Table of Contents	The Crier
The Lost Kids Improvisational Troupe	Page 2 Regents College— —Page 3	
SUNY Deadlines- —Page 4 Banquet Planned_ __ Page 5 Sports —Page 7 Calendar of Events Page 8	Corning Community College
	Volume XXXII Issue 5 - January 25, 199^
Tuition and Fees Increase Again
-by NSNS
A recent study concludes that public college and university fees continued to climb last year, although at a slower rate than in previous years.
Tuitions for the Fall 1994 semester rose an average of 6.1 percent to $2,590, compared to a 7.6 percent increase in 1994. The study, conducted by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), was based on data from 533 public, four-year institutions of higher education throughout the country.
But according to AASCU President James B. Appleberry, the news is not all good.
"Instead of basic funding priorities on the belief that educating citizens benefits the country as a whole, institutions and governments continue to transfer more of the cost of education to the students, questioning the original premise of public education," he said. "Education has come to be viewed as a 'consumer product' benefitting only the person who buys it.”
Alex Weingarten, Executive Vice President of the Associated Students of the University of California, agreed with Appleberry.
"What concerns me more (than the cost increases) is that education is no longer the priority it once was,” he said. "I don't think this is as bad as it’s going to get."
California schools showed the largest tuition increase in the country this year, a 15.3 percent hike from $2,268 to $2,614.
The study pointed to trends in student borrowing as evidence that fewer students than ever are able to afford higher education. According to the report, students now borrow four times as much as they receive in grants.
Fifteen years ago, students borrowed only two dollars for every one grant dollar received.
The AASCU study reported that public institutions have undertaken measures such as reducing time to graduation or levying surcharges on students who take more than a specified number of credits to fulfill degree requirements.
Some 34 percent of the institutions polled reported having vacant fulltime faculty positions, and nearly 20 percent reported increases in class sizes.
"Universities have trimmed everywhere they can," according to Weingarten.
Any more cuts, he said, would likely affect the academic quality of public education.
Weingarten called on students to participate in the political process and demand more government funks for education.
"One of the benefits of public universities is that they're accessible. The more expensive they become, the less accessible they are to students who desperately deserve a first-class education," he said.
National Student News Service, 1994	By Chris Farrar
Students Plan Emergency Environmental Event for February
—by Alicia Elwood
Thousands of students from around the country will converge on Philadelphia February 24-26 to attend the Emergency Campus Environmental Conference, an event planned in response to Newt Gingrich's Congressional attack on the environment and the corporate greenwashing of Earth Day, where the new leaders of Congress are poised to dismantle virtually every environmental protection law on the books — the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and more.
They want to sell off spectacular wilderness areas to the highest bidder...give the timber industry the go-ahead to log the last remaining ancient forests...and allow more pesticides in our food, more arsenic in our drinking water, and more smog in our air.
Organizers said the "Free The Planet" campaign will use the 25th anniversary of Earth Day to accomplish two goals: to take back Earth Day 1995 celebrations from large corporations that have co-opted events in recent years; and to build a grassroots movement that will demand Congressional action on 25 environmental mandates.
"For 25 years we've tolerated corporate greenwashing and Congressional betrayal," said John Bowling, a "Free The Planet" organizer. "This year students nationwide will change that."
Interested students and activists should contact the "Free The Planet Coalition" at 415-495-5987, or at Earth Dav 1995: Free The Planet c/o U.S. PIRG 218 D. Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20077-1160.
The event will be sponsored by the Student Environmental Action Coalition, the Student Public Interest Research Groups, Campus Green Vote, the University of Pennsylvania Environmental Group, and more than 1,000 campus environmental leaders.
As young students, and the future leaders of the world, we have a special need — no, a special obligation — to respond quickly, skillfully, and passionately.
If you would like to participate, but don't have transportation, contact Alicia Elwood, Editor of The Crier at Ext. 339 (962-9339).
Student Financial Aid Available in Many Forms
-by NSNS
So many financial aid programs are available to students that almost every family in the United States is eligible for at least some sort of tuition assistance. But only those people who are willing to put in a little effort benefit from the existing programs.
Experts say that only three percent of available financial aid is based on intelligence, athletic prowess, or artistic ability. The remaining funds are available to a variety of students.
U.S. Department of Education officials encourage students to contact the financial aid administrator at each school they are interested in attending, as well as their state higher education agencies, in order to learn more.
