Embracing History

Normally, our Editor-in-Chief Crystal Marie Lopez writes here, but the boss-woman wants me to fill in. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Henry Houston, Online Editor of otterrealm.net — you know, that website that you have bookmarked next to Facebook. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, we have been increasing our online content in the infinite space of the Internet, and they needed someone to sift through it all, which puts me behind the Online Editor desk.

Branching out online, we have been putting up more media that the limited space of print forbids — that is until we garner the spells from The Daily Prophet. We have been uploading photo slideshows, extended articles, as well as any breaking news that our reporters hear.

The Internet is starting to find its niche in today’s society. It has been used to topple dictatorships in the Arab Spring. The great thing about our website is that it can make any reporter out of any California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) student. Have you noticed an issue that we haven’t reported? Well, with our website, you can be the reporter. Otterrealm.net is here to let CSUMB’s voice be amplified through the Internet.

We also upload print articles on the website, and, with a comment section, you can tell us your opinions/ perspective/ and knowledge about an article that you read in print or online.

What would the Internet be without the ability to sell stuff? Yeah, we have that on otterrealm.net, too. You can sell whatever you want to get rid of — it better be legal, though, otherwise I’ll confiscate it for myself.

This issue is like a history lesson, but more lively and relevant. We all know that this used to be a military base, but, although their class settings were slightly different than ours, CSUMB students and soldiers are pretty similar: we both lived in the same settings, we enjoy a good party, and we love coming home.

We were recognized for the third year in a row as a military-friendly school. And why not? Some might say that students and soldiers are drastically different, but I’d say not. General Douglas MacArthur said that a solider, above all, prays for peace. Seeing that the university was founded during the peace dividend years, CSUMB and soldiers are a star-crossed couple.

When you open Issue No. 5, let the history come alive with great photos, and stories of a time before the rolling of skateboards, a time when gunfire popping penetrated the Monterey fog.

Besides reminiscence of the old days, we as students face the enemy of student loan debt, which the cover story is about. Although debt may not be a physical enemy, student loan debt can surround us and threaten our financial stability. As students, we can’t just focus our education in the classroom. We need to stay educated on the financial side of attending school because, in the end, we are responsible for our future.