SMCC beacon 01/26/2016

Southern Maine Community College Issue 6, #8, January 26 2016 By the Students, for the Students

www.facebook.com/thebeacon.smcc | www.thesmccbeacon.wordpress.com

Campus News Alum Interview

Other World Zoo Cain

Op & Ed Shower Singing

Arts & Features SMCC & Space

Sports Hot Seawolves

Pages 3

Pages 4-5

Pages 7

Pages 9

Pages 11-12

SMCC : The Lay of the Land Illaria Dana Education Major

I

f you were to come to the SMCC Campus during late December and early January, the quiet would be haunting. Steam rises from the ocean into the frigid air. Students are off in their hometowns, preparing for the coming semester. The facades of buildings stand resolute, and quiet permeates all.

This impression of the South Portland Campus, however, is an illusion. Here lies a hub of intellectual activity, social progress, and spirited connection. Organizations and clubs in our community provide opportunities for students who are new and for returning students who want to increase their involvement.

There are physical changes to the Campus. The SMCC Seawall has been replaced. This is the wall that stretches from the pier to the breakwater that leads to Spring Point Ledge Light. This update ensures safety while walking on Campus near the Art Studios. Our integrity as a school is protected by the Seawall.

Returning students are familiar with the new design of the Learning Commons.

These renovations occurred during the summer of 2015. TRIO Support Services at SMCC has an office in the renovated Learning Commons. TRIO has its roots in the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 that was passed in the War on Poverty.

The purpose of TRIO is to provide at-risk students with the tools needed to succeed at SMCC.

TRIO has received a five-year grant from the Federal Government to operate here at SMCC. Students apply to be part of the program, and some students are referred.

The services, “provide support from the day you enter the program until the day you graduate with help from a dedicated Coach and a supportive group of peers.” Students who qualify may receive a scholarship for up to $1000 to help pay for their tuition and school expenses.

The TRIO office is located across the hall from the Financial Aid Office. Vincent J. Kloskowski, III, the Executive Director of TRIO Student Success Services, and Daniel Avila, TRIO Success Coach, spoke about the benefits and opportunities of working with the program.

Mr. Avila said, “The Trio Program is designed to provide advanced academic support to students who are in need. Our goal as a program is to enable students to (Continued on page 3)

Emerging Leaders Program

By Dierdre Glassford Hospitality Major

S

now has fallen and a crisp layer remains as Southern Maine Community College opens up its doors for the Spring semester. Even though it doesn’t feel like Spring just yet, students are springing into step, excited for another semester, and the fresh opportunities it provides. One of life’s many skills that help people succeed is a strong understanding of Leadership. Many future endeavors require leadership qualities, and leadership comes in many different styles and is shown in multiple ways. The question is, what types of ways is it shown, and how does it apply in real life?

Fortunately, SMCC’s Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (Cesil ) values an understanding of leadership and knows how vital a quality and skill it is. With that in mind, Shane Long, Director of Residence Life and Student Involvement, set out to create a program that focused on leadership and the role it plays in everyday life. After a while of brainstorming, Shane Long was able to pull on Alex Carrier, a graduate intern of the University of Conneticut to research and build a curriculum for a leadership program. Of that, the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) was born.

In the Fall of 2014 the first ever session of ELP set way, with 10 students excited and eager to learn and grow as leaders.

Led by Shane Long, Madelyn Holm, Greg Anderews, and teachers assistant Rik Sawyer, the first session of ELP was a huge hit! Designed to help students develop their own sense of what leadership is, and what it means to them, and giving them the opportunity to learn about basic leadership skills, ELP has been extremely successful in producing leaders in the SMCC community.

Shane Long, creator of ELP, has been cooking up this idea for years, but the timing was never right. Until now. When asked

about what he believes one of the biggest goals of the program would be, he said “It encourages students to take on leadership positions and helps to prepare them for that step, 4 of our current Resident Assistants (RA’s) are graduates of the program, and the current Phi Theta Kappa and Student Senate president is a graduate of the program as well.” Needless to say, the first year of the program was very successful.

Offering a semester’s worth of free and invigorating classes, the Emerging Leaders Program opens up the eyes of its class members. From a strengths test taken in the first couple of weeks of the program, to working with teammates to find a community benefiting project, to eye opening diversity training. When completed, the program is put on the student’s transcript and is an amazing and unique accomplishment to include on the resume. Students only need to register for the program before the semester’s ELP classes start, and commit to attending every class. Did we mention it was free?

With three graduated ELP classes, the program is only growing in innovation and capability. Bringing in admired and inspiring guest speakers, and bringing together people from all different walks of life, the Emerging Leaders Program offers a way to learn more about each individuals leadership styles. A student who graduates from ELP now has something more to look forward to with the Dirigo Leadership Program, the third installment in a line of leadership opportunities the Cesil office is now offering.

The Dirigo Program offers leadership training on a more individualized level, helping students to maximize their skills and expeiriance as leaders. The goal with the Dirigo program is to have it be beneficial to what students will use it for as they plan their next step, whether it be transferring to a 4 year college, or jumping into the workforce.

Students will have 6 group meetings and 4 mentoring sessions that are scheduled individually, all focused on raising that

level of leadership and preparing students for the real world. Danielle Despins, the Leadership Programs Advisor, and Rik Sawyer, former ELP TA and current Student Activities Advisor, are both facilitators for the ELP program and contributing creators of the Dirigo program. They will be leading the first session of the Dirigo program this spring, 2016. When asked what she hoped students would get out of the leadership programs currently being provided on campus, Danielle Despins answered “The development of leadership skills is an ongoing and everlasting process. Our goal is to provide students a foundation of tools for their continued journey. Our hope is students will graduate from the program with more confidence then when they started, a more robust understanding of their personal leadership styles and a stronger network of student leaders on campus.”

There is always room to wonder how the leaders of a leadership program are effected by their work. Does it change their perspective, or their leadership style?

Despins answered “I have always naturally gravitated toward leadership roles; however, until facilitating this course I had not broken down the layers of my leadership philosophy in order to define and teach it to others. As a result, I am much more conscientious as I make leadership decisions.”

Fall 2015’s ELP TA and 2015 Student of the Year, Maisarah Miskoon was never actually a student of the ELP program, however, she still feels she learned about her leadership style from being on the ELP team. “I wasn’t in ELP prior to becoming a facilitator because I felt that I was already a leader and was confident of my leadership strengths. As a facilitator, I got to share my experiences as a leader with ELP participants. But I learned about my other strengths and weaknesses during the small discussion sessions during ELP so that’s (Continued on page 3)

Alumnus Interview with Alex Shlyk Illaria Dana Education Major

A

lex Shlyk was a student at Southern Maine Community College from 2002 to 2003 in a “one year exchange program.” He is originally from Belarus, a European country that was part of the Soviet Union prior to declaring independence on July 27, 1990. He spoke about his life after SMCC, and the career he has developed since then as part of a NonGovernment Organization.

After he attended SMCC he, “went

back to the University in Belarus. After that I continued on to my Master’s [Degree] and a second Master’s elsewhere.”

At SMCC he was in a non-degree program, so he could take a variety of classes based on interest. “As part of my exchange program, I needed to specialize in something, so I picked Computer Science then I majored in Economics and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Economics in Belarus.”

“My job now is with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Within OSCE, I work for the department that deals with human rights,

democratic governance, things like this.

One of the departments in which I work is Elections. We basically observe elections everywhere, in the 57 countries of the Organization. Our job to is provide the independent, impartial assessment of how these elections go.

“Elections are more than just one day.

We monitor for a period of time, looking at things like media coverage, voter registration, how the campaigns are done, whether the candidates can say what they want, political finance, things like these.

It’s more than just one day’s observation,

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER IN BRUNSWICK

work enriches the learning environment specifications and installs an ability to and reflects key members of faculty and troubleshoot problems in the field or staff’s mission and efforts. The mission is to manufacturing environment. provide students the opportunity to develop Former department chair and faculty a relevant, valuable skill set empowered member, Andrew Schoenberg brough by a sense of leadership and dedication. teamwork and critical thinking into the The ability to provide learning environment. this has been crucial to The combination of THE MISSION the success of the classes exclusive curriculum and IS TO PROVIDE real world lab exercises, offered in Brunswick and will continue to set SMCC STUDENTS THE was producing students apart from other learning to accept any OPPORTUNITY prepared experiences and ensure challenge with a problem TO DEVELOP student success. solving approach and Based in Brunswick, an understanding of A RELEVANT, the Composite Science & failure and success.

