Housatonic Horizons Spring 2024 (Interactive)

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Table O f Contents The Time I Decided To Live 4 The Long Road to CT State: A Ride Worth Taking 8 Closing the Digital Divide 11 100 Girls Leading Us to the Future 15 Bringing Up Bridgeport’s Youth 18 Bridgeport’s Own Southern Belle 20 A Golden Opportunity 24 The HCC Bookstore: The Best Place to Get Your Tech?

The Road That Lies Ahead: Careers After College 27 Childcare at an Affordable Price Make School Work Easier 36

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Nurturing Your Skin 39 Everything Happens for a Reason 40 Bouncing Back after Tragedy 42 Simple Streaming 45 Advice for New Students!

You Are Not Alone 48 Enjoy the Journey 50

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HORIZONS SPRING 2024 Fi n al Dr af t

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Opinions

The Time I Decided To Live

By Larry Ferguson Jr. Editor

T

here I was, 19 years old, in an en-

kindness that proved that notion wrong.

vironment completely alien to me:

At every turn, I was offered food, drinks,

Brooklyn. More specifically, an indistinct

and even polite and unintrusive conver-

bar, in a neighborhood unknown to me,

sation. There was a distinct lack of tol-

surrounded by total strangers. An out-

erance that was more than made up for

sider would make the mistake of assum-

with an abundance of acceptance. There

ing I didn’t belong. Everything from my

were no shallow attitudes or beliefs,

patchy facial hair, to my outfit consisting

only love and respect. Granted, these

of clothes that my mom picked out, all

attributes came in all different flavors,

the way to my understated presence and

which could all be easily misinterpret-

timid demeanor practically shouted that

ed by bad faith actors, but to no one’s

I was somewhere I shouldn’t be. I was

surprise, these around people like these

seated next to free spirit aspiring artists.

there could be none. They simply wouldn’t

They were all covered in tattoos from

survive.

head to toe, but managed to walk with an

At first, this place was nowhere near a

aura of angelic and dignified beauty. The

haven in my eyes. Throughout the course

mix of varied presentations and person-

of the night, I would come to learn that

alities created a cacophonous symphony

I was not simply a guest of honor, but

of charm and fascination that were neatly

rather a part of the group. The person

tied in a knot of their few common traits.

who gave me the opportunity to occupy

Although I seemed to stick out like

such a space and come to find my place

a sore thumb, the choir of seraphs sat

within it sat next to me the entire night.

around me treated me with a boundless

His name is Leo, and for as long as I’ve

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Opinions known him, he has always been someone

was looking to leave that all behind him

who brings people together. Inexplicably,

in favor of turning his passion for inking

he’s always exhibited an almost supernat-

human flesh into a full-blown career.

ural ability to make people feel welcome.

When he left home, I missed him dear-

I know because from the moment we met,

ly. Peering through the all-seeing eye

I was able to experience this trait first-

of social media allowed me to catch a

hand. Our bond, which started as a mu-

glimpse of this new chapter of his life.

tual friendship, quickly blossomed over

He seemed to be thriving far more than

the course of a few short months, making

he had ever back home. For the most

us family. A lot of time has passed since

part, everything was going his way. His

then, and in that time, I’ve come to rec-

art had become his life, and the brightly

ognize all of the ways that Leo had man-

shining beauty within his soul acted as

aged to care for, protect, and nurture me.

a beacon, which drew new friends and

This person who came into my life at the

allies to him. In his remarkably short time

tail end of my adolescence simultaneous-

away from home, he turned his intangi-

ly became one of my best friends and my

ble dreams into an attainable reality. He

greatest inspirations.

was at the center of a network of ardent

Not too long before that night in the

artists who offered their unyielding sup-

bar, Leo had moved away from our shared

port to one another. He had studio space

home in Connecticut, away from all of our

to create and share his art with anyone

hometown family and friends. This move

generous enough to donate their bodies

was a natural next step for him, since

to his vision. Most importantly, in this

his ambitions made such a relocation an

new environment, he was liberated from

absolute necessity. He had always been

the shackles of doubt that those who saw

a talented artist, investing his free time

him as nothing more than a foolish man

into art related passion projects and side

with even more foolish goals back home

hustles, while bouncing between part-

bounded him in.

time jobs to work through school, but he

After some time apart from one an-

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Opinions other, the stars had finally aligned. Un-

hard to understand. Things were far from

burdened by prior commitments or work

perfect. It wasn’t as if there had been no

obligations, I finally found myself ready

complications or major struggles that

to reunite with him. A few hours of public

came with his decisions, so I failed to un-

transportation was the only thing that

derstand how he could find so much joy

had stopped me from acquainting myself

despite his circumstances. The only thing

with this new stage of my dear friend’s

left for me to do was ask.

life, and after I hurdled that barrier, I was

He made it abundantly clear that he

blown away. In just one night, the free-

held no disillusions about what hardships

“I wasn’t out of place- I was wrong

he was enduring on his choosen path. He intimately understood all the downsides to the situation and could see them clearly with no frills

dom of spirit and strength of will exhibit-

or filters to make facing them any less

ed by Leo and his companions proved to

harsh. The only difference between his

be more than I had ever seen in my life. It

understanding and mine was the reality

turned out that the glamour and romance

of life before the move. What I failed to

that I had seen on social media wasn’t

see was that to him, our home was noth-

just an illusion cast through the screen of

ing more than a prison, bankrupt of cre-

my phone. All the good things about Leo’s

ativity and opportunity. For a creatively

transition seemed to far outweigh the

charged individual like him, being stuck

bad. No concern, financial or otherwise,

in a place where everyone looks, thinks,

could manage to overshadow the posi-

and acts the same was a worse existence

tive aspects of the move. For me, it was

than anything he got wrapped up in away

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Opinions from home. His new home allowed him to

had the capacity to do that very thing.

get a new lease on life that was impos-

That night, Leo did more than just

sible to attain where he had come from.

share his poetic insights on life. He

Back in Connecticut, he found there was

showed me what living really looks like.

a distinct lack of people who were willing

He gave me a reason to never waste my

to risk everything they had to live authen-

life waiting for the perfect opportunity,

tically. His words convinced me that he

and to instead seek to create my own. In

couldn’t have made a better decision, and

one conversation, I learned why he could

suddenly the proud smile that he wore

never turn his back on his dreams, and af-

day in and day out no matter what hard-

ter acquiring that knowledge I decided for

ships he faced made perfect sense.

myself that I would always do the same.

Once again, Leo had managed to both

When I did that, I realized why I was able

enlighten and inspire me. Seeing some-

to feel so comfortable in such an unfa-

one so important to me, armed with the

miliar environment. It was because I still

conviction to do whatever it takes to be

had a choice to make, and that ability

genuine to his nature, evoked a vision of

to choose meant that I belonged just as

strength within me that was unparalleled

much as the people around me showed

in its magnitude. It’s a kind of strength

me I did. Anybody who thought I was out

that is impossible to find in people who

of place was wrong, and so was I.

don’t allow themselves to be challenged by comfort. It was a kind of strength that I didn’t have, however, he showed me the potential I had to exhibit such strength, and that changed me forever. His example proved to me that bravery and perseverance are all it takes to change your life, and in the simple act of refusing to deny such potential, he showed me that I

Photo by

Allef Vinic

ius

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Opinions

The Long Road to CT State: A Ride Worth Taking

By Larry Ferguson Jr. Editor

C

ollege is hard. Even if you find

its own, but when you throw the words

yourself at the top of your class,

“CT State” into the mix, do they make

there are still many other factors that

that task any easier?

