UT
NIVERSITY IMES
Oct. 20, 2014
www.csulauniversitytimes.com
C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S
Your enrollment might be in danger!
INSIDE:
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS HAVE A
REASON TO REJOICE PG 11
PARTY IN
THE U-SU PG 4
FASHION FERVER PG 10
THE SCHOOL V/S
GOOD
FOOD PG 14
CSULA'S
SOCCER SENSETIONS PG 16
Parking
paranoia PG 10 trick or
treat PG 5
his math sub collegiate course at a community college. This can become a bigger issue for many students. “Trying to find a remedial course in a community college is the worst. They are always impacted,” said Rene who was attempting to add the course at Pasadena City College and was unsuccessful.
Guadalupe Garcia
Contributor
You need to read this, especially if you are a freshman and never heard of the two words – ‘Remedial Courses’
Disenrollment not only affects students but many organizations on campus. Guillermo Cabrera, member of Gamma Zeta Alpha and a Television, Film and Media Studies Major, said their fraternity doesn’t rush freshman because some of them may not be here the following year. “When we do get the freshman interest, it also presents the same fear when they have to go through a set of classes that might jeopardize their enrollment at the university,” said the TVF major. It becomes devastating for both students and organizations when they have to see a member go and not come back the following year.
As an incoming freshman or continuing Cal State LA student, many of us have come across the term remediation. But a lot of us are blindly unaware of the fact that failure to complete any developmental courses within your first academic year can result in your disenrollment from the university. Remediation is common across all CSU campuses including ours. For instance, in Fall 2012, Cal State LA admitted 2,768 first-time freshmen, out of which, 77% needed remediation. The CSU Trustee Policy states that students must demonstrate proficiency in Math and English before they can enroll in college-level courses of the subject. The way proficiency is obtained is through your performance in the CSU Entry Level Math (ELM) exam and the CSU English Placement Test (EPT), unless you were otherwise exempt through the SAT/ACT, AP Test or your senior year experience. But how exactly can you be disenrolled? Executive order 665 is a requirement from the Chancellor’s office that states first-time freshman must complete all developmental mathematics and writing courses within their first year of enrollment or they will be stopped out the university. Basically, if you don’t finish your remedial classes by the end of spring quarter, you will no longer be able to enroll in any classes the following school year. From the incoming class
Issue 207.4
Photo Courtesy | lao.ca.gov Rescue Saga: If you are struggling with a remedial class or fear not passing, here are some suggestions: -Visit the Tutorial Center located at the South Palmer Wing of the library and request an appropriate tutor -Struggling to find a class? Contact the Math or English department and they'll notify you if a spot or a class opens
of 2012 whom needed remediation, only 12% of them became disenrolled. Rene Montelongo, a former Cal State LA student, was one of the students that fell among this group. He stated his issues were finding remedial math courses that where open
Alternatives if you don’t complete or pass your MATH 91 course the first year: -You can take the exit exam at the Testing Center. -Retake the ELM Exam. You may score higher and become exempt. -Take the equivalent class at a community college. Keep in mind you only have one academic year to complete this or you could become disenrolled.
and grasping the information he was being taught in class. He failed to complete Math 91 by the end of his first academic year but was granted a year’s extension in which he would still be a Cal State LA student but may not enroll for any courses until he completes
But there is a silver lining. The CSU system recently enacted a policy known as “Early Start” requiring incoming students who do not demonstrate college readiness to begin remediation during the summer before coming to the CSU. It aims to better prepare their students in math and English before their first semester or quarter. “ I’ve heard good news and how it’s helped many students,” said Rodolfo Mata, Early Start Program Coordinator at Cal State Los Angeles. With this we’re hoping to see a reduction in the amount of students who become disenrolled. Now that you have this information at grasp, UT hopes you take the necessary precautions to avoid any type of scenario that can place you at risk of becoming disenrolled. Because once a Golden Eagle, always a Golden Eagle.
2
University Times
Oct. 20, 2014
Cal State L.A. Welcomes New Senior Staff Members
CSULA Pubilc Affairs
Veteran journalist Robert Lopez has joined Cal State L.A. as the director for communications in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs.
