Volume 132 Spring 2020 Roundup Issue 2

Choosing to live

Monica

BY ELIZABETH DOWELL

As a young adult, Monica Coleman drew an imaginary line in the sand. To cope with her mental illness, she viewed checking into a mental hospital as the threshold she would never cross. But, in the midst of a mental health crisis, Coleman finally took action. It was the best decision she ever made.

“I felt like the only thing between me and not being alive was this line, and I chose life,” Coleman said.

In one of her most recent books, “Bipolar Faith,” Coelman talks about her struggles with depression and becoming mentally and spiritually balanced.

Coelman began her speech by asking students, “Who likes to win and who likes to lose?”

shares her struggle with mental illness in Speaker Series

The audience responded with enthusiasm for winning, but Coleman’s question had a deeper meaning.

She explained how “winning is good” because society has taught that failure is looked down upon.

“I didn’t want to lose, and I didn’t know how to lose,” Coleman said. She was afraid of losing her mind.

When she was feeling suicidal, Coleman’s friend Connie suggested she seek help.

“I trusted Connie, so I went and got help,” Coleman said.

Coleman received professional counseling and later went back to school.

Now, she’s a professor of African American studies at the University of Delaware and goes on college tours to promote mental health awareness.

She ended her speech by advising students to “show up” to receive counseling even if students “are afraid.”

“Be present, ready for something to find you and to break you open into what may be a great experience in your life,” Coleman said. “Show up, have that person that you trust. Know it’s okay to rest so you can heal and stay in the race.”

Brianna Randall attended the event and felt a connection with Coleman’s experiences with

“mental illness.”

“The event was really eye opening,” Randall said. “If Pierce continues to put on more speaking events like this, more students would feel comfortable and willing to get help.”

Taya Mims, a student who spoke to the audience about her own mental health struggles, expressed how this experience helped her find her voice and inspire her peers to seek help for themselves.

“I thought it was very liberating for everybody and

myself,” Mims said. “I got to express my own struggles with education and having a disability. Today was magical and spiritual and I really appreciated that we got to do this event.”

Fernando Oleas, Chair of Modern Language Department, wanted to inform students on how to manage mental health issues as they navigate their way through school and life’s challenges.

That’s when Oleas began trying to get Coleman to present on campus, which he achieved.

“I was pleased to see that

Coronavirus

LACCD discusses ways to deal with COVID-19

BY PAOLA CASTILLO

students packed the room and were enthusiastic about this speaker event with Monica,” Olesa said.

Students at the presentation learned the resources Pierce offers on campus, like free individual counseling sessions that are 45 minutes long and group counseling at the Student Health Center.

“We want [students] to be successful, so let’s talk about it,” Oleas said. “Now students are aware of these services that can

edowell.roundupnews@gmail.com

Voting center on campus

At least 43 cases of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) in the United States have been confirmed as of March 2. Several of those infected are in California, prompting a response from the Los Angeles Community College District.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 is a strand of the Coronavirus and a respiratory disease. The key symptoms are fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. After exposure, symptoms can occur after two days and can take as long as two weeks of exposure. There is no treatment or vaccine available for COVID-19

LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez released a statement on March 2 reassuring the district that they are aware of the virus and are taking preventative measures. He said the cases in California are expected to rise but no campus closures have been ordered.

There have been no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus on the Pierce College campus. Distant Education Coordinator Wendy Bass hasn’t been contacted about contingency plans to transition classes online. She said the switch wouldn’t be as easy as expected.

“Basically, any course that becomes a hybrid or goes online has to have the [Distant Education Addendum] because it talks about how they're going to meet their objectives online,” Bass said.

Nurse Practitioner Kira Shteyman said the district pandemic policy has not been enacted, but there is a

plan in place if a student or faculty is suspected of having the virus. She said students or faculty should call the health center if they suspect they are sick or have come into contact with the virus.

In the statement released by Rodriguez, he said there has been no recommendation for healthy people to wear masks.

“The use of masks is a personal choice and generally reserved for people who are sick and for healthcare workers treating the ill,” Rodriguez said.

Shteyman said those who are more at risk are those who are immunocompromised, older or have a history of respiratory disease. Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen said LACCD presidents are discussing the best ways to be prepared.

“Just yesterday I was on a teleconference call with all of the [LACCD] presidents along with the chancellor just to strategize and make sure that, at a district level we have a uniform response, and that we’re preparing and making sure that we’re supplied with all the different necessities that we need, for example, alcohol-based hand sanitizers.”

Rodriguez ended his statement by encouraging the readers to stay informed and to not blame anyone for the virus.

“It is important for everyone to stay informed with official information and not to overreact. Stigmatizing or blaming anyone, or any race, because of this situation is disrespectful and simply untrue, and will not be tolerated,” said Rodriguez.

Coleman

Katya Castillo / Roundup

Monica Coleman signs copies of her book "Bipolar Faith" after speaking in the Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Photo illustration by Kevin Lendio.

“I felt like the only thing between me and not being alive was this line, and I chose life.”