can keep you from breezing through

The big idea behind the transition to

your post-secondary education. Unfor-

CT State was to cleanly consolidate all

tunately, the world doesn’t wait for you

twelve of CT’s community colleges along

while you’re in school. Scraping togeth-

with their satellite locations into one

er the cost of living, getting access to

institution. According to CT State’s web-

transportation, and finding time to do

site, the primary goals of the administra-

what you love while balancing every-

tion in carrying out this transition were

thing else you have going on makes

“closing the opportunity gap” and “im-

college a part of life that is just as chal-

proving student success rates.” These

lenging as it is rewarding. Attempting to

goals were decided upon in response to

find that can be a herculean task all on

a “structural deficit” that was created by

CT State

Community College

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marily on CT State’s Housatonic campus,

costs.” This means that the transition was

about the benefits he’s seen from the

a calculated attempt to save CT commu-

merger. “It’s a lot easier now,” said Zapata,

nity colleges from themselves, providing

who attended Housatonic back in 2020

brighter prospects for all of their students

but decided to take a break from his stud-

in the process. So, how did they do?

ies at the onset of the COVID-19 pandem-

Much like the transition itself, the an-

ic. As someone who spent lots of time

swer to our leading question is complicat-

getting familiar with all of the aspects of

ed. To answer this, the projected benefits

registration before CT State who is now

of the transition must be evaluated, and

going into the brand new system blind,

to properly conduct this evaluation, there

Zapata believes “the self-service features

has to be a clear understanding of the

have changed for the better.” He went on

desired outcomes. So, what does “closing

to say that “the software feels more in-

the gap” for students look like in the ad-

tuitive and the tools in degree works feel

ministration’s eyes? In an interview with

much more comprehensive.”

CT Style, CT State’s inaugural President,

According to Zapata, ease of use isn’t

Dr. John Maduko, tells us what he believes

the only added benefit of what CT State’s

“closing the gap” looks like. To him, it’s

registration system has brought to the

providing a “more consistent experience

table. During the interview, he shared an

no matter what campus they are on in

anecdote from his cousin who attended

terms of services,” continuing to specify

West Conn in 2020. His cousin wanted

such services as “libraries, tutoring, labs,

a business degree that was only being

child care, academic advising, mental

offered at one of the twelve state cam-

health and wellness, and telehealth.”

puses (West Conn.) Despite his desire to

In order to gain some insight into how

attain that degree, there were many other

well the administration has been able

major adjacent courses that did not di-

to deliver these outcomes to students,

rectly coincide with his degree program.

I spoke to Davian Zapata, a student pri-

This created a massive problem for his

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Opinions cousin since the financial burden it would

been gated off by the arbitrary barri-

put on him to take the courses that in-

er of a campus’ grounds is ready to be

terested him while also working towards

used to the fullest. Now more than ever

his degree was too great. He was stuck

the resources of the state’s colleges

"Education became between a rock and a hard place and that

are exceedingly accessible. It cannot be

affordable for all pressure pushed him past his limit, which

understated how important that access

caused him to abandon his academic

is. Access is a word that perfectly encap-

ambitions altogether. In regards to his

sulates the spirit of community colleges

cousin’s story, Zapata added, “with all

as institutions. The original point of the

the degree programs being streamlined

twelve state schools that have now been

across all the different campuses, some-

combined into CT State was to make

thing like what happened to my cousin

sure that a college education was more

could be avoided altogether in the future.

affordable, convenient, and attainable

And that’s a good thing.”

for all, and although it wasn’t a smooth

C I N

O T A S U O

Despite all the scrambling that it took

ride, braving the bumps along the road

the administration to get to this point,

has brought about a consolidation of our

CT State is finally here, and that means

colleges that makes that vision of a true

everything CT community colleges have

community college that much more real.

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to offer is now unbound by location. Every opportunity and resource that may have

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Opinions

Closing the Digital Divide

By Larry Ferguson Jr. Editor

E

very day, the need for technol-

people who suffer the most, as a result,

ogy in all aspects of life grows

are those with low income and the elder-

bigger. Whether it is being applied in

ly. Finding ways to make the most out of

the workplace for business purposes,

their circumstances isn’t the only prob-

at school for academic purposes, or at

lem they have to deal with. On top of

home for entertainment purposes, many

everything else, they also have to worry

things require internet-ready devices

about getting left behind in an analog

to be done efficiently, conveniently, or

version of a world that grows more dig-

at all. Unfortunately, many barriers can

itally focused by the minute. For some,

keep the people who would benefit the

technology can be too expensive, with

most from such devices from being able

computers and mobile devices costing

to use them, such as cost, unfamiliarity,

anywhere from hundreds up to over one

or simply not knowing where to begin.

thousand dollars. For some, the tech-

It can be difficult to overcome any of

nology is advancing too fast and they

the aforementioned obstacles without

find it difficult to maintain proficiency in

guidance. Now, thanks to the Bridge-

using the devices they have because of

port Public Library’s Digital Navigator

how frequently features are being add-

Program, no one has to be alone in their

ed, dropped, and completely reworked.

quest for digital literacy.

For others, they might have never even

It is no secret that Bridgeport is an

gotten their foot in the door to learning

underserved community. Some of the

the basics, and now they feel like the

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Opinions digital age has carried on without them

stand and join in the fight to bridge the

and they have no hope of catching up.

digital divide and launch their Digital

That’s where the Bridgeport Public

Navigator Program. The Digital Naviga-

Library gets involved.

tor Program is an initiative that trains

Back in October of 2022, the library

library personnel with varying types of

took note of just how many members

technology up to a level of intermedi-

of their community were missing out

ate proficiency, allowing them to take

on all of the opportunities that come

on the role of a Digital Navigator, and

to those who are digitally literate.

giving them an inventory of devices to

After reviewing the usage statistics

lend out to citizens who would like ac-

of the desktop computers within their

cess to them but for whatever reasons

libraries and the check-out rates of

were unable to on their own.

their mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, they rec-

According to Digital Navigator and

ognized that there was a need for not

Reference Librarian, Monika Anton, at

only internet-ready devices but one on

the Bridgeport Public Library’s North

one assistance in using them. It was

Branch, they are giving people access

at that moment they decided to take a

to “Acer Chromebooks, Samsung Tablets, and Verizon Wi-Fi Hotspots.” As far

Photo

by Lar

ry Ferg uson J r.

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Opinions as borrowing the devices goes, she was

their own they know exactly how to treat

quick to let me know that devices lent

them. They teach people how to maintain

through this program weren’t for a mea-

their devices and use them in a variety of

sly few weeks.

ways. Digital Navigators can teach people

“Anyone can get their hands on the

all the basics of Google Workspace as

devices for three months, and they can

well as any equivalent services and assist

renew their loan to keep them for another

with online processes such as accessing

three months,” she adds.

websites, and programs, and filling out

A loan period of half a year may sound

digital forms.

