Issue 4, october 10 by El Camino College The Union

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Union T h e

Profile on NFL player and former Warrior wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins... Page 10

eccunion.com

October 10, 2013

Mapping a month of

Torrance, California

CRIME

23,671 students attending El Camino in fall 2013

160 motor vehicle thefts at El Camino 2001-2009

26 aggravated assaults at El Camino 2001-2009

The El Camino Police Department publishes district crime statistics every October in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which requires colleges to make crime on and around campus available to the public. The purpose of the Union’s new crime map is to make the students, faculty, and those in the community more aware of crimes in the area. This is the first edition of the map with select entries that highlight issues of property security and public safety on campus in September 2013. These include thefts, hit and runs, arson, possesion of alcohol, vandalism, and grand theft auto. The Union’s interactive crime map will be updated weekly on the newspaper’s website, eccunion.com. On the website, the colored pins can be clicked on and will show the time and date of the crime as well as a brief description. The crimes on this map are from the El Camino Police Department. The statistics on the right are from the Office of Community Relations and the California Postsecondary Education Commission.

arson cases at El Camino 2001-2009

26 robberies at El Camino 2001-2009

Thefts Hit and runs Arson Grand theft auto Possession of alcohol

El Camino compared with area colleges

Vandalism Data from the California Postsecondary Education Commission and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

NEWS LINE

Student enrollment spring 2013: El Camino: 22,660 Santa Monica College: 31,179 Long Beach City College: 23,690 ECC Compton Center: 7,608 Harbor College: 9,490

By Sam Tedla

Transfer Day Fair With over 60 universities attending, the Transfer Day Fair will have a representative from each school giving information on requirements to transfer, application deadlines, majors offered, campus life and etc. The fair will be today at the Library lawn from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Apply for Degrees and Certificates

Satisfactory Academic Progress Workshop

Today is the last day to apply for degrees and certificates. Students can go to Admission and Records office to apply, the office is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Students who have been notified by El Camino about the status of their academic progress, GPA being below 2.0, there will be workshop explaing the steps to become eligible for financial aid next semester. The workshop will be today in Room SSC 207 at 11 a.m..

UC Application Workshop Job Fair Preparation Students who are apply to UCs right now, their will be an application workshop in the Distance Education Room located across the Student Services Center. The workshop will be on Wednesday, Oct 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Students who want to learn about how to prepare for a job fair, there will workshop that covers what to expect at a job fair, how to approach employers and how to make a good first impression. The workshop will be on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. For more information call ext.6137.

news

2 El Camino College Union

October 10, 2013

POLICE BEAT

Interpreting the numbers: Crime on Campus

By Chris Guzman

Thomas Schmidt Editor-in-Chief

Police detain banned student and twin brother Oct 2, 5:35 p.m.— While conducting a patrol check, officers recognized a student who had previously been banned from the campus due to previous crimes. The suspect and his twin brother had been court-ordered to stay away from campus due to previous burglaries and thefts. He was transported and booked at El Camino police station.

Non-student cited noncompliance

for

Oct. 2, 3:00 p.m.—Officers saw a male bicyclist riding on the ramp leading to Lot L. After refusing to cooperate with officers, the non-student was issued a citation for obstruction and later released.

Driver citied for driving with suspended license Oct. 2, 11:30 p.m.—Officers conducted a traffic stop of a car with tinted windows near the Facilities Dept. The driver was a female non student driving with a suspended license. She was issued a citation to appear in court.

Student threatens to commit suicide Oct. 1, 10:40 a.m.—Officers responded to the Health Center regarding a female student who threatened to commit suicide. She was transported to HarborUCLA Medical Center for further examination and treatment.

Asthmatic student faints in the Health Center Sept. 30, 2:00 p.m.—Officers responded to a medical aid call to the Health Center. A male student had fainted after a couple of puffs of his inhaler. He had previous complications due to asthma and was transported to a local area hospital.

Suspect arrested for driving stolen car Sept. 30, 1:00 p.m.—Officers ran a license plate of a vehicle they observed at a stop light on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The car was reported stolen. Officers performed a high risk stop and arrested the suspect.

Bike rider cited for posession of meth pipe Sept. 29, 1:20 a.m.—Officers observed a bike rider on the west side of campus with no headlight. When askedd about any contraband, the suspect admitted he was carrying a meth pipe with some residue left in it. He was issued a citation for possession of a controlled substance and perofinalia then released.

Cell phone stolen from locker room Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m.—A male student locked his belongings in the P.E. locker room. When he returned to class an hour later, he found the lock was missing along with his cell phone. Officers reponded to the station regarding the reported theft.

Bicyclist receives citation for traffic warrant Sept. 20, 3:00 a.m.—Officers stopped a bicyclist with no headlamps on Crenshaw and Manhattan Beach boulevards. He was a non-student and had two traffic warrants from the city of Torrance. He was issed a citation and released.

Fake parking permit found in vehicle Sept. 19, 1:50 p.m.—A fradulent parking permit was discovered inside of a vehicle on the second level of Lot H. Officers noted the high quality of the forgery, retrieved it, and issued the driver a $263 citation.

Alycia Presley/ Union

Author Gustavo Arellano lectures students in the East Dining Room.

“Ask A Mexican” columnist and local celebrity visits campus

Arellano is best known for his nationally syndicated "¡Ask a Mexican!" column in the OC Weekly in EC welcomed guest speaker and which he answers two questions award-winning columnist Gustavo from the public regarding issues Arellano on Thursday in celebra- pertaining to Mexican culture. tion of National Hispanic Heritage "This is a good opportunity for Month. us to have a dynamic speaker talk In a Q-and-A session, Arellano about issues a lot of times people fielded questions ranging from the don't want to talk about or listen to," politics of the Mexican-American Idania Reyes, Graduation Initiative war to the future of immigration Project Director, said. "We know reform, followed by a book signing that sometimes he [Arellano] may promoting his latest work, "Taco be a little controversial but we think USA: How Mexican Food Con- that there's dialogues that we need quered America." to have because we come from different cultures and different backgrounds." Events such as these have also been made possible thanks to the “The way I put it is, work of Vincent Robles, former first, we conquer your EC librarian and primary individual responsible for getting Arelstomach, then we lano to come speak to students. conquer your heart!” "The words he uses are well — Gustavo Arellano thought out and represents a OC Weekly Editor thoughtfulness on his part which I think validates his opinion," Robles said. Arellano also expressed his "I think people are very dismis- honest opinion on the rising cost of sive when it comes to how much tuition. Americans love Mexican food," "Youth apathy has always been Arellano said. "When you hate a so- endemic to the American mind," ciety, when you hate a people, when Arellano said. "Obviously, some you're discriminating against them, issues resonate more with students one of the first things you do is de- than others. For instance, if I was monize what they eat, that's where a community college student right so many ethnic slurs come from." now, I would be throwing rocks at Going to great lengths to demon- the administration, you know, not strate the origins and integration of so much at the school administraMexican food into America, Arel- tion, but on the bigger level." lano made his case before the stuA product of the community dent body of just how important this school system himself, Arellano had acceptance is for the Latino com- some advice for the students of EC munity. as well. "The very fact that Americans "This country is a rat race, this love Mexican food, in its various it- country is a shark tank. If you don't erations, I think is really something like it, oh damn, I don't know, move significant," Arellano said. "The to New Zealand or some place way I put it is, first, we conquer where the living's more easy." your stomach, then we conquer your heart!" Saul Prado

