THE FALCON TIMESAPRIL 1, 2009

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS SINCE 1961

VOLUME 46, ISSUE 13THEFALCONTIMES@HOTMAIL.COM

Page 5

News

Page 4

Entertainment

Page 3

Joanna SanchezStaff Writer

Opinion

WWW.MDC.EDU/NORTH/FALCONTIMES

Michael FinchStaff Writer

GO TO VICENTE, PAGE 3

The Student Government Association candidates for the E-Board were announced two weeks ago. The elections will be April 6-8.

There are six positions that will be fi lled in by the candidates: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, public relations director, and governmental relations director.

Juliette Llado, a mass communication/journalism major, is the only student running for the SGA president position. She is currently the public relations director and has done several projects with SGA including aids awareness, the food drive, and the inauguration at D.C. Llado s̓ main goal is to pass the local option bill.

“It s̓ a privilege to be running,” Llado said. “SGA is a club that students can get involved in and has the outcome to grow.”

The four students running for vice president are Danyelle Carter, Marcelina

Pineyro, Ruth Maurat, and Heather Osorio.

Carter is currently an SGA senator, Phi Beta Lambda Vice President, and a columnist for The Falcon Times. Carter has been active in events such as Breast Cancer Initiative, Student Advocacy, and the Ronal McDonald House. Carter said she wants to create school spirit for MDC to help students become more involved.

“The fl yers and emails don t̓ work,” Carter said. “We should have a shark day where we can all have our fi ns up and swim

around.”Pineyro has participated in Amendment

8 and the Breast Cancer Initiative. She plans on keeping students aware of SGA by handing out fl yers.

“We cannot only use emails, but the best way is by word of mouth,” Pineyro said.

Ruth Maurat participated in Hands on

2009-2010 SGA candidates fi ght for student votes

GO TO SGA ELECTIONS, PAGE 2

North Campus President Dr. José A. Vicente, will temporarily take the post of interim president of the Hialeah Campus, replacing former president Dr. Cindy Miles.

Miles, who departed in February 2009, was selected to become the new chancellor for Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in San Diego, California. In 2005, she came to the Hialeah Campus from the Community College of Denver where she was the VP of Instruction, is remembered most for her encouraging attitude.

“She is a very dynamic, caring, and transformational leader who motivated colleagues to work closely together in building and developing the capacity of the Hialeah Campus as a newly emerging campus,” said Ana Maria Bradley-Hess, Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at the Hialeah Campus via email.

Vicentesteps in as interimHialeahpresident

New Marlins stadium approved by Miami-Dade County commissioners

Fire Chief to be inducted into MDC Hall of Fame

Why not legalize marijuana?The heavyweight

champions of pop punk

are back

Axis magazine reveals cover

LITERARY SUCCESS: Axis magazine editor in chief Jhon Pereda and managing editor Arleen Senas reveal the new cover for Axis magazine’s sixth edition during the closing ceremony of the Festival of the Arts. The magazine is scheduled to be published by the sum-mer 6th edition.

Courtesy of MDC Media Services

Features

Defense tactics and Judo Instructor bringing in world-wide champion

Page 7

NEWSPage 2 April 1, 2009

FROM SGA ELECTIONS, FRONT PAGE

Miami where they helped communities that needed to be remodeled and cleaned. Maurat said she has one goal and one passion, to be the voice and representative of students. Maurat is most concerned with Bright Futures interfering with fi nancial aid.

“It may hold back many students from becoming successful,” said Maurat.

Heather Osorio, a biology major, wants to unify SGA and the community. Osorio plans on opening up the communication in MDC with all organizations and the student body. Osorio supports the local option bill.

“It s̓ important to communicate with each other,” said Osorio.

Jonathan Rocha and Kelley Baptiste are both candidates for the secretary position. Baptiste plans on keeping students up to date by giving students fl yers every week to be able to get the word out. Baptiste wants to take care of fi nancial aid by having more employees work in the offi ce or have e-board members help answer questions to help the process for students.

“I would like to take action,” said Baptiste. “I had the same problems and I know other students do, too.”

