THE FALCON TIMESMARCH 4, 2009

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS SINCE 1961

VOLUME 46, ISSUE 11THEFALCONTIMES@HOTMAIL.COM

Page 8

News

Page 4

Features

Page 2

Rebeka SilvaStaff Writer

Entertainment

GO TO MIFF, PAGE 5

WWW.MDC.EDU/NORTH/FALCONTIMES

An electronic marquee was installed at the main entrance of the North Campus Feb. 11 which was funded through Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) Funds.

PECO is a State Operated Program that funds MDC for new construction, renovation and remodeling, like the building of the pool.

“It is similar to the one that is already installed at the Kendall Campus,” said Cristina Mateo, dean of administration, who handled preparations for the installment of the marquee.

The electronic marquee has the capacity to display video and text information.

It is used to promote academic programs, special events and activities going on at the North Campus.

“Any services available to students like registration periods, and everything that promotes MDC and what we do for the community at large will be advertised on the marquee,” said Mateo.

The marquee is only used for dissemination of

A new welcome to college groundsMDC related information; no other advertisement of any kind will be displayed.

With the marquee being electronically run, questions about its electronic consumption arose.

“It is a new technology,” said Mateo. “So it does not consume as much electricity as old technology equipment.”

The marquee uses high-end software that enables the Media Services department to send information via the college network to the marquee.

More information on the amount of consumption of electricity could not be disclosed by Mateo at this time.

Despite the fact that it was built to keep students informed of events and activities, some students do not seem to notice it too much.

“I haven t̓ paid much attention to it so it doesn t̓ make a difference for me,” said biology major Daniel Cabrera. “I think it s̓ a waste… where did the money come from?”

Nursing major Monique Pierre said she only notices the scoreboard during the evening.

“If it wasn t̓ for my night classes I wouldn t̓ notice it,” she said. “During my afternoon classes, it is invisible to me.”

Monique Dos AnjosStaff Writer

The Miami International Film Festival [MIFF], presented by Miami Dade College, is back with 137 fi lms from more than 40 countries.

The 10-day festival, spanning from March 6-15, will kick-off with “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” directed by Matt Tyrnauer, a special correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, and ends with a

bang with David Burman s̓ “Empty Nest.” “With the 26th edition of the MIFF, Iʼm

looking forward to building on the great successes of its fi rst quarter-century,” fi rst-year MIFF director Tiziana Finzi said in a press release. “So that we can chart a course for the next 25 years that will expand the art of fi lm to new audiences and, more importantly, expand the role of fi lm as an educational tool.”

More than 75,000 people attended last year s̓ festival. Students and senior citizens pay $7; the general public pays $12 and Miami Film Society members pay $10.

A key attraction to the festival is the “REEL Education Seminars,” which are taught by producers and directors working in the fi lm industry. Admission for students is $10.

“The fi lms are made by fi lm students,” said Hector Martinez, a fi lm production major who also plans on attending the “Florida Film Scene” and “Current Trends in Indie Film Financing” seminars. “It s̓ always good to see their view on life; they are able to project their feelings through fi lm.”

At the MIFF, people of all ages and

ethnic backgrounds are able to connect with directors and fi lms, no matter the language.

“It s̓ a universal language,” said Hector Martinez, a fi lm production major who also plans on attending the “Florida Film Scene” and “Current Trends in Indie Film Financing” seminars. “We end up reading subtitles, but it s̓ the images that we understand.”

That thinking goes hand in hand with MIFF s̓ mission to bridge cultural

Students attend rally Feb. 25. Friday The 13th: Death to a horror icon. Professor retires in April 2010.

Christina Freiria/Falcon Staff

Miami International Film Festival is back

NEWSPage 2 March 4, 2009

Cerone WhiteStaff Writer

Ranked third in the nation and second in the state, the Miami Dade College men s̓ basketball team is poised to make some noise at the Florida Community College Athletic Association State Championships.

The Sharks (26-2) are undefeated in conference play (12-0) and will take on Gulf Coast Community College on Thursday, March 5 at 3 p.m. in Marianna, Florida to kick-off tournament play.

“I am so proud of the effort and dedication these young men have shown,”said Coach Matthew Eisele.

