Student Life 2020 by Daily Titan

TUESDAY JANUARY 21 THURSDAY JANUARY 23, 2020

STUDENT LIFE 2020

Letter from the Editor To the students and faculty of Cal State Fullerton, It is my honor, as editor-in-chief of this university’s student-run newspaper, to welcome all of you back to campus for the spring semester. Not only is it a new year, but also the start of a new decade, and with that, a fresh start for everyone in Fullerton. If you are returning for another semester or stepping foot on the 236-acre campus for the first time, 2020 serves as the year for everyone to succeed and strive forward, which is something this school desperately needs. Whether or not you are aware of the news CSUF generated the past semester, it is fair to say that the fall 2019 semester was one of the hardest and most emotional semesters in recent memory. Just a week before classes began, a former CSUF administrator was fatally stabbed in the College Park parking lot, a scene I was not expecting to encounter when I arrived on campus that morning. It was later discovered that Chris Chuyen Vo, the suspected assailant in the stabbing, was a staﬀ member on campus. To make matters worse, Vo returned to campus after the stabbing and was present in the College Park building every day up until that of his arrest. Currently, Vo is being held at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange as he awaits his pretrial date. In early September, there was a reported rape in an elevator of the Nutwood Parking Structure. While it was later confirmed that the rape did not happen on campus, the stabbing less than a month prior and a student having a loaded gun in their car in late September brought the safety of the CSUF campus in to question. In October, the fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa made a social media post with a watermark of the N-word, which led to a town hall held by the Black Student Union

days after. With the rising tension, many people called for the suspension of the fraternity and the Black Student Union sent a list of demands to President Fram Virjee. We have experienced the loss of other Titans here, from professors to, more recently, a student in campus housing. These last couple of months have been some of the toughest the university has endured, which begs the question, “Where do we go from here?” It is not easy to move on from events like this, especially when said events have affected nearly every student and faculty member in some way, shape or form. I personally have struggled to cope with all of the events that have occurred, leaving me to wonder if I could ever look past what has transpired every time I set foot on campus. This is a pivotal moment in our time as Titans. The best way to begin the process of moving forward is to come together and emerge on the other side stronger than ever. However, that is easier said than done. It is not going to be easy since we have to first acknowledge our mistakes. From there, we must learn what we did right, what we did wrong and what will be the right course of action. CSUF should be a place where the only stress students receive is from studying during finals week and looking for a parking spot, not wondering if they will face racial adversity the next day or question their safety while walking back to their cars at night. This is a place where we are proud of our diverse community –– not judging someone based on the color of their skin. This school is so much better than that, and this semester, we should all make an effort to prove it. Instead of dwelling on the negative past, let us anticipate all the great things this school and community has to offer.

Enjoy the fact that the school has had a facelift, now adorned with brand-new patio furniture, accompanied with music playing from Titan Radio on the walkways. Enjoy a latte from Aloha Java right next to Gordon Hall and see all the clubs this university is home to during Discoverfest. Go to an athletic event and catch the four-time defending Big West champion softball team start their season, our historic baseball program or the basketball teams as they push to make March Madness. Meet one of the over 39,000 students who go to this university, and remember that this school was recently named by Forbes as one of the best colleges to find love. Just a few minutes from campus is Downtown Fullerton, a place where students can have a great night out at the end of each day. There are numerous reasons to remember what makes this area a great place to be. Yes, it is impossible to erase the past. However, we can use it to power us through the new year. Take a look at each person here and realize that we have all been through a lot. It is important for us to come together and make this journey as one. I wish nothing but the best for every person here this semester. May you find your place on this campus, get ready to receive your diploma or anything else in between. Despite all the recent news, this is a great school to attend; we are all people trying to better ourselves and get through college. Each one of us can strive to leave Fullerton a better place than how we found it. After all, Titans do reach higher. Signed,

Jordan Mendoza Editor-in-Chief

TUESDAY JANUARY 21 THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

STUDENT LIFE 2020

Five local spots to unwind and relax this year Orange County attractions to help students destress from semester chaos. NICOLE TRINIDAD TAYLOR ARREY Asst. Editors

