demanding attention as athleisure, try a pair of leggings with the focal point of your look. Dressed sheer cutouts, or a hoodie with sheer up or dressed down, sequins never sleeves! disappoint. Spring 2018 is bringing a little for Pair a shirt with some sequin everyone. Find what works for you. Stay detailing on it with jeans and sneakers with what you know or try something for a laid back approach, or kick it up a new! Colors: Patterns: Red Checkered Pink Black and White Pastels Floral Ultraviolet Vintage labels (Fendi, Lavender Gucci, etc.)

Textures: Fabric: Ruffles Sheer Bold colors and ruffles. // Derrian Douglas Fringe Sequins VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH Features 17 Guys and Dolls Lets the Good Times Roll at BCC ALYSSA BLUNDO Staff Writer Bergen Community College presented the Bergenstages production of Guys and Dolls and everyone had a fabulous time. Opening Night was held at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theater at Bergen Community College on April 6th 2018. Other show dates included April 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th. The show told a tale of a gambler, Sky Masterson, played by Matthew Rella and a strong-headed missionary, Sarah Brown, played by Kristina Craig. These two characters met after Masterson played a round of Craps and bet that if he won, he would take Brown out on a date in Havana, Cuba. Guys and Dolls also showcased other incredible lead roles. Nathan Detroit played by Kevin W. Bergen and Miss Adelaide played by Keila Haskins did an equally spectacular job. As for the upbeat music, it was uplifting and it brought the show to life. The music and lyrics were done by Frank Loesser. Guys and Dolls also had fabulous choreography. It was smooth and perfectly executed. The choreography was done by Amanda Kopel. As for the lighting it was spot on, however sound was a little odd. A humming sound filled the Anna Maria Ciccone Theater upon entering, but it quickly diminished once the curtain went up. Lighting was done by Jared Saltzman and Sound was done by (From left) Keila Haskins, of Fort Lee, as Adelaide; Kevin Bergen, of Glen Rock, as Nathan Detroit; Kristina Craig, of Steven Schwartz. As for the set, it was River Edge, as Sarah Brown; and Matthew Rella, of Glen Rock, as Sky Masterson. // Larry Hlavenka amazing. The set was constructed by Production Designer and Technical 1950’s look. There were few period along them were provided by Props a fabulous show that left the audience Coordinator, Thomas O’Neill. pieces, but not too many. Coordinator, Ashley Waldron. laughing and questioning what will To make Opening Night even The costumes were done by Overall, Opening Night was happen next the entire night. better, the costumes exuded a nice Marie Natali and the props that went incredible. The cast and crew put on Broadway Bootlegs: Beneficial or Baleful? DERRIAN DOUGLAS News Editor Broadway show bootlegging is the prices of tickets are astronomical. a hot topic for devout musical theatre Shocking to most people, the writers fans and is arguably the most dividing and actors have no control over how issue that this tight-knit community much the tickets are. faces. Lin Manuel Miranda didn’t Illegally filming Broadway shows intentionally price Hamilton tickets and posting the recorded videos and at $750. The massive difference in audio online is completely sacrilegious pricing from preview shows to a in theatre and is forbidden by law, but regular Broadway run is due to online can it still be seen as beneficial? bots crowding ticketing sites when new Preceding all productions, an audio ticket blocks are released. announcement warning the audience Certain companies create these that the “taking of photographs and bots to buy up the best seats in the use of recording devices” is forbidden house, and then charge hundreds more by law is played through the speakers. than they bought the tickets for. That is the audience’s one and only So, a show that would normally warning but the ushers and security be $35-$70 in previews, could end guards at the theatre are always on the up being over $800 during its normal lookout. Broadway run all thanks to corporate Many theatregoers have been greed. asked to delete their footage or leave The argument though, is that the theater, and many actors onstage these bootlegs come at the cost of the have made their distaste of the illegal large community of people who run photo-taking and recording of their the show, including the actors. Lin show known. But who is the hero in Manuel Miranda, writer of Hamilton: this situation? Is there one? The American Musical and original Supporters argue that Broadway Alexander Hamilton, famously tweeted, bootlegs benefit fans outside the “You worked too hard to get those tix. I east coast, especially those living worked too hard to finish this show. So internationally, as the chances are slim when I see your phone instead of your that they will ever get to see the show. face...it’s gutting. It sucks. I block you Opposers may say that it is common out. I’m sorry. Too many people are for Broadway shows to tour during or working too hard. You forfeit.” after their Broadway runs, but even Multiple Dear Evan Hansen actors then, some of the touring shows are too have also voiced their distaste of illegal far for some fans to get to. recordings of the show. Although, Ben Another problem is that these Platt, the