Assistant News Editor

District profile reveals dramatic change in demographics Sam Tedla

Staff writer

Future projections show that by 2020, students younger than 20 years of age will enroll at EC at a lower rate, according to Institutional Research & Planning. However, these projections also report that the amount of students 20 years of age and older will increase. "A lot of kids coming out of high school today are not prepared enough to do college work," Tom Keville, history professor, said. "If there is a change to be made, it has to be at the primary and secondary level but it's a hard thing to do." With increased amount of older students, some students are curious whether or not they will accommodate them with more evening classes. Primarily to help those who work during the day. "Well I used to teach at night and the students who come at night want to be here," Debora Mochidome, ESL professor, said. "These are students usually looking to get an advancement in their current jobs, but the only way for them to take classes with their work schedules is take them at night." El Camino offers the opportunity to either transfer to a 4-year university, or serve as a vocational school for those trying obtain certification for the career they desire. The amount of students over 20 year of age shouldn't affect the em-

phasis on vocational subjects over transferring to a 4-year university, Keville said. El Camino's cost per unit in 2009 was $26. It is currently $46 per unit. "School is getting really expensive, people are saying maybe I should see what my options are before I decide to go to college," Mochidome said. Having more older students versus younger ones could change the learning environment around campus. "I think having more older students will change the learning environment, because we have a lot of immature young students who are fresh out of high school”, Armando Gutierrez, 20, nursing major, said. "Whenever there is a serious topic to discuss I see those students giggling and it stops class." According to elcamino.edu, EC has seen a raise in Hispanic enrollment from 32.3 percent in 2008 to 44.7 percent in 2012. Recent guest speaker and OC Weekly editor Gustavo Arellano spoke on the benefits of having adequate Latino representation in the administration. "On the more substantial level, to have people on the board who went through these experiences, especially as the demographics of the south bay and the campus here changes, it allows them to know exactly how to best serve the population of students that are coming in," Arellano said.

In conjunction with the statistics recently released by the EC police department, the Union compared the campus’ crime statistics from 2001-2009 to those of several other local campuses, and found that EC had reported significantly higher cases of crime than most other campuses. While casual interpretation of this information might draw alarmist conclusions, the disparity isn’t necessarily an accurate reflection of the campus or the

safety of its student body, Michael Trevis, EC Chief of Police, said. For instance, while EC reported 10 times the amount of incidents of grand theft auto as compared to Santa Monica College, despite having a lower number of students enrolled at EC, Trevis points out that SMC only has parking spaces for about 2,500 cars on a 38 acre campus, while EC has a staggering 5,200 parking spaces spread over 123 acres, providing a much greater opportunity for potential thieves. Ray Lewis, administration of

justice professor, also offered an insight into why EC reports such higher incidents of crime. “El Camino has a fully certified law enforcement agency (The ECPD), but if they (other schools) have no equivalent, it’s hard to compare the data,” Lewis said. “Crimes reported are not necessarily the same as actual crimes occurred,” Lewis added, explaining that it’s possible that without a dedicated campus police presence, many of the crimes on other campus simply go unreported.

Last chance to save a life Lorenzo Gutierrez Staff writer

Saving lives was the purpose of the EC Fall blood drive that took place Oct. 8-10 in the Students Activities Center. "The Inter-Club Council is the one who puts it on, and what they want to do is to bring the whole campus community, not only the clubs, but bring every one together to do something for the community around us," Breanna Von Stein, Student Services Specialist said. Stein emphasized the importance of giving blood, each donation potentially helping up to three people which is why it is always in demand. Since blood is something that cannot be manufactured on a mass scale yet, it is something people must obtain from other humans, Stein added. Potential donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, have had no tattoos in

the past 12 months, and bring a photo ID, Cheryl Berlow, Blood Drive Coordinator at CedarsSinai Medical Center, said. "Tattoos are not accepted because California is not a regulated state and it takes 12 months to find out if you have hepatitis or any other disease from getting that tattoo," Berlow said. "Piercings are fine as long as it is not a do it yourself project, as long as it was done professionally." The doors of this event open at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. but for today, the doors will stay open until 8 p.m., Stein said. "We expect hopefully two hundred donors," Stein said. "All the donations go to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center because they are the ones who are collecting the blood this year, and the donation is going to that hospital in downtown L.A." Stein said. This blood drive will probably have 40 volunteers and each person is working around eight

hours during the event, Stein added. "I feel good because it’s helping the community, helping the campus to know that there is a blood drive going on," Bria Lloyd, 18, nursing major, volunteer said. "This time I wouldn't donate because I have tattoos and one is not a year old yet, and the other one is from two weeks ago, so I can't do it." At the end all the students who donate will get a t-shirt or a coupon for a pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream, Berlow said. "Well Cedars-Sinai Hospital uses 3000 units of blood a year and reaching out to the community only supplies about half of that number, and we have a level one trauma center, so when people get in car accidents, shot, or any other kind of trauma, they are taken to Cedars and they need blood, so if you want to save a life, students should come to the blood drive," Berlow said.

arts

October 10, 2013

El Camino College Union 3

On the scene Erin Logan

Art Illumination EC’s art gallery is now displaying “Victor Raphael: Illumination From Digital to Sublime.” The featured art is described as “full of contradiction, paradox, and similtaneously abstract.” Today is the gallery’s reception which will take place in the art gallery at 7 p.m. The artists’ lecture will be held on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m., also in the art gallery.

Phantasms Oct. 18 at 8 p.m., EC professor Jason Davidson will present his speech “Phantasms” which asks the question: “Can we communicate with the dead?” Davidson will explain the history and demonstrate the methods of the Spiritualist Movement, as well as explaining how these techniques are still in use today. The event will be held in Marsee Auditorium. Tickets are $15. Call 1-800-832-ARTS for more information.

