Head Start Kids!

Head Start Miracles

            Mary Ghastin’s first year teaching at Head Start was a tough one. “I had a student who was a crack cocaine baby”, said Ghastin. “He was living with his adoptive parents when he came to Head Start with severe issues.”  For these 4 and 5-year-old miracle children, this is more than a classroom; it’s a home.

            Educational Area Supervisor Ellen Stanton said, “You would be more than welcome to visit a Head Start in the area, and the children will absolutely love it.”           

            At the East Lansing Head Start location, Mary Ghastin is the lead teacher in her 11^th year there. Ghastin said her main interest in working at Head Start is being able to help low income families get on their feet and obtain the skills their children need to be able to succeed in life. 

            “To see the children accomplish what they need to in order to be ready for kindergarten is very rewarding,” said Ghastin. “I know that I can support them in ways that they can’t be elsewhere.”

            “We have a lot of at risk children meaning they qualify for risk factors such as having a single parent or parent with no education, social and emotional issues, speech etc”, said Ghastin.

            Head Start in general is made up of mostly single parent families but the East Lansing location has a lot of children coming from international parents attending MSU for an education, Ghastin said.

            Parents always say that Head Start has helped them learn how to grow as a parent and be more successful in their lives and also their children’s lives, Ghastin said.

            Program Manager Mary Farrand places the children’s progress before all else.

            “Program educational goals reflect outcomes for all children and are measured through an observational checklist, anecdotal records, portfolio entries and a Report to Parents,” said Farrand.

            The accomplishments these children have made are recognized nationwide, according to Farrand.

            “When I had a student who was a crack cocaine baby, he had a lot of developmental and emotional issues. Once it came time to recommend him to a kindergarten or emotionally impaired special ed classroom, I referred him to a special ed class. His adoptive parents were opposed to the idea but decided to go ahead with it. Three years later, I saw the mom and she gave me a big hug because they were thankful for her recommendation. His behavior issues were almost gone.”

            Teacher Assistant Pamela George said she likes that their program offers opportunities for kids to not just start an early education, but to start their special needs programs so that they don’t get left behind and fall through the cracks.

            “When they get to kindergarten, they will have a chance to succeed,” said George.

            The difference between Head Start and a regular preschool program is that they deal with not only the children, but their families as well.

            “We provide opportunities for families to grow and learn together,” said Ghastin. “We help with their needs in order for them to become successful in their lives and with their families.”

            Head Start helps their children’s families with their finances and parenting skills. If their needs cannot be met, Head Start helps by paying for as much as they can or seeking assistance for the family. They are there for the entire family, not just the children, Ghastin said.

            George said the organization will provide the families with medical and dental care for their children if in dire need.

            “I’ve had children being abused at home and because of our Al’s Pals program dealing with social and emotional personal protection, they opened up,” said Ghastin. “Al the puppet said it was ok to talk about how they felt; therefore they wanted to. We immediately called CPS and they were removed from the home. “

            In those situations, if the children are not removed from the home, the parents are to work with CPS on parenting skills in order to keep their children, George said.

            “Parents will say their child’s behavior at home is totally different than when we see them, but it is because we give them secure and affectionate attention and at home they are just getting negative attention,” said Ghastin.

            These special children are given daily tasks when at Head Start which provide structure for them in their everyday lives. They have one or more meals per day and work on developmental skills. They learn how to problem solve and keep themselves safe. This program is crucial to children, said George.

            “It is a program that needs to stay running because there are so many needy children out there,” said Ghastin. “I think if every politician walked through one of these classrooms, they would be slapped in the face by what they saw.”

            Social work major and MSU student Alana Kingsley sees Head Start as an extraordinary program that allows children to have a second chance at living a normal life.

            “These future students have no control over what families they are born into or what disorders they may have developed or were born with and it is great that there is a program that accommodates them in the way that Head Start does,” said Kingsley.

            Society as a whole needs to be more understanding and accommodating to those who are less fortunate according to Kingsley.

            “Head Start is a great beginning to accomplishing the goals of social, academic, and economic equality for all,” Kingsley said.

Andrew Shirvell

Sabotage Against Those Who Care

            Andrew Shirvell couldn’t have been too surprised when he lost not only respect from others but also his career, according to Assistant Attorney General David Goodkin. “I’m not surprised Shirvell was fired but I don’t necessarily agree with that,” said Angela Giorgio, a sophomore at Michigan State University. After creating a derogatory blog bashing the University of Michigan student Chris Armstrong, Shirvell found himself the target of a media storm.

            Michigan Student Assembly President Chris Armstrong was said to be the first gay President at the University of Michigan according to the press. Abby Williams is an active participant in MSA at The University of Michigan and said she is in the same political party as Armstrong.

            “Chris is a motivational leader and it is clear that he is committed to making change within the student body by working hard to transform MSA that reaches out to hear students and take action,” said Williams.

            Williams said Armstrong is a personable individual that did not deserve to be targeted by Shirvell.