Lopez worked for 22 years at the Los Angeles Times, first starting as a city news reporter in 1992. He has expertise in multimedia, digital and investigative journalism, and has taught courses and workshops at the university level. Lopez was on the reporting teams awarded the Pulitzer Prizes in 1994 for coverage of the Northridge
Jocelyn Stewart, an accomplished journalist, has joined Cal State L.A. as the deputy director for communications in the Office for Communications and Public Affairs. Stewart was a staff writer at the Los Angeles Times for 19 years, covering such issues as crime, courts, city hall, housing and state news. After the 1992 civil unrest, Stewart helped elevate the paper's coverage of South Los Angeles with hard news, investigative and feature stories that provided insight into a neglected area of the city. A graceful writer, her feature stories also appeared in the Los Angeles Times Magazine. She left the Times to pursue work as an independent media consultant and journalist. As a media consultant, Stewart has helped non-profit organizations and small businesses enhance their messaging. Her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Time.com, Raleigh News & Observer, Lifescript.com and Narratively. Stewart holds a bachelor's degree in development studies from UC Berkeley and a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and has been a recipient of the Alicia Patterson Foundation Fellowship and the National Press Foundation Spanish Language Fellowship. The Wesleyan Writers Conference at Wesleyan University awarded her the Jon Davidoff Scholarship. As deputy director for communications, Stewart will report to the director for communications and will help to steer Cal State L.A.'s media outreach, public relations, and written communications.
Mario Perez has joined Cal State L.A. as the associate vice president for University Advancement. Perez has more than 18 years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, development and fundraising. He comes to Cal State L.A. from Cal Poly Pomona, where he worked as the director of development, managing the Scolinos Baseball Stadium project, and playing a key role in the University's $150 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. Raquel Beltrรกn has joined Cal State L.A. as the associate director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs (PBI). Beltrรกn, a native of San Diego, has more than 35 years of public administration and public policy experience in California. She has significant non-profit management expertise, recently serving as the executive director of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. Beltrรกn
Longtime Los Angeles political aide and journalist Peter Hong has joined Cal State L.A. as director of strategic initiatives and deputy chief of staff in the President's Office. Hong comes to the University from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, where he served as a senior deputy since 2009. Prior to advising Ridley-Thomas, Hong was a reporter at the Los Angeles Times for 15 years, writing news, features and investigative stories on higher education, economics, politics and Southern California culture. He previously worked for the Washington Post, BusinessWeek Magazine and the ABC News Washington bureau. He holds a bachelor's de-
earthquake and in 2011 for exposing corruption in the city of Bell. He was recognized in 2013 by the California Chicano News Media Association with its Career Achievement Award and in 2014 he was honored by the Hispanic Public Relations Association as Journalist of the Year.
He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, has taught journalism at the University of Southern California and has led workshops on media and jourPerez has a bachelor's degree in communications and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, both from the University of La Verne. An All-Conference offensive lineman, he began his career with the Los Angeles Raiders. He then became senior account supervisor at Hill and Knowlton, managing clients that included the State of California, TiVo, NHRA and Mazda. He served as senior director of major gifts for the University of La Verne's successful first-ever comprehas received numerous recognitions over the years from local, state, and federal government, community-based and business organizations. She received a bachelor's degree in political science from Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay) and her M.B.A from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
nalism for university students, faculty and working journalists throughout the U.S. and in Paraguay, the Bahamas and in the West Bank. As director of communications, Lopez will serve as the University's spokesperson. Reporting to the associate vice president for Communications and Public Affairs, Lopez will manage the strategic development, consistency and quality of written content in university communications.
hensive capital campaign. As associate vice president for University Advancement, Perez will report to the vice president for University Advancement and will lead the frontline fundraising team of academic unitbased directors of development. His responsibilities will include coordinating corporate and foundation relations with the academic units as well as leading the division with strategic fundraising initiatives identified by University leadership. Pat Brown Institute, Beltrรกn will report to PBI's executive director and will be responsible for managing the day-today operations of the Institute and developing innovative new programs and projects.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
As associate director of the
Pregnant?
gree in politics from Occidental College, where he was Free counseling and services. awarded a Thomas J. Watson We come to you. postgraduate fellowship for study in Poland and Korea. Holy Family Services, He later served on the Board Adoption & Foster Care of Trustees of Occidental College and was a national CALL 1-800-464-2367 board member of the Asian American Journalists Association. As director of strategic initiatives and deputy chief of staff, Hong will report to the senior vice president and chief operating officer. He will spearhead efforts to create and strengthen existing community, civic and business partnerships, and to forge new networks to engage the city and region with the University.