Jonathan Rocha, a mechanical engineering major, wants MDC students to know SGA is active in pursuing legislation changes for the students. Rocha plans to make SGA better and more active by

making presentations in classrooms on upcoming events.

“I hold to each of my commitments and hope to excel in each one,” said Rocha.

Running for treasurer is Shanesia Mckenzie. She wants to create a friendly environment where students and SGA can work with each other.

“I want to dedicate my time to students,” said Mckenzie.

Rodolfo A. Sayegh, Mckenzie s̓ opponent came from Venezuela in August 2007 and is currently an SGA senator. Sayegh supports the Residency for Tuition Purposes bill, which would give other students the opportunity to be able to have a higher education. Sayegh plans on spreading the voice of SGA and providing fund raising rallies for not only MDC, but in the community as well.

“Improving the funds we have so SGA and keep on having the good activities it has and make sure very student in MDC knows SGA exists,” said Sayegh.

Julia Martinez, a civil engineering major, and Barbara Ruiz, an SGA senator, are running for public relations director. Ruiz has given back to her community by sending canned foods to Nicaragua for those who cannot afford to buy food. She supports local bill 787 which provides funds and gives opportunities for students to continue their education.

Martinez wants to help students become more involved and have their voices heard. One of the concerns she plans to resolve is the parking at EEC. Martinez said she will inform the student body of events and activities to make sure they are involved.

Mariajose Ortega, the only candidate for governmental relations director, is a chemistry major. Ortega supports the residency for tuition bill and is most concerned with the lack of involvement on campus. If elected, she will try to let students be more aware of issues on campus by using activity hours for skits and contests representing these issues, utilizing the technology around the campus, or doing classroom presentations.

“I believe I have the potential and I am willing to accept all responsibilities that come with the position,” said Ortega.

Students will be able to vote April 6-8

at “http://election.mymdc.net” or students can log onto their MDC student emails providing a link to vote. The website will automatically direct students to a picture and biography of all the candidates. Students have the option to vote on campus in building three April 6-8 at 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and April 7 at EEC 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

It still hasn t̓ been determined whether the results will be given the week of voting or during the Student Life Banquet.

“This is a great opportunity for the student body to see the leaders of tomorrow,” said Evelyn Rodriguez, organization governor and student government adviser.

Courtesy of Evelyn RodriguezSTUDENT VOICE: The 12 SGA candidates voiced their opinions and ideas for the school during the SGA debate March 26.

Students will elect new board April 6-8

Page 3April 1, 2009NEWS

Yamel LoraStaff Writer

FROM JOSE VICENTE, FRONT PAGE

Every spring since 2003, Miami Dade College will be adding to their “Alumni Hall of Fame Gala” April 16 at Jungle Island, 1111 Jungle Island Trail. The honorees are recognized for their impact in their communities.

“We look for people who are alumni of the College, who have distinguished themselves in some way in their respective profession. The Hall of Fame inductees are individuals who are making a difference in our community and in their professions,” Glenn H. Kaufhold, Executive Director & CEO of the Miami Dade College Foundation, said.

The idea of the event came from members of the Board of Directors of the Miami Dade College Foundation, including MDC president Eduardo Padron, and continues to be managed by the Foundation staff and supported by the Foundation Board of Directors.

The funds raised at the event go directly to student scholarships. Last year, a record breaking $1.1 million was collected. Some of the event sponsors in the past years include AT&T, Leon Medical Centers, Perry Ellis International, Geico, and Blue Cross BlueShield of Florida.

“In my opinion, the Hall of Fame is a great event because it s̓ not only honoring those who deserve honor, but also helping those who have dreams to impact their communities one day, through the funds they collect for scholarships,” biology major Jenifer Posada said.

One of the distinguished honorees will be Otto Drozd, Fire Chief of the Hialeah Fire Department.

Twenty-three years ago, he started his journey as a fi refi ghter in the Hialeah Fire Department. Fifteen years later , after passing through various positions that required certain educational background and qualifi cations, as well as being tested every time he would aspire for a new position, he became the fi re chief of the City of Hialeah.

