Ann King/The Burgs
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Professor brings police experience to classroom
Brian Uhrmacher a senior Criminal Justice major enjoys the real world experience that Professor Jeffrey O'Donnell exhibits through his teaching methods. Criminal investigation, criminal procedure and community policing are the three classes offered at Point Park University taught by this unique professor.
"The personal experience that Professor O'Donnell is able to bring to the classroom from his career as a local police police officer in Findlay Township is very valuable to his success as a teacher. He is always willing to meet with his students and offer insights and advice for those who are interested in a career in law enforcement." Said Uhrmacher.
Jeffery O'Donnell always had a passion for teaching, graduating with a bachelors in secondary education from the University of Pittsburgh, O'Donnell originally hoped to teach high school and coach baseball and basketball teams. The demands of life led O'Donnell on a slightly different path. Newly married, with no teaching position in sight, O'Donnell's brother traversed him to a path of bravery and service, law enforcement. "I never expected to be involved in a career such as this, but it's been nothing but fulfilling" Said O'Donnell. Teaching never left O'Donnell's desires and both law enforcement and Point Park University have presented teaching opportunities for O'Donnell.
Having been a team member of law enforcement for fifteen years, O'Donnell has held many diverse positions. Currently O'Donnell is a part of the Findlay Township Police Department and holds the position of a police patrolman and a crime prevention specialist. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was also included in O'Donnell's repertoire, just under two years O'Donnell served in the violent crimes division of the FBI. Located in Buffalo, New York the job mainly called for responses to bank robberies that occurred every week. "Being an agent was similar to the demands of policing, we're just investigating different violations that have become federal law." States O'Donnell. Cooperation with people is a main objective of O'Donnell's career. "As police officers we do have a lot of opportunities to help people on a daily basis, but some, from the start want to create adversarial relationships." This does not stop O'Donnell's perseverance to present the duty of policing. "We don't always welcome the hard persona people sometimes attach to police officers, most of us are here to treat people like human beings, even when people make mistakes, it comes down to all of us being pretty much the same and we all have certain responsibilities that need to be taken care of." O'Donnell said. Training and teaching others is hard to avoid in a field such as this and O'Donnell was presented an opportunity of good fortune with favorable circumstances.
Linda Scott, a resident of Findlay and friend of O'Donnell knew about O'Donnell's FBI experience and her sister, Debbie Bateman, a COPA instructor at Point Park University made the connection and provided the networking for O'Donnell to reach new heights and become a Professor of Criminal Justice. "This was something I really enjoyed." Stated O'Donnell.
Anais Terry, a senior Criminal Justice major has had the experience of O'Donnell's classes and believes his real world experience he brings to the classroom offer students exclusive learning exposure. "Professor O'Donnell makes it easy to absorb a lot of info, his style of teaching is unique, he uses many different methods of learning such a study guides, quizzes, chapter outlines, and presentations, he uses real world experience from being an officer and videos as demonstrations which makes his classes memorable and interesting." Said Terry. O'Donnell's teaching is not the only quality that draws students to his persona. O'Donnell's willingness and genuine heart keeps students coming back. "His friendly attitude and his willingness to help all his students learn to their highest ability the best way he can, is what makes O'Donnell stand out from all the rest." Stated Terry.
O'Donnell encourages hands on experience for students and insists of assisting students for anything they might be interested in. "Professor O'Donnell allowed me to accompany him when the Findlay Police Department was completing their annual in-service shooting qualifications, and was willing to answer and assist with any questions or recommendation letters that I had." Uhrmacher said. The best part of O'Donnell's job is is interaction with people. "Anything I can help my students with, I write a lot of letters." O'Donnell stated. University level teaching is not the only instruction O'Donnell is involved with. The busy police officer and professor also teaches the anti-drug DARE program for elementary, middle and high school aged kids. "The most important thing to me is helping the youth before they go down a path of destruction ."
While balancing a growing family, students and the people of Pittsburgh, it is no doubt that this man has the patience, compassion, fortitude and dedication to helping others.
Male pageant to select first Mr. Point Park
Last year, Jessica Lengyel the President to the Residence Hall Association brainstormed possible programs for the 2009-2010 school years. One of those ideas became a pageant for Point Park University to attend.
