FC Torch Fall 2010

TORCH FC

Ultimate Balancing Act

Inside the life of a MMA fighter and full-time student.

Phobias

what’s really bothering you?

New date spots you need to discover!

Facebook PRIVACY...Who’s really looking at your profile

Table of Contents

Departments

How to get Over a Guy in 10 Days......6 A girls guide to getting through a breakup

Yoga......8 A healthier and happier you

The Lost Children......10 Untold stories of child warfare

Getting Involved......23 Campus activities and clubs

New Years Eve Guide......46 The best places to be for NYE

Holiday Game Guide......45 Top Games for the holidays

Moving On......47 Transitioning from community college to university life

TO RC H FC

On the Cover:

Ult Balaimate Act ncing Insid e

Phobias.....13 What are you afraid of?

figh the li te stud r and fe of a ent. full-t MM ime A

Training,School and Work.....17

Phobia

s

wh bo at’s the r rin eall gy y ou ?

How amateur fighters balance school and training

Who’s watching you.....35 Is your privacy really private?

New dat you e spo disc need ts to Fac over!

Date Night....25

ebo

ok P

RIV ACY ...W

Incredible places you’ve never thought aboutModel: Donna Lazarescu Photographer: Tommy Van Deusen

ho’s

reall

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okin

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t yo

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rofile

f 20 all 10

Editor-in-Cheif Britney Bailey

Art Director Mark Sutton Adviser Jay Seidel

Features

Ready...Set Geocaching......11 Technology meets a classic game

New Years Eve Fashion......29 Celebrate in style!

The Circus Invades Fullerton......33 The Fashion Department rocks the runway

Bisexuality......37 Why do I have to choose?

Overcoming Adversity......43 These students don’t let anything hold them back

Writers +Hector Alcado +Victoria Alvarado +Alexis Cooper +Kaeli Filpi +Anthony Gerdes +Javier Gonzalez +Spencer Gower

+Travis Guy +Mousumi Islam +Eboni Jones +Haley Kennedy +Ryan Laskodi +Jalina Martinez +Vivian Moreno +Marti Padilla

Torch Staff

+Stephanie Perz +Lyna Phomphakdy +Patricia Quintero +Christina Rodriguez

Photographers Special Thanks & Illustrators FC Cosmetology Department -Natalie Fergson -Suzanne Hays -Marti Padilla -Heather Plenty -Karla “Usagi” Rosado

Cover Makeup: Jacqueline Silva Vivianna Orozco NYE Fashion: Hair Angela Augustin Makeup Jamie Graham

The FC Torch is produced every semester by Magazine Production, Journalism 135, at Fullerton College under the guidance of student editors and the advisement of Jay Seidel. Editorial and advertising content herein, including any opinions expresses, are the sole responsibility of the students in the production class. Information published herein does not represent the position of the North Orange County Community College District, Fullerton College or any other officer or employee within.

editors note This issue will be my last as editor in chief.

It is time for me to pass the torch (pun intended) haha but seriously I have learned a lot about myself these last two semesters. Things I can take away, skills I know I will use in the future. Being editor in chief has been a great experience. It has given me confidence I never knew I had.

This semester I was really excited to be editor again, this time I knew what I was getting eyself into and this time I was ready. I wanted to try things I’ve never seen in the Torch, I wanted to push myself creatively. I was impressed with the eagerness and diversity of the writers this semester; I knew that they had trusted me with their words. Trusted Art Director Mark Sutton and I to give them layouts they could be proud of, layouts that bought life their photos and stories. Without the help of all the writers, our awesome photographers and the models that took time out of their day to give us images to enhance our words none of this would have been possible. I would also like to give a special thanks to Mark, without his imagination and creativity this magazine wouldn’t be what it is today.

How to get over a guy in 10 days

By Kaeli Filpi

5 • FC Torch

A girls guide to recovery Day One:

Time to meet four new men The first day is the day to indulge and sulk. Mike and Ike and Ben and Jerry are your four new best friends today. Invite them over for a sad romance movie while you curl up in your bed, lock yourself in your room and let out your emotions, because keeping them bottled up at this time is not healthy.

Side note: Steer clear of Jack Daniels he tends to only make things worse and he is not invited to this pity party.

Day Two:

Technology is the enemy Although it’s tempting DO NOT succumb to the depressing texts. Delete his number if its staring at you in your contacts and erase it from your memorization, you do not want him to know you are as sad as you really are. Stay off Facebook altogether, there’s no need to change your status just yet or take down the “my babe” album this will just cause online commotion and we all know that’s the worst kind there is. Do this when you want it to be known by all 500 of your closest friends.

Day Three:

If you think you’re not in denial, you probably are Day three is the day to slowly get back on your feet.

Its ok to still be hurting but its time to realize that you’re a newly single person! This may not sink in all the way but telling yourself that it’s not over is only hurting you more. Turn off the depressing Taylor Swift CD, eject “P.S I love You” and “The Notebook” from your DVD player and start making a list of the positives of being newly single, and maybe even the negatives of your ex beau. Look over these lists and truly realize that maybe this is the best thing for you.

and rejoining the single scene Day Four:

Chat it out On day four invite two or three of your closest friends to lunch and talk about it, get it all off your chest and put it out there in the open. Make sure your inviting good listeners because this is your turn to talk, and don’t leave until its all said because this will lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

Day Five:

Rejuvenate Day five is the day to rejuvenate yourself. Go to the gym, get a haircut, or get your nails done! Get a facial to wash all the cried off mascara away and maybe even a massage to loosen up. Meditate and take some time to clear your head. Pick up an inspiring book and eat a healthy meal to make yourself feel refreshed.

Day Eight:

“To the windows to the walls” Time to put that outfit to use! Go out to one of your favorite club spots and just have fun! Bring your girls and your dancing shoes and let loose. Being carefree and smiling will help take your hard week off your mind and make you feel a lot better.

Day Nine:

Day Six:

Choose a new Focus Even though it may feel like half of you is missing, its not! Focus on doing something more productive and filling that hole with better things! Whether it be work, school, or a hobby anything is better than free time to be feeling sad.

Day Seven:

Do it for you Count up that cash cause your going shopping! Get your girlfriends together and go out to find the perfect outfit. Get something fancy, something that makes you feel good and look in the mirror and realize that it’s his loss!

Take a deep breath Day nine take a deep breath as you take down the pictures and memories from your room. Get a shoebox and conceal it somewhere. Do this with a happy heart knowing that there are plenty of fish in the sea and this one just wasn’t for you.

Day Ten:

Take your time Don’t feel rushed or pressured into replacing your ex so quickly but realize that it’s ok to hang out with other people now! Don’t feel bad about looking at the eye candy in your English class or drooling over the hottie bartender and put yourself out there. You have nothing to lose!

