The Campus Magazine: 100-Year Journey

Ov e r a Ce n tury of Se rvice t o CCN Y & The Harl em Communi ty

J u ne 2 0 1 7

7 4 9 1 , f f a t S s pu m a C The Salutations

Pins around the world

Honor Thy Sweets

Meet this year’s salutatorian

Where are the graduates from?

Delicious, Made local

In This Issue

Magazine Staff Editor-in-Chief Curtis Ashley Managing Editor Anthony Viola Content Editors Christian Hernandez, David Marulanda, Andrew Pennant, & Anthony Viola Copy Editors Janice D’Gracia & Aurora Soriano

Keeping Up with The Campus Where are our graduates now?

18

–– Art Director Carmen Quang *Contributing Designer Henrik Bakke-Hareide Business Manager / Social media Manager Ebony Anderson-Brown Faculty Advisor Linda Villarosa *Back Cover Photo by Curtis Ashley

Features

Salute to the Salutatorian (3) -30- (4-9) To be a father (11) A Global Community (12-13) The Sweetest Thing (15) CCNY’s Face of Diplomacy (16) There’s more to B.A. (17)

News

Embers of one tragic light fuels others (10)

Lifestyle

Summer Swing of Things (14)

Sports

Last but not least (19) 1947

2017

Contact Us North Academic Center 1/119 CCNYCampusnews@gmail.com CCNYCampus.org

The Campus @CCNYCampus @CCNYCampus 2 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

Editor’s Note For the person reading this, whether you are a soon-to-be graduate of The City College of New York, a proud family member, or just the average CCNY student: congratulations.

A toast to another semester completed. A toast to all the countless hours spent studying, working, and all the hours of sleep lost. The final paper has been written. The last exam has been taken. There are no more projects, presentations, or harassing emails from professors.

When an individual goes to college, they are not the only one in that commitment. The people around them matter just as much as the person who will receive the degree. The emotional support, the financial stability, and the friendly tutoring all add up to what some people might see as just another line on a resume. But college is about a lot more than that. It’s about the things you learn, inside and outside the classroom. The people who help along the way deserve just as much credit as you. This issue of The Campus magazine goes out to all of you.

Congratulations, you made it.

Sal ut

e

to

the

Salutatorian

“[BEING SALUTATORIAN] MAKES ME REALLY HAPPY. I THINK IT GIVES REPRESENTATION FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION. IT’S KIND OF LIKE A MESSAGE OF EMPOWERMENT TO CCNY...WE TRY TO BE INCLUSIVE OF EVERY RACE, EVERY CULTURE, EVERY RELIGION.” - ELAINE JOHNSON

E l a in e Joh n son , Psych ology, Cla ss of 2017

BY Curtis Ashley EACH YEAR, TWO INDIVIDUALS are chosen as the valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class. At The City College of New York, an interesting, yet fitting, individual was selected as the salutatorian. Her name is Elaine Johnson, and when it comes to students at CCNY, she is as down to earth as they get.

Johnson stays in Harlem, partially raised stateside, as well as in Montego Bay, Jamaica. She came to City College in 2013, and does not regret the decision. “[City College] has grown on me a lot, because of being in the S.E.E.K. program,” Johnson

says. “Being in that program, tutoring through the S.E.E.K. Center, and all the friends I made through the program really made me want to stay at City College, and see what else I could do here.”

Johnson majored in psychology, something she didn’t plan on doing upon arrival.

“I didn’t want to do psychology. It was like a second choice. I was always interested in it, but I always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian,” she states. “Seeing everything going around, while I was in Harlem, [having gone] to school in the Lower East Side, I knew I wanted to work with people in some way, instead of working with animals.”

During her time here, Johnson narrowed her focus and figured out exactly what she wanted to do for a living. “I’m interested in the development of resilience in youth,

empowering youth through mentorship, and the development of mood disorders after facing repetitive traumas.”

Extraordinary characters are never one-dimensional. In addition to classes, she found time for everything else she deemed important in her life: “I wasn’t always doing work. Monday through Friday, I would be in the library doing whatever I had to do.

“But on weekends, that’s my time to spend time with my friends, and just relax.”

Prioritizing certain things in life worked for her and led her to where she is now.

As a woman, Johnson understands the significance of becoming the salutatorian for the Class of 2017. “It makes me really happy. I think it gives representation for the younger generation,” she says. “It’s kind of like a message of empowerment to CCNY, and I feel like it’s representative of CCNY in a way... We try to be inclusive of every race, every culture, every religion.”

Johnson, like hundreds of others, will soon depart from City College. She will begin a new journey, but none of it will come as a surprise. The soon-to-be graduate plans on doing research at the University of Cambridgeshire, England. After that, she plans to return to City College to do research and tutor.

F E AT U R E S 3

S S A L

O F

2 0

-30C

1 7

Photos by Carmen Quang & Christian Hernandez

The end of another academic school year, which means our office will be losing another chunk of its staff to graduation. However, the tradition goes on, when we let our senior staffers share their last words before beginning the next chapter of their life.

LIFE IS FILLED WITH UNCERTAINTIES, BUT BECAUSE OF CITY COLLEGE AND THE CAMPUS, I HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MYSELF, THE WORLD AROUND ME, AND THE PATH I WALK ON. I became a stronger writer, found a love for photography, became a news editor, minored in Journalism, and, in my junior year, became the Editor-in-Chief. Looking back, my favorite accomplishment was actually finding a family and a home within this organization.

