The Enterprise of Brockton, May 27, 2008, Page 1
http://www.enterprisenews.com/business/x1880508429/Gas-prices-putting-the-brakes-on-young-adultsRising-gas-prices-mean-less-time-behind-the-wheel-for-young-adults-on-limited-budgets-Many-teens-are-spending-a-good-portion-of-their-paychecks-just-on-gas
By Matthew D’Amore
SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE
EASTON — Marissa Kimball used to go out with her friends and shop all the time.
But rising gas prices are changing that for Kimball and other teens and young adults as buying gas takes a big chunk out of their limited incomes.
“I really don’t go shopping with my friends anymore. I hang out with them, but I just can’t buy anything because most of my money goes to gas these days,” said Kimball, 18, a student at UMass-Dartmouth.
A May 2008 poll from Junior Achievement shows that rising prices at the pump have caught up with teens.
Gas is now the top item teens buy with credit cards, surpassing clothes. From shorter shopping excursions to fewer trips home for college students to carpooling with other teens to get to work, young adults are looking for ways to economize on travel expenses.
“I can’t even take my girlfriend out on a date too much anymore because gas is so expensive,” said Dave Cutler, a sophomore at Bridgewater State College.
With gas prices heading toward $4 a gallon in Massachusetts, the cost of driving a car is a challenge that high school seniors looking ahead to college will face in the coming months.
Many young adults are spending a good portion of their paychecks just on gas.
If they earn the Massachusetts minimum wage of $8 an hour, they are spending close to half of that hour’s wage for one gallon of gas.
“Usually, I spend somewhere around $50 to $70 dollars sometimes a week on gas,” said Natalie Hughes, a student at Bridgewater State. “That basically is more than half of my paycheck sometimes.”
Jeff Crehan, who attends Stonehill College in Easton, said most of his money goes to gas.
“Gas is basically what I spend most of my money on. It cost so much just to fill up a whole tank, and I live in Connecticut, so I do that often when I go home,” Crehan said.
As gas prices keep rising, young adults are among the many motorists who predict that gas prices may drop a little but not back to the days of $2 a gallon.
“I think gas will go back down, but never be back to what it used to be,” said Mary Sullivan, 19.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Coffee keeps the college students running
Published May 12, 2008
Taunton Daily Gazette, Education section cover story
http://www.tauntongazette.com/
By Kristen Masley
EASTON — It is 2 o’clock in the morning at Stonehill College and Christine Stewart wakes up to a quiet campus.
She lies in bed for a few minutes, then gets up. Her body, she says later, is awake. Her brain is not.
She pulls out a bowl of cereal and milk. She makes a couple comments to the room, although her roommate is asleep. After her late-night snack, Stewart climbs back into bed and listens to her iPod. She eventually falls back asleep.
This is Christine Stewart’s life as a coffee junkie. She loves the taste of coffee. She consumes about four cups of coffee a day; three in the morning and one in the afternoon.
“I look forward to having that first cup of coffee when I wake up,” says Stewart, “It is what gets me through my day.”
Despite her love of coffee, Stewart worries over the quality and quantity of sleep she gets at night.
More than once Stewart wakes up in the middle of the night, usually in a subconscious awakened state.
The amount of caffeine Stewart consumes from coffee is about 500 milligrams per day. In each cup of coffee, there is roughly around 135 milligrams of caffeine, according to MedicineNet. She also drinks different kinds of coffee during the day, which varies the caffeine dose that she consumes.
The different levels that the coffee bean is roasted and brewed can affect the caffeine level, according to James Hayes-Bohanan a geography professor at Bridgewater State College that specializes in the study of coffee and geography.
All that can translates into sleep problems The varied and long-term usage of caffeine can cause losses of sleep, according to the John Hopkins Medical Center.
Caffeine is used to stimulate the central nervous system of the body. It gives the human a body an extra boost of adrenaline and allows a person to focus and be more alert according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Although caffeine can be used to give someone an extra use of energy, studies show that caffeine has a direct effect on sleeping.
According to Sanford Bolton, Ph.D. and Gary Null, M.S caffeine seems to inhibit deeper stages of sleep as opposed to disturbances of the REM stage.
The times that Stewart wakes up in the middle of the night can be attributed to the amount of caffeine she consumes throughout the day. The National Sleep Foundation says caffeine blocks sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain. An excessive amount of caffeine can prevent a person from quality sleep.
But caffeine is not the only factor that can cause a loss of sleep.
“I have at least four cups of coffee (a day),” says BSC’s Hayes-Bohanan “And I sleep perfectly fine.” So what else could be hurting Stewart’s sleep?She says that she has a heightened anxiety throughout the day that keeps her mind running even when she’s sleeping.
Every morning when she wakes up, the first thoughts that race to her mind are “What do I have to get done today?”
“I worry about the next day and what happened the day before,” says Stewart. “I think about school, my internship, family, and conflicts with friends.”
Don’t rule out coffee just yet, one study found. The John Hopkins Medical Center found in a study that people who have a caffeine intake of 200 milligrams or more have increased anxiety ratings.
Caffeine has been known to increase stress and anxiety, making Stewart the perfect candidate for a lack of sleep.
Stewart says she wants to start trying to cut down on the amount of caffeine she has in her diet.
Studies by the Psychiatric Association on caffeine withdrawal symptoms show that there is evidence of physical dependence. Stewart may have a harder time cutting down on caffeine because she uses it not only because she likes the taste but because it gives her an extra boost to complete her day.
Besides attending school, Stewart is a tour guide for the school, exercises for about an hour every day, and was a peer mentor. She needs caffeine in her life in order to have the energy to do all of these activities.
“I feel like I can’t function without it,” says Stewart.
Limiting the consumption of caffeine will come with side effects including excessive sleepiness, lack of concentration, and muscle cramps, according to Pegasus NLP.
The most common side effect is a dramatic drop in blood pressure, due to the body becoming over-sensitive to adenosine that cause more blood to gather in the head producing a migraine-like headache. Although it may be difficult for awhile, Stewart said it may better to limit how much coffee she drinks today and hope for better sleep for her nights.
Taunton Daily Gazette, Education section cover story
http://www.tauntongazette.com/
By Kristen Masley
EASTON — It is 2 o’clock in the morning at Stonehill College and Christine Stewart wakes up to a quiet campus.
She lies in bed for a few minutes, then gets up. Her body, she says later, is awake. Her brain is not.
She pulls out a bowl of cereal and milk. She makes a couple comments to the room, although her roommate is asleep. After her late-night snack, Stewart climbs back into bed and listens to her iPod. She eventually falls back asleep.
This is Christine Stewart’s life as a coffee junkie. She loves the taste of coffee. She consumes about four cups of coffee a day; three in the morning and one in the afternoon.
“I look forward to having that first cup of coffee when I wake up,” says Stewart, “It is what gets me through my day.”
Despite her love of coffee, Stewart worries over the quality and quantity of sleep she gets at night.
More than once Stewart wakes up in the middle of the night, usually in a subconscious awakened state.
The amount of caffeine Stewart consumes from coffee is about 500 milligrams per day. In each cup of coffee, there is roughly around 135 milligrams of caffeine, according to MedicineNet. She also drinks different kinds of coffee during the day, which varies the caffeine dose that she consumes.
The different levels that the coffee bean is roasted and brewed can affect the caffeine level, according to James Hayes-Bohanan a geography professor at Bridgewater State College that specializes in the study of coffee and geography.
All that can translates into sleep problems The varied and long-term usage of caffeine can cause losses of sleep, according to the John Hopkins Medical Center.
Caffeine is used to stimulate the central nervous system of the body. It gives the human a body an extra boost of adrenaline and allows a person to focus and be more alert according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Although caffeine can be used to give someone an extra use of energy, studies show that caffeine has a direct effect on sleeping.
According to Sanford Bolton, Ph.D. and Gary Null, M.S caffeine seems to inhibit deeper stages of sleep as opposed to disturbances of the REM stage.
The times that Stewart wakes up in the middle of the night can be attributed to the amount of caffeine she consumes throughout the day. The National Sleep Foundation says caffeine blocks sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain. An excessive amount of caffeine can prevent a person from quality sleep.
But caffeine is not the only factor that can cause a loss of sleep.
“I have at least four cups of coffee (a day),” says BSC’s Hayes-Bohanan “And I sleep perfectly fine.” So what else could be hurting Stewart’s sleep?She says that she has a heightened anxiety throughout the day that keeps her mind running even when she’s sleeping.
Every morning when she wakes up, the first thoughts that race to her mind are “What do I have to get done today?”
“I worry about the next day and what happened the day before,” says Stewart. “I think about school, my internship, family, and conflicts with friends.”
Don’t rule out coffee just yet, one study found. The John Hopkins Medical Center found in a study that people who have a caffeine intake of 200 milligrams or more have increased anxiety ratings.
Caffeine has been known to increase stress and anxiety, making Stewart the perfect candidate for a lack of sleep.
Stewart says she wants to start trying to cut down on the amount of caffeine she has in her diet.
Studies by the Psychiatric Association on caffeine withdrawal symptoms show that there is evidence of physical dependence. Stewart may have a harder time cutting down on caffeine because she uses it not only because she likes the taste but because it gives her an extra boost to complete her day.
Besides attending school, Stewart is a tour guide for the school, exercises for about an hour every day, and was a peer mentor. She needs caffeine in her life in order to have the energy to do all of these activities.
“I feel like I can’t function without it,” says Stewart.
Limiting the consumption of caffeine will come with side effects including excessive sleepiness, lack of concentration, and muscle cramps, according to Pegasus NLP.
The most common side effect is a dramatic drop in blood pressure, due to the body becoming over-sensitive to adenosine that cause more blood to gather in the head producing a migraine-like headache. Although it may be difficult for awhile, Stewart said it may better to limit how much coffee she drinks today and hope for better sleep for her nights.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Stoughton art center weathers the years
Published May 8, 2008
The Enterprise of Brockton
http://www.enterprisenews.com/homepage/x356878760/Stoughton-art-center-weathers-the-years
By Amanda Breen
SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE
STOUGHTON — They stopped making raincoats at the one-story building on Park Street years ago, but that hasn’t stopped customers from stopping by — even though it’s now an art center.
Elaine Felos Ostrander — owner and artist at the Felos Memorial Art Center and FMAC Gallery, open now for more than 10 years — said people still wander into the 720 Park St. building looking for the raincoats that her father, Anthony Felos, made there for 50 years.
“People walk in, look around and ask ‘Where are the raincoats?’” Ostrander said recently, with a laugh.
One day, an elderly man walked into the art center, a raincoat in his hands.
He had bought it years ago, before the Twin-Kee raincoat factory closed, and it had lost a button. He wanted to have it fixed. Ostrander checked the storage area and sewed it back on for him.
This sense of community is what inspired Ostrander to open the art center after years of involvement in the local art community.
In the 1970s, when Ostrander established the Stoughton Art Association, she knew local artists were always looking for more studio space. That’s when the idea for the art center was born.
After the raincoat business was officially closed in 1997, the Felos Memorial Art Center and Gallery opened to great success.
“People were literally camping out here to mark off their spaces,” Ostrander said about the center when it opened.
Rooms that once held steam presses and sewing machines used to make raincoats are now studios for more than 20 artists.
Now, everything from painting to weaving can be found at the art center, including a recording studio.
“It’s a good atmosphere,” said Janet Landry-Borden, a painter with a studio at the art center. “Everyone looks out for each other, and it’s very conducive to creativity.”
Each artist has a separate studio, which can be closed off for privacy or left with the door open to encourage visitors.
“People are very welcoming and happy to show you around,” Landry-Borden said.
Artists have access to the building 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they can work any time they want.
On any given day, the studios might be filled or just a few people are working.At lunchtime, many of the artists meet and discuss their work to get feedback, advice or inspiration.
“There is the privacy when you want it and the community when you want it,” said Beverly Rippel, who has her studio there. “It’s kind of a family up here now.”
Rippel, of Easton, also teaches painting classes at the center. Students in her classes range in age from high school to 91. Many of the high school students are working to build portfolios to apply to art schools.
“I think everyone can do something creative. Sometimes you just have to push yourself a little,” Rippel said.
Rosemonde Reilly-Spinelli, who teaches weaving, was one of the first to open a studio at the center.
“I’ve always enjoyed weaving,” Reilly-Spinelli said. “It was my release.”
The center offers a wide range of classes during the day and evenings that appeal to everyone. Taking a class can lead to new opportunities and new friendships, too.
“People will realize that there is art in their own backyard,” Landry-Borden said.
abreen@student.stonehill.edu
The Enterprise of Brockton
http://www.enterprisenews.com/homepage/x356878760/Stoughton-art-center-weathers-the-years
By Amanda Breen
SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE
STOUGHTON — They stopped making raincoats at the one-story building on Park Street years ago, but that hasn’t stopped customers from stopping by — even though it’s now an art center.
Elaine Felos Ostrander — owner and artist at the Felos Memorial Art Center and FMAC Gallery, open now for more than 10 years — said people still wander into the 720 Park St. building looking for the raincoats that her father, Anthony Felos, made there for 50 years.
“People walk in, look around and ask ‘Where are the raincoats?’” Ostrander said recently, with a laugh.
One day, an elderly man walked into the art center, a raincoat in his hands.
He had bought it years ago, before the Twin-Kee raincoat factory closed, and it had lost a button. He wanted to have it fixed. Ostrander checked the storage area and sewed it back on for him.
This sense of community is what inspired Ostrander to open the art center after years of involvement in the local art community.
In the 1970s, when Ostrander established the Stoughton Art Association, she knew local artists were always looking for more studio space. That’s when the idea for the art center was born.
After the raincoat business was officially closed in 1997, the Felos Memorial Art Center and Gallery opened to great success.
“People were literally camping out here to mark off their spaces,” Ostrander said about the center when it opened.
Rooms that once held steam presses and sewing machines used to make raincoats are now studios for more than 20 artists.
Now, everything from painting to weaving can be found at the art center, including a recording studio.
“It’s a good atmosphere,” said Janet Landry-Borden, a painter with a studio at the art center. “Everyone looks out for each other, and it’s very conducive to creativity.”
Each artist has a separate studio, which can be closed off for privacy or left with the door open to encourage visitors.
“People are very welcoming and happy to show you around,” Landry-Borden said.
Artists have access to the building 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they can work any time they want.
On any given day, the studios might be filled or just a few people are working.At lunchtime, many of the artists meet and discuss their work to get feedback, advice or inspiration.
“There is the privacy when you want it and the community when you want it,” said Beverly Rippel, who has her studio there. “It’s kind of a family up here now.”
Rippel, of Easton, also teaches painting classes at the center. Students in her classes range in age from high school to 91. Many of the high school students are working to build portfolios to apply to art schools.
“I think everyone can do something creative. Sometimes you just have to push yourself a little,” Rippel said.
Rosemonde Reilly-Spinelli, who teaches weaving, was one of the first to open a studio at the center.
“I’ve always enjoyed weaving,” Reilly-Spinelli said. “It was my release.”
The center offers a wide range of classes during the day and evenings that appeal to everyone. Taking a class can lead to new opportunities and new friendships, too.
“People will realize that there is art in their own backyard,” Landry-Borden said.
abreen@student.stonehill.edu
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Nature's classroom
Published May 6, 2008, The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/homepage/x295983759/Kids-learn-nature-at-Sheep-Pasture
By Jenny Gardynski
SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE
EASTON — Fifteen kindergartners at the Moreau Hall Elementary School sat attentively on a multicolored rug as the two teachers began the program.
Monique Melcher asked the class if they knew what Sheep Pasture was.
“I love that place!” one boy shouted.The teachers at Sheep Pasture, a nature camp and program run through the nonprofit Natural Resources Trust of Easton, are busy all year teaching Easton students and students from surrounding communities about local ecology, such as habitats, farm products, geology and local watersheds.
Recently, the teachers were at Moreau Hall Elementary School to teach four kindergarten classes about butterflies.
Melcher put on her butterfly wings, feet and eyes to help explain the senses of the butterfly.
“This is a little silly, but a butterfly can actually feel noise!” Melcher said.
The class giggled and shouted in response.
“Is everyone ready to turn into a butterfly?” she asked as she detailed how a butterfly grows. T
he children then acted out the process of growing into a butterfly, using a party horn for their proboscis (mouth), a flower to eat their nectar, and a large laminated leaf to sit on.
“Take some nice sips of nectar from your flower,” Stephanie McNamara, another teacher in the Sheep Pasture program, instructed. T
he class was one of several Sheep Pasture offerings, ranging from in-school programs, field trips to the Sheep Pasture, Scout programs, preschool classes and a nature camp.
Moreau Hall Principal Robert Smith said the school has been participating in the programs for nearly two decades.
He said each class has one in-class program and the opportunity for a field trip to Sheep Pasture once a year.
“They are very knowledgeable and really relate to the kids,” he said of the teachers.
Melcher said the Natural Resources Trust has a contract with Easton schools to provide field trips for grades K-6.
“We personalize our programs for each grade level,” she said.
The “in-school” programs are for kindergarten through thrid grade during the months of January and February.
There is a butterfly program, for kindergarten students; first grade students are involved in either an egg incubation or a mammal program, second graders are involved in either a whale or animal adaptation program, and third graders are involved in an owl program.
“All of the programs focus on ecology, habitats, and anything dealing with the natural sciences,” Melcher said.
