The Reporter Volume 14 Issue 8

Bon Voyage

Glen Fulton retired as the head of custodial services at North Campus on March 8. Read about his 33 years worth of memories at Miami Dade College.

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Catching Up

Sophomore catcher Geremy Garcia is having a breakout season for the Sharks baseball team. He leads the squad with five home runs and 30 RBI.

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Micro-Trends

The life cycle of popular trends is getting shorter as social media bombards us with too many to keep track of. Nalini Singh writes about the phenomenon.

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This MDC Athlete Designs Cleats For Major League Baseball Players

SOFTBALL PLAYER ATAVYA FOWLER EXPLAINS HOW HER ARTISTIC FLAIR LED HER TO START A CUSTOM SHOE BUSINESS THAT IS ATTRACTING THE ATTENTION OF PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYERS.

By Nikole Valiente nikole.valiente001@mymdc.net

Atavya Fowler was awestruck as she stared at the white Nike Air Force 1’s with a bedazzled logo that popped up on her Instagram feed.

“I had never seen anybody paint on shoes before,” Fowler recalls. “I was captivated by that.”

Eager to unleash her creativity, Fowler experimented with a pair of white platform sneakers her sister, Gianna Moncur, gave her to test her skills. The then 17-year-old labored at a table in her living room in the Bahamas for four days before concocting a Johnny Test and Dexter’s Laboratory inspired design.

Nearly four years later, Fowler, now a softball player at Miami Dade College, realized those sneakers were the genesis for a shoe design business that has attracted the attention of professional baseball players.

The 20-year-old computer animation student at Kendall Campus has customized more than 20 shoes, including spikes and sneakers.

“Art is something that relaxes me,” Fowler said. “I don’t consider it work. It’s basically a hobby that I get paid to do.”

She charges $100 to design a pair of shoes, but prices can increase depending on details such as the types of shoelaces she uses or how intricate the artwork is.

Fowler’s Major League Baseball clients include relief pitchers Joel Payamps of the Milwaukee Brewers, Luis Garcia and Guillermo Zuñiga of the Los Angeles Angels and Iván Herrera, a catcher with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Her first MLB order came from Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Harold Ramirez, who discovered her talents on Instagram in the summer of 2022. Impressed, he requested a pair of autism-awareness themed sneakers as a tribute to his son, Elian, who is autistic.

Since then, Ramirez has ordered five more customized cleats.

“She has excellent talent and her business is incredible,” Ramirez said. “I hope she can grow quickly and have a huge business.”

Fowler’s cousin Chavez Young, a center fielder in the Milwaukee Brewers minor league system, ordered his first personalized shoes for the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in the Bahamas more than three years ago.

The swagged-out footwear featured aqua and yellow shoelaces, confetti, black palm trees and a John 3:16 Bible reference.

“I give her kudos; she did her homework,” said the 26-year-old Young, who owns approximately 10 customized shoes. “Anybody can design shoes. But it’s [about] the next level—when you play in them, are they gonna fade? Can you use them next year?”

When she started her business, Fowler

Third Spaces

Katerina Azpiri discusses the decline of third spaces—places where people commune and unwind— and the consequences this is having on society.

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Miami Film Festival To Celebrate Its 41st Rendition In April

‰ The festival will screen more than 180 films from more than 30 countries between April 5-14. It will feature notable celebrities such as Tom Hiddleston, Danny Pino and Molly Ringwald.

By Isabella Arce isabella.arce001@mymdc.net

Grab your popcorn and Junior Mints— Miami Film Festival is here for its 41st installment.

The festival will run from April 5 through April 14 and showcase more than 180 cinematic pieces from more than 30 countries.

Films will be screened at 10 venues, such as the Knight Concert Hall at Adrienne Arsht Center, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Silverspot Cinema, the Koubek Center Theater and the Coral Gables Art Cinema.

Notable actors and filmmakers attending, who will participate in Q&A sessions, include Heather Graham, Alison Brie, Jeremy Piven, Lady Camden, Hector Medina and Danny Pino.

“One of the incredible things about this job is being able to dig through all these movies and find hidden gems and give them a platform to be seen by audiences in Miami,” said Lauren Cohen, director of programming who has worked for the MFF for more than a decade.

Opening night will kick off with Thelma , an action comedy directed by Josh Margolin, a Los Angeles-based writer, editor and actor. After being scammed out of $10,000, Thelma, a 93-year-old widow, ventures out to get her money back and prove that age is just a number.

Several films with a Miami Dade College connection will be highlighted at the festival.

The Asylum , directed by Jaime Gutierrez, a Sports Emmy Award-winning producer who graduated from the School of Entertainment & Design Technology, takes us back to Miami Senior High School to witness the dominance of a basketball program that won eight state championships from 1987-1998.

Those teams were led by legendary coaches Marcos “Shakey” Rodriguez and Frank Martin and future National Basketball Association players Udonis Haslem, Steve Blake and Doug Edwards. The film will be showcased at the Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, on April 7 at 3 p.m.

Ramiro Almeida’s Miami Now is a documentary series that explores Miamians’ perspectives on the consequences of the city’s urbanization. It features interviews with MDC President Madeline Pumariega and former College President Eduardo J.

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

YAIRI

Kickin’ It: Lady Sharks softball player Atavya Fowler developed a custom shoe business nearly four years ago that has caught the eye of professional baseball players.

Kendall Campus Student Selected For Girls Who Invest Summer Intensive Program

Aliana Canizares, an economics student at Kendall Campus, has been selected for the Girls Who Invest summer intensive program.

The 11-week program introduces sophomores to the world of finance and investing.

Canizares, who is the first Miami Dade College student to participate in the program, will spend four weeks learning about finance skills—such as financial modeling, accounting, valuation and business etiquette—at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and seven weeks interning at an investment firm. The program will culminate in a capstone group project.

“Finance is an extremely competitive field, especially for women and for someone who doesn’t have direct ties to the industry,” said Canizares, who wants to dive into development economics with a focus in Latin America. “[Girls Who Invest] is like a golden ticket to get an internship your sophomore year.”

Canizares is the president of the Phi Beta Lambda Future Business Leaders of America chapter at Kendall Campus, where she is preparing members to compete at the State Leadership Conference from April 4-7 at the Marriott Orlando World Center.

In November, she participated in the Amazon Web Services Business Case Competition at the Eduardo J. Padrón Campus. Participants created a block-chain solution to target money laundering, fraud prevention and customer loyalty. Canizares’ team placed second and won $2,000.

The 18-year old is also part of the Business Innovation & Technology Center, serving as a liaison between learners and professionals to tailor the center’s services to students’ needs.

Additionally, Canizares also serves as senior analyst in the Student Managed Investment Fund, learning about hedge funds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

Benjamin Vera

$1,500 EdFed Scholarship Open To MDC Students

The Educational Federal Credit Union is awarding $1,500 to Miami Dade College students.

One student will be selected on the last business day of each month through 2024.

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of one threecredit course and have opened an EdFed membership at least six months prior to the drawing.

Applications will stay in the drawing pool for the entire calendar year; applicants may be selected more than once.

Students can apply at https://bit.ly/42SuB7I.

Sophia Arenas

Open Call For Freedom Tower Short Films

Miami Film Festival is hosting a short-film contest to celebrate the Freedom Tower’s 100th birthday and reopening in 2025.

Filmmakers must submit a proposal that includes their vision of the documentary (no more than three pages long), an estimated budget, a short biography of the production personnel and examples of their work.

Applications are rolling through April 14.

Three proposals will receive $5,000 to develop a two-minute sample documentary by July 30.

The winner will create a 10-minute documentary by Jan. 31, 2025 highlighting the Freedom Tower’s history and legacy, including its architecture and design, operation as “El Refugio”—a Cuban refugee assistance center—and connection to Miami Dade College.

Filmmakers are encouraged to use footage housed in the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, available at https:// www.mdc.edu/archives/wolfson-archives/.

Proposals must be submitted to info@miamifilmfestival.com. For more information, visit https://miamifilmfestival.com/the-freedom-tower/.

Maria Eduarda Mottin

The White House Is Accepting Internship Applications

The Executive Office of the President of the United States is accepting internship applications through April 5.

Paid positions are available in areas such as the Office of the Vice President, the Council of Economic Advisers, the Council of Environmental Quality, the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Participants must be at least 18 years old, United States citizens and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Applicants who obtained their degree no more than two years before the first day of the program, or are veterans of the Armed Forces who have a high school diploma and served on active duty no more than two years before the first day of the program, are also eligible.

