Volume 135 Fall 2021 Roundup Issue 6

Review: 'The Importance of Being Earnest'

Finding laughter in one of the bleakest moments in our history

BY PAMELA KALIDASAN Reporter

After sitting through nearly a year without any event on campus, it is refreshing to say that the first full-production at the LAPC Theatre went well with "The Importance of Being Earnest."

This Oscar Wilde classic, which runs until Oct. 31 at Pierce’s Performing Arts Mainstage, was originally set around the late 1800s, during the Victorian era.

But director Shaheen Vaaz said that it would be more appropriate to have this play take place in the summer of 1914 to create a parallel, where the audience can relate the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic to the weight of World War I in the play.

The witty humor in this show lightens that weight to entertain the audience.

This story revolves around Jack Worthing (Kayvan Shai), who wishes to propose to Algernon Moncrieff’s (Robert Dracic) cousin Gwendolyn Fairfax (Rachel Logan), who only agrees to marry him if his name is Ernest.

However, Jack only refers to himself as Ernest when he’s in town, and makes up the idea that Ernest is his idle rebellious brother that his adopted niece Cecily Cardew (Megan Araneta) is obsessed with.

The plot gets more complicated as Algernon

decides to visit Cecily, and pretends to be Jack's brother Ernest. Even worse is that Gwendolyn plans to come and see Ernest in his manor in Woolton.

This production is filled with humor that is sarcastic, and is filled with dramatic irony to the core. An example would be

where Gwendolyn and Cecily would argue about who is more fit to marry Ernest, as they believe that Ernest proposed to them as the same person, when in reality both of these women only love the name Ernest and don’t really see the true side of him.

All the actors did a

phenomenal job in portraying their characters. Gwendolyn’s mother Lady Bracknell (Ann June) stood out from the crowd, and played a cantankerous mother who cares about her daughter and nephew Algernon’s wellbeing.

Another character that stood out is Algernon who acts as

the main glue for the play. He provides comedic relief and livens the scenes with his witty remarks, including ‘bandburying’ Jack into uncomfortable situations.

During the play, the music choices were quite interesting, and added to the humor. For instance, whenever Lady

Bracknell or Gwendolyn introduce themselves in a scene, a small portion of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” background music would play, and they would flamboyantly pose themselves.

When it comes to musicality, no choreography was done as it was not necessary since character interaction and conflict took up much of the space.

The actors wrapped up the ending quite nicely by gathering together to sing a tribute to the soldiers who fought during World War I.

For the set design, the concept of a pop-up storybook is unique, and this concept should be incorporated more often.

The costumes of the characters were well designed, and represented each character accordingly. Miss Prism (Vanessa Hanish) has her clothes envelope her with multiple layers, and her style was to look proper as she held those values for herself, until dramatic irony took the form of Reverend Chasuble (Tomas Ciriaco) and she was challenged.

The one weakness of the play was the lighting. At times the lighting would rush or even just abruptly change instead of having a gradual build up.

It was entertaining to watch this intricate production on stage, especially with Wilde’s humor being the best medicine and treat for all.

BY ANASTASIYA OREL Reporter

With LGBTQIA+

History Month coming to a close, the Los Angeles Community College District celebrated and recognized the month through a series of events.

The district organized alumnus meetups, coffee hours, reading clubs and informational meetings.

Pierce College faculty hosted the Queer/Gay Straight Alliance discussion and the LGBTQIA+ Parenting: A Spotlight on Foster Care with Raise a Child event.

Psychology Professor and Guided Pathways Coordinator Angela Belden ran the parenting event and discussed how it could benefit students, faculty and staff.

“Community often centers around family, and a lot of people in the LGBTQIA community, like all communities, are interested in parenting,” Belden said.

“This is a way to highlight the organization that has media campaigns to elevate the image of what it looks like to adopt or foster a child, and those images include samesex parents, gender-neutral people, and all other sorts of families.”

Belden said the introduction and participation of students in the History Month events allow for open discussion.

“Not everyone who goes to these events is in the community themselves but they’re interested in the community,” Belden said.

“That is already exciting, to have somebody who is willing to learn and hear, and be open to issues or things that are happening in the community such as parenting.”

Pierce College alum Peter Villafane attended Pierce until spring of 2020 and said the LGBTQ club was not yet chartered or active. He said he is glad to see the implementation of these events.

“It’s great to hear that Pierce is spearheading more representation and participation, and providing students with resources,” Villafane said. “It’s easy to make a broad blanket statement saying ‘everyone is welcome here’ but there is something about saying specifically 'if you are LGBTQ, you are welcome on campus.’”

Alongside events and activities, Villafane said he would like to see more academic involvement.

