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OPINION MONDAY AUGUST 26 - THURSDAY AUGUST 29, 2019
WELCOME TITANS 2019
Column: Transfer students are unaware of resources Coming from a junior college, I wish I knew all of the things CSUF had to offer.
JENNIFER HO / DAILY TITAN
JENNIFER BARRACLOUGH Asst. Editor
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As a transfer student at Cal State Fullerton, I am a seasoned veteran in the sense that I have years of college experience, unlike most freshmen on campus. Yet, nobody prepared me for the transition from a community college to a university and the challenges that came with it. Transfering to CSUF was rough. From a larger campus to different academic standards and expectations, there are many things I wish I would have known or tried to do differently. When I went back to school five years after I graduated from high school, I was working full-time and a single parent. I attended Fullerton College, and one of the best parts of that experience was the diversity on campus. Regardless of socioeconomic background, age, gender, race or any other social constructions, there is a great feeling of accessibility and diversity on community college campuses. I was comfortable at FC because I had spent years getting familiar with the campus. Once I transferred to CSUF, I felt like I was starting over, and I had to learn how to navigate in an unknown world. When I first attended, I would’ve appreciated to know the importance of
office hours and knowing your professors, being aware and taking advantage of all the resources available to students and getting involved in the community on campus. At FC, I managed to make it through my entire freshman and sophomore years avoiding my professors like the plague outside of the classroom. I quickly learned after transferring, that those sacred hours a professor sets aside for students to meet with them could make the difference of a letter grade. When it comes to resources, we already pay thousands of dollars in tuition, however I have talked to so many other students who do not utilize the resources provided on campus. It was not until my senior year here that I even heard about the Health Services, which offers free or discounted health care, and Counseling and Psychological Services, which provides free therapy. Finding other people with similar interests and goals is the best way to feel comfortable on a new campus. As the transition from university to joining the workforce approaches, it is important to know that these are the best years to begin networking and building relationships. As a transfer student, I have learned that people can be the best resources. Once I started building my community on campus, I finally was able to feel like I was right where I should be. CSUF is known as a commuter school, so it is hard to not just come to class and leave immediately after. I get it, I did it. For new Titans, it may be worth spending a little extra time on campus to explore and learn about everything CSUF has to offer you.
WELCOME TITANS 2019
MONDAY AUGUST 26 - THURSDAY AUGUST 29, 2019
Having a good time for a long time Be knowledgeable on how to take care of yourself and your friends at parties. TAYLOR ARRAY Asst. Editor
The first day of school finds students being pulled in every direction, dealing with crazy schedules and the intimidation of an entire semester staring them in the face. Luckily, going back to school also means parties and gatherings built around ignoring the stress that college students know all too well. While letting loose and partying can be a fun way to take a break from the books and explore life outside of the complex world of academia, it’s important to remember that safety is the No. 1 priority when it comes to attending parties. Here are several steps that you and your friends can take to ensure that your partying experience is safe and enjoyable. Know your surroundings: Be familiar with the area you’ll be partying in. In today’s digital world, apps like Google Maps can find the exact layout of a location in minutes, including satellite photos of the area. With this information, you can get a sense of the party location, find well-lit places to walk and assess the space’s overall safety. If you’re driving, be prepared with a route to get back to your car. Use Google Maps to find out where there is legal parking to avoid having your car towed while you’re busy being the life of the party. Use the buddy system: Big party on Friday? Make a few
calls and ask your friends to tag along. Something this simple can make all the difference. In every aspect of partying, whether you’re dancing, drinking, arriving or leaving, having people around that you trust creates a more positive environment while also warding off predators that prey on people who are by themselves. Inviting four friends to that Friday night party means there are now four more pairs of eyes that are watching out for tampered cups, shady strangers and your overall safety from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. “No. 1 is make sure that you’re with a group or at least a partner, and that you have a buddy system going so that if any of those situations start occurring, you have somebody that can pull you out and keep you out of harm’s way,” said University Police Capt. Scot Willey. While it’s important to keep an eye on your friends, it’s just as important to be an active bystander. A party atmosphere can be fun and exciting, but it can also set the stage for a variety of dangerous situations, including sexual assault, drug overdose and intoxication. “We all need to take care of each other and if we see any of these things going on, it takes that bystander intervention to possibly keep someone from being assaulted,” Willey said. Keep your phone on you: Parties can get chaotic. With people dancing, drinks spilling and music blasting, it is easy to get separated from your group. In these situations, always have your SEE PRECAUTION 4
