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(03/26/19 3:48am)
By Lily Firth
Social Media Editor
Over the past few years, many people have followed the gluten-free diet trend because they think it will lead to massive weight loss or an altogether healthier lifestyle. This is a misconstrued message that needs to be debunked because people without gluten allergies should not be taking this protein out of their diets.
Gluten is a protein that can be found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Foods that commonly have gluten in them are breads, cereals, pastas and many processed foods. According to Scientific American, whole grains that contain gluten also have necessary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Gluten-free foods are usually low in nutrients, and people with the allergy have to get them through other foods or supplements. Studies show gluten-free diets can be deficient in fiber, iron, folate, niacin, thiamine, calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus and zinc.
Many people who have taken gluten out of their diet reported weight loss, but it’s not because of the lack of gluten. When people try to avoid gluten, they cut out many desserts, junk food and processed food, which leads to the weight loss and healthier feeling.
Another harmful result of removing gluten unnecessarily from your diet is the perpetuation of the diet’s negative connotations. Because so many people tried cutting out gluten to be “trendy” or “skinny,” people with real, severe allergies are not taken as seriously.
I have recently been diagnosed with a severe gluten allergy, and when I go to restaurants, I have to basically spell out that I have the allergy, not that I am just “gluten-free.”
I’ve seen this misunderstanding with other allergies as well. I’ve talked to a friend who is very lactose intolerant that has gone to a coffee shop and asked for almond milk — the barista did not take her seriously because she didn’t specify it was an allergy, and gave her dairy milk anyway.
On the other hand, many restaurants and grocery stores have made extreme accommodations for people with these needs, such as supplying separate menus and having whole aisles dedicated to allergy-free foods. Many companies have been making cleaner and less processed foods to try to combat the stigma around processed foods that contain a lot of these common allergens as well.
I would do anything to be able to eat bread and pasta without all of the hassle, so if you do not have a gluten allergy, stick to your whole grains and please eat a piece of bread for me.
(10/23/18 6:17pm)
By Lily Firth
News Editor
Everyone loves the fall; it’s the start of cool, crisp weather, exciting holidays, bonfires, yummy pumpkin flavors and sweater season. What is frustrating about the fall, though, is the stigma that comes with it when it comes to women – if a girl likes fall, she is deemed “basic.”
Society often chastises women for what they enjoy. Whether it be boy bands, UGGs, romantic comedies or drama novels, women are insulted constantly by both men and other women for liking these products and ideas.
If a woman loves boy bands, she is deemed “crazy and obsessive,” if she loves UGGs she is called “basic and unoriginal” and if she loves romantic comedies or drama novels, that must mean that the content she likes lacks substance.
The same goes for fall-themed products of activities. If girls want to have a fun time going pumpkin picking, purchase a pumpkin-spiced coffee or own an autumn-scented candle, they are ridiculed. As a whole, our patriarchal society wants to keep putting women down.
Society wants women to feel bad, stupid and cheesy for liking what they like, yet it also shoves these products and ideas down their throats, because they market well and keep women feeling bad about themselves.
Society in general pits women against each other, such as male attention and perfecting their bodies, and fall products are no different. Society wants women to buy these things, but also congratulates women who do not conform to “stupid girly stereotypes.”
This results in a lose-lose situation for women; society markets feminine products and then berates women for buying them.
My advice for women is to do what makes yourself happy. If you don’t like traditional fall activities, then don’t take part in them, but don’t make other girls feel bad for liking them.
If you’re a woman who likes those aspects of the season, make yourself happy, because at the end of the day, who cares what society thinks?
If you like a boy who makes fun of you for interests, then he is not the one, and if your friends make fun of you, then they are not true friends. As girls we have to deal with so much as it is, so if a pumpkin-spiced latte is going to make your morning, then drink that flavorful treat.
(09/25/18 1:06am)
By Lily Firth
News Editor
Recently, mental health and its relationship to substance abuse has risen to the forefront of nationwide issues on college campuses, and there have been numerous steps taken by both administrations and students to combat addiction.
Unhealthy drug use can lead to problems at school or work, physical health issues, neglected appearance, changes in behavior and even monetary issues, according to Mayo Clinic.
In 2015, the College took major steps in assisting students with substance abuse disorders. According to Christopher Freeman, the community recovery supervisor, the College implemented the Collegiate Recovery Program after receiving a grant from the state.
The CRP was conceptualized by a multi-departmental steering committee that worked together to identify the best ways to support students that have been impacted by substance use disorders. The program offers counseling services, substance-free housing and supports the Collegiate Recovery Community. The program also aims to spread awareness of the negative effects drugs have on their users.
The CRC is comprised of students in recovery and allies of recovery that focus on support, advocacy and community building. In addition to the CRC, the TCNJ Recovery Coalition is comprised of faculty, staff and alumni that care about issues related to recovery.
Three years after the creation of the CRP, the CRC is more active on campus than ever.
“The way we conceptualize and build the program is a dynamic process,” Freeman said.
“As more people become connected to the program and new needs become identified, we are able to adapt and add components to what we do. The larger the community grows the greater our capacity becomes.”
The community is indeed expanding. It is now able to support a 12-step program on campus, which takes place every Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Trenton Hall Room 106. The College also holds a Recovery High School Day, which brings high school students in recovery to campus.
According to the most recent American College Health Association / National College Health Assessment survey of the College’s students, 7.1 percent of students identified as having had a problem related to alcohol or drugs in their lifetime, and 3.8 percent of incoming students identified having a family member with a substance use disorder.
“Because we are an institution that is committed to all facets of student development and education, providing supports to students impacted by substance use disorders allows students to maximize their personal potential and growth, enhances their college experience and helps them become more engaged citizens,” Freeman said.
Freeman said that working with students in recovery and allies of recovery has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his professional life.
“Many of these students have real life underdog stories and have achieved so much despite the adversity they have experienced in their lives,” Freeman said. “They have emerged from adversity with greater compassion, depth of character and personal determination. It is an honor, and inspiration, to work with these students.”
Eric Van Eck, a 30-year-old public health major at the College, explained how the Collegiate Recovery Program has helped him. Van Eck first came to the College as a nursing major in 2006. Over the next few years, Van Eck was not exactly sure what he wanted to do with life, and changed majors multiple times.
During this confusing part of his life, Van Eck started to experiment with substances and he soon found himself addicted. His substance abuse and addiction eventually got him removed from the College in 2012.
According to Van Eck, the years following his removal from the College were challenging. At first, he was angry, and felt he did not need school since he could flourish on his own. He had created a landscaping and construction company when he was 14, which had provided him an income, but he was still using regularly.
The decision to turn his life around came when he reached a “spiritual, emotional and physical rock bottom.”
He ended up in the hospital and had to go to a rehabilitation center, where he finally realized that he was sick of the way he was living. He decided to go back to school when he heard that there was a newly implemented recovery program in place.
The most appealing part of the program for Van Eck was the “Lion’s House,” or substance-free housing. Located in Townhouses East, Lion’s House is a place for recovering students to live without substances, but also for students who just want to separate themselves from substances in general.
There are many reasons to live in the house — it appeals to athletes who want to focus on school rather than parties or students in search of an improved living situation after having with roommates who were frequently intoxicated. Every student in the house has to sign a contract prior to moving in, agreeing that they will not have any substances in the house and that they will not come back to the house under the influence.
“Although I’m only one of two recovering students in the house, everyone is really supportive of our disorder,” Van Eck said. “Our house is like it's own close-knit community. We support each other’s clubs and decorate the house with inspirational quotes. This housing has helped tremendously with my challenging return to school. It is a nice safe haven for me, knowing that I have a place to go and be comfortable to live in and not be confronted with people using.”
Currently, Van Eck is in his third semester back at the College.
So far, there has not been any incidents of students breaching the contract at the Lion’s House. Van Eck said that if a student relapsed with substances, housing would not just kick them out and leave them to fend on their own –– the program would help them recover, and would only remove them from housing if they keep refusing the help provided for them.
Van Eck said that the community is not judgemental and that there is no shame in relapsing — they just want to help residents overcome their substance abuse.
When asked why he chose to come back to the College, as opposed to applying to a different school, Van Eck said that he wanted to finish what he started years ago. He also said since the College is a prestigious school, and he did not want his previous hard work to be for nothing.
“It has been challenging being back,” Van Eck said. “I used to get my substances from Trenton, which is still nearby and always a temptation. Some of the older guys in fraternities remember me and keep asking me to come party. I’m surrounded by all of the bad memories of my struggle. But at the same time, it just reminds me of my past and what I can do to be better.”
Van Eck admitted that if the program was not in place, he is not sure if he would still be here or if he would have relapsed. He knew that even if he was still at the College, he would be “white knuckling” the experience the whole time, struggling and not getting the help he needed.
Today, he says that he is thriving at the College, thanks to the program’s encouragement. He has been earning excellent grades, is very involved in clubs and organizations at the College and is open about his past and his road to recovery.
“Rehab basically just tells you ‘good luck’ after you’re there for a certain amount of time and throws you back into the world with no help,” he said. “They’re setting you up to fail. With the recovery program at the College, they help you re-apply and get you back on your feet.”
Now that he is back in school, Van Eck feels like he has a new sense of purpose. He still has a lot of challenges to overcome, but he is dedicated to obtaining a disaster-relief job. He wants to help people who feel hopeless and make their lives better, as there were inspirational people who helped him when he felt like he was beyond repair.
Freeman is excited to see how the program expands over the next few years to help students in the best way possible.
“I think we are seeing a tremendously positive response as students are finding their voice through this program and gaining a sense of solidarity as they realize that they are not alone,” Freeman said. “Through this program, we are emphasizing that one’s recovery is a badge of honor and something to be proud about. I think because we are creating a community that is empowering, we are seeing a lot of interest and growth.”
(09/18/18 2:26am)
By Lily Firth
News Editor
Student Government met with College President Kathryn Foster and made several announcements regarding upcoming events in its general body meeting on Sept. 12.
The meeting began with governance reports, during which the Library Steering Committee talked about the preliminary draft of review of library policies, including study room policies.
Foster then spoke about her four main initiatives for her first year, which are financial sustainability, campus stewardship, her strategic vision and external engagement. Foster did not go into detail about what her initiatives entail yet, but plans to elaborate at the general board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Executive president of SG and senior special education and iSTEM double major Brooke Chlebowski emphasized that students need to come prepared with questions, comments and feedback for Foster for that meeting. Chlebowski also spoke about SG’s new member retreat on Friday, Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and general body retreat on Sunday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Taylor Mislan, a senior marketing major and SG’s vice president of student services, discussed Homecoming Spirit Week logistics and updates. Mislan announced that there will be a T-shirt giveaway on Oct. 24.
SG announced that the Homecoming Lip Sync and Dance event will be held on Oct. 26. The homecoming tailgate and football game will be on Oct. 27.
Eashwayne Haughton, vice president of diversity and inclusion and a senior philosophy major, explained the purpose of diversity advocates, who are students who want to see the College become more inclusive.
Haughton also announced semesterly diversity and inclusion weeks, which will begin in October for the fall and will occur again in the spring. According to Haughton, Critical Conversations sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Juan Carlos Belmonte, SG’s student trustee, and a political science and management double major, explained SG’s overall strategic plan for the academic year.
The Strategies and Operations Committee members are visiting SG to discuss how each committee in SG is aligning with SG’s pending overall strategic plan, and also collect initial feedback on the current strategic plan, which has been in place since 2016.
(09/10/18 11:06pm)
By Lily Firth
News Editor
No one can escape excessive screen time because it is necessary to function in today’s society. What is scary about this new norm is that it happened so quickly, leaving scientists scrambling to find if excessive screen time is dangerous to our health in the long run.
A large amount of screen time can restructure the matter of your brain’s grey and white matter, according to Psychology Today.
“Too much screen usage seems to result in grey matter shrinkage, problems with white matter ability to communicate, a lot more cravings and general poorer cognitive performance,” according to Psychology Today.
Our eyes are also being harmed by too much screen time. Not only does blue light keep us up longer at night and throws off our sleep schedules, it could possibly be damaging our retinas and increasing eye strain.
Screen time also makes people more susceptible to Metabolic syndrome, which can be described as a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Scientists are more concerned about this problem in children, who are being introduced to screens so young that they never learn to enjoy running around and playing outside.
In 2008, there was a study that showed even if children exercised for a bit after binge watching TV, they were still at risk because the binge watching created a habit of sitting still for hours, and the small amount of physical activity could not counteract the child’s sedentary lifestyle, according to the Journal of Public Health.
There is also a debate on whether or not screen time is inhibiting the emotional development of kids, and that it may impact adults too. Too many simulated emotional connections through screens and not enough face-to-face interaction may impact your ability to process emotion properly, according to NPR.
Since excessive screen time is a relatively new phenomenon, research is still emerging and it is hard to get accurate information. However, one piece of advice remains clear — limit your screen time as much as possible.
(09/04/18 3:29pm)
By Lily Firth
News Editor
A new generation of biology professionals will soon graduate from the College, and employers are looking to hire more well-rounded candidates. In the past, this tended to put stress on students studying biology at the College, because the strict and rigorous program made it difficult to add minors, which would add more diversity to their resumés and experiences.
The College announced on Aug. 27 that a new program will launch in the spring of 2019 to accommodate the needs of students graduating with a bachelor of arts in biology. While the Board of Trustees approved the program in July, state approval is still pending.
The rigid requirements for biology majors left little room to explore other areas of study, and left many students feeling as though their resumés were
one-dimensional. The sole focus was preparation for students’ career paths after college, whether it be medical school, graduate school or other science related programs. However, with the changing climate of employers, a narrow direct academic path became a less beneficial course of action.
At an alumni panel, a variety of former students reinforced the need for a new program. Alumni from the biology department elaborated on the wide range of career opportunities that require skills learned outside the laboratory.
Keith Pecor, chair of the biology department, knew that the program needed a significant change.
“It is a very prescriptive program with limited options for students who may wish to pursue other interests or other areas within the field,” Pecor said.
For the first time, biology majors can personalize their program of study, and can add minors from any school at the College, not just the school of science. They can pick courses that will enrich their degree and help them become a more versatile employee for the future.
The new change “will offer students the opportunity to gain technical knowledge, communication skills and exposure to the ethical standards of science, while also gaining experience in areas such as education, business or the humanities,” according to the College’s website.
Students will also receive additional mentoring from professors to ensure students are taking full advantage of their new academic freedom and choose the best courses to compliment their major.
Biology majors are excited about the new direction the program is taking and the new opportunities that it will present. Madhav Patel, a senior biology major, believes that the new program will enrich future students’ education and help them in the long run.
“We need more science professionals who have a knowledge and understanding of the humanities and how they impact their career in any field they work in,” Patel said. “I think TCNJ does a good job of offering that experience through the bio major.”
(08/28/18 3:16am)
By Lily Firth
News Editor
Area codes within a phone number create a sense of solidarity for people living in the same region. But on Sept. 17, new phone numbers in Southern and Central New Jersey will no longer contain the 609 area code –– they will now use the area code 640. But there is no need to worry — anyone with existing phone numbers, including the College, who uses area code 609 will still be able to keep their current numbers.
While this gives a chance for existing institutions and individuals living within the 609 area code’s boundaries to breathe a sigh of relief, the question still remains: why the need for a new area code?
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which is in charge of New Jersey telecommunications, estimates that due to growing populations, available phone numbers with the 609 area code would soon run out. The two options the Board had to face was to either change the area code, or redraw the boundary lines of the area codes, according to NJ.com.
According to New Jersey Real Time News, many still say that changing the area code number will not affect their pride –– they still come originally from “609.”
The new area code brings slight changes telecommunications in Central and Southern New Jersey, including the Ewing area. As of Aug. 18, anyone with a 609 area code or the new 640 area code that wishes to call another 609 or 640 code has to dial the area code along with the seven-digit number to connected with the correct number.
If someone with an 856, 609 or 640 area code calls anyone with a different area code, they will need to dial 1 before the area code and the seven-digit number. Those in other area codes can continue using the same dialing methods, as there is no change for them. Anyone who does not dial 1 when necessary will get a recording instructing them to call again. The Board advises that this information should be changed in the contacts application on the phones of people living in affected area codes.
This change will also apply to other programmed equipment, like medical monitoring devices, fax machines, alarm security systems, voicemail services and even ankle monitors. This new dialing procedure will not affect dialing 911 for emergencies, according to the Board.
The Board did not specify if these changes will be for landline phones, cell phones or both, but they still advise anyone with a preprogrammed device to use the new dialing procedures. According to Ocean City Patch, the new area code will not affect pricing or rates of phones.
The new 640 area code will cover the same territory 609 currently does, which is central and southeastern parts of the state, from Cape May to Trenton. Sean Duffy, a psychology professor at Rutgers University-Camden, explained that there is a real sense of pride attached to area codes. There are shirts and other memorabilia sold that have area codes on them for specific regions, songs that mention area codes to show an attachment to one’s home, and even people getting tattoos of their area code.
When they were first implemented in 1947, all of New Jersey used the area code: 201. With the population of New Jersey ever expanding, the state had to introduce many more area codes over time. The area code 609 was predominant in Southern and Central New Jersey, whereas 201 remained common in Northern New Jersey.
With the new addition, there will be 10 area codes in New Jersey, including 862, 973, 201, 551, 908, 732, 848, 856, 609 now 640.
(04/23/18 7:35pm)
Suicide is a concern that is unfortunately all too prevalent, especially in the lives of young people. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In 1973, a suicide attempt at the College brought the issue to the forefront of the campus community.
A near suicide at Trenton State College several weeks ago brought into focus a major problem among college students in this country. More than 50 thousand college students a year take their own lives, and the rate of occurrence for college students and those who've attended college is more than twice that of the persons in the same age class who've never attended college.
In order to gain some insight into this startling problem, Dr. Tony Di Giorgio of the Human Development Center was asked what a person should say or do when dealing with an individual who is intent on self-destruction.
"The two main things to remember are to, first, remain calm, and second, to maintain some type of 'holding action.' Words aren't terribly important. They get in the way when they communicate anxiety and apprehension. Your own excitement and agitation is transferred to the suicidal person. When you are calm and unexcited it tends to relax him to some degree."
Dr. Di Giorgio explained what he meant by the term "holding action." "It's important not to try and be too clinical. One should not attempt to use their own rational persuasions when dealing with a person in such a state, because what seems rational to us is not necessarily rational to him. To him suicide is the most rational alternative at that time. It is more helpful to try to understand the situation from his perspective. By trying to understand what is going through this person's head, you show him that you are concerned, and this can do more for him than any rational arguments.
"It is also important not to appear that you are judging or evaluating the suicidal person in any way. For example, by telling him that it's stupid to kill himself, you are in effect, telling him that he is stupid. This is just adding to his own negative view of himself, and adding to his own self-devaluation.”
Dr. Di Giorgio was asked who could be contacted in such an emergency. "During daytime hours, it would be best to contact us at the Human Development Center. The Dialogue hotline (phone number, until 2 A.M.) has excellent immediate referral services. They could contact one of the psychologists from the Human Development Center, or one of several consulting psychiatrists. It would also be helpful to contact the infirmary, or a Dormitory Director."
After mentioning that there were complaints because security did not respond to the call for aid, Dr. Di Giorgio said that he did not think that campus security could have been of much help, anyway.
"It would be expecting entirely too much (of security). Dealing with a suicidal person is a difficult job for the most accomplished person in my profession. I wouldn't know precisely what to do in that situation. It would be unrealistic to expect campus security, with no special training in this area, to be of any special aid."