All higher education institutions use the standard "Free Application for Federal Student Aid," or FAFSA, to process requests. This basic form gathers financial data to determine how much of the student’s expenses a family can reasonably be expected to pay each year.
Grants are financial aid that don't have to be paid back. Work-study programs let students work and earn money to help pay for school. Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Government assistance to student can come from the following variety of sources:
*Federal Pell grants to students.
♦Federal Stafford Loans to students.
*Federal PLUS Loans to parents.
♦Federal Perkins Loans.
♦Federal Direct Student Loans.
♦Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
♦Federal Work-Study (FWS).
♦Assorted state, local, and corporate funds.
Students with questions may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED AID.
Page 2 January 25,1994 The Crier
CAMPUS NEWS
The Crier Staff
Editor-In-Chief
Alicia Elwood Managing Editor Keith Nichols Business Manager Gabrielle Clark Secretary Carleen Lattin Student Assoc. Representative Bill Shaw
Features
Chris Callas Sandra Davies Alicia Elwood Ronnie Bayer Lipp Sara A. Miller Shawn Miller Keith Nichols Debbie Prutsman
Advisor
Renee Gross The Crier - ext. 339
All submissions must be signed in order to be published. The Crier meetings are held every T\ies. at 12:30 in The Crier office, Commons. The Crier does not necessarily agree with the articles or advertising that it prints. To ____________place an ad, call 607-962-9339.__________
The Lost Kids
Seeking Members
-by Keith Nichols
The Lost Kids Improvisa-tional Comedy Troupe is looking for new members. If you are interested, please contact Keith Nichols at ext. 339 on campus or call The Lost Kids at (607) 562-8476 for more information.
We are in need of actors and actresses, musicians, singers, as well as a stage manager and a props keeper. Everyone is welcome to come to a rehearsal and watch the troupe practice. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday nights at Trinity Episcopal Church on the comer of N. Main and Church Sts. in Elmira from 6:00
pm to 10:00pm. Please use the First St. Entrance.
The Lost Kids just completed a show on January 14, to raise funds for the Coming Community College campus ministry. The show was well attended and raised $102.05 for the ministry.
The Troupe will be performing a half dozen shows this semester, including a trip to a nightclub in Manhattan, the Clemens Center, and The Coffeehouse in Rochester.
If the sounds of this excites or interests you, then by all means come to a rehearsal and check us out!
TANFASTIC
Spring Tanning Package
1 Walk-in $5.00 12 Session Package $40.00 22 Session Package $58.00 42 Session Package $106.00
$6.00 off any package from now until April 1, 1995, with a valid CCC student or employee I.D. card
Monday - Friday 8am - 7pm Saturday 9am - lpm Sunday Closed 42 1/2 Bridge St. Coming, N.Y. 14830 (607) 962-7830
The Tost Kids take Manhattan, Clemens Center
—by Keith Nichols
Coming Community Colleges' The Lost Kids Improvisational Comedy Troupe are scheduled to appear on April 9, at The Tripple Inn on 54th St. in Manhattan and at the Clemens Center's Mandeville Hall on May 22. The Troupe will also be doing several shows during February and March in Elmira at Trinity Episcopal Church.
The show in New York City in April is at a talent showcase where a variety of acts perform. They will be doing a couple of short improvisations skits as well as some stand-up comedy. This is a place where aspiring singers, dancers, comedians and whoever wants to showcase a specific talent can go to get high visibility to agents and people in the entertainment field.
The show at the Clemens Center is to benefit the Southern Tier Community Food Bank. Tickets for the show are $5.00 and are available through the food bank located in Big Flats just East of Consumer Square and from individual members of the
Troupe. The Food Bank supplies soup kitchens and food pantries in six counties so their needs are great.
The Troupe will also be appearing at The Coffeehouse in Rochester on May 26. As soon as the specifics are available, they will be passed on.
The Troupe consists of David Marion - Artistic Director, Keith Nichols - Managing Director, Betsy Clark, Lecia Mould, Adam Peterson, Lisa Rounds and Bill Shaw. The Troupe is in need of a stage manager and a props keeper.
For more information about the shows or information on how to join the Troupe contact The Lost Kids at (607) 562-8476 or contact Keith Nichols on campus at 962-9339.
The Troupe rehearses at Trinity Episcopal Church at the comer of N. Main and Church Sts. in Elmira from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. Please use the First St. entrance. Rehearsals are open to the public. Please feel free to come and participate or just observe.