“We want people to apply for jobs they want intimidating to some, considering the

This program is not only extremely

possibility of the items getting damaged

important, but it is extremely easy to par-

or going missing during that time, but

ticipate in. There are no prerequisites. All

Anton made sure to assure me that no

you need to do is show up at a Bridgeport

matter what happens “there are no fees

Library and be willing to use a device. You

or costs” associated with the program

don’t need a library card, you don’t need

or its participants. This is because the

to be a Bridgeport resident, and you don’t

library wants people to treat the devices

need to qualify for your desire to partici-

as if they are their own. They want people

pate in the program.

to get comfortable with their provided de-

In Anton’s words, “We want to give

vices so that when they have devices of

people the opportunity to apply for the

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Opinions jobs they want, do the kinds of work they

more than ever, access to technology

need to do, take the classes they want to

and the internet are important. The use

take, and socialize the way they want to

of both can give people the ability to do

socialize.”

so much, making them valuable assets

After the pandemic, the library paid

to anyone no matter what their circum-

careful attention to how crucial it is for

stances are. That’s why word of this pro-

people from all walks of life in the city of

gram must spread. Even if someone who

Bridgeport to be able to use the Internet

is tech-savvy and has all the newest gad-

and get things done, because regard-

gets doesn’t need the information, maybe

less of if you’re working from home or

their grandmother or friend of a friend

chatting with friends on Facebook, being

does. In the city of Bridgeport, there is

connected is a big part of a community

nothing more valuable than community,

and their highest priority is to strengthen

and the Digital Navigator Program offers

the sense of community in this city. With

dozens of chances for us to bring our

that being said, the library has been able

community closer together, even by way

to measure its success in making that

of cyberspace.

effort with this program. Almost all of the devices in their inventory across all five public libraries in Bridgeport have been successfully lent out and the people in possession of them have been able to get all of the one on one support they’ve needed throughout the process to get the most out of their devices and catch up with the times.

Without a doubt, now Photo by Mikhail Nilov

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Opinions

100 Girls Leading Us to the Future

By Salene Herrera Contributing Writer

T

he future lies with young girls,

academically, and economically, in their

who are often given limitations yet

community, careers, and lives.

break through and charge toward their

Brown’s organization came to life on

goals head-on. A majority of young girls

January 16, 2019, when she held a meet-

are fed lies from the moment they’re old

ing at a cafe in Bridgeport for 100 women

enough to understand that everyone in

interested in participating in mentorship

the world has a purpose. They are told to

and empowerment. It went from an idea

settle in every aspect; life, love, career,

to a flourishing creation fostered by a

and dreams. So how do we foster confi-

woman’s desire to connect and have fun

dence and strength in girls who are told

with one another.

to be quiet and settle for what they’ve been told they’re capable of?

Bridgeport organization leader Bobbi

100 Girls Leading not only provides mentoring for young girls but hosts interactive events full of fun activities, and

Brown, president and founder of 100 Girls Leading and a Housatonic alumna, has created a program that does that.

100 Girls Leading is a nonprofit organization based in Bridgeport, Connecticut that focuses on providing underserved girls ages 9-18 access to interactive mentorship programs that will empower them

Photo by Pixabay

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Opinions visits schools throughout southern Connecticut encouraging girls to join their movement.

Brown says, “#100Girlsleading pro-

flourish.

“I believe young women need an organization like ours because there aren’t enough positive influences pointing them

vides interactive mentorship for girls of

in the right direction. In general, the

color. Our services vary with each session,

world tries to limit women overall and

that consists of boosting confidence to

there is a constant fight to be placed on

preparing girls for college or a non-tradi-

an equal platform. Today women have

“100 Girls Leading aims

to support young women tional career. We help girls embrace their

made great impact in places of power

community and also impact their commu-

especially women of color. From Supreme

nity.”

Court Justice to your local news anchor,

100 Girls Leadings aims to uplift and

the representation is there. We need rep-

support young women in their lives and

resentation in our community. We need

careers. This program is especially im-

more resources like #100Girlsleading,”

portant for women of color, who statisti-

Brown said.

cally face racial disparity in wages, health

This organization provides girls with

care, etc. This program advocates and

a safe and encouraging environment, as

mentors young underserved women and

well as tools to help them succeed that

allows the potential they already have to

they might not get anywhere else. The

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never alone: “I would tell any young girl

especially women of color who provide

struggling at this time to hold her head

immense knowledge and influence on our

high. That every experience comes with

community. When so many others see

purpose & that this too shall pass. There

that power and strength and try to limit it,

are resources to support you in any walk

100 Girls Leading does everything in its

of your life, you are never alone, hang in

power to help it grow.

there.”

Brown, who created this organization

To get involved with 100 Girls Leading

from scratch, with a vision and a pas-

visit their website,

sion for helping women, wants young

www.100girlsleadinginc.org.

girls in our community to know they’re

Photo by Aidi Tanndy

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Opinions

Bringing Up Bridgeport’s Youth

By Kieaundria Bellamy Contributing Writer

W

e live in a society where there

organization that strives in changing the

are many things influencing

lives of our youth today.

the youth of today. Whether that be ce-

“Save Our Babies” was founded in

lebrities, social media, or their older peers

2005 by Bridgeport native Lyle Jones,

around them, there is something new

and has been thriving since. Taivon Jones,

that kids today will experience, learn, or

a mentor within the organization, speaks

witness, whether good or bad. While there

highly of this program and encourages

is so much good in the world, sadly, the

parents to take part in this opportunity.

cruelty of the society can not be blocked

“If we’re being honest, kids in this day

from young eyes forever. Research shows

and age face a lot of challenges,” Jones

that nearly 60,000 youth under the age

added. “Between discovering problemat-

of 18 are incarcerated in juvenile jails and

ic things within the streets, getting into

prisons in the United States, according to

fights, or even not knowing what path to

the American Civil Liberties Union. This

take in life, this is something that this

can be for numerous reasons, but, great

organization strives to fix.” Jones notes

leaders stepping forward and mentorship

that this program is for young men be-

can help change the narrative for these

tween the ages of 12-18 who are looking

young lives.

to be a part of something productive and

In fact, Bridgeport has its very own organization to beat the statistics. The “Save Our Babies” Program is a non-profit

positive.

While being in a safe environment filled with joy and love, kids who take part

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Opinions in this program also get to make new, long lasting friendships, and more importantly, learn from people who are from all different walks of life.

“Whenever we get new kids into the program, we like to host career events,” Jones added. “By doing this, we feel as though this will help kids fully understand

bies,” so is having fun. Programs are in

there is life outside of the streets. We

place throughout the year as well that

want them to know that they could be and

kids can partake in such as movie and

do anything that they put their minds to.”

game nights and fitness events. “Some-

These career events have been hosted by

thing we look forward to doing as we grow

fitness trainers, police officers, real estate

is host more programs in the summer,”

agents, so more. Getting kids on the right

Jones said, “Since kids have more free

path as far as education and a career is

time during the summer, it’s just as im-

one of the top missions of the “Save Our

portant to keep them on the right path as

Babies” organization.

we would if they were in school.”

While getting clear on your goals is a top priority of “Save Our Ba-

If you’re someone with a son, or have family members who you think should be a part of this movement, “Save Our Babies” are always looking for new lives to change. The first step to greatness is having an army of people who love and support you through any and everything. With the help of this organization, young Bridgeport kids will not have to be

Photo by Clinton Davidson

another statistic.

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Opinions

Bridgeport’s Own Southern Belle

By Beatriz Velez Contributing Writer

Q

uiet your mind for a minute and

a man who understood the increasingly

take this walk with me. Allow

urbanized city needed a refuge from the

the fresh air to stimulate your energy. It is captivating every single time I allow

demands of society.

This is a place that symbolizes south-

myself to pause the rush of the inner city

ern hospitality, and it is an unspoken rule

vibes.

whether you are taking this deep breath

There’s a historic world within the city

while the birds are chirping early in the

of Bridgeport, holding memorable spac-

morning, or watching the day die down

es dear to the hearts of those inclined to

from a relaxing perspective, you are

digest a creation’s rise, a place where the

greeted with at least a genuine smile.

surrounding modern buildings and grow-

Beardsley Park is filled with all the

ing neighborhoods are incomparable to a

thoughts and desires of the citizens of

masterpiece designed to immortalize both

Bridgeport, as well as serves as a thera-

the space and the feeling.

peutic site for self-care and self-growth.

