FALL 2011

The New York Association of Black Journalists Student Journalism Workshop

CO-SPONSORED BY LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (BROOKLYN CAMPUS)

NYABJ 24rd ANNUAL WORKSHOP WWW.FIRSTTAKENYC.COM

DREAMS OR THE MONEY

[ By: Annick Laurent ]

STUDENTS WEIGH FOLLOWING

Bernard Shepard is a 17-year-old senior at Saint Francis Preparatory School with a passion for music. Hes been active in his schools acoustic choir for the past three years, which has afforded him many opportunities, including the chance to tour Italy last year. But as Bernard contemplates college majors and career choices, music isnt at the top of his list. As much as he likes music, Bernard says he wont major in it because it doesnt make money and not everyone makes it. Instead, he is leaning heavily toward pursuing another area of interest _ psychology. I really like reading people, to examine the human mind and what people think and what people do, said Bernard, who has made earning potential a priority as he considers his future major and career path. In high school, students are exposed to many subjects and activities. By the time they reach graduation, they acquire a wealth of skills and an idea of what they are passionate about. Yet, as these students decide what they plan to study in college, the recession and changing job market are forcing many to choose whether they want to follow their hearts or the path most likely to provide financial security. Bernards mother, Shatanyaer Pitt, isnt

pushing her son to become the next business mogul. I know he likes music and theater a lot, said the 44-year-old single parent and medical technician. Yet she doesnt want him to choose music at the expense of having a financially viable career. Astride Mompremier, a 17-year-old senior at the Mary Louis Academy also has a love of

music. She is currently president of the schools orchestra and a violinist in Queens Colleges chamber orchestra. But like Bernard, she doesnt plan to major in music in college. Instead, it will be her minor, which will allow her to also explore a more traditional career in science. Stefany Fattor, director of career services at (continued on page 2)

ONE YOUNG MOTHER BEATS THE ODDS

[ By: Ashley Johnson]
In three seasons of Teen Mom on MTV, viewers have witnessed plenty of drama tears, whining and even a young mother locked behind bars for misbehaving. This show and others stereotype pregnant mothers as selfish, nave and irresponsible but Connecticut native, high school valedictorian, and teen mom Mikayla Williams is defying that image. Simply put, shes different. Williams graduated at the top of her class with a 96 grade point average in 2011. Shes headed to college and shes more than motivated to do whatever it takes to succeed for herself and her child. Williams reflected on telling her mother the news of her pregnancy and the unexpected response she received. Get out! she said her mother demanded. I was kind of stunned, she said. Williams ran upstairs to collect her things. She stuffed a few items of clothes and other possessions into one of her handbags until her mother appeared in her bedroom doorway. I must have looked at her for 10 like seconds and then I just broke down, Williams said. Then she hug ged me and said that we were going to get through it together and to unpack my stuff. I was so relieved! Mikaylas mother Jennifer Williams thought she had done all the right things to make sure (continued on page 2)

FROM TEEN MOM TO VALEDICTORIAN:

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Fordham University, says entertainment fields, including music, are the most difficult to get into because ones success is subject to ones level of education, experience, and skill and the eye of the beholder. Both Bernard and Astride recognize the competition and uncertainty that comes with being a professional musician. As a future biology major, Astride plans to follow in her mothers footsteps and become a pediatrician. She hopes her music activities will bolster her medical school applications. Pitt hopes the current economy and unemployment rate dont discourage her son and other high school seniors. Not a lot of jobs are in demand right now, said Pitt. But she thinks things will gradually get better. There have always been recessions. Astrides parents agree. After gradu-

ating with a degree in accounting from York College in 1992, her father, Alex Mompremier, had to adjust to a challenging job market caused by the stock market crash. Before he went to New York University to get a bachelors degree in nursing in 1995, he supported himself by busing tables and driving cabs. Astrides parents advice to their daughter is to find a recession-proof profession. The idea of a recession-proof job is more difficult now, more important if you think of it but difficult to predict, says Tarun Banerjee, a 28-year-old graduate student and sociology professor at Stony Brook University. Banerjee is attracted to research, teaching and what he calls a social justice competence. As an undergraduate, he entertained many possibilities including psychology, in which he has bachelors degree from Baruch College. In choosing sociology

as his area of study, he believes he has been able to align his passion of academia with a financially stable profession. He says the job market wasnt much of a concern when he was in school. As a 2007 graduate, he didnt anticipate a shortage of jobs. Currently working on his proposal for his Ph. D, Banerjee thinks that pursuing a higher degree will ensure more job security. The U.S. Department of Education reports that in the past three years, most bachelors degrees granted were in the areas of business, social science, history, health and education. The highest number of masters degrees were in education and business; at the doctorate level, the greatest amount of degrees were in health and clinical sciences, education, engineering, biological/biomedical studies, psychology and physical sciences. According to Careerpath.org, the job market this year is favoring the fields of medicine, software publishing, education and employment services. Fattor has noticed that students are thinking about their future professions earlier in their college career. When I was a student you didnt have to think about coming to career services until the end of your senior year and everyone found a job, said Fattor. Now students have to think of their careers as freshmen. Regardless of ones ultimate career choice, Fattor stresses that, most of all, students need to develop a broad skill set. Thats the bottom line, Fattor said.

ONE YOUNG MOTHER BEATS THE ODDS

[ By: Ashley Johnson]
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FROM TEEN MOM TO VALEDICTORIAN:

that her daughter would not become a teen pregnancy statistic. I was so disappointed when she told me. My heart just broke, Jennifer Williams said. I wanted to kill that darn boyfriend of hers too. All three of us had sat down and talked about abstinence and the consequences of having sex too soon more than once. Despite the popularity of shows like Teen Mom, incidents of adolescent pregnancies and teens having sex have been on the decline. The number of teens giving birth in the United States has been steadily decreasing over the past two decades, according to an article on the CNN Health blog. The rate has dropped from 61.8 births per every 1,000 teens in 1991 to 39.1 in 2011. In fact, more teenagers are using protection. The percentage of high school students who engaged in sexual intercourse in the past three months without using any type of protection went down from 16 to 12 percent. The percentage of teens using two different types of contraception has increased from 5 to 9 percent, according to the CNN Health blog and Guttmacher.org. When people see that youre like a teen and you got a child, they judge you right off the bat. Since Im black that just adds to the judgment. I think that is so wrong, Mikayla Williams said. They dont look at you as an individual. They look at you as part of a stereotype. There are many stereotypes about teen mothers as well they will never finish high

school, go to college, get married or get a good job. And their child has a higher risk of becoming a teen mom too. Mikayla Williams is moving beyond those stereotypes. Her mother demanded that the pregnant teen do her best in school. Mikayla Williams made a pact with her mother that she was going to be the valedictorian of her senior class. Her mother saw no reason for this to change because she was pregnant. I let her know early on that there was going to be no slacking whatsoever, Jennifer Williams said. I told her that it wasnt going to be easy but I would do everything in my power to help her. Mikayla Williams said: It was really hard. I mean being pregnant and still going to school isnt easy at all. I never pictured myself going through my senior year pregnant never, she said with tears in her eyes. My mom really pushed me during that time and I love her for that. I accomplished all my goals. I was a pregnant valedictorian! Can you believe that? she laughed triumphantly. Im going to start college in the fall, she added proudly. Im taking Nadiya with me too. They have family housing and a daycare center there, so Im super excited! But were defi-

nitely going to come home every weekend and on the holidays. At that, the teens mother stated You better! And this young mom has plans that do include Nadiyas dad, Daniel Brown, too. The two have maintained a relationship. Brown is currently in college, but visits Williams and their daughter every weekend. Brown was raised by a single mother in Chicago and said he felt guilty when Williams delivered the news they were having a baby. I know what its like to be raised by a teen mom. My mother was one and we were always struggling, he said. My dad wasnt there for us, so it was really hard. When Kayla told me she was pregnant, I hugged her and said we were in this together. It sounds sappy, but I meant it then and I mean it now, he said. I really want us to get married. And thats exactly what Williams wants, too. When Im finished with college, she said. Then we want to move in together and just be a family. When I tell people my goals they think Im crazy, but Im not going to just fit the norm or the stereotypes out there. Im going to do things my way.

