Millions secured by Los Angeles Community College District

JOEL ROBLES Reporter

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)

Board of Trustees

(BOT) announced last month that they will receive more than $5 million funds for their schools as part of the federal Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which addresses essential student services, including transportation, workforce development and basic necessities.

LACCD Board of Trustees President Gabriel Buelna expressed his gratitude to the local members of Congress, Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, and President Joe Biden for their support.

“We want to thank our local members of Congress, Senators Feinstein and Padilla, and President Joe Biden for their strong support of community colleges, which is evident in this appropriations bill,” Buelna said.

LACCD Board of Trustees Vice President David Vela said this is a special moment for the District.

“This is a momentous occasion for LACCD and will change so many lives,” Vela said.

“There’s something here for everybody and after the pandemic, a lot of students dropped out,” Veloz said. “We’re trying to do everything we can to convince them to come back.”

Veloz also said that this is the perfect time for students to return to campus.

“We’re in a transition and there couldn’t be a better time,” Veloz said. “[Students] should come back, finish where they left off and just get this out of the way so that they can transfer, get a better job, go back to work or continue with their lives because education is the key to success.”

Some students said that they believe the money will help the schools within the District.

Art major student Joshua Negrete said it’s a lot of money and that it should help.

“That amount of money can go far, not just for our school but all LACCD colleges,” Negrete said.

Nursing major student Don Carlos Margullo said that because of the bill, the future is looking bright for LACCD and for Pierce.

William Macaraeg found that providing support for students has given him as much satisfaction as the education he is receiving.

As a Pierce College student mentor, Macaraeg encourages students to follow his path.

“Building your network while having a balanced school-work life has never been more fulfilling when you are a student worker,” Macaraeg said. “I have personally seen the blessings in my life in how I am able to have work experience while balancing the stress I have as I study.”

To become an unclassified paid intern (UPI) or student worker, applicants can check the job postings for program conditions.

Mentors typically meet with students to offer advice and provide guidance to help them reach their academic goals, according to an article on the University of Washington website.

Some requirements include being a part of a bachelor’s program or a master’s program, and within the bachelor’s program, the student must be considered a junior.

Career Center director and counselor Wendi Meckler said as long as students meet the criteria, they are eligible to apply.

Meckler said that the center hires students depending on availability.

“We hire people, based on what we have for how many spaces we have available and then we decide who is the best fit to help our students with Career and Transfer,” Meckler said.

Meckler also discussed working hours, which may vary.

“We space out our team so that they can work and keep our centers running from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and then Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..”

Current UPI student workers spoke about their experience working there.

Career and Transfer Center (CTC) intern and mentor Elizabeth Galadjian said that the job, like any other, came with its own difficulties which is heightened during application season.

“The most challenging thing during [the fall semester] was maintaining calm during very stressful periods of time,” Galadijan said.

Galadjian said that this position allows her to form relationships, which is the most significant advantage.

“I think what it did was really allow me to network with professionals in the field that I’m going to pursue,” Galadjian said.

“Just building those relationships, establishing them and connecting with them was a big skill and one of the biggest benefits that came out of this position.”

Macaraeg said that the center wanted to talk more about the student’s aspirations during the interview, instead of just about what students knew about the CTC.

“Rather than asking about my technical skills and how much I knew about the [CTC], I was actually asked about my goals, what I would do in certain situations and my motives,” Macaraeg said. “My supervisors searched more for someone with an outgoing and hardworking personality that can be easily trained, rather than someone that knew everything beforehand.”

Macaraeg added that serving the student body is rewarding.

“The people I work with all enjoy working hard together to serve the students at Pierce. It is one of the most fulfilling jobs that any student can have.” jrobles.roundupnews@gmail.com

For more information, contact the Career and Transfer Center or visit the Pierce College website.

Legislative and Governmental Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Veloz thought that this bill would help enrollment rates at all LACCD colleges.

“I think it’s really beneficial to all LACCD students, especially the ones that need it the most,” Margullo said. “I hope it helps the enrollment rate of Pierce College and all LACCD colleges. I believe this bill will be a better future for Pierce College, staff and students.” jrobles.roundupnews@gmail.com

Brief: Volleyball coach's responsibilities reduced

FELIPE GAMINO Sports Editor

After going winless this season, men’s volleyball head coach Edison Zhou has been relieved of his duties for the team.

The program ended with an overall record of 0-13 and 0-12 in conference play.

Despite no longer coaching the men’s team, Zhou will still coach the women’s team for this season.

Outside hitter Julian Soto said he was an amazing coach for the team.

“He’s an amazing coach, and one of the best coaches I’ve had,” Soto said. “Hearing that he won’t coach the men’s team next year was very heartbreaking because we all got close to him and he teaches you extremely well especially since he’s a former player with so much knowledge and experience on how he played with his teams in the past.”

According to Zhou, a coach for the men’s program will be announced at the end of the semester.