—Monica Coleman

“GretaThunbergistaking thatnextstepinchangingthe worldandIthinkthatʼsvery great.Ageisnotaboundary todoanythinginlifeandI thinkyouʼrenevertooyoung totrysomethingnewandtry tochangetheworldinyour ownway.”

'I didn't know' won't cut it

Raising awareness about sexual harassment at Pierce

More than half of California State Universities (CSU’s) have implemented ‘Not Anymore’ as a requirement for student admission.

Not Anymore is a student made online program created to educate and prevent sexual harassment and domestic violence.

Pierce College should consider implementing a similar requirement to improve campus safety.

“Women in the traditional age range for college students—from 18 to 21 are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than women in any other age group, and college-bound women are at greater risk than their

- Sara Nasar Business

non-college-bound peers,” according to American Association of University Professors.

This course is around 95 minutes and includes a test that does not take more than 20 minutes.

The educational video gives statistics regarding sexual misconduct and sexual harassment on campus. It also shares students’ personal experiences and presents realistic scenarios that students can understand.

Students who would feel uncomfortable watching the video can contact the counselor and will be given an alternative form of getting the information.

Rates of sexual assault and misconduct on college campuses are highest

among undergraduate females and those identifying as transgender, gender-queer and nonconforming, according to a report from the Association of American Universities.

What is Pierce doing about sexual harassment on campus?

In a report by the Medical University of South Carolina, only 12% of college student victims report the assault to law enforcement. Only 7% of survivors of incapacitated sexual assault report to the police.

Victims cite various reasons for not reporting: not wanting others to know, lack of proof, confusion regarding whether what occurred constitutes assault, fear of retaliation

COLUMN:

or they did not know how to report and they fear of being treated poorly by the criminal justice system. If students complete this online course they no longer have an acceptable excuse to sexually harass or rape another student by claiming they did not know it was considered sexual harassment.

Victims of sexual crimes have been violated in a horrendous and invasive way. Not only does sexual violence harm a person physically, but it can also demolish someone emotionally and mentally . Students deserve to be at a school where they feel safe. Implementing this will not only make campus safer, but it also makes students more informed.

Definiton doesn't determine validity

"No one is going to believe it affected you. They’d say you had a say. He is your boyfriend. It isn’t as bad as what other women have gone through,” I said to myself on a day-to-day basis after having endured sexual harassment from a former partner.

I didn’t think it was considered sexual harassment because there was no physical contact. Despite being cornered in his car and told to perform a sexual act, I took it as an uncomfortable situation that wouldn’t happen again.

I didn’t think I was sexually coerced because I had said yes. Despite sitting on his bedside on the verge of tears because I couldn’t muster up the courage to say “no.” More like I couldn’t say no. I wasn’t allowed to since we finally had the privacy of a room that I had required. I couldn’t say no despite expressing my desire to wait until marriage.

Entering the current relationship I’m in made me realize the extent of the damage that the previous relationship had caused. I still remained in denial about what I had gone through. I didn’t think I was sexually harassed and sexually coerced despite getting anxious at the mere mention of anything sexual.

I was afraid of saying no to my current partner because I felt he’d get mad.

In therapy, I had finally realized that I was a victim of sexual harassment and sexual coercion. I didn’t realize it because I had the idea that sexual harassment has to be this horrible, gruesome experience that haunts you until the day you die. I was in the mindset that it could never happen to me until it did. I always said I’d say no and stick by it until I couldn’t.

Issue 2:

Front Page:

In “Class Crisis, Confidence Shaken” the deck should be “Department chair & senate members voice concern…”

In Voting center brief, headline should read “Voting centers at all nine colleges”

In “New Interim Athletic Director” the deck and photo caption is wrong. Kinesiology Chair Susan Armenta is pictured in the photo.

Benjamin Hanson took the photo of Susan Armenta, not Emmanuel Luissi.

In the “Health fee increase” deck, the fee did not “double”, it increased from $11 to $19.

Opinions, Page 2: The street beat was reported by Andrea Pena and photographed by Katya

The bunny illustration was by

“Mymomhasgreatcharacter. Sheʼsalwayspushingherself todomoreforourfamily,so sheʼsinspiring.”

-IsaacSalgado Pyschology

Prepare to pay more - if you're a woman

Female hygiene products are more expensive. Why?

Almost any woman can relate to spending money on beauty and health products, as well as for toys and games.

But those expenses are unfairly marked up for simply being genderspecific. It’s called the “Pink Tax.”

The prices for average products are raised when they are regarded as a female’s product.

“ Eartha Kittʼs confidence and thewayshepresentsherself inspiresme.Sheknowswhat shewantsandshegoesfor it.”

-RacquelYang

The price difference between “normal” and women’s personal care products is 13%.

Girl toys are also being charged more just because they’re feminine. There is a 7% upcharge between toys meant for girls than those meant for boys.

In an article published by Huffpost, a girl’s Paw Patrol helmet was $25 while the exact same boy helmet was at $20.

According to Healthline.com, the origin of the pink tax is assumed to have

originated from the capitalist idea of “if you can make from it, you should.” What isn’t considered is the gender discrimination that female-identifying people endure because of it.