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4 Precaution: Awareness will keep you safe WELCOME TITANS 2019
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phone ready in case of an emergency. Text your friends, make sure they know where you are and agree to stay in contact over the phone if you’re not physically together. Also, alert others of your whereabouts and your estimated time of return. Having a roommate or family member know where you are also ensures that someone who is not at the party is available to check up on you periodically. With constant phone use, you might find that your battery will not last the night. To avoid this, have a charger on hand. If you’re going somewhere you’re not familiar or comfortable with, bring your own portable charger. The small battery packs can
MONDAY AUGUST 26 - THURSDAY AUGUST 29, 2019
easily fit in your pockets and ensure that you will have a method of contacting people. Choose a sober sheriff(s):
In an environment that involves alcohol, choose a person within your friend group that you trust to drive, watch over you and keep you safe while you’re drinking. Adjust the number of sober sheriffs for your night based on the number of friends you’re going to be drinking with. For example, a group of eight may require three sober buddies to ensure that the other five are being taken care of properly. For those who choose to drink, understand your tolerance for alcohol and try not to surpass it. In an uncontrolled party environment, drinking past one’s tolerance level can create unsafe
situations because drunkenness causes impaired judgement, which hinders the ability to make comprehensive decisions.
Be cautious with food and drink: At a party with large groups of people bustling around, most of whom you probably don’t know, it’s important to be cautious about what drinks you accept and what food or other substances you decide to take. It’s never a bad idea to eat a meal before leaving your home. Make sure you’re not starving when you arrive and bring your own water bottle to keep with you. This prevents you from letting hunger or thirst drive you to eat or drink something you’re not comfortable with. Any drink that you have at a
party should be made in front of you or be sealed, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body. Keep any edible or drinkable substance with you at all times, so it can’t be tampered or laced with anything you’re unaware of. Trust your gut: While these precautions are helpful, it’s imperative you rely on one person more than any other to know when something doesn’t feel right — yourself. “Be aware of the surroundings, and have your head on a swivel and knowing what’s going on if you start seeing a party that’s going in the wrong direction,” Willey said. In other words, trust your instincts. When something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Know what you’re comfortable
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with in a party environment and be confident in your gut reaction to a situation. If you ever feel that the circumstances surpass your ability to help because of a threat or possibility of harm, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement. “It’s better that if you see something going on that is not right and could have a negative outcome, that you call us if nobody else can step in. That’s what we’re here for,” Willey said. “Those kinds of reports are welcome.” Partying can be an inviting distraction from the stress of college life. However, safety should be the No. 1 priority when participating in these activities. Take precautions and be prepared for all the dangers that come with a party environment to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
5 ‘Tis the season for a hot girl semester WELCOME TITANS 2019
MONDAY AUGUST 26 - THURSDAY AUGUST 29, 2019
Take care of your grades and health this fall by following these easy steps. MADELINE GRAY KIM PHAM Editors
Megan Thee Stallion said “it’s a hot girl semester,” right? While most of us were bathing in our “hot girl summers” during the past three months, the next 17 weeks will be hot and heavy with work. Luckily, we’ve got tips to turn this semester of so-called pure agony into one of the most productive and self-reflective moments of your educational career. 1. First and foremost, do something you love. That might be studying a subject you’re passionate about, or getting involved in a club that allows you to be productive. There’s no easy path to becoming successful, but you can make it easier on yourself by loving what you do. A common misconception with students is that we are on a time constraint. While graduating in four years is ideal, life doesn’t always allow for a cookie-cutter path. The reality is, even adults who have graduated come back to school to pursue other passions. Therefore, it’s never too late or early to try your hand at all of the opportunities that CSUF offers. 2. “College is easy,” said no student ever. There is a reason why Dictionary.com defined a “goal” as “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed.” Students who put in the hard work and dedication necessary to achieve their goals reap the most rewards. Challenges allow for personal and academic growth. Rather than
