March 2013 by Triton's Call

FREE | Vol. 34 | Issue 06 | MAR 2013

riton’s

Un iv ers it y o f Gu am’s stu de nt Ma gazin e

all

HOw TO SPEND YOUR

SPRING BREAK on page 04!

Triton’Cs aLL est. 1965

University of Guam’s Student Magazine Publisher Editor Asst. Editor Staff

Contributor Phone E-Mail

Dr. Aristides Pereira Jasmine Stole Vanessa Malumay Ariel Buccat Bianca Cruz Coty Diego Colin Leon Guerrero jesse mangham Dr. Yukiko Inoue-Smith 671-735-2224 uogtritonscall@gmail.com

Triton’s Call is published by the Division of Communication and Fine Arts in the College of LIberal Arts and Social Sciences and is funded in part by student fees. Reporters and editors participate in the publication as journalism students or as contributing writers, photographers, and designers.

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contentS

02 Pending graduation, job wanted 03 School Ain’t Cheap 04 How to spend your spring break 05 Caught on campus 06 Open Mic Nights 08 Hot Rods: Enrique “sporty” Baza 09 re-thinking powerpoint presentations

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pending graduation, job wanted C BY JESSIE MANGHAM

ongratulations! You got into college and after a lot of studying you’ll be graduating in no time. The hard part will soon be over. Then, a job will fall into your lap, right? Reality check, people. Life is never that simple. Sure getting that paper is a great accomplishment and something to be proud of, but it takes more than that to get hired. Lauren Bautista, a 22-year-old Communication major and English minor, says life is boring. She shares that finding anyone willing to hire a new grad is hard. For others, the experience is slightly different. You might find the exact job you want but surprise, surprise! The position has already been filled. That was the case for triple-track Communication major, Roselle Romanes, who graduated at age 21. But she didn’t let that stop her. Although she’s not out there living her dream YET, Roselle has found work as a marketing assistant and is quickly learning how to fit in. Still, there are other problems encountered. Rhonda Wong, 26-year-old Accountant and five years out of college tells another story. She had a position lined up and was ready to begin her new career right after college. Then, after graduating, she learned that the spot was unavailable due to lack of funding. She never saw that one coming. Each of these individuals worked hard both in high school and college, they busted their butts, always taking more than the minimum number of credits. However, even with such dedication they didn’t fool themselves with wild notions of anything coming easy after graduation. They did their best to be prepared for life out of school but still ran into a few speed bumps. So, to help future graduates they gave a few pointers on how to be better equipped for life after school:

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1. Get experience. Take any job you can get no matter how small.

2. Work as an intern. It may not be required but it gets you

out in the field, and allows you to network with possible future employers.

3. Take classes that look good on your resume. 4. Be social. Network, network, network. You never know who will end up where and whether they’ll need your skills.

5. Start job searching early. By junior or senior year you should be on the lookout for possible jobs.

6. Have more than one option planned. 7. Do your research. (Salary, progression, etc.) 8. Be dedicated. Don’t give up or slack off. 9. Learn how to sell yourself. 10. And after landing a job, never stop looking for a better one until you find what you want.

Follow these ten tips and not only will you have the knowledge you learned to strengthen your abilities but you’ll have the wisdom not to fall for that typical college delusion, as well as the confidence to get out there and make things happen. It’s not going to be easy but you can do it.

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The Price of an Education By: Bianca Cruz Model: Mike Gadia Photo taken by: Vanessa Malumay

They are in every class. Most of them fill the seats in a room. Some are dressed up and ready to go. It is all about corporation recognition. Uniforms, name tags, you name it. Students who work and take classes; how do they do it? When do they have fun? Are they going to burn out halfway through the semester? Can they handle working and taking classes? Rogelio Orio, a Communication Major, commented “School ain't cheap.” For him the beginning of the semester is easy to juggle work and classes, but from the middle to the end things become harder. Rogelio takes classes in the morning and goes to work in the afternoon. Working in retail, he has to meet the minimum requirement of 20 hours per week. He tries to reach at least 25-30 hours. When he has a break, Orio tries to get homework done so he can sleep early. Orio says that he tries to make time for fun, planning his social life around school and work. On the weekends he joins 5ks with a group of friends. Since school and work are his top two priorities, he gets too tired to meet them. Shawlon Abuan, an Education Major works on campus during the week. She works in the morning and goes to class in the afternoon. Abuan states that her work accommodates her class schedule. Living on her own, She has to work to pay the bills. “School is expensive these days. Books, other school supplies, food, and gas are not free.” If she has a break or time to kill Shawlon is starting on projects, papers, or presentations. She says it helps working on campus. It saves her gas and time. Abuan says that the best time for socializing is at night or on the weekend. She prefers hanging out with friends, watching a movie or grabbing coffee. She does not go clubbing, "Money is limited," she admits. It helps that her friends enjoy doing the same activities she does. “It is nice working an 8-5 job because the weekends are to myself.” Like Rogelio, Shawlon’s priorities are school, work, and then a socializing. Taking classes and working is a norm now. It has to be done to be able to pay for school and other expenses. Hopefully, everyone gets a job that they can enjoy for the rest of their college experience.

