Cayuga Community College Auburn & Fulton, New York
Collegian cayugacollegian@gmail.com
VOL. 67 ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 8, 2020
CAYUGABRIEFS COVID-19 UPDATES
DESHAW RETIRES Please join me in congratulating Carla DeShaw, Executive Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, on her imminent retirement from the college. Carla’s official last day was Monday, November 30, 2020. After ten-plus years at the college and many more in the secondary and postsecondary education space, we thank Carla for her lifelong commitment to supporting economic prosperity for the commuCarla DeShaw retired nities we serve, as as Executive Dean of well as the multiple Continuing Education and sponsored projects Workforce Development. the college has received as a result of her efforts. Carla will be continuing her work in adult literacy education in Oswego County; she will remain active in the community and we look forward to continuing collaborations with her. —Keiko Kimura, Ed.D. Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of the Fulton Campus Cayuga Community College
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CAMPUS COMMUNITY SADDENED BY THE SUDDEN LOSS OF ONE OF THE COLLEGE’S BELOVED LIBRARIANS PHOTO BY MIKE PERRY
This week we conducted 177 surveillance tests and were notified today by SUNY Upstate that two individuals who participated in surveillance testing have tested positive for COVID-19. The individual who is part of the Fulton Campus testing population has not recently accessed campus aside from participating in surveillance testing. The individual from the Auburn Campus was last on-campus on Monday, November 30. A third individual who is part of the Auburn Campus population has also tested positive after testing off-campus. This individual was already in quarantine and has not recently accessed campus. All individuals have been placed in isolation by the County Health Department. As part of isolation, they are restricted from accessing campus. The College has been in contact with the County Health Departments, and contact tracing is ongoing. Please continue following our health protocols, including the proper usage of face masks and social distancing. If you have any symptoms, please avoid coming to campus. Thank you for your continued commitment to our health and safety measures. —Cathy J. Dotterer, Ed.D. Dean of Students
Expressing her love for libraries and reading, this is the image which adorns Martha Lollis’ Facebook page.
CAYUGA’S NEW CULINARY INSTITUTE IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN TO OPEN SPRING 2021 By Michael Perry, associate editor Renovation of Cayuga’s state-of-theart Culinary Institute was delayed during the pandemic, but work has resumed over the past few months and college officials say the facility is set to be operational for CCC’s Spring 2021 semester.
Michael Perry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Just as it has for all other college degree programs, the pandemic has altered the instruction methods for the Culinary Arts Program. However, the college is confident that appropriate health, safety, and instructional protocols are in place for students to safely begin the program.
“He’s going to be a great instructor and guide for students in the program, and the college is excited to have him.” — Andrew Poole, Cayuga’s Public and
Media Relations Associate
The degree program will provide excellent instruction on culinary techniques, production standards of scratch foods, artistic plate design, appropriate methods of production kitchens, and safety and sanitation standards. Students who earn a degree through the program will be equipped to work professionally as an executive chef, pastry chef, restaurant owner, and more. Chef Mark Fitzgerald is the director of the Culinary Arts Program. “He’s going to be a great instructor and guide for students in the program, and the college is excited to have him,” said Andrew Poole, Cayuga’s Public and Media Relations Associate. He says Fitzgerald has a strong culinary background, including a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Service Management from Paul Smith’s College and seven years as an executive chef in Lake Placid. Fitzgerald also served as the chef de cuisine at the landmark restaurant in nearby Village of CCC Director of Aurora on the shores the Culinary Arts of Cayuga Lake, the Program Chef Mark famous Aurora Inn. Fitzgerald
Martha Lollis had a huge impact on everyone she met; she will be missed By Mary Merritt, Collegian faculty advisor
The Cayuga Community College campus community is saddened by the unexpected passing of a woman who previously left a big hole in our hearts when she retired as CCC Library Director in 2007, after 25 years of service to the college. Martha Lollis was the smiling face, the listening ear, and the Martha Lollis helpful care giver to all who encountered her. From her early professional years as a Middle School teacher to overseeing Cayuga’s Library, Martha had a way about her that just let everyone know her only desire was to be there for others. I was 12-years-old when I first met Martha. She was my 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Marcellus Central Schools. She was the hippest dresser I had ever seen with dangling hoop earrings, long flowing blonde hair and unique, flowery Bohemian-style shirts and pants. (It was the Seventies, after all). She not only inspired my love of unconventional clothing, but she built a fire inside me for learning. Martha made learning fun. I am well-versed in how fiefdoms in the Middle Ages worked because of her creative style of getting her students to ‘live’ the lesson. We were all divided up into roles of Royalty, Lords, and Ladies, and the like. I was a serf. I never forgot how enthusiastically she approached class each day. She inspired me to say even back then: ‘I want to be a teacher and make learning fun for students.’ No one was more surprised than I when after a stressful career in another sort of fiefdom, television news, I had the opportunity to teach. Every time I enter a classroom, I strive to make learning fun and enriching for my students because of the example Martha set for me. Imagine my delight when I discovered Martha was the college’s librarian! We had a wonderful reunion and I always was happy to see her; and each time our paths crossed, she made a point of asking me how I was. Even after she retired from the college, we stayed in touch. She became a member of my book club, The Marvelous Book Club, (a play on Marcellus), which truthfully struggled because we did more talking CONTINUED PAGE THREE
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
THE CONTROVERSIAL EFFECTS OF CELLPHONES AND SOCIAL MEDIA
OPINIONS Marc Baan CO-EDITOR FEATURE WRITER
HOW I SEE IT... IT’S DONE; WHAT IS NEXT? And it’s done! This semester full of uncertainty and Zoom classes is finished. Now what? You have your degree, what’s next? Some of you will be transferring to a four-year school and some of you will be heading into the workforce. Both are exciting and scary. And guess what? It’s okay to be scared. The truth is that no matter what path you choose, it will be a hard one. Entering a four-year school will bring a lot more pressure regarding your academic success. And entering the job market, especially now, might not mean you can get a job right away and might have to work odd part-time work that has nothing to do with your degree. But don’t let this weigh you down and make you want to hide your head in your pillow. Remember, you already did the hardest part, getting your degree. The next road will not be an easy one, but don’t quit. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree does mean a lot more work than you are accustomed to and even means a lot of sleepless nights writing far more detailed papers than you are used to. Taking a food drive-thru or shelf stocking job might seem like a step down when you have a degree, but remember it is only a job to pay bills and not your final goal in life. There is no need to sugarcoat life, it’s hard… really hard. But no matter what path you take, as long as you remember when the dark days seem to be too much, this one thing will make you will be okay. “I have already got my degree; I have proven to the world that I can face any challenges ahead of me; and I will succeed.”
Cellphones and Social media are used daily in our lives by everybody. We love to connect online and socialize through different platforms. However, instead of going out to socialize with people and truly interact, we would rather stay on our cellphones and avoid encounters in person. I find that due to these circumstances, eventually we might end up living in our cellphones and will lose several social skills if this continues. Instead, as human beings, we need to go outside and enjoy the real world in front of us instead of having our eyes glued to our screen and converse and love each other a little bit more. Interaction and conversating is extremely important in our everyday lives. These things make us build connections with one another and keep us human. By conversating with one another we make eye contact, we start to feel and care for one another and it brings more of a genuine and sincere love for each other as well. However, we are not getting enough of it because our eyes are glued to our screen and social media. There have been several times where we do things such as go on dates, spend quality time with family, and everybody around you is just quiet and using their cellphone instead of appreciating each other’s company and interacting with one another. We ignore the world, and the beautiful physical qualities of the earth and instead, we sink our eyes to the beauty of the addicting LED lights on our phone screens. Our addiction to cellphones and social media doesn’t only hinder our ability to interact with each other but in a way, it also takes away some parts of us that are unique and may also take away from our self-worth. For example, someone would post a picture of themselves on platforms like Facebook or Instagram which is fine. However, if it does not reach a certain amount of likes they would be unhappy and take it down. This shows that people do not do this because they love themselves, yet they crave love and attention from other people on social media instead. This shows that people are not aware of their self-worth because you may be extremely beautiful with ten likes on a post which would make someone unhappy but ultimately doesn’t make any sense
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AND NOW A WORD FROM JENNA Jenna Fields CO-EDITOR
I’m so grateful for the time at Cayuga. During my time at CCC, I have had so many great opportunities that I never thought I would be able to do. For future students, I want to say: don’t be afraid to go out and try something new. Join a club or two. By branching out and participating in events, helps not just you. During my time at Cayuga, I joined the newspaper, radio station, RAT guild and played on the golf team. There where so many opportunities that were available and by doing so, it opened many doors and created many friendships that I will have way past my time here at Cayuga Community College.
