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More Than Just Money Allocations and Activities: Senate Polices their Own Page 4
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Whats The Word On Flappy Bird? .................................................................3 BY OLIVIA HoDGE STAFF WRITER Are You Ready For Graduation? ......................................................................3 BY PAUL ChUhVoV STAFF WRITER Students Get Leadership Training from HCCs Newest Club ........................4 BY A LYXANDRA IRIZARRY STAFF WRITER More Than Just Money Allocations and Activities: Senate Polices their Own....................................................................................4 BY EMMA TEcUN EDIToR-AT-LARGE Webster Bank Arena Aids HCC .......................................................................5 BY NEIL K NoX OpINIoNs EDIToR New Society Takes HCC By Storm ...................................................................5 BY JAY LEDERMAN Get Healthier One Step at a Time ....................................................................6 BY SEkINAh ERskINE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Feeling Stressed? ...............................................................................................6 BY STEVEN EsZENYI STAFF WRITER More to this City than Meets the Eye ...............................................................7 BY MoNIcA MEDINA STAFF WRITER That Awkward Moment .....................................................................................7 BY ShERLY MoNTEs M ANAGING EDIToR The Truth About Alternative High Schools .....................................................8 BY AshLEY TEARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Foodies for Thought ...........................................................................................8 BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER Is Orwells Big Brother Here To Stay Or Is This Just A Visit? .....................9 BY NEIL K NoX OpINIoNs EDIToR Having a Learning Disability ...........................................................................9 BY LINDsEY BALDAssARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Dont Call Me Skinny ......................................................................................10 BY AshLEY SEEToo EDIToR-AT-LARGE The Importance of Public Radio .....................................................................10 BY BRENNA McINTYRE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Why Hate Writing? ..........................................................................................11 BY NIcoLE LAZARIUk SENIoR STAFF WRITER Professional Conduct and Childish Behavior ................................................11 BY D.C. WEIDENFELLER EDIToR-IN-ChIEF POP! Warhol and Others at Housatonic ........................................................12 BY SARAh SpRINGER STAFF WRITER Frank Striano: Student & Sports Savvy Entrepreneur ....................................................................................................13 BY A LYXANDRA IRIZARRY STAFF WRITER Becoming an Adult ..........................................................................................13 BY SARAh SpRINGER STAFF WRITER College Before College .....................................................................................14 BY LINDsEY BALDAssARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER My Darkest Year ..............................................................................................14 BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER Dont Fake Your Way to a Career ...................................................................15 BY NIcoLE LAZARIUk SENIoR STAFF WRITER The Impact of Stereotypes ..............................................................................15 BY BRENNA McINTYRE SENIoR STAFF WRITER New Home, New Life, New Discoveries ..........................................................16 BY AshLEY SEEToo SENIoR STAFF WRITER Finding the Balance with Pilates .....................................................................16 BY SEkINAh ERskINE SENIoR STAFF WRITER Wearing My Stripes .........................................................................................17 BY AshLEY TEARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER
A New Feature For Students Coming To Horizons .....................................18 BY HoRIZoNs STAFF DownTime with Senator Chris Murphy ......................................................18 BY HoRIZoNs STAFF Friendships Created In College, Lasting A Lifetime ..................................19 BY: DANNYY A LAMo STUDENT SUbMIssIoN
Horizons Staff
Editor-in-Chief David Weidenfeller Advisor Prof. Steve Mark Managing Editor Sherly Montes Editors-at-Large Emma Tecun, Nicole Lazariuk, Ashley Seeto Opinions Editor Neil Knox Online and Social Media Editor Lindsey Baldasarre Staff Writers Paul Chuvov, Steven Eszenyi, Olivia Hodge, Alyxandra Irizarry, Monica Medina, Leslie Pizzagalli, Sarah Springer, Desiree Swendsen Senior Staff Writers Sekinah Erskine, Franklin Jusino, Brenna McIntyre, Stacy Shippee, Ashley Teare Contributing Writers Jay Lederman Art and Design Directors Vanessa Morales, Carolina Trinidad Design Advisor Prof. Andy Pinto Front Cover Design Carolina Trinidad
HORIZONS News
eve all heard of the annoying bird who stars in one of the most addictive games out there: Flappy Bird. He (or she) is the bird who drove us crazy, the bird who drove us insane, the bird who is now permanently removed from the android market and app stores. In an interview with Forbes, Doug Nguyen, creator of the game, says, Flappy Bird was designed to play in a few minutes when you are relaxed. But it happened to become an addictive product. In case you didnt know, Flappy Bird is a quite intense game where you have to manage to keep a round bird in the air
her. Im glad its off the market now. So why exactly did this game get taken off the market? In a tweet made by Nguyen on February 4, 2014, he states: Press people are overrating the success of my games. It was something I never want[ed]. Please give me peace. This addictive game came out in May 2013, became popular in January of 2014, and was removed from the market in early February of this year. The game has become so popular, that people have gone as far as creating and downloading knock-off versions of it. Guess its safe to say that Nguyen paved the way! Bye-bye, Flappy Bird.
t HCC, the theme Destination: Graduation does not happen automatically. Each student must have completed 60 credits and met the specific requirements in their chosen field. To graduate, a student must submit a Graduation Application accompanied with a Graduation Evaluation in their last semester. For the Spring 2014 semester, the specific deadline date is March 28. Usually students also get an email reminder from the registrars office. It would be best to file the application before the deadline. However, even if you are not graduating the Graduation Evaluation is a great tool for students to use, as it indicates which courses have been satisfied and which remain to be taken. Dr. Mary Clark is the Director of Academic Advising. The Graduation Evaluation is a tool that students can use to keep them on track to meet the graduation requirements in their major field of study. Using this tool can help students to graduate on time and not take any coursework that is not required for graduation, Clark said. Cathy Migliazza, a theatre major in the Stagecraft class, expects to graduate at the end of the Spring 2014 semester. I already submitted my Graduation Application during the Fall 2013 semester last December she said. My advisor is Professor Geoff
Registrar yet but the filing of the forms she thought is really easy, even though she does not actually remember doing the Graduation Evaluation form.
