The Lookout Volume 62, Issue 4

Volume 62, 62, Issue Volume Issue 34

Feb. 14, APRIL 11,2022 2022 Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959

Spring brings outdoor sports

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Betsy Burger is named new dean of Health and Human Services Division Page >>> 2

LCC baseball squad continues to roll despite inclement weather Page >>> 7

With the start of spring, LCC’s sports activities have moved outdoors. The Stars’ baseball, softball and track seasons are all underway, and The Lookout is on top of their activities with regular coverage. Pictured here, LCC softball player Jillian Harris prepares to tag out a Jackson College runner at second base during action at Ranney Park in Lansing on March 29. See pages 6 and 7 of this edition for more LCC sports, and check out the website at www.lcc.edu/lookout for additional coverage through the spring sports season.

Performing Arts, Black History Committee host ‘A Trip to Gee’s Bend’ Page >>> 8

Check us out on

Photo by Julie Newell

2|News

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Burger named new dean of HHS division

By Jacob Zokvic Staff Writer Betsy Burger has been named the dean of the Health and Human Services Division at Lansing Community College.

Burger had been serving as interim dean since October of 2021. She said she was surprised when she got the call to fill the position permanently.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the dean of the Health and Human Services Division,” Burger said. “I look forward to guiding the important work of this division, which has been so dedicated to student success and service to the community.”

Burger earned an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene from LCC before working at a periodontal practice in Lansing. Burger has worked at LCC for 19 years as an instructor, a program director and an associate dean.

She said she has several objectives for her new position, such as expanding the apprenticeship program.

“Last year the HHS Division received a grant that allowed us to hire a director

of Apprenticeships and External Partnerships,” Burger said. “I am excited about the possibilities we have to work with our external partners to grow healthcare apprenticeships while helping them fulfill their workforce needs.”

She also mentioned continuing to move forward with the college’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Senior Instruction Coordinator Kelly Ellis has worked with Burger since she started at LCC. “We are thrilled she is our new dean,” Ellis said. “She is very good to work with and work for. She is very knowledgeable about our division and programs, and makes work fun, too.”

Burger said she appreciated all her instructors and colleagues who have helped her along the way.

“It would be impossible to thank just one person,” Burger said. “I have experienced first-hand the difference LCC can make in a person’s life. Having the opportunity to do that for others is what inspires me to come to work every day.”

Photo by Jacob Zokvic

Betsy Burger had the “interim” removed from her title when she was named the new dean of the Health and Human Services Division at Lansing Community College in March.

Student makes history for LCC’s Phi Theta Kappa

By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor Congratulations are in order for Adam Alexander for his recent election

Courtesy photo

Adam Alexander is a regional officer for PTK.

as a regional officer, representing the State of Michigan and LCC, and for his EDGE contest win.

Alexander is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honors society chapter that students can join at LCC. Through this chapter, Alexander has risen through the ranks and excelled.

Through Phi Theta Kappa, Alexander was elected to the position of regional officer of the Michigan Region. With this new position come many more responsibilities, according to Alexander.

“Some of the new responsibilities of mine … include helping to plan the various conventions for the Michigan Region Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa to take part in,” Alexander said.

“One of my favorite conventions is LOC, our Fall Leadership Convention that, while in person, is held up near the sandy dunes in Leelanau. I get to help plan what fun activities and workshops members will get the fun chance to experience together with my team.”

Other responsibilities for Alexander include speaking at various colleges and PTK ceremonies. However, his most important responsibility is

to help better the Michigan Region, whether between chapters or at Phi Theta Kappa.

“This role to me is a dream come true,” Alexander said. “Being the first regional officer from Lansing Community College in the history of the Michigan Region is something I never thought was possible. Being able to represent not only LCC, but also the Mu Tau Chapter, our local chapter here, is certainly an unreal experience.”

Along with winning the election for regional officer, Alexander also won the EDGE contest. The EDGE contest is geared for each chapter officer to complete five different and insightful programs: Research, Competitive, Transfer, Employment and Healthcare. There was a chance to win in each category, which Alexander accomplished.

“For me, I completed them not because of the contest, but because I found them insightful and would help to improve my skills both personal and leadership-wise,” Alexander said.