FC Torch • 6

Learn to Use Technology and Tell Your Story Using current applicaitons, create and report stories through audio slideshows and streaming video for publication on the Web. Discuss techniques for powerful storytelling, digital photography and video capturing, effective blogging and enhanced viral marketing strategies.

Learn how one person is capable of informing the world

Enroll in Multimedia Reporting JOUR 210 MW 12-1:20 p.m.

Room 2001

Yoga

By Spencer Gower Photograph By Mark Sutton

Zen, Peace & Harmony

It just sat there on my plate, staring at me. It looked like something we fed to my dogs. My mom had chosen to label this mess as food; I however, had a couple of other choice words in mind. As I poked at it with my fork I began to think of various ways in which I could dispose of it. When my mom noticed my hesitation she turned to me and spewed out her parental wisdom. “You can’t be sure that you don’t like it until you’ve actually tried it.” I looked at her with an expression on my face that said “you are sorely mistaken if you think that stuff is going anywhere near my mouth.” Of course after she threatened to reprimand me I quickly shoved it down my throat. I waited for the nauseating feeling to come, but it never did. To my surprise it actually tasted pretty good. I had learned my lesson, looks can be decieving.

This is an important concept to keep in mind when discussing yoga, just like ugly mounds of food, yoga can often be misunderstood.

When you hear the word yoga what comes to mind? Chinese monks folding their bodies into unnatural shapes? An exercise that your mom does on the weekend? In fact, either of these answers could be correct in some sense, however in no way do these definitions fully encompass its entire meaning.

Sequanna Williams, who is a long time yoga practitioner and teacher, feels it is much more than that. To her “yoga is an outwards expression of an internal focus,” meaning that yoga is as much of a physical exercise as it is mental. She expressed that since she began practicing yoga she had felt an overall sense of well-being.

This is a common feeling among those who regularly perform yoga.

To understand yoga it’s important to examine it in its simplest form. At its core, yoga is a sort of meditation, or in other words an exercise that is meant to calm and center the mind. It combines breathing, stretching and isolated poses, some of which can be very challenging. In the past yoga was used for religious purposes and spiritual enlightenment, but over the years it has branched out to incorporate many different styles focused on stress relief and fitness. So what are the benefits of yoga?

They can be placed in two different categories, physical and mental. Some of the physical benefits that arise from practicing yoga are: enhanced cardiovascular conditioning as well as all around muscle toning, improved balance and also increased flexibility. There are many mental benefits, such as calmness of mind and emotional control, stress relief and increased physical awareness. In addition, yoga can help you perform better in all other areas of your life, such as other sports and school.

Tony Rodriguez, a sophomore at Fullerton College expressed that after doing yoga for only one year [he] felt much more confident in whom he was as a person.

He went on to explain how he felt more capable in dealing with daily hassles than before.

Yoga can seem strange to those who have never experienced it, but in fact, nothing could be father from the truth. Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and get in a great workout. The benefits associated with it are numerous and very rewarding, so don’t let your false impressions stop you from trying it out. You might just actually find that you like it. •

Wellness

Be a Part of a New Online Publication

Want to utilize your Spanish language ability and be a part s something new? Enroll in JOUR 196 and be a part of Fullerton College’s Spanish Language online publication - La Antorcha.

There are no prerequisites and you don’t have to be a journalism major. You just have to be interested in exploring the Spanish speaking community.

You will learn the basic skills to write, edit, photograph and stream video for an online publication. You can cover: news, sports, entertainment, politics, fashion, culture, technology, or anything else. A whole new world is waiting for you. Enroll today!

Sea parte de una nueva publicación en línea

¿Quiera utilizar su capacidad de español y ser una parte s algo nuevo? Aliste en JOUR 196 y sea una parte de la publicación en línea de la español de la universidad de Fullerton - La Antorcha.

No hay requisitos previos y usted no tiene que ser un comandante del periodismo. Usted solo tiene que estar interesado en la exploración de la comunidad de habla hispana.

Usted aprenderá las destrezas básicas para escribir, para corregir, para fotografiar y para fluir el vídeo para una publicación en línea. Usted puede cubrir: noticias, deportes, hospitalidad, política, manera, cultura, tecnología, o todo lo demás. Un nuevo mundo entero le está esperando. ¡inscribese hoy!

JOUR 274

Mondays/Wednesdays at 2 - 3:50 p.m.

Room: 722A

Spanish-Language Media Be a part of Fullerton College’s

The lost children

World Isssues

Untold stories of child warfare in Uganda

Photo & Story By Kaeli Filpi There are many stories around the world that have sparked feeling in the U.S. and encouraged us as a nation to reach out. September 11, Hurricane Katrina, The Sumatra Tsunami, and Haiti, are just some that have inspired us all to dig deep-whether into our pockets or into our hearts- and give something back.

But what about the stories that lie untold? What about the army who’s troops consist of 90 percent abducted children. Children forced to fight in a gruesome war, forced to kill and destroy, and worst of all forced to believe that this is a way of life. Brainwashed, induced with drugs, forced to fight on the front lines and be used as human shields. Traumatized by the things that they have seen and been forced to do, carrying AK-47’s has become as common as playing handball at recess.

These children are caught up in Africa’s longest running war. Rebel armies In Uganda, known as the Lord’s Resistance Army or more commonly known as the LRA, have been abducting children and using them as troops while they conduct war against the Ugandan government. To some this might sound familiar but to most this comes across as shocking.

In The United States children come first, they are our future and our hope. In Uganda they are the soldiers of choice. There are more than 300,000 child-soldiers fighting in Uganda put under the spell of the LRA to believe that it’s what they were born to do. Kill.

The “keep out of reach of children” sticker that is so politely placed on the Windex must have been forgotten on the G3 Glock that is being glued to the hands of these defenseless children.

Abduction is the recruitment of choice. The illegal taking of someone from their home, from their family, from their life. It has forced thousands of families and children to drop everything they have, to “night commute,” walking countless miles across deserts at night to escape the LRA. Ishmael Beah is one who escaped. In his book of memoirs “A Long Way Home,” he states how he left for a night out with his friend and was never able to return home. He was made to believe that he was capable of committing acts and murders “that would only be common in hell,” something no 13-year-old boy should ever have to endure.

Fortunately there are many organizations created to help save and rescue these children from the drug induced, spellbinding trances they were held under for so many years. Through intense rehabilitation and therapy these children have the hope of leading normal lives that don’t include the chaos, destruction and terror that has become their norm.

Invisible Children is an organization that gears strictly towards rescuing these child soldiers. It has sparked a movement that has raised over millions of dollars that goes directly to helping the children in Uganda. Through their merchandise, documentaries, and inspiring stories Invisible Children has made a huge impact in the act of stopping child warfare. Schools for Schools is also created by Invisible Children. It is a fundraising program that has become widely known. It is an organization that encourages schools and students around the world to raise money to help rebuild schools in Uganda.