VALUABLE Manufacturing program, These characteristics SKILL SET which was originally are invaluable in an developed as a workforce engineering environment EMPOWERED development program, has and equip a workforce

BY A SENSE OF with the mindset to recently been recognized LEADERSHIP as the only science based achieve any project and composites degree program overcome any challenge.

AND in the United States.

Collectively, we face DEDICATION. Through close affiliation challenges that will with industry, the cutting define our wellbeing and edge program was designed and tuned to shape our lives for years to come. These supply industry with a unique workforce challenges can be overcome if they are met capable of raising the bar. To the advantage with cooperation, ingenuity and persistent of students and industry, graduates fill dedication to achieve a resolution. With a voids in the workforce and increase the team of focused, like minded individuals possibilities of industry in Maine. there is great possibility and potential to The program allows students to work strengthen and advance society, creating a in a real world environment as a team, better world for ourselves and those who utilizing scientific principles to solve will build upon our work. industry related problems. Through the Through conversation students accurate documentation of data gathered have expressed an interest to form an during these labs, businesses gain organization composed of students from all valuable information and can improve aspects of engineering, technology, science, their manufacturing processes. This direct and business. There is ever a call to increase connection with business has proven to be the number of brightened minds and voices invaluable and risen the importance and leading the way ahead. The Industry value of the program exponentially. The Awareness, Science and Engineering Maine composites industry and students Organization will seek to establish a benefit greatly from the lab experiments powerhouse of students and faculty conducted at the Maine Advanced interested in strengthening the relationship Technology and Engineering Center in between the varying departments at SMCC Brunswick. while providing the opportunity to share The Composites Industry in Maine their concerns for the future of ALL industry is a rapidly growing, flourishing job in Maine and develop ideas and methods to market. Composites have an impressive solve the many problems faced in today’s strength to weight ratio and due to industry. their non corrosive properties impact An objective of the organization will the environment significantly less be to establish a team of students capable than traditional construction materials. of completing a project that would provide Composite laminates are made from a industry with valuable information or a combination of fiber reinforcement, such as product prototype that was ready for field fiberglass or carbon fiber, and a polymer or testing. plastic matrix that binds the fibers together. As we all move forward in different Understanding the science involved with directions, it is important to stay bonded to this process allows technicians to select each other. The future of one is the future of materials appropriate for desired product all.

Constitution Through Expression: Joel Messinger, Composite Science & Manufacturing Major

T

he Brunswick campus continues to grow and promote a learning environment that exemplifies community. Students resonate with a sense of focus and dedication to their success and in parallel the success of their peers.

An impressive, reinforcing amount of support is exercised by students who take it upon themselves to form study groups, assist embattled peers, and provide peerto-peer advising.

The cohesion of leadership and team

Alex (Sasha) Shlyk

By the Students, for the Students

www.facebook.com/thebeacon.smcc | www.thesmccbeacon.wordpress.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Illaria Dana Aiden Bothwell Abraham Chouinard Samuel Carlson

Joel Messinger Illaria Dana Diedree Glassford Illaria Dana

Executive Editor Creative Director Art Director Social Media Manager

SECTION EDITORS

though that is also included in countries that need it.

“This is the essence of the work I am doing. Of course it includes small details of how to get specific things done, but it boils down to observing elections. We sometimes work in countries that are different in their levels of democracy, but we are always welcome. We don’t go if we aren’t welcome.

If we cannot do the job we are intended to do, we should not go. If we come, we are sure that we are going to be properly treated and given the protection and access that we need.”

Campus News Op & Ed Arts & Features Other World

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Evelyn Waugh, Garrick Hoffman, Oona Foley, Ian Ziller, Hannah Martin, Chris Motley, Christian Guthrie, and Erik Squire

Comment on our articles at The Beacon website: www.thesmccbeacon.wordpress.com

2 THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

Student Senate Synopsis Erik Squire – Student Senate President Education Major

H

ello and welcome back SMCC! The Student Senate is going to be doing some pretty amazing things this semester, and we just wanted to take some time to let you know about them.

For starters, we have been collaborating with our Automotive Program so we can offer free/cheap car services to SMCCgoers. This means that you can bring your car to campus to have some servicing done

on it; stay tuned for more information on this great opportunity!

Also, last semester the Student Senate was working on a proposal to change “Columbus Day” to “Indigenous People’s Day” for the entire Maine Community College System (MCCS), so as not to honor an infamous man, but rather remember the natives of the Americas.

This semester we will be reaching out to the other Student Senates from each community college across the state to ask for their support in our proposal to the MCCS.

Another objective that the Student Senate has this semester is to promote student connectedness by hosting social events on campus for all students to attend. The idea behind this is, many students find it difficult to make connections and start friendships their first semester, and these connections can be vital to academic success. The more we feel a part of the community here at SMCC, the more likely we are to stay here and be successful. We are also encouraging each academic department to host their own social events so that students of the same

make sure they love the project.” Monica Klein, ELP Grad Spring 2015

“I have used the education I’ve learned in the program by working on my leadership skills with other people at both of my jobs, especially at Shaws, where I am a night manager. I try to get others to work together and respect each other. Sometimes others like to try to tackle everything on their own, but it definitely works to their disadvantage most of the time. This class has helped me work with my associates to ensure that everyone feels important to their job and so that they can have the confidence to know that they have leadership skills as well,” said Isaiah Lemay, ELP Graduate Fall 2014, CNMS graduate.

“I loved how I got to compare mine and my teammates abilities, and work together to see how our own strengths could best be used. We truly were a team of leaders, not just one leader and a team of followers!”said

Erik Squire, ELP graduate Spring 2015, Phi Theta Kappa and Student Senate President

“I would recommend to future students to make sure they have some spare time to devote to this class as it is a worthwhile commitment. I have used the lessons learned in ELP to help with my video production career and to lead as a better director. I very much enjoyed the comfortable atmosphere and all of the lessons of how to be a better leader and how that can apply to your life,” according to Alexander Balzano, ELP graduate Spring 2015, CNMS graduate.

Find you are interested in participating in one of these amazing programs? You are NOT TOO LATE! The first class of the Spring 2016 ELP session will begin on February 3rd, 2016! Classes are an hour and a half once a week on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 and is a class you will NOT want to miss out on! Register at elpsmcc. wordpress.com before the 3rd to reserve your spot!

Emerging Leaders (continued from page 1) pretty helpful” With hopes to bring the ELP and DLP programs to the midcoast campus in Brunswick, the fast progression of this full spectrum of leadership opportunities can only be attributed to the extreme success of the program. With strong leaders willing to put in the hours, these programs have grown and continue to improve and change.

“I don’t want the program to get stale. We are constantly trying to improve and make changes to the curriculum,” Shane Long said in a meeting to talk about where he sees the program going in the next couple of years.

Many ELP graduates find that they still hold a special place in their heart for the program. Here is what some of them had to say!

“I loved discovering my unique leadership style. Today it’s a tool that helps me stay motivated and confident in my abilities. I would tell future ELP students to

emajors (and possibly of the same interests) can meet each other, collaborate, and start meaningful relationships.

Lastly, the student Senate would like to start our own Campus Kitchen. This community service model utilizes a kitchen on campus (in our college’s case, possibly Sedexo’s kitchen), and then our students repurpose food from the community and make that food into healthy meals for the community. The goal is to help feed our students better so that they can focus on their academic work instead of worrying about what, and even if, they’re going to eat.

Campus Kitchens have been implemented in many colleges across the US. If SMCC is successful in implementing our own, we will be the first college in Maine to do so!

Though these aforementioned ideas have the potential to be great, none of them could be possible without people who care about others and work together to take positive action. If you think you might be someone who wants to work towards a better college community, then please consider joining the Student Senate.

We meet every Wednesday at 4:30-6pm in Jewett Hall Auditorium. Also, if you are part of a student organization on campus, please consider representing your club at the Senate so that you can request funds for your club.

For more info please contact: eriktsquire@smccme.edu.

Best regards SMMC!

SMCC: The Lay of the Land (Continued from page 3)

be successful both in school and in life. The services we can provide are well-rounded and in depth. We can talk about financial management, resumé writing, how to obtain work, and interview, in addition to providing guidance and mentoring students while they are in school.”