I want to thank those who had an active role in helping me grow while at magazine: from our faculty advisor Prof. Villarosa, to past members Louis and Jeff, and current members: Curtis, Nick, Ebony, Armoni, Alex, and Andrew. As my time with the publication comes to an end, I leave knowing that the future of the organization is left in good hands.

Life is filled with uncertainties, but because of City College and The Campus, I have a better understanding of myself, the world around me, and the path I walk on.

I am the first the person in my family to bring home a college degree. For that, I dedicate this accomplishment to my family, especially my mother and father, Maria and Jose, for always pushing me to go out and accomplish all I set my mind to. Thank you. # # #

CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF COMING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL, I thought I had all the answers: I’d go to college, get straight A’s, and then go on to make a difference in the world. It was that simple to me at the time –– but life is never that simple.

During my time at The City College of New York, I quickly learned that I didn’t know myself as well as I thought I did at the age of 18.

I first enrolled as a Biology major, with the intention of becoming a teacher.

However, within a month I switched my

major to English. I traded in labs and lecture halls for literature and creative writing workshops. Ultimately, I spent my four years at City College finding myself through the things I already loved.

One of my first stops on this road of discovery was room 1/119 in the NAC, the office of The Campus magazine. I walked in without the slightest clue about journalism, and interested solely in writing. Despite so, I was taken under the wing of the senior staff, and eventually I started to love hard-hitting journalism and all that it stood for. With time F E AT U R E S 5

THE ENERGY THAT EVERYONE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE AT EVERY MEETING RUBBED OFF ON ME AND MOTIVATED ME TO BRING THAT YOUTHFULNESS AND PASSION TO EVERYTHING I DO AND PLAN TO DO, I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I went to a Campus magazine meeting, after seeing a flyer hanging by the cafeteria. I was definitely hesitant about visiting the office, since I was a graduate student, and a lot older than the average undergraduate student. But I had always enjoyed editing, and was eager to contribute in any way. The first day I visited, the staff was holding their weekly meeting, and within five minutes I thought I had gone in way over my head. Despite the chaos at that meeting, I decided to go to another one.

Now, I’ve been serving as a copy editor for a year. And it has been, without a doubt, one of the best years of my life.

Although I was not very interested in journalism per se, I did enjoy learning through the articles about the various issues that surround me, both inside CCNY and outside. I genuinely sucked at keeping myself informed on college, local, and world news. At some point, I thought to myself, “how on earth can I write about any of that stuff?” But despite this, Christian Hernandez, editor-in-chief at the time, gave me a shot, showing me there were other ways I could help.

No, I couldn’t write the type of content that the magazine needed, but I knew I could fix all those misspelled words and incorrect uses of subject-verb agreement.

When I realized that my strange obsession with English grammar came in handy at The Campus, I no longer felt entirely out of place. And even though I wasn’t trying to write any pieces, the staff helped me get a better understanding of journalistic writing, and worked with me when I decided to write something.

I had no idea that being a part of The Campus would help me grow so much in a variety of ways. It gave me an opportunity to see everybody put their skills and effort into producing quality work. Seeing that pushed me to do the same, not just at the magazine, but with my school work too. The energy 6 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

JANICE D’GRACIA COPY EDITOR EVERYTHING I LEARNED BEING HERE, HAS BECOME A PART OF ME. that everyone brought to the table at every meeting rubbed off on me and motivated me to bring that youthfulness and passion to everything I do and plan to do, no matter where. Everything I learned being here, has become a part of me.

A huge thank you to all those that made my experience at The Campus an

unforgettable one. You made me feel that no matter how weird you think you are, or how strange or useless your skill set appears to be, there is always a place for you.

Fellow reader/future grad: location unbeknownst, there is always a place for you to give your very best, and wherever that place is, believe that your best efforts and contributions will not return to you emptyhanded. # # #

I OWE IT TO EVERYONE I’VE MET. EVERY PROFESSOR, CAFETERIA WORKER, BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEER, ADVISOR, INTERN, AND STAFF MEMBER AT CCNY FOR MAKING MY TIME HERE INCREDIBLE...

WITHOUT THEM AND THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF MY FAMILY...I WOULD NOT BE HERE.

RICARDO ANDRÉS VERDESOTO RUGEL WRITE R 11 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL, nine F’s on my transcript, five years away from school, three colleges attended, two academic probations and dismissals, one long wait to graduate.

I started my college career on this very campus as a baby-faced 17-year-old.

September 2006, way before the first iPhone launched, before Netflix, and certainly before Snapchat, Instagram, and all of today’s social media. It feels like a million years ago. The world was a different place when I began this journey. Hell, the 30-Day MetroCard was

$76.

It’s safe to say I didn’t know who I was then, and I still didn’t know who I was until last year, after a whole decade of searching.

I was never dedicated. I was lazy, and I never really cared about school. It was just what my mom wanted me to do, and I wasted my parents’ money by failing seemingly every course imaginable in two colleges. I would miss class because I wanted to see my girlfriend - bad move. Education lasts forever, teenage love is seasonal.

Now I get to close the chapter on a

journey I never thought would end. My pursuit of a bachelor’s degree seemed out of reach. I didn’t believe in myself. I saw myself as a failure - a failure not only to myself, but, most importantly, my family.