Nikole Valiente

NWSA College Chamber Orchestra To Perform Alongside Miami Dade College Orchestra

The New World School of the Arts college chamber orchestra will perform with the Kendall Campus orchestra at Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Room 2106, on April 16 at 6 p.m.

The one-hour concert will feature selections such as Jean Sibelius’s Finlandia , Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei (all vows), Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and Maurice Ravel’s Pavane pour une Infante Défunte (pavane for a dead princess).

It will be led by Leo Walz, an associate professor senior in the music, theater and dance department at Kendall Campus, and Hyunjee Chung, an assistant professor in the music department at NWSA.

The event is free and open to the public.

Juliette Bryant

MDC Student Awarded Hites Transfer Scholarship

Javier Cuñat, a computer science student at Miami Dade College, has been selected for the Hites Transfer Scholarship.

The $7,500 endowment is awarded to Phi Theta Kappa members for their academic performance, leadership and civic engagement. Ten students were selected from a pool of 3,000 applicants nationwide.

“I want to promote projects that create a better human experience in tech-related spaces,” Cuñat said.

Cuñat, who attends Kendall Campus, serves as the president of CyberSharks, a computer science and cyber security club, and as the secretary of the Student Government Association.

In January of 2023 through May, he was a tech fellow for CodePath, a non-profit organization that supports minorities pursuing tech careers. He assisted students developing an android application.

From May-August, he was a software development engineer intern at Amazon.

The 19-year-old has also previously served as a part-time data researcher at MDC; with a team of three students and a faculty researcher, he analyzed people’s perspective on artificial intelligence in the workforce.

Cuñat, who was born in Valencia, Spain, plans to transfer to either Stanford or Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Benjamin Vera

Game Room At North Campus Reopens

The North Campus game room reopened on March 4 after experiencing two closures last year due to staffing issues and inactivity.

It features gaming consoles such as a Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One. The space also has pool tables, foosball, playing cards, board games and a basketball arcade machine.

The game room, located at 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., Room 4205, is free and open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students must show their school ID or MDC class schedule to enter.

For more information, call (305) 237-1250.

Joelle Worcester

Kendall Campus To Host 32nd Annual Arts & Letters Day

Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus is hosting the 32nd annual Arts & Letters Day from April 9-10.

This year’s theme highlights the therapeutic nature of art and its power to connect people.

Events will take place at the Fred Shaw Plaza, the Beat Café (Room K413) and the Speech Lab (Room 2207).

Among the activities that will be featured: presentations on the humanities, graphic novels, literature, propaganda and psychology, a poetry slam, a chalk drawing competition, a debate, and musical performances.

To see the full list of events, visit https://bit.ly/4a7zrjU.

For more information, contact Paul Klein, the chairperson of Arts & Letters Day, at (305) 237-0894 or at pklein@mdc.edu.

Nikole Valiente

Miami Dade College Selects MOAD Executive Director

Amy Galpin was appointed executive director of Miami Dade College’s Museum of Art and Design. She began her position on Feb. 5. Her duties include planning exhibitions and educational programs and collaborating with the cultural affairs team to create a dynamic arts environment.

“I am thrilled to lead MOAD at this exciting time,” Galpin said. “Drawing on my 20 years of experience, I am confident I can contribute to raising the profile of the institution and enhancing the accessibility of its programs and collections.”

Prior to her current position, Galpin was the chief curator at Florida International University’s Frost Art Museum for six years and a curator at Rollins Museum of Art for more than four years.

She was also an associate curator at the San Diego Museum of Art from September of 2009 through October of 2013, a gallery coordinator at the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago from August of 2006 to August of 2009 and an adjunct professor at DePaul University for more than three years.

Galpin earned a bachelor’s degree in radio, TV, film at Texas Christian University in 1999 and a master’s degree in Latin American studies at San Diego State University in 2001. She attained a doctor of philosophy in art history, criticism and conservation at the University of Illinois Chicago a decade later.

Sara Dhorasoo

ANDRES GIRALDO / THE REPORTER

ANDRES GIRALDO / THE REPORTER

ANDRES GIRALDO / THE REPORTER

ANDRES GIRALDO / THE REPORTER

Night Lights: Billboards, cars and light fixtures illuminate the streets of Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan.

Snapshot: A man takes a photo of the East River skyline while standing on Roosevelt Island.

Bird's-Eye View: A man enjoys the view of the New York skyline as he rides the Staten Island Ferry through the New York Harbor.

Big Apple: The Reporter participated in the College Media Association's 2024 NYC College Media Convention from March 13-16.

Head Custodian At North Campus Retires After 33 Years

‰ Sixty-two-year-old Glen Fulton stepped down from his role as head of custodial services on March 8. He reflects on his memories at Miami Dade College.

By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net

Glen Fulton grew up in St. Louis, Missouri helping his mother—Mayola Fulton—raise his four siblings.

He cooked, cleaned and maintained the yard to ensure Mayola, a single mom, could rest after her daily shifts at the local paint factory.

Those experiences taught him the importance of diligence and duty—core values Fulton has carried with him in the custodial services department at North Campus for 33 years.

“If you’re gonna do something, do it right,” said Fulton in his signature gravelly voice. “[My mother] taught me how to be humble and do the right thing. I didn’t really pay attention to [that] until I got a little older and I saw those were good values… when you put in effort and hard work, you get rewarded.”

On March 8, Fulton retired as head of custodial services, ending his three-decade long journey at North Campus.

Finding His Way

After graduating from Berkeley High School in 1980, Fulton started working for Sky Chefs, a company that provides food offered on airplanes. Seven years later, the then 27-year-old sought a change and moved to Miami.

That same year, he met the love of his life, Charlotte, who lived down the street from him in Carol City. They married the following year.

Fulton’s first job in the 305 was working as a fiberglass technician at Classic Motors. He was laid off twice because the company had financial issues.

His mother-in-law, who worked as a

public safety officer at North Campus, suggested he apply as part-time custodian. He began working at the College in 1991.

Two years later, Fulton became a fulltime custodian cleaning classrooms and restrooms. Weeks into the assignment, he was promoted to lead custodian.

“You can’t be in a classroom that’s dirty,” he said. “You’re gonna feel uncomfortable; you’re not gonna give your schoolwork all your attention because something else is on your mind.”

The following year, Fulton became supervisor of the moving crew/head of custodial services. His roles included setting up chairs, tables, podiums, rugs and stages for events. He oversaw approximately 35 people.

Fulton acknowledges the simplicity of his job, but he stresses the importance of doing it well.

“You can get anybody to set up chairs and tables, but they’ve gotta be right,” he said.

The 62-year-old said Children’s Holiday at North Campus—an annual Christmas celebration for the community—was among the toughest events for him and his crew.

They spend at least one week setting up tents, chairs, tables, trash cans, christmas trees and stages.

Despite the tedious nature of the setup, Fulton said the event is the most rewarding.

“To see people happy, that’s beautiful,” he said.

Aches And Pains

Due to the physicality of Fulton’s job he has battled a lot of aches and pains. He once pulled a muscle and strained his back, leaving him bed-ridden for three days.

“Without your back, you can’t even poopoo,” Fulton said. “You know that song that goes, ‘Your back bone’s connected to your neck bone?’ It’s so true. Without that back bone, you can’t walk, you can’t stand.”

Four years ago, a sharp pain in his stomach caused him to be hospitalized for four months.

But the most painful challenge was the

loss of his wife.

Charlotte, who served as a public safety officer at North Campus for more than 13 years, died in 2017 from Stage 2 lung cancer. Her passing forced him to give up his two American bulldogs, Bruno and Cane, because he couldn’t afford to care for them.

Amid the grief, Fulton found solace in God and his coworkers, who were like “therapists” for him.

“You can’t scratch your heart, can you? Only God can mend that,” Fulton said. “God gave me the strength to move on. Some people go through those tragedies and before you know it they’re walking around talking to the sky.”

Fulton has always counted on the support of his adopted family.

The team hosts barbecues that feature chicken wings, steak and ribs—infused with Fulton’s secret St. Louis-style sauce— while playing dominoes and listening to hip-hop, R&B and soul music.

“We worked together for 30-something years; we can’t be nothing but close brothers, like family,” said Vincent White, a custodian at North Campus. “[He’s] my brother, just from another mother.”

Fulton’s Legacy

Through his strong character, work ethic and humorous nature, Fulton left an indelible mark on the lives of his co-workers.

