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Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Photo Courtesy Romyna Teale
Border trip
Fresno State students bring aid to the US-Mexico border
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Week of cultures Volleyball wins A&E
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SPORTS
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INSIDE : PRESIDENT CASTRO DISCUSSES CAMPUS ISSUES AT FORUM
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
GOT TIPS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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COVER STORY
Students volunteer at US-Mexico border By Marilyn Castaneda | News Editor
A total of 39 Fresno State social work students took a three-day trip accompanied by faculty members in October to the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, where they learned about human rights and immigration policies. The volunteer trip was from Oct. 17 to Oct. 19 and only open to individuals from the social work department. It was made possible through instructionally related activities funds, the National Association of Social Work and the Department of Social Work Education. Dr. Marcus Crawford, assistant professor for the social work department, organized the trip, along with Dr. Dheeshana Jayasundara, associate professor for the social work department; Randy Nedegaard, associate professor for the social work department; and Travis Cronin, assistant professor for the social work department. Before embarking on their trip, the group held a donation drive. They were able to gather clothing, shoes, toiletries, non-perishable foods, medical supplies and blankets from the community. “We definitely appreciate the support that we got from the Fresno State community. There were people from all over campus that were bringing donations to my office,” Crawford said. Fresno State fraternity Nu Alpha Kappa, or NAK, donated various supplies. Planned Parenthood of Fresno also contributed with hygiene supplies. On their first day, the group met with Birdie Gutierrez, a community activist who provides supplies, donations and needed items to migrants when they first arrive to Tijuana and are seeking asylum. All of the donations were split between Gutierrez’s organization and the Border Angels, an entirely volunteer-based network that advocates for human rights.
kind of go in and realize what it’s like to cross [the border,]” Jayasundara said. Some students felt a connection as they visited the border because they have had parents or family members cross. “The experience that I got from the border trip was a sense of what my dad went through, what my grandparents went through and what a lot of people are going through at this specific moment,” said Eva Perez, a social work undergraduate student. Perez said she had a great experience by being there in person and not just seeing what is portrayed on TV or on social media. “This motivated me to start my own agency,” Perez said. “I think if I wouldn’t have gone for that trip if I wouldn’t have gotten the experience that I got, I wouldn’t be motivated to actually do something about it.” She hopes to create a nonprofit organization providing services and donations to migrants and asylum seekers. As the group of students and faculty walked through the desert, they came upon items, such as ripped clothes, shell casings, medicine and children’s toys. “It was powerful,” Nedegaard said. “It’s unclear when you see shell casings from bullets, you wonder what’s that all about?” Nedegaard recalls seeing water bottles shot and slashed as they walked through the desert. He said it was tough to see because dehydration is the leading cause of death for people crossing. More than 11,000 people have died over the years from dehydration while crossing over, according to the Border Angels. “And if somebody goes in slashing a water bottle, essentially what they're saying is that we'd rather risk you dying than have you cross,” Nedegaard said. “That’s not a partisan thing, and that’s really powerful to see that people are so passionate about this. And they would rather
The students partnered with the Border Angels on the second day of their trip to deliver food and water to those seeking work outside of a Home Depot. Later that day, they participated in a water drop, in which each volunteer carried at least two 1-gallon water jugs and placed them throughout the desert along high-traffic migrant paths. “Not only did they [the students] get to save people's lives, but they also got opportunities to
have people risk dying.” Nereida Zarate, an undergraduate social work student, felt heartbroken to see the amount of bullets in the desert. “I was like, ‘Why?’ I don't even know if I'm going to be able to sleep at night because knowing that there's all these bullets scattered around the floor of the border, like there was no way you would miss them,” Zarate said. “I think the highlight was being able to leave the water and leave knowing that you can possibly
Courtesy Romyna Teale
Fresno State students and faculty gather to pray for their trip and the migrants that they are helping after storing clothes and supplies. be saving someone's life.” Jayasundara said one of the border officials told them crossing the border is considered a misdemeanor. The group was also told by the Border Angels that women are now taking birth control pills and are advised to take contraceptives when they’re crossing because it is anticipated they might be raped. “And then you hear the rhetoric about calling these people invaders. And you go there and you see what they're up against,” Nedegaard said. “It’s ridiculous to think of them as invaders when you see what they're up against.” Jayasundara and Crawford were able to visit shelters in Mexico but weren’t able to take students for safety purposes. “It was very powerful to see the shelters,” Crawford said. “Poverty like I’ve never seen it.” They described the room to be very small with at least 75 people living in it. “One shelter was essentially just tarps to make walls, there were no real walls. It was not a structure at all, and it was just mattresses laying on the ground,” Crawford said. These shelters house families who are seeking asylum and are waiting to enter the U.S. The process can take up to months or even years. Because of the long and tiring wait, temptation awaits at crossing the dry desert. “They decided that the risk of coming across
the desert is a risk they would rather take than wait for a year, year and a half in Tijuana and not know what's going to happen,” Crawford said. Despite the dire situations, the professors saw hope through one shelter that is unlike any others. The first shelter in Mexico to be built by migrants themselves. The group of migrants partnered with different people, music groups and fundraised to make the housing possible. The professors were able to attend the opening. “I think we criminalize people, when we should be looking at the resilience,” Jayasundara said. “If we can take that resilience, that courage, that talent and then build communities from the ground up, we can bring immigrants here, and we can integrate. Have programs instead of spending billions on criminalizing people so that we actually put that money to build resources in the communities where there is violence going on.” Romyna Teale, an undergraduate social work student, was humbled by the experience and feels that others should give back. “I feel like people should really be out there and actually try to help others, like even in Fresno, people can make a difference by just simply feeding the homeless,” Teale said. This was the first trip made to the border by the department. The next visit is expected to be in the spring semester.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