“I found that a lot of queer folks for younger, millenial or Gen Z ages are not as knowledgeable about prehistory, even if it’s recent history,” Villafane said. “I think the reliance on participating in the community on the internet is valuable on its own, but you lose a lot of nuance and context when you don’t engage with your history.”

Villafane said he believes social media has not changed

the way people accept others, but rather it has exposed extremes in a way society has never seen before. He said this exposure could potentially warp an individual’s perception on what people may think of them.

Social media has allowed for international engagement for social injustices and has created ways in which people can educate themselves, help others, and provide a safe space, according to Villafane.

The Los Angeles City College held a Stepping Out Picnic below their Rainbow Track on Oct. 12 in demonstration and recognition of small businesses and boutiques owned and represented by LGBTQIA+ members and LACC students.

The shops included individual artwork pieces, handcrafted jewelry, tarot card readings, aromatherapy products and more. One of the largest places of advertisements for these

shops are through social media platforms including Instagram and Twitter.

Belden said that the LGBTQIA+ History Month events such as the picnic and parenting discussion have a positive impression on the future of students.

“It’s those human connections and moments that can be such a powerful thing and really change trajectories,” Belden said.

“When we see how people are treated and have the opportunity to listen, we learn. When we learn, we are open-minded and we can do it in an intersectional way.”

Interim President Ara Aguiar said she believes it is essential to provide students resources for educational and engaging events including the History Month, and the college has a plan to have a LGBTQIA+ center on campus.

“It’s very important to me to have a welcoming place for all of our students and to be

a part of everything,” Aguiar said. “We have the support of the State Chancellor’s office, and we’re going to get together as a team and get that implemented.”

Belden said they believed building community through these events is beneficial and helps, no matter an individual’s identity or sexual orientation. Belden said that the idea of bringing community together and showing that identity matters, no matter how someone identifies, is influential.

“I hope that the community college district, and specifically Pierce, is a place where people feel like they belong,” Belden said. “When we have a sense of belonging and understanding and know we’re not alone, it can be a powerful thing. I think this is another peak of the civil rights movement in this country.”

Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

Rachel Logan as Gwendolyn and Kayvan Shai as Jack in LAPC Theatre's dress rehearsal of "The Importance of Being Earnest" at the Performing Arts

Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Oct. 19, 2021.

Column: Filipino American History Month

or halo-halo. Filipino horror films were my family and I’s favorite genre to watch and bond with.

When my mother and I moved to America, everything changed instantaneously.

I changed schools, friends, leaving a part of my family and life behind and learning English, which was the hardest part.

BY DOMINIQUE DUÑGO Campus

Editor and Photographer

Filipino American History

Month is important to me because it represents us as a culture and who we are as a tribe.

Filipino Americans that I’ve seen or met are inspiring and hardworking people. We are more than what people assume of us.

I was frequently moving for as long as I remember. I was born in Los Angeles, moved to Seattle, then to my hometown in Pampanga, Philippines, making it my first language, school and what I thought would be my home forever.

I remember waking up to roosters crowing, feeding our pet pig who we raised in our little farm and my Tito’s and Tita’s playing Mahjong with a cigarette and beer in their hand.

I remember watching a lot of Filipino movies and TV shows collectively with my family while my Lola or Tita cooked comforting food such as sinigang, pancit, adobo

I am of Filipino and Chinese blood. I never got to meet my great grandpa on my mother’s side, but I met my great grandma when I was a baby. I don’t remember anything about her, but I was always told she was kind and funny.

My parents both graduated University and worked tireless jobs to help our family keep afloat and to make sure I was able to attend school, live a comfortable life and have opportunities they weren’t able to have growing up.

Meeting other kapampangan people in America, I naturally feel connected to them. Speaking and telling jokes in our native kapampangan language brings a whole new side of relatability, demeanor and understanding.

Kulitan is one of the various indigenous suyat writing systems in the Philippines and was used for writing in Kapampangan, which was the language mainly spoken in Central Luzon where my family and I are from, but was eventually overthrown by the Latin alphabet.

According to an online article by the United Farm Workers, Filipino American labor organizer and leader, Larry Itliong and his union members began the Delano Grape Strike on Sept. 8, 1965.

The Filipino Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, which Itliong helped lead, walked out on strike against Delano, Calif. alongside Philip Vera Cruz, Benjamin Gines, and Pete Velasco then asked Caesar Chavez’s Latino National Farm Workers Association to join.

Itliong is a key figure of the Asian American Movement, yet is a forgotten leader who was a fierce force for equity.

I’ve gotten to know many great Filipino American friends traveling back to America. My Filipino friends and I met each other's families, ate each other’s traditional family dishes and experienced life together like we’re already a family with the comfort of hospitality and familiarity.

When I was a teenager, being an Asian American in middle school and high school was uncomfortable at times. Kids assumed I was a straight A student because I’m Asian and would ask to copy my homework or cheat off me during tests.