Your Guide to

Spring Break since you’re stuck on island BY JESSIE MANGHAM

tʼs time to relax, decompress, and let your hair down. Everyone's favorite time of the semester is upon us – Spring break! But the problem with is finding something to fill every single minute with entertainment, exhilaration, or ease. For all of you experiencing Spring break anxiety, we've compiled a list of awesome activities to help get you started. We even categorized them into different personality types to make it easier for you to choose. Don't be afraid to pick more than five. If you are: DILIGENT, then the first item to check off your list is homework. Never again will you have an entire free week to get all your work done or catch up if youʼve fallen behind. Be wise and make this priority number one. ADVENTUROUS, then hiking is for you. There is a multitude of places on Guam where you can hike to your heart's desire. And If you don't feel like trekking alone, the Guam Boonie Stompers are always looking for willing adventurers to join in the fun. Find details on sites like the Guam Guide or check out the Boonie Stompersʼ Facebook page: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / GuamBoonieStompersInc.

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THRILL-SEEKING, consider zorbing at Leo Palace, zip lining at the Hilton, or riding the Slingshot down in Tumon. They may take a little out of your savings but the oncein-a-lifetime experience is totally worth it. Twice and you're just plain crazy. AN EXERCISE NUT and not one of those lone joggers, Guam offers several sports you can join into. If you haven't joined already then Spring break is the time to start. There are also 5k runs held every now and then, so get onto your fave search engine and find out how you can participate. A WATER BABY, then you have probably visited Guam's best beaches and waterparks by now. Whether you prefer Onward, Tarza, PIC or your secret spot on the shore, get to splashing at least once this week with family and friends. A NIGHT OWL, now is the time to get out to the club with your peeps and sing, dance, shoot pool, or mellow without having to worry about getting to class the next day. But keep it safe; don't drink and drive. A GOURMET, then step away from the all-too-familiar spam and rice, drop the Vienna sausage, and say farewell to Chef Boyardee. Get out there and try those new restaurants and new food youʼve

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been think about, whether ethnic or international. Or better yet, enjoy some more family-and-friends time at a barbeque with everyoneʼs best dishes. A MOVIE BUFF, then here are the two words you've been waiting for - movie marathon! You can see what's new on the big screen or veg out in front of the TV or computer depending on whether you hit the DVD store or made good use of your Netflix account. A CHILLAXER, again, the beach is a great place to kick back and soak up some sun. All you will need is a nice beach chair or towel, a wellstocked cooler, and your iPod or a good book. A MEGA-CHILLAXER, then there's only one thing that will really matter to you this Spring break, and that is sleep. Well, you hard working college student, you deserve it! So fall into a mini coma while you can and come back to school well-rested and ready to pick up where you left off. Whatever you choose to do for the break, whether you're an indoor or outdoor person, whether you like running solo or with the crowd, be sure to stay safe and have fun. But get cracking now on what to do to make every minute count!

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》Jhastyne de guzman and kasie cruz in the rotunda.

》andrew gumataotao reviews his notes in the HSS building.

》Kendrick perez and sheena jose doing their part for the uog green army.

》Bingle Pizarro, Katrina Palanca, Jaydee and Vince Reyes before class in the ec building.

》SYDNEY LEON GUERRERO AND MARIANA PANGELINAN pose with friends in the cafeteria.

》Pascale Mercier Stops to smile before Class 》john pablo chillin’ in the cafeteria.

》Justise quitugua, luella orlando, rogelio orio, and taylor eaton promote suicide awareness in the rotunda.

》Phil bamba studying Hard! P h o t o s

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Magic Mic Nights By Ariel Buccat talent of great people who share a common interest.

There’s a time and place where music fits perfectly into context. All it takes is great company, delicious food, and good vibes – and music brings it all together.

In the words of “Le Professeur”, you have to have an entrepreneur’s mind to be heard.

Around the island, music artists are abundant, but the problem is that most remain unnoticed. The talent they possess is something more than just being able to sing or play an instrument. It’s the dedication and heart they put into performing and being an individual with talent. This is where something big comes into the picture. In the heart of Guam a locally owned café, Java Junction, is where it all began. Joey Taitano, son and employee of Java Junction’s owners, is one of the people who gave the inspiration for what is now known as Open Mic Nights. Taitano was also a former member of the local band, Closing Shift. Working alongside with Taitano is singer/songwriter and professor, Joey Charles, known as “Le Professeur”. Charles arrived on Guam in early June 2011 from Belgrade Lakes, Maine. He now teaches full-time at Pacific Islands University. “I came to Guam and wasn’t looking for anywhere to play music and then I just happened to stumble upon Java Junction,” shared Charles. Since the time he first discovered Java Junction, Charles shares his talent every Thursday night. With the motivation from Taitano they brought Open Mic Nights to life. Now every week,

