Cramming to Succeed -- Is This the Only Way?

By: Tori Manuel

With midterm season in full-swing, now is the perfect time to instill new habits to make this semester a successful one. However, this is easier said than done as one of the biggest challenges to any college student is time.

Due dates and exams seem to quickly approach us out of nowhere, and an extra day, or even a few more hours, can feel like a luxury. While juggling so many responsibilities, procrastination and cramming have become regularly repeated offenses that many students fall victim to at least once.

This past year on TikTok, there has been a rising trend of students filming their struggles for viewers to relate to by documenting their “successful” cramming sessions. Whether for better or for worse, students including myself have found comfort in knowing that we are not the only ones who have put off due dates as a result of overwhelming anxiety or an overestimate of time.

Amidst this trend, TikTok creator Kay Chung, known as “@kaybchung” on the platform, has become popular for regularly recording the cram sessions she conducts for the frequent influx of exams she takes as a dental student. Along with her “day in the life” videos, the study sessions include her pulling all-nighters, chugging coffee and energy drinks, taking notes on the course material, and memorizing key details until hours before her exams. 

What has followers so intrigued is how she has been able to keep up with this routine for so long, and how it awards her with passing grades. Some followers have decided to test out what has now been deemed as the “Kay Chung study method” for themselves, to see if they can achieve similarly stellar results. However, what works for one person is never guaranteed to grant another that same success.

Ever since the trend gained traction, Kay Chung started to implement a short disclaimer at the end of her videos reminding viewers not to pull all-nighters themselves, making it clear that promoting the hectic side to her study routine was never a goal.

Besides testing anxiety and the adrenaline rush that may accompany a dwindling window for preparation, Kay Chung did share the steps to her study routine that are healthy and more likely to help students seeking to learn a variety of material.

“Before I write notes, I’ll read the lecture two to three times so I understand the flow of the material… before I start formulating it in my own words,” Kay Chung shared in a TikTok back in February this year. 

“Next, I’ll take out my notebook… Everything I don’t remember reading off my lecture slides, I immediately write in my notebook. I went over this two to three times, if I don’t remember it, that means it's something I struggle with.”

The method that Kay Chung proceeds to explain in the video is known as active recall, a strategy proven to be efficient in the memorization of information. The University of Arizona also refers to active recall as the practice of “activating your memory.” Through actions such as creating prompts or quiz questions for yourself, flashcards, or simply writing out the material by hand, these acts will make you more likely to retain learned knowledge long-term. 

Simply reading through the course material is not necessarily the most effective way that everyone retrieves information.

“Once I go in and write down everything I don’t remember, I’ll go in with my highlighter and do my own form of active recall.” Chung said. “In the line, I’ll highlight and try to remember what the next thing I wrote was. I’ll continuously do this until I get everything on the page and I understand all of it.”

She concludes her video with a summary of the rote memorization conducted so far. As the traditional learning technique entails, rote memorization is based on the repetition of information.

“This is the last step, I’ll go into another random piece of paper and write everything that I remember from rote memorization,” said Chung. “Just making sure that I remember everything that I actively recall.”

Chung repeatedly reminds us that our future selves will thank us for choosing not to cram for exams and rush to retain an influx of information in such a short period of time. Practicing this method over a reasonable course of time is key.

Whether or not this advice proves to be successful for one’s academic success, it is definitely the better alternative to endless cramming sessions. No matter what, as students, the best we can do for ourselves is choose the method that will prioritize our mental and physical health long-term as well.

Fallin' For 'Hell's Kitchen'

 By: Tori Manuel

                                  Hell's Kitchens' raving reviews outside the Shubert Theatre via Tori Manuel

With the 2024 Tony Awards season on the horizon, director Michael Greif’s production ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is stepping up with a collection of thirteen total nominations. ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is a jukebox musical loosely inspired by the life of fifteen-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys who breathed life into the music and lyricism of the show herself. According to the New York Times, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ was thirteen years in the making, and every single ounce of care and dedication is evident on stage.

“I consider this my first child,” began Alicia Keys in an interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. “Before Egypt, was ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, and now it’s coming to life. Thirteen years and now it’s really on broadway.”

The show’s story follows 17-year-old Ali’s journey to formulate her identity and chase after her creative callings as she navigates the unique energy of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen in the 90s. As she seeks to form her identity under the careful protection of her mother, we watch as both her character and relationships flourish and grow on the Shubert Theatre stage.  

