The Runner 3-24-21

therunneronline.com California State University, Bakersfield

March 24, 2021

Vol. 46, No. 13

The Long Road Ahead Reflecting on the isolating year of the pandemic and how we move forward • Pages 3 & 4: Health, virtual learning and returning to campus in fall

Photo by Flor Juarez/The Runner

A student walks by the Student Health Center on the way to the parking lot on the south side of campus on March 10, 2021.

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• Page 8: What we’ve missed most and look forward to doing again

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March 24, 2021

The Runner Staff The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 661-654-2165 runner@csub.edu FACULTY ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Damian Lopez dlopez57@csub.edu NEWS EDITOR Rosa Salazar rsalazar27@csub.edu FEATURES EDITOR Chase Anderson canderson39@csub.edu OPINIONS EDITOR McKenna Tessandori mtessandori@csub.edu COPY CHIEF Taylor Redstone tredstone@csub.edu ART DIRECTOR Faith Okoli fokoli@csub.edu PHOTO EDITOR Ellen Kommel ekommel@csub.edu SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Allea Paguia apaguia@csub.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Kristofer Rogic krogic@csub.edu ABOUT US The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published daily online with a biweekly PDF e-edition, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield.

DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Department of Communications. The staff of The Runner reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless.

COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield.

CORRECTIONS Help us ensure accuracy by sending corrections requests to runner@csub.edu.

Faculty get update on vaccines, test center

By Danielle Coryell News Reporter At its meeting on March 18, the Academic Senate heard from CSU Bakersfield President Lynnette Zelezny, who announced that the university hopes to administer up to 5,400 COVID-19 vaccines a day starting on Saturday, March 27.

The vaccinations will take place seven days a week, by appointment only, through myturn.ca.gov.

The Academic Senate meeting began with Vice Chair Melissa Danforth, who is also a CSUB professor in computer and electrical engineering and computer science, reading a statement acknowledging the one-year anniversary of CSUB’s virtual learning during the pandemic.

In the statement, Danforth acknowledged what a trying time we, as a community, have all been through.

Danforth thanked essential workers, many of whom are students at CSUB, for their part in making the community safe and operational. She acknowledged the difficulties that come with virtual learning and the missed social connections each one of us has felt during this

Screenshot by Danielle Coryell

Dr. Vernon Harper, Provost and vice president of academic affairs, provides information about class registration in the latest Academic Senate meeting. last year.

Lastly, a moment of silence was taken for those who lost their lives in the last year due to COVID-19.

Zelezny spoke about what will be happening at CSUB in the next few weeks.

There will be a virtual groundbreaking ceremony coming up for the new GET Bus station. CSUB students, staff, and faculty qualify for 50% off of GET Bus monthly passes according to the Sustainable Transportation page of CSUB. CSUB’s Provost, Vernon Harper, is hopeful that he will have a better idea

about what classes in fall 2021 will look like after spring break. The plan is still in the works.

During the March 4 Academic Senate meeting, a resolution was brought to the senate by Senator Charles Lam, a professor of mathematics at CSUB, regarding an academic testing center for proctored exams.

The resolution asks that a room, or rooms, be available for students who want to take their exams in person. This can be done safely with cleaning, space between students, wearing masks.

This would offer an op-

tion for faculty who need alternative measures.

This resolution was voted on and passed during the Senate meeting on March 18. A proctored exam room or testing center may be coming in the near future for CSUB students.

The Academic Senate meets every other Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom.

The next meeting will be after spring break on April 15, 2021. To request a link to the Zoom meeting, email Beth Bywaters, the Administrative Analyst for the Academic Senate, at ebywaters@csub.edu.

Zelezny will be conducting the welcoming remarks.

Salisbury recommended that students register quickly, as there are already one hundred out of the three hundred spots reserved. A link to register can be found on their flyer on the CSUB page.

Vernon Harper, Provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, shared a revised example with information on registration.

The registration screens will be color coded to indicate which courses will be face-to-face, synchronous, or through Zoom. There have also been adjustments made to the course notes, which now provide more detailed information of the courses and their structure.

Jesus Barajas, club mem-

ber from CSUB Roadrunner Esports, announced that they are looking to hold a Valorant Tournament on April 30. The game is free to enter, free to play, and free for all CSUB students. Anyone who is interested or wants more information can contact RunnerEsports@csub. edu or join their Discord for the club.