“Due to winning, I get a free Michigan Regional Convention pin and a Research EDGE pin, and I will wear

them with great pride alongside my other five I have for completing them prior.”

Through all of this, Alexander is currently an LCC criminal justice major under a digital evidence specialist, going for his AAS and CC in the same field. He plans on applying for his CC in computer programming/analyst as well at LCC. After graduating from LCC, he plans to continue his education at a university to receive his AB in computer networking and cybersecurity. He said he enjoys computer science work and wants to expand his knowledge in this field.

Alejandro Gradilla, the co-adviser for Phi Theta Kappa, praised Alexander for his hard work.

“Adam has proven to be an outstanding student at LCC, committed to PTK values, and an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives,” Gradilla said.

“He is the first LCC student to be elected as a PTK regional officer for Michigan. We are confident that Adam will do a great job representing us at the regional level.”

3|NEWS

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

WISE women honored at pinning event

By Arianne Olayinka Staff Writer A pinning ceremony for the Women Inspiring Leadership through Empowerment (WISE) group was held Thursday, March 17 in the Gannon Building’s Michigan Room.

Participants had the option to attend in-person or online. There were 37 mentors and scholars in-person and 22 who attended via WebEx. LCC Cesar Chavez Learning Center Director Sandra Etherly-Johnson hosted the ceremony. She described the reason for the event.

“The purpose of the pinning ceremony is a unique and special ceremony for WISE scholars,” Etherly-Johnson said.

“It is our desire that the women hold the pinning ceremony in high regard because it is a symbol of their commitment and dedication to personal, academic and professional achievement.”

She expanded on what the WISE pin represents.

“The (pin provides an) opportunity to have tangible representation of their commitment to themselves and it marks the important steps they have taken to becoming leaders in their community,”

Etherly-Johnson said.

For WISE Peer Mentor Erin Searles, this was the second WISE pinning ceremony she has attended. Last year, she was a mentee in the program. She expressed what the experience felt like this time around.

“It was really great,” Searles said. “I’m extremely excited to compare where I was last year to where I am now with this month’s ATHENA principle. It was great to see everyone’s reactions to the event in person.”

The ceremony featured a guest speaker, and was followed by a WISE meeting afterward.

“Our guest speaker for the ‘live authentically’ session was none other than 2015 Athena International Award recipient Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE, and principal at Maner Consterisan Certified Public Accountants,” Etherly-Johnson said.

Etherly-Johnson described the regular WISE schedule.

“WISE meets monthly on the third Thursday at 3 p.m.,” Etherly-Johnson said. “Scholars and mentors gather to learn more about the ATHENA International Leadership principles. We also

Photo by Julie Newell

Sandra Etherly-Johnson (left), host of the WISE pinning ceremony, watches as Angela Hook pins WISE Mentor Colleen Thomas, LCC assistant professor of mathematics.

hold … FAST 30 mentor/mentee sessions on the first Thursday of each month.”

For more information on WISE, go to https://www.lcc.edu/diversity/wise.html.

‘The Lookout’ staff earns three journalism awards The Lookout’s 2020-21 newspaper staff earned three awards in the 2021 Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspaper Con-

test. Results were announced Thursday, March 17.

LCC’s newspaper competed in the Division 3 category,

Photo by Julie Newell

The current staff of The Lookout includes (clockwise from bottom left) Editor Julie Newell, Staff Writer Jacob Zokvic, Adviser Larry Hook and Associate Editor Chloe Gregg.

which is for two-year colleges or newspapers that publish less frequently than weekly. During the 2020-21 school year, The Lookout was published online only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We didn’t earn nearly as many awards as in past years because we had a lot less entries,” The Lookout Adviser Larry Hook explained. “We had a staff of only three people in 2022-21, and two of them earned awards, which is pretty impressive.”

Last’s year’s Editor in Chief Maddy Warren earned a firstplace award for her column titled, “Maddy’s Message: A Spartan Silver Lining.” The column was about Warren’s love for MSU sports. It can be read at https://web.lcc.edu/lookout/2020/11/30/maddys-messagea-sporty-silver-lining/.

“Maddy is a great writer and

her passion for MSU sports came through strong in her award-winning column,” Hook said.

