RELATIONAL
CAFFEINE A MAGA ZINE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS BY COLLEGE STUDENTS
volume two
California State University Stanislaus California State University Stanislaus
A word from our Editor’s-In-Chief
Photography by Marisa Caratachea
Vanessa Galvan
Sara Ross
Vanessa Galvan
I never start a magazine from the beginning. Starting from the very last page has been a habit of mine for as long as I can remember. Another habit I’ve picked up over the years is writing. Radiating from my love of writing are my passions for reading and editing. For quite some time now, I have held onto my dream of one day becoming the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine. It was nearly two years ago that I spoke with Dr. Vickie Harvey about taking an innovative course dedicated to the creation of a campus magazine. Needless to say, I was thrilled. A year or so later, my excitement dwindled into disappointment as I learned that the class would not be offered when I needed it. As many of you know, however, life has a funny way of working out in the end. Just months before the Fall 2008 semester was supposed to start, Dr. Harvey announced that the magazine class was back on track! In the midst of an unpredictable economy and downfalls in the print publication industry, it has been an honor and a blessing to have the chance to be a part of creating the second issue of Relational Caffeine. This very honor carried with it some initial hesitation and panic as well. After the first meeting, I remember thinking, What in the world did I get myself into? As with most things in life, time passes on and you just learn how to handle things. It’s a beautiful thing when confusion merges into contemplation, which then seems to melt into comprehension. That’s kind of how this
magazine worked. Things were a little hectic in the beginning since most of us had never worked on a magazine before. Soon enough, we established routines and set out on the winding path of magazine production. Pretty soon, we actually got kind of good at it! We molded the articles to fit the mission of the magazine while keeping them infused with each writer’s style. We went through masses of photos and chose the ones that best complemented each piece. Coffee cup in hand, I’d click away on my keyboard and edit article after article. I had the privilege of working with my co-Editor-in-Chief, Sara Ross. Not only did we keep each other up to speed on magazine stuff, we also kept each other company. Sara and I found a connection in the fact that we are both planning our respective weddings. There were many times when a discussion about word count and meeting agendas turned into a lengthy conversation about bridesmaid dresses and centerpieces! Sara has been a major part of my motivation and I can’t imagine going through this experience without her. I have learned more in these past few months about communication than I have in the past four years as a Communication Studies Major. I don’t think there’s any other class I could have taken that would give me the same all-encompassing look at communication. The atmosphere closely resembled that of
RELATIONAL
CAFFEINE Mission Statement Welcome to Relational Caffeine ;
We are an educational based magazine for students. Communication Studies’ students and a few English, Sociology and Liberal Studies majors do all of the researching, writing, reporting, editing, photography, design and layout, and business management for Relational Caffeine. Relational Caffeine strives to be a resource for insight into the communication of personal relationships and issues affecting life as a student today.
Publisher Dr. Vickie Harvey
This Issue:
Co-Editors in Chief Sara Ross Vanessa Galvan Assistant to Editors-in-Chief Katy Escobar Senior Photography Editor Marisa Caratachea Senior Writing Editor Jennifer Lucero Senior Copy Editor Katie R. Kremer Photographers Susan Dawod Melissa Garcia Myles Griffin Reyna Lopez Writers Mesret Aimru Joselyn Davis Marquis Fleming Lindsey Lundquist Nicole MacDowell Rebecca Miller Mostafa Razawi Dianne Stahl Kyle Taylor Copy Editors Susan Dawod Jason Freeman Melissa Garcia Myles Griffin Christine Harms Reyna Lopez Liz Meza Andrew Nelson Jami Shanahan Iveeth Valerio
Features
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Miles apart, closer in heart
30
Got Ink
59 65
Photograph by Marisa Caratachea
Making long distance relationships work Tattoos as body accessories
A woman’s place is in the classroom
Reentry students
Major Dilemma
What to do when you’re undeclared
Relationships and Personal Growth
08 10
Miles Apart, Closer in Heart
12 19
Underdressed & Unimpressed—Photo Essay
I Was Counting on Forever
Relational Caffeine is a student created magazine.
Designed by University Communications and Public Affairs.
Less is Amore 3
14 16
Volunteering for Life Get Caught in the Net
Finances
21 24
26 29
Rating Your Roof Buyer Beware: Shopping for Your First Home
Health
41 43 46 47 48 50 52
The Credit Card Trap Cash in on Your Warrior Card
Sign of the Times
30 32 35 36
Got Ink?—Photo Essay
39 40
Generation X-Box
HPV and U Barack Your World! Pretty in Ink
Cell PhoNATION
Laughter: The Free Prescription The Big C: Do You Know Your Risks? The Freshman 15: Gain Some Perspective Mind Your Body & Soul Cooking Under Pressure Catch Your Zzz’s to Get You’re A’s Energy Doesn’t Come in a Can
University Life
53 54
KCSS-Turn It Up!
56 57 59
Putting Your Diploma to Work
62 65 68 71
Cramming It All In
72 73 75 76
Clubbing Through College
Taking Time with Christine: Editorial Insight Free Stuff: Yours for the Taking A Woman’s Place is in the Classroom Major Dilemma Hot Study Spots Does Your Professor Make the Grade?
Spotlight on Omega Nu Omega Homecoming 2008—Photo Essay We’ve Got Your Back
Editorials
77 78
Inside Scoop: Katie Kremer Publisher’s Corner: Dr. Vickie Harvey
a professional workplace, although it wasn’t all briefcases and pantsuits! Each member of the Senior Editor staff brought something new and creative to the table. Late night meetings and hours poring over articles were a regular occurrence. Whether we were seriously discussing the format of an article or laughing until our stomachs hurt, we put everything we could into this magazine. We know that the students at California State University, Stanislaus are unique, and Sara and I felt they deserved a publication to match. As you flip through the pages of this magazine, my hope is that you’d get the (relational) caffeine boost you need.
Sara Ross
I cannot write this editorial column without first admitting the truth to you all. When I picked my classes for fall 2008, Dr. Harvey’s capstone class was not on my list. I had signed up for another class, but over the summer it was cancelled and as fate would have it, I was put into Dr. Harvey’s class. Before this class, I had never heard of Relational Caffeine, nor did I understand what creating a magazine would entail. But after the first day of class I began to feel like I had been put into the class for a reason. After all, I was a communication major with a journalism minor and I love to write, so what better for me to do than get some experience writing for a magazine? Before Fall started, I told myself that I would take it easy this semester, it was my last so I wanted to relax. Unfortunately, I have this horrible problem where I cannot keep myself from taking on more work, getting involved and enriching my college experience. I guess I can’t keep myself from being an overachiever. Because of this, I decided that I would like to do more than just write for the magazine; I wanted to be Editor in Chief. Fortunately, Dr. Harvey decided to choose Vanessa Galvan and myself to be Co-Editors in Chief of the magazine. I had some experience working on the Yearbook staff of my High School as an editor, so I thought that I knew what I was getting myself into. Boy was I wrong! Clearly there were some similarities in the writing and editing aspects, but there was way more coordination and organization required to run a 5
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We are the
RELATIONAL
1
CAFFEINE Staff Senior Editors Dr. Vickie Harvey, Vanessa Galvan, Marisa Caratachea, Sara Ross, Katie Kremer, Katy Escobar, Jennifer Lucero
Copy Editors 2
3
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Jason Freeman, Katie Kremer, Melissa Garcia, Andrew Nelson, Liz Meza, Susan Dawod, Iveeth Valerio, Jami Shanahan, Christine Harms, Myles Griffin, Not Pictured: Reyna Lopez
Photo Editors Reyna Lopez, Marisa Caratachea, Myles Griffin, Melissa Garcia, Susan Dawod
Writers Front: Rebecca Miller, Jennifer Lucero, Lindsey Lundquist, Mesret Aimru, Back: Joselyn Davis, Kyle Taylor, Nicole MacDowell, Marquis Fleming, Mostafa Razawi Not Pictured: Dianne Stahl
successful magazine than I had ever learned in Yearbook. Besides normal editor tasks, this class provided the opportunity for Vanessa and I to work one on one with Dr. Harvey and help her structure the class. We had weekly meetings together where we would decide what would be done in class that week and what articles should go in the magazine. Oh, and then there was the hundreds of photographs to sort through and match with the right articles. It was fun, but not short of hard work! I am so glad that Dr. Harvey chose Vanessa to be the other Editor in Chief. I had never met Vanessa before this class, but from the moment I met her I knew that we were going to make an awesome team. An awesome team we made indeed! I can honestly say that I could not have made it through this experience without her. I have never met another student that challenges me or inspires me more than Vanessa has. I know that our friendship will last beyond this class. In the end, this class has taught me way more than I would have ever learned in the other capstone class doing original research. In fact, this class has taught me more about what it will be like to work in the real world more than any class I have taken at this University. I know that I will be able to take what I have learned here about time management, maximizing relationships and the execution of tasks straight into the job field. Not only that, but the magazine serves as a physical product of all the work that the staff and I put into this class. It is a showcase of our writing, editing, photography and organizational talents. In addition, the Senior Editors we worked with were invaluable. Vanessa and I could not have gotten this far without their direction and perseverance. We as the senior staff were a lively bunch, and never was there a meeting where we did not end up rolling on the floor laughing. I will always remember the fun times and good food that we shared together. This magazine that you hold in your hands is the result of Vanessa, myself and the whole staff putting our hearts and souls into this project. I hope that you enjoy it and get as much out of reading it, as we did creating it.
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feature story
By Liz Meza You’ve had a horrible day, you failed your math test and you fell down the stairs outside the classroom building in front of everyone. All you want to do is come home to the love of your life, your soul mate, the person who always makes everything better. Most people are able to do that and the immediate comfort usually makes them feel better. Unfortunately, there are a significant percentage of people who are in long distance relationships (LDRs) and do not have that person waiting for them when they come home. The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships estimates there are 4.4 million college students and about 3.5 million married couples in LDRs. If you Photograph by Reyna Lopez
Relationships and Personal Growth
are not lucky enough to find the love of your life in your local grocery store, then there is a possibility that you will find yourself in a LDR. College students usually travel outside of their hometown to attend the college of their dreams and as a consequence, boyfriends and girlfriends usually get left behind. This leads to the large amount of college students in LDRs. Rumor has it that LDRs are no fun and usually they don’t last, but that does not always have to be the case. If you already are in a LDR or because of certain circumstances your relationship has been sepa-
& Collins, a very crucial variable in any relationship is trust, which is needed for any relationship to progress. You need to have faith that your partner has your best interest in mind and will do everything needed to maintain the relationship. For example they should be in love, committed and not seeking alternative partners. This will build intimacy and stability. “Macdonald and Ross found that people with greater optimism about the future of their relationship were less likely to break up.” Leah, a California State University, Stanislaus student who is in a long distance relationship, says trust is key in long distance relationships and not trusting your partner can lead to jealousy. You can become jealous that they get to hang out with their friends and not you, which can also make you feel like you are missing out on experiences with him or her. Researchers found that when talking on the phone it is also important to feel involved in your partner’s life. You can do this by talking about the often mundane, day-to-day activities, adventures, struggles, and
people with greater optimism about the future of their relationship were less likely to break up. rated, there are some challenges that you will have to face and you will need to have determination to conquer.
accomplishments. Telling your partner about the ducks chasing you at school, an exam you aced, or how it took you 30 minutes to find a parking spot again will help the two of you feel more connected.
In a study done by Watson and Clark they argue that one of the most important factors in a LDR is the negative affectivity (NA) of individuals. They define (NA) as (a) dispositional pessimism about the future, (b) low self-esteem, and (c) the tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. If you are one of the people who has high NA, there is a possibility that you are not suited for a LDR. Most people think that LDRs cannot last, yet that belief is not entirely truthful. Watson and Clark also conducted studies comparing LDRs to geographically close couples and found the relationships end at the same rates. Therefore distance should not be a factor when starting or maintaining a relationship.
Communication is essential in relationships, but is even more important in long distance relationships since you do not have the privilege of seeing your loved one every day. Diane F. Haddad of Revolution Health Group states to you can maintain intimacy by calling, emailing, text-messaging, writing letters, and surprising your partner with care packages. Leah said she would text during the day and always talked on the phone before going to sleep. When problems arise in a LDR, explaining how you feel is very important. Since the other person cannot read your body language cues, they rely solely on what you say, therefore you need to be precise with how you verbally present your ideas and concerns. Leah says the first step is to let your partner know there is a problem and tell them exactly how you feel, be clear. When you finally get to see each other, you might be tempted to avoid arguments in order to solely enjoy your time together. However, this is not healthy because if you do not resolve the issues you have, they will only build up over time. Leah says she would avoid arguments when she saw her boyfriend in person, but then that would only lead to arguments over the phone and in return make her not want to talk on the phone at all. Therefore in order to get the most out of your LDR phone conversations, addressing major issues in person is a wise idea.
According to a study by Murray, Holmes,
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Haddad of Revolution Heath Group claims that loneliness is a common by-product of longdistance relationships. Not having that one person you want around the most is a very difficult situation to deal with all alone. Just because your loved one is not close does not mean that you should stop socializing; you need to have a life. Restart an old hobby or start a new one. Get involved in the community, do social, civic, and spiritual activities, take a
The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships states, that although LDRs are very difficult and challenging, they are not drastically different from geographically close relationships. You are not required to go through a set amount of steps; just make sure to do whatever works for your unique relationship. Research has indicated that being involved in an enduring romantic relationship is beneficial for both physiological
You are not required to go through a set amount of steps; just make sure to do whatever works for your unique relationship. class, volunteer. You can join one of the wonderful sororities/ fraternities at California State University, Stanislaus. You can also get involved with ASI, go study abroad, or join intramural sports. Some benefits Leah found from her long distance relationship were that she had fewer distractions and was able to focus on her homework. She was also able to spend more time with her friends and not neglect those relationships. This can happen when your significant other lives in the same town and all you want to do is spend time with them instead of your friends.
health and psychological well-being. So go out there and find your Mr. Right or Ms. Right and if they happen to live far away, take this information into consideration and you can make the choice as to whether distance is stronger than love.
Relationships and Personal Growth
I Was Counting on Forever… By Jami Shanahan “Baby why’d you leave me, why’d you have to go, I was counting on forever…” are lyrics from a popular Carrie Underwood song that speak all too true to those that are suffering from a broken heart. While this song’s lyrics are speak mainly of death, its meaning also resonates as a heart wrenching melody for people who have lost a loved one to a faulty relationship. Hearing those earth shattering words—from your love—that they want to end your relationship can feel like a knife in the heart, instantly taking all rhyme or reason from your mind leaving you feeling helpless and alone. Many times we are unprepared for these overwhelming feelings and in the midst of all of this we ask ourselves, “How do I begin again?”
For additional readings on this topic, visit your local book store and search for these books: It’s Called a Breakup ‘cause It’s Broken by Greg Behrendt and Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt How to Survive the Loss of Love by Peter McWilliams, Harold H. Bloomfield, and Melba Colgrove It’s Not Me It’s You by Anna Jane Grossman and Flint Wainess Extreme Breakup Recovery by Jeanette Castelli
Anticipate your emotions and accept that those feelings are “normal,” after-all, you are dealing with the loss of a loved one. According to the University Counseling Center at Villanova, the following are common emotional reactions to the failure of a romantic relationship: Denial It may be very difficult to accept that the relationship is over. It is painful to experience a loved and trusted partner seemingly care so little about your relationship and your feelings.
Jealousy – You may experience jealousy or panic about your partner potentially being with someone else. Confusion – Life may feel strange or incomplete without your partner. You may question who you are, and the meaning of life without your significant other.
nection with these people will open your eyes to your life before your relationship and help you to remember how much fun it was. Revisiting the activities that you once enjoyed, before your ex, will help you feel like you again—ultimately giving you, your independence back.
Everything is going to remind you of your ex. Every song, every movie, everything! It is normal to want to share day to day things with your ex-partner; this is a habit you’ve Grief and Despair It is typical to feel sad Emotional reactions to a split come easy, but developed over the course of your relationship and we all know habits are hard to and lonely; likewise, it is okay to cry. You dealing with them is difficult; nevertheless, break. When you feel this urge to share may also feel an overwhelming urge to healing a broken heart isn’t impossible. something with your ex, write it down contact your ex. Think about the grand scheme of things; instead, that way you can get the thought Fear It can be frightening and difficult to consider that your past relationship was off your chest or, tell yourself that you will imagine life without your significant other. only a part of your life. From this moment call them tomorrow—usually by the next day You may be afraid that you will never find forward your ex-partner is a memory and the moment of weakness has passed—besides, keep it that way; resist the urge to contact love or feel happy again. we all know that tomorrow never comes. them in any way. There is something to be Anger Another common emotional Never underestimate the power of exercise; said to the old saying, “out of sight, out of response is feeling angry towards your ex force yourself to go for walks or to the gym. for initiating the breakup and causing you mind.” Helen Zielinski Landon, Ph.D and Working out will release stress and allow contributor to Psychology Today states that pain. “How could they do this to you?” your mind to think clearly, ultimately once you’ve broken up, make it a clean Self-blame and Guilt You may obsess curbing depression. However, if months break. You are wounded, so let it heal. over what you could have done to cause have passed and your emotions haven’t Try surrounding yourself with others. Now the breakup, and you may attempt to changed you may be experiencing a is the time to call on your close friends to “bargain” with your ex-partner to give the temporary case of clinical depression. In see you through this difficult time. Reconrelationship another chance. which case, do not hesitate to contact your Relief – You may feel some intense relief from negative feelings associated with the relationship that resulted from fighting, insecurity, or boredom.
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doctor, school health center*, or counselor** for help. Courtesy of Dr. Landon, here are some symptoms to look out for: change in sleeping habits, weight changes, helpless or hopeless thoughts, thoughts of harming yourself, and lack of interest in once enjoyable activities. Four-hundred and ten undergraduates—at a large southeastern university—took part in a confidential survey about “college student recovery from a broken heart.” Researchers concluded that time and a new partner were most helpful in getting over a breakup. Meaning, as with any life changing event, it’s going to take a while for you to feel normal again, and that’s perfectly okay.
Remember you are a valuable, strong person who has a bright future ahead of you! Despite this dark cloud that has drifted over your life, the silver lining is that you are now one step closer to meeting the person you are supposed to be with.
*California State University, Stanislaus Health Center (209) 667-3396 **To schedule an appointment with a psychological counselor, visit the Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Building, Room 210 or call (209) 667-3381.
UnderDRessed and UnimpressEd By Melissa Garcia and Reyna Lopez
All photos by: Melissa Garcia and Reyna Lopez
Relationships and Personal Growth
Dressing in the professional world is a lot different than dressing for class. It is crucial to know what is too much and too little when dressing for an interview. How sad would it be if you didn’t get the job because of poor fashion choices?
Employers are looking for people who have the “whole package”, so give it to them and you’ll be closer to mastering that interview! Cash and Stewart authors of a book on professional interviewing offer five common mistakes that men and women make when they dress for an interview:
Women: 1) Too much or inappropriate jewelry 2) Too much or too little make-up; overpowering perfume 3) Scuffed or inappropriate shoes 4) Clothing inappropriate for the workplace 5) Ill-fitting clothing
Men: 1) Dirty and wrinkled clothes that do not fit properly 2) Shirts that are too tight at the collar and around the waist 3) Dirty hands, nails, or hair 4) Dirty, scuffed shoes that do not match the outfit 5) Wrong style clothing for body shape According to collegegrad.com, most college students make these common mistakes because of mixing college wear with interview wear. “Remember that stylish is typically not conservative. Conservative is ‘in’ for interviewing. Why? Because your clothes should be mirroring your intellectuality.” Your clothing should make a bold statement: When do I start?
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Volunteering for Life By Jason Freeman
The old saying that “there are some things that money can’t buy,” is a timeless phrase that carries with it an abundance of relevance into the lives of college students at California State University, Stanislaus. There are various ways you can experience what you’ll expect to find in your chosen career, before actually graduating and getting a job. You might complete an internship, research your prospective career on the Internet, or meet with people already in your desired field. Though all these choices will supply you with tidbits of information, they will fail to give you the full effect. Participating in a profession through volunteering is an ideal way to find out if you’d like to head in that direction after graduation. Equally important is that volunteer work will provide you with invaluable emotional benefits.
and the Service Learning Department has opportunities for up to 2,000 students to help in different capacities regionally.