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Sanders talks campaign at Fresno rally By Larry Valenzuela Opinion Editor
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders was met with chants of his name and a large crowd as he took the stage Friday night at Fresno City College. The Vermont senator kicked off his rally on the Veterans Peace Memorial Lawn, mostly to discuss climate change and the proposed Green New Deal. "We have got to address the terrible levels of pollution that exist here in California and all over the country," Sanders said. "There are millions of people, including people in this area, who cannot drink the water that comes out of their faucets." Sanders hit on a variety of issues, like the legalization of cannabis and ending the targeting of undocumented immigrants. “We will not be separating families. We will not be putting children in cages,” Sanders told a cheering crowd. Sanders spoke briefly about the current president and his take on climate change. “It is a disgrace that we have a president that doesn’t understand the first thing about climate change,” Sanders said. He continued to characterize the Trump administration as corrupt, racially and religiously divise and even calling Trump himself homophobic and racist.
Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks to a crowd of people during his rally at Fresno City College on Nov. 15, 2019. Fresno resident Etienne Hernandez came to the rally accompanied by his wife and their seven-month-old daughter. Hernandez said he brought his whole family to show their support for their favorite candidate, who they believe best represents them and their needs.
Hernandez said he works as a special education teacher but with a newborn child and a recent medical procedure, surgery bills have made it hard to access his wages. Hernandez said he believes Sanders is the candidate to make a change for him and his family.
“Medicare for all is hugely close to me based off the fact that I just recently had surgery and my wife just had a child,” Hernandez said. “We have medical debt on top of student loan debt, and that's really crippling to me. Bernie just really talks about the main issues that are important to me.”
Students study structural safety By Jennifer Reyes Reporter
Students in the Lyles College of Engineering Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering are learning about structural building integrity with the help of a shake table. The shake table is used to conduct research on ways to improve building structures that may experience ground shaking to decrease potential damage in a disaster. The research focuses on the sustainable development with different types of infrastructures, such as buildings, bridges, roads and railroads in three different forms. “First, we focus on engineering design, making sure that what we propose is going to be applicable and engineers can use it and apply.
[Second,] we focus on the structure mechanics by putting different components together so that they work more evidently with each other,” said Fariborz Tehrani, professor in the Lyles College of Engineering Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering. “[Finally,] we focus on materials that we try to be innovative and create new materials that will work great together. The goal is, we want infrastructure to be sustainable and resilient.” The shake table could test three different types of conditions, such as sudden motions that could happen due to an explosion, stimulate shakes that happen because of large, heavy equipment and seismics when the ground shakes. Although, the shake table is not unique to Fresno State. It has been around for over a decade. Bookshelves are screwed against the wall,
empty boxes placed on the upper shelf and all heavy objects are away from their desk. Tehrani has the office prepared for an unexpected moment of a disaster. Tehrani suggests that students, faculty and staff should protect themselves during an earthquake. Individuals should take shelter in door frames, sturdy tables and stay away from glass while watching their surroundings to see what could be potentially dangerous. Tehrani said that in an earthquake, two things should be a priority in the first few minutes after an earthquake has happened. Individuals should be able to take care of themselves and in the next hour, they should take care of people around them. A plan is the key, Tehrani added. Over the past several decades, the funds for infrastructures in the U.S. have declined consis-
tently. Therefore, there is less money that could address the need for infrastructural improvements. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) provides report card grades on the physical condition and necessary investments for improvement on infrastructures. According to ASCE, in 2017, America's infrastructure had a grade of D+. This means that it does not adequately serve the United States right now. If a disaster were to occur, such as an earthquake, fire or flood, people will not be safe. “Past experiences around the world have shown, including the U.S., how people could actually help each other and allow emergency responses to focus more on the needed area,” Tehrani said.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
FRONT PAGE
Transgender Day Castro discusses of Remembrance students' concerns honors individuals at open forum By Jennifer Reyes | Reporter
By Seth Casey Editor in Chief
Fresno State will recognize and honor the lives of transgender individuals during the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 22. The annual event, which will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the North Gym Room 118, not only memorializes transgender individuals who have died, but also provides an opportunity to raise community awareness about transgender existence, identify allies and creates a safe space for transgender people. There will also be a resource fair and the formal program of the event will feature singing, poetry and an art display. Speakers are to address topics, including
transgender experiences, inclusion, gender diversity and the importance of raising and promoting awareness about transphobia and violence. The evening will conclude with a reading of the names of transgender individuals who have died by violent crimes or suicide in the past year. The event will also provide information for supportive crisis services, local resources and other organizations. The event is free and open to the public. Parking for the event can be purchased at the parking ticket dispenser meters by using the code 629149. For more information about the event, contact the Cross Cultural and Gender Center at 559-278-4435.
