The Vignette is the official student newspaper and student voice of Nassau Community College It is published throughout the fall and spring semesters
Membership is open to all NCC students. The Vignette welcomes letters to the editor as well as Opinion articles Letters should be limited to 350 words Opinions essays should be limited to 700 words Letters and Opinion pieces must be signed and contain the author’s telephone number or campus extension The newspaper will withhold names on request The editorial board reserves the right to edit stories or letters for clarity and length. Views expressed in letters and Opinion essays do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board
The Vignette accepts classified and display advertisements from campus and off-campus advertisers Publication of ads in the newspaper does not imply endorsement of products or services
Dear Readers,
I’d like to start by giving a special thanks to those who contributed to this edition, because it could not have been done without your help. I’d to also give a special thanks to all our avid readers. We do this for you as well as those who support us, Thank You
As we enter April, you can feel a shift across campus The colder days are behind us, the quad is coming back to life, and there is a new kind of energy in the air as everyone starts thinking about who to vote for during the SGA elections happening this month
However, along with that energy comes the worst leg of the semester Classes are picking up, deadlines are starting to stack, plus finals are closer than we’d like to acknowledge. It’s that time of year where everything happens at once, and it can feel overstimulating trying to keep up. It is important to stay focused. “We are second to none, and we own the finish line” - Joseph Biden
Make the most of what is left of the semester. Take those moments to recharge, and don’t forget to enjoy the few weeks on campus while it’s here.
By Jahmall Bernadel
STUDENT SUBMISSONS 4
Veterans Don’t Overlook This NCC Resource!
Many of the 179 student veterans using VA benefits at Nassau Community College are missing out on resources that can directly impact their academic and career outcomes If you are one of those vets, you need to get to know the Veterans Success on Campus (VSOC) program and its counselor for New York, Ilana Finkelman VSOC is important and should be on the front of your mind if you’re a veteran, especially if you’re attending Nassau Community College. VSOC - aims to help veterans transition and thrive in this new college setting The transition from Service member to civilian life is hard; as an Army veteran, I know firsthand the difficulties it entails From deciding whether you’re going to attend college to how to use the benefits you’ve earned, this information is important to you, and the person you need to see is Ilana Finkelman.
Finkelman has been a VSOC counselor in New York State since 2022 and is the only VSOC currently serving in the state She has a vested interest in veterans and federal experience dating back to 2010 “The VSOC job is critical because I’m physically on campus… the point is to be available for everyone,” she says. When it comes to navigating the VA system, it’s often hard to access, and the information provided to us veterans is little to none Offices are in federal buildings, with long appointment wait times, and often don’t provide good information While speaking to Finkelman, she felt what the veterans said, “Counselors are often hidden away people don’t get information ” This leaves many veterans feeling lost after leaving service. This is where Finkelman provides a bridge for student veterans. Her role is to help Veterans better understand our benefits and translate them from VA language into something we can understand She helps guide our academic and career decisions “One of the great joys is helping to educate people and cut through the red tape,” she says, which is necessary for someone to help us
I asked her which benefits Veterans often overlook She replied, “Nobody really knows about the Veteran Readiness & Employment program which helps veterans with career paths and employment, especially for those with a serviceconnected disability She said that while she conducts outreach and there is participation, eligible veterans are not getting the message. Finkelman is not just a counselor; she builds long-lasting relationships with students, who often check in with her Those who do build that relationship and engage get more out of it, she says “It’s really a true relationship I’m part of their life and their journey ” Veterans often struggle with identity after service Finkelmans' role helps make the transition to civilian life easier
As the only VSOC in New York right now, she is busy, but not too busy to understand that benefits equal money, which affects housing, food, and a veteran's ability to attend school Students can best reach her by email at Ilana Finkelman@va gov or by visiting her office on campus between 9 am and 5 pm, where she provides direct, in-person support for veterans navigating VA benefits.
The Final show of Spring
By John Toro
The theater at NCC has been a cultural icon of the college, serving and training its students in acting, dance, and technical theater; performing two shows every semester since 1965 The last show of the semester is: “All in the Timing”, a comedy based by David Ives Show dates are April 17 - 19
All in the Timing is a 1993 revival from Off-Broadway consisting of six short one-act “comedy-dramas” which focus mainly on language, wordplay, and the complications that are involved in romantic relationships
This made for college play has been popular with high schools and colleges across the U.S. A 2021 Hood College review described it as: “A highly comedic return to the stage ” A Fresno State University review said it is “frequently noted for its use of wit, intellect, and satire, often requiring actors to master absurd scenarios and precise comedic timing along with creative lighting to represent the various absurdist scenarios " Peter Fox, the Technical Director, oversees stage handling and lighting, and teaches Technical Theater as offered by the college as an Associate's Degree program “This is one of NCC’s finest theater productions to come” said Fox
The Nassau Community College Theater Program's mission focuses on developing skills in acting, dance, and technical theatre, faculty mentorship, and active production opportunities The Department of Theatre and Dance operates within the Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts division, which emphasizes fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness in its students
The theater is located at the W-Building of the campus. The NCC Theater is a “Butler Style” building (Metal structure) that houses a classroom, dance studio, and two theaters. The mainstage theater has 199 seats, and the little theater has 99 seats for smaller venues For theater info, go to: throff@ncc edu The box office is open Mon-Fri 11 am to 3 pm For credit card orders, call: (516) 572-7676 Admission is free for students
By Jared Taylor
STUDENT SUBMISSONS
NCC’s Creative Writing Club
Writing is a creative process that lets one express themself in many ways It's an art form that can be approached from multiple expressions Obviously, there's fiction and nonfiction, poetry, screenplays, and academic essays But the full scope of creative writing extends farther than you may think
The Creative Writing Club on campus is just the place to explore this world The club is full of like-minded students who are full of open minds and experimental ideas. Some students find the environment on campus to be overwhelming if they are confused and lack guidance Clubs are an excellent way to branch out and see what interests you
The Creative Writing Club is for any student with even a passing interest in writing The club was first formed in the late nineties for students to develop their writing skills. It has since developed into something larger. Serving up a mix of original writing prompts and a workshop among peers to assist in critiquing each other's work
The club can help students interested in story writing, publishing, and editing to get their first taste of the world beyond just school. If you find it useful, the club can be a great stepping-stone into the world, where people can look back on your career and see your start
To Join: No hard requirements or intense responsibilities are required from you As a member for the past year and now serving as president, I invite you to check us out We meet during club hour, 11:30-12:45 On Tuesdays, you can find us in Bradley Hall, room 205 If that time doesn't work, on Thursdays we switch locations to the G building, room 149
Looking for a job? Participate in the Job Fair
By Brian Cole
More than 80 employers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations will be offering students and alumni the chance to discover full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment opportunities across a wide range of professions when Nassau Community College hosts this year's Job Fair on Thursday, April 23, from 9:30 a m to 12:30 p m in the College Center Building
Organized by NCC’s Career & Transfer Counseling Services (CTC), the event provides job seekers with face-to-face access to hiring representatives, allowing for open discussions on available positions, job expectations, and career development Event organizer Professor Laurie Joseph said, “We want you guys to succeed and shine. We want you to be confident and feel like you can do this... we all have a common goal. The common goal is educational and career success.” The fair is o ll d d l i fully demonstrating an ongoing commitment to supporting career development.
Employers participating in this event represent a wide range of fields, including business, healthcare, technology, public service, education, retail, and community and non-profit organizations This wide spectrum of professions ensures attendees can find relevant opportunities and serves as a networking hub, allowing them to connect with a variety of employers
In preparation for this event, Professor Joseph recommends attendees should dress professionally and be prepared with multiple copies of their resume, which can be printed on campus at the A. Holly Patterson Library, located on the east campus. Additionally, Professor Joseph stressed the importance of attendees doing research on employment opportunities that they are interested in and preparing an introduction of themselves to articulate their career goals and personality.