The other two awards for The Lookout went to Julie Newell, the newspaper’s current editor. She was the sports editor and photo editor in 2020-21.

Newell earned honorable mention in the Sports News/ Feature category for her story about LCC’s baseball team advancing in the regionals. She also won an honorable mention in the Best Photographer category for her baseball action photos from the spring of 2021.

“That photography award for Julie is especially impressive because she was in an open class that included students from four-year colleges, including MSU, the University of Michigan and Central Michigan Uni-

versity,” Hook said. “Julie is an awesome photographer and she works very hard to cover all the sports news at LCC, both in words and in pictures.”

The award winners will receive certificates from MPA for their efforts.

“It is more important than ever to recognize and encourage good, impactful journalism,” said Michigan College Press Association President Joanne Williams, the associate professor of journalism and mass communications at Olivet College and MCPA president. “That is what our college newspapers are doing.

“With support and recognition from contests and professionals in the field, that will continue. Our experienced faculty and advisers will see to it as well.”

4|

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

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Transfer your Lansing Community College credits and finish your Ferris bachelor’s close to home. Meet with an advisor now to maximize your transfer credits and move Ferris Forward.

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Ferris State University is an equal opportunity institution.

For information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit ferris.edu/non-discrimination. 20220207

5|features

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

STUDENT FEATURE

Psych grad pursues dental hygiene career

By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor For many people, going to the dentist is one of the most dreaded appointments of the year. But for others, visiting the dentist has always been fun and interesting.

Julie Eiler is a 22-year-old LCC student who enjoys dental visits, and she is turning it into a career.

Eiler is enrolled in LCC’s Dental Hygiene Program and plans to graduate in May of 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in science for psychology and a minor in quantitative data analytics from MSU. She was initially interested in pursuing that field before finding out about LCC’s dental hygiene program and switching ca-

reer paths.

“When I was younger, I had a lot of teeth issues so I had to go to the dentist a lot,” Eiler said. “Then in high school I had braces for three years, so I’ve had a lot of experience with going to the dentist.

“I always enjoyed chatting with my hygienists and learning about what they do.

Having those positive experiences definitely influenced me when choosing what I want to do, along with the current pay of dental hygienists.”

In her free time, Eiler said she enjoys hanging out with her friends, attending EDM festivals and living it up in East Lansing. When it’s warm outside, she said she loves to go bike riding on Lansing trails.

Courtesy photo

Julie Eiler is a dental hygiene major at LCC.

“The program is really tough, but it’s been such a worthwhile experience and

I do really like that a lot of the learning is more hands-on than how I normally learn,” Eiler said of the dental hygiene program.

“My teachers and the faculty are all super helpful and I have made so many life-long friends in the program.”

One of these friends from her program, Corinna Peterson, said having Eiler in class makes the classes much easier to get through.

“I honestly don’t know if I would be able to get through this program without having a great friend like her to study with and encourage me through it,” Peterson said. “She is always positive and always helpful when I need her to be.”

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

American Marketing Association seeks new members

By Jcob Zokvic Staff Writer The LCC chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) continues to seek new members.

The club’s website states that the group provides students the opportunity for development through leadership opportunities and involvement in professional projects and events.

Student George Davis said he has learned a lot as the club president and social media creator.

“Being a member has been a great experience,” Davis said. “I have learned so much about marketing in my current role.

I’ve met incredible people and have estab-

lished wonderful personal and business connections.”

Davis described some of the fun activities the club has experienced recently.

“Our organization had a few highlights over the past year,” Davis said. “We had two awesome virtual forums with Grammy Award winning artist India Arie and LCC President Steve Robinson.”

Club Adviser Adrienne Jenkins has been with the club for a long time.

“I actually began my involvement with AMA as a student back in 2004-2005,” Jenkins said. “I was able to learn so much hands-on business experience and meet many professional contacts that helped me build my network.”

Jenkins said the club was a big part of her success.

“I credit AMA with helping me achieve my goals, including earning my AA, BA and MBA degrees, and obtaining my current position as operations coordinator with the Arts and Sciences Division here at LCC,” Jenkins said. “I would encourage any student who wants to further their career to consider becoming a member.”

