COM 303

Jocelyn Gonzalez

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Facebook Frenzy

Facebook has created a huge buzz with its latest innovative product. Representatives announced earlier today  that the company would be teaming up with HTC to create an android that not only integrates Facebook to its fullest potential, but will also transition this social media powerhouse from an ordinary web page into a mobile network phenomenon.

It is said to be the "second most visited website in the world, frequented monthly by one-sixth of the Earth's population, [and the] primary source of new for half of the United States' young people." 

According to the New York Times,  the company is expected to make around $965 million here in the US by the end of 2013 alone. The product will be revealed at an event taking place in Menlo Park, California. Check out www.facebook.com for more information.

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Noche De Gala

One of the oldest student organizations at SUNY Buffalo State celebrated its 40th anniversary on April 28 when members of Adelante Estudiantes Latinos hosted their 'Noche De Gala' banquet.

The event took place in the Social Hall located on the third floor of the Campbell Student Union from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free for any Buffalo State student with school I.D.

The red carpet, along with a starry background and complementary decor, made you feel as if you were among celebrities because of the formal attire that everyone was dressed in and the Hollywood theme in which the banquet was designed around. 

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a photographer offering to take individual and group photos. About a hundred guests were in attendance. Guests included members who regularly attend A.E.L's general interest meeting every Thursday during Bengal Pause and staff members who support the organization, they were then seated with the people of their choice, about eight people per table. Each table was adorned with elegant black tablecloths, silver and gold glitter, and centerpieces to match. A brochure, providing itinerary for the night was placed on each table as well. 

Once everyone was settled in their seats, Keith Nunez, President of A.E.L. began with a speech introducing some background information about the organization.  As stated on the website: 

"A.E.L. is a group formed by Latin American students. It was created to recognize and introduce Hispanic culture to all of the students here at SUNY in Buffalo State College,"  according to BengalConnect.com. Furthermore, "the organization promotes the Latino culture through cultural and educational workshops, programs, and events,"  Facebook stated.

To start off the show, Executive Board members participated in a choreographed dance piece from songs by Beyonce and Jay Z. The S.P.I.R.I.T. Gospel Choir and student poet Gabriela Valette performed as well. 

It is said to be a tradition that each year a keynote speaker is picked. This year Buffalo Native Toni Badillo was chosen.  As a 1999 University at Buffalo graduate and a 2002 SUNY Buffalo State graduate, she is familiar with Adelante Estudiantes Latinos. So much so that she expressed,

" Being here today is nostalgic. It's great to see that the organization continues to thrive as it has impacted me greatly when I was in school,"  said Badillo.

Following Mrs. Badillo's speech, dinner was served. With the help of some of the members and catering from Wegmans, warm trays of rice and beans,  a traditional Latin American dish, along with chicken, baked ziti, and mashed potatoes and gravy were the choices of food for the night. A slide show of photographs depicting A.E.L.  in the past and present played on the screen projector simultaneously. 

The night came to a close with awards given to the Member of the Year, Community Service Award, Best Organization Collaboration, and several appreciation awards to various fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations that showed support throughout the school year. Black Active Minds, Puerto Rican Organization for Dignity, Equality and Responsibility (PODER),  Breaking Free, National Society of Black Engineers, and the Pan-African Student Organization were just a few of the recipients of these awards. Lastly, the presentation of the new 2013-2014 Executive Board was made and an open dance floor was left to wrap up the night.

When asked what they though of the night, several of the guests expressed that they enjoyed it and would definitely attend another. Be sure to look out for future events that Adelante Estudiantes Latinos will be hosting throughout the year all leading up to next year's banquet. It will be interesting to see what future events the organization has in store.

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Confessions of a Blogger

At first when we were told we were going to have to create a blog for this class, I was actually not surprised. This seems to be a pretty common requirement among the communication professors here at Buffalo State. Last semester I was taking a communication graphics course and web and social media production course, both of which I had to create and maintain a blog for as part of my grade. Before these courses however, I did have some prior experience with blogging on Tumbler but only for leisure activity on my free time when I am bored. It was nothing that I was taking serious. Being in these courses have taught me that blogging can be much more fulfilling than just passing your time. With the right knowledge, execution, and intriguing topics one may become very successful in the craft if they really want to.  

Now-a-days, in this technology driven world we live in social media is taking over the lives of the younger generations and the way that journalists do their career. It has transformed mainstream media to be available to us at any given moment almost instantaneously.  Blogging has become much more common as a way of self expression and to get news out there.  With that said, it is important to carefully think about all aspects of your blog; not only it's content, but the appearance as well because the main purpose is to attract an audience to your page.  With the public eye being so involved and critical, especially to media professionals, it is super important to proof read.  A pour mistake can haunt you for the rest of your life, even by deleting it because nothing is ever really gone from the internet. Once its out there, there's no turning back. 

I would say the biggest challenge is getting your voice heard. Getting and keeping an audience is vital, especially if you are trying to go far with it. You want people to see things your way, hear your thoughts and views about life but also debate arguments on topics worth discussing to keep it interesting and interactive.  It's all about presentation and execution. Once you establish that reputation via the web it can escalate pretty quickly by word of mouth.  

For people, who like me are just doing this for a class, I would say embrace it. I never really understood the benefits that blogging really could have; being able to build connections and inform others so easily is something that we shouldn't take for granted. 

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Campus Confusion

On March 15, 2013, two SUNY Buffalo State students were falsely accused of smoking marijuana in the Campbell Student Union. 

Naomi Feliz, a junior and business administration major is very active here on campus. She is an Assistant Supervisor at the Information Desk, Secretary of Adelante Estudiantes Latinos (A.E.L.), Treasurer of her sorority, and an orientation leader for incoming students.  Lewis Sepulveda, a theater major and recent graduate, was an orientation leader for four years, a Resident Assistant for three years, a Student Supervisor in the Union for four years, an active member of A.E.L., and the President of The Lens while in attendance. Both individuals take pride in the many roles that they uphold, yet all of that  was jeopardized on the night that the incident occured. 

As required in her daily duties as a supervisor, Feliz was doing rounds on the third and fourth floors of the Union to make sure that everything is how it should be along with her friend Sepulveda accompanying her. When all of a sudden they smelled marijuana coming from one of the staircases. Determined to get to the bottom of this, they followed the smell only to find no one at the scene. Upon returning to the desk to make a report of what they just witnessed, University Police approached and interrogated them.  They were accused of being in possession of marijuana. They tried to explain that they were not the ones who were smoking, but authorities did not believe them. They were arrested, fingerprinted, and charged. Confused by the allegation, Feliz expressed that although she was angry, she was also confident because she knew that she hadn't done anything wrong Sepulveda felt the same way.

'' My reaction was one of complete shock. Even 'til this day, I am still very surprised. We did nothing wrong and so much has happened,' he said.

Feliz was then asked to leave work early that day and not return until the investigation was complete. Due to the nature of the police report, she was out of work for two weeks and had  to go to a judicial hearing where a drug test was mandated on the spot in order to determine whether or not she would be able to return to work in the future. Although the tests came back negative, Feliz revealed that since the day of the incident which took place  a month ago, she has been in and out of court several times and had to hire a lawyer to defend her. She and Sepulveda have also been regularly attending drug and alcohol evaluations on a weekly basis. 

'' As an outcome we are still in the process of battling for our innocence. We go to drug awareness and counceling therapy and we had to spend lots of money, but it still isn't over yet. I have never been through anything like this before,' said Sepulveda

The final decision is expected on May 6th. Until then both individuals are not allowed to leave the Western, New York area, and this restriction has hindered them from road-tripping anywhere they would have liked to for end of the semester events. When asked to reflect on the ordeal, they had a lot to say. 

'' Honestly after this incident, I have absolutely no respect for UPD, because they will make up any story in order to get paid. Two people were falsely accused for something they did not even do and they had no remorse...We are innocent!'' Feliz expressed.

''I believe UPD does their job with no regard for anyone, especially in these circumstances,'' said Sepulveda.

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Breaking Free

Norkelis Cruz, freshman at SUNY Buffalo State, decided there was something missing here on campus and she knew just what it was. Founder and President of "Breaking Free,"  she created the organization along with a few other students She is an education major and is also involved with Adelante Estudiantes Latinos and The Caribbean Student Organization.  

Her vision was to develop a place for people in the community to go to when they feel like there is nowhere else to turn to. Her intentions are to provide a support system for individuals overcoming a struggle. Cruz remains dedicated in her mission. 

"Breaking Free means finding the courage to reveal your true self to your peers," Cruz said. "We have all been through things in life that we carry within ourselves; we walk around every day with these chains heavily holding us down from being our true selves. All it takes is for you to break free from those chains." 

As a rape survivor, she felt there was no one to turn to in her time of need, which almost led her to suicide. This  experience  motivated her to want to help others. "I knew God had a purpose for me in life and it was to help others who are just like me, stay strong and be there for them. I came to Buffalo State and just followed my heart honestly." 

One of the biggest problems the Breaking Free team has faced is scaring people away because of their hesitance to "open up"  or place themselves in "sad" environments.  Although Cruz expressed that people have been doubtful in her, she is not discouraged.  

"We have come a long way since we started this organization, and many things have changed throughout the process.  It's not easy being rejected by so many people because they don't believe you can do something, but we will not give up.  We know someone out there needs our help," she said.  

More people come out to support the cause, and the organization continues to grow. Breaking Free hosts events that include topics on disability awareness, culture identity, suicide prevention, and a wide variety of other topics as well.  During the holiday season, the group raffled off holiday baskets with proceeds that went toward the Winter Wishes Foundation to supply foster kids with Christmas presents. Currently they are working on preparing a "Slutwalk," a groundbreaking movement that will make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims'  rights. 