Women who care about only having female products may feel weird buying products that are considered “male” or “normal.”

The high cost of female living can also impact women in college.

According to CNBC, the average student spends $1,200 with the average textbook price at $200. The unnecessary high-cost on “female only” products can cause female students to have to choose between feeling comfortable in their own skin and getting school supplies.

While one could argue that objects such as perfume and shaving cream aren’t necessities, the pink tax also plagues feminine hygiene products.

Photographers:

Adam Baron

Ali Sokhansano

Arsalan Rahbari

Ashley Shellmire

Bethany Lopez

Yunes Raha

Jordan Erickson

Jose Samour

Joshua Price

Karla Avalos

Marley Williams

Natalie Sanchez

Nathan George

Yamin Rashid

Race Davis

People with periods require menstrual products that are at a higher cost because of the “tampon tax.”

The tampon tax is the sales tax that is applied to menstrual products despite there being items that are exempt from taxes because they are considered “necessary” products— including the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra.

It wasn’t until recently that California exempted menstrual products and diapers from California’s state tax. The downside is that it will only be available for two years.

Women shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of feeling good in their skin or keeping themselves clean during their menstrual cycle.

Maintaining one of many capitalistic ideas does not justify gender discrimination.

Advisers:

Jill Connelly

Jeff Favre Tracie Savage

Advertising Manager:

Sean Collins-Smith

*For advertising call Sean at (818) 710-2960

I had convinced myself I was the one in the wrong because I was denying my partner at the time something that pertained to him.

The truth was that I was never in the wrong by wanting to stand by my word. I also came to realize that what I had gone through was valid. Just because I didn’t experience what others would constitute as sexual harassment or coercion doesn’t mean it wasn’t real.

The experience doesn’t have to be a huge or extremely traumatizing one for it to be valid. Realizing this I was able to deal with it correctly. While I still struggle to accept that I don’t always have to say yes to my current partner, I’m still able to own my experience.

I don’t rely on what others identify as sexual harassment. If you’re ever in doubt, it is worth looking into. Don’t let anyone tell you that what you experienced isn’t real. You know what you’ve experienced and no one should tell you otherwise.

to revise unacceptable letters. The Pierce College Roundup will not publish, as letters, literary endeavors, publicity releases, poetry or other such materials as the Editorial Board deems not to be a letter.

deadline is

p.m. the Sunday prior to the issue date.

Policy: The Pierce College Roundup position is presented only in the editorials.

and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup. The college newspaper is published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial

and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

“Googoosh,thefamous Persiansinger.Everybody likes her because she has an incredible voice.”

-EmeelikaVanderpoorten Business

Reported by: Paola Castillo

These incidents were reported between Feb. 23 - Feb. 29

02/24

ILL VISITOR

A visitor was reported ill.

02/25

AN INCIDENT

BETWEEN AN EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT

A student was being hostile toward a staff member.

02/25

STUDENT ROBBED

Marching to the polls

Registered voters cast their ballot for the Democratic primary

BY CECILIA PARADA

With polling centers open at Pierce College, eligible members were able exercise their voting rights from Feb. 29 to March 3.

A booth was set up outside the the Faculty and Staff building to register if they haven't yet.

Once inside, names were taken and people were then assigned to a specific polling station.

Bernie Sanders for California also hosted March to the Polls on March 2, to encourage student voters to cast their ballots for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Organizers set up a tent near the Library / Learning Crossroads building to help students register to vote and to direct them inside.

cparada.roundupnews@gmail.com

Top:

Mechanical engineering student Marvin Ramirez types on the monitor at the Faculty and Staff Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 2, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lendio.

Preview:

A student stole another students laptop, but later returned it to the owner .

02/26

Student injury

A student reported she tripped and fell.

02/27

Student injury

A student fell in a classroom.

Pierce College

Sheriff’s Station

General Information:

Emergency: (818) 710 - 4311

Middle:

Students of Pierce College register their name at the entrance of Faculty and Staff Center to vote at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 2, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lendio.

Pierce College vs. Japan debate

BY JOSHUA BLEIWEISS

It isn’t often that a debate duo from Japan battles the Pierce debate team onstage, but on March 11 students will be able to witness it at the Japan Day event.

The Japanese Club will be hosting Japan Day at the Great Hall to explore and celebrate Japanese culture from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As part of a preview for the event, Japanese Club member Connor Ferguson, expressed his excitement.

“This isn’t an advertisement for Japanese Class. This is an opportunity to share Japanese culture with everyone at Pierce College, not necessarily academic activities, but enjoyable ones,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson said the debate between the Japanese pair and Pierce students was coordinated by the Communications Studies group.

“The topic is going to be a discussion on a house law in the Japanese Imperial Family,” Ferguson said.

The “controversy,” according to Ferguson, is that the current Emperor’s only heir is his daughter. Some dispute that the Emperor’s brother has a son that should be the

next Emperor instead. “There’s some argument there,” Ferguson said. “Some want a female Emperor but some want the boy.”

