Housatonic Horizons Fall 2023 (Interactive)

Horizons Magazine Fall 2023

This issue of Horizons is dedicated, with great gratitude, to Professor Andy Pinto, who is retiring this year. Since 2007, Professor Pinto has taught, coached, advised, and advocated for our graphic design team. From the start, he enthusiastically supported my decision to switch our publication from a traditional print newspaper to a glossy print and online magazine that would allow design students to further develop and showcase their skills. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with him on Horizons, even when we’re debating the placement of quotation marks in pull quotes.

We will miss him, but I know he’s looking forward to more time with family and grandchildren and for continuing to make art. Congratulations, Andy, and thank you!

Professor Steve Mark, Advisor to Horizons

Professor Pinto is so talented and is loved by so many of his students. He's taught us so much and really helped us to hone our designer's eye. Professor Pinto, you are so appreciated by your students. We hope you miss us just enough during your retirement to keep in touch and help us keep our skills sharp! Thank you for all that you have done!

Horizons Design Team

Writing Staff Editors

Kieaundria Bellamy Larry Ferguson

Staff Writers Fa ze kas .

Mark Forbes Luis Leon, Jr. Giovane Santana Beatriz Velez

h ra Sa y b Grap hic created

Senior Staff Writers Kieaundria Bellamy Larry Ferguson Guillermo Hernandez Salene Herrera Gilberto Villegas III

Horizons Advisor Professor Steve Mark

Design Staff Art & Design Director; Lead of Production Whitney Marshall

Art & Design Communications Liaison Sarah Fazekas

Layout Designer

Lorens Michael De la cruz

Designers

Cover photo by Sarah Fazekas, Cover Graphic created by Whitney Marshall.

Interior Cover Designs by Sarah Fazekas.

Sarah Fazekas Whitney Marshall Lorens Michael De la cruz

Design Advisor Professor Andy Pinto

6

Academic & Wellness Check In’s Are Needed By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer

10

A Campus Capable Of Inspiring Itself By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

8

12

Academic Probation: Protection or Punishment? By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer No Filters Needed By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

Opinion

13

Music Review: Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?

14

Princess of Sad Girl Pop? By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

18

Taking Back Control By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

16

By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

Say “Good Riddance” to The Past By Salene Herrera Senior Staff Writer

21

A Little "Neo" For the Soul By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer

22

Student Mothers, You Are Not Alone! By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

26

Parents: Role Models and Model Students All In One By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

24

29 32

35

38

Arts

Education can Equal Profit at HCC By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer A Fall Fairy Godmother By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

The First Days of The Switch to CT State By Luis Leon Staff Writer

news

Finding New Guides To Explore Europe By Luis Leon Staff Writer In Order to Heal We Must Feel By Beatrtiz Velez Staff Writer

Profiles

Our “Life Hacks” Introduction Professor Steve Mark Advisor to Horizons

40

The Finish Line By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

42

Hacking the Flow of Time By Gilberto Villegas III Senior Staff Writer

41

Never Without Connection By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

44

Celestial Recharging By Salene Herrera Senior Staff Writer

46

How to Keep Up with Online Classes By Giovane Santana Staff Writer Why a Social Media Detox is Important By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

45

48

Tips to Alleviate Fear and Anxiety for Incoming Math Students

50

Work-Study For YOU at HCC By Gilberto Villegas III Senior Staff Writer

52

Road to Recovery By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

54

Overcoming Pain in Silence By Gilberto Villegas III Senior Staff Writer

60

this Fall Semester By Gio Santana Staff Writer

News You Can Use

The “Beauty” of Business By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer

Personal Essays

58

The HCC Student Exhibit Featured Artwork Photos by Lorens Michael De La Cruz

62

Meet the Horizons Designers

66

A Retirement Farewell By Professor Andy Pinto

67

(Student Described: Talented & Loved) Advisor to the Graphic Design Staff

BONUS

Opinion • Horizons

Academic & Wellness Check In’s Are Needed

By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer

A

s we all know, HCC has a large number of students. Whether these students are pursuing a career in nursing, the arts, or media, there are many people from all over who have a goal in mind when attending this school. But, this can be different for others. Some students may attend HCC, but do not know which route to take when it comes to their future. Or, they know what they want to do, but life and other concerns are getting in the way with their education. While this is something that is concerning, HCC provides students with advisors who are supposed to keep them on the right track when it comes to finishing their degree. However, what do you do when there is almost no one to turn to? Some students unfortunately don’t even know who their advisor is, or where the advising office is. This is a serious problem that should be handled to help benefit a student’s future. There should be a system set up to where there is at least one mandatory monthly meeting with a student set up by an advisor.

With all of the students advisors see, or the

workloads they have, there is no doubt that they are extremely busy people on this campus. But, there should be something done for the students who do not know about this privilege on campus, and the ones who do not make appointments overall.

“I’m currently in my third semester here at Housatonic and I’ve probably only met with my advisor twice,” Criminal Justice major Kyanne Sammy said. “It is a little difficult for me to remember to schedule an appointment because I have a hectic life outside of school, but luckily I was able to manage on my own. But, that doesn’t defeat the purpose that I had no advising help for the majority of my academic career at HCC.” While some students may feel as though this is a simple task, and easy to figure out on their own, not speaking to an advisor during your semester is something that should be considered unacceptable. Sammy is more than likely not the only student feeling this way. Coming from experience, there was a semester where I personally felt that I was alone, with no advising help. Although I managed to get through the semester, I truly believe that having academic and

“having academic and advising help would have made my grades stronger, and would have not left me feeling lost.”

Page 6

Horizons • Opinion

advising help would have made my grades stronger, and would have not left me feeling lost in most cases.

A solution that can help change this problem is having members of the advising staff send alerts to students via text, phone call, or email, to see when a meeting can be placed in their schedule. Of course, there is no doubt that HCC students have busy lives outside of getting their education.

However, if an advisor were to put in the slightest effort, and make it

known that they want to meet the student, it can make a world of difference. Something this simple can change the mindset of a student.

This shows students that staff truly cares, and more importantly, they are not alone in their academic career.

Speaking as a student who didn’t really notice advising, nor took the offer of receiving help, having an advisor who truly cares has shown an amazing shift in my academics, and my overall mindset when it comes to school. Having

my personal advising meetings has given me new ideas on my career path, kept me on the right track with grades, and allowed me to learn about helpful resources such as scholarships that were not properly advertised, or transfer workshops that universities host at HCC. Every student should be in full contact with their advisor, and this should be considered an obligation at HCC. Help students get the lifestyle and careers they desire with just one monthly, mandatory meeting. This can truly change a student’s future.

You shouldn’t go through college alone. Schedule or receive help with booking an advising appointment today. The future is bright. Let’s get on track! Photo by Arlington Research on Unsplash.

Page 7

Opinion • Horizons

Academic Probation: Protection or Punishment?

By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

S

ometimes, life can pick you up and sweep you off your feet in all the worst ways, at the absolute worst times. There is no time for things to be shaken up that is quite as bad as the end of the semester. Tension is already high, the academic part of your life has devolved into a mess of chaotic scrambling, and falling short means failing one or more courses. With the odds stacked against you in such an unfavorable manner, a personal issue with your friends, family, or health can be the final nail in the coffin that destroys whatever chances of success you may have had. In a situation like this, all you would be left Page 8

with is the stinging pain of failure and an academic status that reads “Academic Probation.”

Academic probation is a status given to students whose GPA and/ or credit load requirements fall out of an acceptable range. The status is meant to act as a signifier of unsatisfactory academic performance and progress. Once the status is applied, you are required to get special clearance from your academic advisor in order to register for classes, and a limit is set to the maximum number of courses you are eligible to take based on your performance.

The system is designed to make it so that students who are struggling are required to succeed in taking baby steps in order to prove that they are serious about their education and that they are ready to continue moving full speed ahead. This sounds like a good idea that gives students an opportunity to get back on their feet after being unable to stick the landing in a few classes, but the good intentions of the system are sullied by one big issue: automation.

The threshold for being put on academic probation is an arbitrary one that students aren’t aware of until they have already been given the status. Not only is it difficult to know if your academic standing is in

Horizons • Opinion

danger, but once you qualify for the status, it is automatically given to you. There is zero communication between you and the system that imposes its will upon you, meaning you might not find out about your status until you attempt to register for classes. With the amount of time it takes for you to coordinate with your advisor, find out what the new conditions of your enrollment are, and get the clearance to take what few classes you are able to, you can bet your options will be limited.

Everyone is different. The circumstances that lead to being put on academic probation can be deeply personal and can feel nearly impossible to overcome, so it doesn’t make much sense for that not to be taken into account. It should be used with more care and restraint than what an automated system can provide.

Ultimately, academic probation is a good idea. It allows the educational institutions that use it to differentiate between those who are willing to work hard and bounce back for the sake of pursuing education and those who aren’t. It also gives students the ability to find their footing and recover from hard times. However, the way the system is set up now is counter-intuitive. Academic probation can end up having a toxic hold over people’s college experience that can taint their perception by putting up barriers that discourage them from their chasing dreams. For the greater good of Housatonic’s student body, the automated aspect of academic probation should be removed and the system itself should be reserved for selective use in a more careful and personalized manner in accordance with the needs of students.

Having control of your future being stripped from you by an automated system can be stressful. Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash.

Page 9

Opinion • Horizons

A Campus Capable Of Inspiring Itself

By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

A painter works tirelessly in hopes that one day their artistry and creativity will be recognized. Photo Courtesy of Adli Wahid on Unsplash.

H

istory is important. Whether we are looking to the past in an attempt to study it so that we can learn from our mistakes and prevent ourselves from reliving a disaster, or simply looking back to admire a different time, there is tremendous value in history. However, history isn’t just something that exists in the distant past. History is something that is created every day, and the truth in that statement is self-evident in a place like Housatonic. With each passing day, HCC students are working hard and making academic strides that will one day come to be the backbone upon which the school’s legacy is carried. Unfortunately, Page 10

it doesn’t seem like this history in the making is being treated with the respect it deserves.

All across the campus, you will find tons of art displays. These can range from small pictures to large paintings, all the way to huge sculptures. All of the art on display provides the campus with a plethora of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces which serve the dual purpose of decorating its hallways while simultaneously inspiring its students. Despite the success that the art pieces find with these two objectives, they neglect a very important third purpose that would magnify their ability to fulfill the first two: respecting the history of HCC. Although many of the pieces on display are historical marvels in their own right, some dating back over a century, a common denominator between many of them is that they have no relation to HCC itself. It’s peculiar that even though Housatonic is a campus that has a massive amount of extremely creative and talented artists and creators, very little of what those

Horizons • Opinion students have produced is put on display.

Housatonic, at its core, is nothing without the community within the college. That’s what makes it so special. By not taking advantage of every opportunity that it gets to uplift and celebrate the passionate voices within its student body, that community is being serviced.

Recognition is hard to come by in all aspects of life, especially recognition for excellence, but when there is a wealth of excellence among students, it is a fatal misstep to not recognize it. There is nothing more inspiring than someone who is trying their hardest, against all odds, no matter what life throws at them, to improve their situation. There is nothing more beautiful and thought-provoking than something that is passionately produced from the depths of the unrelenting human spirit. When those things aren’t just something to be marveled at from a distance but are coming from your peers within your community who stand shoulder to shoulder with you as they attempt to take on all of life’s greatest challenges in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow, that is something that needs to be seen.

The way things are now, student art is displayed, but in a very limited capacity. In Lafayette Hall, you can find a relatively small batch of work meticulously crafted by the

dedicated art students of HCC. Although this is fantastic, when the location of this art is taken into account, you realize it is little more than a pat on the back. This art is located by the art classrooms, which severely limits the number of eyes on it. If you have no business in

a disservice to our aspiring artists here on campus.

Displayed art has tons of utility in any setting. Its ability to enhance a mood, or support a specific attitude is not something that should be overlooked, and neither is the hard work of Housatonic’s student

“There is nothing more beautiful and thought-provoking than something that is passionately produced from the depths of the unrelenting human spirit.” that part of the campus, you could complete an entire degree without ever seeing the amazing work they have on display. Meanwhile, common areas like the various lobbies, centers, and hallways, which everyone regardless of their destination must pass through every time they come to school, are practically littered with artwork that has no roots at the college. This is not only a wasted opportunity but

body. It’s time to seize the opportunity to pay the proper respect to the history that HCC’s students work tirelessly to create every day.

It’s time to recognize their abilities and allow them further empower themselves and their community by better utilizing the space on campus to display their work, fostering an inspiring academic environment where peers can motivate peers.

Page 11

Opinion • Horizons

No Filters Needed

By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

D

All photos by Beatriz Velez.

E

ve nin

vibes

vi be

s

lass

C HC

tin g

ill Ch

stiq

ue vib es

ib e

s

My

a The

o W

rk

Page 12

gc

s Te

on’t get put into a box! Trying to fit in sounds uncomfortable. You will feel naked walking down the halls of HCC relying on the approval of others.

Molding and mixing who you are with who you are striving to become based on popular opinions, facial expressions, and trends designed to feed the flock can leave your soul shapeless. The uncertainties of questions like “Did I choose the right major? Did I take on more than I can handle? Do I want to participate in school activities? And if so, which ones am I truly passionate about?” is enough to try and juggle to begin with.