“He really doesn’t let anything get the best of him,” White said. “It’s sorta like when you change a tire, you’re always bound to have one screw that’s hard to come off, you know, you’re gonna have that one knucklehead screw that just wants to stay on, and he [was] determined to get it off even if it took all day and night. That’s what he did, that’s what he demonstrated.”

Raul Cruz, a custodian who has worked with Fulton for nearly two decades, remembers him for his good-natured pranks—like hiding under tables and popping up unexpectedly to scare the secretary—and his generosity.

“If you [need] help in anything, like money or work, he’s the type of person that will give you the shirt off his back,” said Cruz, who frequently witnessed Fulton giving money to people who were “short on cash.”

During retirement, Fulton looks forward to putting his “stamp” on a house he recently purchased in St. Louis.

He plans to renovate the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and turn the basement into a mancave. Eventually, he also wants to launch an events rental business.

But above all, Fulton hopes to care for his 85-year-old mother, who he has visited annually since he left Missouri.

“Whatever she wants to do,” Fulton said. “Doctor’s appointment? I’ll take you. Grocery store? I’ll take you. Just to sit and talk with her, I’ll be over that way.”

MDC Athlete Hitting Home Runs With Art

FROM ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT, FRONT

painted every inch of shoe by hand and used a hair dryer to speed up the process. It took about 48 hours to finish a pair of shoes.

Now she utilizes a master airbrush, a heat gun and a cricut—a machine used to create stencils and vinyls—allowing her to decrease her production time to 16 hours.

“I think for her to have a business where she can use her creativity and love for art is brillant,” says Sharks Head Softball Coach Gina De Agüero, who asked Fowler for an MDC-themed pair of Nikes in December of 2022.

Former Sharks Head Baseball Coach Adrian Morales, who is now at Nova Southeastern University, was so impressed with Fowler’s craftsmanship that he commissioned her to design cleats for his daughters, Penelope and Alejandra, last March.

The finished product featured a bald eagle, the girls’ favorite colors (blue, pink and purple), their favorite Bible verse (John 3:16), an American flag with three nailed crosses, a hand holding a soccer ball and the sign language sign for love.

They loved it.

“We have a clean pair that we will never use because that’s how much we liked and appreciated her work,” Morales said.

The shoes rest on a mantel in the girls’ room next to a cross.

Fowler, who is also a Christian, says her faith has helped her persevere when she’s worried about finishing designs on time.

“I don’t even worry about it anymore,” Fowler said. “Anything I put my hands to, I know that His hands are all over it. The battle’s already won.”

To view Fowler’s work, visit her Instagram page @kicksanekustoms.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATAVYA FOWLER

Fresh Kicks: Harold Ramirez, an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, was Atavya Fowler's first MLB client. He requested two pair of autism awareness themed sneakers for his son, Elian, who is autistic.

NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER

Farewell: Glen Fulton, head custodian at North Campus, retired after more than three decades at Miami Dade College.

Book Fair’s Big Read Celebration Returns For 19th Installment

‰ This year’s celebration explores the influence of Greek mythology on culture through Madeline Miller’s Circe a fantasy fiction novel that explores the Greek sorceress’ origin story.

By Juliette Bryant juliette.bryant001@mymdc.net

Miami Book Fair and the National Endowment for the Arts launched their 19th annual Big Read Miami celebration on March 1.

The program, which aims to encourage community reading by discussing a featured book, will showcase several artists, authors and events through April 30.

This year’s activities center around Madeline Miller’s Circe , a fantasy fiction novel narrated by the Greek enchantress who has the power to turn humans into gods and monsters. Book discussions will be held at various Miami-Dade County public libraries.

“Our goal as Miami Book Fair is to reach leaders of all types, both readers and nonreaders,” said Marci Calabretta Cancio-Bello, program coordinator of the MBF.

Miller is an American author known for mythology pieces, most notably Song of Achilles , a romance fantasy novel that follows the love story of two Trojan War heroes—Patroclus and Achilles.

The 45-year-old earned a master’s degree in classics—the study of Greek and Roman history, literature, language and philosophy—at Brown University and has taught Latin, Greek and Shakespeare to high school students for more than 15 years.

Events kicked-off on March 1 with the Big Read open house, featuring a short-film, a tour of the mansion at the Koubek Center, poetry activities and Afro-Cuban and

rumba dance classes.

On March 9, Live Arts Miami and North Campus’ Miami International Festival of the Arts, hosted renowned Indian classical dancer Bijayini Satpathy at the Lehman Theater.

Satpathy, who was a principal dancer, teacher, researcher and administrator for twenty-five years at the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, specializes in the art of Odissi, an Indian classical dance that highlights body movement, costumes, expressions, gestures and sign language to convey a story or spiritual message.

On March 20, Florida International University partnered with MBF and NEA to discuss the intersection between STEM and fiction writing with three writers—Ken Liu, a software engineer, Usman Malik, a Pakistani doctor and Vandana Singh, an Indian physicist—at the FIU Graham Center.

Big Read also hosted workshops throughout March, including the MBF’s Speak Up, a virtual creative writing and performance workshop series for teens.

Writers like Sajni Patel explored what it means to be a monster through her Greek mythology-inspired novel, Rick Riordan

Presents: A Drop of Venom

Margot Kahn, a biographer, poet and editor, discussed how women communicate what they want by analyzing works such as Circe and her most recent co-edited essay collection Women: Writing About Desire Maud Newton, a writer and former lawyer, addressed the importance of sharing difficult family stories.

On April 2, Miller will lead a virtual conversation at 7 p.m. with George O’Connor, author and illustrator of Olympians , a 12book graphic novel series on the major deities of the Greek pantheon. They will discuss themes found in Circe and the continued

Greek Mythology: This year’s Big Read focuses on Madeline Miller’s Circe, a novel that explores the Greek enchantress’ origin story.

influence of mythology on culture. Students can register for the livestream at https://bit. ly/492Z7wY.

Big Read will culminate on April 27 with a Greek mythology edition of Picnic de Libros, a bilingual family day program that celebrates literature, at the Koubek Center, 2705 S.W. Third St., at 2 p.m.

It will feature arts and crafts, a puppet dance show inspired by Afro-Caribbean mythology, characters from Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away —an animated film—and

a presentation on Afro-Latino drumming and oral traditions.

Food, children’s books and copies of Circe will be given out for free. Families are encouraged to dress up as their favorite mythological character.

Dates and locations of Circe book discussions are available at https://bit.ly/3IJYNZr.

For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3TKoiAn or contact Bello at mcanciob@ mdc.edu.

Padrón Campus Duo Publishes Paper In Astrophysics Space Science Journal

‰ The research paper, conducted by a student and professor at Eduardo J. Padrón Campus studies explosions in the solar corona and aims to help researchers predict future pulsations.

By Isabella Arce isabella.arce001@mymdc.net

Angel Jose Ventura Lopez’s curiosity was his gateway into the world of science.

He grew up reading fantasy, adventure and astronomy books in Cuba, eventually developing a fervor for physics, mathematics and computer science.

But the prospects for thriving in those fields were dim in his homeland. So in 2012, he immigrated to the United States.

Today, the 30-year-old is studying computer science at Eduardo J Padrón Campus while exploring the passions of his youth at Miami Dade College’s School of Science STEM Research Institute.

In January, Ventura and Adolfo L.Mendez, an associate professor in the math and natural sciences department at Padrón Campus, published a research paper in the Astrophysics and Space Science Journal titled Periodic-chaotic alternating regimes during a fast solar metric-radio pulsation event

The 10-page paper, which took approximately ten months to research and write, examines the behaviors of pulsations in the

a research paper in the Astrophysics and Space Science Journal this spring.

solar corona, the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere.

“It’s like tuning into a radio frequency,” Ventura said. “For example, the radio frequency of 94.5 or 94.6 FM. At different frequencies you hear a different radio wave. In the solar corona, [pulsations reach] different heights that have different frequencies. With a radio telescope, you can listen to those radio waves and characterize the process that is occurring.”

Ventura first heard of the project while applying for the School of

Wolfson Campus

‰ Sixty-nine-year-old Ana Margarita Cruz retired as chair of the School of Global Business at Wolfson Campus in December. She reflects on her most meaningful times at MDC.

By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net

Ana Margarita Cruz believes real-world experience is an invaluable tool.

After working in accounting, management, retailing and manufacturing for 15 years, she wanted to give teaching a try.