Charles Lam, member of the Academic Senate, reported that the senate passed the resolution on the academic testing center that recommends administration to look into using open spaces on campus during finals week for the fall semester. They also went through the first reading of a resolution on early tenure for professors.

During the Alumni Engagement Report meeting, they brainstormed ideas for marketing on their mentorship programs. Their Alumni Board President, Nancy Solis, is going to discuss the importance of networking. On April 5, there will be a virtual networking event at 5:30 p.m., the registration link will be available later on.

Zelezny, reported that Ethics Awards will take place on March 24. She also reminded that CSUB wrestlers are competing at the National Level.

Edward Webb, member of the Student Union and Organization Governance, reminded everyone that club registration for next year opens on April 1.

ASI Report: Gender Matters, fall registration and esports

By Adilenne Lazaro News Reporter

At its meeting on Friday, March 19, Associated Students Inc. received reports from several faculty and staff members updating them on upcoming events and fall registration.

Assistant professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Tracey Salisbury, commented that the thirteenth annual “Gender Matters” symposium will be held on Thursday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Three special guests will attend including, Rosa Clemente, Tiffany Cross, and Dr. Safiya Noble. The theme this year is “Women in America: What Should We Do Next?” President of CSU Bakersfield, Lynette

News

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Year of pandemic has led to challenges, innovation and hope

By Guadalupe Avalos, Giselle Gamez, Rosa Salazar Runner News Team It has been a year since CSU Bakersfield transitioned from in-person learning to online instruction. What was once believed would be an extra week of spring break quickly turned into an entire year of online learning.

Sports were brought to a halt but then resumed with safety restrictions.

Students completing their degrees didn’t get to experience a graduation ceremony. Most students missed out on the experiences of campus life.

On March 18, 2021, CSU Bakersfield President Lynnette Zelezny sent an email to the entire campus community, noting the one-year anniversary of leaving campus to begin virtual instruction.

“But as we see signs that we are turning a corner in this pandemic, I look back in wonder at all that has happened and I see grace and determination from every member of our CSUB family. I see a community that has made sacrifices time and again for the greater good,” Zelezny wrote.

Although the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was documented in January 2020 in China, it was March 2020 that marked

to campus; signs encourage parking cars in every other space. The Runner Café is open for pick-up only. Computer Lab A in the Walter Stiern Library has continued to operate with safety precautions including social distancing. Masks are required everywhere.

If an individual who has been on campus is diagnosed with COVID-19, the university notifies those who were in close contact with the person. Then University Police Department Chief Martin Williamson sends an email to the entire campus community Since the first email alert was sent on July 7, 2020, there have been 28 total reported positive cases of COVID-19 on campus, according to CSUB’s COVID-19 dashboard.

Now, the university is just starting to offer vaccines.

On March 19, they held a clinic in conjunction with Express Pharmacy to give a limited number of vaccines to faculty, staff and student employees on campus. Starting today, CSUB is taking registrations for its new mass vaccination clinic that will open for the community next week.

Student support Along the way, the university has provided many services in order to make this difficult time a little easier. The food pantry

“I see grace and determination from every member of our CSUB family. I see a community that has made sacrifices time and again...”

— Lynnette Zelezny CSUB President many national changes for the United States and, thus, for all of us living here.

New health protocols After the spring semester, when school resumed in the fall, about 90% of instruction remained virtual.

All visitors have had to complete a daily health survey prior to coming

stayed open the entire year in order to ensure students, staff and faculty. The university also continued holding its monthly food distributions.

The university continued to provide students with laptops that could be rented for those in need, as well as Wi-Fi hotspots. A total of 199 Chromebooks, 285 Dell Laptops, and

Photo by Ellen Kommel/The Runner

Volunteers prepare bags of food for community members at CSUB’s monthly food distribution on March 15.

646 hotspots have been checked out to students since February 2020.

The university also continued holding meetings and social events through Zoom. Zelezny’s monthly Runner Walk & Talks continued on Zoom as well, offering a way for students to ask important questions.

Associated Students Inc., which is the student government at CSUB, and many other organizations throughout campus continued their involvement with students through virtual meetings.