My cocky attitude, demeanor, and over the top personality were no match for my increasingly long list of insecurities. I felt incompetent, unsure of myself, and my self-esteem was essentially non-existent.

I masked it very well, and I still do. The difference is now, I use everything I thought I wouldn’t learn, to challenge myself to get better with every passing day.

I would always say, “school isn’t for me.”

I lied to myself for years, until I realized that school was everything I needed. It is where I met my friends, and where I’ve met some of the most inspiring and motivating people in my life. They allowed me to be me, and encouraged me to follow my dreams.

Most importantly, this is where I found myself. This is where I found my calling, my voice, and my confidence as a communicator - as a professional, I could go on forever. I owe it to everyone I’ve met. Every professor, cafeteria worker, bookstore volunteer, advisor, intern, and staff member at CCNY for making my time here incredible. And unforgettable. Without them and the love and support of my family I would be nothing, I would not be here.

It’s been a very long time coming, so if you see me crying it’s because this means more than anything else I’ve ever achieved in life. This is my biggest success, this is my biggest victory, this is my biggest moment, and I do not take it for granted. It took me awhile to get here, and I’m going to enjoy every second of it. # # # F E AT U R E S 7

IF IT WASN’T FOR WHAT I FOUND AT THE CAMPUS, I HONESTLY DON’T BELIEVE I WOULD HAVE MADE IT TO THIS FAR IN COLLEGE. ONE DAY IN FALL 2015 SEMESTER, I sat at my desk in the Marshak building realizing that I finally made the decision to drop out of college. I was a lazy and unmotivated student, with no idea what I wanted to do in my life. My days at City College became a repetitive cycle of daydreaming in lectures, and rushing out the door when class was dismissed. At home, I procrastinated during my free time, saving all my assignments for the night before they were due.

That semester, I would stay up past midnight trying to piece together my physics homework, realizing I reached a point where finding simplified explanations on Google wasn’t enough to help me. My habits as a student were unsustainable, and my academic career came crashing down.

I left the Marshak building that day and dropped all my classes, forever impregnating my transcript with a column of infamous withdrawals.

To be completely honest, I always envisioned my days in college ending that way. I had no interest in my major. From my first semester at CCNY, I joined numerous clubs in an attempt to find something that I enjoyed. I walked into the office of The Campus magazine in the Fall of 2014 on a whim, but something about NAC room 1/119 appealed to me. From there, I made minimal contributions, telling myself that I was only doing it so the “real” members of magazine wouldn’t complain about me crashing in their office between my classes.

The truth is: I desperately wanted to be like them. Everyone in that office, especially the editorial staff, seemed to have college figured out – the way they balanced work, school, and a social life so effortlessly. They even seemed to be enjoying it.

There is a stigma about majors outside of the STEM fields. But after watching numerous members of The Campus become successful after graduation, I knew my perception had been skewed. That semester, after I already wrote off college, it was the friends that I made at magazine office that helped me transition to an English major.

8 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

ANDREW PENNANT CONTENT EDITOR THAT SEMESTER, AFTER I ALREADY WROTE OFF COLLEGE, IT WAS THE FRIENDS THAT I MADE AT MAGAZINE OFFICE THAT HELPED ME TRANSITION TO AN ENGLISH MAJOR. THEY EVEN HELPED ME WITH MY CLASSES AS I STARTED OUT. WITHOUT A DOUBT, IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I EVER MADE. They even helped me with my classes as I started out. Without a doubt, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Today, for the most part, I’m still pretty lazy and somewhat unmotivated, but if it

wasn’t for what I found at The Campus, I honestly don’t believe I would have made it to this far in college. # # #

I’VE BUILT LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAVE HELPED ME GROW AS A PERSON. I LEARNED WHEN TO HOLD MY OPINIONS FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT, AND HOW TO INSPIRE AND MANAGE MY PEERS. IN THAT OFFICE, I LEARNED MORE ABOUT BUSINESS OPERATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND HUMAN RELATIONS THAN I WOULD’VE EVER LEARNED IN A CLASS. THEY GAVE ME THE PLATFORM TO TALK ABOUT MY UNIQUE EXPERIENCES, AND TO HONE MY SKILLS AS A WRITER, PSYCHOLOGIST, AND A PERSON.

NICK MIDDLETON WRITE R AS MY TIME AT CITY COLLEGE winds down, I reflect on my journey to this moment. I am able to take a step back and reflect on the roles I’ve adopted: friend, brother, protector, mentor, confidant, and more. The thing that unified all of these roles was The Campus magazine.

In high school, I was a social outcast (I know, it’s a cliche, but bear with me). I had a tight knit group of friends, but I never had the ability to connect with people. I never had a place where I felt that I belonged.

Those feelings lingered when I started

college, until I attended a club fair. There, I met a student activist, and we bonded over our mutual love for The Amazing Spider-Man. Soon, I was a young student activist myself, in an office next door to The Campus. Louis Oprisa, then a member of magazine, interviewed me for a story, thus starting another lifelong friendship.

From then on, magazine office’s doors were always open to me, and it has been a great benefit. I’ve built lifelong friendships and relationships that have helped me grow as a person. I learned when to hold my

opinions for the right moment, and how to inspire and manage my peers. In that office, I learned more about business operations, public relations and human relations than I would’ve ever learned in a class. They gave me the platform to talk about my unique experiences, and to hone my skills as a writer, psychologist, and a person.