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T H E[ R E F U G E E ]
By: Cathline Yaya
According to Gina Wills, the public affairs specialist of the U.S. State Department, the approximate number of refugees in the United States since 2007 has been 624,790 people. Wills said that the largest organization for refugees in New York City is the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This organization supports new refugees by providing them with food, shelter, clothing, medical care, temporary housing, finding employment and also helps them with education and learning important employment skills. However many refugees including Khalid, who do not have the support of organizations like the IRC, remain unemployed and find challenges in their new life due to their inability to speak English, not having an employment card, and the lack of the education needed for a good job because the education they received in their home country does not apply to jobs in the United States. Despite his setbacks, Khalid does admit that there is one benefit of being in the United States _ its diversity. When he cannot find an organization to help him, or when he is homesick, he has a group of countrymen to alleviate feelings of despair and loneliness. I am lucky to find home in a country new to me, where I can still connect with my culture, and where my kid can still speak and use his language, Khalid said. Similarly, Xie Chang, a Chinese refugee, resettled in the United States 31 years ago with her family after the fall of Saigon in 1975 when the Chinese were being expelled from Vietnam. Chang went through similar circumstances. She had to take care of her young daughter while working for maintenance in a hotel. Fortunately for her, the immigration act of 1965 made it easier for Chang to sponsor her husband to come into the United States a year later. It was a hard time for us, but we lived around people that we

THE STRUGGLE OF

Before immigrating to the United States from Afghanistan, Hassan Khalid was a cardiologist, working to provide affordable care for his patients, who range from infants to seniors. But as the war in Afghanistan began to develop, life became troublesome, and Khalid and his 10-yearold son fled to the United States to seek refuge. Now Khalid works in a deli store and is barely getting by, earning the hourly minimum wage. Though happy to be away from the wars that ravaged his homeland, Khalid misses his family and his hometown. I had my family there, a great career, a happy home, everything. Now its all gone, said Khalid in his native Dari. Khalid is trying to get his wife into the United States, but, according to Khalid, the process is a long one, and will take many years. The life of a refugee can be hazardous, and, as Khalid is learning, without perseverance and support, a refuge can suffer greatly in the United States. Although not many refugees can make it to the United States for resettlement, those who are fortunate enough to seek refuge in this country are given much support from organizations that are willing to assist them in the process of coming into their new life.

can talk to about life back home, she said. We werent home, but yet, we felt like we are home. Chang is proud to say that despite the obstacles she went through, her daughter is now working towards her Ph. D. in neuroscience at John Hopkins University. Khalids son, Abdul, plays on a cricket team, a sport that is popular in Afghanistan, and where most of his teammates are also from Afghanistan. Khalid says that it is important for his son to remember his roots, especially because he will be growing up in a different country. Despite all that we have gone through, I want my son to remember his roots, Khalid says, I want my son to get a good education, to get a good career, to enjoy his life without fear, whether he is living back home or the United States, my dreams for my son will always be the same.

R O U G H E R PL AY B R I N G S TO U G H E R R U LE S TO

HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE

[ By: Cho Connor ]
Patrick Crowley never knew what hit him. But there he was, laid out on the lacrosse field, the whole world spinning around him. Just moments earlier Patrick, a midfielder for St. John the Baptist High School, was running with the ball down the sideline. Then, like a Mack Truck barreling down on him, a 6-feet-3-inch defenseman trailing him blindsided him. Patrick stumbled to his feet and to the bench. He was dizzy and had a severe headache. What happened to Patrick that day is a routine occurrence in contact sports like lacrosse or football. Its called getting your bell rung. Players typically shake it off and gear back up to get back into the game. But to a medical expert, this is a very serious matter _ this could be a concussion.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or any injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. Besides cuts or bruises on the head or face, there often may be no other visible signs of a concussion or more serious brain injury. There are many physical and emotional symptoms of a concussion, including not thinking clearly; feeling sluggish; memory loss; a headache; fuzzy or blurry vision; nausea and vomiting; becoming easily upset or angered; and nervous or anxious behavior. Concussions have gotten a lot of attention recently, not only in lacrosse but contact sports on all levels of play, including in the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the National

Football League. Coaches, officials and various sports leagues are cracking down on hazardous play, which often is at the root of concussions. In lacrosse alone there have been numerous rule changes that govern the type of hits players can
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make in a game. Coaches have started using a motto to ensure athlete safety, coaches and players said: When in doubt, sit them out. This means if you are not sure of the players ability to continue in the game after a hard hit, you sit the player rather than take a chance he might have a concussion and further injure himself. Coach Kenneth Berry, the varsity lacrosse coach of Copiague High School on Long Island, said that coaches now have to take certification classes on how to recognize the signs of a concussion. Part of what has caused more concussions, Berry said, could be the size of the athletes and over-aggressive play.

The kids are much stronger and faster than they used to be, he said. Some players agreed. People hit more aggressively now because they are bigger, said Shaquille McDonald, 15, a midfielder at Copiague High School on Long Island. So now they have to enforce rules for bigger players. Christian Gonzalez, of Huntington High School, said the officiating of the game has also changed, The refs are more serious about hits to the head of a player, the 15-year-old said. Berry said the latest safety precautions have made the game safer, and he added that his players have become less aggressive but more technically sound. The days of the football players playing la-

crosse are over, Berry said. The rules have changed lacrosse ... (into a) much less body contact, (a) more skilled game with ball movement. This may be the beginning of a whole new game of lacrosse.