because your beauty and self-worth should not be determined by how many likes you get on Facebook or Instagram. Some people might make the argument that social media brings us together and forces us to connect with people all over the world. However, this is not true because, yes you are speaking and texting with many people through a screen within seconds, but this takes away from your personal interaction skills. According to an article I read called “Social media’s growing impact on our lives,” they stated that studies showed “adolescents who spent the most time on social media and the least time in face-to-face interactions reported the most loneliness.” Another study showed that, with the increased usage of cellphones and social media, this has a link to depression and sadness. The relationship between this study was the more we use social media, the less satisfaction we get with our everyday life. I believe that we need to love our world and humanity more outside of the cellphone screen and the social media platform. We are becoming slaves to our phones and Facebook and it is draining us more than helping us and only we can change this trend. We as humans need to be in control and learn how to interact without our phones more and enjoy our daily lives for what they are and not what is on our phone screens or newsfeed on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc. After all, there is a real world that we constantly ignore. —Mohamed Kane, CCC student
ELECTRIC VS GAS
Cars are an important part of our lives and have a big impact on the world. Millions of people rely on their vehicle every day. That’s why I think it is important that we look into which car we are purchasing when we get one. I believe that it is a lot smarter to get an electric car vs a gas powered car. Electric cars have many benefits such as not having to pay for gas, they are more reliable, and can help protect the environment in the future. An electric car might cut more into your budget at first when purchasing it, according to CNN, with an average cost of $55,600 brand new vs a gas car with an average cost of $37,000. However, it will pay off in the long run because the average amount of money that is needed to put into a gas vehicle will equal out to an electric car by the time you figure in maintenance and gas. In terms of reliability, electric cars are powered off fewer parts than a gas car which results in less regular needed maintenance. The average electric car has a lifespan of 200,000 miles which is equivalent to a gas car, according to AARP. According to Energy Sage, the average gas powered car user spends around $1,200 on gas each year but the average electric car owner spent $400 on average to power their vehicle. Electric cars are likely to save you money in the long run. The electric car is also better for the environment than a gas powered car. Electric cars do not put out exhaust emissions which are very harmful and are a big factor in air pollution. If everyone drove an electric car vs gas powered car there CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
SHOULD COLLEGE ATHLETES BE PAID? Throughout the years there have been many debates on whether college athletes should be paid for playing or not. I strongly believe that college athletes should be paid for several reasons. Some may believe that college athletes shouldn’t be paid but I am here to explain why they are wrong. The first reason why I believe student athletes should be paid is because corporations like the NCAA bring in billions of dollars in revenue each year. Everyone from owners, coaches and even trainers make very good money from these players but the most important part of the organization, the players, do not receive a dime and I believe that is wrong. The second reason is because many of these players do not come from wealthy homes and do not have the time to support their family by working a 9-5 part time job. Another reason why I believe student athletes should be paid is because playing at such a high level can cause wear and tear mentally and
