CAYUGA COLLEGIAN VOLUME 66 ISSUE 11 2 4 2020

GET INVOLVED WITH THE INTERNET SHOW ABOUT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING CAYUGA

IT’S NEW! IT’S FUN! IT’S NOW!!!

MEETING: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH AT 2 PM IN T109

Collegian Cayuga Community College Auburn & Fulton, New York

cayugacollegian@gmail.com

CAYUGABRIEFS

CALLING ALL STUDENT PERFORMERS! DONATE YOUR TALENT TO HELP THE HUNGRY MARCH 25

NEW SEMESTER; NEW COLLEGIAN STAFF!

It’s a brand new decade of the awardwinning, student=run Cayuga Collegian.

Celebrating its 66th year of service to Cayuga’s campus community both in Auburn and Fulton, The Cayuga Collegian has several new staff members and would like to welcome more! Please attend our organizational meeting this Thursday, February 6th at 2:00 P.M. in The Collegian office T109 to find out how being a part of The Collegian and its new media Internet-streaming content show, Cayuga Bytes, can add to your resume, give you valuable experience, and make your time at college more fun! Everyone is welcome!

No experience necessary! Please turn to page two to meet the new faces behind this semester’s Cayuga Collegian!

ACTIVIES FAIRS PLANNED FOR BOTH CAMPUSES

AUBURN CAMPUS FAIR IN NEW LOCATION WEDNESDAY FEB 5

All campus clubs are invited to participate in the annual Spring Student Activities Fair taking place on both campuses in February.

The Auburn campus Activities Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th, in a new location -- on the lower level of the main building in the cafe.

The Fulton campus will host their Spring Activities Fair on Wednesday, February 12th in its normal spot in the front hallway on the campus. Both fairs will run from 10:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. “This year, we’re trying something different (on the Auburn campus),” said Director of Student Activities/Professor Norman Lee.

CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHORUS SEEKS NEW MEMBERS The College Chorus is seeking new members. Class meets Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 1:25 P.M. in M157. Students earn one academic credit per semester and can repeat the course up to four times for credit. A final concert will be performed at the end of each semester. The College Chorus performs a variety of music spanning from the Renaissance through popular music of today.

No experience is necessary and no audition is required. College Chorus welcomes any student who is interested in singing to join us. Interested students can register for MUSI 100 and join us at our next rehearsal. Late adds will be accepted on a case by case basis during the first weeks of the semester.

The College Chorus is directed by Erica Walters and accompanied by Sally Bailey. Questions can be directed to Erica Walters at edennis@cayuga-cc.edu.

HOW TO GET PUBLISHED SEMINAR ON WEDNESDAY

By Emma Tavener, Editor-in-chief

Professor Bower’s “Ways To Get Published” Seminar February 5th at 11:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M. in L210 on the Auburn campus.

Professor Bower will be discussing what publishers are looking for and how to send work out for publication. He’s helping students understand manuscripts and cover letters. He will also be sharing tips and tricks of the writing market and which websites are best for sending publications.

JOIN CREATIVE WRITING CLUB — HERE’S WHY!

By Emma Tavener, Editor-in-chief

The Creative Writing Club is a place to share, peer edit, and create work. Poems, stories, essays, you name it! The club meets every Wednesday from 11 A.M. to noon in the TLC room in the library. There is food at every meeting including pizza, subs, and other goodies! This semester the club will be publishing each creative writing members’ work-shopped piece in The Collegian! The club will also be traveling later this semester to catch a performance at the Syracuse Stage! The club plans to publish their sixth issue of their creative arts journal. This gives all of our club members a SUNY badge on their degree for publishing a journal.

This is a great group of students from all different majors brought together by sharing experiences and telling their own stories.

Vol. 66 Issue 11 February 4, 2020

Cayuga Community College’s Harlequin Productions, pictured with members of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS), was honored recently for its performance at TANYS’ annual festival, receiving two discretionary awards and one People’s Choice Award.

CCC’s HARLEQUIN PRODUCTIONS EARNS RUNNER-UP FINISH AT STATEWIDE FESTIVAL Students in Cayuga Community College’s Harlequin Productions saved their best performance for last in the fall semester, as the group earned a slew of awards at a recent statewide festival.