INTERNATIONAL CULTURE NIGHT 2019 NOVEMBER 24, 5-7 P.M. SATELLITE STUDENT UNION
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Students were invited to attend the President’s Campus Forum for students, an informal
Castro responded by offering the student an apology for her experience.
space to bring their concerns, comments and suggestions to Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro in the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room on Wednesday, Nov. 13. A student had asked a question regarding the unfinished construction in the gender neutral bathrooms at the Henry Madden Library. “This has been one of our highest priorities areas,” Castro said. “We have looked in great energy where we could convert bathrooms to be gender neutral.” Gender neutral bathrooms are to be expected in the future in any newly constructed buildings, including the second floor of the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union. There has been some discussion looking into creating gender neutral bathrooms in the Kremen Education Building and the Student Recreation Center. Another issue brought up during the event was posed by an attendee, who wished to remain anonymous, that informed Castro about the fear she experiences when she wakes up before attending a class. She stated she has experienced extreme racism by seven different professors during her academic years at Fresno State. “[This has been the] worst experience I have had here at Fresno State,” she said.
“I am sorry, I am sorry that you had to experience this. I am aware of some of the things, but not all. I know that you are not alone,” Castro said. “My cabin and I are trying to address these things.” Students that have questions, concerns or feedback for President Castro should take advantage of these forums because he sets up a time to hear your voice directly. “[It is] very important for me to do these because I get to hear directly from students about what is on their mind, whether it is a problem or question or some other feedback,” Castro said. “Even though there are other ways to reach me, such as sending me an email or coming by the office; I still like to do it in person because I learn a lot from these conversations.” Castro added that these forums are mostly areas that the university is focusing on improving, but that it can do even better and the forums help that process. The next forum will be held in the spring semester.
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A&E
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
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Black Friday hours are released now By Christina Tran A&E Editor
Some major retail stores, like Target and Walmart, have released their holiday hours for the infamous Black Friday and Thanksgiving Day sales coming soon for consumers and thrifting fanatics. According to BlackFriday.com and BestBlackFriday.com, shoppers preparing for Christmas deals and more can look forward to all of the stores below having their doors wide open on either or both of the sales days next week:
Amazon The Black Friday sales will begin on Nov. 16 and last through Nov. 23. Specific items advertised as popular on the website will also begin dropping down in prices for online customers starting Nov. 22.
Tribune News Service
Sears Barnes & Nobles
Thursday, Nov. 28: 6 p.m. - midnight Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 5 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 8 a.m.
Sephora Bed Bath & Beyond
Thursday, Nov. 28: 5 p.m. - midnight Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 6 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28: 5 p.m. - midnight Friday, Nov. 29: 6 a.m. - noon
Target Best Buy
Thursday, Nov. 28: 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 7 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28: 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
T.J.Maxx Burlington Coat Factory Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 7 a.m.
Costco Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 9 a.m.
eBay Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29: Hourly deals start at 8 a.m. EST
Gamestop Thursday, Nov. 28: 3 – 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tribune News Service
JCPenney Thursday, Nov. 28: Opens at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29: Stays open through Thanksgiving until local closing time.
Office Depot
Kohl’s
Old Navy
Thursday, Nov. 28: Opens at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29: Stays open through Thanksgiving. Doorbusters til 1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28: Opens at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29: Stays open through Thanksgiving until 11 p.m.
Macy’s
Petco
Thursday, Nov. 28: 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 6 a.m.
Marshalls Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 7 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 8 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Petsmart Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: Opens at 7 a.m.
Walmart Thursday, Nov. 28: Opens at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29: Stays open through Thanksgiving until local closing time.
World Market Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed Friday, Nov. 29: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some of the retail hours may be adjusted according to local stores, so check BlackFriday.com and BestBlackFriday.com for the most recent updates from the varying stores as Thanksgiving and Black Friday approach.