physically and for this to be such a cost for free I believe it is preposterous. The final reason is because many of these athletes will never make it to the pros and will have nothing to show for their hard work. Some may believe that college students shouldn’t be paid based on the simple fact that paying these athletes will serve as a distraction on and off the field and that it will take the traditional college life away from the players and the fans. But I believe that having the college athlete label alone serves as a big distraction already and being paid will help alleviate the stress. I also feel like the true college sport scene has been due for change and people have to understand that times are changing. College athletes should have been compensated for years already and I believe that doing so will not only positively impact the players on and off the field but us as viewers and lovers of the sport. —Dylan Gilkes, CCC student
IN PERSON VS ONLINE SCHOOLING Due to COVID schools had to shut down and classes were online. There is a lot of pros and cons about in person and online schooling. Some people prefer online and other people prefer in person. Learning in person is much better and easier. Schooling online is a little harder. I believe schooling in person is better for many reasons. One reason why schooling in person is easier is one on one learning. The students can do all the work and ask the teacher for help. The teacher can easily show the students what to do. Second reason why is because the students can have hands on learning. Some students need to be in classrooms because they learn better. When the student is in a classroom, they can actually touch things. For example, if a student needs to do a lab, they are able to actually touch the materials and fully understand what they are doing. Some things you cannot learn on the computer, only if you do it yourself in person. A third example is concentration. If the students were in person learning then they would be able to focus better. They will be able to focus more
because they won’t be as distracted. They gain better understanding of what the teacher is trying to teach. The students would be able to focus on what they are doing, instead of what is around them. Many people think learning online is better. One reason is if the students need more time on their homework or projects they could have more time. Second, if the student needs help, they could have a good chance at reaching out to the teacher. They could always email, message or whatever else they could do to get into contact with them. Third reason is if the online meeting is recorded then when the student is doing homework or needs and cannot get ahold of the teacher, the student could go back and watch the recording. The reasoning is good. But I believe in person learning benefits students more than online learning does. There are many reasons why learning in person is better than online. The students would succeed better. It would help the students to know they could get help anytime from their teacher. —Briona France, CCC student
ANOTHER VIEWPOINT ON ONLINE/IN PERSON EDUCATION
The Cayuga Collegian welcomes letters from its readers. Submissions must be from a ‘cayuga-cc.edu’ email domain. Contact us at cayugacollegian@gmail.com. Submissions must include your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters to the editor do not reflect the viewpoint of the Collegian office, its staff or advisor. All letters are simply the opinions of the writers themselves. All letters may be edited for content or length. We reserve the right NOT to PUBLISH.
PAGE TWO
Marc Baan Jenna Fields Michael Perry Mohamed Kane Joshua Hart Patrick Mahunik Mary G. Merritt
CO-EDITOR CO-EDITOR SPRING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STAFF WRITER CONTRIBUTOR CONTRIBUTOR FACULTY ADVISOR
We are looking for more staff members!
Some may say that children should not go into school as COVID is now altering our lives. The various difficulties include not only budgets and bills but children with all sorts of disabilities as well. Kids should be allowed into school for their own educational purposes and it can be very hard to learn online for certain individuals. A reason why children should be allowed to go into school is because they need human interactions and they need to work on their communication skills for the world when they grow up. Also some kids have certain learning disabilities and the reason why some of them were going to school was so the parents can prepare for when they get home with activities along with the children getting individual help with certain life skills. Some parents do not know what to do when it comes to Common Core. It can be hard and infuriating but most of the time the children get their homework and class work done in class. That way, the parents don’t have to worry about it when the kids get home.