Performing four short selections from “All Around the Table” at the annual festival for the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS), Harlequin Productions finished as the runner-up in the Best Short Production category. Students earned a discretionary award for Excellence in Ensemble Acting, and Bob Frame earned a discretionary award for Excellence in Direction. Those were two of just five discretionary awards issued at the festival.

Combined with Cayuga student Thomas Norris receiving a People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Performance, the discretionary awards made the showing at the festival one of the most successful in recent history for Harlequin.

“It was really an incredible performance by our students,” said Frame. “The shows ran smoothly, and the audience was really enjoying

the plays. Our students rose to the occasion. It was our best performance of the semester.”

Students agreed, with Norris and fellow actors Aaron Baim, Allie McLeod and Jennifer O’Neil saying the group overcame some early jitters to produce their best performance of the semester.

Harlequin performed on the festival’s second day, which gave the cast a whole day to see the strong performances of their competition.

Fortunately, the audience enjoyed the humor and students’ acting abilities in Harlequin’s performance.

Norris credited Frame, the cast and crew for helping him improve as an actor, saying he wouldn’t have received the People’s Choice Award without them.

“Bob is the reason why I got that award.

Instead of telling me I couldn’t improve as an actor, he pushed me to be better. It wasn’t always fun, but Bob trained me and helped me get to where I am today,” said Norris. “I wouldn’t have received the award without his help. Really, I have to thank Bob, the cast and crew for that.

Without them, that wouldn’t have happened.”

Are you a musician, a singer, an actor, a comedian or a poet? If so, members of Cayuga’s Radio and Television (RAT) Guild are inviting you to perform at their first-ever fund-raising live Telcom Telethon.

Planned for March 25th, members of the RAT Guild are recruiting acts to perform live as part of the Telcom Telethon from noon to 6:00 P.M. Telcom student and organizer of the event, Jenna Fields, says monies raised from the event will go to fuel the college’s food pantry, Cayuga Cupboard. “This is everyone’s opportunity to do something to give back to the college community.”

To sign up to perform during this premiere unique event, Fields says all you need to do is put your name and contact information on the sheet posted next to room T-128. Fields says each time slot on the sign-up sheet is for five minutes and acts are welcome to sign up to 20 minutes at a time. Fields and fellow organizer, Kevin Cooper, will oversee RAT Guild members as they work to organize and produce the challenging live video production.

Cayuga Cupboard is the college’s food pantry with locations on both campuses and available to all students in need of food.

“Hunger is certainly an issue for our students and your generous donations make such an impact on each student who enters the pantry,” explained Dr. Jerimy Blowers, coordinator of all wellness and intervention services at Cayuga Community College.

Blowers announced that Dyan Watkins, manager of Subway restaurant on the Auburn campus, is now in charge of Cayuga Cupboard operations.

Blowers says the Cupboard is in need of the following items: eggs, lunch meat, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, mayonaise, salad dressing, pancakes/pancake mix, syrup, juice, and tuna.

Blowers says if you wish to donate, please let Dyan Watkins, (dwatkins1@cayuga-cc. edu), on the Auburn campus and Amanda Reed, (on the Fulton campus), know and they will have someone there to receive the items.

COLLEGIAN DUCK HUNTERS Have you found a duck?

The Cayuga Collegian Duck Hunt is still on! Who will catch the next fowl? Stay tuned!

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Cursive writing and simpler times OPINIONS

HOW I SEE IT...

THE CORONAVIRUS

Jenna Fields

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Send your submission to

cayugacollegian@gmail. com. Your submission must include the writer’s full name, college year and home town.

Anonymous letters and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published. For verification purposes, submissions must also include the writer’s home address, e-mail address and telephone number.

The Cayuga Collegian welcomes letters from its readers.

Submissions must be emailed to cayugacollegian@gmail.com.

Submissions must include your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters to the editor do not reflect the viewpoint of the Collegian office, its staff or advisor. All letters are simply the opinions of the writers themselves. All letters may be edited for content or length.

advanced technology that we could significantly decrease the environmental impact we have on the earth by going digital. Habits are learned thus if we teach children to type at a young age rather than write, they will be able to translate their thoughts onto a computer just as well as most adults in 2020 are able to express their thoughts on a piece of paper. Imagine if every copy, every handout and every test you have received in your past 12 or so years of schooling was digital. I am sure most of you readers will not be able to calculate that sort of impact on the earth, just know it would be statistically significant if used across the states and every other developed country.