The event will have a food creation workshop where students can learn how to make onigiri rice balls and how to write their own names with calligraphy pens in Katakana and Kanji. There will also be a tea ceremony and Japanese future telling, also known as Omikuji.

Ferguson said his goal is for students to be open to discovering more about Japanese culture from Japan Day.

“I hope that they learn that there’s more to Japanese culture than the surface elements. The food, culture and even the writing system is ethnically rich,” Ferguson said. “It’s not intimidating. Japanese can be a very scary language to look at, it’s very foreign, but their language is simple and easy to grasp and they’re a lot more like us than we assume.”

Japanese professor Yoshiko Takase said there will be a custom shrine to welcome students as they enter the Great Hall.

“We are going to decorate the Great Hall like a shrine, with the decoration committee, they are

building an 8 feet tall shrine gate,” Takase said. “It was one of the student’s ideas.”

Ferguson added that many materials were used for it, and they are putting the finishing touches on it.

The conversation will discuss an Imperial Family house law in the Great Hall as a Japan Day preview New

“Culturally speaking, the purpose of the shrine, there’s a lot of importance in Japanese culture on rituals,” Ferguson said. “It’s not strictly a religious experience, it’s a passing through. You’re entering into the event through this barrier in and out of the event.”

Ashkon Hojati, the leader for the set-up committee that was established for places like the Great Hall, is working with Ferguson and Takase on setting up the event.

“We’re hoping for the tables we’re going to be using to have a castleesque themed decoration, something to rise up above the table to top it off,” Hojati said. “A lot of the decorations will come from stuff students have made, so for example, presentations and what not. We want to have something for Omikuji, a fortune telling booth, make it yourself onigiri or rice balls, presentations and panel discussions.”

– 3 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Pins and gifts for Bernie Sanders followers are set up on the Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 26, 2020. Photo by Jose Samour.

Right:

Woman’s

A place

International Women’s Day (IWD) is on March 8 and was founded in 1911. IWD brings attention to women’s rights, gender equality and discrimination with the theme Each for Equal. The campaign encourages challenging stereotypes and biases and fighting for gender equality.

It also celebrates the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of women around the world. In honor of IWD, the women around campus are celebrated.

The women working at and attending Pierce contribute to the diverse population on campus. Professors and students work in and out of class to improve the college experience.

Whether it’s directing a play, teaching sign language helping out at the library, or spending down time with friends, women are an integral part of the campus.

Top left: Theater professor Shaheen Vaaz sits inside her classroom in the Performing Arts building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Top right: (Left to right) Penelope Hernandez, Kimberly Ourid and Natalie Daniels sit at Rocky Young Park at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Center: (Left to right) Drawing professor Deborah Pitt points to the tip of a boot as she instructs her Encore student Nasrin Mir at the Art and Architecture Department at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Lower left: American Sign Language professor Stephanie Zornoza holds flowers at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020. Zornoza is among the only two deaf instructors who teach ASL at Pierce.

Lower right: Adjunct librarian Esther Grassian reads a book cover in the Library and Learning Crossroads at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Copy by Cecilia Parada

Photos by Kevin Lendio

BY CECILIA PARADA

An attentive audience in the Performing Arts

Building was met with an energetic Latin guitar and a hollow, box-shaped percussion instrument called a Cajon on Feb. 27.

Omar Torrez brought his original compositions about his Latin American culture and political viewpoints to life for the third installment of ASO Afternoon Concerts.

The Seattle native occasionally covers songs, but he prefers to create and get inspiration from the genres American rock and roll, blues, Afro-Cuban, Latin American and Spanish music.

“I’m going to try to tear down and break barriers right before your eyes,” Torrez said. “It might be very

exciting for you.” His first song “Marina” is a self proclaimed Afro-Cuban Irish drinking song. The up-tempo original ranged from loud moments to whispers.

He also invited Tom Wakefield to play the Cajon despite them not having played together in 10 years. Torrez then included the audience during the song.

“Pierce College, I know it’s very early, but now is not the time to sleep,” Torrez said. “I need your help. We have to work together.”

Up next was a performance of “Burn it Down,” a postmodern chacha-cha, he explained.

“Sometimes it’s not enough to change the systems, instead you have to destroy them,” Torrez said.

Filled with imagery of dissatisfaction, “Burn it Down,” was followed by “It’s Over.”

Unlike the other songs, “It’s

Over” had a quiet and slower tempo, focusing on the emotional themes of endings and uncertainty.

Torrez followed with a cover of a song he heard during his childhood called “La Llorona.” It’s a traditional Mexican song, not to be mistaken for the horror folktale of the same name. It’s sung in a Bolero, or slowtempo fashion.

Before his next song “Reach Down,” Torrez mentioned he drew inspiration for it from the current political climate.

“[In] the last two or three years, there has been a lot of divisiveness and dialogue, socially and politically, certainly in this country,” Torrez said. “I had an idea to write songs that are not about divisiveness or pointing fingers, but the things we share and how we can help each other. I think it’s important to hold onto that. You can be cynical on one

A Celebration of Culture

The Pierce College Chinese Club rings in the year of the rat

BY JOEY FARRIOLA

In Chinese culture, rats symbolize wealth and surplus to celebrate the year of the rat. The Chinese Club hosted a street food event at the Mall on Feb. 26 and 27.