Mr. Drozd graduated from Miami Dade College with an associate in art degree in business administration and an associate in science degree in fi re science. Today, he remembers how baneful his experience and education at the college was.

“You don t̓ realize what a benefi t they are actually giving you and what a solid foundation they are establishing for you. That s̓ what they did for me; they establish my foundation,” he said.

Drozd also graduated from the Executive Fire Offi cer Program at the National Fire Academy in 2006 and has a bachelor s̓

degree in public management from Florida Atlantic University and a master s̓ degree from St. Thomas University.

His career not only has been fi lled with great contributions but also great challenges.

“Every position within the fi re department had its own challenge , as a beginner fi re fi ghter trying to learn and trying to fi nd your place within the department , and then as you pass, and move up to the ranks, you get more responsible positions , there is new challenges with each position, and new challenges every day,” Drozd said.

Drozd s̓ responsibility as the fi re chief is to direct the operations of the fi re department in general.

“Iʼve been fortunate that I have a lot of good people around me and that s̓ the real key point, nobody can do it by themselves, I rely on them, and really I accredit them with the success,” Drozd said.

His induction to the Hall of Fame was something unexpected for him.

“I think he deserves it, he is the best fi re chief in Hialeah. He has done miracles for the city,” Hialeah councilman Luis Gonzales said.

On April 20, Drozd will become the new fi re chief of the El Paso Fire Department, in El Paso, Texas, and will no longer work for the city on Hialeah. He will be replacing

Roberto Rivera, who retired last year. For this position, Drozd was selected among fi ve fi nalists.

“You need to persevere, and understand that education doesn t̓ stop when you get out of college, but it continues. In every profession in order to stay relevant you need to stay up on the latest trends within any industry, so take education as a lifelong learn,” the fi re chief said.

Vicente, who has served as North Campus president since May of 2003 and previously served as the president at the InterAmerican Campus from May 1997 through 2003, and as interim president at the Medical Center Campus and the Hialeah Campus from September 2005 through November 2005, is taking his recent appointment as a challenge.

“I see it as an opportunity to serve another community, Miami Dade College is a great institution and family,” Vicente said.

“It gives me a chance to see things in a

new perspective.”The added work of managing two

campuses may not be totally new in practice for Vicente, but remains a challenge for the staffs at both campuses.

Saunna Pierre, a nursing major, 30, said that his success would depend on his support staff at both campuses.

“A lot of people in today s̓ economy have to take on two jobs or multiple tasks,” Pierre said.

Given the fi nancial situation of MDC there will be no additional compensation for the added work.

Bradley-Hess, who has been Dean since 2005, said that there is considerably more work for Vicente as the leader of two campuses versus one, as well as the staffs that support him.

“The privilege to serve at Miami Dade College and contribute to the mission of this institution matters the most, and has no monetary value,“ Bradley-Hess via email.

Vicente said that MDC president Dr. Eduardo Padron will look into refi lling the position, but there may not be a replacement until the end of the fi scal year in June, or when the state legislative fi nalizes the budget.

Bradley-Hess said that due to the college s̓ budgetary crisis and lack of resources to engage in a potentially expensive search process Dr. Padron wants Dr. Vicente to lead the Hialeah Campus until the college is in a stronger position fi nancially.

“He wanted to ensure the continued success and stability of the campus,

by fi lling this critical position with an experienced and capable leader, who is familiar with the campus,” Bradley-Hess said.

Vicente said that in many ways it is a sign of the times, and we are cognizant of the economy.

“We do have a hiring freeze, but as an institution we try to maintain trajectory, if we do re-fi ll a [vacated] position it would be an exception.”

According to Vicente, MDC is aware that there will be a 12-15 percent cut in the year 2010 budget.

“We know there will be reductions, but we do not know the severity,” Vicente said. “We are looking to see how it ends in May, and whether the stimulus package will affect this, unless the session is extended.”