There are close to 158 undergraduate and graduate courses that offer a service learning component. Some of the disciplines included are: Accounting, Public Administration, Geography, Communication Studies, Liberal Studies, Teacher Education and Theatre. Service learning students lend a hand in things such as: assisting low-income community members with their taxes, working at mobile clinics to provide free medical services to people without insurance, and aiding the homeless. These real-life Getting on-the-job “dress rehearsals” is a tremendous fringe benefit experiences offer students a chance to apply classroom knowledge and develop professional, spiritual, and leadership skills, that can that comes from volunteering. Here on campus we have the Office be valuable to a future career. You can go to the California State of Service Learning, which coordinates student learning through University Stanislaus website and click on Service Learning in the an educational approach. Student’s various course concentrations directory for more volunteering opportunities. For information on are directly connected to planned community service projects. nonacademically based volunteering opportunities, you can They can also guide you to regular- non academic based volunteersearch the web, or contact your local United Way. ing opportunities with various community agencies. Brett Forray, from the Office of Service Learning passionately states, “Students Some students, such as senior Reyna Lopez, have extra time outside are transformed professionally by going through our program and of school life and understand the value of giving back to their applying themselves in a real world setting.” He further points out community. As Reyna puts it, “I tutor 2nd Grade students who are that the demand in our community for volunteers is very strong having difficulty in school, and it makes me happy to see them
Relationships and Personal Growth
A FEW BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERING: (Adopted from the United Way- www.liveunited.org)
Academic
Personal
Community Oriented
Try new careers out
Improves mental & physical health
Make difference in someone’s life
Enhance your resume
Meet new people
Show ambition & care to community
Gain practical work experience
Feel needed & valued
Foster a sense of social responsibility
Create valuable networking contacts
Build self esteem and confidence
Connecting academics to social issues
improve and move on to the next grade.” Others might have an interest in a certain cause, or decide to volunteer as a requirement for a course or graduation. Like helium in a hot air balloon, your zest for life can be uplifted by the amount of time you spend helping others. A good attitude is an inevitable by-product of volunteering! This can initiate more gumption for succeeding in college that can translate to better grades. In other words, you could use volunteering as your much needed “energy drink” between classes, and it doesn’t cost a dime. As Forray sees it “people gain self satisfaction by helping those in need.” Regardless of your reasons for choosing to volunteer, you will find that it gives you back much more than expected!
there. Find one that grabs your heart and gives you the passion to donate your time to a worthy cause. Whether it’s through service learning or on your own, try to make space in your life for some kind of volunteer work. In the big picture, it only takes a small fraction of your time to make an enormous difference in someone else’s life. You will truly make a positive difference in the community as well. These lessons of compassion are not often taught in schools and can propel a college student into becoming a responsible adult. In talking about what it means to volunteer, Laura Reeves, who is the Chief Talent Officer for the American Cancer Society, states, “It is a unique opportunity to put your special talents to work for the good of others.”
Regardless of your reasons for choosing to volunteer, you will find that it gives you back much more than expected!
There are certainly many other benefits to volunteering besides those listed. You may find a particular one is more rewarding to your life than another. A recent article in Educational Leadership notes that students will typically steer towards social issues they have the most emotional connection to. One example could be the student who’s tired of playing Guitar Hero in their dorm all day and wants to make a difference in someone’s life. They may have lost a relative to cancer and decide to donate their time to the American Cancer Society, which has a vast array of volunteering opportunities. One of their events held in many communities is the annual Relay for Life, which is a walk that raises money through pledges for cancer research. There are many volunteer agencies out
The key to all this is that through volunteer work you have the ability to achieve more than one goal at a time. It’s kind of like getting a B-I-N-G-O, horizontally and diagonally at the same time. From one number, you end up not only making a difference in your own life, but someone else’s as well. There is no such job with a paycheck equaling the value of these intangible benefits. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EXCITING VOLUNTEERING OPTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: The Office of Service Learning- located on campus in the John Stuart Rogers Faculty Development Center-Building # 30- Phone: (209) 667-3311
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Get Caught in the Net
By Nicole MacDowell
Did you know that there is something that can turn typical college activities into something more, possibly a potential job upon graduation. It’s called networking and networking through college is essential for any student who plans on graduating and entering the workforce. For all of the socializing that college students do, networking is just a few steps above and beyond that. Not only can networking help you throughout college, it can help you after graduation. Katherine Hansen, Ph.D., author of “Networking Timetable for College Students” is the creative director and associate publisher of Quintessential Careers. Below is a list of items she recommends you do from day one of your freshman year through your senior year in college. Freshman year is the year to begin networking. Get to know your professors, especially your academic advisor. By introducing yourself to your professors
and your academic advisor, the likelihood of you standing out and them remembering you is high. You may need to ask them for a letter of recommendation in the future so this will only help them remember who you are and why you are special. In addition to getting to know your professors, you need to get to know your fellow students. This is something that will come naturally throughout the course of your college career. However, you should take this one step further. Get to know your classmates by asking questions; find out about their families, their parents’ occupations and be sure to share the same information with them. This can provide information that you may be able to use after graduation. Another way to make connections with fellow students is to be active in organizations and take part in activities that occur on campus. Now is the time to think about joining a fraternity
Relationships and Personal Growth
inquire about your career goals or sorority. California State University, Stanislaus boasts 93 with professionals who are clubs and organizations that are already in your field. You may want to interview your profesavailable to students, which sors or contact them for names of include political, religious and people that you can connect with. cultural organizations. There are many benefits to being Your sophomore year is also the involved in the clubs, some of year that you should be thinking which include friendships, mentors about doing an internship based and character development. in your field of study. This will only help you add to your Consider the following during networking contact list. The your freshman year: summer between your sopho • Identify professors who would more year and junior year is be willing to write you an outstanding letter of recommen- ideal for this. dation for a scholarship, internship, study abroad or other campus related activity. With which professors might you want to develop a relationship with? • Identify all the organizations, clubs and activities in which you participate in on your campus. If you do not belong to any, identify some that you could join.
During your sophomore year, you should be narrowing down your career goals to something specific. Now is the time to
If you already know what you’re going to do with your life after college, consider joining a student chapter of a professional organization. This will enable you to communicate with other students who will be in your field. Consider the following during your sophomore year: • Identify your main career goals. • Identify informational interviews you can conduct now to gain insight into your chosen career.
• Identify any student chapters of professional organizations you could join or are a member of.
continue to keep in touch with your professors. Your professors may not be in your specific field, but they may be able to put you in contact with someone who is. Therefore, it would benefit you greatly if you stood out above your fellow students so you could get a good recommendation.
Junior year is the year you should be taking the most advantage of. Now is the time to start serious networking. Make sure you have a well-developed resume. If you’re not sure, you could visit our Career Center. A networking card may also Not only do they have a handout assist you. This card contains for resume tips, but they also your personal information, have someone there to help you including your name and with your resume. Because you contact information. Be sure to never know when you will be introduce yourself to any guest asked for a resume, it is best to speakers that you have in your
that are in the area that you are interested in living. Make sure that you meet with your academic advisor early in your senior year to discuss your career goals. At this meeting, ask your advisor for suggestions on whom to contact. Part of networking is being able to keep the connections that you have made, so continue to keep in touch with your professors, students and any guest speakers that you have connected with or encountered. This can help you when you are ready to job search.
Make sure you have a well-developed resume. If you’re not sure, you could visit our Career Center. Not only do they have a handout for resume tips, but they also have someone there to help you with your resume. have one ready. You should also create a list of potential networking contacts from all aspects of your life. Think: friends, family, and professors. Anyone you can think of who may be able to point you in the right direction. Keep this list handy and add to it as you continue your education. In addition to your networking contacts list, make a list of companies that you would like to work for. There is a chance your networking contacts list and the list of companies you would like to work be linked in some way. Someone from your list may work at one of the companies you’re interested in or know someone who does. During this time, you should
classes and give them your networking card if you have created one. Consider the following during your junior year: • Is your resume ready to be given to potential contacts right now? • Brainstorm a list of potential networking contacts. Consider companies, contacts who work for those companies, classmates, colleagues, friends of friends, guest speakers, professors, employers, etc. • How would you design your networking card?
As you are going into your senior year, decide on where you want to live after graduation. Narrow your list down of potential employers to those
Consider the following during your senior year: • What events can you attend that would be good for networking? • Are you willing to relocate? If not, are there careers where you now reside? Identify those companies who are your dream companies. • To which professional organizations do you belong or can you join? • Have you had a serious conversation with a mentor or career advisor about your career? If not, schedule one at the beginning of your senior year.
By following this year-by-year networking guide, not only will you be on the right track after graduation, but you likely will have made a lasting impression on potential employers. 17
Reality Check Quiz
taken from Getting From College to Career by Lindsey Pollak
When you’re graduating and just starting out in the workforce (LIKE NOW), it may seem that everyone is getting a job faster than you are or no one is moving back home to live with their parents. Well, it’s time for a reality check. The truth is that over a million people graduate from college each year, so I promise that whatever your situation, lots and lots of other people are right there with you. Take this quick quiz to learn the real stats about college graduates and the job market.
Relationships and Personal Growth
1. How long does it take the average college graduate to get a job? [A] Less than 3 months [B] 3 to 9 months [C] Over a year Answer: B. According to Money and other sources, it generally takes several months to find your first job. Be prepared NOT to find a position overnight. More recently, according to jobweb.com, the job market for the Class of 2009 is starting to shrink as employers react to the recent events on Wall Street and in the financial sector by slowing their hiring pace.
2. What percentage of college graduates move back home from graduation? [A] 17% [B] 32% [C] 48% Answer: C. A 2006 Monster TRAK survey reported that almost half of college graduates will move back home. It’s perfectly okay and normal to move back in with your parent(s) for awhile to save money and get your feet wet professionally.
3. How long do most recent college graduates plan to stay in their first jobs?
Less is Amore
[A] 3 to 6 months [B] 2 years [C] At least 5 years
By Jason Freeman
Answer: B. Monster TRAK’s survey also reported that 60% of 2006 college graduates said they planned to stay in their first jobs for two years or less. If you’re in an average American college graduate, it’s highly unlikely that your first employer will be your last. While it’s commendable to look for an employer you’ll want to remain with for a long time, it’s okay to make a decision based on where you want to be for the next few years.
4 How much more money over a lifetime does a college graduate make than a high school graduate? [A] 25% more [B] 50% more [C] 75% more Answer: C. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over a typical, forty-year working lifetime, the average college graduate earns about 75% more. This can equal about $1 million or more. THE DEGREE IS DEFINITELY WORTH IT!!!
5 About how many jobs will the average person have in their lifetime? [A] 5 to 7 [B] 12 to 15 [C] 20 to 25 Answer: B. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker currently holds ten different jobs before age forty and this number is projected to grow. Forrester Research predicts that today’s youngest workers – YOU – will hold 12 to 15 jobs in their lifetimes. Don’t panic – you won’t hold so many different jobs that you have to go through the whole job search process every year or two.
Have you ever cleaned out the closet in your dorm and been reluctant to throw away an old faded pair of blue jeans that don’t fit? Maybe you have held onto them for years because they were your favorite pair of jeans. You might have thought to yourself, “It won’t hurt to keep them in the back of my closet; I might be able to get some use from them someday.” Relax, it happens to the best of us. When your college romance comes to a screeching halt and no longer fits, it may not be as easy as hanging your ex up in your closet like a pair of Levi’s. The good news is that there’s a way to stay friends. As long as the relationship ended on halfway decent terms, the notion of remaining casual friends can be a very healthy option for both people. Just think about it for a moment; do you really want to run into someone you shared an intimate part of your life with and feel totally uncomfortable? The odds are that about one in every three adults may have to experience this awkward feeling. According to a survey conducted by eNation, a service of research firm Market Facts, about 35 percent of all American adults have gone through a significant breakup in the past ten years. The good news going forward is there’s a way to find tranquility! Imagine running into your ex at the grocery store without so much internal emotional upheaval. Instead of feeling like you just walked over hot coals barefooted, you can survive post-relationship encounters and be ok. This is only one advantage that staying friends can provide. Other more important reasons have to do with the long term emotional benefits that friendships provide for all of us. As many of us in college have experienced, being in a healthy romantic relationship can provide many positive mental elements. First and foremost, it provides us with a “best” friendship. A recent study published in Mental Health Weekly, confirmed what has been believed for years- that good friendships are one of the biggest factors responsible for solid emotional health. Another study featured in the Journal of Happiness Studies presented evidence that “the companionship feature of a best friendship was the most important feature that predicted happiness.” By realizing how 19
high of a psychological value a good romantic relationship can facilitate, the extreme melancholy experienced when it ends is easier understood. Since we know that break-ups equate to losing a soul mate, why not try to minimize the doom and gloom? It all starts with maturity, and if the two people have it, they may be able to go about things civilly. Once the initial hurt subsides and individuals are alright being in the same room, continuing some sort of mutual friendship can be best for both hearts and minds. Staying friends after your relationship breakup will not likely enable you to maintain a “BFF” or “best friends forever” status. No worries, there will be others in your life to fulfill that void. Any friendship reciprocal in equal benefits should provide comfort and support to both people. Additionally, if you have spent a considerable amount of time in a romantic relationship with someone, chances are they know you fairly well. Together you have spent much energy investing in this relationship. Avoid total loss and transfer your stocks into a healthy friendship that pays mutual dividends. It is likely that each person holds some common views and values on things, which can make maintaining a friendship with one another more valuable. Relationship expert Michael Douglas states that a healthy relationship is possible “if both people concerned have the same level of understanding that they did when they were lovers.” In other words, if I can put myself in your shoes and easily empathize with your situation because I know you, then our friendship is helpful and desirable. You do not have to tell me everything in order for me to understand. When communication and a mutual understanding are shared by both, Douglas feels a positive and stable friendship exists.
Relationships and Personal Growth
Going through the process of transforming a relationship down to a lower intimacy level is not something that comes naturally for most. Nor does it come willingly for some. It is a delicate transition that must be approached with caution, an open mind, and the ability to move forward if things don’t go as planned. Here are some suggestions when attempting to remain friends after a breakup: • M ake sure you are both choosing to stay friends for the right reasons. If you think it is your ticket to rekindle the relationship, then your motive is wrong. Dating expert Cheri Burbach points out in her book Dating Advice, unresolved feelings of love or lust that hang around will not allow a relationship to transition into a friendship. Having someone around to not counter feelings of loneliness does not satisfy the work done of a friendship. • B e ready to give the friendship time to develop if it does not happen immediately. This allows for time to unwind all of the intense emotions and gets you somewhat used to the idea of being single again. Every relationship is different, and thus the amount of time needed will vary. As Burbach states” saying lets stay friends forty seconds after you broke up won’t work.” • M ake sure you both have a clear understanding of each other’s definition of the “future friendship.” One person might think it means talking to each other daily, while the other may think differently. Obviously, this will not work, as an article from Improving Your World.com, suggests, shared boundaries are crucial, and the relationship needs to be kept
strictly platonic. Do not cross the line and confuse feelings with loneliness. This will inevitably lead to hurt feelings. • K eep in mind that the status of the relationship can change at any given time. Both people in the relationship need to realize the other could start dating again. When this happens you need to be prepared to handle it emotionally. Ehow.com recommends that you do not discuss your new relationship with your old partner. This can lead to jealousy, which will only hinder the friendship you are trying to form. So even if your romantic relationship with your partner doesn’t have a long term future in the proverbial dorm closet, it may have functional capability. Just like that old pair of jeans that fit after countless hours of exercise, transforming your romance into a friendship can have a positive outcome. Building and sustaining relationships are two of the most important things we can do in life. As Michel Vincent Miller, Ph.D., and writer for Oprah Magazine puts it, “There is more to gain than surviving the breakup: there’s also the possibility of becoming more than you were, more able to undertake the experience of love in its moments of sadness as well as joy.” If the “relationship break-up dots” from your lives resemble a healthy friendship, a happy ending can come from connecting them.
g n i f t o a R r Ro u o Y By Andrew Nelson
Photos by: Susan Dawod
There are a number of aspects to look at when looking for that perfect place: the safety of the neighborhood, the distance to school, and most importantly, the price. It is hard to determine which neighborhoods are safe, but one way to pick a place is to live close to a police station. California State University, Stanislaus has its own campus police that patrol the campus as well as a two mile radius around the campus. If you are worried about safety, you might want to choose The Village because they offer a gated community and many emergency call buttons in case something happens. Living close to campus is better for safety reasons, but there are there also other advantages. One advantage is that you can walk to school rather than drive, which would save you about $80 since you don’t have to buy a parking pass. This will also help you to fill up your gas tank less often. Not only do you save money living close to campus, you also save time because you don’t have to worry about the time it takes to drive to campus and find a parking spot. The Village is a lot more expensive than the other two choices, but it does have its advantages. Some advantages are: all utilities are paid for in the rent, there is convenient access to campus buildings, and there is a built in food plan, it provides a great way to meet people, students do not have to worry about their roommate paying their share of the rent, and safety is not an issue.
So you just got accepted to California State University, Stanislaus. Congratulations! But have you thought about where you are going to live yet? Choosing living arrangements as a student is just as important as choosing which college to enroll in. A bad decision could lead to poor performance in school or an empty wallet. This is why it is very important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of living arrangement before making a final decision, or you might find yourself moving again before you know it. 21
If you are a first year student, you might want to think about living in the Village. Making the transition from living with your parents to living on you own can be hard, but The Village makes it a little easier. The Village hosts a variety of different events in which students can participate to help students meet other students. Some of the activities they hold are: movie night, craft night, and casino night. Another reason to choose The Village is that all utilities are included in the cost of rent. You don’t have to worry about budgeting your money as much as you would if you lived in a house. One drawback of living in The Village is that you do not get much control over who your roommates are going to be. Another disadvantage is that you don’t get as much privacy in a dorm as you would in a house or an apartment. Some freshman are required to live in a room with two other students, which makes it hard to get any alone time. Also, resident advisors and staff can come into your room whenever they like without having to give you any warning. If you are able to meet other students or people who are trustworthy, it is cheaper to join together and rent off-campus. You get a lot more privacy off-campus and unlike The Village your landlord has to give you at least 24 hour notice if they are going to come into your apartment or house. If you decide to rent an apartment you will have to open accounts with TID, PG&E, & Charter and make monthly payments. The apartment complex will also add a charge for water and garbage, such as NWP. One disadvantage of apartments is that you live very close to your neighbors, and you can hear their conversations and they can hear yours. Finding an apartment in Turlock is very easy, and there are many different apartment complexes that are walking distance to school such as: the Boardwalk, Park Place, and Briarwood.
Finances
COSTS OF LIVING In the midst of an unpredictable economy, saving every penny is essential. The price of rent and utilities can be high so it is crucial to choose a place that is affordable for your budget. Below are the current price ranges to live in the Village, an apartment, or a house: The Village Dorms ‘o8/09
Cost/month
Triple (three people in one room)
$735 + food plan
Double (two people in one room)
$860 + food plan
Single
$1014 + food plan
Apartment (phase I & II)
$1060 + food plan
Food Plan
$500–2700
Apartments
Cost/month
2–3 Bedrooms
$350–420
Houses
Cost/month
3 Bedrooms
$365–450
Utilities
Cost/month
Internet + Cable
$40
City
$90
NWP
$50
TID & PG&E
Varies
Dormitory data source: csustan.edu/housing Apartments data source: forrent.com. The utilities needed to live in an apartment in Turlock are: Turlock Irrigation District (TID), National Water and Power (NWP), Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), and Charter (or some other kind of internet/cable provider). Houses data source: libertypropertymanagement.com. The utilities needed to live in a house in Turlock are: TID, PG&E, City of Turlock, and Charter. Utilities: According to Charter.com the lowest price for internet and cable package is $40/month. City of Turlock is a fixed rate and is about $90/month, as well as NWP which is about $50/month. TID and PG&E are not fixed so the price of each utility depends on the amount of usage.