So she became an adjunct professor in the business department at North Campus in January of 1991. That is where she discovered her passion for working with students and integrating her business prowess into the classroom.

“It was very meaningful to communicate that knowledge to students to make them see that they have to push a little further to get to where they want,” she recalls.

Cruz enjoyed teaching so much that she left the business industry in 1993 and began a 13-year stint as a full-time professor at Wolfson Campus, eventually becoming chair of her department.

Nearly three decades later, the 69-year-old is reflecting on her legacy at Miami Dade College.

Cruz retired as the chair of Wolfson Campus’ School of Global Business in December.

Born in Havana, Cruz immigrated to the United States with her late parents, Manuel and Amparo Cruz, when she was 12 years

Science’s 2023 summer research program.

In the program, students list a topic they want to research and a faculty member they prefer to be paired with.

Ventura, who has taken nearly all the courses Mendez teaches at the College, including astronomy, basic physics and physics with calculus I and II, picked his 60-yearold mentor.

Mendez, who was born in Cuba and has dedicated more than 25 years of his life to studying solar

astrophysics, accepted.

Rather than conducting research from scratch, the astronomy junkies analyzed data from Mendez’ personal library, which has decades’ worth of information that he collected while researching at the Astronomical Observatory of Trieste in Italy.

Ventura assisted Mendez by ordering thousands of data points in Excel, inputting them into a software that uses complex mathematical computations to process the data, and analyzing the

results.

He also provided feedback and proofread the first and second drafts of the research paper, which Mendez wrote.

Although Ventura is a full-time student who serves as the manager of Ventura Jewelry, his brother’s business, he was able to fully commit to the project.

“For me the most important achievement was Angel working with me. It was amazing,” said Mendez, whose inquisitive mind has led him to publish between 25 to 30 research papers throughout his career. “Every time that [you] publish a paper and the paper comes to life, it’s amazing. It’s like a new son or a new daughter.”

In October, the astrophiles presented the preliminary results of their research at the STEM + Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Symposium at North Campus.

The team submitted the final version of the paper to Astrophysics and Space Science Journal in late December. It was published on Jan. 23.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Ventura remembers thinking when he received an email letting him know the project would be published. “I thought, ‘Wow. It’s incredible that I, a guy who came from Cuba that never thought he would be able to study in the United States, was able to achieve his dream.’ And of course, I owe a lot of that to professor Mendez.”

School Of Business Chair Retires After 31 Years At MDC

old, fleeing the island’s communist regime.

After graduating from Miami Springs Senior High School in 1972, she enrolled at North Campus to study business, attaining her associate’s degree in 1974.

Two years later, Cruz earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida International University.

In 1977, she started a five-year run as a field examiner for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where she audited corporate income tax returns; she also became a certified public accountant.

Cruz then began working in the private industry for approximately 10 years, first serving as an accounting manager in companies such as Transocean, a drilling company, and Equinox, a retail and manufacturing company, and later as a controller/vice president of finance at Telus, a long-distance calling telephone company.

Seeking to advance her career, she enrolled at St. Thomas University, where she earned a master’s degree in business administration in 1985. Eighteen years later, Cruz earned a doctorate in business administration from Nova Southeastern University.

One year after starting at North Campus, she used her expertise to launch a branch of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, an initiative that offers tax preparation services to the community.

The program’s success led to its expansion to the Wolfson, Kendall, Eduardo J Padrón, Homestead and Hialeah campuses.

Cruz, who served as the collegewide director of VITA, incorporated the TAX 2000 course into the program, allowing students to practice filing income tax returns in a real-world setting. She also launched the Small Business Education Program—an initiative funded by the Citi Foundation that helps small businesses with workshops and expositions offered in English and Spanish.

“I’m a little unique in the sense that I add more responsibility than the job requires,” said Cruz with a

light-hearted laugh. “That motivated me; it challenged me to do better.”

From 1993 to 1997, she served as co-advisor to the Phi Beta Lambda Future Business Leaders of America chapter at Wolfson Campus.

The two-time endowed teaching chair—1996 and 2002—-was also a co-organizer of Students Helping Students, a program that allowed business scholars to teach English as a Second Language students about marketing and management.

Additionally, Cruz led the Up Close and Personal with Community Leaders breakfast speaker series with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. The program, which lasted approximately three years, allowed accounting and computer students to learn from industry leaders.

But Cruz’s influence goes beyond students.

Mirna Archaga, who is now an office specialist for the media services department at Wolfson Campus, says Cruz encouraged her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in supervision and management, allowing her to be promoted from her previous role as a technician.

“[She helped me] believe in myself and [believe] that I could accomplish the bachelor’s that I always said [was] too hard for me,” Archaga said. “She [would] say, ‘If I can do it, you can do it.'”

In 2005, Cruz was selected as Florida’s Professor of the Year. One year later, she received Miami Today’s Bronze Medal Award for professional achievement.

During retirement, Cruz plans to travel, participate in a private book club in Coral Gables and continue revising Fundamentals of Taxation, a finance book she coauthored in 2007.

“Her legacy is indisputable, she has the complete package,” said Jeanette Campos, a program coordinator for the supervision and management bachelor’s program at Wolfson Campus, who credits Cruz with helping her land her first job at the College. “She was always proactive…she always needed to be involved in something.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAYNIER DUQUE/WOLFSON CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES

Adieu: Ana Margarita Cruz retired as chair of Wolfson Campus’ School of Global Business in December after 31 years at Miami Dade College.

NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER

All-Stars: Angel Ventura, a computer science student with a passion for astronomy, and Adolfo Mendez, a professor in the math and natural sciences department at Padrón Campus, published

Cuban Cinema Series Returns To Miami Dade College After 17-Year Hiatus

‰ The series, originally created by television personality Alejandro Rios in 1993, died off after 2007, but returned this January. It highlights the authenticity and talent of Cuban filmmakers.

By Daylyin Staples daylyin.staples001@mymdc.net

Alejandro Riós knows the power movies have.

As a film critic in Cuba, he witnessed the threat cinema posed to the government’s communist regime.

Rios recalls the boldness of three young filmmakers—Ricardo Vega, Jorge Crespo and Juansi— who were invited to showcase their work at the University of Miami in the 1980s, but the Cuban government forbade them from attending.

Their response?

They created El Informe , a threeminute satire film questioning why they couldn’t go.

Inspired by creators like those brash filmmakers, Riós ached to create a platform that highlighted the talent of directors who were unafraid to expose the political realities of the Caribbean island.

So in 1993, he created the Cuban Cinema Series.

For more than a decade, Riós, who retired as the College’s Hispanic media specialist in 2018, presented monthly Cuban films at

It's Back: The Cuban Cinema Series, led by television personality Alejandro Riós, returned to Miami Dade College this past January after a 17-year break.

the Wolfson Auditorium.

But the series died after 2007 when Rios started hosting La Mirada Indiscreta , a show that analyzes Cuban cinematography on AmericaTeVe.

follows the life of Roberto, a Cuban exile struggling to adjust to his new life as a building superintendent in New York City.

It continued on Feb. 29 with the screening of 8-A , a 1993 documentary that highlights the trial and execution of General Arnaldo Tomás Ochoa Sánchez, the highest-ranking general of the Cuban revolution, also directed by Leal .

At the MFF, Rios will lead “Spotlight on Cuba,” a program featuring nine modern Cuban films, such as Oceans Are The Real Continents , a black-and-white film by Italian director Tommaso Santambrogio. It shines light on the pain associated with separation using three separate storylines and is set in San Antonio De Los Baños, Cuba.

The CSS will resume on May 16 with a screening of El Caso Padilla (The Padilla Affair), a documentary that showcases the trial of Heberto Padilla, a poet who criticized the Cuban Revolution. This year’s series will conclude in July.

It will be an offshoot of the festival and will be sponsored by ArtesMiami.

“It feels like the perfect time to announce the Cuban Cinema Series,” said James Woolley, MFF director, in an MDC press release.

Seventeen years later, the program has been resuscitated. In January, the Miami Film Festival announced that the Cuban Cinema Series, led by 71-year-old Riós, was making a comeback.

“With a newly renovated Koubek

Theater as part of the Miami Film Festival Family, we have an outstanding venue to showcase beloved classics for the whole community.”

The CSS rebooted on Jan. 26 with the screening of 1979’s El Súper

Directed by León Ichaso and Orlando Jiménez Leal, the film

“It’s important to keep on the torch of Cuban Cinema,” Riós said. “You will have to go back to cinema—with good or bad films— to reveal the truth about what has been happening in Cuba for the past 65 years.”

