Changing the Future of Journlism Education

Frederick Cole, 83, a thin man of a medium height and a strong handshake, has worked arduously his whole life to establish his reputation as a tough and successful editor. With a resume that includes being editor to White House, and major establishments like The Chicago Sun, The Houston Chronicle, and The San Francisco Examiner, Cole has developed a keen sense of what it takes to be a true journalist. Read more to find out what Frederick Cole believes we should change about journalism education in America.

Where is Journalism going today?

Many are worried about the route journalism is taking.  83 year-old retired Editor Frederick Cole is in Denver today voicing his opinion on where journalism is going these days. He states that he didnt need a college degree in order to become a successful journalist, the newsroom was his classroom, and many journalism graduates are unprepared for real jobs.

The Denver Post Gets A Revamp by Federick Cole

The Denver Post will soon be getting a makeover with some help by Frederick Cole, a retired editor who has worked around the nation with many big city newspapers from Chicago to San Francisco.  Cole will help The Denver Post revamp its coverage and look.  With new forms of media happening everyday Cole is going to give Denver Post’s website a makeover to keep them in the lead of new media.

Before Cole became editor of The Chicago Sun, Huston Chronicle, the San Francisco Examiner, at the age of 16 he worked as a copy boy at his local newspaper company.  Cole never graduated from high school nor did he attend college.  His classroom was the newsroom that formed him to becoming an editor.  Cole was lucky to have such a great oppurunity for his journalism career.  With times changing perspective journalist do not have a chance of a great opportunity like Cole did. 

Future perspective journalists who want to have a career in journalism needs to go to college and work hard to earn a degree.  

Here is a link of the top schools and colleges for journalism. 

For students that do go to college and earn a degree Cole still believes that is still not good enough for graduates to work in the journalism department. “I'm not sure that youngsters take to learning the way we did, and this is showing up in the young men and women who come into the newsroom as beginners. Editors and educators have a common objective: We want to strive for optimum quality in our work.” said Cole.

“The Chronicle of Higher Education reported last fall that undergrad enrollment in journalism and mass communications programs increased 35 percent over the last 10 years.  And enrollment actually went up 0.8 percent from 2007 to 2008, according to the 2008 Annual Survey of Journalism and Mass Communications Graduates (ASJMCG) by the University of Georgia. (2009 stats are not yet available.)”  Read more.

Cole believes that colleges should make journalism students more rounded on topics, be tough on the students by putting pressure on deadlines. “When they must write fast, they tie up.”   Sure, we expect a lot because we don't label our stories—written by a beginner, intermediate or advanced reporter. Our readers pay for a professionally done product."

Failing at Journalism Today

Frederick Cole is the epitome of the “old school” newspaper editor. With his white hair and ruddy complexion, the 83 year-old Cole still makes a presence. A firm grip and nice blue suit shows the more traditional mentality of Cole. His opinions are many and his experience speaks volumes as to why he believes them to be true.

Tips from Frederick Cole to Improve Quality of Journalism

     Frederick Cole, 83, is old school. A self-educated, retired, newspaper editor who began his career as a copy boy at the age of 16, Cole has a critical viewpoint of the new era of journalism. When Cole first began working, “The newsroom was the education.” The philosophy was that there is more to learning than taking courses. The new era of media is drowning in semantics; the rise of college education, technology and specialization has created an environment where the medium (newspaper) matters more than the media (the article).

jump

Veteran News reporter explains why today’s writers are not cutting it.

Frederick Cole is an expert at editing. Today's journalists are taking a plunder with their reporting. It's either not good, doesn't have the facts or simple things like spelling may be in correct. Cole gives a firm side on what he thinks should be done in school to help the future journalists get the job done right.

Fredrick Cole Opens Up on the Current State of Journalism

"We want young reporters who have enough imagination to go after the stories that are not usually done and to write them with a style and flair that will excite our readers." - Fredrick Cole.

Frederick Cole Hopes that the Past will Shape the Future of Journalism

            In the age of media convergence and the switch to digital media technology, some of our society’s veteran journalists seem to have worries about what the future of journalism might hold. Among these old-school journalists is Frederick Cole, a retired editor of multiple newspapers across the nation. Today, Cole is working for the Denver Post as an advisor, and doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind about the current condition of the journalism industry, in relation to the system by which journalism education is taught. 