Students also benefited from two rounds of financial support through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and CSUB’s own funding.

On Feb. 23, CSU Bakersfield announced the finalization for the second wave of coronavirus relief funding. Students received anywhere from $150 up to $1,600 depending on their enrollment status and financial need.

According to the CSUB website, students who were ineligible for funding, including DACA students, international students, AB 540 students, and students who did not submit a 202021 FAFSA document, still received a partial amount of aid.

What’s next for the fall As the university prepares for the 2021-22 school year, the goal is to bring back more faculty and

Graphic by Damian Lopez/The Runner

more students for a hybrid mix of in-person and virtual learning.

Vernon Harper, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said that classrooms are being retrofitted for the fall semester.

“Well we’re adding technology to facilitate flex instruction, which would allow there to be a faceto-face cohort as well as a virtual cohort at the same time,” Harper said.

Faust Gorham, chief information officer for the university, said they are using about $1 million in CARES funding to modify classrooms.

“There are many in different buildings. We are focusing on the larger rooms.

We are making them able to teach students both in the classroom and online.

So cameras, microphones, touchscreens that can both use Zoom and also can

support writing on the whiteboard,” he said.

Gorham also said they are adding 26 mobile stations to the 15 they already have to support labs.

Besides the classroom modifications, the university is making changes to ensure a safe return to campus for students, staff and faculty.

Faculty will work with the administration to determine how many students will be allowed in the classroom.

Faust said this will depend on the size of the classrooms and precautions set by the CDC, the state, the CSU system, Kern County Public Health and campus leadership.

Additionally, Harper said they are finalizing many health and safety measures on campus. This will be led by a campus preparedness council and risk

management at CSUB. Meanwhile, the university is taking strides to offer vaccines to all campus community members who want them.

Starting Friday, March 26, the university will be hosting a large COVID-19 vaccine site that will be run in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health and Adventist Health, with support by Hall Ambulance. The clinic will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week in the Student Recreation Center. Community members can register online at myturn.ca.gov.

For students who plan to return to in-person instruction next semester, they will have to complete the online assessment prior to stepping foot on campus.

“The students should look forward to a great fall term,” Harper said.

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The Runner

March 24, 2021

A year of disruption

Virtual instruction has challenged students and faculty throughout the pandemic

Stories by Zeltzin Estrada Rodriguez, News Reporter

Student Learning Experience While some students were quite fond of the change, others struggled to adjust to their new form of schooling. Luis Cedeno a junior at CSUB, claims that at first he was really excited about switching over to online classes, but as time progressed, his opinions changed.

“I was happy that I would be at the own comfort of my own study desk watching my professors give lectures through my computer screen. However, I have found it so much easier to procrastinate on my homework assignments now,” Cedeno said.

The new class format presented concerns regarding the impact that virtual instruction has on students’ ability to learn at CSUB. “In my opinion, I am finding it more difficult to learn the material simply because I get distracted easier... I no longer have the same motivation as I did with face-to-face lectures,” Cedano said.

Similarly, a freshman at CSUB, Nataly Quintero, finds that she focuses better having in-person instruction as well.

“I tend to grasp the subject better in school because I feel more comfortable asking questions. I get scared to participate via Zoom, and because most of my classmates do not participate as much it is hard to get recognized by our professors,” Quintero said.

As the spring semester progresses, classes continue to be held online for both the CSUB faculty and students, with many hoping to return back to

in-person instruction in the fall.

According to a social media poll conducted by The Runner on March 14, out of 58 respondents, 40 percent want to continue with online learning and 60 percent would rather return to in-person classes.

Manuel Quijano, a senior at CSUB majoring in human biology, said the switch from in-person to online was very difficult for him at first.

“I felt very alone. It felt like a battle for me personally because I was sad, and then I was stressed, and I remember every now and then I would be like, ‘I should just give up, I should just drop out, we’re in a pandemic. It doesn’t matter,’” Quijano said. “I did have to fight my way through that.”

Quijano elaborated on

how he has been dealing with being at home so often.

“Being cooped up inside, it changes how your home feels,” said Quijano. “It helps to move your working environment somewhere else that’s not your resting place, because it starts not to feel like a resting place. Sometimes my room feels like a stressful place.”