to look at what the student has done toward a goal and what is not done will stand out, he said. I tell students to meet with me early
HORIZONS News
Students looking to gain leadership training in a hands on setting need not look any further but the HCC campus. This spring 2014 semester has brought with it, the first ever HCC chapter of The National Society for Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi. According to The Societys webpage, there are over 350,000 members nationwide, making HCC one of 415 colleges across the country to offer students a way to hone their leadership skills through The Society. Nearly 400 students received invitations in the mail, recognizing their academic success by asking them to join the HCC chapter, which requires a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher. Once students made their $85 registration payment, they were one step closer to induction to the society, which would allow them access
More Than Just Money Allocations and Activities: Senate Polices their Own
of Rotunno to which HCC Security Officer Robert Gonzalez has tended to. According to the Hopes letter, Rotunno had been throwing water bottles, cursing, and was then invited to leave the student activities office and not attend the senate meeting. It was noted that this was not the first time this kind of behavior was seen from Rotunno. The letter continued to explain that this kind of behavior was abuse of the vice president position and cause for removal from the senate because it is intolerable, and not reflecting favorably on the senate. After the letter was read, Student Senate President Claudia Maldonado asked Rotunno if he had anything to add. I have nothing to say, he responded. The floor was then open to questions and comments. Members of the senate questioned if they had the power to remove Rotunno from the senate that very day. Many questions were asked regarding how the senate would move forward. Hope responded by explaining that the senate has the power to vote on all of the terms and conditions which would determine the outcome. Stephanie Battaglia, former HCC student and former student senate treasurer, who was observing the meeting along with about eitght other spectators then said, The recommendation of sources outside of senate, is just that. Battaglia went on to challenge the letter and the authority it held within the senate. It is at the discretion of the senate to raise the motion, or not and move on to the next discussion, she added. According to the standards of the Student Senate, the motion to remove any member from a senate position has to be raised by a senator. Hope is the advisor to the senate and is not able to raise a motion herself. When asked by the senate if he would like to stay for the remaining two months of his time in office, Rottuno responded, Yes, I wouldnt want to leave here without the job done; I dont want to be a disappointment. Battaglia began to speak up again in favor of Rotunno and stood up and began to become emotional when speaking of the times she has faced being a student. She mentioned she knew Rotunno personally and she understands him to be a passionate person. Dave Weidenfeller, editor-in-chief of Housatonics Horizons newspaper, added to the discussion by simply stating the idea of being accountable for your actions and recognizing mistakes we all make. We all have problems and nobody is perfect, but something Ive learned from my past is taking responsibility for our actions, he said. The final statement made on this topic addressed the need for a committee of standards, which would then give Rotunno a formal hearing and a final consensus of his status as a student senator. The final resolution to this matter will be made on March 27, the first meeting after spring break. The meeting also covered topics such as President Glinieckis statement of retirement. September 4 is the date set to be her last day as president. Michael Binck, senator, reported to the senate that he had attended the meeting of the College Senate in which it was announced that a number of new courses will be introduced in the coming semesters such as a paramedic course, Independent Study in Biology, Arabic, and Ethics. The senate then went on to vote on allocating money to the Criminal Justice Club for a trip to the 9/11 Memorial. And $1,150 to the Arts Club for a trip to visit New York City. The meeting then concluded with Officer Gonzalez explaining the shelter in place drill. (Additional contributions to this article were made by D.C. Weidenfeller.)
here hasnt been one in at least three years and possibly much longer than then that since the Housatonic Community College Student Senate convened a standards committee, a formal hearing concerning the conduct of its own. In a formal statement, Kelly Hope, Acting Director of Student Activities and Advisor to the Senate, said, Ive only been at HCC for 3 years. I can say since coming to HCC and working as the Assistant Director of Student Activities, I noticed that concerns with Student Senators were kind of overlooked or brushed off. So, I guess the answer would be yes, this is the first time the Student Senate has had to address a concern not related to food, transportation or fundraising. On Thursday March 6, Housatonics Student Senate held their weekly meeting where they discussed the possibility of the impeachment of the current Vice-President, Kenneth Rotunno Jr., due to his behavior the week before, which was unbecoming of a member of student senate. This is your first opportunity to do more than allocate funds, said Hope. She went on to read a letter she had sent to Dean of Students Avis Hendrickson and College President Anita T. Gliniecki, which explained the belligerent behavior
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Harold R. McAlindon
HORIZONS News
ome assignments required at HCC require students to reach out to the local community for assistance. Recently I found myself stuck for a solution to an assignment given in my Basic News Writing class. It required that members of the class find an event to cover and report on within the subscription radius of the Connecticut Post, not an easy task to perform in the late winter months. The coverage I had scheduled cancelled at the last minute, and I was left scratching my head with the guess Im taking this one on the chin blues. A brainstorm appeared off the Sunday morning horizon while reading that mornings issue of the Post. I saw that an event was taking place that day at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. That bell in my head that only goes off from time to time sounded, and out of sheer desperation, I took a chance. I searched and found the email address of the Public Relations people at the arena and fired off a quick S.O.S. (Thats short for Student Out of Solutions.) Dear Sir, would it be possible to make an accommodation to a Journalism Major from Housatonic Community College for Press Credentials in order to cover todays hockey game? Signing off, I figured what the hey, nothing ventured nothing gained, right:? Much to my surprise within 45 minutes I was told my credentials would be waiting for me at the media gate and access to the press box would be granted as well as post game locker room interviews if needed. Thats all I had to hear. Dressing in record time, I was out the door and on my way. Arriving a little before game time with my new credentials in hand, I was shown to the press box and took care of business. Standing there in the locker room after the game Im almost ashamed to say I was like a kid alone in a candy store. Assignment notes in hand and all the requirements met, I started to wonder how
watching the Knicks and Rangers. However, I cant get into those places anymore. The cost of attending professional sporting events for any of the above mentioned teams is much too extravagant for not only my blood, but I am quite sure for many other people as well. his is where the Webster Bank Arena offers local families and others to take in a pro sporting event for a fraction of the cost of going into NYC to see a game. The ticket prices are reasonable for this day and age. Concession prices are also fair, but the thing that stood out the most was the family atmosphere at the rink that
We may not sell out every game, he said. It depends on the teams record, but this is the crowd we get and the one we strive for. Were big on family events during the game. Everyone seems to have a good time. Parents feel their children are safe here. Local businesses know what kind of crowd we draw, we offer them great rates to advertise on our big board and enable them to sponsor contests. It works out for all parties. Mascots and midget hockey teams run all over the ice during intermission, while arena workers skate around shooting team t-shirts out of airguns high up into the
BY JAY LEDERMAN
There is a secret society at Housatonic Community College, its members meet after class under the cover of darkness dedicating many long hours and weekends to achieving their goals, all while packed inside of the Beacon Hall Event Center by the hundreds; their intellectual outlook on education and unique perspective towards problem-solving are just some of the reasons why members of the National Society of Leadership and Success are casting long shadows these days all so that they may become the future leaders of tomorrow. The society is going to take HCC by storm, and nobody even knows who we are yet, said Acting Director of Student
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
John Maxwell