If you decide you want to rent a house you will have to open the same type of accounts as you would have to for an apartment except for NWP. In addition you will have to open an account with the City of Turlock. In a house you get more room as well as front and back yards, which can be advantageous or not depending on if you are required to maintain the lawn. Another advantage of renting a house is that you will likely have a garage. You can park your car inside and know that it is safe at all times. It is a bit more challenging to find
because there is more freedom. According to Ward, Resident Advisors can come into your room whenever they like, and if you are doing something against their rules you may have to pay a fine. You can get fined for just about anything, even something as small as burning a candle in your room, which is one of the reasons he got in trouble. Another reason he did not like living in The Village was that if he wanted to have more than eight people over he had to inform housing of the excess number of visitors. Otherwise, he would be reprimanded—mak-
E ach type of housing has its advantages and disadvantages. It is much cheaper to live off campus, but it is much more convenient to live on campus… houses that are walking distance to school, but you can contact companies such as Sequoia Property Management and Liberty Property Management to help you find a place to live. They can provide you with a list and description of available houses. Then you just have to find out which houses are close enough to campus. To get a better perspective of which type of housing arrangement is the best, senior Andy Ward, who has lived in The Village, an apartment, and in a house, shared some insight on his experiences. Ward lived in The Village his first year, followed by a stay at two different houses as well as two different apartments. The variety in his living arrangements makes for a wellrounded comprehension of the pros and cons of each type of arrangement. He believes that The Village was good for the first year because it gave him a good chance to meet new people, but said that he would not recommend it for anyone other than a freshman. One reason he enjoys living off-campus more than on-campus is
ing it challenging to maintain the freedom that comes with adulthood. This is one of the reasons that forced him to move out of The Village. Ward said that apartments are good at first, but they have the potential to lose appeal fairly rapidly. Although you get more room in an apartment than you would in a dorm room, space is still limited. One reason he did not like living in an apartment was that he received noise complaints all the time because the walls were so thin. An apartment was an upgrade from The Village because he had more privacy, but it still wasn’t the amount of privacy he needed. Because of his experience in three major living situations, Ward’s favorite place to call home was a rented house; mostly because of the amount of space and privacy from neighbors. Unlike The Village, he could have as many people over as he wanted and he would not be required to get permission before hand. He also added that you can have a washer and dryer in a house
which is very convenient when it comes time to do your laundry. Another advantage of living off campus is that you can have pets, which are not allowed in The Village and not always allowed in an apartment. This is why Ward, who has a cat, claimed he decided it was best to live in a place that allowed pets. Ward recommends that you find a house or an apartment that is within walking distance of the campus and that fits your price range. The amount he spends a month to live in a three bedroom house for rent and utilities is about $500/month, which is about half the price to live in the dorms. He spends $350 for rent, $30 for City of Turlock, $60 for TID, $10 for PG&E, and $50 for Charter. He said that he doesn’t drive that often which has saved him a good amount of money and he also saved money by not having to buy a parking pass. Each type of housing has its advantages and disadvantages. It is much cheaper to live off campus, but it is much more convenient to live on campus if you can afford it. If you want to meet people, you should probably live in The Village because they offer a lot of activities and try to get all their residents involved. On the other hand, if you want your privacy you should definitely get a place off-campus, preferably a house if you can find one that is walking distance. If you can find only one roommate you probably should rent an apartment. If you can find two or more roommates it would be considerably cheaper to live in a house. There are a lot of things to take into consideration before choosing which type of housing arrangement that fits you best. Make sure you compare the price, distance to campus, and the safety of the neighborhood of each place before you make your choice. The choice is yours, good luck!
23
Buyer Beware: By Dianne Stahl agent will be will acquainted with all the important Foreclosures, loan rejections, and bankthings you’ll want to know about a neighborhood ruptcy, oh my! Uncertain housing markets and will work with the broker to determine a price have created fearful homebuyers, but there range you can afford. Your agent has access to truly is no place like home, and taking the homes instantaneously through multiple listing right steps will ensure a successful first services custom to your price range, according to time home buying experience. Inexperience www.ginneimae.gov. There is no need to feel and desire for a good deal are what have left alone. Having a team of experts behind you many Americans without money and ensures optimal results and allows you time to without homes. Take your time, do your study for that upcoming exam. research, and consider all circumstances Don’t spend money you don’t have before buying your first home. Next to As college students lets face it, we’re broke! We graduation, one of the most monumental can however prevent from drowning in the kinds turning points in a student’s life is the of loans and mortgages that have caused the purchase of a new home. Let us venture housing crisis Americans face today. To stay down the yellow brick road of first time afloat, evaluate your current financial situation, home buying and shed some light on the and the time and effort it takes to run a home. scary forest that leads to homeownership. Visit www.ginniemae.gov and use their Affordabil-
Don’t go it alone Being a college student means having your thinking caps on through longs lectures which can lead to mental overload. So let a reliable realtor and mortgage broker be the brains of the operation. A mortgage broker will help you get pre-approved for a loan, and he and the agent can guide you through all the details, including financial ones, of buying a home. A real estate
Finances
ity Calculator to gauge how much mortgage you can afford. With this information, a real estate broker or a housing counseling agency “will help you evaluate your loan potential and can help you choose a lender with a program that might be right for you.” When it comes to loans, there are lots of options, so do your research and ask around. Talk to several lenders, compare costs and interest rates, and negotiate the best deal. Even talking with a current home owner can give
Shopping for your First Home Photo by: Melissa Garcia
you a feel for what making large payments each month. Getting the right loan and planning your spending habits will greatly affect the future of your home owning experience. In addition to monthly payments, a home requires maintenance such as mopping, dusting, vacuuming and yard work. With any new home come utilities, paint jobs, housing repairs, furnishings and much more. Having adequate funds and utilizing time management skills learned in college will aid in keeping up the comfortable and happy lifestyle you’ve always pictured.
Don’t underestimate consequences of mortgage plans There are three main types of mortgage plans: fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages and various government mortgage programs. Fixed rate mortgage interest levels remain the same through the life of the loan, which usually lasts about 30 years. Adjustable rate mortgages can increase or decrease, depending on the type, amount of years, and terms you agreed to. Adjustable mortgage rates that increase after the term of the loan expires are what caused the current housing crisis. People could not afford rent so they lost ownership and their mortgages were foreclosed. Government mortgage programs sometimes encourage lenders to give
mortgages to people who might not otherwise qualify for a loan. Just like doing your homework and researching for classes, first time home buying requires the same attention.FHA.com offers explanations of different loan types so you can decide what best fits your situation.
purchase home owners insurance so that in case of an emergency or disaster, you do not find yourself in a debt hole you can’t get out of. The strides and feats accomplished in college show that you are capable of planning ahead and seeing the bigger picture.
Doing your research, planning ahead, and getting the right help will guide you to Cramming the night before may have worked in making beneficial decisions upon the school, but will not prove useful with first time purchase of your first home. Be cautious of home buying! Start planning ahead now by opening up a few credit cards. Using credit cards, today’s weary market by taking your time making payments, and staying out of debt will and doing your research. First time home establish and build your credit score. Having a buying is an exciting turning point that good credit score when you go to buy your first will influence the rest of your life. Be your home gives you experience with paying bills, and own advocate and make educated decisions it shows home sellers you are a dependable buyer that you feel are right for you. Don’t be and will be able to make your payments timely and afraid to ask questions and soak up all the efficiently. This is also a good time to get preinformation out of people that you possibly approved because income, employment and credit can, especially if you hired them! So strap are what gauges how much a bank will lend you. on your sparkly red shoes (or just put on Do you have a stable job that meets loan requirements? Are you planning on starting a fam- some flip-flops). The yellow brick road to your first home poses many obstacles, but ily? Will you need a bigger home? Does your don’t let anything scare you, the journey work require you to travel? These are all will lead you to your first new home. After questions to ask yourself before settling into your first home. Think about where you want to be 10 all, there’s no place like home. Don’t forget about the future
to 20 years down the line. Always plan for the future, always keep money in reserve, and always 25
Photo by: Sara Ross
Finances
The Credit Card Trap By Joselyn Davis
What is a credit card trap? Why should college students beware of it? After talking to one of our CSUS students that was drowning in credit card debt, she can attest to the fact that credit card companies will try to trap you. The following credit card advertisements were some of the quotes that convinced her to apply for a credit card. “This card is for people with a limited credit history,” “You can make your card one of a kind,” “Choose any card design,” “Zero percent interest for the next 12 months,” “You’ve got the power to build your future,” “No cosigner or minimum income required?” Have you seen these quotes before? Let’s get it straight. You can apply for a credit card with a limited credit history. As a young college student, the only credit history concerning your finances should be your parent’s credit history. They’re inviting you to start a little credit history of your own. Wow, once you qualify for the credit card, you can choose any design you like on your card. You’ll enjoy pulling out that credit card with your favorite team logo on it or maybe even some pretty flowers. This should make you happy when you use it. Zero percent interest for the next 12 months. Just think, you’re graduating in one month. You should have a job within two months after that. This should give you plenty of time to pay off the principal balance. You’ve got the power to build your future. That’s the spirit! You can build your future by borrowing money from the credit card company and pay them back later. Now back to reality. According to Business Week Online, easy access to credit will only lead to spending beyond your means and debts, which will in return compromise your future. The last quote in the first paragraph is perfect. You can apply for a credit card without your parents cosigning and it doesn’t matter what type of income you have coming in. Why not? The credit card companies today make it so appealing and easy for college students to apply for credit cards and get them that it’s spun out of control. 27
According to a survey by the United States Public Interest Research Groups (USPIRG,) some companies will even lure the college students into this credit card debt trap with free food and clothing that they’ll get only if they fill out the application for a credit card. This is tricky because what college student doesn’t need food, clothing or entertainment? Business Week Online also reported that two college students that were in debt over $15,000 combined. Ryan Rhodes, a University of Penn State Graduate stated that the credit card company told him not to worry about being unemployed. Lukasz Kozoil, formerly a student at DePaul University, was told by his creditor to fill in his tuition as income. Another student stated that he got his American Express card without a job, and it had a credit limit of $6,000, and was upped to $10,000 three months later. It was stated in the Black Collegian that managing credit cards and dealing with the credit card debt is a part of the college experience.
Also, as long as she had a credit limit left on the card, that meant the card was available to use, not realizing that she was falling deeper and deeper into the trap. The worst part about this debt situation was that she did not have a job. She relied on her monthly allowance that was allocated strictly for living expenses which was sent to her by her parent. These are only a few scenarios of how students have gotten caught in the credit card trap. You may have heard of other scenarios about this dilemma, or even experienced it yourself. Despite the negatives, there are positive ways to use credit cards and avoid the credit card trap. According to Matthew S. Scott, a financial reporter for Crain’s Financial Week, college students should remember one thing when thinking about getting a credit card, NO INCOME, NO CARDS. If and when you decide to get a credit card and have a steady income coming in, these are a few steps that should be followed in order to avoid the credit card trap:
college students should remember one thing when thinking about getting a credit card, NO INCOME, NO CARDS.
Remember our college student that was drowning in debt? She ended up with 3 credit cards that totaled almost $6,500 dollars. Although, her intention of applying for the first credit card was to pay for her books, it became too convenient for her to use the credit cards to shop for just about anything. This included buying gifts for other people, going to the mall and buying the latest fashions, or just hanging out with her friends and sometimes treating them to lunch. When she wasn’t able to pay the minimum balance on one of her cards, she would use the cash advance option from another card to pay it. She thought as long as she paid the minimum balance on each card and pay them on time, she was in good shape.
Finances
• Use credit cards for emergencies only – They’re best used for items such as books and computers. You will receive a return on these items over time, unlike using the cards for groceries or entertainment. • Use only one card in college. – The fewer you have will limit your temptation to create more debt. Just because you have credit limits on each card doesn’t mean that you should use them to their max. • Pay on time and pay it off- Late payments will increase your interest and also go on your credit report. Years later, when you try to buy a house, that late payment will show up on your
credit report and you will have to explain it. • Don’t use cash advancesThese interest rates are much higher than regular spending rates. The credit card companies will send you cash advance checks in the mail and let you use your card as an ATM card. They make it very convenient for you. It will be very tempting, but be smart and “just say no”. • Establish good financial habits—It’s best to save first and use cash when you have it. Establish the difference between your needs and your wants. Stick to your priorities. Take pride in having a savings account with a balance that is more than the amount that you opened the account with. Remember that you are a college student. Credit card companies will continue to target you and entice you with different promotions in order to get you to become indebted to them for years to come. If you don’t have an income, think wisely, and JUST SAY NO. If you have a steady income, manage your debt wisely. Always try to pay cash and use the credit card for emergency purposes only. Your future should be about enhancing and reaping the benefits of a college degree not trying to get out of debt as a result of the credit card trap.
Cash in on your Warrior Card By Myles Griffin Scraping together extra money during your college years is a problem that many students deal with on a daily basis. Tuition alone is getting so expensive that more and more college students have to take on multiple jobs just to pay for school. Attending school at one of the nation’s public colleges or universities represented an ever-extensive share of most families’ income from 1980 to 2000 with students being forced to borrow more money, according to Losing Ground, a recently released report by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. With parents and students having to fork out so much money for school there seems to be very little left for the average college student to survive on. College students now need to figure out ways to stretch and save their money and the Warrior Card can do just that. The warrior ID card has partnered with numerous businesses in order to provide discounts to California State University, Stanislaus students as long as you show your warrior card. This sounds great and all, but do they offer discounts on anything you can use? Yes, they do! Figuring out what students use and need is the challenge presented when creating a discount plan for students. For many, food, entertainment, and everyday necessities are what most students spend their money on. For this reason, the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) of California State University, Stanislaus came up with a list of organizations to help support students on this campus.
Think about the possibilities: you could eat out at two of these restaurants a week; get your hair cut for half off; get discounts on phones; get your car’s oil changed for ten percent off; or even just shop with a discount you could save hundreds of dollars. Making small changes to your routine and using these businesses is one of the smartest and easiest ways for California State University, Stanislaus students to save their hard earned money. 29
feature story
Got Ink? Tattoos as Permanent Body Accessories
By Marisa Caratachea
Sign of the Times
Tattoos can be unique forms of permanent body accessories. They are absolutely stunning to gaze upon and many people cannot help but stare at them. According to MacCormack, “Tattoos both invite and resist the gaze of others. Tattooed bodies are often antagonistic to being stared at because of the gap the onlooker is affirming through their fetishization of, or distaste for, the tattooing. But looking in fascination, as an opening up to being affected, transforms looking and knowing to seeing and thinking.” Tattoos come in all shapes and sizes and tend to match their owners’ unique personal identity. The California State University, Stanislaus campus is brimming with students who express their own unique identity through diversity in fashion trends. Whether they are dressed all in black or boasting colorful tattoos, they are revealing something exclusively personal about their identity.
Photos by: Marisa Caratachea
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Sign of the Times
HPV U and
By Nicole MacDowell
Are You At Risk? Currently, the only test available to detect this is used as part of cervical cancer screening, and if found today, you may not have it in a year or two. Most people do not develop symptoms and most infected people do not realize they are infected or that they are passing it on to a sexual partner. What is it? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV and another 6.2 million people become newly infected each year. The CDC also reports that at least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV is the collective name for a group of over 100 viruses, 30 of which are sexually transmitted, two of which are probably better known: cervical cancer and genital warts. It is spread during sexual intercourse, and unlike HIV or AIDS, it is not spread by the contact of bodily fluids. Genital HPV is passed through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. Besides abstinence, women can protect themselves
against four strains of HPV by receiving the vaccination, Gardasil. Read on, it may not be too late for you to be vaccinated and to protect yourself. HPV is a disease that can affect both men and women. Certain types of HPV cause cervical cancer in women and genital warts in both men and women. Furthermore, a study in the Journal of American College Health reported that “strains of the virus have also been linked to 70% of anal cancers and 70% of precancerous lesions of the penis.” This is not a disease that differentiates itself by gender. So, what does this mean for you? It means that if you are sexually active, straight, homosexual or bisexual, then you are at risk. Although most of the publicity regarding vaccination surrounds girls between the ages of 11 and 12 years (typically who are NOT sexually active), the CDC also recommends the vaccine for girls and women age 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series. The Journal of American College Health reported that “college women are at a greater risk of acquiring STDs than is the 33
general population because of (their) high-risk sexual behavior’ and that ‘as many as 60% of college-aged women had some strain of HPV.” It is important for college-aged women to educate themselves about HPV and make an informed decision about whether or not to get vaccinated. Due to ‘typical’ college activities like parties, drinking, and being sexually active, college-aged women are the most at risk. You cannot think
become sexually active can protect you from HPV strains that cause 90% of genital warts and 70% of cervical cancers. If Because those infected with you are already sexually active HPV may be unaware that they and haven’t been vaccinated, are infected, it is important to you should still consider getting educate yourself. The following vaccinated, as this can protect is from Dr. Shobha Krishnan, a you from the vaccine strains Physician at Columbia Univerthat you may not have been sity’s Barnard College of Health exposed to. Services, a board certified gyneThere are a few things you can cologist and family practice do to boost your immune physician. Here are some basic system. One is to quit smoking. tips she recommends to stay knowing if they are infected can greatly add to the spread of infection.
to be potentially infected by the HPV virus. By seeking accurate information and taking productive steps, you can prevent the spread of HPV. Knowledge and education about HPV infections will help contain the spread of infection—ignorance will not.
Most people do not develop symptoms and most infected people do not realize they are infected or that they are passing it on to a sexual partner. What is it? that something like this cannot happen to you. It can happen to you, to anyone, anywhere. Studies of the vaccine in men are now being done. The CDC reports that if the vaccine is safe in men, and if it can protect them against HPV (and related conditions), the Food and Drug Administration will consider licensing the vaccine in boys and men. Vaccinating both men and women would help prevent the transmission of the virus. A report in the Journal of American College Health stated that men play a significant role in the spread of HPV because they “‘have more partners than women, are not frequently tested, and exhibit few (if any) symptoms…thus they may not know they are infected.” Not
Sign of the Times
Smoking weakens your immune system and makes HPV hang around longer in your body Follow the “ABCDE” rules of which can then cause disease. prevention: Another way you can boost your • Abstinence immune system is to reduce • Being monogamous stress. Look into techniques, • Consistent condom use such as exercise, that help you • Delayed sexual activity relax and make you feel good • Education about yourself. You can also Avoid drugs and excessive alcohol: boost your immune system by These activities can lead to risky eating healthy and eating foods sexual behavior that make that are rich in Vitamins C and E getting HPV more likely. The (such as fruits and vegetables) more alcohol consumed, the that have cancer-fighting more likely a rational, informed properties. In addition, it’s a good decision is unlikely to occur. idea to take a daily multivitamin. There has always been a HPV can be a potentially serious connection between drugs and and chronic disease that can alcohol and sexual activity. have tremendous medical, Protect yourself by avoiding psychological and sexual these singularly or in combinaconsequences. It can turn your tions. life upside down overnight. One Get vaccinated: Getting the chance encounter is all it takes Gardasil vaccine before you healthy and to avoid HPV infections.
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BARACK YnUR WORLD!
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By Jennifer Lucero
So the dust has settled, the ballots have been counted, and on the historical night of November 4, 2008, our nation’s 44th commander in chief was announced to the world. As college students, we made up approximately one fifth of the voter population in this election. According to an MSNBC exit poll, 66% of college-age (18-29) individuals voted for Obama. Barack Hussein Obama began his campaign as a little known senator from Illinois. By the end of the presidential campaign, however, his victory came as no surprise to the record breaking amount of national voters. During the final months of the campaign, polls from USA Today reported that he maintained a consistent lead over opponent John McCain. Throughout that time, the public learned many things about the man that would come to be our future president: his stance on offshore drilling, opinions on wars overseas, his plan for healthcare and an idea for a stimulus package. If you think that’s what this article is going to be about, then you are mistaken. This is not that kind of article. While those are all crucial characteristics, the political agenda that we are so used to hearing has been replaced with a personal one. What the public did not learn was about the little things that 35
made Barry, Barack. What does he like to do in his spare time? Can he cook? Did he play any sports in high school? Is he a romantic?
• T he President – Elect has a Grammy under his belt. His book, Dreams From My Father, won for Best Spoken Word Album in 2006.
During the last couple of years, the American public has been Obama has been known to “have a serious Scrabble force fed unlimited amounts of game” during his down time. During down time he political facts, phrases and statistics. As college students also loves reading Harry Potter books to his buried in textbooks, it’s daughters, Sasha and Malia. refreshing to take a more W hen dining at Calypso Restaurant in Chicago, the personal, uncomplicated glance President-Elect orders the Tilapia. at the new leader of our country. T he senator’s barber at Hyde Park Hair Salon says, The anticipation of the election “He’s a big basketball fan. He loves the Chicago swirled about like an unruly White Sox. He follows the Chicago Bears.” sandstorm and now that the dust has settled, we can see the He CAN cook. His favorite dish to make? Chili. Obama was part of the Choom Gang in high school. path ahead. It is unclear where it This is a group centered around smoking pakalolo. will take us, but with a chili cooking, scrabble loving, hybrid Speaking of which… Yes, it’s true. Obama used to driving, basketball playing be a cigarette smoker, although he has quit since president on our side, we might running for President. be in good hands. He currently drives a Ford Escape hybrid, Chrysler 300
Good news my friend….you are about to find out. Did you know?* •
• •
• • •
•
Pretty
• One of his favorite books is Where the Wild Things Are. • F avorite movies include: Casablanca, Godfather I and II, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. • O bama has been mentioned in songs by Neil Young, Three 6 Mafia, Jay Z, Jadakiss, and Common. He also met with rapper, Ludacris. • “ The thing about Barack is that he is not a Mr. Door-Opener. I don’t think he knows those rules. But he is very, very romantic. He’s the one who remembers anniversaries. I get flowers all the time. Our first date was a very romantic experience. We saw ‘Do the Right Thing’ and we walked up and down Michigan Avenue and just talked,” says wife Michelle. She also admits that, “His first car had so much rust that there was a rusted hole in the passenger door.” • H e has a sense of humor. Obama advised his successor in the state Senate to “stay out of jail.”