Mr. Kloskowski echoed the collaborative nature of TRIO between students, coaches, and other service programs available at SMCC. “We’re delighted that Southern Maine Community College has now been able to offer students TRIO services. It’s nice that we will have a cohort of 140 students at any time that we will be working with here.

That is what our grant has been budgeted for. We have other success programs that we are partnering with, such as the Academic Success Program, The Path to Graduation Program, the Early Maine Scholars Program, so we are really collaborating to make best use of shared resources for students.”

He continued, saying, “We want to be inclusive. We’re here to help students navigate the process of meeting their goals.

Personally, I’ve spent over twenty years in higher education administration. I’ve worked with students through the enrollment process and academic success programs. This is an exciting opportunity to come to SMCC with a team to help build these services for students.”

Many students and faculty members are aware that SMCC has a deficit, and this deficit must be addressed. Data has been released about the number of full-time

students in each program, the program’s cost, and the revenue generated by the program. This information will be used in order to restructure the programs offered at SMCC based on student involvement.

If you are concerned about SMCC’s future, you can attend the upcoming Community Conversation in the HUB gym on February 19, from 1-4pm. This event is similar to the Community Café that occurred last winter. Students and faculty members are encouraged to voice their opinions about the future of SMCC and, just as importantly, to listen to the ideas of others.

Another opportunity to take action for the future of SMCC will occur this month.

A select group of state legislators will meet with students on Campus on Saturday, January 30. Students can act as advocates for SMCC to secure support from the state.

This is an excellent chance to share your experiences as a student with legislators and impress the vitality of our programs and the educational opportunities you have received.

President Ronald Cantor will be in attendance at the Community Conversation and the meeting between students and legislators on January 30. He is optimistic for the future of SMCC and feels equipped to help navigate the necessary changes as SMCC evolves to meet the changing needs of students.

President Cantor emphasized the importance of having opportunities for students. “The fact is that a lot of students who come here don’t finish, don’t transfer,

don’t graduate. That’s a problem for a lot of people. It’s a problem for the students. It’s a problem for the college. It’s a problem for the economy and the community. We want to help students accomplish their goals, so I would say our emphasis is on student success. We can define that in a few different ways, but transfer and graduation are key elements.”

President Cantor continued, “The reason that I don’t like to use the word ‘retention’ too much is because retention is from the institution’s point of view. It’s not all about the institution. It’s about the students and their success. Part of their success is going out to the community and the economy. If we want students to be successful, we have to build a different kind of experience for students.”

Along with the changes occurring at SMCC, there are some resources that new and returning students should be aware of.

SMCC offers free counseling services. These services can be obtained by appointment by contacting Penny Remick at 207-741-5629 or by emailing counseling@smccME.edu.

Appointments are available from 8am to 5pm on Monday through Friday. Additionally, Kelsey Lavalle, a USM counseling intern, will be available on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The SMCC Campus Security Office offers escort services for students. If you would like to be escorted to your car after a late study session or course, you can fill out a request for the date and time and submit

this to Campus Security. No one ever needs to feel unsafe or alone on campus.

Opportunities for scholarships can be found on the SMCC website. They are located on the left column of the My Maine Guide page.

If students are looking for ways to actively engage with their peers, broaden their experiences, and strengthen their academic portfolio, there are many clubs available.

These clubs reflect the dynamic interests of students and range from art and education to business and nursing. A full list of the clubs and their meeting times can be found in the Campus Life section of My Maine Guide.

Many students use their time at SMCC as the launchpad for career goals and continuing education. SMCC partners with local schools such as the University of Southern Maine, the University of New England, and Saint Joseph’s to make transferring seamless. For female students, SMCC has a strong relationship with Smith College and Mount Holyoke College. The Career and Transfer Services Office located in the Academic Success Center can help you transition towards your goals.

Innumerable opportunities and services exist at SMCC. Students who are proactive about pursuing their interests will receive returns from their efforts. These returns will manifest in friendships, new ideas, and allow the college experience unfold as the adventure that it is.

THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

3

Finding Joy in your Life’s Work AN INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL ARTIST, ZOO CAIN Illaria Dana Education Major

Z

oo Cain is a local artist, cancer survivor, and sober person. He raised three children. He attended and left Portland School of Art (now Maine College of Art), because he wanted to study printmaking and lithography, “and they didn’t get to that stuff til the third year!”

He has found his own way to create, and he creates prolifically. In his own words, “I’m finishing five to six art works a week, all the time. I’m sitting in a unique position of an artist who actually gets to live.”

Being sober for a quarter of a century is bound to make a huge difference to people.

Zoo describes his experiences in recovery.

“I finally went and took a seat at the oldest and most divinely inspired 12 Step Program, and yes, I was saved from ongoing demise and utter destruction. 25 or so years later, I rest and thrive in the guidance of the spirit world.”

Humble may not be the first word that jumps into your mind when talking with Zoo. He is never afraid to offer his opinion.

He can be seen in shorts in the winter. He says, “If one more person has a cow about the shorts in this weather, I’ll just lose it,” and laughs. He carries around his work with him, wooden boards that he fills with color and toolboxes with pastels and pencils. His art has a geometry about it, but geometry alone does not do the work justice.

What is humble about Zoo is his devotion to service which is a devotion to other people. He brings meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous to jails and institutions. When members of the community are sick, he brings meetings into their hospital rooms.

He told me about a group of elementary school students that he guided. He said, “I gave them all wooden boards, rulers and colored pencils. In an hour, they were all making this crazy art.”

When discussing the character traits that will keep him spiritually fit, he mentions patience. “Patience, I think, is the key to everything. To living a good life, to breathing properly, just everything you can think of.

It’s a word I never even hear. Do you ever

Zoo Cain at his home in Portland hear that word? It’s never bandied about in this country. I think patience is very, very crucial.”

What is remarkable about Zoo’s art is not the elegant combination of geometry and color. What is remarkable is that he has found his artistic voice and has pursued this voice relentlessly. His house is filled with his work, and you can find it all over Portland especially in church basements and stores that he frequents.

What draws attention to Zoo is more than his expansive repertoire of art, though the art on its own is compelling. The Portland Press Herald ran an article on a benefit held to raise funds for his cancer treatment in April 2015. He is the subject of a documentary in the works called Peace, Love and Zoo. People are drawn to Zoo, people who are not addicts, alcoholics, artists, or cancer

survivors. This can only be explained by his authenticity.

“I don’t know anybody who has done it like me. The one I am probably most closely related to, as far as I can tell, is Keith Moon.

He was a wild drummer. He played out of time. He drank and did so much other dope viciously, but he never got sober. He died that way. I somehow did all that… Well, for one thing, people weren’t wining and dining me all the time, and I didn’t have a ton of money. Here I am though. I haven’t smoked a cigarette in 25 years or done this or that.

I’m sitting in a spot where I may not pass away from that.

“Aggravation was my father’s middle name. Peace-making was my mother’s. I think we drag a lot of stuff from our parents.

Even though people like you and I, as far as I can tell, are pretty self-made, we ignore

the stuff from our parents and go on our own trip, because we are fairly authentic.

That being said, I still think we have DNA, the blood, and a lot of what we witness that comes along with us. It’s kind of like being with a partner for a year. You’re going to soak up a lot of their stuff.”

How does he deal with the past? He continues to dedicate himself to living in the moment. “I don’t want to get disgusted with life before it’s time. Or ever. Why would I ever want to get disgusted with anything?”

It is easy to believe that one’s life has little effect on other people. From talking with Zoo, it becomes obvious that even the humblest life has enormous power.

If you still aren’t taking advantage of the Learning Commons’ services, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

COMMONS

Come up to the second floor of Campus Center and see what we’re about. We’ve got COMFY FURNITURE, quiet and group friendly areas, and plenty of room to work.

Come on your own or bring your study group – there’s room for everyone to succeed in the Learning Commons!

Don’t miss out, Mid-Coast: Derek is in the Library EVERY THURSDAY! Come to the L.L. Bean Learning & Health Science Center to get Tutoring and make use of study spaces, and now get help with Library resources, too.

4 THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

SMCC’S EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM STARTS FEBRUARY 3RD TO SIGN UP. OR TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON HOW ELP CAN HELP YOU, PLEASE VISIT: ELPSMCC.WORDPRESS.COM

Always Growing A LOOK AT DAVID BOWIE’S LIFE

IS VIRTUAL REALITY A GIMMICK?

D

B

By Christian Guthrie Communications & New Media Major

Illaria Dana Education Major

avid Bowie died from cancer on January 10, 2016 in Manhattan.