f youre like most college students, youre probably always on the go and never enough time or money to make healthy eating habits a top priority. Its a lot easier to grab food on the go, than to prepare a healthy meal at home. Eating out is no longer a treat like it used to be, and for many people it has become a way of life. But, if youre really ready to give up relying on fast food, and want foods that are quick and easy to prepare, there are lots
Picture of the Dash Juicer and fruits & veggies Courtesy of Sekinah Erskine
of ways to cut back on eating out and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Making the decision to eat healthier foods is definitely worth it. Eating healthy has many major benefits, said health care professional DeShanon Jack, an LPN. She states that people should avoid eating fast foods as much as possible. Start out buying fruits and vegetables and leaving the skin on, Jack said. She adds that bananas, apples, and pears have fiber and
Money and the lack of knowledge seem to be two major contributors. A lot of people cant afford to purchase healthier foods. Eating a well-balanced diet of fruits and veggies, especially organically grown, tends to be more expensive. There are people who dont eat healthy because they never learned about the differences between eating foods high in nutrients versus those with high concentrations of saturated fats and sugars. A lot of
foods give a temporary fix. Then you crash and go back to being hungry. Hungry students cant concentrate. And when you cant concentrate, your school work suffers. Its a lifestyle change. It wont happen overnight. Eating healthier, means limiting your dairy, meat, and fat intake, but it doesnt mean you have to deprive yourself of tasty foods. The key is to pace yourself and set realistic goals that you can accomplish. Incorporate different food choices one day at a time to see what works for you. Grabbing fresh produce at places like your local Farmers Market or Trader Joes can prove to be cost effective. And invest in some vegetable wash, so that you can remove pesticide and waxy residue from your fruits and veggies before you eat them. And instead of eating a hamburger, try a turkey burger or be brave and opt for a veggie burger. If you dont like eating vegetables and fruits, drink them in a liquid form. A great way to pack all your daily veggies and fruits into one sitting is to invest in a great juicer like the Dash Juicer. It will turn your whole fruits and veggies into juice within 5 minutes. Add some honey or agave nectar to sweeten and make your own version of the popular Naked Juice right at home. Websites like ChooseMyPlate.gov and recipefinder.nal.usda.gov, offer some great recipes on healthy and inexpensive ways to prepare your foods. So remember instead of grabbing your favorite Girl Scout Cookie, you might want to substitute that craving with the natural sugar found in fresh strawberries and pineapples. And eating bright green vegetables like kale, swiss chard, broccoli, and foods rich in antioxidants like cranberries and blueberries can help fight fatigue and serious illnesses. Small changes equal big results, Jack said.
BY STEVEN EsZENYI STAFF WRITER hances are, you arent the only one. It can be tough trying to balance school with work and your social life. Hours of homework on top of classes can be tiresome. This is the hardest part of being a student. Some students, including myself, can be stressed out by all the work. Does everyone feel stress the same way? What is the most stressful part of being in college? How do some people deal with the stress? Chris Santorelli, a student at HCC, says he doesnt let the stress of being in school bother him at all. It is easier to manage stress here than it was in high school, he said. On the flipside, some students are affected by stress to a greater degree. Chiemeka Ogbenta and Melissa Tarantino are two of these people. They both admitted to being easily stressed out by school.
Feeling Stressed?
I feel it when I dont understand certain things, Ogbenta said. But less so when I study and comprehend what I am learning. Tarantino, on the other hand, feels it a bit differently. Homework stresses me out, she said. Many other students feel that way as well because the amount of homework can be quite a bit at times. There are hours and hours of constant work. Add in the usual social obligations, allow for the normal procrastination and before you know it, trouble follows. It isnt much fun. It can be tough. Before it becomes a problem for you try to find out how others deal with stress? Learning how to deal with it is vital. Stress will always be there in the future, whether it be from a job or a relationship or even children,should you choose to have them. Some of the other tips that students have for dealing with stress are relatively easy ones. Tarantino has found one solution. I like to work out to relieve my stress after a long night of homework. I go to the gym and do some running on a treadmill or hop on one of the bikes, she said. I like to play video games and do things that calm me down, Ogbenta said Both agreed that relaxation is a way to get rid of their stress. Relaxing is one of the best ways to get back to feeling like yourself after a tough day of classes or homework. Next time you feel stressed, just remember that you arent alone. Some of these ideas might relax you but if they dont, do something that does, youll feel much better about yourself. If you dont believe some of your classmates, maybe some professionals will convince you. Joseph Goldberg, MD says keep a positive attitude, rather than defaulting to negatives. Always staying positive is, well, positive, he said. He also suggests to do things that you enjoy. If you like to play video games or exercise, be sure to do those things next time you feel stressed. If none of these seem to work for you, Goldberg also says seek out social support. Dont be afraid to talk to someone. It can be a friend, family member, that guy standing in front of you next time youre waiting for a drink at Starbucks, or anybody you feel say enough to talk with. You will have to deal with stress at some point in life, but learning to find ways to cope with it is important.. Any of these ways can help you relieve it try not to wait. Be sure to make it a priority.
living out his dream; to own a coffee shop. The cafe has been in business for two months. With its intimate decor and the aroma of cinnamon, the atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing. Even if you arent a coffee drinker, J. Galt Cafe has free wifi and wants their customers to know that the staff encourages people to come in and relax, be it a lunch break from the hectic downtown life or just a place to sit and browse the web. With their foot in the Arcade door already, J. Galt Cafe plan to introduce a customer loyalty program, giving discounts and coupons to their avid coffee lovers. The cafes hours are 8 a.m to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and 8 a.m to 5 p.m on Saturdays. Sometimes they may decide to close early, however Joel Gonzalez, Manager and co-owner, said, Say youre walking in at 6 (p.m) and Im closing up the shop, Ill stay open and let you come in. The only downside, due to mall hours, the cafe cannot be open on Sundays despite Gonzalezs desire to have the shop open on the weekend and for longer hours. Joe Malfettone, customer, coffee lover and soon to be marketing manager, explains that with his love for coffee J. Galt Cafe puts all chain coffee shops to shame. You can really taste the coffee here. I went to Starbucks afterwards and their coffee tastes burnt in comparison. However, Gonzalez explains that it is difficult to keep businesses going in the Arcade considering the location. It isnt directly on the street and with little advertising. Only foot traffic through the Arcade know we are here, he said. Yet Malfettone says that once he joins the J. Galt team he plans to target the online market and test out the companies brand to really get the word out about this hidden coffee gem. With word slowly trending through the media circuits of Instagram and Facebook,
the food and coffee selection looks to bring an impressive new aspect to local eateries in the downtown area. J. Galt Cafes main brand of coffee is Counter Culture, based out of Durham, NC. They purchase and promote exotic beans from Africa, Colombia, Ecuador, etc. Gonzalez points out that Counter Culture buys their beans from small farms to help with their local business and give their customers a new experience and taste. Brewing the beans
isnt consistent just yet, the images alone leave a viewer to wonder what other crazy and delicious combinations the chef on duty will have in store for future patrons. Unlike the mass chains of Dunkin Donuts, located conveniently across the street from the campus, a brief five-minute walk down Broad Street to the Arcade can provide students with a choice of gourmet coffees from around the world, specializing in cappuccinos and lattes. As for the
View of the cafe and sitting area Photo taken by Monica Medina
fresh gives the customer a chance to really taste the oils and skin content meant to be in coffee said Malfettone. Aside from the delicious, fresh brewed coffee, J. Galt cafe is still working out a food menu, showing photos of chicken and waffles, bacon bits and salted caramel glazed donuts, and mini mac and cheese empanadas. Although the food selection
non-caffeine addicts, J. Galt Cafe swears they have the best hot chocolate in the area. If the smells of fresh brews do not entice the taste buds enough by itself, the employees and comforting atmosphere, along with the historical setting of the Arcade could perhaps peek enough interest to stop in and take a look at what Bridgeport once was and now is trying to become.
