Volume 136 Spring 2022 Roundup Issue 11

'Reanimate' brings energy to

MICHAEL SMITHLIN Reporter

Following the restricted guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the art and athletic programs at Pierce College have shared struggling moments for students and faculty.

The 2022 spring dance concert, “Reanimate,” was the first performance at Pierce since 2019.

The Pierce Arts Department partnered with Charter High School of the Arts Multimedia and Performing (CHAMPs) to deliver a three-day concert, ranging from films of dances detailing the struggles with COVID, to ones celebrating Latin culture.

Artistic Director Denise Gibson and dance professor Brian Moe led the concert.

“We’ve been off the stage since fall of 2019, so to come back and do anything, especially to have a high school with us too, feels great,” Moe said. “We’re so excited and proud of everything the dancers have done, along with the student and faculty choreographers. We couldn’t be more proud.”

Moe directed, choreographed and made the musical scores for two of the dances.

“We did one film piece, which we filmed on campus over five or six different weekends, on top of rehearsing for the other piece at the same time,” Moe said. “It was a long process with a lot of editing, and I did the scores for

both of them, which led to no sleep, but it was worth it, and I was so happy with how they turned out.”

Moe and Gibson shared optimistic views that the concert would allow for current Pierce art and incoming students to feel welcomed, while highlighting the art program’s reanimated presence on campus.

“We’re hoping this really gets some great attention, and people realize dance is back at Pierce College, and we’re going to revitalize with what we can,” Moe said.

Following the spring and

summer semesters, Moe will lead the Arts Department in the upcoming fall semester.

“I’m hoping to either get CHAMPS, Taft or another high school, such as when we’ve had VAAS (Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences) in the past,” Moe said. “We’re hoping to get one of them in with us and get more students involved, more student choreographers, more people auditioning, and we’re really hoping to build back the department strong.”

Gibson referenced the work that led to the concert, and how much the students had to prepare.

“I think it was really important for the students to become more active, and I think they got accustomed to sitting down a lot,” Gibson said. “Just on a level of physical fitness, it’s been really rewarding to see everyone get back in shape, get motivated and excited to dance again.”

Many of the performers came back after a multi-year hiatus.

“Especially in the last dance piece, a lot of the students were with me pre-COVID, and they came back when they were able to for in-person classes,” Gibson said.

Pierce arts student and dancer

Alejandra Leon looked forward to the concert for some time.

“I think it’s really exciting getting back to it and finally being able to perform and be on stage, and kind of reminding people what the arts are really about is so special,” Leon said.

Having been away from the dance program was difficult for Leon, but she was happy to return to reunite with other performers.

“It was really emotional having been at this school and dancing for as long I have been, and finally being able to perform and return with professor Gibson. Dancing and seeing everyone that

we used to work with is really fun and truly an amazing feeling,” Leon said. “In a way, it’s very much a stress reliever.” Leon offered advice to incoming students who are interested in the arts and dance programs.

“Have fun with it, be yourself, and show your personality, because it really shines on stage,” Leon said. “It is really nervewracking coming in, especially as a new student, but everyone here, especially in the dance community, is really sweet and welcoming.”

Graduate speaker expresses unity with peers

JAYNA KUKLIN Copy Editor/Reporter

Yanise Daaku will use her moment during the Pierce College commencement June 7 to reflect with her peers on their hard work together, while vocalizing hope for the eager graduates anticipating their next step toward a promising future.

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. in Rocky Young Park.

The Umoja student and business major, who switched from studying biology, expressed how graduating from college is a huge deal for her.

“My experience [at Pierce] was great, and I had a great support system,” Daaku said. “I changed my major once, and I was able to graduate and transfer in two years.”

Daaku went to Granada Hills Charter High School, where she studied the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which is a twoyear educational path designed for high school students in 140 countries around the world.

Daaku graduated from Granada and got into University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) and University of Southern California (USC).

But, Daaku said that she decided to attend Pierce because classes were moved online and the expense of the UCs.

Daaku said that the biggest lessons she learned while attending Pierce were timemanagement and social skills. She plans on being an entrepreneur and a business owner.

“I like the medical field, so I want to open my own clinic,” Daaku said. “I also want to open up my animation studio.”

Daaku serves as a Peer to Peer mentor for first-year students in the Umoja program, where she guides them on adjusting to college and how to find resources.

Umoja coordinator and counselor Kalynda McLean said Daaku is the right person to speak during the ceremony because she embodies Pierce’s values.

“Her dedication to excellence, sense of community, commitment to perseverance, and collaborative nature exemplify the Pierce College spirit,” McLean said.

McLean praised Daaku for her active participation in the Umoja program.

“Yanise is quiet, focused and very personable,” McLean said. “She is a hard-working student that recognizes the value in communicating and getting to know her professors and

counselors."

"She is determined to do well and will dedicate the necessary time to whatever endeavor she is engaged in to ensure that she is

successful.”

