Read, Download, or Share the Oct 2011 Issue of Horizons!

The latest issue of HCC Horizons hits the stands today, and you can also read it online right here. Please pass it along! Housatonic Horizons October 2011

Continuum 35: Creative Writing

Visit the Continuum website!

Host Brandon T. Bisceglia speaks with Horizons editors Michael Bednarsky and Lovanda Brown, who share their experiences as Co-Editors-in-Chief of HCC's creative writing magazine, Images, and talk about the intersection of journalism and creative writing.

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Stats Update: Horizons Facebook Page Gets Boost

The graph below displays activity on Horizons' Facebook page from May 2, 2010 to today. Since the beginning of the semester, the editors have made an effort to post links and updates more frequently, instead of relying only on in-depth articles for content. There has been a marked increase in user activity over the same period.

What do you think of the content?

May Activities & Events at HCC

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Video: Student Rally to Prevent Cutbacks

By Brandon T. Bisceglia

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

HCC Student and Women's Center employee Kaitlyn Shake delivered a speech at the end of Wednesday's Courtyard Festival thanking students for their support in an ongoing petition to prevent the loss of the college's full-time professors as a result of Connecticut's budget cuts.

The budget, which had been passed the day before by the State Legislature in Hartford, depends upon $2 billion in labor savings which are still under negotiation.

Shake exhorted her fellow students to continue their efforts to protest the potential firing of professors, noting that they would result in reduced services to students and negatively impact the college's accreditation.

Watch the video below:

Scenes from the 2011 Courtyard Festival

It may have rained on the day of HCC's annual Courtyard Festival this year, but that didn't stop the festivities. The Events Center was packed with students, music, and activities.

The spring celebration culminated in a somber moment, as students learned that their petition to prevent cuts to teachers and services at HCC had been extended another week in the hopes that more signatures could be collected and presented to the state legislature.

Students enjoy food and fun in the events center.

Another vote is cast at the Student Senate elections booth.

The band plays on.

Horizons reporters distribute papers while trying to recruit new reporters.

The Horizons chicken dons its balloon hat for the camera.

Student and Women's Center employee Kaitlyn Shake gives the crowd an update on the rally in Hartford April 27.

Students, some wearing shirts that read “Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport,” listen as Shake speaks about the petition.

   

All photographs by Brandon T. Bisceglia.

Read the Summer 2011 Issue Online NOW!

Horizons Summer 2011

Remembering Mothers On Mother’s Day

Her Death May Be Hard To Deal With, But You’ll Get Through It

By Jennifer Claybrook

Opinions Editor

My mother and I (The photo that I use for my memorial).

Photo by Jennifer Claybrook

This will be the third Mother’s Day I will spend without my mom. I try to handle it as best as I can, but sometimes I’m unable to control my feelings and emotions. It hurts beyond belief to know that I will never, for the rest of my life, spend another Mother’s Day with her.

Each year, other motherless children are also reminded of the mother-daughter/mother-son relationships, and it can be very complicated for them.

Just knowing that they can’t shower their mom with gifts or even give her a simple hug to show their appreciation cuts deep.

“When my mother died April 18, 11 years ago, I took it hard because Mother's Day was just a month away. I remember feeling terrible and rather depressed,” Allison Kirk, a mother of one child, said. “I usually feel a lot of emotions on Mother's Day. But honestly speaking, I feel more aggravation than I do anything because I can't converse with her, hug her, or smell her.”

Yannii Scott, a Northampton Community College student, feels similar. “On July 9, my mom will be gone six years and I hate knowing that I'll never see, talk, or feel her again,” she added.

Marquis Bergman, who recently lost his mother, said, “I get emotional. Really emotional, like I’m going into a depressive state. I don’t want to be bothered with anyone or anything. I start to feel like nothing in the world matters at that time because truthfully it doesn’t.”

Around this time of the year, everyone talks about what they’re going to buy their mom, or where they’re going to take her for Mother’s Day, but it can make those who are unable to do those things unhappy.