This is not your ordinary pageant however, although filled with the same activities, categories and poise, this pageant is different. This is a pageant for men, or better safe to say students. The event will be held Thursday, April 8, 2010 in the Lawrence hall ballroom from 8:00-10:00p.m.
Mr. Point Park was selected by the Residence Hall Association Senate and elected by a unanimous agreement in the fall of 2009. Kristen Basel advisor to the Residence Hall Association states "the idea was a collaborative effort brought together by the executive board." Hannah Frye and executive board member seems to think Mr. Point Park would be a unique idea. "I thought Mr. Point Park was a great idea because it would first of all be funny to see guys participate in a pageant and because it was a different type of event."
The pageant will consist of four categories throughout the evening. "Mr. Point Park will consist of an opening dance including all contestants." Said Lengyel. Point Park being a highly populated dance school, might bring a well choreographed number with surprising results. Male students are expected to exude their special talents, in the talent portion of the contest. While females usually exhibit their dancing, singing and occasional baton twirl, it's a wonder what the gifted Point Park males will come up with. Being highly competitive is a mans nature and what better way to benefit then immersing a crowd with your expertise. A contestant can use the talent portion of the competition to his advantage. In the end the contestant who wins this part of the competition has a good chance of taking not the crown but cash. Casual and formal wear attire is expected and will be separately judged. Casual can be anything from the everyday wear of jeans and polos or for the more athletically inclined male. Point Park is graced by many talented athletes therefore, sports wear such as basketball shorts and track jackets are considered the casual male in this pageant. A dignified question and answer interview session will also take place that evening for contestants.
The male pageant event is new to Point Park. Megan Beavis, an executive board member of the RHA believes that this event will be fun and inspiring. Beavis stated "I thought maybe it would be a great event to get everyone involved." The turnout is hoping to be superior. "We had an anonymous agreement about this event and we hope it has a great turnout like our previous events." Said Beavis. There is even a facebook page dedicated to the lighthearted event, and many have selected the option to attend.
"Candidates signed themselves up." Frye said. However, more participants are needed for the event. Basel and event coordinators are still searching for male student body participants "Students interested can still enter, due to the low response from our initial list of candidates." Said Basel. Wondering if you have what it takes? Don't. "We are currently still looking for contestants, any male that attends Point Park is eligible. Said President Lengyel. If the pageant itself doesn't evoke your interest enough, there will be prizes distributed. 1st place winner receives a $100.00 Visa gift card, 2nd takes and $30.00 AMC gift card and even last place 3rd will take home an extensive $25.00 Itunes gift card. All participants will also receive a Mr. Point Park T-shirt. The judging will be exhibited by Dean Paylo, Sidnie Stevens and Natalie Taylor. The hosts of Mr. Point Park will be Nikki Porter and Josh Frketic.
Fashion springs Forward
Katie King is excited about the latest spring fashion trends and this year calls for a profusion of color and various styles.
"Bright colors are always fun" said King. Spring is never shy of color and always promotes a lot of daring hues. King states "It's nice to mix them up once and awhile, pinks, oranges, blues and greens."
Spring is unmistakably a pleasing time of year, especially for the fashionable. While the constraint of winter was often unbearable with cold days and chilly nights, Spring brings new color and opportunity to flaunt oneself with the trends of the season. Refreshing your wardrobe with trendy pieces and lots of color for spring 2010 is a must.
While Spring 2009 was filled with black on white prints, a touch of neon, pastels, and sequins, according to Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 that coincides with New York Fashion Week, some of the most popular colors include, turquoise, tomato, corals, violets, yellows and blues.
There are also a healthy balance of beiges, and light pinks being used as bases and backdrops to the brighter colors available. Color pairing creates trends for spring such as tomato put with turquoise for a retro look. If class is more your style, try a pink champagne, tomato and light blue for a refreshing change for the classic combination of the American colors, red, white and blue.
"The sailor look is very in right now, the red, blue and white stripes, I think that's really cute." King said.
An abundance of relentless leather pieces with pops of feather peering through are a wonderful way to blend textures and colors. Boyfriend blazers are continuing to be a wardrobe demand, the blazer is a simple way to look chic on a fresh spring day or breezy night. The oversized jacket or blazer can be worn in a variety of ways, sleeves rolled up, is the perfect culmination of calm and collected. "Leggings, dresses, and long shirts, are being seen a lot." Said King. Micro mini dresses are a great way to stay and look cool this season. High dress splits are the equvilent of the mini. Long gowns and smock dresses with high split up the side is a way to pull off sexy without the micro mini. Lace and chiffon dresses are another popular evening trend, fun and full of flirt. Knee high socks, over the knee and thigh high socks are back as a provoking trend. The privileges on how to wear them are many. From patterned to sparkly and even sporty, an extensive pair of socks can add dimensions to an outfit.