Quijano said his mental health has improved this semester because his classes and professors are more laid back this semester.

“Some professors are more strict than they would be in usual class,” said Quijano. “I feel like more work has been added to make up for not being in class. [Teachers say] we have more time to study, but I can’t sit at my desk for like 10 hours a day.”

Photo by Flor Juarez/The Runner

Faculty Teaching Experience Matthew Woodman, an English lecturer who has been teaching at CSUB for 20 years, said people are falling through the cracks by not being in the classroom.

“It seems that a lot of students are having trouble either being responsible enough to watch [lectures]...or they are [watching lectures], but the same level of comprehension is not going through.

There isn’t the same level of effectiveness that there was in an actual classroom,” Woodman said.

Beau Larimer, an English teacher and debate coach at Independence High School who also teaches at CSUB, shared that his high school students are dealing with similar struggles.

“Students who do not have the larger skill set to learn independently, that

need a lot more structure in their environment, that need more accountability to be in the classroom, they have struggled to stay engaged,” Larimer said. Both teachers pointed out that they’ve noticed students are failing at higher rates.

“I feel bad giving the D’s and F’s because that’s a failure on them, but it’s also a failure on me. Like I’m not reaching them in the way that I was before,” said Woodman.

Switching from in-person to online has been tricky for the faculty who teach students hands-on skills.

The Kinesiology Department has struggled making their physically interactive activities just as interactive online.

Leah Bank is a kinesiology instructor who faces this struggle while teaching her “Leadership and

Graphic by Damian Lopez/The Runner

Teaching of Group Fitness” class. This class teaches students exercise programs, methods of teaching physical activities, and how to be an effective and communicative leader in a group fitness setting. The labs for this class consist of actively performing and teaching group exercise methods.

“I’ve had to adjust the lecture and lab portion of my class since they’re normally very hands-on,” wrote Bank in an email response.

“The ‘Leadership and Teaching of Group Fitness’ course flips the classroom so that, by the end of the semester, the students become the ‘instructors,’” wrote Bank. “So, a lot of times I will refer to ‘standing in front of the class,’ ‘walking around the room,’ or ‘putting on the microphone,’ and we’re not doing those same attributes of teaching right now,” wrote Bank.

Bank uses online tools such as PowerPoints, videos, articles, Canvas, and Zoom but, she still has her worries.

“Especially as it relates to leading, communicating, and taking initiative, I hope students are able to still apply these skills after the semester is finished and post-COVID restrictions,” wrote Bank.

Woodman also sees a positive side to virtual learning.

“I think that absolutely everything we’re going through now is fostering our sense of resilience and independence and self-sufficiency,” Woodman said.

Features

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March 24, 2021

Linguistic Injustice

Screenshot submitted by Destinee Sims

April Baker-Bell, an author and professor of language, literacy and English education at Michigan State University, presented her research on systemic racism in linguistic curriculum to a California State University audience via Zoom on March 16.

Professor defends Black language amid racist English standards

By Destinee Sims Special to The Runner April Baker-Bell, an author and academic from Michigan State, challenged the anti-Black culture created by traditional, white-focused linguistic curriculum during an informational Zoom session on March 16.

Viewers logged on across California, as well as a few other U.S. states, to hear Baker-Bell speak about her new book, “Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity, and Pedagogy.”

CSU Monterey Bay hosted the presentation as a part of the ERWC webinar series “Teaching for Change.” The event was open to the public although advanced registration was required.

Jennifer Fletcher, a CSUMB faculty member, kicked off the presentation by providing attendees with background information on Baker-Bell’s academic career before turning the event over to Baker-Bell herself.

Baker-Bell began her presentation by reminding attendees that she was not there to coddle the white educators and their “traditional” beliefs; her presentation intended to highlight the systematic injustices Black students routinely face in the classroom.

“I am a defender of Black

language not a protector of white comfort,” Baker-Bell said.

Baker-Bell went on to explain how enslaved Africans created a language “remnant of their mother tongue” that allowed them to use the required English language without their oppressor understanding them.

“To understand Black language is to understand history,” Baker-Bell said.

Baker-Bell showed viewers educational videos that reinforced her message One of the videos included explained that many of the “soulful” songs, such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” were being used by Black individuals during slavery to express themselves while trying to avoid dangerous repercussions.