The Campus was a huge part of my college life, and I will never forget it for the rest of my days. I want to give a special thank you to those who gave me an opportunity: Louis, Stacy, Esme, Jeff, Diana, Christian, Curtis, Ebony, Armoni and Andrew. These people have been with me since the beginning and have been a source of motivation.

The City College of New York and the magazine office gave me the tools to excel academically and professionally, but I want to give another special thank you to the people who made it possible for me to be there in the first place: Brenda Singleton and Andrew Middleton. Without their sacrifices and struggles endured, I wouldn’t be the first in my family graduating with a college degree. Thank you. # # # F E AT U R E S 9

Embers Tragic of one

Light Fuels

BY Sikeea Graham

Others THE CITY COLLEGE FUND IS proud to collaborate with the friends and family of CCNY junior Aaron Raines, by establishing The Aaron Raines Scholarship.

Initiated by Bailey Borchardt, Raines’ friend, the scholarship is proof that no act of kindness is ever wasted; that brightening the life of one person, or many, paves the way for others to improve.

On November 28, 2016, Raines’ promising life was tragically cut short by her ex-boyfriend, who took her life before ending his own. At the commencement ceremony this June, Raines will posthumously receive her Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, for which she worked so feverishly.

There’s a saying: “Be strong, because you never know who you are inspiring.” Raines was the perfect personification of that phrase.

In 2012, the Virginia native was a member of the staff of Royal News and PGTV (Prince George High TV), where she once spoke out about the differences between fairy tales and real life. The preternaturally wise, young student said, “If you want the happy ending at the end of the movie, then you have to play the part.”

Raines lived up to her words. When she was only fifteen, the budding author self-published her first book. She performed in school plays, such as ‘Aladdin and the Arabian Nights’. In her high school, she

10 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

became the first African-American to address the graduating class. She was a member of honor societies, including Sigma Tao Delta. Raines was a Presidential Scholar and Watson Fellow. She was active in student government and interned for organizations such as America Needs You. Raines also somehow found time to establish a nonprofit, ‘Think Pink 4 Life’, which aims to instill positive body images in young women.

She accomplished so much, even though her life had more conflict and struggles than the average fairy tale. However, Raines rose above it to make her story shine. She influenced the lives of others with the same can-do spirit. For instance, she motivated Borchardt to realize that there was more to life than serving as the manager of a Victoria’s Secret Pink, where the two worked. Bailey is now an Honors student at CCNY. Raines once said, “Fairy tales aren’t just for princesses, you know. We all get to be Cinderella and Jasmine now and then. You have to be strong enough to make it through the conflicts and find yourself along the way.

If you can create magic without the help of Disney, then the happiness you receive from it just may be real.” Raines added her own magic to everyday life, and to those around her. Her story didn’t have a happy ending, but your donation will bring CCNY students one step closer to their dreams.

HELP US HONOR THE LIFE OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG WOMAN BY DONATING TO THE AARON RAINES SCHOLARSHIP. OUR GOAL IS TO RAISE $30,000. GIFTS CAN BE MADE AT WWW.CROWDRISE. COM, BY CALLING 212650-6525, OR BY MAIL AT THE CITY COLLEGE FUND (160 CONVENT AVENUE, SHEPARD HALL, ROOM 166, NEW YORK, 10031). YOUR GIFT WILL NOT ONLY LIGHTEN SOME STUDENT’S FINANCIAL BURDENS, IT WILL PROVE THAT HOPES AND DREAMS CAN NEVER BE STALLED. THAT A PURE HEART CAN LIVE ON FOREVER. PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

To be a

Father it was hard to justify that career for me as a father.

AS: So you decided to go back to school to help develop this blog?

EPL: I had a sort of spiritual awakening that gave me seeds of the idea. I was also always big on research, so when I knew I was going to become a father, I did a lot of research on what it was to be a father. I found that there were a lot of resources for mothers, which were all great and useful, but not a lot of options for me as a man. There was no support or community for dads. The sources for mothers were valuable, but they didn’t all speak to me. It was then I decided I wanted to make a platform that could give support and a sense of community to fathers. That’s when I committed to this idea of building a blog by going back to school. I wanted to

IN HONOR OF FATHER’S DAY, I sat down with Eliezer Pierre-Louis Jr., an Advertising/Public Relations major at CCNY. We talked about his experiences as a young father of a four-year old, and a blog he runs, called Culture of Dad. AURORA SORIANO: What made you decide to start your blog, Culture of Dad? ELIEZER PIERRE-LOUIS JR.: Well, first, you’ll need some backstory. So obviously, I became a father. At the time, I was acting professionally in the city, while doing office management on the side. As you know, it’s very hard to make it as an actor in this city, and it was becoming hard to sustain a fruitful lifestyle. I also recognized my office job had no room for growth. Once I discovered I was going to be a father, I re-evaluated where I was in my life and decided what type of father I wanted to be. I decided to make some changes, and return to school. Being an actor was great as a young, single guy, but

ONCE I DISCOVERED I WAS GOING TO BE A FATHER, I RE-EVALUATED WHERE I WAS IN MY LIFE AND DECIDED WHAT TYPE OF FATHER I WANTED TO BE. I DECIDED TO MAKE SOME CHANGES, AND RETURN TO SCHOOL. learn how to build an audience and brand, and I felt Ad/PR as a major tied in my previous business and acting experience into the perfect resource to help build this blog.

