The Vignette ~ Spring 2024 ~ Issue 1: April 25, 2024

Issue 1

• Thursday, April 25, 2024 • Volume 67

Follow us on Social Media!

Photo by Hailey Layug

For Business & Advertising Inquires Email us at nccvignette.ads@gmail.com

April 25, 2024

HAPPENINGS

2

Feeding Frenzy: Campus Dining Closures Sparks Collective Action

By Shayna Cristy - Mendez Arts & Entertainment Editor Alexus Heiserman Features Editor Nassau Community College's food service facilities abruptly shut down on Tuesday, April 16th, catching students by surprise. Many students learned of the closure through an email sent late Saturday night, while others only found out the next morning through word of mouth. The closure affected popular spots like the Eatery, the Market Place, and the Starbucks (a favorite hangout among students).

According to an anonymous source, Starbucks employees were blindsided by the closure, finding out about their dismissal at the same time as other students, which left them scrambling to secure new job opportunities.

"It just feels so inconsiderate to the employees," the source told the Vignette.

Multiple students have expressed frustration with how the situation was handled by the school.

A significant number of the employees are also students, relying on their income to cover tuition expenses. Some employees even use their earnings to support their families; The sudden closure has left these individuals in a precarious situation, unsure of how to manage their financial responsibilities.

In the immediate after effects, many of the employees affected by the closures are rushing to find new jobs — unable to wait until the school comes to an arrangement with a different vendor.

With the closing of the dining facilities the campus faces a critical challenge in providing sufficient resources to meet the needs of its students. While it has been suggested that students can rely on the vending machines for food, this solution falls short.

Many students feel that the school's response to their concerns has been inadequate. Among the students we spoke to, there seems to be a wariness regarding the school’s commitment to finding a long term solution.

Photo by Hailey Layug The vending machines do not offer fresh meals and lack enough healthy options, leaving students pondering their options, like chips and juice for breakfast. These machines also suffer from being poorly stocked or not being functional. Therefore not being reliable options for anyone on campus.

“Half the time, the vending machines aren’t even stocked,” an anonymous source told the Vignette.

An alternate option to address this pressing issue (not mentioned in the initial email about the closing of the campus dining services) is the NEST at NCC. The NEST is a non-profit organization at NCC which aims to fight food insecurity within the lives of students, employees and their families, by providing food and other essentials to the campus community for free.

However the NEST has its own challenges to face. While providing for many who suffer from food insecurity, the NEST mainly offers shelf stable food options, leaving students still unable to access fresh and nutritious food. Along with limited funding the organization now has to balance the escalating need for its services.

To combat this, the Make A Difference Club has kicked off a bake sale for the NEST to raise funds. The NEST is needed now more than ever as the campus community deals with the repercussions of the dining closures.

In response to the intensifying need for answers and support with this issue the Student Government Association (SGA) has stepped up, showcasing their proactive leadership.

Photo by Hailey Layug

Photo by Hailey Layug

HAPPENINGS SGA President Nathan Cheong sat down in an interview with the Vignette shortly after the announcement of the dining facilities being closed.

He emphasized, “Because SGA is the form of functional leadership for students, we did take responsibility in locating student vendors that would assist in the mean time.” demonstrating a proactive approach to the pressing needs of the campus.

For students that need food services on campus or would like to volunteer there we have the The NEST at Nassau Community College, Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, The INN and if more information is needed the website is https://www.ncc.edu/campusservices/health_se rvices/resources.shtml

The SGA also initiated efforts to provide immediate relief to students. They assembled sandwiches and provided drinks and snacks, distributing them for free to ease the sudden impact of the abrupt closings. This initiative provided a swift response to the food issue and demonstrated solidarity and support from the student government.

Surrounded by confusion from the abrupt closure of the dining facilities, SGA recognized a need for transparency and created a petition. The petition voiced the concerns and frustrations of the students who were left with more questions than answers, and it aimed to get a response from the NCC administration.

President Nathan emphasized the importance of collective action, stating during these times, “students will have to look out for themsleves and look out for one another.” In the face of these unprecedented challenges, NCC will need to move forward rooted in solidarity and mutual support.

As of April 17th, the situation is still unfolding, with the school actively exploring temporary food service options like food trucks and outside catering to lessen the impact for the remainder of the semester.

Another mass email was sent out at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, reassuring students that solutions are being actively pursued.