CCC Reactivates Alumni Association
—News Release
With over 17,000 graduates in its 35-year history, Coming Community College is reactivating an Alumni Association originally formed in the early 1970s. Directed by an 11-member Volunteer Steering Committee, the group is currently amending the Constitution and By-Laws and plans a kickoff meeting in April.
Dr. Eduardo Marti, CCC president, said the Alumni Association will strengthen the link between the College and people in the community. "We're looking forward to activities that will benefit our students and in return, offer the community some enhancements," said Marti. "Mentoring programs, professional job networking, additional cultural and educational programs on campus, fund-raising and other types of activities that the alumni want to initiate will offer opportunities for out students, the alumni and the community."
Ron Allison, a graduate of the class of '68 and chairperson of the Steering Committee, said that when the Association is formed, the Committee will disband and Alumni Association officers and a board of directors will assume responsibilities. Other alumni on the Steering Com-
mittee include:
Joyce Amisano of Montour Falls, class of '88
Benjamin Brown of Ithaca, class of '68
Neil Bulkley of Coming, class of '60
Woody Knowles of Painted Post, class of '75
Fred Manzella of Elmira, class of '73
Tina Nagle of Horseheads, class of '90, vice chairman
Karen Poole of Coming, class of '78
Steve Reynolds of Horseheads, class of '80, secretary
Mary Wenck of Beaver Dams, class of '89
Sandie Wilson of Painted Post, class of 'll
The Committe is working with the College Office of Public Relations which has tracked and input over 17,000 alumni records in a database for organizational and mailing purposes. The Office has published two newsletters with a third scheduled for distribution in February. For more information about the Alumni Association, contact Steve Reynolds at 962-9473.
The Crier January 25,1994 Page 3
CAMPUS NEWS
Regents College at CCC
—by Sandra Davies
Bachelor's degree? Mandatory. Move out of the area? Not an option. Fulfill a residency requirement? Nada. Pay high tuition at a private school? Only in your dreams.
Does this describe your situation? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to investigate Regents College of the University of the State of New York and its partner at Coming Community College, The Junior Year Plus Program.
Regents College was founded in 1970 by the New York State Board of Regents as an assessment and evaluation institution. Often referred to as a "college without walls," its philosophy is that what people know is more important than how that knowledge is acquired. There is no residency requirement at Regents College, nor are classes taught. Instead, it offeres baccalaureate degrees in Business, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Technology and advises students on the traditional and non-traditional credit sources that can be used to complete degree requirements.
The Junior Year Plus Program at CCC is one of the credit accumulation options available to area students. By enrolling in this program, students can complete their third year of college at CCC, accumulate up to 90 credits toward their Regents College
bachelor's degree, and continue to pay the reasonably-priced tuition of a community college.
"We've seen a 150% increase in interest on our campus in Regents College over the last 18 month," said Nancy Andrews, Director of Career Development at CCC and Coordinator of the Regents College/Junior Year Plus Program.
Three hundred and fourteen CCC graduates are part of The Junior Year Plus Program at CCC, according to Andrews, and a total of 752 CCC students have made inquiries about the program.
Services available through Andrews' office include advising students about course selection, advocating on their behalf with the Albany office of Regents College, and offering options for completing the degree requirements.
Other sources of credit accumulation for a Regents College bachelor's degree include classroom courses at other colleges, correspondence courses, examinations, and military, business and industry training. Andrews counsels students about these options, offers Regents College literature which explains them, and has available several books which list institutions that offer correspondence courses.
Life experience is a large part of the Regents College philosophy and many of its most successful students are highly motivated and self-directed adults.
One of them is Woody Knowles, the Director of Student Activities at CCC and a CCC graduate, who says that he was told by his supervisor to either "get a bachelor's degree or another job."
At the time Knowles was continuing his education at SUNY Binghamton while working full-time at CCC, and traveling several times a week from Coming to Binghamton, was taking a toll. After learning about Regents College and its lack of a residency requirement, he began taking classes at Elmira College where he accumulated the final 18 credits required for his bachelor's in science degree.
"Regents College made it easy for me to get my degree," said Knowles. "I've recommended the program to many people," he continued, "especially those who work and try to get a degree at the same time." Knowles encourages students to continue their education at CCC whenever possible, he said, because it's so much cheaper than the local private colleges.