University Times
Oct. 20, 2014
3
AEROSPACE STE[A]M Fair N I V E R S I T Y Inspires Students
UT I M E S
Staff Reporters Gerardo Amezquita Angeline Bernabe
Editor-in-Chief Yzzy Gonzalez
Managing Editor Timmy Truong
Columinist Roxana Hernandez
Production Manager Taylor Preza
Contributors Nancy Aguilar Beatriz Conrado CSULA Public Affairs Alexandra Del Salto Guadalupe Garcia Luz Gomez Jacqueline Gutierrez-Beltran Samir Ramirez Albert Reyes Row Tony Romo Valeria Sanchez Sabrina Sarmeinto
Web Editor Carol Venegas Copy Editor Nihdin Patel Carol Venegas Business/ Advertising Mangager Jim Munson Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan
Photographers Angeline Bernabe Javier Maltonado Tony Romo Sabrina Sarmeinto Timmy Truong
Distributor Carol Venegas
All opinions and letters in the University Times represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the UT or the university. Letters to the editor should include an address, telephone number and identification. Letters may be edited for grammar and length. University Times display and classified advertising should not be construed as the endorsement or investigation of commercial enterprises of ventures. University Times reserves the right to reject any advertising. University Times is published every Monday.
Space, high tech technology and Red Bull? STE[A]M brings them all together. Angeline Bernabe Staff Reporter Last week, an AEROSPACE STE[A]M Fair took place on campus to promote research and studies in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field. Presented by the Charter College of Education, ASI, and the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, the STE[A]M Fair provided a hands-on exposition for students with engineering machines that were built by Sage Cheshire Aerospace Tooling, and camera equipment from Flightline Films that capture aircraft launches. Jon Wells, Capsule Crew
Chief of Sage Cheshire Aerospace Tooling explained that Sage Cheshire builds capsules and science service to encourage people to look into the engineering field, and Flightline Films document those research expeditions. In October 2012, Sage Cheshire provided the capsule that carried Austrian Skydiver, Felix Baumgartner, to space in the controversial Red Bull Stratos Jump. Flightline Films was able to capture the world record jump and since then, Sage Cheshire has pioneered new and innovative ways of aerospace and the private space industry. At the STE[A]M Fair, a similar capsule used by Baumgarter in the Red Bull Stratos Jump was present, as well as similar high tech vehicles that captured the jump and students could sit inside to see how the technology worked. With the amount of experience that Sage Cheshire has built over the years, him and Wells, slong with team mem-
bers have travelled around the country to get students interested in STEM-related subjects. Wells explained, “We go school to school, museums, airshows, and different events to speak.” In addition, Wells shared that he and his team flew a 45-foot paper airplane to inspire kids about Aerospace last year. Mechanical Engineering major, Joshua Lopez-Alvalos, who was there to gather information about possible careers in the field and examine the machines, said the fair got him really interested in Aerospace. Alvalos said that he would love to be a hands-on engineer, and the Aerospace fair only encouraged him to pursue his dreams. In regards to STEM subjects Avalos replied, “They [Sage Cheshire] are doing important work by reaching out to students to show them how awesome aerospace is.”
Copyright 2014 University Times. All Rights Reserved. Cal State University, Los Angeles 5151 State University Dr. - KH C3098 LA, Ca, 90032 Office 323.343.4215 Advertising 323.343.4270
www.csulauniversitytimes.com csula.ut@gmail.com
Para La Onda: Jefes de Redacción:
Alicia Soto
Editor: Sergio Soto Publicidad: Mindy Galindo Nataly Garcia Consejero de la Facultad:
Pablo Baler
STE[A]M Fair displays | Photos By Angeline Bernabe
4
Oct. 20, 2014
University Times
An Afternoon at Black Talk
So are Miley Cyrus and Iggy Azalea the new hip-hop? Albert Reyes Contributor
Relatable and representational – is the new age hip-hop going away from two of its core characteristics? Students came together at the event Black Talk to try and find a conclusion on the same. Black Talk, held at the
U-SU’s Los Angeles room last week, discussed what’s the new face and sound of hip-hop. Shanique Davis, a Mechanical Engineer major, facilitated the discussion that focused on whether or not artists like Macklemore, Iggy Azalea, and Miley Cyrus are to be considered the new hiphop. Davis made the point that Hip-hop began out of poverty and that it’s used as a reactionary tool to voice the struggles of poor people in urban communities. That doesn’t seem to be the case with hiphop today, because it has become commercial and mainstream. The initial purpose of
hip-hop is not there anymore according to the discussion. Shanique Davis said, “I have no problem with today’s hiphop, I just wish we could go back to its original purpose because I find that more relatable coming from lower economic upbringing.”