Finding your community within the HCC community is a vulnerable space to be in on its own. It is best and easiest to wear your true self, along with all of your flaws, thoughts, doubts, indecisiveness and style.

You will change your mind more than once. You will start something new just because, and then drag it out uninterested. You will forget something important at home, and at times you will walk into class looking like you were up all night for an assignment. That’s normal too.

There’s an increase of insecurities and mental health issues associated with dependency on compliments and acceptance to define how you will feel for the day or how you need to look for the day.This can and will take a toll on you. Part of being a human being means your feelings will fluctuate, especially throughout the semester. We are not robots. There’s no college filter to put on before class. There’s no outfit or makeup palette to look focused. Each journey is original, and it should be. Don’t get put into a box!

th en s

cho

ol vibes

tre

v

Horizons • Arts

Music Review: Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?

By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

L

ana Del Rey is used to writing about her past and present relationships in her music, but in this new album, she’s taking a different direction. Del Rey’s ninth studio album, “Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd,” was released on March 24, 2023.

The title track “Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” refers to the tunnel that was on Ocean Blvd in Long Beach, California. The tunnel’s goal was to provide a safe passage to the beach for pedestrians. Del Rey asks in the song if they knew about the tunnel, which was closed in 1964, and assumes they have forgotten about it. She begs them not to do the same with her. “Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?// Don’t forget me, like the tunnel under Ocean Blvd.”

She describes this album as “conversational,” almost as if she is having a conversation with her audience. She spoke to W Magazine about the album, stating, “For the first song, I pressed record and sang.

It’s a very wordy album, It’s almost like I’m typing in my mind.”

Del Rey opens the album with the track “The Grants,” titled after her last name and discusses her family and the afterlife. She claims that she wants to bring her family’s memories with her to heaven. “Do you think about heaven? Do you think about me?” // My Pastor told me, When you leave, all you take

is your memories.// “My sister’s first born child, I’m gonna take that too with me, my grandmother’s last smile, I’m gonna take that too with me.”

This is Del Rey’s most personal album to date, with songs like “Fingertips” and “Kintsug,” where she talks about motherhood, death, and mourning. In the crazy life that Del Rey has she doesn’t have time for anything; she always has to be on. She sings about the death of her uncle in “Fingertips”: “I couldn’t handle it, I was in Monaco. I couldn’t hear what they said on the telephone. // I had to sing for the prince in two hours, sat in the shower. // Gave myself two seconds to cry, It’s a shame that we die.”

Del Rrey has mentioned her yearning for motherhood while talking about her niece, “Will the baby be alright? Will I have one of mine?// Can I handle it if I do?// It’s said that my mind is not fit or they said to carry a child. I guess I’ll be fine.”

“Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” is an album about reflecting on her life, her family, and the afterlife. The album is more about storytelling. While listening I could tell that Del Rey was not aiming for a “radio hit.” This album was not meant for the radio; it was almost biographical, telling the audience what she cares about the most, not the fame, not the fortune, but what really matters after she is gone, her family, her memories, her life.

Page 13

Arts • Horizons

Princess of Sad Girl Pop? Photo by Nicholas Jefferies on Unsplash.

T

he power of social media is not to be denied.

Because of it I discovered this little artist called Gracie Abrams just in time for her debut album.I first learned about Gracie Abrams when one of my Twitter mutuals kept tweeting about her.

Finding out about Abrams wasn’t too difficult for me. She is a singer-songwriter who has received praise from people like Taylor Swift. Abrams will actually open up for Swift during her “The Eras Tour” that began on March 17 2023. Abrams is the daughter of J.J Abrams best known for directing The Star Wars trilogy.

Abrams is signed to Interscope Records along with musicians such as Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and more. She is described to have a “bedroom pop,” a vulnerable kind of vibe along with indie pop, soft pop, and pop in general, with her influences being Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift, Lorde, Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver and more.

Along with Swift’s stamp of approval, I was curious as to whether her music lives up to my mutual hype that I have been seeing on Twitter.Thus, I visited her

Page 14

By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

Spotify profile and selected songs like “..Feels Like,” “Rockland,” and “For real this time” from her EP “This is what it feels like,” which were her most streamed songs at the time [before her debut album “Good Riddance” arrived on streaming services].

I pressed play on the song with the title “... Feels Like,” and Abrams’ voice could be heard right away.

Starting off as a piano ballad, Abrams hooks me right away, and the instrumental takes you on a rollercoaster while keeping you on the same wavelength.

One of the song’s lines is “The train was cold, we left Connecticut.” Abrams stated in her Genius interview that the song is about a time she and her friend Audrey took the train from New York to Fairfield, Connecticut, to watch the movie After. Despite the fact that I already reside here, she makes me want to travel to Connecticut and experience what she did.

Abrams’ “Camden,” one of the rawest and saddest songs she has ever written, is a featured track on her EP. My generation is dealing with mental health difficulties more than ever before, a subject that was previously considered taboo. Abrams sheds light on her

Horizons • Arts depression, her sense of helplessness, her struggle for survival, and more: “I never said but I know that I can’t picture anything past 25 / Somebody take over the drive and somebody notice how I’m trying.”

Abrams’ voice is unique, I haven’t heard her belt yet but she is subtle. The emotion she gives to her music lets you feel precisely how she is feeling. Her voice is silky with a few voice cracks that appear intentional, and she can transport you to places you couldn’t imagine.

When we hear about a relationship, we frequently witness a one-sided account of how it ended, with no one accepting responsibility. In Abrams’ situation, however,

and confession. Abrams acknowledges her mistakes in the relationship that she is obviously writing about: “and I destroyed every silver lining you had/in your head, all of your feelings, I played with them.” She continues, “Used to lie to your face 20 times in a day, it was my little strange addiction.” in her song “Best” “Where do we go now?” continues on this theme of confession with lyrics like “like I miss you, but when I kissed you back I lied/You don’t know how hard I tried, Had to fake the longest time.”

With her song “Would You Cry,” Abrams shifts the attention to the mysterious man and his troubles.

the storytelling, was shaped to create an extraordinary body of work.

The message of Good Riddance is about finally letting go of something toxic, about continuing a relationship that would only cause her pain. She leads you through a journey of being honest with yourself, admitting your faults, wants, and insecurities while also pointing out some warning signs in her potential partner on how she feels when they are together.

If you are curious about Abrams, I would recommend you to start with one of a few of my favorite songs that instantly had me hooked, which are “Feels like..” which talks about friendship and

“The emotion she gives to her music lets you feel precisely how she is feeling.” we see both accounts of hers and this mystery man she sings about.

When it comes to the toxic relationship she is writing about, Abrams is fighting a battle deep inside herself. Yes, she is taking responsibility for her failure in the relationship, but it almost seems as though she is contradicting herself; she wants the relationship to end, but at the same time she doesn’t: “I know better and you’re ignoring me / still if you asked me to run away I’d go easily.”

Her debut album is about heartbreak, taking responsibility,

She is now expressing to us how she feels about the connection and how it is diminishing: “Now I’m what your bored of/ now you walk through me with my heart heavy/ breaking my reverie, I could die early,” Her music made me experience a range of feelings, including sadness, anger, and peace. In my opinion, for an album to be deemed top-tier, the artist must immerse the listener in their universe, and that is exactly what Gracie achieved.

Everything about it, from the production (from drums to piano) to

the concept that a new person might enter your life and it feels like.. They were supposed to be there all along. “Where do we go now?” is about a relationship that is fading into nothingness, all the love is gone, and I’m not feeling the same way you do anymore. Finally “Rockland” is for my overthinkers, who frequently feel anxious and doubt their own actions to decide whether they were beneficial or if their actions resulted in a mistake.

Abrams has songs for everyone regardless of your age, gender, or experiences.

Page 15

Arts • Horizons

Say “Good Riddance” to The Past

By Salene Herrera Senior Staff Writer

O

n February 24, 2023 Gracie Abrams, daughter of the famous director JJ Ambrams, released her debut 12-track album, Good Riddance.

Written and produced with Aaron Dessner, Good Riddance was released following her last EP release in 2021.

The pop album grapples with self reflection, inner and external conflict, love, loss, and letting go.

Not only does Abrams express hurt that she feels at the hands of others, but hurt that she has brought onto relationships and the person/ people she was in them with.

Upon its release, I listened to the Album over ten times, reading through the lyrics, listening to the tone, and absorbing the depth and meaning of the songs.

Track four ”Where do we go now?” goes through the motions of a heartbreak on two sides for different reasons. Abrams loved this person dearly, but it seems that

Page 16

their love was a different kind.

In verse one Abrams sings, “But when I kissed you back, I lied / You don’t know how hard I tried / Had to fake the longest time.”

This was her favorite person, and possibly the person who had treated her the best, but she lost them when she expressed that she didn’t quite feel the same.

While track four explores how Abrams was, in a way, at fault for the end of the relationship, track 5, “I Should Hate You,” sets a different tone.

In track 5 Abrams reminisces on a relationship where she supported and loved her partner endlessly through their hard times.

She comforted them, soothed them, and tried her best to make them feel good amidst the trouble in their life, but this person hurt her deeply and put her through so much pain.

In verse 2 Abrams sings, “Pulled the knife out my back, it was right

where you left it / but your aims are kind of perfect, I’ll give you the credit.”

Her partner betrayed her in some way and hit her exactly where it hurts, and she should hate them but it seems that she cannot bring herself to do it.

That last track that stood out to me was track 7 “Amelie.” This song set a different tone from the others and truly stood apart for me. The softness and haunted sound of Abrams’ voice pulls you into the story of what seems to be a girl named Amelie. She speaks of this girl she knew briefly that truly impacted her, “I met a girl once/ She kinda ripped me open.”

Through the song she searches for Amelie, asking her where she went, and how this girl was someone she could listen to forever. Abrams questions if she exists at one point, wondering if it was all in a dream.

In a literal sense it seems Abrams

Horizons • Arts

is singing about a brief encounter with a girl, but listening to the song multiple times and going through the lyrics I wondered if there was something deeper. Listening I found myself wondering if Abrams could possibly be singing about a version of herself that existed once but had disappeared from her, and she now wonders of that part of who ever existed.

Good Riddance is a staple album for anyone who has ever felt the sting of loss and heartbreak, and those who find that at times they can be the problem. Abrams does a great job at conveying that love, sadness, regret, and longing that can come with self reflection, and the complexity of realizing that you can cause your own pain at times. If you are looking for a solid, reflective and relatable album that helps you delve into your past and let things go, stream Good Riddance.

hi ap Gr

te d rea c c

ah ar S by

ze Fa

s. ka

Page 17

Arts • Horizons

Taking Back Control

T

here is a particular image that female artists, regardless of the genre they work in, must uphold in the public eye. You must be pleasant, soft, and gentle. You must constantly be on; you can never have a bad day. To gain the public’s affection and favor, you have to be this stereotypical American sweetheart. You need to be very careful about how you present yourself to the media because they could betray you at any time. Yet there comes a point in every female artist’s life when she finally reclaims control from the narrative that the media or society has constructed about her.

Britney Spears came into the scene as an innocent type-a-girl from the Mickey Mouse machine. When she initially entered the music world with her classic hit “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” she was still a non proactive school-girl-country belle with Christian values surrounding “purity culture,” marriage, and more.

Absolutely everyone desired to be Spears. Up until a certain point, she was adored by everyone and they all wanted to be her friend. Things took a turn and Spears was in the tabloids and received negative publicity from the 2007 manic episode with the shaved head, umbrella to the car, and paparazzi following her everywhere During this time Spears wasn’t in the spotlight due to her 2007 public mental breakdown, as it was also the start of Spears’s conservatorship. The general public was searching for their next American sweetheart. Taylor Swift entered the scene, and soon everyone moved their attention from Britney Spears to Swift. The public had found their new princess.

This American Sweetheart image of Swift has

Page 18

By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

persisted over the years. In her documentary “Miss Americana” Swift goes into detail about her image earlier in her career. Ever since childhood Swift had this idea that she had to be a “good” girl. “You know my entire moral code, as a kid and now is need to be thought of as good.” she said. “Do the right thing, Do the good thing.”

“I’ve been trained to be happy when you get a lot of praise,” Swift said, talking about the 2009 VMA incident with Kanye West. “When you’re living for the approval of strangers and that is where you derive all all your joy and fulfillment, one bad thing can cause everything to crumble.”

Swift says she was so fulfilled by approval that it was all she needed.“I became the person who everybody wanted me to be.”

Roniqueka Wilson, a student at Gateway Community College who recently started appreciating her body of work stated; “I thought she was very positive in her music, like encouraging. She puts a lot of effort into her music. She’s very aware, almost calculated in a way. She’s good at presenting herself in a proper way, in an elegant way. In the past, she was very aware of her image and of other people’s opinion based on her image. She did not do anything that could potentially ruin her reputation.”

When it comes to many aspects of her career, The most memorable would be taking charge of her

Horizons • Arts

"there comes a point in every female artist’s life when she finally reclaims control from the narrative that the media or society has constructed about her."

You write your own story. You control your own narrative. Photo by Mike Tinnion on Unsplash.

masters. In 2019, Scooter Braun paid $300 million to acquire the masters of all the artists who had been under contract with the record label Big Machine Records, who Swift was previously signed to.