The Spanish Club and the Japanese Club attended the fundraising events by selling cultural food and snacks to students.

Each booth was decorated with red Chinese lanterns for the food festival. The Spanish Club had their very own colorful piñata while the Chinese Club had a traditional paper dragon hanging from the top of their booth with calligraphy written on red drapes which bring in good luck.

Chinese Club Vice President

Derek Laam said the fundraiser was made to share the importance of the Chinese New Year with students at Pierce.

“It just brings everyone to the table,” Laam said. “We get to enjoy the meal once a year, so I like the feeling and the connection it brings to families.”

For those wanting a break from the heat, the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society sold Baskin Robbins ice cream and soda floats. Students who wanted a fast snack could get nachos with Tapatio hot sauce on the side from the Spanish Club, or onigiri rice balls from the Japanese Club.

Chinese Club President Andy Yu said his favorite part of the Chinese New Year is the symbolism of rats.

Yu said he also enjoys the tradition of giving red envelopes.

“Red envelope is what we call

lucky money,” Yu said. “Parents would put money in red envelopes and put it underneath their kid’s pillow to protect them. It’s because of an ancient legend about putting a red envelope underneath pillows to protect your kids through the new year and it’s considered lucky for the upcoming new year.”

Maria Bates, the Chinese Club advisor, said it’s important to celebrate Chinese New Year at Pierce because diversity and equality are “crucial.”

“I think it’s important to bring awareness that there are so many people from different cultures on campus,” Bates said. “I don’t think we had that kind of club until Derek actually initiated it, so I’m really proud of him and he has created a dynamic group of people that are not just from the Chinese culture. They are all from different diversities and ethnicities.”

hand in and yet not be a jerk.”

“Reach Down” was followed by Torrez’s unreleased song “Lean on Someone,” a fast-paced song with an abrupt ending.

After answering student questions, Torrez concluded with his most recent record, “A Night of Serious Drinking.” Torrez closed out the concert with hopes that his music inspires students to follow their dreams.

“Even if [your dreams] don’t seem like they’re working out at any given time, just keep pushing through,” Torrez said. “They have a funny way of falling into place with energy and enthusiasm and love.”

The next ASO Afternoon Concert is called “World Music – ‘5th Element’” and is scheduled for March 5 at the Performing Arts Building.

Cecilia Parada / Roundup

Omar Torrez plays the Latin guitar and sings during the weekly Thursday Afternoon Concerts in the Performing Arts Building Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Cecilia Parada / Roundup

Omar Torrez steps on a percussion stomp box during a Thursday Afternoon Concert at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Katya Castillo / Roundup

A Chinese paper dragon decoration hangs on a tent during the Chinese Club's New Year food street event on the Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 27, 2020.

Making “DREAM”s come true

First-generation American helps undocumented students succeed

BY ANDREA PEÑA

Many undocumented students and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients felt lost and afraid to seek help until Kimberly Castillo became the first Dream Resource Center (DRC) lead.

The DRC, which opened on Sept. 26, 2019, is where undocumented students, DACA recipients and AB 540 students find the support and guidance for their educational journey.

Castillo said the most important thing for her is making sure students walk out feeling better than when they came in.

“They may be going through personal situations at home or just want to feel heard,” Castillo said. “If students come in and they’re completely lost, I want to make sure that I give them a guide or give them the information that can help them be successful.”

Castillo said she wanted to work with undocumented students because she has a close connection with them as a first-generation American.

“I come from immigrant parents, and I have people in my family who are still undocumented,” Castillo said. “I see the struggles, and I also see the different opportunities that are available, especially here in California that some people don’t know about.”

Castillo started at Pierce College as an intern in the Outreach and Recruitment program four years ago. The OAR helped her to gain experience in different areas of counseling and student services. She also supervised the peer mentor program for two years.

Castillo received her master’s degree in Counseling and Student Services at Cal State University Northridge.

Castillo said her former community college counselor inspired her to go into the counseling field.

“She was just really nice, really helpful,” Castillo said. “So I decided to major in psychology. Then I knew that I wanted to

pursue college counseling.”

Castillo said she wanted to work at a community college because she went to one and it is a way for her to give back to the community.

Even though Castillo did not get the chance to be involved in her community college, she said she wants to make sure students are involved in all the opportunities Pierce offers them.

Castillo said it is important in the current political climate to have a place dedicated where undocumented and DACA students are not afraid to receive the help they need.

“I feel like there’s this big fear around it, and some people are misinformed sometimes,” Castillo said.

Castillo said students are her motivation to keep moving forward even during tough days.

“I would never want to not work,” Castillo said. “I want to be here to help students so they don’t get stuck or just don’t know about an opportunity.”

Castillo said she wanted to be an advocate for letting people know about the different resources and services that can be useful for them.

Castillo said the most difficult thing about her job is when students have problems that do not have immediate solutions.