AS: Was the vision for this site originally a place for unconventional dads, or for dads in general?

EPL: It’s for all fathers, but it’s still sticking with that theme, but there has been some shift towards support for unconventional dads or young dads. This is in part due to

BY Aurora Soriano

my spiritual awakening. It impacted me as a father and my relationship with my son, and made me desire to share my most authentic self. My authentic self brings a unique perspective to the conversation.

AS: Is it difficult being a father and a college student?

EPL: My schedule fluctuates more with school, and some days end up being busier than others, but working full time, while regulated, presented a lot of the same scheduling challenges. I’ve learned as a parent that you have to be able to adapt and change. People have the ability to make space and time for the things they value, so I have adapted to make space and time for my son.

AS: Can you sum up the message of your blog?

EPL: Becoming a father or parent is not the end all, be all for your life. You have to adapt and change as a parent, but you have more to offer yourself and your child in this life.

Be true to your authentic self and everything else will fall into place.

AS: How can we access your blog?

EPL: You can Google search cultureofdad. com. I’m building a YouTube channel also, which will be under the same name, Culture of Dad. It may also be under the hashtag, #cultofdad. It’s just a blog now but I eventually want it to become much more than a blog. I want it to be a web platform that includes video content and workshops.

I’m also working on getting legislation passed with a Change.org petition. It’s going to be a journey, and hope people feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to work together.

Check out Pierre-Louis’ blog, Culture of Dad, and have a happy Father’s Day! F E A T U R E S 11

A Global

Community of student

Scholars W h e r e a r e our gra d uat es from ?

BY Katie Herchenroeder & Anthony Viola THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK is unique in many idiosyncratic ways.

Ask nearly any CCNY alumnus what sets their alma mater apart and they will tell you the diversity of their peers. When you walk into a classroom in Shepard Hall or Compton Goethals, you see the multiplicity of cultures at work. There are students from every corner the world coming together to learn and grow, not only themselves, but the learning community as a whole. The graduating class of 2017 is no exception.

This year alone we have graduates from 89 different countries. From Bangladesh to Greece to Yemen, and all the way from Hong Kong, these CCNY students have been, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of this institution’s legacy. In order to display the vast culture of this year’s graduates, The Campus has put together a visual representation of where the member’s of our graduating class are from.

Each red pin signifies where a current graduating student originates.

12 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

TAM M IE DAVI D Where are you from ?

Born in Boston, Massachusetts; grew up in Boston and Germany What di d you maj or i n?

Political Science What are you r p l ans follo win g co llege?

Wi l l you be retu rni ng t o h o me?

Going to study for the LSAT and go to law school.

What di d you l i ke the mo st abo ut CCN Y ?

The people that make it. The students are so diverse, and everyone comes from such interesting and unique backgrounds and circumstances. I feel like it’s best to have such diverse friends, and they’re really easy to find here.

How does i t feel to g raduat e?

“It feels wonderful and relieving.”

A N A S I MO N TA K LA

JULIA ALE KSE E VA

Whe r e a r e you f r o m ?

Cairo, Egypt

W h ere are you from ?

Moscow, Russia

What d i d you maj o r i n ?

Political Science and International Studies (concentration in International Relations)

W h at di d you maj or i n?

Teaching English to Students of Other Languages

What a r e you r p l an s f o l l o w i n g c o l l eg e?

Wi ll you b e r e t u r n i n g to h o m e?

After graduation, I plan to obtain a Master’s degree in International Affairs. I am not sure if I will be returning to Egypt, but I will certainly visit often. Egypt holds a special place in my heart and a trip back will always be on my itinerary.

W h at are you r p l ans fol l owi ng c ol l eg e?

W il l you be retu rni ng to home?

I would like to participate in optional practical training after graduation which allows international students to stay in the USA for one more year and get working experience.

What d i d you l i k e th e m o st ab o u t C C N Y ?

I liked the diverse environment at CCNY. Over the course of four years, I have met and made numerous friendships with students and professors from all over the world. Each encounter taught me something different and allowed me to be a more well-rounded person.

How d oe s i t fe el t o g r ad u at e?

Graduating feels a bit nerve-racking because it makes me ponder about the unknown.

However, I am optimistic that the future will hold wonderful surprises. And even when obstacles stand in the way, I will work diligently to overcome them one at a time through the grace of God.

W h at di d you l i ke the mos t abou t C C NY? People! I'm so grateful for people I've met at CCNY. It is amazing how many interesting, talented and awesome people we have at CCNY. I'm so happy that they helped me adapt in this country and made my educational journey unforgettable!

H ow does i t feel to g radu ate?

It feels amazing! It was my dream to go to graduate school abroad and I feel so accomplished!

F E A T U R E S 13

Summer

Swing of things Photo BY Ebony Anderson-Brown

BY Ebony Anderson-Brown AS CLICHÉ AS IT MAY SOUND, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Now that summer is upon you, get back into the groove of things and take advantage of the city you love. Here are 10 things you should keep on your radar this season: 1.

2.

3.

