Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Volume 28, Issue 4
Those who teach...do much more than we realize. Above: FRCC’s Professors; Stewart Erlich, Victoria Ashford, April Lewandowski, Kathy Mullins, Jonathan Montgomery, (Department Chair) Tino Gomez, Mark Ducharme, Nick Morris, and Dennis Duncan. Below: Professor Montgomery, Professor Lewandowski, Professor Erlich, and Professor Morris prove that their talents go beyond teaching. Photos by Robin OConnell
Those That Can’t Do…Teach... Written by Andrew Goad That is what they say at least. “Those that can, do. Those that can’t, teach.” To prove this untrue, several members of the English faculty gathered in the library, to a more crowded house than expected, to read their published or in the process of being published works on April 28, 2015. Inspirational, thought provoking, emotional and immense laughter are just some of the words to describe this event that was hosted by Professor Jonathan Montgomery, who also read an amazing story on faculty and their need to deposit their nerves in an adult manner, but maybe not necessarily turning out that way. The roughly sixty attendees were treated
to readings from Department Chair Tino Gomez on the surprise of a small child, a music icon and love and support in a time of despair. Professor April Lewandowski read a prize winning article on kayaking “Lava Falls” along the Colorado River. Professor Kathy Mullins read from a descriptive story of her “Mamaw” in Kentucky and her visits to her home. Both of these readings told grand stories with no pictures, but were so descriptive that the audience soon had the pictures in their heads. Professor Randy Russell had two short, but quite humorous poems to start his reading, before he led us into a narrative about a migrant child and
his sleepwalking night when he watched the news of the Apollo Moon-Landing. Professor Nick Morris read two published works. First, the observation of a mother duck’s discipline to one of her young ducklings, followed by an account of a high school class in rural Arkansas with a backwards instructor and his equally backwards nephew. Professor Mark Ducharme read to the audience an introduction to a manuscript followed by a poem on sleep and sleeping. Professor Victoria Ashford read two short stories about life in the South with an accent that put the listener right there as a participant in the muggy, hot summer day. Professor Dennis
Duncan read a poem constructed in perfect verse. He was able to show the audience a great flow of words, all while rhyming and maintaining his humor. To close the show we, in the crowd, were treated to two songs written and performed by Professor Stewart Erlich. All of these kind, humble individuals influence the students on campus more than they know, and we, as the student body, are quite fortunate to be able to have events like this. It was an amazing time for all involved, English major or not, and I would absolutely recommend attending future events held by the faculty of the English department.
Department Spotlight: Psychology Page 2
The Front Page
May 6, 2015
Written by Julian Hamilton
Jessica Mahoney, one of the Lead Professors of the Psychology Department here at our Westminster Campus, recently sat down to speak with me about what benefits and opportunities are available to students who might be considering getting involved, or dabbling, in the study of the mind. Psychology at FRCC consists of six unique courses: Psych 101 and Psych 102, which are basic, introductory classes with a focus in the biology of the brain and understanding thought and mental processes respectively. These courses have no prerequisites and can be taken in either order, Mahoney assures. Additionally, there is Forensic Psychology and Social Psychology (distinct from Sociology) which take the principles of 101 and 102 into field-specific applications. If the “hard science” of the biological aspect is what appeals to you, Human Growth and Development and Human Sexuality are also available at our campus. If you have little or no exposure to psychology, have no fear. Mahoney explains that the field is absolutely one of the most accessible because of its numerous overlaps with other areas of study and disciplines;
which includes (but is not limited to) the Medical and Nursing fields, as well as Law Enforcement and Criminal Investigation or Forensics. A major in psychology, she says, is incredibly flexible so long as you have some idea of what you want it to do for you. “A psychology major could be applicable to a career in education, in sports, in criminology, in business, and in law.” Fortunately, the department is willing to help students figure out what they want to do, and how, in a multitude of ways. A new series of guides called Pathways, Mahoney said, can explain to students the easiest and fastest ways to reach either an Associates of Arts (AA) or an Associates of Sciences (AS) with a designation in psychology, each of which will guarantee a Junior Transfer to any four-year school in arrangement with FRCC’s credit transfer programs. A Junior Transfer means that a student will transfer in as a college junior, as the requirements for a freshmen and sophomore will have been met. While the Pathways are currently unique to the Psychology Department, Mahoney assured me that other departments are working on similar arrangements. There
are other benefits available uniquely to prospective psych majors, however. Twice per semester, meetings are scheduled over student email for students who are declared under a psychology degree. These meetings correspond roughly with registration and the end of a given semester, and each serves as a chance for students to have personal Q & A time with department heads and instructors about their academic career and future. “Once you’ve been introduced to it, you can really start to draw connections in so many other classes.” Mahoney encourages students with even a passive interest to experiment with the field. She is confident in the quality of psychology courses here at FRCC and actually advocates that Front Range is one of the best places to get involved in the field, especially early on. “The content is college-level. It can be fast-paced because there is a lot to learn, but we try to make it accessible.” In going with this notion, Front Range is one of the only community colleges to offer psychology labs to students.
