Hills, California Volume 141 - Issue 4
Promoting inclusion and healthy living Student Health Center hosts Open House and Resource Fair
By Tim Lewis Reporter
When she was a college student, Houry Tanashian didn’t know where the campus health center was. Tanashian, now a registered nurse and the director of the Student Health Center at Pierce College, works to make sure students don’t feel the confusion she did about the resources that are available to them.
The Student Health Center held an Open House and Resource Fair on Sept. 25 to spread the word to students and faculty about the center’s offerings.
Tanashian emphasized the importance of these resource fairs.
“We’ve had an increasing number of students, and I feel our outreaches are working,”
Tanashian said. “That’s why we’re out here letting people know it’s a good service.”
The center features three medical examination rooms and a dedicated psychology office. Services include HIV testing, cancer screenings and affordable prescriptions, with no charges incurred unless blood work is sent out.
The Student Health Center also welcomes students without health insurance or those who are undocumented, offering confidential services without the need for insurance.
Tanashian noted that mental health care can be expensive, pointing out the free counseling
sessions that the center offers as an essential service for those in need.
The center also offers many other services like eye exams, contraceptives and more, working to ensure a complete approach to student health.
The Student Health Center is partnered with organizations like NorthEast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC), an organization that helps address broader community health issues.
NEVHC Supervisor Giovanni Perez and Customer Relations Coordinator Emily Hernandez noted the importance of support for uninsured students.
“We do get a lot of students that don’t have health insurance,” Hernandez said. “I enjoy helping our community. We also help
with housing, we do a lot.”
Perez explained how they extend support beyond health services, assisting individuals facing food and housing insecurity throughout the community as well.
“We sort of are a general
As a first-year student, Mihciya is eager to learn about all available opportunities that Pierce has to offer.
Many students who are familiar with the center see it as a beacon for resources and information.
Student Salvina Sahakyn
“It opens your eyes to how many resources there really are here on campus.”
Mira Mihciya
Pierce first-year student
assistance program,” Perez added.
Student Mira Mihciya appreciates the efforts of the center and decided to volunteer to better familiarize herself with the campus.
“It’s amazing they’re doing this,” Mihciya said. “It opens your eyes to how many resources there really are here on campus.”
shared how the center has been an asset to her as an international student.
“They’re doing a lot of good things for the students and faculty,” Sahakyn said. “Especially for international students. We do have healthcare, but it isn’t as wide as we’d like it to be.”
Murga/ Roundup
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Registed Dental Hygienist Daniel Magaña gives student Jade Hochanadel a dental assessment at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024.
Karla Villacorta / Roundup News
Student Health Center Director Houry Tanashian begins a tour with volunteer Mira Mihciyan at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024.
Karla Villacorta / Roundup News
6201 Winnetka Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
Room: Pierce College Village 8211
Phone: (818) 710-4115
Phone: (818) 710-4117
Website: www.theroundupnews.com
Email: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief..............Delilah Brumer
Managing Editor..............Violet Garcia
Photo Editor...................Karla Delgado
News Editor....................Brian Khoury
Campus Life Editor....Gerardo Escobar
Opinion Editor................Daisy Malone
Sports Editor............Abraham Elizalde
Copy Editor............Raquel G. Frohlich
Copy Editor.........Christian Castellanos
Reporters
Nathalie Herrera
Alfonso Vargas
Ryan Kassebaum
Matthew Stewart
Daisy Aguinada
Oscar Silva
Jonathan Wheelock
Erica Logan
Tim Lewis
Photographers
Moses Murga
Angelina Guerrero
Kenneth Chan
Karla Villacorta
Marzia Rankin
Melanie Jurado
Joseph Marquez
Hanna Vandergugten
Victor Montiel
Advisers
Jill Connelly
Jeff Favre
Tracie Savage
Morgan Keith
*For advertising, call: (818) 710-2960
Corrections? Email us at newsroom.roundupnews@ gmail.com
Volume 141 - Issue 3
The street beat photos on page three were taken by Karla Villacorta.
the QR code below to subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup
Fitness on campus should be available to all students
Athletes at Pierce College can use the Fitness Center for their everyday training, helping to improve their health and performance on the field or the court. But non-athletes can’t use the same resources.