Denver Post Going Old-School With Frederick Cole

The Denver Post is making some changes in-house, and there are very few people more qualified as an adviser of a newspaper than Frederick Cole. Cole hopes to bring a hard-working mentality back to the newspaper business.

The Future of Media

Many believe that the era of print journalism is on the decline, however seasoned newspaper editor Fredrick Cole thinks the whole industry is taking a nose dive. Cole recently sat down for an interview to discuss his thoughts on journalism education in modern times.

"The Fittest Loser", Big Hope for a Small Community

Picture by: Aspen Schmidt

Stayin' Fit and Lovin' it, a community gym located in the small town of Elizabeth Colorado, hosted a major event that mimicked the efforts of the hit TV show, The Biggest Loser. 15 contestants were chosen to compete in a mentally and physically demanding challenge to lose weight, and change their lifestyles forever. More about their moving journey below.

Confetti and Fireworks for Metro State- the Dream of One Student

Photo by: Jeanine Putnam

"Metro State will never be a big sports university like CU, but it would be awesome if our generation could change the dynamic and make sports a big priority... I want to see some fireworks and confetti at these games!"-Jonathan Morse, Sophomore at MSCD

Reported by Aspen Schmidt and Jeanine Putnam

Homecoming? Not so much...



Photo by John Dwyer



Q:" Do you know about Metro's homecoming?"

A: "I just saw it on a flyer."

Q: "Are you going?"

A: "Uhhhhhhhh, no."

Interview by: Josh Gaines and John Dwyer

If Metro Had a Homecoming Would Anyone Care?

Photo by Lynzie Blair

“Most of the activities didn’t interest me, and I wish there was a climbing competition or snowball fight.” — Sean Kelly, MSCD Student, Junior 

Interview by: Walt House, Lynzie Blair and Charles Roberts

Homecoming still a mystery to you? Read More...

Red-Eyed Roadrunner

Photo by Aaron Szindler

Q: "How are you going to celebrate Homecoming 2011?"
A: "I wanna smoke one up with Rowdy!" -Trevor, Freshman at Metro State


Interview by: Aaron Szindler & Gellilla Gebre-Michael

No School Spirit for Metro State

Photo By: Saige Gerwig

Q: "How do you feel about Metro's Homecoming 2011?"
A: "What? Like a school dance?"
-Metro Student, Jenna Kendall


Interview by: Saige Gerwig & Julie Scohy 

A Place to go for a Good Ole' Laugh

In Greenwood Village there is a place you can go with friends and family to have drinks, eat, and the best part laugh out loud. That place is the Comedy Works at the Landmark DTC.

The Comedy Works has shows going on almost every night seven days of the week with multiple shows a night.  The Comedy Works is know for having big named comedians perform on their stage such as: Rob Schneider, Dave Chappelle, Joan Rivers, George Lopez and many other.  The Comedy Works love to support local Denver comedians and even helping to jump start their career. 

 
To get more of an insider perspective keep on reading...

Denver is the Poetry Mecca

Spoken word at Elevation Friday's allows the audience to experience raw emotions. Previously hosted at Africana #2 Restaurant, Elevation Friday's found a new home on Friday February 4th at Atrium Bar & Grill located on 554 S. Broadway.Don't let Atrium's softly lit sign or discreet location on the east side of Broadway fool you because the talent within is unexplainable. Read more after the jump.

Balttle Mountain Creative Writers Throw Down

Nick Lerger takes the mic at the third annual Spilled Ink Poetry Jam.

The third annual Spilled ink Poetry Jam was held this past Friday the fifth at the newly remodeled Bookworm in Riverwalk. Creative writers young and old came togather to bear there souls through the art of poetry.
Read more after the jump.

Biggest Jiu Jitsu Tournament in Colorado Commenced on February 5th

The biggest competition in Colorado to demonstrate technique in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu took place at the Magness Arena. To read about the outcome of the tournament, click below.