Kelly Eisel a screenwriting major said she prefers to shop at second hand places as much as possible, however, "I caved and bought cowgirl boots, I think they're just the right amount of flashy to be obnoxious." Other foot trends include gladiator style sandals and ankle boots. In Pittsburgh, there are many different varieties of discount stores. "I'm sure everyone knows about Avalon," said Eisel. Avalon is a discount exchange store located in Squirrel Hill on Forbes. Avalon features brands such as J.Crew, H&M, American Apparel, Guess, Gap, Louis Vuitton and many others. They welcome and buy modern and contemporary clothing. Buyers look at individual pieces and pick a retail price that they believe they can sell in the store. 30% of retail price is paid to the customer in cash, that day and no appointment is necessary. Via and Fluid located in the SouthSide Works have warm looks great for spring and even delving into those boisterous summertime looks. Villa downtown located near Point Park on Wood St. also has plenty of color, shoes and modest pricing.
Forever 21 is a hotspot for 2010 spring fashion and discount prices. Sasha Toro, a sophomore musical theater major is liking greens this season and goes with the flow "if I like it, I like it," says Toro. Forever 21 is holding a huge spring and clearance sale "SALE, that is my favorite word" states Toro. King agrees that Forever 21 is the place for discounts "Forever 21 from what I've seen has the most reasonably priced clothing and accessories" Says King.
Striking up a new chord
Matthew Coleman and undeclared freshman at Point Park has had a passion for music that started in fourth grade when he picked up his first instrument, the trombone. During his sophomore year of high school, Coleman made the decision to learn to play the guitar. "Trombone took a backseat to my guitar and now I dont even play the trombone anymore, all my energy is focused on the guitar." It was Coleman's desire for music that led him to endeavor ways to start a music organization at Point Park University.
Coleman is on a mission to seek out ten members who have the same dedication to music. "I envisioned the organization as a place for musicians to come and meet each other on the basis of a common interest." said Coleman. To start the organization Coleman is inquiring for all types of musically inclined individuals, including singers, dj's, instrument players and aspiring managers of the music world. "I am looking for people who play music, and that includes all kinds of musicians." Coleman stated.
The guitar not only helped Coleman's admiration for music thicken, it opened many new doors to how he presented himself and his music. "My guitar has helped me to come out of my shell." Coleman learned through his music how play in front of people and crowds, a major step for any musician. Coleman said "I would play in front of people at school organizations like masses and pep rallies." Coleman says the main objective in starting a music organization is to help other musicians come together and be able to provide and share their talents with others, as he learned. "I'm not in a band right now and wish I was, I'm always looking for other musicians but it's hard to find them."
For Coleman, getting the word out about this organization has been no easy task. To find out about how to start the music organization Coleman emailed JW Tabacchi, who sends out emails about weekly events at Point Park. "I thought he would be able to help me the most." J.W Tabacchi Director of Student Activities for Campus Life at Point Park University stated that “Matt originally asked me to send out a mass email to the entire school asking them if they would like to join his new club.” Coleman thought an email would be the most convenient way for people to become informed. “Matt saw an email being the best way to see if students were interested in his club. I told him that I would be unable to send out an email like that.” Tabacchi then suggested to create a survey on surveymonkey.com, advertise the link on flyers, and post them up and around the University's campus. “I could attach the link to the weekly check this email and then they could gather responses that way.” Tabacchi stated Coleman was aiming for responses from students "My survey questions were aimed at getting peoples' opinions on whether or not it would be a good idea to start a music organization at Point Park." Said Coleman. Unfortunately, after around four days Coleman got no responses to the survey, and the flyers had to be taken down. Students however, still seem to be interested Angela Goodwin is a Broadcast major and previous sales manager and program director of on air at WPPJ. Goodwin believes that she would be want to join the organization. “I think it would be a great outlet for local artists and just local music lovers to connect.” Information Technology major Andrew Bellini doesn’t have a strong point in music but strongly thinks the diversity of Point Park would make an organization such as this highly successful “Point Park being an arts and theater school this group should draw a good crowd.” Said Bellini. Another idea that came across Bellini when pondering the idea of the organization was WPPJ radio, “I think something like this could go great with the Point Park radio station someday”
Although the first method of broadcasting this potential organization did not pan out, that did not stop Coleman from pursuing this interest for himself and other Point Park students. "I have to wait to get ten members, write a constitution, get the proper clearance, then i will have my organization." Stated Coleman. If you are interested in becoming a member of this organization, email Coleman at mmcolem@pointpark.edu or by telephone at 412-720-7297.The organization is open to all people with an interest in music, that possibly want to further the interest, and fulfill their musical curiosities. "There are no auditions of any kind to become a member." Coleman said.