He was a prodigious pop icon and released 27 records from 1967 to 2016, along with a slew of live albums.

Due to the sheer volume of his work and the recognition he received, he became a figure of public consciousness. His unique appearance, which he had no fear of changing and parading, endorsed the message that it is important to be authentic.

Authenticity is a process that benefits from experimentation.

His death has affected many people. In a time where pop icons are like demigods, their lives are filled with meaning. Their lives act as parables, informing people of what is possible. As leaders, their responsibility is to articulate the needs of individuals as society evolves and changes.

Humankind cannot remain stagnant.

Change is the material of life.

As new ideas of equality, justice, and freedom permeate the threads of politics and education, as relationships between people and leaders shift, icons demonstrate new ideologies and new ways of being.

They do, or they don’t earn their keep.

Music is an art that transcends all temporal boundaries. New generations have found Bowie’s music from the 60s and 70s relevant to their own struggles to be themselves. He has defied the boundaries of nations, economics, gender and other distinctions that are experienced in daily life. This is a gift. The role of the icon is not to separate the famous from the humble.

The icon unifies powerful people and small people in the often tedious, but ever beautiful, struggle to be one’s true self.

In an interview in 1999, Bowie discussed why he became a musician. He said, “I wanted to be a musician, because it seemed rebellious. It seemed subversive.

It felt like one could effect change to a form. It was very hard to hear music when I was younger. When I was really young, you had to tune into AFM radio to hear the American records. There was no MTV, and there was no wall-to-wall, sort of blanket of, music. Therefore, it had a kind of call to arms feeling about it. This is the thing that will change things. This is a dead-dodgey occupation to have. It still produced sighs of horror in people to say, ‘I’m in rock’n’roll.’

Now it’s a kind of career opportunity.”

The paradigm of society shifts in great swings. It is hard to imagine rock’n’roll as subversive and secretive. Young people today, however, have witnessed paradigm shifts.

Marriage equality is an example of a taboo idea becoming a human right. Many people and institutions resisted the change towards marriage equality. However, an active group of individuals and advocates permeated the conscience of our nation. A threshold of support was reached, and our laws changed.

This threshold needed for change was reached through communication and the freedom of information. Even those

ack in 2011, a gentleman known as Palmer Lucky was developing a prototype for a head mounted display that would track head movements and simulate them in Virtual Reality.

It wasn’t long until John Carmack (co-founder of ID Software) tested out Lucky’s early prototype design. After an announcement that Doom 3: BFG Edition would support head mounted displays, it appeared that the concept of Virtual Reality could potentially be a profitable endeavor.

Within a matter of months Palmer formed a company called Oculus VR. The company launched a Kickstarter on August 1st, 2012 in hopes of getting funding to bring the Oculus to life.

...IT SEEMS THAT who did not agree were forced to hear the stories of gay people who wanted freedom.

The inequality could not be suppressed or ignored. It became a part of society’s consciousness and had to be addressed through legal action.

David Bowie perceived the role of the Internet as just as transformative to society as rock’n’roll had once been. He said, “The Internet now carries the flag of the subversive and the rebellious. And it’s chaotic and nihilistic. Oh yes it is. The monopolies [of internet providers] do not have a monopoly. Maybe on the programs…

From where I stand, by virtue of that I am a pop singer and writer, I embrace the idea that there is a new demystification process going on between the artist and the audience.”

Bowie ties the invention of the Internet to accessibility of information. The accessibility of information is essential for a society to grow. When only a few have knowledge, when the stories of individuals are not told, the power lies with those in charge of the information. This is how injustice occurs: silently, or with false information. A political power imbalance exists when politicians know more than the people they govern. A social power imbalance exists when icons are idolized for more than their human characteristics and their work.

Bowie continues to say, “Now there are subgroups and genres...It’s a communal kind of thing. It’s becoming more and more about the audience, because the point of having somebody who led the forces has disappeared. The vocabulary of rock is too well known. It’s not devoid of meaning, but it is a conveyor of information. The internet has taken over [this role]. I find that a terribly exciting area.” There is no longer a need for subversive ideas, ideas that are not recognized by the political or social majority, to come from a single individual or group. As we become more educated and more informed as a people, our opinions become more relevant. Americans are less

and less willing to be governed through fear of what may happen. Americans are capable of evaluating information and making sound decisions using the vehicle of democracy, the press, and the Internet.

Bowie sees this shift in power between the musician and the audience. “It’s almost as if the artist is accompanying the audience in what they’re doing. This feeling is permeating music and permeating the Internet.” As music was used as a revolutionary tool, the Internet will be used to connect individuals and disengage the differences between nations, economics, and genders.

Bowie can trace the historical context behind this movement toward equality between icons and individuals. He says, “Up until the mid 70s we felt we were still living under the guise of a single, absolute society where there were known truths and known lies, and there was no kind of duplicity, or pluralism, about the things that we believed in. That started to break down rapidly in the 70s. There are always two, three, four, five sides to every question. The singularity is gone, and that has produced such a medium as the Internet.”

In order to continue to grow, individuals must be able to be their authentic selves and voice their ideas and opinions. This is reflected in the idea of a liberal education in which students are confronted with many ideas from many disciplines. It is important to be reminded that the commodity we now use so frequently and absent-mindedly, the Internet, is a revolutionary tool that connects people from all backgrounds to an infinite body of information.

As we mourn the death of David Bowie, we can continue to embrace his ideas of social change, equality, and outspokenness.

As he said, “The President [of the United States], when the telephone was invented, was outrageous and said there will be a day when every town in America will have a telephone!” The idea of an outspoken, informed population may not be as remote as it seems.

THE LAUNCH WILL CONSIST OF A LOT OF EARLY ADOPTERS WHO ARE EAGER TO SUPPORT THE IDEA OF VIRTUAL REALITY. It didn’t take too long to reach its funding goal of 2.5 million dollars.

Multiple well-regarded developers in the industry praised the Oculus for its innovation and potential on how video games are played.

Since then, many developers have released games with Oculus support, which added a whole new layer of immersion to a game. The Oculus has been worked on for quite some time, but finally on March 28th of this year it will be available for everyone to buy.

The only concern so far is the price.

Palmer recently detailed how much a “PC ready” Oculus would cost in order to get the optimal experience.

With an already steep $600 price tag, you would need a gaming PC around $1500 to actually use it. $2100 for anything is already alienating a portion of your audience, however it is understandable that Oculus VR needs some return on their investment.

For now it seems that the launch will consist of a lot of early adopters who are eager to support the idea of virtual reality. While the industry may be ready for this technology, are the consumers? How much can the Oculus add to a gameplay experience and is it worth the price? Hopefully these questions will be answered when the Oculus is available to everyone this year.

THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

5

I Haven’t Been the Same Since Anonymously Submitted

A

few years ago, I was offered to try “magic mushrooms” for the first time. All the DARE program information began to regurgitate in my head about how drugs are bad, and hallucinogens particularly are bad, causing brain damage, addiction, and wanton behavior. Back then, I had a very Kantian view of drugs; they were fundamentally and morally wrong, so I just shouldn’t do them. However, my natural curiosity was sparked.

Why do people take it if it’s so wrong and bad for you? A new utilitarian view was already taking shape regarding drug use.

I used to think the same about marijuana, a drug that I indulged in recreationally. I was neither an addict, nor did I feel I was an immoral person. I was a successful adult, and not anything like the marijuana addicts depicted on television. Marijuana had been a medicinal relief for my persistent anxiety and depression. It had not affected me the way that the DARE programs said it would, and I wasn’t a bad person for using it. Could the same be said for psychedelics?

I took it upon myself to research the issue, reading scientific journals and even engaging myself in a documentary (Neurons to Nirvana) discussing the matter. What I found was contrary to what I had believed for years. Psychedelics are non-habit forming.

“Well that’s a relief,” I said to myself. “At least now if I do try it, I won’t have to worry about being trapped in an endless cycle of addiction.”

But what if it causes brain damage, or worse, kills me after one try? I certainly

didn’t want to die or live my life in a wheel chair because I wanted to try something.

But there are no reported instances of death, and any evidence of brain damage was the result of persistent long-time use, which, since psychedelics are non-habit forming, shouldn’t be a problem. In a matter of hours, my three main deterrents were all disproven; intelligent, educated professionals, scientifically-involved, were saying there was no cause for concern over addiction, brain damage, and death. In fact, the scientists were saying that taking psychedelics can be beneficial to mental health, helping with depression, anxiety, and, ironically, addiction.

