A Priofile of Minjeong Kang

Teaching is said to be one the most rewarding jobs, and for Dr. Minjeong Kang that does not fail. 

There have been times when she questioned whether teaching was what she was meant to do.  There have been times when she has been discouraged and felt unappreciated.  However, teaching for Kang is still rewarding even when she can’t please every student and has received “super mean” and even humiliating comments from students. 

“I am fascinated to be in a position to help college students become professionals in an industry that I love,” said Kang.  She said she truly admires her students and really makes an effort to help each one.

 “She’s a great professor, and really tries to push us to our full potential not only in academics but in our lives as well,” said her student Pablo Mendoza, 23, Apparel Marketing and Design, CSUS. 

 When Kang is not teaching or working, she loves to go dancing.  Ballet, Ballroom, and Salsa: Kang loves it all.  Another hobby of Kang’s is to sing.  She especially enjoys singing to cheesy love songs.

In the last two years though, she has been so busy adjusting to Sacramento and her job as Assistant Professor and Faculty Advisor that she has not been out on the town.  As soon as possible, she would love to revisit her hobbies.   

Kang was born on August 20th, but refused to state her age, or even the year of her birth.  However, she does appear youthful with her bright brown eyes and long, dark, wavy hair.  In class Kang is often over-looked because she blends in with her students.   

 Her voice is soft and low, and she has a tendency to be shy. However, Kang is hard-working, confident and strong, putting all her passion into teaching.  One example of her strengths is her ability to wear heels all day, every day; not just any woman can accomplish this.             

Kang was born to Daemin Kang and Sookhee Heo in Busan, South Korea.  She speaks her native language Korean and was taught to speak English in middle school which is a requirement for students in Korea.

A defining moment in her life was during summer vacation after her first year of high school when she realized her career goal and dream of working in the fashion industry while discussing it with her parents.  She later attended Ewha Woman’s University in Seoul, Korea and graduated in 2002 with B.A. in Clothing and Textiles.

She earned her M.S. and PhD in Design, Housing and Apparel at University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota.  A PhD earned in America is viewed as highly prestigious in South Korea so Kang moved across the Atlantic Ocean in order to do so.

Kang’s original goal was to earn her PhD here in the United States then return to South Korea and teach there.  But, when she graduated from University of Minnesota in 2008 there was an opportunity here at CSU Sacramento. 

“After 5 years studying here, I didn’t want to leave America,” said Dr. Kang. 

Kang’s first job, during college, was as a part time visual merchandiser in South Korea to financially help her parents.  During her last year at Ewha Kang was a clothing designer and continued this for a year and a half.  Now she has her teaching position at CSU Sacramento. 

While she is currently single, Kang does hope to soon be married, but will not say if she has a boyfriend or not.  Ideally in the future she would love to have two children, one boy and one girl she says. 

Kang has also done research in post-purchase consumer behavior, mood regulatory consumption, retail environments, customer loyalty, as well as social psychological aspects of dress.  The classes she teaches at CSU Sacramento include History of Fashion, Quality Analysis of Apparel, and Fashion Illustration.

Kang said she does not want to lose or give up her teaching position but she would love to make the time to either design for another company, or ideally design for her own line of clothing.  Sometime in the future, not sure exactly when but eventually, Kang would love to design again. 

One of her inspirations for designing is so she can share her experience and knowledge with her students to help them learn about the industry. 

Kang wants her students to realize that they are in “a lot better position to be more competitive professionals because they don’t have to spend so much time and money learning English.”  She further went on to say that if she did not have to spend so much money and time on learning English she probably could have went to a school like Stanford

Meghan Daum

Meghan Daum's, author and columnist, writings are as minty and refreshing as her favorite ice cream, Mint Chocolate Chip.  While she feels she either has 100 jobs or no job, she has become a sensation among many readers during her writing career. 

Though born in California 1970, Daum was raised on the east side Ridgewood, New Jersey. Daum has a writing style that is comprehendible and relatable. 

As a little girl Daum realized her dream of becoming a New York writer, and that dream was later acquired when she landed an entry level job at a magazine in New York.  

As a Vassar College graduate, she soon quit that job and took out thousands in student loans to attend the MFA writing program at Columbia University's School of Arts. 

After being thousands of dollars in debt and making little compared to the high cost of living in Manhattan, Daum said goodbye to her New Yorker dream and left for the prairies of Lincoln. Nebraska.  Soon following the move in 1999 her first book was published, "My Misspent Youth."  It was an essay collection about her experience with debt.  Daum has said that an essay to her is "an outward inquiry, it's trying to figure out a problem."

In 2003, Daum was ready to move on to bigger things and moved even further across the continent to Los Angeles, California.  She currently still lives there with her husband Alan Zarembo and beloved Sheppard dog Rex.  Daum takes Rex practically everywhere and states "I love him disproportionately to what's probably appropriate,' in "Getting to Know: Meghan Daum" by Teresa Ferrel. 