Legislation proposed for cheap books
A house bill constructed to provide more affordable textbooks for college students nationwide was brought forth to the 2009 General Assembly’s agenda. This bill proposes to make textbooks cheaper for students, sold back for a higher price and distributing an all around easier textbook buying experience for students.
Included in the bill are provisions that would require collegiate publishers to disclose full textbook pricing information to colleges and faculty, The Chronicle of Higher Education reported. This includes wholesale prices of textbooks, descriptions of content revisions and other formats in which the books are applicable, such as paperback or unbundled. Colleges would also need to provide textbook information alongside course descriptions in their annual course catalogs, according to The Chronicle.
Anais Terry, is a Criminal Justice major at Point Park University that spends around $600.00 in the Point Park Bookstore each semester. “I think legislation would be beneficial to lower the cost of books, however students need to also know their resources and how to utilize them.”
Keri Painter Assistant manager of Point Park University was unable to disclose any information about the legislation because the campus store is owned by Barnes and Noble.
According to the January, 11th 2010 press release of Barnes and Noble booksellers; they would be the first to offer a Multi-channel textbook rental program. Students would be able to rent online, have the books shipped or be able to buy on their Barnes & Noble campus bookstore. This could result in college students across America saving millions of dollars.
Karin DePrefontaine is a Funeral Service Education major, who orders directly from the bookstore.
“I feel more comfortable getting my books from the school bookstore, because I know it’s the right text, and legislation for cheaper books available on campus would be beneficial to my preference of purchase.”
Barnes and Noble has been testing the new efforts starting at beginning of the fall 2009 semester. They started testing the rental program in 3 of its 636 campus bookstore. The program has now expanded to 25 of their campus bookstores. Rentals are growing in popularity among students; they are finding that this program can reduce up to 50% of costs for buying a new textbook. However, some are still unaware of the legislation in effect and new programs.
“I was unaware there was legislation on the table, but it sounds good.” Said Dylan Younkin.
Younkin, is a Film and Video Production major who purchases from the campus bookstore and sometimes online spending around $ 600.00 each semester.
The legislation will help to eliminate the high cost of textbooks, and able students a less financially stressful textbook purchase.
Tracy Tooch a Journalism and Mass Communications major says “If I absolutely need the textbooks for the classes I am taking I will purchase them from the Point Park bookstore.” Tooch said the costs can range anywhere from $200.00-900.00 per semester. She is aware of online resources, but also wishes there were a cheaper option.
“I feel the legislation is an excellent idea, there are so many other expenses students have to deal with such as living, food, leisure, education, etc. I feel books just add another unneeded expense for students to deal with and worry about.”
“We’ve had a tremendous response from students and faculty to our rental program and as a result have continued to expand it to other colleges and universities across the country,” said Max Roberts, President of Barnes & Noble College Booksellers
“What makes our program so unique is that we’ve made saving on textbooks even easier for students by providing them the option of ordering their rentals online and having them shipped or picked up at their campus bookstore.”
Barnes and Noble is the largest provider of college and university bookstores in the country, Serving four million students and 250,000 faculties.
Market Square to be closed for holiday
Rick Faust, general manager of the Original Oyster Bar in Market Square has always looked forward to the popular Saint Patrick’s Day parade and festivities because it is one of his best days of business each year.
This year, while the parade is still set for Saturday, March 13, he considered for a moment whether to even open on that day because of a massive construction project in around his business which will prevent the annual drunkfest on the square, but that doesn’t mean hundreds of thousands of people won’t flock downtown for the events.