Flowers bloom and bright blue paints the sky as students return for the spring semester — a time when the sunny weather and buzzing bees are hardly enough to distract from the chaos of new classes, first exams and hectic schedules. In preparation for all the stress to come, here are some ways students can relax, have fun and take a break from the hustle of campus life. Brea Improv Comedy Club Sometimes, laughing is the best way to decompress after a long day. For anyone over 18 looking to have a good time and some good laughs, check out the Brea Improv Comedy Club. Just three miles from Cal State Fullerton, the club features a variety of comedians and oﬀers dinner and drinks. Upcoming shows include KevOnStage on Jan. 23, Ian Bagg on Jan. 24-25 and Matt Mauser & Pete Jacobs Big Band: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra on Jan. 26. Tickets can be found on their website. Camelot Golfland For a night of fun, games and friendly competition, Camelot Golfland is the place

to be. With an arcade, bumper boats, mini golf and laser tag, Camelot Golfland is an amusement haven, and hours will fly by jumping from attraction to attraction. Prices per person range from $6.25 for a bumper boat ride to $11.25 for a general game of mini golf. Larger groups can save and purchase a golf or laser tag package online. For access to multiple attractions, including mini golf, laser tag, bumper boats, racing and bumper cars and unlimited arcade games, check out their Saturday Mania, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Huntington City Beach One of the many perks of living in California is the access to its beautiful beaches. Only 20 miles from campus and with $15 parking per day, Huntington City Beach is the perfect place to forget about school and let the waves wash away all your worries. Whether you are looking to play a friendly game of volleyball, check out the pier or admire the cascading sunset, Huntington City Beach is the ideal getaway. The beach is also home to larger events including the U.S. Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach Airshow, Surf City Escape Triathlon, AVP Volleyball Tournament and the Fourth of July Firework Show. SEE LOCATIONS

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

STUDENT LIFE 2020

Locations: Take a break from campus life CONTINUED FROM

Knott’s Berry Farm If the sandy shores are too boring, there are other places for those seeking a thrill. Knotts Berry Farm oﬀers rides, performances, eateries, arcades and even its own water park, “Soak City.” Knott’s also features many “Seasons of Fun” throughout the year, such as Knott’s Scary Farm and Knott’s Merry Farm. One-day tickets range from $42 to $64 with parking for an additional $20, and season passes range from $101 to $220.

BRIANA TORRES / DAILY TITAN

Disneyland guests walk through Main Street, USA, inside the Disneyland theme park.

Disneyland & California Adventure Park Last, but certainly not least, is the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. Nothing beats stress like walking down Main Street, U.S.A with a churro in one hand and Mickey ears on your head as the music and

magic swells around you and the stress of the world fades away. Approximately 10 miles from campus, students can attend this amusement park for its joyful attractions and delicious treats. Iconic Disney characters constantly wander around the park, ready for cute Instagram photos and various parades and performances will keep you busy all day. Towards the end of the night, Disneyland puts on a beautiful firework show, and the spectacular Word of Color light and water show in Disney California Adventure. There are so many places to visit near CSUF. While this upcoming semester might be a challenge, what better way is there to relieve stress than with some adventure? Have fun, Titans! Carly Sablan contributed to this article.

Eight songs to kickstart the new year A jammin’ school playlist to pump up the spring semester. KIM PHAM Editor

The perfect back-to-school playlist doesn’t exist, but these eight songs will have you walking back onto campus feeling like a boss and nothing less. Forget your musical identity for 32 minutes and enjoy the ride of these feelgood jams, guaranteed to make your first day of the semester a little less miserable. 1. “Start This S--- Oﬀ Right” by Lil Wayne Ft. Mack Maine and Ashanti The motto is in the title — start this playlist, semester and year oﬀ strong with a 2018 banger.

