The Puyallup Post | Volume 21 | Issue 10 | May 10, 2016

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 10

May 10, 2016

Leafing a good impression on Pierce College Armani Jackson Managing Editor For those who notice it, admiring the subtle imprint of a leaf in the concrete floor of the Arts and Allied Health Building can be a daily occurrence.

This imprint is on the second floor hallway next to north-facing stairs and the faculty offices. It’s been there since the AAH was built about six years ago after a leaf landed on the wet concrete before the windows were installed.

Tarps were laid over the setting concrete to prevent leaves from flying in, Media Engineer Jim Butler said. But when contractors were pulling the tarps off, the imprint was there.

“It was just one of those flukes (and they) decided to leaf it,” Butler said. “I absolutely love it. Depending upon the circumstances where it was pressed into the concrete from the tarps that were to prevent leaves and stuff from getting on there, it was like a defiant leaf (saying) ‘I’ll show you.’”

Even though the tarps were in place, Butler said a gust of wind may have lifted them allowing the leaf to enter underneath it, but he was-

SErVIng thE StUDEntS Of PIErcE cOLLEgE PUyaLLUP

“It was like a defiant leaf (saying) ‘I’ll show you.’ ” —Jim Butler

Continued on page 9

Commentary • News • Campus Life • Entertainment • Sports

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The voice of the students of Pierce College Puyallup

Bound and determined

Debunking the myths around chest binding Hannah Pederson Reporter

Whenever binding is brought up, a conversation can go one of three ways. The person listening shows a blank expression and asks if the person meant “like with books?”, someone brings up that one scene from Mulan, or everyone cringes and starts telling their favorite binding horror story (never try it with duct tape, ever).

For those who identify with the first scenario, no, this isn’t like book binding.

Binding is when a person with breast tissue compresses it to flatten their chest, whatever their motive may be.

It could be that they bind to redistribute the weight of their breasts to lower their center of gravity, relieving some pressure from the upper back. Or maybe their breasts get in the way of being active, when binding might make it less painful to run or bike. But most often, people bind to portray the gender that they identify with.

As someone who binds to represent their spot in the lonely wasteland outside the gender binary, it’s important that others understand and rethink the way they stigmatize binding.

Binding is about feeling comfortable in one’s own body. Everyone should have the right to find out if it’s right for them.

It’s a cheap and effective way for people to feel more comfortable with their bodies, whether they’re transgender, masculine presenting or not sure (and

Commentary

The Puyallup Post is produced by students attending Pierce College Puyallup.

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Published materials are the sole responsibility of the editors, reporters and photographers, and are not intended to represent the college’s policies.

A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly takes more than one copy of The Puyallup Post.

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For information on advertising rates, or how to submit letters to the editor or story ideas, call (253) 840-8496, e-mail gamsden@pierce.ctc.edu or use the submission form on the The Puyallup Post website.

“as someone who binds to represent their spot in the lonely wasteland outside the gender binary, it’s important that others understand and rethink the way they stigmatize binding.

Binding is about feeling comfortable in one’s own body. Everyone should have the right to find out if it’s right for them.” they don’t have to be).

Binding pops up a lot in the media for something most people are uncomfortable talking about. The most notable instance, in the memory of someone born in 1999, would probably be the aforementioned scene in Mulan. She flattened her chest because she needed to present herself as a soldier in the male-only Chinese army. The problem with this representation is that the way she bound is probably one of the most dangerous methods, which for some god-awful reason is also the most well known.

Gauze is the archnemesis of safe and responsible

binding; it seems like the most cost effective way to flatten, but it can cause both long and short-term damage to the unsuspecting user. Ace bandages and other similar products are designed to tightly seal off whatever they’re wrapped around, which means that if they’re wrapped around the chest they can lead to restricted breathing and cracked ribs if the user’s posture isn’t perfect.

Even if by some miracle the user’s posture is impeccable, they’d have to throw away the gauze at the end of the day if they didn’t want their chest to smell like a junior high locker room. That means investing tons of money in buying fresh bandages for a risky payoff and adding another layer of waste to the garbage pits.

One box goes for $5.19 and will last about a week.

Fifty two weeks later, that’s $270. It’s just not a good way to go.

For those looking to experiment with binding, there are companies dedicated to providing the LGBTQ+ community with safe, affordable products.

Of those, GC2B might be considered the most popular. They produce, sell and distribute binders in varying coverage and color from size XXS to 5XL. Their half binders (stop just below the bottom of the rib cage) range from $33 to $36 depending on the size, and the tank binders (wears like a normal tank top) go from $35 to $39.

If that’s too much to spend on something that may not be what someone needs, binder swaps are all over the Internet from Tumblr to Reddit and are built around providing people with the right size, fit and price.