THE HIDDEN SCARS OF INCEST RAPE

[ By: Felicia Romain ]
The victims have an even higher level of confusion, and are more likely to find themselves with no one to talk to _ not family members, who are often torn over the accusation, and, out of shame, not friends. Family bonds can be broken down by tension, said Dr. Pierre Arty, a psychiatrist for St. Vincents Services in New York City. Tension can be caused from sexual trauma within the familys circle. Furthermore, statistics have proven that approximately two out of three sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. Arty says sometimes people become a scapegoat. The mother may have a sense of guilt. There might also be some anger towards both the victim and the perpetrator, he said. Bonds will definitely be stretched and more tense. Bonds will be tested. It can go either way. Three things the mother or sibling of a rape victim can feel: guilt, shame and blame. Guitard never intended on having any kids, but she made the conscious decision to keep and raise her daughter. My whole thing was, why give her up to somebody when I could give her something that was taking from me, explained Guitard. Before Guitard was raped, she had dreams of going away to college, majoring in cosmetology, and ultimately owning her own hair salon. However, after giving birth to her daughter, Sarah, life took a turn she never envisioned. I wound up giving up my dreams for the simple fact [that] I couldnt go away to college, Guitard said. I been through it all, I struggled through high school and I didnt have a teenage year. My teenage year was shot from the beginning. Guitards attitude towards men also changed after her brother raped her. I have like so much animosity towards them. But I learned to cope with my animosity towards men in a different form and fashion, said Guitard. She believes that certain men dont deserve to be treated with respect. Her greatest pet peeve is a man who doesnt do anything with their life besides stand on the corner. Being raped at such a young age by her b r o t h e r has ruined m u l t i p l e relationships, she said. Once a guy finds out about the situation with my brother, they think Oh my god, I cant deal with her. And then they just up and disappear and I dont ever see them again, she said. Guitard has also been diagnosed with H.I.V, post-partum depression, and bipolar depression. She suffers from anxiety attacks and shes now in anger management. She also sees a psychiatrist three times a week to help her deal with her issues. She now takes an antidepressant to calm her nerves and help get her through the day. For Guitard, the memory of her rape haunts her. It bothers me every day when I walk the streets, like this could happen to anybody. Thats why I walk around with [the switch blade]
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Every day for the past 13 years, Kim Guitard has never ventured outside without a switchblade strapped to her left leg. She wears it for protection but also for peace of mind. I have to be prepared at all times because I never know whats going to happen, she said. Thats because 15 years ago, Guitard experienced the ultimate betrayal. During a family barbecue in Park Slope when Guitard was 13, her half-brother, Reggie Owen, a.k.a Eric Guitard, then 18, lured her into a bedroom by offering to give her some jewelry. Once inside, however, he attacked her. We fought like we didnt know each other, Guitard said, looking down at her nails while sitting on the couch. Guitard, who looks much younger than a woman in her late 20s, seems hyper vigilant. She looks around the room nervously as she explains that horrific day. Her intensity belies her innocent face, but in fact, her innocence was taken that fateful day. Her brother eventually overpowered her. From there, it went from him not wanting to give me the jewelry right then and there, and just forcefully trying to take everything else, she recalled. Owen raped her, taking her virginity, her virtue, and, for a time, her sanity. Guitards life grew even worse soon after when she began to feel terribly sick. After seven months passed, her stomach began to get big and her menstrual cycle had completely ceased. While she had ignored other signs that she was pregnant, now her pregnancy became evident. Her family wanted to know who was the father. Reluctantly, Guitard told the truth. Her halfbrother, however, denied it. When I actually told them Reggie was the father, they didnt believe me because it was his word over mine, said Guitard. But, eventually the truth became obvious. After my daughter was born, he told the truth, said Guitard. However, she added that Owen had threatened to kill her numerous times simply because he didnt want anyone to know exactly what happened. Although experts say incest-rape is underreported, it is just as common as other types of rape, and just as devastating.

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what I walk around with, she said. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 60 percent of sexual assaults are never reported to the police and 15 out of 16 rapists will never spend a day in jail. Incest rape too is most often held as the unspoken secret within a family. Theres no specific advice I can give to rape victims, said Arty. But one thing I wouldnt say to a victim of rape is that I understand. I wouldnt say its all right. I would only be able to listen to that person. The power of being there is something you cant underestimate. Theyre the victim. Guitards life is coming together. Sarah is 13, and does well in school. She is now in the fifth grade. Guitard is also going back to school to study business management and, all these years later,

cosmetology. I got to prove to my daughter that I could do anything. Cant nobody hold you or stop you from doing what you have to do, Guitard says. Now its time for me to get my life back on track. She does carry a secret, however: Sarah remains unaware that her father is in fact her uncle as well. Guitard plans on telling her that difficult truth when she determines Sarah is old enough to understand. The difficulty is compounded because Owen, who spent five years in prison for raping Guitard, is now serving 25 years to life for sexually assaulting and robbing an 88-year-old woman in Chinatown. Even so, Guitard tries her best to surround herself with positivity. At the end of the day, I cant stop my life because then that means he has a hold on me, she said, tilting her head up with a smirk on her face. I chose not to even let that happen.

INFLUENCES STUDENTS APPLICATION DECISIONS

[ By: Imani Cruz ]
University and Columbia University. Both schools cost more than $40,000 in tuition and fees, and that does not include room and board, if needed. Navdeep explained that it would be an investment to his future, and he would take out loans if necessary. I probably wont get in, but Im going to apply anyway, he said. Nothing is impossible. However, not everyone has this nonchalant attitude. Cory Ausby, 18, who attends New York Institute of Technology, is planning to transfer to a community college, City Tech. With the yearly tuition at the New York Institute of Technology totaling $28,000, he explains that even with scholarships and loans, he still wont be able to afford to attend school there. And he refuses to take out loans. Over four years, the price will skyrocket out of control, said Ausby, who doesnt believe its worth it to take out loans to attend a dream school. I just dont want to pay it back. Ausby is not the only student who feels this way. An recent article by the Wall Street Journal noted that student loan company Sallie Mae reported an increase in the number of students attending public two-year schools from households that earn more than $100,000, from 22 percent in 2010-2011 from 12 percent the previous academic year. But some websites are encouraging applicants to ignore costs and apply for that toptier, top-money school. Hopelesstoharvard.com asserts that attending an Ivy League school is worth the money and the potential loans, citing several benefits of attending an elite school, from great networking to a better chance of being recruited by top companies. It states that prestigious companies such as GE and Morgan Stanley are looking to recruit students from schools such as Princeton and Harvard. Harvard recognized that financial aid and scholarships are such a struggle for so many students that brilliant students were deterred from applying because they believed they would not be able to afford it. So the school came up with a financial aid package that will provide students with a Free Ride as long as their household makes fewer than $60,000. But not everyone has this option. Dwayne Moore, 16, of Preparatory Academy for Writers High School in Queens, says that because he is considered to be middle class, his family is in the worst position possible. He says that the rich can afford to send their child to Ivy League schools and the poor are more likely to end up receiving scholarships and financial aid. However, those who are middle class often are left scrambling to find money for college. Despite this, Dwayne wasnt planning on letting the high prices of college influence where he attends. He plans to apply to Yale and Harvard University, even though he is not eligible for financial aid. Dwayne calls colleges greedy, but said: No matter what, Im going to apply, because at the end of the day its worth it.