The Sharks have a (26-2) record, and an The team top players are: William Coleman (F), James Beatty (PG), Rico Pickett (PG), Darnell Dodson (F), Trevor Mbakwe (F), and Dwan McMillan (PG), who are ranked in the top 25 of the region.

“This is the best team weʼve had since Iʼve been here by far,” said Eisele in an interview with FOX Sports.

“My athletic director, who s̓ been here for more than 30 years, said it s̓ one of the best teams weʼve ever had.”

The road has not been easy for Eisele. When he took over in 2007, many were skeptic of the team.

“Yes, there was doubt, as he is the youngest head coach of any college basketball team in the country,” said

Director of Athletics James W. Cox. “But he has proven he can do the job and he disciplines the student-athletes as well and does not give in one bit.”

Coach Eisele credits the success of the team so far by the players and the coaching staff.

“William Coleman and Darnell Dodsen signed with the University of Memphis, Trevor Mbakwe signed with the University of Minnesota, and Sharod Minus signed with the University of South Carolina Upstate,” said Eisele.

Players are required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA, but the athletics program also strives for the student athletes to at least have a 2.8 GPA on all their course work.

“We have almost 30% of our

student-athletes that have an overall GPA of 3.00 and higher,” Cox said. This season, the Sharks had the best start in the school̓ s history (11-0). It s̓ also the fi rst time MDC has been ranked second in the state of Florida, and they achieved their highest ranking in the National Junior College Athletic Association polls (they are currently third in the nation).

In addition, eight of their players will sign division one scholarships. But fi rst they must take care of business at the state tournament. The Sharks are confi dent they will do well. “It is a great honor to be the leader of this team,” Eisele said. “I am so proud of the effort and dedication these young men have shown.”

Joanna SanchezStaff Writer

The North Campus Student Government Association attended Walk for Autism to show their support for America s̓ fastest-growing developmental disability Feb. 22 at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne.

This is the fi rst year SGA attended Walk for Autism, organized by Autism Speaks. SGA helped raise awareness by passing out pamphlets at the Autism Speaks Information tent and volunteering at the bounce house. Along with more than 12,000 people, SGA walked three miles around Crandon Park s̓ sandy beach and natural habitats.

“I enjoy the events that don t̓ just include the school, but include supporting the people in the community,” said Heather Osorio, an SGA senator.

Autism Speaks has held the Walk for Autism for four years. Walk for Autism helps raise money for those who struggle with autism spectrum disorders and their families. “We want to promote anything we feel is a good cause, these kids need

help and others need to be informed on this disorder so they can help,” said Betsy Godly-Rosado, an SGA parliamentarian.

Autism is a disorder affecting a child s̓ communication and social skills. America is still struggling to fi nd a medical detection or cure for autism.

“I wasn t̓ aware of what autism was until this event,” said Laury Wong, an SGA senator. “This motivated me to get more involved in these events.”

Nicole Kojkowski, the Science Ambassador at UM for Autism Speaks, said many Americans are puzzled as to why autism occurs because every child has a unique case.

“The numbers are growing everyday and it is important for everyone to understand how prevalent the disorder is and how we need to fi nd a cure for our future children,” said Kojkowski.

Whether a child falls under the low or high spectrum of autism, they will always have trouble communicating, socializing, and suffer from repetitive behavior. The higher end of the autism spectrum is called Asperger, but the children who suffer from

this form of autism are more functional to attend college and have a job. Those landing on the lower end of the spectrum will never be able to communicate with others or have a relationship, and may even have dangerous behavior.

“Before Autism Speaks, there wasn t̓ an organization focused on research, advocacy, and family service,” said

Roithmayr.Autism Speaks is the nation s̓ top fund

raiser for autism research in genetics/environmental, biology, diagnosis, and treatment.

“It feels good to learn about issues affecting real people and to be able to pass the message on to others,” said Delmy Fernandez, a veterinary major.

Savanna Stiff &Yamel LoraWolfson Bureau

More than 300 students from all eight Miami Dade College (MDC) campuses converged on the Wolfson Campus last month during a rally to show support for House Bill 787 and Senate Bill 1576, measures that propose counties fund their local community colleges through a special sales tax.

During the rally, which took place Feb. 25, students thanked Senator Alex Villalobos, who is sponsoring Senate Bill 1576, and State Representative Juan Zapata, who is sponsoring House Bill 787, for backing the bills. Some students waved homemade cardboard signs touting the bills while other chanted: “MDC, MDC, MDC.”

“Miami Dade College opened its doors for me” Senator Villalobos, an MDC alumnus, said to the cheering crowd. “Iʼll tell you what you can do to help, and it s̓ to invest in your education, in your future.”

Advocates of the bills said the move is urgently necessary due to the current economic depression, which has put a squeeze on community college funding. In the past year, MDC has lost $21 million in budget cuts, all while seeing a spike

in enrollment, resulting in about 12,000 students having to attend college without state funding.

On a message posted on the MDC website, college president Eduardo J. Padrón expressed this serious message: “The only way we will be able to endure the severe budget cuts is by allowing our community to demonstrate its support for the College.”

If the bills are passed, it would create a half-cent sales tax that could provide MDC

with an estimated additional $175 million a year for fi ve years.

This past November, voters state-wide decided against similar actions when they voted against Amendment 8, a proposal that would have given the community the option of supporting their local community colleges. In order for Amendment 8 to have passed, 60 percent of Florida voters needed to vote in favor of it. The measure received only a 43.5 approval state-wide; Miami-Dade County voters were the only

ones to approve the measure with a 61 percent approval. But despite that Senator Villalobos is optimistic.

“I believe people are tired of paying taxes but I don t̓ believe people are tired of investing in their communities,” Senator Villalobos said to students during the rally in downtown Miami.

Student leaders at the rally urged their peers to speak up: “We need to have our voices heard in every way, e-mails, calls, everything possible” said Wolfson Campus Student Government President, Ophelia Somers.

The students in attendance at the rally echoed Somers sentiments: “It s̓ very impressive to see what we can do when we all come together” said Javier Garcia, a 19-year-old music production student at the Wolfson Campus.

Heather Osorio, a student at the North Campus added, “I think we defi nitely made an impact.”

The rally was one of several activities planned to show support for the bills. A delegation of student advocates is scheduled to visit Tallahassee to promote the local option bills in the near future.

“We as students and community members need to do all we can to help Senator Villalobos and Representative Zapata to pass this bill,” Somers added.

Joanna Sanchez/Falcon Staff

WALKING FOR A CAUSE: Nearly 12,000 people attended the Walk for Autism Feb. 22.

SGA attends three-mile walk for autism cause

Phil Roche/MDC Media RelationsSTUDENT RALLY: More than 300 students from all eight MDC campuses attended a rally Feb. 25.

MDC students want their voice heard

MDC basketball team shoots for state champions

ENTERTAINMENTPage 4 March 4, 2009

Daniel MasipMovie Review

Friday the 13th: Death to a horror icon

P icture this: the setting is Camp Crystal Lake, and there is a group of party-hungry college students getting murdered left and right. Wait, the serial killer would not happen to be Jason Voorhees, right? Well, it is and he s̓ back (unfortunately).

Director Marcus Nispel̓ s remake did nothing for this iconic horror series. At fi rst, he wanted to revamp the 1980s classic similar to what Rob Zombie did for Halloween. Instead, he basically took bits and pieces from the fi rst four original fi lms and transformed it into one unoriginal compilation.

For example, the opening scene starts off with Jason s̓ mother, Pamela Voorhees, getting beheaded by the last surviving camp counselor. Sound familiar? It should be because this is the ending to the original Friday the 13th.

Other than “copying and pasting” scenes from its predecessors, Nispel̓ s fi lm felt rushed and as if it was not planned out correctly. Friday the 13th should remind viewers of Nispel̓ s Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise.

Producer Brad Fuller told Miami Herald fi lm critic Rene Rodriguez to starting this movie right after fi nishing the Texas

Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.So, why would Nispel do such a thing?

Wouldn t̓ it have been better if he would have done an origin story for Jason Voorhees?

In this case, it would not have “killed” Nispel at all.

Aside from the director s̓ lack of originality, this movie should not be considered a true Friday the 13th motion picture. For instance, unlike the original

mindless killing machine, this updated Jason is more tactful in his assassinations. He sets up traps, corners his naïve victims for the slaughtering, and takes them back to his lair. Doesn t̓ it remind you of Leatherface, only with a hockey mask?