Asked if there were any signs that would give a clue that a person was deeply distressed, and perhaps contemplating suicide, Dr. Di Giorgio replied, "There are really no signs that are generally applicable to all situations. But there are two signs that are quite common. The first is a sudden withdrawal over a short period of time. This student usually breaks off all social relationships, and he may just sit in his room for hours or days at a time, without doing anything."
"The second sign, is a sudden air of resignation. This student no longer cares about his or her previous problems. They seem to be saying 'I'm alright, nothing is bothering me.' There is an unrealistic denial of emotions.” In this case a suicide may result when the person's defenses break down, and he is once more confronted with the reality of his problems.
Dr. Di Giorgio told what an average, untrained person could do to help someone who is troubled, before they reach the desperate stage. "Listen to what they say about themselves. When everything comes out negative—that is when we must get involved. They must take the attitude that 'I'm bothered and troubled, But I can be helped'."
Dr. Di Giorgio gave some insight into how a person could be brought to this realization. "You can't tell someone that they have been acting like a bizarre weirdo. You should let them know that you are concerned about the way they're feeling, and because you're concerned you wanted to talk with him about it. Then you could suggest that he seek some type of help."
However, people are not often so willing to intervene, even when they notice that a person may be troubled. According to Dr. Di Giorgio, this is because, "there is a definite risk involved whenever we become involved with another human being. There is a possibility that we will be rejected. When trying to help a troubled person, he might tell you to ‘go to hell,’ claiming 'there's nothing wrong with me.' Yet, the important thing is that he knows that another person recognizes that he is troubled, and is concerned enough to speak with him about it."
Clearly then, it appears that the choice is between protecting yourself from rejection, or reaching out to another human being who is distressed.
(04/16/18 8:30pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
Abortion has been a highly debated issue in the U.S. for many years. Some vow against it for ethical or religious reasons, while others believe it is a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her own body. Others only support abortion in specific instances, such as rape or incest. In 1989, a women’s studies class held a debate about the ethics of abortion.
An abortion debate, sponsored by Dr. Nadine Shanler's Intro to Women's Studies class and Women's Center, will take place on Monday, March 13, at 5:15 in room 134 of Forcina Hall.
Its purpose is to make people aware of the question, "Should women have the right to a safe and legal abortion?"
Fran Avalone, Director of a pro-abortion organization, "NJ Right to Choose,” and Rita Martin, Legislative Director of an anti-abortion organization, "NJ's citizens concern for life,” will head the debate.
According to Dr. Shanler, the year 1989 may mark a significant turning point in reproductive freedom, privacy rights, and women's equality, if people don't become more involved in the abortion decision.
For more than 15 years, a small segment of the population has sought to overturn the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision recognizing a fundamental right to choose to terminate a pregnancy.
In the 7 to 2 decision, the Supreme Court recognized that pregnant women are entitled to the same rights of privacy as any other individual, including the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion.
According to an article, "Threat to Women's Rights, Public Must Act,” in American Civil Liberties Union magazine, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has said she would allow certain legislation restricting abortions that would deny most women the right.
The author of the Roe v. Wade decision, Justice Harry A. Blackmun warned readers that the decision may be toppled.
In November 88', Richard Thornburgh, the Attorney General of the United States, asked the Supreme Court to use the Missouri case to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The fight, pro-abortion v. anti-abortion is underway. If you would like to further educate yourself, attend the debate. Hear both sides.
(04/09/18 10:34pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
Alcohol and other drugs are a point of contention on college campuses, as college is a notorious time for young people to engage in alcohol and drug use at parties. Today, the College handles students who are caught drinking underage with help from Campus Police, the Alcohol & Drug Education Program and the Office of Student Conduct. In 1988, the College passed a strict underage drinking discipline policy that outraged students.
The College's new alcohol sanctions have left many students residing on campus feeling angry.
The new policy, which was issued by the Office of Residence Life, states that students who commit two violations of the alcohol policy will be forced to move out of the residence halls.
"It's just ridiculous," said Mary Huder, a junior elementary education major who now lives off campus. "The college is saying that if you're written up for alcohol more than once, you'll get kicked off campus. If I was still living in Wolfe, I wouldn't last a week!"
Many students feel that college is a time for making their own decisions, and these new sanctions are a violation of their rights.
Lisa Nemeth, a junior currently residing in Wolfe Hall, said, "A person has a right to drink, as long as they're not hurting anybody. After all, it's their body."
The law states that a person must be 21 years old before he can purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. But college students are notorious for breaking this law, and many feel that the College is being too strict. Pam Degenaars, a junior communications major, said, I put in for lottery this year and I didn't get housing. Now I'm thankful that I didn't."
But it is more than the new policy that students are upset about, it is the way the administration tried to keep them from finding out about it. Although community advisors were informed, they were told not to tell everyone on their floor.
Lorrie Willbergh, a junior special education major, said, "Students have a right to know what the rules are."
Some feel that the way the administration tried to restrict access to the information is a reflection on the College's lack of faith in the new sanctions.
"They must think something is wrong with it, or why would they cover it up?" said Sue Fitzer, a junior nursing major currently living on campus.
"Besides, we are paying to go here, so why are they hiding the rules from us? It's unfair." Of all the students interviewed, none supported the new alcohol policy on campus. They feel angry and misled by the College, and some feel that it is their answer to the housing problem.
(04/03/18 7:38am)
By Lily Firth
Features Editor
Planned Parenthood has been helping students at the College with their reproductive health concerns for the past 40 years, until now. As of this year, Planned Parenthood no longer provides services to the College community, and Student Health Services has taken on the responsibilities of providing students with accessible reproductive health care on campus.
At SHS, students can make an appointment to see a clinician for reproductive health care services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Since Planned Parenthood is a private company, students used to have to pay fees to visit the office. Now that the College is in charge of its own reproductive health services, there is no longer a fee for an office visit.
Students can also now have their prescriptions refilled on days that are not technically appointment days. Prior to the change in the College’s reproductive health care options for students, if students went to SHS with a reproductive emergency on a day that Planned Parenthood was not there, they were out of luck — but that is no longer the case with the College’s new care offerings.
Planned Parenthood is an established health organization that provides contraceptives, screenings and treatments for sexually transmitted infections and guidance through pregnancies. The organization also educates young people on health and wellness topics such as how to get a safe abortion and what different types of reproductive cancers exist.
For years, Planned Parenthood was available three days a week for students to make appointments. Due to the lack of staff and a smaller inflow of patients relative to other locations, Planned Parenthood said that they could only provide services at the College once a week without losing money, according to Janice Vermeychuk, the director of Student Health Services.
There are 17 Planned Parenthood locations in New Jersey. Out of these 17 sites, the organization has what is called its “big six” locations that are seated in New Jersey’s largest cities. Whenever a “big six” site needs a nurse clinician, it gets a replacement from one of its other smaller locations that do not have as much of a high demand in patients.
Since locations in Camden and Trenton are Planned Parenthood’s top priorities in New Jersey, the nurse clinician at the College was pulled away from her position here to meet the higher demand of patients in larger cities.
Vermeychuk was disappointed that Planned Parenthood had to cut down its availability, since many students seek reproductive health services, but would have difficulty getting an appointment if the office was open only one day of the week.
“We, as a college, have a priority to provide reproductive services for the students, and as of this year, Planned Parenthood was not going to be enough,” Vermeychuk said.
Vermeychuk felt Planned Parenthood could have increased the amount of patients it had at the College if the organization focused more on advertising itself, such as tabling and posting flyers around campus.
“We had no problem taking on reproductive services ourselves, but we had to plan for it,” Vermeychuk said. “Our staff is already swamped with the work they have to do and the school could not add a bigger workload onto them, so the College had to hire different employees that specialized in the reproductive health sector.”
Last summer, SHS hired a new nurse practitioner, Dr. Anna Slack, because the previous one had retired. At first, Slack was just going to be part of the regular SHS staff, but she gladly stepped up when she saw there was a need for a nurse in reproductive health. Slack had already worked with Planned Parenthood, so she had the qualifications and experience that the school was looking for, and she also loves working with college students.
There are some concerns that the College will not be able to provide all of the services offered by Planned Parenthood, but Vermeychuk disagrees.
“Of course, here at the College, we will be doing basic reproductive health — ordering birth control prescriptions, counseling for contraceptives, helping with UTIs and other infections — that sort of thing,” Vermeychuk said. “We do not want to spend a lot of money on medical equipment that will barely be used, since most of the students who use reproductive health services here just need routine, basic services.”
Vermeychuk said that if there is an emergency or if a student needs more advanced reproductive services than SHS can offer, such as the insertion of an IUD, then they will be referred to a nearby Planned Parenthood location.
There was talk of Telehealth Services replacing Planned Parenthood, but Vermeychuk said that many Student Health Service employees vehemently vetoed that idea because they felt that they would be better off integrating reproductive health into SHS.
“We believe that students really need face-to-face professional health care,” she said. “Some were a bit nervous to try to tackle such a big service after having Planned Parenthood here for years, but so far it has been running smoothly and has been successful. We’re completely booked!”
Vermeychuk explained that the College has no hard feelings toward Planned Parenthood, but it also did not make sense to continue the partnership.
Students agree that access to reproductive health services are an integral component to wellness on college campuses.
“It honestly makes me feel comfortable knowing that there’s an easy resource out there that you can go to in emergencies and not be berated by your parents about it,” said Bianca Arena, a senior health and exercise science major. “Without a safe space to go to for information about sex and the issues that go with it, students are just going to look on the internet, and probably get wrong information that could potentially be harmful.”
Melody Hwang, a senior urban education major, hopes that the new services will be as convenient as Planned Parenthood once was.
“Having Planned Parenthood on campus was a life saver,” Hwang said. “I know many students in economic hardships rely on services like this, and it is so important for the school to be able to provide these services for them.”
(04/02/18 7:53pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
College tuition and other fees often increase annually, making the burden of accumulating debt heavier for students and their families. This financial strain is amplified by the time constraints of vigorous classes and extracurricular activities, making it difficult for students to find and work at a well-paying job. In 1987, students at the College were also struggling to budget their money properly and pay off student loans.
College can be one of the best times in a person's life; it can also be one of the most expensive times. Many times, large debts can accumulate without a student even realizing it. "John", a graduating Trenton State College senior is presently $8,000 in debt. Last May, however, he was almost $18,000 in debt.
John attributes most of his debt to paying for college. "My parents make too much money for me to get a student loan," he said, "and since I have to pay for my own education, I had to take out a personal loan at 12% interest."
John took out four loans. He has paid off two of them so far.
One way John tried to deal with college bills was to bounce checks. "I would pay at walk-in registration in January, pay with a check that I knew would bounce, and the school wouldn't catch up with me until April," he said.
To add to John's bills, he had six credit cards. "It was easy to get a high credit limit," John said. "I would lie about the money I made and either put down a store where my friend was the manager, or I told my manager not to tell the companies who called how much I made."
"It was easy to pay the amount due, but actually, I was paying only a small part of the interest, and it all added up," John said. So far, John has paid off three of his credit card balances.
In May, John moved back home with his parents. Until then, he had lived in a house with seven other men. "The rent was only about $86 a month per guy, but some months, I still had trouble getting the rent together," he said.
The utilities bills were not included in the rent, and they were not always top priority. "One month we went without electricity," he said. "We were never home, so it didn't matter. If we didn't have hot water we just came to school and took showers there."
When there was heat, John said they kept it at a minimum. "Once, we ran out of oil," he said, "we just slept in our clothes and let the faucets run so the pipes didn't freeze up."
The phone had only local calling on it. "We couldn't use a calling card, or even get an operator," John said.
After John moved out, he began working two jobs. During the day, he was a groundskeeper, and at night, he cooked.
On an average week, John said he worked 97 hours. "There wasn't much overtime because it was two jobs," he said. "I made about $1,000 after taxes, but there was never anything left to go out with, once I paid all the bills."
John said he slept only about three hours a day but was always at work on time. "Over the summer, my main concern was getting rid of the debt," he said. "I had people calling me all the time for their money. I just wanted them to leave me alone."
Once school started, John cut his hours back to 60 hours a week. "In October, though, I had to quit," he said. "I'm only taking 10 credits, but I need every one of them to graduate. Before concentrating entirely on his school work, John took two weeks off and just "bummed around." "I really needed the time off," he said.
John thinks that his attitude toward money is the way it is because of the prevailing attitude when he started school.
"When I started school, Trenton State was just a state college," he said. "We only went to class when we wanted, and only did minimal amounts of work."
"People are tighter with their money today. We used to think nothing of going to the Rat and spending $60 at one shot." John said that if he had a child he would make him pay for his own education, too. "I'm glad I learned this lesson while I was still in school," he said. "I think it's all just part of college. You make mistakes, sure, but you also learn from mistakes. Isn't that what college is all about?"
(03/25/18 10:52pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
Rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment are still problems on all college campuses, especially with regard to alcohol-related incidents. While colleges and universities have worked to raise awareness for rape and increase education about how to identify and stop a potential sexual assault, these efforts have failed to completely eliminate sexual assault on college campuses. In 1991, students advocated for better rape awareness programs.