My mother teaches sixth grade science and in her school all of the children are provided with a base model google chrome laptop. This is a start in the process of eliminating paper waste and educating children in making the best possible use of technology that is readily available today. Simpler times create simpler solutions and with the need of environmental change in order to maintain this home we call Earth, I believe we should go digital at an earlier time in children’s schooling career. I ask you then, why do children learn how to write cursive rather than how to type home row at an early age?

—Travis Welch, Collegian Associate Editor

MEET THE COLLEGIAN STAFF

Emma Tavener There has been plenty of talk and joking about the Wuhan Coronavirus within the past few weeks.

I’ve seen and heard lots of running jokes throughout every social media platform and passing conversations in the halls. People have been either cracking jokes or worrying about this virus. Realistically, there have been 9,856 people diagnosed with the virus as of January 31st of 2020. Of these 9,856 people only 213 people have actually died from this virus. Meanwhile, there have been 15 million cases of diagnosed influenza this flu season and 8200 deaths from the flu as of January 18th of 2020.

The trump administration has announced a ban on foreign national travel for those who have been to China in the last two weeks. These people who have been in Hubei Providence in the last two weeks are subject to screening upon U.S. customs and a 14 day quarantine. I agree that it’s probably a good idea to screen these people upon returning to the U.S.. I also believe that people are over dramatizing this virus becuase it’s only been three weeks and already 213 people have died, but it’s not nearing the severity of the common influenza.

PAGE TWO

The world is a revolving sphere that is ever changing as a result of different lifeforms that inhabit this magnificent space of molten lava and dirt. Humans have by far produced the largest impact on the way the world runs and most of that is because humans prioritize convenience over environmental sustainment. Unfortunately, I as a lowly college student cannot do much about the environment, but I can inspire the masses through writing about issues that are going on in the world. Here is some food for thought I would like you to consider. We as a society still teach cursive to this day and we know cursive is to be written on paper even when we have such

Jenna Fields is a second-year student studying video production. After Cayuga, she plans to transfer to a four-year school. Currently, she is involved in the college radio station and the Rat Guild. Jenna is also a member of Cayuga’s golf team.

Emma Tavener EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hi! My name is Emma Tavener. I’m a sophomore this year at Cayuga Community College. I’ll be graduating this spring with a Creative and Professional Writing Associates Degree. Along with being the Editor-in-chief, I am the President of the Creative Writing Club this semester.

This is my first time working on a newspaper but I’m excited to be more involved in student life and especially to share it with all of you.

AUBURN SGO President: Marcus Oliver - molive13@cayuga-cc.edu Vice President: Krystal Gist - kgist@cayuga-cc.edu Secretary: Hannah Malone - hmalone2@cayuga-cc.edu

Emma Tavener Jenna Fields Travis Welch Emily Lane

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Aidan Crandall CAYUGA BYTES Jared Fritz CAYUGA BYTES Mary G. Merritt FACULTY ADVISOR

Emily Lane

Mary G. Merritt

PHOTOGRAPHER

FACULTY ADVISOR

My name is Emily but most people just call me Em. I’m a Liberal Arts major here at CCC. I have a seri­ ous passion for photography and I even run my own company while I’m attending school. I am 26- years-­ old and my husband and I have a beautiful 2-year­-old little girl that’s always keeping me on my toes.

When I’m not running around with the family or doing school work I like to spend my time taking hikes and just being in nature with my camera. I also do quite a bit of cos play photography and take part in local conventions in the CNY area.

My long term goals are to eventually make my way to becoming a freelance worker for National Geographic. Everyone starts off somewhere and I’m thankful to be getting my foot in the door with The Collegian.

CAYUGA CLUBS! FULTON AND AUBURN CLUBS Please share your meeting times, events, and fund-raisers with

The Cayuga Collegian

We want to publish your news!

Email: cayugacollegian@gmail.com

Mary Gelling Merritt begn her career in radio and television news working as a reporter, producer, show host, and eventually as a news executive running a television newsroom.

Celebrating her 23rd year at CCC, Merritt continues to serve as an adjunct professor providing instruction for courses including Introduction to Mass Media, Print Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, and Public Address.