This is my sanctuary. My safety zone

There are no interruptions or distractions

away from home, and the chaos of my to-

because its location’s focal points from

do-list. In 1881 James Beardsley donated

the large trees each shaped differently,

a hundred acres along the Pequonnock

hilltop views, sloping meadows and two

River in northeast Bridgeport to be des-

beautiful bridges. You truly feel like you

ignated a public park. Countless citizens

have entered a movie about the 1800’s,

have walked by his bronze figure without

and can imagine the first citizens who

taking a second look, but there stands

embraced the park’s tranquility.

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Opinions Are there moments when you crave an

ner with encouraging words and optimistic

outdoor space to unwind and slow down?

attitudes if given the opportunity. You will

Come take this walk with me, where you

also find yourself in the positive space

lose track of time because the moment is

of paying it forward to the next person in

a gift which should not be taken for grant-

need of affirmation. There are folks I only

ed. Where you respectfully stop so mom-

know in passing because we happen to be

ma duck can get her ducks into a line.

Where you are burning calories,boosting the amount of oxygen in your blood, lowering your blood pressure, heart rate, and reducing muscle tension without even noticing.

Sounds like a dream, right? It takes me about forty-five minutes to get around the whole park, and observe the diverse individuals with motivation shooting out of the sparkle in their eyes, no explanations of why neither you are there, no awkward facial expressions, no judgment whatsoever regardless of race, gender, age, identification, dress code, or physical ability, Beardsley Park welcomes you to leave your stress and daily baggage there where it dissolves and it is blown away.

My sanctuary has changed my perspec-

Photo by Beatriz Velez intertwined with our schedules.

I believe I met Yolanda De Jesus because God intended for us to cross paths, and what better space than the serenity of

tive on friendships and the people who

Mother Nature. I could tell we both won-

have the ability to be someone in your cor-

dered why our meetups had increased. For

22

Opinions felt so empowering and needed. Whomever arrived first would wait in the car for the other. The only difference which caught us both by surprise was our breathing gradually reclining. We realized at the same time when we had recovered our breath and entered our second wind. Our look then changed from eyes of understandPhoto by Beatriz Velez

ing to eyes of gratitude, and the renewed stillness in our souls knew it was time to

months we did not say a word other than

put a feeling we had shared for months

“hello” and “goodbye.” There was a mutual

into words.

respect for the unrevealed and the insight

“Thank you for sharing your walks

“We didn’t

say words other than ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’

with me” said Yolanda, revealing that Beardsley Park and our silent walks had been her only moments of inner peace while growing into acceptance of her mother’s passing. “No, thank you for somehow knowing that I felt alone in the world,” I replied.

Tears followed with a hug, and off we went to discover a different feeling with a change of scenery.

We took the trail to the Island

of foreseeing our souls were relying on

bridge and from there stared at the path

each other.

we walked in silence for months, as we

It became a must. This silent meeting

shared childhood memories of family

23

Opinions

Photo by Beatriz Velez picnics at Beardsley, and visiting the zoo

ended our quest with an official exchange

with our children. That day the stroll last-

of names and phone numbers. Today,

ed for about two hours. We understood

our families have expanded, our careers

that we were both ready to pick up the

evolved, and our lives leave such little

pieces of our broken hearts, and return to

time for ourselves, but when times get

our busy schedules.

rough, or we just need to breathe there’s

I am sure our laughter echoed amongst

no long explanation needed of reasons

the ancestors of the citizens of Bridge-

why, the text simply reads “Come take this

port, and maybe even James Bearsdley

walk with me”.

smiled at his ageless vision, and endless Southern Belle feeling as Yolanda and I

24

News

A Golden Opportunity

By Lena Burton Staff Writer

C

an you imagine taking pictures with your friends at the pristine waterfalls

located in the Dominican Republic? What about snorkeling in the crystal blue waters on the beach?

This spring, the study abroad trip for

yk

Spring 2024 is to the Dominican Republic.

Photo

The date for the trip is March 11-15.

Professor Emily Munk, who is in charge of the trip, believes that one of the most important parts of the student trip is get-

by

rcz Kalba Kamil

wards the trip automatically More information is available from Munk.

ting to see the students “genuine, unbri-

There is also help available if you need

dled reactions when encountering entirely

some assistance booking a flight. Another

new experiences.” The only items needed

option is fundraising opportunities provided

to attend are a passport & the payment.

to help raise more money for the trip that

The total cost of the trip is 3,500 without

will be distributed evenly. Bake sales will be

airfare but the price can be reduced to

held along with any other fundraiser ideas

only $2,500 with two Guaranteed schol-

that students think of. While attending study

arships for each student that applies. This

abroad trips, Professor Munk has learned

means that any student who applies for

that “stepping out of one's comfort zone

these two scholarships is guaranteed to

can change you in ways you would never

receive the money & the funds are put to-

have thought of.

25

News

The HCC Bookstore: The Best Place to Get Your Tech?

By Holly McPartland Staff Writer

T

he bookstore is arguably one of

courses and for students I would believe

the most important places on

the ability to get technology from the

Housatonic’s campus: From textbooks,

bookstore is a convenience.” says Colette

to general school supplies, to multiple

Rossignol, Housatonic’s Director of Ed-

forms of entertainment, to the tried & true

ucational Technology. “As to the type of

right of any college student, a piece of

technology, laptops are more robust than

apparel with the college’s name on it. Our

tablets, but having access to tech is the

school’s bookstore really does seem to

most important.”

have everything a student could need or

In fact, a laptop is a great tool for

want. But did you know that the Housaton-

students, a way to get much of their work

ic bookstore is able to offer you some hot

done, even (or especially) when on the

tech items that can help aid in your stud-

go. A 13’’ MacBook Air Laptop with an

ies, at a marked down price compared to

M1 chip would certainly be one choice

other reputable retailers?

of laptop to help serve these purposes.

It’s a pretty foregone conclusion that,

At its native Apple Store, these laptops

at many points throughout your time at

would cost you $999 – or you could get it

Housatonic, you’re going to need a com-

for $899 with education pricing. On the

puter of some kind – for essay iriting,

other hand, at the Housatonic Bookstore,

accessing Blackboard, checking and re-

they just give you the Apple Store’s dis-

sponding to emails, etc. “Student access

count as the initial price point, currently

to technology is important when taking

offering this laptop at $899. You could

26

News also pay in 4 interest-free payments of

How much is the Apple Store charging

$224.75 through PayPal as well.*

you for the same product? $50 more at

While it’s not exactly recommended by

$599.*

Rossignol or a majority of professors to

For many of us, the most efficient

rely on mobile devices like smartphones

workspaces are those that are peaceful

or tablets over regular computers – es-

& quiet. Nowadays, you can find a bunch

pecially as a means of turning in assign-

of white noise videos & lo-fi playlists on

ments – they still offer an array of other

places like YouTube to help you relax and

features that can help aid students in

get into a headspace conducive to study-

their education. You can get ebook ver-

ing & doing work. But what good are those

“Having access to tech is important sions of many different textbooks for your

resources without a pair of headphones or

classes (most for a far lesser price than a

earbuds worth their salt with which to lis-

print one), access many different resourc-

ten to them? Now you can truly shut out

es via the internet, and Blackboard still

the outside world & get your schoolwork

has a mobile app that – while it may not

done with a pair of Beats Studio Buds

be the best way to turn in an assignment

Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds. At the

– will allow you to go over your class ma-

Apple Store? $169.99 But at the Housa-

terials. On its website, the HCC Bookstore

tonic bookstore? $149.99 with a similar

offers a 10.9 inch iPad Air with 64GB of

PayPal plan of 4 interest-free payments of

memory currently for $549 or 4 inter-

$37.50 also available.*

est-free payments of $137.25 via PayPal.