Student Engagement Coordinator and counselor Lara Conrady said that she is a peer mentor who has made the most

of her school experience.

“She is able to connect with students, and we have confidence that her story will resonate with the other Pierce

College graduates during the ceremony,” Conrady said.

Photo by Rozie Tadevosyan

Student dancers rehearse for the 2022 spring dance concert "Reanimate" on the Performing Arts Building Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday, May 26, 2022. The concert is the first dance performance in more than two years, devised by director Denise Gibson and choreographer Brian Moe.

Photo by Michael Moreno Yanise Daaku, this semester's graduation speaker, smiles in Rocky Young Park at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 27, 2022. Daaku is deciding between attending UCLA or USC.

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS?

District Roe v. Wade discussions necessary

The conversation revolving around the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade's potential overturn has become one of controversy.

To avoid division and isolation within the student population, Pierce College could publish a statement clarifying the college’s opinion on the situation.

Publicizing an opinion would make Pierce’s intentions and efforts clear to students.

According to the Great Blue Hill newspaper, Boston

“ForthesummerIʼmhangingout withmyboys,Weʼreplanninga bigtriptoSanFrancisco,Iʼmso excited!”

-Patrick Garcia

University School of Law and School of Public Health professor Nicole Huberfeld said that if Roe v. Wade was overturned, it might establish backlash toward other issues.

“Roe v. Wade is part of a web of rights related to intimate relationships,” Huberfeld said.

“It’s fair to say that this history and tradition test that Justice Alito is trying to push into the opinion could have implications for other civil rights and other intimate relationships.”

The circumstance of Roe v.

Wade becoming overturned and the potential influence toward other civil rights has become a concern for students.

According to Alligator, medical students and staff at the University of Florida (UF) are concerned that Roe v. Wade being overturned could influence the school’s curriculum.

Clinical assistant professor for the College of Medicine’s department Tina O’Shea said the college’s curriculum does not teach medical students

EDITORIAL: From the desk of the Roundup

how to terminate pregnancies or perform abortions, but it does educate students on the reasons, methods and impacts of abortion.

UF spoke about the situation, further encouraging students to educate themselves on the matter, and the school gave opportunities for those who disagreed about the opinion to demonstrate it.

According to Patch, Virginia’s McLean High School had a youth-led protest advocation for abortion rights and emphasized

that people are paying attention to what is happening around them, including students.

If Pierce issued a statement on where it stands with the situation, students could feel inspired rather than abandoned. The statement could also support students’ effort in learning pregnancy techniques, safety precautions and termination, regardless of their major.

Give us the cosmos one show at a time

While driving down Victory Boulevard, one might notice a blue dome on the Pierce College campus. It’s part of Pierce’s observatory, a facility that isn’t offering planetarium shows or telescope viewing nights. Pierce should host planetarium shows and telescope viewing evenings again for the public. Astronomy professors can volunteer and help attendees navigate the night sky via telescopes.

“Forthesummer,Iʼmgoingto

-Manasbi Ramakrishnan

Los Angeles Valley College hosted monthly planetarium shows open to the public. They were hosted and sponsored by the Astronomy Group, a campus club. Planetarium shows provided information on the night sky, constellations and extraterrestrial life.

Past planetarium shows at Pierce were hosted by Professor Dale Fields. The shows were two hours long and six projectors projected the night sky above attendees’ heads.

Santa Monica College hosts

virtual planetarium shows on Zoom. These shows involve using freeware sky visualization tools that show attendees constellations, planets and deep sky objects in the Southern California night sky. There is also a question and answer session after the 30 minute show.

Hosting virtual shows can be convenient when the Pierce observatory is closed. They also offer more convenience for those who cannot attend the in person events.

Los Angeles City College

Use the break to get ahead

BY JOEL ROBLES Reporter

Taking classes in the summer can give you the advantage to graduate earlier and take fewer classes during the fall and spring semesters.

Many studies have shown that there are many benefits to taking summer classes.

According to a Harvard University blog there are several reasons on why you should take summer classes, including completing prerequisites before the fall semester begins.

“There’s no good reason why you need to stick to the traditional—old-fashioned

even—idea that you can only work toward your degree during ‘the school year,’” according to the blog.

You can also save money.

According to a blog by Pearson publisher, “Summer session courses typically cost less than if you were to take them during the regular school semester and community college courses cost even less. There are also many scholarships available for students interested in taking summer classes that you can apply for.”

The workload for summer classes is usually less and if you are only taking one class, it is easier to focus. Also, it’s a

shorter time commitment.

At this point, professors are either doing part-time or not working. That is why they aren't giving it their all.

Many students aren’t taking advantage of this.

More than half of college students don’t take classes during the summer.

According to The Hechinger Report, only 42% of first time, full-time college students manage to take summer classes.

Although there is nothing wrong with students enjoying their break, taking one summer class can make a huge difference.

(LACC) hosted a “Star Party.”

The Physics Department and LACC’s Astronomy Club invited the public to this telescope viewing party. The college hosted the party off campus to get a better view of the night sky.