BY ShERLY MoNTEs MANAGING EDIToR You know that moment when you like someone as more than a friend, and you dont want to ruin the friendship? What about when you decide to take a chance and confess your undying love for that person, and they dont return the feelings? Talk about awkward. It suddenly feels like the walls have come crashing down around you and youre completely exposed; youve been emotionally stripped down to nothing, and worse, you did it to yourself. Its the worst feeling to find out he doesnt like you back, especially when you allow yourself to get really excited thinking he does, said HCC student Tichina Pemberton, reflecting on an experience she had. I know first hand from experience that sometimes telling someone how you feel can really mess things up, especially if the other person has
Tips for getting through being rejected by the person you like:
Do your best to keep from making the situation even more awkward. Take as much or as little time as you need to heal emotionally. Focus your time and energy on other activities; dont just mope around. Realize your own worth and dont let your self-esteem hit the floor. Remember that you want to be with someone who is as crazy about you as you are about them.
HORIZONS Opinions
of transitioning back to their district school. Sanjee Pauling is a former C.E.S. student who did just that. She is proud to say the program worked to raise her GPA, deal with home issues, and focus on self-improvement. Pauling said the atmosphere allowed her to feel comfortable and free from judgment, which helped her thrive and leave C.E.S better equipped to flourish in a traditional classroom setting. I was able to handle frustration better. Thats something I got out of C.E.S. I stopped getting so angry and started to respond to difficult situations, rather than react, she said. Pauling said these are skills she is now able to apply both in her everyday life, and in her pursuit of higher education. She is currently on track to graduate from Housatonic with a degree in theatre this coming spring. In a public message on the schools website, Dan French, Ph.D., director of the TDP at C.E.S. said he is always thrilled to see students leave much happier and more capable than when they arrived and many of these children also leave their mark on us. I know my work here has had a profoundly positive impact on my life and I am fortunate to be part of such an extraordinary experience. In an alternative school, teachers and staff become more like friends. At C.E.S., students were treated as equals. There was a mutual respect that fostered healthy relationships and a sense of community. Students were welcomed with an environment
in which they felt safe and accepted; this not only encouraged them to ask for help or share their thoughts, but often opened the door to good-natured banter and laughs shared by students and staff alike. That was the best part about our school, said Magdalena Lewandowska, a C.E.S. graduate currently training to become a police officer. I felt like I could trust my teachers. In regular school, I had a lot of personal things going on and no one seemed to understand. Lewandowska said she felt relieved when she was placed in alternative school because she was able to address the issues she was facing, which she said immediately changed her attitude and her grades. She believes the career path shes pursuing is an opportunity to make a difference in others lives in a similar way. C.E.S. provided students with opportunities that far exceeded what was available to me in my district school. Besides perks like class bowling trips every other Thursday and my own personal bus to school in the morning, C.E.S. gave students a chance to gain work experience. Students in good academic standing were allowed to work in the main buildings campus caf, Muffins and More, or were provided with transportation to work at Macys once a week. These were a privilege that supplied incentive to excel in academics, established a sense of responsibility and work ethic, but also aided students finding jobs after school. I was fortunate enough to be able to
volunteer at a state-funded day care for underprivileged children on Tuesdays, experience that helped me get a job at Trumbull Loves Children after school, and inspired me to continue working with kids as a summer counselor at Camp Teepee. Working with youths who sometimes faced more obstacles than those of us at C.E.S. reinforced the value of having good teachers; it was cathartic for many of us, and helped students gain an appreciation and respect for the guidance we received from staff at our own school. While my former peers and I have had positive experiences with alternative schooling, it is important to note that the high success rate of Cooperative Educational Services is not just an anomaly. An article titled Alternative Schools: The State of the Art featured in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Developments journal, Educational Leadership, compiled evidence from multiple studies over a period of years. These studies worked to conclude that alternative education facilities can serve as models for any school that seeks innovative change. Alternative schools pioneered practices like creating a strong community, directing students to work toward a common goal, and uniquely tailored learning approaches; not only would they serve well as a guide to public school reform, but expanding these principles to educational facilities across the board would allow all students to reap the benefits afforded by an alternative education.
BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER foodie is the type of person who will be the first in line to Burger town that seats patrons upside down so they can better taste the two-day-old cow meat. But are they just annoying hipsters or do they add value to the world? Compared to food critics or gourmets who represent elitism, foodies are hip, trendy equals. Foodies try to represent the best of both worlds. A discerning palate with a sense of whats happening. This enjoyment of food however doesnt always mean warm fuzzy feelings. People who hold a hobby to such high standards can come off as snobbish and distant to others. While they want to enjoy the tannins of a
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HORIZONS Opinions
Ive heard it said that if you want a really new idea, read an old book. After reading 1984 by George Orwell once again during this past holiday break, I couldnt help but think about some of the stark similarities between his creation and life today, right here in the good ole U.S.of A. Orwells characters lived in a constant fear, fear of each other, fear of the government, and fear of expressing their thoughts, at least in front of anyone else. Nationalism combined with suspicion of each other ruled the day. It is a nightmarish vision of a dystopian world where lies are truth, peace means war, and free thinking is viewed as a crime by the Thought Police. In this world each member of society is under constant surveillance, things like love, sex, personal emotion are viewed as abnormal behavior, the only religion allowed to be practiced is the open worship of Big Brother, and virtually everything a person does is to be done for the betterment of the State. In this world, individualism, creativity and any form of self expression are virtually extinct. The only Big Brother you may have heard of was a reality television show but, the actual term along with the concept of people living under constant surveillance belongs to Orwell. His novel became one of the more influential books of the twentieth century. It was also, at one time required reading for all high school students. It became apparent to me recently that this is no longer the case and, I cant help but wonder why, might there be more to it than just revision of the national reading curriculum? Much of the terminology used in the book has found its way into our current vernacular. Words and terms such as Newspeak, which often times is used to characterize political rhetoric. Thought Police has been used to refer to Internet tracking, interception of email and messaging services, Google would be a prime example as they seem to be everywhere monitoring our travels throughout the web. The Ministry of Truth is a satirical reference to various news organizations presenting the news with their own particular political stance attached to it and has also been used
are changing, and not for the better. Granted, many of Orwells darkest visions pertaining to life in a post war world havent manifested themselves fully, nonetheless there are too many similarities coming to the fore. The easiest of his scenarios to recognize was this condition of unending warfare, the so called war against terror, instituted by a creation of our own CIA, Al-Qaeda, the boogeyman hellbent on destroying the American way of life. Also easily recognizable is the culture of fear that has virtually engulfed this country since the attacks of 9/11, fostered by a fear mongering press, enabled by the cable news networks, and heightened by various talking heads on radio talk shows. And who could forget those daily threat assessments made by the networks retired military experts that ratcheted up the fear level
I ride that train that I dont think about the possibility of something happening. On the train itself, inside Grand Central Station, it doesnt matter where, the fear is always somewhere on my mind. I hear discussions about the threats by others on the train all the time, its replaced normal everyday kind of talk between people Harold Kelly, who has worked in Grand Central Station for over 40 years, also sees the change. This station is an armed camp, National Guardsmen walking around with M-16s, bomb sniffing dogs, plain clothes marshalls are all over this place. I mean its 13 years later, when can we go back to normal, he said recently. These are just two small examples of how things are changing for the worse. Moving across the country by plane has become an exercise is illegal search
aving a learning disability can be hard at times, but it doesnt mean that its impossible to get through. I have a learning disability. I have had good experiences, but I have also had bad experiences. I have had teachers and other people tell me that I wasnt supposed to make it in life. Some people are willing to help, but others are just like it`s not my problem. People believe that having a learning disability means that you cant make it in life. People may also think that the only job that they can get is at McDonalds. It`s all wrong. I am living proof that you can be successful in life. When I was at another community college, a teacher didn`t want to go with the accommodations. She told me if I was too stupid in the class, then I shouldnt be there. That is hard to hear from anyone. Having a disability isnt something that a
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HORIZONS Opinions
BY AshLEY SEEToo EDIToR-AT-LARGE kinny, anorexic, frail, boney These are, among many other words, adjectives that have been used to describe small people. Out of all these words, not one of them is acceptable. Why is it that smaller people can be criticized for their weight without any repercussions, but its the end of the world if bigger people get criticized for theirs? Any kind of judgement or name-calling can affect, and potentially harm a person no matter what their body-type. I found an interesting image on tumblr the other day. It was a picture of a rather skinny girl and captioned, I think a lot of overweight girls are hypocrites. Im naturally small and skinny, I eat what I want, I dont starve myself and I am beautiful. So why are you allowed to love your curves but its wrong for me to love my bones? Why is it okay for you to call me anorexic, but horrible for me to call you fat? If you can tell me to gain weight why cant I tell you to lose weight? If you can feel beautiful for being big, I can be beautiful for being small. People think that being called skinny is a compliment and a good thing. They
ith news, music, interviews, and a dedicated staff, WPKN is a local public radio station that has been servicing our community for the past 50 years and strives to deliver diversity as well as break the conventions of
mainstream radio. The PKN aspect of their name stands for Purple Knights Network to commemorate the sports team of the University of Bridgeport, where WPKN records their shows. WPKN has a large and dedicated listenership. However, most people in the 18-24 age demographic do not regularly listen to any public radio, and
discussing the impending repairs on the international space station and another time it could be icelandic rock music. We truly are, in the broadest sense of the word, like wildly, extravagantly, eclectic. says Steve DiContanzo, the general manager of WPKN. Some songs youll like, some songs you wont like, but every
HORIZONS Opinions
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BY NIcoLE LAZARIUk SENIoR STAFF WRITER ave you ever been up at three in the morning freaked out because you had a paper due? I have, and I still love to write.Writing is fun and can be less stressful even if youve always felt it wasnt for you. Even people who love writing find it difficult, especially that first draft. All rough drafts are pretty much just that, rough. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Donald Murray wrote, The draft never equals the dream. This is true for me writing this article right now. It will never be as good as I want it to be. Patricia Beers, who tutors in the HCC Writing Center, says a lot of students seem to think that writing should come naturally. Yet Writing is a skill like any other, students think they have to be good right away...it will come with practice, she says. Procrastinating can make writing a nightmare. Ive procrastinated enough to know that youll just end up crying into your keyboard when the paper is due, so dont put off starting. Karyn Smith, English professor and the new HCC Writing Center coordinator advises students to not fall into the trap of stalling. Just get those first words on the page as quickly as possible, it can be shaped later, she likens it to putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Dont let not knowing what to write
good about how things were going, and even happy about my commitment to attend the next three student senate meetings, not just to look good, but because yes Horizons should have a reporter attending more consistently. Yet as I left and coincidentally was introduced to the two members of the executive board, including Vice President Kenny Rotunno, I could feel the tension. Rotunno had a rough sandpaper like feel to his body language and his words were not much softer: Yeah, I know whats going on here . I dont like it! What left an even more sour taste in my mouth is that speaking to senators before the actual meeting there were nothing but positive vibes as we spoke freely. Even in the meeting there was not tension and we all learned a little thing or two. Wouldnt it be sad for growth to be stunted by the actions of one bad apple? I ended up having a second meeting with Hope, concerning conduct issues with Rotunno and was informed that it was indeed his behavior on before the senate meeting that caused him to be absent. I was breifed about the situation and because of my own concerns was informed about what her course of action would be; a letter stating the incident which occured that day in question along with an explination of history. I was grateful that my concerns were taken seriously and that there is a sense of pride and responsibility among the faculty and student body. It is a learning experience said Hope when reading the letter
to the senate, and the elected leaders took the matter very seriously. I can only hope that students will consider taking part in the senate because there is much more to it then just talking about money and it is struggling as is. So the million-dollar question is when dealing with a broad spectrum of age groups when is enough is enough and when will people start being held accountable for their actions? Are we not accountable or responsible for our own actions? And to what standard do we hold our student officers? Is it any different than the rest of the student body or is it higher or below what we would consider acceptable conduct? Here is another question for you my fellow student. When you are approached by one of the FEW students seeking a position, why do you sign your name on the deal-making dotted line? It is after all your signature. Are they the best possible candidate with those qualities that signify a well-rounded adjusted and selfless leaderor is it just another scratch mark of achievement on their resume? Will they conduct themselves as trusted representatives of us the students of HCC, or it is a secret popularity contest? Will they take the responsibility, seriously take the additional time, aside from their academic responsibilities, to learn the by-laws and the constitution of the school, enabling them to work with the clubs and departments of the institution without fear of that nasty juvenile
behavior we all should have left behind in high school? Now before I go any further I feel I should state the obvious, that I know nobody is perfect. And I know for a fact that I do not want to write about a student officer throwing chairs and water bottles, during an argument with a faculty member, but it happened. We should really examine what qualities we want in our leaders; in the people we are putting forth to make the tough decisions that affect our school. I feel that it is not my place to suggest what these qualities are. Do you want a tough guy, or somebody with a hot head? Do you want somebody who is having a hard time with personal issues, which may affect how they conduct themselves or how they make decisions? It has always been my belief that government officials be it Federal, State, City and even student work for the people they govern. They should conduct themselves with dignity and pride with the ability to control themselves. Personal time is personal time; work time is work time. Lastly I would like to ensure that this opinion does not reflect a disdain for Mr. Rotunno or his character and in no way is meant to impugn that character, I just feel that it is important that students be aware of exactly how important conduct can be and how important being a part of the student senate is. They do work hard and they are under pressure, but that does not excuse them from accountability.