27

News

The Road That Lies Ahead: Careers After College

By Larry Ferguson Jr. Editor

W

hen reduced to its simplest

in your hands can feel like a daunting

components, college is a

task since your degree is the physical

means to an end. Although you will al-

representation of all the work and effort

most certainly meet new friends, discover

you put into your education. Something

things about yourself, and get connected

that represents so much and is hailed as

to amazing resources that can impact

so important is bound to put pressure

you for the rest of your life, ultimately,

on anyone who holds it, but luckily the

the reason we all go is to get a degree.

wonderful people in Housatonic’s Career

Some people have detailed plans that

Services office can help alleviate that

help them figure out exactly what they’ll

pressure.

be doing after college, but the majority

Located in Lafayette Hall, Room B145,

of students don’t have a clue where to

right across from the Library, the Career

get started. For most people, even if they

Services office is a one-stop shop for any

have career aspirations, the uncertainty

student looking for assistance finding

of what lies ahead can be anxiety-induc-

employment and/or career resources.

ing. After all, no one wants to see all the

As stated on the HCC website, you can

hard work and financial resources that go

schedule an appointment with Career

into getting a college degree be wasted

Services to meet via phone, WebEx, or in

when a surplus of ambition is squan-

person with their career experts to dis-

dered by a lack of direction. Figuring out

cuss your individual needs. The best part

what to do once you have your degree

about the Career Services office is that it

28

News is open to all students at any point during

tion is on the horizon and they have less

their time at Housatonic. It doesn’t matter

than an inkling of what they will do once

if you need some assistance looking for

classes are over.According to the find-

a job as you are actively working towards

ings of Lead Data Reporter, Jenna Bellas-

your degree, or are at the end of your

sai, at Forage, a company that specializes

studies aiming to smoothly transition

in providing mentoring and job assistance

from school directly into the job of your

to numerous college students, just under

dreams, everything the office and its

“half of college students (47%) are not

experts have to offer are available to you

confident or only somewhat confident

whenever you need them.

that they know how to get a job after col-

With that being said hindsight is 20/20.

lege.” Although that’s a massive percent-

When classes are in full swing and you

age, it just goes to show that this is by no

are doing everything in your power to

means a small concern. Feeling like this

stay on top of all your responsibilities

is extremely common, which highlights

throughout the semester, it can be diffi-

exactly why the Career Services office

cult to find time to focus on the future.

is such an invaluable resource. Even if

It is not uncommon for students to find

you’re closing in on your degree, it’s never

themselves in a position where gradua-

too late to ask for help at Housatonic.

29

News This is a sentiment that is shared by An-

proactive as I could’ve been up until this

isha Thomas, the Director of Career Ser-

point, she made it abundantly clear that

vices at HCC.

my unpreparedness to independently plot

When I walked into her office for my

a career course was not the end of the

career counseling session, I led with

world. I had a lot of lost time to make up

honesty. I was quick to divulge that I was

for but with the guidance of Thomas, it

“the right in that dreaded position that so many

was a painless process that was simple

experience can carry a lot of weight.

to undergo.

Sitting across from her, the first thing we did was a comprehensive resume review. She helped me look at all of my experiences from different angles, putting all of my transferable skills into perspective and helping me see them in the greater context of my field of interest.

From there she helped me reorient my resume so that it not only read

other college students find themselves

properly, as a result of my organizational

in, filled with so many dreams and aspi-

errors being corrected, but also made it

rations, but with so little knowledge on

more appealing to potential employers

how to proceed. Despite my clear lack of

by optimizing the language used to best

direction, she quickly reassured me that

appeal to both hiring managers and algo-

I wasn’t out of time. “Coming right out of

rithms that filter applicants. In addition,

high school or entering unfamiliar envi-

she showed me how to put together a

ronments don’t exactly prepare you to

portfolio that I could share alongside my

do things as efficiently as possible,” said

resume whenever necessary.

Thomas. Although I was nowhere near as

From there we moved on to talking

30

News about my interests. She took her time to

session, even though it was at the tail

speak with me and get a feel for the type

end of my time at Housatonic, I was able

of work that I would find fulfilling, before

to get all of my questions answered and

providing me with a plethora of resourc-

learn things about job hunting that I never

es that targeted my interests and could

would’ve been able to without the help of

give me exactly what I was looking for.

Thomas. I went from knowing practically

Housatonic has quite a few general re-

nothing and having no confidence in my

sources that can point students who don’t

abilities to being so informed that I can

quite know what they want in the right

now claim without a doubt I have a sure

direction, but Thomas helped me navigate

way forward.

them with purpose and precision, guiding

If you find yourself in the same posi-

me to the most valuable opportunities

tion that I did, that means that there is

those resources had to offer. At this time

undoubtedly hope for you too. If you are

she made sure to highlight the impor-

fortunate enough to come across this

tance of relevant experience. Even with a

article or become more conscious about

souped-up resume, nine times out of ten,

your prospects after attending HCC well

relevant experience wins in the job mar-

before you reach the point that I did, it’s

ket, so she made sure not to just show me

important to remember that it’s never

job openings, but internship and volunteer

too early to visit Career Services either. ]

opportunities as well. Thomas noted that

Thomas made a point to tell me that the

“depending on what kind of work you’re

best thing any student can do for them-

looking for, just having the right experi-

self is to “get help as soon as possible.”

ence can carry a lot of weight.” After tak-

In her words, that means “getting con-

ing all of her job-hunting advice, all that

nected” with “faculty, staff, alumni, and

was left was to do my research and figure

professionals in your field.” Doing so will

out which path was best for me.

allow you to create a network of people

My experience with Career Services

who are well-connected and knowledge-

at HCC was phenomenal. In one advising

able in your field, which can go a long way

31

News

neider

Photo by Ian Sch

tial career paths. I had no plan when working towards your dream job. As

until I made my appointment with Career

you complete your degree, Career Ser-

Services, and was resigned to believing

vices can help you curate your academic

that there was no clear path for me. After

journey in a way that perfectly orients

hearing the expert insights from the Ca-

you toward your goals.

reer Services office, new paths that were

Before checking out Career Services, I

previously inconceivable had been illu-

was a student on the last leg of my stud-

minated. The abundance of knowledge

ies at Housatonic who had no idea how to

shared with me was extremely reassuring

proceed after graduation. I was working

and it truly made me believe that I had a

part-time, with no clue how to pivot and

sure shot at the future of my dreams. The

start building a career for myself. Over

specialists at Career Services don’t seek

the years, I had put so much time and

to inspire false hope in people who have

effort into honing my craft and gaining

squandered their only opportunities. They

experience doing the kind of work I love,

give people objective truths about their

but I had no practical way to transition

situation and help them get real results

into making a living off of it. I figured I’d

that leave them with the sentiment that

likely spend a couple of years after col-

they can make anything of the paths they

lege floating around from job to job until

choose, which is a feeling that can propel

the stars aligned, condemning myself to

them to their greatest heights.

the misery of meandering around poten-

32

News You Can Use

Childcare at an Affordable Price

By Lena Burton Staff Writer

A

re you struggling between school

breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack

or work while making time to be

for the kids. The pricing is cheap com-

in your child’s life? Do you ever wish you

pared to a typical daycare that costs over

could just have a minute to yourself and

$300 per week and doesn’t provide lunch

not worry about your child? Are you look-

or breakfast typically. The pricing is only

ing for an affordable childcare place that

$175 per week for a full time student and

doesn’t drain all your money?

even cheaper for New Haven residents.