Any LCC student taking at least one credit is eligible to join. The club offers many opportunities for professional development, community service and team building.

There is no fee to join the club.

The club meets at least once a week virtu-

ally via WebEx during its general member meetings. Those are held every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m.

Students can contact Adrienne Jenkins at jenkina6@lcc.edu to get an invitation to the virtual meeting. All are welcome to attend.

6|SPORTS

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Softballers sweep pair from Mid Michigan

By Julie Newell Editor in Chief LCC’s softball team swept a doubleheader Tuesday, April 5 against Mid Michigan College, 3-1 and 5-1, at Ranney Park in Lansing.

The two wins put the Stars’ overall re-

LCC’s Kyla Bird takes a hefty cut at Ranney Park.

cord at 10-14. LCC improved to 8-2 in the MCCAA Western Conference.

“We pitched the ball well yesterday, with Sam Vermeesch winning the first game, giving up one earned run while striking out eight batters,” LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby said.

In the opener freshmen Peyton Perrin and Jillian Harris each had two hits for LCC. Sophomore Shelby Warner led the Stars with three RBI. “Morgen Ahlfeld was the winning pitcher in the second game, giving up two hits (and) one earned run while striking out 13,” Kibby said.

In the nightcap, Warner led the Stars with two hits. Sophomores Jada Walton and Kara Mahoney each had two RBIs in the second game.

“We are still playing inconsistent softball right now, that being because of the weather,” Kibby said. “We need to be playing more games and not (having) all the rainouts going on.”

Photos by Julie Newell

Morgen Ahlfeld was the winning pitcher for LCC in the nightcap against Mid Michigan College, giving up just two hits while striking out 13 batters. She allowed just one earned run.

Campus Comments Associate Editor Chloe Gregg recently asked several LCC students:

What kind of sports do you like watching, and why?

Choua Lee, 32 Nursing

Jeremy Breton, 40 Vet Program

Waichefya N. Mwacalimba, 37 Nursing

Justina Frantii, 20 Dental Hygiene

“My favorite to root for is volleyball because it’s the sport that I play and it’s the only one I understand.”

“I like MSU’s hockey. I had never been to one (of the games), and they have really cool energy there.”

“I switch between soccer, because I know a lot about it, and swimming. I like gymnastics. I have a wide spectrum.”

“I root for volleyball. ... I played for 10 years and you learn how to work as a team, be disciplined, and work hard.”

7|sports

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Baseball team continues winning ways

By Julie Newell Editor in Chief LCC’s baseball team ran its winning streak to 12 games by sweeping a doubleheader at Macomb Community College on Sunday, April 3.

The Stars won 8-2 in the opener and 12-2 in the nightcap, improving their overall record to 14-5 and their MCCAA Western Conference mark to 8-0.

In the first game, Lansing put up five runs in the sixth to seal the win. Noah Bright, Payton Mazzola and Hunter Lay drove in runs during the inning.

Chris Hege, Jace Preston and Blake McRae each had two hits in the first game. McRae and Mazzola each had two RBIs.

Brendan Beaver was the winning pitcher in the first game. The lefty went five and two thirds innings, allowing two runs and three hits while striking out nine and walking one.

In the second game, McRae and Brendan Ham each had two hits. Ham led the team with four RBIs. Gabe DeBoer hit a home run for LCC. Elijah Stark was the winning pitcher for LCC. The righty lasted four innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out four.

“The team continues to play pretty well through poor weather conditions,” LCC Head Coach Steve Cutter said.

“Even though we have won our last 12 games, we still are not playing the type

Photo by Julie Newell

LCC’s Noah Bright takes a cut at a fastball.

of baseball we are capable of playing.”

The Stars were scheduled to play against Jackson College on Friday, April 8 at Siena Heights University, weather permitting, and then again on Saturday, April 9 at home at Kircher Municipal Stadium on Lansing’s east side against Jackson College.

“I hope that with a continued focus on practices and development, we will clean up some of our mistakes,” Cutter said. “Jackson only has one loss in conference play, and this weekend’s games should be very good.”

The Stars are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 12 at Grand Rapids Community College. Gametime is set for 2 p.m.

Haley Ellis paces LCC track team in season debut

By Julie Newell Editor in Chief The LCC men’s and women’s track and field season is underway.

The Stars competed in their first meet of the season at the Spartan Invite at

Michigan State University on Saturday, April 2.

“It’s always nice to get your first meet under your belt,” LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson said.

According to Robinson, freshman

Photo by Kristen Healey

LCC freshman Haley Ellis, in her first college track and field meet, qualified for the national tournament with a time of 18:45 in the 5,000-meter race during the Spartan Invite in East Lansing.

Haley Ellis has already qualified for the national competition during the 5,000-meter race with a time of 18:45 at the Spartan Invite.

“We compete in Division 1 in track and field, so we go up against some big powerhouse track teams; that includes internationally,” Robinson said. “So, it’s not easy to score points; not easy to qualify for nationals. And once you get there, you’ve got to be (in the) top eight in the nation to score a point.”

The LCC women’s team has four sophomores and six freshmen this year.

“I really think we have quite a few women on the team who are going to run quite well,” Robinson said. “Even if they don’t qualify for nationals, they’re going to do very well for themselves.”

The sophomores are Teagan Norman, Kayla Crawford, Gabrielle Metzger and Tamia Walker.

The freshman include Morgan Jefferies, Morgan Hetherington, Rylie Bjorkman, Haley Bell, Katelyn Slone and Ellis.

“Kayla Crawford – she is a returning sophomore – she ran a substantial personal best in the Spartan Invite and I think is only going to continue to improve,” Robinson said.

“Katie Slone, she did really well for us in cross country, but she is in even better shape this spring, so I think she is going to do really well.”

The LCC men’s team has two sophomores and 14 freshmen.

The sophomores are Kobe Blanco and

Jackson Casper.

“Kobe Blanco and Jacob Dennis ran a really good 5,000 (meter race) for their first meet,” Robinson said.

The freshmen include Oliver Alvesteffer, Jed Amoguis, Keethan Bowers, Samuel Darjes-Watrall, Jacob Dennis, James, Hosey III, Alex Hosey, Cole Moen, Keegan Nutt, Erik Reiber, Jayden Russell, Shane Siterlet, Kalyb Vanwormer and Zach Wright.

“I have a new freshman runner who actually transferred from MSU, Oliver Alvesteffer and he won his heat in 1:57 (in the 800-meter race during the Spartan Invite), which again, for his first track meet, is a really solid time,” Robinson said.

According to Robinson, a couple of the athletes also competed in shotput, hurdles and pole vaulting events at the Spartan Invite.

On the women’s team, Walker had a mark of 9.84-meter toss in the shotput.

On the men’s side, Russell finished with a time of 1:00.98 in the 400 hurdles.

“The goal in track is more individualistic than cross country, so a little more focused on running your best time,” Robinson said.

“The secondary goal is to qualify people, put them in a position to score points at the national meet.

“I think we are going to be in a position to score some points this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if a third of our team qualifies for nationals.”

8|ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

LCC hosts ‘A Trip to Gee’s Bend’ event

By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor LCC Performing Arts and the Black History Awareness Committee hosted “A Trip to Gee’s Bend” Tuesday, March 22 to help promote LCC’s spring play, “Gee’s Bend.”

“A Trip to Gee’s Bend” began at noon in the Gannon Building’s Michigan Room. Students, faculty and community members were invited to come enjoy music, watch a short documentary and engage in discussion about the quilters from Gee’s Bend, Ala. Melissa Kaplan, the Academic and Arts outreach coordinator, said this event was meant to showcase the lives of the women depicted from LCC’s play, “Gee’s Bend.”

“This event is a collaboration between the Performing Arts and Black History Awareness Committee,” Kaplan said.

“What we’re hoping to do is give people a little more understanding and appreciation of the town of Gee’s Bend and, especially, the women whose quilts and resilience put that town on the map.”

Many students attended this event, including Rakeem Cummings and Aurora Marin.

“Instead of attending my (theatre) class, my classmates and I got to come here,” Cummings said.

Marin added that their teacher suggested they come to learn more about LCC’s play.

Photo by Chloe Gregg

From left, Tra’chele Roberts, Aurora Marin, Rekeem Cummings and Ian McDonald participate in “A Trip to Gee’s Bend” on March 22 at LCC.

“He wanted us to learn about the play and see what it’s about and if we’re interested in seeing it,” Marin said. “I heard it has gospel music, so I’m interested in seeing that.”

The play “Gee’s Bend” was staged for two weekends during March. It concluded March 26 at LCC.

Photos by Chloe Gregg

Above, Melissa Kaplan, the Academic and Arts outreach coordinator for LCC, addresses the visitors to the Gee’s Bend event. At right is a photo of the calendars given to the event participants.

9|Arts and Entertainment

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

reviews

New ‘Uncharted’ release a movie treasure

By Julie Newell Editor in Chief One of the movies that was set to be released in 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19 is “Uncharted.” The film finally hit theaters on Feb. 7, 2022.

“Uncharted” is based on the videogame franchise with the same name.

The film starts off with brothers Sam (Rudy Pankow) and Nathan (Tom Holland) Drake as teenagers, attempting to steal the first map made after the Magellan expedition. After getting caught, Sam gets kicked out of the orphanage that the boys live at and is arrested for theft. However, before he is taken away, Sam escapes.

Fifteen years later Nathan is working as a bartender and pickpocketing wealthy customers. At the bar where he works is where treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) finds Nathan and recruits him for a big job.

Sully, who was Sam’s partner until Sam vanished, wants Nathan’s help to not only find Sam, but also to find what Sam and Sully were originally looking for; the treasure hidden by the Magellan Crew.

Along the way the two meet up with several others who are after the treasure, including Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas), who is the last descendant of the family that funded Magellan’s expedition.

I thought the movie was great. It had the perfect mix of action, comedy and plot twists that every treasure hunting adventure movie needs.

I have never played the “Uncharted” video games, so I don’t know how the movie compares to the games. But out of movies based on video games that have been made, I thought this movie was excellent.

I also thought the movie did a great job of being realistic. For example, during the fight scenes, the main characters did not seem like superheroes with super strength and inhuman speed and agility. The movie showed the characters struggle while fighting or climbing, and showed the pain they

Image from thenavigatornews.com

felt after getting hit or receiving some other kind of injury.

Overall I recommend this movie to anyone who like adventure and treasure hunting movies.

‘Dorothy Must Die’ book series turns Oz inside out

By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor “Dorothy Must Die” is a four-book series by Danielle Paige about a teen girl named Amy Gumm, who gets thrown into the insane world of Oz after a tornado lifts her trailer home.

This story does not depict the utopian-like Oz we all know and love, but a dystopian and apocalyptic Oz where Dorothy is the evil, greedy bad guy who has sucked all the power out of the land.

Amy is discovered by a league of witches called the Wickeds. The Wickeds train Amy to kill Dorothy and Dorothy’s henchmen: the Tinman, the Scarecrow, the Lion and

Image from Facebook page

Glinda. Their hope is that once they are all dead and/or handicapped, Oz will return to how it once was.

These books are extremely gripping. I went through three books in less than a week and even after finishing

the series, I still crave more. (Lucky for me; the author has released side stories from the same world.)

This series did a phenomenal job with all of the magical action scenes within the books. Many times Amy has to go against the bad guys, and she can seriously hold her own.

The book introduces a lot of really cool magic, too, like shadow-shifting to go from one side of the battle to the next, among other ones.

The best part about this series, in my opinion, is all the characters included from the original stories of Oz. Yes, there are munchkins, and Dorothy really does wear ruby Mary Janes. And there are even flying, talking monkeys!

I highly recommend this series. You won’t regret it!

Aladdin’s offers great service, good food, decent portions

Image from Facebook page

Aladdin’s is located at 300 N. Clippert St. in the Frandor Shopping Center.

By Arianne Olayinka Staff Writer Aladdin’s Middle Eastern Restaurant, located at 300 N. Clippert St., is part of the Frandor Shopping Center. It is only an eight-minute drive from LCC. It offers dine-in, carry-out and catering.

Aladdin’s business hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The menu offers a variety of Mediterranean

food, including several vegetarian options, a plethora of desserts, smoothies and raw fresh juices.

Popular dishes are the baba ghanoush, fattoush salad, gyro, and lamb or chicken kabob over rice.

I recently went with some friends and ordered the chicken shawarma and falafel.

Aladdin’s pricing is very reasonable. The falafel is six for $6.99 and the shawarma is $6.99. The iced tea was $1.75. Meals are

served with pita bread and hummus.

The falafel was very good. The chicken shawarma was on the larger side and tasty. Overall the portion sizes are decent.

The service was great. Our server was very friendly and our food came out pretty quickly.

The next time I’m at Frandor I will have to try Aladdin’s popular dessert, walnut baklava. I look forward to returning for a lamb dish as well.

Lansing Community College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and equal education for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, familial status, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law, or genetic information that is unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or that is unrelated to the person’s ability to participate in educational programs, courses services or activities offered by the college.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Officer, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730; Employee Coordinator 504/ADA, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1875; Student Coordinator 504/ADA, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1885; Lori Willett, Human Resource Manager/Title IX Coordinator, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1870; Christine Thompson, Student Title IX Coordinator, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1261.

10|opinion

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout — JULIE’S JUKES —

Reflecting about my purpose in life I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. It’s hard not to if you are like me and can’t shut off your brain at night, so you stay up for hours thinking about everything and anything.

You think about what things you have to get done the next day. You remember that thing you couldn’t remember earlier. Or that thing you said or did in middle school that was incredibly embarrassing suddenly pops into your head for no reason.

Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my future. I’ve been thinking about the near and distant future.

The upcoming fall semester will mark

JULIE NEWELL editor in chief

newellj1@star.lcc.edu

the start of my final year at LCC. I’ve been thinking about what things I will have to do after I graduate. I’ve been thinking about what area of sign language interpreting I want to go into, how I will need to find another job and how I will have to move again.

Then, this past Sunday at church one

of the questions my pastor asked the congregation at the end of his message was: “What is your purpose in life?”

That one question really stuck with me because it is something I have struggled with for a while. Often, we mistake our work or careers as our purpose in life. Sometimes those things coincide, but often not. Our work is what we do, not who we are.

This question also got me thinking about not only what my purpose is, but who I am as a person. I have struggled with my identity since elementary school when I got verbally bullied by a large portion of my classmates. The bullying didn’t stop until I got into

ninth grade.

When it stopped, at first, I was happy.

But then after a while I realized I didn’t know who I was. I spent years trying to get the bullying to stop by trying to change myself and how I talked and acted so people would like me, and to stop bullying me.

At one point in middle school, I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the person staring back at me.

College is usually where people start to fully figure out who they are. If my career is not who am I, then who am I? What is my purpose?

I guess I still have a lot of thinking to do.

— CHLOE’S CHAt —

After spring break, semester speeds up big time It is once again that time of the semester where classes go by in a blur and suddenly you are not sure if it is March, April, or May, or which of your classes is doing what.

To me, it always feels like school goes by so much faster after we get back from spring break. Before spring break, I had felt so in need of a break, and felt like this semester needed to get a move on. And then I had a wonderful spring break with my mom on a cruise. When I got back, time was flying.

Now we are somehow in the beginning of April and only have, what?

Four or so weeks left? That is insane!

But, of course, we also all know what that means. It is that time of the semester where you have four different projects in four different classes while simultaneously taking two or three exams a week, a six-page essay due in your fifth class, and are still trying to meet the minimum requirement of patients see. Or maybe that is just me.

I know that there must be quite a few other people out there too who are in a similar boat.

Here is to passing all of our classes with flying colors and unscathed! Good luck to everyone for these next few weeks; we are going to need it.

CHLOE GREGG Associate editor

greggc3@star.lcc.edu

In all seriousness, though, summer is coming up soon! And that is something to look forward to. I, unfortunately, will be attending school in the summer, but on the bright side that means I will be able to continue to work at The Lookout and write more amazing columns.

Also, I will only be going to school for two classes two days out of the week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so that really will not be bad at all (although Tuesdays will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which does not sound fun at all).

This also means that (as I said in a previous column of mine) camping is right around the corner. And with a lot of my week free, there is a lot of camping to be done.