Armani Jackson

Chase Charaba

Suzanne Buchholz

Lizzie Duke

Katie Fenton

Amber Gilliland

Alex Heldrich

Andrea Mendoza

How to contact us: Editor-in-Chief: Grace Amsden..........................Lync ext: 8881 ............gamsden@pierce.ctc.edu Managing Editor: Armani Jackson ....................................8630............ ajackson@pierce.ctc.edu Online and Social Media Manager: Chase Charaba..........8632 ............ccharaba@pierce.ctc.edu Reporter: Suzanne Buchholz ............................................8722 ..........sbuchholz@pierce.ctc.edu Reporter: Lizzie Duke........................................................8620 .................eduke@pierce.ctc.edu Senior Reporter: Amber Gilliland.......................................8624 .............agilliland@pierce.ctc.edu Reporter: Alex Heldrich .....................................................8622.............aheldrich@pierce.ctc.edu Reporter: Hannah Pederson .............................................8628 ..........hpederson@pierce.ctc.edu Reporter: CJ Robinson .....................................................8631 ...........crobinson@pierce.ctc.edu Online Reporter: Katie Fenton ..........................................8654 ...............kfenton@pierce.ctc.edu Office Manager/Reporter: Andrea Mendoza......................8651 ..........amendoza@pierce.ctc.edu

The student newspaper office is in room 218 in the College Center.

Adviser: Teresa Josten Graphics/Production: Steve Heeb

Grace Amsden

www.puy alluppost.com

Newspaper racks are located throughout the Puyallup campus.

Hannah Pederson

CJ Robinson

Some images and information printed in this newspaper may be from Internet sources and are used under the fair use doctrine, which allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders for such uses as commentary, criticism, news reporting and scholarship.

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fightin’words

shoutout CJ Robinson

Should Sea-Tac consider moving away from the TSA? Hannah Pederson

rick Blalock, Vrinda Kadiyali and Daniel Simon found that baggage screening alone lost the airline industry about $1.1 billion. Washington Senator Maria Cantwell’s Airports are one area that truly bring office attributed 1,000 missed flights last March to long people together. The power of commuwait times in security lines at Sea-Tac, according to nal hatred of every aspect of those washingtontimes.com. places is incredible. The food is ludiThere’s a reason why the TSA has been able to stick crously expensive, there’s too many around for so long, even if it’s hemorrhaging money. It people and the security lines are too Hannah Pederson saves lives. long.

Yes, the bored looking TSA officer who asks passenAs of April 6, the people’s voice is finally being heard. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Director gers to step into the futuristic spiny chamber with their Lance Lyttle said that in order to shorten lines at the air- arms up, “no, a little higher please,” might seem incaport, he’s considering replacing the Transportation Secu- pable of undermining a terrorist plot, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. rity Administration with a private According to the official TSA security agency.

The TSA is a division of the “replacing the tSa, blog, one in every 20 applicants makes it to becoming a TSA officer.

Department of Homeland Security, a thoroughly This means that they’ve completed which means it’s a government regulated and time the necessary 120 hours or more of agency that comes with all of the classroom and on the job learning, bureaucratic backlog and delays. tested federal which only qualifies them for checkBut being a government agency ing people or bags. To check both, also means uniformity, a uniformity agency, with a have to complete another round that can save lives. private firm could be they of training and tests. Even after trainTo truly understand why the United States needs the TSA, it’s necessary to disastrous for Sea- ing, officers are tested seven times a day with fake threats - and have to go all the way back to its conception. tac. Ignoring the become recertified every year.

November 19, 2001. Sixty nine A private agency would have to days after the attacks on the World safety of its meet the requirements listed in the Trade Center and the Pentagon, passengers and ATSA, but beyond that, it’s their stanattacks that were made possible by an dards the passengers’ lives depend on. uninformed foreign policy and lax airother staff just to Replacing the TSA, a thoroughly port security, President George Bush shorten lines and regulated and time tested federal signed into action the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, creating stay in the black isn’t agency, with a private firm could be disastrous for Sea-Tac. Ignoring the the TSA in an effort to secure the ethical.” safety of its passengers and other staff nation's skies. just to shorten lines and stay in the Since commercial airports began screening passengers and their baggage in December black isn’t ethical. The American public needs a safe, 2002, travelers have been complaining that the addition- reliable method of long distance transportation, and for al security measures bog down the efficiency of the air- years the TSA has done their best to provide one.

Speeding up might seem appealing now, but slow and port.

A study conducted in 2007 by Cornell Professors Gar- steady doesn’t get blown up.

Reporter

Would you support the Sea-Tac Airport switching to privatized security rather than the Transportation Security Administration?

Jared Fluhrer: “No, because I have a lot of flight attendants who are friends and they post pictures of the things they find through the TSA. I feel like there could be illegitimate companies that don't do as well.”

AnnaLisa Lang: “Yes, I fly a lot so I know how easy it is to get through. My mom brings all of this restricted stuff and she gets through anyway so I don't think it's very reliable.”

Madison Busey:

“I’ve been to the airport like twice, and it was fine for me, but I hear horror stories (about the TSA) all the time.”

Celeste Jessop: “No. With a

private company, they're going to have their own set of rules that might not apply to standards that are currently set.”

Sarah Larson: CJ Robinson

At a federal level, the TSA is open to regulate itself.

Reporter No other government body has the power of both a regulatory agency and security agency, and this needs From stripping off half of what an to change at a fundamental level. If Sea-Tac takes the individual is wearing to downright faillead and limits TSA to regulate the companies that ing at their duty, the Transportation would take over, it would check the processes that a Security Administration has a history private security firm would go through. Other probfilled with criticism.

