TheYoungtownEdition COUNTY COLLEGE OF MORRIS AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER
VOL. 91, NO. 1
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
RANDOLPH, N.J.
Gold Medalist, 2012 Columbia Scholastic Press Association • First Place Layout & Design, 2012-2013 NJPA
“The highest result of education is tolerance.” -Helen Keller
Students cope with adjusting to college BY MELISSA DELLACATO Managing Editor
Forty-five percent of all United States undergraduates are community college students, according to a recent study by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Many of these students attend a community college, such as County College of Morris, directly out of high school — but not all. Kacie Elms is an example. She graduated from Mount Olive High School in 2010 and set out to attend Lock Haven University, a four-year institution in Pennsylvania. The experience wasn’t exactly what she had hoped for; as a result of loneliness and distance from home, she fell into a state of depression. “I didn’t want to get out of bed,” she said. “I had no motivation.” Because adjusting to a university can be difficult, just as it was for Elms, starting out at a community college is sometimes the better option. In fact, 71 percent of the public supports this idea, according to the AACC. After her second semester, Elms decided to transfer to CCM
PHOTO BY MIKE DICOLA
CCM students walking on campus and had a more positive experience. “Being around people again brought me out of my depression,” Elms said. Another student, Lorenzo Cesaro, graduated from Roxbury High School in 2010 and entered the military. He was so used to being “told what to do 24/7,” so
he was in for a surprise when he came to CCM. “Transitioning from such a uniform lifestyle to a place with so much freedom was a little difficult,” he said. “The freedom was a shocking factor.” These students adjusted from differing environments before at-
tending CCM, but experienced similar transitioning issues, such as problems with work load or making friends. Many students experience this and there are plenty of services on campus to help aid them with such issues. The Office of Counseling
Services & Student Success, located in the Student Community Center, Room 118, “strives to maximize student’s individual growth and development through counseling and other support services,” according to the CCM website. They offer plenty of services to aid students in a variety of situations, both personal and academic. The college has an orientation for new students just before the semester starts so they can familiarize themselves with the campus and its resources. CCM has also added a new course entitled College Student Success which is “designed to assist first-year students in their adjustment and success with the college experience,” according to the CCM website. The course covers topics such as academic expectations, time management and making career choices. Once adjusted, college is what you make of it. “Don’t take it for granted,” Elms said. “Enjoy community college and enjoy being home because once you’re out, the real world can be scary.”
Faculty spotlight: Professor Lee Collins BY MELISSA DELLACATO Managing Editor
Features 3 Opinions 2
PHOTO BY MELISSA DELLACATO
Professor Collins
News 4 Roving Reporter 2
Today’s Headlines
Index
Throughout high school and in his early college years, Professor Lee N. Collins played in a punk band that toured along the east coast of the United States. They played at Boston University, Drexel University, the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA., and various other venues. However, playing in the band was never a serious idea to him. The band members, including himself, went off to college and soon did not have time for playing anymore. “It was never something I wanted to do as a full job,” he said. “I started playing the guitar when I was about five years old, so it was always just a thing I did on the side.” Now, Collins is a recently hired assistant professor of mathematics at County College of Morris. He always knew that this was the career path he wanted to pursue. “I used to want to be a high school math teacher while I was still in high school
or even before then,” said Collins. “Then I took college classes, at which point I wanted to teach at the college level.” Collins said he was always passionate about math. Collins received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Rowan University. He also worked as an undergraduate research assistant there. “I worked with a professor in the math department,” he said. “We worked on expository math papers, which explain things so a wider audience can fully understand them.” He did research throughout graduate school and afterwards, published two papers. His papers extended some geometry theorems and had information on tables by a mathematician from the 1700s. Collins also researched tropical algebraic geometry, which “redefines addition and multiplication,” creating an “entire new field of mathematics to work on,”he said. “It really changes everything we know about arithmetic and properties,” he said.
Tension in Syria
After college, Collins worked as an adjunct instructor of mathematics at five different colleges in Southern New Jersey including, Atlantic Cape Community College, Burlington County College, Camden County College, Gloucester County College, and Rowan University. He was hired at County College of Morris in the summer of 2013 and he taught his first class at CCM at the start of the fall 2013 semester on Aug. 29. This is his first full-time teaching position so far and he plans to remain here for a long time. He is currently teaching six classes: College Algebra, Basic Math, Basic Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Calculus and Math Analysis. He said his teaching, “stems from a passion for math” and wanting to share it with others. “I like the students here so far,” he said. “It’s a little bit different from the other schools, but for the most part everything’s working out nicely.” Professor Collins’ office is located in SH 215.
CCM chairperson of Anthropology, Sociology and Economics, Dr. Jill Schennum voices her opinion on Syria.