As a kid, I understood we could all be immature so I didn’t let it get to me. There were kids who thought

they were being funny so they’d squint their eyes with their fingers at me and my friends not knowing how disrespected we felt.

Around the time I reached high school, there were people who would tell my friends and I that we weren’t considered Asian because we were Filipino Americans with darker complexions, make fun of Filipino accents and laugh at how our language sounded funny to them and would proceed to mock us.

People would have their own beliefs or opinions that they’ve heard from others or put together themselves, that at times came off aggressive and unpleasant when having to be lectured about something they had no clue about.

Being a Filipino American, I believe people who are ignorant about our culture should be educated in a healthy way and spoken about more. We’ve been discriminated against and mocked for far too long.

With the experiences I've endured, it has made me a stronger minded individual physically and mentally. Growing up as a Filipino American, I learned a lot of things about what other people are capable of saying or doing negatively based on my race and how to stand up for myself and others.

Hispanic Heritage Month is the representation of the achievements of an integral part of society. About half of Pierce College’s population is of Hispanic and Latin descent, so it's disappointing that there isn't more recognition.

Educational systems are supposed to be a safe haven for people, but not feeling represented can ultimately make anyone feel like an outcast. It's important to have representation in all aspects because not everyone has been fully recognized.

The country has a history of overlooking minorities and their holidays, which most get once a year in a country that doesn’t always see them as equal. This ultimately refers to years of oppression and neglect to the cultures of people of color.

More is expected from learning institutions, but during this time of online learning some schools may believe it's OK to slack on this aspect of representation.

The school’s website does not feature anything on the homepage about diversity.

More students and even faculty should speak out when they feel unheard or not represented by the places they attend or work.

On Oct. 12, Pierce held a Zoom hosted by Martha Gonzalez, who is a Chicana artivista (artist/ activist), musician, feminist music theorist and associate professor at Scripps/Claremont College.

Schools like Los Angeles Southwest, which has 43% Hispanic students, celebrated the month with information and activities, including movie screenings and presentations about farm laborers being heroes. CSUN is also a school that showed attention with the Student Engagement Center.

The University of Southern California held a seminar hosted by Carlos Gutierezz, who spoke about preparing Cal State LA minority students for success. He spoke about people of Hispanic and Latin descent being one of the largest groups of people in California and the importance of preparing their future careers.

Pierce has a year to plan more events to celebrate its student body. With Hispanic Heritage Month ending and Filipino American History Month beginning, the school can better represent the people of color at Pierce.

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BY GISELLE

Reporter

As the weather gets colder and pumpkin spice everything is a must, many begin to anticipate trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Despite the pandemic, people should still participate in the spooky holiday. Handing out candy or going door to door is a tradition that can still be celebrated in a safe manner.

If certain guidelines were set, Halloween could be COVID-19 free. People can continue to social distance and sanitize just like how they do in the supermarket, amusement park or mall.

This holiday is a time when people can express themselves in a way that they can’t everyday.

Considering how wearing masks hides facial expressions, trick-ortreating and creative costumes could bring back the exciting emotions and smiles to people.

According to an article by USA Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has allowed for children worldwide to participate in trick-or-treating

this year. It is best to stay in small groups rather than large ones to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As a trick-or-treater walks to the home of a candy giver, they could yell out the famous words “trick or treat” rather than knock or ring a doorbell. Individual bags of candy could be placed on a table where trick-or-treaters can grab from a distance and go. Hand sanitizer would also be a great item to have at hand for everyone to use.

Vaccinated or not, adults and children continue to live their everyday lives despite some changes. The average market can have over one hundred people. This means that trick-or-treaters can choose wisely and decide what is safe for them and those around them.

A choice can be made to shop online but people still choose to also shop in stores. People can still choose to trick or treat in a safe manner and purchase costumes in store.

According to CNN, Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said it is safe to go trick-or-treating this year. She said that her neighbors

are making creative alternatives for candy distribution. One idea she shared was a scavenger hunt where trick-or-treaters can find their own bag of candy in the candy giver’s front yard.

It would be ideal to trick-ortreat as a group with individuals from the same household, but if a small friend group is fully vaccinated it should be okay to get together.

Bags of candy should be checked after trick-or-treating is over to ensure that no candy is open. This will prevent the spread of germs consumed by the person.

Many people want to show off their creative special effects makeup, but now people can show off their crafting skills to create a unique mask that helps put their costume together.

Just like the holiday, it is all about getting creative and coming up with different ways to make it safe for everyone. Once that is accomplished, the anticipation is over and Halloween can be celebrated.

Sinclair

Pro: Trick-or-Treating A-OK Con: Trick-or-Treaters beware

BY SOPHIE WARD Copy Editor and Reporter

With Halloween just around the corner, many children are looking forward to dressing up in fun costumes and going trick-or-treating.