Some say that kids should not go into school because of the immediate rise of COVID 19 cases. A reason why some say that kids don’t need to go into school because they get bullied and pressured into things being done in an hour rather than in a day. Some kids have separation anxiety without at least one of their parents near them. However, kids have a higher success rate if they attend school in-person. Some kids don’t have any access to the internet or food. Many kids rely on school for food and for fun, even. Many kids get free lunches. Some even go into after school programs which may feed them dinner too! Some after school programs go on field trips and do a lot of fun things with the kids. Kids should go into school because they need the communication skills and some kids have learning disabilities that parents at home cannot assist with. Plus, if students can attend school in person they get the joy of graduating with their family and friends. —Alexandria Behm, CCC student
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REMEMBERING LIBRARIAN LOLLIS STANDING UP FOR THE ENVIRONMENT By Michael Perry, associate editor
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
than reading. She was such a great lady! When I learned of her passing, I asked the campus community if anyone would like to say a few words about our dear friend. Here are their thoughts. I met Martha in January of 1981 when I applied for a job in the library as a work study student. I worked many hours with Martha, and she became my mentor. Martha gave me opportunities to work on special library projects. By the time I graduated from Cayuga, I knew I wanted to be a librarian, and I earned my MLS in 1986 at SU. We were professional colleagues for many years, and when there was an available position at Cayuga, I applied. I came ‘back home’ to working in the Cayuga library in 2004. I will always be grateful to Martha for the example she set for me when I was a student and for being my professional colleague. —Sara Davenport, Library Director I first met Martha in 1982 when she hired me as a workstudy student in the CCC Library. Perhaps if she hadn’t, I wouldn’t still be here all these years later! Over the years, I saw first-hand the kindness and compassion that she showed to everyone who crossed her path. When my family had a house fire in 1996, she brought me a box of books knowing what a booklover I am. One of the books she included was a Betty Crocker Cookbook that had been in her family for years. It is one of most my treasured books! Most recently she contacted me when my twoyear old great-nephew suffered serious burns and had to spend several weeks in the Burn Unit at SUNY UpState. She wanted to send him a care package. She did, and she continued to send him books, puzzles, toys and get-well cards as recently as three weeks ago. I don’t believe I’ve ever met a more kind, caring person than Martha. She was an amazing woman and one that will be greatly missed. I’m so grateful that I was able to call her my friend. —Theresa Rogalski CCC Student Financial Services Office Martha was a kind and generous person who cared deeply about Cayuga’s students and about her colleagues. She was a great faculty member and a valued member of the Faculty Association. She never shied away from doing the work needed to make the college a better place for students and faculty to learn and work. —Steve Keeler Director, Media and Telecommunications Programs
Retired CCC Librarian Martha Lollis Martha was my boss when I was a student at the college back in 1985 through 1987. I couldn’t have had a nicer boss! She was so kind to a young 18-year old who often flew into the parking lot 5 minutes late for work. She taught me do much about the qualities of a good employee in a patient, motherly way. After I became an adjunct faculty member a short 5 or 6 years later, she treated me so respectfully forgetting those days of immaturity from the past. I’m so saddened to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family. —Kelly Jennings Hi folks, I too have much to say regarding Martha and her contribution to the college and the wonderful and supportive colleague she was, she seriously was one of my all time most memorable and kindest people I’ve meet at Cayuga. We worked the colleges orientation programs and co-programming efforts from the time I started at the college up until she retired. I will miss her dearly. She was just a wonderful person to know. Before COVID on my morning commute after her retirement I regularly ran into her going to the gym and we always either just waved to say hello or I would stop for a quick chat, I will miss her warm and caring personality. A pure one of a kind soul who reached out to everyone she meet, a loss for us all. —Norman Lee Director of Student Activities/Professor