Over 50,000 people have
graduated from Regents College since its inception more than 20 years ago and each year another 4,000 students enroll in the program. They range in age from 17 to 80, live all over the United States and in many foreign countries, and more than 80% of them are employed full-time.
The Junior Year Plus Program at CCC appeals to students who, for whatever reason, are unable to leave the area. Mary Swasta, another fulltime CCC employee, enrolled in the program and began work toward her bachelor's degree in Business immediately after she graduated from here in December, 199$.
"I'm locked into the area because of my family and job." says Swasta, "and I want a four-year degree. I'm comfortable at CCC and it's appealing to continue here for another year." Swasta also recommends the program to students because of its appeal and the low-cost alternative of Coming's tuition.
Students who are interested in Regents College and The Junior Year Plus Program should visit its temporary office in the lower level of the Commons or call Nancy Andrews at (607) 962-9228.
Andrews' office will be moved to the Commons addition once it is completed.
WANTED!
Student Association Officers
for 1995 -1996
AH Positions Open:
President Vice President Secretary	Treasurer
Auditing Treasurer Student Trustee
5 Senators
We need responsible, caring people with a little bit of time, who want to make a difference and serve your fellow students and the college. For more information, talk to any Student Association officer.
Completed petitions (50 student signatures) are necessary for all candidates running for an office.
Completed petitions must be returned to the Student Association office by 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 28,1995
HAPPY CAMPAIGNING!!
Page 4 January 25,1994 The Crier
NEWS
Campus Parking Shortage Costly To Students
Suny
Application
Deadline
—by Ronnie Bayer Lipp
The deadline by which AA/ AS applicants must have submitted a SUNY application to Application Processing Center for fall 1995 Transfer Guarantee is February 1.
irn
A student who follows the policy guideline is guaranteed admission to a SUNY college.
For a SUNY application or additional information students should come to the Career Develpment Center.
Paul Douglas
Teacher
Scholarship
—by Ronnie Bayer Lipp
Applications for Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program are available in the Career Development office.
In order to be eligible, students must agree to a teaching service commitment and have graduated in the top 10% of their high schol class or have earned comparatively high scores from GED tests. Applications must be received by March 10, 1995
For more information call the Career Development Center at ext.
228 on campus or (607) 962-9228.
—by Alicia Elwood
Campus parking is a perennial
problem for students who have little time, money, and patience for campuses that don't provide enough parking spaces for their cars.
Tensions flared in late-October at Florida State University, when an anonymous parking employee told reporters that despite laws against it, the FSU parking service has an unspoken quota system in place. Parking officials denied this.
"It's very difficult to find parking because it’s overcrowded... it's kind of a mess," said Bill Brubaker, a junior at Florida State. "The new parking garage is reserved for teachers, and little for students. People
park anywhere just to get to class on time, but you can't leave your car for three minutes; these guys are like vultures."
Scott Wood, a student at the U. of Michigan, claims that the city of Ann Arbor has collected more than $1 million in parking fees this year, and students are "pretty mad because they aren't the ones who should be fined." Despite student anger about these issues, little has been done to protest the parking problem.
Although many students are angry about the parking situation at Coming Community College, no one has organized anything yet. If you're unhappy, let the administration know.
Anti-Semitic Graffiti Painted on Hillel House at Kent State U.
-NSNS
Stunning Hunger and Poverty Statistics in the United States
-NSNS
Anti-semitic graffiti was spray-painted on the front and side of the Hillel house at Kent State U. in Ohio. The house provides offices for the Jewish student organization on campus.
Several other nearby Kent businesses also were defaced with
swastikas and graffiti, according to the police report.
"A swastika is a symbol of hate and it's an attack on Jewish students and faculty," said Hillel Director Alyssa Frank. "This is a blatant hate crime (and) a deplorable act of bigotry."
Listed are statistics that spotlight the U.S. hunger problem, which is sponsored by the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, the National Coalition for the Homeless, and Oxfam America.
* In the U.S., an estimated 30 million people cannot afford to buy enough food to maintain good health.
*	12 Million American under age 18 -one in five - are hungry.
*	Nearly 40 million people in the U. S., including 9.6 million children -lack health insurance. Hungry children are two to three times more likely to experience health problems.
*	Expansion of the federal food programs of less than $10 billion, would eliminate hunger in the U.S.
CCC
Students Come... Get Involved!