The programs are typically one to 1 ½ hours long and cost $5 to $6 per child.
One problem the teachers say they have is getting the students there.
“It’s hard for schools to get transportation. We are looking into getting grant money to offset the costs of people getting transportation,” Melcher said.
Similar organizations elsewhere look to conserve and acquire land and do not have the staff or buildings for education programs, Melcher said.
“What we have for an area is unique,” she said. “We have 154 acres to use, and we use it.”
Melcher, who grew up in Easton and went through the programs at Sheep Pasture as a child, is in her fifth year teaching at the NRT. McNamara, formerly of Seekonk, is a first-year teacher at the NRT.
“I did student teaching. This is so much different and I really like it. This is an ideal first job for me,” McNamara said.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/homepage/x295983759/Kids-learn-nature-at-Sheep-Pasture
By Jenny Gardynski
SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE
EASTON — Fifteen kindergartners at the Moreau Hall Elementary School sat attentively on a multicolored rug as the two teachers began the program.
Monique Melcher asked the class if they knew what Sheep Pasture was.
“I love that place!” one boy shouted.The teachers at Sheep Pasture, a nature camp and program run through the nonprofit Natural Resources Trust of Easton, are busy all year teaching Easton students and students from surrounding communities about local ecology, such as habitats, farm products, geology and local watersheds.
Recently, the teachers were at Moreau Hall Elementary School to teach four kindergarten classes about butterflies.
Melcher put on her butterfly wings, feet and eyes to help explain the senses of the butterfly.
“This is a little silly, but a butterfly can actually feel noise!” Melcher said.
The class giggled and shouted in response.
“Is everyone ready to turn into a butterfly?” she asked as she detailed how a butterfly grows. T
he children then acted out the process of growing into a butterfly, using a party horn for their proboscis (mouth), a flower to eat their nectar, and a large laminated leaf to sit on.
“Take some nice sips of nectar from your flower,” Stephanie McNamara, another teacher in the Sheep Pasture program, instructed. T
he class was one of several Sheep Pasture offerings, ranging from in-school programs, field trips to the Sheep Pasture, Scout programs, preschool classes and a nature camp.
Moreau Hall Principal Robert Smith said the school has been participating in the programs for nearly two decades.
He said each class has one in-class program and the opportunity for a field trip to Sheep Pasture once a year.
“They are very knowledgeable and really relate to the kids,” he said of the teachers.
Melcher said the Natural Resources Trust has a contract with Easton schools to provide field trips for grades K-6.
“We personalize our programs for each grade level,” she said.
The “in-school” programs are for kindergarten through thrid grade during the months of January and February.
There is a butterfly program, for kindergarten students; first grade students are involved in either an egg incubation or a mammal program, second graders are involved in either a whale or animal adaptation program, and third graders are involved in an owl program.
“All of the programs focus on ecology, habitats, and anything dealing with the natural sciences,” Melcher said.
The programs are typically one to 1 ½ hours long and cost $5 to $6 per child.
One problem the teachers say they have is getting the students there.
“It’s hard for schools to get transportation. We are looking into getting grant money to offset the costs of people getting transportation,” Melcher said.
Similar organizations elsewhere look to conserve and acquire land and do not have the staff or buildings for education programs, Melcher said.
“What we have for an area is unique,” she said. “We have 154 acres to use, and we use it.”
Melcher, who grew up in Easton and went through the programs at Sheep Pasture as a child, is in her fifth year teaching at the NRT. McNamara, formerly of Seekonk, is a first-year teacher at the NRT.
“I did student teaching. This is so much different and I really like it. This is an ideal first job for me,” McNamara said.
Friday, May 2, 2008
'Juicing' a problem in some college sports
by Joe Ryan
BRIDGEWATER — Athletes at Bridgewater State College are being anonymously drug tested this year as part of a pilot program designed to curb steroid use in Division III athletics.
The testing program at Bridgewater State College is part of a two year pilot program by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA.
“We do not have a specific policy for steroids; it is a drug policy that student athletes do not take drugs. This year we are part of the NCAA pilot program in which the NCAA goes to schools and administers a random anonymous drug test,” Sue Crosby Tangen, the associate director of athletics at Bridgewater, said.
The NCAA currently conducts drug testing in Division I and II and screens athletes at national championships.
After the pilot program, this testing could be done in throughout the Division III.
Bridgewater will also use a computer program next year to educate student athletes on steroids. Athletes will have to complete the program before their season starts.
“There will be education of student athletes on the risks of steroids. We are purchasing a computer program that can be used from student’s rooms,” Tangen said.
Members of the athletic departments from Bridgewater and Stonehill College say that testing and education is important because steroid use in college athletics is widespread.
“Steroids are up there, they are pretty prevalent,” Barry Darling, the associate athletic trainer at Stonehill College, said.
Sue Crosby-Tangen said that the problem has to do with supplements.
“Steroids are rampant…especially because of the accessibility of supplements,” Tangen said.
Stonehill College, as a Division II school, complies with NCAA regulations and random drug testing.
“Our policy mimics the NCAA, don’t do steroids, they are banned because of health dangers, the advantage they give, and the long term effect,” Darling said.
Cindy MacDonald, the senior associate director of athletics at Stonehill, says that the student athletes who are tested are chosen at random.
“Four students from one randomly selected sport and 12 from football are tested. This can be done once or twice a year…The punishment if caught is a one year loss of eligibility,” MacDonald said.
Critics say the NCAA does not do enough to prevent steroid use.
Only four percent of student-athletes each year are tested.
Both Darling and Tangen say more could be done at their own schools to prevent steroid use.
“The NCAA only tests once a year. The athletic department could have in house testing for steroids and street drugs…currently we don’t do that but it is a good idea,” Darling said.
Cindy MacDonald said that Stonehill discusses random testing each year.
“Every year we talk about random testing. At this point we don’t think we need to…but every year we have talked about it…If prevalence was found on campus that would prompt us to do something more drastic,” MacDonald said.
Random testing at Bridgewater State would be difficult because of budgetary restraints.
“I would love to random test but we don’t do it because we do not have the money…I think steroids are a problem and I think street drugs are a definite problem,” Tangen said.T
angen said that next year’s computer program will help educate students on the dangers of steroids and drugs.
Cindy MacDonald said that education is important but does not think it will stop those who want to use steroids.
“Education would be a plus but if it is their mindset to take steroids there might not be enough education to stop that process…If they want to take it they will take it and try their luck with random checks,” MacDonald said.
The NCAA has been able to curb steroid use with the random checks.
In 2001, there were 93 positive tests while in 2005 there were only 49. The NCAA has also started administering random tests during the summer.
“The NCAA does summer testing now…This is a step in the right direction because the summer is when a lot of kids are going to do it,” Darling said.
Jryan340@yahoo.com
BRIDGEWATER — Athletes at Bridgewater State College are being anonymously drug tested this year as part of a pilot program designed to curb steroid use in Division III athletics.
The testing program at Bridgewater State College is part of a two year pilot program by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA.
“We do not have a specific policy for steroids; it is a drug policy that student athletes do not take drugs. This year we are part of the NCAA pilot program in which the NCAA goes to schools and administers a random anonymous drug test,” Sue Crosby Tangen, the associate director of athletics at Bridgewater, said.
The NCAA currently conducts drug testing in Division I and II and screens athletes at national championships.
After the pilot program, this testing could be done in throughout the Division III.
Bridgewater will also use a computer program next year to educate student athletes on steroids. Athletes will have to complete the program before their season starts.
“There will be education of student athletes on the risks of steroids. We are purchasing a computer program that can be used from student’s rooms,” Tangen said.
Members of the athletic departments from Bridgewater and Stonehill College say that testing and education is important because steroid use in college athletics is widespread.
“Steroids are up there, they are pretty prevalent,” Barry Darling, the associate athletic trainer at Stonehill College, said.
Sue Crosby-Tangen said that the problem has to do with supplements.
“Steroids are rampant…especially because of the accessibility of supplements,” Tangen said.
Stonehill College, as a Division II school, complies with NCAA regulations and random drug testing.
“Our policy mimics the NCAA, don’t do steroids, they are banned because of health dangers, the advantage they give, and the long term effect,” Darling said.
Cindy MacDonald, the senior associate director of athletics at Stonehill, says that the student athletes who are tested are chosen at random.
“Four students from one randomly selected sport and 12 from football are tested. This can be done once or twice a year…The punishment if caught is a one year loss of eligibility,” MacDonald said.
Critics say the NCAA does not do enough to prevent steroid use.
Only four percent of student-athletes each year are tested.
Both Darling and Tangen say more could be done at their own schools to prevent steroid use.
“The NCAA only tests once a year. The athletic department could have in house testing for steroids and street drugs…currently we don’t do that but it is a good idea,” Darling said.
Cindy MacDonald said that Stonehill discusses random testing each year.
“Every year we talk about random testing. At this point we don’t think we need to…but every year we have talked about it…If prevalence was found on campus that would prompt us to do something more drastic,” MacDonald said.
Random testing at Bridgewater State would be difficult because of budgetary restraints.
“I would love to random test but we don’t do it because we do not have the money…I think steroids are a problem and I think street drugs are a definite problem,” Tangen said.T
angen said that next year’s computer program will help educate students on the dangers of steroids and drugs.
Cindy MacDonald said that education is important but does not think it will stop those who want to use steroids.
“Education would be a plus but if it is their mindset to take steroids there might not be enough education to stop that process…If they want to take it they will take it and try their luck with random checks,” MacDonald said.
The NCAA has been able to curb steroid use with the random checks.
In 2001, there were 93 positive tests while in 2005 there were only 49. The NCAA has also started administering random tests during the summer.
“The NCAA does summer testing now…This is a step in the right direction because the summer is when a lot of kids are going to do it,” Darling said.
Jryan340@yahoo.com
"Anything Goes" for Stonehill theatre club
Published April 24, 2008, The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/
By Kristen O’Neil
SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE
EASTON — The belly laughs can be heard as soon as you step foot in the building.
One person does a jig in the middle of a group, sending the people into hysterics. Actors, with scripts open, pace the floor memorizing lines.
The quiet chatter turns into a dull roar, as people watch the rehearsal.
“Guys, please be quiet and listen or we’re going to be here all night,” the director, Kathleen Comber, says patiently to her cast.
More than two dozen students in the Stonehill Musical Theatre Club have been rehearsing Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” a musical about a group of comedic characters’ journey on a ship traveling from New York to England.
The performances are set for tonight and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. in Stonehill College’s Hemingway Theatre.
“We’ve been doing a lot of popular shows like ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Grease,’” said Ryan Dejak, the group’s president and one of the leads in the show. “This year we wanted to do a show that appealed to a broader audience."
The club originated from Stonehill College’s Greasepaint Players and has produced various shows including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Into the Woods,” and most recently, “Songs for a New World.”
“This play is more difficult than any we’ve done before because Cole Porter is a classical artist,” Comber said. “It’s a staple Broadway show, outdated in the way it is written, with difficult harmonies and a great deal of dancing.”
This is the first performance since the spring of 2006 that the club has been able to use the college’s Hemingway Theatre as its stage.
Unlike the Stonehill Theatre Company, SMTC does not have its own theater space to rehearse, forcing the troupe to practice scenes in a classroom.
“It is very challenging working with unconventional spaces,” Dejak said. “Because of the lack of available spaces on campus, we are forced to share minimal time slots with other groups.”
In addition to Comber, the club hired musical director Steve Shannon, whom it found through a local theater company.
"Steve has helped with many of our previous shows, and he’s great,” said Sarah Deloury, a senior, and lead in this semester’s show. “He’s so talented, and just knows how to interact with students in a fun way while still getting work done.”
Comber also relies on her two stage managers, senior Aleka Dimos and sophomore Dana Treglia, for assistance.
“They’re both so helpful and vital to everything we need to get done for this show,” Comber said. “They’re just awesome."
“Laura Shea, our senior choreographer, makes the excessive dancing accessible to even the simplest of dancers,” she said. “She’s fun, fresh, exciting, a huge pleasure to work with, and infinitely patient with everyone, including myself.”
There are about 50 to 60 people involved in “Anything Goes,” including about 15 crew and club members, a 10-person pit orchestra and 23 cast members.
“It’s one of the biggest shows we have ever done in regards to cast size,” Dejak said. “It also has the most challenging dancing, and it’s the first show that we’ve decided to fully take on the costumes and set in a specific period, the 1930s.”
Comber admitted it can be a bit daunting.
“This is my first time directing and it can be scary to see 25 people all staring at you looking for direction,” Comber, a long-time performer, said. “The exciting part is that I’m able to see individual talent and this is such a wonderful cast, that they’ve made it much easier on me.”
This year’s cast is filled with veterans and newcomers. Francesca Perrone, the vice president of the group, has been in one other show and previously directed the Movie Musicals Cabaret while Marissa Ranalli, a freshman, is making her debut this semester.“
"I was too scared to audition for ‘Songs for a New World.’ I was in ‘Anything Goes’ in high school so it made me less nervous,” Ranalli said.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/
By Kristen O’Neil
SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE
EASTON — The belly laughs can be heard as soon as you step foot in the building.
One person does a jig in the middle of a group, sending the people into hysterics. Actors, with scripts open, pace the floor memorizing lines.
The quiet chatter turns into a dull roar, as people watch the rehearsal.
“Guys, please be quiet and listen or we’re going to be here all night,” the director, Kathleen Comber, says patiently to her cast.
More than two dozen students in the Stonehill Musical Theatre Club have been rehearsing Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” a musical about a group of comedic characters’ journey on a ship traveling from New York to England.
The performances are set for tonight and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. in Stonehill College’s Hemingway Theatre.
“We’ve been doing a lot of popular shows like ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Grease,’” said Ryan Dejak, the group’s president and one of the leads in the show. “This year we wanted to do a show that appealed to a broader audience."
The club originated from Stonehill College’s Greasepaint Players and has produced various shows including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Into the Woods,” and most recently, “Songs for a New World.”
“This play is more difficult than any we’ve done before because Cole Porter is a classical artist,” Comber said. “It’s a staple Broadway show, outdated in the way it is written, with difficult harmonies and a great deal of dancing.”
This is the first performance since the spring of 2006 that the club has been able to use the college’s Hemingway Theatre as its stage.
Unlike the Stonehill Theatre Company, SMTC does not have its own theater space to rehearse, forcing the troupe to practice scenes in a classroom.
“It is very challenging working with unconventional spaces,” Dejak said. “Because of the lack of available spaces on campus, we are forced to share minimal time slots with other groups.”
In addition to Comber, the club hired musical director Steve Shannon, whom it found through a local theater company.
"Steve has helped with many of our previous shows, and he’s great,” said Sarah Deloury, a senior, and lead in this semester’s show. “He’s so talented, and just knows how to interact with students in a fun way while still getting work done.”
Comber also relies on her two stage managers, senior Aleka Dimos and sophomore Dana Treglia, for assistance.
“They’re both so helpful and vital to everything we need to get done for this show,” Comber said. “They’re just awesome."
“Laura Shea, our senior choreographer, makes the excessive dancing accessible to even the simplest of dancers,” she said. “She’s fun, fresh, exciting, a huge pleasure to work with, and infinitely patient with everyone, including myself.”
There are about 50 to 60 people involved in “Anything Goes,” including about 15 crew and club members, a 10-person pit orchestra and 23 cast members.
“It’s one of the biggest shows we have ever done in regards to cast size,” Dejak said. “It also has the most challenging dancing, and it’s the first show that we’ve decided to fully take on the costumes and set in a specific period, the 1930s.”
Comber admitted it can be a bit daunting.
“This is my first time directing and it can be scary to see 25 people all staring at you looking for direction,” Comber, a long-time performer, said. “The exciting part is that I’m able to see individual talent and this is such a wonderful cast, that they’ve made it much easier on me.”
This year’s cast is filled with veterans and newcomers. Francesca Perrone, the vice president of the group, has been in one other show and previously directed the Movie Musicals Cabaret while Marissa Ranalli, a freshman, is making her debut this semester.“
"I was too scared to audition for ‘Songs for a New World.’ I was in ‘Anything Goes’ in high school so it made me less nervous,” Ranalli said.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Campus Thefts
by: Tara Nolan
Stonehill College student Lincoln Rose, 19, left his dorm room for a few minutes and got an unpleasant surprise when he returned.
“I was going to the bathroom for five minutes and I came back and my laptop was gone. I never would have thought that within that short amount of time someone would be able to steal my things,” said Rose.
Rose's case is not unique and, experts say, college students are becoming easy targets for criminals looking to make a quick buck by stealing easy to sell items.
From laptops to iPods to video game stations, thieves are targeting college students both locally and around the country.
As high school students prepare to go off to college in the fall, experts say they should be extra careful about what they leave in their rooms and lock up every time they leave.
In 2003, 2,086 cases of robbery were reported on college campuses according to the U.S. Department of Education.
“We really recommend that students install the software known as Computrace LoJack for their laptops. It will really help police find their stolen belongings faster,” said Officer Rose Litwinczuk.
This software is a theft protection service that tracks, locates, and recovers stolen laptop and desktop computers.
While the numbers of thefts at schools such as Stonehill College are small compared to other colleges and universities, students are still shocked when it happens.
In 2006 at Stonehill College, in Easton there were 10 reports of burglary on campus. This is extremely small in comparison to Wheaton College that had 32 reports of burglary on campus, including 22 thefts from dorms. Bridgewater State College reported 55 burglaries and one robbery on campus.