Swift wrote a statement on social media platforms to express her feelings regarding the sale, claiming that she was unaware that Braun was about to purchase her masters. “ I learned about Scooter Braun’s purchase of my masters as it was announced to the world. All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I’ve received at his hands for years.” she posted.

Swift attempted to reclaim ownership of her masters numerous times, both in private and in public, but she was never successful.

Instead, Swift decided to redo all of her previous recordings, releasing

them with the same names but with the notation “Taylor’s Version” next to them. Swift has released Red (Taylor’s Version) and Fearless (Taylor’s Version).

Swift only recently began to take control of her image. After being categorized as a country music artist by the general public, She then created a pop album [1989] that was a great commercial success, dominating the charts for weeks. When creating 1989 she said, in her documentary, “I’m gonna make sure people know I deserve to be here.”

Swift released her albums Folklore and Evermore in the midst of the pandemic, when everyone was isolated and terrified, and it introduced her music to an entirely new generation, once again changing the impact of her career.

Lupita Bajas, who calls herself

a “veteran” in the Taylor Swift fandom recalls the movement she became a fan of Swift. “At first, I became a fan because I really resonated with her music. I thought she was wholesome, and in a way I grew up with her as she matured, I matured into a teen in high school.”

Along with Swift, Lana Del Rey takes control of her narrative in a completely different way. As a female artist, When we consider the majority of female musicians who are well-known, The Billie Eilishs, The Adeles, The Beyonces, it appears like they should be traveling on a world tour, visiting every award show wearing stunning custom-made gowns, and walking the red carpet The idea that fame is something you signed up for is popular.

However, Lana Del Rey has been outspoken about her troubles with Page 19

Arts • Horizons fame. “I’ve got nothing much to live for ever since I found my fame.” – “God knows I tried,” she sings on her studio album Honeymoon.

Del Rey is a very quiet person who prefers to let her music speak for itself rather than go on a press tour. She frequently speaks in her music about her desire for some kind of normalcy. In her song ‘Wild at Heart” “What would you do if I wouldn’t sing for them no more?” on her album Chemtrails over the Country Club.

I love Lana Del Rey and can tell she doesn’t want to be in the spotlight since I am a fan of her work. She rarely conducts interviews for music, There was essentially no promotion for the Blue Banisters album when it was released in 2021.

She highlighted the fact why Blue Banisters was not heavily promoted like some of her earlier works. “Blue Banisters was more of an explanatory album, more of a defensive album, which is why I didn’t promote it, period, at all.

I didn’t want anyone to listen to it. I just wanted it to be there in case anyone was ever curious for any information,” she told Rolling Stone UK magazine.

Angela Garcia, who has been a fan of D e l Rey

since her debut stated that she feels like Del Rey doesn’t want fame unlike her other peers in the industry. “I think from her music she kind of gives us the idea that she doesn’t like it, I definitely think it’s a [her] thing. I feel like her music [albums besides Norman F******* Rockwell or Lust for Life] aren’t for everyone.

She really takes control when it comes to her life and her music, her music is not usually what plays on the radio and she does not care, it’s more about the art of creating this catalog for her and her fans.”

Camila Goodman, another fan of Del Rey, says. “I don’t think of Lana Del Rey as someone who lives in the spotlight. [To Me] She’s very down to earth, and she doesn’t really promote her music or go on tour unlike other artists. I feel like she’s humble and [is] there for the music and not the limelight.” She continues on the way Del Rey controls the sound of her music “In my opinion, you can’t play Lana Del Rey at a party or a club. In a way, she doesn’t care about what people think about her music.”

Although they are both artists, these two ladies adopt a similar approach to taking ownership of their own narratives. Both of them took charge of how their music would sound, be released, and be accepted by the general audience. When it comes to her celebrity life, Lana Del Rey is not your typical celebrity. She is not in it for fame, rather because she enjoys making music for herself and her fans.

No matter where you are in your career, you will always have the choice to control your own narrative and tell your own story. The pages are blank; you just have to start writing it.

"No matter where you are in your career, you will always have the choice to control your own narrative and tell your own story.

The pages are blank; you just have to start writing it."

Page 20

Horizons • Arts

A Little "Neo" For the Soul

By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer

Y

our Apple Music and Spotify playlist are probably suggesting artists such as Lil Durk, Lil Baby, NBA Youngboy, Future, 21 Savage, and so much more. The genre of trap music is never ending, and of course, extremely popular in the music culture. While these songs are catchy, upbeat, and can put you in a highly energized mood, it’s important to take moments out of your day to ease your mind.

Music is a great way to find some solitude within your day and is highly recommended. With all the many music genres in the world, something that I would suggest listening to are artists within the Neo soul category. Neo soul music is also upbeat, but more so on the relaxing spectrum of music.

Neo soul is described as a style of music that emerged from soul and contemporary R&B. So, if you’re a lover of R&B, jazz, and soulful music, this is the perfect category for you! It can be a different vibe than what you’re used to listening to, but these soulful artists are worth the listen.

Neo soul music has some of the top-charting artists like Jazmine Sullivan, Lucky Daye, Ari Lennox, Blxst, H.E.R, and Bryson Tiller. While these are names that have gone viral for numerous hits such as “Damage” and “Don’t,” the key to finding great Neo soul music is to look at underrated artists as well.

The best way to find a new artist in my opinion would be, of course, Tiktok. New music is posted daily with unknown artists waiting to get discovered.

Currently, my personal favorite would be Carols Abril, with his upcoming hit “Let Me Know.” Tiktok, as well as looking up the genre on streaming platforms, is a great way to find new artists to listen to.

While listening to your regular songs on your playlist daily, know that there’s so much more to be discovered within the music industry. If you’re looking for new music, or an overall relaxing feel to your daily listening, Neo soul would be the perfect choice for you!

While we all may love trap music & sounds of electric dancehall, ease your mind with some of these neo soul and r&b favorites. Photo By: https://theboombox.com.

Page 21

News • Horizons

Student Mothers, You Are Not Alone!

By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

A

s a mother, the decision to continue your education becomes bigger than your original childhood dream, because you are now looking at the future through the eyes of a being completely dependent on what else you have to offer, besides all of your love. This understanding between you, and your little bundle of joy, is the light that keeps shining, guiding you through each semester while simultaneously juggling the necessities of everyday life.

The feeling is inspiring, but can easily turn into overwhelming despair if you are traveling through your journey unsupported.

The Women’s Center here in Housatonic, located on the second floor in Beacon Hall, provides accessible resources both internally within the on-campus community, as well as neighboring organizations extending support to mothers experiencing financial or emotional challenges. However, most student mothers are unaware that such organizations exist, always pressed for time rushing from class to work, and home, suffering in silence.

Student mothers, you are not alone! If this schedule and feelings resonate with you, the BPT MOMS Partnership Program may be the kind of support you have been longing for. “Asking for help alone was a challenge,” recalls Joanni Council, a student majoring in the field of Social Work who offered insight on what

Page 22

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.

BPT MOMS Partnership has to offer, and how taking advantage of their services changed her life.

Council started attending Housatonic part-time in Spring of 2018. On January 5, 2020 her son was born; she called him the pandemic baby. Becoming a mother who was forced to return to work almost immediately rearranged her schedule drastically, leaving her education on the back burner. Realizing that now more than ever it was critical for her to elevate her status, she returned to school eager to graduate.

The stress of working full-time to make ends meet, meeting her professors’ requirements, and having some quality time with her baby converted into anxiety, and depression. “I was dragging in all aspects of my life,” she said, adding that she felt like a failure whenever she looked into her baby’s eyes. She thought about taking a break from school, or just quitting completely, until she passed by the Women’s Center and saw a flier describing exactly what she was going through.

The BPT MOMS Partnership program was founded by a collaboration between GBAPP Inc, Southwest Community Health Center, Alliance For Community Empowerment, and East End NRZ Market & Cafe.

Horizons • News Their purpose is to support mothers with life stress, meeting mothers literally where they are. A support group for mothers, by mothers who are going through, or have gone through similar challenges.

According to the Executive Coordinator responsible for the

for her to pick up diapers for her son, and she received a $20 gift card. This benefit, along with an additional $40 gift card after completing each survey, made a huge difference in her budget, allowing her to catch up with her basic needs. “There is a waiting list,

have to be a Bridgeport resident to be eligible” Crawford said, so do not let the name stop you from taking advantage of this amazing opportunity. Feeling so alone as a mother trying to continue her education was what motivated Council to reach out, learning better cop-

“BPT MOMS Partnership Program may be the kind of support you have been longing for.” screening process for BPT MOMS Partnership, Diane Crawford-Tyner, eligibility for participation in the program consists of the following three requirements: (1) you must be at least 18 years old, and identify as a woman. (2) you must be the mother or primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18, and (3) you must complete a survey that shows you could use emotional support. “This program is free” she said, adding that unfortunately they can only service 6-8 moms at a time. Once selected, each mother is expected to participate in a 90 minutes virtual session held once a week for 8 weeks, and incentives are given for attending meetings and completing surveys.

Council, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for having participated in the program, shared that after attending each virtual session, an appointment was made

and they ask you a lot of personal questions,” she said, but after the screening process you receive a package in the mail explaining the entire process, and in the end you feel like the best version of yourself for embracing your vulnerability.

Both Crawford and Council agreed about the benefits associated with participating in the BPT MOMS Partnership program, where you will learn skills to help manage the stress you deal with, communication styles, steps for problem-solving, balancing stress and fun, relaxation tips, and referrals to other community resources tackling any unique needs you may have. The goal is to provide mothers with informative and soothing self-care techniques, and help them navigate through daily life with a positive and healthy perspective.

“Although the name of the program is BPT MOMS, you do not

ing skills, and feeling the financial relief necessary to find the mental space to focus on school. Council will be walking in May 2023 with an Associate’s degree in Social Work, with her number one fan in attendance, and the support of her community. It takes a village.

Student mothers, you are not alone! Take the first step by contacting: Dajauna Delvalle, LMSW Clinician 203-409-5517 ddelvalle@gbapp.org or Kelsey Cruz, Community Mental Health Ambassador 203-332-3542 kcruz@swchc.org alliancect.org/bpt-moms

Page 23

News • Horizons

Education can Equal Profit at HCC

By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer

T

he amount of creativity a student can have is endless. Housatonic’s hallways are filled with artists, photographers, dancers, musicians, and so much more. While these individuals are great at what they do, there are many other students who have the idea of becoming an entrepreneur.

Starting a business can seem overwhelming, and almost impossible. Trust me, as a business owner myself, the journey is a difficult one! However, you’re in luck. HCC can and has provided other students just like you with learning opportunities on how to start, run, and fund a business. Coming from someone who started a business with not much help from others, Housatonic has amazing resources, workshops, and programs that will walk you step by step on how to start a business while in school.

When starting my beauty business in 2019, there were many days where there were failures, sleepless nights, and moments where I truly didn’t know what to do. Starting a business with no educational background is possible for some, but for most, including me, it is a struggle to build from the ground up.

Although I took time to do my own personal research on things such as finance, and how to legally start a business, I know if I were to have help from mentors, or an educational system, I would have gotten further much faster.

Bridgeport pro makeup artist Janai Broadnax can relate to this as well. “I started doing makeup in 2016,” Broadnax remembered. “There weren’t many makeup

Page 24

artists in the Connecticut area, nor were there people around me that truly wanted to help me start my business.” Having worked as make-up artist for seven years and now full time, she has reminisced on many hardships when she found this passion of makeup.

“I didn’t know anything about a business plan, I wasn’t in a business program, and I didn’t know where to begin. However, I did know that this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. If I could go back in time when I first started, if there was an opportunity to take up something in the business field in school, I wouldn’t second guess enrolling,” she said.

While it is more than possible to start a business from the ground up with no help, know that it is okay to ask and receive knowledge and guidance from others. HCC students have the privilege of taking part in what we call the Werth Center. Located in Beacon Hall first floor, this space is for all entrepreneurial spirited students to come together and create. Accounting and entrepreneurship expert, Professor Pam Pirog, speaks highly of the Werth Center and the things it has to offer.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: what exactly is this space? Proudly, Professor Pirog stressed the importance of it. “The Werth Center is a place where students can grow or start their business,” Pirog said. “The Center provides one on one mentoring as well as provides resources such as grants.” Starting a business can be hard, but, with help, the WERTH Center can allow this idea to become a reality. HCC

Horizons • News is filled with students from all ages and all walks of life. But, no matter where you are on your educational journey, if you are interested in starting a business, you are more than welcomed into the Werth Center. “Entrepreneurship is innovative and for everyone,” Pirog said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or what your major is. If you’re interested, everyone can be a business owner.”

The great thing about the Werth Center is that their resources, programs, and one-onone mentorship works for any and all business ideas. HCC Business alumna Charlese Jarvis remembers her experiences with the Center, and how that benefited her catering business.

“While at Housatonic, I had the privilege of participating in the ‘First Annual Food Entrepreneur Competition’ and winning second place,” Jarvis said. “For me, this was an opportunity to put my skills to the test, market and promote my business, and meet other local

businesses as well. It was a great experience for me and I would have never known about this if it wasn’t for the Werth Center.” The alumna still continues her passion for cooking, baking, and catering, and she has made numerous business connections from attending business competitions and events from HCC. Of course, while starting a business, the main ideas and concerns most start up business owners focus on are finances and product inventory. To some, the main goal in the beginning is to focus on getting tons of inventory and making lots of money. But, business is so much more than putting a product in someone’s space and telling them to just buy it.