Student Association meets every Thursday at 12:45 P.M. Room C106 Classroom Building
The Crier January 25,1994 Page 5
Tuition Increases Slow Down, But Still Exceed Rate of Inflation
__________________NEWS
CCC African-American Society Sponsors Banquet to Celebrate Diversity
--NSNS
Officials of the College Board recently announced that tuition increases slowed at most institutions this year, but the rise in college costs still exceeded the national inflation rate.
In its annual tuition survey, the College Board reported that undergraduates at public four-year colleges and universities are paying $2,686 for tuition and fees on average, which is six-percent more than last year.
The annual cost of private four-year schools also went up six-percent, to an average of $11,709,
With Valentine's Day
just a couple of weeks away, you might want to take advantage of The Crier's Personal Love Column. The deadline for ads is Feb. 8. If you have someone special in your life, show it with a personal ad written just for them! Ads are $1.50 for two lines (about 15 words), .25/line thereafter. Pictures can be added for $5.00. Look for drop box's around campus starting on Monday January 30th.
Schedule For Spring Elections
Petitions due:
At 3:00pm on Tuesday Feb. 28,1995
Open Forum for ALL Candidates:
Main Dining Room, CommonsThursday, March 2, 1995 12:30-2:00pm Election Days: Commons Lobby Monday, March 13, 1995 10:00-2:00pm
Tuesday, March 14, 1995 10:00-2:00pm
according to the survey.
Meanwhile, the rate of inflation was 2.9-percent as measured by the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending in August.
"The good news is that the rate of increase has continued to lessen," said James Appleberry, president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
"The bad news is that any increase in tuition limits access, and the impact is differentially hurtful for the economically disadvantaged, minorities and recent immigrant groups."
-CCC Press Release
The Coming Community College African American Society is sponsoring a banquet to celebrate cultural diversity on Saturday, February 11 at 6pm at the Downtown Holiday Inn, Elmira.
Keynote speaker Rev. Frank Raines, III, will talk on "Without a Vision, People Perish." Raines is well known locally and currently pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Rochester.
Bom in Detroit, Raines' ministry has taken him to major metropolitan cities throughout the United States. Raines has studied at Moorehouse College in Atlanta, Wayne Community College and Wayne State University in Detroit, Central State University in Ohio, Colgate Rochester Seminary in Rochester, and Elmira College. He has received four college degrees including an associate in arts in gereral studies, bachelor of science in social work, master of divinity in theology, and a master of science in education.
Members of the CCC African American Society strive to promote
cultural diversity by establishing cross-cultural exchanges with other clubs on campus and with other colleges.
The goal of the group is to meet with people of all ethnic backgrounds and discuss problems and solutions for all Americans. "As a country we are growing, and along with it Coming and the surrounding communities should also grow," said Tony Myles, banquet chairman. "We as a club are striving to be a positive force in that growth process."
The banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $17.50 for CCC students and $25 per individual (or $40 per couple) for the public and are available through the Student Activities Office.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Student Activities Office at 962-9245, Tony Myles at 962-0856 or Bruce Hogan at 936-3484.
The African American Society meets on Tuesdays at 12:00pm to 12:50pm in room C204 in the classroom building. Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings and
STUDENTS YIELD BUCKS.
sharp your views.
CHRIS CALLAS
For Student Association
PRESIDENT
Ym,Qualified
*	Nationally Certified
Student Leader Student Association Vice-President, 94-95
*	Chairman Activities Committee
Diversity Awareness Committee
*	Member CCC wres-
tling team, 94-95
*	Staff writer for Crier
*	Member The Lost Kids Improv. Troupe
thletic Comm. Memb.
■
upports Campus
• •••••••••••••••••••••••••
' -v , pi '

Ministry
Vote For Chris Callas
Page 6 January 25,1994 The Crier
AD
DANCE
"KICKIN' IT UP WITH CUPID"
Join us:
FEBRUARY 10, 1995
9pm - 1 am
THE LODGE ON THE GREEN CCC Students: $3.00 per couple
$2.00 single
Non-Students: $3.00 Tickets Available In The Activities Office
Dress: Casual to Sem-Formal
/
Snacks & Beverages Provided
Give-aways!
Sponsored by:
CCC Activities Programming Committee
Music: SOUNDTRAK
^he Crier January 25,1994 Page 7
SPORTS
The Red Barons are Hanging Tough
—by Chris Callas
Intramurals & Recreation Program Information
The 1994-95 Wrestling season is half over and the Red Baron Wrestling team is ranked fourth in their Region.