Joey Charles (aka Le Preofesseur) shows off his musical skills. Photo credit: Alex Rivera

open mics are held at different Local artist and student at the coffee shops around the isUniversity of Guam, Jon land. Rivera, started performing for the The passion for the scene lit Open Mics Nights in up Charles’ eyes as he spoke early December of last with sincerity, “I want to give year. “What I enjoy opportunities to voices that most about the ‘Open haven’t been heard, an oppor- Mic Nights’ is the tunity to be heard.” liveliness, atmosphere, and the variety of Charles also expressed that talents and genres,” open mics display a type of he voiced. “I really family image for most artists. think that this event This sense of community can be a threshold helps to keep the scene alive for aspiring local and welcoming to other aspir- artists, because the more ing artists. It also adds to just recognized this scene beanyone who wants to be in an comes, the higher the chances atmosphere where you can for potential artists to be feel comfortable, at home, and knowedged by producers and at the same time – share your such individuals.” talent. The event has hopes to exNot only do the open mics pand so more people can get present an opportunity for involved and voices can be those seeking to be heard but heard. The focus isn’t on what they reunite old bands and ethnicity you are or where friends. It’s almost like reliv- you’re from, it’s for the ening the past. joyment of the company and

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Baza keeps on truckin’ >>

BY COTY DIEGO

hen people hear the term “Hot Rod” they automatically picture a vehicle with loud sounds, giant rims, rebuilt and modified to increase speed, acceleration and overall performance. However, Enrique Baza III, also known as Sporty, overlooks all the stereotypes and considers his stock 2013, maroon, Toyota Tacoma 4x4 a true Hot Rod. Sporty believes a true Hot Rod is a vehicle someone has purchased out of their own pocket. This shows that the person has taken time out of their busy schedule to apply for a loan, gather the necessary documents, wait for approval, and work their hours to pay other bills. Baza is a full-time student at the University of Guam currently a junior expecting to graduate in the Fall 2014 with a Communication degree with a focus on Mass Media. After completing the classes he has taken in past semester, he is now considering Journalism as another focus. Sporty works two jobs to pay his car loan, his other bills, helps his mother Verna Baza with the mortgage, and works to pay his college tuition. He is a sales associate at the Guam Navy Exchange and a student work study at UOG. He credits much of his hard work and motivation to his mother who taught him growing up to never be lazy. “I am the man I am because of my mom. She always pushes me to do better, never be content, and constantly reminds me that bills aren’t going to pay themselves,” Sporty says. The Yoña resident enjoys body boarding, playing rugby, football, and working out at the gym, with the very little free time that he gets. You can catch Sporty in between classes hanging-out at the infamous tree in front of the library or kickin’ back with his homies at the Yoña Tire Shop on the weekends. Sporty has a message for all students who are struggling. “In today’s economy it is getting harder to balance work, school, family, bills and fun. Each and every one of us is struggling in many different ways. Keep working hard and eventually we will find ourselves in a better position. Always remember, hard times never last.” Sporty encourages others who are making payments on their vehicles, with no help from anyone, to take pride in their rides. So what is a Hot Rod? It may be a fast car with loud sounds or even a lifted truck locked up front and rear. But for Baza, it can be any vehicle, any model, custom or stock. A true Hot Rod is in the eye of the beholder.

M A R C H PICK UP NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE FOR ANOTHER HOT ROD STORY. PHOTO BY COTY DIEGO

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re-thinkingPOWERPOINT

BY YUKIKO INOUE-SMITH, PhD.

During a local conference I recently attended, I asked myself: “something about this conference is different. What is it?” And then I realized that none of the presenters were using PowerPoint slides. PowerPoint is so commonly used at conferences that we are uncomfortable listening to presentations without it. That was the reason I felt uncomfortable and thought something was missing. As a whole, though, the conference went well. Moreover, I noticed that the audience was eagerly listening to each of the presentations. Several weeks have passed since I attended the conference, and I came across a very interesting article by Young (2004), saying that: “the most common technology used in the classroom seems to be PowerPoint but it is also the most criticized by students” (¶15). Young continues as follows: A good PowerPoint presentation can enliven a lecture by offering imagery to support key points, and having a prepared set of slides can keep professors from straying off on tangents. Many students also praise PowerPoint slides for being easy to read, nothing that professors’ chalkboard scrawls can be illegible. But students say some professors simply dump their notes into PowerPoint presentations and then read them,

which can make the delivery even flatter than it would be if the professor did not use slides. (¶16-17) Professors cram slides with text and then recite the text during class, as Young points out, and sometimes they spend too much time troubleshooting instead of lecturing. I am not an exception. I use PowerPoint slides to accompany the lecture in almost every class meeting. I have to admit that I depend heavily on PowerPoint, and catch myself reading the slides instead of interacting with students during the class. I have even noticed that students often concentrate on the slides as they take notes, and are not listening what I have to say. I know that this is not consistent with an active and constructive approach to learning. Where do we go from here? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • TO READ THE REST OF DR. INOUE-SMITH’S ARTICLE VISIT WWW.TRITONSCALL.NET Dr. Yukiko Inoue-Smith is a professor of educational psychology and research in the School of Education at the University of Guam.

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SPRING 2013 GRADUATION DATE HAS BEEN MOVED UP FROM JUNE 2 TO

MAY 26 M A R C H

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