CJ Robinson lems stem from the federal level as well. These include The Seattle-Tacoma International a high turnover rate, which leaves staff members inexAirport is now considering the transition to a private security firm from the TSA due to perienced and not evaluated, as drills only occur once complaints about long lines, but that’s not the only every year or so, according to Robert Evans on Cracked.com. problem that resides within the government agency.

With these problems The main complaint come the inconvenience from both the general of the security screening population and govern“at a federal level, the tSa is process. The sluggish mental officials is the open to regulate itself. no other lines, awkward interacTSA’s failure to do their actual job: protect travelgovernment body has the power tions with security officers and the hate-hate ers from security threats. of both a regulatory agency and relationship with body ABC News conducted a study that showed Home- security agency, and this needs to scanners, the cost to the individual comes at too land Security agents were change at a fundamental level. If high a price to pay with able to take fake weapons and explosives past secu- Sea-tac takes the lead and limits no real reward.

An alternative for the rity 67 out of 70 times. tSa to regulate the companies TSA, private agencies, Republican Sen. Ben solve the majority of Sasse said in an opinion that would take over, it would these problems. They’d piece for USA Today that this 96 percent critical check the processes that a private still be regulated by the but could be failure wasn't the only security firm would go through.” government, held to a higher standard source of trouble; there than Sea-Tac. Companies are also gaps in regulation. One issue that’s been brought is the lack of secu- turnover rates wouldn’t be as high and employees and rity for airport employees. Without adequate security screeners would be held more accountable than they measures, this leaves a large group of people free to do are now. A transition to the private sector is a transition to a more efficient, less worrisome future of air travel. as they please.

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“No, because we're already familiar with the way it is and we wouldn't know the rules and regulations for a private firm.”

Shayla Mickelsen: “I'm kind of torn, because we're familiar with the government and know how it is, but if it's private it could in some sense be safer.”

Stephen Jaech: “My son is an officer in customs, so I'd probably support the TSA.”

Mary Ellis:

“Yes. I feel like security is a little aggressive, which I don't appreciate.”

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newsflash

What’s going on at Pierce College Puyallup

Hot and cold-hand dryers and hydration stations Suzanne Buchholz

New hand dryers, hydration stations to be installed at Pierce this summer Suzanne Buchholz Reporter

The student government leaders have decided to install new hand dryers and hydration stations in various buildings on campus this summer.

Student Advocacy Senator Perry Doidge said the old hand dryers will be replaced with new models, as the ones currently installed don’t work properly and aren’t used often as a result. He said students usually use paper towels instead, which has begun to cause problems in the bathrooms.

“If you go in the bathroom on any given day, you’ll usually see the paper towels are either empty or the bathroom’s kind of dirty because people just throw them aside,” Doidge said. “It’s just a way to save paper and make the bathrooms look nicer.”

Replacing the hand dryers with more efficient ones will also help the school save money, as about $8,000 is currently spent on paper towels per year, Doidge said. The goal is to eventually eliminate paper towels completely with the hand dryers.

The hand dryers currently implemented at Pierce are Xlerators, manufactured by Excel Dryer. The company distributes to major business and other facilities around the world, according to the company’s website. Student

One of the older hand dryers in one of the bathrooms in the AAH. Government plans on purchasing the same brand for the replacements.

In addition to hand dryers, Student Government is also installing new hydration stations on campus. Pierce had initially placed two hydration stations - one in the College Center and another in the Health Education Center - last

year as a trial to determine whether students would use them.

“Last year, we installed two hydration stations on the (Puyallup) campus and at the Fort Steilacoom campus, kind of as a test run to see if they would work well,” Doidge said. “They’ve been proven that they worked extremely well, they get used a lot. So, we’re just adding more around the campus so people don’t have to just come up here to get their water filled up, they can go (to any building) whenever they feel like and fill up their water bottle.”

Many students will most likely recognize the hydration station as the machine beside the water fountain across from the elevator on the CTR’s second floor. Students can place their water bottle under the sensor on the machine, and the machine will detect it and fill the bottle with water.

Student Government plans on installing the new machines adjacent to the other water fountains in each building.

The hydration stations will most likely be purchased by ELKAY, the company that the college had previously purchased hydration stations from, Doidge said. He said they hope to buy the models that include a cooling filter, a feature that the current stations lack.

“That’s one of the only complaints we’ve had, is that the water kind of tastes warm,” Doidge said. “Nobody wants to drink warm water.”

Twelve hydration stations will be added to campus, said Doidge, who believes it’ll greatly benefit the college as well as the earth. He said that if students start bringing their own reusable bottles to school instead of buying water bottles from the Bookstore or vending machines, it’ll reduce the amount of plastic bottles thrown away and help improve the environment.

“I just feel like this decision is something that the Student Government has been working on all year and I think it’s going to be a great addition to Pierce College,” Doidge said.

Lizzie Duke

Student Life office plans trip to Seaside again this year Lizzie Duke Reporter

Perry Doidge holding the Seaside Trip flier.

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The annual Seaside, Ore., Pierce College Puyallup trip made another appearance May 6-8.

Recreation and Entertainment Coordinator Jesse Hamelin and Wellness and Outdoor Coordinator Kylie Ada planned every aspect of this trip, based on information from last year’s student leaders. “(It) was a big success so we don’t really want to change anything,” Hamelin said about last year’s Seaside trip.