Baker-Bell states that she became aware of differences between Black English and “standard” English at a young age. She described how her parents spoke Black English, and they did not try to force their children to conform to the rules of “standard” English and practice code-switching.

Code-switching refers to the way individuals change the way they speak and/or write in different cultural contexts. While code-switching is used frequently by people of color in the United States,

Baker-Bell notes that white individuals are very rarely asked to code-switch. “‘Standard English’ is a myth,” Baker-Bell said, “I

dise.

Examples of commercial appropriation of Black English included pillows stating, “Every day I’m

“‘Standard English’ is a myth. I am challenging us to see how racial hierarchies and language hierarchies are connected.”

— April Baker-Bell, Michigan State University Professor am challenging us to see how racial hierarchies and language hierarchies are connected.”

Baker-Bell demonstrates ways that Black English is treated unfairly, such as academic curriculum and work environments deeming it inappropriate while commercial stores can appropriate it to sell “trendy” merchan-

hustling,” and mugs with similar sentiments.

Baker-Bell voices concerns over Black English’s commercial value when it is “treated as a linguistic inferiority” in the classroom.

Baker-Bell explains that Black English is almost never acknowledged in academic curriculum planning, even in locations that Black

students make up a large part of the student population.

By ignoring the complexities learned by native speakers of Black English during curriculum planning, Baker-Bell explains that educators also essentially ignore those students’ needs.

This can then further perpetuate the idea that speakers of Black English are less linguistically capable or that they are poor students.

“My work centers the counter-stories of Black students,” she said,.“Their voices and stories matter.”

Baker-Bell explains that another result of educators pushing the “standard” English when creating academic curriculum is that there has been minimal change over the years to address the injustices faced

by Black students.

This has repeatedly hurt Black students in the classroom, and then many of them will face similarly difficulties in a systematically racialized workforce.

“Anti-Black linguistic racism gets normalized through our curriculum choices,” she said, “[Academic curriculum] surrenders to whiteness.”

According to Baker-Bell, this “surrender” ultimately leads to students of color routinely facing injustices that continue to go unnoticed by white stu-

dents and educators. She reminds educators that the expectation for all native speakers of Black English to code-switch typically leads to them being labeled academically ill-equip or inferior.

Baker-Bell drives her point home by asking attendees to consider why white students aren’t expected to code-switch. She notes that former President Donald Trump’s grammar was reportedly evaluated and scored at a “5th grade level,” indicating that Black students are held to a higher standard than even U.S. presidents.

“How dare us gaslight Black students this way,” Baker-Bell said, expressing her frustration with the hypocritical standards.

Baker-Bell concludes that parents and educators, especially white ones, need to try harder to understand Black individuals better.

She expresses that without white educators making a deliberate effort to change how they judge Black students, the unjust treatment of Black individuals cannot change.

“If Black language does not matter in the classroom than black lives cannot matter,” Baker-Bell concludes.

Click here to check out the trailer for “Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity, and Pedagogy.”

Features March 24, 2021

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The Runner

Runner Reviews: Bucky’s Hot Chicken

Photos from @buckyshotchicken

By Landon Logue Features Writer If you have been craving some Nashville-style hot chicken but cannot afford the flight to Tennessee, look no further than our beloved city of Bakersfield.

Located on the corner of Brimhall and Coffee Road, sharing a lot with Chevron, is quite the spicy gem of a food truck that is Bucky’s Hot Chicken.

Owners Orlando Lopez and Andre Ruiz started Bucky’s Hot Chicken in 2018 with a deep love for food and community.

Bringing the notorious Nashville hot chicken craze to Bakersfield, Lopez and Ruiz fill a craving for

spicy food, southern-stye chicken.

Bucky’s began from humble beginnings, just two friends looking to start something special together.

With experience in kitchen management and fine dining, Lopez and Ruiz used their skills to start up their business.

Bucky’s was reported to the health department for selling food out of their home after three months of booming business.

After being shut down,

hands and securing their new home on Coffee Road, Bucky’s became what it is today. Manager Ray Soza, who has been working at Bucky’s for the better of 2 years said he enjoys serving Bakersfield.

“We want to give Bakersfield great chicken made from fresh ingredients at affordable prices,” Soza said.

Bucky’s has a variety of foods such as the Sando, a hot chicken sandwich with coleslaw, fries, and

item a la carte making the customization simple.

Portion sizes are large, and the prices are fair. Customers are given the choice of how spicy they want their chicken so that those sensitive to spice may still enjoy their food.

“I will definitely go back and am kicking myself for waiting so long to try Bucky’s,” said Lori C. via her Yelp review.

If you ever have that spicy craving for an authentic serving of Nash-

Lopez and Ruiz reopened their business as a properly licensed food truck, back on track to feeding the community their Nashville-style hot chicken.

After hiring helping

Bucky’s sauce or ranch.

You can order chicken tenders, wings, or legs and thighs in any level of spice you like, ranging from mild to X-hot.

You can also order any

ville-hot style chicken, give Bucky’s a try!

You can find Bucky’s Hot Chicken on Facebook, Instagram @buckyshotchicken, and at buckyshotchicken.com

Opinions

The Runner

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March 24, 2021

All brains are

beautiful Celebrate neurodiversity, don’t fear it

By Allie Page Opinions Writer Most are aware that autistic people exist. Fewer people, however, know how to accept them and their differences.

Some will say they never bully anyone for being autistic, but proceed to bully people for fidgeting, picky eating, “awkward” behavior, unusual voices, not getting jokes/sarcasm, and having obscure or “cringy” interests. In other words, they’re bullying people for having autistic traits – essentially bullying them for being autistic.

Most autism discourse comes from people who are neurotypical – in this case, not autistic. We often hear about autism from psychologists, family members, and charities, but rarely from the folks who have something they don’t: first-hand experience with an autistic brain. Autistic people themselves are the forgotten side of their journey, which can lead to meaningless mistreatment, medical malpractice, and malicious murder.

The National Autism Association’s website lists actual communication problems alongside harmless behavior like “lin[ing] up toys and objects” and “not play[ing] ‘pretend’ games.” Even positive traits, like unique passions and dedication, get written off as “unusual” or “obsessive interests.”

The neurodiversity movement seeks to change all of the above.

Neurodiversity is the idea

that some “are born with brains that think, learn and process information differently than others,” according to Wake Forest Uni-

versity’s counseling site. The site also states that it is “to de-stigmatize different kinds of brain functionality, offering a framework for celebrating variations in how children think, learn and process information.”

But as an unashamed autistic woman, I can give a first-person take on neurodiversity: We are different,

either in the midst of this pandemic).

Of course, autistic people can be introverts, but many of us are ex-

not lesser.

Listen to us; we are individuals with our paths and yearnings, just like you.

All of us have our individual stories, our unique lifelong paths of development, and above all, our goals and aspirations. Some of

us are human calculators, and others are modern-day music maestros. Some of us were in the gifted program, while others were in remedial classes (or both!).

Some of us love to be cuddled, and others wouldn’t even want a high five (I wouldn’t recommend

troverts with large hearts – and both walks of life are valid! I’m not the best at meeting new people, but I value all my friends and family. I do not lack empathy; I just need a bit of insight first.

The empathy problem is not exclusive to autistics – when we’re among fellow autistic folks, our communication is solid and effortless. Researchers

have caught on and named this the double-empathy problem – Dr. Melanie Heyworth of reframingautism.com.au writes that autistic people do not lack empathy. Instead, we express it differently than neurotypicals, which can lead to a communication breakdown between neurotypicals and autistics. Just as autistics don’t always understand neurotypicals, neurotypicals don’t always understand autistics. Overcoming this culture shock can require patience of both parties. It is not fair that only one is considered disordered by mental health professionals – after all, no one is perfect.

People like me exist in every shape, size, and color. We exist in every race, gender, culture, age, and nation.

We don’t cease to be autistic when we turn 18; we were born this way, and we will die this way.

If you want total insight into what an autistic mind is like, consider learning from someone who owns one. As an autistic woman, I look up to my autistic elders, many of whom were diagnosed late in life.

Many of them are psychologists, “autism moms,” and charity founders themselves.

I view my special interests in music and photography as friends. I view my brain wiring as my operating system. I am not ashamed of my brain; I am proudly autistic. More importantly, I am proudly human in my way. So are you.

Illustration by Rashad Thomas/The Runner

Opinions

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March 24, 2021

The Runner

When will the show go on?

Some of us really miss concerts and stages McKenna Tessandori Opinions Editor In March 2020, a year ago this month, we were told to shut down due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Little did we know a year later, we would still be out of school with many restrictions still in place. Although some travel has resumed due to restrictions in an attempt to keep people from being exposed to the virus, amusement parks, movie theaters, concerts, and sporting events remain closed.

I can recall the last concert I attended was a Blake Shelton concert that was held on Feb. 20, 2020, at Mechanics Bank Arena. I had no idea that a year later, I would still be unable to attend concerts due to the virus. I reached out to CSU Bakersfield students via social media to see what they were looking forward to most once COVID restrictions were lifted.

Silvia Catarino, a junior at CSUB majoring in English and psychology, said she is looking forward to attending a BTS concert once all restrictions have been lifted. Lynna Ha, a

senior at CSUB majoring in human biology, said she is looking forward to finally seeing her friends in person after a year. Denise Perez, a senior majoring in criminal justice with a minor in sociology, said she is looking forward to crossing the stage for graduation.

It has been a whole year since we attended social gatherings in close proximity to one another.

Places and events that once seemed so normal for us to attend are now out of the ordinary, but there is hope in sight. As a result of new guidelines released by the California Department of Public Health, amusement parks, movie theaters, sporting events, and concerts may be making a return very soon.

According to the California Department of Public Health website, outdoor events may return as soon as April 1 with some modifications. Outdoor sporting events and live performances could allow more than 100 people as long as the venue does not exceed 67% of capacity.

As of March 23, California is in the red tier. Any state below the yellow tier will be allowed to have a higher

SHARE YOUR VOICE One of our missions at The Runner is to facilitate dialogue and create community by sharing the diverse voices of our campus. Do you have an opinion or experience you’d like to share with readers?

Photo by McKenna Tessandori/The Runner

Opinions Editor McKenna Tessandori’s last concert she attended was Blake Shelton at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield on Feb. 20, 2020. with limited amounts of and what are you looking capacity. Amusement parks time being.

Looking back, when social interaction. I am forward to once all restriccan reopen in any state looking forward to some tions have been lifted? that is in the red tier or any California along with the rest of the United States sort of normality again Share your story with us lower tier. Depending on and can’t wait to attend a by emailing your response the state’s tier, the capacity shut down in March 2020, we had no idea how long concert or join friends and to me at mtessandori@ will be limited from 15 our lives would be changed family for a movie. csub.edu. to 25%. No out-of-state for. For the past year, we What have you missed visitors will be permitted the most over the past year in amusement parks for the have been stuck inside

What do you miss most?

Alyssa Diaz, Junior Liberal Studies Major

Nancy Smith, Junior Child, Adolescent, Family Studies Major

Luz M. Robles Psychology, Criminal Justice Major

“I did my first color run and I plan on doing more once the pandemic is over!”

“I look forward to going on road trips with my weird friends again and making new memories.”

“I miss gathering together with family/friends. I cannot wait to forget the days we had to wear masks in public, especially around our own family!

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Sports

8

The Runner

March 24, 2021

Runner Spotlight: Cameron Solberg

By Michael Canelo Sports Reporter Standing at 5-foot 8-inches is California State University, Bakersfield junior beach volleyball player Cameron Solberg.

Cameron Solberg is originally from Bolingbrook, Illinois. Her hometown is, half an hour away from Chicago. Early in her life, Solberg played a lot of softball but she eventually picked up volleyball as a second sport. She knew she was late to volleyball; she also knew this was the sport for her.

“I always knew that I loved volleyball more.

It just brought more fun and enjoyment to me.

When I was 16 years old it was kind of a choice. If I wanted to do something competitively, then I must choose one or the other.

I chose volleyball,” said Cameron Solberg.

She chose to exclusively play beach volleyball

because she could perform all skills rather than being in the back row passing the ball like in traditional indoor volleyball. Cameron likes that in volleyball you can attack. Once she knew she wanted to play beach volleyball, she committed herself and began working hard for this sport.

University of South Carolina, Cal Poly, and University of San Francisco attempted to recruit Solberg, but she chose to attend CSUB. “I got lucky because one of the only sand clubs in Illinois happens to be 20 minutes from where I was from. I trained there, went to a few recruiting showcases, then traveled out to California and that is where CSUB found me. I went on a trip. I loved the campus and loved everything about the program,” said Solberg.

Cameron’s transition from Illinois to Bakersfield went smoother than ex-

pected because her parents decided they were going to move to California with her. The biggest difference for Cameron is the cultural differences.

She felt as if there was only one way to do things in Illinois. When she came to California, she found out people were laid back about the things they do and much more relaxed.

People might see this as laziness, but Cameron feels it is more about the sense of confidence you have.

“I was done with the crazy weather in Illinois, and I wanted something new. I had traveled to California a few times in the past. I loved the energy and the happiness I found everywhere. I thought in my mind this would be a four-year thing, and I’ll end up going back home at some point. But as time has gone by, I realize this is the place I want to stay.

It fits who I am as a person,” said Solberg.

Photo provided by David Dennis/CSUB Athletics

Cameron Solberg goes low to keep the volleyball in play.

Sports were not the only reason Solberg came to CSUB. Education played a part in her decision as well.

She learned that CSUB had a great psychology program that could be very helpful in her future career.

With different majors in mind, she decided to pursue a major in psychology.

On the sand Cameron plays on the one’s and two’s pairs on the CSUB Beach Volleyball team.

In beach volleyball, the game is played with two players on each side of the net. One is a blocker, and the other is a defender.

The team can choose to have a spilt blocking pair where both players do everything, not just block or defend. Solberg says she only plays beach volleyball and not indoor at CSUB because she loves being outdoors.

“The blocker will play primarily at the net. Do everything at the net. No going back unless they are

going to pull off the net and defend the net. The blocker’s goal is to stop the ball before it gets around their block,” said Solberg Some similarities are that they are both intense and have very long rallies. The most similar thing about both are that they have the same skill set, but the skills are performed different in indoor compared to beach volleyball.

“A big difference is the techniques of the skills set indoor and beach volleyball. Your angle of your pass is different. Your setting indoor is a little bit looser than in beach. In beach your ball cannot spin at all or it will get called and the other team will get a point. In beach there is a skill called the poke. You take your knuckles and thumb, and you jab at the ball. You do not see that in indoor,” said Solberg.

When Solberg is away from being a student athlete, she enjoys playing the

guitar, making TikTok’s of herself singing, and listening to EDM music.

After CSUB, Solberg plans to get her master’s degree to become a school psychologist as well as continue her beach volleyball career professionally.

Cameron gave a message to any woman that is wants to play, or is playing volleyball.

“As longest you are having so much fun and never want to do anything else then keep doing it. Nobody is going to take away your passion and love for the game if you protect it. Do not let anybody take that away from you. Do not let yourself take it away.

A point is just a point. If you lose every single point in a game that is only 21 points. You are going to fail more times than you are going to succeed. But that that is also the definition of society success.

DO NOT give up,” said Cameron Solberg.

By Emiliano Tristan Podcaster

home run, Nick Grossman stealing a base, and Jo Steven’s impressive double play, the ‘Runners ended the fifth inning with a dominating lead.

The Highlanders were determined and did not give up. Scoring three runs in the sixth inning with a telling double play by Ethan Payne, evening out the scores.

Tensions were high, and mistakes were inevitable.

On the website gorunners. com head coach Jeremy Beard said, “you have to give them a lot of respect for how they swing it and

the grit they showed all weekend.”

With a strike out by Jashia Morrissey and a line out by Jacen Roberson, it was not looking good for the ‘Runners in the sixth inning. But a hit from Runner’s star player, Jorgenson, was enough to shake up the opponents.

The Highlanders then proceeded to throw several wild pitches, securing the win for the ‘Runners.

The Runner’s next game will be against Stanford’s Red Woods on Friday March, 26 in Palo Alto Calif. at 2:05 p.m.

Jorgensen wins series against UC Riverside

CSUB’s baseball team takes a win over UC Riverside at Hardt field on Sunday to wrap up a series win. Tyler Jorgensen exhibited his talent with a double homerun as well as having the most hits and runs of the game.

In an eventful fifth inning, Riverside responded back by taking the lead with an impressive four runs. The ‘Runners made sure to let everyone know never to count them out.

With Jorgensen’s double