Not even television s̓ Jared Padalecki (Supernatural) and Amanda Righetti̓ s (The Mentalist) halfway decent acting saves this fi lm from damnation. Besides the cheap campy thrills (sex, drugs, and

violence) that any clichéd horror movie would offer, Friday the 13th is not worth the price of admission.

Due to its cinematic atrocity, this franchise is currently on life-support. If any sequels are being planned, then please, for the sake of all horror fans, pass the torch down to creative directors like John Carpenter or Wes Craven.

All in all, Friday the 13th is a 1980s reimagination that was never fulfi lled.

Courtesy of New Line Cinema

ENTERTAINMENTPage 5March 4, 2009

understanding, endorse tolerance, and encourage artistic development and excellence within a vigorous academic setting by provoking thought through fi lm.

Film production major Gabriel Rodriguez believes that a drama can change a person s̓ aspect on a topic.

“It s̓ a different way of getting culture through movies,” Rodriguez said.

This year s̓ fi lms include 40 shorts and 97 feature-length fi lms, with 22 North American premiers and 18 U.S. premiers. Seven fi rst-time fi lmmakers out of eight are in competition. Of six categories for the competition, two of them are new, including “Cutting the Edge” and “Florida Focus Student Shorts Competition.”

“Multi-culturalism for us is not an agenda, it s̓ a reality,” said Octavio Roca, chairperson of the arts and philosophy department at North Campus. “We celebrate it in the school every day.”

Finzi, who has 20 years of top international fi lm festival programming and coordination experience, agrees.

“I created a program devoted to a different kind of audience,” Finzi said via e-mail, “but maybe the students will fi nd a preferential way that is their life, their love, their passion and their music.”

This year, Finzi will introduce historical and contemporary cinema, as well as discussions about global issues and how it affects the fi lm industry.

“There are many fi lms coming from all over the world that are talking about the normal life of teenagers and young people,” Finzi said. “You can fi nd all over the world the same style to be and to live… and I hope that with this program they can fi nd the fi lms to be personal.”

For more information about the MIFF, call (305) 405-MIFF or visit www.miamifi lmfestival.com.

FROM MIFF, FRONT PAGE

Courtesy of Media Relations

‘Immerse Yourself’ in this year’s festival

Page 6 March 4, 2009OPINION

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

Christina FreiriaMonique Dos Anjos

Rebeka SilvaJoanna SanchezCerone WhiteBrenda Presil

Danyelle CarterJeanette Davila

Corrections

Found an error in the newspaper? Call us at (305)

237-1253 to let us know.

ften times in oneʼs own perspective, it

Cerone WhiteStaff Writer

Ois a waste of time and money to take a course that has no relevance to oneʼs own degree/major. Some students are naive about the entire ordeal, but they shouldnʼt be.I have a varying outlook on this issue; however, with careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that it does make sense. As students, we only look in one direction, which is why we miss out on other things in life because we are narrow minded. You shouldnʼt deter from a class because the course work does not relate to your degree in any way. We are at an educational institution, so why not get educated?

“The more you know, the better off you are,” said Sandra Martinez, head of Academic Advisement. Taking courses that are not relevant to oneʼs degree is actually benefi cial than one might think. In todayʼs society,

employers are looking for individuals with a well-grounded background. They want the people they hire to be versatile. What better place to start than in college. There is a misconception that students have because they donʼt think education comes in different forms. When students are not well informed, they are vulnerable and ignorant, and they make stupid choices. Education often times comes in the most unexpected methods, and it up for us to accept it. “It is necessary to take courses that do not correlate to your degree, because it will help students,” said Nancy Jean-Pierre, a nursing major. “I didnʼt like mathematics but when I graduated I saw the reason why I needed it.”One might be wondering who makes up these required courses? Well, for sure it is not Miami Dade College. The school has to follow a curriculum guide that is constituted by the Department of Education which is backed up by the state of Florida. “Coming to college is the wrong avenue to get a job,” Martinez said. “It is to get an education.”Some might disagree with Martinez, but it is entirely true. In order to get a job its ̓all up to that person, their success depends on themselves. It is all about the drive and passion that will make them land that job. It takes skills to land that job, it takes skills to put a resume together, and it takes a required skill and etiquette to know how to present yourself

at an interview. Skill is what an individual needs. Donʼt confuse education with skills. Skill is doing something physically while education is receiving knowledge on how to perform that skill exceptionally well. So, therefore receiving an education will not automatically land that job you are looking forBeing a well-rounded person is crucial to an individualʼs health and intellectual capacity. It broadens that personʼs mind and makes them think outside the box. In todayʼs society, we have to know more than our previous generation. Taking courses that are not inclined to your degree helps one to appreciate other careers.“At fi rst I didnʼt think that philosophy was necessary, but now that I have taken the class I am more appreciative of it,” said chemistry major Mariajose Ortega.