This is the third year the Office of Student Life at the Puyallup campus has offered a Seaside trip. Director of Student Life Sean Cooke said it’s not officially an annual activity, but students continue to ask for it.

“Based on the success of the initial one, people keep planning that event,” Cooke said. “I think students really love it and there’s a lot of engagement and connection between students on that trip.”

This year’s trip was over Mother’s Day weekend and included 41 students, three drivers, Ada and Hamelin. Sign-up sheets were available in the OSL and the trip was filled within a few weeks.

“I just want to get out of my comfort zone, meet more people and experience life more than I have,” student Arianna Dalrymple said.

Planning for this trip was stressful and continued until the last day, Hamelin said. He and Ada had to pre-

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pare all the contracts a month before the funding was approved. The hotel had raised their prices and the transportation cost was more than expected, so more funding was needed, and initially denied. Hamelin and Ada decided to use some of the activity budget to make this trip a reality for the students who had signed up.

Students stayed at the Shilo Inn with nice ocean side views, Ada said. Students were able to request a roommate as two people were assigned to a room. If no request was turned in, the student was paired with another student at random.

“I just want to meet new people and I think it’ll be really fun to hang out with my friend,” Student Kealey Matyasovsky said. “Plus we’re in high school still, so it’s really nice to get away.”

For students, this trip cost $18. This included transportation costs as well as a room with two queen beds, balcony and full kitchen. The only thing not included was the price of food. The planned events included a bonfire on the beach, which Hamelin calls a “bondfire,” and beach cleanup through a volunteer organization called SOLVE. Ada also planned a nature walk and a possible excursion to Cannon Beach. The rest of the trip was free time.

“My favorite part of the Seaside trip was hanging out with new friends at like five in the morning on the beach and just talking about life,” Student Advocacy Senator Perry Doidge said of last year’s trip.

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shoutout Andrea Mendoza

Who is your favorite superhero?

Nicole Yantzer: “Deadpool.

He’s my superhero. I like the humor, and since I'm a humorous person I also enjoy the movies.”

Beth Lefler: “Batman, because

I’ve always watched him in the movies.

The theme song is pretty cool and they're good movies.”

Students can pick up applications at the Writing Center, one of the departments hiring.

On-campus jobs hiring Alex Heldrich

how they go about writing process,” Writing Center ProReporter gram Manager Keith Kirkwood said. “We want them to Pierce College students who regularly check their have some good strategies in place for writing. Just as emails may have heard the news about on-campus jobs importantly, I’m looking for people who like working with others and helping other people.” for the next school year.

The Writing Center will be hiring four tutors at each For those who want to apply to be an Office of Student Life leader, applications were due April 29; however, this campus. Tutors can expect to work no more than 15 hours doesn’t mean that someone can’t still be a leader on cam- a week, Kirkwood said.

“It really depends on the time of pus as there are still jobs that need the quarter, because sometimes it student leaders. Job openings picks up,” Kirkwood said. “It gets include tutoring positions, comput“We’re looking for very busy in there towards the er center technicians, Student Techwriting tutors that feel midterms and the finals. You can nology Assistant Team members to have a little bit of downand Health Education Center front as if they’re at writing expect time towards the beginning of the desk workers.

The ARC, commonly called the and feel that they have a quarter but then it really ramps up.” hopes that students Tutoring Center, is currently lookgood grasp on how they withKirkwood a desire to help other students ing to hire tutors in all subjects for apply. Several students at both the following school year. It’s go about writing campuses have already picked up required that students have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, at least a 3.2 process. We want them applications, Kirkwood said.

“We have faculty recommendaGPA in courses to be tutored, an to have some good tion forms and applications forms instructor recommendation and strategies in place for that students can come in and pick resume. Applications can be picked up from the Writing Center or up in C170. writing. Just as download on our website,” KirkAccording to an email from Director of Student Life Sean importantly, I’m looking wood said. “I’m looking for people to get their applications turned in Cooke, the Tutoring Center wants for people who like within this next month, but the students who are “the go-to person for help after class, someone who working with others and sooner the better because I’m hopto get some students trained up finds fulfillment in helping others, helping other people.” ing before the end of spring quarter.” someone who’s striving to give Applications can be picked up in themselves a competitive edge in —Keith Kirkwood L207. their education and eager to add Students can also apply to be a meaningful work experience to student ambassador, who are leaders that provide assistheir resume.”

To apply for the Writing Center, students must meet tance to other students on campus. Tasks can include prothe requirements of a 3.0 cumulative GPA and score a 3.2 viding information about registration and planning activGPA in subjects they’re looking to tutor in. A resume, ities for student success. Among the requirements to faculty recommendation, written expression of 150-300 apply include being enrolled in at least 10 credits for each words of interest in becoming a writing tutor and a sam- quarter, maintaining a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA and ple of academic writing is required. Writing tutors should when applying having at least 15 college credits from Pierce College Puyallup. have taken a minimum of ENGL&101.

Applications are available at the Student Success Cen“We’re looking for writing tutors that feel as if they’re good at writing and feel that they have a good grasp on ter in A106 and are due May 27.

Anders Pedersen: “I feel like it’d be really awesome to be The Flash, because The Flash is faster than Superman.”

Danni Trahan: “I like Batman because he doesn't have to have a superpower to be a hero.”