So, although these next few weeks might be really tough, there is a reward at the end of the tunnel. And I, for one, am definitely looking forward to it, and this next semester of school.

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11|opinion

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout — staff editorial —

Decriminalization of marijuana is inevitable On Friday, April 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill meant to federally decriminalize marijuana. The vote was 220-204, with Democrats holding the lead in votes and a few Republicans joining.

The bill was sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York.

This bill is meant to prevent federal agencies from denying security clearance to federal workers for marijuana use, to include medical marijuana as medicinal alternatives for veterans’ PTSD, and to add revenue with a sales tax on marijuana sales.

The bill will also expunge anyone convicted of nonviolent marijuana charges.

The Lookout approves of this bill and believes that, ultimately, the federal decriminalization of marijuana is inevitable.

Many people of color are discriminated against for marijuana use and convicted of nonviolent marijuana charges. Many of them have been locked in prison for these charges for years, possibly decades for some.

We believe it is important for these people to be released.

WHAT are you looking forward to the most about the arrival of spring weather?

JULIE NEWELL

editor in Chief

CHLOE GREGG

Associate editor

newellj1@star.lcc.edu

greggc3@star.lcc.edu

“‘Warmer weather, the beautiful spring flowers and the end of the spring semester.”

“I’m excited to go camping and enjoy the outdoors with my family and friends.’”

JACOB ZOKVIC

STAFF WRITER

zokvicj1@star.lcc.edu

“‘Doing more nature photography.

Returning migratory birds are exciting to look for in the spring.”

—

We also believe it is important to note all of the medicinal uses of marijuana and how it can benefit the society as a whole when it is decriminalized. Marijuana has been proven to be helpful in seizures, PTSD, anxiety, nausea from chemotherapy and more.

Unlike all other Class 1 (and Class 2 and 3) drugs, no one will die from a marijuana overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a government agency that handles drug use and addiction, there has yet to be an adult death attributable solely to marijuana.

the lookout staff —

ARIANNE OLAYINKA

STAFF WRITER

olayinka@star.lcc.edu

“I am looking forward to spending more time outside with my dogs. ”

LARRY HOOK

adVISER

hookl@star.lcc.edu

“‘Driving with the windows down, longer periods of daylight and playing softball.”

12|LAST LOOK

APRIL 11, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout

West campus hosts ‘Women in Trades’ event LCC’s west campus hosted the free event, “Tech Forward: Women in Trades, Technology and Public Service Careers,” on Friday, March 18.

“This women-centered event is intended to provide opportunities to learn about career pathways that might not have been accessible previously,” Technical Careers Program Improvement Manager Nicole Reinhart-Huberty said.

This was the sixth year this event has been held.

“We had 90 people that registered for this event, and we had such a great turnout,” Associate Dean of Technical Careers Shon’ta Dwyer said. “We had not only industry partners that showed up, but we had middle school and high school students and college students that came today, all females, to learn about our programs.”

During this event, attendees got to hear from Dwyer, Technical Careers Division Dean Cathy Wilhm, and keynote speaker Megan Doherty, president of F.D. Hayes Electric Company.

Attendees were then served breakfast and were able to ask questions to a group of panelists. The panel included a mix of LCC students and faculty involved in the trade programs.

“Part of what makes ‘Tech Forward’ such a great day is the chance for attendees to visit labs and participate in hands-on activities,” Huberty said.

The attendees were then split up into groups and had the opportunity to visit the different labs and classrooms of their choosing to learn more about the programs offered.

“I think this is a great outcome today to celebrate women in the trades, technology and public service careers,” Dwyer said.

Megan Doherty, president of F.D. Hayes Electric Company, speaks to the attendees.

Shon’ta Dwyer, associate dean of technical careers at LCC, was one of the guest speakers for the ‘Women in Trades” event at LCC’s west campus on March 18.

Photostory by Julie Newell

A panel of LCC students and faculty answered questions from attendees during “Women in Trades.”

LCC’s west campus hosted “Tech Forward: Women in Trades, Technology and Public Service Careers,” on Friday, March 18. This was the sixth time LCC has hosted the free event, which is intended to introduce career pathways to women.