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THE COLLEGIAN • A&E WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
‘On the Edge’ showcases dance genres By Rachel Lewis Reporter
Fresno State’s University Dance Theatre (UDT) will have its fall repertoire performance, featuring 15 students, starting Nov. 21 until Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. The dances performed were created by Fresno State students with some additional help from dance professor Kenneth Balint. The dances will range from genres of contemporary to modern, lyrical, folklórico, K-pop and hip-hop. The performance will be held in Lab School Room 101, with tickets available now for $5 in the Speech Arts Building Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. There will also be a matinee performance on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. “From the dancers performing to the choreography and the production aspects of the concert, everything is student generated. University Dance Theatre is a course that engages a high level of collaboration, dialogue and discovery. Year after year, the dancers bring a rich dance tradition of creativity and community to Cali-
fornia State University, Fresno,” Balint said. Students began preparing for the performance at the beginning of the fall 2019 semester. Though most participants are dance majors, the class is open to any student at Fresno State wishing to participate in the dance program. Nicholas Castro, a third-year transfer from Fresno City College (FCC) pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dance, is one of the student participants. Castro found his passion for dance in Central High School’s folklórico program, further honing his skills in FCC’s folklórico program and Fresno State’s Los Danzantes de Aztlán folklórico program. “Performance allows me to communicate with the audience in a way that many people forget is possible. They can learn who I am as a dancer just through my embodiment and pride as a dancer on stage,” Castro said. Castro will be dancing in the pieces “Stoic,” “Sanctuary” and “I Don’t Care.” He’s also the student choreographer for “Un Paseo por Sinaloa” and designed the production’s poster. Another dancer, Megan Evans, is a thirdyear theatre design/technology major at Fresno State. She will participate in seven numbers, as well as serve as an assistant stage manager.
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Courtesy University Dance Theatre
Evans will be in “Bouncin,” “Wandering,” “Eclipse,” “Survival of the Fittest,” “Stoic,” “A Household” and “May We Meet Again.” According to Evans, each of the numbers has a range of styles and moods to keep the show fun and fluid. “In my opinion, dancing is a wonderful way of communicating stories and moods,” Evans said. “There are no words to use to tell the
audience how you feel; you must convey your message using only your body, the music and possibly props.” Student participation is essential in UDT, according to Cory Faamausili, a third year dance major who provides prospective dancers with real world experience. “As a student, UDT’s performance helps fulfill my knowledge and preparation for what could happen if I were to join a bigger dance production when there’s rehearsal schedules and backstage needs,” Faamausili said. “Performing impacted my concentration and focus by being open-minded to the different dances I never thought I’d ever dance to.” Ticket proceeds go toward dancers attending Fresno State, as well as the broader performing arts community in Fresno. According to Balint, community support serves as motivation for these dance students to continue pursuing the art of dance and continuing their training. Those interested in attending the performance and supporting UDT are encouraged to buy tickets prior to the night of the performance, but tickets will be available for purchase using cash on the day of the performances.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
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THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
FRONT PAGE
International Culture Night reflects diversity
By Anjanae Freitas Reporter
Fresno State’s 36th annual International Culture Night (ICN) will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24. from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union. The ICN is a student-run event that celebrates the tradition of Fresno State focusing on widespread cultural diversity on campus for more than 30 years. ICN is put on by the International Student Services and Programs (ISSP), which represents and assists Fresno State students. Some specific ways that ISSP aids students include issues with immigration, cultural adjustment, social and financial problems, along with any other personal issues and advising questions. Saywa Chuji, a theater arts major and ICN coordinator, participated two years ago as a performer representing Ecuador. This year, she was selected to become a coordinator for the annual ICN event. “This event reflects all the diversity that we have here on campus. Nowadays, there are so many issues going on around the world, especially in the U.S., where, unfortunately, we don’t have a very exclusive government,” Chuji said. “I think these kind of spaces are very im-
“
We still have our own cultures and traditions, but that does not mean we still do not connect and are not in solidarity with each other. It really brings people together who might feel like [they] are left aside." — Saywa Chuji, International Culture Night coordinator
portant for people to connect with each other and show that everyone has the same rights.” Chuji also noted the importance of recognizing and appreciating each individual’s culture at an event like this. “We still have our own cultures and traditions, but that does not mean we still do not connect and are not in solidarity with each other,” Chuji said. “It really brings Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian Students gather together to kick off International Education Week as part of a flash mob to celepeople together who brate cultural diveristy on campus near the free speech area on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019. might feel like [they] are left aside.” from Nov. 18 to Nov. 24. The event will include night and will end with ICN. The ICN will consist of a variety of perforspeakers, flash mobs, international coffee hour, ICN is a free event open to the public. For mances that span from music, dancing and poscholarship awards, student panels, Middle any additional information or questions, please etry performances from many countries across Eastern night, a Latin American Film Festival contact issp.icn2019@gmail.com. the world. “There will also be a fashion walk, which will portray the traditional clothing from [different] countries that you will see at the event,” Chuji said. Upkari Singh, a computer science major, ambassador of the Study Abroad club, Supplemental Instruction leader and club member of Vintage Days and the Indian Student club, is also coordinating ICN alongside Chuji for his second year in a row. “I think it’s really important for us to embrace each other's culture because Fresno State is highly known for diversity. Having an event like International Culture Night, it promotes diversity and uniting people,” Singh said. “It is a get together where people from different backgrounds get together. Like our slogan for International Culture Night says, ‘One Night the World Unites.’” Singh and Chuji also worked together to put together a flash mob on campus for International Education week, which took place at the free speech area on Monday at 11 a.m. “We came up with the idea to do a flash mob because we wanted [to] put the word out that [International] Cultural Night is getting ready, and that we have a lot of people with us. It is an interactive way for us to be part of the [International] Cultural Night,” Chuji said. International Education Week will take place here on campus with a variety of events VISALIA TRANSIT
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OPINION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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Undocumented people should be treated with respect By Jennifer Reyes Reporter
I have never given the immigration detention centers much thought to do deep research into what goes on at these facilities. That is, until I read an article from CNN about two doctors who had spoken about their experiences being unexpectedly detained in a privately-run immigration detention center in rural Louisiana for more than two months. The two doctors grew up in Cuba, studied to become doctors and had taken a hippocratic oath to do no harm. While being detained, they had pleaded for asylum and watched as other detainees were receiving poor medical care. These doctors had stated their allegations in court filings and in an interview with CNN of the false diagnosis, improper use of quarantines and the conditions they were forced into, which included mold on the walls. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesman Bryan Cox, ICE detainees throughout the U.S. can utilize physicians, nurses, mental health care providers, dental care and 24-hour emergency care. He continued to state that the ICE agency spends $260 million yearly on healthcare services for the detainees. If that is the case, how many more detainees have to speak out to bring the actual story to light so that it can be heard? I cannot imagine being in the shoes of those who have to go through this on a daily basis. The fact is that accomplishing this is made to be increasingly difficult because in some detention centers, visitors are not allowed. Imagine staying there for more than two months and needing medical treatment but being unable to receive any help quickly because there are thousands of others also being detained, not to mention the allegations of poor medical care on top of it all.