“I guess everyone whose mom is still alive I'm kind of bitter towards because I feel like my mom was taken too soon and it’s a holiday,” Scott said.

Bergman added, “I cry a lot. It seems like that’s the only way to feel better,”

Some motherless children don’t even bother to celebrate Mother’s Day because they feel as though things have changed since the death of their mom.

“Mother’s Day just isn’t the same. I really just don’t celebrate it,” said Scott.

Mother’s Day may be hard to get through, but it doesn’t have to be a painful memory.

“I feel kind of depressed and sad, but with my son being there I feel great,” Salihah Williams, who lost her mother at a young age, said. “[It] makes me want to show him everything my mother never showed me”

Even though coping with the fact that your mom is not there, there are so many things you can do to lift your spirit and celebrate the life of your mother. These are a few things that I do to honor my mother on Mother’s Day. Hopefully they can work for you.

Think of all the good times you and your mother shared, whether it’s the walks you used to take in the park together, or even the television shows the two of you  used to watch.

For example, I still watch some of my mom’s favorite cooking shows on the Food Network because I remember when she and I would watch them all day on the weekends.

Talking to friends and family members about the life of your mom could also help too. Hearing stories about your mom and looking at her pictures could possibly make you feel a lot better.

“Now that I am older, it helps to look at photos and talk about all the good times we (my mother and I) shared, with family and friends,” Kirk said.

Writing your mother a letter or poem can also help too. This way, no one will know how you are feeling, especially if you aren’t good with expressing it with others.

Every year, I find it very helpful to write letters to my mom, telling her what I’ve been doing and how much I miss her. Before she died, she made me promise to continue with all of my successes and be happy, so writing the things that I’ve done and how I feel makes me feel closer to her.

Having your own memorial session for your mom by lighting a candle near her photo is a simple but great way to honor her. This can be done alone or with others depending on your comfort. I personally light candles near my favorite photo of my mom. I even play some of her favorite songs. It’s like she’s there in spirit, but not physically.

Visiting your mother’s burial site to leave flowers or even to just say you love her is a great way to honor her as well as cheer yourself up.

“My brothers and I get together and go visit her grave,” Bergman said.

Mother’s Day is one of the many holidays that I find hard to deal with without my mom, but over the years I have found ways to make it better. I know that my mom would have wanted me to be happy every day, even on Mother’s Day. So, I cherish all of the memories that we shared together on this special day to remain happy, just how my mom wanted me to be. I know your mom would have wanted the same. You may not be able to see, hug, kiss, or talk to her, but she’s still there watching over you.

Calling All Mothers: Today Is Your Day to Shine

By Dana Souza

Staff Writer

Mother’s Day sign at Hallmark.

Photo by Dana Souza

It comes around once each year in May, and is celebrated by many. That’s right, Mother’s Day is approaching shortly. This year, the day lands on Sunday, May 8.

Mother's Day began in the United States nearly 150 years ago and is a day to honor and express appreciation for mothers everywhere! It usually falls on the second Sunday in May.

In fact, according to Mothers-day@123Holiday.net, did you know that the second Sunday in May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out? Telephone lines record their highest traffic, as sons and daughters take advantage of this day.

There's no particular way to spend the holiday. However, some families have traditions. For example, some families consider cooking mom her favorite dish, or serving her breakfast in bed.

Heart of Roses.

Photo courtesy of Handmadegreetingcards.com

In my family, we enjoy going to brunch, usually one that offers a buffet. One thing that is crucial for my mother is ham! My mom must have her eggs and ham on Mother's Day!

Tayna Etienne, 20, a first-year Nursing major at HCC, celebrates the holiday with a church tradition.

“It is like a family reunion. All my family goes to the same church and we always go to church on Mother’s Day!” she said. “Mother’s Day is a day to show appreciation and to recognize mothers for all the hard work they do. This year I am going to treat my mother and aunt to get their hair and nails done in Manhattan, and possibly buy them a new outfit.”