After several years of debate and three Marlins owners, the city of Miami has approved a new stadium for the Florida Marlins.

Following a 9-4 vote, Miami-Dade County commissioners Rebeca Sosa, Jose Pepe Diaz, Natacha Seijas, Bruno Barreiro, Dennis Moss, Barbara Jordan, Audrey Edmondson, Javier Souto, and Dorrin Rolle voted in favor of a proposed $525 million dollar deal for the new stadium. Voting in opposition to the agreement were Sally Heyman, Joe Martinez, Katy Sorenson, and Carlos Gimenez.

“I don t̓ think it s̓ a good deal, we run the risk of going into a general fund and get nothing in return,” commissioner Carlos Gimenez said. “They get all the revenue.”

The stadium will be built on the former location of the Orange Bowl in Little

Havana. Construction is expected to begin this summer. Once the stadium is complete in 2012, the Florida Marlins will be renamed the Miami Marlins, which is one of the stipulations in the contract.

Although the ballpark will have a seating capacity of about 37,000, the new project will include a retractable roof. Furthermore, the ballpark will contain 300 club seats and 60 luxury suites.

Of the $525 million dollar project, allocations in funds will be contributed by different parties. Miami-Dade County is expected to assist the Marlins by providing $347 million, through tourist tax dollars. Miami will contribute roughly $10 million to the clearing and prefabrication of the Orange Bowl site along with $23 million for the stadium and $94 million for parking garages. The team is anticipated to pay $155 million where $35 million will be paid back in the team s̓ 35 year lease in revenue.

Gimenez said that there will be very minimal job opportunities for locals at

the stadium. Miami-Dade County has contracted Hunt Construction located in Phoenix, Ariz. and HOK Sport for the architecture, located in Kansas. While the ballpark will be built from out-of-state

companies, local construction companies will take little part in the project. Like the Yankee stadium scheduled to open April 2009, the majority of jobs will be transferred from the old stadium.

Miami-Dade County Approves $525 million Marlin Stadium

College to honor fi re chief into Hall of Fame

President hopes to serve Hialeah community well

Alex DonestevezStaff Writer

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME: The plans for the new Marlins stadium.

Courtesy of Otto Drozd

HALL OF FAME: Otto Drozd will be induct-ed into MDC’s Hall of Fame April 16.

ENTERTAINMENTPage 4 April 1, 2009

Rachel SantosMovie Review

T

Jeannie RodriguezMusic Review

After signing to Epitaph records in 2008, New Found Glory s̓ sixth full length album, Not Without A Fight, was fi nally released March 10, ending the wait for many NFG fans around the world.

New Found Glory, a pop punk band from Coral Springs, FL, was formed in 1997 by singer Jordan Pundik, bass player Ian Grushka, drummer Joe Moreno (later replaced by Cyrus Bolooki) and guitarists Chad Gilbert, and Steve Klein. The band was signed to Drive-Thru Records and MCA, where they produced fi ve studio albums and two extended plays (EPs). Three of the albums, New Found Glory, Sticks and Stones, and Catalyst, became gold records. Having problems with their

record label, New Found Glory signed on to Epitaph, where they collaborated with Blink-182 s̓ Mark Hoppus to produce this album.

A sticker found on the cover of Not Without A Fight promises “the undisputed heavyweight champions of pop punk are back.” A few tracks into the album, one starts to realize that they are right. The album has what New Found Glory is best known for: catchy hooks and high energy vocals, while at the same time reaching out to include more of their hardcore roots.

However, New Found Glory does not wander far from its original substance. The track lyrics are simple and follow the common themes of love and loss that most NFG albums contain. “Listen to Your Friends,” the fi rst single off Not Without A Fight, talks about someone who ignored the advice of his friends and was left for dead after a failed relationship. “47” and “Such a Mess” follow the same routine, focusing on break ups and heartache.

Overall, New Found Glory still proves that even after dropping to an Indie record label, they can still supply great music six albums in.

POP PUNK CHAMPS COME OUT SWINGING

Knowing the planet’s demise through numbers

rain collisions, a plane crash, and a solar fl are that can wipe out everything and everyone on earth. Are these signs of the apocalypse?

N i c o l a s Cage (National Treasure: Book of Secrets) stars in the fi lm Knowing as John Koestler, a science professor who discovers an unusual drawing from his son Caleb (Chandler Canterbury, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). Written 50 years ago by a young girl named Lucinda, the drawing itself reveals numerical dates of catastrophic events that have occurred and of future ones still waiting to happen.

As John begins researching and uncovers more information about the next event that will take place, he starts going to the exact locations where the next group of people will die, in hopes of saving as many people as possible from the disaster. However, realizing that what was predicted by the young girl could not be changed because it was destined to be like that, he could only watch with agony as people die before his

very eyes.He later fi nds Lucinda s̓ daughter

Diana Wayland (Rose Byrne, 28 Weeks Later) who helps him uncover secrets of her mother s̓ strange ability to foretell the future. They both make a chilling discovery in which earth s̓ population would be wiped out completely, making it impossible to start life again.

For the most part, the movie was very thrilling and heart pounding, giving you a similar feeling to a fi lm like Final Destination because of its visual effects. Even with suspense and tension building up until the end of Knowing, Nicolas Cage does a great job in the role of John Koestler by bringing humor when going through scene after scene of utter death.

The only disappointment I had with Knowing was towards the ending because it went from being clear and easy to understand, to just confusing, misleading, and fl at-out weird. All I could think of was what was going through the director s̓ head when he was making the ending? Why did he want the audience to come up with their own interpretation of earth s̓ destruction? Overall, please save yourself the time and money because Knowing is not worth it. Hopefully, there will be something better in the future that will redeem this type of motion picture.

The Falcon Times Is Looking For

Photographers, Artists,

And Writers...

For More Information,

Call Us At (305) 237- 1255

The Falcon Times Is Looking For

Photographers, Artists,

And Writers...

For More Information,

Call Us At (305) 237- 1255

Page 5April 1, 2009

OPINION

The Falcon Times is published by the students of Miami Dade College North Campus. Deci-

sions regarding content are made by student editors.The

opinions in this newspaper do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty,

or the student body.

Laura C. Morel Anahi CortadaGreg TorralesDaniel MasipJessica Tejeda

Editorial Board

Staff

Editor in ChiefManaging Editor

Advertising ManagerEntertainment Editor

Features Editor

11380 N.W. 27 Avenue, Room 4209

Miami, FL 33167(305) 237-1253(305) 237-1254

Fax: (305) 237-8262

For ad information, contact Greg Torrales, advertising man-

ager, at (786) 237-8414, or at gtorrales_metropolis@yahoo.

com.

Advertising Information

Manolo Barco Adviser

Letters to the Editor

The Falcon Times welcomes letters to the editor. All submis-sions should be 300 words or less and must be typed. The writ-er must sign their full name, phone number, address, stu-dent number, and e-mail ad-dress on the letter in order to be considered. Faculty and staff should include the title, department, and extension. All letters are subject to editing. Letters can be sent via e-mail to thefalcontimes@hotmail.com, with the sub-ject “letter to the editor.”

THE FALCON TIMES

Michael FinchJoanna SanchezAlex Donestevez

Cerone WhiteAkeem Mayers

Shelby ContrerasYamel Lora

Corrections

Cerone White Columnist

Why arrest someone for smoking marijuana and not a person for smoking cigarettes? This is a two-sided story. They both do the same damage to one s̓ health. If the authorities arrest people for smoking marijuana, then they should do the same for someone smoking cigarettes.

Marijuana, also known as Cannabis or ganja, is a psychoactive drug extracted from the plant Cannabis sativa.

Marijuana is a touchy subject and not many persons want to talk about it. The drug can be used for different purposes. However, people sometimes use it for the wrong reason. To every drug that is on the market, there is a good side and a bad side to it. Often times, we hear the bad side, not the good side, of products.

People have varying views on the subject. Other countries in the world have legalized marijuana, so why not the United States? The U.S. Library of Congress under an Interagency Agreement with the National Guard Bureau Counterdrug Offi ce (NGB-CD) said that

marijuana is the mind-altering substance and product of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. With certain medical exceptions, marijuana is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act and therefore is illegal.

Marijuana comes in different shapes and forms. Some strains of marijuana are Cinderella 99, Chocolate Thai, Panama Red, G-13, Kush, Northern Lights, Purple Haze, Quebec Gold, and White Window among many others.

Many people have the wrong connotation about marijuana. Based on research done, the myth is that marijuana is a gate way drug, it leads to harder drugs. The U.S. governmentʼs statistics show that more than 75 percent of all Americans who use marijuana never use harder drugs. The gateway-drug theory is derived by using blatantly-fl awed logic. Using such blatantly-fl awed logic, alcohol should be considered the gateway drug because most cocaine and heroin addicts began their drug use with beer or wine--not marijuana.

Another myth that people believe is that marijuana is addicting. Marijuana is not physically addicting. Medical studies rank marijuana as less habit forming than caffeine. The legal drugs of tobacco (nicotine) and alcohol can be as addicting as heroin or cocaine, but marijuana is one of the least habit forming substances known. Now you know the truth, so you can correct someone who you hear saying something that is not

so. When you think of smoking, you think of

cancer. However, the effects marijuana have more to do with our bodies than just getting cancer.

Smoking marijuana is the most harmful method of consumption, since the combination of inhalation of smoke from organic materials such as tobacco, wood, gasoline and cannabis can cause various health problems. Marijuana does reduce the sperm count and obstruct sperm mobility in males.

Marijuana has been shown to relieve symptoms of anorexia and reduce agitation in elderly Alzheimer s̓ patients. Research shows that marijuana (Cannabis) is confi rmed with treating spasticity, painful conditions, especially neurogenic pain, movement disorders, asthma, and glaucoma.

Jamaica is the largest producer and exporter of marijuana in the Caribbean. There is no accurate estimate of the amount of cannabis under cultivation or the number of harvests per year.

I agree with the legalization of marijuana only if the person utilizes the right way. To everything there are pros and cons. As individuals we must choose wisely and not lost judgment in what feels good. Other countries have adopted it, so why not the United States? No matter how you look at it, people are smoking it: students, police, actors/actresses, presidents, prime ministers, even professors. It is just a matter of time when it will be legal.

By Akeem Mayers

Found an error in the newspaper?Let us know.

Call us at (305) 237-1253.

Marijuana same as cigarettes

FEATURESPage 7April 1, 2009

The non-credit Judo classes offered at the North Campus pack a punch.

Enhibit number one: ohnny Rodriguez, North Campus Judo student, participated in the Abu Dhabi Pro World Trials in February in Melbourne, Fla. The Abu Dhabi Pro World Trials is a one-day Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event that was recently established by the North American Fight Association. Rodriguez left this inaugural event with a silver medal in the blue belt division of the competition.

Rodriguez feels that a huge part of his success in the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials is due to his Judo coach Jack Williams.

“I met Jack at Florida International University in 2005 when he was teaching there,” Rodriguez, 27, said. “I didn t̓ attend many of his classes while he was in FIU; so about a year and a half later I fi nally got the chance to come to North Campus to take classes, and Iʼve been here ever since.”

Rodriguez drives from his home in Kendall every week to attend self-defense classes at the North Campus because of his respect for instructor Williams, inductee of both the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1981 and the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1994.

Williams entered Judo at the age of 25. He had already established his own dojo in North Miami before he was hired to work at the North Campus. Williams was offered his position because the Police Science Department needed someone to teach self-defense. Williams is responsible for 138

national champions and has coached U.S. national championship teams a total of 10 times.

He has also served nationally on the United States National Junior committee and the United States Judo Federation site committee, as well as being vigorously involved in fi ve of the national committees for the United States Judo Incorporation.

“Everybody in the country knows Jack Williams,” Shawnee Frost, School of Justice program manager for Firearms and Defensive Tactics, said. “His 7th degree black belt is recognized in Japan.”

