Pulse Magazine Spring 2015 by Pulse Magazine

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Letter From the Editors This semester has been a long yet rewarding experience. With our classmates, we put together this magazine from start to finish. The class selected article topics, and we finally landed on a theme of “Students Outside the Classroom.” From there we all wrote articles and edited and re-edited them. Then we student managers and our awesome copy team got to work on layout and putting everything together, to make it into the awesome magazine you’re holding! We would like to thank the class for putting up with us all semester and for their hard work, and Professor Long for overseeing this entire process. Thank you to Che Sullivan for helping with copy editing and last-minute layout, and to everyone who let us interview them for our articles. We hope you enjoy this issue of Pulse Magazine.

“Started from the bottom, now we’re here,” Taylor, Ehlayna, and Beatrice

Ehlayna Napolitano is a junior journalism major. She is happy to be the editor-in-chief of Pulse Magazine this semester. She thanks her lovely coeditors and the staff for all of their hard work.

Beatrice Arner is a senior journalism major. She was very pleased to join the Pulse staff this semester as co-managing editor and has learned a lot from the experience.

Taylor Wilson is a senior public relations major. She was excited to be chosen as a co-managing editor this semester and has enjoyed getting to work with the other editors putting the magazine together and appreciates all of their hard work.

Entertainment The Path to Fame.................................................... 8 Rock Out in Summer 2015.................................. 10 Summer Cinema................................................. 12 Nassau Coliseum: Closing the Barn Doors �� 14

The Hofstra Student Dropping the Mic.......................................... 19 Landing the Postgraduate Career............... 21 Exposure: A Traveler in Search of Adventure......... 26

Health and Wellness Spring Cleaning: Surviving Finals..............31 Exercise 101: A Core Course in College Life ��32 The “Fitspiration” Workout...........................34

Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty Demystifying Veganism.....................................35 Pulse Reviews.....................................................38 There’s No Place Like Home...............................39 Face Value..............................................................42 Summer Survival Guide.........................................43 The Senior Perspective.............................................45

Pulse Magazine Staff

Anthony Tartamella Business Manager

Taylor Napoli

Business Assistant

Chris Buckley Copy Chief

Nicholas Hautman Copy Editor

Kayla Garritano

Devon Preston

Brianna Roberti

Danielle Santucci

Advertising Layout Director

Art Director

Sections Editor

Webmaster

Medea Giordano Editorial Assistant

Eric Freitas Photo Editor

Abigail Pynn

Circulation Director

Emily Soule

Promotions Director

The Path to Fame

Hofstra alum pursues dream of music career l

l l Taylor Napoli

Mike Tedesco, born and raised in Torrington, Connecticut, recently moved to Queens, New York to pursue a career in music. After graduating Hofstra University in 2014 with a Music degree, he now plays in local venues spanning Long Island, New York City and Connecticut. He’s currently working on his solo career and hopes to record his first EP in the near future. He grew up in a suburban town without much of a music scene, but coming from a very musical family, Tedesco was “always surrounded by it.” Both of his parents, as well as his grandfather and his uncle, who happens to be an adjunct music professor at Hofstra, were all involved in music in different ways. Tedesco began learning how to play the piano at 9 years old, and from then on, he was hooked.

However, in high school, his only involvement with music was singing the National Anthem at sports games and events. “I remember, when I was in school, I used to end up skipping classes just to go in the music room to play the piano, but I was never involved in any of the programs. I kind of liked being separated from it and doing my own thing,” Tedesco said. Originally, college wasn’t a part of Tedesco’s plan, but after visiting Hofstra and seeing a faculty performance, he was “blown away.” His four years at Hofstra consisted of constantly practicing the piano, writing a lot, and performing around Long Island and in the city. Dr. David Lalama, a Hofstra music professor was his greatest influence. “He’s not just a teacher; he’s not just an educator; this guy is gigging; he’ a real musician; and that is who I wanted to learn from,” Tedesco said.

his career came when he, along with his band, got the chance to play in the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun. With a push from his mother, Tedesco and his band sent a video of a performance to a radio station’s Local Live Contest. Once they had survived the preliminary round, they had a few more to go through. In the final round, they got the most votes from fans. “It was really cool to know that we got so much support from friends and family. It’s reassuring to know that people support what you do. I really love that, and it keeps me going,” Tedesco said. Max Ross, a band mate of Tedesco’s, graduated from Hofstra with him and played with him in a variety of ensembles through their years at school. “Playing at the Wolf Den was a phenomenal experience,” Ross said. “We love making music, and we take rehearsals and performances very seriously, but we also enjoy each other as people off the stage,” he added.

Besides being a music professor, Dr. Lalama is an arranger, composer and pianist. Tedesco views him as his main mentor through college, and credits “Being a songwriter, it’s Lalama with pushing him through finishing his cool because you’re like a four years. “He has great storyteller...Writing songs musical talents,” Lalama said about Tedesco. “I is definitely a vulnerable think the sky’s the limit for him.” thing...” While studying at Hofstra, he was opened up to a lot more music than he had ever heard before. “Life has brought in more diversity to my music,” Tedesco said. Although Hofstra is only about a 30-minute train ride to New York City, an amazing music hub, he didn’t give himself much freedom to travel into the city because he was more focused on constantly playing and practicing. However, when he did, he and his friends would frequent jazz clubs to catch live shows. All of these experiences in the city affected him as a writer and performer, as well as gave him “a bunch of opportunities to perform live.” The high point of his live performances so far in pulse 88 •• pulse

While playing at Mohegan Sun is an once-in-a-lifetime experience, Tedesco loves playing in smaller venues, “beat up old bars,” just as much. “I try to play everywhere,” he said, “I love it even if there’s nobody there, because I’m getting the chance to play. Even when you think there’s nobody there, there’s always someone listening.”

When asked about an idol he strives to be like, Billy Joel was the first name that came to his mind. In the beginning of his music career, Tedesco tried to compare himself to those he wanted to be like. Quickly, he realized that wasn’t what an idol was for. “You wouldn’t want them to be your idols if they’re not always going to be better than you. They have to always be better than you, or else you’re not striving towards anything,” he said. While some of his music styles are molded after his idols, he doesn’t want to sound exactly like them for fear that he’ll get compared to hem. “Nobody wants another one of those guys. They want something different,” he said.

Not only does Tedesco play piano and sing, but he also writes his own music. “Being a songwriter, it’s cool because you’re like a storyteller,” he says. While a great deal of his music comes from personal experiences, he tries to channel other people’s emotions and tries to act as other characters so his music reaches everyone. “Writing songs is definitely a vulnerable thing, but I try to touch on everything,” Tedesco said. Having joined the band in 2012, Ross has fully experienced working with Tedesco in the band, as well as, other projects they’ve worked on at Hofstra. “He definitely has a ... unique songwriting voice that simultaneously pays homage to his influences and brings something fresh and innovative to the table,” Ross says. While Tedesco writes the majority of the songs for the band, Ross adds that Tedesco “gives the other members of the band free rein to come up with parts for the songs.”

He’s hoping to record an EP soon, wanting something tangible that his listeners can take away from his performances. “I just want them to feel something,” he said. All he can do “is to keep writing and keep observing life and to write it down, and to hope that people can connect with the things that I’m saying.”

Upcoming Shows April 27-Rockwood Music Hall May 1-Tokyo Tapas Cafe May 2-Bowery Electric Map Room May 3-The Bitter End June 19-Starving Artist Cafe June 27-Sip This

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Rock Out in Summer 2015 l

Kayla Garritano

Ar ve sen

Now that students are trading in their backpacks for beach bags, they’re probably looking for some fun in the sun. How about seeing and enjoying some popular artists in concert or attending thrilling music festivals?

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No matter what age or gender, everyone shares a love for music. Whether you like rock, pop, hip-hop, country, heavy metal or anything else, music can be appreciated and enjoyed all around.

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Sunday 24 Electric

To ensure that you’re going to have a “rockin’ summer,” try seeing some of these amazing artists on tour or taking over the nation at a music festival.

May/June

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 25

Saturday

Daisy Carnival MetLife Stadium

Barclays Center

Governor’s Ball

Ed Sheeran

Randall’s Island Park

June 5-7 8

Third Eye Blind

Nikon Theater

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Jones Beach 14

Train Nikon Theater

Jones Beach 21

Lady Antebellum Nikon Theater

Jones Beach

Imagine Dragons Barlcays Center

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July Sunday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1

Saturday

Billy Joel

Ro m an s

Madison Square Garden

il Ph of y s e Court

Taylor Swift

Kelly Clarkson

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MetLife Stadium

Radio City Music Hall

Madison Square Garden

Nikon Theater

Jones Beach

July 18-31 26

Def Leppard

Hozier Stage AE Pittsburgh i ald Rin Cou rtesy of Eva

August

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Sunday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Saturday

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One Direction

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

MetLife Stadium

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Florida Georgia Line

Lady Antebellum Xfinity Theater

Hartford, Conn.