At my showing, we were quickly immersed into young Ali’s world through the charismatic and spirited performance of actress Gianna Harris, filling in for Maleah Joi Moon who is currently nominated at the Tonys for Best Performance by a Leading Actress. In each spectacular rendition, Ali’s character conveys a unique sense of hunger and dynamic perspective.

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ reintroduces familiar aspects of Alicia Keys’ upbringing and steps along her path toward seizing her artistic calling in the music world and navigating her community, along with a few twists. Fictitious story beats exclusive to the musical’s narrative flow offer enhanced insight into the weight of Keys’ cultural influence and upbringing, ultimately providing a very moving experience.

A key show-stopping performance that captivated many, including myself, was by Kecia Lewis, portraying the role of Miss Liza Jane. This new character embodied a strong yet graceful energy on stage, as her piano playing captivates the attention of Ali and she soon becomes an inspiring mentor figure. In reality, Alicia Keys started playing piano at a much younger age and her teacher was Margaret Pine. 

However, Miss Liza Jane’s character instills the gift of piano playing in young Ali and commands her to own and utilize the strength as a form of expression that can never be taken away from her. Kecia Lewis’ beautiful performance of “Authors of Forever” conveyed those intentions wholeheartedly. With lyrical lines such as “My job is to prepare you to create your own future, Your job is to get ready to write your own story,” Lewis’ character cemented herself as more of a guiding light and additional maternal figure in Ali’s life, rather than only a teacher.

This show-stopper also tapped into the deeper rooted bond between Miss Liza Jane and Ali, as two Black women using the gifts they have been granted in order to make sense of the world, themselves, and to survive another day. Ali’s pain and emotional distress frequently leads her back to the piano. A montage with photos of past African American musical talents graced the stage, a fitting backdrop for the following lyrics: “We are builders, we are breakers, we are givers, we are takers and it’s alright. We are seven billion stories.”

While the musical’s story may seem grounded in the Hell’s Kitchen setting, adapting unique and familiar New York energies, in moments such as this, the story extends far beyond that and acquires a whole new meaning.

“You are an honorary New Yorker when you come to ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’ You get to just be from New York for that moment,” Alicia Keys said in an interview for CBS Sunday Morning. “You get to feel the energy of it, some of that grit, strength, and fire.”

Finding A Nest to Land In

By: Renelle Sandiford

As a college student in New York, especially when you move to the city for school, where you choose to live plays an integral role in your ‘college experience.’ Choices must be made. Are you going to stay with family? Would you rather choose student housing? Have you considered leasing an apartment? Each housing solution comes with its own pros and cons. 

After conversing with students at St. Francis College (SFC), I’ve been able to draw certain conclusions surrounding housing solutions. Many students find that staying with family is a great way to save money while in college. However, it comes at the cost of independence as many find that they must still follow their families’ rules even though they’re now adults. Contrastingly, student accommodations can give you the independence you may be looking for, but for many, the student accommodations at SFC can be pricey. Also, some students expressed frustration about the post-pandemic introduction of restrictions regarding having guests over. 

For students looking for independence, freedom, and responsibility, an alternative option is leasing an apartment. Finding quality roommates to rent with can be challenging but it makes this living solution much more affordable. For international students, however, their lack of U.S. credit history can make the rental process very arduous, leading to them needing to secure a guarantor or signing dodgy leasing agreements. 

At present, I lease an apartment with 2 roommates in Mott Haven, South Bronx. Mott Haven, named after the ironworks industrialist, Jordan L. Mott gets a bad reputation, along with the rest of South Bronx. I had my own concerns before moving here but after touring the area, witnessing the development the community was undergoing, and touring my building, most of my concerns subsided. 

Over the past year that I’ve been here, I’ve witnessed the construction of many high-rise residential complexes, the opening of new businesses, and the increased diversification of the community. With such rapid development, there is no surprise that the community is becoming so gentrified. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the concern of crime in the area. I’ve witnessed robberies, auto theft, and even had two instances where men attempted to follow me on the streets. As with any other neighborhood, it is imperative to be weary and take any necessary steps to protect oneself when in dangerous situations. 