There is one man in Skaneateles willing to stand up for the environment, but he is running into brick walls. Zack Ford is a native of Skaneateles, NY. He grew up, like many children in the area, being mesmerized by how clear the water was in Skaneateles Lake. “When I was a kid, the water was so clear it was almost mythical.” So, in 2017, when he discovered the lake was being mistreated and no one was doing anything about it, he decided to look into the matter and see what was going on. Per a report from the NYS DEC sent to Skaneateles Mayor Martin Hubbard, in regard to his West Lake Road property, on November 7, 2017, “The inspection determined that unpermitted stream bank disturbance had occurred within the jurisdictional area of the Class AA tributary to Skaneateles Lake.” After seeing the State Department of Environmental Conservation issue a NOV (Notice of Violation) for a property owned the by the Mayor of the Village of Skaneateles, Ford was outraged. Ford says people in Syracuse do not know where their drinking water comes from. He surveyed the downtown Syracuse Armory Square area and asked business owners if they knew where their drinking water comes from, and he says that most said they did not know! “I don’t think people understand the crisis we’re facing, and a big part of that is because elected officials are not taking it seriously.” Ford said he would attempt to run for
ELECTRIC VS GAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE TWO
would be no exhaust emissions because there are even electric tractors for farm equipment and 18 wheelers so it is not just cars we could stop the air pollution with. It’s every form of machinery but cars are a good start I believe. Since almost every family owns a car, each person who switches to an electric car would be making a huge change for the environment. Other heavy equipment is only used by some people for their jobs so these changes might take longer. Also, fossil fuels are
Zack Ford of Skaneateles mayor himself to try and tackle these issues. Ford says in an email sent to him by the Skaneateles Village Police Chief, he was banned from attending Village Board meetings. After, the ACLU defended Ford in a letter sent to Mayor Martin Hubbard, the action was reversed. Ford says he recently criticized Mayor Hubbard for breaking Village Code, by ripping down Black Lives Matter flyers, and screaming at a private citizen that she was “illegal.” In the video captured by the woman he yelled at, Bri Linton can also be heard asking the mayor several times if he supports Black Lives Matter, he refuses to respond. Linton says she felt as though Martin Hubbard was insinuating that she was an illegal citizen. “He totally was trying to say I was an illegal citizen.” The video ended up getting more than 76,000 views on Ford’s Facebook wall, and it ended up playing on TV news in Syracuse. The video can be seen at the following link: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=XnGlnZnRxlo There is clearly a tide of change occurring in Skaneateles. The mayor’s actions cannot be ignored any longer. Zack Ford is not going to be silenced..
not infinite so why use them if we don’t have to? The use of electric cars is not yet as common as gas powered cars but they have many benefits that could save money and the environment. The price of an electric car is slightly higher than the average cost of a gas powered car but it pays off by the end. Also, electric cars don’t need as much maintenance. Our environment will also benefit from the use of electric cars because there aren’t any CO2 emissions and we can eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Overall, electric cars are better than gas cars and should become more popular. —Howard Baker, CCC student
TIME TRAVEL 1972: A LOOK AT THE COLLEGIAN ARCHIVES
SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 67 YEARS!
DECEMBER 8, 2020 PAGE THREE
SOMETHING FUNNY
What are you afraid of ? What are you afraid of? Perhaps a bad grade on your mid-tem? The cop driving closely behind you? Your parents when you get home late? All valid things to be afraid of, but all tangible things—all things you can see coming.
Marc Baan CO-EDITOR FEATURE WRITER MEME BY COM 101 STUDENT Katelyn Stoddard
MEME BY COM 101 STUDENT Ronan Murphy
SHARE YOUR FUNNY MEMES WITH US: CAYUGACOLLEGIAN@GMAIL.COM CAYUGA
WELLNESS
SERVICES
Christina Bentley, MS Wellness & Intervention Counselor
Dr. Jerimy Blowers Wellness & Intervention Counselor
HOW TO STRESS-DOWN THE HOLIDAYS
—submitted by Christina Bentley, Wellness Counselor, Fulton Campus
The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Then, you throw in the COVID-19 pandemic and it brings a lot into perspective. This year, the holidays are looking a little different for everyone. Usually, there are worries of cooking, shopping, baking, wrapping, etc. This year may look a little different as to how you are celebrating the holidays and stress may come along with that. That is okay. We may be away from our family members and not able to celebrate the way we normally would. There are ways we can still make this holiday season one to enjoy, despite things going on. It’s important to first step back and acknowledge how you are feeling with all that is going on. It may be mad or sad or anxious. Any of those feelings are okay and deserve to be recognized. Take time to feel them and express them in a way that is healthy. Having a good cry or writing in a journal are good ways to do this. Make sure you are reaching out to others if you are feeling alone or isolated during these times. There are many online support groups. Reach out to friends and family too. Chances are, they are feeling this way too, at times. Sometimes, a video call or text can go a long way. Realize that the holidays do not always have to be perfect and that they may change and grow as you grow. If you are stuck more inside and away from family or friends more than normal, start new traditions. Set up a virtual zoom holiday party. Share pictures or videos of you and your loved ones with your friends and family. Send a card or letter in the mail. Receiving something nice and unexpected in the mail is always exciting. The giving is almost as exciting as the receiving. If you are shopping for the holidays or food shopping,