Donor Stewardship Associate of HCC, Alethea Kavarnos, takes pride in educating students on the marketing side of business, and teaching them that there’s so much more to entrepreneurship than selling a product.

“Some things I like to educate and help future business owners

with are things such as social media, logo designs, and business cards,” Kavarnos said. “Finding your market is extremely important when starting your business, and social media can and will help you along the way. Social media should be fun first, promotions after. Educate your audience on what problem your business is solving and create a community!” Kavarnos also stresses the importance of not letting your ideas of entrepreneurship go to waste. “Everyone has ideas and dreams for business,” Kavarnos said, “If you have a passion, don’t feel obligated to get a 9-5. Be your own boss and create your own path.

Even if your business fails, it happens. It’s never a loss, it’s something you learn during the process of becoming an entrepreneur.”

Whether you’re an incoming freshman, going into your sophomore year, or this is your next attempt at receiving an education at HCC, if you have the idea of starting a business, check out the Werth Center, and receive some of the best resources a student can be offered to start the journey of becoming a business owner.

Your next business can be the next six figure company that’ll just change your life. Good luck, stay positive, and start today!

Have a business idea and don’t know where to start? Allow entrepreneurial students, professional mentors, and HCC staff members to help you turn your business ideas into profit in the WERTH Center today. Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash.

Page 25

News • Horizons

Parents: Role Models and Model Students All In One

By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

I

n this world, few duties are more important and fulfilling than being a parent. Parenthood comes with many responsibilities, pressures, expectations, and challenges that no one person could ever be prepared for, so when factors like non-traditional family dynamics and personal problems get thrown into the mix, it can make the already herculean task of raising children just that much more monumental.

In one way or another, all parents want what’s best for their children. Although the best thing may look different depending on who you ask, one thing remains certain: no loving parent would ever willingly give up on trying to give their children the best. In our society, many different things can open doors for people and give them a chance to create the most Page 26

opportunities to help their children lead fulfilling lives, but few are more effective than seeking education. Whether it’s a degree or a certificate they are seeking, there is value both in the professional development they are attaining and in the spirit of the actions they are taking which will positively impact their children’s lives. Unfortunately, for any of that value to be seen, there are many barriers that can only be overcome by a persevering parent.

According to Dr. Monette Ferguson, “The cost of and access to quality care have always been the biggest issues for parents in these situations.” Ferguson is the executive director of Alliance for Community Empowerment in Bridgeport, a community action agency that assists families from all walks of life throughout the

state of Connecticut and whose reach includes but is not limited to early learning and child care. In addition to her first-hand experience as a service provider for two decades, Ferguson is also a mother of three, more specifically a mother to me and my two older siblings, who has lived experience as a parent seeking higher education while struggling to raise a family.

In reference to parents in these situations, Ferguson went on to say that “making sure that their kids are safe and learning while they are away from them will always be the top priority, but finding places that meet those criteria and are affordable is a challenge.” The reason for this is that more often than not, young parents are financially disadvantaged and the costs associated with raising children further limit their options.

Horizons • News “This is not a thing of the past,” she adds. “Even when these parents find education and daycare for their children, life doesn’t slow down, and expenses keep piling up.

Necessities like food, transportation, school supplies, and even indulgences like ice cream and toys are constant causes for worry for struggling parents.”

With so much to worry about and school assignments of their own thrown on top, it can prove to be an incredibly difficult task for any parent or parents to overcome alone, which is why people in these situations must know where and how they can get quality assistance. There are many community-based resources both in and around Bridgeport that you can take advantage of when working towards a better future.

Alliance alone services over 1,000 families, and organizations like them provide much more help than one might think. To find out just how far they are willing to go to help parents and children in need, I spoke to Alliance’s Director of Early Learning, Tanya Lloyd, and she shared many

important insights about the services she and her staff provide. She made it more than clear that at Alliance, the job doesn’t end with daycare. “For children, it’s daycare, socialization, learning, and protection. For parents, it’s resources, utility coverage, rent assistance, and goal management.”

That may sound like a lot, but that’s part of the promise that Alliance and organizations like it make to serve their communities.

This all-encompassing approach is part of what is called a Wrap Around Model for assisting people.

A Wrap Around Model guarantees the assessment of and assistance with issues on all ends of the spectrum, not just education and finances. The reality is, that if you

are with an agency that provides care to children ages zero to five, they won’t be able to assist you forever, which is why their priority is to give you the tools to manage all of the obstacles in your way and give you the resources to deal with the ones that come later down the road. They will help you move step by step toward the goals you set for your family until you have developed the strength to keep moving forward on your own.

Starting from square one, it is a daunting task to take on. The thought of it could inspire fear of failure so strong that it makes you defer your dreams and put your life on the back burner while you settle for what’s in front of you, but that is not the only way out,

“You are your child’s first teacher. It’s a partnership” - Tanya Lloyd. Photo by Natasha Hall on Unsplash.

Page 27

News • Horizons and Joanni Council is living proof.

Council is not only a student currently attending Housatonic, with plans to graduate this year, but a mother to a young son with special needs. In addition to being a parent in school with a child in school, she is a parent in school with a parent in school, making her a multigenerational example who lives on both sides of this situation. In her time at Housatonic, alongside her mother, she has learned that the pursuit of higher education is a holistic experience. In her own words, “School is much more than the education, I find value in the basic life skills it enhances for all students.

School is not therapy, but it is therapeutic.”

To Council, school became a safe space that’s benefits could follow her outside of the classroom into her home. In class, her mother looked out for her, asking all the questions she was hesitant to. That level of comfort that her mom provided in an academic setting enabled her to do her best. Not only has her college journey empowered her to become what she calls “an active parent,” one who asks all the right questions so that she can ensure that the needs of her child are

met at all times. She’s not afraid to work hard and go the extra mile for her child because the challenges she faced going down the path she chose have caused her to grow.

Council went on to say that when her son looks at the actions she and her mother are taking “he sees his mom and grandma together in a healthy relationship and doing things that no one thought could be possible,” which she hopes will

than seeing the people who are responsible for caring and providing for an entire family go through the toughest situations, with what feels like the weight of the world pressed up against their backs, and instead of giving up, they grit their teeth and fight like hell to make it to the other side. Seeing a parent go to extreme lengths to graduate, get a higher-paying job, or even just simply guarantee that food will be on the table every night, is a learning opportunity. Whether they know it or not, parents are their child’s first teachers, so when the chips are down and they choose to work towards their goals without leaving anyone or anything behind, they are leading by example.

If you are a parent who is struggling to decide to pursue education for the sake of bettering the lives of you and your children, it’s important to know you are not alone. It will take lots of time and hard work but by seeking out resources and opportunities, you can find the assistance and guidance you need to make your academic dreams a reality and stand tall as a shining symbol of perseverance in your child’s life.

“There are many community-based resources both in and around Bridgeport that you can take advantage of when working towards a better future.”

Page 28

inspire him to one day strive to become the best version of himself too. Being a witness to her actions, Council shared that in her greatest dreams her son will believe that “no matter what challenges he decides to take on in his future, he’ll be able to find it in himself to overcome them.”

In the eyes of a child, there is almost nothing more encouraging

Horizons • News

A Fall Fairy Godmother

By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

W

hen the days start growing shorter, and every form of contact you have available tells you “classes begin soon,” it’s official; summer is over. The halls of Housatonic are filled with students rushing to readapt to the world of assignments and deadlines. Some seem organized and ready, while others are winging it, hoping a friend has an extra pencil. Either way, hidden beneath each student ID number are the trials with tribulations, doubts, insecurities, financial burdens and dreams all mixed, leaving the question, can I carry on with the semester despite my silent mixed emotions? Should I reconsider my decisions? And, wow! Each syllabus feels intense.

For me, it was all of the above and then some.

Most women rushing through Housatonic’s halls, striving to continue their education and tussle with obtaining a degree are experiencing an internal tug of war between schedule restrictions and a list of responsibilities taking priority over their dreams. Motherhood is no exception. As a mother you are expected to push the envelope without complaints, meet society’s standards, look put together, and qualify for the most crucial and meaningful task in your life without instructions. This level of leadership inevitably causes

you to lose your identity as a student. Feeling out of place inside classrooms where lack of sleep, my child is sick, or budgeting my finances forced an extra shift are not valid excuses for not meeting the deadlines.

I felt lost and alone with a dream I was not sure was worth dreaming anymore. My fall fairy godmother, formed by the Women’s Center at Beacon Hall, now blossoming into the Family Economic Security Program (FESP), saved me from throwing in the towel, but I wish I would’ve known about their existence sooner.

The more I participated and took advantage of all the FESP program has to offer, the more I was able to learn about and meet the team of empathetic women working together to make this kind of support possible for HCC students sponsored by HCC Foundation funds: the Executive Director of the Foundation, Kristy Jelenik, and E’zhana Smith, Equity Program Coordinator, who also made herself available to me assisting with my final steps towards graduation. I met Alethea Kavarnos, Donor Stewardship Associate at HCC Foundation Inc. at a photo session so that donors can see the faces of students they are making graduation possible for.

Kavarnos explained the coalition of people Page 29

News • Horizons

investing into the future of student mothers. “There for my advisor’s contact information, I bumped into are restricted and unrestricted donations,” she said. a flier filled with words that hit home. This flier was The unrestricted donations can be used for all pro- talking to my soul, a program designed for student grams at HCC, but restricted donations like the ones mothers dealing with the type of stress and concerns used for the FESP program are strictly for student consuming my aspirations. What if dropping a class mothers, by a Fairfield does not have to be an County Community option? What if your curfoundation. rent financial status is Karvanos measures desperately dependent the success of the FESP on a degree? Although program and provides still skeptical about how them with the inforany program would fit mation necessary to into my schedule, I recontinue to receive dosponded as a last resort. nations for the next set I could not believe ample. g by Ex os. n r a Teachin v a ea K of students. what I was hearing. y Aleth Photo b HCC Commun ity.

The criteria for elSomeone was sent to Photo by Alet hea igibility in the FESP shine a light on my darkKavarnos. program is a female est days and guide me student with at least toward a healthier pathone child/dependent, way of options, sprinkling completed at least 9 some motivation and recredits and/or have at newed aspirations fairy least two semesters redust that magically manmaining, have a 2.0 ifested into an invincible GPA or higher, must be handkerchief drying my registered at HCC for tears. Camerato was just the upcoming semester, as bubbly and positive varnos. oto by Alethea Ka Family Support. Ph and be currently emduring our zoom call oriployed full-time or partentation of acceptance, time. The agreement is where she went over a truly easy to follow, because it aligns with what you participant’s responsibilities. You must meet with your were struggling to achieve, and now you have your achievement coach at least three times per semester, own personal cheerleader guiding the way. and they meet you halfway by offering available dates Our school email is flooded with services and and times to talk in-person, virtually or phone. You resources available for us throughout the semester. must also attend one financial literacy workshop per However if you rush like me, checking Blackboard is a month during the semester in-person or virtual, along daily challenge, and all other options feel like a set- with other educational and informative activities back. One daym while racing through emails looking available. Some of my favorites were the Stress and Page 30

Horizons • News

the Time Management workshops.

During the month these workshops are available both during the day and afternoon. You are given a calendar with activity dates and time in advance, and food is provided as well. Kristen Camerato, the Women’s Center Coordinator at HCC, along with her team, all greet you with a winning attitude and make your time spent with them as smooth and stress free as possible.

In fact, Camerato oversees the Women’s Center student staff, space, resources offered, and programming initiatives. “I also provide support for students who need it, or connect them to resources. The Women’s Center serves all students on campus regardless of gender, identity or expression” said Camerato, better known in my life as my fall fairy godmother.

I was home alone overwhelmed with tears when I received her phone call explaining that the benefits of participating in the FESP program were one-on-one coaching (financial, academic, and career), cultural enrichment activities, professional development workshops, on campus family-friendly events, scholarships opportunities, and

networking skills. “Aside from all the fancy stuff” said Camerato, “I think it is so important and beneficial to students because it provides community, support, and a reminder of how great they are. When I coach, I make sure to remind you all how amazing you are and all the great things you have done, because when you are in a dark period or facing daily struggles it is easy to forget your accomplishments, big or small.”

Aside from my personal grati-

her education throughout her pregnancy. “I am going to have to quit school for a while,” Rios said with sadness in her eyes, in one of our encounters. It broke my heart to hear her say those words, especially since I know the feeling all so well.

This is how “knowledge is power” I thought, before sharing information with Rios about the FESP program. I also shared what I had been going through mentally, emotionally and financially, and how participating in the FESP program rearranged my life for the better. Stress can be exhausting, and it is hard to feel motivated about anything once you feel discouraged.

So, I felt it in my heart that Rios would need to be pushed at least until she has reached out to the Women’s Center.

I followed up with Rios until I heard hope in her voice again, and the name of who her mentor would be. No words were needed. We locked eyes once again in passing, and my reward was the rejuvenated glow I saw in her eyes.