As a media entrepreneur, Merritt’s company — MGM Word Studio, Inc. – has worked as a local media expert serving as a public relations specialist and video producer for Unity House and the Syracuse YWCA; providing graphic design services for many businesses and schools including CCC’s Telcom Department.Merritt also served as an associate producer for a full-length documentary about Syracuse’s longest ruling mayor and convicted criminal, Lee Alexander.

As faculty advisor to the Cayuga Collegian, Merritt and the student staff of the paper have been recognized numerous times over the years with First and Second Place Awards in an annual national media review conducted by the National Association of Scholastic Press.

Merritt says her media career actually began at nine years of age when she began publishing a newspaper for the neighbors on her street called The Flower Lane Flash. She recalls a subscription for the summer was only $1.

CAYUGA NURSING PROGRAM AGAIN RANKED AMONG BEST IN NEW YORK STATE An online nursing advocacy organization has again recognized Cayuga Community College’s Nursing Program as one of the best in New York State.

Analyzing data from 97 programs across New York, RegisteredNursing.org awarded Cayuga’s Nursing Program a score of 96.47, making it the fourth-best program and the third-best associate’s degree program in the 2019 rankings.

Cayuga’s Nursing Program also earned a top-five position in the 2018 rankings.

“We have a rigorous program with a strong track record of graduating students who are committed to the field of nursing and providing the best care to their patients,” said Cayuga Director of Nursing Mary Driscoll. “We’re proud that nursing advocacy groups and local healthcare organization recognize the training and qualifications of graduates from our Nursing Program.”

RegisteredNursing.org is a nursing advocacy organization that collects resources and data for people interested in entering the field of nursing. Their 2019 rankings are based on available student pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), going back a maximum of five years to track the program’s record of graduating students who pass the exam.

In New York, the rankings — which include associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs — are based on NCLEX scores from 2014 to 2018, with a greater emphasis placed on recent test scores.

Cayuga graduates’ NCLEX scores are consistently greater than state and national averages, according to data from the New York State Office of Professions. From 2013 to 2018, Cayuga has an average NCLEX pass rate of almost 98 percent for students taking the exam for the first time.

“Our Nursing Program is regularly recognized as one of the best in New York, and the credit for the program’s distinction goes to our students and faculty for their dedication and hard work.

Congratulations on earning this recognition to everyone who helped the program succeed,” said Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant.

To help nursing students continue their education and enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, this fall Cayuga signed an agreement with Upstate University Hospital creating a direct path, dual admission nursing program.

In the agreement, students who pursue an associate’s degree in nursing at Cayuga are directly enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program at Upstate after passing the NCLEX and earning their RN license. Students are also guaranteed an interview for an RN position at Upstate.

For more information on Cayuga’s Nursing Program, visit https://www.cayuga-cc.edu/ academics/schools/health-sciences/nursing/.

—Andrew Poole, CCC Communications

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CAYUGACOLLEGIAN

SPARTANS SUFFER ROAD LOSS TO CORNING 96-70

SPARTAN SPORTS Allaysha Grady had nine points for the Spartans in their loss to Corning.

RED BARONS TOP SPARTANS

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT Guard Tori Mandel is averaging almost eight points, six rebounds and three assists a game for the Spartans this season.

Name: Tori Mandel

High School: Oakfield-Alabama High School Major: Medical Imaging Career Goal: Career related to ultrasound technology What was the determining factor in you deciding to attend Cayuga?

Coach Alberici approached me at my high school sectional final game, and asked me to consider attending Cayuga. I visited the campus with my mom, and decided I wanted to attend.

What are the best and most challenging parts of being a student-athlete at Cayuga?

The best part is meeting new people, and the memories you make on the team. The most challenging part is balancing two sports — soccer and basketball — and all my schoolwork.

What part of your game has improved the most during the season?

Probably my confidence in my shot. In the beginning I was more of a passer and rebounder, but I’ve decided to shoot more. I started seeing them go in the net more, and I was shooting well in practice, so it carried over.

How have you seen the team improve over the course of the season?

We’ve all gotten closer over the season. We work more as a team than individually. We pick each other up during games and practice. That’s helped us get some wins over the course of the season.

A solid Red Barons team and an off-night offensively proved too much to overcome for the Cayuga Community College Women’s Basketball Team on Wednesday, as the Spartans fell on the road to Corning Community College.

The Red Barons built an early lead, and with Cayuga struggling from the field that margin held throughout the contest. Corning (9-11, 4-3) won 68-44, with the teams splitting the season series.