I was shaken to my core after encountering this new information. For years I believed it was immoral for me to try any mind altering drugs because it would hurt me and the people around me. But science was showing me that this idea was false. Not just false, but the exact opposite of what I believed. Hundreds of interviews with individuals who experimented with psychedelics reported having incredible personal insights, changing their perspective on themselves and how they relate to the world. “I haven’t been the same since,” one woman tearfully explained after her experience with ayahuasca, another hallucinogenic drug. How can taking mushrooms be morally wrong, if so many people are reporting primarily positive experiences with psychedelics?

My Kantian morals on the concept of hallucinogens was waning and a more Utilitarian view was taking hold; having a positive life changing experience seemed

WISH

Workshops In Studying Here

WISH workshops are walk-in workshops on college study and success skills. These are free to all SMCC STUDENTS. Come to a variety of workshops and receive help with: All workshops are held in the Library’s group study • TIME MANAGEMENT area (the former Writing Center), located in the • PROCRASTINATION CAMPUS CENTER in South Portland, LEARNING • EFFECTIVE READING Hours: COMMONS, 2ND FLOOR. • NOTE TAKING • TEST TAKING • STUDY SKILLS

12:30-1:00

TIME MANAGEMENT PROCRASTINATION EFFECTIVE READING NOTE TAKING TEST TAKING STUDY SKILLS

Jan 26 - 28 Feb 2 - 4 Feb 9 - 11

For more information MY SMCC > My Maine Guide > My Learning Can’t make it to an in-person workshop?

WISH video tutorials are on BLACKBOARD in “WISH - My Study Skills Class”

Adapted from a design

by Alex Brooks

South Portland Campus 6 THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

morally right for everyone. It didn’t make sense any more that trying mushrooms was inherently immoral. So I took a deep breath, and decided to try it myself.

I was nervous, very nervous. As I held my “shroom” sandwich to my face, all the years of my Kantian beliefs were screaming in my head. I almost felt ashamed for making it this far. But my new Utilitarian beliefs were emerging, gently encouraging me to try it. After I ate my sandwich, it was another hour before the trip began.

Time seemed to melt away. My thoughts were disjointed, but they made all the sense in the world to me. I wandered into my backyard, a mundane scene on any other day, but today I was awestruck by the beauty of the trees, the grass, and the flowers. I felt powerfully connected to it all, watching the plants “breathe” in the same way that I breathe. During the experience, I confronted the truths about myself that I had safely tucked away. My issues with anxiety and depression were coming to light; all the denial I was in was gone, and the realities that I had buried so deep were now front and center in my mind.

I was afraid, terribly afraid. All those memories and feelings I thought were gone and forgotten were now as iridescent as the grass appeared in the moonlight. After it was over, it was clear to me that I should not ignore what I had learned that night, I must deal with the inner demons that had plagued me all these years. The next day I made an appointment with a therapist; I decided that I was not going to hide from the truth anymore. I wanted to be happy.

My decision to try mushrooms was not

an easy one. I was met with the morals that were instilled in me by the authorities of my childhood; is it right to take mushrooms?

Would this hurt me or people around me?

After my experience, the “pleasure” far outweighs the “pain”, and I feel anything but immoral. I have been on a path of selfdiscovery since that fateful day. I am no longer in denial about myself or my feelings.

I relate to my environment differently and have a much more optimistic view on life.

Those closest to me have made a point to say they have seen a positive change in me. My relationships have improved dramatically, not just with friends and family, but also with myself. The only true pain felt, was the fear I felt as I confronted my darkest thoughts and memories, and I had a slight hangover after the experience. The benefits have been life altering. I haven’t been the same since. I’m grateful to say that I didn’t let my previously Kantian views deter me from this experience. I’m glad that I took a more utilitarian approach, seeing this as morally right.

The positive changes have had a rippling effect on my life, and maybe consequently, on the lives of others.

Psychedelics, like abortion, is an option that should be available to mature adults. These adults can then decide if taking psychedelics is right for them and their situation. I believe it is a moral obligation to make this option available to society, as it has a more “pleasurable” effect then a “painful” one.

From the Editor’s Desk Illaria Dana Education Major

T

he Beacon that you are holding is the 79th consecutive issue printed without missing a deadline. We have an incredible opportunity here to connect with our values, our readers, and ourselves.

The Beacon allows for students to engage in what they believe in. It is a platform for student ideas and interests. In it, we report the news of our community, our practices, and of the world at large.

A liberal education asks more of students than to siphon information. A liberal education asks students to think critically. As a microcosm of this larger educational experience, The Beacon asks its reporters to engage with the world around them and form a response.

Educators want their students to be self-directed learners. This trait is valuable in the workplace. Self-direction is essential for success in the domains of school and work, sure, but it also leads individuals to myriad places of wonder and expression.

The thoughts that you have floating around and the hours you spend musing on different ideas have relevance. Your passions allow The Beacon to flourish.

As students, we encounter ideas and events that cause emotional reactions.

When these reactions inspire action, students become agents of positive change.

The Beacon connects writers with faculty and programs at SMCC that are sites of progression and change. Through these connections students can understand and influence policies on campus. In pursuit of a story, writers gain an insider’s perspective of events on and beyond campus.

At SMCC, we have a dynamic student body. Our students are individuals from foreign countries, parents with children and families, and people who have decided to seek an alternate path to higher education.

We offer degree programs that allow students to transfer to four year institutions and vocational programs where students are certified for jobs. This is a rare crosssection. All walks of life are included. Our newspaper must reflect the diversity of our students which requires unique volunteers.

Writers are offered the chance to work in a professional atmosphere. As writers interview, gather information, edit, and inform, they develop practices that are valued in professional and academic communities.

The Beacon also needs photographers, illustrators, and layout designers. A cohesive vision and team are essential to creating this vital paper. The vision is to enable students to refine and share their skills as they progress onward in their academic and professional lives. If you are interested in joining The Beacon, please contact Illaria Dana at illariardana@smccme.edu.

Be Informed, Be Prepared, Live The Beacon Editorial Staff

S

ometime this week Southern Maine Community College will be conducting an Emergency Lockdown exercise. The exercise will only be a drill with the intent of helping SMCC assess the response and what aspects need fine-tuning.

The day and time of the drill has not and will not be announced.

Last Friday, Tiffanie Bentley, SMCC Dean of Students, informed the SMCC community via email of the exercise. While there is no one size fits all set of guidelines for responding to an active shooter scenario there is information on the Safety and Security page of My Maine Guide that specifically pertains to an active shooter scenario. There are also guidelines for reporting a person of concern.

Emergency Alerts via email and cellphone are also available and signing up for the service is free and simple. After logging onto My Maine Guide (the student portal), enter your cell phone number in the “SMCC Emergency Alerts” box at the

bottom of the page.

Below are guidelines that should be followed during the exercise.

• Remain calm. Encourage others to remain calm.

• Lock or barricade all doors if possible.

• If possible, cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into a hallway.

• Shut the blinds or pull the shades down.

Turn off the lights and try to give the impression that the room is empty.

• Stay low, away from windows and doors.

• Sit on the floor or crouch under or behind desks and bookshelves to be as invisible as possible.

• Put all cell phones into vibrate or silent mode.

• Call Security only if new or specific information becomes available regarding the location or conduct of the intruder or if the status of the emergency changes.

• Be as quiet as possible.

• DO NOT respond to anyone at the door until you receive an “all clear” emergency

A Just Society

By Ian Zillar Liberal Arts

T

here are many social issues that circle the world today. One issue to look at is the concept of justice.

Justice is the basic idea of the rule of law and how society is governed.

For example, a just society is usually democratic and as we have a system where our laws are essentially created by the people, these laws are usually more just than simply a law created by a dictator or

king. However, the law does have to be just and a law that answers to the will of the people and protects the rights of the minority is just, whereas a law that does not is an unjust law.

For example, a law created by a king would be unjust because it was created not by the will of the people, but by someone who is willing to simply decide although that does not make it an unjust law just the length of their law legitimates the law.

The Broccoli DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER? Yarmouth, Maine Hannah Martin CMNS Major

L

ocal teen Edward Harmon of Yarmouth Maine has become a national superstar. He records his songs from within the shower. The Broccoli spoke with Edward about his accomplishment. “I always sang in the shower; it was where I sounded the best.