* facts collected from ObamaPedia.org and VoteSmart.org
Sign of the Times
By Marisa Caratachea
in Ink
Are you inked? Better yet, do you secretly want a tattoo but have no idea what you would get or where you would put it? Tattoos do not discriminate; they welcome anyone and everyone. Upper class, middle class, and lower class have all jumped on the tattoo bandwagon and more are getting on for the ride. Today, it seems that everyone has a tattoo or at least wants one. Many Americans are riding shotgun on that wagon and are in for a long ride. And, you know what they say to those who want their first tattoo, “Watch out because they’re addicting!” College students are one of the subcultures that are carpooling in an unknown journey on board the Inked Bandwagon. However, when it comes time for job hunting and interviewing, will tattoos hinder the perceptions and chances of students who are pursuing their careers? According to Akre, tattoos have grown into a multibillion-dollar industry that only seems to be getting more popular and scrutinized as time goes on. People and society have a love-hate relationship with tattoos. They were once one of the earliest and most commonly utilized cultural practices; however, in the twenty-first century, the meaning of tattoos has drifted away from cultural to personal identity. The rationale for getting a tattoo has shifted perhaps because people wanted to detach from being culturally identified. According to Kosut, the concept of individuality became important in the postmodern era because postmodernism accepts the idea of change and creativity in self-expression. Now, tattoos are a form of commodification that can visually and symbolically communicate someone’s unique individual identity. Over the last few decades, tattoos
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der differences for tattooed students included: women fancy tattoos for personal body decorations, meanwhile men received them for group identity. Male and female students agree that the main reasons for getting tattoos were for “decorative statements,” “self identity,” and “symbols of their relationship.” Tattoos can be created for many reasons depending on that person’s motive; they can also be a form of self-interpretation or seen as a fashion statement. Tattoos seem to have evolved into an expensive and risky part of the fashion industry that is getting the best media coverage. Movie stars such as Angelina Jolie, Alyssa Milano, and Britney Spears are just a few of the many celebrities with tattoos that get extensive media coverThe rationale behind getting a tattoo varies age. Angelina sports about half a dozen tatfrom person to person. According to Bell, toos that she shares with the world. She “Tattooing has changed over the last 50 years takes great pride in her tattoos and loves to have evolved into a popular cultural phenomenon. Some interesting and shocking statistics on our tattooed American population from the Pew Research Center in 2007 found that 36% of adults ages 18-25 have at least one tattoo. A 2006 study by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, found that 24% of all Americans between ages 18 and 50 had tattoos (that’s one in four). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration report over 45 million Americans have one or more tattoos. It is amazing to see how many Americans have tattoos, yet there are still some mixed attitudes about them. Looking at the reasons and possible meanings behind tattoos may help explain their pop culture status and distribution in society.
“Establishing personal identity may be the prime reason why people of the American culture choose to decorate their body with permanent symbolic designs.” from less use of flash stock designs to more use of custom design work and, collaborations of ideas with the customer that are realized by the artist. Establishing personal identity may be the prime reason why people of the American culture choose to decorate their body with permanent symbolic designs.” Using tattoos as a form of self-expression has become an extremely popular practice in western culture; however, tattoos do not have to convey a story or symbolize a specific meaning. A study conducted on college students found that 27% (women more than men) reported having a tattoo. According to Knox, Zusman and Zusman, significant gen-
Sign of the Times
reveal their meanings to the media. Angelina is admired for her free spirit and rebellious nature, which is revealed through her elaborate and often seductive personal tattoos. Tattoos can be seen almost everywhere in the mass media. The tattoo industry seems to have the best marketing and advertising clients possible, their customers. When you walk by magazine racks it is almost certain that you will come across dozens of magazines dedicated to tattoos. Television shows such as L.A Ink, Miami Ink, and Inked are all hit reality shows that take us behind the scenes of tattoo shops and the people who get tattooed. People with newly created tattoos
love to show off their new designs and recruit new clients for their favorite tattoo artists.
Generation Xbox
Despite their high pop culture status, tattoos still carry negative stigmas and can provoke discrimination. Their popularity has not diminished and seems to only be getting stronger as time goes by. According to Kang and Jones, Even when tattoos symbolize positive relationships or accomplishments for the recipient, friends, family and strangers may still interpret them negatively. With all of their diverse media coverage and distribution, what are tattoos revealing about who we are individually? Society seems to have come a long way in their acceptance of tattooed individuals, maybe because so many people have them despite their race, gender, or social status. As stated by Kang and Jones, “The message that a person intends to communicate through a tattoo is not always the message perceived by others. The complex motivations of people who get tattoos are filtered through historical and cultural lenses that often impose unintended and unwanted meanings on their tattooed bodies.� A tattooed person might receive mixed messages and perceptions about their tattoos from people who come from different cultures. California State University, Stanislaus has a campus full of diverse students who express their unique style and individuality through their tattoos. Many students on campus have tattoos and love to show them off. They are not shy about their tattoos and take pride in displaying them to fellow students as a means of revealing self expression. Because there are so many different cultures and values in society there may always be some ambiguity towards tattoos. Despite their popularity and hype in the media, tattoos can still hinder the perceptions of their recipients. They are becoming more accepted as time goes by; however, they continue to be misunderstood, thus altering the images of those with tattoos. Regardless of the acceptance levels of tattoos, their growing popularity is undeniable. Much like the permanent ink used for tattoos, this cultural phenomenon is here to stay.
By Mostafa Razawi College is supposed to be the most memorable experience of your lifetime. Meeting new people, taking interesting classes, and attending campus events is all part of the process that prepares students for their future. As we grow older, the burden we carry gets heavier. So how do many of today’s typical college students prepare for their future challenges? By sitting inside all day and staring at graphics for countless hours. According to the A.C. Nielson Company, in a 65 year lifespan the average person will be glued to the tube for about nine years. The emergence of electronics has caused people to be cramped up in their homes instead of going outside to interact with one another. More and more people are watching TV, playing video games, spending time on the internet, and not getting the time they need outside. At the center of this controversy is the emergence of video games.
Video games have come a long way since Space Invaders and Pac Man. According to a study from Pew Internet and American Life Project survey, 70 percent of college students play video games. Almost half of the college students who play video games admit that it keeps them from studying. Video games have become nearly as much a part of college life as textbooks and midterms. The hours spent playing video games takes away time from studying. Students who are video game players in college study 40 minutes less each day on average, according to a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. Those 40 minutes of lost study time translated into first-semester grades that were 0.241 points lower on the 4.0 grade scale. Video games are a $10 billion a year industry in the United States, drawing interest from college students across the 39
country. When people think of addiction they tend to think of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. In today’s society, however, the addiction of choice is often electronics. According to the Computer Addiction Center, up to 40 percent of North American gamers are addicted. Compulsive players start neglecting responsibilities, distancing themselves from relationships, and don’t get enough sleep. Gaming has entered mainstream culture because the complexity of games today brings people together. However the results of wiggling your fingers can also impair your life in many ways. College is no video game; it’s a very real world of challenges, persistence and victories. If you take college seriously and apply the same kind of energy, excitement and determination that you use playing a video game, your gaming experience may help make your college experience much more rewarding and successful.
Cell PhoNATION By Iveeth Valerio
Are you addicted to your phone? Would you rather text message, than interact with friends? How do you communicate? Is it always through cell phones? If so, you are about to find out how cell phones have impacted you, and about their history. Did you know that cell phones weren’t invented until 1973? This means that people had to either talk face to face or on a land line. Cell phones made their debut at the hefty weight of about 2.5 pounds and you could only talk for 30 minutes before you needed to recharge the phone for ten hours. According to Dr. Martin Cooper, a former general manager for the systems divisions at Motorola, thirty minutes wouldn’t even cover half the time we talk on cell phones today. If our talk time was 30 minutes in today’s world, students would be a complete wreck, probably having to buy two to three cell phones just to have more time to talk. Cell phones usage has changed how we interact with family and friends, and even how we conduct business. Cell phones give students a chance to connect with people throughout the day no matter where they are located. For example, if a student made plans to meet up with a study group and he or she does not remember where they had to meet, then the student has the advantage to call or text a group member and ask where they had scheduled to meet; without having to wait around in the hopes of running into seeing them on campus.
Sign of the Times
Cell phones are a commodity that everyone is getting their hands on; even your great grandmother may have a trendy cell phone like the iPHONE. Cell phones are constantly being upgraded with new features, making it easier for students to have to amuse themselves in class. Unfortunately, cell phones are controlling the way students interact with their surroundings and are causing a deficiency in interpersonal communication. Students lack face-to-face interpersonal communication skills because of their phones, whether it’s from games or texting; either way it interferes with traditional human interaction. But cell phones also have their benefits when it comes to emergencies or connecting with others who live far away. Text messaging is another function that is very popular among college students.
many of these acronyms have affected the way we talk and write when we are in school.
However, when text messages were introduced, they disengaged us from real conversations. When we text message we do not say our complete thoughts, we only express a couple of words that can be misunderstood. Jacquie Ream, former teacher and author of “K.I.S.S. Keep It Short and Simple” states, “Feelings aren’t communicated with words when you’re texting; emotions are sideways smiley faces,” meaning that many of these acronyms have affected the way we talk and write when we are in school. Cell phone technology has advanced to the point that students can play a clip of a game, while waiting in line for a soda. We take our phones ever ywhere. Mark Cetto a general manager at Texas Instruments Inc. states, “the convergence of consumer apps on mobile wireless devices has shown that consumers want the ability to take their living room entertainment experience with them when they’re on the go.” Cell phones are the perfect gadgets to compliment the business of life.
Laughter: The Free Prescription
Photo by: Sara Ross
By Reyna Lopez Want to feel good and lose calories everyday? Get to know the free calorie burner that will have you feeling great and laughing all day long. Most college students already know that laughing makes people feel good, however what students don’t know is that laughing can serve as a health benefit. Laughing burns calories without having to break a sweat. The International Journal of Obesity states that laughing works many different muscles and speeds up the heart rate, causing people to burn calories without knowing it. Have you ever laughed until your stomach ached or you could not bear to laugh any longer? If so, you have done some serious calorie burning or also known as a mild workout. Jane Claxton, a natural nutritional consultant practitioner, stated laughing could be referred to as the “internal jog”-- it works out our legs, back, abdominal, and diaphragm. The lead researcher of laughing, Dr. Buchowski from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, found that a person burns about ten to fifty calories a day for every ten to fifteen minutes that they laugh. Researchers discovered this finding by measuring the amount of calories that adults burned as they watched different genres of movies and TV shows. Out of all the different genres, comedy films and funny TV shows caused participants to increase their energy expenditure by twenty percent. In fact, the International Journal of Obesity claims, “A big belly laugh uses about the same energy as walking more than half a mile.” Find a funny movie and you could end up running a marathon! Laughing should not be a substitute for recommended daily exercise, but it can help reduce extra weight and most importantly, it makes us feel better. Next time you arrive at the 41
California State University, Stanislaus campus and you have to circle around the parking lot 1,000 times because there are no empty parking spaces, just laugh it off. By laughing, you make yourself feel great and you will make others feel good too because laughing is extremely contagious. Try not laughing when others are, it tends to be quite difficult! Why wouldn’t you want to? You’re getting a workout! Think of laughing as your good deed for the day—your good energy will rub off on others around you.
repeatedly inhaling and exhaling carbon dioxide and oxygen. This causes your immune system to be strengthened.
there are now Yoga classes called Laughter Yoga that consist of laughing through the entire session.
Another great benefit of laughing is that it protects against heart disease. Dr. Michael Miller, director of the Center for Preventative Cardiology at the University of Mar yland Medical Center, reports that laughing is good for the reduction of the cholesterol and fat build up that commonly occurs in the coronar y arteries. Other benefits that correlate with laughing include increase in hope and self worth, increase in job satisfaction, and improvement in classroom interactions. Mark Shatz, a psychology professor at Ohio University found that incorporating jokes in course material increased students’ participation as well as academic performance.
Even with the great benefits that come from laughing and the increased standard of living, students have decreased the amount of time that they laugh a day. German psychologist Michael Titze said “Compared to the 1950’s where we laughed on average 18 minutes per day, today we laugh under six minutes.” As you can see, we have some catching up to do. It sounds like it’s time for a laughter workout. A healthy recommendation would be 20 smiles, 20 heavy “ha ha’s” and 20 light “ho ho’s” each day. Your face and life will be in shape in no time! So what are you waiting for? Get up, turn on a good comedy, gather some friends, and get started on that genuine laughter. If that doesn’t work for you, just try laughing about nothing--because it’s good for you!
1. Tell your mom to try harder Comedy Central.com
Dear Dad, $chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can’t think of anything I need, $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you. Love, Your $on. Dear Son, I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.
If you are not looking to burn calories then you will be happy to know that laughing provides Love, many other great benefits, like reducing stress. Stress is a major Dad Jokesaround.com component in the lives of many college students; and laughing One day a college professor of is a great way to diffuse tension Psychology was greeting his new and dissipate anger. Claxton college class. He stood up in front stated that the best remedy to of the class and said, “Would everydissipate anger is to smile, After discovering the numerous one who thinks he or she is stupid which is why it is often very health and personal benefits please stand up?” difficult to stay angry when you that are connected to laughing, After a minute or so of silence, a have a smile on your face. Plus, Dr. Madan Kataria from India young man stood up. Here are a few jokes to get it takes more facial muscles to founded the International you laughing and started on “Well, hello there sir. So you frown than it does to smile. a better life: Laughter Club Movement. He actually think you’re a moron?” Laughing is also linked to gathers with patients and has the professor asked. Worst Comments to Get having a healthy heart and a entire sessions of laughing. on Your Finals The kid replied, “No sir, I just didn’t good immune system. Psycholo- Even if you are not the laughing want to see you standing there all by 10. See me after class. gist Steve Wilson best explained type, give a forced laughter a yourself.” 9. Did you even read the material? how laughing strengthens the Buzzle.com try. Because as Dr. Kataria 8. It’s a C, but it’s a strong C. immune system. Wilson claimed found, the end result of a forced 7. Fascinatingly convoluted. Two college seniors had a week of that laughing clears airways, as laughter is a real laughter. 6. My, what nice, big margins! exams coming up. They decided to carbon dioxide and oxygen are That’s right, a hahaha or hohoho 5. You must’ve been up all last night. party instead. Their biggest exam 4. The book ends differently than exchanged. Muscles and bones will turn into a genuine laugh was on Wednesday and they the movie. are stretched, promoting muscle because laughter loves company. showed up telling the professor that tone. This means that when you Furthermore, since laughing has 3. Spelling requires more than just their car had broken down the night sounding it out. laugh you are not only strength- been found to burn calories, before due to a very flat tire and they 2. Are you familiar with the ening muscles, but you are also term “plagiarism”?
Health
needed a bit more time to study. The professor told them that they could have another day to study. That evening, both of the boys crammed all night until they were sure that they knew just about everything. Arriving to class the next morning, each boy was told to go to two separate classrooms to take the exam. Each boy just shrugged and went to two different parts of the building.
The Big C: Do You Know Your Risks? By Marisa Caratachea
As each sat down, they read the first question. “For 5 points, explain the contents of an atom.” At this point, they both thought that this was going to be a piece of cake, and answered the question with ease. Then, the test continued. “For 95 points, tell me which tire it was.” Buzzle.com
“I went sky divin’, I went rocky mountain climbin’, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu. And I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I’ve been denying, and he said someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin’.” These are words from a popular Tim McGraw song that has triggered a lot of emotions in listeners around the nation. How would you live each day if you knew you were dying? What would you miss the most? What would be your biggest regret? These are just a few of the many questions that people will face when they are diagnosed with a terminal illness like cancer. Cancer is not racist nor prejudice, it can affect anyone at any time. Cancer, sometimes referred to as the big “C”, is a devastating and deadly disease that men and women of all ages need to know about. Cancer awareness is extremely crucial for students, especially since they tend to focus on schoolwork rather than their own health. The most prominent cancer that men should be aware of is prostate cancer. At the other end of the spectrum, women should be most aware of breast cancer. College students may often put their health concerns and doctor visits on the backburner due to their busy school, work and life schedules. However, students are just as susceptible to acquiring cancer as anyone else; therefore, they need to be informed of the most common cancers along with their individual risk factors. We are all at risk for developing cancer. When it comes to health, why are so many people afraid to go to the Photos by: Marisa Caratachea
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doctor? Are we afraid of what they might tell us? Would we rather not know if we have a terminal illness like cancer? Cancer, when detected early, has a better chance of responding to treatment than cancer caught in later stages. According to the American Cancer Society, “About 1,437,180 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2008, and about 565,650 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease and accounts for one of every four deaths.� In some instances cancers can be prevented and treated with proper cancer awareness and education. It is of utmost importance for men and women to know the most common cancers they are in danger of developing. So here they are for those of you who and to be informed and aware! What do Cristina Applegate, Sheryl Crow, and Melissa Etheridge all have in common? They have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are currently in remission. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer that women are diagnosed with. Women of all ethnicities and cultures are at risk for breast cancer. It was once a common belief that only women with a history of breast cancer were the ones at high risk. This is neither the case nor the correct assumption today. Therefore, it is vital to know the factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. Some major risk factors contributing to breast cancer from the Susan G. Komen research foundation are: a family history of breast cancer, starting menopause after the age of 55, never having children, being younger than 12 at the time of your first period, and current or recent use of birth control pills. There are many more risk factors that may increase the chance of breast cancer. Some women, however, may get breast cancer with our without detection of any risk
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factors at all. Simply being a woman can be the prime risk factor in developing breast cancer. Unfortunately, the causes and cures for breast cancer have not been entirely discovered, which leads to a lot of misunderstandings that come with the disease. The first step in detecting and preventing the progression of breast cancer is to know your body and breast cancer screening methods. If you feel that something is irregular or different with your breasts, do not ignore it. Talk to your doctor immediately, before it is too late. Don’t be afraid of your health care providers, they can be useful and may give you important information that may help you understand your options concerning your breast health. Detecting breast cancer early can save your life. The best cancer screening methods as stated by Susan G. Komen for the cure are: mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self breast exams. If you notice something abnormal in your breast or underarm region do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Some problematic signs that you should be aware of and seek medical attention for are: lumps, hard knot or thickening in any part of the breast. Other symptoms to look out for include: swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening that does not go away, and new recurring pain in one spot. Because all women are at risk of breast cancer then it is safe to assume that female college students should be equally aware of their risks as well. Many California State University, Stanislaus female students are not aware of the clinical services at our student health center that are available to women. The Health Center offers routine annual gynecological exams and pap smears, breast exams, contraceptive information, and prescriptions. Pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, and sexually transmitted infection testing is also available.
As stated earlier, cancer is neither prejudice nor racist; this means that men as well as women are just as likely to be affected by cancer and all of its repercussions. Men should know their risks factors just as much as women. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation “In 2008, more than 186,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 28,000 men will die from the disease. One new case occurs every two and a half minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every nineteen minuet. For men, the likelihood of acquiring prostate cancer increases with age as well. Men who have one immediate relative with the disease and a family history of it are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. Those with two or more relatives who have prostate cancer have quadrupled the likelihood of developing it. If prostate cancer is detected in the early stages the cure rate can be very high. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, “If the cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Some men, however, will experience such as frequent, hesitant, or burning urination, or pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. If there are no symptoms, screening for prostate cancer can be performed in a physician’s office using two tests: the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE).” Men have a very high chance of survival and cure rate from prostate cancer, it is nearly 100% if found and treated early. Because prostate cancer increases with age and family history, men of all ages should be aware of their risk factors. The earlier men are educated with their risk factors the better chance they will detect it earlier on. The California State University, Stanislaus student health center has many services
targeted for men’s health. According to our health center webpage, “Clinical care and health education specific to male issues is available. These include urinary / genital exams, sexually transmitted infection testing, testicular exams, prostate exams and instructions in testicular self exam (TSE). Male physicians are on staff and can be requested if desired.” Our campus health clinic is your friend not foe. There are experts and resources always available for questions and concerns regarding your health. Do not be embarrassed or shy when it comes to your health; be active and assertive with your doctors concerning all health questions and concerns. The first step to cancer awareness is to know the facts and to do your research. Talk to everyone about cancer awareness. It is a disease that can affect anyone and everyone. Don’t be silent like this terminal disease; speak out to those you care about.