The Collegian is a studentrun publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.
According to Freedom For Immigrants, some immigration detention centers are capable of holding someone in custody for up to two months, one year and can even span to more than four years. Ever wonder about the amount of money that comes from your paycheck to keep an undocumented person in a privately-run immigrant prison or immigrant jail? Taxpayer dollars to detain a person for one day in a privately-run prison amount to around $149.58, and for a person to be detained in an immigrant jail, costs about $98.27. According to federal data, over 60 percent of immigrant detainees are being held in a privately-run immigrant prison. The GEO Group, the largest private prison
company, is estimated to detain about 15,000 people in immigration detention centers per day. Unbelievable. I would imagine the process to be faster to deport undocumented people, but in countries such as Laos, deportees have to be accepted back into the country. However, as they await to be deported into a country they remember little to nothing about, we should treat them with respect, provide high-quality medical care and allowed them to freely enjoy what is possible in their last few days, months or years in the U.S. until the time comes for them to return to their country of origin. I do believe that not all undocumented peo-
Detainees are moved Tuesday through the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. The center, recently renamed, holds people facing deportation proceedings. (Bettina Hansen/The Seattle Times/TNS)
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ple are criminals. Many have done their share to benefit the U.S. by paying taxes, watching over your children, harvesting fruits and vegetables for you to conveniently buy at grocery stores. However, we never hear about the struggles that these people are facing on a daily basis in our own country. There is a Netflix series called “Living Undocumented,” which tells stories of undocumented people being detained and deported, and often times results in the separation of family members and returning them away from the only country that they know of. The Netflix series had mentioned that President Donald Trump had asked ICE to pursue a ‘zero tolerance’ policy. This means that even people who are not criminals would be a target to be detained and deported. Luis and Kenia are a couple from Honduras in the Netflix series and migrated to the U.S. to protect themselves from threats that they were facing in their home country. Kenia had been detained while pregnant in an immigration detention center in Kansas City, Missouri, for six weeks before getting deported with her newborn child back to Honduras. Their case was in the hands of two attorneys who had fought for her to remain in the country but also for Luis to hand over the child to Kenia. On camera, an ICE agent assaulted the attorneys of the couple by pushing them aggressively away from the door. Perhaps some of these agents feel it is their job to act forcefully and aggressively in an effort to detain as many undocumented people as possible. But the detainees are humans, just like us. Not aliens. They do not look like a green-headed monster from a science fiction movie. These people have feelings, blood cells, a brain and a heart, so they all should be treated with the utmost respect. People make mistakes, but the vast majority of individuals that are crossing the border are doing so to discover The American Dream.
Jovanni Cardenas Joy Lyle Daisy Dellinger Alessandra Mazman Jacob Mulick Jeff Vinogradoff Zachary Perkins Richard Marshall Kevin Fries Jan Edwards Timothy Drachlis Betsy Hays
The Collegian carries four different ethnic supplements inserted several times throughout each semester into its print publication. Each supplement is produced by its own staff and advisers and is separate from The Collegian. The news stories or opinions in the supplements do not reflect those of The Collegian.