Having
overcome injuries and other setbacks, the Red Barons are still placing 3-4 guys in the top spots at recent tournaments.
Wrestling Coach,
John Wilcox, is pleased with the teams' performance and figures he has atleast 3 guys to be regional Champions.
Anyone still interested in
competing can contact Coach Wilcox at 962-9255. Come out and support this determined Red Baron Wrestling Team. Pin ’em Barons!
The remainder of their wrestling schedule is as follows:
Sat., 1/28 Morrisville Toum. 10:00am - away,
Sat., 2/4 Hudson Valley Toum. 10:00am - away, Fri/Sat 2/17-18 Regionals Niagra CC - TBA away, Thurs. through Sat, 2/23-25 NJCAA, Bismark, North Dakota.
—by Debbie Prutsman
The following programs are effective from January 16, 1995-May 12, 1995.
*	Discount and Free Passes are available at theActivities Office in the Commons.
*	AH CCC students must show their validated Student I.D. in order to receive discount passes. You must pick up your own passes.
*	All CCC employees must show their badge in order to receive discount passes. You must pick up your own passes.
Discount Pass Program Movie passes: good at either
Hoyts Cinema in Painted Post or at the Amot Mall. Limit: One $4.00 pass per week per CCC student or employee (while supplies last). Golf Passes: good at Willowcreek Golf Creek, Big Flats. Limit: one $3.00 pass per week per CCC student or employee.
Bowling Passes: good at Crystal Lanes, East Coming. Limit: one $3.00 pass per week per CCC student or employee, Mon. - Thu. at 9:15pm.
Free swimming and ice skating passes are available to students and employees from CCC at the Activities Office.
•	Do something special for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day...Put a personalized message in The Crier’s Love Col-
•	umn on February 14th. The deadline for ads is February 8th. Ads are $1.50 for two lines (about 15 words), $.25 / line
•	thereafter. Add a picture for only $5.00 (a small price to pay for that special someone!) Look for drop boxes around
•	campus^ starting on Monday Januaiy#30th^or ^uUt in one of The Crier’s Submission Boxes.
Invisible People
This column is devoted to student writing generated by specific course assignments. Items considered for publication should meet the following criteria: compositional soundness, a topic which has an academic framework, a method of personalizing the topic to appeal to a wider audience, and the endorsement of the course instructor. Ideally, pieces should not exceed 550 words.
The following was written for the EN105 (College Composition I) course taught by Michael Gilmartin. He says, "The assignment called for the students to investigate the causes and effects, both intended and unintended, of a specific decision, action, or behavior drawn from life experiences. I believe this paper succeeded admirably."
—Shawn Miller
If you tell yourself something enough times, you start to believe it. "You're stupid! You're stupid!
You're stupid!" I told this to myself so many times I wouldn't let myself think anything else. Because I was stupid to believe myself and not believe in myself I made one of the most foolish decisions in my life: I dropped out of High School. Dropping out of school is one of the most ludicrous things anyone can do. Not only do you handicap yourself in the employment field, you lower your standards of life.
In today’s world you need an education to get anywhere, let alone obtain your dreams. Some people may be happy flipping burgers or
pumping gas for life, but I am not one of them. I wanted the most out of life, but school was too hard and I was too moronic.
When I was in first grade, my father had to transfer to a new town and me to a new school. I was very shy at first and had trouble making new friends. By the end of the year, I had a few companions and was starting to feel comfortable with my new surroundings, but that was shortlived.
I remember the last day of school all too well. My teacher, Ms. Nelson, took me out of class and brought me out into the hall. Her voice was cold and as impersonal as an operator's answering machine when she said, "Shawn, I'm sorry but you’ll be staying back this year."
Those few words were as devastating as an atomic bomb to my subconscious. "You can't do the work," I would think to myself. "You're not as good as the rest, you're stupid," are the words I forced myself to believe.
In the third grade, the class was divided into two major groups. One had the smart kids at the round table reading the hard books out loud. The other had the special kids on the other side of the room playing learning games. I was different; I was the invisible kid in the middle who just wanted to fit in somewhere, somehow.
Being different in the third grade and not wanting to be was anything but nirvana. I had to make a choice of which group I belonged to. Knowing that I was too stupid to go to the round table, I took the safe way
out.
My parents were hard workers, but they never tried to achieve anything more. "Play it safe," my mother would say. "Don't try anything you're not sure you can do," my father would utter. They both felt safe was good and failure was not acceptable.