Did you know that most CT State Col-

The daycare is also available to the com-

leges offer an early learning center also

munity as well for $275 per week. There

known as a daycare? Students benefit

are also different resources that may be

the most from the daycare as they can

provided to the parents based on need

drop their kid off during school hours for

such as state-funded scholarships or care

an affordable price. What’s even better is

for children listed on the Gateway and

that this daycare is also open to the pub-

Housatonic website.

lic and the community.

The Gateway Early Learning Center is

Kristen Lund, who is the director of the Housatonic Early Childhood labora-

a full-day preschool that accepts kids

tory school, says that “parents who are

from the age of two all the way up to the

Housatonic Students may be eligible

age of five. It is a fully licensed and na-

to receive additional funding through

tionally accredited school. The daycare is

the U.S Department of Education: Child

run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provides

Care Access Means Parents in School

33

News You Can Use

Photo by Gianna Poremba

(CCAMPIS) Program.”

ability to grow in developmental areas. The

The Gateway daycare also gives

last approach, known as the Literature In-

the parents a choice of which area

spired Approach, puts an emphasis on the

they want their children to focus on.

child’s listening and vocabulary awareness.

There are three regional models such

Jisel Cordero, who is the director of the Ear-

as the Reggio Inspired Approach,

ly Learning Center at Gateway, says a feature

Montessori Inspired Approach, and

at the daycare center of Gateway is that it is

the Literature Inspired approach. The

accessible to students, staff, and faculty in

Reggio Inspired Approach focuses

addition to community members. It allows

on language and how the children

parents to drop off, go to class, use the li-

express themselves, which includes

brary and computer labs to study or complete

music, dance, and more. The sec-

assignments.” She also noted that it is less

ond approach called the Montessori

helpful for students who take night classes

Inspired Approach focuses on the

and work during the day but states they “ are

children’s independence and their

aggressively working or expanding hours and

34

News You Can Use support to ensure we remain accessible to all

also fed lunch and given outdoor

the needs in Gateway.”

exploration time that allows them

Gateway isn’t the only college that has a

to create their own experiences. The

daycare. Multiple schools have daycares such

day also consists of story time that

as Housatonic. Although there are some dif-

relates to the theme they’re learning

ferences between the daycare, as the hours

about that week. Students interest-

are different and how the place is run. Housa-

ed in the Housatonic Laboratory can

tonic’s daycare is open from 7:30 am to 5:30

either call the number or email listed

pm.

on the Housatonic website.

“The daycare can be utilized for a cheap price.

“The daycare provides food resources for

For students, Lund points out, the

families experiencing food insecurities, it

daycare provides other opportuni-

provides referrals for community resources,

ties, such as “providing employment

for insurance, housing, social emotional and

opportunities to current students as

mental health awareness,” Lund notes.

student laborers, or through work-

The curriculum at Housatonic is run differ-

study provides professional develop-

ently from Gateway and consists of learning

ment and networking opportunities

about language, art, science, math, and social

to current and potential families and

studies throughout the day. The children are

caretakers.”

35

News You Can Use All of the community colleges that are

cut State Community College but provide

part of Connecticut State have an early

the same resources and opportunities for

learning center that is nationally accredit-

both the students and the community.

ed although may be a different name. An

The daycare plays an essential part

example is Norwalk Community College

at Gateway and Housatonic but also

and Capital Community college also pro-

the community. The daycare is a useful

vide a daycare for its students. The pric-

source that students and the community

ing may be different for each college but

can utilize for a cheap price. It provides

is typically around the same price. There

childcare and supports students who

are over ten community colleges that are

are struggling to balance schoolwork

now under one name known as Connecti-

and childcare at the same time. Another crucial point is that it supports the community and the school and creates other opportunities for people. T he daycare creates employment opportunities and for people to learn and grow while learning. Kristen Lund strives to ensure that “each child is unique and deserves respect, consistency, and challenges for optimum growth and learning.”

Students interested in the Housatonic or Gateway Early Learning Centers can either call the number or email listed on the Housatonic and Gateway websites.

Photo by Markus Spiske

36

News You Can Use

Make School Work Easier

By Holly McPartland Staff Writer

A

Lesser-Known Tips and Tricks to Make Your Academic Life a Little Less Stressful

s any student would more than likely tell you, studying and doing schoolwork is hard. While necessary, it is time consuming and both physically and mentally drain-

ing. And – perhaps worst of all – sometimes, no matter what you do, it still doesn’t feel like you’re really “getting it” or doing it right. Years of schooling have probably taught you some common study tips, like taking notes or highlighting important things, but sometimes those methods just might not prove that helpful

.

As such, we have sought out some tips and advice from those in the ed-

ucational space that you haven’t heard repeated ad nauseam and will hopefully provide you with some tricks to help make your academic endeavors a little bit easier.

One piece of advice from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a more proactive way of absorbing and Photo by Tony Tran

37

News You Can Use retaining information: “Become a teach-

Housatonic, advises that getting up and

er. Say the information aloud in your own

taking a break can do more than just let

words as if you are the instructor and

us stretch our muscles. “There’s research

teaching the concepts to a class.” From

out there that shows your unconscious

their Studying 101: Study Smarter Not

brain is still working on a task even when

Harder guide on the school’s website,

you’re not consciously doing that task.

they elaborate that “Simply reading and

There’s also a bunch of research showing

re-reading texts or notes is not active-

how walking helps people think.” Smith

ly engaging in the material. It is sim-

says.

ply re-reading your notes. Only ‘doing’ the readings for class is not studying.

“I’m not a walker, but I often do yoga, which works similarly.

“Move around —

body movement helps with brain activity.

It is simply doing the reading for class.

All of this is why we often have ‘Eure-

Re-reading leads to quick forgetting.

ka!’ moments when we’re not doing the

Think of reading as an important part of

work itself,” she adds.

pre-studying, but learning information re-

Giving your brain some breathing room

quires actively engaging in the material…”

is a piece of advice that it seems both

While you may feel it necessary to

teachers and students can agree on.

sit at your desk and just keep working

24-year-old Brian graduated from Salve

in order to get your assignments done,

Regina University in 2022 with a master’s

Karyn L. Smith, an English professor

degree in accounting after five years of

and Coordinator of the Writing Center at

study. He claims, “My best advice for

38

News You Can Use trying to effectively study is to be well

However, doing so may prove more diffi-

rested. A well-rested mind and body will

cult for some. Are earplugs just not doing

allow you to think clearly and retain the

enough to block out background noise?

information you are learning.”

Perhaps the library just isn’t as quiet as

This advice really does seem to have

you hoped it would be? Or maybe, you

personally done him good, as Brian now

just have a sensitivity to noise? No wor-

works as an accountant for Marcum LLP.

ries – all you need to help circumvent

Smith, as Coordinator of the Writing

this problem is a pair of headphones or

Center, also shared a bit of advice to help

earbuds and an internet connection. If

ease the burden of what may very well be

you go to YouTube, you can type in terms

the bane of all student’s existence – writ-

such as “study lo-fi” or “white noise” and

ing an essay. “In terms of writing, I tell

you’ll find thousands - if not millions - of

students to talk out their ideas, and either

videos to choose from for some easy lis-

record them or ask a friend to write down

tening while you work. Just pick a video,

what we say,” she says. “Often, we feel

adjust the volume to your comfort, and

more comfortable talking than writing, so

voilà - distracting background noise is a

it’s easier to speak out a first draft. After-

thing of the past. You’ll be able to drown

ward, you can use voice-to-text apps or

out the sound of your neighbor’s dog

just type up the notes and turn that into

barking at a squirrel without the need of

an essay.”

expensive noise canceling headphones

Finding a quiet space to work is an important factor for all students when it comes to getting their assignments done.

and, more importantly, get your work done with your sanity intact.