Film Natural wonders On Oct. 21, Marsee Auditorium will be screening the film “More of America’s Amazing Places American Natural Wonders,” which is narrated by Bob Deloss and is part of the Discovery World Travel Series. Show times will be at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $7.

Dance Bollywood dance

John Fordiani/ Union

Thanh Nguyen, 20, business major, stops in the library lobby and scrutinizes pictures of Superman throughout the years.

Chris Guzman Staff Writer

howcasing at Schauerman Library through the end of October, library staff and faculty members have brought together classic superhero memorabilia to examine the “superhero” image. The exhibit was scheduled to coincide with Superman’s 75th anniversary, as curators hope to explore the impact these images have had upon society and some of the costumes portrayed within the last decade. “We all strive to be the best we can be. [Superheroes] set examples for us to follow, they have qualities we all wished we had,” Maria Brown, social science professor and a contributor to the collection, said. Albert Romero, exhibit curator for Schauerman Library, believes

Superheroes

UNMASKED A new collection in Schauerman Library explores the impact and history of superhero imagery.

superhero imagery to be a pervading influence within our society. “It crosses the generation lines, each generation knows these characters: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman,” Romero said. Others note that superheroes derive their magnetism from their humanity, rather than their perfection. “I think younger people can relate to Batman,” Kim Reynolds, senior production artist at War-

ner Bros. and a contributor to the exhibit, said. “He’s more moody, more of a complex individual. Torn between doing justice and revenge, he’s very emotional.” And yet, Kim points out, these superheroes aspire to something greater despite their humanity. “It gives us hope, it gives people encouragement, to go above and beyond what people can do,” Kim said. As society has developed, so

Shyamala Moorty and collaborators present “an evening of dance, theater, multimedia, and audience interaction” while taking their audience on an exploration of Shyamala’s South Asian heritage. The performance will be Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. in Marsee Auditorium. Tickets to this event will be $18.

have these characters, and the exhibit pays homage to that evolution, featuring costumes stretching back into the 40’s. “Looking at the historical progression from start to finish, it was pretty amazing to see how high tech their equipment was compared to the 40’s,” Kim said. “It’s a natural progression... as society progresses they have more high tech gear to play with.” Romero was also concerned

with properly showcasing the history behind these cultural icons. “We wanted to bring a lot of pictures of what superman looked like within the last decade,” he said. “There on the wall, you see how different his clothing is compared to now. We wanted to educate [students] on the costumes and the portrayed actors in the 40’s.” Capes and tights aside, Brown stresses that the positive influence of superheroes would not be possible without the reflection of average people in their persona. “People can identify with characters because they are like them and have the potential to set examples,” she said. “They all give us a sense of hope, that we can be better, we could be at peace, they give us a sense of confidence,” she added. “That’s what makes them so interesting, we explore the idea that there’s a superhero in all of us.”

Album Review

Justin’s musical vision clouds in “20/20 Part 2”

Music Society of Music Recitals Each semester, EC’s Society of Music club organizes a student recital. The event serves as a venue for EC music students to perform in a recital and as a fundraiser for the club. This fall, it will be held on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. in Haag Recital Hall. Auditions take place today in Music 134 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. For additional information please contact Dr. Patrick Schulz, the club advisor at: pshulz@elcamino.edu.

Flute, piano, cello On Oct. 27 Patricia Maki, Lois Roberts, and Catherine Biagini will be performing in Marsee Auditorium. The trio will be performing pieces by Lotti, Poulenc, Ravel, Piazzolla, and Dutilleux. The performances begin at 3 p.m. and tickets are $15.

Theatre One-Act Plays An evening of exciting, student-directed plays presented in EC’s campus theater. The plays being performed will include: “H.R.” by Eric Coble, “Playwriting 101: The Rooftop Lessons” by Rich Orloff, “Ring of Men” by Adam Oliensis, as well as an appearance by EC Improv Troupe. This will take place on Oct. 11 and 12 in the Campus Theater at 8 p.m. and tickets will be $10.

then switches to a slow pop/rock rhythm which sounds incredible. The lyrics are not only deep, Despite catchy hooks and well- but personal: “I know people produced tracks, Justin Timber- make promises all the time/Then lake’s “The 20/20 Experience Part turn around and break them/ II” still cannot compete with the When someone cuts your heart strongest songs of “Part I” like open with a knife, while you beating.” “Suit & Tie.” “Only When I Walk Away,” is Timberlake is having an outstanding year with his return to another standout on the album. music. In March he released “The Fans will love how the beat de20/20 Experience,” which debuted velops up until the end, creating number one on the Billboard Hot space for Justin’s verse: “She loves 200 album charts and went on to me now, only when I walk away... She only loves me when I walk go double platinum. “Part II” features his chart-top- away,” to keep repeating. In “TKO,” Timping sinberlake paints a gle, “Take fight metaphor to Back The “Even though the accompany TimNight,” lyrics prove great baland’s outstandw h i c h could just and catchy, listeners ing beat: “Been swinging after the be the will feel slowed by bell and after all of push he the whistle blows/ needs to the repetition. With Tried to go below make artall the tracks being the belt, through ist of the year. produced by Timba- my chest, perfect hit to the dome/ This alland, it would have This ain’t the girl bum holds that I used to know, a few simbeen great to see a no TKO,” ilarities to different side of JusIf the album “Part I.” tin in this half of the needed anything, Neither it would be more experialbum.” producers and ments past shorter songs. Ti mb erEven though the lyrics prove lake’s signature strengths in pop and R&B beats. Both albums great and catchy, listeners will feel also come in extremely long, with slowed by the repetition. With all “Part I” and “II” featuring seven the tracks being produced by Timand five tracks running past the baland, it would have been great to see a different side of Justin in this 7-minute mark respectively. The entire album is produced half of the album. “Part II” isn’t stronger than by hit-maker, Timbaland, with some tracks co-produced by Tim- “Part I” by any stretch of the imagination, but as a combinaberlake. “Not A Bad Thing,” is the tion, “The 20/20 Experience” longest track of the album and will come to dominate 2013. The most interesting one. At just over albums are loaded with hits and 11-minutes, it starts off sounding Justin is looking at yet another like another corporate “hit,” but platinum-selling release. Trent Ledford Staff Writer

Leala Stephenson/ Union Miriam Alonzo, 35, art major, poses with several of her works as well as the source of inspiration for one of her pieces.