stick within a budget. Homemade gifts are more meaningful. You can even set up a virtual holiday gift exchange. Elfster is a great website for that and free. If you do have to still do some of those stressful holiday tasks like shopping, wrapping, or baking. Plan ahead scheduled time to do them and make a list. Having allotted time to do things and checking things off of a list makes a person feel more organized and accomplished. It’s important to keep your healthy habits during the season. Whether you already work out or eat healthy or do meditation, it will only benefit you to keep up with these throughout the already different holiday season. Staying healthy and making healthier choices will make you feel better, body and mind. Don’t drink too much or eat too much fruit cake! It will catch up to you. Make that time for you too. Even 15 minutes a day counts. Take a brisk walk and breathe in the cool winter air. Notice the snow, the sounds and the beauty of nature. Or maybe take a bath or cozy up with a blanket and watch that movie you’ve had your eye on. Most importantly, be sure to recognize when and if you or someone you know needs to seek professional help. If you or someone you know are feeling persistently sad or stressed and it starts to affect the way you live daily (sleep, appetite, work, school, family time, etc), talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. As always, Jerimy and I are here to support each and every one of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us to either chat, ask a question or get a referral. Have a Happy Holiday from your Wellness team, Christina Bentley and Dr. Jerimy Blowers.
Now think of the things you can’t see. Things that move in the comers of your eyes. Sounds that come from nowhere. The touch on your arm from the shadows ... HOW AFRAID ARE YOU NOW?
If you’re brave enough, read this weekly installment of OUR SHADOW WORLD. We will explore the myths and urban legends of our planet. From the creatures your grandparents told you they saw in the war, to the things found on an abandoned VHS tape on the side of the road. Nothing will be held back as we discover what people are afraid of in countries from all four corners of this world. Remember, all myths and legends start with some strand of the truth. Now let’s see if they stay are true or just turn out to be a good story!
OUR SHADOW WORLD
Why I Follow The Mysteries For over two semesters it has been my pleasure to introduce all of you to a subject I find extremely fascinating. I have enjoyed delving deep into the shadows of the world around us. To track down the truth behind what goes “bump” in the night. To take a deeper look at what made our ancestors cower in their caves and what has left our modern digital age baffled. I end every article with the line, “This is a strange world where new discoveries are made every day,” and there is nothing that could be more true. This is an amazing world and we have left such a mark on it. And with us, have come all our demons. For ages, we have tried to explain what was going on around us. At first, we believed it to be demons or gods controlling the world, cosmos, and even our lives. Once we accepted science, we learned about the natural processes that swirl around us in this plane of existence. Away went the boogie men of nature and time, and the spirits of misfortune and nightmares. We had the skills to find the truth of what was going on around us. That was for most things, and that is what I find interesting. Even with our scientific and technological minds, we humans are still baffled by many things. Things that might not have an easy answer. Things that do not fit in our preserved norm for our world. These things are the enduring myths and the urban legends we live with today. These things are what fascinate
me and drove me to want to share them with all of you. There is a truth somewhere with every myth and legend; we just need to dig deeper. And remember the truth might not make any sense to you. In my own life, many stories told around the campfire just to scare kids have been discovered to be true. Weird sounds on the radio turned out to be Cold War spy signals. Stories of missing people were found to be the work of one deranged killer and even this year, governments all around the world declassified papers that point to the knowledge of what we can call UFOs. More and more, as the years go by, the truth of so many of our favorite creature or ghost story will come to light. Please, keep an open mind. Keep your eyes, your ears and, your yourself open to the possibilities to some realities beyond your own. There are things, creatures, and events, out there that we do not have any answer to. But one day, we will know. Keep looking for the truth where ever it may lay. Be brave when you come face to face with that thing stalking your dreams. Stand your ground with that creature staring at you from the woods. Show sympathy for that voice of a lost soul in the graveyard. Keep your cameras handy and never stop looking for the truth because this is a strange world where new discoveries are made every day...
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DESIGN BY COM 101 STUDENT KATELYN STODDARD
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE