Taking Notes

Soon to be Raritan Valley graduate, David Cudworth, is pursuing his dream of musical greatness.

Cudworth was not always into music.It was in junior high school when he received his firs guitar from his parents along with a drum set. His love for music directed him to pick up a new instrument, the saxophone in middle school. Cudworth took on this instrument like a project and lead him to join jazz band, an after school club in junior high.

Fortunately for Cudworth’s passion, he attended Hunterdon Central Regional High School which offers many academic and extracurricular activities to shape his skills. Four years of high school gave him the abilities to study music theory and composition. Alongside this process he picked up two more instruments, bass and keyboard.

Cudworth plays five instruments and owns several of each and his library is continuing to grow. He has filled in as Musical Director at churches; musical outreaches and programs, and is a part of a band, Frontline. The band predominately plays rock but explores varieties of musical influences. His band plays shows and is working on a record deal; he writes music for himself and is always keeping creative avenues open.  

 Success as a student has always come first since he was younger and has been on dean’s list for two consecutive years. It was not until his ladder half of high school through college where the academics and interests met.  “It has not been easy, school and music are difficult, just make sure you take good notes.”  
Follow him on Youtube! David Cudworth's Music!

By Mike Butler
 

Shh We're Trying to Study

Raritan Valley Community College has set a record high of more than 7,000 students currently enrolled. Finding somewhere quiet to study aside from looking for parking is nearly impossible.

A school with only one small library can make finding a quiet place to study a difficult task. The library is not built to accommodate thousands of students nor is it expected to.  Crowding has caused the library to become full leaving other students searching for areas to study.

Students are offered many places for congregation the cafeteria, sculpture garden, atrium, student lounge, café near welcome center, and seating in the halls. A few scattered location are offered but none of which can provide the environment to study.

Library staff is aware of the issue and has been trying to accommodate the student body. “We have added quite a few chairs and tables over the course of the past two years.” Interim Director Robert Eagen said.

Tables have been added in and around the library and so has seating throughout the halls. Getting in the library is a gamble, one that usually comes down to time. The greatest chance a student has to find a place to study is at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday when library doors open.

If the enrollment continues to rise the administration is going to be forced to come up with alternative routes to study areas.  They may offer more online courses or even off campus courses to lessen the crowding on campus. It is an issue the school is working towards fixing.


By Mike Butler

Parking Predicaments

Chris' parking article go

Student Ponders Career Choice

Stephanie Bullock was going to become a police officer, until she started taking classes at RVCC and realized she no longer wanted to pursue her long-time goal.

“At times I very much felt like if I did not follow this path of being a police officer, that my family and friends would be very disappointed in me".

Ever since middle school, Bullock has spent much of her free time around the officers and firefighters in the Neshanic station. 

Bullock has been participating at the police explorer program for over five years. As a part of the program police officers teach skills and tactics such as handcuffing, self-defense and first aid.  

Bullock, 19, no longer enjoyed her law enforcement classes, but continued to study criminal justice at RVCC. 

Bullock’s father, Richard, a volunteer fireman for over 10 years, was concerned about her decision.

“Since she has been volunteering with the police department for years, I was surprised that she no longer wanted to do it," said Richard.

“I would help out at the nursing home, and I loved it,” said Bullock. “That is when I realized that I no longer wanted to be a police officer, but work with people".

An advisor at RVCC suggested she consider a degree in pre-social work. But before she could make the switch, she wanted to make sure her boyfriend would support her.

Kevin Conforti, 17, has been dating Bullock for two years, and aspires to one day become a police officer. 

“I had a feeling that Stephanie might not end up being a police officer,” said Conforti. “As she began taking classes, I could tell she did not seem enthused by them.”

“I think she is making the right move,” said Conforti. “Now, she will be able to do something that she enjoys.”

By: Patricia Da Cunha

Smoking Regulations

Raritan Valley Community College has been a smoke-free campus for more than a decade, but recently campus security guards have begun issuing fines to students who are violating smoking regulations. 

So far more than thirty students have been fined and the administration doesn’t plan on easing up on violators any time soon.

In November 2010, RVCC tightened its smoking regulations. Students are fined if caught smoking anywhere other than the schools parking lots. 

“Since November 2010, security has written 31 summonses for smoking violations,” said Robert Szkodny, the administrator of the security department at RVCC. 

The school issues three fines for smoking: First is $25, second is $50, and the third is $75 in addition to the student being charged with a violation of student conduct.

Many smokers and non-smokers think that RVCC should experiment with new smoking regulations.

“As a student who does not smoke, I would love it if I can be separated from the second hand smoke of other students at this school,” said criminal justice major Stephanie Bullock.

Educational Psychology Professor Deborah Corbett would support a new smoking policy. “I think that there should be some sheltered smoking areas on campus, because it is unrealistic for students to go back to their cars to smoke a cigarette.”

Students still question the current regulations, but until noted otherwise, RVCC will remain a smoke-free environment. 

By: Patricia Da Cunha