One might disagree with me. They might say itʼs going to take up time and they might have to graduate later than they expected. If that student fails the class, their GPA will decrease and they will be graduating later than expected.

So my advice to those of you who are in a class like this right now is just to do the best that you can because if you donʼt, your career will be in jeopardy. Nothing should come in the way of you and your career. Just think of that class as a stepping stone in order to get to your goal in life.

What Do You Think?

What is it like taking classes that don’t relate to your major?

Photos and interviews by Jeanette Davila

“On the contrary I believe it is a good source to obtain more knowledge.. Maybe in the future you can obtain

something out of it.”

Barbara Arrieta, 18Mid-Wife Nursing Major

Nelson Feliz, 18Music Production Major

“It’s a waste of time we already went through that in high school. Classes

should relate to our major conclusion.”

“I think it will delay my classes. It will not matter or help me with my regular classes. Also, it’s a waste of money.”

Arelys Eng-Fernandez, 18Nursing Major

By Brenda Presil

Is taking unrelated courses to your major useless?

FEATURESPage 8 March 4, 2009

Danyelle CarterFashion Critic

T

FASHIONISTA...

Jessica TejedaFeatures Editor

Night was approaching as Robert Moorman attempted to take his plane up in the air after several engine malfunctions.He was able to get the plane over the Everglades until he heard a strange noise. The plane was giving up on him. He made an abrupt landing.

He walked three miles battling mosquitoes until he reached a place where he could make the phone calls.

The next morning, Moorman and police offi cers went to pick up the plane or what was left of it. What he saw shocked and disturbed him: his plane had bullet holes engraved everywhere.

“I rebuilt the plane afterwards, and it fl ew better than ever,” Moorman said.

Moorman, professor of social science at the North Campus not only dedicates his time to his students in school, but has a passion for aviation, martial arts and spending time with his brothers and sisters in the Bear Society, part of the Eastern Cherokee nation.

Moorman is a 1961 graduate of Hialeah High School. Originally from Indiana, he moved to South Florida during WWII for work. His father, a sheet metal smith, worked for Pan America.

“The things my father was able to create with his hands were amazing, he was talented and great at what he did. I guess you could say my interest in aviation came from him,” Moorman said.

Growing up, Moorman didnʼt have so many of the same interests as his classmates.

“While my friends were interested in cars, after school I would go to the hobby shop and buy model airplanes and sit in my room building planes,” Moorman said.

Eventually his interest in building model airplanes led him to build real ones.Other than building planes, Moorman was interested in fl ying them and eventually received his private fl ying license, and also is a licensed Ultra Light Flight Instructor Examiner.

In 1961 he enlisted in the Marines and was sent to Paris Island, South Carolina, for intense training.

After fi nishing his training, Moorman was sent to the U.S. Naval Communication Training Center in Pensacola, Fla. There he learned crypto codes and was made special radio operator, or what he referred to as “radio intelligence.”

After he was honorably discharged from

the Marines in 1966, Moorman went back home to Miami and enrolled at the North Campus. One of the courses he took altered his life. Moorman never expected much out of his cultural anthropology class. He was social science major. His professor, Dr. Mercedes Sandobal, made him realize that anthropology was what he wanted to study.

She was infl uential and inspirational to him and from that point on his major changed to anthropology and he pursued his studies with much enthusiasm. He later went to study at a university in Mexico and received his degrees in anthropology and did his fi eld work in primate behavior.

He came back to Miami in the early 1970s and found it very diffi cult to fi nd a job with a masters degree in anthropology. With no teaching positions available, Moorman found himself pouring concrete for a few years until a teaching position became available at the North Campus.

He started in January 1975, and has taught several classes, from Spanish to psychology but mostly social science and anthropology.