Rachel Watkins, 25, expressed concerns with the way women are depicted in hiphop. Questions about the TV show Love & Hip Hop came up. Love & Hip Hop follows a group of women in the hip-hop world. The show has been criticized for the bad and aggressive behavior of the women.
The Party in the U-SU Life at Cal State LA is just as fun and games as anywhere else, given that you know where to look! Beatriz Conrado
Contributor We often hear complains of our campus not being as happening as of some other universities around. But is it just the matter of the lack of knowledge of what goes around the Cal State LA campus? Because, all we can say is anyone who has ever got involved with the U-SU has never felt that our campus is any less fun than the others. For all those complaining out there, we have three names for you: ‘University Student Union’, ‘Xtreme Fitness Center’ and ‘The Pit’. These are not only your campus destinations for all the fun and games you are looking for, but what adds to the joy is that most of it is free of cost. From playing games, getting in shape to discussing culture or making friends – you get it all under one roof! U-SU is the place where you’ll find something or the other to get involved with at any given time of the year. The Center for Student Involvement can connect you with above 20 fraternities and sororities of Cal State LA or can put you in touch with more than 35 student clubs and organizations on the campus where you can find all the in-
teresting activities you were looking for. “A lot of students stay unaware about several things we offer at Xtreme Fitness like the Olympic Lifting training in the back patio,” exclaims Calista Lyon, one of the employees of the gym of our school. The gym is open for student without having to pay any cost; all you need to do if you are an enrolled student is to fill out a form for enrollment. The gym offers a great selection of equipment for any type of workout that is desired to achieve personal fitness goals. Marlyn Pheng, 22 expresses, “I enjoy the school’s gym because it allows me to workout during my breaks. Yes, I wish the gym was bigger, but other than that I have no complaints.” A lot of us are unaware that among the free amenities that Xtreme Fitness offers, there is also a variety of personal fitness classes such as yoga, Wing Chun, boxing, aerobics, spinning, zumba, etc. A personal lock will also get you an access to the lockers to keep your belongings safe. There are staff members available at all times for any questions or exercising tips for anyone who needs help. The gym has recently extended their hours of operation, so there are no excuses not to go. Cesar Jimenez, 18 stated, “I find the gym to be pretty convenient since it is on campus. I don’t feel pressured. I don’t feel like everyone is watching me. The equipment is kind of hard to figure out, but there are al-
ways people around who can help. The fitness classes are pretty fun, too.” The Pit is another cool place located in the basement of the Student Union building. In simple words, it is ‘the’ hangout zone of the campus. Every Thursday, The Pit holds their Happy Hour that starts at 12pm where students can have free popcorn, play games, raffle prizes, enjoy great music or just socialize. Other activities offered at The Pit are billiards, Xbox, Ping-Pong, and foosball; these games are available at a low cost. If there is a sports game airing on television The Pit will have it live on their flat screens for you to enjoy. Jennifer Ramos a frequent visitor of the place expresses that this is one of those cool spaces of the campus, which not a lot of students take advantage of. William Gonzaga, a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering says, “The Pit is a place where I can chill, hang out with friends, and just be by ourselves having a good time.” So all we can say is, at any given day there is something fun this campus can offer! Keep up with the calendar of U-SU, watch out for the events, screenings, discussions and shows that happen around the quarter, keep yourself in shape at the gym and hang out at The Pit – life at Cal State LA is all that and more.
The show was questioned on whether or not it’s a fair representation of the music. Most of the audience disagreed but some did confess to watching it anyway. Watkins added, “I hope that hip-hop was used to empower women.”
Dr. Melvin Armstrong, a Pan African Studies Lecturer at Cal State LA, hopes that it helps by making our self-conscious broader and sparks conversations about serious issues.” When asked about KRS One, a hip-hop artist and activist whose career is to enlighten people about the urban culture, Armstrong said, ”Personally I
don’t like KRS One because I don’t think he is all that.” This sparked another conversation among the group. Rhonda Mitchell, the event coordinator for the Cross Cultural Center said she was impressed by the reactions of the students who participated in the discussion. “I was hoping to have students think about hip-hop in a critical Manner and that is exactly what happened today.” So what do you think on it? Does today’s hip-hop fall into a specific category, is it commercialized or does it change with personal perceptions?