Counting Crows

JBL Live at Pier 97 a Ev of esy Court

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Eric Church NYS Fair Syracuse

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Summer Cinema l

Vacation at the movies l

l l l Nicholas Hautman

After a long, snowy winter on the East Coast, summer cannot come soon enough. Most students likely spent their snow days and weekends watching countless movies on Netflix or at the local cinema. Just because the season of curling up by the fire with a warm blanket is over doesn’t mean that students can’t continue to enjoy a good film here and there. Once the weather gets brutally hot, an air-conditioned movie theater might sound like a nice getaway. Luckily, this summer has a lot to offer cinematically, including sequels to some film favorites. “Age of Ultron,” the sequel to 2012’s “The Avengers,” will bring back the all-star cast of Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson. The film, which kicks off the summer blockbuster season May 1, will follow Tony Stark (Downey) as he struggles to revitalize a peacekeeping effort with his fellow Avengers, including Thor (Hemsworth) and The Incredible Hulk (Ruffalo). Hofstra sophomore film major Jackie Gately believes that “Age of Ultron” will be this summer’s go-to film. “It has the biggest following out of all of the movies coming out this summer. I think a lot of people know when it’s coming out and are pretty ready for it,” Gately said. “The villain is cooler and freakier in this one. James Spader as a crazy robot sounds like something I want to see.” According to Variety and Billboard, one of the most anticipated releases this summer is “Pitch Perfect 2.” The first film, released in 2012, featured the song “Cups,” which had audiences across the globe clanging glasses against their kitchen tables while singing along to the catchy tune. The film was a huge success in theaters and on DVD/digital, so a sequel was imminent. Director Elizabeth Banks told Entertainment Weekly that in the second film, a cappella group The Barden Bellas are prohibited from competing at a collegiate level. As a result, they are forced to enter an international singing competition that no American team has ever won. Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson return for the follow-up, which will arrive in theaters May 15.

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Catch a movie this summer!

Age of Ultron May 1 Pitch Perfect 2 May 15 Poltergeist May 22 Ted 2 June 26 Spy June 1 Magic Mike XXL July 1 Minions July 10 Paper towns July 24 Goosebumps August 7

Three years ago, Seth MacFarlane, creator of “Family Guy,” teamed up with Mark Wahlberg to bring a giant teddy bear named Ted to life. On June 26, the pull-no-punches stuffed animal returns in “Ted 2” as he tries to have a baby with his wife, TamiLynn, but cannot without the help of his friend, John (Wahlberg). But in order for Ted to have custody of his child, he must prove to a court of law that he is human. Jenna Scardino, a Hofstra television major, who has also worked in film, stated, “‘Pitch Perfect 2’ and ‘Ted 2’ are both set to come out early in the summer. Considering they are sequels to incredibly popular movies, they should do well in the box offices.” Funny girl Melissa McCarthy will hit the big screen as a CIA analyst in “Spy,” an action comedy that will have audience members on the edge of their seats. The film reunites McCarthy with director Paul Feig, who directed “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat.” Susan Cooper (McCarthy), a former deskbound analyst, volunteers to go undercover after her partner disappears. “Spy,” which also stars Jude Law, Jason Statham and Allison Janney, will be released June 5.

John Green fans are in for a treat. The author’s 2008 novel, “Paper Towns,” will be adapted into a movie after the massive success of last year’s novelturned-film “The Fault in Our Stars.” “Paper Towns” follows the story of a young boy named “Q” (Nat Wolff), who tries to find answers after his childhood friend Margo (Cara Delevingne) disappears. The film will be released July 24. In the credits of 2013’s “Despicable Me 2,” Gru’s minions auditioned for their own movie — and their wish will come true July 10. “Minions,” a prequel to the hit Universal animated films, will follow the tiny yellow creatures as they compete to become the henchmen of Scarlet Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock, as she seeks to become the world’s first female supervillain. Some other titles to look forward to this summer include Channing Tatum’s return as the title character in “Magic Mike XXL,” the big screen adaption of R.L. Stine’s children’s book series “Goosebumps,” and a 3D remake of the 1982 supernatural horror film “Poltergeist.”

Courtesy of Raymond Shobe

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N assau Coliseum:

Closing the Barn Doors

Nets basketball. Islanders hockey. Billy Joel concerts. Stanley Cup Championships.

What do all these things have in common? They all happened at Nassau Coliseum.

14 â&#x20AC;˘ pulse Anthony Tartamella/Pulse

A look back at the history of the local arena l

l l l Anthony Tartamella

Nassau Coliseum is a staple of Long Island life, whether or not you are a sports fan and saw worldclass athletics performed there. If you’re a fan of the concerts that are held, or even just someone who takes in the circus or monster truck shows, you have a story to tell about the arena.

County did not recognize the WHA as a legitimate sports league. Thus, the NHL quickly awarded a new franchise to Nassau County. This team, rumored to be named the Ducks, would end up being the Islanders, and have been in the arena ever since.

Ground was broken on Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in January 1969. The arena cost $32 million to build. Adjusted for inflation, that totals $180 million by today’s standards. To compare, Madison Square Garden recently underwent a $1 billion renovation that improved that arena’s concourses. This is in stark contrast to the limited renovation the Coliseum has undergone. Most, if not all, renovations to the arena have been related to seating (replaced seats, added luxury boxes, created safer stairways, etc.) Most of the arena remains almost exactly the same as it was in 1972, when the first event that took place in the arena occurred — an ABA basketball game between the New York Nets and the Pittsburgh Condors. The Nets would eventually move to New Jersey. This was done to save money needed to pay to join the NBA when the ABA was folding, leaving the arena to a hockey franchise.

Nassau Coliseum also played host to the 1985 NHL All-Star game. During this contest, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky scored four goals in the third period, helping him take home the MVP Award.

For the first few years, the team was pitiful, “People around the NHL may trash the barn, but perpetually finishing as one of the worst in the it’s home to us,” said Islanders forward Kyle Okposo. NHL. However, after several years of rebuilding, the Islanders went on a run of four straight Stanley Other Islander players shared this sentiment Cup titles, from the 1979-80 season to 1982-83. as well. Islander legend Bobby Nystrom said, “It’s a They would have won a fifth straight if not for building that’s outlasted its lifespan, but there’s no the Edmonton Oilers’ starting a dynasty of their better place to play a hockey game.” Nystrom own, led by NHL legend Wayne Gretzky. was part of the Islander teams that won To this day, the Islanders are the last four Stanley Cups in a row and has his NHL team to win four straight number retired by the Islanders. Cups. They also hold the record for “People around most consecutive playoff-series The Coliseum holds a special victories, winning 19 in a row. place in the heart of all Long the NHL may trash These are records that will likely Islanders, and so does the winding the barn, but it’s home never be broken, because of the road it has taken to where it is today to us.” parity in today’s NHL. and will be in the future.

The World Hockey Association (WHA) wanted to place a team in Nassau Coliseum, however Nassau

Following the Coliseum’s glory days, the Islanders fell on hard times — since 1993, at the time of this writing, the team has only won two playoff series, both in the 1993 season. The Coliseum began to fall apart, complete with a leaky ceiling and a lack of money to fix the ailing team or arena. During this time in 1996, businessman John Spano decided to buy the team and invest in the it and its arena. However, there was one slight problem — Spano didn’t have the money he said he did. He was arrested for fraud, which punctuated an already dark period for the team. Spano was able to fool the NHL and the previous owners of the team by faking bank documents. By the early 2000s, the Coliseum found a new pulse • 15

tenant — the New York Dragons of the Arena Football League (AFL). The arena had seen other tenants, such as being the host site for Wrestlemania 2 and was the home arena for other minor sports teams like the New York Arrows, Sets, Jawz, Saints and Titans. These teams played sports such as indoor tennis, inline hockey, lacrosse and soccer. However, the Dragons were the largest team besides the Islanders and Nets to compete in the Coliseum. The Islanders even borrowed the Dragons’ mascot, Sparky, and he is still the mascot for the team today. Other than athletic performances, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus holds the Coliseum record for most performances. Since 1972, the circus has performed there every year. In 1980, Pink Floyd had taken the world by storm and was one of the most popular musical acts of the time. During their “The Wall” tour, Nassau Coliseum was one of only two arenas the band played in. However, this distinction for the most musical performances by one band in the arena is held by the Grateful Dead, with a record 35 performances during their time as an active group. Second place goes to Long Island native Billy Joel, with 19, which also includes his nine sold-out shows from January through May 1998. This is the consecutiveperformance record for a year by any musical act. Because of his Long Island heritage and the record, Joel had a banner raised to the Coliseum rafters, similar to those of ex-Islander greats. Until recently, it was also home to the annual summer music festival, Vans Warped Tour. However, this will be the final season that the

Islanders call the arena their home. Following this season, the team will move 20 miles west to Did You Know? the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Despite the short Elvis Presley was physical trip, scheduled to perform at the move from Nassau Coliseum only a Nassau County to week after his death in Brooklyn could not 1977. seem farther to many Islander fans. “The Coliseum and Islanders are something I’ve always taken for granted,” said Dennis Schauf. “I’ll miss the great sight lines of Nassau Coliseum and having the team so close. Once you’re in your seat, it’s the best view of any arena I’ve been in.” Newsday beat reporter Arthur Staple echoed these sentiments. Staple has said that in his travels covering the Islanders, the Coliseum has the best views from the press box that he’s ever seen. Nassau Coliseum has faced a lot of adversity and has been the subject of political football almost since its inception. Islanders’ majority owner Charles Wang proposed his Lighthouse Project in the mid 2000s. Essentially, this project would have been a full reconstruction of the area surrounding the arena, as well as a full reconstruction of the Coliseum. It also would have featured Long Island’s first five-star hotel, as well as a minor league baseball stadium. In short, it was an ambitious project, to say the least. It

1969: Ground is broken

1972: Nassau Coliseum officially opens

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was to be privately owned and would have cost about $3.75 billion. Local politicians were not able to come to any sort of agreement on how to press forward with this plan. It was eventually scrapped after certain aspects were considered to be unrealistic, such as Wang’s plan for a 60-story building. Then, in 2011, local politicians and Wang partnered on a plan to hold a special referendum. The vote was to decide whether taxpayers would want to pay to renovate the arena and keep the team in it for years to come. On Aug. 1, 2011, the measure was voted down. In

October 2012, the Islanders announced they would move to Brooklyn, where they would join their former housemates, the Nets. This left the Coliseum’s future in doubt, and two developers stepped forward to discuss its possible reconstruction — Madison Square Garden and Forest City Enterprises, the company owned by Bruce Ratner, majority owner of Barclays Center. Ratner won the bid to own and renovate Nassau Coliseum; the current proposal calls for a full

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1995: Coliseum wins

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2015:

Coliseum hosts its final Islanders season pulse • 17

courtesy of Erin Nikitchyuk Celine Dion performs at Nassau Coliseum in 2008, on her “Taking Chances” tour.

renovation. A seating reduction to 13,000 seats would take place as well as addition of concession options from local food vendors and inclusion of the price of parking in a ticket to any event. Ratner has also stated a desire to bring the Islanders back to the Coliseum for six games a year. The arena might also house a minor league hockey team. Rumors have swirled that the Islander’s AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, could make the move south, however their current lease in Connecticut could prevent that for a few years. The renovation is expected to cost about $89 million.