Each member of the campus community is permitted a copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. All content Copyright © 2018 The Collegian. Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu): All letters submitted to The Collegian should be between 250-500 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
THE COLLEGIAN • OPINION
PAGE 9
The stigma surrounding antidepressants By Anjanae Freitas Reporter
Yes, I am on antidepressants and mood stabilizers and no, that does not make me crazy. Why am I telling you this? In all honesty, I might be oversharing at this point. Yet, truthfully, I want to break the stigma that only crazy people take medications, like antidepressants. When it comes to talking about mental health, I take pride in educating myself and others on any issues that need to be addressed more often. Yet, antidepressants seem to be the one conversation I shy away from being transparent about. I am in no way a professional psychiatrist or pharmacist. However, I want to share my personal experience with taking these medications. Firstly, I want to explain why people take antidepressants. According to verywellmind, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are a class of antidepressants that increase the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin available in the brain. SSRIs block the reuptake, or absorption, of serotonin in the brain. This makes it easier for the brain cells to receive and send messages, resulting in better and more stable moods, according medicalnewstoday. A misconception I often find is that people think that antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are the same. That is not the case. Antidepressants are categorized as a type of medication that can be taken daily to produce more serotonin in the brain. Anti-anxiety medications are more commonly known as benzodiazepines. These are common medications that people already take, such as Xanax, Tranxene and so forth. These types of medications are used for practicality in case of emergencies that arise from anxiety, such as severe anxiety or panic attacks. These are not everyday medications, like antidepressants, which is a misconception that often times people abuse and is the reason why there are so many people addicted to benzodiazepines. Usually, when I try to explain the medical aspect of antidepressants, it usually follows with, “So it’s just a pill that makes you feel happy?” If only that was the case. The medication does not make you happy, it simply eases some of the symptoms and severe side effects that result from depression. My brain, unfortunately, just produces lower amounts of serotonin than others. Therefore, my medication allows me to function daily at a
For many, a painkiller or an antidepressant can be the difference between a functional life and a life of unrelenting despair. "Users themselves must decide about meds’ helpfulness in their own lives," said David Cohen, a professor of social welfare at UCLA. (Dreamstime/TNS) higher serotonin rate, like everyone else’s brain around me. Taking these medications does not make me crazy. In fact, it makes me brave and resilient. It takes a lot of willingness to accept help with mental illness. There are many steps that go into starting a medication regimen. Seeing a therapist to talk about what is going on is the first step. Then, one must see a psychologist to have proper testing and diagnosis. The last step is seeing a psychiatrist in order to determine which medication will best remedy your symptoms. These are the steps involved in the process of getting access to medication, but the most difficult part is figuring out which medications work for you. I remember taking antidepressants for the first time and thinking they were just going to magically make everything better and that my psychiatrist would be able to immediately prescribe a medication that would be right for me. However, when I was trying to function at school or work, I was constantly feeling physically sick from shaking tremors, nausea, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, insomnia, stomach pains, you name it. I found myself telling my family and friends, “Sorry, I just feel so sick right now.” That was
until that excuse ran its completed course. I decided that I was tired of pretending that my physical sickness was a common cold, because it was not. Antidepressants can be extremely difficult to work through the first month or during the waiting game of seeing how they work once they kick in. It is a confusing process to go through because you feel physically sick, and you cannot understand why you would want to put yourself through physical sickness to feel mentally better. I remember three weeks in, I wanted to give up and just stop taking them. However, something important that everyone should know is that you should NEVER stop taking your medications abruptly or without your doctor’s consent. This can cause severe symptoms, such as mood swings and dark thoughts. Usually, if a medication is not working, I had to lower the dose and keep halving my doses until I could finally wean off it. I know you are thinking, “Well, I hope she just stopped after having all those symptoms since she could not get through any of her dayto-day tasks.” However, that was not the case. I had to go through many trial and error processes with medications until I found the right
one for me. Finally, after months of changing medications, I found the perfect antidepressant for my symptoms and diagnosis. After the side effects decreased, I had never felt better in my life. I could finally live day to day without wanting to isolate myself and hide away from the world. Yes, I still had some fatigue and a few symptoms, but they were very mild. I decided that I would much rather live a life of trial and error than to continue doing nothing about my depression. I want people to understand that medication also does not mean that everything you are struggling with goes away. I still continue to go to therapy and group therapy sessions weekly. I have to put in the hard work of talk therapy to better my life. However, the medication makes that process a lot easier for me to continue so I can build a life worth living. I want you to know that if you are someone who judges people or calls people names for taking medications, please take the time to educate yourself on the process and research behind medications. And if you are someone who is looking to start medications or take steps to begin getting help, please know that is worth it. I am living proof that if you put the work in, it does get better.
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THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Equestrian team closes out 'Dogs swim and dive win tri-meet against its fall season with a win Pacific and FPU By Hector Mendoza | Reporter
Armando Carreno• The Collegian
Fresno State equestrian team captain Erica Rosinski rides during a match against TCU celebrated at the Fresno State Student Horse Center on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.
By Hector Mendoza Reporter
The Fresno State equestrian team, currently ranked No. 6, wrapped up its fall competition with a 12-7 victory over UC Davis on Friday, according to a Fresno State Athletics news release. Freshman Bailey Alexander, who leads the Bulldogs in the reigning and has the longest active winning streak, continued her winning streak in the reigning competition and earned her third Most Outstanding Player (MOP) of the season. Alexander is now 6-0 in the event this year. The afternoon began with the fences event, which saw the Bulldogs fall 3-2. Sophomore Alivia Hart earned her first point of the season with a 75-69 victory over Stephanie Don of UC Davis. Freshman Annastasia Anstead earned the second point for Fresno State with a 76-71 ride against Lily Ulrich of UC Davis. Anstead picked up her second fences point of the year on Friday. The Bulldogs continued their winning ways in the horsemanship competition. The ‘Dogs outscored the Aggies 4-1 in the event. Senior Nicole Campbell scored a 75.5 to her opponent’s 73. Sophomore Brooklyn Moch had a season-best of 76.5 to earn her fourth point of the season.