The fitness center should expand its access to include hours for all students, not just student-athletes.
Students’ health often declines when their bodies aren’t given the chance to stay active. With busy schedules and lack of access to a gym, it creates a deeper stress on their bones and concentration. According to an article posted by Post University, “A study conducted at the
University of British Columbia found significant boosts to the side of the hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for the verbal memory – among those who pursue exercise on a regular basis.” The impact that exercise has on students can help increase academic performance and memory.
James Sims, the fitness center inter coordinator and head football coach, believes there should be a way for students to take care of their bodies and minds. “I’m a strong believer that students on this campus should be able to work out,” Sims said. “They pay to go to school here and they’re an important and intricate part of
the campus.”
Sims created a fitness club seven years ago because he said many students were not working out. The club was able to leave a four-hour window for them to use as long as they paid an ASO fee. Unfortunately, students can’t use the equipment today unless they end up joining a kinesiology class, which allows them to work out during that time. Sims said the club ended because it was hard to find time to use the fitness center when it was often full with studentathletes.
Of the nine LACCD colleges, there is only one that has a fitness center that is open for all students to use. Los Angeles
Mission College provides its students with the ability to access the fitness center and indoor running track, for a fee. Pierce should find times throughout the week for nonathletes taking any classes to use the fitness center.
On this day 49 years ago, the Roundup published Volume 43 Number 2.
Algae was featured in two articles on the front page. The lead article discussed a proposal made by Barbara K. Hopper to construct a blue-green algae pond at Pierce. Hopper, an assistant professor of biology, reasoned that cultivated algae could be used to produce cheaper protein pellets for campus livestock. Store-bought protein supplements cost almost $100 a ton, said Pierce Agricultural Chairman Frank Baugh. The pond was planned to be one and one half feet deep, and cover a quarter acre of land. It was estimated that 1,460 pounds of algae could be grown every two weeks with the given dimensions. An assumed benefit of the program was the algae’s ability to purify water supplies, which could then be given to the livestock to drink.
The second piece about algae explored how it could possibly be a solution for pollution, hunger and energy shortages. Victor Kollmann, a professor at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories,
met with Barbara K. Hopper to discuss how Pierce could use algae to its advantage. Kollmann claimed that algae could feed 5 billion people thousands of times, only using one percent of the world’s land. Hopper backed up Kollmann by explaining that algae can grow in polluted waters, purifying it in the process. Both seemed adamant of algae’s possible benefits on humanity.
From 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, legal counselors came to Pierce to offer legal advice. Appointments were required, and meetings were limited to one per student. Discussions ranged from landlord disputes to traffic violations.
An archived front page of the Roundup Volume 43, Number 2, from Oct. 2, 1975, laid out in the newsroom on Sept. 24, 2024.
Photo by Delilah Brumer.
Copy by Daisy Malone.
Collaboration supports academic success
Should students study in groups? Working alone improves focus and
By Nathalie Herrera Reporter
When it comes to school, studying is a major part of passing classes and getting good scores on assignments and quizzes. When people engage in studying they are often faced with the question, which is more beneficial, groups or studying solo? Group studying not only brings a sense of community for students but also allows for students to bounce ideas off of each other and get through any issues or questions one student may struggle with answering.
The definition of a study group according to the Academic
with others in order to prepare for their specific science class.
Studying alone can be intimidating, and students can end up feeling nervous that the materials they are studying are incorrect, especially with practice examples. Students should be encouraged to study in groups because it solves a lot of the fears that they have expressed when it comes to studying. Studying in a group also benefits the students in having a clearer head space by having the support of others.