All movies in the Cuban Cinema Series are shown at the Koubek Center, 2705 S.W. Third Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LILIANA MORA/MDC MEDIA RELATIONS

Student Fighting Sickle Cell Had One Wish, She Opted For A Scholarship

‰ Fernandye Eugene, a North Campus student battling sickle cell disease, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to pursue a business degree at MDC.

By Nikole Valiente nikole.valiente001@mymdc.net

No one is immune to suffering. It’s an inevitable part of life.

But for Fernandye Eugene, perpetual pain is an everyday reality.

The 21-year-old frequently experiences blood clots on her arms, legs and feet.

Sometimes she struggles with simple functions like breathing and walking.

When the pain is too intense, she blacks out.

Eugene has sickle cell disease, a rare genetic blood disorder that causes a person’s red blood cells, which carry oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body, to be shaped like a “c” rather than an “o.”

When that happens, her red blood cells clump and die, resulting in anemia and restricted blood flow.

The pain hinders many areas of her life, including her ability to go to school.

Although she graduated from Miami Norland Senior High School in 2021, the disease prevented her from attending college.

However, that changed this spring when she was granted a $10,000 scholarship by the MakeA-Wish Foundation’s South Florida chapter—a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children with chronic illness—to pursue an associate’s degree in business at North Campus.

While many kids ask to attend a concert, travel or meet a celebrity as their wish, Eugene opted for an education.

However, her wish was delayed nearly four years because of COVID-19 and her condition.

“She chose this wish because she knew the importance of education,” said Shelby Ruebens, who volunteers at MAW and helped bring Eugene’s educational aspirations to life.

College Life

At MDC, Eugene is taking English, American federal government, intermediate algebra and computer applications.

But her sickle cell symptoms often get in the way.

When her pain is too much, she stays home. When it reaches intolerable degrees, she checks into Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Eugene’s sister, Karina, often accompanies her.

Although Karina doesn’t stay

with Eugene for the entirety of her hospitalizations—which can last between four days to three weeks—Karina supports her throughout the process of being admitted into the hospital, assigned a room and given medication. That can take as much as two days in extreme cases.

“She likes me to be her emotional support,” said Karina, who keeps a bag prepared with medication, clothes and snacks for her sister’s medical stays.

Eugene’s hospitalizations often cause her to miss class. Her most recent visit was in February and lasted 10 days. It was due to pain and COVID-19.

Jenniffer Niles, Eugene’s English professor at North Campus, was overjoyed to see her return.

“The idea of anyone being in the hospital for any period of time gets to me, and she’s young; I know she’s living with this disease for the rest of her life,” said Niles, who works with Eugene to catch up on assignments she misses due to her absences. “I was just happy to see that she was able to come back to doing something she wanted to do, even if it’s just for a moment.”

Growing Pains

Eugene was born in Port-auPrince, Haiti to Mercedes and Brunel in March of 2003. Her family immigrated to

Miami when she was six years old. They settled in North Miami Beach.

When she was about 10, Eugene’s left arm swelled up. When her parents took her to the hospital, they thought her arm was broken, so she was fitted for a cast.

Eventually, the swelling went down.

A year later, the issue returned. During a trip to visit family in New York, Eugene developed a swollen left ankle that progressively worsened.

She was given Tylenol, but the swelling didn’t subside. Eventually, her ankle ballooned to “the size of a baseball.” She started limping and crying and was unable to walk.

A week later, she was rushed to New York University Winthrop Hospital where she was diagnosed with sickle cell.

At first, Eugene’s symptoms caused her to go to the hospital three to four times a year, but as she has gotten older, she now averages five to six hospitalizations annually.

Since there is no cure for the chronic condition, Eugene is only treated for her symptoms.

At the hospital, she is administered intravenous fluids, pain medications such as morphine and fentanyl, and blood transfusions when her red blood cell count is low.

Eugene’s hemoglobin levels are usually between nine and 10 grams per deciliter. The average hemoglobin levels for females is between 12 and 16 grams per deciliter, according to the National Institute of Health.

The lowest her hemoglobin has ever been is at 4.2 grams per deciliter.

“[Doctors] told me they’re surprised that I [was] still able to walk,” Eugene said.

About three years ago, Eugene began experiencing fainting spells. Six months ago, she discovered her hips were decaying due to a lack of blood flow.

Her body is affected by changes in temperature, lack of sleep, poor diet, low water consumption and even her emotions. The smallest things—an abrupt tap on the shoulder, play fighting or riding roller coasters—can trigger pain.

“I love doing crazy things. I was somebody who threw caution to the wind when I was younger,” the roller-coaster fanatic said. “But now I got to be cautious of staying safe because I will suffer if I don’t.”

Fighting On

Eugene acknowledges she is struggling in her classes because of the pockets of time she has missed due to her illness, but she is staying positive—seeking tutors.

“Something my mom definitely

wanted me to do—like, drilled into my head—was to go to college, not [just] because the school would be good for me. She didn’t want me to be at home doing nothing,” she said. “If nobody is at home with me, and I faint or something happens to me, there would be nobody to call.”

The young scholar is undecided on whether to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but the one thing she is certain of is that she wants to be her “own boss.”

“I commend her,” Niles said. “It can’t be easy, you know, and the complications that she has to deal with, not just the disease itself. When you get sick with one thing, [it] can evolve into something else, and then still try to juggle being a student, keep up with your studies and put on a brave face sitting in class [when] you might not be feeling well.”

Although she has a long road ahead, Eugene leans on the support of her family and God to get through the daily rigors she battles.

“Nine times out of 10, for a sickle cell person, you will always have pain,” Eugene said. “You have to decide for yourself whether it’s enough pain to go to the hospital and miss whatever it is that you’re doing right now, or if whatever you’re doing right now is more important.”

Wish Granted: Fernandye Eugene, a 21-year-old student battling sickle-cell disease, was endowed with a $10,000 scholarship to pursue an associate’s degree at North Campus by the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Foundation.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

Filmmakers And Cinephiles Gather For The 41st Miami Film Festival

FROM MFF, FRONT

Padrón. The screening will take place on April 6 at 12 p.m .at the Silverspot Cinema 16 located at 300 S.E. 3rd. St.

The Miami Bull Project spotlights Wolfson Campus’ Bull sculpture. It’s directed by S.E. King—a Los-Angeles based director, writer and producer—and will be featured on April 6 at 7:45 p.m. at the SilverSpot Cinema 11.

Eleven cash awards totaling $100,000 will be presented at the festival.

Jury-selected awards include: Made in MIA Feature and Short Film Awards, Marimbas Award, Jordan Ressler First Feature Award, Documentary Achievement and Short Film Awards, Miami International Short Film Award and Florida CinemaSlam award, which is only endowed to one Florida college student.

Viewers will select winners for the Documentary Audience Award, Narrative Feature Film Audience and the Short Film Awards.

“This [festival] just really feels like the community,” said James Woolley, MFF director. “It’s by the community for the

community. It has a real love of great cinema and seeing things that are unique and different.”

Another highlight will be actress Molly Ringwald, best-known for her work in Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, receiving the Variety Creative Vanguard Award on April 6 at 8 p.m. at the Chapman Conference Center at Wolfson Campus, 254 NE 4th St.

Tom Hiddleston, an English actor known for his work as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will be presented with the Variety Virtuoso Award on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knight Concert Hall.

The festival will conclude on April 14 at 3:30 p.m. with a screening of Rosalie at the Coral Gables Art Cinema located at 260 Aragon Ave.The film is directed by Stéphanie Di Giusto.

Set in 1870s France, Rosalie, who was born with an abnormal amount of facial and body hair, doesn’t want to hide who she truly is from her new husband Abel, who married Rosalie for money.

To purchase tickets and see the full schedule of films, visit https://bit.ly/43s0kwK.

Movie Time: The Miami Film Festival, which will take place from April 5-14, will feature 180 films from more than 30 countries.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO/ LOONI INGRAN

Sophomore Catcher Providing Leadership And Offense For Sharks

‰ Geremy Garcia leads the Miami Dade College baseball team with five home runs and 30 RBI after struggling last year. He also has a .287 batting average in 101 at-bats.

By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net

After a freshman season that saw him post a paltry .167 batting average, Geremy Garcia knew he had to make a change.

So this summer, the Dominican-born catcher went to work.