“Our most recent investigation has led to several links to several thefts in other dorms on campus,” said Stonehill detective Sgt. .Karen Ahern.
In the O’Hara residence hall alone at Stonehill, five laptops were stolen over the past year. Numerous items, including laptops and a Playstation 3 were also stolen from a residence hall close by, Boland Hall.
In one of the cases in O’Hara Hall, two laptops, two iPods, an iPod docking station, a DVD player, a graphing calculator, a digital camera printer, and three digital cameras were stolen. The items were also stolen out of the room with the resident Simone Geery’s backpack.
“I just couldn’t believe that all of our stuff was taken like that. You think you feel safe somewhere and the next minute you’re questioning everyone around you,” said Geery, 19, Montauk, N.Y.
Stonehill campus police also give various crime prevention tips on their website.
· Keep your room/office door locked every time you are away. A thief with a target in mind needs only SECONDS to accomplish his/her task.
· Keep valuables secured out of sight. Laptop computers, pocketbooks, and cameras belong in a locked drawer, not under the desk or on a shelf.
· Not all people at the college are students or guests. Some people come to a college campus to commit personal and property crimes.
· Do not prop doors open.
· Do not allow strangers to follow you into the building.
Besides Stonehill College, other local colleges experience campus thefts as well.
At Wheaton College in Norton, the campus has a public safety system similar to that of Stonehill.
Community Relations Officer, John Melkonian, said that the school does experience thefts on campus but not a lot.
One student said she has had some smaller items taken.
“I have had things stolen from me but, they were as small as a head band. I feel safe at my school and we have a great public safety which can be really strict at times but keeps us all safe,” said Wheaton College student Jessica Coons, 19.
Similar to Stonehill, Wheaton advises students to be safe with their belongings at all times.
“Students need to communicate with us. Talk to us, read our literature, read the website, take our advice,” said Melkonian.
Stonehill College student Lincoln Rose, 19, left his dorm room for a few minutes and got an unpleasant surprise when he returned.
“I was going to the bathroom for five minutes and I came back and my laptop was gone. I never would have thought that within that short amount of time someone would be able to steal my things,” said Rose.
Rose's case is not unique and, experts say, college students are becoming easy targets for criminals looking to make a quick buck by stealing easy to sell items.
From laptops to iPods to video game stations, thieves are targeting college students both locally and around the country.
As high school students prepare to go off to college in the fall, experts say they should be extra careful about what they leave in their rooms and lock up every time they leave.
In 2003, 2,086 cases of robbery were reported on college campuses according to the U.S. Department of Education.
“We really recommend that students install the software known as Computrace LoJack for their laptops. It will really help police find their stolen belongings faster,” said Officer Rose Litwinczuk.
This software is a theft protection service that tracks, locates, and recovers stolen laptop and desktop computers.
While the numbers of thefts at schools such as Stonehill College are small compared to other colleges and universities, students are still shocked when it happens.
In 2006 at Stonehill College, in Easton there were 10 reports of burglary on campus. This is extremely small in comparison to Wheaton College that had 32 reports of burglary on campus, including 22 thefts from dorms. Bridgewater State College reported 55 burglaries and one robbery on campus.
“Our most recent investigation has led to several links to several thefts in other dorms on campus,” said Stonehill detective Sgt. .Karen Ahern.
In the O’Hara residence hall alone at Stonehill, five laptops were stolen over the past year. Numerous items, including laptops and a Playstation 3 were also stolen from a residence hall close by, Boland Hall.
In one of the cases in O’Hara Hall, two laptops, two iPods, an iPod docking station, a DVD player, a graphing calculator, a digital camera printer, and three digital cameras were stolen. The items were also stolen out of the room with the resident Simone Geery’s backpack.
“I just couldn’t believe that all of our stuff was taken like that. You think you feel safe somewhere and the next minute you’re questioning everyone around you,” said Geery, 19, Montauk, N.Y.
Stonehill campus police also give various crime prevention tips on their website.
· Keep your room/office door locked every time you are away. A thief with a target in mind needs only SECONDS to accomplish his/her task.
· Keep valuables secured out of sight. Laptop computers, pocketbooks, and cameras belong in a locked drawer, not under the desk or on a shelf.
· Not all people at the college are students or guests. Some people come to a college campus to commit personal and property crimes.
· Do not prop doors open.
· Do not allow strangers to follow you into the building.
Besides Stonehill College, other local colleges experience campus thefts as well.
At Wheaton College in Norton, the campus has a public safety system similar to that of Stonehill.
Community Relations Officer, John Melkonian, said that the school does experience thefts on campus but not a lot.
One student said she has had some smaller items taken.
“I have had things stolen from me but, they were as small as a head band. I feel safe at my school and we have a great public safety which can be really strict at times but keeps us all safe,” said Wheaton College student Jessica Coons, 19.
Similar to Stonehill, Wheaton advises students to be safe with their belongings at all times.
“Students need to communicate with us. Talk to us, read our literature, read the website, take our advice,” said Melkonian.
Local Communites Reach Out To Carver Woman In The Wake of Double Lung Translplant
By Alexa Kuzmich
Local communities have turned out in support of a local woman with cystic fibrosis after she recently underwent a double lung transplant. Lindsay Briggs, 22, of Carver received a double lung transplant on February 29, 2008 at a Pennsylvania hospital after her health took a turn for the worse early this year.
Briggs, who is a senior at Stonehill College, has witnessed an amazing outpouring of caring and consideration from both her college community and the surrounding area.
Since her hospitalization, there have been many fundraisers in the area looking to assist Lindsay and her family, according to Briggs’ aunt Merci.
Starting in late January, collections at masses at Stonehill were taken in honor of Lindsay and her family. Recently, the Stonehill community has made many donations thanks to students and faculty alike who are wishing the best for Lindsay and her family.
In late February, Lindsay’s alma mater raised $11,000 at a volley ball tournament where they also sold t-shirts.
In March, two larger scale fundraisers took place, raising over $1,100. The Battle of the Bands for Briggs, hosted by Lindsay’s cousin Michelle Huckle, and a benefit hosted by Carver High School, where Lindsay’s sister is a senior.
On April 11, co-workers and friends of Lindsay’s mother, Katie, held a benefit dinner/dance in Plymouth to raise money to help support the family and allow them to stay with Lindsay while she continues her recovery.
Most recently, on April 25, Babson College organized a fundraiser to help support Lindsay and her family. After hearing her story one student, whose father is Lindsay’s physical therapist, rallied the Babson community to help. While official numbers have yet to be tallied the fundraiser, which included a BBQ and a volleyball tournament, will make a great difference to Briggs and her family.
Local communities have turned out in support of a local woman with cystic fibrosis after she recently underwent a double lung transplant. Lindsay Briggs, 22, of Carver received a double lung transplant on February 29, 2008 at a Pennsylvania hospital after her health took a turn for the worse early this year.
Briggs, who is a senior at Stonehill College, has witnessed an amazing outpouring of caring and consideration from both her college community and the surrounding area.
Since her hospitalization, there have been many fundraisers in the area looking to assist Lindsay and her family, according to Briggs’ aunt Merci.
Starting in late January, collections at masses at Stonehill were taken in honor of Lindsay and her family. Recently, the Stonehill community has made many donations thanks to students and faculty alike who are wishing the best for Lindsay and her family.
In late February, Lindsay’s alma mater raised $11,000 at a volley ball tournament where they also sold t-shirts.
In March, two larger scale fundraisers took place, raising over $1,100. The Battle of the Bands for Briggs, hosted by Lindsay’s cousin Michelle Huckle, and a benefit hosted by Carver High School, where Lindsay’s sister is a senior.
On April 11, co-workers and friends of Lindsay’s mother, Katie, held a benefit dinner/dance in Plymouth to raise money to help support the family and allow them to stay with Lindsay while she continues her recovery.
Most recently, on April 25, Babson College organized a fundraiser to help support Lindsay and her family. After hearing her story one student, whose father is Lindsay’s physical therapist, rallied the Babson community to help. While official numbers have yet to be tallied the fundraiser, which included a BBQ and a volleyball tournament, will make a great difference to Briggs and her family.
Personal Growth Over Personal Wealth
By: Ryan Cosgrove
Today’s job market is shrinking and being flooded with hundreds of thousands of college graduates every year, which now has students thinking about postponing their professional career in favor of something non-traditional.
Whether it’s devoting a couple years to volunteer work, taking some time off to travel, or starting up your own business there are plenty of non-traditional options for recent college graduates.
“So, what are you doing after college?” This is a question that can be heard a lot around college campuses this time of year and you might expect hearing one of two things: A job or grad school.
However, there are students everywhere that will be spending the next couple years doing something completely different from the majority of their classmates.
“I hate how there’s this automatic expectation for you to graduate from college, get a job, get married, and settle down. I’m young, I don’t want that for my life, at least not right now,” said senior Chris Brosnahan, 21, of Weymouth, Mass.
This is a sentiment that is common among young people, and recent college graduates are in a very exciting, sometimes intimidating, time of their life.
That being said, it is interesting to try to understand why recent graduates would want to take a non-traditional career path after college.
“I think some students make non-traditional decision which shows they have matured and have a deeper understanding of how they fit into the greater scheme of things. A few students' decisions show they have not matured and are still in the ‘play at all cost’ in materialism centered society. Thankfully that is not the case for most students but I have seen it occasionally,” said Michael Tirrell of the Stonehill psychology department.
One popular non-traditional route is to volunteer for the Peace Corps which is currently boasting a 30-year high in overseas volunteers.
According to Stonehill’s website there are 11 members of this year’s senior class that have expressed interest in joining the Peace Corps, two of which have already submitted their applications.
“I’m trying to keep my options open. The company that I interned for over the summer already offered me a job, but I think joining the Peace Corps would be an amazing experience. That’s why I applied,” said Tom O’Connor, 21, of Tolland, Conn.
The are currently four Stonehill Alumni volunteering overseas for the Peace Corps: Astrid Gilles is in West Africa, Robbie Prime is in South Africa, and Anthony Tarzia and Virginia Gordon are in Belize.
There they are working to improve the inhabitant’s quality of life by teaching computer skills, language, hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention while also setting a strong foundation for themselves when, and if, they enter the workforce.
They are but a small percentage of the 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers overseas right now, but their stories are nonetheless inspiring.
According to the Stonehill website, Jason Ricciardi, class of 2004, spent his time in Ecuador in a remote town with a very obscure dialect of Spanish call Kichwa. Seeing the importance of language and communication and the potential for difficulty in the future, Ricciardi took it upon himself to start writing a basic Kichwa guide for future volunteers.
The Peace Corps, however, is just one of the many service opportunities available for recent college graduates.
John McGaffigan, 21, of Dedham is applying to be part of the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship which is a community service program in Boston.
“I’m not really looking for a real job-type job right away, and the Fellowship really interested me. They give you money every week for living expenses and they also allow you to take courses for free at Northeastern, so you can’t really go wrong,” said McGaffigan.
Ryan Horn, 24, of Bethany, Conn., graduated from Stonehill College in 2006 with a degree in psychology and philosophy, but chose to devote a year to volunteer work.
Horn contacted an organization called the Jesuit Volunteer Corps which then assigned him to travel to Oakland, California to work for a program called Civicorps Schools.
There Horn worked with inner-city high school students as a mentor and tutor; helping them realize their potential and preparing them for the rest of their lives.
“It was a very rewarding experience for me. I felt like I was really helping the kids I was around. Also, it’s a great way to get connected and meet people in a part of the country that you are unfamiliar with because they have programs in a bunch of states,” said Horn.
Aside from graduates doing volunteer work, there are recent graduates that have the urge to travel and see the world firsthand and there are some that want to “make it on their own” and work for themselves.
“I’m getting my degree in Communication Studies, but I think I want to start my own business designing and producing drumheads. It’s a huge decision though because I am going to have to take out a loan to buy all of the equipment,” said Max Leonard, 21, of Concord, Mass.
With so many options out there it is easy to see why there are some students who chose to do something different with their time after college rather than start their career right away.
“All in all, I would say that the majority of this minority are either soul-searching or self-seeking, in the positive sense of the phrase. More power to them for taking a route that might involve unexpected challenges and even emotional, relational, and financial risks, if they use the experiences to continue to grow rather than stagnate at the college mentality. The world needs some of those "dare-devils," as long as they are not becoming a burden to others,” said Professor Tirrell.
Today’s job market is shrinking and being flooded with hundreds of thousands of college graduates every year, which now has students thinking about postponing their professional career in favor of something non-traditional.
Whether it’s devoting a couple years to volunteer work, taking some time off to travel, or starting up your own business there are plenty of non-traditional options for recent college graduates.
“So, what are you doing after college?” This is a question that can be heard a lot around college campuses this time of year and you might expect hearing one of two things: A job or grad school.
However, there are students everywhere that will be spending the next couple years doing something completely different from the majority of their classmates.
“I hate how there’s this automatic expectation for you to graduate from college, get a job, get married, and settle down. I’m young, I don’t want that for my life, at least not right now,” said senior Chris Brosnahan, 21, of Weymouth, Mass.
This is a sentiment that is common among young people, and recent college graduates are in a very exciting, sometimes intimidating, time of their life.
That being said, it is interesting to try to understand why recent graduates would want to take a non-traditional career path after college.
“I think some students make non-traditional decision which shows they have matured and have a deeper understanding of how they fit into the greater scheme of things. A few students' decisions show they have not matured and are still in the ‘play at all cost’ in materialism centered society. Thankfully that is not the case for most students but I have seen it occasionally,” said Michael Tirrell of the Stonehill psychology department.
One popular non-traditional route is to volunteer for the Peace Corps which is currently boasting a 30-year high in overseas volunteers.
According to Stonehill’s website there are 11 members of this year’s senior class that have expressed interest in joining the Peace Corps, two of which have already submitted their applications.
“I’m trying to keep my options open. The company that I interned for over the summer already offered me a job, but I think joining the Peace Corps would be an amazing experience. That’s why I applied,” said Tom O’Connor, 21, of Tolland, Conn.
The are currently four Stonehill Alumni volunteering overseas for the Peace Corps: Astrid Gilles is in West Africa, Robbie Prime is in South Africa, and Anthony Tarzia and Virginia Gordon are in Belize.
There they are working to improve the inhabitant’s quality of life by teaching computer skills, language, hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention while also setting a strong foundation for themselves when, and if, they enter the workforce.
They are but a small percentage of the 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers overseas right now, but their stories are nonetheless inspiring.
According to the Stonehill website, Jason Ricciardi, class of 2004, spent his time in Ecuador in a remote town with a very obscure dialect of Spanish call Kichwa. Seeing the importance of language and communication and the potential for difficulty in the future, Ricciardi took it upon himself to start writing a basic Kichwa guide for future volunteers.
The Peace Corps, however, is just one of the many service opportunities available for recent college graduates.
John McGaffigan, 21, of Dedham is applying to be part of the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship which is a community service program in Boston.
“I’m not really looking for a real job-type job right away, and the Fellowship really interested me. They give you money every week for living expenses and they also allow you to take courses for free at Northeastern, so you can’t really go wrong,” said McGaffigan.
Ryan Horn, 24, of Bethany, Conn., graduated from Stonehill College in 2006 with a degree in psychology and philosophy, but chose to devote a year to volunteer work.
Horn contacted an organization called the Jesuit Volunteer Corps which then assigned him to travel to Oakland, California to work for a program called Civicorps Schools.
There Horn worked with inner-city high school students as a mentor and tutor; helping them realize their potential and preparing them for the rest of their lives.
“It was a very rewarding experience for me. I felt like I was really helping the kids I was around. Also, it’s a great way to get connected and meet people in a part of the country that you are unfamiliar with because they have programs in a bunch of states,” said Horn.
Aside from graduates doing volunteer work, there are recent graduates that have the urge to travel and see the world firsthand and there are some that want to “make it on their own” and work for themselves.
“I’m getting my degree in Communication Studies, but I think I want to start my own business designing and producing drumheads. It’s a huge decision though because I am going to have to take out a loan to buy all of the equipment,” said Max Leonard, 21, of Concord, Mass.
With so many options out there it is easy to see why there are some students who chose to do something different with their time after college rather than start their career right away.
“All in all, I would say that the majority of this minority are either soul-searching or self-seeking, in the positive sense of the phrase. More power to them for taking a route that might involve unexpected challenges and even emotional, relational, and financial risks, if they use the experiences to continue to grow rather than stagnate at the college mentality. The world needs some of those "dare-devils," as long as they are not becoming a burden to others,” said Professor Tirrell.
Local College Community Opens Hearts...And Wallets For One Of Its Own
By Alexa Kuzmich
Dozens of purple and gold hearts adorn the windows of the Student Government Association at Stonehill College and even more students are brandishing purple wristbands in support of a fellow student.
Each heart bears the name of a student or faculty member who has donated money to help Lindsay Briggs, 22, of Carver, who received a double lung transplant on February 29, 2008.
The Student Government Association Executive Board worked with Pauline Dobrowski, the Reverend John Denning and the Reverend. Jim Fenstermaker to order purple wristbands engraved with the words “Lindsay Briggs” and “Cystic Fibrosis”. Each person that made a donation received a bracelet and a heart to write their name on.