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the preoccupation with its negative effects on interpersonal relationships and the increasing dependence on mass production. Rosenblum points out that the themes of popular culture and mass communication are still relevant today. The Internet continues [to] change our perception of the interconnectivity among people and the ways in which people depend on technology to mediate their experiences. While the paintings chosen all highlight these themes, one of Rosenblums favorites is John Wesleys Dream of Unicorns from 1965, in which a pin-up in a bikini floats alongside three rhinoceroses, enclosed by a border. She explained that this print illustrates the surrealistic elements of Pop Art, as well as the movements more humorous aspects. The Housatonic Museum of Art is free and open to the public seven days a week. More information can be found on their website, www.HousatonicMuseum.org.
HORIZONS Profiles
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ousatonic business major Frank Striano, 26, had a rough start in life, but as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Striano grew up close to his father, as his mother passed when he was just 7 years old. I dont really remember her, I remember she smoked Newports, he recalled. Three years later and very much like the fairy tales, Striano wound up with a wicked stepmother. She was just evil. She favored her kids over me, she would lock the kitchen after certain hoursshe would literally put a lock around the pantry doors so you couldnt open it, he said. After two and a half years and a runaway
BY SARAh SpRINGER STAFF WRITER ot quite ready to grow up herself, Johnna Vereb, 20, is eager to finish her studies in Early Childhood Education at Housatonic. I feel like I can connect with kids, Vereb says. And Im almost their height, too! I hope I never have adult conversations again; I feel like kids are easier to talk to. I can teach them something. Her attendance at the college was planned prior to her graduation from Bunnell High School in 2012. It was the most cost-effective option, and was
Becoming an Adult
heavily encouraged by her family. She looks forward to transferring to Southern Connecticut State University after her core courses are completed. Now in her last semester, shes most nervous about her workload, but it is also the additional step into adulthood that worries her. Theres a lot to do, so getting it all done in time, calling schools, setting up appointments being an adult, she says, shrugging. In her spare time, what little she has left after five courses and twenty observation hours, Vereb enjoys working on her novel. Shes been toiling over it for seven years, and its currently over 600 pages. She hesitates when questioned about it. Its not really a murder mystery. Its more of alife mystery, she says. Vereb also spends a lot of her time reading, focusing on a wide array of subjects her only preference is that it challenges her to think. She explains that reading something of her own choosing relaxes her, and she learns from it. I feel like I have a different not insight. I feel like I have a different mindset. Im very knowledgeable; I know all these facts about random things, Vereb says. Like the fact that the famous Mona Lisa actually has eyebrows. Still, like many in these challenging times, Vereb is afraid of having to decide between a lack of success and a lack of happiness. She feels that she is faced with the prospect of having a steady job that makes her miserable or a wonderful job that leaves her poor. With everything the way it is now, she says, looking down at the table and fiddling with a straw wrapper. I think Ill probably have to compromise.
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BY LINDsEY BALDAssARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER was scared to death when I went to college orientation. I didnt know what to expect. I was expecting to at least get a tour of the campus and, maybe go over some of the staff members just like high school. Nope, they were telling us how college is going to be a totally different experience from high school. They explained that no one was going to hold your hand and make sure that your homework was done or that you were going to class. The teachers didnt care if we went to class because they would still get paid at the end of the week. The entire staff treated us as if we already had been in college. But, of course, we still needed our parents signature as we were all under aged students. They let us choose any class we wanted. We had to take the placement test just in case we wanted to take Math or English. For my first college class, I chose philosophy. I wasn`t just in college. I was also still in high school taking AP and honors classes. My teacher was actually really nice, but to me, it was weird because I thought that college professors were going to be mean and nasty to the students. I got that
BY FRANkLIN JUsINo JR SENIoR STAFF WRITER he year 2008 was my darkest year. It was the year I tried to kill myself. I wasnt happy. Looking back now I hadnt been happy for awhile. I was starting over, entering college. And I made a bad decision over a girl. Id try to kill myself again a couple of other times. Obviously I wasnt successful, but for a whole year the feeling clung to me. I was scared of washing knifes. I drank, a lot. I smoked cigarettes and marijuana often. Food tasted bland. Colors seemed duller. I was seeing a psychiatrist, but it didnt help. How are you supposed just lay everything out to someone you didnt know? I felt distant from everyone. The psychiatrist didnt help. She told me that I couldnt blow off steam to friends; that they were getting tired of it. That they had said this to her. I was shocked. I felt even more that I had to keep everything in. so I did. After that I shut down to her, told her things like
My Darkest Year
I was feeling better and that I could maybe cut back on meetings when inside I felt already dead. I was staying up till 5 a.m. every other night. I can count the number of times I slept in my own room. I spent most of that semester sleeping on a buddys floor. I stopped going to my psychiatrist. She was nice but it didnt gel for me. So I let myself spiral more. My grades dropped hard because I couldnt motivate myself enough to go to class. The first thing you learn to do when youre in that situation is to smile. Nobody likes to be around a mopey person. After awhile the smiles became sort of real. I was getting sort of tired of people avoiding me and trying to make me feel better. One day I was eating lunch and the girl who had saved my life and who I had considered my friend said, This is why you dont have any friends. There was still that hollow feeling, but life started getting a bit better. I kept up all of my terrible habits. Some nights the razor would look so much better than trudging on. I remember one day I woke up early enough to catch breakfast, or what the school passed off as breakfast, and just sat in the cafeteria all day, just trying to find people to talk to. I eventually got to a point where I didnt feel so worthless, but I wasnt good, not really. I slid back a couple of times. It was almost never as bad as that first night. A single thin line on my leg or foot instead of my arm. No, I wouldnt ever get caught doing it again. If I killed myself I killed myself, but I would never let anyone find out until it was too late. I wrote a suicide note or two. Writing the notes always convinced me not to follow through. The notes would tell me I had too much to live for. If one good thing came out of the whole ordeal it was that I discovered I kind of had a talent for writing. Yay, I guess. That sort of thing sticks with you. Even now five years later, its difficult to think about. Ive come to grips that it happened and that I did it, but it feels like a different person, almost like a bad dream. Time heals all wounds, is true, but it doesnt mean it happens fast. Its long process from going to thinking youre better off dead to feeling like your life is worth it. But slowly and surely I built myself back up. I started going to the gym. I wrote a lot. But the damage was done. I failed out of my first college. That single night flipped my whole life around. But it didnt have to. I made poor decisions. I let myself think I could handle it alone. I was too proud to ask for help. I was in denial that I had even tried to do it for a while. But those were my mistakes. And they dont have to be yours. Please if you feel like I felt, if you even think you feel that way, call someone.