CTC offers resume reviewing services, including one-on-one reviewing as well as a resume clinic on April 21st from 5:45 pm to 6:30 pm in the CCB building For additional support services to aid students in their job search, as well as the full list of participating employers, contact Professor Laurie Joseph at Laurie Joseph@ncc edu
Students are strongly encouraged by the Office of Student Professional Development to attend this event, as these employers are eager to meet NCC talent The Job Fair is a major gateway for students and alumni looking to launch or advance their careers
By Kristina Higgins
STUDENT SUBMISSONS
SGA: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
This article is not indended to endorse any candidate and solely aims to provide information for readers.
Our Student Government Association is holding its annual elections this month
We wanted to know what inspires students to represent our school. And, well, us.
Each Spring, students are invited to participate in this democratic process as their aspiring representatives campaign, address the public, and put roles to a vote
With thousands enrolled each semester and less than 20 total positions, most NCC students never take on this responsibility But for those who have, a sense of duty is often felt before the votes are even cast
“From my time in SGA, elections weren’t just about winning votes. They were about earning trust.” Rajiv Vakani, who served as secretary from 2024-2025, understood the gravity of being on the executive board from the start “The process pushes you to think about what students actually need and whether you’re willing to take responsibility for representing that.” Vakani now studies Nutrition and Dietetics at NYU, but his peer-oriented ideals remain in good company at NCC
“I want to bring awareness to students and see them succeed ” Armando Martinez, a student aide and host at WHPC, wants to “be the support system the students didn't know they had.” Appointed to academic senate chair mid-semester, he now hopes to serve the same position for a full academic year While one might expect him to center his re-election around his familiarity with the role, the sum of his lived experiences serve as his inspiration to be a member of student government
“I come from Hempstead, which has a ‘bad rep’ already I’m a Latino I’ve been out of school for more than 10 years, and I’m coming back,” Martinez explains, “I have a 3 14 GPA, but this semester, I’m trying to keep that if not increase that ” Along with being a returning student, Martinez works at the Center for Education and Retention Counseling through the Federal Work Study Program, so he understands the financial hardships faced by many on campus.
“I’ve learned many tools to succeed already, and I want to at least help students ” He goes on to describe what resources, whether educational or financial, he has become aware of during his time as a student, a student aide, and a student leader. “If (more students) were aware of the vast opportunities…that would mean the world to them.”
A current SGA senator, Abdurrab Anwari, is running for treasurer this year He notes the importance of making sure “every single dollar is used in a way that truly benefits all students”, whether it goes towards clubs, facilities, or affordable food options. “Our campus needs real, visible improvements.”
Like Martinez, Anwari also sees student leadership as a means of aiding his peers “As I became more involved in SGA, I started to better understand campus issues and how many students are unaware of the resources and opportunities available to them. I realized that a lack of information can lead to a lack of participation, which limits student voices ” The importance of having a voice is something Anwari expresses as personal to his own journey; having moved to the United States from Afghanistan about two years ago, he describes his experience as one that shaped how he sees community, opportunity, and access to information
“SGA is the voice of all students Serving as a Senator has taught me a great deal about school policies and how to communicate effectively with students and faculty It has shown me how student voices can influence decisions at NCC and even at the SUNY level.” And overall, giving that power to the voices of the students seems to be the ultimate driving force
“To me, leadership is not about holding a title,” Anwari concludes “It’s about making sure every student feels heard, included, and supported.”
The SGA Candidate Forum will be hosted on Monday, April 6 from 3:30-4:30 PM in the CCB glass atrium Candidates will meet students, answer questions, and communicate their platforms Voting will then take place by electronic ballot starting on April 8, closing on April 9 at 11:59 PM.