The Freshman 15: Gain Some Perspective
By Marquis Fleming
Photo by: Reyna Lopez
The “Freshman 15” may be one of the most inevitable obstacles a freshman student, male or female, will encounter during their first year of college. Freshman students are worried mostly about going to parties, meeting new people, getting jobs and expressing their true freedom from their parents for the first time; not worrying about what they eat, and how many unhealthy empty calories they take in everyday. In this case, fun does not always mean healthy. Professor David Levitsky of Cornell University says, “College is the first time many kids decide what, where, when, and how much to eat, and junk food is biggest culprit.” Since many freshman students occupy most of their time having fun and going to parties, they usually stay up late until 2 or 3 in the morning, which leaves no time to prepare a healthy meal. The most available options for food are usually the most fattening ones like, McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, and In-n-Out—just a few of the popular fast food joints in the area. But the buck doesn’t stop there in terms of the causes of this mysterious weight gain. Stress could also be a culprit in the weight gain category; with a student being away from home for the first time, the level of responsibility increases. One California State University, Stanislaus student said, “My first year was the first time I could 45
decide if I wanted to go to class or not.” This could definitely lead to stress, from poor performance in the classroom; if you decide to miss one day of class, and we all know that missing one day becomes contagious, all of a sudden you miss four or five classes and get behind so much that you are struggling to catch up and pass the class. Most first-year students also have to get jobs in order to provide themselves with some spending money. As helpful as jobs are, they can also put stress on the shoulders of students when you mix working with classes and a large load of homework. Teachers and parents always stress the amount of time a student should designate for homework or studying for a test, which turns out to be 4 hours for a 3 hour class. This also doesn’t include the time they designate to have fun and socialize with other students, which is one of benefits of attending college. With the mix of their social life, academic life, and occupational life, there is limited time for student’s to involve themselves in some sort of physical activity to stay fit. Most first year students come from high schools where they played some sort of organized sport or had a mandatory physical education class. But, there are only a few high school students that are able to play sports at the college level; which makes physical activity optional for the students who are not mandated to workout. The American College Health Journal concluded that, “students who experienced a trend toward decreased physical activity gained weight during their first year. Majority of the time decreased physical activity has to do with the lack of participation in organized sports.” So the fact is that the “Freshman 15” has become another responsibility that incoming freshman will have to consider. They should be more aware and take more action toward the reduction of this inevitable obstacle.
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There are plenty of tactics that will help with the improvement of your physical appearance, while you still have time to enjoy your freedom. One California State University, Stanislaus student, who was a freshman 3 years ago, advised incoming freshman to sign up for as many intramural sports as possible: football, indoor/outdoor soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Intramural sports are a very easy way to stay physically active; they are definitely not as time consuming as official university sports, they are easy to sign up for and you can play with your friends. Another tactic is to go grocery shopping more often and buy healthier and more nutritious foods, so when you do come back home at 2 or 3 in the morning you won’t have to run to the nearest fast food joint like Jack In The Box or Taco Bell. The
most interesting and innovative technique the student used to stay in shape and help himself academically was to take his text books with him to the gym, ride a bike or a treadmill and read the designated chapters that were due for class that week. He would also take note cards with him to study if he had a big test the next day. We all know that homework can take a lot of your time, but this way you can knock out two tasks with one stone. Hopefully with students becoming more aware of the “Freshman 15,” they can use some of these helpful, innovative techniques, so exercise won’t be an inevitable obstacle, but a healthy responsibility.
sign up for as many intramural sports as possible: football, indoor/outdoor soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Intramural sports are a very easy way to stay physically active;
Mind Your Body and Soul By Christine Harms “The two million freshmen heading to college will face many challenges to stay healthy,” revealed Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld. Even if you are not an incoming freshman, these probably relate to you. While attending college, every student should strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In an inter-
Photo by: Reyna Lopez
view with Dr. Wilbur from the California State University, Stanislaus Health Center he mentioned that, “The core challenges students face relate to health changes from lack of sleep, situational stress, relationship issues, financial issues, nutrition, and lack of exercise…. though some students have
doctor for a required physical adequate support from family and friends, many students need and the necessary shots. According to GoCollege.com help identifying how to get these vaccinations include: support or accessing resources “Tetanus, Meningitis, Hepatitis B for assistance.” and any other shots required by College students should place a the University.” All vaccinations strong focus on their physical must be up to date before enrollstate. Think back to your first ing in classes at California State day on campus. It is likely that University, Stanislaus. It is also you had already visited the 47
important that students protect themselves sexually. Practicing safer sex is the most secure way aside from abstinence to avoid pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. GoCollege.com also says to “make sure to always have a contraceptive with you….whether you plan on having sex or not.” Another way to stay healthy physically in college is to schedule in exercise time. GoCollege.com says, “A healthy student has been proven to perform better academically” –than those who do not exercise daily. Making use of the gym on campus is an easy way to exercise and stay fit. If you eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly, your body will get a much needed energy boost and improve in its ability to function. To stay healthy spiritually, students need to find something that brings them a feeling of peace. A good example of this is a mental exercise known as meditation. By inducing a tranquil breathing pattern, the ability to focus becomes polished. Also in line with spiritual health is aromatherapy, which uses certain scents to
trigger feelings of spiritual tranquility. Try lighting an aromatherapy candle and let the warm glow and the fragrance take you into an atmosphere of inviting relaxation. The third most important tool to staying healthy while in college is to stay in shape mentally. Taking additional measures to improve mental health will enhance your academic performance and help keep you focused. If you live away from home, try calling family members on a regular basis in order to maintain a healthy mental state. Doing this can help release the separation anxiety that you may be feeling. Also, surround yourself with students you are comfortable with and who share similar interests. Having a healthy social life is essential to being strong mentally. The students here are unique, and held within that notion is the idea that each student should approach their health maintenance on a level that fits them. The importance of health is worth far more than an exam grade.
Cooking Under Pressure Photo by: Susan Dawod
By Kyle Taylor
of the day. This is because it jump starts your metabolism. This in turn causes greater levels of alertness and even better food processing the rest of the day. Eating right is important at any time of the day, be it a late afternoon lunch or a midnight snack.
prepare, and partake of for any meal of the day. Certain units in The Village here at California State University, Stanislaus are equipped with a kitchen, thereby making it easier for students to prepare their own dishes.
Ever skip a meal? Don’t be tempted to do so simply because you don’t have the time, the money, or the desire to prepare Driving to and from school is a home (or dorm) cooked food. It Presented are a few easy recipes common occurrence for many has always been said that breakfor college students to purchase, students who attend California fast is the most important meal
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Veggie Super Omelet Ser ves 1–2
nut rient in mac uLutein is an importa nt of the reti na. lth lar hea lth, or the hea h foods that wit ed ign des is let Thi s ome A study by in. lute of all contain sou rces Dav is in the a ecc Reb and ng Wa Li Hui l stated the ten Col lege Student Jou rna tain ing lutein for con ds foo r ula pop t mos rec ipe was this and s, college student of those item s. ny ma h wit cted stru con tein and bot h Egg s are pac ked wit h pro unsatu rated monounsatu rated and poly lthy and hea a re refo the fats, and are mea l. nut ritious med ium for a
ivalent egg substitute) 2–3 large eggs (or equ per, herbs to taste pep , salt 1 tbsp. olive oil; ato ; 1/4c rinsed, cho Prep: 1/4c diced tom d spinach, de-stemme
pped broccoli; 1/4c fres
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Dir ect ions: oil to medium ng pan, heat the olive • In a medium size fryi s ute cook for 2-3 min • Add the broccoli and spinach • Add eggs, tomato, and spoon, ensuring that one spatula or wooden ugh. silic a h wit mix the Stir • thro way the all k coo to the egg has a chance pan from the heat and wet sheen, remove the • Once the egg loses its serve hot.
sley. dried oregano and par e good herb choices are Som increases it ing. , Notes : son elet sea om for the ed of flavor per is recommend While this improves the ing. serv Fresh ground black pep to r prio ed r choice can be add . Shredded cheese of you d to prepare the omelet a microwave can be use the fat content as well. icrowaveEggs.htm in many dorm rooms, e s/M cas Egg the et/ is a.n as , eric able gam vail scookin If a stovetop range is una be found at http ://what eggs in a microwave can r to cooking Directions for cooking prio s egg the to ce some hot sau For a bit of a kick, add
Mega Fruit Smoothie 2–3 Servings
State University, Stanislaus. Widely considered to be a commuter school, it is easy to see the potential for long travel times. When asked about her commute, Jenny Plant, a senior here at California State University, Stanislaus, stated that between driving from both work in Oakdale and her home in Modesto, she does
This smoothie is craf ted with several fruits that boast a high ORA C (short for Oxygen Rad ical Absorba nce Capacit y) count. These fruits are exce llent sources of anti-oxidants, whic h help to fight free radicals. This is purported to help fight the effects of disease and aging. In a study conducte d by Dr. Alex Schauss of AIBMR Life Scie nces, it was show n that antioxidants in a solvent prevented oxidative chem ical processes from taki ng place. These anti oxidants can be absorbed into the bod y’s red blood cells, thereby prev enti ng oxidative stress with in hum ans.
1/2 c blueberries; 1/2 c stra wberries ; 1/2 c raspberries; 1/2 c banana, mashed ; 1/4 c fresh, de-stem med spinach; 1 c cranberr y juice (this can be substituted with orange juice or pineapple juice, dep ending on your personal tastes) Directions: • Combine ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth. • Keeps for two days in a seal ed container in the refrigera tor. • To stretch the volume of the smoothie, blend in som e crushed ice prior to serving. (If this is don e prior to storing, the water will cause the smoothie to spoil faster, so drink it right after adding ice) Notes: The berries in this recipe can often be found in a mix in the freezer section. It is often cheaper to buy them this way, but som e of the nutritional value is lost as part of the freezing process. • Cert ain juice products are available that contain some of the ingredie nts in this recipe, as well as other additional fruit s or vegetables. Açai, a berr y from Brazil, has become somewhat of a celebrity fruit in this fashion, as it boa sts the highest ORAC count of any fruit or vegetable available . • Looking for something that will stick to your ribs and build muscle? Add some of your favorite protein powder to the mix. • Wondering why spinach was added? It is packed with nutr ient s, and the flavor is not even noticeable with all of the sweet and tart fruit s in the blend.
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around its k several times, all eet potato with a for sw the the re in ctu ss Pun me Prep: m making a vent the potato fro place it on a plate, sur face. This will pre a damp paper towel, in ato pot the ap e the tomato the Slic s. ute microwave. Wr min six rowave on high for and cook in the mic e time. night before to sav Direc tions : aigret te on them. es and spread the vin ng • Take the bread slic to the sandwich, alo add potato thinly and h. nac spi • Slice the tomato and s, lettuce, and with the bean sprout ato is hot. • Ser ve while the pot
zy about a vegetarian microwave. • Not cra umber cooking time in the Add some sliced cuc Notes : the nt! ust wa adj , you if ato up pot it e ang of the you are Ch ad • size . bre the ipe the on rec s If g • thi . din mix Depen great with h Jack cheese into the ed turkey or ham go can also be made wit cheddar or Monterey d ich mil dw sandwich? Some slic of san e slic The a • e . dwich potato, or slid dwich san constructing the san d to size or ckpri instead of the sweet it sna st t, toa ien y want to lightly roll to make conven using is sof t, you ma sweet potato on the ce single slices of the dinner rolls. Just pla
not have much time to prepare health benefits of the ingredients or even eat a decent home- used, the cost to purchase the necessary ingredients, and the cooked meal. In order to assist college students preparation time needed. All who might find themselves in a of the preparatory work for the situation where good food is ingredients can be done ahead of either outside their price range or time, unless otherwise stated. timeframe, some recipes accom- This will allow for greater flexpany this article for consider- ibility in ingredient use and the ation. Some important factors actual cooking time of the recipe. that were taken into consider- If the recipes you see here aren’t ation for these recipes are the enough, and you are looking for
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some more recipes that are simple to prepare and great to eat, check out Alice Waters’ book The Art of Simple Food, available in the CSU Stanislaus Bookstore for some more ideas.
Photo by: Melissa Garcia
Sleep is one of those things that college students tend to take for granted. It’s the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy.
We all know that our bodies need sleep, but we almost see staying awake for long periods of time or staying up to get things done as efficient or a badge of honor. However, as we have heard from the experts our whole lives, it is essential that our bodies get seven to ten hours of sleep a night in order to function properly and stay healthy. Depriving yourself of sleep can actually cause health problems. According to an article in Prevention magazine, “a spate of studies [are] turning up clear links between inadequate sleep and obesity, as well as several related conditions:
’s
By Sara Ross
heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.” Just think how easy it would be to prevent these things if you just allowed yourself a little more shut-eye. Sleep deprivation is simply described as a lack of sleep. However, in taking a closer look, sleep deprivation can mean sleeping for less than the usual amount of hours, sleeping but waking up frequently from disruptions, or staying awake and not sleeping at all. Sleeping less than you normally do could be caused by an unusual amount of stress, lack of exercise or not eating well. Most of the time these things are temporary and can be reversed, however some people have chronic sleep problems or sleep disorders that they cannot help, like insomnia, sleep apnea (where a person stops breathing for at least 10seconds) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). People who suffer from these disorders require medical assistance to get a good night’s sleep.
A’s
t Ge to R You sleep to preparing for a big presentation, the lack of sleep can have many negative effects on your body. Sleep-deprivation. com states, “some of the more general effects of lack of sleep include: blurry vision, depression (while depression can cause a lack of sleep, it can also arise from sleep deprivation), dizziness, dramatic weight loss or gain, hallucinations, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), irritability, memory loss, nausea, tremors and trouble speaking.” If you are losing sleep from work, school or stress, try to prioritize and get things done earlier in the day so that you do not disrupt your sleep, however, if you are consistently unable to get quality sleep or any sleep at all, make sure you see a doctor immediately.
night decreases insulin sensitivity, which in turn increases the risk of diabetes,” says James Gangwisch, Ph.D., of Columbia University Medical Center. In addition, lack of sleep can contribute to obesity. In fact, an article in Men’s Health stated, “a 2007 Canadian study found that people who sleep only five or six hours a night increase their likelihood of being overweight by 69 percent, compared with those who habitually sleep seven or eight hours.” Sleep deprivation can also affect a student’s ability to study. According to About. com, “a study in sleep found that people’s accuracy on workingmemory tasks dropped by about 15 percent while they pulled an all-nighter.” The same article also stated that “sleep helps your brain consolidate information, so without recovery time, you’re unable to file away important data.” Based on all the facts, it is easy to see that sleep deprivation can have serious health effects on one’s school life.
According to a 2008 article in Good Housekeeping magazine, getting “seven to nine hours of sleep a night ensures the lowest risk of diabetes, a new study shows. Get five hours or less, Whether you have a sleep disor- and you almost double your der or just lost a few hours of chances.” It is scary to think that Unlike many other diseases and “losing just an hour of sleep a disorders, sleep deprivation can
usually be prevented. If stress is a common problem in your life preventing you from falling to sleep, try refocusing your thinking before going to bed or getting up and going to another part of the house (but leave the lights off). Prevention magazine says, “this well studied strategy, called stimulus control, also prevents you from associating your bed with anxiety. Another tip is to set aside time in the early evening to problem solve and write down your concerns with possible solutions for each.” This should help prevent stress and an overactive mind from keeping you awake. It is important to keep a consistent sleep schedule even on the weekends. Prevention magazine also states, “late nights followed by extra sack time the next morning throw off your internal clock, which is controlled by a cluster of nerve cells in the brain that also regulate appetite and body temperature.” This is why come Sunday you stay up past your bedtime and then feel groggy on Monday morning. “Even if you’ve been up late, don’t sleep in more 51
feature story than an hour longer than usual. To make up for the lost slumber, take an afternoon catnap (30 minutes or less)” and you will feel just as rested as if you had slept a full eight hours. Lastly, make sure that you get a good meal at dinnertime and do not go to bed hungry. If you are hungry– eat something! It’s better to find something healthy and small to eat right then, than keep yourself awake or drive you to eat junk food later. An article in Prevention magazine suggests you “save some of your calories for a high-protein bedtime snack, such as a small serving of cheese or a hardboiled egg. Protein produces greater satiety than carbohydrates and fat.” If the preventative techniques listed above do no work to prevent loss of sleep or there is a fear that the sleep deprivation might be caused by something more serious like sleep apnea or insomnia it is best to seek out the help of a doctor. Sleep does more than make you rested, it keeps you healthy! In order to maintain a healthy mind and body, be sure to get seven to ten hours of sleep a night. Getting the right amount of sleep will ensure that your brain functions at its best and will help you prevent problems/diseases like obesity, hypertension, heart failure and type-2 diabetes. Let sleep be natural, don’t lose sleep over the lack of sleep.
Health
It is 10:00 PM and you have a test and two papers due the next morning. You know it is going to be a long night and you’ll be lucky to get a couple hours of sleep. Truth is, all nighters are common for a college student. College students are among the most sleep-deprived people in the country. According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, studies show that college students obtain only an average of 6 hours of sleep per night. Today’s students believe that energy drinks will give them the boost they need when they don’t get the recommended 8 hours of sleep. Energy drinks are wildly popular, and it seems that a new one pops up on convenience store shelves each week. Unfortunately, energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster are making a serious impact on college students’ already unhealthy lifestyles. Students seemingly consume energy drinks like water, without any consideration of what they are putting into their system. The vast majority of these drinks rely on large doses of caffeine to boost energy. According to a recent study conducted by John Hopkins University, energy drinks’ caffeine content ranges from a modest 50mg to an alarming 505mg per can. Energy drinks are often loaded with a
By Mostafa Razawi
large amount of sugar, which plays a part in thickening your waistline. The combination of caffeine and sugar might give you a quick burst of energy, but when it wears off, the crash can be just as extreme. Rather than buying into the energy drink hype, try healthier energy boosters. College is a great time to develop new habits that will help you be strong and healthy for years to come. Here are a few simple healthy alternatives that will make you feel energized throughout your day:
Photo by: Melissa Garcia
Eating a big Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and eating a big breakfast will give you plenty of energy. According to an article in WebMD, breakfast skippers are more likely to be inattentive, sluggish, and receive lower grades. Cereal that contains whole grains and natural sugars from fruit will give you plenty of energy. Also, don’t forget to include carbohydrates in your daily breakfast because they are the main energy source for the body. Snack on Nuts If you get hungry during class and need a pick me up, have a handful of walnuts or almonds. They pack a powerful protein punch and are another food that provides lasting energy. Nuts lower cholesterol, aid brain function, boost energy and strength, and help us cope with stress. For energy purposes, it’s okay to get a little nutty. Drink green tea and coffee Green tea is a healthy caffeinated drink that gives you a dose of antioxidants. Additionally, if you can drink your coffee black or with a little artificial sweetener and cut the cream and sugar, it’s better for your body, especially to your heart, blood circulation, and concentration. Drink plenty of water Dehydration can make you feel very tired and empty of energy. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can replenish your mind and body. You don’t have to overdo it; just keep
a bottle of water in your backpack and grab it when you feel thirsty. Listen to music If you are somewhere where you can listen to music and are in need of an energy boost, listen to some upbeat music. Listening to some of your favorite fast songs won’t just make you feel more energetic; it can also cheer you up and make life more enjoyable. It will also make you want to dance like no one is watching! Enjoy the sun Natural light can help boost your energy, so if you sit next to a window, let the sunshine in. Not only will it make you feel good, but you will be getting your daily dose of Vitamin D. If you don’t sit next to a window, try to sneak outside to stand in the sun for a sunshine break. For many students, cramming for exams and pulling allnighters is an exhausting reality. Energy drinks might provide a quick pick-me-up, but the long term results can be detrimental to your health. While there is no replacement for sleep, using these healthy and safe energy-boosting alternatives can help you stay awake.