However, according to National Public Radio, children younger than 12 are ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It is unlikely that the vaccine for this age group will be approved before Oct. 31. The CDC’s independent advisory committee meeting is scheduled Nov. 2-3.

If the vaccine gets approved before Oct. 31, children will still not be fully vaccinated by then since the vaccine takes several weeks to reach its full effect.

Although severe illness or death from COVID-19 is uncommon for children under the age of 12, according to the Los Angeles Times, trick-or-treating opens up several opportunities for transmission of the coronavirus.

Trick-or-treating is often done with lots of friends or large groups. When large groups of children or children from different households trick or treat together, there is more contact

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with people and there is a higher chance that a group member may carry the virus and be asymptomatic.

During and after trick-or-treating, children are often eager to rip open candy wrappers and start snacking on their treats. Some children even like to swap and compare candies with each other. Without proper hand washing or disinfecting of possibly contaminated surfaces, the coronavirus can easily be transmitted from child to child when eating or swapping candy.

Many individuals who enjoy handing out candy will allow children to grab handfuls from their bowl. This opens up an opportunity for the virus to be spread when each child puts their hand in the bowl.

Halloween is also a holiday where wearing face masks cannot be enforced. There is no guarantee that every person who gives out candy is vaccinated or will wear a mask when trick-or-treaters show up at their door.

Even those who hand out candy and are fully vaccinated can still transmit the virus to trick-or-treaters.

These breakthrough cases are more likely to occur with the Delta variant, according to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention. Despite trick-or-treating being an outdoor activity, many children may still struggle with social distancing on Halloween. From being surrounded by other children on a stranger’s porch to pushing each other out of the way to get the best candy, children will often come into physical contact with each other and strangers.

After the night of festivities is over, children will return home with their candy, but they also may return home with the coronavirus. While some individuals who catch a case of COVID-19 are asymptomatic, they can still transmit the virus to others.

With COVID cases decreasing in the United States, celebrating Halloween by trick-or-treating does not seem to pose much of a threat. Yet, without taking the proper precautions and with millions of children being unvaccinated, transmission and the rise of the virus are still a possibility.

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Photo illustration by Brandon

Error 404: Vaccinations not found

A quarter of faculty and staff have yet to receive the COVID vac cine

BY AJ WERNER Reporter

The Pierce College

Academic Senate addressed on Monday, Oct. 25, via Zoom the issue of the number of unvaccinated employees on campus.

Interim Vice President DonnaMae Villanueva kicked off the meeting with an update regarding the vaccination status among the faculty.

“It’s been recorded that 75% of our faculty have been vaccinated or have requested the exemption, and 70% of staff,” Villanueva said.

The remaining 25% faculty members have yet to report to their district with their vaccination status or exemptions.

There is no number regarding the vaccination and request for exemption status for students because of the grace period and a software error that prevented students from uploading their vaccination information, according to Villanueva.

The meeting then moved to working together to improve collaboration and communication within the Senate.

Student Success Committee chair Crystal Kiekel, English professor Brad Saenz and Professional Ethics Committee chair Cara Gillis led the senate members through an exercise focused on creating more successful communication.

Kiekel said that having efficient communication in group activities is essential in the Senate and in the classrooms.

Saenz said that it is important to establish community agreements to create a healthy working environment, especially with the current circumstances of how they connect with each other on a daily basis.

“I think that especially now, because of the pandemic and working on Zoom, we need this more than ever,” Saenz said. “Establishing these community

agreements allows us to create a safe area to talk about things openly, and to ask questions comfortably without feeling like we’re being judged.”

The meeting was broken into breakout rooms.

The exercise was meant to make each individual take a moment to think about a time where they had to work in a group and did so successfully.

The Senate then shared that memory with others, and explained why they thought it was successful, and concluded the activity by writing on a shared document.

The document will be used to create a list of community agreements that will be introduced at the Senate’s next meeting.

Curriculum Chair and Vice President Margarita Pillado said that a revamped website for Pierce

is long overdue, and expressed how serious it is that action is taken in regards to it.

“The website is undermining all our efforts,” Pillado said. “It’s a serious liability that we have as a college and I am appalled that we really haven’t been more aggressive and demanding that this should be done.”

Pillado also said that the websites of Pierce’s sister schools have taken major leaps in terms of modernization, and the school should aim to be the same.

“They are light years ahead of us,” Pillado said. “We have students going into our department websites, and the curriculum information is outdated, it is incorrect, it’s a liability for the college and we really can’t move on.”

Docket Number: Prospective students

UCLA Pre-Law Transfer Society informs students about program

panels and Q&A sessions with the industry leaders.