This could hold up the plan for several months. A final plan, proposed by Ratner and Forest City Enterprises, would have the rebuilding of the Coliseum begin in August. The new plan, which was set forth on April 15, would add retail spaces and a movie theater. It was accepted by Nassau County officials, and so far the lawsuit has not seemed to affect the renovation plan.

“I somtimes have a dream ...where the Islanders move back.”

While this plan appeared to have put the Coliseum on the right track, a new lawsuit could derail it. Newsday reported March 26 that Forest City Enterprises was suing its partner, Blumenfeld Development Group. Blumenfeld then fired back with a lawsuit of its own, each claiming that the other does not want to work with it in a true partnership. 18 • pulse

Despite all the news and marketing the team has done regarding its move toward Brooklyn, Islander legend Clark Gillies has a hunch that the Islanders will make their way back home.

“I sometimes have a dream in the middle of the night where the Islanders move back to a renovated Coliseum,” Gillies said at a fan event. Legend Bobby Nystrom agreed: “It would mean the world to the fans if they did.”

Dropping the Mic

WRHU airwaves resonate with opportunity l

l l l Chris Buckley

Hofstra students certainly have no shortage of on-campus clubs and groups to participate in during each semester. From fraternities and sororities to the pool team and the ultimate Frisbee team, there are options for every student. However, you would be hard-pressed to find a club with as diverse a record as Hofstra’s official radio station, 88.7 FM WRHU Radio Hofstra University. Music shows for every genre, awardwinning news programs with local election coverage, and a prestigious sports department are all just part of what has put WRHU on the map. In 2014, the National Association of Broadcasters selected WRHU as non-commercial station of the year for the first time ever, and it was also ranked No. 1 as

the best college radio station in the nation by the Princeton Review. In fact, WRHU had already made history five years before. In 2010, WRHU signed a historic contract with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. For the first time ever, a college radio station became the broadcast network flagship for an NHL franchise. WRHU has continued to hold broadcasting rights for the team through the 201415 season. What makes the partnership so remarkable is the responsibility given to students. College students control every aspect of an Islanders broadcast but the play-by-play, which is provided by veteran announcer Chris King. From color commentary to production to intermission reports, the only other voices a listener will hear on these professional broadcasts are those of Hofstra students. Students also have the opportunity to attend the team’s practices to interview coaches and players, as well as to scout opposing teams for upcoming broadcasts.

Chris Buckley/Pulse

What all of this means is that college students have been singlehandedly producing every broadcast for a professional sports team for the past five years pulse • 19

— a move unprecedented by any college or university in the country. “The experience is fantastic,” said senior Nick Valastro. Valastro has served as a locker room reporter, update anchor and engineer for Islanders games during his time at WRHU.

this unprecedented professional relationship. “Being able to work with a professional hockey team as a college student is better than anything I could have ever imagined,” said junior Mark Weiner. Like Dexter, Weiner provided color commentary alongside King during the 2014-15 season. “I never thought I’d be engineering, then reporting, and now providing color commentary, simply getting the real-life training that I know I wouldn’t get anywhere else,” Weiner said. From the perspective of the station’s upper management, WRHU’s deal with the Islanders serves as a prime career opportunity, not just during a student’s tenure at Hofstra, but as a means for being immediately hired out of college.

“I’ve been a hockey fan all my life, so to be working as part of the Islanders radio team, it’s just awesome,” Valastro said. “I know once I leave school and I put this on my résumé, potential employers will find that fascinating. I’ve been a part of at least 50 Islanders broadcasts. Not many people can say that they’ve done what we do here.” Working for WRHU is an unpaid position. However, every year, with each graduating class, the experience gained from working at the station proves to be worthwhile for every staff member leaving Hofstra. This certainly holds true for the station’s sports department, which has produced talents who have gone on to accept professional jobs around the country.

“We have a great reputation for sports broadcasting,” said WRHU Director of Operations John Mullen. Mullen, WRHU General Manager Bruce Avery and Professional in Residence Ed Ingles helped negotiate the terms of WRHU’s deal with the Islanders in 2010. “Any student that is involved in any aspect of an Islanders broadcast, whether it’s color commentary, the locker room experience, updates or simply being in studio and producing, it is exactly what you would be doing for any other major league sports radio broadcast,” Mullen said.

“Not many people can say that they’ve done what we do here.”

Kevin Dexter, a student color analyst for the New York Islanders during the 2011-2012 and 2012-13 seasons, is now an on-air broadcaster News 12 on Long Island and also works for the CBS Radio Sports Network in New York City. Dexter had the opportunity to provide color commentary during the team’s playoff run in the 2012-13 season. Students today continue to reap the benefits of 20 • pulse

“That is a unique selling proposition, so it gives students the ability to get a better internship and then a better job right out of college. You have a jump on every human being in college in the world.”

After 43 years at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Islanders will be moving away from Uniondale at the end of this season. The team’s new home will be Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning in 2015-16. As of now, the state of WRHU’s partnership with the Islanders moving forward is unclear. But what is clear is that Hofstra students have been a part of the team’s history, and the station made some history of its own in the process.

Landing the Postgraduate Career

The essentials from the expert on career counseling, Gary Miller l

l l Beatrice Arner

As of May 17, 2015, young adults who once called themselves “Hofstra Students” will be taking their first step out into the real world. The class of 2015, Hofstra’s newest alumni, are on their way to success. However, the transition from student to fullfunctioning adult is not an easy one. “You’ve been a student for the last 16 years or so of your life, and now you’re having to take steps that will guide you towards no longer being a student,” said Gary Alan Miller, executive director of the Career Center, “and that’s a complete identity change, which can be a really scary thing.”

When to Start the Postgraduate Job Search The first question many job-hunting students ask themselves is when should they begin the career search. Miller, who has two decades of experience in career-advising, said each industry recruits on a different timeline. “Realistically, most places,

especially if they’re looking to hire a recent grad, would expect to hire closer to that graduation date,” Miller said, however fields such as accounting and finance begin their search much earlier. Hofstra’s Accounting Fair, held in November, is aimed at seniors who begin interviewing for positions even as early as October.

87 percent of Hofstra graduates find a job within a year of graduation

Senior year of college is a time of reminiscing about the past, excitement for the future and a whole lot of senioritis; however, the one thing on everyone’s mind is what will happen after graduation. After all the time put into pulling all-nighters to study and write papers, Hofstra graduates are ready to put their degrees to use. According to Hofstra’s website, 87 percent of Hofstra graduates found a job within a year of graduation. To get those jobs, students need to be taking the correct steps.

Not all industries begin interviewing and hiring graduates as early. Fields like communications often hire when positions are available. No matter the reason, they don’t plan for it in most cases. “If a place in these fields [is] hiring someone in November, it’s going to be hard,” Miller said.

No matter how prepared a student may or may not be for applying for postgrad positions, it’s never too late to begin the process. “What you didn’t do before cannot be changed, but the fact that you’re actively engaged with it now, whenever now is, is good,” Miller said. Each industry requires time when it comes to finding a job within it.

The Résumé When looking for employment after graduation, the résumé is a critical key for applying for jobs. It is the first professional representation of yourself that recruiters see and, despite the hours put into creating it, there is no such thing as a perfect résumé. While some industries may enjoy creative and personal pulse • 21

elements on the résumé, other industries may frown upon it. How your résumé is seen is subjective, varying per industry and individual. What exactly do recruiters look for in a resume? According to Miller, recruiters do a quick scan of the document. During the four to 14 seconds recruiters spend doing this quick scan, they look at two things: your name and contact info, and the verbs included in your experience. Recruiters want to know “where and what” and look for active verbs. Passive language fails to show off the skills you wish to express. Customization should always be done to a résumé on a case-to-case basis. Before sending in a résumé, job-seekers should compare the skills they list and the skills mentioned in the job description. “It may not mean rewriting the whole thing,” Miller said, “but it may just mean that if I’m looking at a job description, and they’re emphasizing teamwork and communication skills, I’m going to mention teamwork and communication skills on my résumé.”

relationships that could push your résumé from the bottom of a stack to the top. “Fifty percent of your time should be spent locating and applying to opportunities while the other 50 percent should be spent locating and networking with people,” Miller said. “Just doing that gives you more success.” Networking helps to eliminate the “hidden job market.” “It’s not uncommon that by the time something hits the company website, they may already have some candidates in mind,” Miller said. By forming a relationship with a professional that you admire, when those positions appear, they may think of you. “Finding time as a student is more work but also more productive,” Miller mentioned. A simple follow-up call could make a significant difference.