He focused on a weight training regiment that strengthened his legs—a catcher’s foundation—and

added 20 pounds of muscle to a stocky frame that now carries 205 pounds.

The 21-year-old sophomore also teamed with Sharks Assistant Coach Rudy Arias, who specializes in developing catchers, to craft a plan to work on the mental aspect of the game and his hitting.

Garcia’s hard work paid off this season.

He leads the team in home runs (five) and RBI (30) and has a respectable .287 batting average while providing support to a young pitching staff. He also added playing first base to his repertoire.

“Geremy has impacted our

program on and off the field,” Arias said. “With leadership and passion, he has matured to bring energy and guidance to our pitching staff.”

Garcia started playing baseball in the Dominican Republic when he was five years old. By the time he was 12, the youngster knew he was destined for big things on the baseball diamond.

Four years later, he moved to the United States to get more exposure.

“There are kids currently in the Dominican Republic that are 1415 years old that have a legitimate shot to play professionally,” Garcia said. “Being 16-17 years old, moving to the U.S. was my best shot to be able to play baseball and study

at the same time.”

Garcia started his baseball career in the U.S. at Georgia Premier Academy in Atlanta, catching college scouts' attention after smacking seven home runs during his senior season. He signed with Miami Dade College, but struggled in his first season, hitting three home runs and driving in 17 RBI in only 84 atbats. His batting average was well below .200.

“When I was in that situation last year, really, there was nobody there to help me out of the slump,” Garcia said. “I had to create that confidence again to be ready and get myself out.”

The season-long downslide taught him the importance of

leadership. His mentoring this season is a big reason why the Sharks have rebounded from a slow 5-10 start to winning 11 of their last 15 games. After righting the ship, MDC is now 16-14 on the season.

“Geremy has definitely been one of our main leaders,” said fellow catcher Santiago Carriles-Alvarado. “He brings the energy and always has been a good example of a great teammate.”

Garcia is confident the Sharks' upward trajectory—much like his own—will continue.

“All I care about right now is for me and my teammates to win games and hopefully win a national championship,” Garcia said.

Rebound Season: One year after posting an anemic .167 batting average, Geremy Garcia leads the Sharks with five home runs and 30 RBI while posting a .287 average.

In Charge: Geremy Garcia takes command of the pitching staff during a game versus Atlantis College on Feb. 13. The Sharks won the game, 15-1.

YAIRI LORENZO / THE REPORTER

YAIRI LORENZO / THE REPORTER

Quimby Remains Resilient During Tough Season For Lady Sharks

‰ Freshman point guard Shameir Quimby led the Miami Dade College women’s basketball team with 21.8 points and 2.5 assists per game this season. The team finished with a 6-25 record.

By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net

The Lady Sharks basketball team endured a tough season, losing 25 of 31 games, but one bright spot was point guard Shameir Quimby, who led the squad with 21.8 points and 2.5 assists per game and a 48.1 % shooting percentage.

“She is an unselfish player, but has taken on a leadership role to

help lead this team to W’s,” said Lady Sharks Head Coach Susan Summons. “She is a captain and has embraced that role to be a better player and student.”

Quimby, who is originally from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, moved to East Texas, playing on various Amateur Athletic Union teams through her middle school years. She then played at Canton High School for three years, earning All-State accolades and Offensive Most Valuable Player honors from the Canton Independent School District during her tenure.

But the summer before her senior year, she returned to Florida to care for her ailing grandmother and transferred to Fort Walton

Beach High School.

“My coach my senior year was my first woman coach in my entire life,” Quimby said. “She coached me relentlessly, making me put the most possible effort on the court.”

The tough love paid off. Quimby averaged 18.8 points as a senior for the Vikings.

“I made a promise to myself that I wasn’t going to let my parents pay for my college,” Quimby said. “I was going to work my hardest to get a scholarship, so I could go off and play and they wouldn’t have to worry.”

Quimby kept that promise when Summons offered her a scholarship to join the Lady Sharks program.

Her first season at Miami Dade College has been challenging. The

team endured five losing streaks of at least four games and six losses by at least 28 points, including one by 45. They finished with a 6-25 record.

“It was tough at the start of the season,” Quimby said. “We had international students playing, and the game is much different overseas than it is here, so we had to teach fundamentals until we could come together as one.”

Despite the struggles, the 5-foot-8-inch Quimby bonded with teammates and exhibited grit and leadership.

She had a 39-point performance versus Palm Beach State College on Feb. 7 that saw the freshman shoot an astounding 73.9% from the field. Although the Lady Sharks lost the matchup, Quimby got her revenge two weeks later

when she scored 38 points in a 7361 win versus the Panthers.

“Shameir has led our team with steadfast hard work and dedication,” said Lady Sharks guard Clara Solar. “She leads by example, staying after practice to put up shots, talking us through tough game moments, and she gives her all in every game and practice.”

Next season, Quimby will once again team up with fellow freshman and former Fort Walton Beach High School teammate KaMariya Simmons, who averaged 5.6 points and 6.2 rebounds this season, to lead the Lady Sharks attack.

“[Quimby] remains humble to keep improving, making her teammates better to bring a championship to this program,” Summons said.

YAIRI LORENZO \ THE REPORTER

YAIRI LORENZO \ THE REPORTER

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Top Performer: Shameir Quimby was the Miami Dade College women’s basketball team’s best player this season, leading the team with a 21.8 scoring average.

Floor General: Point Guard Shameir Quimby dribbles the ball during a recent Lady Sharks basketball practice.

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

Keeping Up With Micro-Trends—From Coquette To Mob Wife

‰ Trends and subcultures have always been at the core of fashion. Now that social media is connecting so many different people simultaneously, it seems nearly impossible to keep up.

By Nalini Singh nalini.singh001@mymdc.net

As I was perusing the racks at Goodwill, I picked up a baby pink wrap top and thought, “Wow, this is so ballet-core.”

The ballet-core, clean girl, coquette, office siren and mob wife aesthetic-riddled diction in contemporary fashion are only a few micro-trends depicting the lightning-fast speed of trend cycles.

It would be easy to credit this phenomenon to platforms like TikTok that are intertwined with all aspects of our lives, but it goes much deeper.

It’s good to know what a subculture is to understand the micro-trend madness. Merriam-Webster defines a subculture as “an ethnic, regional, economic or social group exhibiting characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish it from others within an embracing culture or society.”

For years, fashion has allowed various subcultures to express themselves and act as a beacon for other kindred spirits. It’s nothing new for brands to capitalize off popular styles within different subcultures, diluting the original significance of the subculture at the same time.

Take the “punk” subculture for example. Originating in the 1970s and characterized by its rebellious, anti-establishment attitude, punk fashion included ripped clothing and edgy jackets covered in pins and patches. However, brands

adopted the style and marketed it to mainstream audiences. Even now, Givenchy and Burberry have taken inspiration from punk styles for their Autumn/Winter 2022 collections.

During the pandemic, many people experimented with and explored different aesthetics, such as “dark academia” and “cottagecore.” TikTok, now a staple social media medium, became a central hub for these trends. Fueled by its algorithm, TikTok rapidly pushed out these trends to people who positively interacted with related content.

Social media’s embrace of the myriad of micro-trends allows truth in the statement “trends don’t exist anymore.” The breakneck cycling of trends and personalized content algorithms perpetuate a breeding ground for multiple trends to go in and out of style in the blink of an eye.

Fast fashion intensifies this, with markets flooded with cheap, mass-produced items fitting the latest, fleeting trend. Granted, vintage and pre-owned shopping has become increasingly popular, especially due to social media allowing people to showcase their hauls, upcycles, tips and tricks in quick videos.

Still, commercializing these microtrends perpetuates a harmful cycle of yearround overproduction to satiate trend-hungry shoppers, doing massive environmental damage.

Then, there’s the identity crisis of it all.

Think of Hailey Bieber as the face of the “clean girl” aesthetic. Her skin is flawless, no makeup is needed, her hair is in a slickback bun with no flyaways, and her outfit is probably all Skims. She’s the “clean girl,” and by following this recipe, you can be just like her!

It’s not all bad, though. Amidst the chaos,

these trends serve as a medium for experimentation and self-discovery. You, too, can try out the “rockstar girlfriend” makeup, a “clean girl" hairstyle and an “office siren” outfit.

The hundreds of “aesthetics” and “cores” have downsides, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have upsides too. For many, they serve as a bountiful medium of inspiration, beauty and self-expression.

