Have You Seen The Ninja??

Back in Sanfillippo, several students graciously volunteered to be cast in a Sociology project composed by fellow collegereporter Keesa and I. For our sociology class, we were required to create a video, any video, that would have the potential of ultimately gaining more views than a video composed by our sociology teacher. If we succeed and gain more views than our professor, we will be guaranteed an A for our video production. With that said, help us out and watch away. Rate high, favorite our video, and share it with everyone you know. The competition ends on 12/4/09, so hurry and watch it before then. We promise its HILARIOUS! So, have you seen the ninja??

THE NINJA STORY

- Sara

Swine Flu: Confessions of a Community Facilitator

Santa Clara University has made it a point to keep the students, faculty, and staff updated on the latest information regarding the recent H1N1 epidemic. Three weeks prior to the Fall semester, I arrived on campus for my Community Facilitator training. At Santa Clara University, a Community Facilitator is somewhat like a Resident Assistant. Because I would hold a position of student leadership in the dorms, I was instructed on Santa Clara University’s mission to fight any and all traces of the H1N1 disease.

I learned the ins and outs of the virus and was lectured extensively on the importance of cleanliness and “appropriate contact” with others (i.e. no hugs or hand-holding allowed). I watched detailed power point presentations, received several informational brochures, and even watched a couple YouTube videos, all about the H1N1 epidemic and how to avoid it. As a result of the school’s precaution, I was informed of the actions my dorm would need to take if someone possessed “H1N1-like” symptoms. As a Community Facilitator, I had the responsibility of noticing if one of my residents started having flu like symptoms and was instructed to immediately send them to Cowell Health Center to be tested for the Swine Influenza Virus.

The Residential Learning Communities (our special name for dormitories) each have designated isolation rooms that suspected Swine Flu victims must reside in until their symptoms subside. These students are required to stay in the isolation rooms and are instructed to wear facemasks if they need to leave the room for a short period of time. Because of the close living spaces in the RLCs, someone who might have the Swine Flu would need to be immediately isolated so as to not spread the virus to any other student. So far, a couple of my own residents have utilized these services. However, none of them have actually contracted the virus.

To this day, I still receive constant email updates about H1N1 and what other steps Santa Clara is taking to make sure its students can avoid the viral influenza at all costs. I know that we must all take precautions in terms of avoiding the Swine Flu and that its important for us to be informed about the effects of the virus. But sometimes I wonder, is it ever too much?

-Sara

Swine Flu: A Quarantine Experience

Name: Brad Terrill
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

What was your experience with the Swine Flu? "I wasn't diagnosed with Swine Flu. They didn't know know whether I had it, and they didn't do a blood test, which would say whether I had it or not."

Where were you quarantined? What were the conditions?: "I was quarantined for two full days in Nobili apartments. I couldn't leave and had to wear a mask if I left."

What was your first reaction when you heard you had to be isolated? "Ahh man... that sucks."

What was your favorite pastime? "Hulu.com" (A website that offers free television shows)

Do you have any advice? "Stay away from people who have it... it's not too bad."


Interview by Keesa

Swine Flu: Are you worried?

Name: Taylor Womack

Hometown: San Mateo, CA

Are you worried about getting the Swine Flu? "No. I'm just not worried about it and I don't get sick very often. I don't feel like the Swine Flu is as big a deal as everyone makes it out to be."

What precautions have you taken against the Swine Flu? "I wash my hands more frequently but that's about it. I haven't taken any vaccinations for it. I haven't even taken the seasonal flu shot."

Sara

Santa Clara vs. Gonzaga Volleyball Game

On Saturday, October 17, I attended the Santa Clara Volleyball Game against Gonzaga. Sadly, Santa Clara lost the match after their lead in the beginning. Santa Clara won the first two sets, but lost the next two, causing them to go into a tie breaker set. Santa Clara lost the tie breaker, giving the match to Gonzaga. Although I took pictures at many volleyball games in high school, this was my first time taking volleyball pictures at Santa Clara, and I must admit it was pretty successful. The game speed was faster than high school games, in terms of ball speed, which I feel helped me get better photos. I could feel the adrenaline from the players while I was sitting on the sidelines, which helped me keep up with their speed. Here are three of my favorite photos from the day.

Samantha

Artistry At the Piano

On Saturday, October 3, Professor Hans Boepple performed in a solo recital here at SCU. In a word, it was AWESOME! His technique was fluid, and virtually effortless while his style was elegant, and smooth, with a pleasant romanticism tempered by years of experience at the keyboard.