39

Profiles Nurturing Your Skin

By Robin Gudger Staff Writer

A

s winter grips the globe, a series of harsh elements, such as wind, temperature and snow, can cause difficulties with skin. The colder months can be unforgiving to our skin, depleting its moisture and exposing it to a range of challenges. A careful and thorough winter skincare regimen becomes essential to safeguard the health, radiance, and resilience of our skin throughout this season.

The decline in temperature, combined with the rise in indoor heating, can cause a decrease in humidity levels, causing your skin to become dry and dehydrated. The chilly winds outdoors, coupled with the dry indoor air, remove the skin’s natural oils, heightening sensitivity and causing irritation.

While working as a Mary Kay Skin Care Consultant, I learned during the winter months clients should use products that incorporate ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, as they actively replenish and retain moisture, establishing a safeguard barrier against external elements.

In the winter season, it’s advisable to adopt a gentle cleansing routine. Aggressive cleansers have the potential to deplete the skin’s natural oils, worsening dryness. Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively purifies without upsetting the skin’s moisture equilibrium. Additionally, contemplate inte-

grating oil-based cleansers into your routine, as they not only eliminate impurities but also offer an added layer of hydration. I often use natural oatmeal and goat milk soap to wash my face. It helps keep my skin moisturized and adds a natural glow. In fact, my dermatologist, Dr. Noel Turner told me that I have “the skin of a 40-year-old,” and I am 60 years young.

Eating healthy is important in skincare too. Eating healthy provides good sources of minerals and vitamins, which I learned in my Nutrition Course at Housatonic, which contributes to anti-aging and a good skin care regimen. Eating foods such as oranges, spinach, almonds, peppers and salmon help to provide moisture to your skin along with other good sources of nutrients. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily also helps protect your skin. Choose a gentle exfoliator, like a product incorporating alpha hydroxy acids, leaving your skin soft with a gentle glow.

Embracing a comprehensive winter skincare strategy aligns external care with internal nourishment. Prioritizing hydration, incorporating regular exfoliation, implementing protective measures, ensuring sufficient hydration, and introducing humidification to your surroundings. These suggestions collectively nurture your skin during the winter season, preparing it for the transition to spring.

39

PROFILES

Everything Happens for a Reason

By Lena Burton Staff Writer

I

believe that everything happens for a

and then take care of your child along with

reason and what seems uncertain may

finishing homework. Finally, picture doing that

turn into the best thing in your life. Sometimes God has a plan for you that doesn’t follow your

schedule every single day.

After having the child, she ultimately made

goals at the time but will make sense in the fu- the decision to take a break from school and ture. This was for the case of Stephanie Halpin, focus on the baby. Halpin had a hard time trywho was attending Housatonic and majoring

ing to juggle parenthood and pay the bills even

in Phlebotomy. One second she was learning how to draw blood from a patient and the next second she had to prepare for a child.

When Halpin found out the news, she said, she “was overjoyed but nervous at the same time.” The hardest task at the time was figuring out how to attend school while having a child. She was paying for college through her savings.

Halpin continued to attend school and faced obstacles as she had to manage school while being pregnant, and work too. Imagine having to go to school. Then you have to go to work 40

Photo by Lisa Fotios

though she was living at home. She found a

As of today, Stephanie is in her early thirties

job recommended by her friend and got hired

and has a loving family with three kids. She

at Sandcastle Learning Center. At first, she

is financially stable and enjoys spending time

only worked about fifteen hours per week

with her husband and kids. She may not have

while living at home. She wanted to spend the

gone down the path she initially thought she

majority of her time with her daughter. During

was supposed to. She states that “I wouldn’t

the hours she worked, her family would take

trade anything in the world for the life I have

turns watching her daughter. Her grandpar-

now.”

ents along with her mother and father would

“My family was there for me through the

get to bond with the baby during those times.

tough times,” she adds. Her family has been

Eventually, Halpin decided to make the

supportive of her throughout her life with the

“prioritize yourself transition to work full time at the daycare

decisions she has made.

and your child first and bring her child to work with her after her

Although she has dwelled upon the thought

daughter turned one.It was an easy choice

of going back to school, she has decided not

for her to make the decision to not go back to

to as she doesn’t want to increase the debt

school. She worked her way up from assistant

she has on student loans. She also has three

teacher to head teacher in only one year. In

kids ages two to twelve and instead “wants to

that one year, she was being trained to be-

spend time with her family while she can.” She

come head teacher. She is the head teacher of

is always running around from supporting her

the two-year-old room and loves working with

daughter at basketball and soccer games to

kids. She rose above the financial hardship &

showing up for her son’s football games. She

academic strain and found the job that was

doesn’t feel the need to complete her phlebot-

meant for her. Now Stephanie has been work-

omy degree, as she states that

ing at Sandcastle for over ten years success-

“I wouldn’t have time for it and would never

fully.

leave my current job.”

41

PROFILES

Bouncing Back after Tragedy

By Holly McPartland St aff Writer

“E

42

verything happened so sud-

medication that a doctor had prescribed

denly, “ recalls Rachell Williams

to him.

of the circumstances that eventually

“His condition started worsening rapid-

led to her whole world being irrevoca-

ly, and I watched my dad start to fade

bly changed. An alumna of Housatonic,

before my eyes…He became a shell of

a few years ago - as she was about to

himself,” Williams remembers.

start her penultimate semester of col-

Her father’s condition reached a critical

lege – Williams faced an unspeakable

point on the night of August 20, 2020.

tragedy.

He developed a fever and, in Williams’s

Shortly before the Fall 2020 semester

own words, “…looked ghostly,” leading

at HCC was to begin, Williams was fully

the family to rush him to the hospital.

prepared and excited to begin. As far as

For several days, Williams’s father was

her school life was concerned, every-

in hospital, being given antibiotics.

thing was looking up for her.

However, on the night of August 24,

Yet roughly a month before she was due

things took a turn for the worse. Around

to start the semester, Williams’s father

9 p.m., her mother called from the hos-

began experiencing severe back pain

pital to inform Rachell that her father

that not only made it impossible for him

had coded several times.

to get up and do basic things, but also

“She kept telling the doctors to keep

did not seem to respond to the pain

trying CPR, and they continued until

there was nothing more they could do. In

run through me. I had never experienced this

their many attempts, he had only come back

type of pain before in my life. I shut down and

once and only for about a minute,” Williams

went into autopilot mode.”

says. “My mom watched the medical team

After taking it upon herself to inform her

the entire time and knew there was nothing

brother of the horrible news and giving her-

“Everything happened so suddenly

self some time to pull herself together, she decided to take action.

“I began emailing my bosses at the Writing Center and all of my professors for the upcoming fall semester,” she says.“I filled

more she, or them, could do. He was gone.”

each of them in on my situation because I

Williams was faced with one of the most

didn’t want to wait until the last minute or

painful circumstances a human being can

go completely ghost, since I didn’t know how

endure. “That night, my entire life came

my behavior or actions would change in the

crashing down,” she reveals. “I felt so much

upcoming days and weeks.”

anxiety and overwhelming emotional pain

Thankfully, her bosses and professors were

Photo by Pixabay

43

PROFILES very understanding, encouraging Williams to return only when she felt she was ready. After about 2-3 weeks, Williams decided to come back to HCC, deeming that it would probably be helpful to her mental state if she could just keep herself occupied.