Pierce could begin hosting these events again with telescopes provided by the Physics and Planetary Sciences Department. Pierce astronomy professors could provide extra credit as an incentive for their students to attend and help.

At this event, refreshments can be available for purchase. Admission can be free. Pierce can hand out pamphlets or papers that contain information about certain constellations or stars that are visible that night. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, offering planetarium shows and telescope viewing nights can be opportunity for people to gather on campus and learn more about the night sky, and for Pierce to share its love for astronomy with the public.

Summertime fun

BY JAYNA KUKLIN Copy Editor/Reporter

Summer is right around the corner, and as students are preparing for vacation or graduation, one question is often posed to them.

Should they take summer classes, look for work or take the summer off?

There is no right or wrong answer, as everyone spends their summer differently, but there are some downsides to taking summer courses.

According to a blog written by Tim Brunicardi on March 22, 2018, at Hocking College,

taking a summer class is a different animal from taking courses during the fall or spring.

Summer courses are much shorter, so it’s impossible for students to learn the same coursework as they would during a full semester.

For example, a typical summer session at Pierce runs for five weeks, though there is also an eight-week session available.

If a student in a summer course learns the same coursework that a student in a fall class does, how do you think the student in the summer course would fare versus the student in the fall?

jrobles.roundupnews@gmail.com jkuklin.roundupnews@gmail.com

Reporters:

Photographers: Jasmine Casanova Nancy Corona Rozie Tadevosyan

Michael Moreno

It’s hard to tell, as college is not that simple.

Another downside of summer courses is having to deal with them financially.

A blog written by Ransom Patterson on March 12, 2021, for CollegeInfoGeek.com explains that while taking summer classes can save money, it does not mean that financial aid or scholarships can make them free.

Before deciding to take any summer courses, it is a good idea to check with the school’s financial aid office to make sure that any aid or scholarship money you may have can apply.

Finally, taking summer courses can mean having less of a social life.

A blog written by Isabel Thottam, a contributor for Monster.com, states that students that take summer coursework miss opportunities.

Employers don’t necessarily care about the kind of courses you took during college, but instead are looking for technical and leadership skills. So it’s probably not a good idea to skip extracurriculars in exchange for trying to complete your degree.

Advisers: Jill Connelly

Jeff Favre Rob O'Neil

Quotes gathered by Whitney Evans

Photos by Nikki Kober

“ForthesummerIʼmgoingto betakingdanceclasses,taking summerclasseshereatPierce, andworkingatHurricane Harborasalifeguard.”

-Garrett Sullivan

India.”

Photo Illustration by Cecilia Parada

“IʼmgoingonatriptoSan Francisco,itʼsabout16ofus.”

-Marvin Liwag

“Iʼmgoingtohangoutwithmy friendsandpartyalittlebit.”

-Isaac Ramos

Reflections of successes and challenges Interim President looks back on her year

CECILIA PARADA Editor-in-Chief

With the semester coming to an end, Ara Aguiar reflects on her time as interim president at Pierce College.

Q: The title of interim president doesn't last forever, and applications have opened for the full time title of president. I was wondering if you have put your name in?

A: I haven't yet. I'm actually going through a lot of self reflection in terms of what my next steps are going to be. I love doing what I do. I am having a great time and I get along very well with all of the leadership.

I'm reflecting and I'm trying to make my final decision. I have my documents ready. You know, I can just hit submit, everything is prepared. But I'm also in consultation, discussing things with my husband and seeing what we want to do next and going from there.

I can't give you a final answer. My mom is also ill and needs a little bit more support. So there are other factors that are influencing my decision, but certainly it's not because I don't love being here.

Q: What deciding factor would make you stay or convince you to put your name in?

A: That's a tough one. I enjoy being president at Pierce. The fact that the team is now in place and

that there's great opportunities to grow enrollment and to serve our community, those are all the things that really matter to me.

In terms of making the decision, it's a very difficult decision. And that you know, what's really most difficult is like, oh my God, I'm getting old. You always equate retirement with doing nothing and with not being valuable any longer. And that's not the case at all, even if I decide not to continue.

I plan to continue in education and to continue to teach. I plan to work on projects that I'm very committed to and get baccalaureate degrees into community colleges. I would support and continue to be engaged with Pierce.

Q: Can you tell me about the challenges that you faced with being named interim president in such a challenging time?

A: I think by far the most challenging thing was really keeping our faculty and students safe in a very difficult time. With all of the uncertainties, implementation of health orders, and modifications in individual schedules, and just the upside-down processes that we needed to do everything was new. We all worked well together. The faculty and certainly the staff did tremendous work shifting. We provided all of the resources that were needed to ensure that we were ready. One of the hardest things has been the things that are out of our control, things that we needed.

For example, there is a lag of time waiting for inventory in terms of IT, computers and monitors. They're

just backordered, and so we don't have access to the things that we have from a technology standpoint.

