From the desk of the Roundup: Editorial Take charge and carry on

T he desire to stay connected to electronic devices throughout the day increases as technology proves to be an important aspect of everyday life. As a student, a dying battery is an unnecessary stressor.

To keep up with the prominent existence of technology on campus, Pierce should install charging stations for students’ devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptops.Accessible charging stations are an essential tool for students because it allows them to continue staying connected and use their devices to aid them in their college success.

According to Top Hat’s Student Pulse Survey from Nov. 2017, “94% of students want to use cellphones in school for academic purposes and 75% of students feel that digital devices help them learn more effectively.”

According to goCharge.com, a mobile device charging station provider, there are multiple types of charging stations to choose from such wireless charging furniture, kiosks, lockers and solar stations. Among all of these options, the lockers allow students to charge their phone unattended while in class or on a break.

Chargetech.com shows that a charging locker has approximately eight individual compartments for phones that can be locked using a secure pin code. These stations range from $750 to $1,150 each.

The website’s other products range from under $100 to $2,750. Having access to fully charged phone, tablet or laptop could be essential to a students success. Many students use their phone to check and send emails, communicate with teachers and counselors, maintain a daily calendar, work on assignments or do research and stay updated with the time to make sure they are not late to class.

Students can power up their devices during breaks from class or while they are studying in the library or common areas.

Aside from being a helpful education tool, it is important to have a charged mobile device for security reasons. In the event of an emergency, Pierce does not have enough phones around campus for students to use. The blue emergency phones are scarce and many classrooms do not have a phone. A student having a charged device on them at all times helps ensure that students stay safe.

There are many places on campus where charging stations can be installed, such as the library, cafe, gym, student services or even in every building. With the major influence of technology on campus, Pierce should adopt this new way to help students be as successful as possible.

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank the Pierce College administration and, specifically, Pierce College Interim President Larry Buckley for organizing the Red Cross evacuation center on the territory of the college.

I experienced it firsthand, when I stayed with my family at the North Gymnasium.

It was a learning experience for me. A lot of effort went into making the evacuees feel comfortable. It was very impressive how wellcoordinated everything was.

Pierce College worked with Red Cross to set up the place for fire victims to stay, on such short notice. Within hours, the community college became a temporary home for us.

Some people came with nothing, thinking that they would be going home the next day. The evacuation center provided all of the necessities to people and their pets.

We had regular updates on the fire situation. We even had entertainment, such as a film premiere for Instant Family. It helped to get our mind off of the fire, and lighten up the mood.

Thank you to all of the volunteers, who made our stay at the Pierce College evacuation center a pleasant one.

Now that we are back home, it is good to know that Pierce College is out there supporting the community, when the need arises.

Alexander McGovern

Pro Con Monitoring oncoming traffic

SOFI MATZAGANIAN Campus Life Editor @sofimatz