Hazbin Hotel Prioritizes Profit Over Creativity

‰ Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel, an independent animation, gives Disney shows a run for their money. However, both categories of cinema ultimately sacrifice innovation for financial gain.

By Katerina Azpiri katerina.azpiri001@mymdc.net

Hazbin Hotel is an adult animated musical comedy television series.

The show features eight episodes that are 20-30 minutes long and follows Charlie Morningstar, princess of hell, as she attempts to rehabilitate sinners into Heaven.

Vivienne Medrano, the show’s creator, also known as “Vivziepop,” debuted the series’ pilot on YouTube in 2019 and has since gathered more than 103 million views.

This past January, Prime Video, in collaboration with A24, an independent entertainment company, and Bento Box Entertainment, an animation company, released the first season.

The show has risen to the top spot on the platform and earned a massive fanbase, leaving us to wonder about the future of independent animation.

In the past five years, independent animation has been on the rise, coincidentally matching the downfall of the biggest animation studio—Disney.

If you compare the numbers of the most anticipated animated works of 2023 from independent companies and big studios, the

, released on Sept. 22, has more than 24 million views, while the trailer for Disney’s Wish, released on Sept. 27, has more than 13 million views. Disney has been reporting record losses lately. Many believe that is due to their lack of risk-taking. The platform has been incapable of portraying a nuanced villain, solely focused on conforming every character to societal standards. As a result, its plots lack substance and compelling narratives. Medrano states that the 21st century is the golden age for

independent animation. But has the animation industry actually improved? No.

Not working under a big studio can give the illusion of creative freedom, but filmmakers are still controlled by profits. Stories become about being digestible for viewers rather than telling the story, mirroring Disney’s struggles.

A good example is Disney’s Star Wars sequel trilogy. The direction of those movies is based on what sells, such as the owl bird that is popular in every Disney store.

Hazbin Hotel also suffers from this. When the creative process becomes about anyone other than the creator, the art suffers. This can be seen in the personality of Hazbin Hotel ’s protagonist, who is a carbon copy of “quirky girl” characters like Anna from Frozen and Rapunzel from Tangled

That doesn’t mean that Hazbin Hotel is a horrible show. The songs are catchy and it’s a fun watch.

However, the creativity is completely uninspired. The concept of asking whether souls could get a second chance in Hell is intriguing, but the execution felt bland. The show tried to be edgy, but by prioritizing marketability, Hazbin Hotel is ultimately a corporate sellout that plays it too safe.

trailer of the YouTube series Digital Circus

Disney’s Percy Jackson And The Olympians Leaves

‰ Considered a staple of young adult fantasy, Percy Jackson and the Olympians expands its repertoire and makes its debut on the small screen—streaming on Disney +.

By Nalini Singh nalini.singh001@mymdc.net

With two movies and a musical, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series added another adaptation to its portfolio—a streaming television series on Disney+.

The series features eight 30-40 minute episodes and has garnered a near-perfect score (92%) on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rick Riordan, the book’s author, was involved in various stages of the show’s development, including the casting and writing process. That’s a relief to fans who were eager for a faithful adaptation of the books.

Despite initial controversy surrounding casting because the actors didn’t look like the book describes them, the show’s leading trio—Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri—blew it out of the water.

The TV series follows the plot of the first book, The Lightning Thief, in which 12-year-old Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod and Poseidon’s forbidden child after being accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt.

Audiences follow Percy as he learns about himself through the trials and tribulations of being a

Much To Be Desired

Now Streaming: Percy Jackson And The Olympians now has a television series on Disney +.

half-blood (half-human and halfgod). He embarks on a quest with his friends Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase to save his mom and restore peace to Olympus. Like many adaptations, there are a few discrepancies between the show and the source material.

A notable difference includes the severity of the characters. For example, Percy’s abusive stepfather, Gabe Ugliano, is portrayed as a

comedic deadbeat. Other antagonists such as Luke Castellan and Zeus are also toned down. These changes could be due to Disney’s family-friendly brand.

The show adds more depth to certain characters. One of the most notable changes was Medusa. Originally a pretty one-dimensional villain, she is now portrayed as a victim of the Gods’ cruelty, adding a layer of moral grayness

Taking A Look Back At bell hooks’

to the story. Percy and Poseidon’s relationship is also depicted with greater emotional intensity than in the books.

While most adaptations are not exactly like the original content, the show’s pacing leaves much to be desired.

The episodes were not only extremely short, but many scenes were so short they left audiences unable to grasp more than a vague

All About Love: New Visions

THE REPORTER’S MARIA EDUARDA MOTTIN REFLECTS ON BELL HOOKS’ BOOK,

ALL ABOUT LOVE: NEW VISIONS, TO SEE HOW LOVE APPLIES TO DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF OUR LIVES. THE BOOK WAS PUBLISHED IN 1999.

By Maria Eduarda Mottin mariaeduar.mottin001@mymdc.net

All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks reflects on the misconception of true love.

Black feminist author Gloria Jean Watkins wrote the book under her lowercase pen name, bell hooks, to remove the attention from her and focus on her ideas.

Hooks uses personal anecdotes to illustrate society’s flawed view of love.

Unconditional love, according to the author, is a distorted belief.

This can be seen in toxic families, friendships and romantic relationships, where love at its purest form is often exploited and manipulated.

Hooks questions the idea of unconditional love by showcasing instances where the values that

define love aren’t evident. Such examples can be found in the family setting.

As hooks states in the book, “For most folks it is just too threatening to embrace a definition of love that would no longer enable us to see love as present in our families.”

People want to believe in unconditional love because they are in denial. They refuse to believe that the people who are supposed to love them most don’t, at least not with their actions.

Hooks addresses underlying patriarchal values, such as greed and dominion, that lead to dysfunctional families.

She explains, “Many of our nation’s citizens are afraid to embrace the ethics of compassion because it threatens their security.”

Monetary power incites domination and eliminates the element

of compassion, which leads to the desire to be better than others, or to dominate.

Dysfunctional relationships and families are characterized by people who try to overpower one another to satisfy personal needs. Genuine love cannot survive within such conditions.

The hypocrisy within the family circle is a reflection of the patriarchal elements within society that endorse abuse, guaranteeing the vicious cycle repeats itself.

All About Love: New Visions urges everyone, not just women, to think critically about erroneous beliefs on love.

By deconstructing traditional beliefs and going beyond the romantic and familiar circle, hooks gives the reader a new view of love and society.

feeling for the characters.

Scenes felt like they were rushed and lacked depth, especially regarding character development. These deficiencies left viewers with little to no information on characters other than Percy, very little on Grover and Annabeth, and nothing left to endear viewers to other characters.

In addition, you would expect an action-packed show to have explosive, lengthy fight scenes with engaging fighting choreography, but that is not the case. The brevity of scenes in locations such as Camp Half-Blood and the Underworld makes it clear that much was left out, leaving much more unexplored than explored.

Despite the current trend for shows to have less than 10 episodes per season, that is far from conducive to Percy Jackson and the Olympians ’ success.

However, by the final episodes, the characters and plot started to gain momentum, leaving hopeful expectations for the second season, which was announced on Feb. 7. No official release date has been announced.

Regarding The Lightning Thief adaptations, Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians was a step up from the movie and entertaining to the point that it leaves fans satisfied and ready for more. It’s a great introduction to Greek mythology, introducing characters in a digestible manner for audiences without prior knowledge.

How Much Power Do We Have Over Our Lives?

‰ Free will characterizes the human experience. Unlike animals, humans are equipped with a rational mind to make decisions. But how much of our choices are truly free?

By Katerina Azpiri katerina.azpiri001@mymdc.net

I want to believe we have the freedom to make choices in our lives, but our existence isn’t a good example.

It’s hard to believe in free will when people face bombings and violence, while others are born into privilege and wealth.

In the United States, we’re often told that we have the option to pursue riches and success.

While it may be written off as the path to freedom, the pursuit of money often comes with its own limitations. It can take a toll on our sense of identity and agency, leaving us to feel lost in the pressure to succeed.

Many fast-risers, like celebrities, often struggle to adjust to the spotlight and expectations placed

THIRD PLACES

upon them. Some never find their footing, leading to the phenomenon known as the ‘27 club,’ where talented individuals choose to end their life at the age of 27.

The illusion of free will extends to the average businessman. Successful entrepreneurs, particularly men in their forties, who may appear to check every box— money, house, car, job—are one of the most susceptible groups to face depression and mental health struggles. External freedoms come with a price.

control, like people’s actions. Wars, famines and corrupt sociopolitical systems are man made. Sexism and racism persist worldwide, tailored by the privilege of others.