In 1959, Williams sought deeper instruction in Judo and became the student of Sensei Takeshita, a Japanese Judo instructor.

Williams said that once he began training with Takeshita he had to re-learn everything he knew about Judo and so much more.

While in Japan, Williams was trained in Tai-Ho-Jitsu, police arresting techniques, by the Metropolitan Police Department of Tokyo. He now teaches self-defense and police arresting techniques to the City of Miami Police Department in conjunction with the Miami Dade College School of Justice.

“Jack has his own style of Judo,” said Rodriguez. “If you go to some of the other schools here in Florida, everyone s̓ teaching the same thing.”

The self-defense program continues to prove its importance and worth through the accomplishments of its students, such as Rodriguez, and its instructors.

“We r̓e very lucky to have Jack Williams in charge of our program,” Frost said. “He donates a lot of time and effort.”

Shelby ContrerasStaff Writer

Judo program bringing in champions

FEATURESPage 8 April 1, 2009

I

FASHIONISTA...

Open up your closets, and let the summer

breeze in Jessica TejedaFeatures Editor

t feels like only yesterday we were shopping for jackets and boots. But with spring already here and summer on the horizon, it s̓ time to fi nally put away your knit cardigans and start getting your summer wardrobe together.

The advantage of living in Miami

is that for us, it s̓ summer almost every day of the year. That doesn t̓ mean us southern girls don t̓ like to follow the new trends every season; and lucky for you, Iʼve got the scoop for the new looks coming out this summer.

First things fi rst, before you go shopping for a new wardrobe, look through all your summer clothing from last year. The thing about summer clothing is that most of the materials get a worn look because they r̓e mostly made of cotton, which contains heavy dyes. Anything too worn out can be thrown out or used to wear around the house. After you set your clothes into two piles of what you want to keep and throw out, pay attention to the patterns and colors, because you want to remember what looks good on you.

Once youʼve gotten all that work out of the way, make a list of things you need for this season. Staple pieces like straw or panama hats are a must have, tank tops for layering and most importantly, bathing suits that fi t your shape. A lot of these things can be found in discount department stores, like Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross. You can fi nd a whole outfi t in Old Navy for

about $30, bright color dresses, sandals and the matching bag to go along. Also, Forever 21 has come out with a new line of bathing suits for about $20 for both pieces.

Shawntia Tookes, employee at Forever 21 in Aventura Mall, has noticed many girls buying one piece bathing suits from the new bathing suit line. Also, a lot of gladiator sandals and weaved bracelets have been popular recently. But she has her own ideas of what must-have items she wants this summer.

“I buy every summer a lot of bags and big panama hats. Like take Quicksilver, they have a lot of different bags great for the beach in a lot of colors like pink, blues, yellow, that all go great with bathing suites,” Tookes said.

So what other trends are in this season? This year, it s̓ all about looking fresh. Loose fi tted shirts, shorts and jeans are what you will be seeing everywhere. Summer is about being carefree and relaxed which should transcend to your style. It should look careless and effortless, even if it took you about three hours to put together.

For Danielle Delanuez, business administration major, her main concern is getting those accessories in an array of colors.

“I always have to buy new sandals and bikinis. Lately Iʼve seen these jelly sandals which are super cute and great for the beach. I love colors, especially hot pink,” Delanuez said.

Girls, this year we will feel like we r̓e at home this year, and by home I mean the Caribbean (depending where you r̓e from). The “it” colors for the summer are tropical colors. Lemon in specifi c will be seen everywhere, from hand bags and shoes to dresses and bathing suites. So look for these colors when shopping for your new wardrobe.

Putting your summer closet together

shouldn t̓ take much work. It s̓ all about fi nding things that fi t you, for inexpensive prices, and will make you feel great when you r̓e out in the hot South Florida sun. See you at the beach.

A Thousand Words...

By Mario Martinez

Courtesy of fl ossie.com

“Happiness always looks small while you hold it

in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once

how big and precious it is.”

- Maxim Gorky