We were limited in terms of who we could have working on campus. And so those were I think some of the hardest challenges. Also, we are getting the campus ready for instruction now that we are transitioning to more oncampus classes from an overall institution standpoint, so that's more like personnel and staffing and the impact on the team.

From an organization standpoint, the biggest challenge for us right now is enrollment and how we can re-engage our students. How can we reach out to them and let them know that our facilities are safe?

Everybody is uncertain, and so slowly but surely I'm noticing more and more students are enrolling. I think we're beginning to recover a little bit. I'm hoping that the trend will continue.

I've seen a slight uptick this summer compared to last summer in terms of our enrollment, and we are doing more outreach. We've also changed. One of the things we're doing is reaching out to our students, providing more resources and more support.

Q: What would be your biggest highlights throughout your year as interim president?

A: I think one of the things that I'm most proud of is our students, and the fact that our students hung in there. I mean, they were diehards. They stuck it out, and so the graduation further reinforces the strength and the commitment of our students. Our students had this

dedication to continue with their education in this very difficult time when I'm sure their families were going through difficult times.

I'm really proud of the fact that the faculty, the staff, the classified professionals and all of our team really try to focus on the students. Everyone did it together, so that's what I'm most proud of. Pierce was first with the utilization of technology that created an environment of flexibility for our students.

We had the faculty and now the staff trained on the OWL technology to be able to have that flexible classroom that education instruction could continue, even though someone was remote and someone was on the campus. There's a lot of things that are changing. We hired an outreach coordinator. We've hired some Student Services representatives to further support our outreach efforts into our high schools and to our partnerships.

We went for some grants and achieved a couple of grants in the automotive area, and we have some applications into the National Science Foundation. I'm proud of the moments that I've been able to get additional funds coming to Pierce College for programs.

I'm hoping to continue to support that initiative and pursue foundation grants for things that the campus wants to achieve.

Q: What are you looking forward to about graduation?

A: I just want to see the students. I think it's probably one of the happiest times. This is a big accomplishment for our students. Celebrating good things and good outcomes are very rewarding.

Q: So it is the first graduation ceremony since the beginning of COVID. Can you tell me a little bit about what that feeling is like?

A: You miss that connection. That cannot be replaced. I think that as human beings, we really enjoy being in each other's company versus a computer screen.

I think people just really like being around people, and I personally do too. So I'm really looking forward to it, and it's a lot of fun, meeting faculty and staff that I have never met except for that I've seen them virtually. So it's going to be fun, and we're trying to make it as engaging as possible. I love graduations, I have always attended graduations as a faculty member and it's so much fun seeing your students walk. It's just really rewarding.

Q: The plan next semester is to have classes half in person, half online. I wanted to gauge your feelings, your optimism and your hopes for that semester in terms of enrollment, student engagement and faculty returning to campus.

A: The reality is that our future of exactly how much is going to stay remote and how much will come back is still uncertain. The key is going to be to remain flexible.

Number one, Pierce needs to stay flexible and be responsive to what our students need. We will be able to serve our students and that will lead us to be successful in achieving our enrollment goals.

We had an expectation that online education could not educate students in the same way that an inperson class can, and that is not the case. We can be just as effective. It's just a matter of personal preference and the students' flexibility.

What we're finding is that maybe our students now have more opportunities to take more classes. Once this is over, what we may find is that students are going to do a combination of both. They'll probably come to campus for some classes, and maybe then take some classes online so that they can still be meeting their home or work obligations. Faculty are learning that students can learn online. You just have to be creative and engage in a different way.

Q: What makes you hopeful for next semester?

A: The number one thing that makes me hopeful is that the percentage of vaccinations for our area is very high. My understanding is that it's approximately 80%. What that means is that individuals are safe and they've taken the situation seriously and have been responsible. The pandemic transitioning into an endemic makes me hopeful that we can gradually return to our campus safely and add more classes. Then as our society is safer, I think students will feel more comfortable coming to campus, especially those students that can participate in on-campus classes and be able to really experience college.

I know that last year when I had one of the events, we did them outside in the Botanical Gardens. All that the students were saying was, “Wow, this is so great to come to college,” because there were some students that had never been on campus and they had been attending Pierce for a year. They had never stepped foot on the campus and so they were so excited to be there and see people and see their friends.

File Photo by David Pashaee Interim President Ara Aguiar poses for a portrait at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 23, 2021. Aguiar was named interim president on May 24, 2021, after Alexis Montevirgen resigned.