original Evan Hansen, treats touring shows often sell out quickly. himself to a Wicked bootleg every so International fans are especially often. affected because only the most popular The illegal recording of these Broadway shows like Dear Evan shows infringe on the rights of the Hansen and Hamilton make it across actors and creative team, and they are the pond. extremely distracting to both the actors For fans from the United States and the audience. who are living internationally, bootlegs It’s a slap in the face to all the are a way for them to see the show people who work in the theatre industry they would have only ever heard the that Broadway lovers are not seeing soundtrack of. the show how it is meant to be seen, Even if geographical inaccessibility The Dear Evan Hansen playbill features an insert asking the audience not to therefore completely disrespecting the wasn’t the problem, fans argue that record the show. // Derrian Douglas beautiful nuances of theatre. 18 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7| APRIL/MAY 2018 Doomsday Clock ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT Ad Manager influential countries in the world that As insanity and chaos echoes should be setting an example for how in the core of Earth’s civilization, planet Earth should be treated. the Doomsday Clock ticks closer to Of course, America has done the midnight. opposite by emitting harmful carbon The Doomsday Clock, or Clock as dioxide into the atmosphere, speeding it is often referred to, is a hypothetical up the natural process of global ticking clock that tracks humanity’s warming. demise. When the clock reaches Another important factor that is midnight, it doesn’t really mean affecting The Doomsday Clock is the world will end, it is more of a emerging technology. This might have symbolic instrument to demonstrate people scratching their heads, causing our morality. them to wonder how something so The Clock was created by The useful could be so harmful to society. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in With greater technology comes 1947, after World War II (which is not greater responsibility, but the use of a coincidence). It is based on certain hacking and manipulating in elections, factors, including technology, nuclear media and controversial issues can tension and global warming. encourage any person to believe an The clock’s hand was set to seven outcome that had been staged. minutes before midnight by Martyl This is ultimately causing distrust Langsdorf, an artist who placed in media and politicians due to the the minute hand at seven because it spread of disinformation. seemed right. She was married to An obvious action that led to a well known physicist, Alexander the ticking of the clock was Donald Langsdorf who also worked on the Trump’s dangerous rhetoric aimed at Manhattan Project. North Korea. The first time the hand moved was Planet Earth is nearing midnight, in 1947, when Soviet Russia tested an the point where we have completely atomic bomb. The hand moved even screwed up and destroyed our beloved closer when it reached two minutes planet. There is no way to know if we to midnight in 1953 when the United would be able to recover if we ever States and the Soviet Union both reach midnight, but we are not at that tested thermonuclear weapons within point yet. one year of each other. // Wikimedia Commons There is still a chance, and when If this is not concerning enough, there is still hope, humans will come in 2018 the hand was moved into the was based on the outcome of the Earth’s environment, and it has been together to make the world a better same position, two minutes before 2016 American Presidential election, getting even worse. Donald Trump and place. midnight. This is mostly due to the in which Donald Trump and Hillary his administration’s withdrawal from Preventing this hypothetical clock disturbing acts of 2017, in which Clinton supporters were constantly at the Paris Agreement caused a spark of from reaching midnight is not our dangerous language was at its highest. each other’s throats. outrage throughout the world. goal, it is our obligation. The clock is Most of the the hatred and rhetoric 2017 was also a bad year for America is one of the most ticking. Diversity Treated as a Trend at NYFW 2018 KATY TEMPLE Staff Writer The fashion industry always increase in size diversity? It’s almost models. pastel florals that can be thrown faces criticism for lack of diversity as if designers and casting agencies Inclusivity and representation is away once a season passes, they are and promotion of unrealistic beauty are treating diversity as a trend. not a trend, and shouldn’t be treated as individuals that represent hundreds of standards in America, and now Last year, body positivity and size such. One group deemed a minority thousands, or even millions of people more than ever designers and casting diverse campaigns were abundant, by the industry should not be granted that can relate to them. agencies alike are under fire for therefore the casting of plus size more exposure at the expense of Those people deserve to be refusing to change. models increased. This year was huge another. Size, racial and identity represented just as much as the skinny The root of this conformity buries for LGBT rights, and now we have diversity are never going out of style. white girl standing next to them. itself in Fashion Week, not just locally, an increase of trans and nonbinary People are not fringed hems or but across every major fashion capital. While New York Fashion Week sets the tone for those that follow, a recent diversity study found that NYFW Fall 2018 dropped the ball on casting plus size models. 