Why go all the way to Manhattan for hair and nails? Manhattan is home for Tanya who commutes from Manhattan to Bridgeport every day for work and school.

Some families plan the entire day out with church, activities and traditions. As for others, a lovely card or sweet phone call is just enough.

Carolyna Zarate, General Studies major at HCC, will be calling her mother who lives in Florida, and will most likely send her a card.

A wide variety of Mother’s Day cards to choose from at Hallmark.

Photo by Dana Souza

"My family doesn't have any traditions.  [We] basically treat my mom like a queen and take her out for dinner and shopping," said Zarate. "Last year I took my mom out to lunch, then we got our nails done and at night my brother came down from New Jersey. We [then] had a family dinner in which my brother and I cooked.”

Mother’s Day is extra special to Javon St. Clair, 25, who is also a General Studies major at HCC. “I celebrate Mother’s Day with my mother, grandmother and aunt. Even though my grandmother and aunt didn’t give birth to me, they played just as important of a role as my mother did,” he said.

This year Javon plans to bring his mom to church. “She’ll love that. Last year I invited her to my church, she cried, she really enjoyed it though,” he said. “I plan on surprising my grandmother and aunt with dinner at a restaurant--on me.”

Javon is very passionate about celebrating Mother’s Day. Some people are not too sure what day the holiday falls on, but Javon knew exactly the day.

So what if you haven't gotten your mother a gift yet? No worries! As many of us put things off until the last minute, there are lots of gifts we procrastinators can buy, even up until the actual day!

One of the best things during this holiday are the specials. There are countless amounts of companies discounting and setting special prices for the occasion.

Yankee Candles
Photo by Dana Souza

Yankee Candle has a Mother’s Day sale. It offers a 50 percent discount when you buy any large jar or tumbler candle. Macy’s has Mother’s Day designer fragrance sets on sale, and Edible Arrangements has dozens of assorted fruit-filled arrangements; they offer everything from dipped white or dark chocolate strawberries to arrangements with balloons, teddy bears, and personal notes.

Bobbi Brown, 21, and a Journalism major at HCC, shops at Walmart for her Mother’s Day gifts. “My mother loves flowers and loves the color purple. Walmart always has a flower section with purple flowers and the prices are low.”

If you are looking for the perfect card, personally I feel that being creative and hand making one is the best way to go! However, if you aren’t into that, CVS Pharmacy and Hallmark have a wide variety of amazing heart touching cards and the prices are affordable on any budget.

Hallmark offers many Mother’s Day gifts with great prices. It is the first place on my list when I am shopping for gifts, especially Mother’s Day. They even wrap the gifts and put them in gift boxes for your convenience!

Many restaurants have dining specials as well. Marisa’s Restaurant of Trumbull, Ruby Tuesdays, Outback Steakhouse, and many more, all offer Mother’s Day specials.

According to Mothers-day@123holiday.net, the top ten gifts include flowers, trip to the spa, perfume, jewelry, candles, diamonds, chocolate, gift baskets and gourmet gifts.

It’s never too late to shop for gifts. Most of the Mother’s Day specials and promotions don’t end until the actual day, which is great for last-minute shoppers. As Mother’s Day is only days away, make your mother or loved one know they are special to you. It’s never too late to show appreciation.

It's Festival Time at HCC!

By Myranda Sinkler

Staff Writer

HCC is holding its 11th annual Courtyard Festival once again! The courtyard will come alive with live bands, games, and food. The festival is made possible by Graphic Design Professor John Favret and its sponsor, The Center for the Arts Committee.

When Favret came to HCC twelve years ago, he discovered that we needed to become more knowledgeable in the arts. He came up with the idea to not only get students to celebrate the end of the semester, but celebrate the art that’s all around them.

“The festival was created to focus on the arts and try to bring forth anything forth that will be relevant to students,” says Favret, coordinator of the Arts Program.

Last year the festival was held on May 5, so the theme was Cinco De Mayo. There was a mariachi band and a mechanical bull. However, there is no theme this year.