Sophomore Hannah Buijs also had a great performance. Buijs had a season-high in her 75-74 ride. Freshman Hannah Way scored a 74 to Katie Flinn’s 71.5 for the Aggies to score the final point for the Bulldogs in the horsemanship competition. The Bulldogs’ 4-1 win in the western event brought them to a 6-4 lead with two events remaining. The stars of the event on Friday were the freshmen, who were the point winners for the ‘Dogs as Ana Bertozzi (78-60) and Anstead (7459) won their rides. Even with the ‘Dogs’ freshmen showing out, the Aggies were able to top the Bulldogs in the flat, 3-2. The western corp completed its almost perfect day with a 4-0-1 outing in the reining. Alexander opened up, scoring a season-high and her sixth-consecutive win to remain undefeated for the season. Freshman Julianne Kelley secured her point with a 70.5 to her opponent’s 67.5. Senior Shea Gilson tied in her ride while senior Paige Barton earned her point on a 74-73 edging, and sophomore Lexee Padrick rounded out the scoring in the event with a 74-72 ride. Fresno State ended its fall season with an overall record of 5-4, having impressive victories over Texas A&M, Baylor and Oklahoma State. The Bulldogs equestrian team will not return to action until Feb. 1, 2020, when it hosts the No. 1 ranked Auburn at the Student Horse Center.
The Fresno State swimming and diving team put up wins against Fresno Pacific University and University of the Pacific (UOP) in a tri-meet on Saturday afternoon at the Fresno State Aquatics Center, according to a Fresno
The Bulldogs secured the victories by taking the top spot in 14 out of 16 events in the pool, as well as the top spot on both boards, which helped the ‘Dogs improve to 2-1 this season. The ‘Dogs diving team also dominated by
State Athletics news release. The ‘Dogs showcased a dominant performance, recording a 192-75 victory over the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds and a 186-88 victory over the tigers of UOP. “We’re really excited about our performance today because we haven’t had a lot of dual meets,” Fresno State head coach Jeanne Fleck said in the release. “This was only our second dual of the season. This was a great meet to see where we are at. We had our whole team healthy to compete today, so it was a fun meet.”
taking the three out of the top four spots. Yuliya Tykha took first place with a score of 302.40; followed by Irna Nikolaeva, who took second place with a score of 262.05; and Madison Deruyter, who took fourth place with a score of 199.58. Fresno State will travel to compete in the Southern Methodist University Invitational from Nov. 21 through Nov. 23. The Bulldogs will make their return home on Saturday, Dec. 14 to host California State University, Bakersfield in the Aquatics Center at noon.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
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FRONT PAGE
Early signing day looks good for the Bulldogs By The Collegian Staff Men’s Basketball The Fresno State basketball program is continuing to solidify its foundation for the future with the addition of three players; Leo Colimerio, Braxton Meah and Destin Whitaker. Colimerio, Meah and Whitaker will enroll at Fresno State in 2020 and will be eligible to play as freshmen during the 2020-21 season. All three signed valid National Letters of Intent. Leo Colimerio is a 6-foot-7 wing from Sao Paulo, Brazil with a three-star rating. Colimerio is a dynamic athlete, who has shown he can make an impact on both ends of the floor with a great feel for the game, court vision and passing ability. The second three-star player being added to the ‘Dogs roster for next season is Meah, a 7-foot center and local product hailing from San Joaquin Memorial (SJM). He is a skilled athlete who runs the floor well and commands a presence in the post. Last season, Meah averaged a double-dou-
ble with 11.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game at SJM. Meah also helped lead his team to a 22-11 record and the Central Section Division II title. The third player to join the Bulldogs next season is Destin Whitaker, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Romeoville, Illinois. Whitaker is a versatile backcourt player most known for his ability to shoot from the perimeter. Last season, Whitaker averaged 17.4 points, 5 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting over 80 percent from the free throw line. Softball Fresno State head softball coach Linda Garza announced on Nov. 13 that the program has signed six future Bulldogs, three from the Central Valley and three from Southern California. Avery Lawley, a catcher from Buchanan High School, was named the Central Section offensive player of the year in 2018 and 2019
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and was named defensive player of the year in 2017. Liliana Mejia, an outfielder from Ripon High School in Manteca, California, Mejia was named 2019’s Trans-Valley League MVP, the Manteca Bulletin all-area softball MVP and was honored with an all-city selection. Makenna Russell, a catcher and infielder from Bear Creek High School in Stockton, California, was sidelined during the 2019 season. However, she has been an impact player for her team. He was named the San Joaquin Athletic Association (SJAA) Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman and was SJAA Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. Ahi Mattson is an outfielder from Alta Loma High School located in Alta Loma, California. The outfielder is a three-time All-Palomares League selection and a three-time offensive MVP selection. Mackenna Steele is an infielder from Calaveras High School in Valley Springs, California, who come is coming off a junior year campaign in which she was named Female Athlete of the Year and second-team all-league selection out of the Mother Lode League. Cassidy West attends Mission Bay High School and is a three-time City League MVP right handed pitcher, who has a career 0.86 ERA. Volleyball Head coach Jonathan Winder announced on Thursday the signing of two players for the upcoming 2020 season. Brooklyn Lopez, an outside hitter from Clovis East High School, earned honorable mention for Tri-River Athletic Conference honors as a freshman in 2016, while earning first-team honors as a sophomore and junior in 2017 and 2018. Kasey Purry, a middle blocker from Sahuaro