By paying attention to these untold stories and bringing them to light, we as students have the power to change the lives of the less fortunate students around the world. For more information on how we can help bring an end to the madness go to www.invisiblechildren.com/help-now. • FC Torch • 10

. . . t e S . . . y

g n i h c a oC

d a e R

Ge

When new technology and old ways combine.

It’s the scavenger hunt that goes online!

By Ryan Laskodi It’s a cool autumn night in Southern California. It’s about 11 p.m. and a group of college-aged men and woman are searching in the bushes on a walkway in a suburban neighborhood. A couple of them are using flashlights and the rest are going off the glow of their cell phones. The only sounds that can be heard are the sound of crickets, the rustling of bushes and members of the group saying things such as “It should be over here” or “No, we already looked over there.”

While it sounds like the group is up to trouble they were actually out for a night of geocaching, an outdoor activity that has grown in popularity and has taken over the world.

According to geocaching.com the official website of the activity, geocaching is a game of hiding and seeking treasure. People who play the game (geocachers) can hide a cache somewhere, use GPS technology to pinpoint the location and then share that information online.

Then anybody with a GPS can go and find the cache.

Caches come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be as small as an Altoid can or as big as an ammo box. The content of each cach varies, but it must contain some type of logbook for geocachers to sign. Some of the larger ones contain little trinkets such as coins or small toys. A major rule regarding the caches is that nothing dangerous can be hidden inside of them.

They also range in difficulty. Some can be found in very easy locations such as a bush in a park, however there might be some extra skill needed to get some of the more difficult ones such as being able to rock climb or scuba dive. The website has a system of 1-5 to show the difficulty level of the caches.

11 • FC Torch

Once a cache is found, the finder signs the logbook inside of the cache and returns it to where it was found. Then the finder can go onto the website and share their stories and photos of their adventure with other geocachers.

Caches can be found all over the world. Go the website and type in an area code or address and there should be some in that general area. There are even some on Antarctica. However there are rules regarding where they can be hidden. They cannot be placed on private property, buried underground or on land managed by agencies such as the U.S. National Park service, among others.

However in order to find all of these different caches players must have some sort of GPS device or a GPS-enable phone. They must also create an account on the website, but the account is free. There is a premium account which gives players a lot more options.

Mike Dyer, the author of The Essential Guide to Geocaching says one of the most important elements to keep in mind while geocaching is to make sure to have the least possible impact on the environment.

He recommends following the principals of “Leave No Trace,” which he says “are the most recognized guidelines for appropriate use of the outdoors.”

These principals include disposing of waste properly and respect wildlife among others.

His book also says that geocaching.com encourages what is called Cache In Trash Out, in which geocachers bring a garbage bag and help clean up the area during their game.

Right! Lets Get that Treasure!

The GPS says the treasure cache is this way!

According to the website more than four million people geocache and there is a variety of people involved, ranging from families with children, grandparents and outdoors people.

“I enjoy the crazy, fun legal adventures with friends,” says Aaron Nix, a biblical studies major at Life Pacific University.

Nix has been geocaching for three years. He says he was introduced to it his freshman year of college by a friend and he was “hooked pretty quickly.”

Nix says that one of the best parts of geocaching is building friendships. He has gone out on his own before, but says it is not nearly as fun. He has a team that he goes out with and they call themselves “The Lost Boyz.”

Tamara Olson, a part-time geography instructor at Fullerton College uses a mini-geocaching experience as a part of her physical geography laboratory course.

“I always use a mini geocaching experience as part of a larger satellite-based navigation lab activity once every semester and have been doing so since 2001. I then routinely incorporate the GPS navigation and lo-

cation system techniques learned in that lab activity into other lab assignments,” she says.

Olson adds that students often tell her the geocaching exercise was the highlight of the semester, and she’s observed that the exercise tends to energize the students in subsequent lab assignments.

While geocaching is legal, problems arise on occasion. Sometimes police will stop and question geocachers. Nix mentioned a time he went geocaching in Covina and was stopped by a security guard. He says that was not the first time the police or security had questioned him, but he says that guy “really had something else going on.”

Nix says a lesson he learned from night is to know the law and your rights. “If you are caching by the guidelines its 100 percent legal.

“Yes, some people might think it sounds lame or corny, but seriously it’s as fun as you make it. Plus there are caches everywhere. If you don’t like your area, it’s an excuse to go some place else,” Nix says when asked if he would recommend geocaching to other college students. • FC Torch • 12

Phobias A phobia is a strong irra-

Photography By Natalie Fergson

tional fear and avoidance of objects or situations that are usually considered harmless.

Sweating, heavy breathing, and increased heart rate are usual physical symptoms of phobias. The overpowering fear is usually inexplicable.

Slowly creeping in, Victoria Sanchez takes each step apprehensively. She looks around…What lies beyond her?

She walks into her home alone, but she isn’t so confident she still is the only one. Her breathing gets heavier, her body begins to tremble. Nothing has happened, but she fears that anything can. The darkness conceals anything or anyone hiding in her home. She cannot take the dread any longer. She frantically flips on all the lights and grabs the one thing she knows that will protect her. Her iron.

Fretful phobic situations like these are regularly told as funny stories for laughs. And naturally, they are interesting but phobias have a great effect on victims’ life. We are so intrigued by it there is even a phobia index website to satisfy anyone’s yearning to find bizarre phobias or “diagnose” anyone who seems fitting. But these aren’t jokes; they are true fears for more than one in 10 Americans.

Like Victoria for instance, she suffers from Nyctophobia, the frenzied fear of darkness.

Everyday tasks can turn into obstacles when living with a phobia. “I’ll take the stairs ten times over taking an elevator,” says another Fullerton College student who suffers from claustrophobia. The fear for him is not worth the convenience of elevators. For Victoria she keeps her lights and TVs on if she’s home alone. Of course, the degree fluctuates with each person. Some can merely avoid facing their phobias because they may not encounter it on a regular basis or they are not that serious. For others it can completely dictate their life.

So what are the causes of phobia? There are a few per-

15 • FC Torch

spectives; neurological, psychology, and physiological.The neurological aspect of phobias involves the inheritance of a “faulty gene.” The phobia sufferer hasn’t learned to be fearful, but rather has inherited the proneness to be fearful.

A 2008 study involved with monkeys suggested that the monkeys are genetically equipped to learn to specifically fear certain things. They were shown videos of other monkeys afraid of snakes. When they were shown snakes, they too were fearful. Once again they were shown videos of monkeys, but instead of snakes they were cowering to the sight of flowers. This, however, did not leave the tested monkeys shaking. This proposes the fear of snakes is innate in monkeys.