However, don’t let that deter you from joining the festivities. There are many things to do this year!

There will be a rock climbing wall, Stretch the Clown making unusual things out of balloons, paper mache rooster fights, and much more.

There will be tropical ice cream from El Coquito, pizza, and tacos from Taco Loco. There will two forms of musical entertainment, a reggae band and a house band. There will be artists featured: a print maker, a sidewalk artist, and a glass artist who will be using a torch to make bugs out of glass.The Graphic Design Club will be making wanted posters, and everyone will get a Spin Art Frisbee as a parting gift.

The festival is being held May 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the courtyard. All students are encouraged to attend, as well as anyone else who wants to join the celebration. This festival is a great way to start your summer vacation and support the art community.

Upcoming Event: Green Fair 2011

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Sign the HCC Student Petition!

By Brandon T. Bisceglia

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Less than two years ago, HCC suffered the loss of many of its full-time faculty and staff, some of which have not been replaced. In the same time, enrollment has grown by thousands of students.

Adjunct professors, despite being highly qualified as teachers, cannot serve on committees or provide essential advising and other services for students. Further reductions in full-time employee positions could potentially reduce office hours, decimate school programs, and even threaten the college's accreditation.

As a part of ongoing budget negotiations at the State Capitol, several proposals are being considered that could result in layoffs of large portions of the college's full-time faculty and staff. Alternatively, some professors could be reclassified under state rules as "managers" in order to strip them of the collective bargaining rights they currently have under the various state workers unions and teachers associations.

Horizons, in conjunction with the Women's Center and other student organizations, is committed to protecting the core assets of HCC. Students who share these concerns are encouraged to sign the online petition here. The text of the petition says:

"We, the students of Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT, demand that the faculty and staff retain full collective bargaining rights, and that no full-time professors be laid off as a result of the upcoming state budget negotiations.

"The ratio of Housatonic Community College full-time faculty to students is already dangerously low, and students are losing vital services.

"We urge you to sign this petition to preserve the integrity of our college. It will be presented to the Connecticut State Legislature on Wednesday, April 27, 2011."

The Student Senate is also sponsoring a trip to Hartford on April 25 for a rally regarding the impacts of the proposed budgetary changes, and to testify before members of the Connecticut State Legislature. Students interested in participating can sign up for the trip in the Student Life Office, located in room BH-317 on the third floor of Beacon Hall.

Read Horizons, Issue 2 Online Now!

Final Horizons Issue 2

Laser Golf Comes to HCC

By Brandon T. Bisceglia

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

On April 6, the Student Senate sponsored an event which brought laser golf to the Events Center in Beacon Hall. Proceeds from the event went to the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, which helps incoming students pay for classes at HCC.

The flourescent-colored "golf course" spanned the Events Center. Blacklights and pop music accompanied the students as they played.

Photograph by Brandon T. Bisceglia

HCC alum Kevin Green readies his stance for the next shot.

Photograph by Brandon T. Bisceglia

Upcoming Event: STOMP

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Beacon Hall Evacuated After False Alarm

By Brandon T. Bisceglia

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Students mill about outside Beacon Hall on Monday morning, waiting for security to allow them back inside.

Photo by Brandon T. Bisceglia

The fire alarms in Beacon Hall were activated three times on Monday morning, leading to an evacuation of the building.

The cause of the alarms, which began at approximately 10:40 a.m., was not immediately known. Director of Security Christopher Gough said his department was investigating.

The high-pitched buzzing and flashing strobes of the alarms interrupted classes. Students, professors and staff members poured out of the building into the courtyard and other areas near the entrances.

After about ten minutes, people were allowed to reenter Beacon Hall.

The first time that the alarms were activated, they lasted only a minute before being abruptly halted. This caused confusion among some students and teachers.

"We were about to leave when it stopped," said Adriana Cedeño, a Criminal Justice major at HCC who was in the middle of her Criminology class at the time. "Since it went off, we sat back down. We didn't leave until the third one."

Some were critical of the disorderly way in which the evacuation was handled.