KCSS: Turn it Up! By Lindsey Lundquist For many college students, music can be an oasis to which they escape in order to survive their stressful semesters. Although there are a handful of area radio stations, none of them fit the student lifestyle as well as KCSS 91.9 FM. This student run, student managed radio station offers a wide variety of music genres, including: Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Modern Rock, World, Classical, Hip Hop, and Hawaiian. With its blend of genres available, KCSS can cater to every student’s moods or needs. If students need background music while studying for a midterm, they can tune in on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Classical music. If they feel like letting loose from a long day of classes, they can rock out Mondays through Saturdays throughout the day during various hours with Modern Rock. According to research conducted at San Diego State University, “some amount of background music may in fact be helpful in the learning process, both in a structured school setting and under self-directed homework conditions.” Listening to the station is convenient online through their website www.kcss.net, it couldn’t be easier to have it on in the background while studying. KCSS is a non-commercial educational (NCE) station that reaches as far north as Manteca and stretches through Modesto and to the southern-most part of Turlock. The station’s music is picked by each disc jockey when their show begins. They have their choice of music from a huge inventory room with over 10,000 CD’s of modern rock alone. The station is constantly receiving new music and it is up to each individual DJ to listen to them and grade them. Unlike commercial stations that are required to push certain singles within certain time periods, KCSS is free to play any track, from any CD, at any given time. This freedom allows KCSS to play a much wider range of music than commercial stations that seem to always be stuck playing their top ten songs over and over again. Plus the station doesn’t have any commercials, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting your studying with annoying advertisements. We met up with one of our favorite DJs, DJ Jami, to discuss how local bands make an impact in her modern rock show. “We are fully equipped to have guests on my show. The request lines are open during every broadcast and I do my best to accommodate their wants. We always encourage our listeners 53
to call in and tell us how we are doing and how we can make our station better. The other DJs and I really support playing new and local music. A station like ours is one of their primary outlets. Recently, a local band, Nideit, from Escalon called into my show and wanted me to plug their upcoming show in downtown Modesto. I did and played one of their songs right after. Nideit would be an ideal candidate as a guest on my show. As long as any local bands provide us their CDs and they are good, I will play them and support them.” It is a unique feature that the listener gets the choice of hearing local bands as well as the mainstream music. There is no other station that will offer this unique blend of music that can add to the students’ learning process. So the next time you are feeling overwhelmed with school-work, turn up KCSS and feel the good vibrations!
Taking Time with Christine 2008 has been an amazing year. This is my last semester of college as a Communication Studies major. When I had originally signed up for the capstone class I had no idea we would be composing a department magazine. Or, have any idea that I would be published in it. The experience of putting Christine Harms together a magazine was completely different than anything I had ever done. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to put together a magazine for people to read, especially with working so closely with Dr. Harvey, and my classmates. The main purpose of this magazine was to express our associations with people, and the issues that affect our lives as college students. The entire magazine was presented through the students in the class. We as editors, writers and copy editors had to come up with the issues, and evaluate each other’s work. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to experience, especially my peers. Every College Student’s Guide to Staying Healthy in College was one of the articles I wrote about for the article. This article was for the entire school but was more directed towards the incoming freshman. This article discussed the different ways to keep yourself healthy; mentally, physically, and spiritually. As students we are so busy that the little things discussed in this article do not seem to matter. I want to inform my peers that they do matter, and by maintaining your healthy you will succeed in everything you do. I interviewed Dr. Wilbur from the California State University, Stanislaus Health Center. I asked him what he noticed most about students’ health, and what aspects he came across most frequently. He said that he sees all different types of cases regarding the mental, physical and even spiritual states of students.
University Life
Guest Editorial
The greatest accomplishment for me was that this article was published. I was a little hesitant going into the class because of my writing skills. I felt that I was not up to par with some of the other students. I worked hard on my research and writing, and sought help from Dr. Harvey and some of my peers. Throughout this whole experience I realized that if you really put your mind and heart into something you will succeed. This article getting published is right up there with receiving my diploma. As a copy editor for Relational Caffeine, I edited my peers’ articles, and also wrote my own. This allowed me to experience other people’s writing styles, and get a feel for some of the topics in the magazine. One of the articles I reviewed was titled “The Freshman 15”: Is it Fact or Fiction? This article was interesting to edit because I never realized how many people are not careful with what they eat. People tend to reach for the simplest thing possible. It also presented tips for college students to eat on the go, but to do it in a healthy way. I would like to thank Dr. Harvey for her dedication, perseverance, and ability to motivate her students. I would also like to thank my Senior Copy Editor for being relaxed, and understanding when our jobs got a little hectic. Last but not least, my fellow students. Thank you so much for a fun-filled semester. We did it! I would also like to thank my family for sticking by through this semester. The last one is finally done and graduation is on the way. As the first one to graduate in my immediate family, we have all accomplished it together. Thank you for an amazing Senior year!
Behind the Scenes with Relational Caffeine
Editorial Insights Jennifer Lucero: It’s the first day of class, and as I weave in and out of the dense rows of parking, my hopes of finding a spot before class are fading fast. Up one row, down another – my frustration and anxiety growing hand in hand. I quickly maneuver into the last vacant spot, jump out of my car and run towards the Bizzini Hall. This is a scene I’m sure I share with most of my peers. We feel the stresses and pressures of tedious research and ten pound term papers. After constructing this magazine with our class, I look back to see how enjoyable it really was. It’s a sure thing that the good things in life are worth working for. Jason Freeman: As a Senior Communication Studies Major, father, and husband, I believed I knew how to balance just about anything. Meanwhile, dates and details seemed to continuously be flowing my way at a high rate of speed. Throughout the creation process our group stayed energetic, upbeat and focused – from Dr. Harvey’s vision, to the leadership of our Senior Editors and Editors-in Chief, to the resourcefulness of everyone. I was able to get bits and pieces of creative writing styles from every article I read, which sparked new individual thoughts and ideas. Joselyn Davis: I had no idea what this class would be like. I just knew that whatever it required, I would have to do it if I wanted to graduate. We’re talking anxiety with a capital A. I decided to go back to college after dropping out 7 years ago. Something I’ve learned is that every choice that we make in life comes with a reciprocal,
whether it’s good or bad. After reading Relational Caffeine, I hope that it helps you to make some positive choices during your college experience. Lindsey Lundquist: “Continuous effort – not strength and intelligence is the key to unlocking our potential,” said the late Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. When writing for Relational Caffeine, Churchill’s words echoed loud and clear in my mind throughout the semester. Being a student in the capstone course has paralleled my whole college experience. It was a great honor to be able to write for the magazine. It was an outlet for me to write about issues that I have had myself or have heard other classmates on campus discuss. Kyle Taylor: I am one of those students who have managed to cram four years of college into five. I will not graduate Magna Cum Laude or Suma Cum Laude. I will graduate, Thank the Laude. In order to publish the magazine that you now hold in your hands, we had to research topics relating to you, our collegiate associates here at California State University, Stanislaus. Let this magazine be a reminder that the benefits of college go beyond lessons learned within the four walls of a classroom. Friends, associates, professors, and internships are all sources of potential fulfillment. Trust in the fact that you are learning, growing, and bettering yourself. Even if you can’t see it now, you are forging an experience that you will take with you.
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Putting Your Diploma to Work By Lindsey Lundquist Many college students believe that college is a stepping-stone into their unknown future. A stepping stone that will lead to a job after graduation, that will then lead to a better job, that will then lead to an even better job until eventually you end up in the perfect career and wildly successful. Although the latter may not always be the end result of the stepping-stone journey, it is still a very vivid dream for many college students. That dream is the motivation as they stay up late to finish that paper or wake up extra early to get in more study time. How can that dream be transpired into reality? The age-old saying, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” got it almost right. “Except the key is to not just try again but to try, reflect and learn—then try again,” says Anita Jones Thomas, Ph.D., an assistant professor in counseling psychology at Loyola University in Chicago. What is the next step toward ensuring this success? We met up with one of our own successful alumni to find out how she utilized the skills she learned in school to propel her in the workforce. Courtney Considine, an Organizational Communication Major and Minor in Journalism, graduated in 2004 and is now working at her dream job and couldn’t be happier. Courtney is the Director of Marketing at Never Boring Design and offers some of her secrets for success. Q: How did California State University, Stanislaus prepare you for your career? A: The best preparation I received for my career was one heck of a writing skill set. I wrote for the Signal – I wrote the movie reviews for two years. Between the oversight of Dr. Sumser and Dr. DeCaro, I developed the skill to write just about anything. In the industry of public relations as well as marketing being able to write is an essential part of the job. To list
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a few of the required writing duties would not even scratch the surface as to all that is required, but here are a few…you must be able to write press releases, write up marketing strategy proposals, “pitch letters”, and fact sheets. If Courtney had not had been fully prepared at Stanislaus, she never would have been able to survive in the workforce. Q: What types of jobs have you had since you graduated? A: I have been practicing marketing and public relations since I graduated. I’ve managed to take on increasing responsibility and have had the pleasure of working in a number of industries. I started as a Publicity Coordinator with PR Consulting in Turlock (we handled PR/ marketing for the Stanislaus County Fair). After that, I moved into the non-profit sector and was the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the YMCA of Stanislaus County and later took on the Membership Department as well. I was then the Marketing Director at Samaritan Village, a large retirement community in Hughson. And I am THRILLED to say that today I am the Marketing Director at Never Boring Design, a small marketing and graphic design firm where I get to rely on my colorful background on a daily basis. Courtney’s wide array of jobs proves that there are plenty of jobs available after graduation. Q: What do you attribute to your success? A: In this business, the prerequisite for every position should be an insatiable need to know things. With hours of research and education under my belt, I still feel the need to know more about my industry. I love what I do (to a fault) and I think my thirst for knowledge has been key in the progression of my career. It also helps that the creative aspect of this business keeps my fire going. I think you have to be ready to throw out the zany ideas in the hopes that there will be some nugget of truth, some
little piece that will work for your client/ organization. That, and I took a lot of people to lunch on the way up—you’d be surprised at how far a sandwich can propel your career. According to The Information Management Journal, “in order to be successful, you first need to understand your own personality (e.g., outgoing or shy, passive or aggressive, thoughtful or emotional). In addition, you need to be clear about your own attitudes toward life and work. For example, a positive attitude about work defines who you are and may turn you toward a career that provides the opportunity to engage in a driving passion but would not interest someone for whom work is simply a necessary evil to provide income and stability.” Q: Any advice for college students on how to set and achieve their goals? A: I think the most important place to start is to figure out what your niche is. You’ve chosen a major – congratulations – but I found on day one in the professional world, that things are extremely different. Complete as many internships as you possibly can; figure out where you fit. Then, focus on the short-term goals – I like to look a year to two years out. Because when you’re young and getting started – your priorities change quickly. Don’t forget to ask a LOT of questions on your way – the question mark is an amazing tool for both personal and professional growth. When that ideal job is within reach, go for it full of passion. The key thing about passion is that other people can see it and feel it. Less than five years after graduation, Courtney has leapt across the stepping-stones with great passion to fulfill the coveted dream of many college students: success.
Free Stuff: Yours for the Taking By Dianne Stahl
Our campus is filled with free services designated for students. From video games to tutoring, California State University, Stanislaus has all the resources dedicated to meeting student needs. College is meant to be a time for academic achievement, selfdiscovery and personal development. We have numerous programs in which students are able to interact, build relationships and gain knowledge from others like themselves. College happens once in a lifetime, so what are you waiting for? Get the most out of your college years! PERSONAL DRIVERS That’s right folks, you can have your very own chauffeur. Safety Transport at Night (S.T.A.N.) is free and accessible Monday through Thursday 6-11 p.m. Public safety officials are literally on-call 24/7 for students. They can be reached via telephone at (209) 667-3114 or by activating one of the “Blue Phones” which are posted throughout campus. Both services are accessible by picking up the phone and pushing the blue button, the light above is activated and public safety officials are notified. Your free ride will then whisk you away to any destination on campus.
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FOR FUN Imagine having free access to a 47 inch flat screen HD television, a Nintendo Wii, SONY Play Station 3 and XBOX 360. Brand new equipment gives students the opportunity to enjoy all the latest in gaming technology. Enjoy these luxuries in the comfort of your very own game room located in the Student Union Building, open to students with a Warrior ID card 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Game room equipment is also available for after-hours rental, on or off campus. Rent out the 47 inch TV for a sports tournament, or rent some video games for a fun party. Stop by in between classes to watch TV, recreate, or if you’re in the mood for friendly competition, challenge some fellow students to a game of ping pong. On campus and want to drink a beer? Believe it or not you can! We are a wet campus, which means anyone 21 or older with a valid ID can legally carry drink in hand. Although consumption is restricted to the dorms and café, student hot spot MOM’S is a great place to kick up your heels and throw back a cold one, alcoholic or not. Booths are available to enjoy the company of friends, study for a class, or just relax during your down time on campus. So cheers, and bottoms up! STAYING HEALTHY Whether we like it or not,
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registering for classes means signing up for a full dose stress. Juggling personal life, work and school can be a big pill to swallow, but we are here for you! Psychological counseling is included in your fees and is available to all students by making an appointment with a psychological counselor in the Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Building, Room 210, or by calling (209) 667-3381. It is voluntary to attend and information is kept confidential. A student may attend as many sessions as they wish as long as they are enrolled. Workshops exploring anxiety, trust, and express-full art are offered each semester for free. So if you’re feeling on the outs set up an appointment today. Feeling under the weather? In addition to psychological health, health services are also paid for through a mandatory student health fee. Seeing a doctor for primary medical care, health education and disease prevention is free, and prescriptions are offered at a reduced price. Clinical services include primary care, women’s health care, men’s health care, immunizations, and HIV and Tuberculosis (PPD) Testing. The office is located in the Health Center Building, and appointments are easily made via telephone (209) 667-3396 or by walking in to the front desk Monday through Friday. The health services staff is extremely friendly and happy to be of aid for any health problems or questions you may
have. Pamphlets are available to inform students about common health issues such as obesity and stress management. There is also a satellite primary care clinic at the Stockton campus located in the Acacia Building, Room 1050 which offers limited services and hours. Need exercise but don’t belong to a gym? Actually, you do! Our campus has a gym that is free to students, equipped with lockers, treadmills, weights, and a basketball court and pool. The physical education facility is
located on the West side of campus, open 24/7. Regular exercise will keep you mentally and physically healthy. Now is a good time to establish a work out routine to benefit you for the rest of your life. Also, many of our school’s athletic teams play on these grounds, in our 2,300 seat gymnasium, as well as the soccer field, baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, all-weather track, and swimming pool. Classes such as yoga, dance and weight training also use these facilities. Taking a
class, joining a sports team, or establishing a work out routine is a healthy lifestyle change for body, mind and soul. So put your running shoes on and go give it a look-see. PERSONAL ENRICHMENT A great place to start looking to make connections is in the University Student Union Building, 103. “The student activities center is home to the Associated Students Recreational Sports and Special Events programs, the Union Program Board, the Outdoor Adventure Program, the Office of Student Leadership and Development, and more than 80 student clubs” (http://www. csustan.edu/StudentLife/). Join in on outdoor adventure trips, volunteer for Warrior Day and Homecoming, or learn about other opportunities for student involvement. Getting involved means expressing creativity, enjoying extracurricular activities, and establishing lifelong friendships. Being part of organizations like these also looks great on a resume.
track and gain a better understanding of course materials. Another tutoring service free to students is the writing center. Being a college student means writing a lot of papers, often times in new formats. The writing center offers skilled and qualified tutors to help you write an A paper. Available for undergraduate and graduate students, tutors will help you understand assignments, generate ideas and even prepare you for the WPST. They are located in the library building #1, telephone (209) 667-3465. There is no reason to struggle with papers when the tutoring center provides tools for success. There is even tutoring online! If you’re stuck at home visit the writing center’s website and click on On-line tutoring. You can email a tutor to ask questions, submit your draft paper, and receive feedback. Or click on Chat Tutoring where you can drag and drop assignments and chat with a tutor. This is a brand new service, so give it a chance. Online tutoring may be the solution to your academic needs.
Is your head buried in text books that read like a foreign Juggling school and life is language? Never fear, tutors difficult, but keep school a are here! They are available for priority. Take advantage of the any subject you are struggling services available for you. with. Take in your homework Signing up for college here at and have a list of questions ready to get the most out of your California State University, Stanislaus means free access to session. The tutoring center is all kinds of programs and located in the library building services. You’re paying for it, so 112 and can be reached at (209) go out and take advantage of 667-3642. They help students your free campus services! get their academics back on
feature story
A Woman’s Place is in the Classroom By Katy Escobar
Photo by: Susan Dawod
There she was, standing at her husband’s casket, wondering how she was going to make it without him. Another woman sat in the attorney’s office after signing the divorce papers, contemplating the details of her scattered life. A mother could not find a job that paid above minimum wage. Although these women come from different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common, the need for a college degree. Without a degree how would these women support themselves and their children? This is an important question women ask themselves upon facing the trials and tribulations 59
of life. Becoming the sole provider after relying on a partner or a spouse can be daunting. It can be even more daunting when there is no possession of a college degree. These types of life situations can sometimes be the impetus for returning to school, or even bettering one’s life. Without a degree or trade school certificate it is a challenge to procure a career that pays a handsome salary. Salary.com states that the average person can make between $12,000 and$17,000 more if they have a bachelor’s degree as opposed to simply holding a high school degree or some college units. It is monetary compensation and the chance to receive a degree that provides women with the gumption to finish school. The academic term for women returning to college is “reentry women.” Padula and Miller, described reentry women as women who are reentering college or the work force after being absent for as little as a few years to 35 years and are between the ages of 25-65. According to a current population survey conducted by the Census Bureau on momcentral.com, there are now 2.3 million women, 30 or older attending college. “Women, age 30 and older, are seeking the degrees they dreamed of but never had a chance to pursue as raising kids took priority for a number of years,” claims momcentral.com. Women who stayed home for years to raise their children need to consider what their options are if a life altering situation should occur. After interviewing Sarah, who is attending California State University, Stanislaus she made it clear that one had to have the mindset that going back to college will not go by as quickly as it may have gone in their twenties. Sarah suggested that when reentering college, a woman has to be patient, persistent and have the tenacity to get through school while contending with family issues. In an ideal world it would behoove women who are married with children to consider a college plan before the possible death, disability or divorce of a spouse occurs. Not only can returning to school be a fulfilling experience for women, but their motivation can also be an example for their children to follow. Going back to college can show children that college is the means to a career, and exhibit the tenacity reentry women possess to finish what they have started. As no one likes to be known as
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a quitter. Being a positive role model is the best way to ensure children will follow in “Mom’s” footsteps. As children observe their mother becoming involved in school work, they might be more inclined to ask their mom for help with their homework rather than a friend. The thought of college should be strategically placed in the minds of the future generation as they come face-to-face with hardships similar to that of their mothers. Balancing motherhood, marriage and a household with a college workload is a tough act to keep up through the years. Although difficult, it is an unforgettable experience. Plenty of baths, readings and good nights will be missed while pursuing a college degree. (However, diaper changes will not be missed!) Sarah, who is a teaching credential student at California State University, Stanislaus said it was difficult for her to find time to be with her family. Sarah also mentioned that is was not an easy task finding babysitting or daycare for her two daughters. The sacrifice these women make will be forgiven by their children one day as they witness the passion put forth by their mothers to realize their dream of earning a college degree. Having to give up time with family and friends is an example of what reentry women will experience. But it is also an example college bound women will pass on to their children, so that sons and daughters know they will have to surrender something in life in order to achieve their own academic dreams. Stepping up to podium to shake the hand of the university professors and getting that diploma in hand will be the guiding light for daughters and sons to follow. The diploma is the ultimate reward for years of arduous work. For some women, they are returning or just beginning college after 10-20 years since graduating from high school. In the minds of reentry women, they might be questioning their intelligence and/or diligence needed to complete a higher education. In order to banish those insecurities, family and friends are essential for reentry women pursuing a degree. In order to succeed in school, it is imperative to have spousal (if you are married) and relational support while making the decision to return to college. Knowing that you have a support system in place provides for a safe haven to concentrate on one’s studies. Unfortunately, reentering college might produce some challenges for the
family. Psychology Women Quarterly identified a couple of negative aspects on the family after women reentered college: strain on the relationships in the family and difficulty in maintaining intimacy. In order to avoid some of these problems it is important to sit down with your spouse and discuss changes that may occur while going back to school. Dad will need to step in and help with childcare and housekeeping. More importantly, your spouse will need to encourage you when you are feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork. Sarah, the reentry student at California State University, Stanislaus exclaimed her husband was ecstatic about her going back to school. Sarah added, “He was happy about the prospect of me making more money in the future.” If it is difficult getting emotional support from your spouse, use your friends as a crutch. In a study conducted in the Journal of Psychology, it was discovered that female graduate students received more support from friends or acquaintances from graduate school than from their own family members. It seems as though friends provide a better support system because they can remain more objective than the spouse. Friends do not have to put up with the stresses at the returning student’s home; therefore; they are not going to be as judgmental as the spouse. This type of social support, in return, created better coping skills. To be a full-fledged member of the Bachelor’s club is not only a personal goal, it is also a collaborative effort, one that belongs to family and friends as well. Be sure to thank them profusely, for all their support. Upon graduation, a diploma is symbolic of accomplishment, fortitude, ownership, career opportunity and financial freedom. Receipt of a college degree can be the emancipation needed for a widow, a single mom or the banality of motherhood. Receiving that diploma opens up many doors of opportunity. According to Paula and Miller, rewards for reentry women can be career advancement opportunities, intellectual motivation, camaraderie/relationships with other students, and increased assertiveness, articulation and knowledge. Earning a college degree is similar to receiving the purple heart--it’s yours because you sacrificed so much and it is something you will have for the rest of your life. A college degree is an indelible mark on the record of life. Good luck to all the women who are willing to pursue their academic dreams.