Time went on and I kept lowering my own standards so I wouldn't fall short. As my standards decreased, so did my self-esteem and certitude in myself. By the time I got to Middle School, I was home free because I was in the lowest classes available and I was encircled by many soul mates.
Soon, I had very little interest in school and I found myself following my friends or sometimes leading them into trouble. We would skip school and go to the beach or my friend Rob's house to get drunk.
Many of the times we would get caught, but my parents had already given up all hope so I never got punished.
After school, I would go to my job at Pizza Hut. Money was very important to my family, particularly my mother. She would keep track in her "black book" of every penny I "borrowed" from her in my life! Like a vulture waiting for an animal to die, she would wait for me to bring my paycheck home so she could take what was "owed" to her.
Shortly after going into high school I got into drugs; after all, "Everyone is doing it," even my friends, and I didn't want to segregate myself again. Drugs were great; they made us brilliant. As a matter of fact,
they made us so brilliant many of my chums dropped out of school. Once again, I found myself in the middle with the smart kids on one side and the special ones on the other. I knew it was wrong, I wanted to set my sights higher, but I couldn't do it, so I left school with very little regret.
Not able to face my parents, I moved out of my house and got a cheap apartment with some friends. I kept my job but tried to find a career that I could live with. With no luck finding one, I had to reevaluate my prior decision. I tried to go back to high school but found myself alone once again so I dropped out for the last time.
The following year, my few friends who stuck with school were graduating and heading for college or getting good jobs. Still unable to find an acceptable job, I entered night school.
To my surprise, many of the people there were in the same boat as myself. They were the invisible people in their schools too. Finally, I found a place where I was comfortable and accepted.
Four years after my original graduation date, I received my diploma. Not only did I do significantly better in night school than in high school, but also I was at "the round table" there. I now had confidence in myself and could do what I wanted.
I realize now how important education is; however, I still have a handicap, the empty time that passed me by can never be replaced, but that is not a difficult handicap to overcome.
Page 8 January 25,1994 The Crier
CLUBS/EVENTS
Tech Guild Invites All Students to Join Club
Thank You!
To whom it may concern;
On behalf of the Human Services Club and the other members of the Caring Christmas Committee, thank all of you who participated in this project. Your determination, hard work and for some, sacrifice helped over 300 children have a merrier Christmas.
Special thanks are extended to Woody Knowles, Dawn Baker, Charlene Robinson and Jim, a Chemung Co. Transit busdriver, for without these people deliveries would never have been made on time.
At the same time, we were asking people to donate toys for children, we asked them to dig into their pockets and donate money to provide Christmas for Tammie Lewis' children. Once again, through your generosity, we were successful and the Law Society and Human Services Club thank you!
With the money collected we were able to purchase the lay-away Tammie made prior to her death. These gifts, along with others made, gave the children the Christmas Tammie dreamed of. Thank You!
Through the generosity of the Nursing Society's donation of a gift certificate from Wegmans, Christmas dinner was also provided.
Once again, thank you one
and all!
Barbara L. Schambacher President - Human Services Club
We want you! The Two-Bit Players want members of all ages and talents. Open auditions for "Dark of the Moon" will be held on the 26th and 27th of January from lpm-3pm and 7pm-9:30pm in SO 10 (The Science . This play
-by Sara A. Miller
Calling all students who need/ want late bus transportation from CCC to the Elmira area via T + T Bus Co. We are working on obtaining a late bus for students having late classes/lab. We need students who will make a regular commitment to
Tanglewood's Winterfest
The Tangle wood Winterfest '95 will be held on Jan. 28, from noon til 4:00 pm at Gleason Meadows, Upper Coleman Avenue, Elmira.
There will be winter games and a create a snowman/woman contest. Sledding and ice skating will be available if the weather cooperates. Naturalist Dianne Schaeffer will begin the afternoon with a winterwalk at noon, Snow contest at 1:00, sculpting at 2:00, awards at 4:00. A snowless date of Feb. 4 is available. Call 732-6060 for more information
Student I.D. Cards
—News Release
Your student I.D. card affords you access to the following intramural and recreation programs:
** free swimming passes to pools at Coming East and West High Schools, Haverling in Bath, Elmira YWCA.
** free Ice Skating passes to Nasser Civic Center, Coming. ** $4.00 movie passes to Hoyt's Cinemas at Amot Mall and Painted Post.