Students are left to handle this dilemma: how do they maintain their well being and academic capabilities in the face of inadequate access to food on campus? Addressing the issue requires urgent attention and solutions to ensure that students have reliable food options available to them at all times.

Moving forward, anticipating and addressing student needs with timely solutions and open communication will enhance the student experience on campus and lead to a positive campus environment.

3

Photo by Hailey Layug

Photo by Joshua Watson

Photo by Hailey Layug Photo by Fatima Chavez

Photo by Fatima Chavez

Photo by Fatima Chavez

April 25, 2024

EDITORIAL BOARD Chris Jean Editor-In-Chief Joshua Watson Managing Editor Azmain Mugdha News Editor Shanice Brown Advertising/Business Manager Hailey Layug Photography Editor Alexus Heiserman

Features Editor/Design & Production Manager

Shayna Mendez

Arts & Entertainment Editor/Staff Writer

Fatima Chavez Social Media Manager Photographer/Reporter

STAFF Latrelle Eatman Cartoonist

FACULTY ADVISOR Maudelyne Maxineau

The Vignette is the official student newspaper and student voice of Nassau Community College. It is published throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Membership is open to all NCC students. The Vignette welcomes letters to the editor as well as Opinions articles. Letters should be limietd to 350 words. Opinions essays should be limited to 700 words. Letters and Opinions pieces must be signed and contain the author’s telephone number or campus extension. The newspaper will withhold names on request. The editorial board reserves the right to edit stories or letters for clarity and length. Views expressed in letters and Opinions essays do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board The Vignette accepts classified and display advertisements from campus and off-campus advertisers. Publication of ads in the newspaper does not imply endorsement of products or services.

Address: Vignette Nassau Community College College Center Building, Rm. 347 Garden City, NY 11530 Telephone: (516) 222-7071 nccvignette@gmail.com thevignetteatncc.com

EDITORIAL

4

Meet the New Editor-In-Chief

Greetings to all, reading the resurrection of the Vignette, I’d like to first start by saying thank you for keeping us cherished in your hearts. I speak for all the Vignette family when I say this, without our dedicated audience, we wouldn't be able to continue providing the most accurate news at Nassau Community College.

Now, a little about myself; My name is Christopher Jean, this is my second semester at Nassau; planning to graduate in Early Spring 2026. I’ve had no prior experience with news editing, however, I am a natural-born, fearless leader. When I was offered this position, I was caught a bit off guard, nevertheless, I did not back down. It was not easy bringing back this beloved paper, through trials & tribulation, we are eccentric to release our first issue after being dormant for two years. With a young core, we are adamant on providing a voice for the students. We strive on being the most accurate news source for Nassau Community College for the long run.

Stamp out silence!

Write a letter to The Editor!

The Vignette supports the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. You Should Too!

April 25, 2024

NEWS

5

Pride Club Hosts Successful Drag Show to Promote Diversity

By Joshua Watson Managing Editor/Vice President Nassau Community College's School Pride Club recently organized a vibrant drag show event, aiming to create a safe and inclusive space for students to express their identities and promote diversity within the school community.

Inspired by a desire to showcase the club's support for LGBTQIA+ students and allies, the event featured student performers and outside artists, showing students that they have people here to support them and show them that they belong.

In an interview with President Sebastian Romero, he shared his motivations behind hosting the drag show, emphasizing the importance of providing a platform for students to shine and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their background or identity. By organizing the event, the Pride Club aimed to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and highlight the significance of inclusive events like drag shows in building a supportive community.

Photo by Joshua Watson Photo by Joshua Watson

Looking ahead, the Pride Club envisions hosting more drag shows and queer-friendly events in the future, further contributing to the creation of an inclusive and accepting school environment. By building upon the success of the drag show, the club aims to continue providing opportunities for students to express themselves and raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues within the school community.

Photo by Joshua Watson

Seeing the dedication, time, and effort he poured into orchestrating this event truly highlights the club's importance to him and his steadfast commitment to offering a sense of peace and belonging to those in need.