            “In my mind, Chris is 10 times the elected official that Shirvell could ever hope to be because Chris is working to serve the entire student body while accomplishing great things for LGBTQ students,” said Williams.

             Shirvell, who was Michigan’s Assistant Attorney General, had accused Armstrong of Nazi practices.

            “Chris handled this conflict with admirable poise by not communicating with the media. He truly was a role model because he maintained his authority and did not lower himself to Shirvell’s bullying tactics,” said Williams.

            To be publicly ridiculed for being gay by a high-ranking Michigan official is a heavy load to carry, Williams said.

            “After other LGBTQ individuals took their own lives because of the bullying, Chris felt the need to speak out so that others would know that there were people there for them,” said Williams.

            Williams said that Chris helped organize a vigil on campus in three locations during national coming out week to commemorate the individuals who took their lives. Attendees held white lights while different speakers spoke and musicians played.

            “I went to one of the vigils and it was extremely emotional,” said Williams.

             Williams said Shirvell would come to campus and wait outside MSA chamber meetings on Tuesday nights to try and speak with Chris and other MSA members until Chris filed a restraining order on him.

            With recent controversy in the Attorney General’s office, Armstrong’s story brought to light that most people are unaware of what the Attorney General’s office actually does. David Goodkin is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan.

            “There are 21 divisions right now in the Attorney General’s office and in the past there have been more but because of the government downsizing, some divisions have been merged such as mine,” said Goodkin.

            Goodkin said Shirvell was a part of the Appellate Division, which is not an expert field of the law and does not deal with criminal law or prosecutions. Goodkin agrees that citizens have common misconceptions about the Attorney General’s office and what they really do. This became apparent throughout the Shirvell case.

            He admits that most people throughout the Shirvell case assumed that all Attorney Generals are prosecutors and they are not.

            Michigan State sophomore Angela Giorgio said she didn’t agree with Shirvell’s public display but agreed with his thoughts.

            “I don’t think that Shirvell should’ve posted stuff like that on the Internet but I feel that he should be able to say what he wants,” Giorgio said. “He can tell his loved ones and friends but to post it online was a bit much.”

            As a conservative herself, Giorgio said that you shouldn’t have a homosexual in a high position such as president because it can cause biased thoughts.

            “In our controversial society, someone might not have as much respect for a gay president as they would for a straight one,” said Giorgio.

            Kristen Rogge, a sophomore at Michigan State University, understood why this massive blow up became national news.

            “ I cannot even imagine how Chris was feeling after becoming one of the top stories around Michigan,” Rogge said. “Being a college student at a big university myself, I can’t help but to wonder what I’d do in that situation.”

            Rogge said that the controversy Shirvell brought to the Attorney General’s office was completely unnecessary and no student deserves that kind of negative attention. 

RING

The Story Behind RING

            Ross Kraynak brought crafts and snacks to the MSU students involved in RING as they gathered together in the Abbott Hall cafeteria on a typical Monday night.

            RING, standing for Respecting Individuals on Neutral Grounds, is a group to support those who aren’t always supported by society like they should be according to Kraynak.

            RING is a group open to gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual students in the North Complex of MSU. Treasurer Sabrina Yap was happy to hear that outsiders felt welcomed at their meeting that evening.

            Anna Ring is a sophomore at Michigan State participating in her first year being a part of the RING program.    

            “Honestly I went to my first RING meeting because I had just broken up with someone I had dated for a long while. I wanted to meet new people and just forget about the break up for a few hours. It worked,” said Ring.

            Ring said that she is where she is sexually because of the support she has had from her family and friends. She has been able to be “out and proud” and has never had to hide anything from the people who matter most, according to Ring.

            The goal of RING is to unite LGBT students and allies on campus. They focus on diversity and equality by spreading awareness on certain issues according to Ring.

            “It’s a group where I can feel completely comfortable in and just be "me". I feel like no one will judge me for being who I am. I feel safe, there,” said Ring.

            If Ring could give one piece of advice to people coming out, it would be to tell someone who you feel really comfortable with and know will be there for you no matter what, and then go from there. “Take one step at a time”, said Ring.

            President of RING Ross Kraynak is in the beginning of his second year running the program. After observing Kraynak’s passion for the group when he made Peter Pan hats with the students just to brighten their night, his response to his favorite part of it was a tough one to come up with.

            “This year I’ve been more hands on with leadership and it has really forced me to do things I want to do otherwise as far as speaking in front of people,” said Kraynak.

            He said watching the younger members grow in their leadership skills and comfort level is very rewarding.

            “Next week is documentary night and we’re watching Red Without Blue,” said Kraynak.

            The film is about male twins who grew up with the traditional American dream. One brother comes out as gay and the other comes out as a transgender, Kraynak said. The film shows how the family adapted to the changes and accepted each other.

            “People don’t realize that we talk about everything, not just gay white males,” said Kraynak.

            The story behind Yap is one of inspiration. She is a proud bisexual female but doesn’t “shout things from the rooftop.”