Another study testing babies lead to support humans have fear instilled into them too. 6- to 14-month-old babies were placed over glass tables to determine if they had developed depth perception yet. And they had. This is why they refused to crawl over the glass table, in fear of falling.

These prewired fears have been theorized to be a sort of defense mechanism that our ancestors used to keep themselves alive while trying to survive in the wild. We subconsciously fear snakes, spiders, insects, heights and more because they are potentially dangerous. If our ancestors stayed away, they were more likely to live. So Victoria’s fear, or any one else afraid of the dark, it is reasonable because the dark poses a potential danger of being attacked.

Although neurological components play a role in a person developing a phobia it seems the psychological aspect plays a bigger one. There are a few ways they can be ob

tain it psychologically or through the way their environment shapes them.

A person can be conditioned to develop a phobia. An event can traumatize them and subconsciously scar them. And typically they are unaware they are being conditioned. It’s like a Pavlov experiment gone wrong. An appropriate example of this would be the fear of flying because of 9-11.

Another form is through imitation. For example Fullerton College student, Felix Gonzalez, learned through imitation. Watching “It” as a child exposed him to a scenario where other people feared a clown. Now when he is near clowns he can’t help but panic. The idea of them scares him.

“The fake smile, the nose, and makeup freak me out.”

“Children can learn phobias through imitation; like if they saw a parent who was fearful of snakes or spiders then they could learn to fear the same thing,” Fullerton College psychology instructor, Joann Brannock, says. This explains why you might see phobia “run in the family.” There is a neurological component involved too, just like any other mental disorder can be hereditary. But most phobias are developed by environment.

Phobias can also occur because of a possible physiological problem within a person. For example Brannock explains if there is a person with inner ear problems they could be acrophobic. Their inner ear problem could offset their balance causing dizziness when in high places. This in turn could become a phobia because of the physiological discomfort is causes. Treatment for phobias range depending on what is root of “Medication is okay temporarily, but there are so many different side effects,” Brannock says. “Sometimes it is the only resort though. And then you work on the phobia behavioristically.”

Generally speaking, therapy works better than medication alone. And the combined two work the best. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers are usually used for treatment. As for therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and systematic desensitization are common and it is not atypical to use them simultaneously.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy works on what the patient is thinking.

Those with phobias tend to have a negative outlook on life. They have the idea something bad is always going to happen. And so this therapy works on trying to get them to think more positively. And to change their way of thinking when they do face their phobia. It teaches them to look at this situation rationally and how to deal with it logically. So if they do encounter their phobia and they fear begins to overcome them they can learn to reason their fear out and calm themselves down.

Exposure therapy involves exposing a person to what he or she is afraid of so that they rid their fear. They are placed in a controlled environment or virtual reality to reenact the confrontation of their phobia.

Its purpose is to expose them in a safe environment to allow them to understand how to cope with their phobia in a real situation. Systematic desensitization, or “baby steps” as Brannock likes to call it, is a process that gradually builds up to facing the person’s phobia. It can start with just saying the name of the patient’s phobia until they are no longer afraid of saying it. Then move onto showing them a picture of it, and so on until they can handle the situation or object they once feared.

Not every phobic person needs professional help most find themselves able to handle their life as long as they steer clear of their phobia. Like Victoria, she can handle her own. As for those who find themselves struggling should not fear therapy; fear is no laughing matter. •

n i t h g i F or f

g

the Grad e

By Travis Guy Photograph By Mark Sutton

C

ollege students have a lot on their plates. They have school, work, and a social life that take up most of their time. Now imagine adding another full time job on top of that, but this one involves getting beat-up mentally and physically five-to-six days a week and only getting paid every few months.

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and many college students are making their way into the sport because of the benefits. Not only can they fight if they choose, but also they are exercising and are a part of a team. MMA gives students that have participated in martial arts, or other combat sports, since their childhood a chance to do what they love for a living. Many wrestlers are also being attracted to the sport, because colleges have been cutting their wrestling programs due to smaller budgets.

19 • FC Torch

Photographs by Heather Plenty

Photographs by Heather Plenty

“I really appreciate the martial-arts lifestyle,” says Mike Zamorano. He is a sophomore at Fullerton College, and is currently pursuing a degree in business. Zamorano hopes to transfer to California State University Fullerton, or to San Diego. He has a 2-1 professional record in MMA, and started training six years ago. He has been a student of the game for much longer though, his father was a martial artist and got him involved in Kung-Fu and boxing when he was a kid.

Zamorano’s daily schedule involves a few things; school, workout, work, and finding time to spend with his girlfriend. He works 25 hours per week, and trains six days a week. He is able to handle everything by keeping a steady schedule and getting done as much as he can in throughout the day. He has tried going to school fulltime, and fighting full-time, but now he is “just trying to find the happy medium so they both can work.”

FC Torch • 20

21 • FC TorcH

Photograph by Mark Sutton

M

any fighters practice 5-6 days a week, and anywhere from 2-6 hours a day. A typical day can involve going on a morning run, doing a few hours of practice, eating lunch, lifting weights and doing more cardio, getting everyday things done, and then finishing the night with a few more hours of practice. Mixed martial artists that keep that kind of schedule are generally full-time fighters. Students that are fighters have to find a way to work school, a social life, and possibly work in there as well.

“It [fighting] gave me a lot of confidence, I’m pretty small,” says Dan Koone, a fighter at OC Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. Koone, a finance major, graduated from Iowa State University in 2009, but while he attended school he also trained and fought. Fighting was a way for him to earn money, since he did not work the last three years he was in college. He had worked his schedule out so that he would have class in the morning, study in the afternoon, and train at night.

Michael Frison, the fight team coach at OC Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts, expects his fighters to be training at the gym a minimum of 15-20 hours a week. This includes doing cardio, lifting weights, sparring, and everything else in between. Frison also fought while he was in school, and knows what his fighters deal with. “It’s hard man, it’s hard,” says Frison. He was working and teaching martial-arts full-time while going to school full-time.

Photograph by Heather Plenty

“If you expect a social life, just give it up,” says Frison.

Fighting affects their social lives because they have to worry about staying healthy and keeping their body fit. When fighters are young in there career, they could potentially get scheduled to fight at any time, and so they can’t always go out and party with their friends. When they do go out, it is with the friends that they made at their gym. “A lot of people go out and party. I did my fair share of partying,” says Koone, “but it [training] helped me keep on a regular schedule.”

Injuries happen most often in training, and many times the fighter will leave with bruises, black eyes, cuts and stitches. When they are sitting in class, it can cause some people to do a double-take and they could get the wrong idea about the fighter. Sometimes more major injuries can happen like; broken ribs, arms, or fingers, dislocated or hyper-extended joints, and leg injuries. Not only could these set back fighters careers, but hey could also have an adverse effect on their schooling.