MSCD Digs Themselves into Hole at Colorado School of Mines

Not in Their House

Metro State shot a season low 33.3% from the field in their 48-65 loss to Colorado School of Mines on Saturday night in Golden. The home crowd rattled the Roadrunners in Golden, jumping on them early and not looking back. The Roadrunners leading scorer this season, junior guard Reggie Evans, scored just 4 points on 2-10 shooting, his lowest output of the season.

Clean Needles Saving Lives, CO Now Agrees

Few venture into the downtown eastside of Vancouver, BC, except drug addicts. But these addicts do have a place to go for help.

Dr. Gabor Mate and a team of other doctors and nurses worked at a clinic in Vancouver called INSITE. Among other things, INSITE has a supervised injection site where addicts can get clean needles, sterile water and sterile cotton. Mate worked on the second floor detox facility called ONSITE before taking his newest book and theories on the road. He has been speaking all over North America for the last 18 months. Look below for the read more link!

Bieber teaches us all to "Never Say Never"

This weekend preteen girls and their mothers “Bieber Fever” went to an all time high. If you don’t know who Justin Bieber is, you’re living under a rock and the same goes if you didn’t know his 3D movie “Never Say Never” hit theaters this weekend. I was lucky enough to view the movie this Wednesday, two days prior to the movies release to see what all the hype is about. More "Bieber Fever" after the Jump!

“Love Project” Photo Exhibit Leaves Public Love-Struck

The Flobots.org Community Center, located on 27th St. and Larimer St. in five points, housed the “Love Project” show at 8 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011. The “Love Project” is a book of black and white photography depicting love in its truest essence. The photographer is Lucia de Giovanni. Giovanni began her project in 2009 in order to capture photos of “what love looks like.” The finished project was revealed at the event. More after the jump.

What does the X-Games have to offer?

Aspen, Colorado is known for its luxurious ski and lodge resorts, beautiful scenery, expensive taste and being home to the famous and fortunate. But through the weekend of January 27-30 the town had the attention of millions around the world for something else. The 2011 Winter X Games. While many were there for the competition and skiing, some went to enjoy what else the games had to offer, like great food, contests and prizes, and live music.

click this link for a full interview with the featured band of the X-Games, Breathe Carolina!

Front Range Trail Changes

Sombrero Mars

As hundreds of thousands of people hike the trails of the Front Range; they enjoy the access, the natural beauty of the mountains west of Boulder County. The public may not know that changes are in the wind in regards to these trails. 

Metropolitan State College Strategic Name Change Initiative

Attention: Metropolitan State College is going to change its name.

The four new names are:

Denver State University (DSU)

University of Central Colorado (UCC)

Metroplitan State University of Denver (MSUD)

Metro State College of Denver (MSCD)

How To Vote
An electronic survey has been distributed via email to staff, faculty, alumni, current students, community members and business leaders. Available at www.mscd.edu/namechange, voting begins February 10, 2011 and last until 2/28/2011.




More Information After the Jump

It's Homecoming Week at Metro

As students think about the possibility of attending a school with a new name, they also have an opportunity to get more involved during homecoming week. More after the jump!

John Alexander, A Hero of the Denver Community

If you have ever rode the light rail to Colfax at Auraria, chances are you would recognize John Alexander, a hero of our community. This friendly and caring gentleman distributes the Denver Voice Newspaper, available for $1, on the corner of Main Street and Colfax. The proceeds for this non-profit business benefit the homeless by telling the stories of real local homeless people. The newspaper also provides important job opportunities to 1500 people annually. A version of this local newspaper is available in major cities in nearly all 50 states and internationally.
By helping to personify the homeless, Johnny, as he likes to be called, is doing valiant work for our local Denver citizens. The monthly paper tells the stories of people who are unfortunately homeless in our local community; just because a person is homeless does not mean they are helpless. Johnny is one of the foremost leaders providing for those who are down on their luck and suffering through hard times. As the number one “salesman” for the North American Street Paper Organization in the not only our state but the entire nation, Johnny is literally leading the charge to combat homelessness. But Mr. Alexander is not doing his important work for any type of recognition, as he told me “I do not consider myself a salesman because I do not have clients or customers. Instead I know that we are all one big family and my work goes to helping my brothers and sisters who are struggling.”
Johnny’s work in the community is invaluable and selfless. Indeed his only condition for allowing me the privilege to interview him, was for me to print him a copy of the article for placement into his scrapbook. He also wanted ensure that a special thanks was given to Rick Barnes, the passionate man who re-started The Denver Voice in the mid 2000’s, after it temporarily went under for a short time. The paper, which was initially launched in 1997, provided employment to 1600 people in 2010, so Rick Barnes contributions are felt by many.
I call Johnny a hero because without people like him our community would be immeasurably more fragile. God has placed people like John A. and Rick B. in our community. These local heros are not subject to much praise or accolades in this life, but it can be certain that a spot reserved for them in the highest heavens. Nearly every time I come to campus I see the approachable Johnny speaking with the many friends he has made, and I always hear people saying “thank you.” His valiant work is an important community service and has touched many lives.