According to Faculty Focus, more than 78% students said that they had participated in a study group session during the semester. Seventy percent of the students that participated in the survey said that studying in a group increased their motivation.
productivity
By Brian Khoury News Editor
Developing good study habits will ensure success in academics. Study methods vary from student to student, therefore it becomes difficult to find compatible learning groups. Reviewing material alone allows students to work at a time and place of their choosing, eliminating the obstacles of managing multiple schedules and venues.
distractions. Many people have cell phones that require constant attention. Incessant phone chimes, ringtones and buzzing are a sure way to derail any train of thought. Studying alone affords one the ability to stow away any possible disruptions and makes it easier to focus on the task at hand.
Do you prefer to study at home or on campus?
It is beneficial to receive others’ perspectives which differ from yours and help see things in a new light, but having too many different ideas can cloud an issue and take up valuable time without any significant accomplishment. Such conversations invariably lead in unnecessary directions.
students who performed in out-of-class study groups for science classes were more likely to take other science classes versus students who studied by themselves. They also added that out-of-group studies increase student achievement and promote positive attitudes.
The study continues to state that 59% of the students voluntarily created a study group
Study groups should be something that is encouraged instead of falling back on the traditional idea of studying by yourself. The more that professors encourage students to contact peers and work together, the more of an opportunity it
The Faculty Focus study showed that students studied with others because professors encouraged it, and 60% of the students who participated stated that it helped them understand their studies slightly more or a lot more than if they studied by themselves.
Students should never have to feel alone or struggle by themselves when it comes to studying, group study sessions benefit the student in multiple ways and we should encourage students to work together.
According to an article from the Eberly Center of Carnegie Mellon University, “Coordination costs represent time and energy that group work consumes that individual work does not, including the time it takes to coordinate schedules, arrange meetings, meet, correspond, make decisions collectively, integrate the contributions of group members, etc. The time spent on each of these tasks may not be great, but together they are significant.”
Composing a study group of compatible personalities is very difficult and also timeconsuming. Trying to manage different personalities can become challenging and overwhelming.
Harvard Health described in an article that “Americans check their mobile phones an average of 80 times a day; the highest users surveyed topped 300 daily checks. But each time we interrupt something we were doing to check our phones, we break our concentration and have to start over.”
Adding additional members can introduce potential
The Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization states, “Being connected to others in a group also comes with the risk of being exploited, though, because actions in the interest of the ingroup often involve costs for the individual group member.”
Students should adopt the best strategies for their individual needs. Since people can be distracting, and in-fighting can take away from someone’s personal needs, solo-studying is ideal.
“I prefer to study on campus, especially in the library, because I can hear my own voice and thoughts. I have a lot of people at home so I can’t hear my own thoughts at home.”
“I think it’s better to study on campus. I like to have a place to work since at home I don’t have a desk and a chair.”
Angel Rios - Computer Science
“ I prefer to study at home. I am more focused. Here I am able to connect to more people. There are a lot of online resources that the school provides.”
Jacob Fields - Kinesiology
“ I prefer to study on campus, I come here early and it’s easier to find someone who studies like I do. I study anatomy a lot and there are bone boxes for me to look at physically.”
Alessa Golubev - Nursing
Interviews by Nathalie Herrera
Photos by Marzia Rankin
Cindy Alvarado - Vet Tech
Students study in the library at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 26, 2024.
Angelina Guerrero / Roundup News
Psychology major Natalie Victor studies at the library at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 26, 2024.
Angelina Guerrero / Roundup News
High schoolers offer enrollment bright spot
Dual enrollment has doubled since 2020
By Jonathan Wheelock Reporter
Despite Pierce College’s regular enrollment numbers struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, dual enrollment has more than doubled since 2020, according to Student Recruitment Coordinator Julia Vasquez.
Dual enrollment is a program for high school students that
allows them to take college-level courses and earn college credit while still in high school. The hope of the program is to open the door to students who would have not thought college to be an option for them.
Dean of Math and Science
Donna Mae Villanueva recounted having faculty tell her they had students who never considered going to college before they entered the program.
“Students who would not have considered college are now saying, ‘wow I actually have college credit, why stop after graduation of high school? Let’s continue on,’” Villanueva said.
Dual enrollment has increased for several reasons. According to Director of Dual Enrollment Bradley Saenz, support from California has made it easier for colleges to offer their classes in local high schools. This
concurrent enrollment is free for students, along with being a popular option for completing courses early.