“I’m just concerned that he’s dedicating all his time to that, and if he gets injured, one small thing can put off many years [of his fighting career],” says Zamorano’s girlfriend Lindsey Perine, a Fullerton College student. Zamorano knows this all to well, he broke his ribs last year, and that is why he is also in school. He believes that you need a backup plan, “cause if you don’t, your screwed.”

All of the training and sacrifice that fighters make pays off come fight time. That is where they achieve something; win, lose, or draw, they know they did something that not many others have. “When I took my first fight,” says Koone, “I didn’t win it, but it gave me a big confidence boost.”

“I think that fighting is the most amazing journey that you can go on,” says Frison. “Win, lose, or draw, you learn so much about yourself it helps you in life.” •

I did my fair share of partying,” says Koone, “but it [training] helped me keep on a regular schedule.”

FC Torch • 22

Getting Involved pus m a c on

We are all investing in our future by attending college. We are expected to be emerging leaders while getting an education and making a difference on campus and in our communities. As students, many of us have not had much experience being involved on campus or in our community.

This should be our time to get involved, create a foundation of knowledge and skills for students who want to make a difference through their involvement. Now is the time to look into clubs and organizations for incoming freshman or for anyone who is curious about exploring their potential for leadership.

Student activities are essential for each student’s educational goals and personal growth. On campus: programs, services and hands-on experience will increase an individual’s leadership, speaking and networking skills.

By Hector Aldaco Photographs by Mark Sutton

Fullerton College started out with more than 30 clubs this fall. “There is a club for everyone out there,” said 24-year-old Inter-Club Council (ICC) President Chris Sanchez. ICC is the voice for the students and clubs. Anyone can start their own club, it promotes and sponsors activities supporting Fullerton College Associated Students and club interests. The Associated Students is Fullerton College’s Student Government consists of student members whom receive guidance from advisors and offers students the opportunity to make a difference on campus and the district. Their responsibilities are to plan and implement student events.

They provide the student body with educational curriculum, entertainment and free food at events throughout the semester. A.S. responsibilities are to represent the student body at the campus, district and state levels.

The A.S. wants to have more events for the students. “We are getting the word out more to the students,” said 19-year-old Vice President Maria Duque. “Students have to voice their opinion.”

They encourage students to give their input on campus issues and hope to be available more to meet student needs and answer any questions they may have over a course of a semester.

A.S. has been going around to classes announcing their goals for the semester as well as inform them about upcoming events and parking issues.

Students should know what is going on in their school. New in coming freshmen should get involved with school activities right away and learn how to work as a team.

“The students drive the clubs; if the students get involved in the club then the club will take action,” Sanchez said.

The candidates that are elected will make decision for Fullerton College and Cypress College as well as decisions that will affect student clubs and organizations. This will be the first time that students take the lead in creating a dialogue with candidates for the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCD) talking about student issues. Sanchez is hoping that the forum will happen anytime there is an election for a trustee.

Students should learn about their own leadership identity, reflect on how they can grow into their current or future positions or roles and plan for future goals. Students can initiate positive social change at their institution or in the community. That is to embark on actions that will help the institution or community function more effectively and humanely.

Students should look into their personal traits as they attempt to participate in leadership development programs. When working as a group, new participants need to know how the collaborative leadership development process works. Not only to relieve the development of the desired individual qualities but also to effect positive social change.

Apprentices should think of what kind of service activities are most effective in energizing the group and in developing desired personal qualities as an individual.

Put theory into practice after you have obtained skills from a new program; Student Achievement, Leadership and Student Record (SALS) which documents student’s participation on campus activities. It is to record student’s involvement and accomplishments that can be used to help gain a competitive edge for university admissions applications, internships and jobs.•

Going Out SPICE UP YOUR DATING ROUTINE WITH A FEW PLACES YOU PROBABLY NEVER SEEN. Written and Photographed

By Spencer Gower

I

t’s the weekend again, which means it’s time to plan another date with your “significant other.” The past couple of times you’ve hung out it’s been a little dull but you dismiss it as something inevitable. As you begin to rack your brain for ideas, you realize a trend. Movies? No we did that last week. Bowling? LAME! Mini-golfing? Really?! They all seem so boring and stereotypical. And in fact they are. Is this what your life has become? A loop in time in which you repeat the same activities with the same person. Are you doomed to go on boring dates forever?

The answer is no. As Yoda would say, “The choice, always yours is.”

25 • FC Torch

The waterfalls at the Santa Anita Loop make a very pleasant setting for a date.

Ring in the New Year

By Britney Bailey & Eboni Jones Photography By Mark Sutton

It’s the last big party of the year, so grab your friends and celebrate the new year in style 29 • FC Torch

Model: Ashley PelligriNI Hair and Makeup By Jaime Graham & Angela Augustin

with Style

From left to right: Brian Tanaka: Calvin Klein Pants, H&M shirt and tie, Aldo shoes.

Anna Serena: bebe dress, bebe shoes, Forever 21 ring.

31 • FC Torch

From left to right: Brian Tanaka: H&M Jacket, H&M Scarf, Calvin Klein Pants, H&M shirt and tie, Aldo Shoes. West Romero: American Apparel Pants, H&M shirt, Express tie, Vintage leather Jacket.

FC Torch • 32

The Circus Invades Fullerton FC’s fashion students showcase their talent on the runway

By Jalina Martinez Photography by Marti Padilla

Unlike other little girls whose parents bought them Barbie clothes, Ahlieen Torres made her own clothes for her Barbies. “I would tie the fabric with rubber bands and staples,” she said while laughing as she recalled her times as a little girl.

Torres’ interest in fashion started at an early age. As a little girl she liked to watch her mother as she made costumes every Halloween for her eight children.

At 12, Torres taught herself how to sew by hand and by freshmen year she was making her own outfits.

This first-year student at FC and aspiring fashion designer showed her skills and passion at the “Day of the Circus” fashion show.

The circus inspired show was presented by the Fashion Department and showcased outfits made by fashion students and modeled by students.

This was Torres’ first time showing in a fashion show and she was very excited to show her two circus inspired outfits. The outfits were inspired by a lion and a lion tamer. She described the lion as “elegant and pretty” and the lion tamer as “rough and though.”

Although the theme of the show was circus inspired, there were other themes for the clothing such as ethnic, 33 • FC Torch

sportswear, and historical.

Jessica Bason, a second-semester fashion student, also made two outfits for the show, one of them she modeled herself. Her “grunge princess” outfit took seven hours just to sew the bottom of the dress.

Her other colorful outfit, which she wore herself included shiny silver platform boots and a green wig.

“I was inspired by the Beatles’ songs ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ and ‘Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite’,” Bason said.

Most of the 29 designers were advanced fashion students and only a few were first-year students. By designing garments for the show, students incorporated the skills they learned through out the semester.

“I’m very proud that my students are able to showcase their creative talent,” said Renee Young while backstage before the show.