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found myself in my first art class terrified of being discovered as a fake. I watched in awe on as the girl across from me laid out her many tools, charcoal pencils, erasers and rulers from her see- through art supply box. I was not aware that I needed any of those things. She was prepared and confident, and all I could think was how did I get here? I was lost. On the second day of drawing class we were instructed to sketch the side of the Housatonic building. We were supposed to focus on its hard lines. I really could have used a ruler. I was sitting in the courtyard and it was a beautiful sunny day. The professor quietly walked up on me casting his shadow on my poorly drawn picture. I had been folding a piece of scrap paper into a makeshift ruler and thinking, am I supposed to be able to draw these lines freehand? The hairs on the back of my neck started to dance and he said, Interesting and walked off. His tone was that of intense disinterest. If the biggest reaction my talent was going to stir from a man being paid to help inspire and encourage me was interesting, maybe graphic design wasnt for me.
rom a young age I knew I was different. I didnt know why or how, but deep down I knew I was different from my peers. This suspicion of mine was substantiated with my difficulty in making friends and being accepted by my classmates. I was around seventeen when I began to realize my difference, but it wasnt until I was nineteen and a half that I actually told someone for the first time. I am gay. Many people think that sexual orientation is a black and white issue. That it is something that you always know and you are either 100 percent straight or 100 percent gay. While some people are sure of their orientation from a young age, I was not so lucky. Society tells us that gay people act a certain way. One example that comes to mind is an episode of Family Guy called Brian Sings and Swings which premiered when I was in sixth grade. In the episode the character Meg decides that she is gay. Immediately after she cuts her hair into a short, manly style and dresses in a cut-off plaid shirt. She encompassed just a few of the stereotypes associated with gay women. Media says that all lesbians are butch, man-hating feminists who only wear oversized flannel shirts and love cats. However, I am not like that at all. I have
Leadership is not the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women. It is a process ordinary people use when they are bringing forth the best from themselves and others. When the leader in everyone is liberated extraordinary things happen.
JAMES M. KOUZES & BARRY Z. POSNER, ThE LEADERshIp ChALLENGE
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received for almost two years, she figured it would be best for me to get out of my house and distance myself from my mother. At that time, I was too young to realize how my connection between my mom was not healthy anymore. Shrugging it off, I told my grandmother that I was okay for now. Then one day, a horrible incident occurred and left me completely broken. On Halloween night 2010, when I was sixteen years old, my mother caught me sneaking out of my house to spend some time with my friends. At around 5:30 a.m., I received a call from my mom while I was at a friends house. I instantly knew she saw that I wasnt home and immediately told my friend that I had to go back home. I returned home to an enraged mother who already had some of my clothes packed up. She kicked me out, and I spent a week and a half living at my friend Ryans house. This was a situation that was too over the top and finally gave me the push I needed to make a decision to move out. I graduated in the spring of 2011 when I was seventeen. My whole graduation experience was kind of skewed because all I could think about was making the huge move out of my home to live in Florida with my grandparents. A few weeks of packing went by and the day finally came where I had to get on the plane that would take me someplace new. The goodbyes between me and my mom were bittersweet because neither one of us could believe it was actually happening. The moment I turned away from my mom
was a moment I will never forget. As I landed in Tampa National Airport, and stepped foot off the plane, I knew my life was going to be different. My grandparents greeted me with huge hugs and smiles. Seeing them comforted me in some way because they were there to take care of me and try to make my life better than what it was. The warm Florida air welcomed me, but exposed me to a different style of living. The people down south were beautiful. They were tan, light, and full of energy. Some were adventurous, and some were beach potatoes. Although I only made a few friends at school, they made me feel accepted and like I belonged there. I worked at a small family owned restaurant, and finally bought my own car. Its safe to say my life was looking up. However, I couldnt get the thought of my mom out of my head. No matter how bright the Florida sun shined or how warm and comfortable the weather was, I still felt saddened about my relationship with her. I missed my friends from home, my boyfriend, and the security of consistency. Living in Florida was like living an unpredictable life. Only living there for a year, I didnt built a routine that I felt comfortable with yet. Stores were different, school life was different, home life was different. Almost everything was different around me. It soon came to a point where I found myself. One day, around sunset, I took a walk around the complex of my grandparents house. I sat there for a good
two hours, just letting myself think about my mom. No interruptions, no distractions. Looking out at the lake, it finally dawned on me. Why should I fight for justification when I wont get it? Why does my mom flip out on me for the smallest things? Why should I get blamed for things I dont even do? All of these fights and brawls I get into with my mom is because of me. She reprimands me for the things Ive done wrong. Ive hurt her in ways I never ever thought of, and I needed to apologize. Moving to Florida made me realize how much I really love my mom. I know that sounds cliche, but I actually went through it. After I found my guilt and forgave myself for it, I wanted to go back to Connecticut and apologize for everything Ive done wrong to her. When I approached my grandparents and told them what happened to me, they understood why I wanted to go back home and they were proud of me for growing up. A few months later when I was done with my semester at school, I took the trip back home. Forgiving myself, and forgiving my mom really helped our relationship grow. Putting distance between us gave me the time to actually think about the problems. Of course we still have our spats, but our connection as mother and daughter is greater than ever, and can easily erase the negative space between us. Dont be afraid to create distance between you and a loved one. Distance can heal the heart and make you stronger in the end.