A vibrant, surreal talent Saul Prado

Assistant News Editor

She begins with a carefully crafted grid, ensuring every inch is utilized to its maximum potential. Then comes a central image, carefully placed to lead the eyes in a dance through fantasy and imagination, no 3-D glasses required. In search of her own syle, Miriam Alonzo, 35, art major, has found guidance in the works of surrealists Vladimir Kush and Salvador Dali, as well as the highly stylized tessellations of M.C. Escher. “I painted a duplicate of some of their works to get a feeling of what the artist actually went through in order to create a masterpiece,” Alonzo said. Alonzo, who goes by the pseudonym “HHcita,” has spent her time at EC in many of its art classes, augmenting her extensive background in art. “I’ve been drawing since I was nine and I have most of my work since 1996,” she said. “I didn’t collect it to make a business of it, but I collected it to see the process and how I developed.” “Her work looks so real, it’s like you actually want to pick it

up and take a bite of it,” Jackie Stewart, 56, an art student and classmate, said of an apple drawn by Alonzo. “She reminds me of the Jamaican and Spanish people that use a lot of vibrant colors.” Alonzo credits her grandfather, a strong influence in her life, for teaching her how to work with her hands and develop her artistic side.

“I grew up with my grandparents and my grandfather was a kite maker,” Alonzo said. “I used to help him make kites and remember he used to love colors. We used to put different color compositions into each kite.” The complexity and precision of her patterns has even caused some to question her pieces as computer-generated images, rather than authentic works of hand. “I usually post the process of my work on my website because people think that I use computers to do my patterns,” Alonzo said. “There’s no computer at all; it’s

just time, imagination, and color.” Using mostly colored pencils on hot press watercolor paper, Alonzo achieves strikingly rich colors that immediately evoke a reaction from viewers. Alonzo has been featured in numerous EC art galleries and has competed in local area contest including the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery in Barnsdall Park. Her instructors have also taken note and are optimistic that Alonzo’s future career in art is bright. “At this point, I think Miriam is on the right track. She’s a very hard worker and very ambitious about her art,” Willie Brownlee, art professor, said. “I think she will be a very solid candidate for scholarships and art programs, which will be very good for her down the road.” More than just class assignments or a means of revenue and fame, Alonzo sees her art as a form of therapy and celebration of life, striving to emote a feeling of happiness in each piece. “I’m happy with what I do,” she said. “I learned from my grandfather that whatever you do in life, you have to like it.”

4 El Camino College Union

features

October 10, 2013

Learning to hold a Eric Hsieh Arts Editor

Jeffrey Lansdell, 21, fire science major, gives mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during an Emergency Medical Technician course at El Camino College. Students practice the techniques, but do not actually place their mouths on the mannequin for sanitary reasons. The course covers a range of rescue problems, from medical to trauma, hazardous emergencies, and multiple casualty incidents.

Special-created mannequins give EMT students an opportunity to practice different life-saving techniques. This mannequin is designed for anatomy instructional purposes, while others are used for CPR training. During emergencies, EMTs would be equipped with first-aid kits and oxygen-recue breathing equipment, an automatic defibrillator, splints and immobilization devices.

The trainee directly in front of me asks me what day it is, checks my pulse, and makes sure I can open my mouth despite the brace encircling my neck. At his OK, three other students step forward to help him lift me from my chair to the ground. Spinal immobilization is just one of many skills that students in EC’s Emergency Medical Technician program will practice, but hidden within the exercise are all the core tenets for this 16-week course: meticulous attention to procedure, cooperation within a squad, and a compassion for the patient. “Students attend both lecture and lab for three sessions a week,” Kevin Coffelt, instructor, said. “By the end of the course they will have learned 38 skills, all practiced in lab. The goal is for them to be ready for their state certification board.” Many students take this course to prepare for the first of many certificates on the way to becoming a firefighter, paramedic, emergency room technician, or nurse. “Most students in this class want to be firefighters, but I want to be a police officer,” Cody Alidon, 19, administration of justice ma-

jor, said. “I figure this would be one of the way to help me stand out. Knowing what to do when responding to emergency situations.” Despite being a one-semester course, Jami Daugherty, 27, fire science and business major, warns that the material is both extensive and difficult. “It’s more than what you’d learn in your first aid or CPR class,” Daugherty said. “It takes what you learn in those and builds upon it. You have to learn a lot of anatomy and physiology, their medical terms. It’s not an easy class.” Still, students describe the EMT course to be as as engaging as it is challenging, thanks to the instructors leading it. “The instructors are great. They’re all really personable and have hands-on experience,” Alidon said. “Asking questions is the highlight of my day because they always have insight the book can’t give you.” “For the most part all the skills are easy in concept,” he added, “but the hard part is ensuring you consistently do it right. It’s critical in keeping someone alive.”

October 10, 2013

features

El Camino College Union 5

life in your hands

EMT instructor Kevin Coffelt demonstrates a class lesson in the room. Students observing from left are Sebastian Leal, 21, fire science; Nicole Lee, 23, fire science; Cynthia Ly, 23, biology; and Josh Oshima, 20, business. Coffelt, a Redondo Beach firefighter, is one of four instructors in the EMT program. There are also 10 teacher assistants.

EMT student Robert Steinback plays the role of a victim with a cervical spine injury during a classroom training drill. He is fitted with cervical collar to immobilize the spine.

Eunique Williams, 26, fire science, has his vitals taken with a blood pressure unit by Thaddeus Thomas, 25, also fire science, during a class exercise. EMT courses are offered for 16 weeks in the spring and fall, and eight weeks in the summer.

Simone Barnes, 19, EMT major, from left, Desmond Bennett, 26, fire science, and Khadijah Allen, 19, EMT, receive information about the pediatric airway, while giving CPR to an infant mannequin. Teacher assistant John Reyes demonstrates the proper techniques.

Photos by Union Photographer KIMBERLY KEELER

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, known commonly by its acronym of CPR, is an integral part of the EMT training. Students gather outside for a drill coordinated by a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant John Reyes. EMT students from left are Desmont Bennett, 26, fire science; Simone Barnes, 19, EMT; Khadijah Allen, 19, EMT; Erika Clarke; Cody Angle,