Since 2005 Daum has been a weekly columnist for the LA Times.  She is typically assigned to write on "fresh" and "timely" topics but writes about things that she is interested in including topics such as social politics, class identity issues, and certain gender issues.  A couple of headlines featured last year are "Doomed by Your Name?" and "Happiness is in Your Mind-and Wallet."

"Writing for a newspaper has been the most satisfying experience," she told Kolhatkar from New York Observer, November 2005. 

Daum's method for writing is to take her life's experiences of American culture and remark on its effects.  In fact she insists to Hillary Frey from Newsday that her second book, and first novel, "The Quality of Life Report" was only "32.9 percent autobiographical," said Daum on her website.  

"I knew nothing about fashion.  I had no interest in it," said Daum.

Ironically during the course of Daum's career she has written for numerous publications, including fashion magazines.   She has written for Allure, The New Yorker, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, Self, Vogue, New York, Travel and Leisure, Blackbook, The Village Voice, and the New York Times Review.  She has also written for the website Beliefnel.

Besides writing Daum has taught at various institutions including the California Institute for the Arts. 

Not only has her work been in college textbooks, Daum has been the subject of columns featured in New York Observer, The New York Times, and Blackbook.  And of course, she has also been on Oprah. 

Daum's latest book was released this year, "Life would be Perfect if I Lived in that House."  It is about her search for the right house for the right price in L.A.  While currently settled in L.A. Daum's ideal situation would be to also have a farm in Nebraska and an apartment in New York. 

All archives from LA Times and more information about Meghan Daum are available on http://meghandaum.com.

Dusty Shelves No More

One of the latest trends coming out of the current recession is outsourcing.  For instance, a private company in Maryland is taking over libraries across the country, including in California.  With success this private company, Library Systems and Services, have become the fifth-largest library system in the United States.  The question now is whether this will be the new model for all libraries or is privatizing libraries a temporary trend in response to economic desperation.

                Personally, it has been years since I have entered a community library.  My memories are not fond of the dull experience the library had to offer.  However, presently things may be different.  The only other things I remember about community libraries were that there were tables and chairs, and countless, neglected, dusty shelves of books.  Also, to rent a book there was a one-time fee of fifty cents for a library card that had your name and address. 

                In some hopes and dreams, Libraries might have more to offer to the public by being run by a private company such as Library Systems and Services, such as cleaner shelves.  So what if individuals had to pay out of pocket for their library experience; they would probably appreciate the experience much more. 

                Furthermore, paid tax dollars support libraries, so in a sense, the public currently does pay out of pocket for community libraries, and even those who do not even visit the library pay for it.  If libraries were run by a private company only the people who had a desire or need to go to a local library would pay for it.

 Financially, this could also help the state budget, because it is one less program that needs funding.  Also, as a private company that means they would have to pay taxes as well.   

Yes it is a risk, a very small risk.  On the other hand it could succeed enormously and the public and state will be able to reap the benefits.    In the best case, privatizing public libraries could be so successful that there is a large profit margin.  As a result this could create more jobs.  With nearly a 13% unemployment rate in California it would slightly insane to pass up an opportunity such as this.

“There is no evidence that outsourcing per se has had a negative impact on library services and management. On the contrary, in the main outsourcing has been an effective managerial tool, and when used carefully and judiciously it has resulted in enhanced library services and improved library management” concluded Robert S. Martin, Ph.D., in “The Impact of Outsourcing and Privatization on Library Services and Management: A Study for the American Library Association.”

Privatizing libraries might be reducing the all-American, community feeling that libraries once were.  But it is now the 21^st century and change is happening, and it is good.  What use to work then does not mean it works now and that can be said to more than just our libraries.     

                Personally, when I think of public libraries I imagine grungy old books, dusty shelves, and a librarian that should have retired years ago.  The idea of having a library run by a private company entices me to go and hang out at a library and read a book. 

Playing on the safe Side

Only 35% of American women depend on a contraceptive, such as the birth control pill, instead of or in addition to condoms (yes those dreadful, inconvenient little rubbers) or other preventive methods.  Taking contraceptives is not absolutely necessary in preventing pregnancy. However, young adults and college woman are told that it is too risky to have sex without using contraceptives.  Even though I agree that contraceptives are not 100% necessary I have learned the hard way that it is better to play safe the hard way. 

I had one sexual partner for three years, and I refused to "consume hormones" as I once put it.  I took risks and I could have cared less.  I did not use a preventive method and after three years of not getting pregnant I did not see any reason to start taking birth control regardless what people told me. 

The about a year ago reality struck.  A positive pregnancy test meant my world was going to change, and it did.  Ten weeks later I did have an abortion. Because one, the relationship I was in was falling apart, and two, at 20 I was in no way ready to be a mother. 