Associate of Arts

SpringGraduates2022

Associate Degree for Transfer

Associate of Science

Abachi Cameron

Abal Gregory

Aber Ily

Abril Dion

Acosta Anahi

Acosta Maria

Ademisoye William

Adibanrad Babak

Adram Obalit

Afjei Doorsa

Aguayo Martha

Aguilan Bea

Aguilar Alexjan

Aguilar Oscar

Aguilera Anahi

Aguilera Alejandra

Aguirre Danielle Rica

Aguirre Andrew

Aguirre Miguel

Aguirre Carolla

Aguirre Alethia

Aguirre-Vasquez Jeanpierre

Ahir Shreya

Ahmadianfard Kia

Ahmadianfard Kasra

Ahmadzadeh Nasim

Aiken Cassidy

Akhoundzadeh Yekani Amirreza

Alatorre Kimberli

Alavi Farzam

Aldana Karina

Alegre Jocelyn

Alejandre Brenda

Aler Austin

Alexander Khaleesa

Alfano Channing

Aligo Caitlin

Alkire Guillermo

Allen Nina

Almanza Melanie

Almaraz Brenda

Almony Hanako

Alonzo Gladys

Alpuche Zapata Alexandra

Alqubaisi Amir

Alshawa Seham

Alvarado Gabriela

Alvarado Kevin

Alvarez Edith

Alvarez Morelia

Alvarez Fabiola

Alyousef Hala

Amaro Luis

Amato Lindsey

Amaya Karla

Amezquita Jacob

Amir Hassani Nastaran

Amirnezhad Sofia

Anadeo Kimberley Ann

Anaya Priscilla

Anayabecerra Josue

Ancheta-Tilley James

Anderson Kaelyn

Anderson Amelia

Anderson Brittany

Andrade Jose

Andrews Kristen Andrews Tyler

Anguiano Adrian

Anitsky Anthony

Antunez Leslie

Apostol Ryan

Apreyan Emmy

Aquino Madison

Aquino Brandon

Aragon Robert

Arciniega Adrian

Ardakan Ryan

Ardalani Diba

Arellano Prisilla

Argumedo Vivian

Arias Jessica

Arias Adriana

Ariascampos Abel

Arikian Talin

Arinze Nwanneamaka

Armstrong Ajani

Arnold Celeste

Arriola Alayah

Arriola Katherine

Arutunyan Terez

Asanas Renee Anastasia

Asatryan Alec

Ascon Zaira

Ashford Jaxobi

Astilla Tiffany Jae

Astwood Julia

Atajyan Silvy

Atienza Deither Dave

Atwell James

Austin Alexis

Avanzado Angelo

Avendano Brenda

Avijeh Afza

Ayala Jose Ayala Rebeca

Ayala Emily

Ayala Lucia

Aynvarg Nicole

Ayon Cynthia Ayson Justin

Azimi Ryan

Azimi Simin

Azimi Seyedehaida

Babaahmadi Zhila

Bacajol Gerberth

Bacay Marie Antonette

Bagdasarian Daniel

Bagwell Meghan

Baha Zahra

Bahrami Panah Sanaz

Bakly Makenzie

Baljian Lauren

Banuelos Jacob

Banuelos Emilio

Bar Guy

Barakat Diana

Baraz Jordan

Barillas Raul

Barillas Aleksander Barker Matthew

Barnakhi Muzamel

Barocio Saul

Barrios Fernando Barton Caden

Bauman Yaniv

Becerra Manuel

Becker Tara

Behboud Brian

Beikmohammadi Hamid

Bekarian Emilie

Beltran Giulian

Benhamo Mayan

Benyoussef Zachary

Bermudez Elber

Bernal Marilyn Bernard Justin

Bernardino Dominic Andrew

Berneman Adi

Betancourt Rito

Betancourt Joanna

Beyruti Milena

Bhaowal Trisna

Bhola Jamal

Bidzan Hanna

Bingham Blake Blake Tyson

Blanding Cassandra

Blaz David

Blugrind Steven Ray

Boiko Anastasiia

Borja Palacios Raul

Boulghourjian Natalie

Boursalian Michael

Braish Madina Braun Samantha

Brisinger Karen

Brody Matthew

Bromberg Jessica Brown Thierry Brown Ali

Buenaventura Ricardo

Bueno Angelique

Buentipo Sherwynd

Bumanlag Maria Danice

Buratti Heidi

Bushner Eric

Bustamante Angela

Bustos Christian

Butler Tamarah

Caballero Brian Cabrera Danielle