EDITORIAL

6 El Camino College Union

October 10, 2013

If you snooze, you lose...a smartphone Assuming you’ve had a chance to look over the new crime map that the Union has released (and considering that it’s covering the entire front page, it’s pretty hard to miss), you’ve probably noticed that there’s a fair amount of crimes occurring on campus. While the last issue of the Union featured an editorial detailing steps and methods of protecting yourself from the sort of violent crimes that have swept our society’s collective imagination in the wake of tragic incidents like the recent shootings in our nation’s capital, the vast majority of crimes at EC aren’t nearly as life threatening. A student wakes up from a nap in the library to discover his lap top missing, somebody leaves a smart phone in their class room while they use the bathroom and return to find it gone, or a person in a hurry forgets to lock their car’s door only to have somebody yank their stereo. These are the sorts of crimes of opportunity that we see reported every week. Unfortunately, these aren’t crimes that require a criminal mastermind or an unstable psyche to pull off. These are crimes that any regular joe passing by could commit if the circumstances were right. While yes, all of the advice the Union gave last week is still

to remember tips and tricks to keeping your property safe while on campus. For instance, Police Chief Michael Trevis recommends that students always check that they’ve locked their cars not by just double clicking the remote on their key chain, but by trying to physically open your doors. Fortunately, hands and arms don’t run out of batteries. Another helpful tip is to never listen to music with both headphones in while walking; it’s a fairly simple matter for anyone on a skateboard or bike to ride up behind an oblivious student and snag any free hanging cords or wires and take off before the victim realizes anything has happened. Finally, even if you have absolutely no hope of ever recovering lost or stolen property, be sure to report it to the ECPD. Information on the locations and methods used in campus crimes can go a long way toward preventing follow up crimes in the future. See related articles on Page 1-2

The Issue • Total prevention of crime is impossible on an open campus like EC

Our Stand • The ECPD can only do so much on it’s own; to be truly effective, students need to be aware and willing to report crimes

a good idea to follow, traveling in groups at night won’t do anything to help when you notice that somebody reached through your car’s window and stole your brand new digital camera. In fact, random strangers have even casually walked out of the Union Newsroom itself with expensive equipment under one arm in the past. EC is an open campus, and it’s simply a fact of life that crime will happen here. However, that doesn’t mean you should barricade yourself at home and only take online courses. The truth is, EC isn’t really any more dangerous than other public places. The problem is that students tend to forget that this -is- a

Charles Ryder/ Union

public place. Just like last week though, the best solution is to be aware of your surroundings. If you

wouldn’t leave your Ipad sitting on the bench at the bus stop, why leave it out when you take a nap in the library? If you wouldn’t leave

your back pack sitting in out in the middle of the airport, why leave it unattended in your class room? There are of course other, easy

Adjusting to an older student body After the 2012 presidential election, political analysts held that the Republican Party lost in part due to the changing face of “traditional America” and exit polls seemed to corroborate this idea. That November, the “white vote” turnout, the GOP’s most stable electorate, had dropped to its lowest point ever while both the “black vote” and the “latino vote” grew, with the latter breaking double-digits (10%) for the first time. In this day and age, institutions

unprepared to court changing demographics face the spectre of irrelevance. By all accounts, EC will need to serve an older student population more heavily dominated by students from diverse ethnic groups in the coming years. While the stakes are different, the same principles apply. To start, EC will need to appeal to a group more entrenched in their professional lives. If our society wants to see young, 20-something students succeed, it

will need to recognize their needs and support them. This could mean an emphasis on growing offered night classes. EC will need to assure prospective students that their work schedules won’t be impacted for the sake of credits. Teachers should also explore ways to accommodate a changing population. Long-term assignments that utilize weekends could be a welcome respite to students that work during the day and attend school at night five days a

week. If the college can brand itself as “worker-friendly,” it would likely see enthusiastic enrollment, attendance, retention, and graduation rates in response. Additionally, an older population will have a different relationship to contemporary technologies. The digital divide separates more than rich from poor, it also disjoins the young from the old. As it exists now, MyECC is far too unwieldy. Students rarely use its outdated email platform

Learning real life wisdom from the mouths of babes

I would like to respond to a statement made in the September 26th issue of the Union in the article concerning the Child Development Center (CDC). In her statement, a student recognized that the funds for running the CDC might be better used by students to supplement student tuition costs. There is a place for this conversation, but it is not in connection to the Child Development Center and I would like to clarify why. Childhood Education is part of the Careers and Technical Education (CTE) pipeline. This means we offer educational experiences that “integrate academic, vocational and technical education.” Many programs in CTE have lab schools as part of their training. In fact, many academic programs, especially in the sciences also have labs so that students are able to glean first hand experiences in their studies. This type of hands on training is what gives

EC graduates a solid reputation in our community work force. Yet, even though Childhood Education is still considered a vocational program, we need to fight for our students to have a lab school. I know of no other program at EC where our school administration requires that their labs make a profit. The Childhood Education Department is training students to work with children. The students majoring in Child Development need a lab school to put ideas into practice with supervision and positive mentorship; just as many people want a nurse to learn patient care. I am curious why, as a community, we seem so uninterested in supporting families and their children. This CDC cannot just be about fiscal management. This CDC is about our responsibility to children. There is no parent I know of who would consider leaving their child in the care of a teacher who has only studied

U N NIO EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Vol. 67, No. 4 October 10, 2013

E -mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

sistance. The greater challenge will be sensitive decisions about how EC is run--evaluating whether a minority voice is fully represented in our management and administration. Equilibrium will be a temptation in the coming years, if only because it’s convenient and familiar. However, EC will soon understand, whether through foresight or regret, that the boat won’t move anywhere without rocking a little. See related articles on Page 2

COMMENTARY

CAMPUS INSIGHT

Susan Baxter child education instructor

and at the beginning of this year, they were confronted with a system incapable of handling elevated amounts of traffic at a critical time. While it’s difficult to predict what technologies will exist five or seven years from now, the emphasis will need to be on accessibility and ease of use. Finally, a changing ethnic composition will require different policies and services. Simpler changes might include things like increased bilingual as-

and never worked with children before. It is not untypical to have students who have chosen a major in Child Development but have never set foot in a preschool program before. I am constantly hearing how children are our future and one of our most precious resources. If you believe this also, I invite the community of our college to stand up and advocate for the children of our community and in all communities where our future teachers will work. The views expressed in Campus Insight are those of the authors. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers. This column is available to students and faculty. All articles may be submitted to eccunion@gmail.com. Please note that articles may be edited for content and length

Editor-in-Chief �� Thomas Schmit Managing Editor ��Rigo Bonilla News Editor ��Jessica Martinez Assistant News Editor ��Saul Prado Opinion Editor ��Rigo Bonilla Features Editor �� Brian Camacho Arts Editor �� Eric Hsieh Sports Editor ��Matthew Simon Social Media Editor �� Thomas Schmit Photo Editor ��Amira Petrus Advertising Manager ��Kimberly Brandes Adviser ��Kate McLaughlin Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu Technical Support �� Don Treat