Ta s t e t h e W o r l d F o o d F est i val - If you’re a true foodie at heart, you wouldn’t need anyone to tell you about the Famous Food Festival in New York City. The inaugural event occurs June 25, welcoming you to try the flavors of the world.

With over 100 food vendors, you’ll want to bring a hearty appetite to the Grand Bazaar.

B a s qu i at & B r u n c h - Let’s keep a buck: we all went into a Basquiat frenzy last year. You might know a couple of people are interested in this party by Ruth Enkel Productions, featuring amazing art, delicious cuisine and unlimited mimosas. There is more information about this event on Facebook, but if it’s something you know for a fact you’ll be attending, the brunch starts at 2pm on July 8, located at 1103 Fulton Street.

Cu r lfe st - For all my women of color, Curlfest is back this summer in Brooklyn. Get ready for the Curly Girl Collective event of the year with women gathering from

14 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

4.

5.

6.

7.

around the world stunting their natural beauty. Mark your calendars for July 15, and shimmy on over to Brooklyn.

NYC S u m m er I c e C ream Bl i z z ard - Grand Bazaar is at it again with their 2nd annual Summer Ice Cream Blizzard! It’s the perfect way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, featuring some of the best artisanal ice cream makers, with various flavors you’ve probably never tasted before. If you’re not lactose intolerant, remember July 16, because that’s when it all goes down.

Op en M i c at G ri l l on the Hi l l - Be on the lookout for open mic night right here in our backyard. Grill on the Hill will be hosting open mic for talented individuals to show off their stuff in the heart of Harlem. You can even sign up and perform a song or two yourself.

MoM A P S 1 Warm U p - If you love art and concerts, the Warm Up at MoMA PS1 is just for you. Not only will you get to enjoy some notable visual artists in the exhibitions that change every couple of weeks, you can also turn up to some of the best performing artists and sonic art DJs/ Producers out there.

S u mmerS tag e 2017 - That’s right! Free concerts at Central Park this entire Summer. Rumsey Playfield successfully fills up with people from all over to see some of the hottest New York hip hop performers, indie rock bands, and

classical performers this city has to offer.

8. G overnors I s l an d - Take a ferry to Governors Island and enjoy a calm day on a hammock and get away from the city for a while.

Your time at Governors Island will be filled with free exhibitions and art installations, cycling, music festivals, food events, and so much more. Every year, Governors Island adds something new for your enjoyment, so take advantage and escape for a couple of hours.

9. S u mmer S treets N YC 2 0 1 7 - In August, NYC blockades three consecutive Saturday’s for a day of ziplining, a 300-foot water slide, and even rock climbing. You already know the MTA is going to mess up your day somehow. So if you’re in the city August 5, 9, or 12, don’t bother taking the train. Just walk along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue to 72nd Street. You’ll thank me later!

10. L u na Park - Last but not least, Luna Park. You’d be amazed at the amount of people who have spent their entire life in NYC, but have never visited Coney Island. Get your butt on the B, D, F, M, or Q train and go to Luna Park. There you’ll find the famous boardwalk, the iconic Cyclone, and the delicious street food. Make this Summer the last time you say “I’ve never been to Coney Island.”

e h T

Sweetest Thing Photos BY Curtis Ashley

BY Curtis Ashley

“IF YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO, IT won’t feel like work.” In Harlem, former City College student, Patrice Forbes is doing just that. After getting a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Brooklyn College, Forbes began her own cupcake business, Honor Thy Sweets. She decided to combine what she thought she wanted to do in life, with her actual passion.

“I was talking to a friend one day, and she said, ‘What would you like to do?’ And

She makes cinnamon-apple, pear, and ginger, as well as red velvet cupcakes, each as a vegan option.

Forbes’ traditional cupcakes have more of a variety. She makes peanut-butter and jelly cupcakes, along with hazelnut and lemonade flavored cupcakes. Right now, the fan favorites seem to be the vanilla cupcake with lemon frosting, and the peanut-butter and jelly cupcakes. Her best friend Jasmine, the same friend who helped inspire her business, helps her with the recipes.

Honor Thy Sweets is in the early stages, but Forbes has big plans for the future. “I’m saving up to do a commercial kitchen. That way it’s more like a catering-type business, not so much as a bakery, so everything is made to order.”

She doesn’t only intend to reform her business, but also expand it, while remaining a prominent figure. “Different locations

“SINCE I WAS A KID, I WOULD ALWAYS BAKE CAKES FOR FAMILIES AND BIRTHDAYS. HONESTLY, I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT OF IT AS A BUSINESS. IT WAS ALWAYS A HOBBY TO ME.” - PATRICE FORBES I said, ‘I have to choose between marketing and baking,’” Forbes recollects. “She was like, ‘You would have to choose one.’ I said, ‘Can’t I just do both?’”

Forbes has been running her business for several months, since she got her business license in March. The entire operation is run out of her own home, and all the cupcakes are made from scratch. That said, her love for baking is much older than her business.

“Since I was a kid, I would always make cakes for families and birthdays. Honestly, I never really thought of it as a business. It was always a hobby to me,” Forbes says.

Though cupcakes are her specialty, they aren’t her only dessert creation. In the past, Forbes even made vegan granola bars; an idea kept from when she started her business.

would be good. Of course, here in the city would be good, and the surrounding areas.