By John Toro
STUDENT SUBMISSONS
Stay Close, Go Far
On Friday, May 22, the graduating class of Nassau Community College will show the crowd the loudest “Lion’s Roar” than any other concert or hockey event ever held at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum The commencement ceremony will start promptly at 7:00 pm, where family and friends can view their loved ones officially leave the lion’s den
This two-hour event has been held regularly at the Coliseum since 2017 The graduate names will be announced at the ceremony and televised on a four-sided Jumbotron above the arena The keynote speaker has not been announced yet Still, last year's speaker was Ray Tejada, Senior VP at iHeartMedia, to inspire graduates with a message about the "remarkable opportunities that await them" Former commencement speakers include Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Each graduate candidate will receive six tickets through Ticketmaster for their guests to attend the ceremony Seating is on a general admission, first-come, first-served basis NCC candidates of August and December 2025 are permitted to attend the graduation ceremony Graduates are expected at 5:30 pm in regalia with their student I.D. to be allowed entry. Guests viewing the graduation are also allowed entry at the same time. Graduating students with any inquiries can email: commencement@ncc edu Guests with questions regarding the rules and regulations of prohibited items at the Nassau Colosseum should contact Guest Services at guestservives@nassaucoliseum com or call (516) 654-8203 for assistance, with support available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
Notable Alumni include actor/comedian Billy Crystal and professional basketball hall of famer A J Wynder Other famous attendees include actors Eddie Murphy and Steve Buscemi Nassau Community College offers to transform lives by providing high-quality, affordable, and equitable education, preparing students for success in their careers, further education, and as contributing members of the community The college focuses on student persistence and empowerment. The Coliseum is located at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY 11553.
By Lynnda Nadien
FEATURES
Welcome To Lion Tales!
Dr Lynnda Nadien ‘87 serves as the Parliamentarian of the Nassau Community College Alumni Association Her work includes assisting the President for the good of the order and providing alumni with services post-graduation. Dr. Nadien is a community volunteer at our on-campus radio station, 90.3 WHPC as the host of Lion Tales, a radio show that highlights the best and the brightest who have graduated from Nassau Community College!
Dr Nadien interviews successful alumni who began their careers as students at NCC She has interviewed Steve Bandrowczak, former CEO of HP/Xerox, Brimstone of the WWE, including several of our distinguished alumni and faculty: Cassandra Mehu, Dr Franz Dorsainvil, Joanne Sorgie, Roxana Velardi, Maria Monteiro, and Christopher Field just to name a few!
90 3 WHPC just won the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System award for Best Community College Radio Station in the nation at an awards ceremony held on February 21, 2026, in New York City! Dr Nadien has produced and recorded more than one hundred shows, and you can listen to them all by downloading the new WHPC app and clicking the podcast link If you or someone you know is an Alum and would like to share their ‘tale’, email her at profnadien@gmail com We salute all our distinguished alums and thank them for participating and inspiring all students and faculty! Go Lions!!
Running on Empty
By Jared Taylor
Tragedy strikes as soon as I wake up My brain is burning in pain as I move around my home, screaming at me to give in Looking at the clock gives me the surge of energy to fight back and escape the vice of safety that my home provides
Inside my car, waiting in traffic, provides a sense of calm. Crimson lights shine in my eyes, which suggests to me it's safe to relax. I look around to see the other drivers too focused in their own world. For a moment, I give in. My mind is at ease as the pain has gone, so far...far...away… HONK!
I’m back, and so is the pain I must pretend that I have not succumbed to my urges and drive onward Driving to my job, a place where people will see I feel eyes looking at me For hours and hours, someone is always looking Finally, it's time to go
The race is on. To go as fast as I can, brushing past my coworkers. Weaving through traffic, with each car I pass giving me a honk. Nothing else matters. I can finally give in. Bashing my door open, I don't even care to get changed. My brain is at peace, and the pain will be gone. For at least eight hours, as I peacefully sleep
The Purr
By Jared Taylor
When I rest my hand upon you, I feel a soft rumbling, As if a powerful machine has been brought to life, Hearing your expression of love, as if you were whispering, Feeling as if my hand was over a fire in winter, Knowing that I had found comfort after a long day of stress.