Senior Kyndra Angell, executive board president, has known of Lindsay’s condition since freshman year when they had class together. When word of Briggs’ deteriorating health became well known on campus, Angell jumped to action, with the Student Government Association right behind her.
“Student Government is trying to help out in any way possible,” said Angell.
Briggs, who is a member of the class of 2008, suffers from cystic fibrosis. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she is one of 30,000 children and adults who are afflicted by the disease in the United States.
Pauline Dobrowski, associate vice president of Student Affairs at Stonehill College, has been very active in pulling the community together to help Lindsay and her family.
“It’s been great that the Stonehill Community has come together to support one of our own,” said Dobrowski.
Since first word of Lindsay’s failing health hit the Stonehill campus, donations from the community have been pouring in. Campus ministry collected nearly $2,700 at weekly masses, the Student Government Association raised nearly $500 through the sale of their bracelets and hearts, and SODEXHO, the food service provider at Stonehill, made a donation of $1,000.
The community involvement doesn’t stop there. Ticket prices for student events have been raised in order to create funds to donate to Lindsay and her family.
Senior Brittany Topper, executive board programming coordinator, said the programming committee donated $2 for every ticket sold for Spring Weekend, one of the largest student run events on campus.
The carnival like weekend, which includes a live band, free food, rides and novelties, draws most of the Stonehill community together. This year, ticket sales raised over $2,000 for Lindsay. Topper said that number will be matched by Pauline Dobrowski, totaling over $4,000 for the Briggs family.
Senior Andi Shedlock, programming coordinator for the Class of 2008 lived in the same house on campus as Briggs during her junior year. Shedlock remembers Lindsay always offering a smile and often a cookie to everyone in need during the year that they lived together.
Shedlock said ticket prices for senior class events such were raised by a few dollars so that the committee could donate money to Briggs and her family.
“We felt that since Lindsay is a member of our class it would be a nice way for her to be honored and included even though she cannot attend the events, as well as help her family to be able to stay with her in Pennsylvania,” said Shedlock.
In addition to the Student Government Association and the senior class, Brother Mike’s, an on campus pub, hosted a fundraiser for Lindsay on April 12. Twenty-five percent of the night’s profits and personal donations totaling nearly $135 were donated to Lindsay through this event.
Laura Christo, program coordinator for Brother Mike’s said the event, which ran from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. was full of baseball, dancing and spending time with friends: all things that Lindsay loves. The Red Sox/Yankees game was playing on the big screen and a dance floor open and ready for anyone looking to bust a move.
“We are thrilled to be supporting Lindsay,” said Christo. She was contacted by Pauline Dobrowski in her effort to bring the Stonehill Community together in support of one of its members.
Senior Lauren Pincolini was not surprised to see how willing people were to donate a few extra dollars here and there to help.
“I liked the idea of SGA doing something for Lindsey and her family. I think that people were willing to pay a little extra to help her and her family out. I do think though that we might have been able to raise more money for them if we did not cap it on a few dollars extra for certain events. I think that some students would have donated more if they thought they could,” said Pincolini.
For students that are interested in donating more money, or who have not been able to donate thus far, a website has been created in honor of Lindsay. Students, faculty and community members can visit www.firstgiving.com/lindsaybriggs and donate using credit and debit cards.
According to Dobrowski, Lindsay is being honored at the upcoming Student Life Awards, a ceremony that recognizes students for their outstanding work on campus. Lindsay will be honored for her phenomenal work on the student run newspaper, The Summit.
Dorbowski said, come May 18, Lindsay will be back on Stonehill’s campus to celebrate Commencement with her friends and classmates.
“We have heard Lindsay will be here for graduation, so we’re very excited about that,” said Dorbowski.
Dozens of purple and gold hearts adorn the windows of the Student Government Association at Stonehill College and even more students are brandishing purple wristbands in support of a fellow student.
Each heart bears the name of a student or faculty member who has donated money to help Lindsay Briggs, 22, of Carver, who received a double lung transplant on February 29, 2008.
The Student Government Association Executive Board worked with Pauline Dobrowski, the Reverend John Denning and the Reverend. Jim Fenstermaker to order purple wristbands engraved with the words “Lindsay Briggs” and “Cystic Fibrosis”. Each person that made a donation received a bracelet and a heart to write their name on.
Senior Kyndra Angell, executive board president, has known of Lindsay’s condition since freshman year when they had class together. When word of Briggs’ deteriorating health became well known on campus, Angell jumped to action, with the Student Government Association right behind her.
“Student Government is trying to help out in any way possible,” said Angell.
Briggs, who is a member of the class of 2008, suffers from cystic fibrosis. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she is one of 30,000 children and adults who are afflicted by the disease in the United States.
Pauline Dobrowski, associate vice president of Student Affairs at Stonehill College, has been very active in pulling the community together to help Lindsay and her family.
“It’s been great that the Stonehill Community has come together to support one of our own,” said Dobrowski.
Since first word of Lindsay’s failing health hit the Stonehill campus, donations from the community have been pouring in. Campus ministry collected nearly $2,700 at weekly masses, the Student Government Association raised nearly $500 through the sale of their bracelets and hearts, and SODEXHO, the food service provider at Stonehill, made a donation of $1,000.
The community involvement doesn’t stop there. Ticket prices for student events have been raised in order to create funds to donate to Lindsay and her family.
Senior Brittany Topper, executive board programming coordinator, said the programming committee donated $2 for every ticket sold for Spring Weekend, one of the largest student run events on campus.
The carnival like weekend, which includes a live band, free food, rides and novelties, draws most of the Stonehill community together. This year, ticket sales raised over $2,000 for Lindsay. Topper said that number will be matched by Pauline Dobrowski, totaling over $4,000 for the Briggs family.
Senior Andi Shedlock, programming coordinator for the Class of 2008 lived in the same house on campus as Briggs during her junior year. Shedlock remembers Lindsay always offering a smile and often a cookie to everyone in need during the year that they lived together.
Shedlock said ticket prices for senior class events such were raised by a few dollars so that the committee could donate money to Briggs and her family.
“We felt that since Lindsay is a member of our class it would be a nice way for her to be honored and included even though she cannot attend the events, as well as help her family to be able to stay with her in Pennsylvania,” said Shedlock.
In addition to the Student Government Association and the senior class, Brother Mike’s, an on campus pub, hosted a fundraiser for Lindsay on April 12. Twenty-five percent of the night’s profits and personal donations totaling nearly $135 were donated to Lindsay through this event.
Laura Christo, program coordinator for Brother Mike’s said the event, which ran from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. was full of baseball, dancing and spending time with friends: all things that Lindsay loves. The Red Sox/Yankees game was playing on the big screen and a dance floor open and ready for anyone looking to bust a move.
“We are thrilled to be supporting Lindsay,” said Christo. She was contacted by Pauline Dobrowski in her effort to bring the Stonehill Community together in support of one of its members.
Senior Lauren Pincolini was not surprised to see how willing people were to donate a few extra dollars here and there to help.
“I liked the idea of SGA doing something for Lindsey and her family. I think that people were willing to pay a little extra to help her and her family out. I do think though that we might have been able to raise more money for them if we did not cap it on a few dollars extra for certain events. I think that some students would have donated more if they thought they could,” said Pincolini.
For students that are interested in donating more money, or who have not been able to donate thus far, a website has been created in honor of Lindsay. Students, faculty and community members can visit www.firstgiving.com/lindsaybriggs and donate using credit and debit cards.
According to Dobrowski, Lindsay is being honored at the upcoming Student Life Awards, a ceremony that recognizes students for their outstanding work on campus. Lindsay will be honored for her phenomenal work on the student run newspaper, The Summit.
Dorbowski said, come May 18, Lindsay will be back on Stonehill’s campus to celebrate Commencement with her friends and classmates.
“We have heard Lindsay will be here for graduation, so we’re very excited about that,” said Dorbowski.
Stonehill Students Find Adjustment Difficult after Life Abroad
Studying abroad for Stonehill College students proves to be a valuable experience but adjusting back to American life can be tough.
“I lived a very carefree life in Australia, but when I came home I had to worry about rules at school, rules at home, says Alexa Kuzmich, a senior.
Many students find that they gain a sense of freedom living in another country but are more restricted when coming back to the United States.
Some of these restrictions include the drinking age, school requirements, and state regulations.
It is normal for a student to feel less restricted when they return home, according to The Global Center for Education.
Many study abroad programs are offered in cities, where students are freer to choose at the wide variety of activities that a city can offer.
“I miss the nightlife and being able to go out to the bars and clubs during the week,” says Paul Viscuse, a junior at Stonehill College.
Stonehill College is located in a suburban area where there is less to do at night for students.
Many shops and restaurants close early and there are few bars in the area to entertain the student population over 21 at Stonehill.
“I loved the sense of freedom and independence that I gained while I was abroad,” says Kuzmich.
Besides readjusting to Stonehill’s night life, students find it difficult to adjust to the school’s curriculum again.
“Getting used to Stonehill again was a little difficult” says Viscuse, “because of all the time I took off from science classes.”
While abroad, students experience more academic freedom and personal independence according to Middlebury College website for study abroad.
Students when going abroad choose electives instead of courses that coincide with their major. Many opt for electives because of the credit transfer and the type of courses required within a particular major in order to graduate.
Students also find it hard adjusting to the social life.
“When I got back to Stonehill the friendships that I had before I left were different,” says Kuzmich. “People change a lot when they go abroad, they grow up, they find themselves and it impacts their relationships.”
Readjusting back to the social life can cause anxiety and frustration according to The Global Center for Education.
Many students when they go abroad end up missing their friends from abroad because they feel that they can relate better to them, more than other students who did not study abroad.
“I miss the people I met while I was there” says Viscuse.
The transition from life abroad back to the United States is commonly known as “culture shock.”
Culture shock is the experience of a clash between one's personal way of viewing and interacting with the world (which is determined by one's home culture) and the new cultural environment, according to psychologist Wendy Settle from Notre Dame University.
Students enter four phases before fully adapting back to the life they once lived, euphoria, anxiety, rejection of the new culture, and finally readjustment.
While it was difficult to re-adjust, many students say that it took a month or less to get used to things again.
Most students say studying abroad was a great lesson in growing up and learning to be independent.
Those who go abroad generally develop new attitudes, beliefs, habits, as well as personal and professional goals, and see things differently, according to the Global Center for Education.
“I grew up more in those four months than I possibly could have in the entire four years I was in college,” says Kuzmich.
“I lived a very carefree life in Australia, but when I came home I had to worry about rules at school, rules at home, says Alexa Kuzmich, a senior.
Many students find that they gain a sense of freedom living in another country but are more restricted when coming back to the United States.
Some of these restrictions include the drinking age, school requirements, and state regulations.
It is normal for a student to feel less restricted when they return home, according to The Global Center for Education.
Many study abroad programs are offered in cities, where students are freer to choose at the wide variety of activities that a city can offer.
“I miss the nightlife and being able to go out to the bars and clubs during the week,” says Paul Viscuse, a junior at Stonehill College.
Stonehill College is located in a suburban area where there is less to do at night for students.
Many shops and restaurants close early and there are few bars in the area to entertain the student population over 21 at Stonehill.
“I loved the sense of freedom and independence that I gained while I was abroad,” says Kuzmich.
Besides readjusting to Stonehill’s night life, students find it difficult to adjust to the school’s curriculum again.
“Getting used to Stonehill again was a little difficult” says Viscuse, “because of all the time I took off from science classes.”
While abroad, students experience more academic freedom and personal independence according to Middlebury College website for study abroad.
Students when going abroad choose electives instead of courses that coincide with their major. Many opt for electives because of the credit transfer and the type of courses required within a particular major in order to graduate.
Students also find it hard adjusting to the social life.
“When I got back to Stonehill the friendships that I had before I left were different,” says Kuzmich. “People change a lot when they go abroad, they grow up, they find themselves and it impacts their relationships.”
Readjusting back to the social life can cause anxiety and frustration according to The Global Center for Education.
Many students when they go abroad end up missing their friends from abroad because they feel that they can relate better to them, more than other students who did not study abroad.
“I miss the people I met while I was there” says Viscuse.
The transition from life abroad back to the United States is commonly known as “culture shock.”
Culture shock is the experience of a clash between one's personal way of viewing and interacting with the world (which is determined by one's home culture) and the new cultural environment, according to psychologist Wendy Settle from Notre Dame University.
Students enter four phases before fully adapting back to the life they once lived, euphoria, anxiety, rejection of the new culture, and finally readjustment.
While it was difficult to re-adjust, many students say that it took a month or less to get used to things again.
Most students say studying abroad was a great lesson in growing up and learning to be independent.
Those who go abroad generally develop new attitudes, beliefs, habits, as well as personal and professional goals, and see things differently, according to the Global Center for Education.
“I grew up more in those four months than I possibly could have in the entire four years I was in college,” says Kuzmich.
Teens Getting Tipsy?
David Murphy
As the sliding glass doors open, the customers’ eyes are drawn to the bright colors and logos on the containers.
There are bottles with penguins, kangaroos, and monkeys on the labels. In one aisle, there is a cardboard cut out of big pirate with his foot on a barrel. Around the corner, there is an island display complete with a light up palm tree.
From the flavors of drinks to the way they are packaged, or advertised, some say alcoholic beverages are increasingly being marketed to a younger audience.
“I’m not 21 but I can definitely see the appeal of a lot of drinks. Like I don’t like the taste of beer so I’d much rather have something like lemonade. That seems like a much better choice,” said Jenn Forrester, 18, a student at Bridgewater State College.
Underage drinking is a serious issue in the United States. A 2006 study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed the average age that someone first used alcohol was 16.6 years and 48 percent of all alcohol consumed by students attending a four year college is consumed by underage students,
Sweet flavored malt drinks are a new fad that many companies are trying to cash in on. Smirnoff, Jack Daniels, and Bacardi are all examples of companies that sell sugary drinks. Some of the flavors include raspberry, watermelon, and blue raspberry.
“I won’t deny that Mikes and other malts are good sellers for us but it’s not because they are for young kids. They’re what we call chick drinks, tons of girls enjoy them,” said Donna Mayette, a manager and employee for Kappy’s Liquors in Peabody.
While the flavor may be suited for females it’s hard to deny the marketing campaign. On countrycocktails.com, the official website for Jack Daniels’ malt drinks, you can download computer wallpaper, upload Jack Daniels AIM icons, and view tips on what to wear to concerts and what not to do when dancing in a club.
“I don’t work for Jack Daniels. However they choose to market is their business, we just make sure that we have it in stock. At our store we make sure everyone that buys is over 21. Our policy is to always check IDs,” Mayette said.
Malt drinks aren’t the only beverages that seem to cater to a young crowd. Wine companies generally have mascots like animals, which younger people would seem to enjoy. The company Virgin, major music industry label has recently developed its own wine and its advertising campaign includes free giveaways titled “bling-bling”, necklaces with their logo and a dollar sign.
“I don’t know anything about wine so when I turn 21 I won’t know what I’m doing. I’ll probably be that girl that basis her choice of the prettiest bottle or something,” said Joanna Cloutier, a 20 year-old Stonehill student.
Many students use energy drinks to stay awake, like Red Bull or Rock Star. The Miller brewing company is cashing in by instituting an alcoholic energy drink known as Sparks. Their marketing blitz includes a group of college girls that call themselves “Sparxxx girls”. This has led to a large college based fan population. The can looks similar to other energy drinks and the liquid generates an orange discoloring of the tongue.
“If you look at the statistics of underage drinking and driving accidents you’ll see it’s appalling. I don’t have any proof in saying this but I don’t think that peer pressure is the only reason kids drink alcohol like a lot of people generally believe. I defiantly think that catchy ads and flashy campaigns have a lot do with it,” said Anthony Furnari who works at Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Furnari is referring to come from the U.S. Surgeon General that reported in 2007 approximately 5,000 persons under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking yearly. Also in 2006 an estimated 17,602 people died in alcohol related traffic crashes.
College population is a major demographic that beer companies market towards. The recent NCAA provided a great outlet for Bud Light. They were one of the sponsors and purchased a lot of commercial time. Once the games got to the final four, Bud Light produced blue and white necklaces with their logo and the words “Final Four” on them that were passed out at bars.
“I don’t think they’re advertising to underage people. That’s just dumb, they can’t buy it anyways. I think they try to have catchy ad campaigns but they’re only trying to sell their product to the masses, not the under 21 crowd,” said Brandyn Brosemer, a 20-year-old Stonehill student.
As the sliding glass doors open, the customers’ eyes are drawn to the bright colors and logos on the containers.
There are bottles with penguins, kangaroos, and monkeys on the labels. In one aisle, there is a cardboard cut out of big pirate with his foot on a barrel. Around the corner, there is an island display complete with a light up palm tree.
From the flavors of drinks to the way they are packaged, or advertised, some say alcoholic beverages are increasingly being marketed to a younger audience.
“I’m not 21 but I can definitely see the appeal of a lot of drinks. Like I don’t like the taste of beer so I’d much rather have something like lemonade. That seems like a much better choice,” said Jenn Forrester, 18, a student at Bridgewater State College.
Underage drinking is a serious issue in the United States. A 2006 study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed the average age that someone first used alcohol was 16.6 years and 48 percent of all alcohol consumed by students attending a four year college is consumed by underage students,
Sweet flavored malt drinks are a new fad that many companies are trying to cash in on. Smirnoff, Jack Daniels, and Bacardi are all examples of companies that sell sugary drinks. Some of the flavors include raspberry, watermelon, and blue raspberry.