“I’m faced with challenges, like a student applying for financial aid and they’re not eligible,” Castillo said. “So that becomes a little challenging. But I still try to inform the students about other ways that they can get help.”

Dean of Student Engagement

Juan Carlos Astorga, Castillo’s supervisor, said that Castillo is creating and nurturing space within the Dream Resource Center to help students succeed.

“She’s an amazing asset to our college,” Astorga said. “[She is] very supportive of students and very knowledgeable of the challenges that students who happen to be undocumented are facing.”

Luis Morales, a student support worker at the DRC, said he has not seen anybody else take a big step like Castillo did to actually initialize the DRC and try to work

with every student possible to make them feel supported.

“The reason that I stick with the Dream Resource Center is because of Kimberly,” Morales said. “She makes me feel like I’m part of the DRC, and the way she works is the way that I look up to.”

Castillo said that her job was tough at the beginning, but helping undocumented students is fulfilling.

“It was definitely worth it because now it’s rewarding coming to work and helping students and leaving work and feeling like you did some good that day,” Castillo said.

Ashley Shellmire/ Roundup

Kimberly Castillo at Dream Resource

Ashley Shellmire / Roundup

Kimberly Castillo (top) explains the resources and services of the Dream Resource Center to (left to right) Sandy Ibarra, Fernando Becerra and Julian Sandoval at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2020.

Photo courtesy of

Finding meaning through music

One childhood event changes the trajectory of her musical life

BY PABLO ORIHUELA

If her mom had never given her a Beyoncé CD to practice in her room when she was 5 years old, Brianna Randall would not have developed her passion and skill for music.

Randall honed her music skills and released her song “New Arrangements” on Jan. 1. She said the first time she performed “New Arrangements” was the only time she had not experienced performance anxiety.

“I typically get really nervous in front of audiences when I perform anything, but when it came to my own work, I felt so much more comfortable,” Randall said. “It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”

The song is available on multiple platforms, including Soundcloud and Spotify. She performed some of her music with a group of friends at The Arc DTLA on Nov. 17, 2019.

Randall, a communications major at Pierce, said she finds happiness and relaxation in the music she writes. Randall said she got her first performance through a friend.

“I had never performed before,” Randall said. “My friend, he’s a musician, his name is Miles. He said, ‘I want you on the show. I barely know you, but I want you on the show.’”

Randall said music is an integral part of her life. She sings, plays instruments, and has been in dance, color guard and theater.

“No matter what I’ve done in life, I’ve always incorporated music,” Randall said. “I just always do something with music and got comfortable with making music myself.”

Randall said life was not always easy for her because she dealt with instability during her early childhood. She said she struggled to find her own identity while constantly moving around and never being able to establish herself.

“That was really hard for me,” Randall said. “I was uncomfortable, but I still put myself out there

to learn who I was, which was why I was in so many different programs and different activities.”

Randall said she was able to make many long-lasting friends at Pierce, including Ngo Mbok Toni Saidou Noura and Zuri Jones-Walker.

Jones-Walker, an animal science major at Pierce, said she admires Randall.

“She’s creative, kind, intelligent and unique,” JonesWalker said. “She’s such a hard worker, and it shows.”

Noura, a business major at Pierce,

said she is proud to be Randall’s friend.

Randall said as she grew older, her life slowed down, and she had more clarity.

“Eventually, I got to a point where my life was stable, and I figured out who I was,” Randall said. “And once I did, I was more confident. I

was like, ‘This is who I am, and I’m cool with that.’”

Randall’s next show will be on March 7 at the Compton Art Walk. She will be performing “New Arrangements” and a song she has not yet released.

Randall said adversity had shaped

her into the person she is today.

“With growth comes discomfort, which I know a lot of people don’t really like, but it’s important,” Randall said. “It’s so worth it.”

Feeding students’ bodies and souls

BY ALEJANDRA AGUILERA

When D’arcy Corwin was a college student, she didn’t know who to talk to about the resources made available to her. Now, she’s helping students avoid similar uncertainties.

Corwin is the Brahma Pantry and Basic Needs Lead at Pierce College. She connects students on a case-by-case basis with resources on campus and throughout the San Fernando Valley to make school less challenging.

Whether it’s academic stress, food insecurity or mental health concerns, Corwin continuously aids students with their individual circumstances.

“You don’t really realize how such little things can mean so much to people,” Corwin said. “Having the opportunity to meet so many students through the pantry and check in on them and ask them how they’re doing is about having the focus really be on them because every student has a unique story and a difficult path that they’re walking.”

The Woodland Hills native first attended Santa Monica College and later graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Communities and Culture in 2013.

The internship opportunities she experienced during this time, such as teaching literature courses in Spanish at MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), inspired her to get her Master’s degree in social work at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

“I was always the type of person

who didn’t really understand what they wanted to do, so I tried to put myself into places that I could get hands-on experiences,” Corwin said. “The more that I put myself out there to do more internships, the more I realized how I could change someone’s life.”

During the final year of earning her Master’s at CSUN, she began interning at Pierce, where she tried to help students create a sense of community on campus.