But I would actually like to have distribution around the country,” Forbes says. “When you go commercial, they tend to be these regular products. I want that personal touch. I would still like to do the baking. I would still like to run it, versus hiring other people to do it. I’d still like to be very much involved.”

Forbes’ story is one that inspires. She turned a hobby into a source of income, while utilizing her college experience. If you find yourself worrying about not being able to turn your hobby into a career, or even having to abandon your hobby for a career, use this story as a template. Every life is different, but when there’s a will, there’s a way.

F E A T U R E S 15

CCNY’s

Face of

diplomacy

BY Dayana Perez

THOUGH WOMEN’S HISTORY Month has passed, there’s never a wrong time to remember the leaders who’ve paved the way for modern women. For Fanny Shum Chan, a Chinese student born and raised in Venezuela, the human rights leaders who came before her set the bar–– one she aims to reach.

Shum’s passions revolve around diplomacy and human rights. She recalls advocating for parental leave at the United Nations as a Youth Representative for the City College of New York NonGovernmental Organization. As a Youth Representative, she brings issues and ideas from CCNY students to the discussions at the United Nations.

In one UN meeting, where she pressed the importance for both men and women gaining the right to parental leave, she stated “…for gender equality at work, fathers are entitled for paid parental leave, which takes part of the equality movement.”

In March, 2016, she represented the Delegation of Ghana in the General Assembly Two committee on behalf of the CCNY National Model United Nations program. She also collaborated with other delegates and focused on fund initiatives for Ghana and other countries of the African Union. “I felt accomplished that my team and I were able to build consensus among other African countries and came up with two resolutions that were selected at the end of the conference,” she says. “The best part was networking with other students coming from around the world.”

As the current President for the International Studies Student Association, she worked with the United Nations 16 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

How a student l eader l eft her mark on the co m m u ni ty “CONSENSUS IS IMPORTANT FOR OBTAINING HARMONIOUS RESULTS, ESPECIALLY INTENSE DISCUSSIONS BASED ON RELIGION OR GENDER. EXERTING BALANCING POWER IS THE HARDEST TASK FOR ANY LEADER.” -FANNY SHUM CHAN Association at CCNY to host UN Day. This included events that students could discuss the current refugee crisis from an international perspective.

From academic life to her extracurricular one, Shum understands the importance of reaching a middle ground at a time when many ideas are vocalized. “Consensus is important for obtaining harmonious results, especially intense discussions based on religion or gender,” she says. “Exerting and

balancing power is the hardest task for any leader.” Due to the fact that she wants people to feel inspired and utile, she does not want to discourage anyone–– she wants to lead inspiration.

If Shum were to secure financial support to work on a humanitarian project, she’d invest time back into Venezuela for people whose rights are violated. “I would take the initiative of making people aware of what is happening in Venezuela, where people and children die because there is no medicine and not enough food.”

Like many other students, she is still unsure what awaits her once she graduates in June. Her word of advice to her colleagues: “Keep pushing for your dreams and work hard for it.”

“KEEP PUSHING FOR YOUR DREAMS AND WORK HARD FOR IT.” - FANNY SHUM CHAN

I L LI A NA OR T E GA

KENNY S OTO

S TEP HANA EG HAN

THERE’S MORE TO

B.A. THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYE

BY Ebony Anderson-Brown HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED HOW talented the students of City College are?

Top news outlets rank CCNY students amongst the best in medicine and engineering. But what about those who study communications, who most assume have it easy? Recognizing and encouraging the successes of our alumni should be routine, because let’s face it, the grind is real. Here are a few exceptional B.A. students who graduated, or are on the track to graduate within the next year.

world.

Eghan had the rare opportunity to be recognized with a group of peers during an event featured on Good Morning America.

- Il i a n a Or t eg a -

- S t ep h a n a Egh a n -

Graduating this spring, Iliana Ortega excelled in the Advertising & Public Relations program. Although she completed her studies in the fall, her accomplishments are still recognized. These include being a Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) Coach, a MAIP 2016 Fellow, the American Advertising Federation’s Most Promising Multicultural Student of 2017, and securing a job as a Broadcast

Stephana Eghan is a rising senior in the Advertising & Public Relations program, residing in the Bronx. In April, New York Women in Communications awarded Eghan, one of only 19 applicants, the communications industry’s most prestigious award honoring women who connect the

WE WANT TO BE THE CHAMPIONS FOR OUR PEERS ON CAMPUS AND IT STARTS

BY CHEERING ON OUR PEERS. TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

Production Assistant at FCB-NY. Ortega is only of many at CCNY that show dedication in their field of study.

- K enn y S o t o Kenny Soto is a graduate of City College who has grown exceptionally since his days as USG President and TKE fraternity member.

Though he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music, his passion for communications has shown throughout the tech and digital marketing world. He provides insight and advice for current students at CCNY, as well as offering services in personal branding and résumé building.

We want to be the champions for our peers on campus, and it starts by cheering on our peers. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Sometimes we give our attention to the negativity that happens on campus, but there are a lot of good people that come and leave this institution.

F E A T U R E S 17

Keeping up with The Campus F o r m e r s ta ff m em bers w e i g h i n on life a ft e r gr a d uat ion

BY Curtis Ashley

G I N A DA I D O N E Field Reporter at the New York Post Class of 2015 M a jor : International Studies (Cultures & Communications concentration) M i nor : Journalism La s t p os i t i on at T h e C am p u s: Lifestyle Editor On l i fe a ft e r g r ad u at i o n : “The big achievement that I’ve accomplished is getting hired to work at the New York Post. I got hired as an editorial desk assistant there.