“I won’t deny that Mikes and other malts are good sellers for us but it’s not because they are for young kids. They’re what we call chick drinks, tons of girls enjoy them,” said Donna Mayette, a manager and employee for Kappy’s Liquors in Peabody.
While the flavor may be suited for females it’s hard to deny the marketing campaign. On countrycocktails.com, the official website for Jack Daniels’ malt drinks, you can download computer wallpaper, upload Jack Daniels AIM icons, and view tips on what to wear to concerts and what not to do when dancing in a club.
“I don’t work for Jack Daniels. However they choose to market is their business, we just make sure that we have it in stock. At our store we make sure everyone that buys is over 21. Our policy is to always check IDs,” Mayette said.
Malt drinks aren’t the only beverages that seem to cater to a young crowd. Wine companies generally have mascots like animals, which younger people would seem to enjoy. The company Virgin, major music industry label has recently developed its own wine and its advertising campaign includes free giveaways titled “bling-bling”, necklaces with their logo and a dollar sign.
“I don’t know anything about wine so when I turn 21 I won’t know what I’m doing. I’ll probably be that girl that basis her choice of the prettiest bottle or something,” said Joanna Cloutier, a 20 year-old Stonehill student.
Many students use energy drinks to stay awake, like Red Bull or Rock Star. The Miller brewing company is cashing in by instituting an alcoholic energy drink known as Sparks. Their marketing blitz includes a group of college girls that call themselves “Sparxxx girls”. This has led to a large college based fan population. The can looks similar to other energy drinks and the liquid generates an orange discoloring of the tongue.
“If you look at the statistics of underage drinking and driving accidents you’ll see it’s appalling. I don’t have any proof in saying this but I don’t think that peer pressure is the only reason kids drink alcohol like a lot of people generally believe. I defiantly think that catchy ads and flashy campaigns have a lot do with it,” said Anthony Furnari who works at Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Furnari is referring to come from the U.S. Surgeon General that reported in 2007 approximately 5,000 persons under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking yearly. Also in 2006 an estimated 17,602 people died in alcohol related traffic crashes.
College population is a major demographic that beer companies market towards. The recent NCAA provided a great outlet for Bud Light. They were one of the sponsors and purchased a lot of commercial time. Once the games got to the final four, Bud Light produced blue and white necklaces with their logo and the words “Final Four” on them that were passed out at bars.
“I don’t think they’re advertising to underage people. That’s just dumb, they can’t buy it anyways. I think they try to have catchy ad campaigns but they’re only trying to sell their product to the masses, not the under 21 crowd,” said Brandyn Brosemer, a 20-year-old Stonehill student.
How Much Do the Rising Gas Prices Really Affect College Students?
By: Matthew D'Amore
Marissa Kimball used to be able to go out with her friends and shop.
But the recent trend of rising gas prices is changing that.
“I really don’t go shopping with my friends anymore. I hang out with them, but I just can’t buy anything because most of my money goes to gas these day,” says Kimball, 18, who attends UMASS Dartmouth.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas prices are up to $3.33 per gallon, which is up almost a whole dollar from last year. On top of that, the EIA also shows that gas is slowly increasing each month, with no sign of slowing down.
“I can’t even take my girlfriend out on a date too much anymore because gas is so expensive,” says Dave Cutler, a sophomore at Bridgewater State College.
Many college students are spending a good portion of their paychecks just on gas.
“I spend a pretty decent amount,” says Kimball. “I don't keep track of my money very well, but I could guestimate it's around $10-$20 a week on gas. Usually $30 to fill up before the car ride home or elsewhere.”
“Usually, I spend somewhere around 50 to 70 dollars sometimes a week on gas,” says Natalie Hughes, a sophomore at Bridgewater State. “That basically is more than half of my paycheck sometimes.”
Jeff Crehan, a sophomore at Stonehill College, says most of his money goes to gas. “Gas is basically what I spend most of my money on. It cost so much just to fill up a whole tank, and I live in Connecticut so I do that often when I go home.”
But gas prices aren’t keeping cars off campus.
“I love having my car with me,” says Mary Sullivan, 19, a student at UMASS Dartmouth. “I would have it no matter the price of gas. However, the price of gas does affect how often I am willing to drive people how far I'm willing to drive. But I still need my car here with me.”
John Latta, 20, a student a Stonehill College, agrees. “Sure, gas costs a lot of money and does take a big hit to my wallet. But when it comes down to it, I need my car to get around to, not only places on campus, but the other places that are off campus. Having my car with me is well worth the price.”
Some students said they only go home when they really need to because of the gas prices.
“I really don’t go home, I usually stay at school,” says Kimball. “I avoid going home often because it uses so much gas, not because I like having my own freedom. I pretty much stay at school to save money.”
Crehan says he stays on campus too. “It takes up too much gas. I mean I also like staying here more because it’s great to be on my own, but I do like to save money on my gas as well.”
The gas prices keep rising each month. Will we ever see the prices go down again or will they stay this high or keep going higher further down the road?
“If the gas prices would go down I might not be so hesitant to drive places and then I'd have more options and things to do,” says Kimball.
“I think gas will go back down, but never be back to what it used to be,” says Sullivan. “Gas used to be cheap, like about a buck fifty a gallon, but it will never ever come to that again. But as long as its under $3 a gallon, I'm good.”
mdamore@student.stonehill.edu
Marissa Kimball used to be able to go out with her friends and shop.
But the recent trend of rising gas prices is changing that.
“I really don’t go shopping with my friends anymore. I hang out with them, but I just can’t buy anything because most of my money goes to gas these day,” says Kimball, 18, who attends UMASS Dartmouth.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas prices are up to $3.33 per gallon, which is up almost a whole dollar from last year. On top of that, the EIA also shows that gas is slowly increasing each month, with no sign of slowing down.
“I can’t even take my girlfriend out on a date too much anymore because gas is so expensive,” says Dave Cutler, a sophomore at Bridgewater State College.
Many college students are spending a good portion of their paychecks just on gas.
“I spend a pretty decent amount,” says Kimball. “I don't keep track of my money very well, but I could guestimate it's around $10-$20 a week on gas. Usually $30 to fill up before the car ride home or elsewhere.”
“Usually, I spend somewhere around 50 to 70 dollars sometimes a week on gas,” says Natalie Hughes, a sophomore at Bridgewater State. “That basically is more than half of my paycheck sometimes.”
Jeff Crehan, a sophomore at Stonehill College, says most of his money goes to gas. “Gas is basically what I spend most of my money on. It cost so much just to fill up a whole tank, and I live in Connecticut so I do that often when I go home.”
But gas prices aren’t keeping cars off campus.
“I love having my car with me,” says Mary Sullivan, 19, a student at UMASS Dartmouth. “I would have it no matter the price of gas. However, the price of gas does affect how often I am willing to drive people how far I'm willing to drive. But I still need my car here with me.”
John Latta, 20, a student a Stonehill College, agrees. “Sure, gas costs a lot of money and does take a big hit to my wallet. But when it comes down to it, I need my car to get around to, not only places on campus, but the other places that are off campus. Having my car with me is well worth the price.”
Some students said they only go home when they really need to because of the gas prices.
“I really don’t go home, I usually stay at school,” says Kimball. “I avoid going home often because it uses so much gas, not because I like having my own freedom. I pretty much stay at school to save money.”
Crehan says he stays on campus too. “It takes up too much gas. I mean I also like staying here more because it’s great to be on my own, but I do like to save money on my gas as well.”
The gas prices keep rising each month. Will we ever see the prices go down again or will they stay this high or keep going higher further down the road?
“If the gas prices would go down I might not be so hesitant to drive places and then I'd have more options and things to do,” says Kimball.
“I think gas will go back down, but never be back to what it used to be,” says Sullivan. “Gas used to be cheap, like about a buck fifty a gallon, but it will never ever come to that again. But as long as its under $3 a gallon, I'm good.”
mdamore@student.stonehill.edu
Students Remaining Abstinent but Promoting Safe Sex
by Clare Hopkins
While other college students are “hooking up” on the weekends, Joseph Doherty, of Bridgewater, is abstaining.
“My religion kind of frowns upon premarital sex,” said Doherty, 20, a Catholic.
Despite the “hookup” culture of college campuses, many students like Doherty are choosing to remain abstinent. This is can be a difficult choice to make because of the college atmosphere where casual sex is considered prevalent.
“I think it is wise for college kids to abstain from sex. There is so much going on in their lives during this time and the last thing they need is for something like an unplanned pregnancy. My advice would be to wait until you find someone you want to devote yourself to entirely,” said Doherty.
A growing number appear to be doing that. According to the Center for Disease Control, teens in 2002 were delaying sex later than teens in 1995. In 1995 the percentage of teen girls who had ever had sex was 38; in 2002 it had declined to 30. The percentage of males who had had sex declined from 55 percent to 46 percent from 1995 to 2002. The CDC also found that as college sexual activity has decreased, so has college age pregnancy.
Why have more students chosen the path of abstinence? It seems that, like Doherty, many students abstain because of their religion.
Jeremy Bragg, 19, of Bridgewater says although he doesn’t consider himself very religious, it still has a strong impact on his choice to abstain from sex.
“I think religion taught me more of self restraint and gave a better understanding to my values,” said Bragg.
Rachel Files, 20, of Duxbury, said though religion does not impact her decisions with sexual activity, she can see how it influences others.
“I think that it depends on values [whether you abstain from sex], and often times religious views. I think it is hard but possible to abstain if that's what you want to do. But I also think it is up to the person,” said Files.
Besides religion, Bragg cites more general reasons for abstaining.
“I don't really think sex is just something to do at parties or one night stands or whatever the case may be,” said Bragg.
Though these students are abstaining, they do not support the abstinence only education that is being taught in many schools.
“I think there should be safe sex education, whether your going to be abstinent or not is up to the individual so I wouldn’t have abstinence only education. I don’t think it would benefit much. A kid is going to have sex if he or she wants to,” said Doherty.
“Abstinence only education doesn’t do anything but make people more interested in why they aren’t supposed to do something,” said Bragg.
“When I was in high school, the program was not abstinence only, but now it has changed. My little brothers are getting the abstinence only education and I don’t think it's good. We learned about the options and consequences of all the choices we had. Now my brothers are only learning about one path. They know the other option, so you might as well teach them about the consequences. They are teenagers, they have hormones, many are going to choose the other path whether you teach them or not. I don't think it is effective because it is not going to prevent kids from abstaining completely,” said Files.
Sean Scanlan, 20, from Holbrook, said he believes abstinence only education is not effective.
“Teenagers always want to push the rules of society. If there was more education about practicing safe sex and choosing a partner you trust, then I think the risks of sex like pregnancy or STDs would be reduced and the whole point of abstaining is to eliminate those risks,” said Scanlan.
Planned Parenthood which promotes safe sex education says abstinence only education is not only useless but harmful.
According to Planned Parenthood, abstinence-only education often gives out misinformation and is ineffective in preventing teen pregnancies and STD’s. There is hardly any evidence that teenagers who go through in abstinence-only programs abstain from sex longer than those who are not in the programs.
However, it is known that when they do become sexually active, teens who were part of abstinence-only education often do not use condoms or other contraception.
But money is available for this program. From 1996 until 2006 more than $1.5 billion in federal and state funds have been spent on abstinence-only programs. There is a requirement that the state match federal dollars for abstinence only programs. Now state dollars that supported safe sex education, which also includes abstinence education, are being spent only on abstinence education.
According to a study Bearman and Brueckner in 2001 and Walters in 2005, 88 percent of students who pledged to remain virgins in middle school or high school still had premarital sex. Students who break this pledge are less likely to use contraceptives the first time they have sex.
On the other hand, sex education that is more comprehensive has shown better results. Students in these programs do not engage in sexual activity more often or earlier than those in abstinence only programs. They are more likely to use contraception the first time they have sex and are consistent in practicing safe sex.
Rep. Henry Waxman from California, released a report about abstinence-only programs in 2004. It found that the curricula used by two-thirds of abstinence-only programs contain misleading and sometimes inaccurate information about abortion, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Not all college students are abstaining however, and don’t believe others students should have to abstain if they don’t want to.
“If they believe it is a good choice [to have sex] then I don't think they should abstain,” said Files.
“I think in college it’s hard for people to abstain from sex. It’s almost expected that when people go out, they will drink, and drinking causes a lot of pressure to participate in sexual activities. Also in a relationship, you practically live with the person you are dating, so the relationship moves a lot more quickly than dating someone who is not living with you.”
Files also said it is difficult for college students to abstain because of the actions of their peers.
“It is dangerous though because of the pressure. Many people may give in to it and go against what they believe it in and think is ok.”
“I don’t think college kids should abstain from sex. We all have urges from our hormones and I don’t think sex is a bad thing. The only thing that makes it difficult is the fact that virtually everyone on campus lives with a roommate which can make privacy difficult. I think as long as people practice save sex than abstaining is useless. An environment like college with no parents around is just very inviting to have sex,” said Scanlan.
chopkins@student.stonehill.edu
A New Generation of Givers
By: Jenny Gardynski
(jgardynski@student.stonehill.edu)
Kristina Coriaty of Brockton has found herself spending time in the classroom helping others this semester.
The Stonehill junior volunteers as a member Circle K, a Kiwanis club sponsored college group, and is active in the BELTS (Because Everyone Loves to be Safe) Program. In the program, she said students go to second grade classrooms in Brockton to educate children about the importance of wearing seat belts.
“It is important for kids to learn at an early age that they should be wearing seatbelts and it is rewarding to be a part of something that helps further the education of children,” she said.
Coriaty is part of a growing number of college students volunteering throughout the country.
A 2006 study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that the number of college students who volunteer is up by approximately 20 percent from 2002 to 2005. In contrast, the increase of all adult volunteerers is only up nine percent.
Coriaty said she has been active in a number of volunteer events, including Brockton’s Special Olympics, Brockton junior high schools’ field day ceremonies, and at the Natural Resources Trust of Easton.
Coriaty said she sees an increase in college volunteering. She is right on, because in 2005, approximately 30.2 percent of all college students volunteered, compared with 28.8 percent for the general adult population, according to the same 2006 survey.
“I think that the number is growing because people realize that it is important to give back to the community. I also think that students feel as though they are obligated to do community service sometimes so that they better their chances at obtaining jobs in the future.”
Representing the Stonehill women’s cross country and track teams, junior, Katie Brague of Mansfield, volunteers with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), part of a national group that promotes student-athlete community service.
As a member of the organization, Brague said she has participated in various community service events, such as Stonehill’s “Think Pink” basketball game to raise awareness and generate proceeds for breast cancer.
“For the women’s game I was downstairs handing out information sheets about breast cancer and handing out rally towels that had been dyed pink for the occasion,” Brague said.
SAAC members also go to high school seminars to talk to high school students about the life of a collegiate athlete, attend elementary school recesses to interact with the children, and raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Brague said she has volunteered prior to becoming a SAAC member.
“Last year for a class I went to a Brockton school every Sunday for three hours during the fall semester and worked with autistic children. We did arts and crafts and played sports with them,” she said.
Brague said she has noticed a lot of people at her school volunteering.
“I think that Stonehill definitely makes a point of making community service a prominent part of how it operates and how they want the community to be perceived. A lot of classes require community service and many clubs encourage it as well,” she said.
Stonehill isn’t the only local college to make strides in community service.
Wheaton College senior, Kim Wozniakewicz, of Sunderland volunteers in the Relay for Life and in Wheaton’s organization Colleges Against Cancer.
Wozniakewicz said she has been involved in the Relay for Life, an overnight cancer walk, for six years.
“I became involved in Relay after losing my aunt to Breast Cancer in the spring of 2002,” she said.
She has been a coordinator of the Relay for Life at Wheaton for the past three years.
As a coordinator, she organizes the food and beverage committee, the corporate sponsor/fundraising committee, prizes and awards, and logistics.
With 35 teams and 291 participants, Wozniakewicz said Wheaton’s Relay for Life raised $25,000. She said that number is expected to increase as funds continue to raise throughout the rest of the spring and summer.
“My reason to Relay is because I know what it is like to watch a loved one suffer and lose the battle against cancer and I don't want to see anybody else go through that same experience,” she said.
Wozniakewicz said there is in increase in college volunteering. She said that Habitat for Humanity, which hosts multiple trips during breaks and vacations for students to participate and volunteer, seems to be a popular cause at Wheaton.
“There are so many different causes and programs to volunteer for that the number of people volunteering for specific programs may seem smaller than one might initially have hoped for. I know of many people who have said that they wish they could do more, but there just aren’t enough hours in a day to do all that they wish they could,” Wozniakewicz said.
Bridgewater State College’s Brittany Carriero took part in a campus-wide community service event, too.
The junior from Middleboro coordinated the event Can Tabs For Kids, to collect can tabs to donate to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. The hospital recycles the can tabs and then purchases things like x-ray viewing machines and even arts and crafts for the children.
Carriero is a social work intern in the Outreach Education – Health/Wellness center as well as the Treasurer of the Resident’s Hall Association (RHA). Both of these organizations sponsored the event as part of a reusability/sustainability week.
As part of the same project, she urged students to also bring recyclable cans and bottles to receive coupons for a free fountain beverage from one of the dining halls on campus and to bring a piece of trash to help create an art project.