The neighborhood also has a strong sense of community. It is quite common to see residents of the neighborhood socializing at Charlie’s Bar & Kitchen over the weekend, grabbing a coquito latte at 787 Coffee before getting some work done, or watching football and drinking beer at Hudson Smokehouse. Another prime example of community would be the local business, Bronx Native. They sell community apparel, do outreach programs, host events to strengthen bonds, raise awareness of community needs and advertise community resources. Last year also saw the introduction of ‘Bronx Tech Week.’ Being that my field of study is Information Technology, this piqued my interest. They had free panels, a hackathon, and a pitch contest to give residents the opportunity to get funding to launch their businesses. 

After living in 3 boroughs over the last three years, the conclusion that I’ve been able to draw is that home is where you make it. Mott Haven, just as any other community, has its imperfections. Although my time in the community has been limited, and is slowly drawing to a close, I appreciate it for all that it is, and all that it is becoming through the work of its passionate residents.  

Jamaican Public Frustrated as Police Officers Kill 3 People in 24 Hours

By: Renelle Sandiford

On Friday April 19th, 2024, a man identified as Charles McDonald was fatally shot and killed by officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Spanish Town, Jamaica. This brought the total number of fatal shootings by members of the police force in that area to 3 in only 24 hours. 

According to The Independent Commission of Investigations, (INDECOM) to date, they have not been informed of any body cameras issued, assigned, or used during any of the incidents mentioned. Therefore, the organization has become dependent on witness statements to assess the situation. 

This event revived similar sentiments felt when 4 Jamaicans, one of which was only 14 years old, were all killed by the police in one day during January of 2024. Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force refute claims that foul play was involved in any of these incidents. Instead, they blame gang members for being heavily armed and inciting violence. If that is actually the case, many wonder why there are rarely any body cameras in use to address and subside public concerns.

According to a report published by the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the JCF is responsible for an average of 140 deaths per year over the last decade. This is concerning as this is five times higher than the rate in South Africa, who is currently facing a similar issue.  

Police brutality is not a new issue in Jamaica. Ventrice Morgan, mostly known by her stage name Queen Ifrica, is a reggae singer from Jamaica known for her song, ‘Serve and Protect,’ where she addresses police brutality in the country. She says “Government and police, civilian and police, taxi man and police, everyone and police ah war. Who make it reach so far? It’s a while now I nuh see a squaddy in a land a par.” The song, which was released in 2009 describes the ongoing ‘war’ between Jamaica’s police force and members of the general public.

The issue of police brutality is not native to the shores of Jamaica. However, ongoing fatal incidents can make it seem as though there is no resolve in sight, worsening the public’s concern and frustrations.  

Yardie in New York City

By: Renelle Sandiford

Raheema Morris, St. Francis College (SFC) graduate and current post-graduate student at Seton Hall University, came to New York City in the Fall of 2018 with hopes of attaining an undergraduate degree. Although her journey has not been seamless, she has been able to persevere in the face of adversity. 

Being a first-generation college student, Raheema made the decision to leave her birthplace, Jamaica, to migrate to the United States in hopes of securing better work opportunities. To accomplish this, she believed pursuing higher education was her best bet. She chose St. Francis College because they were the only college in the state that she could find that did not require SAT results for enrollment, and they even offered her a scholarship. They were willing to take a chance on her, so she was willing to take a chance on them.

When asked about her favorite part of being an international student in New York, Raheema said, “I get to immerse myself in such a diverse environment with people from all walks of life.” For leisure, she enjoys shopping, discovering new restaurants and finding unique activities to partake in.

However, when questioned about the most difficult aspects of her experience, she explained that she feels homesick quite often. Since her residency in the U.S began, she has only been back home once. She also went on to describe the hardships associated with navigating the working world as a student with an F-1 VISA status. 

Despite the obstacles that she faces, she has not abandoned her aspirations. Instead, she exerts extra effort to get good grades, to get placed in leadership roles, to gain experience that will set her apart, to network, and to apply to jobs. With a BSc in Business Administration already attained, internships completed that have equipped her with adequate working experience, and the current pursuit of a MSc in Business Analytics, she is making her dreams a reality.

Although the experience as an international student can be lonely at times, Raheema was able to find solace in supportive communities at SFC. She said, “In my second year at SFC I was introduced to the Caribbean Students Association (CSA), the Black Students Union (BSU), and also met a few mentors throughout my years of college.” She credits the CSA and the BSU for connecting her with other students on campus – who share similar experiences – and mentors that have guided her decision- making with regards to her career. 