“It’s almost entirely unheard of for twoyear schools to offer psychology students the chance to participate in lab experiments oncampus.” Students who are enrolled in a psychology course will be able to attend a variety of events designed around bringing concepts introduced in the classroom to life; from brain dissection to memory experiments. This hands-on experience with Psychology as it applies to different studies and fields is invaluable experience and can make the introductory courses less obtuse or daunting to students without prior experience in the field. “Our department is always very active.” Mahoney shares enthusiastically. “Certain classes are even able to gather data for their own psychology experiments through anonymous surveys here at the school.” If you are a new student with an interest in the human mind or a flexible degree, someone with an avid passion for psychology, or just somebody who needs to fill an elective, consider getting involved with the Psychology Department here at our Westminster campus!
Paralegal Studies at FRCC Written by Jacob Hallberg
Students at FRCC are surrounded by legal contracts and issues that they don’t understand. American education often avoids educating students about law, especially during high school. Although laws might seem very simplistic in nature, laws are very complex and require additional knowledge that most students don’t have. Thankfully, FRCC has a paralegal studies program designed to do exactly as aforementioned, teach students law. Gerald Rogers, previous private practice attorney and political science graduate from the University of Northern Colorado and Denver College of Law is the founder and director of FRCC’s Paralegal Studies program. Rogers started the Paralegal Studies program in 1997 and the program has grown from a few students to over several hundred at the current date. America is surrounded by laws and legislation that the majority of the populace doesn't understand, Rogers is doing his part to change that. What exactly is a paralegal? A paralegal is defined by the American Bar Association as a person qualified to perform underlying legal work for lawyers or legal agencies. Paralegals are not able to directly commence
legal documents but are capable of “drafting” these documents. According to Rogers, paralegals are capable of fulfilling documentation within a legal environment and then a qualified lawyer may then sign off on those documents. Paralegals are often coined as legal assistants, as they assist qualified lawyers. Consequently, paralegals are regularly needed by law firms or individual lawyers to maximize efficiency. Paralegals often do more than just writing up contracts. They are an integral part of the information gathering process when building a case for clients. Rogers concludes that paralegals participate in the interviewing process for clients. Some paralegals even work for judges as a courtroom clerk. Overall though, paralegals have the ability to draft contracts. Contracts can range from wills to real estate closing documents. In other words, paralegals have the ability to draft all types of documents for lawyers. A myriad of students face contracts every day, or have signed a contract. If you accepted any financial aid during your schooling you agree to many terms and conditions that you may not fully understand. Whether or not
you understand the exact details within that contract is why it is beneficial to understand laws, more specifically how to understand laws within contracts. Most people, including me, often skim over a contract and look at the biggest points of the contract and then accept it. This is probably the worst thing you could do when signing something. Countless businesses write up huge amounts of text in order to cover every legal nook and cranny. Although this might seem unimportant to many, having a basic understanding of how these contracts work can greatly decrease your chance of being manipulated by a business. For example, many students currently are renting homes while they are attending college. As most of you know, you must sign a lease with the landlord stating many details and rules. One of the most common terms within the process of renting a house it to “put down” a temporary deposit. Normally this deposit is given back to the renter at the end of their lease if they have not damaged the house. However, sometimes landlords manipulate the renters and claim that damage has occurred when it indeed has not. Without any knowledge of law many
students would be forced to give up the deposit, but understanding a few laws might drastically increase the chance of getting money back. This is one of many benefits for taking paralegal classes at FRCC. Paralegals face many challenges within their job. Rogers states, paralegals must have “critical thinking”, “imagination”, and the “ability to dissect” information. These traits are essential within the job because paralegals often face situations where they need to think creatively and decisively. Paralegals also work in an environment with the possibility of many different co-workers and lawyers. This often leads to a mix of personalities and the ability to co-exist fluently with other employers is recommended by Rogers. Rogers also suggest that students pursuing a certificate in the Paralegal Studies Program have the ability to write and speak creatively. Consequently, public speaking and creative writing classes are usually essential to a successful paralegal. Pursuing classes at FRCC for paralegal studies can be used for more than just employment opportunities. Classes that revolve around paralegal studies can be used Continued on page 3