Carriero said this is the first time this event has taken place on campus. To prepare for the event, she made flyers and sent out community announcements.
Five and a half pounds of can tabs were donated, which is about 8,800 can tabs.
“I think that recycling is very important, and it goes to a great cause,” she said.
Carriero volunteers throughout the year with the National Residents Hall Honorary and RHA.
“We have a community service office, many people like to do volunteer work, and I think it is growing,” she said.
According to the same study, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as individuals of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Carriero said there are a lot of clubs on campus that have been actively involved with community service.
“I think that people realize how important it is to give back,” she said.
(jgardynski@student.stonehill.edu)
Kristina Coriaty of Brockton has found herself spending time in the classroom helping others this semester.
The Stonehill junior volunteers as a member Circle K, a Kiwanis club sponsored college group, and is active in the BELTS (Because Everyone Loves to be Safe) Program. In the program, she said students go to second grade classrooms in Brockton to educate children about the importance of wearing seat belts.
“It is important for kids to learn at an early age that they should be wearing seatbelts and it is rewarding to be a part of something that helps further the education of children,” she said.
Coriaty is part of a growing number of college students volunteering throughout the country.
A 2006 study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that the number of college students who volunteer is up by approximately 20 percent from 2002 to 2005. In contrast, the increase of all adult volunteerers is only up nine percent.
Coriaty said she has been active in a number of volunteer events, including Brockton’s Special Olympics, Brockton junior high schools’ field day ceremonies, and at the Natural Resources Trust of Easton.
Coriaty said she sees an increase in college volunteering. She is right on, because in 2005, approximately 30.2 percent of all college students volunteered, compared with 28.8 percent for the general adult population, according to the same 2006 survey.
“I think that the number is growing because people realize that it is important to give back to the community. I also think that students feel as though they are obligated to do community service sometimes so that they better their chances at obtaining jobs in the future.”
Representing the Stonehill women’s cross country and track teams, junior, Katie Brague of Mansfield, volunteers with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), part of a national group that promotes student-athlete community service.
As a member of the organization, Brague said she has participated in various community service events, such as Stonehill’s “Think Pink” basketball game to raise awareness and generate proceeds for breast cancer.
“For the women’s game I was downstairs handing out information sheets about breast cancer and handing out rally towels that had been dyed pink for the occasion,” Brague said.
SAAC members also go to high school seminars to talk to high school students about the life of a collegiate athlete, attend elementary school recesses to interact with the children, and raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Brague said she has volunteered prior to becoming a SAAC member.
“Last year for a class I went to a Brockton school every Sunday for three hours during the fall semester and worked with autistic children. We did arts and crafts and played sports with them,” she said.
Brague said she has noticed a lot of people at her school volunteering.
“I think that Stonehill definitely makes a point of making community service a prominent part of how it operates and how they want the community to be perceived. A lot of classes require community service and many clubs encourage it as well,” she said.
Stonehill isn’t the only local college to make strides in community service.
Wheaton College senior, Kim Wozniakewicz, of Sunderland volunteers in the Relay for Life and in Wheaton’s organization Colleges Against Cancer.
Wozniakewicz said she has been involved in the Relay for Life, an overnight cancer walk, for six years.
“I became involved in Relay after losing my aunt to Breast Cancer in the spring of 2002,” she said.
She has been a coordinator of the Relay for Life at Wheaton for the past three years.
As a coordinator, she organizes the food and beverage committee, the corporate sponsor/fundraising committee, prizes and awards, and logistics.
With 35 teams and 291 participants, Wozniakewicz said Wheaton’s Relay for Life raised $25,000. She said that number is expected to increase as funds continue to raise throughout the rest of the spring and summer.
“My reason to Relay is because I know what it is like to watch a loved one suffer and lose the battle against cancer and I don't want to see anybody else go through that same experience,” she said.
Wozniakewicz said there is in increase in college volunteering. She said that Habitat for Humanity, which hosts multiple trips during breaks and vacations for students to participate and volunteer, seems to be a popular cause at Wheaton.
“There are so many different causes and programs to volunteer for that the number of people volunteering for specific programs may seem smaller than one might initially have hoped for. I know of many people who have said that they wish they could do more, but there just aren’t enough hours in a day to do all that they wish they could,” Wozniakewicz said.
Bridgewater State College’s Brittany Carriero took part in a campus-wide community service event, too.
The junior from Middleboro coordinated the event Can Tabs For Kids, to collect can tabs to donate to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. The hospital recycles the can tabs and then purchases things like x-ray viewing machines and even arts and crafts for the children.
Carriero is a social work intern in the Outreach Education – Health/Wellness center as well as the Treasurer of the Resident’s Hall Association (RHA). Both of these organizations sponsored the event as part of a reusability/sustainability week.
As part of the same project, she urged students to also bring recyclable cans and bottles to receive coupons for a free fountain beverage from one of the dining halls on campus and to bring a piece of trash to help create an art project.
Carriero said this is the first time this event has taken place on campus. To prepare for the event, she made flyers and sent out community announcements.
Five and a half pounds of can tabs were donated, which is about 8,800 can tabs.
“I think that recycling is very important, and it goes to a great cause,” she said.
Carriero volunteers throughout the year with the National Residents Hall Honorary and RHA.
“We have a community service office, many people like to do volunteer work, and I think it is growing,” she said.
According to the same study, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as individuals of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Carriero said there are a lot of clubs on campus that have been actively involved with community service.
“I think that people realize how important it is to give back,” she said.
Students Span the Globe
By Amanda Breen
abreen@student.stonehill.edu
Geri Sheehan was impressed with how mature her daughter was when she returned from a semester abroad in Egypt.
“She saw all the sights but had the added experience of staying with an Arab family. She had to go through checkpoints, and have a curfew. It wasn’t the standard study abroad experience. Now she explains to me about Arab culture” said Sheehan, a Stonehill College librarian.
American students studying abroad have reached record numbers. According to the 2007 Open Doors report published by the Institute of International Education, study abroad program participation is up 8.5 percent.
Students studying abroad has increased 150 percent in the past decade, bringing the total number of American students abroad to 223,534, up from fewer than 90,000 students in 1995.
Universities generally allow its students to study in any country as long as it safe and has comparable classes. The United Kingdom still ranks first among study abroad favorites with 32,109 students choosing to study there in 2007, an increase in non-traditional destinations is on the rise.
The Open Door survey found an increase in those who choose to visit Asia, Africa and the Middle East. From previous years, the number of students in 2007 studying in Asia rose 26 percent, Africa increased by 19 percent and the Middle East climbed 31 percent the study found.
Young people today have more options and resources than generations before them did.
Most colleges in the area offer international programs for both academic study and internship opportunities.
Stonehill College in Easton has seen international programs enrollment steadily increase in the past six years. From the 2002-2203 academic year to today, the International Programs office has seen a 38 percent increase in students studying and interning abroad.
“Forty one percent of the class of 2008 spent at least a semester abroad. It just keeps increasing” Alice Cronin, assistant director of International Programs at Stonehill said.
Wheaton College in Norton has also seen an increase in students choosing less traditional study abroad destinations.
Lynn Gaylord, associate dean in the Center for Global Education at Wheaton, said that while the center sees consistent enrollment in programs in Italy and Spain, numbers of students traveling to Asia, Latin America and Africa are on the rise.
“Students see all the cultural experiences that are available in Western Europe but people are beginning to look to other destinations” Gaylord said.
Students from Wheaton will be interning this summer in Beijing for the Olympics and the numbers of students studying in Cairo has also increased.
College students are not the ones who can participate in international programs anymore. High school students are beginning to travel for academic and cultural experiences.
Stonehill College freshman Hilary Curtis of Scarborough, Maine spent a month in Amboise, France this past summer where she attended classes and lived with a host family.
Curtis went through Intrax, an organization which gives high school, as well as college students, a chance to spend anywhere from a month to a whole year abroad. Curtis saw this experience as a way to prepare for her departure to college at the end of the summer.
“When I was abroad, I really missed my friends and family. But when I got back, I was able to leave for college with that initial shock behind me.”
Curtis also plans on studying abroad again during college.
“The next time I’m abroad, I’ll be able to settle in more quickly, and I’ll know better ways to communicate through a language barrier.”
Other organizations like People to People and Boston-based Explorica offer high school students opportunities to study, explore and volunteer in a foreign country.
Boston-based Explorica offers teacher-led educational tours to teens with destinations from Ireland and Greece to Peru and Belize.
Alicia Sousa, 20, a junior at Stonehill College, is studying abroad in Toledo, Spain. In 2004, during her junior year of high school in Dartmouth, Mass., Sousa went to Spain with her Spanish class through Explorica.
“I got to practice my Spanish a lot when I came in high school and it definitely made me more confident. Now that I’m living with a host family for four months, it helps me understand the social aspect of Spain. That’s something you can’t get in a one week trip” Sousa says.
People to People’s Student Ambassadors programs gives high school and even elementary school age students the chance to interact with other students around the globe.
Programs offered by People to People include Australian adventure trips and visits to England where students meet with a member of the British Parliament.
For those students who dream of participating in a study abroad program, whether at a college or through an outside organization, but think they can’t afford it, think again.
More and more funding has become available for students who wish to enhance their lives and education by international studies.
Organizations such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship provide financial support to undergraduate students who study abroad. Websites like studyabroadfunding.org allow youths to search for specific international scholarships they might be eligible to apply for.
Sousa said that studying abroad makes students more confident.
“I have to take initiative if I want to see something cultural or on plan a trip” Sousa says. “You get a good sense of you own power and knowledge when you’re away from what you know.”
abreen@student.stonehill.edu
Geri Sheehan was impressed with how mature her daughter was when she returned from a semester abroad in Egypt.
“She saw all the sights but had the added experience of staying with an Arab family. She had to go through checkpoints, and have a curfew. It wasn’t the standard study abroad experience. Now she explains to me about Arab culture” said Sheehan, a Stonehill College librarian.
American students studying abroad have reached record numbers. According to the 2007 Open Doors report published by the Institute of International Education, study abroad program participation is up 8.5 percent.
Students studying abroad has increased 150 percent in the past decade, bringing the total number of American students abroad to 223,534, up from fewer than 90,000 students in 1995.
Universities generally allow its students to study in any country as long as it safe and has comparable classes. The United Kingdom still ranks first among study abroad favorites with 32,109 students choosing to study there in 2007, an increase in non-traditional destinations is on the rise.
The Open Door survey found an increase in those who choose to visit Asia, Africa and the Middle East. From previous years, the number of students in 2007 studying in Asia rose 26 percent, Africa increased by 19 percent and the Middle East climbed 31 percent the study found.
Young people today have more options and resources than generations before them did.
Most colleges in the area offer international programs for both academic study and internship opportunities.
Stonehill College in Easton has seen international programs enrollment steadily increase in the past six years. From the 2002-2203 academic year to today, the International Programs office has seen a 38 percent increase in students studying and interning abroad.
“Forty one percent of the class of 2008 spent at least a semester abroad. It just keeps increasing” Alice Cronin, assistant director of International Programs at Stonehill said.
Wheaton College in Norton has also seen an increase in students choosing less traditional study abroad destinations.
Lynn Gaylord, associate dean in the Center for Global Education at Wheaton, said that while the center sees consistent enrollment in programs in Italy and Spain, numbers of students traveling to Asia, Latin America and Africa are on the rise.
“Students see all the cultural experiences that are available in Western Europe but people are beginning to look to other destinations” Gaylord said.
Students from Wheaton will be interning this summer in Beijing for the Olympics and the numbers of students studying in Cairo has also increased.
College students are not the ones who can participate in international programs anymore. High school students are beginning to travel for academic and cultural experiences.
Stonehill College freshman Hilary Curtis of Scarborough, Maine spent a month in Amboise, France this past summer where she attended classes and lived with a host family.
Curtis went through Intrax, an organization which gives high school, as well as college students, a chance to spend anywhere from a month to a whole year abroad. Curtis saw this experience as a way to prepare for her departure to college at the end of the summer.
“When I was abroad, I really missed my friends and family. But when I got back, I was able to leave for college with that initial shock behind me.”
Curtis also plans on studying abroad again during college.
“The next time I’m abroad, I’ll be able to settle in more quickly, and I’ll know better ways to communicate through a language barrier.”
Other organizations like People to People and Boston-based Explorica offer high school students opportunities to study, explore and volunteer in a foreign country.
Boston-based Explorica offers teacher-led educational tours to teens with destinations from Ireland and Greece to Peru and Belize.
Alicia Sousa, 20, a junior at Stonehill College, is studying abroad in Toledo, Spain. In 2004, during her junior year of high school in Dartmouth, Mass., Sousa went to Spain with her Spanish class through Explorica.
“I got to practice my Spanish a lot when I came in high school and it definitely made me more confident. Now that I’m living with a host family for four months, it helps me understand the social aspect of Spain. That’s something you can’t get in a one week trip” Sousa says.
People to People’s Student Ambassadors programs gives high school and even elementary school age students the chance to interact with other students around the globe.
Programs offered by People to People include Australian adventure trips and visits to England where students meet with a member of the British Parliament.
For those students who dream of participating in a study abroad program, whether at a college or through an outside organization, but think they can’t afford it, think again.
More and more funding has become available for students who wish to enhance their lives and education by international studies.
Organizations such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship provide financial support to undergraduate students who study abroad. Websites like studyabroadfunding.org allow youths to search for specific international scholarships they might be eligible to apply for.
Sousa said that studying abroad makes students more confident.
“I have to take initiative if I want to see something cultural or on plan a trip” Sousa says. “You get a good sense of you own power and knowledge when you’re away from what you know.”
Study Abroad: A New Experience
Spending a semester in another country gives students the distance to gain a new and different perspective about those things and more importantly, about themselves, said Alice Cronin, the Assistant Director of International Programs at Stonehill College.
“To be educated in the 21st century students need to learn about their community, their country, the world and themselves. This will occur, especially if they branch out of their “comfort zone,” she said. They will learn more about themselves while abroad than they might possibly learn in a classroom. The best way a student can to augment their academic education and to push themselves is to supplement their academic career with a semester abroad.”
Study abroad programs are designed to immerse students into cultures around the world. For students at Stonehill College, there are several steps to complete in order to have this opportunity:
The process begins with a general information session at the beginning of each semester. Then a meeting is arranged with the student’s faculty advisor in order to choose the right study abroad program and to incorporate the study abroad into a four year plan. Then an on-line approval application must be completed, followed by a meeting with the international programs staff. The procedure varies by school.
“I feel privileged to have this experience. I have been fortunate since I was a child to be culturally educated, and I cannot wait to continue learning in Australia this fall,” said Jenne LaManna, 19, a Stonehill College student from Westchester, N.Y.
About 191,000 American students studied abroad in foreign countries, according to Vistawide World Languages & Culture, the study abroad statistics for U.S students in the 2003-2004 school year. Ten years ago, approximately 76,000 took part in such programs abroad. That represents a 250 percent increase in study abroad participation over the last decade.
One of the most common reasons students study abroad is language immersion, according to an organization called Forum On Education Abroad. Students wish to learn a certain language, and they study a semester in that culture.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I was amazed at the accents of Scottish people. I hope to acquire some sort of accent during my study abroad in Scotland this fall,” said Lauren Smith, 20, a Stonehill College student from North Attleboro, Mass.
The University of Delaware in 1923 was the first college to send U.S. students to a foreign country. Previously, the idea of studying abroad applied only to foreign students coming into the United States. Today, the study abroad program has become a greatly anticipated experience for college students today.
Vanda Barros, 21, a Stonehill College student from Brockton, said that her study abroad in France last year was the greatest time of her life.
“Not only did it encourage me to continue my major in International Relations, but it allowed me to spend a semester in my favorite place in the world. I would fully encourage all students to take the opportunity if they can.”
Jillian Barricelli
jbarricelli@student.stonehill.edu
“To be educated in the 21st century students need to learn about their community, their country, the world and themselves. This will occur, especially if they branch out of their “comfort zone,” she said. They will learn more about themselves while abroad than they might possibly learn in a classroom. The best way a student can to augment their academic education and to push themselves is to supplement their academic career with a semester abroad.”
Study abroad programs are designed to immerse students into cultures around the world. For students at Stonehill College, there are several steps to complete in order to have this opportunity:
The process begins with a general information session at the beginning of each semester. Then a meeting is arranged with the student’s faculty advisor in order to choose the right study abroad program and to incorporate the study abroad into a four year plan. Then an on-line approval application must be completed, followed by a meeting with the international programs staff. The procedure varies by school.
“I feel privileged to have this experience. I have been fortunate since I was a child to be culturally educated, and I cannot wait to continue learning in Australia this fall,” said Jenne LaManna, 19, a Stonehill College student from Westchester, N.Y.
About 191,000 American students studied abroad in foreign countries, according to Vistawide World Languages & Culture, the study abroad statistics for U.S students in the 2003-2004 school year. Ten years ago, approximately 76,000 took part in such programs abroad. That represents a 250 percent increase in study abroad participation over the last decade.
One of the most common reasons students study abroad is language immersion, according to an organization called Forum On Education Abroad. Students wish to learn a certain language, and they study a semester in that culture.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I was amazed at the accents of Scottish people. I hope to acquire some sort of accent during my study abroad in Scotland this fall,” said Lauren Smith, 20, a Stonehill College student from North Attleboro, Mass.