“Sometimes you feel like a little blimp. You’re here and you don’t know where to go [or] who to talk to,” Corwin said. “I feel that most students, when you connect with them and try to create that network and build that community, or help them feel like it’s a community, it can take them a lot further.”

Once hired to work at Pierce in 2015, Corwin worked with Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga and Vice President of Student Services Earic Dixon-Peters to establish the Brahma Pantry.

The pantry began as a trial from 2018-2019 through a grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to combat student food insecurity.

Kinesiology student Elijah Cowart has been using the service since 2018. He said it is a popular student resource because Corwin makes students feel “welcomed.”

“D’arcy is super nice, super respectful and makes the process super easy when you come,” Cowart said.

Jocelyn Sarria is another student impacted by Corwin since her relocation from northern California to study neuroscience at Pierce.

At the time, Sarria didn’t have

a job and became food insecure.

During Club Rush, she discovered St.A.S.H. (Students Against Student Hunger) and signed up to volunteer for the pantry service on campus, as well as utilize the resource.

Now in her second year as a volunteer, she has experienced the significance of Corwin’s work at Pierce.

“She goes far and beyond to help students, not just with pantry but any

other necessity, whether it’s financial aid or special services,” Sarria said. Corwin also assists St.A.S.H when needed.

“I’ve come across people who don’t really care about the students, but D’arcy does care,” Sarria said.

“I know that a lot of people were ashamed of getting free food and I know that what she’s doing is normalizing it. If it wasn’t for D’arcy, people wouldn’t be as comfortable

coming and getting free food.”

For the new semester, the Brahma Pantry will operate from pop-up locations on campus that are yet to be finalized.

In the meantime, students seeking resources can visit Corwin at the Associated Students Organization building on Mondays through Thursdays to receive snacks and get connected to further organizations, on and off campus.

“The Brahma Pantry is not just a place to get food. It’s a place where we put students first,” Corwin said. “We just want students to know that it’s not just about coming and grabbing a snack, but it’s about a place where they can come and work through those challenges in a safe environment. We’re ready to help students find a network of support.”

Joshua Price / Roundup

Brianna Randall, a communications major, plays her ukelele in the Botanical Garden at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020.

Benjamin Hanson / Roundup

D’arcy Corwin stands in the Botanical Gardenv at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 24, 2020.

Brahmas remain unbeaten at home

Men's volleyball win in four sets over the Antelope Valley College Marauders

BY CECILIA PARADA

After finishing strong against Santa Monica College, the Brahmas carried that momentum into their game against Antelope Valley (AVC) on Friday night.

Brahmas beat the Marauders 3-1, with a quick start in the first two sets.

Brahmas’ head coach Edison Zhou said focusing is the key to how well the game went for the players.

“They have to believe in themselves that they can be the best.”

Zhou said.

The Brahmas came out of the gate playing aggressively scoring six times, and only allowing three points from the Marauders.

The Brahmas kept the Marauders to a low scoring set, outscoring them by ten points.

AVC head coach and Pierce College alumni, Mark Cruz played for the Pierce College Brahmas in 1998 and 1999.

He noted despite the loss that coming back to Pierce is always a nice homecoming.

“I have a ton of amazing memories at the school,” Cruz said.

The Brahmas’ quick start in the first set, ended in a victory over AVC of 25-15.

The momentum carried into the second set when they beat AVC 2519.

Antelope Valley responded in the third set as they beat the Brahmas 2519.

Even though AVC won the third set, several Brahmas players believe they were the stronger team.

Evan Troncoso felt fired up after losing the third game and felt motivated to shift the momentum back to Pierce.

“I was upset and I didn’t feel like they deserved to win that third set,”

Review:

Troncoso said. “I wanted to put in the work to win that.”

Chase Marcy felt similar to Troncoso.

“I feel like we lost the third set, but they didn’t beat us,” Marcy said.

“We knew that we could beat them and we should beat them.”

Steven Grandinetti felt that the team was starting to mesh well and work on things they initially struggled with.

“We’re starting to work out the

kinks and we’re starting to flow better as a team,” Grandinetti said. “We’re starting to bond really well and it’s all fun here.”

Grandinetti noticed that complacency is an area where the team could improve on especially with a good start in the game.

“It happened last game too, but we just have to hold each other accountable and stop going on a rollercoaster of energy,” Grandinetti said.

The Brahmas fought back in the fourth set to win 25-19. With two games against Long Beach City College and Santa Barbara City College next week, the Brahmas look to maintain high energy. Chase Marcy said that while they have played well there is room for more practice.

“I don’t feel like we’ve played our best volleyball yet,” Marcy said. Marcy said that the team has

Baseball field woes

Holes and uneven terrain result

in injuries

BY BENJAMIN HANSON

Poor field conditions and multiple injuries on the field played a major role in the team not hosting games at Joe Kelly Field.

While other programs prepare to play in front of their fans, Pierce baseball can’t say the same, as they look for alternative venues.

From a distance, the field looks playable. However, once inside, the small details reveal the bigger story.