Caceres Stephanie

Caceres Nayomi

Caceres Natalia

Caceres Patrick

Calderon Juan

Calderon Cindy

Calderon Jesus

Calderoncaratachea

Los Santos Jennifer

Deegan Matthew

Deer Blake

Dejesus John Ariel

Delarosa Esmeralda

Delavari Nazanin

Delgadillo Rodolfo

Delgadillo Sergio

Delos Santos Isabelle

Demarco Berlin

Demir Nayiri

Demirchyan Susan

Dervi Sophia

Desilva Mutumalage

Desowitz Andrew

Dhandi Amit

Dialogo Jaylene

Dianti Cameron Diaz Sara

Dini Armita

Diosdado Noel

Djie Ashley Doan Vivian

Dorsey Lexine Dragu Lillian Drut Bryan Dubinsky

Gonzalez Daniel

Gonzalez Alba Maya

Gonzalez Gonzalez Lindsey

Gonzalez Gonzalez Aminta

Gordon Catherine

Gorelik Edward

Gorshkova Maria

Goswami Debasree

Govorun Oxana

Gray Samin

Graybealescobar Bella

Green Hailey

Gregoryona Tiana

Grossman Declan

Grzeskowiak Sofia

Guadalupe Melissa

Guardado Tito

Guardado Tony

Guardado Lisette

Gubernasirov Maureen Guerra Justin

Guerrecarr Kyle

Guetzoian Melody

Gulak Arthur

Guliyeva Valida

Gunasekara Ravidi Gutierrez Francisco

Gutierrez Jason

Gutierrez

Jonathan

Gutierrez Manuel

Guynes Nathan

Guyumjyan Nicole

Guzman Luis

Guzman Gustavo

Guzman Robert Guzman Bonnie

Guzman Leano Edward

Guzman Lopez Felix

Gyore Nicole

Ha

Karen

Haddad Ameer

Haftlang Manijeh

Hakimpour Natalie

Haley

Halici Alec

Daniel

Hall Eshell

Hallford Jenneffer

Hamawe Ahmad

Hara Emily

Haratian Ray

Haro Diana Harper Ashley

Harriman David

Hasan Amineh

Hassan Sabrena

Hassas Lia

Hemmings Derek

Henderson Brian

Henriquez Fatima

Hernandez Jessel

Hernandez Jasmine

Hernandez Jeremy

Hernandez Mariana

Hernandez Kevin

Hernandez Osvaldo

Hernandez Eddie

Hernandez Ana

Hernandez Mendoza Dolores

Hernandez-Alcocer Penelope

Hernandezbarrera Victor

Hernandez-Cruz Nataly

Herrera Gregory

Hesam Nadereh

Hess Madison

Hidley Daphne

Hijazi Ziad

Ho Chinh

Ho Jeffrey

Hogue Taryn

Holguin Jonathan Homel Maxwell

Horio Emma

Hossain Saad

Hovhannisyan Sargis

Howell Hannah

Huante Jeimy

Hudson Samaneh

Huichan Vincent Hussein Nuha

Hutchins Victoria

Hutter-Cruz Samantha

Hymel Anjelica

Igbinigie Cody

Ilao Elisa

Inglese Nicolas

Inovejas Miguel

Inovejas Shane

Iraheta Cristian

Irvine Elizabeth

Isachanka Alena

Isagulyan Andrew Istupe Lucia

Ixta Garay Stefanny

Jafari Asal

Jaffa Nicole

Jaffa Stephanie

Jaimes Yeslie

Jalali Farahani Ariana

Jalalifarahani Mana

Jalilibabakandi Shiva James Terri

Jasinska Angelika

Javanmardi Ali Javier Robin

Jerrard Mayuree

Jia Lanlan

Jimenez Denise

Jimenez Sabrina

Johnson Jonathan-Dale

Gonzalez Michelle

Gonzalez Abigail

Gonzalez Ulises

Gonzalez Nathaly

Johnson Taylor Johnson Alexander

Johnson Iii Hubert

Joiner Alana

Chen Mandy

Chermahini Shahin

Christian Lauren

Chuong Vincent

Cohen Mina

Colmenares Karime

Constantino Hannah Camille

Contreras Crystall

Spring 2022 Certificate of Achievement

Hernandez Kevin Hernandez Osvaldo

Hernandez Eddie

Hernandezbarrera Victor

Herrera Gregory

Hess Madison

Hijazi Ziad

Ho

Rosa Yoice De Los Santos Jennifer Deegan Matthew Deer Blake Dejesus John Ariel Delavari Nazanin