** $3.00 Golf passes Willowcreek Golf Creek.
** $3.00 Bowling passes at Crys tal Lanes for Monday - Thurs day nights at 9:15pm.
** sign-out equipment for Intramurals & Recreation.
** discount tickets to Clemens Center sponsored events.
** discounts at Swain and Greek Peak ski areas
** free tickets to local musical events.
** entrance to all Student Activi ties’ functions.
** pick-up Financial Aid checks
If you already have an I.D., you must get it validated every semester.
has a large cast and many technical needs. It is open to the general public and to CCC students.
Please join us for our weekly meetings at 12:45pm also in S010. Please don't make us suffer Hank's jokes alone!
ride all semester.
Tentative Schedule:
Leave CCC (in front of the Commons) 5:45pm. There will be sign up sheets posted through out the campus buildings. If you are interested please sign!!
Wanted:
Energetic students to have fun and learn to line dance. There will be line dancing on February 10,1995 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm in the Main Dining Room, CCC.
It is a free event, and is sponsored by faculty, staff, and students. No experience necessary.___________
—by Judie Graner
The Tech Guild invites all students to join the Guild. You do not have to a special major or criteria to join, just a desire to belong to the club and network with fellow students.
The Guild meets tentatively on Tuesdays at 11:00 A.M. in the lower level of the Nursing Building in NO 12.
Come eat at The Coffee Shop! We are open Monday through
Let us do your work for you on Superbowl Sunday! The Business Club will be making their internationally renowned pizza pies. President Clinton has been quoted as saying,
Clubs On
—by Keith Nichols
The following is a list of clubs and organizations on campus with their meeting times and locations.
African-American Society - Tues.
at 12:15pm in C204 AIDS Task Force -To Be An nounced.
Auto Tech. Club -To Be Announced. Business Club - Tues. at 12:30pm in the Large Lounge in the Commons.
Christian Club - To Be Announced The Crier - Tues. at 12:30pm in The Crier office, downstairs-Commons.
Criminal Justice Society - Tues. at 12:15pm, Goff Rd. - G106. Earth Action - To Be Announced. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Alliance •
for information contact Karen Poole at ext. 306, or Gina Mustico at ext. 328.
Human Services Club - Thurs. at
12:15pm, fishbowl, 3rd floor-Nursing bldg.
The Lost Kids Improvisational Comedy Troupe - Rehearsals-Tues. at 6:00pm at Trinity Episco-
-News Release
There is a new support group open to all CCC students with learning disabilities. Originally formed as a support group for students with learning disabilities, the group has sponsored as Faculty/Staff Holiday Appreciation Tea. Gatherings are informal. The Group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
Friday from 8 am until 5 pm in the Nursing Building (lower level). Coffee - $.45 Donuts - $.50 Muffins - $.60 There will be pizza sales on Wednesday from 11 am until 2 pm on the main floor (under the stairs) of The Science Building.
Plain - $.55/slice or 2 slices for $1.00 Pep. - $.65/slice or 2 slices for $1.25
"Hey, this is really good!" (A man who obviously knows his pizza.) So contact any club member to order your pie today, or leave a note in our mailbox in the Activities Office.
Campus
pal Church, comer of N. Main and Church Sts., Elmira. Anyone is welcome to attend. Judo Club - To Be Announced.
Law Society - Tues. at 12:30pm in fishbowl, 3rd Nursing bldg. Music Guild - Tues. at 12:15pm in LC106
Nursing Society - Thurs. at
4:00pm in fishbowl, 3rd floor-Nursing building. Republican Club - To Be Announced Tech Guild - Tues. at 11:00pm in N012
Two-Bit Players - Tues. at 12:30pm in the Science Amphitheatre. WCEB Radio Station - Tues. at 12:15pm in WCEB office, downstairs-Commons.
If there is no time listed for a club, contact The Crier office (ext. 339),or put it in writing and drop it off in one of the submissions boxes on campus so that it can be printed in the next issue.
Everyone is welcome to attend all future meetings of the Student Association. They are from 12:45 to 1:50pm on Thursday.
(except during break weeks and on holidays) at 12:15pm. For further details, see Judy Northrop, in the Commons or call her at ext. 262.
B etter
U nderstanding I ndividual L earning D isabilities
Two-Bit Players Announce "Dark of the Moon" Auditions
Calling All Students...
Call on the Business Club for the Superbowl!
New Support Group On Campus