Connect Your Community to Your Campus Life at Metro State.

In the Tivoli Room 243 lays the Center for Urban Connections, a place I walk by every day before grabbing lunch but knew absolutely nothing about. I spoke to Abigail Henderson, a young lady that works in the office and provided me with a lot of great information on the services they offer to Metro students. The Center for Urban Connections is a place students can go when looking for volunteer work, scholarships and ways to get involved in non-profit organizations and events.
The Student Leadership Board is a group of students who organize these types of events and make them accessible for students. Henderson informed me of their “You Can Surf” program, which was approved by Bill Clinton. The program grants volunteer work for students in exchange for possible scholarships. All volunteer work is done through non-profit organizations and students may only receive scholarships for their financial aid or for graduate school. The office provides several large binders full of places to volunteer. They can be linked to the students major, or just for personal interests. 300-650 hours gets you one year of scholarships, and 900 hours gets you 2 years.
They have an awesome program called Project Homeless Connect, sponsored by United Way. Here on campus they set up stations to provide homeless people with a number of things; medical needs, a clothing room, foot washing station and even the Denver Motor Vehicle (DMV) comes out to help the homeless attain their IDs and driver’s licenses. Next week the office will have about 10,000 DPS high school students and/or homeless kids come to the campus to receive information and go through a orientation-like process on how to get scholarships through volunteer work.
The Student Leadership Board has also put together smaller events that are easy for anyone on campus to be a part of. On March 18th they will be holding a toiletries drive, where all the donations will be given to the homeless who are without shampoo, body soap and other basic hygiene products. They are also holding the Alternative Spring Break event, where volunteers come together during Metro’s Spring Break to help African refugees here in Denver learn English and job related skills, instead of taking trips of leisure.
Something that I’m a sure a lot of students have notices around campus this semester is all the green recycling bins around the Tivoli. These were places by the Center of Urban Connections in order to help keep our campus clean and green. While this program is a great resource for students, it services the faculty of Metro State. Teachers use the center as a reference for students when volunteer work is required in the class or for a specific assignment. Many teachers come to the center to find out how they can incorporate volunteer work into their lessons, and students have no problem finding out how to volunteer through their services.

The fun of Journalism at MSCD

Saige Gerwig

Media Writing

In Class Exercise

Metro State Advertising is something that I have never known anything about. Today I wanted to take a closer look into what goes into the department and what their students are learning, and what their ultimate goals were for being Advertising major. I met with two lovely ladies who explained to me what their goals were and what they have been learning and accomplishing through the department. Rhiana Fox was the first student I interviewed. She helps plan trips yearly to Ethiopia so that students can learn and help with the culture. Today she was working on PR for African American Studies and informing people about what can be done with an African American Studies major. “Students can go into so many things with African American studies, which is why it is so great” she stated. “They could go into law, education, social work and anything like that”. She said she plans to keep going to school for Advertising and marketing and hopes to become PR for a company that promotes a “good cause” like Dove. “Dove is great because they really promote loving yourself. In all of their ad’s and commercials they have something that says “Love yourself” or something like it. She said she loves planning events, and getting people together to talk about issues and what can be done about them. She said she would also love to become an event planner and promoter for parties, concerts, etc.