Special Events at The Pit
The Couples/BFF Game: Oct. 21 Name That Tune: Nov. 5 Fall Quarter Recreation Tournament: Nov. 21 Karaoke: Dec. 2
The Extreme Fitness Center Hours Monday-Thursday: 7am-9.30pm Friday & Saturday: 7am-7pm Sunday: Closed
Fun Factoids
-The CSI can connect you with above 20 fraternities and sororities or more than 35 student clubs and organizations on the campus. -Among the free amenities that Xtreme Fitness offers, there’s also a variety of personal fitness classes like Yoga, Wing Chun, boxing, aerobics, spinning, Zumba, etc. -The Pit offers games such as Billiards, Xbox, Ping-Pong, and Foosball at a minimum price.
University Times
Oct. 20, 2014
Trick-or-Treat Halloween theme parks can get so overrated but don't worry, we've got your alternatives covered. Gerardo Amezquita
Staff Reporter Are you tired of last year’s Halloween events? Your options are somewhat limited if you live in the great city of Los Angeles. During this time of the season, every major theme park dedicates itself to transforming into a terrifying, shrieking house of horrors. However, even that is old news because the horror becomes boring and predictable. What happens if you don’t want to visit the transformed
theme parks or the haunted mazes? Try staying indoors and consider these alternative suggestions.
Let’s bring the ‘80’s back and try hosting your own Halloween party that includes shrilling music, bone-chilling games, and tasty make believe rotten food. The dark decorations would be fun to put around your house, giving it an Addams Family touch. You could make ectoplasm drinks simply by putting water and food coloring. For entertainment, you could set up an apple bobbing station and give the winners their own bucket of candy. As a complementary activity that would both help decorate the party and entice your guests is making a jack-o-lantern. There are infinite designs that would amuse the children and adults who visit your house. If you are feeling in
the spirit, you could make the headless horseman, a random meme, or a superhero.
Another option is the simplest way to relaxing on Halloween night. You could stay home and deliver candy to trick or treaters. That may sound a bit tame, but as an added bonus you could watch a horror movie marathon. There are various television networks like AMC or FX pledged to show “The Nightmare on Elm Steet” series or other slasher films. Be that as it may, there are still some outdoor activities one might do for the scariest night of the year. Instead of going to popular destinations that will be packed with long lines and the ever-amount of loud squealing kids, you could visit these other less frequented attractions. The famous Haunted Hay-
ride this year has the theme of “Echoes from the Rift” and is comfortably located in Griffith Park near the Old LA Zoo. It has some new installations such as the ‘House of the Horsemen,’ in which you walk through an insane asylum that has been overtaken by its former occupants and its apocalyptic monsters: War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death. Also included is a stage show called ‘Seven Sins Sideshow’, a dark maze, and of course, the hayride itself. If you are looking for something closer to home, Alhambra resident Duane Aamot dedicates himself to garnishing his home into a haunted house. That may not sound like much, but his occupation as a set designer for the American Film Institute adds some weight into his work. The house is located in 911 North Electric Avenue and is open to the public on Halloween night.
5
Every year near Fullerton there is a spooky maze that has increased in popularity because of its impressive track record in delivering those screams. Sinister Pointe hosts an elaborate maze full of crawling fiends ready to pounce on every one of your nightmares. Their theme this year is “Beyond the Mirror: A Bloody Mary Tale” which holds interactive activities for the people that acts as a kind of bloodcurdling stages. All these events are but a few of what Los Angeles has to offer. If you want more information on any of these events it could all be found on the web, including ticket price and schedule. So do not be afraid to walk the streets on Halloween night as you see the monsters and ghouls running amok. You should embrace the frightening tales of horror and have a Happy Halloween.
6
University Times
Across
A Lot Can Happen Over a Cup of Coffee As students flocked to the International Coffee Chat last week, some found new friends and some more comfort on campus.
Samir Ramirez Contributor
As many international students are getting acquainted with their new campus, the International Office team is helping them mingle and welcome them into their home away from home.
Oct. 20, 2014
was Sabeen Khan, an International and Electrical Engineering grad student from India, who volunteered for two days at the International Students Orientation. She says, “Being an international student at Cal State LA myself, I wanted to volunteer to welcome our new international students and help them settle down in this whole new world. Being honored for volunteering is just a bonus! I am happy we have events like the Global Coffee Chat because it gives students a chance to mingle with different people and expand their social circle.”