“There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but I knew that I couldn’t continue isolating myself mentally,” she says. “I reached out to my job to return to tutoring, and I emailed all of my professors, asking for assistance in getting started in each of their classes. With their help and support, I was able to catch up on my course-

Photo by Albert Vincent Wu

work within one to two weeks, dedicating each day to one of my classes.”

Writing Center, just as she was as a student.

But it wasn’t just the desire to keep herself

But instead of being a student writing tutor,

occupied that led Williams to keep going: “It

she has now attained the position of an Edu-

was important to me to still take classes that

cational Assistant. Her story is an example of

semester because I knew it was what my dad

sheer resilience overcoming adversity in the

would have wanted me to do,” she reveals.

face of tragedy, something Rachell herself is

“He wanted me to graduate college, and by

aware of:

pushing through the fall semester, I was able

“In the end, I was able to push through a diffi-

to prove to myself that I can conquer any-

cult time in my life and accomplish something

thing.”

that I know my dad would have been proud of

And conquer she did. Williams finished the

me for,” she says. In spite of what she experi-

fall semester with all A’s and, at the end of the

enced, Rachell managed to push forward and

following semester, was able to graduate.

graduate from Housatonic.

These days, Williams is currently still in the 44

Advice for New Students Simple Streaming

By Holly McPartland Staff Writer

I

n this modern age of streaming, the possibilities of what to watch are practically endless. However, endless possibilities apparently aren’t cheap. In November of 2023 alone, Netflix plans recently had yet another price hike – bumping its standard plan from $9.99 to $11.99 per month - and the monthly cost of Apple TV Plus went from $6.99 to $9.99. The simple act of watching TV and movies is becoming more and more expensive as streaming companies try to squeeze as much money from their customers as they can.

But what if it were simpler and, more importantly, less expensive? Well, good news – it can be!

On YouTube, there is a category of film and TV series that you can watch for free – labeled “Free with Ads.” The only caveat: Much like the regular user-uploaded videos on the site, you will be subjected to advertisements.

The selection isn’t anything to scoff at either; they really do have a little something for everyone. Do you like cooking shows? They have several seasons of Hell’s Kitchen and Iron Chef. Are you an anime fan? You can watch amazing classics like Naruto, Sailor Moon, and Death Note. Maybe you’re into old shows (or you’re like me and have boomer parents who complain that there’s nothing to watch)? There’s Dennis the Menace, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Mork & Mindy.

Want a laugh? Just give Tropic Thunder or Idiocracy a shot. Or you could watch some standup comedy from the likes of Sebastian Maniscalco, Jim Gaffigan, and Bill Engvall. Maybe you prefer action movies? They’ve got Commando, Air Force One, and World War Z. The stuff listed here is only a fraction of what you can find and enjoy and the selection is constantly updating with new titles. So, next time you want to sit down and watch something, why not peruse through YouTube’s free catalog of content?

45

Advice for New Students!

O

ne thing you guys all have in common is that you made it.

By Lena Burton Staff Writer

You graduated high school and are on

Throughout my college experi-

your way to achieving your career. Con-

ence, I’ve learned to try new things,

gratulations.

join different clubs and more. Getting immersed in the college is the way

College may seem scary

to have the full college experi-

at first but just remem-

ence. There are intramural

ber that you guys are all

sports you can participate in

going through the same

if you enjoy athletics. There

thing. College is full of ups

are clubs you can join or so-

and downs. It’s where you

rorities as well. You can even

meet your lifelong friends and make memories that last forever. One piece

create your own club if you desire to. There are festivals and much more.

of advice I would give you guys is to

46

ask questions. Do not be afraid to try

Remember, you cannot thrive if you

new things. That’s what college is for,

don’t fall from time to time. Many peo-

to think outside of the box and explore

ple who graduated wish they could go

new activities while you’re in a safe

back in time to college life. Now is the

environment.

time to be fearless.

Photo taken by Avery Herrington

Taylor Swift once said, “Fearless is not the absence of fear. It’s not being completely unafraid. Fearless is having fears.

e e s o t t i a e w r u t ’ t n u f s a s c e a l h I t c t e a wh for th ! s 7 g 2 n i 0 br of 2

Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them.

Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.”

47

Advice for New Students

You Are Not Alone

By Holly McPartland Staff Writer

I

have been a student here – on and

ingly mundane – but that I feel is very

off – since the Fall of 2015. Be-

important that you, someone new to all

cause of this, you would likely be inclined to think that I have a wellspring of advice to share with you.

You are not alone.

Higher education - no

However, in actuality,

matter where you go,

any advice I can offer

no matter what you

is more of a “qual-

do – is going to be

ity over quantity”

difficult and time

situation – I have

consuming. But you

a couple “words of

know what makes

wisdom” that I think

it even more difficult

may help, but they are based off of things I have experienced time and again or that I

48

this, take in and absorb:

and time consuming?

Doing it all by yourself.

You’re likely somewhat aware by now

firmly believe to be true. The best piece

that your professors and student support

of advice that I feel I can give to you all,

services are available to you. If there

as a veteran student, is something seem-

is something you are struggling with,

regardless of what it is, do not try to

through such and such school.” But I

“tough it out.” Because if you do, you run

have never once heard someone brag

the risk of passing up very valuable help

about how they got through college with

and, more than likely, getting yourself

no help – probably because they are

into a stickier situation.

minute enough to qualify as an endan-

It’s better for you to take my advice

gered species. It just doesn’t happen.

and heed it now than to learn the hard

This may be your journey to further

way later – as I’m sure any previous or

success, but you are not making it by

returning student will tell you.

yourself. This is basically one big – ad-

But I also want you to keep in mind

mittedly long and arduous – group hike

your regular support system when the

for you, with your peers, the faculty, and

challenges of college learning and all

your loved ones. You needing help at

it entails really start to rear their ugly

some point is not ever a matter of “if”,

head. I’ve heard people say about a

but “when.”

loved one that “Without you and your support, I never would have made it

49

Advice for New Students

Enjoy the Journey

By Robin Gudger Staff Writer

C

ollege is a stepping stone that will

everything you do, and get ready to enjoy the

help jump start your future. I know

journey.

the transition from high school to college may

If ever you find yourself struggling to get

seem scary, intimidating, exciting and even

acclimated, don’t give up, there are resourc-

overwhelming. Just take one day at a time, ask

es available to assist you to help you achieve

questions and take notes. Nothing in life is

your academic goals. Don’t be afraid to push

free or easy. Hard work and determination will

yourselves to try new things such as joining a

pay off. Be an inspiration, when you can give

club, trying out for a team, or even the march-

someone a helping hand. The next four years

ing band. I often tell my children there is no

are going to be life changing for each and

such thing as failure; it is just God redirecting

every one of you.

you.

Along the way, you will meet many students

Always, always be proud of yourselves for

from every corner of the world. Some students

every step you take, even the small steps, as

will look like you, and some may not. But I

they often lead to big victories.

suggest you celebrate your differences with positive intentions that are met with safety

“don’t give up

and kindness. Remember, put God first, in

50

Writing Staff Editor-in-Chief Larry Ferguson Jr., Jr.

Staff Writers Lena Burton Larry Ferguson Jr., Jr. Robin Gudger Holly McPartland

Contributing Writers Kieaundria Bellamy Salene Herrera Beatriz Velez

Horizons Advisor Professor Steve Mark

Design Staff Design Director; Lead of Production Avery Herrington

Art & Design Communications Liaison Kayla Desmond

Layout Designers Avery Herrington Alyssa Johnson

Cover Artist Braiden Robinson

Designers Fall 2023 Digital Page Design Class

Design Advisor Professor Andy Pinto

51

52

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