Intramural Sports at FRCC May 6, 2015
The Front Page
Page 3
Written by Jacob Hallberg
Maintaining a healthy life is one thing many Coloradans thrive to do. Being healthy often consists of more than just eating the right food. Many claim health consists of social and physical aspects of life rather than pure nutritional aspects. This is a very interesting prospect for students because it’s sometimes hard to maintain a busy school schedule while balancing a diet and a social life. Consequently, some students neglect the opportunity to monitor their health altogether in order to focus on their studies. This can have profound negative impacts on the body. According to the American Health Rankings Coloradans rank number eight in total health when compared to each state. This means that Coloradans, on average, are much more likely to pursue activities such as intramural sports. Moreover, FRCC Westminster currently has
an active intramural sports group called Wolf Play. Students and faculty are able to team up and play in minor tournaments while building a magnitude of social and physical skills. The intramural sports program at FRCC Westminster is an active and exhilarating part of the campus. Constantly tournaments are being created and students and faculty face each other in a fun, recreational manor. These sports are designed to promote connections between student and staff by integrating structured sporting events into the community. Subsequently, these sports are not fairly competitive and are meant to be fun mock ups of different types of sports. Nevertheless, fun isn’t the only experience to be gained at these events. Important skills such as: leadership, teamwork, and athletics
Get a career in the medical field, fast! Written by Alyssa Ojibway
The ads are everywhere, promising an escape from current, boring jobs that can feel almost too good to be true. With the difficulty the job market can present these days, it can lead some to wonder, is there any merit in the claim? Among the available programs offered by Front Range Community College that fit this undertaking, Pharmacy Technician may stand out against the rest. The certificate can be earned in just two semesters, at full-time status, if the requirements have been met. A pharmaceutical technician, or pharmacy tech, is a health care provider working alongside a licensed pharmacist. They help prepare prescriptions and make sure a patient is aware of specific directions for the medication. Not only is this career choice a step into the door of the medical field, but it offers a variety of work environments. The training provided through the program prepares you for working in retail establishments, hospital pharmacies, longterm care facilities, and even with the manufacturers themselves. According to pharmacy tech. Debra Stewart, it is also possible to get into a nuclear pharmacy that deals in preparing radioactive ingredients. In Stewart’s situation, she works in retail where her main focus is put on customer service. Stewart obtained her Pharmacy Technician Certificate in March of 2000.
Her route was less traditional, having been trained directly through her work and testing into her certificate a year after starting in a pharmacy. As for FRCC, once the admission requirements are completed you can begin the two semester long program that prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Exam. The first semester consists of three, five-week instruction modules that are followed by experimental modules in the next semester. Enrollment can be done in either the spring or fall semester. The shorter duration of this program, however, does come with some extra financial burden. There are additional expenses such as identification badges, scrubs, and lab coats; as well as paying for a criminal background check and a 10-panel drug screen are required before starting this program. On the job training or work assistance may be an option. In Stewart’s case, she was trained and attended
are to be obtained by participating in these events. FRCC has previously hosted a basketball and dodgeball tournament that was a huge success. Students and staff competed against each other in the High Plains Fitness Center. If you are interested in some upcoming intramural sports you are able to sign up at www.imleagues.com/FRCC. Soccer and Football are some sports to look forward to in the fall semester. Furthermore, FRCC is currently talking with the City of Westminster to secure a local park for some of these intramural sports as well. The intramural sports hosted by FRCC are free for all students and faculty. Most sports are held at the High Plains Fitness Center located on B level, down the stairway across
classes through work. Such an instance may be possible in retail establishments such as Walgreens, King Soopers, or Cost-Co. Stewart warns that, “'Fast-paced' on the job description really means… High pressure, high stress.” However, being a pharmacy technician can be a great stepping stone for anyone considering being a pharmacist as a career. Because of the current job market, many employers want applicants to have experience even if they are fresh graduates. Having worked with a pharmacist directly and becoming familiar with the software used to organize prescriptions and auto-refill requests, you are far more likely to get a better job faster when you have the proper training. Front Range offers an accredited Pharmacy Technician program. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a pharmacy tech., visit www.frontrange.edu or speak with an advisor.
