At first glance, you wouldn’t think anything was wrong with Joel Ramirez. Stay and talk to him and you’ll swear he’s just a normal guy. Joel, 18, is a college student who likes to play video games, watch football and listen to music. But stay long enough and you’ll be there to see him wear his vibrating vest, take his 36 pills, do his five 40-minute daily breathing treatments or connect a feeding tube directly to his stomach. He has cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease in which mucus clogs the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and rendering the body a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, 1 in 25 people have the fault gene leading to … [Read more...] about Cystic Fibrosis: Breathing in the moment
awareness
Protect Yourself: Cautionary Tale
By Elizabeth Taylor |Staff Writer| With almost a decade gone by and still no changes are being implemented, I feel that it is only necessary that I share with you a story that could change or even possibly save a life. Nothing can prepare oneself for the oncoming of bad news; it’s obvious the news is bad because eyes are overwhelmed with tears on the brink of explosion, the head is low and a weak voice struggling to let out the terror that haunts her. I like to think of myself as a strong woman, someone my kids can look up and be proud to call me their mom; but nothing has ever tested the strength of my will like the day my mom told me she was raped. Shock—How could this of … [Read more...] about Protect Yourself: Cautionary Tale
Who Are the Refugees?
By Noe Ramos |Staff Writer| Students, faculty, and community members gathered to discuss "Who Are the Refugees?", a panel event focused on bringing awareness and attention to the refugee crisis. The event took place in the College of Education on Feb. 21 and was hosted by the Center of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and sponsored by the University Diversity Committee, the Department of Communication Studies, the Mediterranean Studies Academy, and the Muslim Students Association. The key points discussed in the panel were who were the refugees, why do they come here, what are some of the challenges that they face, and how do they come the United States. The three guest … [Read more...] about Who Are the Refugees?
Advancing with technology
By Destiny Guzman |Staff Writer| Computers, software and technology dominate our society and are vital tools that we should know more about. “Your entire life is digital now,” said cyber security professor Vinny Nestler. Our world is overwhelmed in technological advances, and we as students need to be aware of how knowledgeable we are about it. Google Docs, Prezi and more are basic tools that we as students should know how to use, but do we really need to have knowledge about software applications and technology if our major does not require them? “By using the technology, it only leverages your intellect to a greater extent and allows other people to collaborate and create … [Read more...] about Advancing with technology
Highlights of Oscar Performances
By Dawnielle Floyd |Staff Writer| Nominees for Best Original Song, Sam Smith, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga had amazing performances at the 88th Oscar Academy Awards on Feb. 28. Reciting his first Academy Award nomination "Writing on The Wall," from the film "Spectre" Smith took home the Oscar for best original song. Smith's piece was simple but classic with a black tuxedo and bow tie, he stood center stage as the the audience listened in admiration. The Weeknd turned heads with the performance of his hit song "Earned It." The stage was lit up with street lamps and chandeliers as an aerialist floated above his head and lithe dancers circled around the stage—The Weeknd brought a shade … [Read more...] about Highlights of Oscar Performances
#National Coming Out Day
By Vivian Gurrola-Amissah |Staff Writer| This year marked the 27th anniversary of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community that brings awareness to individuals who celebrate who they are and the importance of coming out. “National Coming Out Day” honors those who have revealed their sexual orientation and continue to support those who have yet to “out” themselves. Since 1988, the LGBTQ community celebrates Oct. 11 as a day of recognition for people that are coming out, regarding their sexual orientation and inspire those who have yet to come out. Laverne Cox, from "Orange is the New Black," as well as Caitlyn Jenner are two of the many celebrities that … [Read more...] about #National Coming Out Day
Yoga benefits the body, mind and all of you
By Jennifer Baeskens |Staff Writer| Yoga is an evolving exercise that can benefit everyone. Once you find a yoga style that fits you, you will be able to experience the life-changing qualities of this ancient practice. There are many benefits and styles of yoga. One of the key aspects of yoga is to balance the body. “Yoga is a union of the mind, body and spirit, ” said Jackie Sullivan, a Yoga instructor at CSUSB, “ yoga eases stress and helps us becoming joined with our bodies.” Yoga helps increase a person’s strength, flexibility and respiratory capacity through different poses and breath work practiced during yoga. Sullivan added that yoga can also help decrease blood pressure, … [Read more...] about Yoga benefits the body, mind and all of you
MSA hosts Islamic Awareness week
By Melissa Gilbert |Staff Writer| The Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) organized Islamic Awareness Week May 6-8. Manal Museitef, president of the MSA explained, “This week was organized for students to learn more about Islam since there are a lot of misconceptions here in the United States.” The first lecture was given by UCLA alumnus Abdallah Jadallah. He provided information about the roles of Moses and Jesus in Islam. Jadallah explained some of the similarities shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam through the two prophets. The tone of the lecture was friendly and inclusive. Jadallah welcomed questions, and was not afraid to admit that as a Muslim, it is OK to answer a … [Read more...] about MSA hosts Islamic Awareness week
Stars step out with the ADA
By Alyssa Gradias & Abigail Tejada |Staff Writer & A&E editor| The American Diabetes Association hosted the annual Step Out Walk to stop diabetes on Nov. 2. More than 4,000 local walkers attended, including the wonderful siblings Jillian Rose and Robbie Tucker who have worked closely with ADA ever since their older brother was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. November is Diabetes awareness month and currently there are nearly 26 million Americans who have diabetes. In efforts to raise awareness stars gathered up at the Step Out Walk for the ADA. Stars from the MTV hit show “Awkward” made an appearance such as Jillian Rose, Kelly Sry, and Wesam Keesh. Robbie Tucker … [Read more...] about Stars step out with the ADA
Students help raise money at Race for the Cure
By Courtney Mata |Staff Writer| "Save the TaTas!" "Find a cure!" These phrases explode during the month of October and it is these same phrases that can inspire people to join together for Breast Cancer Awareness month. One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the U.S., according to the Susan G. Komen fact sheet. During the month of October, the color pink decorates many businesses and there are several organizations that flaunt the color in support of breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is ugly and unfortunately, it is a battle that many have to face. Every year, Susan G. Komen holds a … [Read more...] about Students help raise money at Race for the Cure