Tyler Smith:

“Most people say Superman, but I’d say The Hulk (is my favorite) because he's really strong and I've heard he can regenerate. I'm not sure if that's 100 percent true, but that's just pretty awesome.”

Talia Holtmeyer: “My favorite

superhero is Wolverine because he's very attractive and he's got the claws and that's cool. He's like your rebel superhero.”

Jillian Leonard: “I like the Daredevil because he's blind and uses knives to defeat people and he likes justice which makes him pretty cool.”

AJ Marie: “I like two superheroes.

The first is one The Hulk because he's green and I grew up liking him because he's a big and strong creature. The other one is Rogue because once she touches someone, she can take their powers so she basically can have any superpower.”

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campuslife

Plenty of cool stuff at Pierce College Puyallup

Achieving the Dream by 2020 Andrea Mendoza Reporter

With the purpose of helping more community college students stay in school to earn a college certificate or degree, Pierce College participates in the Achieving the Dream program.

The program is designed to help college administrators recognize and close educational gaps in colleges. It gives the opportunity to increase student success and join the academic movement.

“It's a national movement to really look at equity in students and their performance,” Pierce College Puyallup President Marty Cavalluzzi said. “It's trying to make more students more successful when they go to college because when you look at all the data, some students perform more than others and we want to know why that is.”

According to achievingthedream.org, the ATD National Reform Network includes more than 200 colleges in the country to help more than 4 million community college students.

It leverages targeted focus areas to close achievement gaps and accelerate success among diverse student populations.

These integrated build“you realize all ing blocks advance indithe different vidual and system-wide strategies, ultimately progaps there are, viding measurable and sustainable outcomes for like how students and colleges women do alike. ATD makes Pierce look at their equity data better in and notice the differences, recognize and fix them, English said. classes. there Cavalluzzi “You realize all the difare so many ferent gaps there are, like how women do better in different gaps English classes,” Cavalthat then you luzzi said. “There are so many different gaps that have to try and then you have to try and address these address these equity gaps.

We want to know what is equity gaps. it that these people need.”

Pierce College has We want to been part of ATD for four know what is it years and has set the goal to close the college’s eduthat these cational gaps by 2020. people need.” Because of this program, officials at Pierce have —Marty Cavalluzzi been able to recognize these gaps and start taking measures to reach their goal.

Currently, a guided pathway program that administrators are implementing is expected to create an interest for students in a major, help them stay in that pathway and ensure they’re learning as part of the start-to-finish model.

“We saw pathways as a way to hopefully solve all these issues,” Debra Ghilchrist, Fort Steilacoom campus vice president for learning and student success, said.

Other steps Pierce has taken are mandatory new student orientations, college success courses, enhanced advising as well as advocated tutoring support, part of the start-to-finish model.

“We want to make students realize that getting help is fine,” Cavalluzzi said.

Since Pierce has been part of ATD, faculty members have had the ability to evaluate their own courses and compare with other classes of the same field to make courses fit the needs of the students. With ATD’s help, Pierce has increased its fall-to-winter retention by six perM a y

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cent since 2010, meaning that students are staying in school for at least another quarter. Its fall-to-fall retention has increased by 16 percent and students have increased their degree and certificate completions by 25 percent.

“Out of all the students learning here at Pierce, students in pre-college courses don’t transition and don't get a degree,” Cavalluzzi said. “One of the things we did, which is just outstanding, is the Pierce College adult diploma. That way, these students will be able to take college level courses and be in college and they stay here longer.”

ATD process has helped Pierce College officials realize the flaws that create the educational gap, and they plan to start closing that gap by 2020.

“This is long term,” Cavalluzzi said. “It takes a long time to get there, but at least we’re committed. And if we close that achievement gap by 2020, it’ll be such an achievement and I'm positive we can do it.”

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Timeline Spring 2016

Steering Committee Discussion and Meta-Majors selection for guided pathways

Summer 2016

Working Team to Design Curriculum process for Fall 2018

Fall 2016

Refine the Achieving the Dream Model

Winter/Spring 2017

Curriculum Mapping of Contextualization, Curriculum, Student Material, Schedules and Refining the Process.

Fall 2018

Launch of the Meta-Majors (Guided Pathway) Program

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Alex Heldrich

Vents circulate air through the library.

Trying to make it cool at college Alex Heldrich Reporter

As the days get warmer, it seems like the college does too. Pierce College Puyallup Building and Grounds Manager Dan Timmons and the maintenance crew work to make sure that Pierce College Puyallup is at the optimal temperature for students and staff.

The temperature is controlled by a computer program made by Johnson Controls, a popular company for heating, ventilating and air conditioner systems for large buildings such as the college.

The servers for the system are located at the Fort Steilacoom campus, but Timmons and a few other maintenance workers have full control of the temperature controls.

“We try to maintain anywhere between 70 and 72 degrees at all times of the year,” Timmons said. “It’s not normal that we set specific temperatures for people. Say somebody wanted their room at 76 degrees. We wouldn’t do that because that’s pretty extreme.”

There are temperature sensors on the buildings that heat or cool the rooms according to the temperature outside.

“We have all of our own temperature sensors on our buildings, so it’s not like we’re going off of the weather in Lakewood and matching it over here,” Timmons said. “All of the servers are located at Fort Steilacoom so if I change a control over here all, of the information would transfer over to the server there.”