The Spring Quarter focuses on personal networking opportunities. The program provides connections with internships and job opportunities for PLTS members.

Vice President of PLTS Kohan said the program also provides a mentorship program that is beneficial for students who seem less guided than others.

“Some of the things we really focus on within this program are getting experience with your mentor,” Kohan said. You discuss with your mentor what your roadmap looks like and what kind of major steps you need to take as you’re figuring out your path to law school. You talk about your timeline and go in depth with your mentor.”

Kohan said other factors discussed with the mentor include how to find internships, what networking abilities a student must have and which ones do they already have, going over personal statements and procedural things such as the LSAT scores and application for law school.

BY ANASTASIYA OREL Reporter

Pierce College Honors Transfer Program alumni hosted a meeting for the University of California Los Angeles Pre-law Transfer Society (PLTS) on Oct. 20 for students interested in—or majoring in— political science.

Hosts Aviv Assayag and Roz Kohan greeted students and discussed disclaimer language. They said they are not allowed to persuade or urge students to go to any particular university, but that is a decision that the individual makes on their own. The meeting was informational and went over the program and its benefits.

The program is a pre-law society on the UCLA campus that is tailored specifically toward transfer students. The resources and services offered in the program are oriented to the needs of transfers and other under-represented communities of students.

The Fall Quarter is usually application season to which PLTS

welcomes numerous law school admissions representatives and LSAT prep companies to come onto campus and talk to students directly, answering any questions regarding the application process.

During the Winter Quarter, PLTS members are given the opportunity to learn about different legal and business industries through discussion

Director of Internal Affairs Assayag said that a student’s grades are the most significant determinant in transferring to a university and applying to the program.

“I think it’s 85 to 90% of students when I was transferring that were in the Honors program at Pierce that got into UCLA,” Assayag said. “It’s always important to keep in mind that extracurricular activities are great but your grades for transferring are your most important thing.”

Assayag said Pierce College’s Honors program improved his chances of transferring to UCLA.

Student Parham Assadi asked the hosts how hard it is to juggle between education and the LSAT.

“How difficult is it to study and take the LSAT while still studying at UCLA?” Assadi asked. “I’ve heard people take a gap year before law school.” Assayag answered the question and said that at any given law school, anywhere between 50 and 80% of people take a gap year.

“You need to leave yourself lots of hours and see how well you can balance taking classes and studying for something else,” Assayag said. “There are some people that already have the experience and don’t need to take a gap year. You need to take time for yourself and figure yourself out for those experiences, so taking a gap year is very common.”

Hosts Assayag and Kohan said they encourage students to participate in Pierce’s Honors program and believe familiarizing themselves with Pierce’s resources such as the Career & Transfer Centers and counselor meetings will provide a better guide when applying as transfers for universities.

“You should already start mentally preparing for it,” Kohan said. “Once students transfer, specifically to UCLA, PLTS will give them resources that are more tailored to transfer students and are given more individual focus about planning your path.”

Screenshot by AJ Werner

Professional Ethics Committee chair Cara Gillis leads a group exercise during a Pierce College Academic Senate meeting on Zoom on Oct. 25, 2021. The exercise was meant to improve communication skills between Senate members.

Screenshot by AJ Werner

Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Donna-Mae Villanueva speaks during an Academic Senate meeting on Zoom on Oct. 25, 2021.

File photo By Bala Subramaniyan

The University of California Los Angeles campus in Los Angeles, on May 7, 2021.

'Ernest' Actors Prep Backstage

Los Angeles Pierce College Theatre is back at the Performing Arts Building Mainstage with Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

This performance marks the return of theater with an audience since the beginning of the pandemic.

Listening to music and telling jokes helps the cast get into character. Actors must work on makeup, costumes and mental preparation for at least two hours before they are set to go on stage and perform.

Opening weekend began on Friday, Oct. 22 and the show will run through Sunday, Oct. 31.

(Left to right) Robert Dracic gets his Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021.

Tomas Ciriaco puts on his show makeup to become Reverend Chasuble in “The Importance of Being Earnest,”

Vanessa Hanish, who plays Miss Prism, Performing Arts Building at Pierce College

(Left to right) Jonathan (JB) Bowen, Robert Dracic and Tomas Ciriaco, cast members of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” get ready for the show at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021.

Photos by Jasmine Casanova

Copy by Raquel G. Frohlich

his makeup done by fellow cast member Vanessa Hanish at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in 2021. They tell jokes to each other to relax before they perform their play.

Earnest,” at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021.

Megan Araneta gets ready for “The Importance of Being Earnest” play at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021. She plays Cicely in the show.

Prism, laughs as she helps her fellow cast member prepare for “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021. They tell jokes before getting into character for the show.

Tomas Ciriaco uses make up to become Reverend Chasuable in the "Importance of Being Earnest" at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2021.