Resources and Locating Opportunities

“The Internet has made life much easier in terms of locating opportunities,” Miller said. Websites such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, and LinkUp.com are popular career search engines that connect jobseekers and recruiters. Keywords that are function specific, not industry specific, are often used to locate positions. By using general key words like a major or interest to begin the search, postgrad jobseekers can narrow the search. However, Internet search engines mean increased competition for jobs and a lack of human contact. “You’re removed from the people in the “Fifty percent of your time process,” Miller said, making should be spent locating and networking and landing the job more difficult. applying to opportunities while

Relevance always depends on the audience. Swap out less-important skills or roles for more relevant ones according to the job description. Since the résumé is traditionally in reverse chronological order, with the most important information at the top, creating new sections allows specific skills or roles to stand out. These sections can be moved around to show their importance.

The Importance of Networking

Creating a résumé and filling out applications may not take much the other 50 percent should be time to do; however, Once the search has networking begins the begun, job descriptions may spent locating and networking day a student steps onto throw off many new grads. with people.” the campus. By joining Many descriptions that are clubs, having internships and put up by companies looking to communicating with professors hire new employees are confusing and Hofstra graduates, students and sometimes contradicting. “A job create a network of resources that description, in some ways, represents could help them land the postgrad job. what they think of as the ideal person,” Miller Networking isn’t just schmoozing; it’s building said. “That ideal person may not actually exist, and 22 • pulse

it’s not uncommon to find job descriptions with written qualifications that cannot possibly happen.” Miller means by this that a description may explain that the job may be great for a new graduate, however, under qualifications, a company may post three to five years of experience. Although this isn’t true for all job descriptions, it does occur. Miller’s tip is simple: Apply anyway! “The feedback we’ve gotten from recruiters would be that they may take you out of the pool, but there’s no reason for you to take yourself out of the pool,” he said. Don’t be afraid to apply and let employers define the qualifications. For descriptions that include qualifications such as 10 to 15 years experience, avoid obvious dead ends.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers Most Valuable Skills According to Forbes.com * Critical Thinking/Problem Solving * Teamwork * Professionalism/Work Ethic * Oral/Written Communication * Information Technology Application

Social Media When you are looking to buy a car, you do some research and Google the make and model to get more information about your investment. Employers do the exact same thing when hiring new employees. In our society today, most people, especially recent grads, have an online presence. This generation’s recent grads can use social media to market themselves online. However, social media and a person’s online presence can help or harm a postgrad job-seeker.

* Leadership * Career Management

in the trash. However, social media behavior can be extremely beneficial for recent grads while on the job hunt.

Social media allow job-searchers to access various information portals. Platforms like Twitter don’t require participants to be active. Grads can easily research companies and their employees and discover hashtags and keywords that can be Parents and educators emphasize the importance helpful. LinkedIn also allows participants to follow that anything posted online is companies and join groups, helping applicants out on the World Wide Web become smarter and more informed. Social forever, so what a recent media can also be used to reinforce the grad posts can affect a job applicant. “I have the opportunity, as the search. Online behavior, applicant, to reinforce everything on my “When someone asks you according to Miller, résumé by having a Twitter account that represents a person’s if you have any questions, shows I’m talking about stuff that’s decision-making skill relevant to my field and a LinkedIn you never want to say no ... and maturity level. “The profile that matches what is seen here it just tells them you’re not important thing would [on the résumé],” Miller said. Blogging interested.” be that it doesn’t have about classes that are relevant to your to be extreme,” Miller industry also shows potential employers said while discussing your interest and passion for the field. It’s inappropriate or bad “what can I put out there that is going to get behavior online. “It doesn’t have [me] an interview,” Miller said. to be a feed full of [drunk] pictures,” Many problems recent grads face is the decision he said. The job search is competitive, and even one inappropriate picture could cause a resume to be put to make social media accounts private or public. pulse • 23

Beatrice Arner/Pulse

A private social media account doesn’t necessarily mean bad behavior; if the applicant has nothing to hide, it doesn’t hurt to take the profile off private. For profiles that are set to private, Miller suggested to stay updated on changes to privacy settings and agreements on the platform. Multiple accounts on a single platform could also benefit recent graduates. Having two accounts, one professional and one personal, can help regulate which audience sees your posts. However, the decision to have multiple accounts per platform or a private or public account is subjective for each individual. “Everyone has to make those decisions based on what feels most comfortable for them,” Miller said.

dress more conservatively than what you may think is appropriate,” Miller said. Tweak the basic professional attire based on the industry you’re interviewing for. A simple tip, Miller suggested, is to reach out to those you’ve networked with. “If you know people in the field or in the company, get their insight,” he said. Typical professional attire is pretty self-explanatory and can be searched on the Internet easily; however, with connections made through networking, applicants can get a better idea of what is considered office-appropriate.

“Find a padfolio for yourself with copies of your résumé and reference list,” Miller said, “I would also, ahead of time, write down a half-dozen “The median annual The Interview questions.” By doing salary for undergraduate research on the company alumni was $45,000,” After all the hard work of sending beforehand and having out résumés and networking is done, questions prepared according to Hofstra’s the interview process becomes the most shows an interviewee’s Employment Statistics. important thing on a recent graduate’s interest. “When someone mind. Various aspects of the interview asks you if you have any affect the potential for the applicant to get questions, you never want the job. to say no,” he said. “It just tells them you’re not interested.” Always Interview attire is subjective and is avoid generic questions or questions that different for each industry. “You always need to could be answered by simply reading the company’s 24 • pulse

website. Don’t be afraid to ask about company culture or the interviewer’s personal experience within the company. Questions that follow up information from the company’s website also show knowledge and preparedness. “This is the time that you can show them you’re interested and you’ve done some research.”

The Offer Conversation Congratulations! You’ve been offered a job at the company you interviewed with, but now it’s time to focus on the offer made. The offer conversation with companies is very different from the interview and most recent grads don’t prepare as in-depth. Negotiating an offer, especially for entry-level

positions, can be difficult. This discussion often involves the topics of salary and benefits. Always do research online to determine a salary range. Websites like www.Salary.com provide information on salaries per industry in each geographic region. These ranges include the cost of living for each region, making it a helpful tool for postgrads who are looking to negotiate offers. By doing research, anyone can negotiate a salary range that feels comfortable. College graduates have a lot to look forward to in the coming months as they transition from student to hirable college alumni. According to Forbes, a survey conducted by Michigan State University showed the hiring of graduates has been expected to jump by 16 percent in 2015. Hofstra graduates are more equipped than ever to jump into the workforce and to land a postgraduate career.

SAVE THE DATE Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month: September 30, 2015

LGBTQIA Reception: October 21, 2015

Diversity Reception: November 11, 2015

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E R U S O P X E 26 â&#x20AC;˘ pulse

Courtesy of Annie White

A Traveler in Pursuit of Adventure l

The multifaceted Annie White l

l l l Ehlayna Napolitano

She is a senior at Hofstra and she spreads her time across so many organizations, jobs and activities that it can be hard to keep track. A founding member of Zeta Phi Eta, a leader in the on-campus improv troupe Tequila Mockingbird and a resident assistant for two years, White’s role within Hofstra can make her seem a bit of a university-community Renaissance man. “I think my goal is to find out what my goal is, and my dream is to achieve my goal,” White said. “Take that ‘The Secret.’ Figure that one out.” For White, it’s the points of conflict that seem to define her life that are the most defining features of her personality. These ostensible conflicts (or even, more wildly, the places where her interests converge so minimally, yet in such an important way) are part of what makes up her life outlook — one that merges comedy with serious pursuit, creativity with rigidness and adventure with stillness.

camps and helping teach kids from other countries about American culture and the English language (a travel company position she held this past summer). Her degrees, which she will graduate with in May, are not something she regrets, in spite of their seeming irrelevance to the positions and interests she has found herself pursuing. “I am so glad I never did anything else,” White said. “This department [television and film] is comprised of some of the most hardworking people I have ever met, they come in smart and driven, and they leave accomplished. That’s an important culture to be surrounded by, especially when they are inspiring you during your first career steps.”

“I think my goal is to find out what my goal is, and my dream is to achieve my goal.”

Perhaps what is most interesting is that her fields of study and her fields of interest have minimal overlap. Although she is a television and film major, with minors in marketing and global studies, her work is not directly linked to any of them. Her club involvement is linked loosely to her studies in the communication field, but she currently holds an internship at Woman’s Day and Redbook magazines. She has previously held internships at Yelp and a 3-D printing startup. Past jobs include summer

And first steps, at least for White, have been important all along. White grew up in Duxbury, Massachusetts — a small town near the ocean that she describes as a “Norman Rockwell painting come to life.” Her childhood consisted of lemonade-stand summers and luminary-lit streets at Christmas. Her time there, as most childhoods are, was formative and indicative of the scattered dreamer she is now. “I was definitely a socially defective kid. I wasn’t rude or anti-social but just wildly unaware of social norms,” White said. She described one particularly demonstrative memory in which a third-grade pizza party became a one-man karaoke show, in which White herself starred. It was a blue-andpurple velvet, Pat-Benetar-inspired experience that was received by a less-than-enthusiastic group of pulse • 27

classmates.

how nostalgic I am right now … damn it.”