Despite the trauma everyone is bound to face, we have the power to choose whether to perpetuate the cycle of harm.

Taking care of ourselves and our emotional needs is often dismissed, especially for men, as it portrays them as weak or fragile. But neglecting our emotional well-being can lead to difficulties in coping with adversity and interacting with others.

This begs the question: what does it mean to care for ourselves?

Socrates believed it meant understanding who we are and uncovering hypocrisies in our beliefs and actions. He encouraged people to think critically about their lives.

This can also be seen in Freud’s theory of the id—the force that drives our unconscious needs and desires and highlights the worst parts of people. Without acknowledging inner truths, people will continue to place themselves in self-centered situations that yield harmful consequences.

Choosing to prioritize our wellbeing is the one form of agency we have. That is the only choice we can make.

Yet, many of our problems are caused by factors beyond our

Some people choose to withdraw from society to avoid the pressure to conform to norms and expectations, but they lose their community and family in the process. Our choices frequently feel like choosing between the lesser of two evils; we end up fighting against ourselves.

We can’t choose who we are or who we love, but we can choose to understand ourselves and care for the people around us.

The Death Of Third Places In America

‰ Katerina Azpiri explores the concept of third spaces and how their decline has hindered human connections.

By Katerina Azpiri katerina.azpiri001@mymdc.net

The concept of the “third place” was first introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989.

It describes informal gathering spots like cafes, parks and community centers where people form connections.

However, in today’s society, particularly in America, third places are dying.

Social norms now favor privatized leisure, like streaming, online shopping and social media. Businesses, in turn, churn out technology and environments that support those lifestyles. We live in an age where people can get away with not leaving their homes.

Public spaces are also being privatized, furthering the divide between social classes in America.

Parks and open fields are being transformed into gated

communities and high-end stores, making them harder to access for low-income communities thanks to loitering restrictions and inflated processes.

This societal transition is affecting children.

Previously, kids spent time outdoors, socializing with friends, conjuring up games with their imagination.

However, as fewer parents own homes or reside in safe neighborhoods, iPads are increasingly shoved into kids’ hands. That shift is a detriment to emotional intelligence and social skills.

Social media capitalizes on an oversupply of human connection. However, the online connections

we make, such as commenting on posts or the tracking of friends’ activities, lack depth and meaning.

Unlike other countries where streets are extensions of homes, American landscapes prioritize individualism over communal interaction.

When the freedom to roam and engage with strangers is restricted, there’s a problem. Outdoor spaces become places where the primary goal is spending money rather than finding rest and relaxation.

Interestingly enough, this phenomenon also affects the affluent.

Spending time in lavish, personalized home environments like remodeled kitchens or private movie theaters limits spontaneous

interactions with diverse people. While the wealthy may have luxurious relaxation spaces, they often miss out on casual connections that occur in public settings.

The 20th century concept of the nuclear family gained popularity because it was more convenient for companies if people relied solely on one person they lived with to promote company usage and profit.

However, relying on just one person for all your emotional needs is not realistic. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” emphasizes the importance of community support.

People thrive when they’re part of a community. But having only

one intimate partner makes people less skilled at interacting with others.

We need to cultivate empathy. We need to start taking care of each other.

But that doesn’t seem likely for many marginalized people. For example, anti-trans bills are on the rise. Legislation such as this creates scenarios where kids like Nex Benedict get jumped and killed in their school restrooms.

The people around you are important to your everyday life.

It’s critical to treat everyone with care regardless of who they are to create a warm and inviting environment. If not for them, then for you.

ALEXANDER ONTIVEROS / THE REPORTER

Why Multitasking Is More Myth Than Masterclass

‰

Janneth K. Matute

Córdova challenges the social endorsement of multitasking and explains why monotasking is a more effective use of one’s time.

By Janneth K. Matute Córdova jan.matutecordova001@mymdc.net

Ever find yourself switching between your phone, frying pan and coffee machine while preparing your breakfast?

This phenomenon is known as “multitasking.” The word celebrates our ability to simultaneously handle numerous tasks.

However, scientific findings challenge this perception, suggesting that true multitasking is a cognitive illusion; we are merely adept “task switchers,” rapidly navigating between demands like circus seals.

Understanding the pitfalls of multitasking and the advantages of monotasking is key to unlocking our potential for focused, productive and creative work.

Multitasking may seem like a superpower, but scientific

research tells a different story.

A study published by Stanford University in 2009 exposes the fallacy of split focus.

Forty-one participants were divided into two groups: heavy media multitaskers, who frequently consume large volumes of media, and light media multitaskers, who consume smaller quantities of media.

Scientists assessed participants’ working memory—the ability to retain information to perform executive functions—and their potential to successfully switch tasks and filter irrelevant information.

Heavy media multitaskers performed worse on all assignments, suggesting that multitasking impairs cognitive control.

On the other hand, light media multitaskers exhibit a greater ability to concentrate on important information rather than irrelevant stimuli.

Indeed, multitasking drains precious mental resources away, leaving us frazzled and ineffective.

But our juggling acts have consequences.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine in 2014 on the effects of texting and driving—a form of multitasking—concluded that texting adversely affects drivers’ stimulus detection, reaction times and lane positioning.

When our decision-making faculties are blurred, attention flickers like a dying flame and

impulsive choices take the wheel, resulting in missed details and unwanted outcomes.

Switching between tasks quickly may give the illusion of efficiency; however, doing so is more like juggling flaming torches—impressive but risky.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often desire to do many things at once.

However, by dedicating our full attention to individual tasks, we can pour our energy into doing assignments well and avoid feeling overwhelmed, yielding better results.

Although it’s wiser to focus on one task at a time, this doesn’t mean you must become a hermit; it simply means giving each task the full attention it deserves.

Consider tackling that lab report, research paper or household chore with laser focus.

Instead of tackling everything at once, take it one step at a time and invest your undivided attention in every task.

By monotasking, you can turn your work into a masterpiece of focused brilliance rather than a series of completed labors.

Your mind is a clear vessel for deep thinking. As we face the challenges of modern life, we must remember what genuine productivity is.

True mastery lies not in handling multiple tasks simultaneously but in focusing on one thing at a time.

Airbnb Contributing To Affordable Housing Crisis

‰ Temiloluwa Alagbe discusses the rise of Airbnb and why the business has negatively impacted the property market.

By Temiloluwa Alagbe temiloluwa.alagbe001@mymdc.net

Inflation is skyrocketing.

The United States has seen rises in everything, from the cost of eggs to the housing market.

But what about rental properties, especially within the world of Airbnb?

The popular site was founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk. It allows property owners to make money by renting living spaces like houses, condos, apartments and studios for brief periods.

As opposed to the long-term rental industry, where hosts

collect rent on a monthly rate, short-term rentals allow investors to capitalize on people’s willingness to pay for short stays.

Airbnb gained traction once it expanded to Germany in 2011 and achieved a milestone of 10 million bookings in 2012. With the support of investors, business skyrocketed in 2015 and again before the pandemic.

Despite its success, the online platform needed help when COVID-19 struck and lockdowns were instituted.With people stuck indoors, the high supply of available renting spaces caused a drop in sales.

Airbnb rental properties were predicted to fall victim to what experts call an “Airbnb bust.”

Coined by Airbnb host Jim Ewing, the term describes a decrease in sales leading to a “downturn in the short-term rental market.”

After lockdown mandates were lifted, investors anticipated that people’s desire to reunite would compensate for losses in revenue. But it wasn’t. The fear and severity of the pandemic exceeded their expectations. Houses were “sitting empty.”

Ewing voiced his thoughts to TIME in 2022, saying, “We had

anywhere from 70-80% occupancy every month. This year, we’ve had no one in October and we have no one booked for November…so it’s been extremely slow.”

But, the business has been resuscitated in the last two years. As of August 2023, Airbnb had more than 4 million hosts and 6 million active listings.

However, Airbnb has become an inconspicuous rival for people seeking permanent housing.

As investors usurp properties

to profit off short-term renting, less homes are available for longterm renting and mortgaging. And when limited supply meets unlimited demands, prices soar.

To combat this, cities like Miami, New York City and San Francisco have imposed restrictions on Airbnb listings.

Although Airbnb isn’t the sole reason why housing is so expensive, they’ve undoubtedly contributed to the crisis.

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