“Someone was sent to shine a light on my darkest days and guide me toward a healthier pathway of options...” tude for the existence of the FESP program, having this information to share with other women who may be experiencing some of my pitfalls is priceless. I have known Carmen Rios for over twelve years, and I was excited to hear she was attending classes at HCC. Rios can only take online classes, so we would only see each other in passing once or twice a semester. We would always quickly discuss our mutual desire of finally graduating, and I admired Rios’s perseverance for continuing

Page 31

News • Horizons

The First Days of the Switch to CT State

By Luis Leon Staff Writer

Note To Reader: This article is meant to capture the moment the school was experiencing near the end of the spring semester 2023.

T

he brand of Housatonic and the twelve community college schools in Connecticut are experiencing an unprecedented change starting this fall semester. Starting in July all campuses became one institution: CT State Community College.

For a lot of students and staff, this major change was a cause for a lot of confusion. On March 30, 2023, the new CT State’s Degree Works website went live. Its criteria for study programs followed a new catalog of courses that did not exactly align with the old one.

Students logged on to the new platform and saw that their progress for their degree dropped significantly. Classes that they completed suddenly did not count toward this new system. An email was sent to students by CT State Community Colleges telling them to not worry. The faculty needed time to coordinate the new audit with the old one.

Many new changes confused, if not scared, students on their track.

“The name of my degree changed,” said student Aturo Herrera, who was in his second semester. “It went from, I think, Fine Arts Illustration to just Visual Arts.”

Registration for the fall semester opened in the first week of April.

Counselors and registrar staff had their inboxes filled and their doors flooded with anxious students. Everyone wanted to know if they were going to be okay and finish their degree.

Kimberly Wood, Director of Student Services, says on the second day of registration, her computer was filled with students locked out of admissions.

“Students who had an outstanding balance at one school might have left and came to Housatonic.

Now that we are all one system, they owe that balance even if they forgot about it,” she stated in a distraught voice.

Normally when a student owes a significant amount of money to Housatonic, they cannot register for future classes. With the consolidation of the twelve schools, students who owed fees to any other community college were now locked out of their account.

This was just one speed bump the faculty and staff had to deal with while holding their own anxiety.

With the transition there is

"Everyone wanted to know if they were going to be okay and finish their degree."

Page 32

Horizons • News a promise that no student progress would be harmed. Lots of the stress, however, seems to have fallen to the staff to find a smooth transition.

On the front lines, students are expected to consult their Guided Pathway Advisor to help resolve this issue.

“We’re always asking each other questions, trying to help each other out,” Advisor Alexander Latouche said, describing how the counselors are reacting to the whole transition. Department chairs and advisors have to work with over 2,500 students that reside in Housatonic individually to coordinate their credits into the new system.

DegreeWorks audits and the new CT State version. They then physically played a matching game type game trying to find the best substitution.

During these one-on-one meetings, staff members have expressed how some students come in sometimes angry, confused, or worried.

"The implementation has been sometimes chaotic."

“The website is weird,” said graphic design student Alyssa Johnson.

When she tried to log on to the new registration website on the first day it opened, the site would simply not load for her. Her advisor continued to “work on it,” leaving Johnson to sit and wait.

This consolidation of the schools has a student-first goal, according to the CT State Merger Plan. Under one institution, students could jump between the resources all Connecticut community college schools have to offer without the worry of having to readmit. As of now Connecticut is basing this model off other states that have done this in the past with several campuses like Pennsylvania and Maine, but this will be the first time it is done on such a large scale.

The implementation has been sometimes chaotic. Latouche describes it as working in a new environment without having the proper time to get to know the new system.

Advisors were initially implementing their own means of individual consultation with students as the best approach. They physically printed out sheets of the old

Speaking to students individually, however, it seems a lot of the consensus is unbothered if not strongly opinionated.

“Maybe some may find it bothersome. But merging is good because you can use other campus resources,” say Herrera.

Photo of Housatonic Community College. Photo by Sarah Fazekas.

Page 33

News • Horizons A majority of students just starting on their first semester did not seem as worried or not even know about the merge as much students well into their degree.

Other students faced stronger speed bumps regarding financial aid. Zane, a student on his second semester, expressed how the new FAFSA code did not go through properly and caused a delay to his financial aid application.

Aside from courses having different names, some were dropped altogether. This was a process made during the consolidation. All colleges had to agree on what courses were required for a degree.

“I think courses changing names or being taken

Page 34

off campus is disturbing to some students,” said Nepula, a student who was in her third semester. She expressed how she is forced to take summer courses before the transition because soon the courses will be unavailable.

Overall, the goal to keep students unaffected by the transition was going through as best as it can.

Staff members were doing most of the heavy lifting to make sure students get what they need. “Everything that’s new is going to have a few flaws,” said student Pandora Kerma, a student in visual arts. “I thought the new change was going to negatively affect me from what everyone’s been saying, but it actually benefited me a lot.”

Photo of Housatonic Community College. Photo by Sarah Fazekas.

Horizons • Profiles

Finding New Guides To Explore Europe

By Luis Leon Staff Writer

Tour guide leading Isabel (in blue poncho) on a tour of Florence. Photo

by Jamilet Ortiz.

S

itting on a bench in Southern Connecticut State University, footsteps approach nearby. Someone arrives and sits down. “Aren’t you Sue’s sister?”

A fellow student comes up to Isabel and asks her this question. But unlike most of these interactions, she is asking something directly. It was not about her guide dog or if she was born blind. It was a normal conversation.

“I am a person, not someone to be observed,” Isabel Rosario, a transfer student at Housatonic majoring in Social Work, says.

In any social environment people will notice a disability first before any other aspect. There is an unwarranted entitlement to want to know about someone’s condition before wanting to know the person. While

it does seem to be an inevitable question, there are certain ways to approach it.

Advocacy came to Isabel, she says, at an early age. People talk to adults and represent themselves as they get older, but Isabel had to adapt quickly.

Teachers would forget to give her auditorial versions of assignments, giving her less time to complete work. She learned that it was important to make her needs known by herself.

“I try to be as independent as I can be. Sometimes to a fault and can make life more difficult than necessary,” she says.

Isabel travels around town independently, learning new environments and navigating comfortably.

She goes to diners like Chip’s with friends who are Page 35

Profiles • Horizons also visually impaired and handles situations on her own. Anyone who knows her could tell you that she is a planner, having control of what the day has in store.

“I worry about being a burden sometimes,” she says. Yet Isabel works to be self reliant.

This past semester, she joined Professor Ortiz’s short term study abroad class where students traveled to Italy and Greece during spring break.

This once in a lifetime experience became intimidating, almost convincing her not to go. Crowded streets with bumpy cobblestone paths made it impossible to use a cane in a sweeping motion or a two-point-touch, a technique people with visual impairments often use. It also limits the ability of a guide dog to navigate comfortably.

Avoiding the challenge of relying on people, Isabel soon learned that she had to let go of this anxiety. Using a sighted guide method, she would clasp onto someone’s elbow while walking. This method gave her the motion of being just half a step behind her guide, immediately noticing any inclines or bumps.

Slowly she was opening up to something she learned to avoid. It was okay to rely on people.

Being a shy person overall, connecting with people is difficult.

She is always skeptical on whether someone wants to genuinely know her or simply pities her.

The study abroad trip threw Page 36

her into a new social environment that had her connect with people not centered on being blind.

Within the trip itself, Isabel was surprised to see the inclusivity the tours had prepared.

During the Greece tour, students visited the famous Acropolis, a plateau that towers 400 ft over the city Athens.

On the site, a tour guide provided Isabel an exclusive experience to feel a textured map of the plateau. She was delighted to see that the enrichment of history was to be appreciated by everyone.

In Italy, students went to Rome to see the famous Colosseum, a 2,000-year-old mega structure that remains intact. During the tour, the guide personally showed Isabel the texture of columns and walls that made up the structure, explaining their significance and use.

“The Tactual Museum [of Athens] was the perfect ending to the trip,” she says.

On the final days in Greece, students had some free time to travel around the city of Athens. Isabel found a museum created by the organization, Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece. The museum displayed plastered copies of real statues and relics that are seen in other museums.

Isabel experiencing a piece of the original Roman Colosseum. Photo by Jamilet Ortiz.

Horizons • Profiles

Tour guide shows Isabel exclusive textured map of The Acropolis. Photo by Jamilet Ortiz.

Spectators were able to touch everything while a guide shadowed them and explained its history.

The guide herself also had a visual impairment and a rich passion to share the history. This had Isabel feel immersed deeply into the experience.

Sighted companions were also given the opportunity to be blindfolded and touch the exhibits as well. As I was accompanying Isabel, I was blindfolded myself.

Suddenly needing the reliance of someone to guide me, I felt the uneasiness of giving out my trust so easily. I knelt down near a statue and brushed my fingers along its structure. I felt the complexity and life carved into the spaces. It gave me a newfound appreciation

of experiencing the world in a new way.

Isabel was surprised to see that this experience was offered. She was glad to see organizations like these had a strong agenda to advocate for the visually impaired. It also implemented a larger opportunity for accessibility. She says the United States does not offer a lot for the visually impaired for these unique experiences. Meanwhile, just spending 10 days in Europe, she was offered an entire history.

In the future, Isabel realizes she would want to travel more. Like her major entails, she wishes to research more about accessibility programs that offer these unique opportunities.

"It gave me a newfound appreciation of experiencing the world in a new way."

Page 37

Profiles • Horizons

In Order to Heal We Must Feel

By Beatrtiz Velez Staff Writer

I

was not emotionally prepared to dig deep into my soul, with my mind taking a back seat, because these were words for the heart. “There were nights when I cried myself to sleep in the middle of an assignment due that day, and later told my professor a made-up story of why my paper would be late,” said Idalis Montero, a 2012 Housatonic graduate with an Associates Degree in Social Work.

Montero, now 40 years old from Bridgeport, Ct, recalls her journey to the finish line like the most introspective time of her life.

“I was so excited during the registration process.I couldn’t wait to start my classes,” she remembered. Her passion growing up was to help others heal from trauma and create a positive outlook for the youth in the city of Bridgeport.

Montero walked into the introduction class for her field eager to get started. She sat in the front of the class organized and ready, as the professor asked the students to take a personality and upbringing Page 38

test (ACE test) like the ones taken in therapy sessions. As Montero began to read the questions, and respond honestly, she found herself fighting off tears, and going down a road of memories she may have consciously, or subconsciously buried long ago.

There was a scoring process for the test. Ten questions described traumatic events. These examples included mental, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as poverty-stricken scenarios of hunger or abandonment. The average person may experience one or two.

This test is regularly used to help in the diagnostic process, so when several students began to yell out “I scored a 1 or a 2,” the teacher asked if anyone

had scored a 3 or higher. Montero stood silent, staring at her 10 out of 10, traumatized. Montero recalls that in that very moment a black cloud of anxiety, doubts, and thoughts of her choosing the wrong field came over her, a load which became heavier, and heavier for her to carry as the semesters went on.

“Every assignment felt like I was forced to read and write about my personal story,” said Montero, knowing that her exceptional grades were also a sad reminder of

"she needed to be the kind of role model she herself never had."

Horizons • Profiles why she could be so detailed about what the client may be thinking or going through internally. She lost her enthusiasm and ability to cope with the feelings she dug up. She did not want to quit school after investing so much time and tears, so she spoke to her advisor and made a drastic change without sharing her true reasons.

Montero started school in Housatonic in Fall 2008, and by Spring 2010 she left Housatonic to finish by graduating from St. Vincent’s College as a Registered Nurse, thinking that if she could not heal others internally, maybe could heal others physically, but her passion of being of service to others followed her.

She was asked to become the youth president at her local church, making her responsible for guiding and motivating a group of young girls with diverse backgrounds, and most of them Montero could identify with. Montero’s bond with these young girls grew stronger, alongside feeling responsible and determined to stand with them amid their trials and tribulations and do her best to teach them a healthier way out of their circumstances.

As Montero’s passion blossomed with the understanding that she needed to be the kind of role model she herself never had, the challenge to acquire all the necessary skills became bigger than that black cloud of anxiety and

doubts, and she thought of the most important young girl still waiting to be freed and given a voice, the young girl inside.

Montero returned to Housatonic in Spring of 2011, with a different perspective about her true purpose, and Hugging your little self inside. Photo by Idalis Montero. willingness to take advanToday, Montero has a Master’s tage of all the resources and les- degree in Social Work, and has lent sons she would use in the future. her personal and professional ex“I knew I had to feel all I had perience to the agency of Children buried inside in order to heal, and Family Guidance Center, because I could not give from Wellmore Behavioral Health Center an empty place, and I could not in the Intensive In-home Child and preach hope for the future while Adolescent Psychiatric Services, still feeling stuck in my past,” Lakeland Regional Psychiatric Montero said, with a voice of free- Unit for adolescenst, and has been dom and achievement. promoted to youth counselor in her Montero embraced her last two local church. “Now it’s time to go semesters through a different lens. back and push students like me to Her past experiences and silent overcome any childhood trauma tears now had a purpose. She no barriers, and not allow their past longer viewed her past as a disad- to define who they were meant to vantage and understood that those be,” Montero said, with a smile on prior challenges with assignments her face, and the glow of a surviwere never a set-back or signs of vor, hoping to teach the next genweakness, but part of the healing eration of social workers. . process and strength needed for the next chapter in her life.

Page 39

Our “Life Hacks” Page 40

“Life hacks” are tips, techniques, or short cuts that are simple to implement, yet can have a meaningful impact on improving our lives. For this section of the magazine, Horizons staff wrote about simple, short life hacks they’ve used to make learning easier, increase productivity or focus, or help to maintain health and wellness.

