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.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
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
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