The University of Delaware in 1923 was the first college to send U.S. students to a foreign country. Previously, the idea of studying abroad applied only to foreign students coming into the United States. Today, the study abroad program has become a greatly anticipated experience for college students today.
Vanda Barros, 21, a Stonehill College student from Brockton, said that her study abroad in France last year was the greatest time of her life.
“Not only did it encourage me to continue my major in International Relations, but it allowed me to spend a semester in my favorite place in the world. I would fully encourage all students to take the opportunity if they can.”
Jillian Barricelli
jbarricelli@student.stonehill.edu
Monday, April 21, 2008
To commute or not commute? The answer is a matter of cost
By Jillian Barricelli
As high school seniors throughout the region decide where to go to college in the fall, many are weighing the pros and cons of commuting to a local school or living on campus.
Each, students say, can provide a very different experience, not to mention high costs.
Tuition and fees constitute about two-thirds of the cost for students at private, four year colleges but just over a third of the total budget for in-state students in public colleges.
The average total charges, including tuition and fees and room and board, were about 5.9 percent high than a year earlier, according to the study, Trends in College Pricing, by The College Board.
"I have to pay my own tuition, so I was looking to have the least amount of loans possible." said Paul Leonard, 21, of Norton, a Bridgewater State College student. "Commuting is not as bad as people think. I go and visit my friends at their schools on the weekends, and I can keep the money I earn at my job and not have to worry about any ridiculous expenses."
For other students, how far they go away for school may not be totally their decision.
Jenne LaManna, 19, a Stonehill student from Westchester, N.Y., said her original plan was to go to California for college.
"I had always wanted to go to Cali for school, but my mom didn't want me that far away in case something happened. I like the 4-hour distance between home and Stonehill though- it's far away that I can have my independence, but it's close enough that I could go home if I had to."
Chris Palmer, 21, a Stonehill student from Santa Barbara, Calif., said there are ups and downs to being far away from home.
"The only negatives for me are that things on the East Coast are a lot different than the West Coast, like food and weather. So I miss things like that from back home."
According to a National Survey of Student Engagement conducted by the Indiana University Center for Post secondary Research and Planning, many view commuter students as less committed to academics and less involved in school because of their other commitments, such as jobs and family.
That's not true, said Michael Murteira, 21, who commutes to Stonehill College in Easton from his home in Taunton.
On campus, he is the Commuter Council President, and is also involved in student government and the student alumni association.
Murteira said he commutes to save money and while some students prefer dorm life, he said he loves commuting.
"I was allowed to have a car on campus when I was a freshman. I am able to see my family and friends back at home. I do not have to deal with roommates from hell and not having to share a bathroom with a dozen people," he said
Some students commute - and live on campus.
Lauren Smith, 20, of North Attleboro lives on campus at Stonehill College, where she is a student, and takes classes at Bridgewater State College.
"While I don't exactly commute from home, I still can understand what it feels like to be a commuter. Since Bridgewater is mostly a commuter school, it is less homey thanStonehill. As far as the distance from Stonehill to my house, it's perfect. I can go home on theweekends whenever I want to, and I can still make it back for the night."perfect. I can go home on the weekends whenever I want to, and I can still make it back for the night."
jbarricelli@student.stonehill.edu
As high school seniors throughout the region decide where to go to college in the fall, many are weighing the pros and cons of commuting to a local school or living on campus.
Each, students say, can provide a very different experience, not to mention high costs.
Tuition and fees constitute about two-thirds of the cost for students at private, four year colleges but just over a third of the total budget for in-state students in public colleges.
The average total charges, including tuition and fees and room and board, were about 5.9 percent high than a year earlier, according to the study, Trends in College Pricing, by The College Board.
"I have to pay my own tuition, so I was looking to have the least amount of loans possible." said Paul Leonard, 21, of Norton, a Bridgewater State College student. "Commuting is not as bad as people think. I go and visit my friends at their schools on the weekends, and I can keep the money I earn at my job and not have to worry about any ridiculous expenses."
For other students, how far they go away for school may not be totally their decision.
Jenne LaManna, 19, a Stonehill student from Westchester, N.Y., said her original plan was to go to California for college.
"I had always wanted to go to Cali for school, but my mom didn't want me that far away in case something happened. I like the 4-hour distance between home and Stonehill though- it's far away that I can have my independence, but it's close enough that I could go home if I had to."
Chris Palmer, 21, a Stonehill student from Santa Barbara, Calif., said there are ups and downs to being far away from home.
"The only negatives for me are that things on the East Coast are a lot different than the West Coast, like food and weather. So I miss things like that from back home."
According to a National Survey of Student Engagement conducted by the Indiana University Center for Post secondary Research and Planning, many view commuter students as less committed to academics and less involved in school because of their other commitments, such as jobs and family.
That's not true, said Michael Murteira, 21, who commutes to Stonehill College in Easton from his home in Taunton.
On campus, he is the Commuter Council President, and is also involved in student government and the student alumni association.
Murteira said he commutes to save money and while some students prefer dorm life, he said he loves commuting.
"I was allowed to have a car on campus when I was a freshman. I am able to see my family and friends back at home. I do not have to deal with roommates from hell and not having to share a bathroom with a dozen people," he said
Some students commute - and live on campus.
Lauren Smith, 20, of North Attleboro lives on campus at Stonehill College, where she is a student, and takes classes at Bridgewater State College.
"While I don't exactly commute from home, I still can understand what it feels like to be a commuter. Since Bridgewater is mostly a commuter school, it is less homey thanStonehill. As far as the distance from Stonehill to my house, it's perfect. I can go home on theweekends whenever I want to, and I can still make it back for the night."perfect. I can go home on the weekends whenever I want to, and I can still make it back for the night."
jbarricelli@student.stonehill.edu
Facebook Follies and MySpace Scares
By David Murphy
Children today are spending far more time online, placing themselves in potential serious danger.
Children now spend just as much time in front of the computer as they did watching television years ago. Cyberangels.org reports that 75 percent of teens use instant messaging compared to 42 percent of adults.
One of the main trends in the online world is instant messaging. This is where people have online communication via the Internet with friends, family or even complete strangers. Cox Communication reported in 2004 that one in five children online is approached by a sexual predator.
While children are experimenting with new technology, others are looking to take advantage of them. So the question becomes “What are parents to do if they want their children to be safe?”
Officer Bruce Boden of the Peabody Police Department and local officer for the Peabody Public Middle School has words of advice for unsuspecting parents.
“The first thing any parent should do is sit their child down and have a long conversation about what the Internet is, and how it is to be used. They have to make their children aware of the dangers. If they are mature enough to be online they should be mature enough to be educated on the dangers,” he said.
Boden routinely talks to sixth graders to make sure they don’t fall prey to the dangers of the internet. “Crimes like these are so easily preventable. I would hate to see a young child’s life ruined because of something like AIM,” he said.
Another threat of the online world is posting photos of yourself and others. Allowing people to have a visual of yourself could make an online predator more determined to get in contact with you.
“AIM allows you to talk to someone, and MySpace lets them see your face. You have now given a potential predator a lot of tools to work with,” said Bodon.
“I have a MySpace account, but I use the privacy features, which means only my friends can see my profile. I would never accept a message from someone I don’t know because that’s just asking for trouble,” said Marissa Fleming a sixth grade student at the Higgins Middle School.
“I know that Facebook and MySpace are really popular, and I’m not trying to condemn them. I’m just saying that people have to be a smart about it. People are putting up pictures of themselves drinking while underage or smoking pot. It’s not a bright idea,” said Boden.
While the Internet can be cause for concern, with the proper precautions children can safely browse the Internet.
“Parents should always monitor and limit computer use. There are also blockers parents can install to stop kids form going into chat rooms. The online world is much like the real world. You don’t talk to strangers and you don’t share unnecessary information with people you don’t know,” he said.
Going online should be treated with care and concern.
“I go online all the time but only to talk to my friends. It’s when people get careless and talk to random screen names that get them in trouble,” said Fleming
Children today are spending far more time online, placing themselves in potential serious danger.
Children now spend just as much time in front of the computer as they did watching television years ago. Cyberangels.org reports that 75 percent of teens use instant messaging compared to 42 percent of adults.
One of the main trends in the online world is instant messaging. This is where people have online communication via the Internet with friends, family or even complete strangers. Cox Communication reported in 2004 that one in five children online is approached by a sexual predator.
While children are experimenting with new technology, others are looking to take advantage of them. So the question becomes “What are parents to do if they want their children to be safe?”
Officer Bruce Boden of the Peabody Police Department and local officer for the Peabody Public Middle School has words of advice for unsuspecting parents.
“The first thing any parent should do is sit their child down and have a long conversation about what the Internet is, and how it is to be used. They have to make their children aware of the dangers. If they are mature enough to be online they should be mature enough to be educated on the dangers,” he said.
Boden routinely talks to sixth graders to make sure they don’t fall prey to the dangers of the internet. “Crimes like these are so easily preventable. I would hate to see a young child’s life ruined because of something like AIM,” he said.
Another threat of the online world is posting photos of yourself and others. Allowing people to have a visual of yourself could make an online predator more determined to get in contact with you.
“AIM allows you to talk to someone, and MySpace lets them see your face. You have now given a potential predator a lot of tools to work with,” said Bodon.
“I have a MySpace account, but I use the privacy features, which means only my friends can see my profile. I would never accept a message from someone I don’t know because that’s just asking for trouble,” said Marissa Fleming a sixth grade student at the Higgins Middle School.
“I know that Facebook and MySpace are really popular, and I’m not trying to condemn them. I’m just saying that people have to be a smart about it. People are putting up pictures of themselves drinking while underage or smoking pot. It’s not a bright idea,” said Boden.
While the Internet can be cause for concern, with the proper precautions children can safely browse the Internet.
“Parents should always monitor and limit computer use. There are also blockers parents can install to stop kids form going into chat rooms. The online world is much like the real world. You don’t talk to strangers and you don’t share unnecessary information with people you don’t know,” he said.
Going online should be treated with care and concern.
“I go online all the time but only to talk to my friends. It’s when people get careless and talk to random screen names that get them in trouble,” said Fleming
Destination States for Six Lakeville students
The Lakeville Call, April 17, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/lakeville/news/x1632298082
By Kristen O'Neil
Who would have thought that a group of children could fit into a television?
That’s exactly what six middle school students from Lakeville did to win the Destination ImagiNation Regional Tournament at Whitman-Hanson High School last month.
Destination ImagiNation (DI) is a community-based, school-friendly process that allows for students across the country to take their knowledge and skills and work cooperatively to apply them in order to solve various challenges in tournaments.
“We competed with teams from Dartmouth, Berkley, and other towns from this area,” Bill Aman, the adult team manager said. “It’s all the kids, all their ideas, all their doing. They have to do everything themselves, I just stand watch and make sure they don’t get hurt.”
The team’s win at the regionals earned them a spot in the State Finals at Worcester Polytech on April 12th.
“This is the third year in a row that we have gotten to the state tournament, these kids are so creative and intelligent, it’s pretty amazing,” Aman said.
In Destination ImagiNation, team members work together to apply creativity, critical thinking and their particular talents to work out a Team Challenge that is solved over a period of eight weeks.
There are five competitive Team Challenges that teams may take part in, each with its own educational focus.
Mr. Aman says that his team only takes part in the structural and architectural design challenge because his son loves to build structures.
“The team is evolving every year because some of the children want to move on to other challenges,” Aman said. “The only challenge Will is interested in is the structure building so kids drop off. Will builds the structures and they critique them and tell him what they need to change.”
For this year’s competition, the team created a giant television with rotating scenery in the background.
Team member Hannah Orall, 12, describes the skit, which takes place in Rwanda and Mongolia, and exactly what goes on inside that giant television.
“Our skit is about gorillas and snow leopards. We’re trying to find them and we tell people about why they’re endangered,” she said. “Our car breaks down, then Will brings out the structure and that’s where the ‘switch’ comes in.”
“We have to utilize tools throughout, and we use a mirror to first look at the gorillas behind us and then at the end we flash a mirror at helicopters to come and rescue us.”
Bill Aman is the father of two members of the team, Katrina, 13, and Will, 11, and says that he was informed about Destination ImagiNation through the kids’ elementary school about six years ago.
“A notice came home and there was an informational meeting. I went to it and the first thing you need is adult team managers,” he said. “So another parent and I co-managed a team and from there I kind of inherited it.”
This year’s Lakeville team is made up of six students, three of which attend Freetown-Lakeville Middle School, Katrina and Will Aman, and Audrey Dors, 14.
Hannah Orrall, 12, and Ethan Orrall, 10, are home schooled and Alex Lawton, 11, attends a private school in Acushnet.
Eighth-grader Audry Dors has been involved in DI since elementary school.
“I started doing this in first grade after my older sisters started doing it,” she said. “I do it because it’s fun and it makes you think.”
Dors and Katrina Aman have been on the same team for six years, since Aman joined in third grade.
“It seemed interesting from what my parents told me after they went to the meeting,” Katrina said. “It’s more of a team than other activities you can do after school, and you get to create things which make it even better.”
Fifth grader Alex Lawton, says that he found out about the program through the Dors’ mother.
“She told my mom about it and I tried it and I liked it,” he said. “I like it better this year because we’re actually building things with wood and tools, not just cardboard paper.”
According to the DI website, the Team Challenge consists of three parts: the Central Challenge, Side Trips, and the Instant Challenge.
The television skit is The Central Challenge for the Lakeville team, with the Side Trips used as an extra element that showcases any additional talents that the group may want to explore.
In the Instant Challenge, students are asked to think on their feet in order to solve an impromptu problem in a very short amount of time- usually in five to eight minutes.
Audry’s sister, Valerie, 17, has been involved in Destination ImagiNation for 12 years, and now assists Bill Aman and his team.
“In an Instant Challenge we did a couple of years ago they gave us chairs and some sticks and we had to create a way to roll balls across them. In another one they turned out the lights and everyone had to freeze and perform as if there was no power.”
Tournaments are a celebration of what the team has accomplished and what they have learned.
Teams are rewarded based on the process that they have experienced and special awards are given for exceptional creativity, teamwork, and innovation.
For this team, each member brings something valuable to the table.
“Will is the builder, and Katrina’s an artist,” Aman said. “One girl can write any script you want, the other three fill in where needed, with great artwork, writing, and great acting,” he said. “The most important thing is the ideas, though. They’ll throw out 10 ideas to get to one great one.”
One part of a challenge that the team enjoys is called “Switch,” where structures are incorporated into the skit and are tested by putting more and more weight upon them until they collapse.
For this year’s Challenge, the team created a thin, small, wooden structure that held up 90 pounds in one direction and 65 pounds in another.
“It’s more than just putting the structure into a skit, they put it into the tester and stack weights on it,” Will Aman said. “Then they record the weight and you switch the orientation, and do it again until the structure collapses or you run out of time. You get certain bonuses from combining the weights.”
“It’s pretty complicated, you have two minutes to stack and restack and reverse the direction of the structure,” Bill Aman said. “For last year’s challenge, Will came up with a cylindrical shape made up of a deck of cards around some metal, and it held up 400 pounds.”
Today, Aman says, the kids are working on cutting down the size of their television to fit into the smaller lecture hall at Worcester Polytech, and figuring out why the wooden structure collapsed.
“There were no size restrictions at the Regionals because it was held in a gym, so we need to cut the TV down length and height wise,” Aman said. “Along with cleaning up the script and understanding why the structure collapsed.”
There are no power tools allowed, and the set the team built is made up of hinges so that they can take it down and put it back up using only hammers and screwdrivers.
The kids gather together on a Friday afternoon to practice and work on their structure at the Amans’ house inside a giant backyard playhouse in the woods.
As they lift the cloth background and try to hang it, laughter fills the air, but also determination.
“These kids can be really disciplined,” Aman said. “They just know when to crack down and get the work done, and they really enjoy being with each other.”
After the States, the top two teams from Massachusetts in each challenge go to the Globals in May to compete against teams from all over the country, a fete that one team from Lakeville accomplished three years ago.
The Destination ImagiNation website has a countdown to the Globals, which are being held at Thompson-Boling Arena at the University of Tennesee Knoxville on May 21- 24 this year.
“Massachusetts has some of the best teams and is extremely competitive,” Aman said. “These are some of the most sought after kids out of college because they are so creative and involved. It’s impressive to see what kids are capable of at such a young age.”
For more information on Destination ImagiNation, visit the program website at http://www.idodi.org/.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/lakeville/news/x1632298082
http://www.wickedlocal.com/lakeville/news/x1632298082
By Kristen O'Neil
Who would have thought that a group of children could fit into a television?
That’s exactly what six middle school students from Lakeville did to win the Destination ImagiNation Regional Tournament at Whitman-Hanson High School last month.
Destination ImagiNation (DI) is a community-based, school-friendly process that allows for students across the country to take their knowledge and skills and work cooperatively to apply them in order to solve various challenges in tournaments.
“We competed with teams from Dartmouth, Berkley, and other towns from this area,” Bill Aman, the adult team manager said. “It’s all the kids, all their ideas, all their doing. They have to do everything themselves, I just stand watch and make sure they don’t get hurt.”
The team’s win at the regionals earned them a spot in the State Finals at Worcester Polytech on April 12th.
“This is the third year in a row that we have gotten to the state tournament, these kids are so creative and intelligent, it’s pretty amazing,” Aman said.