seeing career obstacles as a hindrance, look at them as a test of your abilities and ambition. If a rough patch in the road makes you give up without a second thought, chances are that path is not the right one. 3. Take time to relax Many full-time college students burn out by also working full time and dedicating their breaks to clubs or organizations that’ll build up their resume. The concept of hustle culture promotes students’ productivity, but neglects their overall well-being. Be careful not to overwork yourself. 4. Having fun is essential in. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. If something intrigues you, go for it. Make time to get away from your isolated study sessions and meet new people. You can learn much more by connecting with other students and exploring activities outside of the classroom. Go to that party you heard about, join Greek life, attend the club meeting catered to your major— the possibilities are endless. 5. A piece of advice that is often given and not taken: never settle. This goes for your educational career and your personal relationships. Don’t settle for unsupportive friends or an unsupportive significant other. Look for those who will support your goals and help make your college experience a positive one. Your time and effort is valuable, precious and limited. Don’t waste it on people who aren’t worth it. 6. Take — we cannot emphasize this enough — advantage of resources.
There are many staff and faculty members on campus who are solely here to help students find academic success. Reach out and ask for advice. The more informed you are, the better decisions you can make to get that degree. The worst decision you can make is a blind one. Many students feel that they are alone with their problems, however, there are numerous campus organizations dedicated to assisting those specific needs. Fortunately, the answer to your worries could be in the building right next to your 10 a.m. class. 7. Take care of your mental and physical health. It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of attending classes, pulling all-nighters for assignments and losing time for sleep or a social life. It’s important for students to take care of themselves whenever they can fit downtime into their busy schedules. If you’re stressing over a project or feeling exhausted, there’s no shame in taking care of yourself. Whether that’s putting on your favorite feel-good playlist or taking a nap, little self-care moments can improve how you perform in school and outside of campus. Talk to a counselor at the Counseling and Psychological Services Office, or attend a class at the Titan Recreation Center. Do what feels right for you. 8. On a more serious note, be prepared and knowledgeable about safety. Be familiar with the campus and its surroundings. It is imperative to take precautions that ensure your safety, especially when it comes to roaming an overwhelming and intimidating 241-acre campus
JENNIFER HO / DAILY TITAN
alone. Make sure to save the University Police’s phone number in case you feel the need for extra security, and walk with a friend from building to building, especially late at night. Counselors are available to talk, but you can always confide in faculty members and fellow students that you trust as well. 9. CSUF has a student population of over 40,000 students, each one with a unique voice. Let it be heard. Speak up for yourself and what you believe, inside and outside of the classroom. Communicate with your professors about your grades, other students about your passions and student leaders and representatives about campus-related concerns. While voicing your opinions may be tedious or problematic, silence will never result in change. Your seemingly minor frustration could be shared by the other 39,999 students on campus so don’t downplay your problems.
10. Make the most out of everything. Seriously. Your time in college is over before you know it. Soak up all that you can in your remaining semesters. This is your space to experiment, put yourself out there and learn from each mistake made throughout the journey. The world isn’t quite as forgiving post-graduation, so take these current moments to grow and make strides toward your goals. There you have it, a hot girl semester bible. We can’t promise you sun-kissed skin or sea-salted hair. There will be many disheartening moments, disappointing stares at your bank account, tear-filled study sessions and occupied parking spots while you’re running late to class. However, finishing a semester with exemplary academics and enriching experiences makes up for the torture that is school. Get your overpriced parking pass and outdated MacBook ready because these city boys got nothing on us.
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MONDAY AUGUST 26 - THURSDAY AUGUST 29, 2019
OPINION
WELCOME TITANS 2019
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Column: The ‘freshman 15’ does not define my worth I discovered I can still love myself while recognizing I need to change.