Speaking bluntly about pot Rigo Bonilla Managing Editor

Society has come a long way since the days of “Reefer Madness.” Weed is no big deal. Marijuana is all over prime time TV, and you can buy a sack at your local dispensary as easy as you can buy a six-pack of brew (If you have a medical card). Marijuana really should be the least of everyone’s worries. Nobody should receive jail time for smoking, but it doesn’t mean it’s OK any time anywhere. In many cases, weed is going to be the strongest thing out there. Cannabis growers have it down to a science. The levels of THC, the chemical in weed that gets you high, found in the plant are growing every day. It’s puzzling how LSD and mushrooms are still looked at as crazy substances that might make you freak out, but weed is just easy going. Weed today is no joke. One hit of top-shelf kush can have you stuck for a couple hours. And it

definitely doesn’t mix well with school. When I first started at EC, a friend giving me a ride to class asked me if i wanted to smoke a blunt before going in. I accepted, not taking into consideration that he smokes the finest buds. Big mistake. I got to my beginning piano class 20 minutes late. Being the last person to class never feels good, but on weed it can be a nightmare. There were no pianos left. The instructor told me to take her piano, which was a grand piano on a stage in front of the class. I felt the whole class’ eyes on me. Every wrong key I hit could be heard by everyone. Anxiety was an understatement. I’ve never been high at school since. Obviously, now it’s dumb and I laugh about it, but it really made me change my perceptions about cannabis. It’s not as harmless as it seems in movies, and it does take matu-

The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, and is free to the student body and staff. Unsigned editorials and cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board and do not reflect the views of the student body, staff or administration. Letters to the editor must be signed and must be received one week prior to publication in the Union office, Humanities Building Room 113. Letters are subject to editing for space, libel, obscenity and disruption of the educational process. Single copies of the Union are free; multiple copies can be requested through the Union.

rity to be responsible with it. There’s a big difference between showing up to school where you have to intake and retain information, and sitting on your couch watching “Half Baked” and eating cheese doodles. Only one of these scenarios are conducive to smoking. The debate about marijuana legalization continues. There is an initiative cleared and in circulation in California. It will be in circulation from Oct.1- Feb. 24 2014. The Union will be exploring this issue more next week in the first of a three part series on marijuana and the ongoing debate over its legalization in California.

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El Camino College Union 7

October 10, 2013

UP FOR DEBATE

Should student athletes get paid?

Sebastian Spencer Staff writer

Playing college sports is a dream in itself

How would you like to be a college athlete at a big university? Of course most of us would love it. You get to play in big games that are nationally televised, be well known around campus by everybody, and the most important thing: you can potentially put yourself in position to be a professional athlete. Professional athletes get paid quite a bit of money for what they do. Collegiate athletes do not get paid, and the reason why is because they are simply not pros. The main reason why college athletes should not get paid is because they are already living the life of a superstar pro athlete for free. It’s an even exchange, and athletes know that when they are recruited. The motto that most universities follow is: “You help our program gain recognition with your athletic ability & talent, and we will give you a chance to earn a college degree free of charge.” I think people are not realizing that some of these players come from the worst neighborhoods where drugs, gang violence and poverty is a everyday sight. Making it out of those areas is almost better than getting paid to some of them. The opportunity that has been given to these young men to obtain a college education and gain knowledge in something other than athletics is far more superior than any amount of money they would receive. The NCAA does capitalize off a lot of these college athletes and their success, but that’s something that will never change. The better the students-athletes perform, the more money there is to fund programs. That is how it is and has always been for all learning institutions. College’s athletic programs want to recruit the best players they can find. Why? So the program will grow and make more top athletes want to attend. Unfortunately everybody will not go to the pros. That’s where education comes into play, and if they utilize the tools that have been

given to them they will be able to have a career that will last a lot longer and possibly more rewarding than an athletic one. At the end of the day, athletic ability & money are two things that don’t last forever. Knowledge & education is something you can never have taken away.

By Lorenzo Gutierrez

Maria Vera, 21, sociology major, is the president of the Sociology Club and she invites to all EC students to visit at the ARTB room 317 at 1 p.m. every Thursday. Vera says, don’t be shy, introduce yourself and get ready to have fun. She likes to see new people and hopes that the new people stay the whole semester and not just one day.

want to gather lot of cans of food, so we can donate to Skid Row in L.A. Also, before Christmas, during winter break, we are going to do a toy drive, so, that’s why I encourage students to come and be part of the Sociology Club. In our spring semester, we have a panel that we invite of students who came to EC and transferred to other schools with major of sociology. We also invite students who are working and who graduated to talk about their experiences hare at EC and how they made that transition to a university. Most of the people that come are sociologists, but we also bring Rene Lozano, he is a transfer counselor here at EC, to speak the process of transferring. We bring him to speak to our members Nov. 7. I know students are getting ready to start sending applications, so I want him to come and talk about the process of transferring and his experience as well. We use the last 15 minutes of our club meeting to ask questions to the panel or to Rene Lozano.

What does sociology mean to the world?

What is the goal of the Sociology Club?

It’s where people can study and learn how we interact with one another in institutions. For example in schools, at work, or at church you can see how people interact with each other and the norms we have. It really means a lot because that way people who come from other countries to visit can understand. For example, if someone comes from Mexico to visit to the U.S., they might not know the norms or the values that we have.

We have three goals for this club. We want to promote unity. We want students to be able to feel welcome and feel like they have a sense of connection with people around them. I want to be able to promote awareness to let our members know what is going on, what types of events are going on campus and things that are beneficial to them. I know there are lot of workshops going on because October is career month and I like to inform our members about them so they don’t miss out. The last goal is to have fun being yourself and being able to create long memories. We like to have a potluck, and by the end of the semester, we all bring a cultural dish; like someone who is Chinese brings Chinese food, or someone who is Mexican brings tacos; I really emphasize that people bring foods from their culture, so everyone can try different kind of foods.

What makes the Sociology Club unique is the bond we have with each member. We always have “I speakers” at the beginning of the class just to get to know each other a little bit more, and I think that it’s building unity. I think that it’s something that makes our club different for other clubs that we are able to connect, even outside of school because we have different activities. I think that helps us to know each other more and it’s something important in a club.

What activities do you do as a club? We do a lot of community projects. For example, this semester we are planning a canned food drive. We want to give to the community, especially people who are homeless. Before Thanksgiving, we want to start collecting cans from faculty members, students on campus and from other non-profit organizations. We

Share the wealth. Let’s pay college athletes. People must rethink their understanding of college sports. College sports is more accurately sports business. A payment system needs to be created based on a level playing field that will equally distribute the wealth to male and female

Illustration by Eugene Chang

campus corner

What makes the Sociology Club unique?

Student athletes are being exploited

Can any student can be part of the Sociology Club? Anyone can enjoy Sociology Club; they don’t need necessarily be sociology major. I really hope other students who are not sociology majors come because they can bring new things to the table, things that our sociology majors are not aware of, like ideas outside of our field. At the end of the day it all ties back to sociology.