It seems this year, instead of stumbling over to Market Square after the parade, Point Park students will have to bus or walk to the South Side or find another place to finish their revelry.
there will be no after. Although there will be “no drinking in the street this year, patrons are still allowed to drink, on the sidewalk that will be roped off.” Said Faust.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a major celebrated holiday in Pittsburgh. The whole weekend is an endless party that brings all ages downtown for non-stop fun. Point Park students on campus might awake to a parade that travels down Boulevard of the Allies, that starts early morning. Market square has been a beloved attraction for St. Patrick’s Day party-goers year after year. Filled with bands, green beer, green party favors and men and women in blue uniform market square is by far the most ample of spots for St. Patrick’s Day. This year however, as some may of seen, construction is going to put a damper on the events.
Faust still plans to do well but is expecting a little less business due to the construction. “We plan to have our main area open plus two dining areas for this event.”
Casey Lewis, an employee of Primanti Brothers in market square, says they will also be open this holiday during construction. “We will have our usual two rows of tables and seats set up outside, that create more room, we don’t think the construction will impact us a whole lot.”
The construction that impacted market square has been working since October. The City Scape project of Pittsburgh organized the construction to be done and the goal is to compose better and easier access through market square. Facchiano Construction and one other company have been contracted with the work to better market square. Dave, an employee for Facchiano Construction stated that “all new roads and all new sidewalks are being put in and revamped for easy access an overall better looking market square.” Water lines, gas lines and electricity are all being replaced and the roadway infrastructure will better the city. “I have no idea how long we are going to be here, but a general guess is a least a few more months,” said Dave.
Students familiar with the market square extravaganza are somewhat disappointed about the literal closing of market square, but that doesn’t mean the open businesses open won’t provide. There are always other places to travel to in Pittsburgh, seeing as the whole city celebrates this astonishing holiday. Dave Grabski, is a junior Intelligence and National Security major and has previously only been familiar with the market square event on St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s the only place I’ve ever been to, but I plan on going to the Southside because I’m 21, and it’s a fun place to be.” The Southside of Pittsburgh is known for its bars and nightlife, St. Patrick ’s Day will be filled with students and party people alike. Grabski states that “the construction in market square in inconvenient, but long term it’s for the better and there are always other places to party.”
PAS offers student aid
Gabrielle Mazza a junior photojournalist says she uses the PAS services for "classes where I have to write essay's." Point Park offers a program for academic success for its students in need of tutoring, counseling and disability services. Located on the 7th floor of Lawrence Hall. Assistance with math, science, english and writing are just a few of the services exhibited, help is available or arranged in all areas needed for students who may struggle in the demanding academic world.
Students in university settings often encounter difficult academic tasks, all while trying to maintain activities of interest and a functioning social life. Most students balance a full load of classes and many choose to have a working job and eventually an internship usually enters the criteria. These tasks can often be difficult to manage and the program for academic success thrives on dedicating its services to the excellence of the university's students.
Patricia Boykin, the coordinator of services at PAS has been with the program since 1981. Boykin first came to Point Park University with a counselor position helping college students succeed and worked as a reading specialist to improve learning strategies. Boykin, became the coordinator of services for students with disabilities in 1999. PAS offers disability support in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Executed July 26,1990 ADA is a civil rights law that prevents under any situation discrimination based on disability. These disabilities are classified as a physical or mental impairment that essentially limit a considerable life event. Accommodations are determined with a case by case evaluation of the student. Evaluations are done when documentation is provided by the student, Boykin then speaks with each student individually to predispose what services will be reasonable. Boykin suggests "It's a good idea to have this meeting every semester because people can change and therefore needs can change, every semester new classes bring more challenging tasks."
Mazza meets with Catherine Houghton and states that "every essay I write before I hand it in I go there for them to read it, I like having a second pair of eyes in case I missed something or if I should rearrange or clarify something." Mazza is a community facilitator on campus and never fails to mention PAS to incoming freshman and proposes that PAS "is a good service that everyone should take advantage of, there is no shame in going there. I have only gotten better from the experience."
Stephanie Jackson, a junior photojournalist and special events chair on the campus activities board claims that the PAS program is "a great service to offer because not only can they help out with history and english, they also have a math and science tutor."
Professional tutors are available for all Point Park students in need of services. There are two full time and three part time writing tutors on hand, Catherine Houghton the coordinator of english and writing at PAS says "We provide writing on every subject students need assistance with."