Imagine yourself dancing in the mirror as you get ready for school, you’re going to dominate the day and harness this energy for the rest of the semester. 2. “Get It Together” by Drake Ft. Jorja Smith and Black Coﬀee

Put your headphones on and walk down Titan Walk to the beat of this song. As you nod your head at familiar faces and immerse yourself, the featured voices on this track will soothe your conscience. Drake went through his fair share of struggles this past year and so have you. Though your horoscope may be telling you to be cautious of your next moves, the only move you should be making is one that will “get that s--- together.”

3. “Hey Ya!” by OutKast “Hey Ya!” is a true party favor and back-to-school lifesaver. You may have woken up late and missed your 10 a.m., but this song is sure to lift your spirits as you desperately search for parking. Quirky, zesty and a 2003 hit, the track checks all the boxes for a timeless bop. Just as the song was a push out of producer André 3000’s comfort zone, you also need to take a risk this spring to reap the rewards. 4. “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan Jordan may have released this song in 1995 but it is still alive and thriving in 2020. If you thought “Hey Ya!” classifies as a timeless bop, “This Is How We

Do It” is the definition of it. . Jordan sings, “Let’s flip the track, bring the old school back,” and that simplicity is exactly what millennials should be practicing despite the chaotic energy surrounding them. Take a page or two from ‘95 Montell and show everyone how you do it. 5. “Good Day” by Surfaces The sun is shining through your window curtains, illuminating your day and foreshadowing all the light that you’ll consume this spring. “Good Day” is laid back and doesn’t ask questions. It won’t do your homework for you, but it will take care of you; it’s their ability to make even the saddest soul smile with their music. Vibe with it however you want and your first day of class anxieties will subside.

6. “The Less I Know the Better” by Tame Impala This is the song that plays while you’re zoning out in class, observing people cross the street through the window as your professor goes over the syllabus. Lost in the enchanting melody and escalating voices, you are suddenly in a music video and there’s no one who can pull you out. Don’t worry, Tame Impala has this effect on everyone. “The Less I Know the Better” is the black sheep of the album “Currents,” but it’s also one of the most popular tracks. Externalize your creative energy mercilessly because you never know when your black sheep piece will go platinum. SEE MUSIC

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Music: Singing in the new decade 4 Tied”

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7. “Tongue Grouplove

This track is as hopeful as it is turbulent. The swirl of emotions defines the track as it plays on euphemisms and metaphors of being high on any kind of substance or person. As you return to campus this spring, you may also feel a mix of emotions. 8. “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John The drums and whistles that open the song will have your ears on lock, but it’s the lyrics that make you stay. “Young Folks” juggles with people’s past and

future, and their influence on the present through a strong instrumental presence. The spring semester doesn’t have to be a reflection of the fall semester. This semester is going to be about growth, acceptance and maturity as you continue working toward your aspirations While these eight tracks are a great escape from reality, it should also inspire you to make the most of this semester and motivate you to manifest good vibes and good energy. Channel your 20/20 vision into things that are worth your attention so you won’t have to press pause on any song or any moment.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY OMAR SANCHEZ / DAILY TITAN

STUDENT LIFE 2020

6 Disney pass is a goofy investment

OPINION

STUDENT LIFE 2020

Don’t flush your savings down Splash Mountain.

DANIEL VENEGAS Asst. Editor

My fellow Disneyland fans, I am here to tell you not to fall for the mouse’s tricks this year. Don’t get a pass! I know we’re all thinking that getting a pass this year sounds like a great idea, especially with the Disney Southern California Select Passport option costing only $399. The park is down the street from Cal State Fullerton, so heading over whenever is easy! Not to mention Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge just added the Rise of the Resistance attraction. Although these are good reasons to get a pass, they are also good reasons as to why it’s a bad idea. Being broke college students who among other expenses, most college students don’t have the finances to spend over $1,000 on a Disney pass, when they have to pay for textbooks, gas, rent, parking and food.