Theater Arts major and Student Life employee Theresa Giorgio was working in the Wellness Center at the time.

"When the alarm went off, the students tried to grab their stuff from their lockers," she said. "I think we're all old enough to know we're supposed to leave if there might be a fire."

Director of Student Activities Linda Bayusik was also disappointed at the slow reaction to the alarm.

"There were students playing table tennis in the Game Room, so I told them to leave. They hadn't noticed. Then I went to the TV Room and the lounge [on the third floor], and found people there, too," she said.

"You cannot treat the alarm as a joke," she added.

Horizons will bring you updates on the alarm and the handling of school emergencies in upcoming issues.

Upcoming Trip: Metropolitan Museum of Art

On Saturday, April 9, the Photography Club is sponsoring a bus trip to the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art. The cost is $10 for HCC students and $15 for non-students. For more information or to sign up for the trip visit the Student Activities Office in room 317 of Beacon Hall, third floor.

Upcoming Event: Laser Mini-Golf

It's spring, but the weather says otherwise.

So on Wednesday, April 6, the HCC Student Senate is sponsoring Laser Mini-Golf, in the Beacon Hall Events Center (room 214) from 6 - 9 p.m., to "beat the long-winter blues." They will be accepting donations of $3 per round of golf, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the HCC Pay-It-Forward Scholarship -- created to ease a student's financial burden for one academic year and available each year to an entering freshman.

Are You Ready for Early Registration?

Early registration for the Summer and Fall 2011 semesters begins Monday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. See your advisor--Register early!

The Academic Advising Center is located on the first floor of Lafayette Hall, room A111, and has five full-time counselors available to students by appointment, as well as two full-time academic advisors available on a walk-in basis.

Remember, there is a protocol students are expected to follow when seeking advisement, which includes organizing degree materials and proactively tracking your progress. Keep your materials organized in a folder and review this information regularly.

Director of Academic Advising Mary Clark suggests the following tools to guide you: a copy of your degree requirements, the college catalog from your first year, your faculty advisor's contact information, and the ability to log onto myCommNet to search for course availability and online registration.

“Essential to successful degree completion and graduation is planning," advised Clark. "All students need to begin thinking about graduation from the first day of enrollment."

With reporting by Tori Centopanti, Editor-in-Chief

Upcoming Events: April

Upcoming Event: Women Leap Hurdles

Sponsored by the HCC Women's Center, "Women Leap Hurdles" is an inspirational talk by guest speaker Janet Luongo--certified holistic health counselor, educator, speaker, author, artist, TV producer, and coach.

Those who attend the event will receive a free 30 minute consult with Luongo.

The event takes place Thursday, March 31 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Beacon Hall Events Center (second floor, room 214).

Read Our Latest Issue of Horizons BEFORE the Print Issue Hits the Stands!

Download, view, or share the full text of our latest issue below.
Horizons Issue 1 Spring 11

Upcoming Event: Community Job Fair

HCC will be hosting its 15th annual Community Job Fair in the Events Center on the second floor of Beacon Hall on Mar. 16. It's free and open to the public. Students looking for jobs are encouraged to attend.

Access Our Special Supplement Right Here!

You've probably seen copies around campus. Now you can view (including full screen view), print, download, or share the special supplement through Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail right here!

Horizons Special Supplement Spring 11

Annual Law Enforcement Job Fair (Press Release)

HOUSATONIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE’s

3rd ANNUAL

LAW ENFORCEMENT JOB FAIR

The Criminal Justice Department at Housatonic Community College would like to invite area law enforcement agencies to participate in HCC’s annual Law Enforcement Job Fair.

You will have an opportunity to connect with diversified and viable candidates from local area colleges as well as with the general public. 

Even if your department is not hiring at this time, please come to talk about and hand out information about employment with your law enforcement agency.  Your department will have an opportunity to provide this information to qualified individuals who are considering a career in law enforcement.