Saenz added that Pierce staff and faculty have been a great help in the continuation of this program, “with many offering to be a part of the program while being patient as we iron out all the wrinkles.”
“We have a dedicated Dual Enrollment Director that works very closely with high school administrators and academic departments to ensure that the schools are offered the proper courses and creating the necessary pathways for students,” Vasquez said.
Although concurrent enrollment has seen a boost, regular enrollment has not.
“Pierce general enrollment has been hit by the same woes as all colleges nationwide,” Saenz said. However, Pierce enrollment has made improvements compared to during the pandemic, as more students come back to campus.
“I think that the college is growing, even dual enrollment,” Villanueva said. “When I look on campus, for example, I see a lot more students, students look like they’ve come back. Back in spring of 2022, the campus was relatively empty.”
Pierce College Council talks construction
By Ryan Kassebaum Reporter
Members of the design and project team revealed their ideas moving forward for a master plan to enhance campus life and student convenience at the Pierce College Council (PCC) meeting on Sept. 26.
Design Manager Hyeyoon Chung detailed the two phases of the Pierce master plan. The first phase is called the exploration phase, when the design team will come out and inquire into the current state of the campus, Chung explained. She continued to say that the second phase is when the long-term goals and visions for the campus are discussed.
“The new project that just broke ground is the Academic East building next to parking lot 7,” Chung said. “And then the next one to start is the counterpart to Academic East, but Academic West.”
Project Manager Soufiane Boudiaf explained that near the conclusion of the Academic East
and West projects, the demolition of some buildings will begin, as well as the enhancement of the botanical gardens.
Despite the demolition of a handful of buildings, Boudiaf reassured the council that it wouldn’t be just left as flat ground. Those buildings will be replaced with some landscape that best fits the college moving forward, according to Boudiaf.
“One thing that we notice in college is shade,” Boudiaf said.
“Where does the occupant or faculty or student sit outside have a little sandwich, work on their computer or wait for a Lyft or Uber to pick them up?”
Deputy Isaac Jorge alerted the PCC that in September there was an uptick in crime. Some of the crimes Jorge listed consisted of vandalism in the parking lot on vehicles, vandalism in classrooms, classroom keys stolen and a burglary in which some tools were taken in an ongoing investigation.
“It’s important to secure your keys,” Jorge said. “Security is not convenient. Leaving it on your
desk or in an unlocked drawer is not convenient. These keys are assigned to you, and some of these keys have access to other rooms that have thousands of dollars worth of equipment.”
ASO President Jasmine Minchez announced changes to the ASO bylaws, limiting the amount of money that can be requested, primarily due to the reduced budget ASO is receiving. Minchez explained this would be limited to $1,000 per in-person event and $500 for virtual events. This limit does not apply to events for students to do with student advocacy.
“As of this year, our bylaws have changed and our maximum amount to be requested for any events from any department or club is a thousand dollars,” Minchez said. “This $1,000 is specifically for non-student advocacy events. So if something has to do with student representation or advocacy, the threshold is much higher.”
Reporting by Delilah Brumer Blotter
Professor Brian Gendron speaks on Zoom during the Pierce College Council meeting on Sept. 26, 2024.
Ryan Kassebaum / Roundup News
Dean of Math and Science Donna Mae Villanueva stands outside at Pierce College in Woodland Hills Calif, on Sept 26 2024.
Melanie Jurado / Roundup News
Car community pulls up to Pierce
By Gerardo Escobar
Campus Life Editor
The smell of motor oil and gasoline filled Parking Lot 7, as well as spectators and various types of cars ranging from vintage to modern American muscle, Japanese tuners, exotics and prewar cars.
Supercar Sunday, which was sponsored by Porsche of Woodland Hills and organized by Dustin Troyan, was held on Sept. 29. The event is held every Sunday and features marque days, which are days where certain makes or models are spotlighted, according to the Supercar Sunday website.
Troyan has organized Supercar Sunday for more than 23 years and said he continues to organize the event because of his love for people and cars.
“At Supercar Sunday we get everybody here,” Troyan said. “Socioeconomically, every type of person, every religion, every age, women and men, children, grandparents, great grandkids. All are having a great time sharing. It’s about friendship, passion, positivity and cars.”
Forty-ninth Commissioner of the IRS Charles Rettig attended the event and said it has people coming from everywhere.
“They have an interest in every type of car you can imagine,” Rettig said. “Whether it’s a $2 million something, whether it’s a
one-off Corvette that somebody’s done something to it, or whether it’s somebody’s first car that they just paid $300 for last weekend.”
Some of the vehicles present at this Supercar Sunday were a light brown 1931 Ford Model A Convertible, a black 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe, a black 1997 Acura NSX, a black Toyota Century and a yellow 2015 Ferrari 458.
There was also a row of several 1957 Chevrolet BelAirs in different body styles like two-door hardtops and two-door station wagons with their iconic rear fins neatly lined up.
Rettig highlighted the community aspect of Supercar Sunday.
“Everybody talks to everybody,” Rettig said. “It doesn’t matter what you drove in, it doesn’t matter where you live, what you’re driving home in, but car people care about other car people and obviously care about cars, so it’s a phenomenal event.”
The Pierce Automotive Department had a booth with Instructor of Automotive Service Technology Alex Villalta to engage with and inform the community about the Pierce Industrial Technology program, according to Villalta.
“A lot of people, believe it or not, they don’t know we have an automotive department in our college,” Villalta said. “Even some of our own students sometimes don’t know about our
automotive program. So that’s the goal, just inform them about the different classes we have.”
Villalta stated the automotive department was recently expanded and received a new building that was around $26 million.
“Ultimately we’re here to promote some of the electrical classes that we’re going to have for zero-emission vehicles,” Villalta said. “So all the electrification happening right now with this new era it’s important for us to train our students in what’s relevant.”
Troyan shared what he believes the impact Supercar Sunday has on people.
“This community at this event at Pierce College not only makes the San Fernando Valley better and Southern California better, but a much larger area and group of people,” Troyan said. “This is a place for hope, positivity, sharing, love, compassion, and a lot of people see the shiny cars but if you look around you see people hugging, high-fiving, smiling and there is no better community event in my mind anywhere in the world.”
Supercar Sunday is held every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Parking Lot 7 with exceptions made for rain and national holidays. More information can be found at www.supercarsunday. com.
Attendees at Supercar Sunday discuss and admire classic cars at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2024.
Kenneth Chan / Roundup News
The interior of a classic Chevrolet showcasing a red color at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2024.
Kenneth Chan / Roundup News
A front view of a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe in Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2024.
Gerardo Escobar / Roundup News
Listening without criticism
Health Center hosts suicide prevention workshop
By Jonathan Wheelock Reporter
The Associated Student Organization and the Student Health Center hosted a suicide awareness and prevention workshop on Monday, Sept. 30. The workshop was held in the Library and Learning Crossroads in room 5111.
“[Suicide] is a very uncomfortable topic and if we don’t talk about it, people are not going to know about it,” said Director of Student Health Center Houry Tanashian. “People are not going to know what to do in a situation and it’s so important in a college setting.”
The meeting opened with Tanashian introducing herself and Psychologist Dr. Amy Snyder before talking about how anybody can be affected by suicidal ideation.
“It’s really only 46% of suicide deaths that involve a mental health condition, which means that more than 50% of people that die by suicide don’t have a mental health condition,” Synder
said.
No two suicidal people look the same, but there are some signs that might help to identify when someone is in this mindset.
According to Snyder, the first step is to know the warning signs. Suicidal people often show signs of depression, irritability or anxiety. They may isolate themselves as well as lose interest in things that they normally enjoy doing.
Other symptoms include giving away possessions or abnormal changes in behavior such as sleeping or eating too much or too little. Feeling hopeless and helpless are also symptoms.
After explaining potential signs, Snyder explained how to express concern.