The Importance of Being Kayvan Shai

Actor finds inspiration in personal journey for classic leading role

BY PAMELA KALIDASAN Reporter

Kayvan Shai sees a lot of himself in Ernest, the lead character from Oscar Wilde’s "The Importance of Being Earnest."

“I think I’ve had many issues, self-confidence issues, especially in middle school. I wasn't really bullied, but I had people who made me feel like I was not good enough, that I didn’t have any friends or that I didn’t have anything to offer,” Shai said.

He said it was difficult for him to socialize and open up, especially when he attended his first parties during high school.

Shai said he was unsure of himself and realized that he couldn’t allow people to define his worth.

“I think it was just me realizing that these people were most likely not going anywhere, and those people tried to talk to me in a friendly way, but I don’t take it as them being genuine. I take it as them feeling bad about what they did,” Shai said.

Shai said that it took him several years to learn how to be confident and to figure out what he wanted.

“I was always a performer, always doing stuff outside the box, and I was confident but not truly confident. It took me time to warm up,” Shai said.

Currently, Shai is taking classes at Playhouse West in North Hollywood twice a

week while being a full-time student at Pierce.

“It’s like eight hours of acting a day, and then trying to fit homework here and there and it does suffer,” Shai said.

He said he barely has time for his friends and family.

“There’s just no way to have everything,” Shai said.

Besides taking classes at Pierce and at North Hollywood, Shai said that he’s auditioned for short films and other productions including for a show on HBO.

“I’ve auditioned for a lot of professional work and it’s very difficult since there’s a lot of competition, especially now because of self tapes,” Shai said.

Initially, Shaikhbahai was eager to leave Pierce, but he found himself enjoying a Theatre 101 class taught by Theatre Professor and Director Shaheen Vaaz.

“The first time I sat in Shaheen’s class, I remember hearing what she said about acting and it almost brought tears to my eyes,” Shai said.

“And that’s when I realized this is what I want to do.”

Shai is playing a character named Ernest. He said he felt connected to him and found his strict nature and shorttemper to be funny.

According to Shai, he auditioned for Ernest through Zoom, got called back twice and then got casted to play him.

“He’s very good, quite easy to work with and he’s incredible with taking the

words on the page and making it his own,” Vaaz said.

LAPC theatre didn’t charge for any of their Zoom performances held last year and since the budget is limited, Vaaz said the theatre has to work with what it had.

“We wanted to build a set that wasn’t too expensive, and set designer, Gene Putnam, came up with this idea of a pop-up storybook and everyone loved it” Vaaz said.

But setting it up wasn’t easy, according to Theatre Department Chair and Professor Michael Gend.

“There was some trial and error and when you’re building them on a large scale out of lumber you run into unforeseen consequences,” Gend said.

While rehearsing for the role, actors wore masks while delivering their lines and Shai talked about how it was a barrier.

“We had to have masks on but when we are performing we’re not going to have the masks on,” Shai said. “It’s a pain in the ass and I hope that it doesn’t last.”

Shai said that by working on himself and through performing, he’s learned to accept himself.

“Now I’m just my own person,” Shai said. “So I don’t need validation from anyone as I have my path and my purpose, and that’s what I’m really focused on.”

pkalidasan.roundupnews@gmail.com

Photo by Jasmine Casanova

Kayvan Shai raises his eyebrow in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2021.

Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

(Left) Kayvan Shai and Tomas Ciriaco during a dress rehearsal of "The Importance of Being Earnest" at the Performing Arts Building Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 19, 2021.

Photo by Jasmine Casanova

Kayvan Shai sits in a chair on stage, at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2021.

Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

Kayvan Shai and Rachel Logan during dress rehearsal of "The Importance of Being Earnest" at the Performing Arts Building Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 19, 2021.

Librarians to the research rescue!

New online and in-person program helps students craft papers

BY WALTER ORELLANA Reporter

Not all research papers are alike. Many require hours of study, research and thorough edits. It’s not uncommon to get lost with style, format, sources and how to bundle it to make a strong presentation.

But finding the right sources can be as simple as setting up an online appointment with the help of a librarian at Pierce College, who can ease the fear and stress when writing and doing research for a paper.

These appointments are made through the Pierce Library website. A chat box is available on the Pierce College website, or students can book an online research appointment in-person or on Zoom. The time slots vary between a half-hour to an hour.

“We like helping people.

That’s our whole purpose, to teach information literacy to students and to show them how to navigate through all the sources to choose the right sources for their papers,”

Library Department Chair Lauren Saslow said.

Students will need to be cleared of any symptoms of COVID-19, and show proof of either vaccination or a negative test through their Cleared4 profile to enter the Library in person. Pierce and the school district implanted this mandate on Oct. 18, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 among the student body.