            “When I realized that a person's biological sex identity wasn't necessarily a hindrance to romantic relationships for me, I told all my friends and I've told my mother, but I think she always thought and still thinks I'm joking” said Yap.

            Yap admits that if she does live a heterosexual life, she doesn’t want to make a big deal about it and would rather cross that bridge when she comes to it.

            “I never told my father, but I never tell him much of anything anyway, so it's not about concealing any specific matter,” said Yap.

            She said her friends both here and back home were aware of her sexuality.

            “I think it's important for those who are allies or queer-identified to be out if they're comfortable being so, because our presence alone lets others in our community know that they're not alone” said Yap.

            Being alone and denying a part of yourself that is really important to you is no way to live at all, Yap said.

            “I believe that if you really love someone, then the person's sex shouldn’t matter very much to you,” said Yap.

            The active RING member and supporter has such an open mind and finds it difficult to see things otherwise.

            “Maybe this is an ideal, but in a world that knows labels rather then people, it is hard enough to find real love without letting small things get in the way, and I think that we shouldn't get between people who are willing to fight society to be together,” said Yap.

            Yap said she is thankful for RING being a part of her life and helping to pave her way.           

            “I do regret that I wasn't more involved earlier because involvement opens up so many learning opportunities, and you gain so many friends that you wouldn't otherwise have,” said Yap.

            The social aspects of RING are beneficial to Yap, but school comes first, she said.

            “I figured if I were going to put an experience down on paper, then it may as well be for a cause I can truly get behind,” says Yap.

Gucci’s Lack of Appearance for Greek Philanthropy Event

             On Friday October 15^th, Gucci Mane was scheduled to perform for Sigma Nu Fraternity’s philanthropy event Hip Hop for Hope 2K10. When the rap artist failed to show up, rumors and threats spread campus wide.

            Sigma Nu Fraternity at Michigan State University is known to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of breast cancer for their chapter’s philanthropy. 

            “Our philanthropy events are things that generally anyone can participate in but at the same time have fun while doing,” said Nicholas Bucca, Sigma Nu’s Social Chairman.

            For this year’s main philanthropy event, the gentlemen were scheduled to put on a concert featuring Gucci Mane and a plethora of special guests. It was going to be hosted by Computer of Three 6 Mafia's MTV Reality Show Adventures in Hollyhood and originally held at Chandler Field in Chandler Crossings Apartments. The venue changed to Causeway Bay Hotels the night before due to weather conditions.

            The event would have raised over 3,000 dollars after all the costs were covered, but the gentlemen were obligated to refund everyone. A great number of people had previously purchased tickets expecting to attend for the great cause.

            Bucca played a large part in coordinating the event. After weeks of endless phone conversations and event planning, the fall philanthropy concert was canceled.

            The concert was unexpectedly canceled when Bucca received information that Gucci Mane had gotten himself into trouble.

            “He violated his drug probation in Atlanta, GA and was arrested and sent to a 28 day rehab period” said Bucca.

            This occurred around 8pm on Thursday October 14^th, the night before his scheduled concert at MSU.

             “He was arrested for doing cocaine” said Bucca.

            The doors were supposed to open at 6:30pm on the Friday of Michigan State’s Homecoming weekend until the fraternity was informed that Gucci Mane would be a no show. A couple of the special guests included GLC and G5 the Jett. The local special guests were Jabb Nostra and Sean Deezy of Street Marinez, and Cho City Zo. The after party was initially going to be held at Club Enso next door to Chandler Crossings.

            Promotion videos were posted weeks before the event to encourage people to purchase tickets in order to have such a successful amount of money to be raised for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  They also made their own facebook group and website to promote the show throughout campus. Homecoming weekend brings in many families and alumni whose participation would have been of great help to the gentlemen of Sigma Nu. Unfortunately this also brought many angry citizens.

            “People were being out of line by saying that they wanted to break Sigma Nu windows but we knew it was just people talking and nothing happened” said Bucca.

            Threats were made to the fraternity after the event was canceled. The blame was solely placed upon the gentlemen who put a significant amount of hard work into the evening. Luckily nothing too drastic occurred and all money is in the process of being refunded.

            Molly Youngblood a freshman at Michigan State shared her frustration and disappointment after finding out that the concert would be canceled the night of.

            “I was going to go to the concert with my three other roommates Laura, Paige, and Alexis” said Youngblood.

            She is somewhat of a Gucci Mane fan but was mainly going to attend the concert for the experience and memories with her friends. She was disappointed because she had been planning this Friday night for quite a while and wound up having no plans.

            “It didn’t really change my opinion on Gucci. It’s not like I assumed that he was a good guy or anything. There are so many rumors about why he didn’t come, I’m not even sure of the real reason so I am not too concerned about it” said Youngblood.

            She admits that she would consider seeing him again but also wasn’t only going to the concert to see Gucci Mane.

            “I wanted to see the other performers too so if there was another good line-up and it wasn’t too expensive, I would probably go” according to Youngblood.

            For more information on this hectic event or lack there of, visit ozonemag.com keyword “Gucci” or statenews.com keywords “Sigma Nu”.