Professor Steve Mark Advisor to Horizons

News You Can Use

Horizons • News You Can Use: LIfe Hacks

Hacking the Flow of Time

W

ith just 24 hours in a day, how do you use your time? Well, realistically you sleep for 6-8 hours, not including naps during the day if you have the time to. That leaves you with 14-16 hours every day. What are you doing during that time?

Does it benefit you in the long run?

In about 5-10 years down the road, will you look back and say “I wasted it?” Or will you look back and say “I’m glad I did what I had to do?” The choice is yours, as long as you are able to balance your time management.

Time management is a skill quite a few people possess, and it saves you in the long run. Think of everything you can do in the span of a couple of hours. Some of the things you have to work on if you have problems like these are procrastination, breaking up your time into blocks, and discipline.

Procrastination and discipline can go hand in hand. You have to discipline yourself enough to tell yourself that you need to do whatever it is at that very moment, to cancel out the procrastination.

It is a bad habit a lot of people

By Gilberto Villegas III Senior Staff Writer

including myself fall into but having the know-it to snap yourself out of it is what is important.

Breaking your time up into blocks can help when trying to manage your time because, with this, you will know what you will be doing during certain times of the day, and what time you have to do anything else that you do not prioritize. For instance, I have a somewhat packed schedule but I always make sure I have a couple of hours to myself for school, work, and playing my video games to relieve my stress.

"Breaking your time up into blocks can help when trying to manage your time."

Page 41

News You Can Use: Life Hacks • Horizons

The Finish Line

By Beatriz Velez Staff Writer

M

anifesting your goals

there is another important word

put in the actual work the realiza-

and dreams is such an

beginning with the letter P that

tion requires, the follow through,

amazing experience, be-

can make or break your thought

it can and will become part of the

cause you can literally see yourself

process

jour-

many dreams and goals we leave

physically there. You are touching

ney and/or stray you away from

behind on the back burner, in the

the finish line, you are taking it

achieving success.

what if’s, along with a reserved

throughout

your

pack of excuses, if asked, or even

all in, and basking in the glory of

I have never been afraid

success. The confidence one feels

of challenging myself, I am the

when proclaiming such thoughts is

kind of soul that expresses my

For example, I will use one of

a vital component within the jour-

goals and dreams using all of the

my many goals and dreams I went

ney your soul will embark on, the

above. In the midst of my excite-

back to rescue out of my back

key to injecting the type of adren-

ment, I research, I create a list to

burner and saw to realization,

aline necessary to convert your

follow, I go to sleep and wake up

once I understood the concept of

thoughts into a reality.

thinking and talking about such a

the follow-through: the continuing

words.

journey, and can’t wait to mention

of an action or task to its conclu-

Whether your manifestation has

it to others. I daydream about the

sion. My true passion is writing,

an audience, used as a private

finish line, and run the whole tape

specifically poetry, and I contin-

daily reminder, or has been writ-

in my mind over and over again

ued telling myself that I did not

ten down as a guide for the steps

about the steps taken, celebrat-

want to leave this earth without

you will need to take toward a re-

ing a realization not yet part of

publishing at least one book. The

alization, remaining positive will

my reality, and while this can be

worst feeling is being asked “hey,

get you to the finish line. However,

good for motivation, if you don’t

how is the book coming along?” I

There

is

power

in

worse, to self.

"Your dreams and goals may be different..."

Page 42

Horizons • News You Can Use: LIfe Hacks

"...but the steps I took can and will get you to the finish line by putting your words into action" knew I had been procrastinating, mountains of re-

list for motivation on how far you’ve come, and di-

search and unedited poetry on my desk without the

rection on what task to focus on next. Fifth, ask for

dream being nurtured with time, diligence, and con-

help if you lack knowledge on any task. Do not cut

sistency. The difference in dreaming it and actual-

corners, this is your dream! Last but not least, trust

ly living it truly manifested when I approached my

the process. What you put in is what you will get

dream realistically, and I tackled my to-do-list one

out. The best part of your blessings are the sacrifices

day at a time.

which were made to get you to the finish line, bask-

Your dreams and goals may be different, but the

ing in the glory of success.

steps I took, and a healthy thought process, can and will get you to the finish line by putting your words into action, and of course that important infamous word beginning with the letter P. First and foremost, be PATIENT with yourself, Rome was not built in one day. Second, take on one step at a time, and do not move on to anything else until it is complete. Third, the short-term goals are as important as the long-term goals, so celebrate each step as an accomplishment (bask in each moment).

Fourth, highlight completed steps, and re-group the

e ag Im by

m

ac

ro ve ct or

on

Fre

ep i k.

Page 43

News You Can Use: Life Hacks • Horizons

Never Without Connection

L

ife can be a lot of fun, especially when it's treated like an experience that you're able to share with others. Unfortunately, for some people, sharing can be difficult, which can make the joyous social aspects of life more than a little awkward.

When you meet someone new, there's nothing worse than an air of discomfort between you and a stranger when neither of you knows what to say next, and since the Fall Semester is here, the likelihood of you seeing some fresh faces is high. Want to avoid all the possible blunders and missteps and get straight to the fun parts of a conversation? Here are a few tips that'll have you fostering awesome new connections left and right.

After a greeting and an exchange of names, things can get awkward pretty quickly if you don't know exactly where to steer the conversation from there.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you and your prospective new friend are the stars of the show. That means that moving forward, your objective should be to talk about things that are genuinely interesting and exciting to both of you. People are the most excited to share and give the best answers to questions when they are talking about something they love. Whether you want to spark a conversation about their academic life or their personal life, make sure that when they answer one of your questions, you don't let the conversation end there, because the why is even more important than the what. When you ask someone why they are doing something or why they feel a certain way about something, not only does it show genuine interest and make them more inclined to share with you, but it forces them to open up. When someone is explaining themselves, they are

Page 44

Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash.

By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

giving you direct insight into the type of person they are, and with that insight, you can find the best way to better connect with them. Once you get them talking about themselves and they are joyfully engaged in the discussion, they'll also feel comfortable reciprocating the interest you're showing and from there the conversation can naturally bounce back and forth as you enjoy each other's company.

Although it may sound like it could be a tough conversational style to execute, you can trust that it is a tried and true method. I've employed this method numerous times with many classmates semester after semester and it hasn't failed me once. Besides just taking the plunge and daring to ask the right questions, you just have to come from a place of real curiosity and intrigue. People deal with a lot of nonsense in their day-to-day life, so they're quick to fish out whether or not their time is being wasted. If you have good intentions, people will pick up on that. It will lead to having some great times in class that if you're feeling confident enough about could even blossom into a real friendship outside of the campus as well.

Don't be afraid to take an interest in others, show how much you care about their stories, and have fun while doing it. Once you get around to asking your first "why" question, you're sure to see the amazing results that good communication can yield.

Horizons • News You Can Use: LIfe Hacks

How to Keep Up with Online Classes

By Giovane Santana Staff Writer

K

eeping up with your classwork when taking an online class is important because your instructors require you to get the assignment done before the deadline, and failing to do so can result in you losing points. Also, when you don’t do the required assignments on time, you lose your ability to learn the material that you were given to prepare for the next assignment, and if you can get your assignments done on time, you can get a good grade.

Illustration by Studiogstock on Freepik.

Mock up created by Whitney Marshall.

Here are some simple steps to keep up with your classwork when you are taking an online class: Make sure that you regularly check Blackboard so you can be aware of upcoming assignments and due dates.

Mark your assignments on a calendar or planner that you look at regularly.

Schedule a time to complete the assignments at least 2-3 days before they are due. This will give you extra time if you have questions and if you want to contact your instructor. Having extra time will also give you an opportunity to schedule an online or in-person tutoring appointment so you can get extra help on the assignments that you are stuck on.

Once you complete your required assignments, submit them to the proper link on Blackboard.

As someone who has taken online classes before, I can tell from experience that as long as you follow these steps, you will be able to get your assignments done on time for a good grade. I must warn you if you are taking online classes, however, as any distraction can result in forgetting about the assignments you are given, and not turning in the assignment on time.

It is much better to work in a space where you can’t be distracted by television, video games, or your family and friends. You need to have a good internet connection and a reliable working computer that is fully charged in order to work on your online classwork.

Page 45

News You Can Use: Life Hacks • Horizons

By Salene Herrera Senior Staff Writer

Celestial Recharging Photo by NASA on Unsplash.

D

o you feel that strange heaviness in the air after a month full of work, school, and other difficult responsibilities has passed? Feelings of stress, depression, anxiety, and disorganization can grow rapidly and tangle you up, leaving you feeling stuck, knowing you will repeat the same cycle for many months to come. Fortunately, there is another constant cycle that's always around us, its healing energy ready to touch us if only we tap into it.

The moon and its phases connect with the spirit in many ways, its energy drawing attention to the rhythms and patterns of our body and mind. Tapping into the energy of the new moon is a way to take a step back from your life and reflect on where you are mentally because the moon is in the phase of renewal, and you can be too.

First tap into the new moon's energy, and connect your body to nature. Stand on the grass with your bare feet or place your hands down and ground yourself. Take a moment to connect with the earth and nature and stand under the moonlight with your body in tune with the earth.

Second, journal under the moonlight. Take a piece

Page 46

of paper and write down anything you learned during the last moon cycle, which is approximately a month's length. Write down your intentions for the next moon cycle. You can either keep these journal entries in your journal or burn them to release them into the earth.

Journaling allows you to release feelings, intentions, and stress from the body.

Third, charge any spiritual tools such as crystals or water under the moonlight and set your intentions for the crystals. What do you want them to aid you in? What can they help heal or grow? Moon water is charged with the energy of the moon and all of the intentions sit in the water and can aid with healing and emotional balance. You can drink this water, add it to recipes, cleanse yourself/crystals with it and much more.

All of these things can be done at any point, but the start of a new moon cycle is the moon starting fresh, and it aids in you doing so too. Starting this journey of following the phases of the moon and connecting with them is a rejuvenating and healing experience that can make the months that go by more significant and powerful. Help yourself heal and recharge with the powerful and divine energy of the moon.

Horizons • News You Can Use: LIfe Hacks Photo by Abdullah Ahmad on Unsplash.

Page 47

News You Can Use: Health • Horizons

Why a Social Media Detox is Important

By Guillermo Hernandez Senior Staff Writer

E

veryone uses some type of social media,

had to broadcast what I was doing. For exam-

whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,

ple, if I was watching a movie. I would post it in my

or SnapChat. In many ways, social

story. Because "I had no time," I didn't engage in

media is a terrific way to stay in touch with

my favorite activities or hobbies. My academic

your favorite influencers and celebrities,

performance, social life, and spiritual life were all

connect with friends, and even develop a

declining. I had to go, and leaving provided all the

business or profession.

answers I needed.

Social media is fantastic, but occasionally

According to SmartInsights.com “29% of peo-

it gets out of hand. If you regularly use social

ple deleted/removed social media because they

media, you are constantly bombarded with a

felt overloaded by it.” During my personal so-

ton of information all at once.

cial media detox I realized a few things about

I began my own personal social media detox

myself.

for a number of reasons. My studies were suffer-

You will be utterly bored, especially if you use

ing because I was spending so much time on so-

these platforms every day. As we are constantly

cial media and finding it difficult to stop using

attached to our phones, we occasionally forget

my phone. I used to say, "Five more minutes,

what we used to do. Knowing that I no longer

and I'll start working on my homework," but

had access to these applications, I noticed that

this did not help me since, once I started, I would

over the first few days I kept picking up my phone

feel strange about it; I almost felt unmotivated to

to check Twitter or Instagram. Picking up my phone

complete the assignment because I did not

was merely a habit that I wasn't even aware I had.

want to get off my phone in the first place.

I believed I picked up my phone at least 50 times

Most of the time, I wasn't living or partic-

in one day.

ipating in the movement. I constantly felt the

You will have a loving relationship with

need to check my phone while eating with friends

the sensation of cluelessness. I'm not sure whether it

or family or even when I was alone.

Never did I keep anything to myself; I always

Page 48

was just me, but social media was where I mostly found all of my "news." (which is unfortunate, I

Horizons • News You Can Use: Health know, as I literally major in journalism.) I wasn't on TikTok, so I wasn't aware of the most recent trends or viral music, and I wasn't on Instagram or Twitter,I didn’t know what was happening in the realm of popular culture. I was unaware Ma rsh

all.

of everything going on in the world, and for some reason, this made me

Wh itn

ey

feel free. Due to my brain not being

by

overwhelmed with a hundred sto-

rea t

ed

ries a minute, I felt at peace despite

cc

not knowing anything. I wasn't over-

Gra

phi

whelmed anymore.

You'll come to terms with who you are really close to and who is prepared to go above and beyond to get in touch with you. It is quite simple to stay connected on social media. You can swipe up on their story, like their photo, or slip into their DM’s, but what happens when the channel of connection is suddenly cut off? Who will go above and beyond to truly engage with you? Who will phone, text,

read the books that are gathering dust on my shelves. I actually have time

or even facetime with you? Who is

to dedicate to my academics, even though I don't find them enjoyable.

ready to remain connected regardless of platform?