“Listen without criticism,” Snyder said. “People that are depressed are in a dark place and they want you to go down into the dark place and listen to what they have to say. And when they’re talking they’ll tell you reasons for not wanting to live but they’ll also tell you reasons for wanting to live.”
It is easy to want to try and help, or ‘fix,’ somebody who is in need, but in certain cases it may have the opposite effect.
“I think we reflexively protect ourselves,” President of the Addiction Studies Club Christopher Froehler said. “We try to skip to the end of processing grief or anxiety, and may say to somebody how they should feel. It may feel, in the moment, like the appropriate thing to do, but I think when you’re on the receiving end of it, it feels reductive in some cases.”
The workshop continued with the most important questions to ask.
Ask if they are planning to end their life. If yes, ask if they have a plan. If they have a plan, ask if they have the means to carry out the plan. If they have the means to carry out their plan, they are at very high risk and it is time to call either 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or 911.
If the person is on campus, you can also take them to the Student Health Center on the second floor of the Student Services Building.
EOPS celebrates 55 years
Students and staff gathered on Sept. 24 to mark the 55th anniversary of Pierce College Extended Opportunity Programs and Services. EOPS is a state-
funded program that offers support for low-income students through free books, supplies and laptops, as well as financial aid and tutoring. EOPS counselors meet one-
on-one with eligible students to help them as they go through their academic journeys.
Bird bonanza
A Turkey Vulture rests on a tree branch on the Pierce Farm at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 19, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
A hawk rests on a tree branch on the Pierce Farm at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 19, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
EOPS Counselor Carmell Stoianov pulls a raffle ticket during the EOPS 55th Anniversary Celebration at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2024.
Victor Montiel / Roundup News
Copy by Delilah Brumer.
Becoming a student leader
ASO President brings experience and innovation
By Alfonso Vargas Reporter
Jasmine Minchez spent the past year learning the ins and outs of student leadership from former Associated Student Organization President Gayane Zazyan. Now, Minchez is following in Zazyan’s footsteps, while bringing her unique perspective to the role of ASO president.
“I had a really great role model,” Minchez said. “I saw in our president last year that she took an initiative in a lot of new things. So, instead of just the daily responsibilities that I think any person can do with an ASO, I saw her really step out of the box to try new events, like reach out to professors, just really enforce creating community. I also want to do the same thing, with just trying new things for Pierce and ASO so more students can know about it.”
Minchez started as an ASO senator in the second semester of her first year. She went on to become vice president in her
second year. As ASO president for this school year, Minchez said she wants to help students make the most out of their community college experience.
“Community college often has this rep of being very transient, and it’s a big transition stage. So I just want to make sure that when you’re here, you’re making the most of it,” Minchez said.
ASO Vice President Chloe Bassirat said she believes Minchez has the passion to be president.
“She’s very innovative when it comes to creating ideas and coming up with things that help ASO,” Bassirat said.
Student Engagement Coordinator and Counselor Lara Conrady Wong said she knows that Minchez has the right experience for the role of president.
“She comes with some experience because of her position last year as vice president. So it’s like the training curve is really short for her, because she already knows what
to expect,” Conrady Wong said.
One of the roles Minchez focuses on as president is to advocate for the students on campus.
Minchez works to ensure that there is a student in the room at every meeting, because she said students need to give their input too and be the voice for their peers.
“I hope that all students feel assured that ASO is doing their best to represent an advocate for students on our campus,” Wong said.
Minchez hopes ASO continues to grow after current students and staff leave. As for current students, she wants to support them as they fulfill their goals.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where everybody goes,”Minchez said. “Because the whole point of us being here is to grow our dreams.”
Brahma Bodega distributes fresh food and kindness
By Matthew Stewart Reporter
Dozens of students line up every day to get free food from Pierce College’s signature food assistance program, the Brahma Bodega.
Brahma Bodega is a student aid program that has worked with other nonprofit organizations like Student LunchBox to help students dealing with food insecurity.
Student LunchBox founder Karlen Nurijanyan came to
college students aided them in more ways than one would expect.