Delgadillo Sergio Delos Santos Isabelle Demarco Berlin

Demir Nayiri

Dervi Sophia

Desowitz Andrew

Dhandi Amit

Dialogo Jaylene

Diaz Sara

Dinh Trung

Dragu Lillian

Ebneshahidi Matthew

Ebo Gavin

Elder Amy

Elkington Brandon

Escobar Bryan

Escobedo Edna

Eslami Aria

Espana Brandon

Esparza Jacob

Espinoza Miriam

Estanislao John-John

Estrada Myrna

Evslin Genevieve

Fajardo Cristina

Farivar Kayla

Farmer Eyhaysia

Farriola Joseph

Fazio Jake

Feigel Assaf

Ferguson Katherine

Fermo Brandon

Ferreyra Kelly

Flores Josselin

Flores Nathalie

Flores Ana

Flores Salazer Delia

Ford Constance

Ford Jillian

Freud Aryeh

Friedman Daniella

Funes Eduardo

Gamez Andrew

Mkrchian Sirarpi

Mobley Larhonda

Mohammadi Jasmin

Mohammadipourkhiabani Roham

Montepeque Judith

Monterroso Melissa Morales Monserrat

Morales Josue

Morales Isabel Morales Helen

Moreno Daphne

Mostajabi Monireh

Mukherjee Ishika

Mumu Nazmun

Murashka Artur

Murillo Genesis

Naber Anthony

Naimy Skyler

Nations Remi

Navarrete Karla

Neistein Andrew

Nessari Mujgan

Ngabirano Owen

Ngo Chien Nguyen Joseph

Nguyen Danny Nieto Kiara

Nikeateghad Mitra

Nikkhoo Amir Niv

Roussell Deborah Roy Max

Rubio Briana

Rueda Anthony

Ruiz Raquel

Sadaf Subha

Saenz Christine Safi Shamima

Sahyoun Armand

Saisan Behraz

Sampson Edward

Sanchez David

Sanchez Marisol

Sanchez Janina

Sanchez Sylvia

Sanchez Emilio

Sanchez Diana

Sanchez Renderos Andrea

Sandoval Mario Sandoval Kelvin

Sanz Christopher Sarkisian Armeene

Sayani Oren

Sayers Iryna

Schier Alexis

Schroeppel Emily Sedrak Marian

Segovia Feliciano

Seidler Brandon

Sellers Stanley

Serrano Jasmine

Seymour Jade-Lin

Shaginyan Ovanes

Shah Rishi

Shah Hosseini Maryam

Shahbazi Sarah

Shiroyan Isabella

Siccuan Kayle Isabelle

Silverstre Mendez Erick

Simons Tamara

Singh Harpreet

Smith Jeziah

Smith Kristina

Sognalian Casey

Sollfrank Michelle

Solodkyy Vladyslav

Solorzano Shane

Soltani Kasra

Soriano April

Spivak Rebecca

Sra Jasdeep

Stober Marielle

Stori Sadruddin

Suarez Nigel Emmanuel

Swintek Zoe

Tada Hitomi

Tarin Eliezer

Tavazoei Mahdi

Tehraniha Shamim

Terejyan Anahit

Thai Britney Thompson Rebecca

Tidwell Dorithy

Torres Manuel

Gaona

Melany Garcia Matthew Garcia Rachel Garcia Michelle

Garcia Sebastian Garcia Sinohui Delia

Garza David

Gavin Arambulo Angelico

Gentry Karen

Geoola Talia

Gerbs Andrew

Geyzer Elliot

Ghaly Nancy

Ghazarian Juanita

Ghobryal Onsi

Gilardi Nathan Gimber Jennifer

Giron Mariela

Godinez Paola

Goldstein Jaycee

Gomez Lilia

Gomez-Palacio Joseph

Gonzales Tiffany Gonzalez Janet Gonzalez Michelle Gonzalez Abigail

Gonzalez Ulises

Gonzalez Nathaly

Gonzalez Alba Maya Gonzalez Gonzalez Lindsey

Gordon Catherine

Gorshkova Maria

Goswami Debasree

Green Hailey

Grzeskowiak Sofia

Guadalupe Melissa

Gubernasirov Maureen

Guerra Justin

Guliyeva Valida

Gutierrez Jonathan Gutierrez

Manuel

Guynes Nathan

Guyumjyan Nicole

Guzman Gustavo

Guzman Robert

Guzman Lopez Felix

Hakimpour Natalie

Haldy Raymond

Harriman David

Hassas Lia Hayes

Daphine

Henriquez Fatima

Hernandez Jessel

Markaryan Sona

Marmolejo Ann

Marriner Kassie

Martin Micaela

Martin Cloe

Martinez Jaqueline

Perez Leonardo

Perez Austin

Perez Anthony

Perez Hernandez Bryan

Pescador Jasmine Phillips Tanner

Pineda Carley

Plafkin Maya Poladian Maria

Potts Lewis

Punzalan Shaina

Qayomi Malali

Qubrosi Neven

Rabadi Aryn

Raiskup Heather Ramirez Ariana

Ramirez Irma Ramirez Juan

Randall Brianna Rauso Brian

Regener Leslie

Rendon Evelyn

Reyes Michelle Reyna William Richmond Matthew Riles Kenneth

Rodriguez Zander

Rodriguez Joanna

Rodriguez Mary

Romanenko Olena

Roque Rocio Rosenbaum Lukas Ross Christian

Torres Edman

Torres Victor

Tovar Luis

Tran Phuong

Trimble Gwendolyn

Tu Alisha

Ullah Fuchsia

Urizar Katerin

Vaca Jorge

Vakilian Kimya

Valdez Keily

Valdovinos Ana

Valdovinos Maricela

Valenzuela Guadalupe

Valenzuela Angelica

Vallin Mathew

Vallin Sophia

Velarde Yadira

Vicencio Jessica

Vides Celeste

Villa Katelyn

Villamil Joseph-Orry

Villasenorvillalta Azzly

Vinas David C.