Promoting the services at PAS have increased in recent years. New methods of broadcasting PAS have arose, such as 30 seconds slot ads 10 times per semester on the student run radio station WPPJ. Every year there are also ads in Point Park's magazine the Pioneer and PAS attends various fairs but mostly the knowledge of services travels by word of mouth from other students that have used the facility. Tutoring information is available on Point Parks website and sign up sheets are provided on the 7th floor.
Athletics are a vast part of Point Park university and the start of each new year brings in around 55 to 60 new athletes. The athletic department at Point Park requires that every new athlete in their first semester schedule a planning session with PAS. Going over syllabi with a professional is the main objective of the session this helps, because students often overlook all the work needed to be done on a semester basis. It is required to meet their needs and show what will be expected of the university athletes. Boykin states that "it is the goal to have these athletes looking forward."
Math is often looked at as a difficult subject and it is suggested that appointments be set up in advance with Leslie Fronick, the coordinator of math and science at PAS. Peer tutoring is also available with subjects like accounting, english math and science these tutors are scheduled by a coordinator. Jackson, takes part in going to the office to go over syllabi each semester to see different assignments that will be given. Jackson states that "if there were any assignments that I would have trouble with I set up a meeting time for help and assistance."
Boykin says one of the best parts of her job in the PAS office is "seeing people find a way to cope and learn." Students may go through school without even knowing of tutoring services or may not even be aware of a disability. "Knowledge is power, and we are here to help."
Haiti native gives local help with quake relief
For Ange Loiseau, the torment of knowing family members were unaccounted for in the earthquake that shattered her Haitian homeland was unbearable. The devastation that literally rocked Haiti with an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude on the Richter Scale was beyond belief., Some estimates say that 200,000 lives were lost in the aftermath of the earthquake. Many people around the world and in the United States had family members in Haiti. Despite the fact that a family home was destroyed, fortunately all of Loiseau's family members were accounted for and safe, administering tremendous relief for Loiseau. “We couldn’t get through for two days, it was really just a wreck,” said Loiseau, a masters candidate in the Point Park School of Communication.
“We couldn’t do anything but just sit and wait.” Loiseau watched the news for daily information, but also to see if she recognized anyone. “Each and every member of my family was glued to CNN for days, that was the only mode of communication that we had especially when we were unable to get through to the phone lines for days,” said Loiseau. The charitable efforts of humans especially in the wake of disaster, transmit promise and optimism. Loiseau was able to use her inherited language of Creole and Haitian heritage to be able to provide a fulfillment for her soul. Given the opportunity to work with the orphans brought here by two sisters from the city's west end to help them blend into American life, she poured all of her anguish and anxiety into helping the lives of others in need.
Ange Loiseau, 24, born and raised in Port au Prince, Haiti came to America in 1997 with aspirations of accomplishing a degree in journalism. Loiseau, who graduated with a degree in media studies from Queens, New York, in 2003, followed her academic path to Point Park University where she scheduled a tour and immediately was captivated by the programs offered. Soon after she enrolled as a graduate student.
Having family far away was challenging for Loiseau. Even family living in the New York were distant when Loiseau moved to Pittsburgh. She was left with those memories and earlier ones from Haiti that were reminiscent of togetherness and family closeness.
"Every Christmas we would sit around at my grandmothers house joking and having a good time. Being so close to each other made it extremely easy to interact. It was my aunt's dream to have us all as close as we used to be." No electricity in Haiti was a constant problem "it was never guaranteed that neighborhoods would have light. "Lamps and candles made the family bond all the more cherished. " All of those memories were altered when the earth quake struck
Loiseau repeatedly tried to contact relatives in Haiti. The first attempts brought no luck to Loiseau's desperate position. Relatives of Loiseau kept in primary contact with her but the only means of knowing any of the Haitian population's status was relayed on CNN world news.
“As a journalist what I want to be known about this situation is how amazing the media is,” said Loiseau “we obtained a number to ask if anyone has seen our family members and everything we knew was what was made available through the media,”Loiseau said.
Loiseau finally heard that people were getting through to Haiti on cell phones. Persistence was key and Loiseau finally was able to get through to her Haitian family. "My aunt in Florida was the first to communicate with my aunt in Haiti. "The news was spread to me through my mother." Fortunately, only minor injuries had occurred
Her cousin was crushed under a building and with the help of good Samaritans he was saved. Her aunt received a concussion in the confusion and her grandmother’s house that was the center for her family is now gone. Continual contact is not guaranteed due to the difficulty of connection.