DATE:               Wednesday, March 23, 2011

LOCATION:      Housatonic Community College, Events Room BH-214

TIME:                 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

-No registration fee

-Set-up time begins at 8:30 am

-Criminal Justice Club members will provide assistance with set-ups

-Reserved parking on 5^th floor of campus garage (Mauve 5 South)

-Refreshments / beverages will be provided

If you are interested in participating in the Job Fair, contact Professor Joanne Anzenberger at janzenberger@hcc.commnet.edu, or at (203) 332-5212 no later than March 18, 2011.

Please provide the following information in your email:

-Number of tables required

-Number of recruiters who will attend

-Special needs (outlets, easels, flip charts, etc)

Joanne Anzenberger, M.S.

Professor of Criminal Justice and American Government

Office:  (203) 332-5212

Cell Phone: (203) 253-3973

Student Senate Releases, Debates Budget Estimate

By Brandon T. Bisceglia

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

The Finance Committee of the Student Senate released its budget estimate at its Feb. 24 meeting.

Questions promptly arose as to the accuracy of the estimate.

After accounting for itemized deductions, the report listed a balance from the Student Activity Fund (SAF) of $46,083.89. The SAF is maintained by a fee that every student at HCC pays as part of enrollment, and is disbursed by the Student Senate for clubs, events, and other expenses (Horizons is also funded through the SAF).

Co-Treasurer J.P. Keleman disagreed with that number. He said the actual cash-on-hand was $23,613.62 based on a report he had received from the Business Office on Feb. 4.

Mazurek said he knew the number might not be exactly correct, because it was based partly on projected enrollment for Spring 2011. But he was surprised that the difference was so large.

"I will be following up with [the Business Office] tomorrow to find out exactly what the balance of cash is for us going forward," he said.

Read Horizons for more details on the Feb. 24 meeting of the Student Senate and lots of other news related to HCC.

(Click on image below for larger view.)

Upcoming Event: International Women's Day 100th Anniversary

On Mar. 8, 2011 HCC's Women's Center is celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, a yearly event recognizing the "economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future."

(Click on the images below for a larger view.)
 
Events at HCC:
 

About International Women's Day:

HCC Takes Action Against Budget Cuts

By Tori Centopanti

Editor-in-Chief

On Monday, February 28, the HCC Student Senate will be sponsoring a bus trip to go to the Appropriations Committee meeting in Hartford in regards to state budget cuts to community colleges.

Anyone interested in going should contact the Student Life Office, located on the third floor of Beacon Hall, room 317. Students can make their own transportation arrangements, but those planning on taking the bus are required to meet in front of Lafayette Hall by 2:45 p.m.

The following statement was released by Student Senate President Konrad Mazurek:

Weigh in on the Multi Million Dollar Educational Budget Cuts in Connecticut

Attention: If you are currently employed in a position renumerated from federal funds (Student Labor/Work Study) make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN to check your rights and responsibilities regarding political activism as detailed in the Hatch Act.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen:

The Housatonic Community College Student Senate will be providing transportation to the Appropriation Committee's Public Hearing taking place in Hartford this coming Monday, February 28, in order to give the student body an opportunity to voice their opinions on the budget cuts proposed by Governor Dannel Malloy.

A considerable part of balancing the spending in our state will be focused on cutting funding to the state-funded community colleges, whose budgets have been frozen since 2009. The planned changes mark a decrease of more than $12 million dollars in annual funding and fall $24 million short of the money requested for operating our schools.

These cuts are also to happen on the request of a governor who during his recent campaign trail emphasized the difference which education made in his life and his commitment to providing the same opportunity to others.

How does this affect you? If the budget goes live in its current state you are likely to see the following in the next 12 months.

• Increased tuition and fees 
• Cuts in courses, programs, and services 
• Less student labor hours
• Less full-time faculty
• Less scholarship assistance availability for individuals

We will be departing from HCC around 2:45 P.M. and remain in Hartford until later that evening. Please contact me at Kmazurek@gmail.com if you would like to join us, or have any questions, comments, or concerns.