Photo by Joshua Watson

Caribbean Club Hosts Successful Dominoes Tournament

By Joshua Watson Managing Editor/VP The Caribbean Club at Nassau Community College (NCC) recently organized a vibrant and successful dominoes tournament, drawing enthusiastic participation from students across the campus. Inspired by the positive response received during the activities fair, where a small dominoes game garnered significant interest, the club's executive board saw an opportunity to showcase Caribbean culture while fostering community engagement. Planning the event marked a new experience for the organizers, who navigated challenges such as securing a suitable venue and coordinating logistics to ensure a seamless experience for participants.

Despite initial setbacks in securing the desired glass atrium for the event, the organizers adapted and optimized the available space to create an inviting atmosphere. Domino's pizza

was chosen as the main refreshment, complementing the lively ambiance of the tournament. Additionally, awards in the form of chocolate bunnies added a festive touch, tying in with the Easter theme of the event. The turnout exceeded expectations, with the venue quickly reaching capacity and necessitating additional ventilation to accommodate the enthusiastic crowd.

Photo by Joshua Watson

Photo by Joshua Watson

Photo by Joshua Watson

April 25, 2024

INFO Illustration by Nathan Cheong

6

April 25, 2024

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

7

Student Art Exhibition 2024

By Shayna Cristy - Mendez Arts & Entertainment Editor At the center of campus, on the main plaza, sits an unassuming monolith to student creativity. The Plaza Art gallery is only 2,550 square feet, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in ambience. Strolling along the sundrenched wooden floors, it’s easy to lose yourself in the curated world the gallery offers. From April 8th to May 10th, the gallery is showcasing an eclectic mix of paintings, ceramic work, photography, and more. Everything on display is submitted by students — and there’s much to take in.

When I stop by on a Thursday afternoon, the sun is seeping through the six foot windows, casting shadows across the floor.

The space feels like something you could stumble upon while running around Soho or Tribeca; it has a hidden gem quality to it that simultaneously feels aloof and welcoming.

As I make my way to the reception desk towards the back of the room, I’m greeted by pristine white walls adorned with paintings and sketches. Strokes of vibrant oil paint and moody charcoal follow close behind. There’s also pedestals that house intricate works of ceramic. I pass by a piece of pottery made to look like a coral reef; it’s glassy exterior is twinkling against the backdrop of the settingsun — and I can’t help but marvel its details.

I’m greeted by an Art Student working the desk. I’m both surprised and sad to see that, besides from us, the exhibit is mostly empty.

We exchange names and chat. He tells me about some of the pieces on display and how the gallery is always churning out new events. Some of the pieces, I’m told, are even up for sale through direct contact with the artists.

“Do you have any favorite pieces?” I ask.

He grins, grabbing a Walking List from the desk. Marking the page, he circles a couple of numbers, underlining the names of the Artists, before stopping abruptly.

“There’s one piece I really love,” He says. “but I can’t remember what number it is.”

I ask if he remembers where it is, which makes him perk back up. On reflex, he ushers me to the spot, leading me through a path of still life’s. We stop in front of a series of —

Photo by Joshua Watson photographs. The photos, which look like they were shot in rapid succession, are of a recent protest.

“It’s a great piece of documentary storytelling,” he remarks.

We stare at it for a while. The photos capture the chaotic frenzied feel of hope. Or, more exactly, what it feels like to hope for a better future while living in a broken world.

In some ways, the protest photos — and all the pieces in the exhibit — are the culmination of the student experience. That it is to say, they’re an example of what it means to hope, live, create, and survive as a young person.

After all, who of us has not dreamed of a better future while trying to navigate through a broken world? Isn’t that why we’re in college? And maybe, that’s the power of the Student Exhibition; It provides a place to dream, share different perspectives, and foster connection without the added cost of a dreaded entry fee.

In some ways, the protest photos — and all the pieces in the exhibit — are the culmination of the student experience. That it is to say, they’re an example of what it means to hope, live, create, and survive as a young person.

After all, who of us has not dreamed of a better future while trying to navigate through a broken world? Isn’t that why we’re in college?

And maybe, that’s the power of the Student Exhibition; It provides a place to dream, share different perspectives, and foster connection

without the added cost of a dreaded entry fee.

All events held in the Plaza Art Gallery are free and open to the public; From what I’ve seen of the Student Exhibition, the events are also worth checking out. So, if you haven’t gotten the chance already, maybe take a peak.

Wander around. Get lost in the ambience.

After all, what have you got to lose, besides from a new experience?