“A lot of students who utilize our services have financial relief, so they don’t have to spend much on groceries,” Nurijanyan said. “Second, is mental health relief. They don’t have to constantly think about how they are going to afford their next meal.”
Founded in 2020, Nurijanyan and Student LunchBox have helped provide fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nonperishable foods to college students across Los Angeles.
“I wanted to be the person that was giving kindness out instead of always receiving it because I know how that feels.”
Larae Jorgoo Pierce student and Brahma Bodega employee
Pierce on Wednesday, Sept. 26 to help bring fresh produce to people in need.
“I was hungry when I was in college, and back in that time, we didn’t have these nonprofits,” Nurijanyan said. “Food pantries like Bodega are a new initiative, and they are being opened up in all the other campuses.”
Nurijanyan found that providing this kind of relief to
When he visits, he enlists the help of the workers in the Brahma Bodega. Geremy Mason is the basic needs coordinator at Pierce and said the food assistance program has been a great success in getting students to perform better.
“We have compared the academic success of students that are enrolled with Bodega versus just the student population in
general,” Mason said. “We saw across the board that the students in [the] Bodega have been more successful in terms of their GPA than the general population.”
Brahma Bodega is available to all students at Pierce regardless of income, setting itself apart from some other types of aid that the college offers.
Larae Jorgoo is a biotechnology major at Pierce who has taken a part-time job working at the bodega in between classes.
“I started working with them because I saw the smiling faces of appreciation on the receivers,” Jorgoo said. “I wanted to be the person that was giving kindness out instead of always receiving it
because I know how that feels.”
The Brahma Bodega offers free hot meals in the cafeteria every day and provides packaged food, including noodles and corn, as well as other hygienic necessities.
ASO President Jasmine Minchez at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Peer Mentor Coordinator Sidra Bar helps distribute food during the Fresh Bodega Distribution event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Women’s volleyball loses close match against Antelope Valley
By Daisy Aguinada Reporter
The women’s volleyball team faced off against Antelope Valley College at the South Gym on Sept. 25, with the Marauders securing a narrow 3-2 victory over the Brahmas.
The evening began with a challenging start for the Brahmas, as Antelope Valley won the first two sets with scores of 25-16. Despite the early setback, the Brahmas demonstrated resilience and determination, according to Sports Information Specialist Jose Quevedo.
“The team had a resilient
performance even though they didn’t grab the win, they were able to come back from two sets down and force a final set,” Quevedo said. “It showed that they didn’t give up and could gain momentum when the odds weren’t in their favor.”
The Brahmas’ comeback came in the third set, which Pierce won 25-23. The intensity of the game continued into the fourth set, with the Brahmas maintaining their energy and focus and winning with a score of 25-20. This pushed the match into a decisive fifth set.
However, despite their efforts, the Brahmas fell short in the fifth set. The final set saw Antelope
Valley edging out the Brahmas 15-8, concluding the match with a victory for the Marauders.
Reflecting on the match, Pierce Team Captain Adriana Luna shared her thoughts on the factors that contributed to having a comeback during the third set.
“I think what led to our success and that comeback was being able to let go of the past and not let the past define us.” Luna said. “And remember that we can create a plan and we can always change things at the end of the day. It’s never too late to change your mindset.”
Additionally, she pointed out the importance of perspective in evaluating their performance.
“There’s a difference between a bad loss and a good loss,” Luna said. “I think this was one of our good losses, and we were able to see that we could execute quicker plays.”
Pierce Athletic Director Deborah Hefter praised the team’s development and determination.
“As a predominantly freshman
team, they are learning how to support each other, communicate and discover their individual and team strengths.” Hefter said.
“Our Brahmas know how to play hard, and they aren’t afraid to put their bodies on the line. I love the energy they bring to the court, and I know if they keep doing that, they will have a very successful season.”
(Left to right) Nicole Oghlian, Kandace Bowens, Alyssa Benner and Adriana Luna celebrate a set-winning point against Antelope Valley College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024.
Moses Murga / Roundup News
Brahma Outside Hitter #7 Elizabeth Fawcett goes for the kill at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024.
Moses Murga / Roundup News