30 plus size models were casted this fall, eight less than fall of 2017. The tricky part is, the lack of plus size models isn’t being broadcasted as well as it probably should be, since most major fashion media outlets are highlighting the increased number of racially diverse shows, as well as the increase in casting of trans and nonbinary models. In The Fashion Spot’s analysis of 242 shows and 7,608 model appearances in New York, London, Milan and Paris, it was found that 32.5 percent were models of color. This is a 2.3 percent increase from Spring of 2018. 64 trans and nonbinary models walked across 52 shows- another increase in comparison to Spring of 2018. Trans and nonbinary models having more presence in the industry is amazing, but the fact still remains that more than half of the models we see sauntering down runways are white women who can fit into a 00 dress. This isn’t to say that skinny white women shouldn’t be represented, but why is it that the majority of the models we see are not representative of the majority population in America? Why is it that we can have an increase in racial diversity or an // pixabay.com VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH Features 19 Student Art at Bergen

A snippet of various works in “Student Art at Bergen.” // Edriel Fimbres

EDRIEL FIMBRES Photo Editor An opening reception, snacks students and visitors all alike as well. Unlike the student art featured various types of mediums. and art of all types featured into one The two-hour event bustled with in the hallways of West Hall, all This includes paintings, drawings, gallery, what more could you really many onlookers and brought together the art present in the gallery were calligraphy, sculptures, photography, ask for? a crowd of those who appreciate all submitted by the own will of students collages, digital art, animations, video On April 12, Gallery Bergen arts. who wished to show off their pieces, and fashion. opened up a showcase of many Now while the snacks aren’t whether it be from classwork or You’ll find yourself inspired by student’s work here at Bergen present anymore since the reception personal work. The exposure creates what those around you have achieved Community College known as Student has passed, Gallery Bergen is still opportunities to introduce all the in talent and skill, and perhaps even Art at Bergen. definitely the place one should check artforms and artists to new audiences. submitting your own works in the next Student Art at Bergen’s opening out. It will be showcasing all the This annual event is organized annual event. reception gathered not only students wondrous masterpieces made by BCC and presented by the Art Club here at currently enrolled in Bergen students until May 41 in West Hall on BCC, under the authority of Professor Community College, but prospective the third floor. Claire McConaughy, and showcases 20 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018

CONTINUE ON YOUR TRACK TOWARDS A HIGHER 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 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH Sports 21 The New and Improved L.A. Rams KARISSA ROSEN Contributing Writer The new and improved Los this season. Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, well Sweeney explains, “St. Louis is Not only are Rams fans excited to Angeles Rams are coming in hot and Ndamukong Suh and Brandin Cooks where the fans are more die hard. The see their new and improved team play giving it their all for this upcoming are all special talents. Each of these Rams won their only Super Bowl in but the rest of the football nation is as football season of 2018. new Rams players have plenty of high- franchise history in St. Louis and were well. There have been many changes to level years left to give. With that being loved by everyone in the city.” “Stick with your own team no this old St. Louis team within the last said, the Rams will be set up nicely for The L.A. Rams started off in matter how bad they may be struggling. few years and every year they’re one years to come with these new pieces in California before making their move to Everything gets straightened out step closer to those blinged out Super our game of football.” St. Louis so the come back sparked an eventually and the success will be Bowl rings. Although the move from St. Louis enormous amount of positive football super rewarding,” said Sweeney. Moving from St. Louis, Missouri to Los Angeles seems to be going fairly gossip. They’re going all this season. to Los Angeles, California seemed to be just what the doctor ordered for the Rams. Firing almost all of the Rams staff and receiving fresh minds as the youngest coach in NFL history, Sean McVay was just one giant step to a better football future for this west coast team. The firing of some players has led to the hiring of some top names in America’s football world. Ndamukong Suh is one of the most exciting hires for the Rams and their countless fans. Suh started playing football in high school and fell in love with the game. Suh is thirty-one-year-old, from Portland, Oregon and personally choose to play for