And perhaps that’s what is most interesting about White. Her spongelike desire for adventure and experience. More so than anything else, White Still, the list of good is attempting to do it all for the sake of learning and memories she has for the sake of enjoying herself. She describes is long-winded her anxiety about the future and her worrywart “I feel like photography and far from personality, but there is some underlying exhaustive — is an art form about thirst for adventure that directly conflicts memories that with this. She is working on managing the meaning and appreciation, she said she anxiety and taking as much out of life as she was “grateful” like most art forms. Therefore I wants. for and ones feel like the images I take are that are defined An explosive desire of adventure is the by nostalgia and most defining quality she has, at least in her just a way to appreciate the emotion. Among own view. Of all her only vaguely outlined moment. ...” her favorites goals for the future, White’s clearest aspirations are seemingly pertain to her desire (and, one might venture innocuous moments to say, her need) to see as much of the world as — a conversation about possible. Her eagerness to move, to consume culture, book characters on a porch with to experience and soak in the world and its people is her father, having martinis at Christmas with her what stands out to her (and to anyone who listens to mother, getting ready to leave for a night out with her describe her future). friends. And of course there the more traditional “My less career-oriented goal is to go to all seven favorite memories — being abroad, bowing onstage continents by the time I am 27,” she said. It’s a goal at a high school theater competition. not too far off — by the end of June, she said, she’ll Still, the experiences seem to blend together have just two left. In looking beyond that, White for her, sticking out as emotional moments rather hopes to work for a travel magazine. than as favorites for Still, that thirst for adventure and ever-moving their face value. She attitude toward travel is characterized by an clings in memory to appreciation for the stillness of admiration and the goodness of the education — another point of contention where her memory, one might contrasts harmonize into something productive. Her posit, rather than explorations of the world define her photography. the memory in and of itself.

Courtesy of Annie White

“It definitely is a definitive example my childhood awareness,” White said.

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“I don’t remember them in facts, but as feelings,” she said. “I am grossed out by

Courtesy of Annie White White (far left) is a part of Hofstra’s on-campus improv troupe, Tequila Mockingbird. Above is one of its posters.

“I feel like photography is an art about meaning and appreciation, like most art forms. Therefore I feel like the images that I take are just a way to appreciate the moment and the beauty,” White said. “Traveling forces you to see new things, and that’s why I think I tend to appreciate travel photography more — it helps others see the ‘same’ new things from anywhere in the world.” “This idea is that as soon as you are given a task, do it. Get it done so that tomorrow doesn’t seem so daunting,” White said. It’s advice she credits to two of her friends (and, perhaps a bit begrudgingly, to her parents as well). But anxiety about the future is getting lower and lower every day, it seems, with White. She said that she is “really flippin’ happy” and is working on making her present the foundation for the best possible future. “I’ve been waking up at sunrise/I’ve been following the light around my room” begins Annie White’s favorite song. It’s Paul Simon’s “The Obvious Child” — and it speaks to the view of life she holds.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH ANNIE WHITE What is your favorite color? Teal, Coral, White — I am bad at following rules. What¹s the best joke you¹ve ever heard? *Spin figure in circular motion* Knock, Knock Whose there? Woo Woo Who?... What TV shows do you watch? The Office, Hello Ladies, The Mindy Project, Parks and Rec, Kimmy Schmitt, The West Wing If you could spend one day as another person, who would you pick? Amy Pohler or Ruth Bader Ginsburg (either would be appropriate to be my patronus), Those are some badass bitches right there. What¹s your favorite word? Ineffable and Galaxies What¹s the best vacation you¹ve ever had? Costa Rica with my family this summer, hiking, beaches, chocolate plantations, cultural lessons from locals and swim-up bars. It was great.

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Spring Cleaning: Surviving Finals l

l l Taylor Wilson

All college students know that finals week can be the longest and most stressful week of the entire semester. Many students spend long hours studying, drink double the amount of coffee they are used to, and snack all day so they do not need to take a study break. However these bad habits take a toll on your body and lead students to become fatigued, and less productive then they could be. Here are some tips to stay healthy while studying and ace those finals! Eat Healthfully According to Mitzi Dulan, who spent eight years as team nutritionist with the Kansas City Chiefs, an NFL player wouldn’t eat tons of junk food before he has to play in the Super Bowl, so do not let yourself eat junk food while you study for your big test. Give your brain the power it needs by eating foods loaded with vitamins, such as fruits and vegetables. If you do find yourself wanting to snack, especially late at night, nuts are a great choice as they are loaded with good nutrition and energy. Never skip breakfast; it wakes up your brain and boosts your metabolism to get you ready for a long day of studying and testtaking. Keep some granola bars in your bag just in case, and you won’t have an excuse for missing breakfast. Don’t Skip the Gym A 2010 study by researchers at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan found that undergraduate students who vigorously exercised during the week had GPAs that were on average 0.4 points higher than those who didn’t regularly exercise. Even if you hate the gym, try playing basketball with friends, or going outside and playing 30 • pulse

a game of soccer or just going for a quick jog. Take Advantage of Hofstra’s Finals Week Activities

Hofstra sponsors a week of “de-stress” events throughout finals week. Who wouldn’t want to take a break for a free massage, or to play with a room full of puppies? Hofstra also hosts a semiannual Late Night Breakfast, which is perfect for students low on meal points or students who just love free food. Find Your Perfect Place to Study Everyone has different study habits and likes to study in different places. If you are easily distracted, don’t study with a group of friends or in your room in front of the TV. If you like some background noise, play some music. Figure out what’s right for you. If you just do what your friends are doing, you might find yourself getting nothing done. Sleep Try your best to get at least seven hours of sleep a night — pulling all-nighters can negatively affect your immune system. It can also lead to things like memory loss, inability to concentrate, headaches, and increased stress levels. If you do feel that you need to stay up late to study, try taking naps throughout the day. Follow these five steps to keep you brain and body healthy so you can retain all that information and feel good about your finals while you are on the beach this summer.

Exercise 101: A Core Course in College Life l

l l Abigail Pynn

Keeping your body healthy in college is advantageous not only for your body, but also for your mind. So coupled with good eating habits, exercise can increase your chances of college success. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that regular exercise provides physical, cognitive and emotional benefits. Here is how those benefits break down: Physical Benefits They include improved body composition, physiological functions, endurance, cardiorespiratory health, and muscular strength and flexibility, according to exercise science major Alex Horlbogen. “On an average week, I get to the gym four times … for 60 to 90 minutes,” Horlbogen said. He does mainly free-weight-strength training, running and sports activities.

with everything from grades to jobs to relationships. With sometimes-hectic schedules, trying to find time to go to the gym can be a challenge. But going to the gym provides the perfect study break for busy students. Numerous studies about exercise in relation to grades have been conducted. Data from Purdue, Saginaw Valley State and Stanford universities, just to name a few, show that students who exercise frequently have higher GPAs. Mental clarity is also achieved through exercise. This can help one focus during taking exams and writing term papers. “It makes you more efficient in time management, which is essential for academic achievement,” said Berry College psychology professor and longtime fitness instructor Dr. Julie Johnson. Taking time out of your busy schedule to get a workout in is actually a better choice than say, overstudying.

“Exercise can be what you make of it, but elevating your heart rate is a must,” he said. Deborah Tarricone, a Hofstra fitness instructor, said exercise keeps everything moving. “I think you need cardio and strength training. Both of them work together.” Students’ reasons for going to the gym vary. Some want to lose weight; others want to get stronger; and some like it as a way to remain in shape. “I come to the gym to exercise because staying healthy and keeping my body in the best physical shape is important to me,” Horlbogen said. Cognitive Benefits College students can often get stressed out dealing

Abigail Pynn/Pulse

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“To be honest, I gained a lot of weight. The It can also elevate your mood, because working freshman 15 hit me pretty hard,” said sophomore out releases hormones. When you exercise, your body Rocio Marroquin, now a frequent Hofstra Fitness releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins Center gymgoer. Rocio comes to the gym trigger a positive feeling in the body. For Monday through Friday, giving herself example, the feeling that follows a run or the weekends off. Her workouts last workout is often known as a “runner’s from an hour and a half to two high.” This can leave you with an hours. energizing outlook on life. The “I like the soreness at the most important emotional benefit end of the day. It’s how you “I like the soreness at the end is that exercise is a huge stress of the day. It’s how you know you know you did something. I reliever, increasing your overall did something,” Marroquin said. always feel accomplished feeling of well-being. “I always feel accomplished after I after I exercise.” exercise.” The frequent exercising The Hofstra Fitness Center is changed her diet for the better as open Monday through Thursday well. “Instead of going to get a bag from 6 a.m. to 10:50 p.m., Friday from of chips, I’ll get an apple and peanut 6 a.m. to 8:50 p.m., and Saturday and butter,” she said. Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7:50 p.m. Are you too busy to make it to the gym? There are plenty of short yet effective workout videos on YouTube, Emotional Benefits which makes working out in your dorm room a good alternative. Every bit helps your body stay College students who take time out of their day healthy. Numerous fitness-tracker applications like to exercise can gain benefits of feeling good about MyFitnessPal and Fitness Buddy can help you stay their body image, experience elevated moods and on track and be fun to use. even do better in school. Moving around each day can make you feel like you’ve done something good for your body.