“Professor Moorman is one of the most unique individuals youʼll come across, heʼs very knowledgeable and interesting and always has his studentʼs interests at heart,” said Jaquelyn Perez, assistantto the chairperson of the social science department. “He has a way with teaching,

and is dedicated to his students.”It was later in Moormanʼs life that he

discovered a new passion of his: martial arts.

“I got both my sons involved and I got tired of watching from the sidelines and went up to the instructor who is two years older than I am, and he encouraged me to participate,” Moorman said.

Since then Moorman has participated in Kendo, a full contact martial arts and Laido, the art of drawing the sword, both Japanese martial arts. He is now a second degree black belt in Kendo and instructs.

It was through martial arts that Moorman became close friends with Dr. Ernie Reynolds, who is half Cherokee Indian. Reynolds reestablished his roots with his Native American heritage and became a part of the Bear Society, a group of the eastern Cherokee nation. Reynolds became Grand Chief of the Bear society, and in 2006 decided to formally adopt Moorman as his brother.

The bear society is Cherokee-based but an inter-tribal and a warrior society. Most members have to have Native American blood unless formally adopted by a member.

“A big part of it is to preserve the culture and maintain the pride and to never let it die,” Moorman said.

In 2008, Moorman was made the chief of the Eagle Clan, which is based in Florida.

In April 2010, Moorman will be retiring after 35 years of teaching. After retirement, Moorman plans on getting back into fl ying, fi nish writing his ninth book on the Moorman family history, and hopefully travel to Asia and around the United States.

“Even though I am looking forward to my retirement, I will miss many aspects of teaching at Miami Dade and being here. My offi ce is like my second home and I love it,” Moorman said.

After so many years of teaching, Moorman has been recognized and honored with many awards. To him, none of them can compare to what he considers to be one of his greatest honors.

“Of all the awards and accolades Iʼve received, the one I am most proud of was being adopted by the Cherokees; to me, it is the highest honor,” Moorman said. “If you can make one big heap of all my honors, medals and endowments, it could never come close to the honor of being a Cherokee.”

Moormanʼs future is a fresh blank canvas to him, waiting for the next adventure in his life.

“Professor Moorman is so intelligent and patient, he really tries to work his students, and I think heʼs fair,” psychology major Shoshana Pollack said. “His class was very interesting and his lectures were great, I really enjoyed his class.”

he biggest fashion mistake that plus-sized teens make is hiding

themselves under layers of oversized, baggy clothing. The intention is to conceal their extra pounds by covering themselves up. Unfortunately, wearing baggy clothes only makes you look bigger, and it hides the shape

and fi gure that you do have. A baggy, longshirt will mask your waistline and make your body look much wider than it actually is. Layers of clothing will only add bulk to your appearance.

Here are a few tips: Get rid of those stripes! Consider horizontal stripes the enemy because they may give people a wider effect. Most bold patterns can be unfl attering because they can accentuate problem areas. For example, empire waist shirts and dresses are great because they give the illusion of a smaller waist.

If youʼve got great calves, donʼt be afraid to wear a skirt that is cut above the knee to show them off. Just because youʼre

not a size four doesnʼt mean you canʼt wear stylish outfi ts. Thicker women are on strike from black; its time to be colorful without being cautious.

“Iʼm not just my face, Iʼm not just my weight, I am every shape and every girl who has ever wished she was slimmer,” said criminal justice major Odria Biggins. ʻThe difference between me is that I know that I am fabulous, dressed up or down. Iʼm considered bigger than most but than only means Iʼm a fashion overdose.”

Youʼve probably heard that black is slimming, and while this can be true, why would you want to look like you are going to a funeral every day of your life? Just come out of mourning and glamorize your wardrobe.

A great structured jacket is a plus, and even if you don t̓ have an hourglass fi gure, itʼll give the illusion that you have one. Nothing is forbidden in plus-size fashion. We just need to get creative and fi gure out a way to make the same trends work for us.

FASHION FORWARD: Criminal justice ma-jor Odria Biggins wears a fl attering outfi t.

Danyelle Carter/Falcon Staff

FREEDOM OF FLYING: Professor Moorman fl ying over the Florida Everglades in his homebuilt airplane.

Courtesy of Robert Moorman

Moorman: Pilot, black belt, and MDC professor