Before the show models and designers were in a frenzy backstage doing hair and makeup and some designers were even finishing their last minute touch up on their designs.

Ready over an hour before the show, model for the night, Grace Makshanoff calmly waited for the show to start. “I’m fine now but the second before I go on I’m going to be nervous,” she said. “It’s exciting though.”

As show time drew near designers and models grew anxious and excited.

To start the show off a dance performance by Roman and Stage Control was done to the song “Circus”. The song fit in well with theme of the show.

Soon after models grazed the runway. Model after model

and pose after pose, the audience applauded the students for all their hard work.

After the show designers and models ran to their friends and families to hear praises about the show.

“I loved it. It was better than I thought it would be,” said Nicci Gilbert, after watching the show.

For some designers this was just one of the many shows they’ve been a part of, but for others like Ahlieen, this night was new and exciting and only the beginning of a possible fashion career. As she did her model’s makeup backstage you could overhear her say with excitement, “I can’t wait to have my own show!”•

FC Torch • 34

the unsocial network You may be showing off to your friends...but are they the only ones watching?

What began as a new, better version of MySpace geared towards college students quickly became the largest, most popular social networking site on the web. From posting pictures to “liking” friends’ statuses, it seems Facebook can make anyone’s day a little more fulfilling. It all appears harmless fun, but there’s a lot more to Facebook then what meets the eye.

Many are unaware of other purposes Facebook serves. High-tech hiring, as it has been called, refers to employers checking potential employees’ internet profiles. With over twelve million people registered with Facebook, employers have really taken interest in this site particularly.

A recent study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers determined that more than one in ten employers use Facebook profiles as hiring tools. Further, a recent Career Builder study found that over one-third (35%) of hiring managers found content on job seekers’ social networking sites that reflected poorly on them. This strategy is becoming increasingly popular, but what exactly are employers looking for?

You’ve heard your mother say it hundreds of times, be careful what you post online. Of course nobody wants to believe she might actually have a point about this. What you post on Facebook can paint an image of what kind of person you are.

What are your pictures and posts saying about you?

What an employer gains from your profile could influence their decision on whether or not to hire you. The Career Builder study also showed the top reasons job seekers lost their opportunities. Provocative or inappropriate photos or information, content about drinking or using drugs, and bad-mouthing a previous company, co-workers or clients are just a few of the top reasons. By viewing your profiles and pictures, employers mainly just want to get a better perspective of who you really are, aside from how you act in an interview.

When exploring your internet profiles, employers aren’t only looking for the negatives. They look not only for things that will hurt your chances of being hired, but also things that may help. How many friends you have and what you say in posts and comments can give an employer an idea of how you interact with people and what kind of social skills you have.

Due to this new trend for hiring, students and recent college graduates that are well-suited for jobs they apply for are losing opportunities based on what they post online. Some students say this affects what they post, but others say they don’t care what their potential employer can see online. Many job candidates are learning the hard way that the image they portray online is not necessarily an image that employers are looking for in their employees. •

What are your pictures and posts saying about you?

FC Torch • 36

BISEXU

UALITY what does it mean to you?

By Stephanie Perez

T

“For many years people have argued over the origins of sexual orientation and whether it is a biological or a learned trait.”

39 • FC Torch

When many people think of the non-heterosexual community, the first groups they think of are the gays and lesbians. However, some bisexuals do consider themselves a part of that community, as well as the transgendered community.

“I think it’s kind of ignorant, because we’re all supposed to be coming together as a community,” said Katie Claburn, President of QSA. Although Claburn is bisexual, she still considers herself a part of the homosexual community. “It is hurtful because it makes us feel like we don’t know where we belong and like we don’t have a place [in the community], when I think we do have a place,” she said.

Reasons why some people do not think that bisexuality is a real orientation is because of the stereotype that bisexuals just do it for fun. Let’s face it, there are some self-proclaimed bisexuals who are just in it for the fun and attention they get from both women and men. But due to that stereotype, many true bisexuals find it hard to convince others that they really are attracted to both sexes.

Photo by: Marte padilla

oday, that question still remains open and another arises: is bisexuality real? Some might say no, others might not know at all. However, there are many who would say yes, bisexuality is a real sexual orientation.

Those who argue that it is not a legitimate sexual orientation might say that a bisexual is not really bisexual, they might say that they are just “going though a phase” or are “confused.” Some might say that bisexuals are homosexuals who are just too afraid of coming out. Believe it or not, some homosexuals feel the same way.

Those homosexuals who do not think that someone can be bisexual will often say that bisexuals need to “pick a lane.” They say that bisexuality is just a pit-stop for the transitioning homosexual that wants to come out.

Although with being rejected by both heterosexual and homosexual peers. Even though bisexuals have not historically been discriminated against like homosexuals, they do suffer a lot of acceptance issues especially when they are discriminated against by the gay community. This is primarily because homosexuals have at many times been victims of prejudice and homophobic violence, yet some homosexuals themselves will often reject a bisexual, forgetting that they too are part of the same community.

Rocio Prado is a Queer-Straight Alliance member and student at California State University, Fullerton supports that being a bisexual is a legitimate sexual orientation. She stresses that anyone with a sexual orientation should be accepting of others regardless if they understand or not. As for the homosexuals who do not believe in bisexuality, she says “when they [homosexuals] first came out, they were deviating from the sexual norm, so if being bisexual is deviating from the sexual norm then they should be accepting of that.”

Photo by: Mark Sutton

“It’s kind of hard to define it to others because it’s in pop culture a lot, like in shows like Tila Tequila,” Claburn said. She continued to say that it makes it harder to convince others that she is a true bisexual because it is played a lot in the pop culture media where it is “ok” to be bisexual. Because of the pop culture media, those who refuse to accept bisexuality as an orientation think that young people just play up the bisexual image because it looks “cool.”

“Humans have the freedom to do with their life as they please, and if they are attracted to someone, male or female, I say go for it.”

“I don’t know why bisexuality tends to be such a strange and foreign thing to people both straight or gay,” said Daniel Hunt, Theater major at Fullerton College and bisexual. Hunt believes that anyone can be attracted to both males and females, and that one does not have to choose one sex to be attracted to. “Humans have the freedom to do with their life as they please, and if they are attracted to someone, male or female, I say go for it,” he said.

For people who disagree with bisexuality, they may think that one can only be attracted to one sex or the other, but not both. For instance, some people may be under the impression that just because a woman is dating another woman it automatically

makes her a lesbian, or if she dated a man then that would make her a heterosexual. The reason this is a misconception is because sexual orientation is about attraction and not exclusively dependent on the gender of the person they are currently dating.

“I cannot help who was chosen as my soul mate.

My husband is my best friend and my partner for eternity, but, I cannot help who I am also attracted to,” said Marti Padilla, a Fullerton College student.