Now, despite all my earlier immature thinking about birth control and other contraceptives, I have alarms and reminders to swallow that little blue pill every day.  And I encourage other women that are not using it to start.   

Two other girls, Danielle Stoir, 20, and Jackie Hobbs, 21, and I often invade the house in which all of our boyfriends are roommates.  The conversations that take place are sometimes personal, and I have asked about the methods they are practicing. 


Hobbs swears by two forms of methods at all times.  As she puts it she will not have sex unless there are two forms of preventive methods, most commonly the pill and a condom.  However, this can be a little over the top. 

The pill alone only gives her less than 1% chance of getting pregnant.  The only time a back up method is suggested is when a female is beginning to use birth control for the first time, or if they forgot to take a pill.  Even after hearing these facts, she still insists on her "two rule."  Whatever works for her works for her.     

There is no need to over think birth control.  Now days, it can take more effort for women to become pregnant than it does for to prevent it.  On the other hand Stoir has not used any contraception method.   Stoir did say though that she wants to but fears going to a clinic.  As a friend I told her that I would go with her and it is not as scary as she thinks.  There is no reason for her not to take birth control, and therefore she should even if it only raises the chance of her not getting pregnant slightly.

Plus there are benefits other than preventing pregnancies that come with taking the pill.  These include regulation of your period, lighter periods, and less cramps.  It also has a positive effect on PMMD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), or also known as PMS, symptoms, which is a great thing for the people around us. 

So even though it is not necessary any sexually active female should play on the safe side and take advantage of what contraceptives have to offer.

How-to Change a Flat Tire

Even if you always change your tires on a regular basis, and avoid glass and sharp objects on the road, just do not say that it will not happen to you.  Statistics show that an average person will have a flat tire about 5 times in their life.  Knowing how to change it is not only proof of your self-sufficiency, but a skill every man and woman should acquire.    

 
First, it is a must to ensure you have everything for such an emergency.

The spare tire is the most important.  Most cars already have one, but if it is a used car check and see if it is still there and in good condition.  Find the designated area for the spare tire in the driver’s manual of the car.  A proper spare tire is well inflated; the tire pressure of the spare should be checked monthly.    
A lug wrench and a jack are also needed.  There are three options for jacks, the scissor jack, hydraulic jack, and the trolley jack.  The scissor jacks are most common in cars and are hand operated.  The hydraulic and trolley jacks are great for cars weighing over 2 tons. 

The next few items are optional but will make changing the tire easier: a flashlight, to see in the dark, tire blocks, gloves, and a tarp. 

Pull the car safely to the side of the road and out of traffic’s harm.  Turn on the hazard lights to warn other drivers. 

Now pull out the tools and spare tire.  Before changing the tire, place tire blocks beside the tire opposite to the one that is flat to keep the car from rolling. 

Next step is to remove the hub cap, not all cars have them. Grab each side and pull away from the tire and towards you. 

Then grab the lug wrench and loosen the lug nuts (remember “lefty loosey, righty tighty”). This may be a tough task so feel free to your entire body weight by stepping on the lug wrench. Don’t remove them yet. 

Now it is time to jack up the car.  Read the driver’s manual and find out where the proper place is to put the jack.  Then place it there and raise the jack until it hits the frame of the car.  Ensure placement, then continue raising the jack until the tire is about 6 inches off the ground. 

Take off the lug nuts now, and place them in a safe spot.  Pull the tire straight towards you to take it off. 

Now place the spare tire and lug nuts on, do not tighten them yet.  Lower the jack.  Do this slowly so the car does not hit the ground abruptly and cause damage. 

Next take the lug wrench and tighten the lug nuts.  The proper way to do this is to start with one and then go to the opposite one.  Most cars have 5 lug nuts and the trick is the 5 point star pattern to tighten them.  The reason for this is to make sure the tire is on even and balanced. 

Before driving off, put the flat tire and the tools in the trunk. Make sure not to leave anything behind.  Now pull the gloves off and give yourself a pat on the back and pull safely back into traffic.  The spare tire is meant to last up to 50 miles at a 50 mph speed.  The next stop should be the nearest tire shop.   

Every situation is different, such as where and when the flat tire occurs.  So be cautious and use the best judgment as possible.  If unable to change the tire alone call a towing company for help.  Do not accept help from strangers because it puts your safety and the car at risk. 

One the most reliable towing and road side service company is AAA.  The service is free when you pay an annual fee to become a member.

Safe Driving.     

trick or treat?

In classrooms, in halls, and even off-campus, there is chatter about the upcoming holiday Halloween. One event that sparked the classic trick-or-treat behavior among California State University of Sacramento students was the University Union’s eleventh annual Phlagleblast. 