The organization prides itself on the trust that members place in their peers as they share. Due to their confidentiality policy, the stories talked about  are only available to those who attend the meetings. Member, Andrea Rogala thanks Breaking Free for taking her away from her dark past. She loves what the organization stands for and attends weekly. Although Cruz and her team are not professional counselors  they are a group of friends trying to make a difference.  Executive Board member,  Hazel Perez,  works alongside Cruz to make it all happen.  When asked to describe what Breaking Free means to her Perez had a lot to say. Her passion for the organization is evident.  

" It is a place where people form relationships to feel comfortable and receive advice on the issues at hand. We do activities and programs to help with people's personal issues. We are not therapy,  but a group of peers in the same age group in which we help each other cope with certain circumstances."  

They Breaking Free team urges people to sit down and see what the group is all about.  Check out their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BSCBREAKINGFREE for more information on this unique organization.  

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Personal Trainer

In honor of National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week, we took a look at some of the new health and fitness opportunities here at SUNY Buffalo State.

Senior Brandon Matthews, 22, is a full-time business administration major by day and part-time personal trainer by night. He started the Buffalo State Fitness and Body-Building Club to help students and faculty stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. He focuses on cardiovascular training,  strength training and body-building to help you stay in shape. 

"Being a personal trainer has been a great experience for the past 2 years...working with many students on campus has been streneous but fun at the same time. We have worked hard to incorporate more activities such as yoga and zumba classes into our regime so that we can be more versatile in our mission," says Matthews.

Matthews offers group workout sessions Monday through Friday around 9 p.m. in Bukham Hall located at Campus West. Individual appointments can be made by contacting him via phone at 917-650-0593.

"Physical fitness is often overlooked or confused for mere appearence of the body. Being fit may not always be a visual thing, but a mental thing. As a personal trainer I strive to educate people," Matthew continues.

This former football player took a lot of things that he learned as an athlete and incorporated it into his personal training skills. He credited his coach for giving him the tools that have taken him to his career level.

"If you are not willing to do what it takes to be fit, then do not be surprised when you cannot be fit," says Kam Kiebzack, Buffalo State Football Strength and Conditioning Coach.  

There are also  a variety of other sports offered on campus such as men's basketball, cross country,  football, ice hockey, soccer, swimming and diving and track and field. For women, basketball, lacrosse,  soccer, softball, and volleyball is offered. Facilities on campus include Coyer Field, the Sports Arena, Bengal Field for baseball and softball. There is also Houston Gym, which is currently being renovated, Kissinger Pool, and the weight room. Check out http://www.buffalostateathletics.com for more information.  

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Freelance Writing

Professor Brian Meyer, of SUNY Buffalo State hosts a freelance writing seminar in which 15 communication students attended. Meyer has written over 1,600 freelance articles and began his career in the field as well.  He offers his expertise on the subject.

"Unlike most other careers, writers can hone their skills without a full-time or part-time job," says Meyer.

He said freelancing is good for people who are unemployed, underemployed, or just looking to gain experience as a college student.  It allows individuals to put writing pieces together, get it published, and make a portfolio as a way to show off their work.  

If you are interested in freelancing there are many different types of articles to choose to write about;  an opinion piece for a newspaper in which a clear argument is being made, an article written by someone with knowledge on a specific area such as sports, letter to the editor, writing a review for local events, covering current stories in your area, or even an article about travel or a niche topic of your choice plus many more.  

Meyer further mentions the three key components to keep in mind when it comes to freelance writing.  Make sure to go out and find freelancing opportunities, get as much research done as possible, and have discipline in the sense that there is always something going on. 

Interested in becoming a freelance writer or want further information? Be sure to check out www.freelancewriting.com and www.dailywritingtips.com for some tips and tricks on how to succeed in the profession.  

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Declaring Beats

Being that this course focuses primarily on writing for news publications,  I knew that I would be writing a lot of articles.  I think that Professor Brian Meyer created a interesting twist by having us choose two main topics or "declaring beats" as he calls it to gear all of our writing to. This not only gives us the opportunity to explore things further, but we can also bring a different perspective toward occurring issues throughout the Buffalo area and share that with the class. 

The first beat I chose was a look into different student organizations on campus and the impact that they have on individuals within the Buffalo community both on and off campus more specifically how they make a difference whether it be through community service, campus involvement, or events/workshops hosted by the members.  

My second beat was more general. I chose to explore fitness/health and the facilities that are available to us focusing on local fitness centers,  gym equipment, and resources such as a personal trainer or different types of classes offered here. 

Both were carefully thought up  with the consideration of the student body in mind. Often people will go through their whole college career missing out on a lot of things because they do not know what is available to them, but through this it is my hope that I can be more informative and help students discover the things they might not have otherwise.  

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Hello Tumblr

Let me start off first by introducing myself, my name is Jocelyn Gonzalez I am a junior at SUNY Buffalo State pursuing a degree in communication studies with a minor in writing.

My purpose for this blog  will be to share some of my thoughts with you as well as some of the pieces I've written in my COM 303 course throughout the semester. Hope you enjoy the posts and happy reading !