So I thought why don’t I just start recording music in here?” said Edward. After telling his family about what he wanted to do they went and installed a large shower in their backroom so that Edward could record his music while still letting the family to shower. Edward has many hits out that you can purchase on iTunes. Hits like, “Who Dropped the Soap?” “Squeaky Clean,” and “My Life Is a Living Nightmare.”

POLITICS

Chris Motley CMNS Major

A

recent poll done in various counties of Central and Southern Maine asked conservatives one question: How do you feel about President Obama’s currently unknown agendas for his last year in office?

The results of this poll may surprise you- a staggering number of conservatives made it clear that they are ready to oppose Obama’s next plan, whatever that may be, on account of its being an egregious attack on their personal freedoms.

“I just don’t trust the guy,” said one college student, an avid member of the skeet and hunting clubs at his university. “He just has no respect for the constitution, or any of us.”

When prompted more specifically about the now-unknown bill President Obama will be backing four months from now, he had this to say: “I don’t know what it is, but whatever it is, it’s infringing on my second and/or first amendment rights.

This is at first a surprising result- but makes more sense when one considers Obama’s unequivocal promise to take away every single gun in America at the turn of 2015.

alert from the College. Emergency alerts include text messages, emails, phone messages, or messages flashed on collegeowned computer screens.

• If police enter your secured area and direct you to leave, assist others in moving as quietly and quickly as possible.

• Do not pull the fire alarm in the building unless there is a fire. People may be in danger when attempting to evacuate the building. If a fire alarm does go off during a lockdown, do not evacuate unless you smell smoke or see fire in your area.

• If you are outside a building when a

lockdown is announced and it is safe to do so, run into the nearest building and follow the above instructions.

• If it is not safe to run into a building, hide behind a large heavy object (such as a vehicle or tree). Notify Security of your location when it is safe to do so.

• Be aware of alternate exits in case it becomes necessary to evacuate.

• Individuals should not attempt to leave a building until told to do so by police, or an “all clear” emergency alert that is issued by the College.

Three Reasons why I Like Bernie Sanders

By Ian Zillar Liberal Arts

W

ith this year’s election, how are we to determine whom to vote for? The choice has to be which of the candidates you like best and the traits that you like about each of them. Today, I shall describe the many reasons why I like them or dislike them. One candidate that I like is Bernie Sanders, and here are three reasons why: One this is the fact of his morals and the fact that he is a man of principle and stands up for what he believes

and has not changed his principles in his time in office.

The second thing that I like about Bernie Sanders is his views on money in politics. Bernie Sanders believes that corporations should not be allowed to spend however much they want in order to influence and buy elections so that they eventfully are able to take control of our democracy.

Another view of Bernie Sanders that I like is his view that there should be a free education system and that he wants to see to it that college is free. So these are three facts about Bernie sanders that I like.

Counseling Services are now Available The Counseling Office located in Howe Hall, room 304, is now open Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm and ready to help.

Appointments can be made by phone or email; all conversations are confidential and take place in a safe environment.

Our students are our most important resource. Let us know how we can support you in helping yourself.

To make an appointment please email Penny Remick at counseling@smccme.edu, or call 207-741-5629.

South Portland, Maine

THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

7

Progression Through Expression: Up to the Challenge In Brunswick Joel Messinger Composite Science & Manufacturing Major

T

he fall semester saw an increase in student involvement. Student involvement creates the opportunity for new relationships to be forged and existing relationships to be strengthened.

Increased student involvement has opened up the door for new groups to be formed and positions to be filled, enhancing the already existing student support system and college experience. The new L.L. Bean Learning Commons, along with the state of the art nursing lab and classrooms, are a hub for students to connect with classmates and receive valuable guidance.

The current order of students at the Midcoast campus resonates with a sense of focus and dedication to their success and parallels the success of their peers. An impressive, reinforcing amount of support is exercised by students who take it upon themselves to form study groups, assist struggling peers, and provide peer-to-peer advising. This level of student involvement promotes student success and works handin-hand with faculty’s efforts to provide students with endless opportunities.

This cohesion of leadership and team

work enriches the learning environment and reflects key faculty members and the staff’s mission and efforts. These provide students the opportunity to develop a relevant, valuable skill set and be empowered by a sense of leadership and dedication.

There are many challenges faced by students and faculty, just like there are many challenges faced by businesses and industries across the United States.

These challenges can be overcome if they are met with cooperation, ingenuity and persistent dedication to achieve resolution. It has always been an American interest to push past the boundaries we know and test our courage as individuals and a nation. This allows us to reach beyond our grasp and strengthen

IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN AMERICAN INTEREST TO PUSH PAST THE BOUNDARIES WE KNOW AND TEST OUR COURAGE AS INDIVIDUALS AND A NATION.

WISH

Workshops In Studying Here

WISH workshops are walk-in workshops on college study and success skills.

These are free to all SMCC STUDENTS. Come to a variety of workshops and receive help with: Room 106B of the • TIME MANAGEMENT LL Bean Learning Commons and Hours: • PROCRASTINATION Health Science Center • EFFECTIVE READING • NOTE TAKING • TEST TAKING • STUDY SKILLS

12:30-1:00

All workshops are held in TIME MANAGEMENT PROCRASTINATION EFFECTIVE READING NOTE TAKING TEST TAKING STUDY SKILLS TIME MANAGEMENT PROCRASTINATION

an advancing society which creates a better world for ourselves and those who build upon our work.

On September 12, 1962 President John F. Kennedy gave an encouraging speech, addressing the nation from Rice University Stadium in Houston, Texas.

“We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win…

“But if I were to say, my fellow

Jan 27 & 28 Feb 3 & 4 Feb 10 & 11 Feb 17 & 18

For more information MY SMCC > My Maine Guide > My Learning Can’t make it to an in-person workshop?

WISH video tutorials are on BLACKBOARD in “WISH - My Study Skills Class”

Midcoast Campus

8 THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

Adapted from a design

by Alex Brooks

citizens, that we shall send to the moon, 240,000 miles away from the control station in Houston, a giant rocket more than 300 feet tall, the length of this football field, made of new metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented, capable of standing heat and stresses several times more than have ever been experienced, fitted together with a precision better than the finest watch, carrying all the equipment needed for propulsion, guidance, control, communications, food and survival, on an untried mission, to an unknown celestial body, and then return it safely to earth, reentering the atmosphere at speeds of over 25,000 miles per hour, causing heat about half that of the temperature of the sun-almost as hot as it is here today--and do all this, and do it right, and do it first before this decade is out--then we must be bold.”

History reveals many things. Among the most valuable are the moments when people pushed forward and accomplished things once thought to be unachievable. This semester do not hesitate to ask questions and use all the resources available on the SMCC campus to map your journey and equip yourself with all the tools necessary to be successful in and out of the classroom.

Accept the challenge of bettering yourself and realize your potential.

Student Involvement on the Midcoast Campus Joel Messinger Composite Science & Manufacturing Major

H

ello fellow students! This semester we have new groups forming and the opportunities for students to be involved in activities are opening up. As the new CeSIL Representative on the Midcoast campus, it is important to increase student involvement and provide students with fun, engaging opportunities. At the close of the Fall 2015 semester a survey was sent out to Midcoast students to see what interested them most. Well, we’ve heard your voices and are responding with gusto!

The first group students chose is Mentoring/Community Service: A group designed to help guide and counsel students in their educational field and help connect our students with the community.

The second group students chose is Art/Performing Arts: A group that will focus on students with a passion for art and a place where different art students can create masterpieces and connect with each other.

The third group students chose is Sports and Fitness: A group that is focused on the ultimate well-being of their and their fellow student’s health while finding fun in sports and activities.

The fourth group students chose is The Student Campus Activity Board: This group is constructed to help brainstorm and plan activities on campus to better student life. Events and activities are the building

blocks to well rounded student life and establish connections to campus and other students.

Finally, The Science & Engineering Organization is for students in all aspects of technology, science, engineering and business. There will be an opportunity to assist with structuring this organization as it generates ideas and seeks to fill its open positions that will potentially provide interested students with the ability to compete in regional science and engineering competitions as well as provide technology that can be utilized by business and industry. Interested students and faculty may contact Joel Messinger at joeltmessinger@smccme.edu for further information and the group assembly schedule.