from the Bookstore. The fitness center has training equipment, free weights, and cardio machines available for free. Similarly, a myriad of yoga and dance class are held each week. If you are interested in the High Plains Fitness Center’s intramural sports program or use of the center stop by from 7AM to 7PM, Monday through Thursday or 7AM to 3PM, on Fridays. However, you will need a Wolf Card. If you don’t have one you may purchase a card for $5 in the Student Life Office.
Paralegal Continued from page 2
as a “stepping stone to get into law school,” states Rogers. These classes are also great for students who plan on transferring to a four year degree in political science or Public Administration. Rogers who graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in political science went on to become an attorney himself. Similarly, FRCC also has an agreement with Regis University in which students can complete paralegal classes at FRCC and have them transfer to Regis University to receive a B.S. in Public Administration. So if you are interested in a political science degree consider talking to an advisor about paralegal classes that may help your degree. All in all, FRCC’s Paralegal Studies Program is a great asset for many students. Whether a student is pursuing a degree for law or has an interest in law, these classes may have profound impacts on how the student interprets the world around them. The ability to understand contracts and laws is extremely useful when used correctly. Furthermore, the government Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks paralegals as having an above average outlook for career options. So students can expect an above average job security. These jobs are more prevalent in big cities like Denver, so traveling is to be expected. The Front Page would like to thank Professor Rogers for supplying us with some much needed information and we encourage any students interested to tenroll in one of his classes.
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Colorado Hunger Struggle Page 4
The Front Page
May 6, 2015
Written by Jacob Hallberg
How prevalent is the hunger problem in Colorado? The problem may seem too small in comparison to the nation, but hunger is significant in Colorado. Hunger Free Colorado, an organization that helps Coloradans in need of food reached out to FRCC Westminster to help spread the world
of the issues regarding hunger in Colorado and Professor April Lewandowski answered their call. Hunger Free Colorado hosted an educational seminar Wednesday the 22nd of April offering students and faculty free food and a learning experience with regards to hunger in Colorado. The seminar was filled with FRCC students/faculty as well as a large amount of high school students who created the presentations. Although hosted by Hunger Free Colorado the high school students contributed to the majority of the presentations by offering their own experiences and knowledge. Hunger is no small issue and will only be solved with large scale knowledge and preparation, Hunger Free Colorado is doing exactly as aforementioned. According to Hunger Free Colorado one in seven people in Colorado are going hungry. While one in four working families do not have enough food to meet their needs. Statistically speaking, at least two or three people are hungry in each of the classes at FRCC Westminster and are often unseen at large because of the lack of education regarding hunger. To put that into perspective, according to the American census almost eight hundred thousand of the five and a half million people in Colorado are currently facing a hunger problem within their lives. While one million three hundred thousand working families and their children are facing hunger.