HOW THE HIGH PRICE OF COLLEGE TUITION

As the country deals with its most serious recession in decades, the cost of going to college continues to rise. For many students, the finances of higher education are a serious concern, and weighs on their mind during the application process. Over the last 30 years, the average sticker price at public and private American universities has accelerated upward. Though the unemployment rate dipped to 8.2 percent in March, decreasing steadily from a high of 10 percent in October 2009, it is still much higher than it had been in the early 2000s, when it hovered between 4 percent and 6 percent. Getting a college degree seems more important than ever in the suffering economy. Dejhon Grandy, 17, a senior at Queens Preparatory Academy, said that he still planned to apply to Howard University, even if it meant taking out multiple loans. I do really well in school! he said. Navdeep Singh, 17, was applying to New York

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CLINTON HILL RESIDENTS ANTICIPATE IMPACT OF

The Barclays Center, the sports arena that will be home to the Brooklyn Nets basketball team, is scheduled to open on September 28, 2012, but residents and businesses in Clinton Hill are already anticipating how it will change the neighborhood. I think its going to boost the economy and bring jobs and nationwide media coverage, which is good media exposure for Brooklyn, says Sao Catley, a longtime Clinton Hill resident. I recently visited the Barclays arena jobsite and was excited to learn that the design includes a vast outdoor plaza where members of the community will be able to enjoy events like outdoor movies and farmers markets, adds Kamala Questel, who lives and works in the Clinton Hill area. It appears there has been a real effort

BARCLAYS CENTER
[ By: Iniko Thornell ]
made to include the neighboring community in this exciting development for Brooklyn.The Nets are moving from New Jersey to their new Brooklyn home. According to the Barclays Center website, the facility will be home to concerts, fine arts performances, circuses, college basketball games, ice shows, and mu-

sic award shows, making this area a popular destination for residents as well as visitors. The center is located diagonally across the street from the Atlantic Terminal, which serves nine subway lines and the Long Island Railroad, making it easily accessible for those throughout the New York City area. Additionally, buses, including the B41

and B45, will also stop at the Barclays Center. The arena is the latest driver of changing demographic trends that are taking place in the area. There are several contributing factors impacting the demographics of Clinton Hill, including, but not limited to, the Atlantic Yards project, says City Councilwoman Letitia James, who serves Brooklyns 35th District. Once a predominantly AfricanAmerican neighborhood, the percentage of African-American residents in Clinton Hill dropped by 20 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to the Census Bureau. During the same time, the neighborhood experienced an influx of people of other races and greater affluence. Businesses are taking note. Tess Gill, the 43-year-old owner of The Brooklyn Victory Garden, a food retailer on Fulton Street, said: One of the reasons I chose to open this store here is because of the diversity of people who live here. With the opening of the Barclays Center, some business owners expect that the area will only become more diverse and affluent _ an ideal customer base for the wide variety of stores that are cropping up in the area. Yet, others in the area anticipate that this increase will bring greater congestion, fewer free parking spaces and rising rents and home costs. With more than eight months until the grand opening, the true impact of the Barclays Center is yet to be seen.

NEW FRUITY ALCOHOL BEVERAGE UNDERSCORES PROBLEM OF UNDERAGE DRINKING

[ By: Jasmine Bonner ]
Goran Dutoit believes alcohol is poison. The adult has seen the dangers that alcohol can cause _ I have a friend who has been drinking all his life and now he has kidney failure _ and the idea of teens picking up a drink bothers him. No teen underage should drink, says Dutoit (Legally, no teen can drink alcohol in New York; the drinking age is 21). Still, that hasnt stopped some people from imbibing despite being underage. G abrielle Oglesby, 21, admits she used to drink before she was legally able to, and started as young as 15. She used to use fake IDs to get her alcohol from stores, and said she never got caught. But now, looking back, she doesnt approve of underage drinking and believes it can become addictive. And it can. Studies show teens 15 and younger are four more times likely to become alcoholics than those who start drinking when they are 21. In addition, teens face other stressors in life that may lead them to abuse alcohol, from troubles in school or home to peer pressure. Now, a new drink on the market has some

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worried that teens may be lured to use it and abuse it. Recently, some stores in New York City have begun selling the fruity beverage Four Lokos, which comes in many different flavors and has vibrant colors. A can of Four Lokos also contains about 12 percent alcohol. The Federal Trade Commission, which is investigating complaints about the beverage, says the alcohol content in Four Lokos is equal to about four or five beers. Some states have banned the drink

and it has been blamed for the hospitalization of some college students. Its use among young people has become a concern across the nation. But underage drinking has been a problem long before Four Lokos came onto the scene. At Discount Liquors in Brooklyn, employees who did not give their names said they saw many teens coming in and using fake IDs to buy alcohol, and some people even come into the store to buy alcohol for teens. Even when some teens got caught, there was no action taken to prevent the problem from reoccurring.

NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

[ By: Jozina Campbell ]
crease in brain cancer risk among children who use cell phones. I have learned that the radiation from cell phones can affect your brain and possibly make you go deaf, said 17-year-old Francis Lewis student Danielle Rennalls. The Council of Europe took action on the concernt that cell phones could possibly have negative health effects on teens. The Telegraph newspaper reported in July that the committee created a draft resolution that urged all governments to take all reasonable measures to reduce exposure to elec tromag netic fields from mobile phones and similar devices, including the ban in schools. Making such a move in the U.S. probably wouldnt be popular with students or teachers. If computers were removed from schools our education system would go the opposite direction because our main resources would not be there anymore. Once a system is out of order there will be chaos, said 19-year-old Delaware State University sophomore Scheniqua Earle. At least 75% of 12-17 year-olds own a cell phone in America. 88 percent of that 75 percent use their cell phone for text messaging. And its just not U.S. teens. A 2005 study done by CMCH Mentors, found that 37% of teens in Japan felt that they would not be able to live without a cell phone after owning one. Beside the cancer risk, constant cell phone use can lead to other bodily effects. A Time magazine article in May cited a research study showing that texting, as well as manipulating a video game controller, can lead to joint pain in wrists and fingers with girls noticing pain more often than boys. Sometimes my fingers get tired to the point where I want to just stop texting because I feel uncomfortable, says 17-year-old Francis Lewis student Alexandria Lowe. The number of situations where cell phones have caused a distraction to teens behind the wheel is rising. The law firm of Edgar Snyder & Associates states that in 2008 at least 800,000 people were either texting or making a phone call while driving in the United States. And in 2007, at least a thousand car accidents involving teens between the ages of 16-17 years old were caused by the use of a cell phone while driving. Research has proven that 46% of drivers under the age of 18 have admitted to texting while driving. Texting and driving is pretty ridiculous. So many people have died because of text messages sent that could have waited and its just a really small thing that could have a really grave impact on not only the people involved but the community as a whole, said 17-year-old Francis Lewis student Valencia Clement.

Cell phones have replaced beepers, computers are needed for almost every task and different gadgets have become ubiquitous at home, work and school -- especially among young people who are known to be early adopters. However, the dangers of prolonged and frequent use of cell phones by teenagers are still debatable. While Europe seems to very concerned about the threat new technology poses to young people, Americas attitude seems a little more laissez-faire. The controversy has been over what danger radio frequency - a form of electromagnetic energy that is emitted from cell phone holds. In Europe, there is a move to ban mobile phones and wireless networks in schools for this reason. The Council of Europe Committee said earlier this year that fields could cause cancer and also affect the developing brain. However, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health hold the opinion that cell phones dont pose a significant health risk. And the U.S. National Institutes of Healths National Cancer Institute points out on its website that more research is needed because cell phone technology and how people use cell phones have been changing rapidly. The Cancer Institute noted that a 2009 study in Sweden of children diagnosed with brain tumors didnt find an association between cell phone use and brain tumors in the group, but the researchers couldnt rule out the possibility of a slight in-

FALL 2011 NYABJ STUDENT JOURNALISM WORKSHOP 7

M
[ By: Kaitlyn Kalloo ]

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR HEALTH

[ By: Justin Francis ]
1994. That year, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, (DSHEA). It created a new category of medicines called dietary supplements, which fall outside the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration and are not regulated as drugs. Soon after, however, with promises of easy weight loss, the dietary supplement business became of the most profitable businesses in the nation. Likewise, supplements like St. Johns Wort flew off the shelves as people searched for concoctions of different herbs that could improve their health, extend their lives, or replace fat with muscle. Roan Fairclough, a nutritionist consultant and the manager of a GNC on Fulton Street in downtown Brooklyn, has worked at GNC for eight years and thinks that alternative medicines and dietary supplements are popular because theyre cheap compared to conventional medicines. But he also thinks most alternative products are better than over the counter medications. He warned, however, that the medicines are more for prevention, and if an illness escalates, youd be better off visiting a doctor. A 2007 study by the federal government showed that 38.3 percent of U.S. adults and nearly 12 percent of children use some form of alternative medicine, which fall into five main categories: alternative medical systems, mind-body interventions, biologically based treatments, energy therapies and manipulative and body-based therapies.

MORE PEOPLE RELY ON

More and more these days, Americans are probing the world of alternative medicines. Tiffany Shipp is one of them. She frequently uses acupuncture, which she tried after hearing about it from her friends in a yoga class. I guess I just started out being curious, Shipp said. She said that acupuncture offers an escape from her busy, sometimes overwhelming schedule, while releasing endorphins and negative emotions in her body. It gives me a general sense of wellbeing, she said. Its like taking out the trash. Shipp uses acupuncture merely for the relaxation. Most people however, according to studies by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and National Center for Health Statistics, use it to treat musculoskeletal problems such as back, neck, or joint pain. And when it comes to taking medicine, besides pharmaceutical drugs, some of the most popular products are fish oil/omega 3, glucosamine, Echinacea, and flaxseed. In short, the face of American medicine has changed. Americans are showing that its no longer about just trusting you doctors. According to certified herbalist Aemen Bell, who works at Perelandra, a health food store that has been in Brooklyn for 35 years, its all about trusting the natural world around you. While Americans have always searched for new methods of healing themselves (putting butter on burns, for instance), the current alternative medicine boom was unleashed in

Meditation, yoga, and massage therapy are among the most prevalent alternative medicines used. Also, the study showed that the medications are used mostly by women with high incomes and a higher education. Bell, the herbalist, uses alternative medicines herself. Her interest in the field stems from childhood. When she was 13, Bell was ill and her parents took her to a myriad of doctors, all whom were unable to assist her. She then read a book on fasting and her interest was captured. She believes that the medicines have become so popular because people are realizing that (suppressing) their symptoms long term isnt helping. She referred to them as invisible medicines because they prevent ailments that you might not know you are at risk for. She also said that they are best taken preemptively as opposed to using them to combat an illness. Shipp would agree. She used to have cold hands and feet, but since beginning acupuncture, her extremities have warmed. The reason, she believes, is the element that often scares people from acupuncture _ the needles. Yes, they hurt, she says, but only for a moment. The needles stimulate the muscles and send white blood cells to the area, soothing it. Where your body is stagnant, there is pain, she said. The peaceful environment also soothes her mind _ some of her best ideas come during her acupuncture. I absolutely 100 percent recommend it, Shipp said, because after the treatment, I feel calm and ready to take on the world.

SMARTPHONES ARE NOW A MUST

For many teenagers today, having a smart phone isnt just a trendy accessory but a necessity. Smart phones are now a must. Its the key to communication at anytime and anywhere. I dont know what I would do without my Blackberry, 19-year-old Tiffanee Jones said. According to the Pew Internet and American Life project, about 84% of teenagers have cell phones by the time they are 17. With the frequent advancements of cell phones, teenagers feel the need to be up-to-date with their device. But both acquiring and maintaining these technological devices arent cheap. Smart phones normally run roughly around $100 to $600; and the service to maintain it can cost up to $200. How do most teenagers afford these fancy phones? My mom bought me my phone and pays the bill. She even bought me a new one when my Blackberry broke, says 15- year- old high school sophomore Chelsea Rivera. I cant afford my phone bill on my own. I dont even have a job.

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Rivera is far from the only teen who depends on their parents to foot the bill for their phones. Many high school students dont have jobs because they want to focus on their school work. But some dont have any other choice but work, especially if they want to have a smart phone. My bill was like $150 a month, plus I always wanted the latest phone that came out. I think my parents were getting sick of my phone bill so they kind of just threw the responsibility on me, said 17-year old high school senior Joshua Evans, who works at Burger King just to maintain his iPhone. Some teenagers feel as if they need to have a phone and they will do anything they need to do to acquire one. These phones are normally used for a more accessible way of communication. I found myself replacing talking with texting. Its easier, 16-year-old high school junior Daniel Allen said.

DOWN ECONOMY DOESNT AFFECT

SOUP KITCHENS
[ By: Kaiyn Chambers ]
churchs mission: Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give you drink? Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, You did it to me. Under the text of the banner are colorful drawings of produce consisting of items such as cereal, milk, blueberries, and carrots. On the opposite wall of the banner, there are bulletin boards displaying upcoming events, contact information, and photos from past church functions. Alice Hoffman, the coordinator of the food pantry and a warden at the church, said that she has been involved in various church outreach efforts for one simple reason: It is what Jesus would want, to serve others. I like helping people, Hoffman said. When I was first asked to do it I was a bit scared, but I eventually decided to be a part of it. The soup kitchen can serve up to 120 people at a time, Hoffman said. She said that there has been an increase in people who come to the soup kitchen since the recession. Hoffman said that in an ideal world the church would be able to help more people. If I could change one thing it would be to get a bigger place, Hoffman said. As many people as we feed, there are so many more out there. The mood at the church that afternoon was humbling, for the volunteers that had committed to serving those in need. The helpers were both young and old, individuals and families, very much like those who came for the free meals. People are content when they come, and many kids come with their families, said Jocelyn Prothro, 17, of South Orange. The more you help out, the more you start to see the same people. Prothro

It is no secret that our nation is struggling economically, and people are having trouble making ends meet. Minority groups have been especially hard hit during the recession. The unemployment rate for African Americans has hovered around 16 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly double that of their white counterparts. But despite the sour economy and wide-sweeping cutbacks in federal assistance programs, local institutions such as churches and other not for profit organizations are finding ways to assist those who are not able to help themselves. On a recent Saturday afternoon at the Episcopal Church of Saint Andrew & Holy Communion in West Orange, NJ, a group of hungry men and women gathered for hot meals at Christines Kitchen, a soup kitchen provided by the church. The soup kitchen is one of many outreach programs the church offers to the needy and is part of the churchs broader outreach initiative, which also includes a thrift shop. Nearly two-dozen servers hustled back and forth between about five tables covered in yellow tablecloth, each filled with folks from different walks of life. There seemed to be just as many whites as blacks and several Hispanics as well. A banner above the serving area, emblazoned with Matthew 25:37 verse 40, summed up the

attends the Kent Place School in Summit and has been participating in the soup kitchens hosted at Saint Andrew & Holy Communion for two years now. Prothro said that two years ago more people showed up for the soup kitchens, but added that the winter months usually are the busiest, when the need for a hot meal seems greatest. With the greater need, often come frayed nerves. Sometimes people exchange rude words, and there can be some pushing for a spot in line, she said. The more she sees people in need, Prothro said the more she is motivated to give her time, and that she believes volunteering is a good experience for the recipients as it is for the volunteers. Devin Harris, a new congregant of the church, spent his 27th birthday serving meals at the food pantry. He said he opted to spend some time selflessly, rather than selfishly by partying it up. It was the second time in about four years that he donated his time there. The first time was nearly four years ago when he was a student at Southern Connecticut State University. Harris said that unfortunately, despite the wellpublicized down economy, many people were struggling before the recession. The awareness has increased given these rough economic times, said Harris, dressed in a plaid shirt, jeans and boots. People have always been struggling. Harris said the opportunity to serve others, especially on his birthday, was a blessing. Although Im not rich by any means, there are people who are less fortunate than I. When people say thank you, the food was delicious, thats enough for me.

FALL 2011 NYABJ STUDENT JOURNALISM WORKSHOP 9

AT A CHARTER SCHOOL,
A charter school in Harlem insists that uniforms are an essential part of the learning environment, but enforcing the rule without disrupting that environment is a challenge. Contending that uniforms are a way for students to focus more on an education than the latest trends, the Opportunity Charter School (OCS) for middle and high school students requires uniforms be worn each weekday. Cassandra Batchelor thinks that uniforms are a way to eliminate judgment in schools. As the parent of an OCS high school student, she believes that uniforms are fundamental for the school system and create less competition. Uniforms are easier, depending on the parents, she said. Some parents arent financially stable to supply their children with the latest brands, designers, etc. OCS uniforms include white collar or white polo shirts; grey, black or khaki pants or skirts; plus any sweater, cardigan, sweatshirt, hoodie or vest with an OCS logo. OCS student Taneiysha Cole, 17, believes the uniform policy has its pros and cons. (Its) good, because its for students to get dressed in the morning. And it also looks professional. On the other hand, it creates no diversity. E v e r y o n e basically looks the same, Taneiysha said. But she also thinks that the school staff and teachers are too focused on the uniform policy, adding: It seems as if the staff and teachers value the uniform more than the

[ By: Kelvin McNeill ]

STUDENTS DEFYING UNIFROM RULE CAUSES A DILEMMA

education. A small number of students at OCS feel that the uniform policy does not apply to them. I think the uniform policy is okay. I just dont wear it, said Shantae Allen, 19. It takes up too much time, so I throw on whatever. Allen said usually she doesnt suffer any consequences for not complying with the uniform policy. But when asked whether anyone says anything to her she admitted that the dean called my house once, though. Reginald Wright, 18, also does not comply with the uniform policy. He laughed as he was questioned about it: I dont take the uniform policy seriously. Its like they care more about the uniform than me learning. And at the end of the day, Im gonna do whatever I want. A teacher at the school, Ms. Kent, believes that its ridiculous that students are not wearing their uniforms. The students make it more of a big deal than it needs to be, said Kent, but the administration should go about it another way. She says the rules are not clear enough: The school should be clear with what they want, make it more black and white. For example, you either wear or you dont. Its nonnegotiable, she said. An administrator named Mr. Smith explained how the school enforces the uniform policy. He said there is a Uniform Infraction Sheet which documents students who do not wear uniforms. After students are documented, an email is sent to the principal, so he or she can make phone calls to each students home. Students who do not comply with the uniform policy must report to the assistant principals of the middle school and the high school. But due to a number of students still not

wearing their uniforms despite the documenting process, OCS took further action by instituting an accountability rule, effective November 2011. This new policy enforces detention for 45 minute to an hour after school for students who do not wear their uniform. Mr. Jones, the school dean, explained why the stronger rule was implemented. Weve always been on top of our game with the uniforms, said Jones, but students, not all, have been a bit rebellious with the policy. Therefore, we had to reinforce the uniform policy meaning accountability will be held after school for everyone. Student Nicholas Crawford, 17, was gratified about the new enforcement. Its about time everyone had to take responsibilities for their actions. Im glad that no one is exempt for the rules now, he said. Shynise Waltower, 18, agreed with him. Yeah, its about time. It was unfair that staff members said something to one student and not the other, she said. OCS plans to continue enforcing the accountability operation. As far as some students accusations that the school cares more about uniforms than education, Jones said: Students will have their opinions no matter what, but OCS ensures that the education is just as important as uniform.

HAS TEXT MESSAGES EFFECTED THE

Todai w3 r goin shoppin wit th3 girls. R u comin or iz you goin to mac at hom3? W3ll it m3 bac & l3t m3 no! Many kids would understand what that means without noticing the grammatical errors, spelling errors, and words used in the incorrect context. This is the language of texting and is popular when communicating with friends while on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and blog site. However, most teachers are unable to understand this when they see it in what is supposed to be formal writing of their students. Catherine Conley, who is a high school teacher at St. Jean Baptiste High School, does not believe that text messaging is what is directly affecting

FUNDAMENTAL WAYS OF WRITING?

[ By: Khalia Braxton ]

the formal writing of the students. However, she does believe that it affects how they write in general. Texting has added a layer in possibilities of problems, said Conley, who said the probelems are not as bad as when text messaging first became popular. Text messaging gives them less practice in regular writing, she said. Brianna Young, a junior at Queens Gateway Health Sciences Secondary School, she admitted that it was indeed hard for her to switch back and forth between texting messaging lingo and formal
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writing. Although she said she knows the difference between text messaging lingo and formal writing, she texts a lot and uses a lot of short hand _ a habit that is then carried over to her formal writing when she is in school. When under the pressure of completing an essay in a one class, she begins to make mistakes such as b4 instead of writing before. Larry Perry, who is a freshman at Tompkins Cortland Community College, said he did not find it hard to switch back and forth between text messaging and formal writing. However, the Harlem native said that his classmates often make that mistake, and that professors are noticing and making comments. Still, he said professors are not making the students pay by giving them a low grade. They are not doing it on purpose, said Mr. Perry in his classmates defense. Being that they text all day, it becomes a habit. Juliet Dug-

gins , who is a seventh grade ELA teacher M.S. 22X in the Bronx, said she does not believe text messaging affects the issues that occur in the writing of students. There is a place for texting and there is a place for writing, said Duggins. The problems come when parents and teachers allow students to write the way they text. Duggins but the blame on adults who said dont take the time to make sure that students know the difference. They dont correct it and stop it, she added. Damani Singleton is an eight grade English teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District in Los Angeles. In his honors British literature class, he doesnt have a problem with the students writing. However, in his non-honors class, he has concerns.

However he doesnt attribute the problems to text messaging. They dont come to me with all that little texting, said Singleton. Singleton believes that the problem is bigger than text messaging. He believes the problem is lack of teaching structure and lack of understanding the English grammatical structure for many of his students, who are Hispanic and are the parents of immigrants. He attributes this issue to the lack of knowledge of the English language to the students culture and habits at home. Singleton believes his students are trying to make sense of the English language in their own language and that is where the mistakes are made. I try to understand what the problem is first and try to correct it from there, he said.

