Outsourcing

STAFF EDITORIAL

JOSEPH SHARKEY / SPECIAL TO THE GUARDSMAN

The era of the global economy is upon us. While a few corporate shareholders make millions off unregulated free trade, the core of America, the workers, have seen their livelihoods outsourced to developing countries. While this is considered an “irreversible mega-trend,” it does not mean that the U.S. workforce has no future.

Offshore outsourcing is a self-perpetuating trend. As one company is able to cut costs sending work overseas, other companies follow suit.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 4,000 American jobs were lost to offshore outsourcing in the first three months of 2004.

One solution might be to restrict outsourcing, protecting jobs that have not been lost. This argument is based on the premise that U.S. workers are more deserving of jobs than overseas workers and that protecting these jobs would not harm the United States economically. Neither is true.

To protect an outdated economic path because society refuses to adapt is harmful and unrealistic. The solution is to invest in education and preserve a tradition of innovation.

Without compromising American quality of life, the United States has to lead the way in industry and technology. Strong education will create an innovative and cutting edge society capable of leading the global market. Our future is not in the factories but in the classrooms.

Making Major Changes

BY DAVIDE GUALANDI
Contributing Writer

I re-embraced my school career after 10 years of “9 to 5” and still, I have no idea what I want to do when I grow up.

Now that I perceive school as a fascinating container of knowledge and wisdom, I float in college catalogs considering a different major with the same frequency I change my veggie burger brand. How many times will I switch between a handful of paths that lead to different dreams, careers and lifestyles?

I think about that friend of mine who got his degree in Film Studies and now flips burgers at McDonalds or that other guy who hated his degree in Computer Science so much that he went to Alaska to live in a tent and work seasonally on a fishing boat.

“Leave me alone,” I would say, I just want to learn what I like. Stop reminding me that I’m supposed to stay updated with all those bulletins, business journals and statistical data about what kind of professionals are the most wanted nowadays. Whether I am meant for true success or flipping burgers, I pretty much enjoy going to school. Worst case scenario, I will join all the smart kids who populate San Francisco: white or blue collars by day and artists, writers and photographers by night, no matter what kind of degree they framed. Hopefully their mums are proud of them no matter what.

I’m switching back to “undeclared”, ready to explore and experiment, favoring per-sonal fulfillment to training explicitly for one career. They say money is a concept, don’t they?

Maybe I’ll major in business and start a counseling company to help students choose their major. I’ll start advertising now. I could be rich.

e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com

Recognizing Depression

BY STEVE MOWLES
Editor

COURTESY / KRT CAMPUS

As City College students struggle balancing personal lives with schoolwork and meeting financial needs, some may be also wrestling with depression without ever noticing the problem.
According to the National Mental Health Association, one in 10 college students suffer from depression and those numbers are on the rise. Symptoms may include lack of self-worth, changes in sleep habits or appetite, frequent use of alcohol and/or drugs, loss of energy, recurrent thoughts of suicide, and feelings of isolation, hopelessness, or apathy.

City College counselor Ariane Eroy says the causes are many and varied. One reason is the breakdown of support systems. “Some [people] are estranged from their families without support from their community or society,” she said.

Eroy believes students here are very motivated, sincere and hard working, but some are without resources. “Working full time and going to school full time creates stress and anxiety, [and] long periods of anxiety creates depression. Put one stress on top of another and eventually the house collapses,” she said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, the first step is to seek support. Seek help from a friend, a spiritual community or a professional. The Health Center at City College offers counseling for registered students.

Some consider depression a sign of weakness or something that happens to somebody else. Carl Jung advised us: “Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, 'Something is out of tune.’” Don’t let depression rob you of your dreams and aspirations, when help is available to anyone who asks.

e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com

COMING IN

Faculty Poll

Do you think City College should be on a year-round quarter system?

Yes: 40%

No: 60%

“No, I think we should have a two week downtime in between the semesters. It allows everyone to catch their breath, not just teachers but everyone who works here. I think people here give 100 percent and more; without a break they would fry.”
Robert McAteer, photography

“Yes, it’s a good idea for students but not for teachers because they would have to work year–round. It would work if we gave teachers the option to work two of the three semesters.”
Sharon Seymour, ESL

ON THE RECORD

Do you wait until the last minute to study?

Carmen Mau

"Yes, because last minute studying helps me work harder."

Shenny Yu

"No, for personal reasons … I need time to go over my notes, book materials, and make a study guide."

Luis Contrera

"Yes, I work full time and get less sleep."

Zoe Williams

"Yes, I’m a procrastinator … but I'm working on it. However, I haven't had anything to study for this semester."

Gerald Pitcher

"Yes, I work too much and I want to get as much sleep as possible."

Geoffroy Raby

"Depends on which class. If I'm good in the class, I don't study. If I'm having trouble, I study early."