the Rams despite other offers from a handful of other NFL teams. Aaron Donald, the 2017 defensive player of the year will play ball alongside Suh as they fight to the top of the NFL chain, the iconic Super Bowl. If you’re a football fanatic you have to admit, the golden state NFL team, the L.A. Rams are looking nice. If you’re not a fan of the Rams, then you must have some doubt in your mind against your own team facing off with them. Tyler Sweeney, a twenty-three- year-old ultimate fan of the Rams for thirteen years now has much to say about the new and improved team. Sweeney said, “I am very happy with the new Rams players acquired // Wikimedia Commons Trans Wrestler Raises Ethical Questions JELSON MONTERO Staff Writer Being able to compete at the highest order to stop Beggs from competing. allowed him to continue wrestling. in the men’s division at the collegiate level is an athletes dream. Many high Fortunately, the State of Texas does Brad Townsend of the Dallas level, if he chooses. school students sacrifice social life and not ban performance-enhancing drugs, Morning News said that Beggs will For now, Beggs sets his eyes push their physical and mental abilities if it is medically needed, which is the look for a wrestling scholarship on defending his state title in the in order to receive a scholarship in the case for Beggs transition. This has because he will be able to compete 110-pound girls division. sport they compete in. Mack Beggs is a perfect example of a high school athlete working hard to complete his goals. Beggs is an 18-year-old boy, who attends Euless Trinity High School, just outside of Dallas. Beggs competes for the school’s wrestling team and has dominated the competition for the last two years. He’s posted a record of 56-0 last season and 32-0 this season. Beggs however has fallen into some controversy with people from the community over his gender. Mack Beggs is transgender and is transitioning from female to male. Beggs competes in the 110-pound female division, despite identifying as a male. In his transition, he has taken performance-enhancing drugs in order to enhance his testosterone. Jim Vertuno of the Associated Press of the Chicago Tribune said, “It was his steroid therapy treatments, while wrestling girls that stirred a fierce debate about competitive fairness and transgender rights last season.” According to the State of Texas, high school athletes are required to compete under the gender that was given at birth on their birth certificate. For Beggs, this dilemma has raised many question about his state titles and whether he should be allowed to wrestle. According to Venturo, there was a lawsuit filed last season against the Beggs was gained attention when he was forced to either compete in the girls division or give up the sport, despite University Interscholastic league in identifying as male and undergoing hormone replacement therapy. // outsports.com 22 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 Are Athletes Paying Enough NCAA Corruption Attention to Head Injuries ? JELSON MONTERO Staff Writer The NCAA has always had strict to commit. rules about universities tampering with There are huge benefits of recruiting incoming students, whether it’s bribing the top prospects in the nation. Many recruits in with money or giving out of these athletes bring in large amounts objects such as cars, houses, etc. of revenue from sponsors to TV deals According to Yahoo Sports, for the universities year in and year out. detailed documents and bank records Illegally paying them to commit were obtained during a college almost makes it unfair for these basketball investigation, which lead smaller schools to have any chance of them to the discovery of the corrupted competing. scandals where many universities have Although the universities are been tied into. illegally distributing money, many Over the past month, more than people believe student athletes should 20 college basketball programs have be compensated for their work. been identified for violating the NCAA According to sports.usatoday.com, recruitment rules. in 2016 Texas A&M received $194 Big-name universities such as million in revenue, Texas received $187 Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, million and Ohio State received $170 Louisville, Kansas and Michigan State, million in revenue. to name a few have been mentioned to With numbers that big, it’s no be involved. surprise that there’s a feeling that Players such as Dennis Smith, students should be compensated Markelle Fultz, and Isaiah Whitehead because of how much value they give have been documented receiving loans each university. and money from their schools in order Astro’s first base coach, Rich Dauer. // Wikimedia Commons JELSON MONTERO Staff Writer Head injuries have constantly head, but felt fine.” occurred during contact sports. Many As with many cases, Dauer did athletes never feel the immediate not feel the immediate effects of the effects and never realize that ignoring fall and continued to go on with his the hard contact can have long-term day. Later on that day, Dauer would effects. undergo brain surgery, in which he was What athletes fail to realize is given a 3 percent chance to survive. that all contact to the head can have Fortunately, Dauer survived but the lingering effects on one’s health. experience would serve as a learning Whether it’s a hard hit during a ground for