Counselors report the first few weeks of school to be the time when a woman is in the most danger of being raped.
What constitutes an act of rape? Rape is nonconsensual sexual intercourse between two persons, usually accompanied by force or intimidation. Because the legal definition of rape is based on the notion of consent, any sexual contact with a person who is too drunk to be capable of giving consent is technically also a crime.
According to Dr. Mary Kossa, a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Arizona, who conducted a comprehensive study on date rape on college campuses, one in nine college women have been raped and 80% knew their attacker, while less than five percent reported the crime.
If 11% of women in college are raped, there could be 330 victims of rape at Trenton State College. Although this is only an estimate based on a study of other colleges, the possibility that there could be 330 victims implies that action is needed to address the problem of rape.
If 80% of the victims knew their attacker it can be implied that it is possible for anybody to be a rapist. Studies show that the major motives in rape are aggression, anger and hostility, not sex. The rapist desires to exert power over his victim.
Clearly, rape is a tremendously serious problem, no matter how infrequently it is reported or occurs. To begin to solve the problem of rape, we need to address it as a community.
The intense emotional trauma victims suffer affects relationships and the ability to enjoy life.
Victims of rape are forced to confront so many emotions after an incident; such as shame and a loss of pride and hope. Victims often tell of how attacks leave their lives full of hate, anger and worst of all, guilt.
Rape is a personal crime and every time an innocent woman is victimized, we all need to be personally infuriated.
Yet there are ways to start to eliminate the potential for rape as well as rape itself from our community. Since men commit 98.6% of the reported rapes in the United States, men need to take an active leadership role in preventing this devastating crime from happening.
Kossa's study found that one in twelve college men, responding to a survey, admitted committing acts that meet the legal definition of rape or attempted rape, yet only one percent who could be the girl next door, your sister, or your girlfriend.
The study also discovered that 50% of rape victims and 75% of their attackers had been drinking before the rape occurred. Because alcohol is a large factor in rape cases and is a large factor of college life, precautions need to be taken.
For example, a student should never go to a party unless she is with a group of friends who will watch out for her. Also, creating a floor phone list and using it to get out of uncomfortable or high-risk situations could make a difference.
In addition, TSC has an escort service (x2167) that can transport students anywhere on the campus at night. But all this is not enough.
The administration and the Office of the Dean of Student Life should expand their efforts and implement a comprehensive plan to battle rape at TSC. If we truly believe in diversity, our vision needs to increase its emphasis on women. We have to generate a greater understanding between women and men.
In terms of education, TSC should incorporate rape awareness into the program of "Welcome Week" and College Seminar to ensure that all TSC students will be given the knowledge to protect themselves from being victims. Finally, whether you are a student, a professor, or an administrator, each of us, as members of a community, must take up arms in this battle. What will you do to make our campus safe from rape?
(03/18/18 11:37pm)
By Lily Firth
Features Editor
Midterms are always a dreaded part of the semester, filling college students with stress, confusion and anxiety. Luckily, this year, heavy snowfall and strong winds caused classes to be cancelled for two days straight on March 7 and March 8 — giving students two extra days to study, sleep and enjoy some much needed relaxation as a tantalizing prelude to spring break.
Some students took advantage of the additional time provided by the snow days to review for their exams. Kelly Vena, a junior English major, was relieved when she heard classes were cancelled.
“Having Thursday off was a real treat. I normally have three classes that day. It bought me more time to study for my (literature) midterm … now I have all of spring break to prepare,” Vena said.
Classes and on-campus activities were cancelled since the inclement weather made roads unsafe for students and faculty to commute to their respective classes and on-campus meetings.
“I have a lot of meetings on Wednesdays that take up a lot of my free time. Sometimes I’m sitting there like, ‘I could be studying right now,’ as the meetings drag on. But with the snow day, there was none of that anxiety of precious time lost,” Vena said.
James Perry, a junior civil engineering major, used the snow days as an opportunity to socialize and catch up with friends.
“It’s hard to find time to relax during midterms week, let alone time to hang out with your friends,” Perry said. “I have four midterms this week, but the snow days helped move them to another date. It was nice to go outside with my friends, throw a few snowballs and mess around for a few hours. I was worry-free for the first time this week. Even if it was really cold.”
The storm’s perfect placement during the height of exams allowed students to unwind and prioritize time with friends instead of cramming for tests.
“It was fun to be a kid again,” said Carly Mastrogiacomo, a junior nursing major. “My friends and I went sledding and it was just full of laughs and nostalgic fun. I’m basically always studying during midterms week, day in and out. The stress will get to you sometimes. The snow days couldn’t have had better timing.”
Jill Murray, a sophomore marketing major, agreed.
“Midterms were honestly just about to break me until we got a much needed snow day. Thank God for Dave Muha,” Murray said.
Some wished that they had more time to plan for the storm, since the closures on March 7 and March 8 were an early start to spring break for students lucky enough to not have classes on March 9.
"I just wished that I had more time to prepare a ski trip or something, since I don’t have classes on Fridays either," said Jessica Celona, a junior communication studies major. “I could’ve started spring break early.”
A few students were upset that some exams and classes were pushed until after spring break, creating a seemingly unnecessary and avoidable to-do list for students who otherwise would have finished most of their midterm exams and projects before the break started.
“I’m actually a little annoyed we had a snow day,” said Lydia Christiano, a junior marketing major. “I mean, of course I got a little more free time, which was cool. But I had a presentation and a midterm on Thursday, and now it’s moved until after break. I just wanted to get it over with because I’m nervous for both, and the roads were honestly fine by the second snow day.”
(03/18/18 11:34pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
For college students, stress comes in many forms — from pressure to earn good grades, struggling to manage time or even finding time to socialize. Stress can be detrimental to students’ health, as it leads to irregular sleep and meal schedules that take a toll on our bodies. In 1989, the College was concerned with the stress placed on students, and tried to implement solutions to help students cope with their busy schedules.
Stress plays a major role in the life of students. Taking exams, money, competition and the next meal are only a few of the problems students face.
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Stress can range from a mild traffic jam, to taking an exam, to a family argument, to the death of a loved one.
According to Rose Marie Fassbender, Director of Health Center on campus, some stress-related symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, anxiety, either increased or loss of appetite, high blood pressure, and hives or other skin problems. Stress can lead to the deterioration of one’s health.
Usually around mid-term and final exam week, students become extremely “stressed-out.”