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The “Fitspiration” Workout

Looking to the Internet for get-fit tips l

l l Emily Soule

Having trouble getting yourself to the gym? Are you bored with your current gym routine? Is finding healthful food just too difficult for you? If you’re having any or all of these problems, then you may need to find your fitspiration. Fitness inspirations, or “fitspirations,” have been popping up all over the Internet and social media. They serve as motivation for “average people” to achieve their dream bodies and get into shape. While some lucky folks don’t need any extra help committing to the gym, according to Cassey Ho, the creator of POP Pilates and the Blogilates blog, “The majority of our population needs a push.” Having someone to teach you work out routines and how to eat more healthfully can make a huge difference in turning your lifestyle around. Cassey Ho became inspired to build her fitness empire after the launch of her workout-fashion career. She designed a large, durable and stylish yoga bag, which was featured on the Wendy Williams Show and published in Shape Magazine, so she quit her job and threw herself into the fitness world. “I came up with POP Pilates as I was teaching classes at the gym because I loved the music on the radio,” Ho said. “I wanted to give Pilates a little boost in energy.” She added that the reaction to POP Pilates was really positive, and that’s what inspired her to begin blogging and uploading videos of her routines. It may seem it comes easy to her because of the success of her blog now, but Ho said that although it was the “most satisfying work in the world” to her, it was difficult. “My job is my passion, and my passion is my job,” she said. According to her blog, Ho’s life consists of “lots of working out, eating clean, cooking clean and teaching fitness classes” — all of the things she loves to do that make her want to keep

going. “Oh, and tweeting. Lots of tweeting,” she said. Juno Salter, an avid fitspiration follower and junior at Hofstra, said that fitspirations are great, as long as you find a few that work well for you. “It’s important to find someone who will guide you and not just make you pass out every time you work out,” Salter said. Some of her favorites are Cassey Ho and Instagram user Kinoyoga. “I feel inspired by them, because their fitness posts are executed well; that is, they always emphasize the importance of going at your own pace and that results do not happen overnight and without struggle,” Salter said. “They are empathetic, always sharing their stories of how much they struggled or how long it took them to get to their level of fitness, but how endurance prevails in the long run. Their motivation is not aggressive, but rather promotes always trying your best and loving your body, no matter what.” Recently, fitspirations have come under some fire with accusations that they are becoming harmful in regard to body-image issues. Many critics say that wishing to look like another person or pushing yourself too hard can cause serious health issues. Salter agreed. “It’s all about the execution of the person acting as the inspiration,” she said. “While I think that the concept of fitspirations — in such that they are meant to inspire and motivate others to push towards a healthy, fit lifestyle — is a good idea, [but] if it is not executed correctly, it can be counterproductive.” Pat Montagano, Hofstra’s director of recreation and intramural sports, agreed with Salter. “Finding someone who inspires you is amazing, but you also have to make sure they do not break pulse • 33

you down mentally,” Montagano said. Montagano recommends finding someone who shows you his or her fitness journey so that you can follow along and see active changes being made. Montagano stressed the idea of finding a “flow” and a consistency within your workouts and lifestyle. “If you are going to the gym for three hours a day but then eating a burger and fries for dinner and getting four hours of sleep at night, you are not going to see any changes,” Montagano said. “It’s all about balance.” As college students, we tend to stay up until 2 o’clock in the morning, and then run on nothing but iced coffee and fried food. But, Helene Konsker, Hofstra’s registered dietician, said, “Busy students need nutrients the most.” Konsker added that the most common mistake that college students make with their health is thinking that they can just go to the gym and come out a new person. “It takes so much more,” she said. Konsker recommended adding fruit and veggies to every meal you have throughout the day and cutting out white sugar altogether if you are trying to make a change. “Our bodies don’t need processed foods,” she said. “The only reason we crave it is because our bodies are used to having it.” Konsker added, “Get your sleep, eat good food and go to the gym; I promise you will feel better than before.” Konsker and Montagano both support the idea of fitspirations, because they offer more than just a picture of six-pack abs. Both Ho and Kinoyoga offer advice on how to fuel your body with healthful food and how to change other aspects of your lifestyle. Fitspirations are people who want to provide motivation and 34 • pulse

Crunch Time! Flatter Abs Fast

Switching Leg Crunches

Start by lying flat on your back with your hands behind your head. Bend your left knee up to your chest and flex your core muscles to pull your elbows to your knee.

Then, while keeping your core muscles tight, switch your left leg with your right, bending it in tight to your chest. These two steps make up one rep, do 15 reps.

Sliding Crunches Place your feet on two paper towels or paper plates (so you are able to slide back and forth). Push yourself up with your arms behind you, hands pointing towards your feet. Keep your head straight and look at the wall in front of you, you want your body to make a straight line.

Slide your feet in towards your body, keeping yourself raised up on your hands, looking down at your ankles. Slide your feet back out in front of you and lift your head back up, facing the wall, back in your starting position. These steps make up one rep, perform 10-12 reps.

Photos by Emily Soule

help others live better, happier lives. With over 600,000 Instagram followers each, Cassey and Kino are just two examples of how successful fitspirations have become in our “obesity epidemic.” According to the Harvard School of Health, the obesity levels in America have been on the rise since 1990, when obese adults made up less than 15 percent of the population. By 2010, 36 states had obesity rates of 25 percent or higher. But Cassey and Kino’s followers and active social media presence shows that lots of people are ready to make a change in their lives; they are just looking for someone to show them how. #GetFit2015 was trending on Twitter for more than three weeks in January, and Fitspirations is ready to make that happen. As one of Greatist’s Top 25 Fitness Influencers in the world, Cassey Ho has spent her career helping people and creating healthier lifestyles. As one of the thousands that the Blogilates program has inspired, Juno Salter says, “I experience a happier disposition when I am in shape, and the mental and physical results I receive from working out keep me motivated to stay in shape.” You can jump in and become a healthier, happier person. It’s possible to find a fitspiration that works for you. Play around with different workouts, recipes and routines and find what is best for you and your body. Montagano said, “There is not one thing that works for everyone; we are all different people with different schedules and different requirements. But there is something for everyone.”

Demystifying Veganism l

One writer shares her tips and tricks l

l l Devon Preston

Veganism and vegetarianism are dietatry lifestyles that are on the rise. Not only do these lifestyle choices benefit the animals, but by cutting high-fat animal products and eliminating a large portion of the junk food on the market, going vegan is proven to give you the body you’ve always wanted without having to starve for it. With growing obesity rates and the pressure from the media to look a certain way, students are looking for new methods to get healthy. And while vegetarianism is nothing new, veganism appears to be the latest trend, with celebrities such as Jared Leto and Ariana Grande backing the lifestyle. “According to the latest Roper polls, an estimated 4-10 percent of Americans call themselves vegetarian, while just under 3 percent fit the definition of vegetarian according to food intake data. A couple of decades ago, it was estimated that about 95 percent of vegetarians were lacto-ovo, and about 5 percent were vegan. Today, estimates suggest that at least a third to a half of all vegetarians are vegan, with one large roper poll showing upwards of 64 percent being vegan,” said Brenda Davis, RD, of Becoming Vegan. Without meat, seafood, dairy, egg or gelatin, the limitations of the vegan diet can seem daunting. Of course fruits and vegetables are acceptable, but no one wants to eat a salad every day. As growing college students, we want diversity in our diets, to make sure that we take in all of the nutrients that we need in order to perform, as well as endulge in the unhealthy foods every so often. We want an easy fix for our busy lifestyles, and luckily there are a few vegan hacks for making the change just a bit smoother.

Devon Preston/Pulse

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The most important meal of the day means starting your LET’S START morning with foods that are going to keep you full WITH and energizied. And as busy BREAKFAST college students, having something fast and cheap is often the way to go. Cereal is a great option for vegans, as it can be easily prepared, and most cereals don’t contain dairy. The key is to find an alternative to dairy milk, whether it be soy, almond or rice milk. If you’re worried about not getting enough calcium in your diet, dairy milk isn’t the only way that our bodies can take in this nutrient. “Calcium is present in many plant foods and fortified foods. Low-oxalate greens (broccoli, kale, collards, okra and Chinese greens) provide highly bioavailable calcium (49 percent to 61 percent), calcium-set tofu, fortified fruit juices, fortified soy milk, sesame seeds, almonds and most legumes provide calcium with moderate bioavailability (21 percent to 27 percent),” said Brenda Davis, RD. Davis is one of many nutritionists who state that you can get all of the same nutirents in vegan alternatives as animal products, and lucky for us, a multitude of brands cater to the healthful and cost-efficient vegan diet. Silk is a great dairy alternative and perfect for breakfast, as it not only provides a variety of milks for your cereals, but also makes creamers for your coffee. If cereal isn’t your style, and you just can’t live without bacon, hash browns or sausage, the brand Morning Star may be more your style. Morning Star provides a large variety of vegan and vegetarian breakfast options that allow you to eat the “All-American” foods that you probably thought you’d have to go without. Morning Star is made for vegans and vegetarians who are on the go, which means a microwave is most times all that is needed for making a Quinoa Burger or Maple Veggie Sausage at any hour you desire.

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One of the most popular myths aroud veganism is that BUT WHAT without meat, you aren’t ABOUT getting enough protein in PROTEIN? your diet. Yet many dieticians are quick to argue that the protein that we need in our diet can be found in ways other than animal products. “The amount of protein needed is not difficult to get in any vegetarian or vegan diet containing a variety of plant foods,” said Brenda Davis, RD. “Even elite athletes can meet all of their protein needs without animal protein.” Plant-based meat alternatives are great ways for vegans to get the protein they need and enjoy their favorite dishes. Conventional tofu is great, but for those who are just transitioning, a brand called Gardien may be more your style. Gardien is a brand that can be found anywhere from grocery stores to Target, and it offers plant-based meat alternatives to chicken, beef, pork and seafood. Their products are extremely diverse, from chicken fingers, to wings, to a holiday roast. There is no excuse for missing out on your favorite meals, because in this day and age, pretty much everything can be made vegan.

Everyone wants clear skin, especially college students. There are hundreds of products on the market that promise clear skin, yet a lot of them are harmful to the enviornment and the animals. Being crueltyfree by purchasing products that don’t test on animals is extremely important, because it’s easy to call ourselves animal lovers; it’s quite another thing to take a step to make a difference. But like avoiding consuming animal products, going cruelty-free isn’t going to leave you with lesser alternatives to your other beauty products. In fact, going cruelty-free might just be your key to clearing up your skin for summer.

FACING OFF

Having received the stamp YES! of approval from magzines TO CLEAR like Allure, Shape, Self, and Women’s Health, the crueltySKIN free brand Yes! is a force to be reckoned with. And you don’t need Oprah to make it one of your favorite things. Yes! is a brand of skin, hair, and body products that is cruelty-free as well as all-natural, paraben-free and made with recycled materials. Now before you write off Yes! as too good to be true, there’s more. This brand recognizes diversity and that everyone’s skin behaves and breaks out differently. Yes! provides six unique lines, Cucumber for sensitive skin, Tomato for blemish-prone skin, My Top 5 Grapefruit for uneven Yes! to Tomatoes tone, Carrot for Products normal to dry skin, Coconut for very dry • Blemish Clearing Facial Wipes $5.99 • Roller Ball Spot Treatment $9.99 skin and Blueberry • Daily Repair Treatment $14.99 for aging skin. As you • Pore Scrub $9.99 may have noticed, • Clarifying Cleanser $9.99 each line is focused on a different fruit or vegetable, and, yes, there are actually tomatoes in the face wash. But what makes Yes! special is that these specific ingredients are a natural way of achieving clear skin. Yes! To Tomatoes is a must-have for college students looking for an acne fix, as the tomatoes help to reduce inflammation and unclog pores, while the salactic acid keeps the acne from coming back. And acne relief isn’t the only way that someone can go cruelty-free with Yes!. There are products for keeping your hair color vibrant, moisturizing your body in the shower, even keeping your lips from getting burned in the summer. There is no way that you can say no to Yes!, especially when it fits a college student’s budget.

Courtesy of MMET95

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Pulse Reviews:

What You Should Be Playing This Summer l

l l l Anthony Tartamella

You’ve spent all school year studying, going to class and more. Sure, you’ve heard about recent releases, but you haven’t really gotten a chance to play most of them, or you’re looking for a new release to play this summer. Fortunately for you, we have a list of games that you should get to this summer, and ones that are going to be coming out.

marked with an “M” rating due to violent scenes and some gory situations, and seems likely to continue the tradition of great Batman titles that Arkham Asylum and City created. “Batman: Arkham Knight” releases exclusively on next-gen consoles June 23.

“Super Smash Bros.” (Wii U/3DS)

When summer rolls around, it’s time to play baseball. “MLB 15” definitely took care of some of the issues that plagued the release of “14” on the Playstation 4, such as bad frame-rate issues and choppy graphics. As always, game-play mechanics remain the same. They definitely didn’t try to reinvent the wheel with this one, and I’m glad they didn’t.

The most recent title in the franchise, “Super Smash” is one of the most critically acclaimed Nintendo titles in the company’s history. The 3DS release marks the first of the series to hit handheld consoles, and the Wii U brought back GameCube controller support. Even if you’ve been playing this title since its release, downloadable characters Mewtwo, Lucas, and the potential for even more will add fresh new competitors to the games already impressive roster. The game also introduced the world to the fascinating (and frustrating) world of Amiibos, which has become a collecting craze among Nintendo fans. “Dragon Age: Inquisition” (Xbox 360/Xbox One/PS3/PS4) If you’re looking to spend hundreds of hours in a fantasy universe, “Dragon Age” is the title for you. Inquisition is the third entry to the series, but it makes a few changes that set it apart from its predecessors. The combat is more action-based than “Origins” or “II,” making this a solid choice for action RPG fans. If you’re looking for one game to take up your whole summer, this could be the choice. “Batman: Arkham Knight” (Xbox One/PS4) Probably the biggest game to hit shelves this summer, “Arkham Knight” is the first next-gen appearance for Batman. Surprisingly, the game was 38 • pulse

“MLB 15: The Show” (PS3/PS4/Vita)

“Splatoon” (Wii U) Many Nintendo fans were annoyed when the company teased this game, as they thought it was going to be the sequel to the cult-classic title “Mario Sunshine.” However, this game was announced instead, and it’s shaping up to be a very cool multiplayer title. This is a third-person shooter with a twist — you have to cover the playing field with paint, not just shoot the other team. What’s more, the game features Amiibo support, so if you can find them, they will make awesome collectors’ items. “Splatoon” will be released exclusively on the Wii U on May 29.

Honorable Mentions “Bloodborne” (PS4), “God of War III: Remastered” (PS4), “Sunset Overdrive” (Xbox One), “Battlefield: Hardline” (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One), “Mortal Kombat X” (PS4/Xbox One), “Mario Party 10” (Wii U), “Xenoblade Chronicles 3D” (New 3DS XL)

There’s No Place Like Home (Unless You Rent)

Benefit analysis of summer living plans l

l l Medea Giordano

Medea Giordano/Pulse

Spring semester is quickly wrapping up with summer close behind to take its place. Once the stress of final exams is lifted, will you be moving back home with your parents or will you be adventuring out to rent with friends? Either decision can help you prepare for your future but it is all about weighing

the ups and downs and looking at what is best for you. Going away to college — specifically dorming — is touted as giving students a sneak peek at what life on their own will be like, but it may be a sugar-coated experience. There is no monthly bill pulse • 39

for a dorm room (with the exception of certain loanpayment plans), there is no worry about additional utility fees and a meal plan can even take away the necessity of grocery shopping and learning to cook. When you live with your parents, some or all of those things may not be a worry either.

responsible to save the money and go home for the summer instead of paying thousands over the four years just to learn a little about being on your own,” she said.

“It’s kind of like a transition period between living at home and living on their own, because they’re still likely to have support from their families,” Mathis said.

Over a typical 12-week summer break, someone working a part-time job (25 hours a week) at minimum wage will make somewhere around $2,100. If the person works full time (40 hours) at minimum wage, he or she can make around $3,400. If the person works every summer over the course of four years, and save somewhere from $1,000 to $3,000 each time, when he or she does eventually

Rebecca Celorio, 21, is a junior at Hofstra who However, once graduation is over and rented with her friends students become employees, they will be facing last summer. She the real world head-on for better or for worse. enjoyed being able “Have at least a month to live where she Some think renting during college could and a half rent saved wanted to live and help smooth that transition and teach the and don’t do it if you’re the independence best ways to save and manage money. Because really unsure.” she was able to summer housing is for only a few months, it is experience. However, a short-term experience with long-term effects. she advised people who Having to sign a year’s lease with no idea of what may be up in the air to be hardships are ahead can be avoided. cautious. Brittney Towner, 23, is a 2014 graduate of Hofstra “Have at least a month and who has rented with her friends for a few years. The a half rent saved, and don’t do it if you’re really first time was the summer before her junior year, as unsure. Be comfortable with [the decision] because well as the next summer and during her senior year. it’s a big commitment,” Celorio said. “It teaches you how to set priorities when it On the other hand, living at home can give comes to your finances,” Towner said. “Also, I have students a break from all the stress they endure definitely learned my lessons on how to properly during the school year. If living with their parents maintain a house,” she said. “These mistakes will means no bills, then students have the opportunity be easily avoided in my adulthood because I learned to save their money for the future. It is also a chance what not to do during my college years.” to spend quality time with parents and siblings who they may not see while school is in session. Twenty-two-yearold Kristin Mathis Twenty-year-old sophomore Emily McLean does graduated in not plan to rent because she wants to be sure she can Over a typical 122014 and did not move out as soon as she gets a job after graduation. choose to rent week summer break, before college “I have very few expenses at home, which makes someone working a partended, but she it easier to save up,” said McLean, who works during time job ... will make said it could be the summers at a camp in her hometown of Jaffrey, somewhere around a good idea for New Hampshire. “I want to keep working, so once I $2,100. some students. graduate, I can immediately move out.”

However, she pointed out that the decision is situational. “It [sometimes] seems to be more 40 • pulse

Minimum wage and cost of living varies depending upon location. The above graph shows the difference between the potential earnings of a person making minimum wage, as compared to a month’s average rent rate in each location.

move out and go it alone, solid savings will help them through the first few months. There may not be many more times in your life when you do not have a full-time job determining where you spend your days. If your hometown is not somewhere you see yourself living in the long run, you may want to spend as much time there as possible before you officially leave or if you want to

HFC

spend a few months in a town you would never live in otherwise, that option is yours, too. Either option has the potential to be fulfilling, depending on what you make of it. What will your summer be like? Information courtesy of rentometer.com

Interested in movies? ...How about making them?

Tuesdays 8:30pm Breslin 211

Check out the

Hofstra Filmmaker’s Club pulse • 41

Face Value

Look fresh this summer with these tips l

Makeup Trends

l l Brianna Roberti

When people think fashion trends, they typically think of the latest clothing designs, but trends apply to makeup and hairstyles, too.

Hairstyle Trends

The best places to see the latest in both makeup and hairstyles was the runways at this spring’s New York Fashion Week. Pulse’s eyes for that February event were those of Dominique Scala, head hairstylist and colorist at Salon in East Hanover, New Jersey, a 15year styling veteran.

“The biggest trend I saw among all the models was the middle part” — parting the hair in the middle — “for any type of hair, long or short.”

“One big one was punctuated red lips,” Dominique said. “I found many models wearing faded red lipstick. This is going to be big over the summer, because people tend not to wear lipstick, and everyone would love a change.” When applying this makeup, Dominique advises, “Use a light hand and make it darker in the center and lighter toward the edges.”

“Numerous models had bold eyeliner on,” Dominique said. They had “dark, black lines under and on top of the eyelids.” If you are going to try this, Tracy advises: “Less everything else on the face.” Courtesy of Dominique Scala

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“Also, many of the models had colorful, smoky eyes,” Tracy said. “I found this exciting and different. It was a flash of color on a face that had barely any other makeup on.” Tracy’s application advice: “Mix and match or keep it simple. Extend and blend the eye shadow slightly beyond the lid.”

Courtesy of Lady May Pamintuan

The Summer Style Survival Guide

How to dress for work in summer weather. l

l l l Danielle Santucci

Summer is the time to break out the bikinis, crop tops and minidresses unless you’re heading to the office. If you’ve landed an internship this summer, you’re probably feeling excited, nervous and confused on what to wear. Do I have to wear dress pants in 90-degree weather? Flats or heels? Define business casual? When it comes to interning over the summer, we find it impossible to mix business attire with comfort and style. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case.

According to Gary Miller, executive director of the Hofstra Career Center, the single best piece of advice for students wondering what to wear during their summer internship is “speak to your supervisor so you make sure you are meeting their expectations.” There are a variety of jobs, which means proper attire can be defined as many different things. What you wear depends on the culture and environment of the organization. If you’re interning in an informal environment, Miller said, “dress more pulse • 43

conservatively on the first days and analyze what others are wearing.” Abigail Breslin and Emily Blanche, the founders of the fashion blog The Wanderlust Girls, are known for their edgy and trendy fashions. The Wanderlust Girls believe you can remain true to your style and still look office-appropriate. As for appropriate heels, Breslin and Blanche say, “If you’re going to wear heels, they must be under 4 inches and try to avoid strappy ones.” In other words, trade in the club heels in for a more comfortable and shorter pair. Breslin and Blanche also gave advice on lengths of dresses and skirts. They believe you should judge them by the material of your skirt or dress. “The thicker the material, the more you are covered. If the material of your skirt or dress is thinner, then it should be longer.” Also when doubting whether your outfit is dressy enough, you can always throw on a statement necklace or matching accessory. Also, The Wanderlust Girls agreed with Miller that the best way to judge what to wear is determined on the industry you’re working with. Priscilla Vasquez, a Hofstra junior, learned her lesson the hard way during her summer internship. Priscilla interned at a startup shoe company during the summer in Soho, in New York. “My first day, I wore slacks, flats and a button-down. I looked very professional. Little did I know the office had no air conditioning and the bosses were all in shorts,” Vasquez talked to the person she worked under and found out that the dress code was very casual. She immediately started dressing more casual but still appropriate. “I wore sundresses and maxiskirts because I was comfortable, stylish and still looked appropriate.” Vasquez said the best advice to do before an internship is research the company so you can understand the best way to represent yourself as well as the brand you’re working for.

t ’ on

In the real world, first impressions are everything. With that said, make sure you dress according to your environment. Always look appropriate, professional and trendy. Here are some fashion do’s and don’ts for what to wear for your internship.

Danielle Santucci/Pulse

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E TH IOR E V N I SE T C E P S R E P

by Erik Freitas pulse â&#x20AC;˘ 45

“I just want to be making money. Isn’t that why we’re all here in the first place?” Kat Higgins, Television

Senior year. The culmination of all one’s academic efforts since childhood. The end of innocence. The beginning of independence. Call it what you want, but college, like everything else, comes to an end. College is one of the most exciting and life changing journeys a young person can take. When one reaches the light at the end of the tunnel, it often calls for a period of reflection on the past four years. When talking to seniors from different majors, the universal consensus is that the four years spent at college have felt more like five minutes, and that the 46 • pulse

prospect of graduation is a daunting one. As one stands on the precipice of leaving the undergraduate lifestyle, their perspective is larger than that of any other undergrad walking the campus. The concept of graduating leaves many seniors looking back on their four-year experience. Some are proud of what they have done, and others, not so much. “I’ve had the time of my life, don’t get me wrong, but I’d still like to go back in time and have a little

“To all prospective students, don’t limit yourself. The amount you can accomplish when you take advantage of all the people and opportunities around you is endless. Dream big.” Lindsay Sher, Television

“Time moves fast, so it is essential to do everything with passion and do everything to your full ability.” Patrick Burke, Pre-Med

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talk with my freshman self,” said Ray Messinger, graduating psychology major.

project-to-project jobs is becoming far more common nowadays, across all industries, ranging from media to aerospace. It is a scary world for someone who just months before graduating was taking day naps in between classes and complaining about having to study for a midterm or write a paper.

Every senior’s college journey has been different. Some hit the books immediately after arriving at school, while others, When asked to reflect on the unknown perhaps the future awaiting him after Hofstra’s majority, spent president hands him his diploma, senior their freshman film student Joseph Plescia said: weeknights “Yeah, graduation is pretty damn drinking at scary. Hopefully after I get out of here “the bars” I’ll be 10 pounds lighter and employed in (i.e. Mchebe’s, my industry. I could be 10 pounds heavier Dizzy’s, and at some job I hate or not employed Nacho’s, Social, at all. Life throws us curve balls etc.) and at like that all the time.” parties. Eventually, however, going to the Not everyone same bar or the same “My favorite thing about has a pessimistic house to party every week or skeptical view Hofstra was the diverse and weekend became repetitive for about graduation, group of people I was able to most people as time went on. More however. Some meet and befriend. If you had freshmen arrive year after year seniors, like Mike told me four years ago that I’d and flood the bar and party scene, Cicchetti, are very be crewing films and acting I which often leads seniors to hang optimistic and wouldn’t have believed you,” out in smaller circles at off-campus open to the many houses, restaurants, or at more “adult” possibilities that Ray Messinger, Psychology bars, like Black Sheep, St. James, and adult life has to offer. O’Connells by the Mineola train station. “I’ve been on Long “I’ve definitely slowed down a little since Island my entire life, and I my freshman year. My priorities have shifted to feel I should take the newfound more long-term goals,” said Evan Crochet, television freedom of being a college graduate to major. truly explore the world and what it offers, to see and do things I couldn’t find time for in college,” Cicchetti Often the biggest stress point for many, if not said. Whatever one’s plans are after graduation, it is most graduating seniors is what they are going to important to realize that the life one once knew as a do after graduating. In most industries, the postcollege student is over, and it is time to move on to grad world is fiercely competitive. Companies the next chapter. across the globe are learning to compartmentalize (fit more tasks into one job description) to cut down Many seniors feel that they have something to on costs. Graduating seniors need to learn to brand offer in the form of wisdom and experience from the themselves as having a skill or a set of skills that pursuit of their four-year degree. Not every senior sets them apart from sometimes thousands of other necessarily sees his or her academic course work or applicants, all vying for the same position. Staffed participation in a particular club as the most valued positions with benefits are also on the decline for takeaway from Hofstra. Some seniors feel that graduating seniors. Freelancing, or working hourly, the life lessons, attitudes and work methods they 48 • pulse

“I’m proud to be a member of PRSSA!” Joanne Sassone, Public Relations

learned while at Hofstra outweigh the importance of the lectures they sat through, the research they did or events they attended with their organizations. “The most important thing I learned during my time at Hofstra is that time moves fast, so it is essential to do everything with passion and do everything to your full ability,” said Patrick Burke, pre-med major.

Burke is not wrong. It is a somewhat clichéd phrase that college “goes by too fast,” pulse • 49

but almost all seniors would agree that college is indeed over in the blink of an eye. During one’s college career, it is sometimes difficult to stop and appreciate a learning experience or a fun-filled moment with friends. Once “it’s over, it’s over,” which is something that many graduating seniors fail to grasp until after they are gone. Often, seniors will walk around saying, “Wow, we graduate in two months” to prepare themselves. But there is always a sense of shock once the college chapter of one’s life is closed, so it is very important to slow down every once in a while and savor the memories, experiences, skills and knowledge one has gained. Senior Lindsay Sher had an important of advice directed specifically at students on way to Hofstra or even thinking about coming saying: “To all prospective students, don’t

The staff of Pulse Magazine extends its warmest wishes and congratulations to this semester’s graduating seniors. We wish you the best of luck in the future. Think of this issue of Pulse as a tribute to your years here. Those coming after you will surely follow in your footsteps, as you did in those of the Hofstra graduates before you. We would especially like to congratulate Pulse staff members Beatrice Arner, Chris Buckley, Erik Freitas, Taylor Napoli, Brianna Roberti and Taylor Wilson. Good luck out there! The Editorial Staff

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piece their here, limit

yourself. The amount you can accomplish when you take advantage of all the people and opportunities around you is endless. Dream big.” Valuable advice indeed. Wherever we are in our journey, whether it be as an incoming freshman or a graduating senior or a middle-aged professional, it is very important to “dream big” and to always take advantage of the resources and opportunities we have to make ourselves better. That is perhaps one of the most important lessons four years at a higher-learning institution can teach someone.

All photos by Erik Freitas

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