FACEBOOK PRIVACY CHANGES

CONCERNS TEENS, PARENTS
[ By: Kimberly Coleman ]
I love that I can keep in touch with my friends all at once, Natalie said. However, I do oppose some of the new changes to Facebook because it makes it 100 times easier for people to stalk others, even people who we arent friends with. Its really weird. Avid Facebook user Angela Depompeis said she feels the new changes are intrusive to peoples privacy. If I comment on my friends status, her friends can see my comments even though I am not friends with her friends, said Angela, a 16-year-old from Westchester. A concern of many parents has been whether the use of Facebook is a danger to their childs safety as well. In a recent survey the U.S. Department of Justice, it was reported that 71% of teens had received online messages from a stranger. Facebooks policy emphasizes that users should only befriend people they personally know, however this does not stop many people from accepting friend requests based on mutual friends. Its good to keep communication with friends,

Many may say that Mark Zuckerberg revolutionized the world with his invention of Facebook, but some users are unhappy with recent changes that makes it now possible for users to view what their friends are posting and doing simultaneously on the social networking website. Natalie Colon, a 16-year-old student from Staten Island, said she uses Facebook regularly for information about extracurricular activities and homework. The availability of applications for electronic devices has made it even easier for her to connect with others.

but it is scary that children can talk to anyone, said Gisela Loaiza, a parent to a teenage daughter. There is no way to control what kids look at unless theyre using a net nanny or something. The Department of Justice stresses the importance of parents being aware of slang and terms teens use to know exactly what they might be posting on social networks. It also recommended that teens restrict information on their profile to prevent unwanted people from getting access to it.

TEENS EXPRESS THE PAIN BY BULLYING

According to the American Medical Association, 3.7 million youths engage in bullying, and more than 3.2 million are victims of moderate or serious bullying each year. More than 61% of students

[ By: Ninti Baldeo ]

turn into bullies because of once being bullied, witnessing violence or child abuse. Yancy Medina, 14, who attends Cypress Hills High School, said she has been a victim of bullying. It felt horrible. Everybody is attacking you and making fun of you. You cant really describe the feeling of being bullied, Yancy said. Its
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just a pain of someone hitting you in a sensitive subject to you, and I felt alone, self-conscience. Another student, Faith Meadows, 15, from Astoria said she was bullied from fifth to seventh grade. She said that she feels the pain

of other victims, but it shouldnt stop you from achieving your goals and being who you are. Bullies must realize that they wont get anywhere in life without being respectful of others, said Faith, who has also experience cyberbullying.

Meadows said she struggled with this problem until she stood up for herself. I was teased because I was overweight so my sister signed me up for boxing classes, Meadows said. My teacher also motivated me. After a few years, kids stop talking about me and calling me fat.

A McDONALDS BLOCKS THEM DURING KEY HOURS

[ By: Omari Abdussalaam ]
now with new policy, says Fakoya. Its great. Older people and college students can talk in peace without hearing screaming kids. However, Myles Williams, a middle school student from I.S. 72, says he actually would purchase food and respect the rules. He thinks its unfair that he has to pay for what his peers have done. I think they should just kick out the kids who are being loud and fighting, said Myles. Myles points out two points that he sees as ironies. McDonalds lets high school students work here but they cant even eat here, he said. A lot of McDonalds advertisements have children in them. The employee spoke of an incident where two boys were about to fight yet they would not exit the restaurant. The employee said that the cops have been called numerous times but the kids still come back. The manager did speak of banning the specific trouble makers but he is not sure when he is going to do that.

NOT LOVIN TEENS,

A McDonalds on Forest Avenue in Staten Island is refusing service to teenagers during after school hours and even refusing them entry. A McDonalds employee says that customers who wanted to just sit down and enjoy McDonalds couldnt do so because the kids would fight and make a lot of noise. Referring to students who attend Intermediate School 72, the employee says, These teenagers come in here acting like animals and they dont even purchase anything. Some say the new policy has improved business for the rest of the visitors. Raven Fakoya, a college student at the College of Staten Island, says she enjoys the new policy because she and her friends like to go to eat at McDonalds before classes begin. The atmosphere has been different

FUN AND GAMES WITH APPS

[ By: Sean Harrison ]
Edmodo; there is the entertainment provided by YouTube and Hulu. For 16-year-old iPhone user Jesus Cardenas, who said he has over 15 apps on his iPhone, he primarily uses Pandora radio. He said he loves how it plays old songs and even finds new music. Another application he uses a lot is Tumblr, a blogging site where pictures, notes and other information can be posted. He loves seeing new pictures that entertain him, and he believes that it can possibly be more popular than Facebook in the future. It has more creativity and its more fun to be on, Jesus said. In a 2010 report Nielsen information and measurement services said American teenagers are not only using more data, but are also downloading a wider range of applications. Software downloads among teens rose to 38 percent of active users from 26 percent the year before. Using a handheld device to access the Internet also surpassed using a phone to install games, ring tones and instant messaging. Other mobile activities, like mail and text alerts also increased. Jonathan McDaniel, 15, said he has used app to help him with his math homework. I downloaded an app for my phone that gives me a scientific calculator, so I can save money and dont have to get a new one, Jonathan said. He also likes Upload Lite, which allows users to download and view movies on their devices for free. Its not just teenagers that use these applications though. Caught outside the Apple store on 57th Street in New York City, Howard Brown, 34, listed the music recognition app Shazam, destination finder Around Me, and Maps as his top three daily use apps. Android phone user Shoma Brown claims that the iPhone applications are better than her phones apps. When using her colleagues iPhone device, the 31-year-old admired it highly. When my contracts up Im switching right over to the (iPhone) 4S, said Brown. David Feinerman, who said he has been an iPhone user for six months, uses applications such as Words With Friends, a game similar to Scrabble. Its good, my 13-year-old is playing Scrabble, he can transform his vocabulary while having fun, Feinerman said. Another application he finds useful is Find My iPhone, which locates an iPhone or iPod touch device. He not only uses for his phone, but to locate the rest of his family, making sure they are in familiar locations and that they have their phones on them.

We use them everyday, and some practically cant live without them. They have become integral parts our lives _ they are applications for cell phones. Apps are used everyday by tens of millions of people and have been known to make life easier. There are countless apps, some free and some with price tags (usually under $5) for use on Android phones, Apples iPhone and Research In Motion, or RIMs Blackberry devices. A Wired article from May 2011 says Apple had more than half a million apps available, with the average price of under $4.00 each. Android phones (powered by Google software) offered about 300,000 apps at that time. Whether an app is offered on a device usually depends on how popular the app becomes. According to iTunes sales chart, Angry Birds has been the most popular top-paying app, with users shelling out about $5 for each new game. Publisher Rovio Entertainment says the game, where users fling birds at green pigs who have stolen the birds golden eggs, has been downloaded 500 million times. Its more than games that have been popular with the younger generation on their phones. There are also social network applications like Facebook, Tumblr, and

12 FALL 2011 NYABJ STUDENT JOURNALISM WORKSHOP

POLICE BRUTALITY AT OCCUPY WALL STREET?

[ By: Shakira Samuels ]
treatment by the men in blue since they took up residence in mid-September. The cops were uncooperative said 50-year old Debra Goodman. She claimed that the police got more aggressive and impatient with the protestors after they became more vocal regarding their demands for income equality and more accounting ability from the nations financial institutions. Goodman was among the several hundred protestors who camped out at the park to help bring attention to the plight of millions of Americans displaced by the economic downturn. The protestors have famously branded this population the 99%. Although Occupy Wall Street is no longer allowed to permanently assemble at Zuccotti Park, the protestors continue to speak out against economic injustice throughout the city. Jagger Thompson, an 18-year old protestor, said the police had begun to abuse their power because they knew they had the upper hand over the protestors. For instance, he said that in early November he witnessed two people being slammed on top of police cars and subsequently arrested just because they wore V for Vendetta masks. A 25-year protestor who identified herself as Wikkid also said she saw the confrontation with the masked protestors. She said she believed the cops acted unfairly because they want to silence the voice of the movement. They should respect our right to protests because in the long run, it will benefit them too, because cops get laid off too.