Padilla is bisexual, however she is also married to a man. “I love women, but I'm in love with my husband,” she said when people question her sexuality.

Callista Lee, a psychology professor at Fullerton College says “we've recognized that sexual orientation is a range.” The range she is talking about is Kinsey's Sexual Orientation Rating Scale by Alfred Kinsey which places people on a sexual orientation scale ranging from 0 to 6, with 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 being exclusively homosexual.

According to the scale, most people cannot be distinguished as a 0 or a 6, alternatively they usually fall somewhere between to two.

“For a long time, there had been this question about the people in the middle [bisexuals], but more recently the social scientists that have studied this stuff have made it clear that bisexuality is a sexual orientation,” Lee says. “There are lots of reasons why people do things [engage in bisexual activity], but bisexuality is a real orientation.” •

FC Torch • 40

Succeeding through Adversity

By Patricia Quintero You step down from the OCTA Access bus and check your watch. The bus arrived fifteen minutes past the window you scheduled to get to campus.

Now you have only five minutes to walk across campus to get to your class. You walk briskly as the tapping of your long, white cane parts the crowd of students rushing to their classes. Your cane brushes against someone’s leg. “No worries,” is heard as you murmur an apology.

As you enter the quad, which resembles a maze of cement paths that you want to stay on, you hear the bells of the clock, which you know signals your class time. You hope the instructor is running late. As you turn in front of the 100 building, you face toward the stairs. They are not an option. Some other blind students can almost run across them, but you still prefer an elevator to the challenge of stairs or an escalator.

Your cane hits a utility cart parked near the sidewalk. As you move, your shoe hits mud bordering between the walk and grass. You make a mental note of that and keep moving. When you reach the elevator, you press the button. Two students exit and do not see you until they hit your cane. You move quickly and they get out of your way. No time to feel awkward because you are already late. You need just a minute to rush across the hallway. It should be empty by now so you probably won’t bump into anyone. Sometimes that does not matter because your cane can be a danger for students sitting around a corner.

As you enter the classroom, the instructor had just arrived. That is good because you always feel awkward about entering a quiet room where the tapping of your cane disrupts the professor’s lecture.

As you try to reach your seat, the aisle resembles an obstacle course. Purses, backpacks and laptop cases keep you from finding your seat as usual. You know where it is in your mind, but the landscape changes in each class. You always feel pairs of eyes looking at you, wondering how you did it or how much sight you really have.

You sit down. The instructor reminds students of the quiz next week. You take out your recorder and make a note of it. One quiz, one test, one report and hours in the lab will be your assignments of the week.

This is the routine for a visually impaired student at Fullerton College.

According to Kimberly Bell, FC’s Disability Support Services serves 1,300-1,500 students on campus.

The disabilities range from vision and hearing impairment to autism and diabetes. Learning and mental disabilities, which include delayed learners, make up a large portion of students assisted.

Located behind the library, the Adaptive Computer Lab assists students in doing their assignments. Students can use an array of programs that allow them to incorporate technology to their studies. They can receive tutoring, proofreading of their work and use computers that are adaptive to their needs.

According to Instructional Assistant Jaswinder Dhillon, the services provided by DSS help students with their homework and classroom assignment as well as using programs such as JAWS and Zoom Text for the blind and Dragon.

A student in a wheelchair presses the blue button opening the door to the lab, and comes in. The student, John Lien, 20, has attended Fullerton College for three years. Lien is majoring in sociology because he likes to help people.

Lien suffered from a brain aneurism, which caused him to have to use a wheelchair. As he talks about his plan for the future, one notices the young voice showing shyness, a hint of humor and a lot of determination. He wants the world to know him as the college student who enjoys surfing the Internet and who loves listening to music. Getting to know Lien, the wheelchair fades into being just a method for mobility, and does not define the character of this young man.

FC Torch • 42

“The wheelchair fades into being just a method for mobility, and does not define the character of this young man.”

His long-term goals include transferring to California State University, Fullerton. He would like to become a counselor. He threatens to return to FC and take Paul McKiney’s job as DSS director. A wide smile across Lien’s face after he says this is followed by a laugh.

Lien’s mobility is put to the test daily by campus buildings. He must use elevators and find doors that can open and have sufficient space to maneuver his wheelchair. He specifically mentions the stairs of the 700 building, and going to the elevator, as a dangerous place for not only the disabled, but also for all students. He explains that a student could fall and hurt himself with the steps almost in from of the door.

Erika Flores is an Art major. This young lady has endured many challenges as a student who is living with a learning disability. She arrived at Fullerton College three years ago. She had been encouraged to attend FC while attending classes at the La Habra Community Center. Carlos, an employee at the center, motivated the students to go on to college. He encouraged them to take the general education requirements first and then focus on areas they liked.

Flores thanks Carlos for her better grades and making her a stronger person. She recalls with tears in her eyes how it was determined that she had a learning disability while she was in elementary school and the challenges she faced. On one occasion, an instructional aide took her out of her class. As they reached a room where another aide waited, she told Flores that she was “pitiful”. Flores remembers looking at the clock and wanting this “help” to end and the class break to come sooner. The conversation where both aides put Flores’ abilities down instead of nurturing her lasted 10 minutes, but to Flores it seemed like hours.

Photograph by Marti Padilla

Photograph by Marti Padilla

However, thanks to support like that at FC’s DSS program, Flores is enrolled in drawing and sculpture classes.

She loves her classes, and it shows as she passionately describes her latest art pieces. She is also taking oceanography. For this class, she uses the adaptive lab. She can use a program, Dragon, to help her organize her thoughts and notes. She didn’t know about this lab until last summer when a counselor suggested she use their services.

Before that, she only used the DSS office for taking test. A benefit that allows students with needs to be given extra time on exams.

When Flores is not in class, she enjoys visiting art exhibits, drawing and more drawing. She says she draws all the time and has many sketchbooks, When she is not at home with her mother and aunt, she also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Chino.

Flores has demonstrated that with hard work and determination she will not allow her disability stand in the way of a promising future. Her passion for art seems to keep her focused on her goals and is the driving force behind this lady. Sandra Gallegos, another art major, is a student whose artistic talents shrink her visual-impairment.

Gallegos not only studies art at Fullerton College, but also has artwork showing in galleries.

Gallegos shared her story of her life and history with vision loss. Born in the United States, she was taken to Mexico as a child. During her childhood, she suffered from vision loss but did not fully understand it.

Gallegos explained of her hardship while going to elementary school. She says she was often teased and not understood. Her family members even made jokes about her lack of vision. After her mother died, she realized that something was different in her vision compared to others.