On Tuesday, October 14, the International Office held its first International Coffee Chat for the 2014-2015 school year. The event was held in order to get international students more acquainted with their new campus, honor student volunteers and spend some time socializing over savory refreshments.
Pradyumna Shembekar, an International student from India, praised the event for being, “a really good way to meet students from other countries, and even some from your own who you didn’t know came to the same school.” He added, “I like that we get a Rewards Card that we can get stamped, and if we come to three or more Coffee Chats, we’re entered in a grand prize drawing.”
One of the event’s honorees,
While the Coffee Chat con-
tinues to attract the presence of International Students, Aayushi Hingle, coordinator for the event, says that the Global Coffee Chat traces back 7 years. “We would invite students to come out and chat with us at the International Office about themselves and their experiences. However, since then, Coffee Chat has now become a huge event.” Hingle also says that, “It is a neat way to interact with students in an informal setting and get to learn more about them, but also to make them feel welcomed. I love listening to their experiences on our beautifully diverse campus. It is that energy that keeps me going in my work and daily life. Just knowing that so many students appreciate what you do for them and also enjoy these kind of events, that is my favorite part of doing what I do.” As the event continues to expand and grow, it seems that the skies or should we say ‘international skies’ are the limit for our students.
motivating students becoming ‘global citizens’, who garner a broader understanding of global culture. In their program they embolden you to volunte,er in another countries like Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand, and many more. They also hold affordable programs that students could apply to study or intern for the summer, semester, or a whole academic year. As a student you could have the chance to study in Greeze through the Paideia Thessaloniki program, who hold great emphasis in the arts, archaeology, and business. Greece is a country rich in history, culture, and geography. It was the birth place of democracy and other great philosophers. Today, it remains unchanged with its ideal beauty of sapphire oceans, a brazen sun, and ancient ruins of those great influences before us. Part of the Paideia Thessaloniki program is that they include excursions to travel around Greece to develop a local consensus of its diverse history and culture. The University of Kent is one of the United Kingdom’s finest institutions, located just an hour away of London. Its rural environment adds to the studious and charming image of this public research campus. The University of Kent is devoted to the undergraduate and graduate study of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences.
Abroad Fair, some exclusive to one part of the country while others would travel aboard a ship to many diverse locations around the continents. However, there is always this one important issue that restricts students from participating in the study abroad programs: the concern of how to finance your trip. Cassidy Zimmerman, advisor for National and International Scholarships and Fellowship programs, has outlined various opportunities students have access to by just simply applying. Each scholarship may hold different specifications depending on your major, but the list of open scholarships is boundless. Many of deadlines are fast approaching so if you want to complete your dream of traveling to your desired country, apply promptly. The process of applying and financing may seem complicated enough, but the outcome will be very much worth it. It is like Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The Study Abroad Office is also holding various information sessions starting October 21st till November 18th in King Hall B1018 at 3:15PM. If you have any further questions or seek advisement their office is located in the Golden Eagle building, room 217.
Many more organizations were present at the Study
Opportunities Shown at Study Abroad Fair
From Greece to England, the Study Abroad Fair introduced an international viewpoint to many. Gerardo Amezquita
Staff Reporter
The Study Abroad Fair debuted on the corner of the University Library on Thursday, October 16. There were many local and international organizations in attendance supplying information to students who wish to either study, intern, or volunteer in another country. Imagine those musing fantasies of relaxing on a warm, luminous day while the waves of the Mediterranean ocean could become a reality.
sored International Programs (IP). They are committed in assisting students through the application process to meet the eligibility criteria each country holds. Following their admissibility advice, IP simplifies the financial process many students see as a deterrent for studying abroad.
One particular program in participation is the CSU spon-
World Endeavors is an international program devoted to
Outside of IP, there are other study abroad programs that students can look into.
Photo By | Javier Maltonado
Oct. 20, 2014
The Globe
CSULA Study Abroad Fair | Javier Maltonado
University Times
7
Alicia Soto in Morocco | Photo Courtesy of Alicia's Facebook
CSULA students in Xi'an, China (Timmy Truong, Andreina Martin, Yzzy Gonzalez, Mariana Jin, Marina Molina) CSULA student Yzzy Gonzalez joins other international students in Hong Kong | Photo By Timmy Truong
The University CafĂŠ Now Open in SALAZAR HALL Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-2:00PM Sandwiches, Salads, Coffee, Burritos, and More!