Photo by Hailey Layug

PHOTOS Breakers Club: 3X3 Collegiate Jam

Day of Service

Photo by Hailey Layug

Photo by Layug Photo byHailey Hailey Layug

Photo by Hailey Layug

Multicultural Fair

Photo by Hailey Layug

Photo by Hailey Layug

Photo by Hailey Layug

Photo by Joshua Watson

Photo by Hailey Layug

April 25, 2024

EVENTS

9

NCC’s Sexual Harassment Awareness Week

By Alexus Heiserman Features Editor/Design & Production Nassau Community College recently wrapped up its Sexual Harassment Awareness Week, creating a platform to break biases, ignite conversations, and take steps to create a safer future for all.

This annual event aims to be a reminder that sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender and emphasizes the importance of support, prevention, and education. Facilitating a platform for a dialogue to address the impact of sexual assault on our campus and beyond is extremely important. NCC’s own Stephanie Herrera was inspired to organize this year's event.

Photo Courtesy of SUNY Cortland

Stephanie Herrera, a passionate advocate for Nassau Community College and its diverse student body commended attendees for their showcase of unity and support shown throughout the events. She attributed much of the event's success to the dedication and guidance of Professor Judith Steinhart in the Health Studies Program.

They collaborated with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee to reach out to past speakers and amplify the voices of the unheard. Crafting a series of events that would be appreciated by the campus community and resonate with sexual assault survivors.

This event featured a past speaker, Kyle Richard. Richard recounted his story, he was the football captain at his college, and in 2017 he stopped an attack on a young woman.

He was attending a party in Long Island when he heard screaming from the bathroom.

He was able to break down the door and separate the victim and the attacker.

Confronting the attacker he was shot twice in the legs. Amazingly he was able to heal in time to play in the fall season. The decisive action he took not only prevented further harm but also inspired others to refuse to be bystanders and intervene in similar situations.

This year Sexual Harassment Awareness Week held a powerful event focusing on male-identifying mental health issues. One of the key objectives was to shred biases on the nature of sexual assault.

Emphasizing the importance of dismantling the idea that these issues only affect women and children. Breaking stereotypes surrounding masculinity and mental health, the event provided a platform for men to openly discuss their struggles and seek assistance without fear of judgment.

Richard is now the associate director of mens engagement for ItsOnUs.org, which is the nation’s largest college based sexual assault prevention group. His story captivated the audience. The athletes at our institution were touched and inspired to be upstanding people and to protect others.

Throughout the session people were able to connect with Richard and one another. The response to Sexual Harassment Awareness Week was overwhelmingly positive, with students and faculty expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage in such important topics.

Although the week of awareness is now over, the campus still encourages all individuals to continue the conversations, support survivors and take steps towards building a society that is free from harassment and violence.

Through interactive discussion and activities it is hoped through these events that attendees will build connections and by working together we can build a future where everyone feels safe and empowered.

For more information about Kyle Richard and his organization go to https://www.ItsOnUs.org For more information and resources on please visit https://www.response.suny.edu

3 Point Contest

By Fatima Chavez Photographer/Reporter Tuesday, April 9th, basketball enthusiasts participated in the 3 Point Contest that took place in PE Complex. The competition brought in an eclectic mix of students who were eager to show off their skills. Among the participants was one student, Japhir Ramjohn, who was determined to represent women’s basketball.

When asked why she decided to participate she said, “I saw that there was no girl’s representation and I wanted to show support.” She later mentioned, with a laugh, that she also wanted to have some fun and show school spirit.

Photo by Hailey Layug

The Lions Were Roaring!!!

Photo by Fatima Chavez Photo by Fatima Chavez

Photo by Fatima Chavez

Photo by Fatima Chavez

Photo by Mathew Salamay

Soccer Tournament

By Fatima Chavez Photographer/Reporter

Photo by Hailey Layug

Thursday, April 18th, the Accounting Society, Entrepreneurship Club, Make a Difference Club, and Marketing Club worked together to host a Soccer Tournament at the PE complex. To participate students needed teams of 5. The prize was a meal at a restaurant of the winners’ choice up to $40 per person. The winners were TEAM HAITI! GO TEAM HAITI! This event’s main goal was to empower students to network through fun activities. When asked about the tournament, Lucas Aponte, the President of the Accounting Society said, “This [event] fulfills our mission statement as clubs to bring a positive impact to campus life at Nassau Community College, beyond just business-related events.”