CCM clubs
County College of Morris offers numerous clubs and organizations for students to join.
Page 2 The Youngtown Edition
OPINIONS
September 11, 2013
PRESS RELEASE
BY MIKE DICOLA
What are your goals for this semester? Abbie Manser 19 Social Work “To get good grades!”
Jessica Van Zee 18 Fine Arts “My goal is to find the right college to transfer to.”
Justin Ragucci 19 Criminal Justice “Getting good grades and getting an internship for next semester.”
Samantha Materia 18 Fashion Marketing “Passing all of my classes and learning something valuable I can use.”
Karina Koehler 18 Liberal Arts “My goal is to get a 3.8 GPA and get involved in clubs.”
Jaime Houghton 19 Liberal Arts “To stimulate academic growth.”
The Youngtown Edition The Student Newspaper of the County College of Morris County College of Morris • Mail Station SCC 226 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph, NJ 07869-2086 Phone #: (973) 328-5224 Fax #: (973) 361-4031 E-mail: youngtownedition@gmail.com Editor in Chief..............................................................Khushbu Kapadia Acting Managing Editor...................................................... Jordan Barth Managing Editor..........................................................Melissa Dellacato Business Manager............................................................................Open News Editor.......................................................................Brian Capriola Features Editor......................................................................Kelby Clark Entertainment Editor......................................................................Open Sports Editor....................................................................................Open Photography Editor.............................................................Mike DiCola Layout Editor...................................................................................Open Copy Editor......................................................................................Open Circulation Manager.......................................................................Open Online Editor....................................................................................Open Webmaster....................................................................................... Open Technical Adviser...............................................................Wilma Martin
Faculty Adviser: John Soltes The Youngtown Edition is printed every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. Unless specified, the opinions of the editorial page are those of the editorial board. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or fewer are welcome and should be dropped off on a disk in the Youngtown mailbox in SCC 226 or e-mailed to youngtownedition@gmail.com. All students are welcome to contribute articles to The Youngtown Edition either in person or via e-mail. However, students cannot receive a byline if they belong to the organization on which they are reporting. Writers must include a telephone number where they can be reached. The deadline for submission is the Wednesday prior to the date of publication.
President Yaw welcomes CCM students Dear Students: I wanted to welcome you to the start of the 2013-2014 academic year and update you on the many important construction and safety projects that have been taking place at CCM this summer. Many of these are already completed and some will be completed over the next couple of months. All of them will improve safety and enhance our campus, our facilities, and the learning experience of our students. This summer, CCM underwent a site assessment from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office with the assistance of the Office of Homeland Security. As a result of that assessment, the college has replaced over 100 locksets on campus, providing the ability to lock classrooms from the inside. We also extended the campus paging (intercom) system to cover the 675 Route 10 building, installed room ID numbers inside each classroom/conference room, and room ID numbers on the windows of each space. Bid documents are currently being developed to install exterior security cameras in parking lots beginning late fall. The college has received certification from the State of New Jersey for our Higher Education Capital Funding projects. These were the funds raised through the Building Our Future Bond Act last November. Under that funding: The Music Technology addition to the Student Center is in the construction-documentation phase and will be bid this winter. A ground breaking ceremony for
the project will likely occur in September, acknowledging the generous support of the state and its continuing support of higher education. The Engineering Lab renovations are underway with demolition nearly complete on Phase One spaces. The Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Labs project is in the programming phase of design with the intent to bid the project in the late fall to early winter. The State’s capital funding program will also provide new academic equipment, improved intercampus connectivity, connection of the 675 Route 10 building directly to our network, and support for creating a new server location to improve network access on campus. The 2013 HVAC replacement project is on schedule to meet the current September and November substantial completion dates. Due to construction, some classes at the HPE will be temporarily relocated to other locations on campus as the facility is brought online in stages. The HPE also will have two new entrances installed on the sides of the upper level and a new vestibule, which will be completed at the main entrance in the next two weeks. New vestibules are also installed in the corner upper level entrances of DeMare and Sheffield Halls. The Learning Resource Center (LRC) renovation remains on schedule and we anticipate the project to be complete early in 2014. The library, disability ser-
vices, and the testing center will be moved back to the LRC after the furniture is installed and the move will be coordinated with the academic and support function schedules of each group. The campus paving was completed on schedule with punch list items being resolved during early September. The repaving included all of the main campus roadways, replacement of the associated curbing, new crosswalks and updated signage, new inner campus walkways and new storm-water catch basins. Our Plant and Maintenance department completed renovations of classroom SH 101, four academic offices in the Cohen Hall Penthouse, the adjunct office area in Cohen Hall, and the renovation of the Dalrymple House in addition to other infrastructure projects. The Morris County Improvement Authority’s solar panel installation project on campus is nearing completion. The final permission to generate power is expected shortly and a kiosk outside the cafeteria in Cohen Hall will be activated to show current power generation. While construction and renovations are challenging for all of us, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during the process. Please remember the projects support our current and future students, our faculty, our staff and the community. My best wishes for a happy and productive academic year. Edward Yaw President
September 11, 2013
FEATURES
The Youngtown Edition Page 3
Top 10 best countries list released, America not on the list BY KHUSHBU KAPADIA Editor in Chief
The Economist Intelligence Unit released a list of the top ten best places to be born in 2013. The top 10 countries, in order from first to last, are Switzerland, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Singapore, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada and Hong Kong. According to the EIU, United States is trying for 16th place. The EIU polled people in 80 countries to find out which countries have the highest quality of life and which countries give babies the best chance at a healthy, safe and prosperous life. The EIU company gets its results based on 11 factors including the populous’ trust in its government, the stability in the country’s economy, per capita income, crime statistics and the quality of family life. “Our education system is not as good as other places such as Asia, Japan and even Europe,” said Nicole Bassolino, liberal arts major at County College of Morris. “America needs to fix this problem, and in order for that to happen we need to step up in our education.” The EIU suggests that America did not make the top ten list because America is
“where babies will inherit the large debts of the boomer generation,” states The Economist Magazine. However, according to the EIU, back in 1988, the United States was in first place, with France in second, West Germany in third, Iran fourth, Iraq second to last and Zimbabwe was last. Another CCM student believes that America needs to focus more on itself rather than on other countries. “I think, right now, America is worrying about other things rather than ourselves, for example Syria. So I think that’s the problem, that America tends to overlook its own problems and worries about everyone else,” said Carly Watt, history and education major at CCM. “Honestly, I thought America PHOTO RESEARCHERS INC. / PHOTO RESEARCHERS / UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP would be on the top ten list of best Flags of the nations of the world. countries; but now that you say seventh in literacy, 27th in math, 22nd in incarcerated citizens per capita, number 16th, I would agree with that,” she science, 49th in life expectancy, 178th in of adults who believe angels are real, and said. The TV series, “The Newsroom,” infant mortality, third in median house- defense spending, where we spend more portrays America as not being the best hold income, number four in labor force, country. Actor Jeff Daniels, in the open- and number four in exports. We lead the than the next 26 countries combined, 25 of ing scene of the first episode, said, “we’re world in only three categories: number of whom are allies.”
Students get involved at CCM: Be an all-rounder
BY KHUSHBU KAPADIA Editor in Chief
Here at County College of Morris, there are endless opportunities for thriving and enthusiastic students to get involved on campus. The clubs and organizations at CCM range from academic, cultural, social, governance, physical, recreational and many more. There are over 40 different clubs and organizations, each one different in its own way. According to Don Phelps, associate director for Campus Life, joining clubs and organizations is crucial for college students to enhance their career path. “I cannot encourage students enough to get involved while at
CCM,” Phelps stated in an email. “They will learn interpersonal skills, supplement their resumes, make new friends and have some fun.” Furthermore, a student’s involvement on campus can lead to many other advantages. These students will have the opportunity to attend conferences, leadership training and attend trips and events at little or no cost. Caitlin Langan, broadcasting major and one of the producers of the CCM news show, Titan Talk, said she believes that joining clubs and organizations is a great way to meet new people. “I most certainly recommend others getting involved in clubs because you can gain a lot out
of all the experiences and people you work with,” she said. “It’s a great start to networking.” Joining a club or an organization is not the limit; one can also reach top positions in a club and become a distinguished leader. There are a significant amount of scholarships that apply to students who are involved on campus. CCM also honors students as “distinguishing leaders” for their outstanding contribution and effort in a club or an organization, given that they have a desirable GPA. According to the CCM website, getting involved on campus will enable lasting friendships with fellow students, professors, advisors, community leaders and
others. Stress relief from school work and new responsibilities, time-management skills and career exploration through networking are also possible advantages. Furthermore, students will gain leadership and team player qualities that will carry over to professional life. If a student is feeling aggressive and enthusiastic, the student can even consider forming his or her own club or organization. However, there are a couple rules to follow when doing so. One must compile a minimum of nine other interested students who are willing to take part in the organization, get a CCM faculty or staff member to act as an advisor to the club and also complete the
necessary paperwork which can be found at the Campus Life window in the Student Community Center. CCM will be having a Welcome Bash and Organization Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Student Community Center lawn. All students are welcome to attend the Welcome Bash where students will be exposed to the numerous clubs and organizations that CCM has to offer. For more information and a list of the available clubs and organizations at CCM, visit: www. ccm.edu/studentLife/CLO/clublisting.aspx.
Page 4 The Youngtown Edition
NEWS
September 11, 2013
Tension in Syria continues, Americans against intervening BY KELBY CLARK Features Editor
More than 100,000 people, including more than 9,800 women and children, have died at the hands of Syria’s government since early 2011. Years of ethnic tensions have resulted into a series of protests against Bashar al-Assad during the Arab Spring movement, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and PBS.org. To quell the domestic uprisings, the Assad regime used increasing levels of violence.
Over the past few months, the United States, U.N., NATO and other international coalitions have been monitoring what has become a bloody civil war between the Syrian rebels and their authoritarian government. However, recent details have major world leaders calling for military action against Syria. Preliminary U.S. intelligence reports have determined that the Syrian government, under the leadership of al-Assad, killed 1,429 people in Damascus on Aug. 21 with the use of chemical weapons, according to PBS.org.
No evidence has been brought forth to the public that proves these allegations against the Syrian government are true, but on Aug. 31, President Barack Obama held a press conference in the White House Rose Garden to announce that he would seek approval from Congress before launching a strike against Syria. While much of the world is waiting on the United Nations’ weapons inspectors to release their findings from the site of the attack in Damascus, many Americans are questioning the ultimate consequences of attacking Syria, a nation that borders Iraq and is home to about 21 million people. Chris Nelson, a music recording major at County College of Morris, said he believes the United States military could possibly help alleviate the tension. “We have a stronger military force,” Nelson said. “I guess we can help.” However, the American public is in opposition to launching a military strike against Syria. Approximately 56 percent of those surveyed said the United States should not intervene in Syria, while 19 percent supported action, and 25 percent said they did not know what course of action the United States should take in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Nikki Russo, a CCM business and fashion design major, is in agreement with that 56 percent of people. “I am against the attack on Syria personally because our country has so many problems of its own,” Russo said. “We don’t need more prob-
SPENCER PLATT / GETTY IMAGES NEWS / GETTY IMAGES / UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP
Dozens protest outside of the United Nations against the embattled regimes of Syria and Yemen on May 27, 2011 in New York City. lems, as we’re always putting Syria will accomplish,” Shenour servicemen in situations that num continued. “Trying to tease they don’t belong in,” she said. “I out who the variety of forces in simply think we should help their the Syrian opposition are, from country to get a new president . . whence their funding and arms . attacking in my eyes just causes come, what their goals are -- and wars which never end.” how democratic those are -- is Dr. Jill Schennum, chairper- highly complicated at this point.” son of the CCM Department of The Obama Administration Anthropology, Sociology, Eco- has yet to put forth any alternanomics, questions a military at- tives to a limited military strike tack on Syria. on Syria, and the plan is not clear “Although I am quite glad yet as to how and when they that Obama agreed to take the would launch the strike if they case before Congress, he has pursued it. not agreed to abide by Congress’ Yet, the reality still remains decision. It is clear that our conthat in the tiny country on the stitution requires Congressional eastern shore of the Mediterassent to a war, and our democranean Sea, men, women and racy depends on Congressional children continue to die each voice in this decision,” she said. day, and more—more than 6 “Clearly U.S. citizens as well million—have lost their homes as the wider international community remains skeptical of the or fled the country, according to evidence that the U.S. cites for a representative for U.N. refuthe Syrian government’s use of gee agency UNHCR. Can Syrians reach peace without foreign chemical weapons.” “It is unclear what bombing intervention?
CCM students remember 9/11 BY JORDAN BARTH Acting Managing Editor
At 9:43 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. At 9:59 a.m., the South Tower collapsed (Two World Trade Center). At 10:28 a.m., the North
Tower collapsed (One World Trade Center). On Sept. 11, 2013, we remember a day that will forever live in infamy. Twelve years ago, 2,977 men and women lost their lives in the collapse of the Twin Towers, crash in Shanksville, P.A., in which the plane was intended for Washington, D.C. and
attack at the Pentagon. Those lost were mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters to families across the country. The Twin Towers were symbols of America’s prosperity and its commitment to the “American Dream.” In a matter of minutes, the towers were reduced to a matter of rubble. Throughout the years, tributes across the country have occurred remembering those who heroically gave their lives. It was only one year ago that President Barack Obama visited the 9/11 memorial site to lay a wreath and express his condolences. Alex Quaglia, a public administration major, shared his thoughts on the anniversary. “All of the memories come rushing back around this time of year,” he said. “People jumping out of the Twin Towers is the most vivid one.” “I think it’s weird that it’s been 12 years. I remember seeing it live on TV!” said Tara Jenkins, a liberal arts major. “My boyfriend’s father was actually there when it happened. His office was right there. It definitely still means something than any other day…” For some, the remembrance of 9/11 is an important occasion. For others, the day of remembrance is an afterthought.