many people. sporting event, hitting their head on a As said by ABC News, “ … memory door, falling on their head and etc. loss, headache, nausea, blurred vision, Rich Dauer recently coached for slurred speech and loss of balance does the Houston Astros organization this not have to be present and they can past year. The Astros were crowned range from mild to severe.” champions for the 2017 baseball Dauer is a perfect example of why season and just like in any other sports, athletes should always be cautious the championship team holds a victory about head injuries. parade. Each body works differently On November 3rd, 2017, Dauer and holds a different amount of pain was unable to join his team for the threshold. Whether an athlete is hit parade because of a brain injury that hard during a contact sport or slips on was caused by a fall the night before. their head in the comfort of their home, Charlotte Carroll of Sports there should always be caution with Illustrated siad, “ … the night before head injuries. // Wikimedia Commons the parade, Dauer slipped and hit his Major League Baseball’s First Two-Way Player STEPHEN MIGNANELLI Staff Writer Shohei Ohtani is the top prospect teammates with Mike Trout who is one in Major League Baseball. Ohtani is of the best players in the sport. 23-years-old and has pitched in Nippon This year’s spring training Professional Baseball since 2013. was highly anticipated due to Ohtani’s The thing that makes Ohtani arrival. Unfortunately, for the Angels special is that he is the first two-way and Ohtani, his spring training has led player in Major League Baseball. to some concerns. Major league teams have tried the Ohtani has only three hits this idea before, but not sucessfully. The spring training in 28 at bats leading to last team to try was the San Diego a miserable batting average of .107. Padres with former catcher Christian His pitching also has led to some Bethancourt. concern. Ohtani has pitched in two The former Atlanta Braves top games, and has given up eight runs. prospect was converted to a relief This is only spring training, but some pitcher during the 2017 season with scouts who have seen him live have disastrous results. During his four major concerns. relief appearances, Bethancourt had an Scouts have shared their ERA of 14.73 and walked eight batters concerns with Yahoo Sports writer in those four appearances. Jeff Passan. While most of the scouts’ Scouts and most baseball concerns can be overcome, the Angels executives believe that Ohtani, unlike seem prepared to have Ohtani on the Betancourt will be able to successfully opening day roster. transition to Major League Baseball, Scouts told Passan that, “he needs as both a hitter and pitcher due to his at least 500 plate appearances of success as both in Japan’s professional seasoning in the minor leagues to give league. him a chance at becoming a productive Jonathan Mayo, a reporter for major league hitter.” MLB.com said, “He’s been up to 102 Judging a highly regarded mph and touches triple digits with prospect on spring training, statistics is some regularity. Ohtani throws a nasty not fair. But he hasn’t impressed many splitter and a slider that’s just as good.” major league scouts who have seen him On December 8, 2017 after live in spring training. much speculation, Ohtani signed with Despite some scouts recent the Los Angeles Angels. After he scepticism, Ohtani is still a very signed with the Angels, the excitement intriguing player. Ohtani made his surrounding Ohtani grew because major league debut on March 29th casual baseball fans knew who he was. against Oakland. In the baseball community, people Shohei Otani when he was playing with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. got excited because Otani would be // Wikimedia Commons VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7| APRIL/MAY 2018 THE TORCH Sports 23 Christina Zaggia, BCC’s New Softball Coach PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editor Christina Zaggia became the new head softball coach for this season at Bergen Community College due to her four years of coaching experience. Zaggia graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She enjoyed helping people as much as she could during her whole life. When she got into college, Zaggia found out that she wanted to earn a career in sports. In high school Zaggia played basketball, volleyball and softball. She also played softball in college and then became part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. “After speaking with one of my professors, we came to the conclusion that I should be a coach. I began reviewing drills that I had done over the past 18-plus years and started thinking about what I would do as a coach in game situations while playing myself,” said Zaggia. Zaggia also earned the Coaches Coach Christina Zaggia. // bergenccbulldogs.com Award in 2012 and Women of the Year Award in 2014 when she was in college. As a player Zaggia would always coaching career with New Jersey Pride started, there was no doubt in my mind talented girls that you could meet. You assist teammates whenever they needed Fastpitch 18U for two years. After that, that this team was going to have fun. As could make a difference in the players it and for one on one help Zaggia would she was hired as an assistant coach at a coach, when you see a group of girls lives, serve as a mentor and watch constantly