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Cramming It All In
By Joselyn Davis
The first midterm of the semester is tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. You start studying for it at 9:00 p.m. and stay up all night. You’ve known about this midterm since the beginning of the semester. Your intentions were to start studying for it at least two days before the exam. You’ve procrastinated, and procrastinated, and procrastinated; now you have less than 12 hours left to study for the test. Starbucks in hand and bag of snacks at your side, the short study session begins. You crack open your textbook and start reading frantically, trying to memorize every important detail that will be on the test. You’ll probably remember enough to pass the test, but won’t remember it a week from now. Does cramming really work? The answer may depend on who you ask, but is there ever a substitute for good study habits? Several students on our campus were interviewed and asked whether or not they believe cramming really works. It was surprising to find out that three fourths of the California State University, Stanislaus students interviewed answered “yes” compared to the remaining students that said cramming does not work for them. Undergraduate students at a large mid-Atlantic university were surveyed using a “questionnaire on study habits.” Forty-nine percent of the students were
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Photo by: Reyna Lopez
“noncrammers” and the other fifty-one percent of the students were crammers. In another survey done at Illinois State University, residence-hall students were asked whether they could get by without studying, twenty-six percent of them said they could get by without studying during the week. This figure is also corroborated by a study done at Rutgers University in which twenty-five percent of the students reported that they “hardly studied at all on a day-today basis, but relied on cramming before exams.”
to retain the information on a long-term basis.
on the information during a cram session.
We usually cram for exams for Why isn’t cramming beneficial several reasons: procrastination, on a long-term basis? Thomas overloaded schedules, poor time H. Mentos explains in his book management, participation in titled In the Human Mind that sports, our jobs, sleeping in, the information we learn and store is quickly forgotten; and at spending too much time with family or friends, and/or other the end of thirty days a little family issues. The list of more than 20 percent of the excuses can go on and on and information is retained. This we end up with no choice but to illustrates why cramming for cram. When we cram, we lose tests may yield short-term sleep, we cause our heart rates success, but isn’t the best way to retain long-term knowledge. to beat faster, and then we become very irritable and The information that you learned during that all-nighter stressed. It lasts for a moment and we pass the test. We get the will be quickly forgotten after test back and may say to the test. If you try to retrieve We asked our California State ourselves “would have, should this information later, for University, Stanislaus students have, could have”, and move on example, for a comprehensive if they thought cramming was until we cram for the next test. final exam, you’ll probably beneficial. This time most of This sounds like a very stressful won’t remember much of it. the students were in agreement cycle of studying. Based on that cramming is not beneficial. Based on an experiment done by Nate Kornell, at the Univer- research and the interviews of Only a few thought it was these California State University, sity at Los Angeles, Kornell beneficial based on certain Stanislaus students, it is best to states, “Cramming doesn’t circumstances. One of the develop good study habits and work. When you study an students said, “cramming is allow yourself enough time to beneficial if it works for you. It unfamiliar fact again and study for each exam. It will again in immediate succession, is not for everyone, but I seem alleviate the stress, and assure to remember things better when he says, it feels much better you a better grade on the exam. embedded in your memory I cram.” Another student best explained his answer by saying than it actually is. It’s much The California State University, better to create an interval “it depends on what you want Stanislaus students that were out of a class. If you are simply between the times you study interviewed also shared some an item.” Take, for example, trying to pass a test then it important tips for studying for a studying note cards. If you could be beneficial, but if you test without cramming: continue to study them over want to retain the information 1 Find a suitable place to after you take the test, it is not.” and over again in study—Find a place that the same sequence, you tend Yet another student stated, “if I allows you to be comfortable to memorize them. It’s best to give myself enough time I and able to focus on your study them in sequence, then would remember more.” These notes. Some students prefer mix them up and study them students seem to agree that the lounge because the noise again. You will also get better cramming works on a shortaround them may help them to results if you do this on a term basis, but they know that study. Other students may daily basis, rather than piling it is not beneficial if you need 63
prefer the library because they need the quiet environment. 2 Ask yourself questions to ensure your learning—Quizzing yourself regularly will help you find out what material you know and what material you need to study. 3 Start early; give yourself a few days ahead to study before the exam. This will allow yourself time to clear up any questions that you may have about the material. 4 Use note cards—Researchers say note cards work if you study them at long intervals. Do not try to memorize them right before the test. 5 Study one chapter at a time—After each chapter, quiz yourself until you are familiar with it then move on to the next chapter.
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6 Form study groups—It is good to study with other people in your class. You can talk about the information and share each other’s point of views and help each other with the information that’s not understood.
you aren’t clear on. Have you ever crammed for an exam and at about 2:00 a.m. you find yourself stuck on a problem that you don’t understand? You can’t contact your professor or a fellow student that early in the morning.
7 Take good notes—Try to take accurate notes during each class. After each class, go over the notes that were taken that day.
After the interviews and the research, we find out that cramming does work for some people, but it’s only for short-term success and it comes with a lot of stress. It’s best to put all of those excuses aside, buckle down, and develop good study habits. Aren’t you worth it? Give yourself the opportunity to reap the benefits of long-term success.
8 Pay attention in class- Pay close attention to the instructor. When studying for the test, you will be able to recall this information later. *The best tip to remember according to Dianne Stahl, a California State University, Stanislaus student, is to give yourself a few days ahead to study for the exam. This will also give you ample time to consult with the professor about any information that
feature story
Major Dilemma
By Jami Shanahan
“Hey…What’s your major?” is a question that can haunt college students when their answer is: Undeclared. The idea of choosing a major and making a commitment to something that’s seemingly going to pave the path for the rest of your life can be overwhelming and frustrating; but don’t panic, nothing has to be set in stone. According to Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D and author of Choosing a College Major: How to Chart Your Ideal Path, the majority of students in all colleges and universities change their major at least once during their college career. As a college student, your job is to get an education and find yourself; somewhere along the way, let your major find you. While your chosen area of study is an important decision, allow your personality, interests, and values determine your field. In the journey of college life, Destination Major may seem unreachable but by no means is it unattainable. California State University, Stanislaus offers many resources that can help you better determine who you are, what you want to achieve, and how to get there. Use them! Pay a visit to the Campus Advising Resource Center* or Career Services** and discuss your concerns with an academic counselor. Career Services offers a variety of resources that can prepare you for your future, like job placement, internship possibilities, and decision making tools that directly relate to choosing a major. But first things first, “Know yourself, determine your interests…find out who you are and aren’t” said a leading counselor for the University Career Center. There, you can take a personality assessment test which can help
*University Advising Center, Walk-In Hours 10am-1pm M-F, MSR 180, (209) 667-3304 **Career Services, Walk-In Hours 8am-9am Daily, MSR 245, (209) 667-3661
Photo by: Reyna Lopez
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Psychologist, John L Holland Ph.D, developed a personality theory which classifies your interests into six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. The R.I.A.S.E.C. test—similar to FOCUS —is a simple questionnaire that summarizes your skills and traits. The category(s) in which you score the highest, will boast a list of potential majors/career paths you may be interested in. Courtesy of the University of New Orleans, Office of Career Development is an assessment based on Holland’s theory. Jessica Viss, an undeclared, undergrad considering transferring to California State University, Stanislaus took the R.I.A.S.E.C. and scored the highest in the realistic category… “This was dead on because I am considering a career as an EMT and possibly a Paramedic, biological sciences would be perfect.” Andrew Nelson, a senior at our campus—who took the R.I.A.S.E.C. out of interest—scored the highest in social and enterprising, reassuringly, both sections boasted his major, Communication Studies. Now it’s your turn, once you’ve completed the quiz below, bring the results with you to your next academic advising appointment; review them with your counselor and determine the next step in choosing your ideal major. Keep in mind, if more than one field of study peaks your interest, remember that California State University, Stanislaus gives you the option of taking on a double major or double minor in most departments. Meet with various department advisors to see what they have to offer regarding major requirements and post-baccalaureate career options. If you are still weary to make a decision, register for a few introductory courses in different fields and note which ones hold your interest. Remember, let your personality guide you to a major; the more passionate you are about what you’re studying the more successful you will be.
Quiz: What is your RIASEC?
Psychologist, John L Holland Ph.D, developed a personality theory which classifies your interests…
pin-point your interests into specific areas of study. Advisees are given an access code—via career counselor—to the FOCUS test; the FOCUS test consists of nine phases that will enable you to self-access your goals, qualities and interests in relation with career path and major areas of study. Our Career Center pushes students to be their own advocates in determining and pursuing their dreams; and, they give them the tools and resources to do so.
Mark a check mark by each of the statements below if you like to do the activity or have an interest in the activity. I consider myself to be athletic I am a nature lover I am curious about the physical world (nature, space, living things) I am independent I like to fix things I like to use my hands (plant a garden, help with fixing up the house) I enjoy exercising I like to save money I like to work until the job gets done I like working on my own Total the statements and write that number here
R:
I am very cautious and careful I am curious about everything I can do complex calculations I like to solve math problems I like to use computers I like to read books all the time I like collecting things (rocks, stamps, coins) I like crossword puzzles I like science class or science subjects I like to be challenged Total the statements and write that number here
I:
I am very creative I like to draw and paint I can play a musical instrument I like designing my own clothing or wearing exciting fashions I like to read fiction, plays and poetry
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I like arts and crafts
I am very organized and neat
I attend lots of movies
I like making sure that my room is neat and clean very often
I like to take pictures of everything (birds, people, landmarks) I enjoy learning a foreign language
I enjoy collecting newspaper articles about famous events
I like to sing, act and dance
I like keeping lists
Total the statements and write that number here
A:
I like using the computer I am very practical and consider all costs when buying something I would rather type a school assignment then turn it in long-hand
I am very friendly I like tutoring or teaching others
I like being the secretary in my clubs or groups
I like talking in front of people I work well with classmates and friends I enjoy leading discussions
I double-check all mathematics assignments
I like helping people with problems
I like writing letters Total the statements and write that number here
I play team sports I like going to parties
C:
I like making new friends I like working with social groups at my church Total the statements and write that number here
S:
I like to work until the job gets done I like taking risks and engaging in new adventures Total the statements and write that number here
E:
Artistic
creative, original, independent, chaotic Classical Studies, Dance, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Theatre, Visual Arts
Enterprising
I like to lead groups and discussions
I like to save money
Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Cognitive Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Systems, Foreign Language/Studies, History, Human Development, Linguistics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religion, Visual Arts
Communication, Critical Gender Studies, Ethnic Studies, German Studies, Foreign Studies, Human Development, Literature, Psychology, Sociology, Third World Studies, Urban Studies and Planning
I consider myself to be popular in school
I want to own a small business
Investigative
analytical, intellectual, scientific, explorative
cooperative, supporting, helping, healing/nurturing
I enjoy selling products (school candy drives, church fundraisers)
I like having power and leadership
Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Systems, Mathematics, Physics
Social
I like learning about money
I am often elected to officer positions in groups or clubs
Realistic
practical, physical, hands-on, tool-oriented
competitive environments, leadership, persuading
Results R:
S:
I:
E:
A:
C:
Communication, Economics, Political Science, Urban Studies and Planning
Conventional
Match your top three highest scores with detail-oriented, organizing, clerical the sections below—Each personality type is Economics, Mathematics followed by corresponding majors. Results courtesy of University of San Diego at Roosevelt academics department.
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Photo by: Reyna Lopez
Hot Study Spots By Lindsey Lundquist Have some time between classes and need to finish an assignment? Need to practice your speech or presentation a few more times so that you’ve got it “just right?” Maybe you need to meet with group members to discuss a project? Don’t feel like staying on campus? Turlock offers a variety of other locations, each with unique characteristics that make them attractive locations for getting some studying done.
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According to Texas A&M’s Distance Education program, there are a few things to consider when choosing a spot to study. One of the most important things to consider is your ideal noise level. Some people perform better with complete silence, while others prefer everything from soft music and background voices to loud music. It is also important to make sure that your study location has adequate lighting. Recommendations also include
straight-back chairs and flat surfaces that can be used as a desk. Close proximity to your home or school is also a key factor. In addition to finding the perfect study spot, it is important to know how to effectively study. The New York Times suggests that reading class notes with highlighter in hand may not be the best way to study. New research suggests that frequent testing— even self-testing—is a better bet for retaining information. For those students who have yet to identify a regular study location, here is a list of places that are great for studying – or even escaping the stresses of your schoolwork with a good book.
Starbucks 3000 Geer Rd. (.7 miles from campus) The Starbucks near the intersection of Monte Vista and Geer is a popular spot for those who want to take advantage of its drive-thru service. During commute hours, the drive-thru is always busy. For those of us wanting to study, that means lower levels of traffic inside the store. This store offers ample seating, which makes it a great spot for individual or small group study sessions. The friendly staff keeps the place incredibly clean, so you don’t have to worry about hunting for clean tables or getting your study materials dirty. This location provides the typical Starbucks tables and chairs, which are well suited for getting comfortable for a couple of hours while studying. It offers sandwiches, baked goods, and healthy snacks of fruit and vegetable plates while also offering their signature drink choices. There is also a small patio for those who want to enjoy the weather while sipping on their iced mochas. In addition, Starbucks offers wireless Internet for a fee through T-Mobile Wireless Broadband. If you can handle the sound of espresso
machines and coffee grinders, this can be a great place to get away. 2870 W Monte Vista Ave. (1.4 miles from campus) The Starbucks at Monte Vista Crossings offers great patio seating, perfect for group get-togethers. There is ample seating inside, as well as on the oversized patio for those who enjoy studying outdoors. There are also a couple areas with oversized lounge chairs for those who don’t need a hard surface on which to write. The shopping center is also home to a variety of stores and eateries, providing options for people who are looking for something other than the traditional Starbucks food and drinks. As with most Starbucks locations, this one offers wireless internet for a fee through T-Mobile Wireless Broadband. The biggest drawback to this location is that it’s located in a busy shopping center at a busy intersection. The parking can be limited at times, and it’s not the most accessible location.
Panera Bread 3050 Hotel Dr. (1.4 miles from campus) Panera is a great location for those who want something to eat while they study. Panera offers a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, salads and coffees. There is plenty of inside seating, making this a great place for group meetings. There are booths lining the walls along with spacious tables in the middle of the restaurant. If you are feeling hungry or thirsty while studying, there is a unique manner in which to make your purchase. You must first order your food in one line and then wait for your food at a separate counter. This provides a swift ordering process, which allows for more studying time. Panera also offers free wireless internet, making it a great place to study when you need online access. Due to its popularity, Panera gets crowded during the lunch hours. With so many people coming in and out, the noise can
“…make sure that your study location has adequate lighting. Recommendations also include straight-back chairs and flat surfaces that can be used as a desk.” 69
reach distracting levels. A good time to go to this place would be before the lunch rush, or between lunch and dinner times. Panera is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Borders Bookstore
Donnelly Park’s biggest perk is also its biggest drawback. Being outdoors is only enjoyable during good weather. When the weather is nice, the park can be a great place to relax in a quiet environment.
Sequoia Lake
(on campus) 2831 Countryside Dr. (1.5 miles from campus) The lake nearest the intersection of Crowell Road and Monte Vista Avenue is a great Borders is a great place to catch up on your place to study alone or meet with a group. schoolwork. The bookstore offers plenty of Sequoia Lake is a peaceful place to relax tables and seating around its small café, as and clear your mind from stresses. The lake well as seating located throughout the rest offers plenty of picnic tables as well as of the store. There are also comfortable, oversized chairs spread out around the store. relaxing chairs. The lake and landscaping is attractive, and has many ducks that call the If you get away from the cash registers and lake home. the café, you can find some spots that are really quiet. Although you don’t have access The fact that you don’t have to leave to vide varieties of research, the place is campus to get there is a huge plus for this stocked with encyclopedias, thesauruses location. This is a great choice for group and other books that may serve as a resource meetings because there is plenty of room for information. and you don’t have to worry about being
conditions. Unfortunately, the school’s wireless signal doesn’t reach the lake. This may be a spot to get some quality textbook reading done.
Vasche Library (on campus) When you don’t have time to wander off campus, or your group members are on campus at the same time, the Vasche Library can be a very practical environment for studying. The library also offers a variety of amenities. Throughout the building, the library houses multiple computer labs for those students who don’t bring laptops to school. For those that do, the school’s wireless Internet can be accessed from inside the library. In addition, multiple printers and copy machine stations are available. There are also librarians on hand to assist those that have some research to do. The library is broken up into different areas to accommodate students and their ideal noise levels. For the students that need absolute silence there are designated areas where no talking is permitted and the tables
Donnelly Park (.8 miles from campus) Less than a mile down Dels Lane you’ll find Donnelly Park, one of the most popular parks in Turlock. For those that enjoy being outdoors, Donnelly Park is a great place to study. The size of the park also makes it a great place for group meetings. Donnelly Park has plenty of picnic tables to sit at, or you can make yourself at home on the lawn. There is a beautiful manmade lake, and the park is home to animals such as ducks and squirrels.
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HOURS AND RATINGS
too noisy for your neighbors. This location is good for both individual and group meetings, although during the As with other outdoor locations, the weather busier times it can be tough to find a group becomes the biggest deterrent in unfriendly of empty chairs. Borders offers wireless internet for a fee, through T-Mobile WireHOTSPOT HOURS NOISE LEVEL less Broadband. The store is open from 9:00 Starbucks 5:30 am – 11 pm (Sun) low – medium a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through ThursGeer Rd. 5 am – 11 pm (Mon-Sat) day, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday, Starbucks 5:30 am – 10:30 pm (Sun) low – medium Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Monte Vista Ave. 5 am – 10:30 pm (Mon-Sat) 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.
TABLE SPACE good good
Panera Bread
6 am – 9 pm (Mon-Fri) 7 am – 9 pm (Sat) 6 am – 8 pm (Sun)
low
excellent
Borders Bookstore
9 am – 10 pm (Mon-Thu) 9 am – 11 pm (Fri) 10 am – 11 pm (Sat) 10 am – 9 pm (Sun)
low
good
Donnelly Park
n/a
very low
limited
Sequoia Lake
n/a
very low
limited
Vasche Library
8 am – 10 pm (Mon-Thu) 8 am – 5 pm (Fri) 9 am – 5 pm (Sat) 11 am – 7 pm (Sun)
very low
very good
are in secluded areas. There are also group study areas that are designated for groups of students to study together, which allows for a bit more noise. This enables students to talk freely inside the library. The library also offers comfortable chairs and sofas for those that like to relax while they read. The many windows offer students nice views of the campus. If you can avoid the distraction of running into classmates and other friends, the Vasche Library is a great place to study. Now that you know where to study, it’s up to you to determine how to go about getting the best possible grade on your next paper or exam. Find a location that you like, and stick to it. The Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech University recommends finding one location where you do nothing but study. Your mind will train itself to transition into study mode when you enter that particular study area. If you’re easily distracted by other people, music, or the smell of coffee or food, you’re probably better off studying at one of the parks or in the library. If you need a healthy dose of caffeine to get your mind working, you may be better off at one of the locations that serve coffee.
Does Your Professor Make the Grade? By Melissa Garcia
Not only does the internet provide the convenience “If students need guidance about what, and whom of registering for courses, paying a semester’s to take, they should see an academic advisor fees, and purchasing textbooks; but now you can instead of the often cruel and outdated RateMyProfind ratings for all of your professors. fessors.” At the end of each semester students at The past few years have given rise to the creation Lamar University are required to assess their proand maintenance of professor rating sites, where fessors’ performance with evaluations, this is simistudents can now provide and receive feedback lar to such surveys that are given here at California on professor’s teaching methods, and course State University, Stanislaus. Although this informainformation according to the posting guidelines of tion is never shared with students, it is used by the the famous ratemyprofessor.com. The site states institution to assess a professor’s progress. that students have conducted “5.7 million ratings of about 770,000 professors in nearly 6,000 schools”, and this was just in the 2006 school year. As biased as it sounds, “Students use the data on these sites to develop expectations of their professors and set schedules, which indirectly affect faculty teaching loads and student expectations,” stated James Otto, Douglas A. Sanford, and Douglas N. Ross who have investigated the popularity of several professor rating websites. They found that these sites do not “necessarily reflect student learning, but were characterized by a halo effect”. This halo effect is characterized by several factors such as bias; the ease in which the ratings are entered; emotional involvement from the student; and “because only some students enter ratings, they have potential selection for bias.”