Larry Gage, a counselor at the Psychological Counseling Services, says that the stress-related problems on campus include test anxiety, procrastination caused work “pile-up” at the end of a semester and relationships with family members. Fassbender says that a lack of sleep and pledging are also causes of stress-related problems on campus.
When students come to Gage he says, “often things appear worse than they really are, but when people leave, they usually feel relieved just because they did something about their problem.”
According to the pamphlet “About College and Stress,” the word “stress” comes from a latin word meaning “to draw tight.” When there’s no outlet for this feeling of “tightness,” stress can be harmful. Now students face more stress at Trenton State than in the past. Because of the strict retention standards, students know that they must keep their GPA as high as possible.
A well-balanced life can help both to prevent stress and to alleviate stress that cannot be prevented. This might include alternating physical activity with mental activity, limiting alcohol consumption, eliminating smoking, sharing emotional feeling with others and having a variety of hobbies or other interests outside work or school.
Students will be at their peak of stress around mid-term and final exam week.
There are many clubs and activities that students can take part in on campus to help relieve the pressure from school work and problems in general.
(03/05/18 8:07pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
Recently, the Women’s and Gender Studies major at the College added another component to the major — sexuality. The major now encompasses women’s issues as well as sexual identity and sexual discrimination. In 1984, Women’s and Gender Studies courses were approved to be a part of the general education curriculum to inform students who normally would not have taken these courses about common societal issues rooted in gender.
Students may be more inclined to fit Women's Studies courses into their course load this fall than in the past. The Academic Policies Committee gave final approval on Monday to include four courses in Women's Studies as options in the general education requirements, Dr. Nadine Shanler, professor and member of the Women's Studies faculty, said.
Three of the courses, Introduction to Women's Studies (WGS 200), Psychology of Women (PSY 350) and Women in World Perspective (SOC 303), can be counted towards Group B requirements or the history and social sciences and one course, Women Writers (ENG 233), can fulfill an arts and humanities requirement, she said. Before, these courses were only available as part of the Women's Studies minor, general electives or a major discipline area.
"Having Women Studies' as general education distribution requirements makes them more accessible to students," Dr. Karen Howe, Women's Studies coordinator and assistant professor of psychology, said. "It's a statement by the college that it's important that students take courses that deal with women's lives honestly and openly, past and present," Shanler said.
Howe said she hoped that eventually the subject matter of the Women's Studies courses would be part of the rest of the college curriculum. The lack of focus on women in traditional courses led to the development of the Women’s Studies program, she said.
"The idea behind Women's Studies courses in general is that many different fields have been very male oriented; the research has usually been done by men and the people who were studied often were men, Howe said. "So the male experience is really what has been studied in these fields."
"What Women's Studies courses do is try to make up for the male bias by exploring women's lives, studying research by women and focusing on various influences in women's lives," Howe said. "In Women's Studies, you see people being able to use the information and ideas in their own lives, to deal constructively with relationships at word, at home and literally to make things better.”
Most of the men who take the class also reap rewards from them. Howe said they learn about women, about themselves and about relationships with women. The number of male students in the Women's Studies courses is very few. "They are reluctant to take the course. Some women are afraid to take the course as well."
Women who do take the courses usually feel more positive about themselves. Shanler said. "Women become more sure and more assertive. Often they explore and reevaluate their relationships, values and career aspirations." she said.
(02/26/18 10:29pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
As the temperature fluctuates rapidly this winter, people are becoming increasingly worried about climate change creating such haphazard weather. While environmental movements are more popular than ever before, plans to prevent global warming and preserve the environment have been in place long before today’s climate change protests. In 1990, the College implemented a new environmentally friendly recycling plan.
The Trenton State College recycling plan is alive and well, and has been approved by Mercer County Improvement Authority, according to TSC's director of facilities, Ron Tola.
Director Tola believes the success of the program is due to the students' and staff’s awareness of the environmental problems of today and their desire to do their part in providing a better environment for the future.
Much of the success of the new recycling program can be attributed to Bill Czajka, James Allen and Mike Maconi, facilities employees, according to Tola. He believes these employees are doing a great job in adjusting to the dynamics and management of TSC's recycling program.
"It is good because it is recycling," Michael Steimple says. "My roommate divides it into the proper bins for us."
"Recycling is the least we can do to help preserve the environment," says Kathy Maguire of Decker Hall.
Ron Geraci of Cromwell Hall feels he is personally trying to do his part.
Joan C. Manto, secretary of the history department, says, "Most of the time I remember to save the paper; it is not hard to do."
Manto thinks she is becoming more aware of recycling and hopes it will help solve our environmental woes.
Angelika Kluge of Travers says, "I think it's a good idea. I come from Germany and we have recycling programs like this."
"We have been recycling for years. It should be as automatic as washing your hands," says Adele Talone, cashier in the Bursar's Office.
According to Robin Morris of New Residence Hall, the "dropoff' point cans are always full in her dormitory. She thinks this is an indication that the "recycling is working well."
Stephanie Tziarri says, "I think it's wonderful that we are actually doing something to save our planet from destruction."
Kim Pelt of Wolfe Hall says it is a good program, but finds the separating of colored and noncolored paper to be a bother.
Dr. Harrod, Chairman of the English Department, says, "It's not as hard as it might have been … recycling habits at home make you aware of the program."
Cooperation has been excellent according to Director Tola. The program is in an evolutionary cycle which is bringing changes daily. These changes will demand even greater participation from all sectors of the College. Director Tola lauds the overall cooperation at TSC.
Editor's note: Although it appears that some people are recycling, many TSC residents are not. Please do your part and recycle.
(02/19/18 9:26pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
During the month of February, we celebrate the contributions black Americans have made to our society, and how they persevered through a traumatic history of oppression. In 1998, an African-American scholar lectured at the College to inform students about achievements of Africans throughout time in honor of Black History Month.
Ivan Van Sertima, eminent anthropologist and Egyptologist, lectured at Trenton State College on Tuesday, February 16, on the topic of the contributions of Africans to early European history.
His lecture was based on a book he edited in 1985 titled “The African Presence in Early Europe.” Van Sertima said his lecture was an attempt to give a different vision on the African because the role of the African as perceived in Europe is that-of a slave, servant or other “lowly role.”
He explained, “most of the concentration in history and anthropology reflects a primitive or semiprimitive African. It is impossible to get a true sense of a civilization or an accomplishment and achievement of a people by focusing on their least important aspects.”
Van Sertima went on to state quite emphatically that the African people were responsible for all the major elements, both political and religious, that were to become important in the later dynasties. One of the more remarkable things the archaeologists found was the beginning of the hieroglyphics alphabet.