In Destination ImagiNation, team members work together to apply creativity, critical thinking and their particular talents to work out a Team Challenge that is solved over a period of eight weeks.
There are five competitive Team Challenges that teams may take part in, each with its own educational focus.
Mr. Aman says that his team only takes part in the structural and architectural design challenge because his son loves to build structures.
“The team is evolving every year because some of the children want to move on to other challenges,” Aman said. “The only challenge Will is interested in is the structure building so kids drop off. Will builds the structures and they critique them and tell him what they need to change.”
For this year’s competition, the team created a giant television with rotating scenery in the background.
Team member Hannah Orall, 12, describes the skit, which takes place in Rwanda and Mongolia, and exactly what goes on inside that giant television.
“Our skit is about gorillas and snow leopards. We’re trying to find them and we tell people about why they’re endangered,” she said. “Our car breaks down, then Will brings out the structure and that’s where the ‘switch’ comes in.”
“We have to utilize tools throughout, and we use a mirror to first look at the gorillas behind us and then at the end we flash a mirror at helicopters to come and rescue us.”
Bill Aman is the father of two members of the team, Katrina, 13, and Will, 11, and says that he was informed about Destination ImagiNation through the kids’ elementary school about six years ago.
“A notice came home and there was an informational meeting. I went to it and the first thing you need is adult team managers,” he said. “So another parent and I co-managed a team and from there I kind of inherited it.”
This year’s Lakeville team is made up of six students, three of which attend Freetown-Lakeville Middle School, Katrina and Will Aman, and Audrey Dors, 14.
Hannah Orrall, 12, and Ethan Orrall, 10, are home schooled and Alex Lawton, 11, attends a private school in Acushnet.
Eighth-grader Audry Dors has been involved in DI since elementary school.
“I started doing this in first grade after my older sisters started doing it,” she said. “I do it because it’s fun and it makes you think.”
Dors and Katrina Aman have been on the same team for six years, since Aman joined in third grade.
“It seemed interesting from what my parents told me after they went to the meeting,” Katrina said. “It’s more of a team than other activities you can do after school, and you get to create things which make it even better.”
Fifth grader Alex Lawton, says that he found out about the program through the Dors’ mother.
“She told my mom about it and I tried it and I liked it,” he said. “I like it better this year because we’re actually building things with wood and tools, not just cardboard paper.”
According to the DI website, the Team Challenge consists of three parts: the Central Challenge, Side Trips, and the Instant Challenge.
The television skit is The Central Challenge for the Lakeville team, with the Side Trips used as an extra element that showcases any additional talents that the group may want to explore.
In the Instant Challenge, students are asked to think on their feet in order to solve an impromptu problem in a very short amount of time- usually in five to eight minutes.
Audry’s sister, Valerie, 17, has been involved in Destination ImagiNation for 12 years, and now assists Bill Aman and his team.
“In an Instant Challenge we did a couple of years ago they gave us chairs and some sticks and we had to create a way to roll balls across them. In another one they turned out the lights and everyone had to freeze and perform as if there was no power.”
Tournaments are a celebration of what the team has accomplished and what they have learned.
Teams are rewarded based on the process that they have experienced and special awards are given for exceptional creativity, teamwork, and innovation.
For this team, each member brings something valuable to the table.
“Will is the builder, and Katrina’s an artist,” Aman said. “One girl can write any script you want, the other three fill in where needed, with great artwork, writing, and great acting,” he said. “The most important thing is the ideas, though. They’ll throw out 10 ideas to get to one great one.”
One part of a challenge that the team enjoys is called “Switch,” where structures are incorporated into the skit and are tested by putting more and more weight upon them until they collapse.
For this year’s Challenge, the team created a thin, small, wooden structure that held up 90 pounds in one direction and 65 pounds in another.
“It’s more than just putting the structure into a skit, they put it into the tester and stack weights on it,” Will Aman said. “Then they record the weight and you switch the orientation, and do it again until the structure collapses or you run out of time. You get certain bonuses from combining the weights.”
“It’s pretty complicated, you have two minutes to stack and restack and reverse the direction of the structure,” Bill Aman said. “For last year’s challenge, Will came up with a cylindrical shape made up of a deck of cards around some metal, and it held up 400 pounds.”
Today, Aman says, the kids are working on cutting down the size of their television to fit into the smaller lecture hall at Worcester Polytech, and figuring out why the wooden structure collapsed.
“There were no size restrictions at the Regionals because it was held in a gym, so we need to cut the TV down length and height wise,” Aman said. “Along with cleaning up the script and understanding why the structure collapsed.”
There are no power tools allowed, and the set the team built is made up of hinges so that they can take it down and put it back up using only hammers and screwdrivers.
The kids gather together on a Friday afternoon to practice and work on their structure at the Amans’ house inside a giant backyard playhouse in the woods.
As they lift the cloth background and try to hang it, laughter fills the air, but also determination.
“These kids can be really disciplined,” Aman said. “They just know when to crack down and get the work done, and they really enjoy being with each other.”
After the States, the top two teams from Massachusetts in each challenge go to the Globals in May to compete against teams from all over the country, a fete that one team from Lakeville accomplished three years ago.
The Destination ImagiNation website has a countdown to the Globals, which are being held at Thompson-Boling Arena at the University of Tennesee Knoxville on May 21- 24 this year.
“Massachusetts has some of the best teams and is extremely competitive,” Aman said. “These are some of the most sought after kids out of college because they are so creative and involved. It’s impressive to see what kids are capable of at such a young age.”
For more information on Destination ImagiNation, visit the program website at http://www.idodi.org/.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/lakeville/news/x1632298082
Keeping kids in line online
Published April 9, 2008. Bridgewater (Mass.) Independent
By Kristen Masley
Before telephones and computers, it was fairly easy to protect children from giving out information to strangers.
These days, the parents and schools of Bridgewater are taking measures ensure the safety of their children online.
“The Internet creeps me out,” said Cathy Bridges, a mother of two from Bridgewater. “We need Internet safety because my children will be using it more than me (in the future).”
The growing need and attention of Internet safety for children has sparked awareness in Bridgewater’s public school systems.
At the regional middle school and high school in Bridgewater, there are filters utilized in order to protect students.
The school has installed Mecguard, a filter distributed by MecNet, a technology company for Massachusetts that offers opportunities for public places such as schools and libraries to install technology and IT tech support.
Massachusetts public school systems have set up a contract with Mecnet for all schools to be technologically equipped and available to the faculty and students.
The program MecGuard that the school’s Internet is connected with ensures that students go online for research.
“The students usually only have time in school to use computers for academic purposes only” said Tim Kaliff, an administrative intern and teacher at Williams Middle school. “They have technology classes where they learn about the Internet and computer skills.”
The filter at the middle school blocks out any social websites and any website that shows nudity or violence. The filter also scans websites for explicit written material. The system automatically blocks a website if any of these provocative images or words are detected on the webpage.
“Our e-mails are sometimes blocked due to the content,” said Cathy Martelli, a secretary at the Middle School as she pulled up her e-mail to show how the filter worked on her computer.
“It is tough to get around the block (of the filter),” said Kaliff. “It is a very good filter.”
Some websites that teachers access for their classrooms are blocked due to some content.
“The science teachers have trouble pulling up pictures of the human body because the filter considers it, you know nudity or inappropriate,” said Kaliff.
To gain access to a website needed for academic purposes, a teacher can send in a request to a network manager from MecNet. The network manager can review the page and then grant access to the website.
Bridgewater schools have strict guidelines for Internet use, but children still face risks at home on the Internet.
According to the Henry J. Kaiser foundation, among the 96 percent of children that have ever used the Internet, 65 percent say they go online most often at home and 14 percent from school.
“I have no idea about a filter but I know we have parental controls” says Cathy Bridges when asked what she does to protect her children at home.
Forty-five percent of parents have monitoring software that records what users do online, according to a study by the Internet and American Life Project in 2007.
But many parents still don’t have filters on home computers.
“Some parents don’t allow their children to use the Internet,” said Martelli.
The school systems are taking measures to protect children away from home but how are they being protected at home if the family does not have a filter?
According to an Internet and American Life Project study, 85 percent of parents of online teens say they have rules about Internet sites their child can or cannot visit.
Parents are getting smarter when it comes to what their child is exposed to on the Internet. They understand that as the technological world grows, the more their child needs to be aware of giving out personal information and what sites are appropriate to visit.
“My child sometimes wanders (on the Internet) without knowing what he is doing,” says Karla Kull of Bridgewater and the mother of a 5 year old boy. “He can end up in places he doesn’t know about.”
Cox Communications, a digital cable company that services some parts of Massachusetts has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to launch a campaign called “TakeCharge.”
The “TakeCharge” campaign was created to spread an awareness of Internet safety. The website offers tips to parents about making safe decisions online.
It offers suggestions on how to monitor children’s Internet usages and ways to ensure privacy when accessing the Internet from a home computer.
The need to protect children online is growing each day as the Internet becomes more accessible and larger in scale.
According to a study by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 2006, children experience unwanted exposure to sexual material (1 in 3 youth) and harassment -- threatening or other offensive behavior directed at them (1 in 11 youth).
Parents and public school systems play a key role in ensuring the safety of their children.
“I feel it is important to have Internet safety,” said Karen Inglas of Bridgewater. “There are some creepy guys out there, parents must monitor (online) better.”
kmasley@student.stonehill.edu
Before telephones and computers, it was fairly easy to protect children from giving out information to strangers.
These days, the parents and schools of Bridgewater are taking measures ensure the safety of their children online.
“The Internet creeps me out,” said Cathy Bridges, a mother of two from Bridgewater. “We need Internet safety because my children will be using it more than me (in the future).”
The growing need and attention of Internet safety for children has sparked awareness in Bridgewater’s public school systems.
At the regional middle school and high school in Bridgewater, there are filters utilized in order to protect students.
The school has installed Mecguard, a filter distributed by MecNet, a technology company for Massachusetts that offers opportunities for public places such as schools and libraries to install technology and IT tech support.
Massachusetts public school systems have set up a contract with Mecnet for all schools to be technologically equipped and available to the faculty and students.
The program MecGuard that the school’s Internet is connected with ensures that students go online for research.
“The students usually only have time in school to use computers for academic purposes only” said Tim Kaliff, an administrative intern and teacher at Williams Middle school. “They have technology classes where they learn about the Internet and computer skills.”
The filter at the middle school blocks out any social websites and any website that shows nudity or violence. The filter also scans websites for explicit written material. The system automatically blocks a website if any of these provocative images or words are detected on the webpage.
“Our e-mails are sometimes blocked due to the content,” said Cathy Martelli, a secretary at the Middle School as she pulled up her e-mail to show how the filter worked on her computer.
“It is tough to get around the block (of the filter),” said Kaliff. “It is a very good filter.”
Some websites that teachers access for their classrooms are blocked due to some content.
“The science teachers have trouble pulling up pictures of the human body because the filter considers it, you know nudity or inappropriate,” said Kaliff.
To gain access to a website needed for academic purposes, a teacher can send in a request to a network manager from MecNet. The network manager can review the page and then grant access to the website.
Bridgewater schools have strict guidelines for Internet use, but children still face risks at home on the Internet.
According to the Henry J. Kaiser foundation, among the 96 percent of children that have ever used the Internet, 65 percent say they go online most often at home and 14 percent from school.
“I have no idea about a filter but I know we have parental controls” says Cathy Bridges when asked what she does to protect her children at home.
Forty-five percent of parents have monitoring software that records what users do online, according to a study by the Internet and American Life Project in 2007.
But many parents still don’t have filters on home computers.
“Some parents don’t allow their children to use the Internet,” said Martelli.
The school systems are taking measures to protect children away from home but how are they being protected at home if the family does not have a filter?
According to an Internet and American Life Project study, 85 percent of parents of online teens say they have rules about Internet sites their child can or cannot visit.
Parents are getting smarter when it comes to what their child is exposed to on the Internet. They understand that as the technological world grows, the more their child needs to be aware of giving out personal information and what sites are appropriate to visit.
“My child sometimes wanders (on the Internet) without knowing what he is doing,” says Karla Kull of Bridgewater and the mother of a 5 year old boy. “He can end up in places he doesn’t know about.”
Cox Communications, a digital cable company that services some parts of Massachusetts has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to launch a campaign called “TakeCharge.”
The “TakeCharge” campaign was created to spread an awareness of Internet safety. The website offers tips to parents about making safe decisions online.
It offers suggestions on how to monitor children’s Internet usages and ways to ensure privacy when accessing the Internet from a home computer.
The need to protect children online is growing each day as the Internet becomes more accessible and larger in scale.
According to a study by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 2006, children experience unwanted exposure to sexual material (1 in 3 youth) and harassment -- threatening or other offensive behavior directed at them (1 in 11 youth).
Parents and public school systems play a key role in ensuring the safety of their children.
“I feel it is important to have Internet safety,” said Karen Inglas of Bridgewater. “There are some creepy guys out there, parents must monitor (online) better.”
kmasley@student.stonehill.edu
Think Twice Before You Post
By Jenny Gardynski
(jgardynski@student.stonehill.edu)
Kim Pepin posts photos on the social networking webssite Facebook, but she’s careful what they depict.
Pepin, 20, of Acushnet says she does not post photos very often but when she does, she makes sure they are private, only for her friends to view.
She's one of a growing number of people networking online these days.
A 2006 study released by Children’s Advocate John Walsh, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Cox Communications has found that 61 percent of 13 to 17 year-olds have a personal profile on sites such as MySpace, Friendster, and Xanga. Half have also posted pictures of themselves.
“There are some problems and dangers with people posting pictures on the Internet such as employers or school administrators attaining the pictures and younger children becoming victims of online predators,” Pepin said.
A growing number of employers are now looking at photos online and are telling workers what they find objectionable.
According to a 2007 study released by the Pew Institute, one in five working American adults says their employer has a special policy about how employees present themselves online.
Justin DeConti, 20, of New Bedford, a student at Stonehill College, said he has heard about companies looking at photos on MySpace and Facebook to get a sense of the character of the individual they are hiring. He said his only advice to friends is simple: don't be foolish.
“Post wisely and post only what you want others to see and think about how you're perceived when you do so. If you want people to view you as irresponsible, please, by all means, post those pictures, but don't assume that no one is looking,” DeConti said.
DeConti said he doesn’t post any pictures of his friends online, but does post pictures of himself on MySpace publicly. He said there are still pictures of him on Facebook that have been posted by other people.
“I'm fond of the idea of parents taking an initiative in talking to their children about the Internet and how dangerous or how educational it can be,” DeConti said.
He also said that he is not a fan of censorship and that he doesn’t see much danger in posting pictures.
“The danger lies on how readily obtainable other information about them is,” DeConti said. “Pictures are pictures. No danger there, but pictures with names and addresses is something more of a worry.”
Fifty-eight percent of teens said they do not think posting photos or other personal information on social networking sites is unsafe, according to a 2007 study also released by Children’s Advocate John Walsh, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Cox Communications.
Cynthia Tougas, the director of instructional technology of New Bedford Public Schools said parents must sign off on a permission slip if their child wants to post pictures online.
“I strongly feel that there is no need to have any identifiable pictures posted online in a K-12 setting,” Tougas said.
(jgardynski@student.stonehill.edu)
Kim Pepin posts photos on the social networking webssite Facebook, but she’s careful what they depict.
Pepin, 20, of Acushnet says she does not post photos very often but when she does, she makes sure they are private, only for her friends to view.
She's one of a growing number of people networking online these days.
A 2006 study released by Children’s Advocate John Walsh, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Cox Communications has found that 61 percent of 13 to 17 year-olds have a personal profile on sites such as MySpace, Friendster, and Xanga. Half have also posted pictures of themselves.
“There are some problems and dangers with people posting pictures on the Internet such as employers or school administrators attaining the pictures and younger children becoming victims of online predators,” Pepin said.
A growing number of employers are now looking at photos online and are telling workers what they find objectionable.
According to a 2007 study released by the Pew Institute, one in five working American adults says their employer has a special policy about how employees present themselves online.
Justin DeConti, 20, of New Bedford, a student at Stonehill College, said he has heard about companies looking at photos on MySpace and Facebook to get a sense of the character of the individual they are hiring. He said his only advice to friends is simple: don't be foolish.
“Post wisely and post only what you want others to see and think about how you're perceived when you do so. If you want people to view you as irresponsible, please, by all means, post those pictures, but don't assume that no one is looking,” DeConti said.
DeConti said he doesn’t post any pictures of his friends online, but does post pictures of himself on MySpace publicly. He said there are still pictures of him on Facebook that have been posted by other people.
“I'm fond of the idea of parents taking an initiative in talking to their children about the Internet and how dangerous or how educational it can be,” DeConti said.
He also said that he is not a fan of censorship and that he doesn’t see much danger in posting pictures.
“The danger lies on how readily obtainable other information about them is,” DeConti said. “Pictures are pictures. No danger there, but pictures with names and addresses is something more of a worry.”
Fifty-eight percent of teens said they do not think posting photos or other personal information on social networking sites is unsafe, according to a 2007 study also released by Children’s Advocate John Walsh, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Cox Communications.
Cynthia Tougas, the director of instructional technology of New Bedford Public Schools said parents must sign off on a permission slip if their child wants to post pictures online.
“I strongly feel that there is no need to have any identifiable pictures posted online in a K-12 setting,” Tougas said.
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