“I didn’t think we came out with the energy we needed tonight. We got ourselves in a big hole, 25-8 after the first quarter,” said Coach Jim Alberici. “We’re going to keep working at it and try to figure it out.”

In their contest in Auburn earlier this season, Cayuga held Corning to 49 points, but the Red Barons came out strong Wednesday, taking a 39-19 advantage into halftime. The Red Barons kept control of the game in the final two quarters, and Cayuga wasn’t able to cut into Corning’s lead.

Forward Gretchen Earl led Cayuga with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Allaysha Grady had nine points, and Jania Freeman had four assists and 11 rebounds.

The loss drops Cayuga’s record to 7-10 overall and 3-4 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.

The Lady Spartans’ next home game is Wednesday, February 5. Tip off is 5 P.M. against Jefferson Community College.

Defensive breakdowns hurt the Cayuga Community College Men’s Basketball Team on Wednesday in a road loss to conference foe Corning Community College.

Trailing the Red Barons by 11 at the break, the Spartans couldn’t build momentum in the second half, falling 96-70.

Corning (12-8, 6-1) won both games against Cayuga this season.

A competitive first half saw the Red Barons slowly build a 47-36 halftime lead, an advantage they increased after Cayuga briefly cut the lead to less than 10 points to start the second half.

Deonte Holder led Cayuga with 29 points and seven rebounds, and Jewliann Chery had 13 points and five rebounds.

The loss drops Cayuga to 7-11 overall and 3-4 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.

Cayuga will return to Spartan Hall on Wednesday, Jacob Ramirez February 5, for a home contest against conference opponent Jefferson Community College (12-6, 3-2). Jefferson defeated the Spartans 82-69 earlier this season. Tip-off Wednesday is 7 P.M.

SPARTAN LACROSSE UPDATE

Announcement about the future of CCC Lacrosse programs detailed in an campus-wide email from CCC Director of Athletics Pete Liddell:

I regret to inform you we will not be fielding a men’s lacrosse team this spring. A number of factors contributed to this including a late start in recruitment and a coach stepping down in late November.

We have already hired a new men’s coach (Geoff Hall) and hope to field a team in 2021. We fully intend to build programs we can sustain, but originally struggled with the recruitment and retention of a quality coach, as well as attracting players with lacrosse experience.

We continue to work towards fielding our new women’s lacrosse program for this Spring 2020. We will make an announcement regarding our ability and intentions to field this team by the end of the month. If you know any potential students who might make good candidates for the women’s team…please have them contact our newly hired women’s coach, Tracy Swietoniowski, at wlacrosse@ cayuga-cc.edu.

SCHEDULE OF SPRING JOB PLACEMENT EVENTS AUBURN CAMPUS

FULTON CAMPUS

FRIDAY, February 7: 11 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. FREE HUMAN SERVICES CAREER EXPLORATION FIELD TRIP! BIC·- leaves from Auburn Campus

March 9 & 25 (F167) & April 20 & 23 (F201) 11 am-Noon F167 and F201 Pre-CAREER PREP 4 part series:

Limited seating; MUST reserve your seat in advance at Career Services, (next to Info desk).

Explore careers such as counseling, nursing, early childhood education, working with youth or people with disabilities, case management, etc. Students will rotate through four 30-minute sessions with presenters who will discuss their careers in these fields.Joint program with BOCES and Workforce Development.

TUESDAY, February 11: 11 A.M. BIC “COMMUNICATION FOR COLLEGE & CAREER SUCCESS” Simple insights and skills to make you more successful with people.

WEDNESDAY, February 12: 11 A.M. BIC

“MAJOR CONFUSION”

Confused about what to be?

Guide your path.

TUESDAY, March 17: 11 A.M. BIC “BUILD A BETTER RESUME”

Find the right type of resume and build it so it gets selected.

WEDNESDAY, April 22: 11 A.M. BIC “INTERVIEWING: HOW TO WIN THEM OVER!” How to ace an interview.

WEDNESDAY, April 15

“REAL WORLD SKILLS PAY THE BILLS” Human Resources from various companies/ Workforce Development Pros teach you what you need for internships, jobs and full or PT employment (financial literacy, communication, professionalism, and teamwork).Joint program with BOCES and Workforce Development.