During World War II American allies faced a monstrous hunger problem when attempting to feed their troops and civilians. They opted to create an environmentally friendly solution, they created “Victory Gardens.” These gardens were relatively easy to create in comparison to other methods of obtaining food. They were filled with easy to grow foods, such as: tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, beets, and peas. These healthy foods were a huge success during War World II and potentially saved many lives from starvation due to their ease of access and nutritional value. However, their popularity has faced a steady decline, while their total efficiency has remained. Seven years ago Colorado faced an almost unprecedented occurrence of recession. One hundred and fifty thousand Coloradans lost their jobs during this time period. Forty three thousand businesses were closed while the poverty rate of children rose from
Statistically speaking, at least two or three people are hungry in each of the classes at FRCC Westminster... thirty one thousand to two hundred and ten thousand in only a short period of one year. This seems like an occurrence that should not happen considering that Colorado is ranked within the top ten states in America. The recession has had large scale impacts on not only hunger in Colorado, but further increased the money that large businesses had, while small businesses suffered. Although it is arguable that Colorado is still recovering from this recession it's never too late to help children and families in need. One of the most surprising facts that
Hunger Free Colorado mentioned was how diverse Colorado is when considering the different economic classes. Colorado is separated into four categories of population. The one percent, the middle class, the working class, and the poor. The poor maintains a strong twenty percent of the population and are stuck in what often seems like an endless cycle of bill to bill paychecks. According to Hunger Free Colorado the poor make between ten to twenty five thousand dollars per year and can often only afford fast food, an unreliable vehicle, and generally work more than forty hours per week. This causes a chain of reactions to occur when something bad happens to the poor. If their unreliable vehicle fails they must spend money that they don’t have through credit to afford the repairs on the vehicle they need for work. The ease of fast food for the poor creates a negative nutritional situation, where calorie dense food gives almost none of the essential vitamins needed. One FRCC faculty member was shocked at how diverse the Colorado population was. He was frightened at how much money was required to maintain a healthy lifestyle in comparison to ten years before. Hunger Free Colorado proposed a very interesting learning method of education for the attendees at the seminar. They divided the room in sections based on the color of the table you were positioned at. The blue tables were considered the “one percent”, they were given a four course meal that was delivered to them at their table. The white tables were considered the “middle class”, they were able to walk to a taco bar and receive their food. People sitting on chairs without a table are the “working class”, they received rice and beans, a food source many Coloradans use to supplement the expenses of healthy food. The attendees sitting on the floor are considered the “poor”, they must wait until all of the others have garnered food and then are finally able to get what is left of the rice and beans. Although it might seem unfair to some to be randomly assigned to different
classes Hunger Free Colorado argued that many economic classes are decided by random uncontrollable events. One FRCC student was seen giving their food to the “poor”, while another refused to get food so that another could obtain theirs. This is the exact mentality that was encouraged throughout the event, to give what you can to help others. An anonymous high school student summed up why he chose to help educate FRCC students/faculty by stating, “we might not affect many, but it will be worth it if we affect just one.” This was the overarching message that seemed to emanate from the seminar and most were able to take away some eye opening knowledge that may be useful later in life. Albeit this seminar only educated a small percentage of Coloradans, information spreads quickly when exchanged. The Front Page welcomes readers to share this article with others, even if it reaches only one other person the spread of this information is vital to free Colorado from the rusty-cumbersome chains that have held back Colorado from reaching nutritional freedom.
Adams County Colorado food pantries. Adams County Food Distribution Address: 7111 E 56th Ave. Commerce City, Colorado, 80022 Phone number - (303) 286-4191 Thornton Community Food Bank Location of food bank 8990 York St. Thornton, Colorado, 80229 Phone number - (303) 287-7268 Growing Home Location - 3489 W 72nd Ave Westminster, CO, 80030 Main number - (303) 426-0430 Programs offered include clothing, diapers, baby formula, and free meals and food. FISH of Westminster, Inc. 3141 W 96th Ave Westminster, Colorado, 80031 (303) 469-3396
Photos courtesy of Hunger Free Colorado
Adventures in Dad-ing:
May 6, 2015
Page 5
The Front Page