You'll re-discover your former in-

The only reason I discovered all these things about myself and my relationship with Social Media is because I went cold-turkey and deleted every single app. I didn’t think twice, I needed to leap right into the detox.

terests in hobbies. You have time for

The detox made it possible for me to fully connect with my friends, fam-

yourself now that you aren't scroll-

ily, and nature. I didn't have a reason to pick up my phone, so I used the

ing endlessly on tiktok or another

opportunity to learn more about the people in my life and their interests.

network. You now have the time you

Social media presents a picture of a perfect world. Everything in your life

occasionally say to yourself, "I want

is great, including your clothes, your apartment, and your job. I didn’t worry

to do this, but I don't have enough

about my progress in life—career-wise, romantically, and academically

time." I have time to sit down, unwind, and paint. I also have time to

I firmly believe that everyone should undergo a social media detox at least once because it truly transforms perspective.

Page 49

News You Can Use • Horizons

Tips to Alleviate Fear and Anxiety for Incoming Math Students this Fall Semester

A

By Gio Santana Staff Writer

t Housatonic, one of many subjects that is required for graduation, which applies to all students regardless of their major, and is Math.

Many HCC students agrees that Math classes are among the most challenging classes to take on campus and most students do have fear and anxiety when taking them.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help,” said Malcolm Brown, a student tutor at the Academic Support Center. “Always go to office hours, make sure to have enough time to work on your math problems and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, since you can learn more from them than you can from success.”

Time management and extra help can help other students to succeed in their math skills.

There is no need to be afraid when taking the math class at the start of the semester, as being patient and prepared for that course is key to understanding what is to come.

“At the start of the fall semester, do not scare yourself over things that have not happened yet in the Math class,” said Devin Jeans, an ASC student tutor. “It is very important to keep due dates and test dates in mind, but do not stress yourself to the point where you think that you are going to fail, when you have not reached that part of the class yet. When you are in the class, you can go to the tutoring center to boost your confidence and understand the material

Page 50

Photo by Alexander Grey, courtesy of Unsplash.

Horizons • News You Can Use

that you are given.”

Even tutors like Devin may have lacked experience in math, or they just do not like the subject in general. “In my experience, I had a lack of math experience in the past, and that made me averse to the subject,” he said.

Students at HCC who take these required classes are going to see that doing Math is like a stepby-step process. There is always a piece of the puzzle missing, and

“Come to the Tutoring Center,” said ASC tutor Ralph Williams.

“Ask questions, even if they think are dumb, do not just copy the professor’s notes, and write notes to yourself so you can remember the material that you are given.”

Mathematics Professor Mark Leach also has advice for students.

He tells them to “Make sure that all their homework is completed, make sure that they get a good night’s sleep before a test, and make sure

currently taking,” he said. “Tutoring helps students attain knowledge and confidence, both of which alleviate stress. Keep up with the work in the class, and ask questions, since that is very important, as it shows that you are engaged with the material.”

Although math is necessary for every aspect of the lives of every HCC student, the subject does take a lot of effort to succeed.

“Math requires time and prac-

"Math can take a stressful toll on college students." that is to show what they know about a given math problem.

“It is important to realize that Math is just like solving a puzzle and learning a system; it is also important not to overthink it,” said Andrea Rueda, an ASC tutor, “and to take it one step at a time. Ask a lot of questions if you are confused about a certain concept. If the teacher gives a problem, you have to remember and understand every step you are taking to show the work for that problem.”

that they are calm and focused when they enter the classroom.”

When they come to class, they should “make sure that they have everything with them that they need to prepare for class, such as a calculator, a formula sheet to pull out, and several pencils or pens.”

Leach also states that past negative experiences and the fact that math knowledge builds on itself are the culprit. “Your weakness from earlier will affect your learning in the course that you are

tice to get better,” said ASC student tutor Peter Duncanson. “You have the ability to do the work even if you feel like you do not.

“Studying and staying ahead of work is important,” Peter added.

With these tips to alleviate fear and anxiety in mind, students at HCC will feel better about taking a math class, as long as they are not afraid to do the work to get the career that they want to pursue in the future.

Page 51

News You Can Use • Horizons

Work-Study For YOU at HCC

By Gilberto Villegas III Senior Staff Writer

A

re you tired of working eight hours a day while trying to balance your academic studies at the same time?

Trying to balance school and work can get complicated. At your regular job, you are there and missing out on precious studying time which you may need in order to be successful in your classes. The hustling back and forth from your job to campus during the week can get extremely frustrating and costly, but there is a way to make both ends meet.

Within Housatonic, there are plenty of work-study jobs where you can work and make decent pay on campus while still being able to complete the work assigned by professors. With the work-study job, they also work around your schedule, so when you don’t have classes you can work and receive hours throughout the week. The benefits are endless, with work-study jobs between receiving pay for working around campus, less traveling back and

Page 52

forth which leads to saving, and even working closely with instructors who could help you establish relationships and benefit you down the road. Work-study is one of the most useful things not just at HCC, but in every college because it helps students who are looking for an opportunity to work and continue their scholastic adventure all while being safe on campus.

Work-study jobs are great job opportunities, but sadly not everyone is qualified for them. To be eligible, you have to select the work-study option on your FAFSA form, and your family's income will determine if you are eligible or not. After this step is complete and if you are eligible for work-study jobs, you have to go onto the HCC website and apply for whichever ones you decide and from there you wait until one accepts you. It is very simple and easy to complete and apply to different types of jobs that will give you different opportunities and a good experience during your semester. All of the

information is found on the community college website at HCC. Here at Housatonic, you will see a lot of students working at different times throughout the day. Former work-study student Alya Fontanez has worked at her job for just two semesters and has enjoyed her time working.

“Working as a student here has allowed me to complete work and even helped me get ahead during my classes which gave me more free time at home. I would do some work at school for my classes in my downtime and still be able to be present during work hours which was an unexpected perk,” she says.

She also has been able to contribute to her work-study job by working over 15 hours a week and working in her respected field. Workstudy jobs are a great way to complete work and also get paid all at the same time while at Housatonic.

Academic Advisor Alex LaTouche is a strong advocate for student work-study job: “It’s a

Horizons • News You Can Use

great way to get students involved and get paid all at the same time. I’m all for it and wish there were more work-study jobs so students can get their side hustle on.”

Campus life helps you not just continue your scholastic adventure, but develop relationships with others around campus. Former Sociology department social media coordinator and student worker Katalina Colon from Southern Connecticut State University is a prime example of using her workstudy job to go above and beyond. Over the past year, she developed the department's various social media pages like Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to produce media content related to the department and the school.

“I believe work-study is a great opportunity for students to be involved in campus events and the community. Every student should be looking for work-study jobs because they are the best jobs students can have,” she says.

During her work-study, she has also been open

to many awards and has built relationships that will help her for a lifetime. She has earned the Top Owl Social Justice Award and also is a part of the psychology club and a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She also has made multiple TikTok with professors and directors who have written her letters of recommendation for outside purposes. She is a very good example of someone using their workstudy to their advantage and exploring the doors it opens when being a part of it. It has helped her reach out to students to help and also let her receive help from directors who she is now in close work with on her way to a successful finish to her junior year.

Work-study is a great underrated opportunity that students overlook, or are not informed about it enough. This is a great way to make some steady income whilst staying on school grounds. The jobs here on campus are able to get you to connect with instructors directly and in your free time you may complete your work whilst at your work-study job!

“I believe work-study is a great opportunity for students to be involved in campus events and the community."

Page 53

Personal Essays • Horizons

Road to Recovery

A

By Larry Ferguson Senior Staff Writer

s my hands shook, attempting to grab onto

the car to check on the other passengers. One friend

the headrests in the backseat, my heart

felt fine, the same as me, but the other had hit the

began beating out of my chest. In a panic,

steering wheel with enough concussive force to result

my friends in the front seats frantically asked if the

in a brain injury. When we got him up and out of the

truck continued getting closer. I turned my head to

wreckage, the nearby residents of the sleeping sub-

check but was blinded by the glaring headlights of

urb who had been awoken by our cacophonous crash

the lifted pickup truck. It was gaining speed and was

had come to our immediate aid. It seemed like every

on the verge of slamming into the back of our car.

last one of them was attempting to call the first re-

Compared to our compact sports car, the mysterious

sponders on our behalf. The ones who weren’t giving

truck was a behemoth. Its approach was menacing

their perspective of the crash to a 9-1-1 operator were

and imposing, so much so that it inspired a level of

fetching us blankets, water, and anything else that

terror that none of us had ever felt before. At that

might’ve calmed our nerves, but something as simple

moment, it became clear to us that we couldn’t escape. Our only option was evasion. We attempted to turn the corner, but the truck ran us through without hesitation. That moment changed the course of our lives forever. The force of the impact was enough to send us spinning off the road, narrowly avoiding a collision with the nearby trees. We barreled through a stranger's yard, losing momentum in the grass, and coming to a complete stop.

My first concern was with the safety of my friends.

Miraculously, my grip was strong enough to keep me from being ejected from the back seat, but I didn’t have time to feel lucky. I jumped out of the remains of the vehicle, momentarily ignoring the damage to

Page 54

The remains of what was a newly purchased Mitsubishi Eclipse, mere hours after the crash. Photo by Chris Summa.

Horizons • Personal Essays

as just feeling calm was out of the

the reality that I couldn’t move

the results were read clearly. After

picture for the three of us.

my legs had sunk in, the levels of

hours of being poked, prodded,

I sat on the grass with my

horror I was experiencing, which

and observed, the doctors had

friends laying next to me wait-

had reached an all-time high after

surprisingly few words for me. The

ing for the ambulance to come.

observing my friend's condition,

diagnosis was simple and indis-

In the meantime I was a flustered

to my surprise, managed to peak

putable. I was told I had broken

mess, trying to answer my injured

once more.

a couple of bones, but none more

friend's questions, but my mood

The ride in the ambulance felt

notable than my spine and hip. By

quickly shifted to one of sadness

like a hellish eternity. The sound

sheer luck, the injuries would large-

and terror as he began to ask the

of the siren quickly became white

ly heal on their own given time,

same questions over and over. No

noise, becoming little more than a

rest, and therapy. Not so luckily,

matter how many times I told him

small part of the ambient sound-

that process would be one of the

that his mom was on her way or

scape that made up the world

most painful and trying periods in

that I already called his girlfriend,

outside of the van’s walls. The

my entire life.

he couldn’t remember my answers

entire time I was stuck in somber

Unbeknownst to me, as I was

for more than ten seconds. When

thought, speculating on the extent

eager to be discharged and see

the ambulance finally arrived, I

of my injury. No matter how many

my loved ones who couldn’t be in

was practically begging them to

possibilities I explored in the time

my hospital room, being outside of

ignore me and tend to my friend

I had, none of them were good

the trauma ward, away from the

who was suffering from extreme

outcomes. I was scared and miser-

morphine drip and the constant at-

short-term memory loss, but they

able. With each passing moment,

tention from nurses and specialists,

insisted on checking on me as well.

the most positive thing I could do

would be the peak of my suffering.

I was in a rush to stand and let

was resolve to believe that I would

Getting into the wheelchair, rolling

them examine me so they could

wake up from what felt like a

through the hospital’s halls, and

focus their efforts on my friend, but

nightmare, but I was wide awake,

into my mother’s car was easy as

in the coming moments, with each

and no amount of rest could relieve

pie. My last dose of painkillers was

failed push and lack of sensation, I

me of my insurmountable anxiety.

yet to wear off, so I was under the

grew increasingly frightened. Once

The testing was thorough, but

illusion that I had already survived

Page 55

Personal Essays • Horizons

the worst of it. I was as happy as

excruciating ache.

teachers who were excited to see

could be and was excited to show

The only thing that made my

me and who wanted to see how I

off my survival. I had been keep-

situation any easier was the pas-

would make the most of my last

ing everyone who was concerned

sage of time, but that very same

year, and although I knew it would

about me in the loop with my cell

flow brought me stress alongside

take hard work and discipline, I

phone, but I was eager to make my

relief. The summer was ending,

was committed to being back on

debut as the picture-perfect survi-

and my senior year of high school

my feet by the end of the year

vor who would soon bounce back

was mere weeks away. It was made

so I could still make the most of

stronger than ever. Before I could

abundantly clear to me that I was

this precious time in my life, so I

even complete the ride home, the

going to miss my senior season of

pushed forward.

medication would wear off and my

high school football, but it would’ve

Rehabilitating my injuries was

injuries would destroy the vision

pained me even more if I couldn’t

not as simple as showing up to

"before I knew it, just about halfway through the school year, my physical therapy was complete." of my hopeful ideals. I proceeded

at least be healthy enough to

physical therapy once a week and

to spend days bound to my bed,

come to school and know what it

being magically recovered, de-

screaming in pain and writhing in

feels like to be a senior. The second

spite my wishing it was. There were

agony. No position was comfort-

I had enough stamina and stability

many obstacles I had to overcome.

able enough to bring me relief

to use my crutches effectively, I de-

I’m the youngest in my family of

and nothing as simple as reading

manded to begin physical therapy.