We are holding a meeting on January 28th to further discuss what these groups will focus on and who the contact for each group will be. Students interested in participating in any of these groups should stop in before January 28th and speak with Cejai or Alex at the main desk in the L.L. Bean Learning Commons to confirm their interest and group designation. As the different groups gather together they will have the freedom to decide what they would like to do and how they would like to structure their group.

For further information please contact Midcoast CeSIL Representative, Cejai Mann at Cejaiamann@smccme.edu.

SMCC Students and Cosmic Discoveries Evelyn Waugh Physics Major

A

lust for the unknown is embedded in our genetic code. Humans have always sought undiscovered lands.

This could be why humans have always gazed into the cosmos, although it was also likely because of the comfort they found in its permanence and mythical figures of power. Even then, ancient man took interest in the patterns of stars and changing cycles of the moon.

Today, our understanding of the universe is drastically different. Astronomers study an expanding, observable universe about 14 billion years old, with a diameter of about 91 billion light-years. We are aware that our entire solar system is but a speck in the vast cosmic ocean.

Currently, there is a hovering apathy for astronomical discoveries, and a prevalent attitude that STEM subjects are cold, uninteresting, and only for the somehow gifted. Sadly, this attitude it engraved in many minds before they even reach middle school. People question the purpose of exploring space at all, and the validity of funding future research.

Where has our romance for space gone? 2015 was an extraordinary year for cosmic discovery: New Horizons captured a stunning photo of Pluto, Curiosity gathered rich new data on the evolution of Mars, and Rosetta landed a probe on a comet. Space is becoming commercialized as people find ways to mine resources from other worlds.

There certainly is no shortage of discovery to celebrate, and yet, as a nation, we have become complacent.

SMCC students should engage in cosmic discovery and other sciences in order to be empowered, capable citizens in a progressing society. Regardless of your major, your life is intimately dependent

upon science. Without the contributions of NASA, we would not have MRIs, GPS, modern radio and telephone systems, memory foam mattresses, and more.

To fully understand our climate, it would be helpful to study other climates.

Studying the evolution of the atmospheres of other planets would give us something to compare and relate our planet’s dynamics to.

Consider the study of biology. Currently, we study one main form of life: carbon based life evolved on Earth. Through seeking extraterrestrial life forms, we may broaden our understanding of life. There may possibly be no complex life within our vicinity to compare our biology to. This discovery in itself is satisfying: it speaks for the rarity of complex molecular machinery such as we are. Or maybe, we do find other life. This would drastically change the field of biology. It would be analogous to a linguist, whose learning of another language enriches his understanding of his native tongue.

These are tangible reasons to care about space exploration. There are also more subjective reasons. One driving factor for many scientists is the emotional gratification attainted through seeing the world through a new lense. Astronomy

is humbling. It shows our scale and temporariness in the vastness of space.

It is also confidence building. If we can solve problems like getting to the moon or landing a probe on an asteroid, what can’t we overcome? The can-do attitude derived through solving difficult problems may permeate our sense of what it means to be human. We should engage in space exploration most simply because we are able to. We can and we should do science.

In The Upanishads, an ancient Sanskrit text that defined many modern philosophies, it is written that, “The self

shines in space through knowing.” Please consider joining SMCC-ACE (Association of Cosmic Exploration). SMCC-ACE meets on Wednesdays at 3 PM in Hildreth room 211. We are currently seeking tech-savvy students to help us keep our radio astronomy program afloat. If you are interested in ionospheric research, specifically pertaining to solar flare tracking, please contact evelynlwaugh@ smccme.edu or stop by our meeting next Wednesday.

ASTEP SMCC meets KCACTF! Dierdree Glassford Hospitality Major

A

rtists Striving to End Poverty, aka ASTEP, is a new club here at the South Portland campus.

Focusing on the change that art can make in the community and for people, ASTEP had many different aspects to its club, including but not limited to: Photography, Poetry, Film, and most of all Theater.

Through these arts ASTEP hopes to create an atmosphere that is safe and inviting to everyone and that allows for them to make a difference. This past semester they focused on the Seeing the Unseen photography series, serving the purpose of opening the minds and points of views of the members, and featuring several ASTEP artists work in the A&F section of the Beacon Newspaper.

To start off the semester with a bang, ASTEP will be taking a trip to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival where they will have the opportunity to broaden their theatrical horizons. Seven

students have saved and worked hard to attend the trip, and they are really looking forward to the workshops, shows, and participating in the events. Not to mention the abundance of quality time spent with fellow members. “After a long day of work shopping, I just look forward to being able to come back to our ASTEP family and get

attending the festival, but for some it will be their second, or third time going. “This will be my third year co-leading the trip to the festival, and each year I find that we learn more and more, and meet so many great people. We have a really great group this year, so it should be a ton of fun, and I am looking forward to all of the free shows we

to discuss our days while enjoying each other’s company,” said E.C. Roscoe

For many it will be their first time

are going to be able to see,” said Alexander Balzano.

With over 250 workshops in theater,

ranging from makeup, to vocals, to monologue work, to set building, there is something for every thespian that attends.

The students will also experience some of the best collegiate productions in the New England area that were nominated to perform at the festival.

For those on the more courageous side, students are able to sign up and audition for different competitions during the week.

In the past our SMCC students have been cast in the NPP’s, a competition for New Playwrights, one in the lead role of a show called Fault, and one as the stage directions.

Currently, one of our own has submitted a show to the NPP’s, and that show will be produced this Spring at SMCC for an audience viewing.

For trip leaders, this trip feels bittersweet, considering both are graduating SMCC this spring. They only hope that in the future there are more opportunities for students seeking a degree in the theatrical arts.

For now, ASTEP is excited for its very positive start to a new semester!

THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

9

Poetic License OVERDOSE

By Oona Foley Business Major

Puff puff I take another hit The smoke is so thick She can’t breath,let alone leave I ain’t never seen a girl so far gone As to flee from the air we breath just to pass the pipe and do it all again Puff puff pipe, this shits so good it could last the whole night Drowning in the air we breath Wont try to swim so we choose to sink Sink In to the reality that stares us in the face Life is like fine lace, it’s full of holes Ways to get around the laws That were there to put us in place Puff puff we may have had enough But the nights still young We continued on Puff puff its almost morning Nearly passed out you could tell people were mourning Mourning for the loss of their life The one they never had and the one they never will Puff puff now I know we’ve had too much, this shit ain’t good anymore For the addictions too strong We will regret it in the End

10 THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

Hoffman on Hollywood THE REVENANT (FOUR OUT OF FOUR STARS)

By Garrick Hoffman SMCC Alumnus

A

ccording to Revenant stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, The Revenant was so logistically challenging and time-consuming – lasting over a year to film – that they and other crew members had dubbed the film “The Foreverant.” But the fruits of their labor must taste so sweet, because this is one of the best films not just in the stars’ careers, but, without hyperbole, in the history of Hollywood.

Alejandro González Iñárritu served as the brains in the director’s seat for this one, and what he envisioned became a masterpiece. The Revenant, running at over 2.5 hours long and set in the West of the early 19th century, is a story of survival and retribution as it centers around Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) after he is viciously mauled by a grizzly bear, is left for dead by his fur-trade comrades and suffers an unimaginable tragedy. His comrades leave in regret, though Hardy’s character, a calloused John Fitzgerald, is completely indifferent to Glass’s suffering, and is in fact the man behind Glass’s tragedy (hence a story of retribution).

The story is one of man-vs-man and man-vs-nature. Glass, mostly alone on his journey, is pit against the throes of the Western wild in the midst of an unforgiving winter, and is seldom pit against a tribe of Arikara men (as this territory had yet to be acquired by the United States). Throughout, the movie demonstrates its aptitude by completely submerging the audience into the experiences of Glass. We are living vicariously through Glass, we suffer with him, we agonize for him. Most importantly, we care about him. Though we suffer with him, we hate to see him suffer. He has already experienced inconceivable anguish after Fitzgerald’s misdeed, and every trial following is salt in the wounds.

There was so much wonder in this film: for one, the shots were phenomenal, and that is probably attributable to cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, who did similar work

in The Tree of Life, and who brought to life the stunning imagery and immensity of the West. There were frequently shots that ascended upwards or that gave the audience the feeling of ascension, especially in moments to break unbearable pain and tension. Then there was the staggeringly impressive opening fight scene, when a tribe of Arikaras unexpectedly pillage the fur-trading company, leaving only a handful of survivors who escape downriver. It was executed in just one or two very long and exhilarating shots, which must have taken tremendous, complex, and meticulous orchestration.