However, there are lower-tier options to consider such as, the Southern California Select Passport, the $599 Disney Flex Passport and the $799 Disney Deluxe Passport. Considering the benefits of each pass, the cheapest at $399 sounds like the best option. The passholder receives access to both parks and a 10% discount at certain restaurants and shops inside the park. But, taking a look at the calendar will show the blackout dates for this pass, which are ridiculous. As the new year goes on, most weeks allow a Southern California Select passholder to only enter the park Monday through Thursday, some of which have class or work during those days. Every once in a while, those passholders are lucky enough to have park access on a Friday, but there are fewer than 10 of those dates left this year. Even worse, these passes won’t grant park accessibility in July and August. Realistically, these passes leave very few days that would actually be useful for the passholders. For $200 more, the Disney Flex Passport oﬀers reservations to open up those blackout dates with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Reservations need to be made as early as a month in advance in order to be admitted during the weekends. However, the reservations defeat the whole purpose of the pass. The freedom to go to the parks on

a whim is the main reason for purchasing a pass, not to wait in anticipation — that should be reserved for waiting in line for your favorite ride. Not to mention, depending on the time of year, it might be hard to get a reservation due to the number of visitors. Then there is the $799 option, which is cutting it close to the over $1000 Signature passes. This one is a bit of a trade-off; passholders gain access to the park most Fridays with some weekend days available throughout the year. On the other hand, they lose access from the end of June to mid-August with no option for reservations. That is a mediocre proposition, considering it’s pricier than the previous option. But do not fret, my fellow Mouseketeers, there is an option for students on a budget. Disneyland brought back the Southern California Resident Ticket Offer, which gives access to the parks for three days for the price of $199 for one park or $254 for both parks. Visitors can also get a ticket for one day from $104 to $149, depending on the visitor traffic of certain days. These options allow people to choose the days they want to go without having to worry about being blacked out on the days they are free. Save your hard-earned money and spend it on the things that matter, not on the happiest place in Orange County.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

TUESDAY JANUARY 21 THURSDAY JANUARY 23, 2020

OPINION

STUDENT LIFE 2020

Invest in the magic of Mickey Mouse Enjoy the perks of Disneyland at your leisure.

BRIANA TORRES Editor

To anyone who might be contemplating purchasing a Disneyland Annual Passport, the investment is worth the experience. Local residents have grown accustomed to regularly attending Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park for a quick escape from reality. Attending the park still has a sense of the VHS Disney movie nostalgia, making guests feel like a kid again. A Disney Southern California Select Passport for $399 can give the passholder more opportunities to visit the park with the exception of peak days, which are days with high guest attendance.

Each annual pass allows their guests to select the best pass for their own schedules. Their website provides a full calendar that shows all available dates of entry for each park and each pass. You can also view guaranteed entry days into each theme park, selected block out days and days that require a reservation. The flexibility with payment is one of the reasons why many guests opt-in for an annual pass.. With a down payment of $154, guests are able to make monthly payments for the same consistent price, all based upon the type of pass they purchase. For example, the least expensive pass, the Disney Southern California Select, has monthly payments as low as $20.42 a month. However, passes like the Signature Passport include a monthly payment of $82.92, which provides access to the park for over 300 days a year with only 15 blackout days. For anyone who may be debating purchasing an annual Disneyland pass, passes hold more value than a one-day park-hopper ticket. Each provides discounts for select stores

DEVILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HUYEN TRAN TRAN / DAILY TITAN

ADVOCATE

and dining from both theme parks. Each pass starts out at 10% and can go as high as 20% depending on each pass. The Signature and the Signature Plus Passports provide 15% off select dining, 20% off select merchandise, free theme park parking and access to both parks on the same day. These passes are most beneficial to those who prefer attending the theme parks Friday through Sunday, who will be parking inside Disney parking structures and who will be going often since there are little to no blackout days. I personally chose the Disney Signature pass since I have friends who work at the Disney parks and fellow friends who invested in the Disney Flex or the Southern California Select passes. I was able to choose a pass that worked with my schedule. Rather than rush between rides, I get to enjoy the parks at my own pace. The purchase of an annual passport is an investment in self-care and an opportunity to reminisce and enjoy the beauty of the local attractions that are right next door.

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