English professor gives presentation on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work FEATURES Chinese New Year celebrated in the Pit with lion dance CULTURE Mike Watney leaves legacy after 35 years as Bulldogs coach SPORTS
FRIDAY Issue February 8, 2013 FRESNO STATE
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Interpreting and Understanding: Fresno Deaf culture By Crystal Deniz The Collegian The chilly weather did not stop the flurry of hand-shapes and gestures at a local Starbucks, where a group of Fresno State students put its American Sign Language (ASL) skills to work Tuesday night. T he event, otherwise known as a Starbucks Social, is organized by Fresno Deaf Events. The local organization is dedicated to bringing together members of the Deaf community in the Valley. Through this, they raise awareness and help students practice their skills and build relationships. These socials are held every first Tuesday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Starbucks in the Fig Garden Shopping Village, at the corners of Shaw and Palm avenues. Each month, those in attendance include Fresno State and Fresno City College students. They range in ability from ASL beginners to interpreting interns who will graduate in May and take the exam to become a certified interpreter. Deaf events such as these are not just social opportunities, but also requirements for all ASL and Deaf Culture classes at Fresno State. “Deaf events are required because the students learn important communication skills that they can’t get just from learning in the classroom,” said Annette Klein, a faculty
Roe Borunda / The Collegian
Tabitha Dubois signs to another attendee of the Starbucks Social put on by Fresno Deaf Events. Dubois is a deaf education major. Like many attendees of the social and students of Fresno State’s communicative disorders major, Dubois has the physical ability to hear.
See SOCIAL, Page 3
Capital Fellows internships give inside look Choosing Program provides experience in politics, policy and public service By Samantha Gibson Special to The Collegian Internships are often seen as the key to job placement after graduation, but for those interested in politics or government, the Capital Fellows Program is much more than that. The Center for California Studies at Sacramento State offers four distinct fellowship opportunities. Together they are known as the Capital Fellows Programs. The programs offer graduate, postgraduate and midcareer individuals the opportunity to engage in public service and prepare for future careers while actively contributing to the development and implementation of public policy in California. The four fellowships offer 64 participants a chance to participate directly in an assembly, senate, executive or judicial administration office. Sean Kiernan, Associated Students Inc. vice president for external affairs and California Democratic Party delegate, explained his interest in the Capital Fellowship Programs. “I believe it is an outstanding opportunity to engage in public service, not only learn about but experience the legislative process and make great relationships to help mount a career,” he said. He would accept an offer from any of the four programs, he said, but overall favors the Executive Fellowship because he is most interested in the
technology: laptops vs. tablets By Byron Harwell Special to The Collegian
search site, has ranked the Capital Fellows Program as one of the top 10
Since the invention of the laptop, students have had the advantage of computing on the go. This new technology took the computing world by storm by making computer use portable. But now, a new device has entered the portable computer scene: the tablet. Fresno State students are debating whether to buy the laptop or go with the convenience of a tablet. “If I had to choose, I would go with the iPad [tablet] and I will get a wireless keyboard,” said Sara Zamora, a student assistant in the computer department at the Kennel Bookstore. She said she has a 15-inch MacBook Pro laptop, but rarely brings it to school. “It’s super heavy, I don’t want to bring it. If I don’t have to bring it, I don’t bring it,” Zamora said. While portability of the tablet beckons to users, the price tag can also attract the attention of potential buyers.
See FELLOWS, Page 3
See TABLETS, Page 3
Photo courtesy Capital Fellows Program / The Collegian
The 2011-2012 Judicial Capital Fellows stand at the state capitol. The people involved in the program are postgraduate or graduate students. Some individuals are taking time from a career to learn about public policy and service.
policies and proposals of the Brown administration. For three consecutive years, Vault. com, a career management and job