The next student I met with was hilarious. Marissa Martinez (freshman) replied simply, and humorously when I asked her what she would like to promote with advertising. “Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll”. She was completely serious. “It sells, and the media does a great job of selling it and anyone who promotes it makes a lot of bank. I would love to be involved with that”. She also is going to school for event planning. She helps the school promote events with flyers and email promotion. When I asked her to go further into what she would like to do with her major she replied; “Honestly, I’m only a freshman so I’ll probably change my mind, but I would love to get involved in the gay community and help promote the things to stop hate, aids and anything else that goes along with it.” She added some more humor and said “I’d like to become a promotion monopoly and have my billboards all over the world.” Big dreams for a freshman, I think. “Planning events is really fun and anyone should at least try it. There is nothing like putting together even a small party and getting a good turn out with a good response. I’ve never looked into advertising but the atmosphere sounds fun. It was really interesting to hear both of the girl’s dreams and aspirations with their majors and I hope they continue to pursue it and go far with all that they do.

Auraria Police Department

Julie ScohyMedia WritingIn Class Exercise
Auraria Police Department is an institution that everyone on campus knows exists, but many student, staff, and faculty are unaware of their purpose. All day long walking around campus you see police cars, bicycles, and golf carts all with the APS logo on them. If you’re driving, they’re usually maliciously driving behind you just waiting to hand you a “failed to stop at stop sign” citation. Or else you might see them hanging out waiting for a meter to expire, or maybe all you’ve seen are their empty cars parking in “no parking zones.” The fact is there is a police department on campus, whether you deem them helpful or not would be based off your experiences with them.
The services provided by Auraria Police that many people on campus appreciate include rides from campus to a student’s car after dark, lock outs, and cold calls for stolen books or back packs on campus. A few of the duties of officers that students aren’t so thrilled about would be their parking and driving citations and boots. These officers have City of Denver authority so the citations are from the state, not from the campus itself. There are mainly male officers that patrol campus. There is one female officer. They have 14 vehicles to patrol with, as well as nine bicycles, and two golf carts. The dispatchers on duty are mainly female. Their dispatch office is located in the Administrative building off of 5th street on campus. Their phone number is (303) 556-5000.
There are mixed emotions about the police department on campus. Some people say they feel safe knowing there are officers on duty 24 hours a day, where as other people feel that Auraria Police are “Denver Police Department scraping the bottom of the barrel,” (Jose Montes, 31). The point that made APS unconvincing of their authority would be the quote I received from an officer on duty. I asked for a quote about what their purpose is, what their known for, or what he as an officer is proud of. The response I received was “Community service,” (Officer Bradley 951). Auraria Police Department is campus security, who we should trust, but do we?

I'm Bringing International Back-Metro State Remix

Standing 4’11’’ and of Sicilian descent, Jamie has been working in the Campus Recreation Center at Auraria for a year and a half. When I asked her what exactly her job entailed, she said “Everything! From scheduling who uses the racquet ball and basketball courts, access to the pool are, memberships as well as personal training”. She loves the fact that her job is work study and allows her flexible hours in order to complete her school work. Jamie’s major is Hospitality, Tourism and Events. She aspires to open an Italian restaurant but wants to make it more “upbeat” than the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, a popular food chain derived from Darden Restaurants. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jamie moved to Houston, Texas at age four. That same year she moved to Thornton, Colorado. Having attended Thornton High School, she found that Metro State still provided a small community for her. Originally trying out for the Metro State Dance Team, Jamie made the cheerleading squad and does not regret it. She stays fit and enjoys waking up “feeling like P. Diddy” every morning. Her mornings start at 6 am with cheerleading practice every day. She then musters up enough energy to attend class at 8 am. After class, Jamie heads straight to the rec center and works until 6 pm. Her enthusiasm and dashing good looks allow her to be the “opposite of a Ladie’s Man”. Jamie is an extraordinary person.
Born in Khartoum, Sudan, Filmon Tekle strives to live the dream his parents hope for. As an Eritrean-American, Filmon’s major is Literature with a minor in Developmental Psychology. He plans to teach either creative writing or literature for college level students. Filmon enjoys playing basketball, battling his friends in NBA 2K as well as anything to do with culture. He participates in slam poetry at the Gypsy house located off 13th & Marion in Downtown Denver and hopes to participate in the highly esteemed spoken word venue Café Nuba. His favorite TV shows are Martin. Fresh Prince of Bellaire, and How I Met Your Mother. I asked him to tell me something that not very many people know. His response? “I’ve invented the word schmeffin”. Filmon says that schmeffin is “the action of making someone look like a dum*ss after they say something ignorant”. For example: if someone were to say “1+1=4”, he would then go about clearing his throat, shuffling papers and avoiding all eye contact with the individual. He has two brothers, both of who live in Sawa, Eritrea, a war ridden city built to train those for military purpose. He enjoys speaking broken Tigrinya, the major language in Eritrea as well as northern Ethiopia. Filmon is extremely sarcastic but is an outgoing individual.