TUESDAY, May 5 AUBURN CAMPUS

JOB & INTERVIEW FAIR Open to the public. Joint program with BOCES and Workforce Development.

SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 66 YEARS!

MONDAY, March 9: (F167) “GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A CAREER FAIR”

Denise Markowsky, Vocational Counselor WEDNESDAY, March 25: (F167)

“DRESS FOR SUCCESS”

Denise Markowsky, Vocational Counselor

MONDAY, April 20: (F201) “INTERVIEWING: HOW TO WIN THEM OVER!”

Cara-Leigh Battaglia, Job Placement Specialist THURSDAY, April 23: (F201)

“BUILD A BETTER RESUME”

Cara-Leigh Battaglia, Job Placement Specialist Pre-CAREER PREP 4 part series is FREE for CCC Students & Alumni! Please Sign up in advance at Library Circulation Desk BENEFITS: • Prep for April 29 Public Job Fair & Summer Job Searches • May Graduate Search Assistance & Alumni Career Support

WEDNESDAY, April 29 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. JOB FAIR Fulton Campus open to the public

FOR EACH EVENT PLEASE SIGN UP VIA EMAIL OR ON CAMPUS For more information please contact Cara-Leigh Battaglia, Job Placement Specialist cbattagli@cayuga-cc.edu

PAGE THREE

COLLEGIAN WORD SEARCH

onth M y r o t s i H Black

Cayuga student Deann Merritt, pictured with her family, is interning with the Museum of Motherhood, and is writing a blog to help mothers that combines research and her own experiences. Photo courtesy of Joyce Pelkey.

CAYUGA STUDENT USING BLOG, INTERNSHIP TO HELP MOTHERS An internship with the Museum of Motherhood has one Cayuga Community College student relying on research and her own experiences to discuss difficult topics and answer questions from other mothers.

A mother of three and a volunteer in the La Leche League, Cayuga student Deann Merritt is putting her own experience and questions she’s heard from other mothers into blog posts for the Museum of Motherhood.

She is currently a Liberal Arts major with a concentration in psychology, and is preparing for a career as an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

The goal is for any mother to use the blog as a resource for reliable information about diverse topics that aren’t widely addressed, said Ms. Merritt.

“There’s so much information available to mothers, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. I’m trying to present information in a way that’s easily understood and addresses topics that aren’t discussed as frequently,” she said.

“I want to help all mothers, but especially younger mothers, and make sure they know about the resources that are available to support them.”

The Museum of Motherhood was founded in 2003, and recognizes and preserves the art, history and science of motherhood. Ms. Merritt has brought a unique perspective to the museum’s blog because of her experiences as a student, mother and volunteer in the La Leche League, said Founding Director Martha Joy Rose.

“Many of our previous interns have been college students with great research experience but not much practical knowledge,” said Ms. Rose. “Deann has been able to seamlessly

incorporate the very real and timely questions many mothers have into her content on gender, breastfeeding and maternal anxiety.”

Much of Ms. Merritt’s passion comes from her own experience struggling to find reliable information and answers to direct questions online or from medical personnel. Her blog posts, which have addressed gender disappointment and breastfeeding, combine research with her own experiences.

A graduate of the Hannibal Central School District, Ms. Merritt decided she wanted to become an IBCLC following the birth of her second child. Relying on IBCLCs for their expertise, she was struck by their knowledge and their caring approach when working with mothers.

Ms. Merritt started volunteering with the La Leche League, and met mothers at her job in Oswego. She enrolled at Cayuga in the fall of 2019, and secured the internship the same semester. She’s hopeful the blog will help her become an IBCLC, which requires extensive experience assisting mothers with breastfeeding, passing health science and general education requirements and other mandates.

But regardless of whether she becomes an IBCLC, she always wants to help mothers with breastfeeding and fighting feelings of isolation.

“I don’t know where I’ll end up, but just like the IBCLCs who changed my life, I know I can help mothers in their own journey,” she said. “I want to go wherever my help is needed and I think this blog is a good starting point.”

Ms. Merritt’s blog posts can be found at https://mommuseum.org/about/.

—Andrew Poole, CCC Communications

SOMETHING FUNNY If you have SOMETHING FUNNY you would like to share with The Cayuga Collegian, please email a jpeg to cayugacollegian@ gmail.com with your name!

Filbert...

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE