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Moms-To-Be Juggle Works, Books And Bonnets

January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Natia Tukhareli

On a Monday night, sitting in his Brooklyn office leaning back in an office chair, Doctor Andrew L. DeFazio specializing in gynecology took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He seemed to be mentally skimming through his pregnant patient files with a serious face. “I try to see what their family structure is like, a lot of times they will have a family member or a friend with them,” said DeFazio. Additionally, he pays attention to his patients’ marital status because 10% of them are single.

Angela Yoctor, who attends Kings Borough Community College and works full time at Daffy’s said, “Struggling through five classes and working full time is hard, but getting close to my due date and realizing I will be a mother is a lot to juggle.” With her due date approaching quickly, she is very anxious to have her baby, but her studies will have to be put on hold for at least a semester. “I am saving up as much as I can and am working overtime in order to provide for my child, but my grades have dropped significantly.”

Expecting parents are struggling to simultaneously cope with the combined stress of pregnancy, school and work, all of which are important in different ways.

Sitting in Starbucks while sipping water, Alla Saple, a senior at Hunter College said, “I’m not trying to make excuses for myself, but only those pregnant will understand how hard it actually is to carry a human being inside your body while concentrating on school work.” Mothers-to-be are unaware of what to expect before and after their pregnancy, because everyone is affected differently. Some feel nothing during the nine months while others tend to get sick, dizzy, nauseous, and get stripped of any type of energy.

Shopping in Babies R’ Us while holding onto a pink teddy bear and a fluffy blanket, a student of Hunter College and a single mother-to-be Maria Serenio said, “he did his thing, got me pregnant and disappeared from the top of the earth. Therefore, I am left all alone to give birth and raise my child without a father, but I will not let that stop me from acquiring the education I need in order to give my daughter a better future.” Working at Charlie’s Leather and at Mirage Diner, taking classes while receiving no family or partner support, Serenio is stressed more than ever before. Despite it all, she refuses to get an abortion because she believes it is a blessing to have the ability to bring a life onto earth, even though the timing is way off. Serenio believes, patience and hope will bring her good things in life, and therefore, she is naming her daughter Patience as a symbol and a reminder.

When mothers are left to choose between their studies and children, kids hold higher priority. Nevertheless, in order to ease the struggle, the Women’s Center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice is planning a workshop to support the needs of pregnant students and new parents which will begin in the Spring of 2012. “The group will be broadly defined so that pregnant students can feel less uncomfortable in John Jay’s academic environment,” said Professor Yukins, the Director of the Women’s Center in a written statement. New parents will receive the attention and assistance they deserve, while having to balance the intense demands of both their children and studies.

Jose Guzman, laying his hand on his partners belly and smiling when feeling the kick of the baby, said “I am afraid I might be in the middle of class while my girlfriend is giving birth.” He wants to be next to his little family at every second of every minute but he also has school to worry about. On the other hand, Stephanie Catechise from Queens Borough Community College said, “I don’t want to be in the middle of class once my contractions start, and most definitely I don’t want my water breaking while listening in on a lecture.”

More students are taking time off from school in order to work and support their families. For those brave enough to keep and raise their children, studies are no longer top preference. “I have friends willing to help me raise my daughter, but how much can I really lean on them?” said Serenio. “Everyone has their own problems and I cannot wrap mine around their necks.” Once Patience is born, Serenio’s life will undergo major changes and her baby will take over as top priority. “Bye ,bye school, at least for a little while,” said Serenio.

These soon to be parents are worried about their futures and the difficult task of raising their newborns. However, they have all agreed to return to school once they get back on their feet in order to support their families and excel in their college education. “As soon as my daughter is old enough to go to Kindergarten, I am off to school,” said Diana Rodriguez from New York University. Some predict two or three years while others expect to be back in within the year.

Skimming through the pages of her history book, Saple said “I just have to deal with things, it was my choice to get pregnant, have a kid, go to school and work all at the same time; no one said life was going to be easy, this is just another obstacle I have to overcome to become a better person and a mother.”

 

Filed Under: Featured, General

Green Fashion Costs More Green

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Zina Paschal

English: A model on the runway in clothes at a...

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“Everything we do has an impact on the environment, so developing chemicals and materials that don’t produce negative discharge is definitely worth it,” said Clem Von Holstein, a sales employee at Patagonia.

With the rise of environmental groups and green awareness, many clothing companies have adopted the idea of producing clothing made of organic materials.

However, along with these fibers and materials come higher prices. But is it worth it?

Many people believe that the price is worth the cause while others tend to think that it is too expensive.

Patagonia is one store that believes that going green with their fashion, in the name of saving the environment, is worth the higher prices.

Yvon Chouinard, an environmentalist, started Patagonia. He specialized in outdoor clothing and gear with the use of organic material and recycled fibers.

At first glance you would think you were walking into a mountain climbing store. Behind the counter hangs a huge picture of the Patagonian Mountains, located in Argentina. Coats and jackets cover the walls and serve as decorations for the reddish bricks. Fleece sweaters and vests of all sizes from kids to women to men cover the racks of the store alongside flannels of all colors.  One can tell that this store is different from others just by the feeling of the material between your fingertips.

Von Holstein said, “Working at Patagonia is one of the best things that have happened to me.”

He is also an environmentalist, so he strongly believes that stores like this are essential in helping to protect the planet.

The way organic clothing is produced does not contribute to the depletion of natural resources. Stores like Patagonia use resources such as cotton and wool to make their products. The quality of the clothing tends to be more appealing because the material is richer in color. It also feels softer to the hands.

American Apparel is also a supporter of green fashion. With their oversized hats, infinity scarves, lace dresses, high-waist leggings and pants, and grandpa sweater, the stores brings you back to the 80s. The colors of the clothing play as highlighters, which illuminate the store with loads of vintage charisma. The majority of their cotton t-shirts, sweaters, and dresses are made of organic fibers and cotton, which is used for its sustainability.

Rachel Masters, an employee at American Apparel said, “It is always better to use less and although it is more expensive to produce organic clothing right now, it will pay off in the future and will help the environment.”

She is all for her store carrying organic t-shirts and sweaters.  Many people may step into American Apparel and may only focus on the bright colored scarves, body suits, leg warmers and t-shirts without being aware that most of the apparel is made of organic cotton. After all with their 80s vibe, the green thought doesn’t automatically pop into your head. This goes to show how clothing can still be fashionable and trendy with a good cause behind it.

Eric Kunevera, an employee at American Apparel, believes that since the clothing is made “right,” meaning organic, one does not have to feel guilty about wearing organic clothing. Kunevera believes that organic clothing gives customers choices and a variety in clothing. “Carrying organic clothing in our stores allows customers to choose between regular clothing and organic,” said Kunevera. “We even have customers who specifically ask for organic tees and if we do not have them, they do not buy.”

While there are many who are for fashion going green, some do not understand or see the impact that it has on the environment. Collin Powers, a shopper at American Apparel said, “I think organic clothing is good but I do not know what impact it has on the environment.”

Although he shops at American Apparel, he doesn’t do it for the organic aspect of it. He simply likes the clothing.

Not everyone will understand how such a small article of clothing can contribute to sustaining the environment.

Seanella Abraham, a student at New York University and frequent shopper has no hopes in the fashion going green process. Although she shops on a weekly basis, according to her, she does not keep an eye out for organic clothing. Like Powers, she also does not see how this helps the environment.

“I do not think organic clothing helps the environment and it doesn’t really matter if fashion goes green,” said Abraham. “There are millions of other things that are affecting the environment so buying expensive clothing because it is eco-friendly it is not going to make a difference on the environment.”

It is clear that this student has better things to worry about besides the environment.

Emari Parsons, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and also a savvy shopper said, “Going green just makes everything expensive and people will buy things that are not organic because it is cheaper.  Only people who are environment friendly will contribute to the whole organic fashion stuff.”

Organic clothing is pricier than regular clothing so many are discouraged to buy it.

Again, is it worth it for fashion to go green? Environmentalists and people who have the money to purchase organic and eco-friendly clothing will support the cause while others who do not have the money won’t.

“There’s no point in organic clothing or fashion, it’s just a waste of money,” said Parsons.

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured

Undocumented Students Struggle In CUNY

January 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Stephanie Montero

All  student names have been changed to protect their identities. Even though their names are made up, their stories are real

“I attended school in Harlem from 1st grade to high school and I believe I still have much more learning to do,” said Lugo.

Although CUNY schools allow undocumented students to attend college, not a lot of people are aware of this policy.

Fernandez, a student at John Jay College, said, “Wow, I didn’t know that illegal students are allow to attend college. I thought they couldn’t attend because of financial aid. It must be very tough for them to pay for tuition. I have to pay for tuition on my own so I feel their pain.”

Undocumented students who attended a New York high school for more than two years and have contacted a state college within the five years of receiving their diploma, are qualified for in-state tuition. However, they do not qualify for financial aid programs.

In a press release, Chancellor Matthew Goldstein noted that he is working on getting undocumented students who attend CUNY aid from the New York State Tuition Assistant Program.

The only types of financial aid that an undocumented student can receive are private scholarships. For instance, on almost any scholarship website, such as scholarships.com, it would indicate that only U.S. citizens or legal residents can apply.

Lugo, a junior at Baruch College, is an undocumented student who receives no financial aid nor was she eligible for any scholarships due to her immigration status.

Lugo came from Guatemala illegally when she was four years old with her parents and her two cousins. She went to elementary school and graduated high school with a 96 average.

“I don’t understand why I couldn’t get any scholarships, when I was well qualified for all the scholarships that were being offered to other high school students,” said Lugo.

She did community service and achieved honors in all four years in high school.

“I have to work two jobs and babysit my younger brothers in order to pay for Baruch College,” Lugo said. I’m studying journalism and I would like to become a journalist.”

She is one of the many students that attend school and receives no assistance to pay for college. The hardship of paying for school is a sacrifice that Lugo is willing to make. Lugo said, “I wake up at 4 AM to go babysit and then at 3 PM I run to tutor two kids on the Lower East Side. After I’m done babysitting the kids at 7 PM, I rush to campus, to go to my 7:30 PM class.”

Vasquez, a junior at Lehman College, came to the United States with a visitor’s visa. His visa expired and he decided to stay here.

He paid out-of-state tuition for the first semester because there was an issue with his status on the Lehman College financial aid computers.

“There was an error in the system and I was being charged out-of-state tuition,” Vazquez said.

Lugo said she had to work even harder than a resident of New York to pay for school. “That meant that I had double the charge of what I originally was going to pay,” said Vasquez. “I didn’t want my classes to be dropped because it worked perfectly with my job schedule so I paid what the school told me to pay.”

“After bringing in a copy of my high school diploma, missing a day of work, and waiting three hours on the stupid one stop line; I finally got my problem solved.” Even though their problems get resolved they have to go through a headache. “They changed the status to in-state-tuition and I got my money reimbursed. I went through such a hassle to go to school,” said Vasquez.

Velez, a freshman at Lehman College, is also an undocumented student that makes sacrifices to attend college. Her mother earns $300 a week and works an eleven-hour shift, six days a week in a fruit stand in Washington Heights. Since her mother doesn’t make enough for the household, Velez has to work too.

She works in a Lower East Side hotel as a housekeeper. “I have to pay for tuition, a babysitter for my baby girl, and help mom pay the bills in the apartment,” said Velez. “Sometimes I just want to scream and run away but I know that all these sacrifices will pay off.”

Some faculty and administrators acknowledge the hardships undocumented students have to face. Carolina Bank Munoz a professor at Brooklyn College and author of academic journal article called “A Dream Deferred: Undocumented Students at CUNY” acknowledges the difficulties that undocumented students face when attending college.

“I believe that undocumented students should receive financial aid such as state and federal loans. Having undocumented students take loans will benefit the government,” said Munoz.

She mentions that CUNY was tuition free back in 1987.

“Many students come up to me because I teach immigration laws and they ask for legal help for themselves, parents or siblings. They also ask me if I know any lawyers that could help them,” Munoz said.

“I hope that the future generation would be able to receive financial aid and not go through my headache,” said Velez.

 

Filed Under: Featured, General, School News

Ron Paul Has Supporters In John Jay

January 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Vipul Rana

 

Congressman Ron Paul at an event hosted in his...

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Ron Paul, considered the underdog by many people, is currently polling second in Iowa. Paul, the Republican Presidential candidate is becoming more and more popular among voters and John Jay College students are part of this wave of new supporters.

The Republican Party does not have a representative in the presidential elections as of now; however, we do know that Barack Obama has the Democratic Party’s nomination. Among the potential Republican candidates with Paul, are Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Michelle Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman Jr, and Rick Santorum.

Paul stands outs among these candidates because he has adapted to the strategy Obama used during his successful run for the oval office: cater to young voters.

Paul, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a member of the United States House of Representatives from Texas’s 14th district. He has made multiple attempts to run for the presidency between 1988 and 2008. He has been well known for his libertarian stance on many political issues, often differing from his own party’s traditional positions.

In the past, Paul did not run under the Republican ticket, rather he ran under the Independent Party. Paul, a physician, is not your typical politician due to his profession. Usually, politicians have a background in political science, law, and philosophy. However, this unique character may help him overcome some challenges he has faced both past and present: limited media attention; and lack of Party support.

Despite little coverage by the mainstream press, Paul is attractive to young voters.  According to facebook, he currently has approximately 631,989 likes on his page. But voters like Hector Bradley said, “Ron Paul is totally ignored by the media and his political party seems reluctant to get him the attention a candidate needs.” Those 631,989 likes do not seem to attract Republican Party leaders. Party leaders are reluctant to support those candidates who do not abide by the Party’s ideology and Paul’s libertarian views are extreme for conservatives and party leaders.

The isolationist and libertarian views Paul has do not look too favorable to the Republican Party. His differing stance on many issue from those of the Republicans’ has created a lack of media support. Bradley said, “Ron Paul is a realist and therefore the media is not going broadcasting his views and ideas.”

Currently, throughout Paul’s bid in the 2012 elections, Paul has experienced the same lack of media support, prompting listeners to see him in a different way, not as a candidate but an individual who is making a series of comments and notes on issues.

Paul’s isolationist agenda for the Federal Reserve can create a cash flow, which can then be allocated into resources for the middle class. Paul wants to balance the budget regarding America’s economic state, addressing the purpose of the Federal Reserve, and provide more attention to the challenges that middle class family’s experience. Freshman Angelica Huratado, 21, who just completed a research paper on Paul said, he “represents the middle class, providing representation for them.” Huratado continued, “The Federal Reserve contains hardworking money from the middle class, yet it’s being transferred to the Federal Reserve Bank and the money is being dispersed among the rich class.”

Unlike the majority of Republican views regarding the current wars in Afghanistan and on terror, Paul has an anti-war message. Paul’s isolationist agenda can further be seen through his concern with issues regarding the United States foreign involvement. Paul wants to isolate the United States to the confines of its borders and not worry about other countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.  This idea attracts voters like John Cusick, who said, “Ron Paul believes in non-interventionist. Therefore, he wants to pull back our troops from around the world and protect our own boarders instead of having 900 bases around the world in over 150 countries.” Cusick notes that Paul is a candidate that does not believe in pouring out all our resources into issues outside of our borders.

Many voters believe that the importance of having a figure that can stand up and represent peace, like Paul, has shown through his anti-war views will greater allies and relationships.

Voters like Salahdine Baroudi who is from the Middle East, said, “Ron Paul could be a great fit to represent the United States to foreign countries, while creating or strengthening the relationships with them and strengthening our national security.” Paul’s vision on national security and foreign policy is that America needs to abandon the idea of acting as the world’s policeman. Not only will acting as a police nation deplete the country’s resources, but also cost the country a huge sum of money, allowing no financial flexibility.

The issue of Healthcare in the government has been an ongoing conflict as the Democrats and Republicans have failed to reach a partisan resolution. Paul wants to cut the medical field away from the federal bureaucrats and provide lower costs, and make available an increase access to a larger network of doctors. Paul is firm that the nation’s health care crisis fails to provide freedom and in stead uses force on individuals.

The uniqueness of Paul’s background as a physician would qualify him to have a strong voice regarding the Healthcare conflict the government is experiencing. Paul’s background also catches the attention of Richard Hundertmark, who said, “his background in the medical field can serve valuable for our healthcare crisis.” There should be a trustworthy relationship between patients and doctors so that doctors can provide effective and efficient medical care.

Not everyone is excited about Paul. Jessica Mejica, 22, a self identified Republican said, “Ron Paul is not really a Republican! He is a liberal, more to the left than to the right!” Paul has not quite won majority of the people. His own party support has challenged him for many of his stance. Yong voters like Mejica have become tough on candidates especially those from the party they support. One would think that before a candidate tries to win other voters, he must win those who support his party first.

Paul Narkunas, an Assistant Professor of English, said, “Paul has an incoherent philosophy based on willful thinking and faith in a free market system that denies social inequalities.”

 

Filed Under: Featured, General, School News