Confessions of a full-time student, full-time dad and full-time crazy person (The summer, recharge yourself edition) Written by Andrew Goad The end of the semester is upon us, and within a few short weeks summer will be in full-swing. But before you know it, the fall semester will be starting, and you’ll be asking yourself, “Where did all the fun go?” This is why you need to make a concerted effort to recharge yourself, renew your energy, and not let all that grey matter turn to mush. Being a dad I have learned that the places we take our kids for their enjoyment are the same places we can use for our own benefit as well. Having a kid, I’ll probably spend money that I don’t have on things we don’t need, or on going places with other booger filled munchkins. Whether you are a parent or not, this advice can work for you. Take a break, and go somewhere. It doesn’t have to be a huge trip with all the bells and whistles. Find what fits your budget and schedule and then hit the road. Take a day trip to the mountains, spend some time in nature, listen to the streams, feel the winds rustle the leaves and get that vitamin D therapy you desperately need. I love spending time in the mountains with my son. No phones, no computers, no worries for the day. There is absolutely no better medicine when it comes to recharging yourself. But you have to also keep your brain working. You can’t turn into a summer zombie, sleep all day and hang out with the moon all night. The metro area is full of great museums. From Natural History to Colorado History to the Denver Art Museum and even the Railroad museum in Golden. Almost all these places have discounts for students, they all engage kids and they can all be completed before lunch, leaving the afternoon for a nice picnic in the park. Studies show that people are actually happier when they pay for experiences rather than things. Museums are also a great conversation starter. We get stuck in the rut of “how
was school today?” “Oh fine” and we don’t give ourselves that topic to discuss when we are so busy. Who knows, maybe a trip to the
smart people are sexy. I know money is tight for most people,
Photo courtesy of colorado.com museum will inspire you and motivate you to work harder next semester. Remember,
but if you can, take a summer class. Pick
one of your electives or a class that you think will be fun, and sign up for it. But the benefits of keeping your mind engaged and in the habit of completing educational tasks, far outweigh the cost of catching a fluorescent-lights tan rather than one from the sun. Summer is a time to catch up or even get ahead. The motivation you gain from this successful endeavor is sure to carry over into the fall, making you a more prepared and motivated student. You know you’re here to reach a goal, so why not do the things over your break that will help you. I tell everyone I meet (and most might be tired of hearing it by now) that the ONLY things you have control over are your attitude and effort. Find a way to make that attitude great when you come back, and it will be that much easier to put in the effort. Have a great summer and I hope to see you all out and about.
Summer Semester 2015 Registration Begins Tuesday, April 14 Tuition Payment Deadline Thursay, May 14 Classes Begin Tuesday, May 26 Weekend Classes Begin Friday, May 29 Independence Day Holiday College closed Friday, July 3 Weekend Classes End Sunday, August 2 Classes End Monday, August 3 Grades Due Thursday, August 6
The Front Page
Page 6
May 6, 2015
Student Government Association (SGA) Election Results President – Rae Gandy Vice President – Sierra Ackerman Secretary – Jason Jacobs Representatives – Eric Cloud, Savanna Langan, and Melinda Swafford
Farewell to Front Range: My Final Article Written by Andrew Goad When I looked at the calendar at the beginning of the semester I knew it would be my last on this campus and my last semester of writing for a newspaper. This isn’t my major, this isn’t my projected career path, and I won’t continue at my next campus; it was simply something fun to do. I told myself there was no way I would do a “Final” piece in order to pat myself on the back, but then I realized I get paid by the word, and I decided to give it a go. I’m just kidding, that’s really, really, really, really, really (5) not true. As I move onto my next academic challenge I look back at when I first attempted the whole college thing and failed miserably. Without a doubt, I had friends, faculty, advisors and even goals to put me in the right path, but it didn’t sink in. Maybe, just maybe if I had read an article like this it would have helped. Who knows, but here it is. First and foremost, the professors at Front Range are absolutely amazing. Take as many classes here on campus as you can. Trust me when I say this: Every single one of your professors could be making far more money to teach or work in their field somewhere else, but they choose to be here because they love the subject, have a passion for teaching it, and they want to pass that knowledge on to you. I have never; let me say that again, I have never had a bad instructor while here. Were some of them tough? Sure. Did some of them challenge me? Absolutely. Am I more prepared now to move on because of them? Without a doubt. So let me put this in bold, all caps,
screaming letters for you, EVERY SINGLE PROFESSOR HERE WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED!!! And they will do everything in their power to help you. When I first came to the campus I was absolutely terrified of having to take math and economics. It was bound to be my downfall. But I had two professors that, without a doubt, made a huge difference. So much so that I may even minor in Economics now. BUT, and that is a big but, having great professors is only half the battle. You still have to work your backside off, come to class every day, take notes, study at home, and put your personal life on hiatus for a short time; and it really is a short time when you think about it. I did quite well academically while here, so I say all of this from experience. If I can do it with a kid and a mortgage, you can do it too. While we are on the subject of professors, I want to use the next few lines to thank my own teachers in writing. Thank you Joe Brenkert and Ayelet ZurNayberg. Math and economics were my two biggest fears at one time, but with your help I succeeded and now I know I can go even further. Joe, understand though, that when I say I’m glad I never have to take math again, I say it with love. Thank you, Professors Cecilia GowdyWygant, Merle Funk, Bruce Nye and Robert Bush (who is no longer at Front Range). You all definitely cemented my love of history and my goal of becoming a history teacher.
You challenged me and you all make me feel very confident that at the next level I will be prepared and will succeed. I hope you all know how much of an influence you were to me. Thank you to every single instructor I have ever had in every subject! Know that when you are having a rough day you are truly doing great work. The next best thing to studying hard and challenging yourself is finding a group to support you, and at times, bust your chops. What I’m telling you to do is get involved on campus. Find a club, an organization or an activity. My research shows that when individuals see other people study it makes them study that much harder. Find that group. It is so easy and tempting to come to campus, sit in a class, and leave. I know, that’s what I used to do. Because of my involvement with the student paper I was “volun-told” (you read that right) to participate in various school activities. I helped with spring 2015 semester New Student Orientation, I got involved with student life, and to a small degree, leadership and outreach events. I promise you my Front Range experience was improved by this. So again, let me say this to you in big, bold letters, DO SOMETHING OTHER THAN JUST COME TO CLASS!!! With that being said, let me take a minute to thank these people, and do yourself a favor and find them on campus. Thank you Julie Beggs. Without your “volun-telling” me to do things I probably wouldn’t have gotten involved. I may have grumbled along the way, but I am truly thankful. Besides, it’s too hard to tell you “no” when you’re
so happy all the time, and that makes it hard for anybody around you to be unhappy. Thank you Dan Balski, for exactly the same reasons. You two are definitely a one-two punch that makes it hard to stay uninvolved on campus. Also, thanks to everyone in the Student Life side of things, everybody in advising and academic support. You guys are a great group of support! Along these lines, this thank-you letter wouldn’t be complete without thanking everybody involved in the paper. So, thank you Tino, Nick, Robin and the red pen wielding Koa. I first found the paper for something extracurricular to do, a way to kill some time, but you guys became like a little family. I am so thankful that I just showed up one day, but I’m even more thankful that you were the ones there when I did show up. So kids, besides me patting myself on the back and thanking all my friends I hope you caught the message….. GO TO CLASS, (Honestly, it is as simple as that) GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS, THEY ARE ALL GREAT PEOPLE, DO SOMETHING ON CAMPUS OTHER THAN JUST COME TO CLASS, DON’T TAKE SERIOUSLY,
YOURSELF
TOO
MAKE FRIENDS, Your time here will fly by, it is up to you to make it great!
Instructor Spotlight:
May 6, 2015
Page 7
The Front Page
Owen Smiley Written by Julian Hamilton
If you have an interest in history, but want to go beyond what’s on the pages of an average history textbook and immerse yourself in the thought and development of a culture or civilization, Owen Smiley is an instructor you should seek out. Having been at FRCC for two-and-a-half years Smiley teaches a variety of courses in the Humanities and Philosophy departments, including Early, Western, and Medieval to Modern Civilization, as well as Ethics and World Mythology. We recently sat down to talk with him about his field, and his approach to teaching it. Front Page: Why do you teach the subjects that you do? Smiley: “I find them incredibly interesting, but also because I want to equip my students to not just be buffeted around like a ship in the storm. I want them to be able to think critically about the world around them. I want students to be able to own the human story. I feel like the skill sets and competencies that come with that are useful in lots of other fields and lots of jobs that have absolutely nothing to do with philosophy or humanities. I think it’s an important part of what makes us free individuals, for a lofty answer.” Front Page: How or why did you become an educator? Smiley: “I started teaching when I was only 24 years old, I was a graduate student with only a Bachelor’s degree and I got connected as a teaching assistant (TA) for someone who taught a research-writing course for religion majors. When he stepped down he ended up suggesting me to his boss, so I applied for the job and I started teaching in 2008 as a 24 year old master’s student. I kind of fell into it, but I did well enough that they gave me two classes a semester for three-and-ahalf-years before I came to Colorado, where I started working at Front Range. I did some work in the local community college scene and found out that Front Range really values student-teacher interaction, which I really value! So I thought that was a good fit and it has been! As for why I became an educator, I think that goes back to why I think my subject matter matters. If I can equip my students to think about the world around them and not just be shaped by it, but to be active shapers then I think I’m winning. That’s a win to me.” Front Page: How would you describe your
approach to teaching? What sets you apart as an instructor? Smiley: “My approach to teaching is to look at skills and competencies or learning outcomes that I want my students to be able to walk away with after the course. What can I give students that they can take with them to other classes and to their jobs outside the classroom and how do we get there as expediently and efficiently as possible? I don’t think wanting my students to thrive outside the classroom is that different than any other instructor, but I think I tend to value experimentation. I love testing things
Guaranteed Transfer (GT) credits, and to students who are interested in the field, though you don’t have to be. Usually about two-thirds of my students take the class just because they needed one to fit their schedules or credit. If only about a third of my students take it because they think it’s interesting then I view part of my goal as an instructor to make it interesting to everybody by the end of the semester. I’ll let my students answer whether that works or not! For instance, I recognize that the classes I teach aren’t exactly contemporary so it’s easy to think that they’re not relevant. One of the questions I try to ask is ‘how can they be relevant?’ and in Mythology, specifically, it can be relevant through film. We actually do our final exam by taking the critical thinking approaches we’ve learned all semester and applying them to a modern film of students’ choice.”