go to her coaches. This is Dominican College and has remained come together every day for two hours people have fun,” said Zaggia. what solidified Zaggia’s decision to there for three years. and leave practice laughing, that’s one There are also some disadvantages pursue her career in coaching. Zaggia thinks that being a softball of the best things you can hear,” said that you could face as a softball coach. “After working as an assistant for coach at BCC is rewarding. Zaggia. “You can’t control the weather or a few years, I decided it was time for “After spending months of Zaggia wants to take whatever she the outcome of games, don’t always me to look at available head coaching recruiting girls to play, wracking my has learned from BCC and use it at agree with the umpires and have to positions, which is how I found the brain to determine who plays what another school, but right now she feels practice indoors on occasion,” said opening here at BCC,” said Zaggia. position and what drills will work best happy where she is. Zaggia. However she is optimistic Starting in 2013, Zaggia started her with the girls I have, once the season “As a softball coach there are many about the season this year. BCC Baseball Season Ends Strong

BCC Baseball team. // bergenccbulldogs.com

PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editor Steven Mimms, who has been head Every team is known to be a rival, out 10 batters in seven innings. Christian Garcia was able to pitch a coach of Bergen baseball for six years, but at the college level, players always Kelvin Cruz was driven home with complete game shut down by making has new goals for the athletes this aim for the teams that win the region a double while Mikal Trice had the six strikeouts during five innings. season. previously. game winning hit. The sixth game was against “Our goals and philosophies Mimms also wants to make sure In the third game, which was with Mohawk Valley Community College stay the same. Each player is treated that the team always has fun. The Montgomery County College, BCC and the game was closed out by Trey differently because we have thirty coaching staff always brings different won 6-0. Jonathan Cepeda tripled Fracassini with 1.2 inning pitched. different players, which means different plans to practice, so the guys are always and Isaiah Acosta doubled during this Sean Kelly and Martin Lucibello were needs, talents and personalities. We go prepared and ready to win the game. game. the two players who played offense and by E.A.T. (Effort, Attitude, Teamwork). During spring break. the BCC Jeremie Torres, who is a freshman, had two hits each. Our goal is to win the region every baseball team traveled to Myrtle was able to throw a complete game BCC lost the last game by a score year,” said Mimms. Beach, South Carolina and played shutdown and in seven innings, and he of 8-5 against Adirondack Community The team is currently ranked fifth seven games. Out of the seven games, struck out eleven batters. College. Overall, the team performed in the country, but the goal is to end as BCC won six of them. In three of the The fourth game which was against at high standards during their spring number one. games, BCC scored more than ten runs. Onondaga Community College, BCC break games. Every year, the goal is to look back The first game was against won 12-2. Jonathan Cepeda, Gabriel Currently, the Bulldogs are ranked at areas that need improvement from Quinsigamond, where BCC won 13-1. Tosado and Kelvin Cruz were able to in fourth place in the top ten community the previous year. Sophomores Jose Sierra, Joey Mitchell, score twice during this game. colleges and have a record of 11-3. The “We wanted to have more depth Dylan Habeeb, Mikal Trice and Alex During the first inning Gabriel team has shown many talents over the in all positions because of our long Sica were able to make home runs and Tosado tripled to lead the team to nine course of the season and many players season, improve our team culture and collect hits. runs and Evan Geisler was able to go have been considered as top player such chemistry and make sure we take the During the second game, which deep for his first career collegiate home as Mikal Trice, who was the player of time to develop every position to bring was against Adirondack Community run. the week on April 1st. a very competitive attitude every day,” College, BCC won 1-0. Aryed Garcia, The fifth game was against said Mimms. who is a freshmen, was able to strike Massasoit Community College. 24 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 7 | APRIL/MAY 2018 The Torch

BCC Women’sSPORTS Basketball Team Makes It To Final Four PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editor In March, Bergen Community four. Before the tournament games, the College’s Women’s Basketball team team watched a film and then analyzed made it into the final four. This year, what type of defense and offense was the season was considered a success, going to work best against their style of the team finished 21-8 in the regular play. season. There were a few new plays that BCC was able to beat the number were created and the team worked on two team, Brookdale Community different defenses. College, twice during the regular “I did not schedule more practices season. because the gym had to be shared “This was a major accomplishment with softball, men’s basketball and since I have never beaten