Courtesy Fresno State Athletics
High School in Tucson, Arizona, and a threeyear letter winner, earned first-team All-Region honors as a senior in 2019, followed up by second-team All-Region accolades as a junior in 2018. "Kasey and Brooklyn are both kind, hard working and soft-spoken young women that know how to do things the right way," said Winder in a news release by Fresno State Athletics. “They are consistent in who they are and have proven their ability to hold a high standard for themselves on and off the court.” Wrestling Troy Steiner, head coach of the Fresno State wrestling program, signed two student-athletes for the 2019 early signing period. Nick Villarreal from Gilroy High School in Gilroy, California, is a two-time heavyweight weight class state placer and a National High School Coaches Association National Champion. Villarreal has also been ranked in the top 15 in his weight class and was the No. 1 prep heavyweight in California. Haiden Drury from Toppenish High School in Toppenish, Washington, is a three-time state finalist and a two-time state champion. He was also a junior Pan American Greco Silver Medalist and a FloNationals Greco Champion. “Adding Nick will solidify the heavyweight weight class in our lineup for years to come,” Steiner said in a release by Fresno State Athletics. “Haiden is a proven winner, and he has aspirations to wrestle on the world stage. We can't wait to have him on campus next fall.”
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU
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Bulldogs volleyball breaks losing streak By Jorge Rodriguez Sports Editor
After a tough loss at San Diego State, the Fresno State volleyball team returned home to the Save Mart Center for its final home game of the season Saturday afternoon, facing the Air Force Falcons. The Bulldogs swept the Falcons in three straight sets, 25-23, 25-13 and 25-22, breaking a six-game losing streak and giving the Bulldog seniors a memorable last home game. Before the match, three seniors were honored. Outside hitter Montez Uigaese, setter Madelyn Halteman and middle blocker McKenzie Kramer were recognized for their time at Fresno State. The first set got underway with the Bulldogs taking a lead. However, the Falcons came back and tied the set quickly. No team had a real advantage throughout the set, with both teams battling for every point and no team taking real control. The Bulldogs regained the lead toward at the end of the set, then added to their lead and gained momentum at a crucial time. Air Force took advantage of an error by the Bulldogs, gaining momentum and adding three unan-
Jorge Rodriguez • The Collegian
Volleyball team seniors, family members and coaching staff at the "Senior Day" game against Air Force at the Save Mart Center on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. swered points to bring them within a point of the Bulldogs. Fresno State managed to take the momentum back and put the last two points on the board, taking the first set 25-23. In the second set, the Bulldogs came out strong, forcing errors and getting kills that turned into points for the ‘Dogs. With a 10-point lead, the Bulldogs managed the rest of the set, committing fewer errors and hitting the ball well to create opportunities. The Falcons tried to mount a comeback against the Bulldogs, scoring five unanswered
points to close in on the Bulldogs’ lead. However, the Bulldogs curbed the Falcons’ rally, and the lead proved to be too much for the Falcons. The Bulldogs took the second set 25-13. With two sets in the bag, the Bulldogs were looking to continue their dominance from the previous set, although the Falcons had different plans and were not going to make it easy for the ‘Dogs. A back-and-forth struggle ensued, with both teams getting the lead and losing it early in the third set. The Bulldogs took a small lead and kept it
throughout the rest of the set, but the Falcons were close behind, keeping within a point or two of the Bulldogs. Fresno State took advantage of several mistakes made by Air Force and added more points to its lead. Fresno State got to the match point with a comfortable five point lead, but the Falcons pushed to prevent the ‘Dogs from winning and scored three unanswered points. After a timeout called by Bulldogs head coach Jonathan Winder, Fresno State scored the final point, winning the set 25-22 and the match 3-0. For the Bulldogs, Uigaese had 11 kills; Halteman had 16 assists and four digs; and outside hitter Desiree Sukhov had eight kills and six digs in the match. After the match, Winder said his middles were a lot better, and they were able to find space and connected better with each other. Winder also noted the positive impact the seniors had on the team. “I’m really proud of how they [seniors] played today. It was an emotional game … they are three people who are really good people and will be lifelong positive ambassadors of our program,” Winder said. “Winning is fun, and it helps build confidence … Tonight we were able to find a little more of our rhythm and figure out a little bit more of our identity.”
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