EMILY MIFFLIN Editor
I’ve always struggled with the concept of body positivity. Even before I became a freshman at Cal State Fullerton, thoughts about my appearance constantly wracked my mind. I was told during my last high school sports physical that I was on the brink of being overweight. Since then, thoughts of what my body looks like physically has stuck by my side like a best friend I didn’t ask for. As my first semester approached, I became even more self conscious about my weight. I knew that the sudden weightgain phenomenon, notoriously known as the “freshman 15,” was a real possibility, and it only added to my insecurities. I started my first year of university with a pessimistic mindset that because of my weight, I wasn’t good enough and it progressively worsened as the year went on. With new responsibilities and a larger load of coursework, I knew I would gain weight with my new sedentary lifestyle. I found myself either unable to or uninterested in exercising or eating healthy consistently. Instead of playing soccer after my classes and eating three meals a day, I found myself working in a cubicle from 3 p.m. to midnight, while sustaining myself on handfuls of animal-shaped crackers and bottled coffee.
CINDY PROANO / DAILY TITAN
When I eventually weighed myself, I saw that I didn’t gain the classic freshman 15, but instead I gained almost 30 pounds. I was devastated. I avoided putting effort into my appearance. I feared that I would look at myself and cry because I wasn’t reaching the standards I set for myself when it came to my physical health. I got so self conscious that I started to purge in the bathrooms every time I found myself eating a leftover slice of pizza or a bag of chips from the vending machines. It felt terrible being unhealthy, but even more terrible knowing that I wasn’t loving my body. In my mind, I’ve never been able to balance the reasoning of why I should love my body when there is so much research that correlates to how being overweight and obese causehealth risks later in life. Having excess body fat has been linked to higher risks of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and
metabolic disorders. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, two out of three people in the United States are considered overweight or obese, and it’s described as one of the biggest epidemics in the nation - no pun intended. Having sat right on the edge of being overweight for most of my life, I’ve watched these studies closely. It has been ingrained since I was a child that eating healthy and having a thinner body was an idea that all women strived for. I felt that I had the power to control my weight, and if I lost control, I would be a failure. I never wanted to reach this point of unhealthiness, or feel uncomfortable in my own skin. It was already a struggle to love myself when I was in highschool. I would hide my stomach with loose cardigans, or choose not to smile in fear of showing a double chin or my big cheeks. I hated my body, and I didn’t
know how to relieve this aching pain of not feeling good enough for myself. The body positivity movement has told me that I should love my body at any size, and that big is beautiful. However, this movement failed to address my concerns for health and wellness. More than anything, I wanted to be healthy and love myself. On social media, I would see women of all shapes and sizes looking happy and confident, while I was not. I couldn’t believe in the idea that I was beautiful like other plus-sized women online. I felt terrible and guilty that I couldn’t love myself ‘at any size’, and that I was resorting to dangerous behaviors to try and become a more acceptable weight. But I found myself gaining weight when I was purging and depriving myself of food. My constant self criticism is not an outlier. There are many people who criticize and base their
self-worth on what their body looks like. In a recent study by the University of Arizona, it was found that 76% of female students said that they have had a strong desire to lose weight, while 50% of students in the study said that they feared gaining weight. As I’ve researched, I’ve found that it isn’t my weight that’s the issue, rather the body positivity movement’s focus on my body’s worth. It created a loving message that said “Yes, your body will always be beautiful no matter what size you are”, which wasn’t the message I was looking for. Body shamers and advocates for body positivity both focus on someone’s worth from their own perception of beauty. But I needed to hear that even if I wasn’t feeling my best, I’m still a good person, and that I am worth enough to get to a place where I am healthy and taking care of myself the right way. Not for the sake of attractiveness, but for myself. We should all know that we are more than our bodies, and that directly correlating our worth to our image doesn’t solve any issues. People are dying from diseases related to obesity, or are harming themselves with unrealistic body standards and dieting. We can’t ignore all of these issues by saying that all bodies are perfect the way they are. I shouldn’t have to believe that my body is perfect to feel that I myself am a good person. I found out for myself, gaining 30 pounds shouldn’t define who I am. As I’ve changed my unhealthy behaviors, I learned to focus more on improving myself, rather than obsessing on my appearance and desire to be attractive. I won’t let my weight validate me any longer.