have always been the type of person who is constantly busy. Even during the moments when I have free time, I still tend to find something to keep me occupied. Most of my days are filled with countless obligations. Every second, minute, and hour is usually dedicated to someone or something else outside of myself. From dawn until dusk I am inundated with an infinite list of things to do. My life is dictated and monitored by time constraints, meetings, deadlines and a cell phone that wont stop ringing. Certainly it has been hard at times to find the balance and give my body its proper rest. About a year ago (and sometimes even now), I was completely overwhelmed with the stress of my life as a single mom, college student and working adult. My migraines had flared up horribly. I could not sleep, was experiencing bouts of anxiety, and my stress level had reached its maximum capacity. I felt like I was about to explode or rather implode at any moment. I knew I had to do something, but I did not want to resort to continuously popping over the counter drugs to relieve my headaches and make me feel better, so I embarked on a journey to find a natural solution to my very real crisis. I wanted and needed to get my life back on
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Horizons is on facebook!
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BY AshLEY TEARE SENIoR STAFF WRITER ew people want to know a girl after catching a first glimpse of white lines running up her arms in the summertime. Or one who ducks her head as she walks, trying desperately to avoid eye contact. A girl whose eyes do an awkward dance, stumbling out of time if, by chance, her pupils do meet those of another. I was always nervous, like a squirrel when he realizes hes been caught clinging to the bird feeder. Hes mastered the art of a swift retreat, scurrying off into the trees, where wandering eyes cannot threaten. Even though he was only caught living, feeding like the others in the kingdom, he feels unwelcome. Hes been shunned and shooed, exiled and banished by the waving handle of a broom too many times. So many that he trusts not one of these creaturesthese humans. Towering with broad shoulders and stern jaw lines, they cant be trusted. No matter how soft their eyes when the skin crinkles in the corner, when they flash a seemingly sincere show of teeth and upward curving lips. Few will start a conversation with a girl who looks up only to see where shes
Wearing My Stripes
walking, so shes never faced with the awful situations her unconscious mind details in depth. Hypotheticals where shed stumble into someone and scatter her belongings. Oh, shed stutter and choke to render the words of an apology, face red and drips of ice water beneath her skin. A girl who turns into a miner after catching a body in her line of sight, digging in her Santa-sized handbag for nothing in particular. It was easier that way, not being noticed, so I spent a lot of time hiding. I spent countless summers under the blazing heat, concealing those shameful scars in long sleeves and cutoffs. On the few occasions I convinced myself no one would notice, that dressing like a nun in mid-July looked just as crazy, I was faced with just how cruel people could be. Hanging out in the local Dunkin Donuts parking lot, I had an older guy, just an acquaintance, but one Id known for a while, grab my arm and stare in disgust before proclaiming, What the fuck is wrong with you? Words fail to express the humiliation that washed over me in that moment; with everyone turning to see the source of commotion, I wanted to melt into the blacktop like the discarded iced coffee Id fixed my eyes on so I wouldnt have to face the stares. In that same parking lot a few years later, Id find myself trying to push some jerk off of my friend, only to have him tell me to go cut myself. So, naturally, I was overjoyed when the opportunity for a free laser scar removal consultation came along. I thought of how Id never have to explain the scars to my future children, how I wouldnt have to panic over future employers seeing them. Id be able to sunbathe at the beach without worry. And as quickly as Id gotten my hopes up, I had them stolen away. I learned what I have are called hypertrophic scars. I was told that they would fade in color over time, but because they were raised, a laser would be of no use to me. I was crushed, but I was conflicted. Part of me was relieved. These scars had been a part of me for so long. I looked at them the same way someone else might look at their hand and see just that, a hand. In a twisted sort of way, I liked them. They told a story, my story. It wasnt that I hated having them, it was that I hated having to hide. I let these scars, evidence of my past, prevent me from fully living in the present. I was endlessly worried that people would look at me and see only the mutilated flesh stretched over my limbs. Scars speak for themselves; no doubt theyd think someone who looks like that must be far more messed up on the inside. Theyd never want to know me. I let that fear keep me from ever letting new people get to know me. Once I came to terms with this fact, that I wasnt some leper unworthy of a normal human existence, I realized that I shouldnt be ashamed of my past experience with self-harm; I should be proud that I can say its something Ive left in the past. Ive since shed my year-round long sleeves. Wearing a tank top and shorts is no longer a foreign concept. While I dont flaunt my scars, I now wear them without shame, and without apology. And you know what? Ive also learned that when I dont act like its a big deal, other people tend to follow suit.
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BY HoRIZoNs STAFF
e at Horizons are offering students an opportunity to utilize a new section of the schools newspaper. There certainly isnt a lack of bulletin boards throughout the campus. However, either they are underutilized or overcrowded. Most times many of the postings are outdated, difficult to understand, and just plain disorganized, leaving you frustrated and unsure. So, beginning immediately and depending on your response, we will begin publishing a new feature, a bulletin board/classified/announcement/lost and found page in each of the three editions we publish during a semester. If youd like to have your ad posted in the new section send us an ad or event notice that students might be interested in, make it as short as possible while including all the pertinent information. If youd like to submit a jpeg image we will do our best to accommodate you. This idea is in the formulation process right now, and depends on student response. It could become a permanent section in this publication. We strive to be your voice on campus and hope you will take advantage of this
opportunity. All items posted in the paper should be related to upcoming events in which students might be interested. Examples include, promotional announcements for an event, books, software,
study groups, tutoring sessions, local festivities or other items for sale. If youve lost something or found an item you can use this space to make other students aware of that fact.
feedback after talking about an education bill that he is creating. Students raised issues such as having more college courses, student debt and job opportunities after graduation.
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any students that attend Housatonic come into their college careers with friends from high school so no one has in their minds that they need to worry about making friends or networking themselves but in college friendships that are formed and can be long lasting and be beneficial for your future. Did you ever think that the people you associate yourself with in your college career could be potential business partners or employers? Have you ever thought about possibly opening a small business with someone youve had more than one class with? Sociology Professor Henry Schissler says the reason that percentage is currently the number and most likely going to rise is because, when students get into an atmosphere that forces them to engage one another and to spend more
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If youd like to have your ad posted in the new Pin it! section just send us the information you want posted with all pertinent data to horizonsbulletinboard@gmail.com.
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If youd like to have your ad posted in the new Pin it! section just send us the information you want posted with all pertinent data to horizonsbulletinboard@gmail.com.
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