Perhaps you are wondering what the Phlagleblast is. The Phlagleblast is an event to get students acquainted with the University Union and all of the services it provides. Each of the 23 stations represented a service available to students in the Union. 


Anyways, on Halloween the act of trick-or-treating is rewarded with candy and sometimes other small prizes. Among college students trick-or-treating has changed to knocking on doors to party-hopping for free booze and good time. Either way it is a winning situation for all especially for low-budget college students that cannot afford to add candy and alcohol to their budget. 

Furthermore, another part of Halloween that students chatter about is costumes, and therefore themes. The Phlagleblast did not hesitate to have a theme and some offices in the Union went all out for the jungle theme. The third of the Union was the most extravagant with animal print scarves, a cardboard jeep around a desk, and to please the ears a CD playing sounds of the jungle all complete with rain and tiger roars. If students hung around long enough there was even a man who dressed up as a lion with a lion’s mane on. Talk about being early for Halloween.

However, the Phlagleblast was not intentionally to be like Halloween at all, but it just so happened to be a Halloween spirited event that was a winning situation for Sac State students. With a total of 23 stations set up along the three floor of the University Union, or commonly referred to as the Union, students walked around to each one to get a stamp as well as free stuff.

As for the services that were represented at the stations I could not tell you much. However, I could tell you about the goodies that filled my pocket as I was similarly trick-or-treating through all three floors of the Union. One of my favorites included a Charms loli-pop, and of course what college student could resist a new highlighter?

The biggest treat was rewarded to those students who managed to journey through all three floors and get the complete set of 23 stamps. The choice was either a T-shirt or a student planner. Even more so, just to bribe a large amount of students to complete this tedious task each completed stamp-card was entered in a drawing to win grand prizes. These grand prizes included an I-pad, a X-box 360, a tent, and a few others that most college students could not even imagine purchasing with what little budgets we have. 

The pens, Post-it book flags, highlighter, and loli-pop, or treats, all worked well for encouraging students to complete the journey through the Union’s jungle. But the question that remains unanswered is whether or not students will return to take advantage of the 23 services. 

As for me, even though my student fees pay for these services I doubt I will spend any more time in the Union that I normally do. Just like Halloween I enjoy the treats that come that day but I do not celebrate all year long. 

To see a slideshow of the University Union’s eleventh annual Phlagleblast event go to: http://www.statehornet.com/multimedia/slideshow-university-union-shows-its-wild-side-in-annual-phlagleblast-event-1.1602279

Its an Emergency

Regardless of the risks of getting pregnant or even getting a sexually transmitted disease many college students and others in all age groups particpate in unprotected sexual intercourse.  Unfortunately, this has led to one third of woman between the ages of 18 and 24 that attend a 4-year institution getting pregnant. 

However, thanks to emergency contraceptives, the number of unintended births has declined steadily in the last decade. 
Emergency contraceptives are hormonal based product that are able to prevent pregnancies up to 5 days after unprotected sex.  There are two forms of the contraceptive available to woman.  The most common form is the pill, which is also known as the "morning after" pill, and it is taken orally right after unprotected intercourse.

Emergency contraceptives were designed not as a birth control method but to prevent possible pregnancies.  Reasons to take an emergency contraceptive include if a condom broke during sex, or if  regular birth control was not taken, or forgotten, around the time of sexual intercourse.     

The second form of emergency contraceptives available to woman is the Copper-T intrauterine device.  This device can be instered by a doctor or trained clinician and is more effective than the pill.  It reduces the risk of becoming pregnant by 99%.  Another advantage of having the Copper-T device inserted is that it can be left in for up to ten years and can be used as a regular birth control. 

Emergency contraceptives are easily accessible and affordable.  On average the cost is $10 to $70.  They can be purchased from numerous places, including local Planned Parenthood facilities.  At these facilities they try to keep costs down to a minimum for woman and sometimes contraceptives can be purchased cheaper than the average cost.  Other places that have the "morning after" pill for purchase are local drug stores, and to students, Sac State's health center. 

Some have said that woman are becoming too dependent on emergency contraceptives as a birth control method.  There are even numerous women that take the emergency contraceptive even though more than likely they would not have become pregnant.  Overall it is best to be safe than sorry. 

However, if this form of pregnancy prevention was not available there would be many more people that would have children that they did not plan for and therefore not ready for.  Also, accidents happen and emergency contraceptives serve their purpose as pregnancy prevention.  This does not mean that people should not deal with consequences of their actions but that they should be careful and understand that sexual intercourse is a serious matter.   

Regardless of how easy it is use emergency contraceptives as a last-minute prevention to pregnancy woman should know that it should not be used as alternative to regular birth control.  It is called "emergency" contraceptives for a reason.  Also, using an external form of birth control such as a condom is still important because emergency contraceptives are not as effective in pregnancy prevention, nor do they protect against STDs.