In places on campus such as the cashier office or registration office, temperature regulation is more difficult because the heat in the office rushes out into the hallways through the service windows. One of the most difficult places on campus to regulate temperatures is the library, Timmons said.

“Over the last couple years, the temperature in the library has been up in the 80s,” Timmons said. “There’s a lot of variables in that space: lights, tons of windows and high ceilings. Because of this, there’s a lot of extra heat getting into that space.”

Another factor that contributes to the

Best dressed Most understanding Most likely to pass you

high temperatures in the library is the various amounts of people that constantly filter in and out.

“There could be 10 people, then 100 then 10 again so that’s very much a factor that has an effect on the heat,” Timmons said. “Trying to fine tune your HVAC system is challenging, but we’re getting better at it.”

Some students and staff have noticed the warmer air in the Brouillet Library/Science Building lobby and in certain areas of the library.

Circulating Supervisor Lori Broberg who works at the checkout counter of the library has noticed a definite change in the library’s climate during spring and summer.

“We have a few students complain that it’s too hot in (the library) and that they have to leave, but we don’t have a ton of students complain,” Broberg said.

The HVAC system in the library has had problems operating correctly within the last few years, but Timmons and his team have slowly been nursing it back to health.

“Lately when it’s been 80 plus degrees outside, we’ve been able to maintain the library at 72 degrees,” Timmons said. “If it ever hits 90 degrees outside, we should be good.”

Heating and cooling is one of the most difficult and costly parts of operating a building, and it works by either heating or cooling water and then forcing the hot or cold air over a room, Timmons said.

“We either have a boiler that’s heating water and a fan that then forces the heat over the rooms or cooling towers which are forcing the cold air across the rooms,” Timmons said. “In the (Gaspard Administration Building), we have tubes in the ceiling where water runs through and it’s either hot water or cold water. If it’s hot out it blows cold air, and if it’s cold out it blows hot air.”

Within the walls of the college, there’s a complex system of pipes and machines that takes care of the students and helps them keep their cool so they can be their best - without breaking a sweat.

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Most likely to fail you Most entertaining Most memorable Funniest Quirkiest Never on time Most inspirational

Complete this ballot and deliver to The Puyallup Post in Room C218 before May 23, 2016

Results will appear in the June 14 issue and at www.puyalluppost.com

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No! I Am Not a Terrorist! author talks to students about terrorism and Muslims Photo courtesy Pennsylvania State University

Event spreads awareness of major current social issues Suzanne Buchholz Reporter

“No! I’m Not A Terrorist” was a presentation on April 20 meant to raise awareness about the misconceptions regarding Muslims and terrorism. Current acts of terrorism and how people correlate them to Muslim culture were also discussed.

The presentation was led by Zohra Sarwari, an international speaker as well as life coach and author. She’s written several books on topics ranging from self-help and encouragement to awareness of issues in Muslim culture. Sarwari has spoken at numerous colleges around the world, which is how Social Issues and Awareness Coordinator Emmalee Chamberlain heard about her and decided to invite her to speak at the Puyallup campus.

“I wanted to hold this event because I watched some of her presentation online and I liked the way she used modern day topics for students to understand,” Chamberlain said, “And the way she used humor to make her presentation entertaining.”

Sarwari’s presentation was based on her book titled No! I’m Not a Terrorist!

It’s intended to bridge gaps between Muslims and non-Muslims by clarifying the definition of what it means to be a terrorist as well as debunk common stereotypes about Muslims. After the presentation, she accepted questions students had for her.

Sarwari explained that terrorists are people who commit horrible actions with-

“Social issues like terrorism (are) something that impacts people no matter who they are. I think it is important for (students) to learn about it and what is happening around the world today.”

—Emmalee Chamberlain

Zohra Sarwari has spoken at many colleges and given inspiration to many students.

About 100 people attended the event from 11 a.m.-noon in the College Center.

Chamberlain said she was happy with the turnout.

“Out of all the events I’ve had this school year, I would have to say this was one of my favorite to attend and most successful,” Chamberlain said.

out remorse, and that the media often singles out Muslims specifically more than any other type of person. She also described how the first Americans who migrated to the United States from Europe could be considered terrorists as they terrorized Native Americans, but they’d never been branded as such.

This event presented valuable lessons for students, Chamberlain said. She hopes they learned a few key points in the distinction between terrorism and the Muslim religion.

“I hope they learned about terrorism and Muslims and how they’re two separate things that don’t impact each other,” Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain said she has a couple more events planned before the end of the year, one of the events being similar to this by featuring a speaker. It’ll cover the upcoming elections and how to choose which candidate to vote for. This event, “Election 2016: How Will You Decide?” will be from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.on May 24 in the MPR. Chamberlain said it’s a good idea for students to attend events such as this to increase their knowledge of social issues and how they affect everyone rather than just select groups.

“Social issues like terrorism (are) something that impacts people no matter who they are,” Chamberlain said, “And I think it is important for (students) to learn about it and what is happening around the world today.”

Alex Heldrich

Sociology students watch Selma, a film about Martin Luther King Jr. Alex Heldrich Reporter

Sociology students and those with an interest in civil rights gathered to watch Selma on April 19 in the Multipurpose Room in the College Center. The room was filled with attentive eyes, as students learned about Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous walk from Selma, Ala. to Montgomery, Ala. in protest of the suffrage for black citizens.