I recognize that the classes I teach aren’t exactly contemporary so it’s easy to think that they’re not relevant. One of the questions I try to ask is ‘how can they be relevant?’ and in Mythology, specifically, it can be relevant through film. and trying things and learning what works and what doesn’t. This may or may not set me apart because it does mean that my classes are different every semester, even if they change just a little bit.” Front Page: How would you recommend your courses to prospective students and what sorts of students would you recommend them to? Smiley: “I think they’re an engaging and fun way to learn not just the material, but the skill sets that you take beyond college. Sign up! As long as there are chairs, I will take students! I recommend my classes to any students who are looking to have fun, any students who are looking for
Front Page: What should students singing up be prepared for or expect in terms of curriculum?
Smiley: “Come in being prepared to learn how to read and how to analyze what you’re reading. If the prospect of reading scares you, that is not a reason not to take my class! I’ve observed, using Mythology as an example, that students will come in the first day thinking they can’t make it (through all the reading). I think part of my job during the first part of the semester is to reassure students that they can do it and the truth is that you can. You can make it. I have students enter my class who never read and by the end of the semester, reading ancient Greek texts is a breeze to them. My curriculum is unique in the sense that I do these things called ‘notes checks’ and I invented them after talking it over with other instructors and getting some coaching. At the beginning of the semester we learn how to read more effectively, not just faster, and how to take notes. Then, periodically in the semester, I will have students show me their notes with two goals in mind. The first is that the student is developing their method and skill in taking notes because that’s something they will use everywhere. The second is so I can hold them accountable for the
reading. So rather than doing reading reports or extra tests, I do these notes checks.” Front Page: What is the most important part of teaching to you and what do you want to see your students get out of your courses? Smiley: “If students walk out of my class and they are able to see things they didn’t see before in the culture around them, whether that’s film, music, books, or the news, if they’re able to take a perspective they might not have been able to take or be able to put together facts, analyze them, and then come up with their own independently thought-up opinions, that’s what I want my students to get out of my class. The ability to do that in an informed and mature way. The most important part of teaching is moving my students forward and helping them move themselves. We’re all in different places, but we can all move forwards.” Front Page: What is your favorite thing about teaching, both in general and in regards to your subjects? Smiley: “I’m really proud of my students, it’s really fun to get to connect with them. That’s my favorite part of teaching, connecting with the students, hands down. It’s the best part. I tend to be laid back and, in my mind, it’s about getting to the goals in the best way possible. A big part of that is developing a classroom environment that is conducive to community. I think that when students are engaged with each other they feel safe, there’s an acceptance and openness. If the students bond they get engaged and when they get engaged they do better work. My favorite thing is the students, but if you’re talking about the material, my favorite thing is that there’s a lot of humor. A lot of it is just funny! It’s just fun to go through, whenever you’re going through the human story there’s just things that are funny. There are just funny stories. Where philosophy is concerned, I love getting to challenge students to think and work through things differently.” Owen Smiley teaches all aforementioned classes and starting in the Fall 2015 semester will also be planning to teach Intro to Philosophy. If you are interested in these subjects or in his approach to engaging them, this should serve as a guidelines for what you can anticipate!
The Front Page
Page 8
May 6, 2015
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