Campus viewpoints Lowe Barry Staff writer

athletes based on the profitability of each individual sport. There should be rules and caps. And there should be a method to share some of the income with needy students via financial aid. Major television stations recently signed a $10.8 billion contract with the NCAA, according to the LA Times. Ohio State just agreed to pay coach Urban Meyer $24 million over six years. Other conferences and coaches have signed 7 figure contracts. Not providing college athletes with pay because they receive four year scholarships or because it is unfair to non-athletic students is a poor argument. They are being exploited. Their talents are generating billions. They deserve to get paid. These players are bringing in millions with jerseys, fan gear and video games like NCAA football 2014. And even though the names of players are not allowed to be used in the game because they aren’t being paid, consumers know who is who. And what do college athletes get in return? A dream, but that dream may never turn their dream into a reality. A minuscule percent of all college basketball players graduating will see the inside of a NBA locker room. The rest will be subject to watching the games on the couch in their living room like the rest of us. Or they can buy tickets - if they can afford them - in the nose bleed section. Many athletes, along with the rest of us, will not be able to find jobs when they graduate because we live in a jobless economy. Today, most students are moving back home with their parents after graduation. In many ways, history is repeating itself. College sports parallel the plantation system. The old slave master’s wealth came thru the pain of the slaves. The new slave master’s wealth comes thru the gain of the college athletes. Trickle-down economics is bad for the economy. Share the wealth.

‘Tis the season to be vigilant

By Trent Ledford

Jason Herndon, 22, journalism

“Yes, I believe that student athletes should get paid because the school is making profit off the athlete playing. Athletes are on video games, and most collegiate games are televised which also brings the school more revenue.”

Samuel Villarreal, 18, undecided

“No, due to the whole essence of being students. They’re not at the pros yet. When they get to the pro level, that is when they start getting paid. They wouldn’t pay students musician or performers in the theater, so why should the athletes get paid?

Column For the majority of the world, the that I have realistically set my sights month of October means the start of on, it has become seemingly clear that fall, beginning of the holiday season every state is vitally different; not that and the road to the World Series, but I presumed all university requirements for community college students, it to be ubiquitous. I found the majority of differences to marks the treacherous path of transfer be meniscal but detrimental nonetheless. applications. As the painful process of transferring It’s those minimal differences that, if prevails, keep in mind one major point foolishly overlooked, will break the deal or set me apart from to prevent childish the shmuck next to me. mistakes: Deadlines. At this point in the Not a single soul is application process, more adamant about your you can’t change your success than you, so don’t transcripts, you can’t rely on others. Write really join any new down every deadline, for networks, it’s nearly every university on your impossible to makeshift checklist, for every bit a better you. So take of the process. Write it, what you have and run highlight it, glue glitter like hell and as the around it, attach a neon saying goes, “fake it arrow sign pointing until you make it.” to it, or tape it to your Angela Yim Much like the forehead. Union Columnist majority of the education Those of us that spent process, applications the past few years (for some more than just a few) carefully will go by quickly and by the time it’s following the guidelines, retaking all said and done, we’ll be overwhelmed asinine courses, and bargaining our with graduation goggles and almost souls to the devil — doing all the wish to do it all over again. Almost. But by then there will be a whole typical transfer student methods to success — the time has finally come. new set of hell to go through. By then We have waited, killed ourselves over my nightmare will have come to life and over again to meet this moment, and the Red Sox will be playing the only to find that the real chaos has just Dodgers. Home team against home team. At least in baseball they serve begun. Luckily for California natives, we beer. have a plethora of local universities and private institutes to select from. Californians have a variety of choices • Please connect with me by email at according to our taste in scenery, eccunionangela@gmail.com status, social influences, and worldclass professors. • Follow me on Twitter @eccunionAng However, for those of us with a serious case of wanderlust, geographic • Join the conversation online at standpoints are just as vital of a www.eccunion.com contribution to one’s final decision as the university’s credibility. • The views expressed in this column As my personal statement is in the are those of the author. They do not works, lurking through all the dreamy represent the views or opinions of Ivy Leagues is personal torture, but the Union, its staff, editorial board or as I ventured through the universities advisers.

Diane Vay, 20, journalism

“No, if athletes are being paid at a junior college level, what would be the point of being a professional in the long run? Where will the money come from? If athletes receive income for whatever sport they play, we all might as well receive income for our work regardless of major.

Kacie Kim, film

“Yes. If the athlete is doing the work, the athlete should be paid, especially in a situation where the school is receiving a large amount of profit.”

8 El Camino College Union

sports

October 10, 2013

Murdock miracle Brian Camacho Staff Writer

With only a minute left to play in the game, EC was trailing 2728 and on the verge of losing to lowly Harbor College. Then the special teams came up with yet another unbelievable play. Freshman defensive back Courtney Crockett saw that the punt had been blocked, scooped it up and returned it 20 yards for a game-winning touchdown. The Warriors (4-1) narrowly managed to escape with a 33-28 victory over the rival Seahawks (0-5) Saturday at Murdock Stadium. They've also kept their win streak going at four games. "Harbor has been struggling, but I’ve noticed that every game they play hard," coach John Featherstone said. "I tried to tell the kids it wouldn’t be easy, and it wasn’t." Crockett was the hero of the game for a second straight week after returning a blocked extrapoint attempt for the win last week against Long Beach City College. The Seahawks had just blocked a 51-yard field goal attempt by the Warriors with 1:15 left to play in the game and looked ready for the upset, but the Warrior defense came up huge on the following drive. Sophomore linebacker Kristopher Bass made a tackle for a 4-yard loss which forced the Seahawks to punt the ball away. "I came around the edge and I wanted to block it, but I didn’t have a chance,” Crockett said. “So I ran around the kicker and then the ball came and landed right in my hands." The Warriors were playing their first game without sophomore quarterback Cole Webb. who tore his ACL last week against LBCC and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Warriors run to congratulate defensive back Courtney Crockett after he picked up the loose ball for a score after defensive back Kaelyn Henderson blocked a punt.

Freshman quarterback Aaron Shockey replaced Webb in his first game as the starter against the Seahawks. He got off to a rough start but became noticeably more comfortable as the game progressed.

Shockey went 17 for 26 with 142 yards, no touchdowns, one interception and had 12 carries for 41 yards. "As the game went on I got more confident,” Shockey said.

“It’s hard to replace Cole, he’s like a coach on the field, but he helped me a lot all week." The Warriors struggled to get the passing game going but established a strong running attack

behind freshman running backs Kendall Sparks had 22 carries for 155 yards including two touchdowns. The Warriors will now travel to Bakersfield College this Satur-

Robert Chernetsky / Union

day at 6 p.m. and will be looking to keep their momentum going as tough stretch of the season comes around.

sports

October 10, 2013

El Camino College Union 9

Team ball leads to victory Marquis Parker Staff Writer

The women's water polo team soared their way to victory on as it defeated both Rio Hondo College in overtime, and East Los Angeles College (5-4) last Wednesday, Oct. 2. El Camino managed to swim passed defenders, and gave their opposition a run for their money. "We definitely out swam the other teams, giving us more opportunities to score on offense," utility player Lynsey Alabab said. Coach Corey Stanbury was pleased with his teams performance, with the majority of players recording one goal on offense. "We had nine different girls score over the course of the two games," Stanbury said. During the games, Stanbury was determined to see that his the team won and they also showed more aggression as the games continued. "It was two very hard-fought games, especially during the second period when we scored in the Rio Hondo game," Stanbury said. Alexis Ivans steered her way towards defenders making six goals during the double-header, also both Lauren Gottschalk and Nicole Clarke recorded five goals each. Goalie Cambria Serrano led defensively with 15 saves, making things difficult for other teams to score. Serrano now has 79 total saves for the season, and is pleased with how the offense does their part in scoring. "We could have played better, and won with better scores," Serrano said. "Although we did play great defense, by blocking the ball

Goalie Cambria Serrano leaps for a block during the women’s water polo team during its double header on Oct. 2 vs Rio Hondo College and East Los Angeles College.

and recording many steals, we need to work on fixing our small errors." Once this is mastered, Serrano feels her team will improve drastically during the rest of the season. Also on defense, Ivans led the Warriors with six steals. The Warriors showed great

chemistry with one another giving each other valuable chances to score. Clarke recorded three assists, along with Gottschalk, Alabab, and Evelyn Siguenza dishing out two assists. Alabab felt that her team could have scored more points. "There were a few bad choices

Warriors Schedule Football:

Oct. 12 at Bakersfield College 6 p.m.

Men’s Soccer: Tomorrow vs ECC Compton Center 2 p.m.

Women’s Soccer:

Tomorrow vs ECC Compton Center 4 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball: Tomorrow at Cerritos College 6 p.m.

women’s Water polo:

Oct. 16 at Pasadena City College 3 p.m.

Cross Country:

FOR MORE SPORTS ACTION GO TO OUR WEBSITE, ECCUNION.com

Tomorrow at Irvine Invitational TBD

Warriors Scoreboard Football:

Warriors 33 (4-1), Harbor College 28

Men’s Soccer: Warriors 0 (2-3-5), Cerritos 3

Women’s Soccer:

Warriors 0 (0-8-1), Cerritos 7

Women’s Volleyball:

Warriors 3 (8-3), Long Beach City 0

women’s Water polo:

Warriors 13 (4-4), Rio Hondo 12 Warriors 14 (5-4) East Los Angeles 8

we made out there, but we are growing much better as a team," Alabab said. "We forced ourselves to play more defense than we wanted to. Moving forward into the Warriors season, the girls feel there is still more room for improvement.” "As a goalie, I need to work

more on my lob shots," Serrano said. Communicating better and creating more chances is what the team will be working on moving forward. "Our team will be working on passing and driving for offense and defense," Alabab said.

Alycia Presley / Union

The Warriors will look to improve on their 3-4 record when they travel to Ventura for the Ventura Tournament this weekend Oct. 11-12.

Sports

10 El Camino College Union

October 10, 2013

Steve McCrank / Daily Breeze

Former wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins catches a pass against Long Beach City College back in 2009.

Patriots’ own Warrior Former EC wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins lives his dream after becoming a member of the New England Patriots this year.

Matthew Simon Sports Editor

om Brady drops back, scans to his left and scans to his right. He fires a shot to his left and finds a streaking Kenbrell Thompkins for an 18-yard touchdown pass, the first of the wideout’s career against the Atlanta Falcons. Three years ago these words were just a dream that Thompkins was chasing when he flew by himself from Miami to Los Angeles to play football at El Camino College. “You know what we say at El Camino, ‘once a warrior always a warrior,” Thompkins said. “I can definitely say that I was humbled and I’m actually thankful to be a part of El Camino’s tradition.” El Camino provided Thompkins with a foundation that helped guide him in his pursuit to meet his goal of one day joining the National Football League. “El Camino helped me develop into a man,” Thompkins said. “It taught me how to handle diversity and it taught me how to approach certain situations.” Along with the challenges that he faced after moving accross the country the football team’s bond was something that helped the transition go smoothly. “Being part of a family that treated me so good was a humbling experience for me,” Thompkins said. Coach John Featherstone left Thompkins with memories that he will not soon forget. “Featherstone is a great guy,” Thompkins said. “I mean going out there on Monday we used to always run around in circles for conditioning and Coach Featherstone used to get out there, take his shirt off and run around with us which I thought that was pretty cool. Coach Featherstone is a guy that I will always remember for the rest of my life.”

Courtesy of the New England Patriots/David Silverman photo

After being signed as an undrafted rookie Thompkins has signed for the New England Patriots.

Thompkins not only left a lasting memory in the coaching staff’s mind, but his play was something most won’t soon forget. “Kenbrell is at first very shy and quiet,” Featherstone said. “Boy, when he got on the field he was dynamite. He could run, he has really good hands and is very focused.” Not only was Kenbrell remembered for his on the field play he was remembered for the way he carried himself off the field as well. “We knew he had a chance to go much further than junior college,” Featherstone said. “He always had great self esteem, he knew he was good.” The football team’s brotherhood and family bond introduced Thompkins to someone he will never forget when he first came to EC. “I will never forget meeting a close friend of mine, Ken McRoyal(former EC football player),” Thompkins said. “He ended up passing a couple of years back, but that was a guy I will remember for the rest of my life. I remember when I first got out to california he was one of the first guys that I met. He was one of the first guys that became a brother to me and a guy that will remember for the rest of my life.” Along with Featherstone, Eugene Engle offensive coordinator also remembers the dominate force Thompkins was on the field. “When you first see him he is so lean and looks small, but he is strong,” Engle said. “He has such raw talent that it was easy to see he was good once he came onto the practice field.” Hardwork and determination is what Thompkins believes anyone that is looking to pursue their goal to reach the NFL, but he also believes in taking pride in your school work as well. “Take school seriously,” Thompkins said. “Put school first and take pride in your craft, take pride in your work and just get up every day and be thankful for what you have and live your dreams. Nothing is impossible and impossible is nothing.”

University of Cincinnati athletic department

After leaving EC Thompkins joined the University of Cincinnati to become a Bearcat.