“This semester has been slow due to less students on campus but the Library is still open everyday,” Saslow said. “We haven’t reached the point when students start to panic on their research papers just yet but we’re going to release a message on Canvas soon letting students know to start their research early and

not wait until the end of the semester.”

If booking a one-on-one in person appointment is not an option, Zoom appointments are encouraged. There are comprehensive and useful workshop tutorials on the Canvas app and on the Pierce Library website to help students on how to start the process for their research papers. “Every class that I’ve taken so far that needed a research paper, the teachers have provided a general guide,” student Nicole Kasyan said.

“Occasionally, I’ve asked the librarians for help on difficult papers.”

Student Alisabel Valencia said that the assistance she received from the Library has helped her in the long run.

“While in English 102, I learned how to use the Pierce Library database through the help of a librarian,” Valencia said. “Now I access the database online mostly on my own since I know how to use it for all my research work.”

The Library is open Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on weekends. The online chat is available 24/7 with a librarian.

worellana.roundupnews@gmail.com

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“Pulp Fiction” Panel discusses censorship in art depicting sensitive material

BY PAMELA KALIDASAN Reporter

No Big Kahuna burgers were served during the Fade In: Best Screenplay Film Series hosted by the Pierce College Film Club.

During the Zoom panel discussion on Oct. 20, the club focused on how “Pulp Fiction” still holds relevance in today’s climate.

Film Club President Hannah Howell said that the language

in “Pulp Fiction” is timeless, as the film’s characters have realistic conversations.

“I still think that is how some people talk,” Howell said. “Tarantino’s dialogue makes it so that they are just regular people.”

Student Victoria Gonzalez said she was surprised by the casual use of a racial slur, but felt that the language used in the film served a purpose in Tarantino’s narrative.

“This is my first time

seeing this movie and when I heard the white actor say the n-word, I felt a little awkward,” Gonzalez said.

Film major Anjelica Hymel said she appreciated the nuance in the plot.

“I was so blown away that I’d never seen a movie that told something out of order,” Hymel said.

This unique plot is based off of an alinear sequence, according to Media Arts professor Ken Windrum.

“It’s not non-linear, it’s alinear,” Windrum said. “There’s no going back from the present, but instead moving time blocks around.”

Considering how graphic the movie can be for the

audience, trigger warnings can be useful so viewers can avoid watching cinema with material they deem offensive.

Windrum explained that he doesn’t mind letting students know about how graphic each film can get, and allows his Cinema 107 class to choose between “Pulp Fiction” or “Citizen Kane.”

“It can’t hurt to do the trigger warning,” Windrum said.

However, Media Arts and Journalism Professor Jeff Favre said that he’s not a fan of censoring films that have graphic material, but he’ll consider it if there’s enough students who raise concerns about it.

“I never know what’s going to trigger a student,” Favre said. “At some point, I should listen if enough students are saying ‘I’m bothered.’”

Even with content that is disturbing to some people, Hymel said that the movie's characters with the worst qualities can still be appealing to some.

“‘Pulp Fiction’ is not about good people,” Hymel said. “They’re likable people, but in real life we will not like these people.”

Photo by Pauline Gener

Librarian Mario Macias teaches how to use the Library Research Help program, which assists students in the library with their papers at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2021.

Photo by Pauline Gener

Librarian Marisa Diehl pulls up the Library Research Help program, which assists students in the library with their papers at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2021.

Screenshot by Pamela Kalidasan Pierce College Film Club President Hannah Howell uses her mic during the Film Club’s Fade In: Best Screenplay Film Series on Zoomon Oct. 20, 2021.

Screenshot by Pamela Kalidasan Media Arts Professor Ken Windrum holds his hands up ready to analyze “Pulp Fiction” during the Film Club’s Fade In: Best Screenplay Film Series on Zoom on Oct. 20, 2021.

“'Pulp Fiction' is not about good people. They're likeable people, but in real life we will not like these people.”

- Anjelica Hymel

Sports 8 SPORTS SCHEDULE

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Women's volleyball win five-set thriller

Brahmas beat Mission College Eagles in the return of former head coach

BY FELIPE GAMINO Sports Editor

While some celebrated, for others it was a bittersweet return as the women’s volleyball team hosted the Mission College Eagles.

Former Pierce head coach Nabil Mardini returned to Ken Stanley Court coaching the Eagles, along with former players Shari Volpis and Catelynn Pulido as his assistants.

Mardini led Pierce to three state titles and 15 conference championships during his time as head coach.

“I’m happy to be here, although it is kind of bittersweet,” Mardini said. “Especially when you look at the memories we have here. Although there comes a day when you have to move on.”

A game that went back-andforth, the Brahmas ended up beating the Eagles in five sets (19-25, 25-21, 25-23, 23-25 and 16-14).