"I would like just to hear their voices." In Loiseau's heart, however, she knows that her family is well and all managing the travesty as best they can.
“ I mourn my country and I mourn each and every life lost because as a Haitian native I consider every Haitian a brother and sister,” Loiseau said .
Loiseau's original instinct and plan was to go to Haiti and contribute her time and energy to those in need.
“After the earthquake, what I will miss is my country, everything is gone, and the destruction will continue to be a constant reminder of lives lost,” said Loiseau.
Loiseau hasn’t been back to Haiti for twelve years but she has longed to go home. Loiseau was also supposed to go back in March for a friend’s wedding, but has been advised not go at this point. Family, also discouraged the decision due to tales of the danger that followed the tragedy. Disaster followed by chaos desolated Haiti.
Killings, rapes and supernatural cultural beliefs of the Haitians had turned the third world country into something resembling a war zone. Life in Haiti had become a fight for survival. "If you had a bottle of water you might get beat up for it. People couldn't fight back, it had become an issue of the strong preying on the weak." Point Park has begun fundraising already with BSU and the International club leading the way. “I hope people don’t forget what is really needed, this country needs to be rebuilt and that will take time,” said Rebecca Lee Director of international student services “Globally we need to step up to the plate.”
“I’ve learned a life lesson from the Haitian people, patience and gratitude,” said Lee. This gives us all a greater appreciation for what we have. “I’m really happy there is a lot of fundraising here at Point Park,” said Elysia Purnell president of the Point Park international club. Anything that a Point Park student can donate at this point is what Loiseau believes would be helpful. “Money right now would accomplish more.”
The next course of action Loiseau made was one she will forever remember. It led to a truly memorable life experience. Facebook, the ever popular social networking website, was a first step for Loiseau in finding contacts that would lead her to the blessed work she would encounter with the 54 Haitian orphans who traveled to Pittsburgh from Port au Prince for sanctuary. Loiseau's information was passed on to BRESMA Orphanage and then given to the Catholic Charities who help sponsor adoption of orphans from Haiti and elsewhere. They contacted Loiseau directly. The Haitian children were oriented to Pittsburgh through the BRESMA orphanage in Port au Prince, and sisters Ali and Jamie McMurtrie of Ben Avon have lived and worked at BRESMA in Haiti for several years. They refused to leave Haiti without the children. Loiseau was grateful and stated that "When they (BRESMA) had the ability to leave on their own, they didn't." Able to use her abilities to translate from Creole, Loiseau awaited the arrival of the 54 Haitian children at UPMC Children's Hospital, newly located in Lawrenceville.
On Tuesday, January 19, the delayed flight from Haiti arrived with tired but seemingly happy children. Loiseau and other volunteers waited patiently and around 11:00 a.m. the opportunity to help the children finally prevailed. The conversation that Loiseau engaged in was minimal. " Are you alright? Does anything hurt? Do you need anything? were some of the questions Loiseau fielded in her native language. "Some of the children were shy, except certain young ones and some were non-responsive but they were tired and had been up for hours," Loiseau noted. Conference rooms filled with little beds, teddy bears, food and water and medical assistance were all provided for the children when they arrived at UPMC. The one thing Loiseau found to be most popular were the coloring books. The sheer joy that exuded from the children "touched my heart." It was originally thought that the children might have a longer stay at UPMC. However, most of the adoption paperwork was in order and children were being paired with their adoptive families quickly and efficiently. Loiseau spent a day working with the anxious children, wondering if further help was needed. A mass e-mail from Catholic Charities was sent thanking all volunteers for their gracious help, but no further work was necessary since the children were safe at home with their families.
Having the volunteer work available gave Loiseau a sense of accomplishment. Even though she did not consider her contribution to take great effort she still felt very pleased with that she was capable of providing assistance. Although thinking about the disaster can be distressing Loiseau remains positive and strives to capture the silver lining in the eye of the storm. "Every time I see images of Haiti, it tears me apart but I am extremely grateful to God for having the ability to help the brothers and sisters of my country." As for Loiseau's family, they are all working as a team to get involved with immigration to see what can be done to reunite all of her relatives in the states, together again at last.
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