Starting with a Beethoven sonata, Professor Boepple captured the composer’s emotional honesty, sense of drama, exciting shifts in dynamics and characteristic rhythmic drive. Next, he played a rather atonal and difficult to grasp sonata by Barber. It was interesting, because amidst the seemingly incoherent sequence of dissonant notes, one could detect a sort of hidden melodic line. After the intermission, the Professor played a wonderful rendition of Chopin’s Barcarolle (I particularly appreciate his moderate use of rubato which created a sense of spontaneity while still maintaining the piece's architectural solidity) and then he concluded with a set of pieces by Liszt which showcased both the composer’s and the performer’s impeccable pianistic abilities. After hitting the final chord, the audience applauded thunderously and received a total of three encores from Professor Boepple. The first two were Etudes from Chopin’s opus 25 set. The last piece of the night was an intermezzo by Brahms which the Professor dedicated in memory of his late Mother-in-law (and his dedication is an outward sign of his benevolence since typically most people don't seem to demonstrate such fondness for their mothers-in-law). In the future, I (as well as many others I am sure) look forward to hearing more from SCU's very own Professor Boepple.

- Anton

SCU's Salsa Clara: 1st Club Meeting

(Poster for SCU's Salsa Clara's 1st Meeting of the 2009-2010 year)

Last week Wednesday was Salsa Clara's 1st meeting
of the 2000-2010 year.

At the club meeting, our choreographer taught us the salsa basic, a right outside turn, and a simple dip. It was really exciting to see so many enthusiastic people, especially ones who never danced salsa before. As I watched people dance for the first time, it made me realize how much I have learned in one year.

I can't wait for what's to come this year.

Peace,
Keesa

Water Polo

I decided to take some pictures at the Water Polo Alumni Game Saturday, October 10. The game was between current Santa Clara Water Polo Players and alumni that played Water Polo for Santa Clara. The next home game will be the two-day Rodeo Tournament, Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25.

Samantha Juda

Santa Clara University in Photos

When asked what I like best about going to Santa Clara University, I usually mention the amazing weather, small class sizes, and approachable staff; never do I forget to detail how stunning the campus is with its statuesque palm trees, elegant floral overhangs, and freshly cut grass.

One lazy weekend last November, I embarked on a campus-wide adventure to photograph the beauty of our school. This experience helped me grasp how lucky we are to be here at SCU and it gave way to more exciting photo adventures throughout the year. Here are a few of my favorites.



For more photos, click here to go to my photoblog.

Jada

Meet the Bloggers

It's a new academic year at Santa Clara University and time to meet the new College Reporters team for the fall of 2009. (Left to Right) Sara, Jada, Sam, Amy and Anton.

Flippin' Head Over Heels

Cara Uy

What Would You Change?

Michelle Chun-Hoon

Island in the Sun

We truly live on our own little Santa Clara island and we have the palm trees to prove it. Do you ever wonder how many pretty pennies it costs to purchase and plant one of them? I sure do. I've heard 2 rumors regarding the palm trees. 1. It cost $10,000 to insure one palm tree. 2. We were given our first palm trees from University of Southern California to change our initials from U.S.C. to S.C.U.

I have no idea if either one is true. What I do know is that we are spoiled by the beautiful upkeep of our campus. With the wonderful spring weather we're having, this is the best time to stop looking out the window and enjoy our island, especially if the palms cost $10,000 each.

Cara Uy

Photo Credit: http://www.scu.edu/ugrad/location/images/nobili-mission-gardens-lg.jpg

Life in the Downturn

Name: Stephanie Wessels

Hometown: Los Gatos, CA

How has the economic downturn affected you: I'm now more conscious of how I'm spending money, as well as how I'm saving it. But I'm not sure if this is a direct effect of the economy or simply because this is the first time that I am living by myself, away from the Santa Clara campus. 

Why Graduate?

When I talk to older students on the verge of graduation from college, or even those who have recently graduated, it seems the only advice I get from these people are to stay in school as long as possible. The real world sucks, and given the current state of the economy, there is no hurry to be looking for a professional job. So it gets me thinking, why try and push through all these classes in four years just to get screwed in the real world. I have seriously thought spending an extra year or so in college, that is until I look at the type of debt I would be left with.

On average, students will be graduating with an average of $20,000 in debt, which will ultimately establish that oh so important "credit history".

As a student at Santa Clara University, where tuition alone costs about $45,000, debt is something that I am going to have live with. So much for the dream of staying safe in college for an additional year.