The game began with both teams exchanging points because of service errors, lack of communication or net violations.

The Brahmas kept pace with the Eagles, but Mission stepped up their offense after calling a timeout. They would end up winning the first set 25-19.

In the second set, the Brahmas changed several

things and tried new tactics. They paid off as they would win 25-21.

Pierce women’s volleyball head coach Edison Zhou said he was happy with how the team responded.

“We really fought as a team,” Zhou said. “We improved on our serving, and we had less service errors.”

In the third set, it was more of the same as both teams kept exchanging points. But Pierce took advantage of Mission’s net violations and lack of communication to win the set in a nail biter.

The Brahmas began the fourth set on a 3-0 run. The Eagles were far from done, and ended up winning set four

25-23.

In the fifth and final set, with the game tied at 10, there was confusion between the officials, who gave the Brahmas a point.

Mardini questioned the call and after the officials spoke for nearly five minutes, they decided to call for a replay without awarding a point to

Family

BY AJ WERNER Reporter

About 200 people gathered at Knapp Ranch Park for a candlelight vigil on Saturday, Oct. 23, to honor a former Pierce College football player.

Quentin Walker died at the age of 21 on Thursday, Oct. 21 because of health complications.

Knapp Ranch Park was a place where Walker would often go to play basketball with his friends, some of whom came on short notice, and shared their favorite stories and experiences with Walker.

“He was the first one to go to when you needed to talk, he was the person to brighten your day,” Dylan Bates said. “There was nothing that this guy could not do. If you need help with a car, a washing machine or something, he’s there. He was just the guy that you wanted around no matter what it was.”

Many connected with Walker through a love for football.

“I actually had some other football friends, but I migrated to a new group of friends, which Quentin was in, and from there it was just history,” Eric Garcia said. “We’ve just been friends ever since and he was like family to me.”

Garcia said that the loss of Walker made him realize how much their friendship meant to him.

“He was truly the light of every single room,” Garcia said. “He was just such a great person and

The down ref apparently did not, and so there was a lot of back-and forth.”

After the confusion between the officials, the Eagles took advantage and took a 14-12 lead. The Brahmas immediately responded after violations were called on Mission.

Pierce took advantage of having match point, and won the game after one of Mission’s players tried to go for the kill, but hit the ball out of bounds.

Nederlk said she was happy for the win and said it will improve their confidence.

“We learned from our previous games, and I’m proud of how much we have persevered,” Nederlk said. “We learned our potential, and I expect us to do even better in the next game.”

Zhou said they need to keep being themselves.

“We need to keep doing what we are doing and more wins will come along the way,” Zhou said.

Mardini said the Brahmas did a great job to get the win.

either team.

Middle blocker and opposite hitter Julia Nederlk said she was confused by the call.

“In my personal opinion there were a lot of questionable calls,” Nederlk said. “There was a hit on our side, and one of their players called out a touch with her mouth. One of the officials saw it on the line.

“They did a great job,” Mardini said. “We were a little too predictable and they did good in exposing our weaknesses. They didn’t make a lot of errors.”

Pierce improves their record to 1-8 and will host Cuesta College on Friday. First serve is at 6 p.m.

everyone knew he was the glue for everybody.”

Many of Walker’s friends continue to stay positive and live life as they think Walker would have wanted.

“Just be happy,” Garcia said. “That was such an aspect of Quentin that was never taken away from him. No matter what situation, he was always happy, he’s always making other people feel good. No matter what, just love everyone.”

Bates shared an outlook for those who might be struggling.

“Once you have one bad apple, it doesn’t mean the whole tree is bad,” Bates said. “Try to find yourself, or find the person you want to be, and just go for it.”

Athletic Director Susan Armenta

in an email wrote it was unfortunate for a young Brahma to have lost his life.

“I'm saddened by this news as it's so hard knowing that one of our own Brahmas has passed at such a young age,” Armenta wrote. “Our deepest condolences go out to his coaches that mentored him, to his teammates who trained and competed with him, and to his family and friends who loved him. May he rest in peace.”

Garcia said that it’s important to reach out to loved ones.

“Talk to those who you’re close with, your family, even those you’ve had trouble with,” Garcia said. “Just try to connect, because you don’t know when your last day will be."

File Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

(Left to right) Valeria Quintero and Halle Manalili battle for possession during a game against Clovis Community College at John Shepard Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 2 4, 2021.

Mission

Photo by David Pashaee

Dylan Bates pays homage to Quentin Walker at Knapp Ranch Park in West Hills, Calif., on Oct. 23, 2021.

Photo by Cecilia Parada

(Left to right) Yesica Cruz, Saisha Kahae, Gianna Garcia, Emma Hammer and Alejandra Velazquez celebrate a point during a game against Mission College at Ken Stanley Court at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 22, 2021.