The event was hosted by T.J. Estes, equity and diversity coordinator for the Office of Student Life. Selma is an important film to Estes.

“Students who don’t really know about the civil rights struggle and voter oppression are the main people I wanted to focus on,” Estes said. “This is because it’s still happening today, so this movie is like a hop back in time.”

What Estes is referring to is state leaders making changes to election rules regarding who can vote. According to The New York Times, recently a North Carolina federal judge began enforcing stricter voter identification laws. This heavily Republican-backed change M a y

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T.J. Estes introducing the film to students. able to vote. It makes me think directly back to the ‘50s and ‘60s.”

Students filled out a discussion form with their table groups after the movie.

One of the questions asked, “Where do you think we stand today on the issue of civil rights?” Students were asked to discuss the question with their group and then write answers down on a piece of paper. Another question asked was,

makes it more difficult for minority groups to vote.

“We’re going to relate the content in the movie back to today’s world,” Estes said. “There’s voter oppression today and a lot of places in the south are closing down voter registration in the Department of Licensing, so it’s making it a lot more difficult because there’s also more stringent requirements to be

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“Do you think there is still voter suppression today in the U.S.?” The last question that students answered was, “What is King’s legacy?”

Many of the students attending the event were from a SOC&101 class.

Some attended during their hour of class for a required assignment and others were there for extra credit.

“I came for my sociology class,” student Kelly Willson said. “If you stay the whole time and answer questions, you get extra credit.”

Some students took more of an interest in the event than others.

“This is an assignment for my sociology class, but I was thinking about coming anyway,” student Jonathan Cano said. “I like to be involved with things that are going on in the world.”

Estes said he was thrilled with the turnout at his event as there were more students who attended than he predicted.

“This event was pretty good,” Estes said. “It especially helped with the people coming for extra credit with their sociology class.”

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The track to tenure

Here’s the process professors follow to earn tenure CJ Robinson Reporter

Tenure is granted to faculty members that, after evaluation, are secured a position at Pierce College for the rest of their academic careers. The process is designed to take three years during the course of nine quarters, not including summer quarters.

According to the 2015 Tenure Manual, “the tenure process is designed to ensure that tenure is granted to faculty members of such character and scholarly ability that the district can justifiably undertake to employ them for the rest of their academic careers.”

The Board of Trustees of Community Colleges in District 11 have the final say for each candidate for tenure, but a tenure committee made up of six members gives recommendations and does the majority of evaluations throughout the duration of the tenure track. It consists of a college administrator, one representative from student services, one student approved by Pierce College’s student council, one tenured faculty member of the candidate's choice and two tenured faculty members appointed by the Pierce College Federation of Teachers President.

Through a series of meetings throughout the three years, the committee elects a chairperson, creates an evaluation plan, discusses candidate performance, gives a chance for the candidates to voice their opinions and concerns and receive feedback.

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Geography Max Handler began the tenure process in fall 2013 and finished this year. For him, the different viewpoints provided by the committee can be helpful.

“If you can teach your subject to someone who already knows your sub-

Evaluation o Quality teaching and mastery of discipline o Student perceptions o Participation in shared governance o Mentoring/advising o Analysis of student learning and alignment of pedagogy

o Critical self-reflection o Professional growth and development o Professionalism o Role as a member of the college community

sis of student learning and alignment of pedagogy, critical self-reflection, professional growth and development, professionalism and role as a member of the college community.

Nursing Faculty Tiffany Smith finished her first year of the tenure process and said it gives an accurate view of a

ject, that's no big deal.” Handler said.

“If you can teach your subject to anyone else, that's kind of the true test.”

The evaluation plan is comprised of nine elements. This includes the quality teaching and mastery of discipline, student perceptions, participation in shared governance, mentoring/advising, analy-

Armani Jackson

Leaf imprint Continued from page 1

n’t the one who monitored the site.

Director of Facilities and Construction Manager Jim Taylor said repair and removal of the imprint would’ve required jackhammering and repouring part of the concrete, which would’ve been more expensive and unsightly.

Contractors could’ve laid an additional layer of concrete over the imprint, but it’d end up chipping, meaning concrete would’ve had to be continuously relaid.

Butler isn’t sure why removal of the imprint was considered, but possibly because contractors thought the accidental imprint would’ve violated their contract with the college. Taylor doesn’t recall removal being seriously considered.

Pouring of the concrete may have taken place at the beginning of fall according to Butler’s estimate, potentially explaining exactly where the leaf came from, but it was too long ago to recall the actual date. Taylor estimates it occurred in late 2009.

Some gardeners believe the trees surrounding the AAH are of the oak and evergreen variety, so the imprint may be an oak leaf.

“For most people who know it’s there, we call it ‘accidental art,’” Butler said. “It wasn’t designed to be

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“the leaf, although accidental, has left a lasting imprint on staff and students alike.”

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candidate and can help guide them in self-reflection.

“If we’re going to be in a place where we’re giving a degree, and we’re expecting students to go onto a university, I think that we have the opportunity and we should be challenged by ourselves and our peers to be the best we can be,” Smith said. “One of the ways we do this is by having professional goals and a development plan which is a part of the tenure track.”