Many students find these professor rating sites appropriate and useful. Students post comments about the ease (or difficulty) of a professor’s grading and coursework, reputation, drop rates and attitude. The site ranks not only academia, but how ‘hot or not’ (noted by a red chili icon) the professor is, and profiles can be made to include optional photos. Researcher J. Felton had found that most of the positive professor ratings were based solely on characteristics of attractiveness and ease. Ratemyprofessor.com allows students to post one comment for each professor with whom they have taken a course. They are encouraged to be honest, objective, anonymous, and to keep their comments professional, not personal. Ratemyprofessor.com is an affiliate with both Viacom International, and MTV networks making this site a corporate and commercial goldmine.
Though many students find such sites credible and reliable there are many who find that these do not provide valid information for an effective assessment. Student Kevin Smith of Lamar University said,
Another site, similar to RateMyProfessors is Picka-Prof.com. Pick-a-Prof.com is set up in a similar format as RateMyProfessors. Their homepage states “Make educated decisions about your pro71
fessors and classes,” and presents their information in a more credible and professional manner without the subjective ‘hot or not’ chili peppers of RateMyProfessors. This website is affiliated with Facebook and their mission states that they provide a “socio-academic utility that helps students make educated decisions about professors and classes”.
valuable than any guidance their advisor can offer about professor and course scheduling.
But now, students are now receiving a dose of their own medicine. In response to the RateMyProfessors website, an academic professor has created RateYourStudents.blogspot.com. This blog, created by an unknown Pick-a-Prof depends on the posting of grades to provide some of their feed- professor, has the freedom to post every thought that has crossed his mind back, and these postings are available through Public Records. The site about his previous students. For example, this professor had written a blog actually provides statistical data that shows on a scale the number of A-F about his “most hated student” under the pseudonym ‘Ayhole Arnold.’ The grades given by professors. The site finds this information relevant for stu- professor rants about annoyances such as Arnold’s constant tardiness, in dents and “lets you compare their grade histories in the courses you are which Arnold claimed to have legal right to tardiness due to religious duties. registering”. Although this site doesn’t have the flair of RateMyProfessors, It has entertainment value. they too have received criticism for using this method of ranking. Pick-a-Prof How great could these ranking websites actually be? Could they really save had to sue the University of California system to receive grading information you from enduring a horrendous semester of school? UC Berkeley’s Haas from Public Records who initially refused to submit grades at all. Other cam- business school student Scott Tieman says he “can’t live without it.” Tieman puses have also tried to stop the site from posting grade distributions. The also states, “I think it certainly motivates professors to do a better job.” Time faculties of the Los Rios Community College District in California were con- will tell if such sites provide the motivation to change character, but for now templating asking California Public Records for an exemption of grade post- let’s worry about what motivates us to keep going to school. ing. Despite the criticism by schools, faculty, and students, both of these sites remain a popular and dependable source in course registration each semester. Students may find that trusting the opinion of their peers far more
Clubbing Through College By Mezret Aimru
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We have all heard that your college years are the best years of your life. This is the time for students to experience, learn and grow as a person. College is where students experience life-changing moments. Students can achieve this by taking advantage of what college has to offer. California State University, Stanislaus offers students over 90 clubs and activities in which to get involved. The various student organizations range from political,
pre-professional, social, fraternal, cultural, religious, and many more. For those interested in Greek organizations, there are seven fraternities and seven sororities from which to choose. Other organizations offer activities for people who want to engage in events associated with their majors, religion, community service, or culture. For example, some major oriented clubs include the Criminal Justice club, Communication Studies Honor Society, and Psychology club. The purpose of these clubs is to unite students with similar interests so they can enhance their college experience. For students who want to practice their religious beliefs on campus there are many spiritual clubs available. Chi
Alpha Christian Fellowship provides student members a way to express themselves and their religion with freedom. Students interested in community service and bettering the community may find that the Hunger Network is the club for them. The purpose of this organization is for students to learn more about homelessness. It involves aspects of education, community involvement, fundraising, and providing direct volunteer experience. For those interested in sports, music or dance, there is the intramural sports program and the Cheer Squad. There is most likely a club on our campus for you. Visit the California State University, Stanislaus website to learn more about the clubs that fit your interests best. Most of these organizations provide informational meetings, inviting students to learn more and join. This is a great opportunity for students to find a club that best fits their needs. Informational meetings or club fairs usually take place at the beginning of each semester. Elizabeth Saas, author of “Why You should Get Involved in College Activities,” states that you will learn a lot about the activity itself, and more importantly, a lot about yourself when you get involved on campus. Peterson.com reveals that students who get involved on campus are more likely to succeed academically and earn a college degree. College is the time when students can try out many different areas of interest. That’s where clubs and special activities come in. These activities that students participate in will enhance their communication skills and help them to mature as a person. Not only will they will learn about themselves more, but also about the people they interact with. Students who are in clubs within their majors gain invaluable experience by uniting with other fellow students who share their same interests.
Brooke Baker, author of “Colleges: Extracurricular choices offer many ways for students to be active” rates the importance of getting involved in campus organizations at a solid nine out of ten. Out of the 90 clubs and organizations that we have at our campus, any student should be able to find something that fits them. Among other benefits of being involved in campus life is, it gives students a social network, a tie to the campus community and a sense of belonging. All of which Baker believes provide a more beneficial and fun college experience. She states that campus organizations are a way for students to test-drive activities and interests they might want to pursue after graduation. With the experience of being the president of Omega Nu Omega under his belt, Terrence Robinson can see himself being in charge of a pharmacy. “Being active in college and holding a position has prepared me in how to conduct myself in the real world when I get into the pharmacy field after college.” Being involved in organizations can give students leadership and teamwork experience, both of which look good on a resume. So head out to the quad and join the club!
Spotlight on Omega Nu Omega By Mezret Aimru
So far college has been a wonderful experience for me and I owe all that to Greek life. Most of my college life, I wanted to be part of something. Coming from a background where I was sheltered and had little experience, I wanted to join an organization that could make my college life more enjoyable. A co-ed fraternity attracted my attention. What drew me to them was the fact that they were different. I felt comfortable with them. It was like they understood me. So I decided to join Omega Nu Omega. I became a member 3 years ago, and currently I hold the position of President. I am very proud to be a member; it was the best thing I have ever done. Being part of a fraternity or sorority will enhance your social life. There are many events such as socials with other Greek organizations, dinners, dances, barbeques, homecoming parties, and Greek weeks to participate in. These events allow students to have fun and meet new people while helping enhance their social skills. I know from my experience, going Greek has made me become more social. Being part of a fraternity has helped me come out of my shell. Another advantage of going Greek is friendship and a sense of community. 73
People join a Greek organization so they can belong to something and feel welcome. You will have ties to these people for the rest of your life. In my organization, we tell each other that we are like a real family. We are with each other all the time and we do everything together. We say that once you are in the family, you are in for life. We have each other’s back no matter what. It is also encouraged that students have a certain GPA in order to join a Greek organization. Also to stay active in the organization, members need to keep their GPA in good standing. We as Omega Nu Omega, get together go to the library and study to help one another. This has been really beneficial for me because when I have problems with school, I know there are people willing to help me out. Being a member of a Greek organization also helps build leadership qualities. When I joined my organization, I started off as a secretary, now I have the skills and experience to use that in the work force. Holding the position as president is giving me a wonderful experience on how to run an organization. It’s just like running a business because it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and time.
recruitment, hazing was something that scared me, but to my relief, I was not exposed to any hazing during my experience. Since nothing in life is free, rushing for a Greek organization may cost you. Cost you money that is. Most organizations require their members to pay initiation fees. After you are a member there may be monthly fees. Along with that, there may be other expenses for social events, or formal attire for celebrations. Some students may be discouraged about joining a Greek organization if it costs too much money. In my fraternity, we understand that college students don’t have much money, so we make sure our fees are affordable. I have heard students say that paying money to be part of an organization seems like you are paying people to be your friends, but they are mistaken. Just like anything else, a fraternity or sorority requires money to function. If there is no funding we won’t be able to do anything. Every event or activity that is planned comes from these funds, so you really get your money’s worth. Also in Omega Nu Omega, every dime we put into our organization goes towards our philanthropy, Aids and Children.
I’ll tell you from firsthand experience Joining a Greek organization does require a that being in a Greek organization is the best experience I have had in my life. It time commitment. I went into joining my organization knowing that it was something has changed my life for the better. My only regret is that I waited too long to that I really wanted. I did what I could to get involved. Wearing your letters and make sure that I got in Omega Nu Omega. If you know that you cannot dedicate your time representing your organization is a prideful moment. Maybe you can find out for to the recruitment process, then joining a yourself. What’s stopping you? Greek organization may not be for you. At California State University, Stanislaus, we pride ourselves on preventing hazing in our Greek organizations. Each organization on campus is required to sign an agreement prohibiting hazing. To ensure the safety of our students, organizations that do not follow these guidelines can be banned or have their charter suspended. Before
University Life
Homecoming 2008 Students from various campus clubs enjoy participating in games, activities and cheering on their favorite candidate during Homecoming week. Photographs by Photography Staff
75
at (209) 667-3114 or call 911 from any on campus phone and you will be connected directly to the University Police Department. Although California State University, Stanislaus has an amazingly efficient University Police Department, students should always take the necessary precautions to keep themselves safe to help prevent an emergency from arising. Here are some tips provided by www.collegesafe.com on how to keep students safe on campus:
We’ve Got Your Back By Katie R. Kremer
Be Aware Always know where you are, where you are heading, and what is going on around you. This includes other people, events, and potential exit routes.
Know Your Location If you feel iffy about an area you have to be in, stick with your gut feeling. Ask someone you trust about the neighborhood before you go there or reconsider and use a different route.
Emit Confidence When it comes to your safety on campus, Hold your head high, stand up straight, and walk with purpose. it’s good to know that University Police is Take command of your space by keeping your distance with always on the job, day and night. There are strangers who pass you. Keep Moving often dangers lurking around campuses When you are going somewhere, keep going until you get there. Do that students, whether male or female, not give an attacker time to plan his attack. Don’t sit in your car need to be aware of. Many students take with the doors unlocked. If you feel any sense of discomfort while you are walking to your car; quickly get in your car, lock the doors, night classes and crime tends to go up and drive away. when the sun goes down. Keep Valuables Under Wraps California State University, Stanislaus’ University Police Department takes precautions and offers programs to prevent crime and promote safety. As you may have noticed around campus, there are 36 different Blue Light Call Stations. The Blue Light Call Stations are 24-hour call systems that have a large call button that when pressed, make a call to the University Police directly in an emergency. They also have the Whistle Defense Program where the University Police hand out whistles throughout the year at campus events. Whistles are great defense mechanisms and with one blow will draw attention quickly to whatever may be going on. The University Police also offers Safety Transport. You can simply call the University Police Department and request transportation and they will come pick you up and take you to your class, your car, or wherever you need to go on campus. This service is available 7 days a week. Take a look at their website for more services and programs they offer.
If you are walking, do not wear valuable jewelry that is noticeable and keep your purse tucked under your arm or coat.
Tie Up Loose Ends Be conscious of where an attacker may go first; long hair, loose scarves, hanging belts, or backpacks. Put your hair up, remove loose scarves, and hide away any other loose ends.
Act Tough A criminal will most likely attack someone who looks weak and who can not defend themselves. Do your best to act intimidating and carry a weapon if you feel the need.
The person that should be most concerned about your safety should be YOU, so make sure to keep the tips mentioned above in mind. If you ever There are many other programs that the University Police Department offers. feel unsafe, contact the University Police Department. Below is the contact Did you know that you can call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? No matinformation for the University Police Department, please feel free to contact ter what day of the year; Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, there is always them with any questions regarding crime, security, or safety: someone here if students need them. You can either call their office directly
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Inside Scoop Guest Editorial
Katie R. Kremer
part of publishing a magazine and that I could keep that magazine in my professional portfolio for years to come made my decision easy…I was definitely going to get into Dr. Harvey’s class. The goal of Relational Caffeine is that our magazine is academically based with articles ranging from subjects about health, stress, love, friendships, finances, college life, and much more. Every article that was written for our magazine begins with a foundation that is backed by facts, research, and interviews. With Relational Caffeine you not only get academic articles with information and insight you can depend on, you also get personality because every article is written by a college student attending California State University, Stanislaus.
I can barely believe that my last semester in college is so close to ending. It has been an experience that I will never forget. In the many years to come after graduation, most students seem to remember specific professors, classes, projects, etc. about college and the rest blurs together into a massive and expensive heap of textbooks, exams, cramming, school fees, stressing, and partying. I know that the experience I have had working on our magazine, I was chosen to be Senior Copy Relational Caffeine, will be one of those memories that I Editor of the magazine at the very beginning of the semester. Being will never forget. Senior Copy Editor means that I I was not aware that our Communication Department oversaw ten other students who here at California State University, Stanislaus offered this edited and wrote articles for the class as an option for my capstone. When I found out magazine (“my staff”), I edited that I had the choice to complete my graduation requirethe first draft of articles from my ment by doing a research project or publishing a magastaff, and had countless senior zine, I ran to the class where I would be able to publish a staff meetings wherein we batmagazine. The thought of being able to say that I was tled out organizational issues like due dates, communication with University Police Department Contact Information our staff and each other, layout of On Campus Emergency 911 the magazine, what articles would make the cut or not, and University Police Office (209) 667-3114 much more. It was a lot of responCampus Crime Reporting (209) 667-3913 sibility, but the experiences I have Crime Prevention Office (209) 667-3035 had have been absolutely wonSafety Escorts / Shuttle (209) 667-3114 derful. I had the opportunity to get to know my staff and the Website: www.csustan.edu/UPD senior staff members really well, Information provided by CSU Stanislaus University Police Department get to know myself on another
level, practice my organizational and leadership skills, and gain new skills. I am not going to lie and say it was a breeze. Right after I was elected Senior Copy Editor I learned that unrealized amount of responsibility I really had. Truth is, most of the semester felt like an uphill battle to stay afloat. We had miscommunications with our staff and with each other, late articles from our staff, and many changed due dates. I would have to say that we had the normal amount of bumps and bruises along the way but the end definitely justified the means. In the end, we all became really good friends and we all got experience in publishing our own magazine! We have officially been published and that is quite a feeling. The success of this magazine is completely due to the hard work and countless hours that the Writers, Editors, Senior Staff Members, and Dr. Harvey put into the making, managing, revising, and finalizing of Relational Caffeine. I personally cannot thank my staff enough for being so great and for their willingness to put forth the extra effort when needed. I absolutely loved working with everybody even though there were ups and downs. I truly believe that we all gained much more out of this experience than we ever realized we would when we started this project. Thank you, Dr. Harvey for allowing us this opportunity, I would do it all over again if I had the chance!
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Publisher’s corner Vickie Harvey
Here it is—our second volume of Relational Caffeine! I am proud to present the magazine created by California State University, Stanislaus Communication Studies’ students for our students. This magazine not only represents the second volume of Relational Caffeine but brings hope and second chances. It was created during the time in which Senator Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. We also experienced severe economic times as the CSU budget was slashed causing students and faculty to worry about the future. And this included the graduating seniors who created this magazine.
those were the nightmares that kept me up at night. Nightmares were few and far between with the creation of Volume Two.
Two of the reasons the magazine ran so smoothly were the two Editors-in-Chief. I would like to thank Sara Ross and Vanessa Galvan, the Editors-in-Chief for their dedication and seemingly endless time and energy in reading, rereading, and editing articles. If only reading and editing articles was all they did. The bulk of their work occurred behind the scenes during the many, many, many editorial meetings that were held twice a week and the coordination of tasks and management of editors that happened via email. Thank goodness The publication of Relational Caffeine is for technology. The collaboration of editors also a second chance to learn from the and tasks could not have happened without mistakes of Volume One and create a better the exchange of endless emails. Both learning environment and fewer headaches Vanessa and Sara displayed outstanding for the students involved and myself. The leadership skills and I would select them learning curve was high for Volume One. It was my first endeavor into the creation of a again to be the Editors-in-Chief. When Sara applied for the position of Editor-in-Chief complete magazine. I have a background in she stated that “she would like to take college newspapers and thought how Relational Caffeine to the next level” and different could it be? How different and that they did. The quality of articles and difficult indeed. Deadlines were constantly photographs shows the critical reflection pushed back; the computer we used to and endless dedication contributed to each design the magazine broke down, twice, which resulted in a late publication date. Oh, page of the magazine.
Editorials
The magazine would not contain such delicious articles if it were not for the efforts of the Senior Editors who worked so diligently with the Editors-in-Chief and their staff. Many thanks go to Katie Kremer who rose to the occasion as Senior Copy Editor. She managed 10 copy editors who not only researched and wrote their own articles but edited every article that was submitted. The Copy Editors were a great crew of dedicated students who were well versed in what makes good research and good writing. They also recognized research and writing that needed work and tackled it whole heartedly. You can read some of their articles such as Major Dilemma by Jami L. Shanahan. If you still don’t have a major, not to worry. College is an opportunity to get an education and find yourself along the way as your major finds you. Are you attending college in Turlock while your significant other attends college in another city or even another state? If so, Liz Meza wrote the article for you entitled Miles Apart, Closer in Heart. The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships estimates that about 4.4 million college students and about 3.5 million married couples are in long distance relationships.
Communication becomes even more essential in LDR since you lack the face-toface time. However, you can maintain intimacy by calling, emailing, text-messaging, writing cards, and surprising your partner with care packages. Many thanks also go to Jennifer Lucerno who spent every moment she wasn’t at her day job (AKA her career) serving as the Senior Writing Editor. She managed nine writers who wrote over 30 articles. These writers applied every research, writing, and communication skill they learned over their four years in college to create articles for California State University, Stanislaus’ students to feast on. So let the feast begin
again and again over a short time span, it feels more embedded in our memories than it actually is. According to research it’s much better to learn new material over a period of time so that it stays stored in long-term memory for future use.
Caffeine. Katy always bought the fun to each and every meeting, even the “yet another meeting?” meetings.
Finally, I have to say working with this year’s Communication Studies’ Senior Editors was one of the best collaborative approaches I have ever experienced with Marisa Caratachea served as Senior Photographer Editor. She managed a staff of students (or many adults for that matter). It was fun and creative to meet weekly with a four part-time photographers who develgroup of individuals who were interested oped their skills through their continuous photo shoots. Marisa’s Got Ink? photo essay and excited about their Senior Capstone Project. This interest and excitement was shows that the historical pattern of inking expressed through their dedication to one’s skin continues generation after quality work and collaboration with one generation. Once you get an eye full of the amazing tattoos, you may want one yourself another. They supported one another as if they were family. They laughed together, but before you think about the tattoo you shared good food (ah, the potluck filled our bellies with scrumptious treats), yelled and stomped their feet when deadlines were approaching or instructions were changed, and always came together to figure out the next best move. It was a pleasure and might get or where you might put your next privilege to work with these students. I wish I could have given more to them as they tattoo, make sure to read Marisa’s article gave so much of themselves to the magaPretty in Ink and learn the meaning behind zine. You can read for yourself the dedicatattoos. Homecoming Week occurred this tion of time, knowledge, and commitment semester so if you missed it catch the excitement of the events in the photo essays expressed by students in each article in Volume Two of Relational Caffeine. that were captured by all of our photography editors. You’ll wish that you had been there and it will almost be as if you were.
It was a pleasure and privilege to work with these students.
with an article by Marquis Fleming entitled The Freshman 15: Gain Some Perspective. Every first year college student changes their routine which often results in decreased physical activity which can result in weight gain. There is more focus on meeting new people, adjusting to a new campus, working to pay the bills, and learning how to be a college student. The weight new students often gain can be And finally, the day-to-day operation of the avoided by following some steps in the magazine could not have been managed article such as stocking your cupboards without the Assistant to the Publisher and with nutritious foods so you’re not tempted Editors-in-Chief, Katy Escobar who excelled to make a midnight run to the nearest fast in every task we threw at her. And throw food joint when you’re up late studying. we did. She kept notes at all Senior Editor Yes, most students are up late cramming for Meetings and in-class meetings; and, she documented every aspect of every assignexams and writing papers the day before ment and kept meticulous records. If you they’re due (you know it’s true). Cramming It All In by Joselyn Davis reports that while wanted to know anything that had happened or was approaching, Katy was the go cramming isn’t beneficial in the long term to person. And she was friendly about it. most students find themselves studying at She was the perfect Assistant to a deadline the last minute. Cramming is deceiving oriented capstone project such as Relational because when we study an unfamiliar fact
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Photo by: Marisa Caratachea
RELATIONAL
CAFFEINE
A MAGA ZINE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS BY COLLEGE STUDENTS
California State University Stanislaus