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WELCOME TITANS 2019
MONDAY AUGUST 26 - THURSDAY AUGUST 29, 2019
Taking advantage of campus resources Students have abundant access to a multitude of services that are often overlooked.
Career Center It can be intimidating to think about life after college and running full speed ahead toward a career. At the Career Center, students can perfect their resume and cover letters with tips from career coaches and specialists. Students are given advice on discovering their strengths and finding the careers best suited for their skills and desires. Career coaches can even help students with their job search and provide contacts to further explore career options.
MADELINE GRAY Editor
It’s here. The fall semester has officially begun, Titans. Even if the stress has already hit you and the panic is starting to set in, there’s no need to fret. Look below for a comprehensive guide to some of the resources provided on campus for new students to take full advantage of. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) CAPS offers a multitude of counseling resources to students. In light of the recent tragedy that happened on campus last week, these resources may provide comfort and support for students. The provided counselors each specialize in specific counseling topics so students can seek those with the most expertise for their needs. Students can be evaluated in their first meeting to find the perfect fit. Group counseling is also available for those who prefer an alternative to a one-on-one setting. The counselors schedule wellness workshops where students can learn stress management and sleep improvement. With help from the counselors, students may see improvements in their mental health and find the support they need to have a strong semester. Counseling and Psychological Services is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., located in the eastside of the Student Health & Counseling Center. CAPS can be contacted at (657) 278-3040. TitanWell This program promotes student wellness through teaching better habits, whether that’s improving sleep schedules or eating healthier. TitanWell is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the westside of the Student Health & Counseling Center. TitanWell can be contacted at (657) 278-4370.
ELIZABETH CASTILLO / DAILY TITAN
Disability Support Services (DSS) DSS promotes equal opportunities and services for students with disabilities. Navigating classes and campus life can be easier with workshops tailored for disability management and more accessible class materials. DSS can be reached at (657) 278-3112. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gordon Hall, room 101. Health Services Maintaining good health is crucial to promoting overall well-being and finding success at CSUF. That’s where Health Services comes in. Students can receive free basic medical care covered by their student health fee when they make an appointment with staff. After visits, TitanHealthOnline is available to keep track of personal health records on file similar to other healthcare providers. Health Services is located on the west side of the Student Health and Counseling Center. The office is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (657)-278-2800.
Office of Financial Aid Getting acquainted with the Financial Aid department can be a smart move for a student’s college career. With tuition on the rise, the Office of Financial Aid can help by keeping student’s spending to a minimum and their budget on track. The Office of Financial Aid offers assistance in filing for financial aid applications to alleviate student costs. Additionally, grants and loans are available based on the student’s needs. The Office of Financial Aid can be reached at (657)-278-3125. Academic Advisement Center Students can receive help planning their class schedules and tracking their graduation status at the Academic Advisement Center. Major advising appointments are available for new students who are unsure of what path they should take. This can assist students in later declaring their majors. The Academic Advisement Center provides students with tutoring through the University Learning Center. The Academic Advisement Center is open from Monday to Friday with varying hours at Gordon Hall, room 123 and can also be reached at (657) 278-3606.
Students can also speak with specialists in their specific college to ensure they have knowledge in their major and career. Career Center’s Drive-Thru operates from Monday to Friday at varied hours for 10-minute visits. College Career Specialists from the Student Success Center are available for visits during their allotted office hours. Diversity Initiative Resource Center (DIRC) Students on campus come from differing backgrounds and unique experiences. DIRC holds workshops to train students on building a greater knowledge across cultures. It is home to five identity-based resource centers at CSUF including: the African American Resource Center; Asian Pacific American Resource Center; Chicana and Chicano Resource Center; LGBT Queer Resource Center and Titan Dreamers Resource Center. Each gives students a welcoming space to be heard. Students can reach the DIRC at (657)-278-4391 or in person which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pollak Library South, room 180. It’s no secret that students can often feel lonely and unsupported at times during their academic journey. These resource centers across the CSUF campus are here to inform newcomers and returning students, while lifting a bit of the weight from their stressed shoulders.