them in wrestling,” said Green. my nine years of coaching here,” This season, five of the seven said Tracy Green, coach of the BCC players in the team were sophomores, women’s basketball team. so it is considered that next year’s team In the second round of the 2018 will look different. Anira Calamia and Region XIX Women’s Basketball Allison Bryan were known to be the Tournament, BCC was able to defeat two solid freshmen on the team. Middlesex Community College when “I am looking forward to recruit the team won by a large margin of 80- some new players for next year to fill 52. out the roster,” said Green. This allowed BCC to play in the The regular season record was 21- Region XIX Final Four that began with Victoria Lipari // bergenccbulldogs.com 9, and BCC completed 22-9 overall. the semi-final game against Rowan “This is the best record I have College at Gloucester County. had in my nine seasons of coaching at said Green. fearless through the lane. The leading In the semi-finals of the Region 19 defender of this year’s season was Bergen,”said Green. tournament to the number one team, Cherie Smedile from Saddle Brook Coach Green is also going to miss was known to be the leading scorer by Grace D’Annibale. Rowan College at Gloucester, BCC “We always had Grace play the the young ladies who are leaving this lost. scoring 21 points per game. She also season because she has spent five became the all-time leading scorer at other team’s leading scorer, and she did “Since we only had seven players, a great job shutting them down,” said months and six days a week together. it was important to be in good shape. BCC with 1,222 points. “This was a special group, which Rose D’Annibale was able to hold Green Several of these ladies had to run for The team was also getting trained included my twin nieces, Grace and the full forty minutes of the game,” the all important position of point Rose D’Annibale,” said Green. guard, dishing out assists and has felt to reach the final stages of the final BCC Track Students Making it to Nationals PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editpor This spring semester, there were Czujko. many Bergen Community College The expectations that Czujko track students who qualified for the wanted to have toward the nationals nationals and participate in the Ramapo was to have at least one or two All Invitational. Americans, for the Women’s team to At the beginning of the season, place in the top five that included three many of the distance runners had the girls who were qualifying so far. The most potential. decathletes were also included in the “I saw that because the runners just top five. The Men’s track team was came off of cross country and did very placed in the Top 10. well there,” said Erika Czujko, track During the running events, the top coach of BCC. runner was Justine Conca for multi- Due to the weather, it was difficult distance events. Conca had a score of for Coach Czujko to see potential for 5000 and was in the Steeplechase. the other athletes. The athletes and the Thrower, Elizabeth Vargas and coach did not go outside until the first Jamie Cooper were both in the Javelin, week of March, which was before their and Jumper, Allison Bryan was in multi first meet. jumping events. “Everyone has potential, you just Bryan was known to be talented in have to work to find out what event fits Triple Jumps. Also, Roland Gamez and them the best,” said Czujko. Kacper Wrobel were in the Decathlon. At each meet during this season, Gamez was qualified for High Jumps almost everyone has improved their and Long Jumps. times, distances, and height from the There were about two more first meet to the third meet. Czujko did meets that were left and five people not want to pick out a top runner in the were seconds and inches away from team because even though track is a qualifying in their events. team sport, there is more emphasis on Czujko loved coming to the track individual improvement in the sport. and seeing the athletes that want to People also seem to forget that be there and better themselves. She track is not just about running, there are wanted them to have an amazing time also other events involved. at BCC, like Czujko did when she was The BCC track team was known to there. be a respectful team since they didn’t Allison Bryan. // bergenccbulldogs.com “I can help the athletes get into put other teams down and Czujko a four year school because they did always saw that her athletes were trying we can give our rivals a good ‘run, Czujko were there to help the team have fun at Bergen and I did my job to help other teams with little things. throw or jump’ for their money,” said achieve and it was the their job to push as a coach. They also know they can “We also make do with what we Czujko. the team to a higher goal. always come back and see me and help have unlike other schools that have Czujko did not set any goals for the “If they make it to nationals, that’s give tips to athletes of that season. GO a full program, we are still trying to athletes to make it to the nationals; the a plus for us and if they don’t there is BERGEN BULLDOGS!” said Czujko. build ours. So as long as we don’t come athletes set their goals themselves. no shame; they pushed themselves in last and my athletes push themselves, The assistant coach and Coach and completed personal goals,” said JOIN THE TORCH Meetings every Tues., 12:30 p.m., SC-111C-D