I am looking forward to hearing from and joining all of you in Hartford.

Sincerely;

Konrad Mazurek

HCC Student Senate, President

P.S. I am including the names and contact info of our local representatives. Please let them know how you feel about these funding changes. Your letters can be a page or a paragraph long, what counts is showing your opinion!

Horizons staff will continuously update as more information is released. Please check back for updates!

Malloy's Budget Elicits Ire from Community College Students

By Brandon T. Bisceglia

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

If Governor Dan Malloy’s proposed budget for next year passes the Connecticut State Legislature, it will reduce funding for the state’s 12 community colleges from $158,282,029 to $149,130,964 – a drop of almost $10 million. His proposal for the year after that would cut another $3.5 million.

The community colleges have already seen minor reductions in funding over the past four years, at the same time that the colleges have been experiencing unprecedented increases in enrollment and pressures to expand their services.

The easiest way for the colleges to make up for lost state revenues is to increase enrollment costs and other fees that students pay.

The Student Government Association of Gateway Community College has issued the below statement urging students at all the community colleges to contact the appropriate legislators and express their dissatisfaction over these budget cuts. HCC’s Student Senate has also come out strongly against the cuts, and plans to issue its own initiatives in the coming days.

My Balancing Act

By Charlene Cabral

Staff Writer

Me and my daughter Camille

Photo by Charlene Cabral

As challenging as being a single working mom getting an education may be, the end result is completely worth all of the sacrifices.

On September 22, 2007 at 9:58 p.m., I was blessed with the greatest gift ever known. For ten months I awaited her arrival, and like her father, she kept me waiting.

For the last two months of my agonizing wait I got to know her in such an intimate way. Never did I build a bond with anyone as I did with her in those two months. Every turn, every poke, every kick was hers and mine alone. She would let me know when she felt my hand over her, having long deep conversations with each other.

So on that warm September night when she finally blessed me with her appearance, I knew that all I wanted to do was make sure that all of Camille’s dreams could come true.

When I was twelve years old, my eighteen year old aunt was granted a full scholarship to college, the first in my family to go on to college. Three months later she found out she was pregnant.

As devastating as the news initially was, my aunt did not let it deter her. She took her year off from school to have my cousin, but the very next semester she went right back to school. I am proud to say that she went on to receive her master’s in sociology and is now a high level administrator for the Department of Children and Families here in Bridgeport. It was hard for her to do it alone, but she persevered. I know that sounds so romantic, and every word of it is true, but I live in reality. As much as I want to do everything for my daughter, I know that I need two key factors to make it all happen: money and wits.

For the past three years I have tried to figure out how to provide my daughter with the love, guidance, support, and food that she needs. I can live as a starving artist, but I don’t think my Cami can appreciate mommy’s dedication to her craft. So as of recently I have subscribed to the “single-working-mom-trying-to-get-her-degree” lifestyle. I have to admit, it is quite the challenge.

I have to say the biggest challenge that I am facing right now would be the lack of sleep. As of now I work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then I am at school until 10 p.m. The only time my daughter sees me is in the morning when I’m getting us ready for our day.

There are days when I wake up and I just want to sleep in and spend the rest of my day with my daughter. As much as I want to, I still get up and go through the motions because I know the end result will benefit the two of us.

“What about your social life?” My answer to that is, what social life?

I have learned that there are some sacrifices that you just have to make, and having a social life is one of them for me. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a complete hermit. I do make it out at least once a month. The rest of the time is spent either with my daughter or studying, it’s a choice that I made and one I am willing to live with. If my aunt could do it, I sure can as well.

My aunt is my inspiration. She is proof that it is possible. Don’t get me wrong, as “glamorous” as it may look on paper, to say I am a working a 40 hour job and going to school, there are times when I just want to give up. Times when I have an essay, a midterm, and a group project all due on the same day, and the night before my little princess in running a fever. Never mind the demands of a job as well.

As discouraging as it can get sometimes, and trust it has, all I have to do is look at that spunky little girl, and I remember why it is all worth it.