I did that for a couple months, then I got promoted to field reporter, which I still do.”

On w hat s he m i sses ab o u t C i ty C o l l eg e: “I miss just being on campus, coming to The Campus office, hanging out there, talking to everybody that would come and go. Just having that place to retreat, and the comradery.”

18 THE CAMPUS / JUNE 2017

STACY M AGALLON Art Director at VAYNERMEDIA Class of 2016

LOUIS O PR I S A Overnight Site Manager at MLB Advanced Media

Class of 2015

M a j or: Advertising & P.R. M inor: Journalism

Maj or: Film Production Mi nor: Journalism

L as t p os i ti on at The C amp u s : Art Director

L as t p os i ti on at The C ampus: Editor-in-Chief

O n l i fe after g radu ati on: “Less than a month after graduation, I was offered an internship as a design intern at VAYNERMEDIA, working on Budweiser Global’s account. I got a full-time job in January, and I’m still working on the same stuff...which is beer, and soccer, and hockey.

Bro clients.”

Advi c e for u nderg radu ates : “They [students] should be getting their hands on any project, even if it’s free labor. Once you get out of college, experience really is everything. It’s not so much what you learn in the classroom, it’s how you take those lessons and apply them elsewhere.”

On what he mi s s es about Cit y Co llege: “One thing I really miss about City College is just being around a lot of people that were my age, kind of in the same position as me. We can help each other in certain ways depending on whatever project or thing we’re trying to do with our lives. It was a great place to network. You don’t really get that as much when you’re out of college.”

Advi c e for u nderg raduat es: “Figure out what you like to do, and just throw yourself into that activity if it’s on campus, or if you can get a job or internship doing that. You need to look at like ‘This is the time to build your skillset,’ and get as much experience as you can.”

THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY, The Campus has been supported by a number of great staff members that dedicated time to its success. Each of them left an imprint on the organization before graduating from City College. Once they did, many of whom once graced the corridors of the NAC building went on to build careers in the field of journalism. We decided to catch up with some of the old members, finding out what they did after graduation, and where they have been. In addition, they dropped off some dope advice for students pursuing a career similar to theirs, as well as the general campus body.

Last Least

But not

BY Curtis Ashley

A look at how the beavers di d

JEF F WE I S I N GE R Sports Reporter for AM New York Class of 2016 M a jor : English (Creative Writing concentration) M i nor : Journalism La s t p os i t i on at T h e C am p u s: Senior Editor / Sports Editor On l i fe a ft e r g r ad u at i o n : “I got into UC Berkeley for grad school. Just the prestige of Berkeley is awesome. It was definitely a gamble on the financial end of it, going cross-country, living expenses and all that stuff. I made it work, and it really just gave me the opportunity to learn a lot more about the field I’m in.”

On w hat he m i s ses ab o u t C i ty C o l l eg e: “The food! The food for sure. We don’t have halal carts or bodegas nearby. It’s like, little fancy shops. The food’s good over there, don’t get me wrong. But if I want a five, sixdollar combo over rice…”

THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS to spend your free time over the course of the academic year. You can study in the Cohen library, grab some wings at Grill on the Hill, or burn some calories in the Wingate Fitness Center. There is another option, one closer to the third of the previously mentioned — becoming a student athlete.

Students athletes find themselves sacrificing more than just their free time.

Their hard-work and dedication does not go unnoticed, especially at the end of the semester. Here is a look at the accomplishments of some of the teams during the 2016-2017 school year.

Men’s Bas ket ball The Men’s hoops team had a sensational season, one that brought them to the CUNYAC championship game. Although they did not come out with a win, their efforts were still acknowledged as The New York Times mentioned them in an article not long after. The guys finished with a 17-10 record, one of their best under Head Coach Tom Green. Senior guard Khalil Hamer earned a spot on the CUNYAC All-Star First Team.

Trac k & Fi el d The Men’s and Women’s Track & Field squads are undoubtedly some of the best on campus. The Men’s Indoor team and Men’s Outdoor team both took home their seventh consecutive CUNYAC titles. The Women’s Indoor team and Women’s Outdoor team both finished the season in 2nd place. Throughout the season, players on each of the teams snagged weekly and end-of-season awards. Jaclyn Williams earned MVP for the Women’s Outdoor championship, and Justin Herbert earned multiple CUNYAC/ ROTC Athlete of the Week awards.

Fenc i ng One of the most underappreciated teams at the school continues to showcase some of the most dedication. The team, comprised of only women, had a decent season. Most of the press surrounding the team involved Judine Watkis, the senior epee. She placed 2nd in Epee at the National Intercollegiate Women’s Fencing Association (NIWFA) Holiday Invitational in December. Watkis also earned a spot on the NIWFA AllConference and All-Academic teams, and won the Eastern Women’s Fencing Conference (EWFC) Woman of the Year award.

S P O R T S 19

The Campus staff remembers Jaime Morban. We are not just reporters, editors, and photographers. Before all else, we are students, part of the same community.

Morban’s departure left us with not only a hole in our classrooms, but a hole in our hearts. Rest in peace.