Van Sertima also said an efficient calendar was developed by the early Africans in Europe. The Africans adjusted the calendar by deducting the 5 1/4 days. The result was a 360-day calendar with 12 months having 30 days each.
Studies from Oxford University, the University of Hawaii and the University of California at Berkeley revealed that the first of man’s direct ancestors was born in Africa. According to Van Sertima, that is not new information.
“What is new information,” he said “is that of the six stages of man, the last stage in the evolution of man, homo sapiens, has been found in Africa. As a matter of fact, evidence shows that the last stage of man moved out of Africa to Europe and Asia.” The studies also revealed that about 55,000 years ago the pigmentless, Caucasian type of homo sapiens emerged from the African race.
Van Sertima said Africans gave birth to albino types, whose pigmentation was altered by solar ultraviolet radiation in the tropics and subtropics.
He stated that it was a disadvantage to have black skin while living in the icy areas. Black skin is more sensitive to the cold. He said there was a change in pigmentation affecting the color of skin, eyes and hair and explained that a narrow nose is more effective in warming cold air.
“You have contracting features in the ice and expansive features in the tropical area,” he said. According to Van Sertima, studies show that all homo sapiens can be traced to one black woman who lived 140,000 years ago.
Van Sertima, who is fluent in Hungarian and Swahili, is the author of many books, including Caribbean writers and African Presence in Early Americans.
(02/12/18 11:36pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
The world has been anxiously awaiting the start of the Winter Olympics, eager to watch the best athletes from all nations compete for the gold. Events in this year’s Olympics include a variety of cold temperature classics, like bobsled racing, figure skating, freestyle skiing and more. 2018 marks the 40-year anniversary of when two students from the College broke a Guinness world record for continuous downhill alpine skiing in 1978.
It was over a few beers at the Franklin Tavern on a warm July night where TSC students Ian Smith and David Brown first decided to try to break the Guinness world record for continuous alpine (downhill) skiing. Two weeks ago, they did just that.
Smith, 22, a senior criminal justice major and Brown, 23, a part-time business student who works full time at his father's Lawrence township construction business, broke the record by skiing 54 hours and 8 minutes, with only one five minute break an hour allotted to them by Guinness at Vernon Valley Ski Area in McAfee, New Jersey.
The two skiers will be entered in the next edition of the Guinness Book of World Records if their record is not broken by the end of the year.
"We made our mark — but if someone breaks it, we'll probably do it again," said Smith.
"They would have to be awfully determined, but with good weather it could be broken," added Brown.
The previous record was set in Brettonwoods, New Hampshire in December 1977, and was broken by Smith and Brown by 2 hours and 8 minutes.
"In all respect for the other poor bastards, we had to break it by more than eight minutes," said Smith.
Although neither Smith or Brown are cigarette smokers, they held this event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, but ran into quite a few problems getting ski manufacturers to sponsor them.
"We spent three months calling, writing letters, getting rejected and trying again," said Smith, "and it was Herman Brooks (in Quakerbridge Mall, where they both work as part-time salesmen) that got the 'in' for us — they've got the clout."
By the morning the marathon was scheduled to begin, twelve leading ski manufacturers had donated cash contributions to the cancer society, as well as ski equipment that would be raffled off during the weekend Smith and Brown skied. Approximately $6,000 was netted during this time for the organization.
"Public relations at Vernon Valley realized this was going to be too big too late," said Smith.
"But the people up there really took care of us and the slopes," Brown said. Three of the ski patrol volunteered to keep track of them during the night hours of their extended stay and according to Smith, the head of the ski patrol was a cancer victim himself.
To help endure the long nights, the ski patrol provided walkie-talkies for the skiers that were hooked up with a local radio station. The biggest test for them was the first night out, when the wind chill factor dropped the temperature to the equivalent of minus 20 degrees.
"The snow blowers on all night were no help either, we froze, we were just freezing," Smith said.
"We were sure we were going to make it after seeing the sun come up the first time," said Brown. "There were two things we were fearing — the icy conditions and the cold, but by then we were numb," Smith added.
Both agreed their number one problem was staying awake. Smith said after a while their minds "snapped.”
"We had to keep bullshitting and busting each other's ass to stay awake." Although the idea of being recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records is appealing to the two skiers, they said it was not the only reason for the ski-a-thon.
"We wanted to do our bit of good will in the sport of skiing and to open up some doors in the skiing industry," Smith said. "We had some tough times at first with the ski manufacturers — but we know they all give to the United Way.”
Both skiers are loosely planning what they call a "marathon of sorts" for next year with hopes of including celebrities and professional skiers, but say it won't be the same "type of thing" as this year's feat. "This year we wanted to get into something that wasn't explored like racing and freestyling have been," said Smith, "we just wanted something unique to do that wouldn't kill us."
(02/04/18 4:44pm)
Every week, Features Editor Lily Firth hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
This year, the flu has been a serious public health concern, especially since it is so contagious. In some cases, even a flu shot cannot protect against infection from certain strains of the virus. The 2018 flu season has caused more hospitalizations in one single year than any in the last decade, according to The Washington Post. In 1979, there was a health scare at the College when a student became hospitalized after she contracted bacterial meningitis.
A Trenton State College freshman was admitted to St. Francis Medical Center Thursday morning for spinal meningitis, a disease which caused mass inoculations after an outbreak in 1974.
Pamela Spiegel, a resident of Decker second floor is in guarded condition in the intensive care ward of the medical center, according to reports in yesterday’s Trentonian.
Spiegel has contracted bacterial meningitis, a different form than the viral meningitis which plagued the campus five years ago, claiming one student’s life, Kathleen Piekielniak, director of TSC’s health service facilities reported.
Based on recommendations by the Federal Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta, and the State Department of Health, no mass inoculation is being planned.
Dr. David Fraser of NCDC said that this form of meningitis is “more severe, but less contagious” than the previous strain in 1974. The mortality rate for Spiegel’s form is twice the rate of the previous type.
Spiegel’s suitemates were removed from campus over the weekend and given antibiotics, according to Jere Paddack, dean of students. Paddack said that the chances of other students catching the disease was fairly remote, although it was possible in close-contact situations.
Residence hall students were notified by memo on Friday, advising them to get plenty of rest, food and liquids and avoid crowds.
Results of tests conducted on Spiegel have not been released, although Piekielniak said that she responded well to treatment.
It is not known where or how Spiegel contracted the disease, which is most prevalent during cold weather. “It is a common disease where people are in close contact with each other like the Army, Piekielniak told The Trentonian. The previous outbreak of the disease was due to dirty glasses in The Pub and many of those stricken were Pub employees. The entire student body was inoculated against the disease, which claimed the life of a student in 1974.