Metropolitan State College of Denver Flying High

The aviation building at the Metropolitan State College of Denver is impressive to say the least. Trophies are stacked in a large glass case. Pictures hang on the wall of students and instructors. A giant classroom is close by with at least 25 flight simulators.

Audrey Scully, a pilot for Great Lakes Airlines, says,”it’s the most fun I’ve had at school and I love what I do.”

Scully went on to be a pilot for Great Lakes, flying the Beechcraft King Air 1900, after being a student pilot at Metro and getting her instructors license. She has instructed at Metro for the last 4 years as well as piloting for Great Lakes.

In 2010 Metro’s precision flight team placed 2^nd at the Regional Safecon (SAfety and Flight Evaluation CONferences) Event. They will be moving on to the nationals in May 2011 at Ohio State University. Metro is one of the top ranked aviation schools and it is easy to see why.

Metro offers an extensive flight training program along with training in the latest and greatest avionics in the industry. They do this through the use of the Robert K. Mock World Indoor Airport and the Daniels Flight Command Center. They use state of the art flight simulators and instructors to teach students everything from basic aviation to air traffic control and even aerospace technology. The $1.8 million in space simulation software is also some of the best in the country.

World renowned? Maybe not. A hidden gem? Maybe. There is, however, no doubt  the Metropolitan State College of Denver is flying high and takes it very seriously.

Curious Encounters at Metro State

On my quest about campus, I came in contact with a woman named Trianna Horner. Trianna happened to be the president of the Metro State sorority Phi Sigma Sigma. I did not even know that Metro had sororities! I was very interested in what Trianna had to say, and I could tell she was very passionate about her role as the club’s president. While talking to Trianna I learned that Phi Sigma Sigma is a relatively small club that consists of female Metro State students of all ages. Trianna emphasized that the club was all about sisterhood, and acceptance. If you are ever feeling like you need a great group of friends, or a great support system, this is the club for you. Phi Sigma Sigma is very unique in its values. As a club they love to host events, and do many acts of community service. Last year they did various events like put on a Book Fair where there were seven different local authors, and all of the proceeds went to the National Kidney Foundation. They also held a Sapphire Ball, and did many exciting fundraisers like a night at Noodles and Co., and a bake sale. This year they are just starting to begin their exciting recruitment process. Trianna informed me that they plan on doing many more great events this year as well. Phi Sigma Sigma will be hosting a blood drive, karaoke nights, and another U.S. Mint tour to celebrate life-long learning. Phi Sigma Sigma’s goal is to unite the women of Metro State. “At a college like Metro, it is easy to become disconnected, and dislodged from the actual community, and it can be tough to meet new people. Joining a club like Phi Sigma Sigma, is a wonderful way to get involved and go out of your box, while making life-long friends”, said Trianna. The club is hosting a recruitment parties tonight and tomorrow at 6:30 in the Multi-cultural lounge, they would love to see anyone and everyone there.