Then there was the wonder of characters: the fact that DiCaprio has virtually zero lines and who consummately brings the character to life with his movements and facial expressions. Hardy excels so deftly with his character that we are utterly convinced we are not watching him – he is entirely transformed and entirely nefarious. At one point, when he gives food to a starving man toward the end of the film, I thought, Wow, that is the only nice thing he’s done for the entire movie, only to be shot down by my friend, who surmised that he had lost his appetite when he received troubling news. A very selfish man he is.

The film acts in a way akin to snowboarding: you feel tense for the entirety of the experience. There were moments when I found myself holding my breath because of the tension, and only when it broke did I notice I had been holding my breath. I could hear my friend exhale deeply next to me, realizing she, too, had her breath taken away for a moment.

The Revenant surely isn’t for the faint of heart (my girlfriend had to look away for a scene due to the intensity), but it’s absolutely mesmerizing, and one that will make a cinematic footprint on your mind indefinitely.

The Revenant is the only film I’ve seen twice in the theater, and I would fancy another visit to the theater for it. It stirs you, it captivates you, it provokes thought and wonder, and it literally renders you breathless. Both views resulted in conversation that lasted the entire night and days after. At over 2.5 hours long, it feels more like an hour. What an extraordinary piece of work; what a masterpiece.

The Seawolves Watch 3 SEAWOLVES NAMED YSCC ATHLETE OF THE WEEK IN JANUARY

C

Beacon Sports Staff ongratulations to Kendra Kagillery, John Morgan and Greyson Waterman for being named YSCC Athlete of the Week during winter break.

On January 13th, Kendra Kagillery was named player of the week for her performance against Holyoke Community College and St. Joe’s of Vermont. Kendra

who is a shooting guard on the Seawolves squad opened the second half of the season with a stellar 8-12 shooting performance from beyond the arc. She averaged 15 points per game, shot 73% from the field and was the team’s leading scorer in both contests during which saw the Lady Wolves win at Holyoke (91-48) and a hard fought loss to the St Joe’s Knights (60-56).

Two days later, Seawolve forward John Morgan brought home the honors for his play against the defending YSCC conference champions, St. Joe’s of

Vermont, when he scored a season high 18 points and snared 6 rebounds. In the first two games of the second half of the season, John averaged 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 62.5% from the field against Holyoke Community College and St. Joe’s of Vermont. The Seawolves won both games 77-60 and 85-70 respectivily.

Rounding out the month of January,

Below, left: Seawolve forward John Morgan finds himself surrounded by Rhode Island Community College players was named YSCC Athlete of the Week on January 15.

Below right: Greyson Waterman who was named YSCC Athlete of the Week on January 20, is picture shooting from the foul line against fires up a foul shot during the CCRI game. Bottom: Kendra Kagillery who is seen in action against CMCC was named YSCC Athlete of the Week on January 13th.

Greyson Waterman’s 20 points and seven rebounds against the Community College of Rhode Island helped the Seawolves win their 4th game of the second half. Greyson averaged 14.5 points over the two games while shooting close to 50% from the field.

Suport Your Seawolves 1/27 University of Maine-Augusta Women 6pm Men 8pm 2/12 Navy Prep Women’s game only 7:30 2/13 Vermont Tech Women 1pm Men 3pm

WISH

Workshops In Studying Here

WISH workshops are walk-in workshops on college study and success skills. These are free to all SMCC STUDENTS. Come to a variety of workshops and receive help with: All workshops are held in the Library’s group study • TIME MANAGEMENT area (the former Writing Center), located in the • PROCRASTINATION CAMPUS CENTER in South Portland, LEARNING • EFFECTIVE READING COMMONS, 2ND FLOOR. • NOTE TAKING • TEST TAKING Hours: • STUDY SKILLS

12:30-1:00

TIME MANAGEMENT PROCRASTINATION EFFECTIVE READING NOTE TAKING TEST TAKING STUDY SKILLS

Jan 26 - 28 Feb 2 - 4 Feb 9 - 11

For more information MY SMCC > My Maine Guide > My Learning Can’t make it to an in-person workshop?

WISH video tutorials are on BLACKBOARD in “WISH - My Study Skills Class”

South Portland Campus

Adapted from a design

by Alex Brooks

THE SMCC BEACON | January 26th | 2016

11

Seawolves Start 2016 Hot Squads combine going 9-3 By the Beacon Sports Staff

T

he women and men’s basketball squads started the second half of the season back on January 6th when they traveled to Holyoke, MA to take to the court against Holyoke Community College. Both squads won at Holyoke, the Lady Seawolves walked off the court with a 43 point win (9148) win, while the men ended the evening with a 17 point victory (77-60).

The second half of the season has been as close to golden as you can get for both squads, as they have put together a 9-3 combined record. The Lady Wolves have won and won big against Great Bay Community College (88-18), Unity College (95-10) and Presque-Isle (89-51), while dropping a hard fought loss to defending conference champion St Joe’s of Vermont (56-60) and losing poorly to Community College of Rhode Island (44-63).

On the men’s side of the court, the Wolves have won their first five games before dropping a disappointing loss to PresqueIsle (64-72). After the 2016 opener against Holyoke, the Wolves beat the defending conference champions St. Joe’s in Rutland, Vt (85-70), followed with a 101-60 win at Great Bay Community College, survived against CCRI (84-76) and won against Unity College (97-75).

With a little less than a month before the Yankee Small College Conference Elite 8 Tournament, hosted by Central Maine Community College which takes place February 18th through 21st, just a handful of home games remain for the Seawolve basketball fan to see the squads in action at the Hutchinson gym.

The Lady’s and Men’s teams will take to the court against their conference foe University of Maine-Augusta tomorrow evening as the women tip off at 6pm and the men at 8pm. Currently the Lady Moose sit atop the Eastern Division of the YSCC with a perfect conference record (8-0), as the men sit percentage points (5-3 with a .625 winning percentage) ahead of SMCC in third place of the Eastern division.

Two and a half weeks later (February 13) the Knights of Vermont Tech visit South Portland to take to the court for the final home conference game for the Seawolve squads. The Lady Wolves end their home season the next day against Navy Prep in a non-conference game.

This past Saturday the teams hosted University of Maine-Presque Isle in a nonconference match up. The Lady Wolves played 40 solid minutes of defense as they

held UMPI to 12 or less points in three out of the four quarters. PresqueIsle’s best quarter was the second when they scored 20 points.

At halftime the Lady Wolves held a 4728 lead. The 19 point halftime lead would grow in the second half after UMPI cut the lead to 13 points in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

Alicia Hoyt led all scorers with 19 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Maria Veino and Vanessa Barnes followed Alicia’s efforts by each scoring 13 points. In a total team effort everyone player on the Lady Wolves squad found their name in the scoring column.

The Lady Wolvces defense forced PresqueIsle into committing 23 turnovers while picking The Owls pocket 13 times and out rebounding the PresqueIsle squad 58-31. The Lady Seawolve’s record improved to 17-5 overall while holding steady at 7-3 in conference play.

In the men’s game the Wolves came out hot draining three consecutive three point shots to grab a 11-2 lead after 3 minutes and ten seconds. Jordan DeRosby hit the first two and Greyson Waterman followed shortly after.

The first half saw the Seawolves keep the offensive pressure on the Owls by shooting 16 for 30 from the field, including four for eight from beyond the three point line. Matt Talbot and Greyson Waterman each scored ten points in the first half as Jordan DeRosby was right on their heals scoring nine points. When the first half horn sounded the Wolves held a 12 point lead, 3725.

The second half would see UMPI hack away at the SMCC lead eventually grabbing

PHOTOS BY CHUCK OTT

a one-point lead on a three point shot with a little more than two minutes left in the game. The Wolves were not able to sustain any offensive momentum as the UMPI Owls built a six-point lead over the next two minutes.

High score honors for the Sewolves went to Matt Talbot who score 18 points which were followed by Jordan deRosby’s 13 and Greyson Waterman’s 12. The loss drops the men Wolves overall record to 1013, as their conference record held steady at 6-4.

Top: Destinie Montano, Amira Jones and Abigail Nielsen apply pressure in the second half of Saturday’s action.

Above Left: Matt Talbot, looks to get a shot off against the swarming UMPI defense.

Above Right: Kenyon Lambert looks for the offensive rebound in second half action.

smccME x = independantly organized TED event

APRIL 7, 2016

Visit us on Facebook

TEDx SMCCME