In Student Loan Debt? Write a Couple Best Selling Books

Mary is currently a junior at Santa Clara University and majoring in Religious Studies. When asked about student debt she quickly responds with an, "Oh yeah."

When pressed about how much she actually was in debt and how much she expected to be in debt at graduation, she suggests that it is definitely a moderate amount but wasn't up for revealing just how much.

She also feels that the United States could do more for students that seek to further their education. She remembers how President-Elect Obama said that helping out through community service could land you up to $4,000 towards an education. Now that he is President, Mary hopes Obama will make good on his promise and sooner rather than later seeing as she has only a year and a half left until graduation.

In 2008, Michelle Obama told the Associated Press that Barack Obama's book sales paid both of their student loans.

Luckily for students, the Obamas say, "We are not so far away from life that we don't understand and get it."
The payments on President Obama's student loan debt were more than their monthly mortgage.

Unfortunately for Mary and other students, writing two best selling books to pay off their debt isn't the easiest thing to do.

But!

There might still be some hope, the recent stimulus plan includes billions for colleges and students.

My Deepest Thoughts on Debt

To be honest, debt scares me. I am very fortunate to be in a situation where my parents are paying for my college education, but I plan to go to some form of graduate school. I am thinking about applying to Santa Clara's law school. With higher education comes higher levels of debt. And with the economy the way it is, I am honestly nervous that I am going to be paying six figures until I am six feet under!

I think about the high amount of debt that I am destined to have to pay, and then I also realize that I will need to buy a car sometime, pay rent, buy food, support a social life so I don't go crazy, etc, all while paying off student loans. But, it is a part of life I suppose.

It is very helpful to remind myself of a few things though. Although I will have to pay back a large amount of money, taking out these loans guarantees opportunities that will open many doors for me in the future. I will learn many new things, meet new people, go new places, and have new, crazy thoughts. The loans may be a lot of money, but missing out on these opportunities would be a tragedy.

My Thoughts on Debt

As a junior at Santa Clara University, debt is a common worry among many students. With tuition as $45,000 each year, many families are forced to take out loans in order to pay for their children’s education. I have several friends who have to pay for their own college education, which leaves them in debt for many years after graduation. Luckily, I do not have to worry about the struggles to afford my college education. Although it is very expensive to afford SCU, my Aunt left a college fund for all of her nieces and nephews after she died. Luckily, all of my college is paid for and I will not have to get a job any time soon, so I can focus on volleyball and my classes.

In this economy, college graduates in debt are struggling. Many companies have had hiring freezes or are laying young employees off in order to save money. These graduates are struggling to pay off their student loans that they took out to pay for college because getting a well paying job is difficult with our economic crisis in America. According to an article “Out of the Hole of College Debt”, Undergraduate students leave school with an average of $20,000 in debt, and average graduate borrowers owe $45,000. Even before the recent credit crisis, worrying began over the rising number of student loans, which now top 5 million.

In February of 2007, the House of Representatives passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. This Act is an opportunity for $2,000 of loan forgiveness per year. With today's college tuition, $2,000 isn't going to get anyone through a year of college, but it is a first step to alleviate the debt crisis that young students face.

Unfortunately, I am forced to start thinking about my future at a young age. I have reconsidered graduate school because of how expensive it is, and I have started applying for summer internships. I figure if I work at a company in college, maybe they will secure me a job once I graduate and I will not have to worry about being jobless with a crappy economy. Although my college tuition is paid for, I constantly feel the need to save as much money as possible by changing my lifestyle drastically. I can no longer spend money in frivolous things, but have to focus on saving for my future so I can have the luxury to go back to school and continue my education.

Profiles In Debt

Name: Ben Williams

Major: Accounting and Finance

Year: 2011

Debt: $35,000


Deep Thoughts on Debt: "I owe my mom like $500. I have it, I just haven't paid her yet. But the rest of my debt is student loans. I want to go to graduate school at some point, but after graduation I want to get a job and pay my debt off before I do so. I am a R.A. on campus to help reduce the damage and next quarter I am looking to get another job on campus."

Kenny Curry

Profiles in Debt

Name: Kevin Rowe

Major: Computer Engineering

Year: 2011

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Estimated Debt at Graduation: $15,000

Deep Thoughts on Debt: " Due to my debt that I will leave school with, I feel like I am going to be emotionally stressed because I will be worried about my future. I feel like I need to work harder now so that I can get a good job and put these years behind me and enjoy my professional life. I just feel bad for the family I will have if I still have this debt after I graduate."