Gallegos vision impairment is due to pigmentation duration known as advanced todfstropjy. Gallegos makes it clear that most persons with a long, white cane have some vision. “It is not black or white,” she says of vision loss. In her case, she is able to see a little and is grateful for what she can see. She describes how at times she follows other students and uses them as leads. She can use shadows to find a safe route.

While waiting for her friend, she uses her magnification glass to see her iPone. In the computer lab, she uses the CTB to enlarge print. In class, she takes flipper, a portable CCTV, which enables her to see the instructor. She mentioned that she is unable to see features, and usually sees just a shadow. This can be tiring to her eyes.

However, like Flores, Lien and all the other disabled students at Fullerton College who continue their studies, Gallegos doesn’t let her disability define who she is.

She and the rest keep moving forward, and with the help of the Disability Support Services staff and resources at Fullerton College, there is no stopping what the students can accomplish. •

FC Torch • 44

Gaming

Each year there are a bunch of games that are released during the holiday season and this year is no different, but don’t fret. This guide will help you sift through all of the games and find the best ones.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops: Black Ops is going to be the heavy hitter of this holiday season and will no doubt be the top selling game. Game Studio Treyarch makes their way back to the Call Of Duty franchise in their first venture outside of WWII and they do not disappoint. The multi-player is a little different from Modern Warfare’s, and Treyarch adds Zombie Mode. This is a don’t miss game for the holiday season with three different versions; the regular edition ($59.99), the Hardened Edition ($79.99), and the Prestige Edition ($149.99), complete with a RC Car with a camera.

Microsoft Kinect: While Kinect may not be an actual game, it will be a hot commodity. Kinect is an accessory for the XBOX 360, and allows you to become the controller. Think Minority Report with Tom Cruise where he is going through files on a screen by moving his hand, that is what you will be able to do with Kinect. Kinect launched with a good line up of games that have been getting some good revues. Not only will you become the controller, but since you are using your whole body to play the game you will get a good workout as well. Kinect is priced at $149.99.

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood Box art Courtesy of Ubisoft

Holiday Game Guide By Travis Guy

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood: Brotherhood is a direct sequel to Assassins Creed 2, and starts immediately after AC2. Brotherhood is the first game in the Assassins Creed Universe to have multi-player. The game has a single player campaign that is over 20 hours long, and the multi-player has four modes with multiple maps. Assassins Creed: Brotherhood is priced at $59.99, or Collectors Edition for $40 more.

Epic Mickey: Everyone’s favorite mouse is back in one of the few original games of this holiday season. Epic Mickey takes players on a trip through (generally more devious) variations of theme park worlds and rides. Epic Mickey also stars Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Epic Mickey has been getting very positive reviews and should be a must have for any Wii owners. Epic Mickey is priced starting at $49.99, but there is a Collector’s Edition for $20 more.

Honorable Mention: Gran Turismo 5, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Fallout: New Vegas, Fable III, Halo: Reach, and Tron: Evolution

45 • FC Torch

Kenetic Photos Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation

World Of Warcraft: Cataclysm: One game is synonymous with the letters MMO, and that is the WoW. The third expansion pack from Blizzard Entertainment will keep it at the top for the foreseeable future by changing the entire landscape of the in-game world Azeroth, adding more classes, and increasing the level-cap. World Of Warcraft: Cataclysm ($39.99).

! e B o t s t o p S E Y N

By Marti Padilla

Places

Start the New Year right!

When the clock strikes midnight make sure you are where you want to be. Check out the top places we found to be to ring in the New Year!

Los Angeles, CA - $80 - $3,000 (and will increase the closer it gets to New Years) Los Angeles Sports Arena - Together As One Is a massive electronic music festival. As long as you enjoy techno music and lots of hugs from strangers. Please see website for complete details www.newyearsevela.com

Disneyland Anaheim, CA - $101 The Mouse himself will be celebrating the New Year with fun for kids and adults alike. Enjoy a spectacular firework display premiering just for Park guests. Receive hats, noisemakers and party toys to help bring in the New Year.

Enjoy both parks and celebrate with tradition and a little techno with Disney California Adventure and the exploding Electronica party area.

Fullerton, CA - FREE - First Night is an alcohol-free New Years Eve Event for all ages. Along with a blasting show of fireworks at midnight, the festival will include hybrid ice skating, live entertainment, rides, lots of children’s activities, art galleries and delicious food. Free parking is available in many locations. www.cityoffullerton.com

Anaheim, CA - $20-30$ Rated as Orange County’s #1 hottest night club, the Ultra Heat Lounge will be heating things up with a champagne toast at midnight, balloon drops and special surprise guest celebrities and DJ’s all at a great price. www.clubplanet.com

Long beach Photo Courtesy of City of Fullerton

Long beach Photo Courtesy of City of Long Beach

Long Beach, CA - FREE - Over 50,00 people will ring in the New Year in downtown Long Beach in Pine Square. Come enjoy live bands, wonderful food and dazzling entertainment including Travis Pastrana, who will attempt to break a world record by jumping off the Pine Avenue Peir onto a barge in Rainbow Harbor with his car. For more information: www.downtownlongbeach.org

FC Torch • 46

A personal reflection on the journey of leaving community college and transfering to a university

By Ryan Laskodi The inevitable has finally happened. At the end of this semester, I, like many other students, will have to say goodbye to Fullerton College.

I start at Cal State Fullerton in the spring. I must admit that I am not nervous at all, but rather excited. I’m looking forward to moving on with my education and following my passion.

I thank Fullerton College for providing me and all the countless other students it has helped over the years a good solid foundation to leave on. It seems like yesterday I entered the school as a recent graduate from high school, not sure with what I wanted to do my life and now I leave a passion filled young man looking forward to what comes ahead in my career.

Like many recent graduates, college seemed like the most exciting thing. The idea of being able to choose your own classes, the professor you wanted to take, no bells, and no mandatory attendance seemed all too real.

And the Fullerton College experience was great. There were good times and plenty of bad times. Not being able to find parking, sacrificing time with family and friends in order to do homework, late nights spent studying, suffering through horrible professors or boring classes are just some of the problems that I and probably countless other students of the Fullerton College suffered through.

But the good times cannot be forgotten: Meeting new friends, whether it be in class or by joining a club, the feeling of satisfaction after a getting a good grade on something, taking classes where not only do students learn the material but also learn about themselves in the process and having passionate professors that not only love what they teach but also inspire their students.

The beauty of attending a two-year school is that it gives students a chance to find their true passion in life while at the same time saving money. It’s at this level where a student can take a psychology class or a music class or an English class or a history class and find their true passion.

Whatever reason you are here may you make the most of your time here at Fullerton College . Don’t think of it as lesser school than the “real” universities but rather as a chance to expand your mind, find your true calling in life and save some money at the same time. • 47 • FC Torch

Photograph by Heather Pleanty

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What your server is really doing when your not looking.

www.fctorch.net

FC Torch Fall 2010