While wandering through campus I also met a man named Nathan Wilson. He was hanging out in the Art department, and was carrying a guitar, so I decided to strike up a conversation with him. Nathan is a music major in his senior year here at Metro State. I learned that he is in a band, and plays the guitar and the drums. Nathan told me that he eventually wants to teach music to youth, that was his dream. Nathan also told me that Metro is a really great place to be if you are interested in the Arts, and that it was a really great program. “There is a lot of talent wandering through these halls”, he assured me. I thought it was interesting that we could go to the same school, but have two totally different experiences, and different stories to share about Metro. I learned that Nathan liked to play rock, and some heavy metal, but also appreciate classical music. “Going to Metro has really opened my eyes to new kinds of music, and also the music that has always been here”. I thought that was a really cool thing to hear. Nathan really made me appreciate the arts at Metro. When you just go out of your circle of friends and places, there are a lot of interesting, and unique people out there!

"I'm Bringing International Back"-Justin Timberlake Remix

Standing 4’11’’ and of Sicilian descent, Jamie has been working in the Campus Recreation Center at Auraria for a year and a half. When I asked her what exactly her job entailed, she said “Everything! From scheduling who uses the racquet ball and basketball courts, access to the pool are, memberships as well as personal training”. She loves the fact that her job is work study and allows her flexible hours in order to complete her school work. Jamie’s major is Hospitality, Tourism and Events. She aspires to open an Italian restaurant but wants to make it more “upbeat” than the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, a popular food chain derived from Darden Restaurants. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jamie moved to Houston, Texas at age four. That same year she moved to Thornton, Colorado. Having attended Thornton High School, she found that Metro State still provided a small community for her. Originally trying out for the Metro State Dance Team, Jamie made the cheerleading squad and does not regret it. She stays fit and enjoys waking up “feeling like P. Diddy” every morning. Her mornings start at 6 am with cheerleading practice every day. She then musters up enough energy to attend class at 8 am. After class, Jamie heads straight to the rec center and works until 6 pm. Her enthusiasm and dashing good looks allow her to be the “opposite of a Ladie’s Man”. Jamie is an extraordinary person.

Born in Khartoum, Sudan, Filmon Tekle strives to live the dream his parents hope for. As an Eritrean-American, Filmon’s major is Literature with a minor in Developmental Psychology. He plans to teach either creative writing or literature for college level students. Filmon enjoys playing basketball, battling his friends in NBA 2K as well as anything to do with culture. He participates in slam poetry at the Gypsy house located off 13th & Marion in Downtown Denver and hopes to participate in the highly esteemed spoken word venue Café Nuba. His favorite TV shows are Martin. Fresh Prince of Bellaire, and How I Met Your Mother. I asked him to tell me something that not very many people know. His response? “I’ve invented the word schmeffin”. Filmon says that schmeffin is “the action of making someone look like a dum*ss after they say something ignorant”. For example: if someone were to say “1+1=4”, he would then go about clearing his throat, shuffling papers and avoiding all eye contact with the individual. He has two brothers, both of who live in Sawa, Eritrea, a war ridden city built to train those for military purpose. He enjoys speaking broken Tigrinya, the major language in Eritrea as well as northern Ethiopia. Filmon is extremely sarcastic but is an outgoing individual.

Curiosity does not kill the cat.

I am new to Auraria Campus and have never been to our Campus Recreation Center. With my curiosity I decided to go check out the recreation center. I came across Mario who works at the check-out center for locks, towels, and balls. Mario is a junior at Metro and is majoring in Human Performance and Exercise Science. When Mario graduates from Metro he wants to be a professional body builder and a celebrity personal trainer in California. Currently Mario isn’t certified to be a personal trainer yet. The recreation center offers the personal training certification that Mario will do in the near future. The recreation center works around Mario's class schedule and helps him learn about new workouts. Mario currently is in no sport activities but would like to play lacrosse; the cost to play is expensive for a college students budget. Since Mario wants to be a celebrity personal trainer I asked him to put together a workout plan for a high celebrity. He came up with a plan for a celebrity that is looking to gain more muscle mass. He would put them on a four day weight training regiment working with bigger body parts first. He would work on legs, back, chest then go to working on the smaller parts of the body like your gastronomies, your calves, biceps and triceps. He would also have his celebrity work on cardio for 30 to 40 minutes. Mario would also put together a meal regiment of crabs in the morning till 4 p.m. then go to protein. The whole workout plan would last about 6 to 12 weeks. Currently Mario is working super hard in the gym because in the August Mario will be competing for the very first time be competing in a body building contest.