five. With my siblings having both

or browsing the Internet could

I wasn’t content with giving up all

academic and professional com-

be initiated without my train of

of my aspirations because of one

mitments, and my parents work-

thought being interrupted by an

major setback. I had friends and

ing tirelessly at their full-time jobs

Page 56

Horizons • Personal Essays

to keep our household afloat while playing off my

it felt to have any semblance of self-sufficiency, but

medical expenses, I had no one to take me to my

by persevering and refusing to falter, I inadvertently

physical therapy sessions. The possibility of my re-

hammered that feeling back into myself.

covery being put on hold due to a transportation

The hard days quickly became hard weeks, but

issue was a daunting one, to say the least, but I was

over time, as those weeks grew into months, each pass-

not ready to set my dreams on the table and walk

ing moment stopped feeling so hard. They eventually

away. I decided that if I couldn’t get a ride, I would

became easy. So easy that before I knew it, just about

have to drive myself. After a check-up from a doctor,

halfway through the school year, my physical therapy

I had passed enough tests to be cleared to drive

was complete. I was told that I didn’t have to return

again. I hadn’t been able to drive anywhere since

and that I could officially cast the crutches aside. My

the accident, and the thought of being in a motor

unshakeable will paid dividends towards the accom-

vehicle where I could get hit again was a bit of a

plishment of my goals. For the rest of the year, I kept

roadblock, but, I was able to slowly but surely build

that unbreakable spirit about me. I wasn’t just okay, I

my confidence back up and become my own ride to

was the best I had ever been. I had learned so much

the therapist's office.

about myself and what I was capable of through my

In addition to figuring out crafty ways to get my

struggles, and I felt ready to take on whatever was

crutches in and out of the car, I would also have to

in store for me next. Me and my friends who were

learn many new movements, stretches, and exercises

in the crash with me all made full recoveries despite

over the course of my rehabilitation. I had to do plen-

the extreme circumstances. I finished my senior yeast

ty of work with my injury-ridden body, which was phys-

strong, meeting all my academic goals and getting to

ically taxing, but managing my recovery in tandem

show everyone, including myself, that despite my road

with my academics only made things more difficult. I

to recovery not being a perfectly smooth one, I had

didn’t want to make any sacrifices or take any short-

become the empowered survivor I had wanted to be

cuts, so I elected to not lessen my workload. I kept all

so desperately, and that gave me the power to inspire

my AP and honors courses on the table while I was try-

myself for the rest of my days.

ing to regain my mobility and independence. At this time, nothing meant more to me than reclaiming the ability to rely on myself. I had largely forgotten what

Page 57

Personal Essays • Horizons

The “Beauty” of Business

By Kieaundria Bellamy Senior Staff Writer

both men and women, the journey was far from a beautiful experience.

I didn’t have your typical school “schedule.” You know, graduate high school, go to a 4-year university, then go into the adult work world with a 9-5. Shocker alert: I dropped out my freshman year of college as a physical therapy major. After a few difficult science classes, specifically Anatomy and Physiology, I noticed quickly that this wasn't the career I wanted for myself.

Lost and extremely confused, I knew that at that moment in life, going to a traditional school was not the journey for me. Now, it’s common that college dropouts get backlash for not finishing, but something I’ve learned at an early age is that your life is From a physical therapy major to a 6-figure beauty business owner.

Everyone has their own journey. Image Courtesy of Kieaundria C. Bellamy.

I

’m sure we’re all familiar with the infamous Drake lyric “Started from the bottom now we’re here”. We live in a culture of creativity, hustle, and repeating

the saying “work now, play later”. While this may not be a motto for some, for the “grind” culture in today’s society, this is something we live by. Well, I guess you could take these lyrics, mottos, and lifestyles and bring it into my own personal life. I have the privilege and honour of saying that one of my greatest accomplishments in life was starting a full time beauty business at the age of 21. Yet, although I have the privilege of providing luxury, beauty and self care services for

Page 58

your specific journey. No one can control you, and no one should be able to dictate your future.

With dropping out came many nights of tears, figuring out what’s next for me, and dreaming about the many goals and interests that I obtained. While I knew the beauty industry was something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of, I didn’t know exactly where to place my two feet. There was the route of marketing, public relations, working under someone’s salon, or, the scary one, starting your own business I’ve encountered sleepless nights where I began to ask myself, “Why did you even drop out?”, “What if you really can’t achieve these huge dreams and ideas that you have?” Although I watched my peers go into internships and colleges of their dreams, I had to take a step back and realise that I too could become great.

Horizons • Personal Essays

I couldn’t watch anyone else’s jour-

numerous sick days, my car not

started my business with 3 clients,

ney and assume that that should

working, bills taking over, and hav-

tons of promotions, and investing

be my life as well. Being around 20

ing to figure things out for myself

in myself every second of the day.

years old at this time, that was the

one by one. At this time as a 21-year-

I would promote myself via so-

hard part: comparison. Comparison

old, this was a lot on my plate.

cial media, and in person! I was

is truly the thief of all joy, as some

Questions arose such as “How am

a walking image of this new busi-

may say.

I going to pay my tuition bill?” or,

ness venture I started, and refused

I searched for beauty schools

“How am I going to get to school,

to give up.

in the tristate area, and attempt-

45 minutes away with no car at the

I am beyond grateful and hum-

ed to find the perfect one for me.

moment?” I cried, stressed myself

ble to say even though my busi-

Just like any traditional college or

out, and of course contemplated

ness, K. Cheyenn’e was started

university, I looked into their cur-

dropping out, yet again. However,

with just a small 2-pound wax pot,

riculum, tuition, their staff, and

being in beauty school taught me

and a handful of consistent clients

more importantly, their student

a valuable lesson: starting the jour-

getting services for around $25-

success outcome. With the long

ney is the first step. The road will

$40, I have been in business for 4

and endless search with the help of

never be easy, in any field you’re

years come July 2023. The journey

my most gracious parents, I went

joining, but it's up to you to put in

to this accomplishment was not

into Paul Mitchell North Haven for

the hard work to reach your goals.

easy, nor did I go into it thinking

their esthetics program. Esthetics

With the mindset of I want to

was a short, 6-month period that

be successful, and I truly want to

But, even through all of the

would teach me the fundamentals

get my foot into the door of the

struggles and hassles, there’s so

of skin care services, waxing, and

beauty industry, I finally grad-

much beauty to take from it. The

product knowledge.

uated in July of 2019! I instantly

beauty of life lessons, the beauty of

When first starting school, I

quit my 9-5, and began my beau-

betting on yourself, and the beau-

thought to myself “Okay Kieaundria!

ty business in Bridgeport. Now, I

ty of putting your mind to some-

We finally made it and we’re doing

know what you’re thinking: woah!

thing and sticking to it. Anything

something with ourselves!” But, yet

Quitting your 9-5 where there is

is possible when you put your best

again, here come the endless trials

consistent money coming in is a

foot forward. Trust yourself, and

and tribulations. During my time

huge jump. However, with taking

more importantly, trust the process.

at Paul Mitchell, I’ve experienced

such big risks comes high faith. I

Great things will come!

that it would be.

"No one can control you, and no one should be able to dictate your future."

Page 59

Personal Essays • Horizons

Overcoming Pain in Silence

By Gilberto Villegas III Senior Staff Writer

he summer of my senior

T

Moving away from home was

school for the first time in forever.

year, enjoying the life I live

difficult, but for some reason, I felt

College baseball and school were

and receiving the rite of pas-

as if I had even more weight on

my only focus and I was ready to

sage after graduation, parties, and

my shoulders. I felt that I could

face this head-on, no looking back.

with college decisions still in the air,

not mess up this opportunity, as it

At the first practice, seeing my new

I could do nothing but enjoy the

could have a ricochet for not just

teammates, I was so worried about

present. The feeling was new and

me, but my family who have worked

meeting my new coaches for the

enjoyable, knowing in just a cou-

to provide me guidance and funds,

first time that I missed shaking one

ple of weeks I will now be able to

the reason I am here today. During

of the coach’s hands. The practice

hit the restart button and develop

high school it was hard, and the

started, we were doing drills, and

myself further as a student-athlete.

same thoughts were going through

then out of nowhere, I felt a sharp

On the opposite end of the stick, I

my head, lingering, never going

pain in my right knee. I had bro-

also feel doubt and uncertainty not

away until I got on the diamond.

ken my left knee before, but this

for me, but for my family. I didn’t

Baseball has been an outlet for

one was different. It felt like it was

want to be too far, but I didn’t want

me since the beginning, just being

sore and hurt when I flexed or bent

to be too close to where they could

able to watch baseball games and

my leg, which is when I knew I had

walk around the corner to see me.

be in attendance is enough for me.

to get it checked out immediately.

Then it hit me, where I would be

It brought me my closest friends

With an injury like this, I knew it

continuing my schooling. Upstate

and people who I have treated me

would sideline me for a little while

New York. My family is far enough

like family, all with the same goals

during the fall, but my biggest fear

where they plan a day, but close

to become college baseball play-

was not being able to bounce back

enough that they can drive. This is

ers which have now come true.

fully from this type of injury.

where my fun stopped, and I had to return to reality.

Page 60

The day had come, the first day

I didn’t want to cause any more

moving in and I was excited to start

stress on my parents while I am at

Horizons • Personal Essays

school, considering I was almost 3 hours away from

later go to practice and do weighted ball workouts.

home. After practice, I spoke to my parents and gave

After doing this for a while, I didn’t see being hurt

them the rundown on what happened.

My father

as a bad thing anymore. I worked on my fundamen-

immediately came up and brought me to a doctor up

tals and my mentality toward everything changed. It

where I was staying. We found out that the injury was

helped me focus on the smaller things in life, and that

not going to sideline me for as long as I was for my

taking care of myself mentally and physically is the

broken kneecap, but I did have to do physical thera-

first step to anything. With a strong will, you can do

py and do low-impact exercises. When receiving the

anything you put your mind to, and with that being

news I was very distraught and put myself in a dark

said, I felt like I was back on track.

place, and a lot of negative thoughts came to mind.

Keeping my head on while going through an in-

I felt like I came to school for a new start, but some-

jury so early on during my freshman year of college

how I managed to mess it up again. I thought that

baseball was one of the most difficult things I have

maybe this wasn’t for me and that I needed to find

ever had to endure. I felt like a nuisance, and that I

something else to do other than baseball, but then I

will never be able to compete to the best of my abil-

had to reconcile and big up myself because it was not

ities when I am always distracted. The injury helped

over. This injury was just an obstacle in my path that

me in ways I didn’t imagine and helped me gain my-

I have to cross to get to the other side, and I became

self back, and hopefully give me hope for the rest of

determined to get back before springtime.

my life that when you fall, you get back up. Having

I went through physical therapy and was able

a sharp mind and a good head on your shoulders is

to still participate in some practices and workouts. I

the first step to bettering yourself. This will help you

would wake up at 5:30 in the morning to go down to

endure the challenges you face on your bumpy road

the gym downtown and meet with the team to do cap-

to becoming who you would like to be.

tain weightlifting and make it to class on time, then

"This injury was just an obstacle in my path that I have to cross to get to the other side."

Page 61

The HCC Student Exhibit Maritza Gonzalez Monet Acrylic

Vince Quintuna The Misery Digital

Sarah Fazekas Eyes of Nine Digital

The HCC Student Exhibit

Jordan Neely A Reflection Acrylic Paint

Anamaría Erazo Medina Cherry Blossoms Acrylic on Carvas

Sy Hirsch My Bird Acrylic Page 63

The HCC Student Exhibit

River Merchan Cruz Storms Brewing Collage Page 64

The HCC Student Exhibit

Kyle Bleakley Getting Lost Pen Page 65

Meet the Horizons Designers Lorens Michael De La Cruz Lorens Michael De la Cruz is a graphic design student at Housatonic. He was born in the Dominican Republic. Lorens specializes in digital media. As a hobby, he likes to go out to take photos or make videos.

Sarah Fazekas Sarah is a Digital Illustrator who focuses on character design and visual development. She has been illustrating for the last 7 years. Sarah also has a passion for publication which incorporates her love of books. When she isn’t illustrating, Sarah can be found reading or playing video games. Or just consuming anything that has a good story.

Whitney Marshall Whitney is a teacher, artist, and devoted dog mom. She has degrees in Elementary Education, Fine Arts + Graphic Design. She dabbles in quite a few artistic mediums - charcoal, paint, digital, fabric, woodwork, and more. Whitney loves learning new artistic techniques and is always looking to practice a new skill. She embodies this amazing and accurate saying: A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.

A Retirement Farewell

Painting of Andy Pinto by Luis Lopez.

By Professor Andy Pinto Advisor to the Graphic Design Staff I would like to thank all the students who have contributed to and worked on Horizons with me over the past 16 years, especially the student leadership teams and editors. It has been a pleasure working with you. What a great job you have all done!

I watched you work from your island vacation, late at night in the MAC lab when you were pregnant, and in 103-degree temperature when the air conditioning went out during our move. I watched you create three consecutive magazines at a distance during Covid-19.

Every semester brought new challenges, and you created solutions and published on time.

When I look back I will remember the many times I had the privilege of presenting the Chernow scholarship to a member of the Horizons leadership team.

One last thank you goes out to Professor Steve Mark, fellow faculty advisor and Humanities Chair. It has been a great pleasure working with someone so dedicated to this publication because it gives a voice to our students, and lets them shine.

Join the conversation online! Feel free to comment, like, or share.

twitter.com/HCCHorizons

facebook.com/HousatonicHorizons

HousatonicHorizons.com