Accusations of police brutality were raised by Occupy Wall Street protestors shortly before they were evicted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg from Zuccotti Park on Nov. 15. To be sure, the clashes between police and the protestors were relatively few compared to debilitating tear gas and rubber bullets fired on fellow Occupy Wall Street protestors across the nation such as in Oakland, Calif., and the University of California at Davis in Davis, Calif. But protestors at Zuccotti Park in downtown Manhattan did report unfair and at times abusive

STUDENTS CAN BE A BUNDLE OF NERVES

[ By: Tiffany Johnson or Evans ]

DURING COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

The fall is the season when students begin to apply to colleges. Where a student decides to study after high school is a momentous decision that will have a major impact on his or her adult life. So its no surprise that as the application process starts to get more intense, so do the stress levels and tensions for seniors. Reece Pyankarro, a student at Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development, is one of those seniors. For Pyankarro, applying for colleges has meant a lot of hard work, as he tries to meet deadlines and figure out what each college requires. They ask for a lot, and I find myself trying hard to get everything together in time, he said. Family troubles have also complicated matters for Pyankarro. While he said he has the support of his family, they are having problems with the financial part of applying for college. He wishes he had more information on how to find scholarship, and feels that if he had gotten this information when he was a freshman, he wouldnt be as harried as he is now. He is not the only student feeling the pressure. Janerra Allen said she was anticipating a relaxed and stress-free senior year because she would have a lighter class load and less requirements. However, it has been anything but. Im stressed out with the whole college process with trying to maintain my current grades and keeping a balance with afterschool activities as well, said Allen, who admitted to being an overachiever. Rashida Pudh is also finding the application process nervewracking, even though shes already received a POSSE scholarship for her collegiate studies. Part of her stress is due to the fact that its mainly been a solo endeavor: She said she doesnt have the support from her family that she thought she would have. Its pretty much me doing it on my own, which isnt that bad, its just the idea that I have so much left to do, the senior said. All in all, applying is stressful but will be much rewarding in the end. Guidance counselor and college advisor Tommy Abney said part of the angst that students are experiencing involves the anxiousness about whether they will get into the schools they want. He said even if they do get into all of the schools they applied for, that likely wont end the stress. You might have some students that are interested in schools like M.I.T. and Cornell apart of their top five schools and all of their top five schools are interested in them, then they have a choice and even that becomes stressful with picking the right choice because they dont know what to do, he said. Then there are the financial concerns that Pyankarro talked about. Majority of the students have financial issues as well, and what I try to do is find scholarships and grants for these students but mostly try to keep them away from these student loans, he said. Abney said one of the best ways to reduce the tension around applying to college is not to wait until the last minute. The earlier you try for these scholarships, the easier things might be.

FALL 2011 NYABJ STUDENT JOURNALISM WORKSHOP 13

IN BROWNSVILLE,
[ By: Tiffany Jones ]
cent in Brownsville, with murders up 50 percent, robberies up 31 percent and burglaries up 21.5 percent, according to statistics released by the New York City police department. Many questions are being asked as to why the increase has occurred, and what can be done to combat this problem. It needs to come to an end, said Andres Ledesma, chief of staff for city councilmember Erik Dilan, whose district includes Brownsville. Ledesma had one theory for the crime problem: Because the economy is going down and people are out of work, crime is increasing. This is true citywide, however, and not every section is experiencing a jump in crime. To address major issues in the community, the 73rd precinct, which covers the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, holds a meeting each month. This meeting consists of the police, the employees of the Police Service Area (which serves people in public housing) and the residents of Brownsville; they come together and discuss the violence and safety issues in the community. Community Affairs Officer Dawn Townsend believes these meetings are important because a lot of times, the community knows whos committing the crimes. People assume the police know everything, but they rely greatly on what the community tells them, she said. The police can only do so much, said

COMMUNITY STRUGGLES WITH CRIME PLAGUE

Townsend. We need the community so that we can be that ultimate duo. Residents in the community can play an important role in combating the crime problem, said Ledesma, and it can start in their own homes. When discussing one of the suspects in Hortons slaying, Ledesma wondered: Where was his father? Did the family have good health care? Was he welleducated? Sequanna Vaughan, 18, blames the violence on the culture of the community. Young people are trapped in this hood mentality where they feel they have to be a part of the violence, said Vaughan, a resident of Brownsville. Some who live in the community dont feel safe. Charles Coleman, a longtime Brownsville resident, said: I feel safe in my immediate neighborhood, the four blocks around my house, because I know everyone, but deeper into Brownville? Never. So the question still lingers _ what can be done? How does a community recuperate from tragedy after tragedy? If what Ledesma and Townsend say is true, then maybe here is hope for Brownsville if the police and community work together to tackle the problem. Although the increased crime rate can be blamed on a number of reasons, one truth remains _ the residents of Brownsville should be able to live in peace. Vaughan may have said it best: I cant live my life everyday in fear.

The October 2011 fatal shooting of Zarana Horton was perhaps the most sensational murder to occur in Brownsville in recent memory, but her death was just another statistic in crime wave that is plaguing the community in Brooklyn. Horton, a mother of 13, was shot dead in the middle of the day. She was bringing her children home from school when shots began ringing out. She was killed while shielding not only her children but also other children from the bullets. The suspects who were later arrested were only teens themselves. The slaying of Horton sparked outrage in New York City, and nationwide. In the community itself, protests were held as residents, fed up and weary, demanded action to quell the rising crime tide. From 2009 to 2012, crime was up 13.6 per-

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14 FALL 2011 NYABJ STUDENT JOURNALISM WORKSHOP

JOURNALISM WORKSHOP STUDENTS

FALL 2011 NYABJ STUDENT JOURNALISM WORKSHOP 15

WORKSHOP COORDINATING STAFF

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Nekesa Mumbi Moody BROADCAST DIRECTOR: Catherine McKenzie WEB PRODUCER: Malik Singleton ART DIRECTOR: Jada Britto TECHNICAL COORDINATOR: Dameon Mills MENTORS: Mesfin Fekadu, Lashawn Cisse, John Eligon, Chantee Lans, Gabrielle Maple Lee, Trymaine Lee, Angela Johnson Meadows, Bob Meadows, Ikimulisa Livingston, Michael Feeney, Alicia Quarles and Dwight Oestricher VOLUNTEERS: Katti Gray and Mike Humphries SPECIAL THANKS: THE BCAT STUDIO CREW CO-SPONSORED BY LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (BROOKLYN CAMPUS) Ralph Engelman Chair, Journalism Department

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PRESIDENT: Gary Anthony Ramsey VICE PRESIDENT PRINT: Zachary R. Dowdy VICE PRESIDENT BROADCAST: Catherine McKenzie SECRETARY: Dante Higgins TREASURER: Curtis Simmons PARLIAMENTARIAN: Robert S. Anthony

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