I came across a student of UCD named Omar. Omar is currently a sophomore and is majoring in Accounting. When Omar graduates from college he would like to move to New York and work as an auditor. During his junior or senior year Omar would like to study abroad in Europe and would love to visit Germany. Omar works in the Tivoli center at the Commuter Resource Center where he makes IDs. Omar also works at the Club Hub on the third floor of the Tivoli. The Club Hub is where all the organizations of each club are at. Omar has another job and that is downstairs of the Tivoli Center in the Pool Hall. At the Pool Hall Omar helps with tournaments that are being hosted and “man the fort”. All of Omar’s jobs are very flexible with his work schedule and that it is okay for them to be late to work when coming from class. When Omar has free time he likes to go snowboarding, hang out with friends, go to movies and listen to all sorts of music.

Making Connections with ADHD

As one walks into the main lobby of the Auraria Library, there is a structure that stands in its center. It’s artwork, but there is a message that it wants to convey. One’s attention immediately goes to the top of the structure; the title jumps out and says, “Connections”. The structure is rectangular, black and covered with tiles, each tile was done by a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination.

The tiled piece is a reminder that your fellow student may have this disorder, and the normal day-to-day events may distract them or be huge obstacle to their academic success.

The tiled artwork is taken care by two volunteers: Kim and Erik Hornak. They represent the Denver Metro chapter of Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD).

CHADD provided support for anyone who has been diagnosed with or has a loved one with ADHD. They have support meetings, seminars, and provide information about ADHD.

The have their next meeting Monday, February 7, 2011 at the Southglenn Library, Centennial, Colo. It is from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. This meeting is a networking event. Members share their experiences, exchange ideas and give each other hope.

For more information, please contact the Hornack’s by calling 303-753-1783 or visit this web site: http://www.adult-adhd.com/college_students_with_adhd.php

Auraria Campus Offers a Warm and Welcoming Sanctuary for GLBT Students

Tivoli room 213, located in the Auraria Campus Student Union, is home to the campus’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services (GLBTSS) office. This office provides services and social networking for all GLBT students and their straight allies that attend any of Auraria’s three schools. All services offered are free of charge, and welcome to be utilized by anyone. The office, decorated with rainbows, had seven people inside: three employees and four students doing homework and socializing in the lounge.

Amondo Green, 37, sat alone at the desk right inside of the front entrance. Green began his employment at GLBTSS in December 2010, right before spring semester 2011 began. When asked about the events that GLBTSS organizes, he described the “Queer Symposium,” an annual gathering of students and specialists that meet up to discuss important issues within the GLBT community. As of right now the date is to be announced. “But, you have to go to the Valentine’s Day drag show on the 14^th at four in the Tivoli Turnhalle!” Green exclaimed, “And I don’t care if you have to ditch class to do it! You'd make a great drag king!” Green made it clear that having fun was a big part of the GLBT community on campus. He described the office as a “safe zone,” a place that anybody of any sexual orientation could hang out, network, and socialize without the social pressures of being judged by peers. “My favorite part about my job is the environment, the comfort, and the diversity of the people who use our services. We even have a library and movies in the office so students can just come hang out,” said Green. He also described many community outreach projects and volunteer opportunities that will occur throughout the semester.

Around the corner inside of the GLBTSS office is a lounge filled with comfortable red couches and shelves upon shelves of movies and books, both GLBT related and not. Ashton Richardson, 19, a Metro freshman, sat on one of the couches with her MacBook in her lap. She first began hanging out in the GLBTSS office about halfway through fall semester 2010. She said that her favorite part of the community was all of the friends that she has made so far. She says that she spends a couple of hours every day that she’s on campus in the office, “socializing and occasionally doing homework.” When asked what other GLBT events she participates in, she described the Auraria Genders and Sexualities Alliance (AGSA). The AGSA meets in the Senate Room in the Tivoli every Tuesday from two to three in the afternoon. Humorously enough, she asked with a smile, “Did you hear about the drag show on the 14^th? I’ll be leaving class early to be there!”