Ultimately, being an international student in “the Big Apple” is a complex experience, where the only thing that seems certain, is uncertainty. However, the experience can be made better if you’re dedicated to your goals, work hard, appreciate the good things the city has to offer and surround yourself with supportive communities. 

How Dance Effects Your Mental Health

By: Julia Porcu

Dance is an outlet for some people who like to express themselves, let loose, and exercise. 

What’s interesting about dance is that no person will ever choreograph in the same way, and sometimes not even to the same beat.

Being a dancer and dance teacher myself, I can say that I have learned various genres of dance along with different choreography styles within the same genre.

Dancing is more prevalent than one would think. People may incorporate dance into their lives professionally, competitively, in the form of a class, at parties, or for pure fun and enjoyment. 

Researchers from Web MD say that dancing offers plenty of benefits for your emotions, intelligence, and relationships. 

Dancing gives you the capability to boost self-esteem. Learning and mastering new moves can be very self-fulfilling, along with seeing yourself grow every day. 

Dancing is a good mood booster and an escape from reality. Many people dance to escape the harsh realities of day-to-day life. 

The art form allows you to get in touch with your emotions as well. A lot of people dance to something that holds meaning to them. For others it allows them to experiment with different emotions within a piece they create. 

Some of the time professional or competitive dancers have to tap into an emotion they have never felt or experienced before in order to perform a certain piece effectively. 

This is something that is also admirable about dance because as researchers from Greater Good Magazine say, it allows you to get in touch at a much deeper level with your body and feelings. 

Performing on stage for families, friends, and others can be a feeling like no other. Dancing can be a great help to you physically and mentally. 

Web MD says that dance is an effective type of exercise that raises your heart rate, works your muscles, and helps with symptoms of anxiety and depression by releasing certain chemicals in your brain. 

Dancing is something that a lot of people enjoy and use to relieve stress. It may not hurt to try it out the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed. 

Staten Island: A Tapestry of History and Transformation

By: Feeby Ebeid

After 12 years of living in Brooklyn, my family moved to Staten Island on the 1st of October, 2023. I moved just on the outskirts of the Great Kills area, where an interesting park stands. 

While looking into this park, which is less than a mile, Northwest, from where I live, I delved into this rabbit hole about the Staten Island’s dump. 

Brookfield Park was actually Brookfield Landfill and it operated from 1966 until 1980, however, it was discovered that Brookfield had illegally received hazardous materials in the 1970s. After an investigation by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), it was shut down. It was covered in tons and tons of soil and now it stands as a 5 mile trail for hiking and biking within 258 acres. 

What’s even more interesting, is just Northwest of that was what used to be the biggest landfill in the world, seen from space, before it was closed in 2001. 

What was ironically called the Fresh Kills Landfill, opened in 1948 and operated for more than five decades, serving as the primary landfill for New York City's solid waste. The landfill received millions of tons of garbage each year from the city's five boroughs. However, due to environmental concerns and community opposition, Fresh Kills Landfill was closed in 2001. Since its closure, there have been ongoing efforts to transform Fresh Kills Landfill into a public park and ecological, restoration area.

It is set to be opened in phases, through 2036. By the end, it will be almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years.

However, many Staten Islanders don’t have much trust in these parks and avoid them due to cancer risks associated with the dump that lies not deep enough beneath the grassy facade. Staten Island cancer rates are 28% higher than the New York City average and 32% higher than the statewide average. 

To not end on a depressing note, Northeast from where I live, alongside Brookfield Park, is Historic Richmond Town. It began as a Dutch settlement in the 1600s. It then became the County Government Center under the British in the 1700s until the 1900s. 

Now it is a living history village and museum complex, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and culture of Staten Island and the surrounding region. It spans over 100 acres and features more than 30 historic buildings dating from the late 17th to the early 20th century. 

Visitors can explore these buildings, which include homes, shops, farmhouses, and other structures, to learn about life in the area during different time periods. A variety of educational programs, exhibits, and events are offered.  

All in all, while I am not the biggest Staten Island fan, I can see that there is quite a lot of lore here. My neighborhood alone is both a representation of history, persevered, and a history mended.