CSULA Study Abroad Fair | Javier Maltonado
8
University Times
Oct. 20, 2014
Passion CSULA Designer Rachel Spotlight: Masters
Photo By | Rachel Masters FADS President Rachel Masters tells the UT what led her to take on a fashion career. Roxana Hernandez
Columnist While many of us began to pinpoint our professional paths when we attended college, others found their calling before university. Having displayed an early artistic inclination, senior Rachel Masters, Fashion Design major, combined her love of art and her intrigue in self-identity to pursue a career in fashion. When Masters was 13 years old she began sketching and knitting, slowly initiating the feeling of comfort and passion. Soon enough, a selftaught designer was born. Her inspiration is drawn from the basic senses. “I would say my senses influence me the most, I draw a lot of my inspiration from shapes and colors. The details in textures really inspire me as well,” Masters stated. While Masters sees a direct
correlation between art and fashion design, it is not the main reason why she chose the path of fashion. “I just think it’s really cool how fashion is the most basic form of self-expression, even if you’re not an artist you can still express yourself in a creative way,” Masters enthusiastically explained. “As much as I enjoy the aesthetic side of fashion, that’s really not the reason why I’m in fashion. I think it is such a basic part of our life--we have to wear clothes every day! But we need to be more conscientious about how we wear them and I want to be able to make a change and create sustainable options of self-expression.” When asked where she sees herself in five years, Masters answered that she would like to keep her purpose in fashion intact. “In five years I want to already be working for a company. I really want to work for Patagonia, as a business they encourage their customers to buy less and are still a successful company,” Masters said. Patagonia is a company that uses business in order to implement solutions to the environmental crisis and grow in popularity every year. Masters’s work now is not far from what she ultimately wants to do in the future. Last
Photo By | Roxana Hernandez
spring, Masters launched a small line for an undergraduate research project about corporate takeover of the community. This small line was debuted at Storying Wyvernwood, organized by the CSULA Undergraduate Department in June.
This position has allowed her to be part of a small community that brings in people who love the same things together. “It’s cool to hear everyone’s design inspirations, and why they are doing what they are doing,” Masters mentioned.
Since then, Masters’s work has become more focused and refined. While at CSULA, Masters has had the opportunity to work in preserving, growing, and pressing on all her creativity and potential she has. Masters expressed the great environment of the Fashion and Textiles Program saying, “My work has gotten more focused, and I’ve definitely gotten better through the critiques from my classmates and my professors. I’ve been able to find a direction, the program has really helped.” She believes the program to be thorough, and all her classes to be helpful as professors are always pushing students to be more creative and think outside the box.
This month FADS will be working on making hats for cancer patients. “We’re looking into certain donation centers at hospitals,” Masters announced. With countless hours of dedication and preparation, this team is sure to make an impact on their work as well as the community.
Besides studying Fashion Design, Masters embarks on her first quarter as President of the Fashion Association of Design Students (FADS). With hopes to bring students together as a community, she will be focusing on creating more activities and discovering new aspects of fashion with others.
It may all seem peachy but truth of the matter is that fashion students continually have to live through the misconceptions that others have. One common misconception that really bothers Masters is that people think fashion students or people from the fashion world are dumb. “I have gotten it a few times. I’m in the Honors College, and when I tell other students that I’m a Fashion Design major, their immediate reaction is clear through their face ‘what is she doing here?’—That is probably the biggest misconception that really bothers me,” said Masters explaining her experience. “We’re also not all shallow, sure fashion can be superficial, but that’s not all it
is. It can be sustainable, environmentally friendly, a way of self-expression.” Master’s emphasis on self-expression was apparent so when asked about her personal style, she described herself as having an androgynous style. “My style is comfortable,” Masters comments. She continues, “and actually quite random. I don’t know, honestly I’ve been trying to figure out my style for years, and I have really random stuff in my closet that could really fit into so many different styles. So it’s still experimental.” Though you will never see this designer wearing pink, short shorts, short skirts, or animal print. Given that the designer rides a motorcycle, Master’s degree of options are limited but she has no problem with the limits at all. The energy and creativity in Rachel Masters’s life will continue to guide her and inspire her every day. What started as merely a personal project has expanded into a career full of aspiration and certainly more success to come. If you are interested in joining FADS for their next meeting, make sure to visit FADS on Wednesday at 3:15PM in room FA 239.