COLUMN: Single mom’s tough year

Other international students attending classes in the United States, away from their families, struggle to balance their academic schedules and mental well-being between two different countries.

Many college teachers are willing to have flexible hours for these students, but there is a demand for specific resources and services catering to fit the needs of this community.

According to The Student Life, not only do these students battle academic challenges adjusting to school schedules, they also combat crippling loneliness and isolation.

Pierce professors should offer more leniency in terms of class scheduling. For example, they can record and upload their lectures online so that the students can later view them if they are unable to attend classes.

Also, Pierce should code a program within the online class platform that helps identify international students so that professors would be able to know whether to have only

BY SHANDANI JACKSON

The Brahma Pantry should be Pierce College’s main focus during the pandemic. Being a student and a working, single mother of two children makes keeping everyone on schedule hard.

My 15-minute breaks consist of rushing to find something easy and quick to make for the kids.

My lunch break and class happen at the same time. Dinner becomes tricky because my last break is my only time left to cook, and I finish work at 8 p.m. The stress of it all takes a toll on my health.

asynchronous or extremely flexible classes for them.

Pierce should fulfill its responsibility of providing equitable educational standards to students from diverse backgrounds.

According to Pierce’s international students’ information site, international students pay $265 per unit, while maintaining a minimum of 12 units for fall and spring semesters, which totals $6,360 per the two semesters.

The financial injustices that barricade international students’ fundamental right to education continue to put their health and academic success at risk.

Dire times such as this pandemic cause our students to experience administrative and academic inadequacies. Pierce’s international community needs us to provide the care and support promised to them through their admissions and financial package.

From the desk of the Roundup

Parking lot flicks

ith the resurgence of popularity for drive-in movie theaters in 2020, it’s hard not to feel a sense of deja vu.

The affinity people have towards these 1920 novelties would make it easy for Pierce College to take the opportunity to organize a drive-in cinema.

CNN said a local diner in New York started a drivein theater to raise money for charity.

The owner, Kal Dellaportas, said that the tickets sold out within three minutes when they first started. Dellaportas also said they had more than 500 attempts to purchase the tickets within that time frame.

Holding an outdoor cinema

Wevent would also benefit other local businesses. Pierce could invite food trucks and have them bring purchases to the people in their vehicles.

To save confusion, parking spaces would be numbered to make ordering easier. The school could also sell snacks this way, which would raise funds while keeping everyone safe. It would be an ideal solution to raise money for the school.

But money is not the only thing Pierce would be raising.

A study from USC reports that L.A. County residents experienced higher levels of COVID-19 related depression and anxiety. Having a nostalgic distraction would help raise the spirits of a community heavily hit by the pandemic.

In a National Geographic article, psychology professor at Le Moyne College Krystine Batcho said that revisiting the past is a natural response.

“Generally people find comfort in nostalgia during times of loss, anxiety, isolation or uncertainty,” Batcho said.

A sense of normalcy would benefit the community and provide a light during these somewhat dark times.

I realize quickly that not having access to meals, or healthy meals at that, can affect my focus and performance. Snacks and chips are usually my go-to, but by the end of the day I feel less energized and more sluggish.

After a long day, I still need energy to keep up with kids. My son has energy for days, and my daughter and I usually take shifts with him since we are both in school and at work at the same time.

On Feb. 25, the Pantry held their second drive-through food distribution event on campus. The program sheds light on the food and housing support needed for students, especially during these chaotic times.

The pandemic has caused a new wave of issues for students either trying to balance school, work, family or all of the above. Every student is trying to keep afloat, and this program is an essential part of Pierce College.

There are dozens of students out there that could use the help. The Brahma Pantry is worth looking up.

I learned about the Pantry through my student email and quickly registered online. I was happy to find out the school had a program that supported students in different situations. The program offers food, housing and financial assistance as well as other basic needs.

Once I registered, I was asked to fill out a questionnaire informing the program of areas I needed assistance with. A few days later, I received an approval email with instructions for the pantry pick-up.

Brahma Pantry organizer, D’arcy Corwin, is always willing to answer questions. She’s welcoming, and understands that everyone has different situations.

It took me less than five minutes to pick up the meals. My name was on a list at the entrance where I provided my ID. I pulled up to the semi circle, three bags were placed in the trunk and I was on my way.

These meals have been incredibly helpful. I’m not rushing or stressing about how much time I have left to feed my kids. The meals are healthy and low calorie, so you feel good about what you’re eating. But it’s a bonus that the meals taste good too.

My favorite by far was the creole chicken salad and my kids loved the breakfast burritos. A lot of planning and effort was put into this event, and I have the utmost appreciation. These meals are a lifesaver.

I will participate in the next event. It was well worth it.