Trash litters the entire area. The dugouts are faded and torn. Gophers have taken residence around the rusted fences. The field has holes in the ground and the grass is uneven.

to stay focused on what is next by practicing.

“We just need to have really good practices, focus more in practice and we’ll be ready for both games.”

The Brahmas meet Santa Barbara City College on the road on March 4.

The next home game is March 6 against Long Beach City College. With the win, the Brahmas improved their overall record to 2-1.

cparada.roundupnews@gmail.com

Men's basketball 2019-2020 Brahmas have winning season; fall short of reaching playoff berth

BY HANNAH GREEN

In an up-and-down season for men's basketball, there was still an opportunity for the team to make the postseason. In their last game however, Brahmas lost 89-85 against Allan Hancock College in overtime.

With the loss, all chances of reaching the playoffs went up in smoke.

Point guard Jason Rodriguez said the season was good for the team.

“It was a long season," Rodriguez said. "I feel like we all grew as a team and as players. It was tough toward the ending of the season because it got more competitive because we had to make playoffs, but overall the season I feel like went pretty good."

Pierce started the season strong winning two out of their three games in the Miramar Tournament.

After the tournament, they beat El Camino College before losing to Desert that same week.

The team also finished second in the Skip Robinson Classic, getting wins over LA Trade Tech and Pasadena City College. They lost to Santiago Canyon 110-73.

Forward Kevin Fassu said the season went well despite the obstacles.

“I liked the way a lot of our guys grew from the start of the year. I think this year’s season was a success,” Fassu said.

The next tourney they were in was the Gregg Anderson Tournament held at Antelope Valley College.

Unlike the previous performances, they only won one game, beating Glendale College 7862.

Head coach Charles White was impressed with his team and how they prepared for each game.

“I’m very proud of my guys.

They worked together as a team. Even though they didn’t make playoffs, they grew overall as a hard working team,” White said.

The Brahmas finished the decade with wins over Rio Hondo and San Diego Mesa. However, they lost to Long Beach in the last game of 2019.

To begin a new year and decade, Pierce had a good month, winning four games and losing three.

February was a month where the team struggled. Last season the similar happened and the team went from having a winning record to finishing 13-15.

They only won two games and lost four. The losses, however, were very close games.

Heading into the Hancock game, they beat Santa Barbara 6051, which meant they had a slight chance of playoffs.

In the first half of the game, Brahmas were up 41-22. But in the second half, things didn't go their way. They eventually tied the game to force overtime.

“I feel like the last game was the best moment of the season because it really showed us how much we’ve grown and I feel like we haven't played that style of basketball for the entire season. It showed how much better we’ve gotten even though we lost, it was more of a growing moment,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, who is a sophomore, said this season was a learning one for him.

Fassu said there were a lot of good moments to take from this year.

As a whole team every player prepared and worked together in regard to each game.

In the end, Pierce finished the season 15-13 overall and 6-6 in conference play.

Head Coach Bill Picketts said the field needs to be fixed in every way.

"I played here in 1988 and '89, and everything here is the same," Picketts said.

One of the plans was to bring the Filipino baseball team to practice with the current roster since Picketts will be coaching them in the qualifiers for the World Baseball Classic.

Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen said they won't practice because he doesn't want to put the national team at risk.

Picketts said he has communicated with Interim Athletic Director Susan Armenta and Vice President of Student Services Dr. Earic Dixon-Peters about what needs to be done.

"It's finally gotten to a point where they realize it needs to be done because we couldn't play on it last year," Picketts said.

Picketts said he felt the field has limited the players’ ability to fully practice but it hasn't affected the team in games.

"There's gopher holes in the outfield grass and I do not want my players to get hurt, so we haven't had any 'full speed' practices," Picketts said. "But, our pitchers get to practice their routine and we get to hit."

Second baseman Brent Swearingen said he felt the most important thing that needs to be fixed is the outfield, as he and other players have hurt themselves.

"I've twisted my ankle twice," Swearingen said. "We've had some guys falling over the holes this season."

Assistant Coach Jake Ryan said he felt that not being able to conduct productive practices has made the team play tougher.

"We go to play in some nice fields and it's like heaven on earth,” Ryan said.

Swearingen said he felt that traveling to every game is catching up to him.

"I feel that [playing on our field] we'd be more comfortable and have our own fans," Swearingen said. "At our own school [there would be] less pressure."

Ryan said he felt that not playing at home doesn't change the outcome of games, but there are some challenges.

"You're playing for pride; to be out there in Joe Kelly Field, the Bob Lyons scoreboard. You're out here representing Pierce College and I think it's tough that we don't get to embody that,” Ryan said.

File photo by: Cecilia Parada

Wayne Currie attempts to score on Matthew Schmidt during a game against Long Beach City College at Pierce College's Ken Stanley Court in Woodland Hills, Calif., on

Benjamin Hanson/ Roundup

Steven Grandinetti (9) attempts to block Julian Green's (6) attack during a game against Antelope Valley College at Pierce College's South Gym in Woodland HIlls, Calif., on Feb 28, 2020.