Vorkink Riley Vu Ashley

Weinstein Julietta

Weitzman Makala

Weprin Kaitlyn

White Zion

Wintringham Joshua

Wolfe Alicia

Wright Victoria Wu Amanda

Yabar Lopez Zenaida

Yaish Yanir

Yakoub Ashley

Yechzkia Liron

Yezagelyan Anzhela

Ylagan Robert

Yoder Stacey

Yousefi Ameneh

Yuwanaboon Thawatchai

Zaragoza Lina

Zetino Diana

Zetlyan Aram

Zrihen Orian

Zubatov Max

From the soccer field to the office Star athlete heads to UCLA to pursue a business degree

SAMMY JOHNSON Reporter

Hayley Villafane may be a Pierce College business major, but she can really kick a ball, according to her circle of friends and her coach, which she’s been doing since she was 5.

But, her soccer life took off when she met her coach, Adolfo Perez, in high school. She played in her school’s club, an alternative sports option for students who have more of a competitive drive.

“In high school, you play for three months. In the club, you play for nine,” Perez said. Perez also said that Villafane underwent a severe knee surgery that still affects her. But, he points out that she doesn’t let her physical disadvantages hold her back.

“She’s stubborn, but she hasn’t recovered yet,” Perez said. “She literally played last year with one leg. She’s so strong that she did not complain once.”

Injured knees aren’t the only thing that affected Villafane’s time on the team. She spent her first year at Pierce online, during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Overall, (being in lockdown) was kind of a bummer, but it never set me back,” Villafane said. “I missed my prom and my graduation. But, at the same time, it was good because I was able to go to Pierce, and now I am able to transfer out to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I feel like that wouldn’t have happened if COVID didn’t happen.”

One of her best friends and teammates, Natalia Puccio, thinks that Villafane being on the team was a major contributing factor when it came to making it to the playoffs.

“Hayley is a really strong midfielder because of her size, and she’s really good on the ball,” Puccio said. “She’s a very smart player, too. When she gets the ball,

she thinks about where she’s going to play it before she plays it and what’s going to happen.”

Villafane and Puccio went to high school together, and Puccio said she was astounded by Villafane’s playing skills even back then.

“I remember our first game. It was an alumni game. She scored a banger from 40 yards out. It was so nice,” Puccio said.

In Villafane’s opinion, the team did quite a bit better than she thought they would under her guidance.

Still, a Brahma championship was something that never came to be.

Pierce’s women’s soccer team lost 2-0 last year, according to Villafane.

“It was a lot of pressure, but we did our best. I feel like it is what it is,” Villafane said. Villafane said that she does not plan to continue playing soccer after she transfers. Instead, she will major in business economics.

Puccio is proud of Villafane’s accomplishments.

“I don’t think any of my friends have ever been to a level as high as university,” Puccio said. “I think it’s definitely deserved. She worked so hard to get there.”

Villafane was the first to welcome another of her best friends, Arianna Vigil, to her team. Vigil sees Villafane’s accomplishment as something that should serve as an example for others.

“She shows the rest of the teammates that they can transfer to a nice school,” Vigil said. “Hopefully, that gives them the encouragement to do what Hayley does. She’s a good leader, she always has a smile on her face, and she brings the team up whenever they’re down.”

Villafane said that she’s excited but nervous.

“I think it’s going to go well,” she said. “If you stay on top of your work, do your homework and stay focused, the odds of you transferring are higher than they were coming out of high school.”

sjohnson.roundupnews@gmail.com

Photo by Nancy Corona Hayley Villafane holds a soccer ball during practice at John Shepard Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 24, 2022. She has been accepted to UCLA.

Photo by Nancy Corona

Hayley Villafane attempts to keep possession of the ball during soccer practice at John Shepard Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 24, 2022.

Bringing the arts back to life

Dreamy lighting and bold colors filled the stage as the Pierce College dance students performed “Reanimate” on May 27.

Directed by Denise Gibson and choreographed by Brian Moe, the concert was the first dance show in more than two years.

With performances such as “Reanimate,” life and a sense of normalcy are slowly restored back on campus.

Pierce College Performing Arts Department faculty and students rehearse for the 2022 spring dance concert “Reanimate” in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Photo by Rozie Tadevosyan.

Pierce College Performing Arts Department faculty and students rehearse for the 2022 spring dance concert “Reanimate” in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Photo by Rozie Tadevosyan.

Vanessa Quinones, Fernando Vera, Nina Garcia and Bryan Doo during their dress rehearsal performance on the Performing Arts Building Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 26, 2022. Photo by Nancy Corona.

Copy by Trisha Anas

Paloma Ferrer braids Amanda Mason’s hair before the dress rehearsal at the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 26, 2022.

Photo by Nancy Corona.

Makeup products of the dancers use to prepare for the dance dress rehearsal in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 26, 2022. Photo by Jasmine Casanova.

Brahmas of the Semester

Spring 2022

Photo by Felipe Gamino

The Brahmas of the Semester were the top Pierce players in their respective sports. They were selected by The Roundup News Sports Editor based on their stats on lapcbrahmas.com.

Photo by Felipe Gamino

Photo by Cecilia Parada

Photo by Nancy Corona

Photo by Felipe Gamino