Each portion of the evaluation has a list of requirements that each candidate should meet. Just under quality teaching and mastery of discipline, a list of four topics and 30 bullet points guides committee members to a decision.

At the end of each year, the committee gives a continuance recommendation of employment and tenure. When it gives the recommendation, committee members take into account the evaluation plan originally set out by the committee and the meetings they held throughout the year. A ballot is cast by each member and then added to the tenure packet, the group of documents to be presented to the Board of Trustees at the end of the process.

Smith said the tenure process took time to get used to.

“You're kind of thrust into the process if you haven’t been on a tenure track before,” Smith said. “You have no idea what you don’t know.”

Once settled into the process, Handler said he took the time to appreciate the process and opportunity for growth it provides.

“It's easy to get addicted (to the feedback),” Handler said. “The process was all about people just trying to give you as much help and as many resources as possible. You don't really get that at most jobs.”

there, but nobody that knows it was there would ever take it away.”

The imprint is even an attraction to visitors. Butler says he always points it out to people who visit the Puyallup campus.

“We had some visitors from Korea and we did a little dog and pony (over-staged presentation), showed them the theater, studio - stuff like that,” Butler said.

“As we were walking down, I made everybody stop.

You can walk right over it without noticing it, (but) if you’re at the right angle you can see it real clearly. I pointed it out and they thought it was pretty funny.”

As far as similar imprints around campus go, Butler’s sure they exist but has yet to discover them. One such case is near the elevator on the second floor of the AAH. There’s a piece of metal embedded in the floor, most likely to have fallen in during construction.

Some Pierce students have never noticed the imprint.

“I never really put any thought into it, but it’s cute,” student Brooklin Look said.

Others such as student Madeline Hornbuckle didn’t know the imprint was there until the beginning of spring quarter.

“It brightens my day and reminds me of an episode of The Office,” Hornbuckle said.

The leaf, although accidental, has left a lasting imprint on staff and students alike.

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Courtesy of T.J. Estes

The Puyallup campus students attending the conference pose with a presenter (center) on the last day.

Students attend annual event Reporter

Teresa Josten

Teresa Josten

Equity and Diversity Coordinator T.J. Estes led a debrief and reflection on April 26 with students and advisers who attended the Students of Color Conference from April 21-23 in Yakima.

The debrief was open to these students to share their experience with each other and with students who wanted to get a feel for what others experienced.

Ten students attended, along with four student leaders, two advisers and two college staff members.

After an icebreaker and complementary sandwiches and brownies, students split into two groups to discuss the sessions they’d attended from each of the three days of the conference.

Student Shakita Etheridge reflected on one of the sessions she’d attended from the first day.

“I liked the racial identity session, because not to be rude, but Puyallup has a lot of white people and the people in that session could really relate

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Teresa Josten

to us,” Etheridge said.

Student Daryl Foto led the group in a discussion about racial identity and the difference between identifying as black or African American.

He attended a men’s identity workshop the first day of the conference and shared his thoughts with the other members of his group.

“The only problem with identity development workshops was that the men’s identity group focused on how you need to be a good leader, and I know a lot of great female leaders,” Foto said.

Student Mary Hall told her group about one of her favorite sessions from the conference.

“I went to the multiracial identity session the first day,” Hall said. “We talked about microaggressions and how you don’t need to tell people who you are.”

The event gave students an opportunity to reflect on the three-day growth experience and find camaraderie within Pierce.

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Hannah Pederson

Courtesy of Patrick Carter

Teresa Josten

SOCC helps attendees learn about identities, race relations, relationships

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From Denver to Puyallup: new helper on campus Grace Amsden Editor-in-Chief

To University of Northern Colorado graduate, golfer and outdoor lover Andrew Mayer, helping others can come in the simplest forms such as opening a door for someone.

It can also mean providing support for students in their American Honors experience.

Coming from the American Honors admissions office in Denver as admissions officer, Mayer is now working as the American Honors regional admissions counselor.

Among Mayer’s tasks in Denver, he helped students with the program’s application, provided information about the program and contact information for the honors advisers. He also made sure all documents were turned in.

His inspiration for helping others comes from his family.

“I just want to be able to provide that to someone who may not necessarily have it,” Mayer said. “And I think helping them succeed is truly inspiring.”

Mayer came to Pierce because he was offered a promotion to his current position. He arrived to Washington on April 17 where he plans to stay long-term. In Denver, he said that it was dry and isn’t as green like it is in Washington.

“I’m really excited to start somewhere new,” Mayer said. “I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life, so to start here has been really exciting.”

Mayer’s position will include attending school fairs, helping with program events, working with the Pierce student ambassadors, American Honors program faculty and outreach team as well as talking to students about the program.

“I think being able to be face-to-face with students is really fun, and getting to see students make that progression from when they first join the program to when they graduate with their honors diploma,” Mayer said.

Becky Osborn, admissions manager for American Honors, served as Mayer’s supervisor for eight months and communicates with him daily as part of the program. Osborn said that he’s loyal to his friends, is hardworking and keeps everyone laughing and smiling.

“He’s always willing to step out and help someone else,” Osborn said.

In 2014, Mayer graduated from UNC. While in college, he said he struggled to get the support he needed. This was probably because many advisers were busy and didn’t have time to meet individually with everyone, he said.

“My only guidance was my sister, who went to college before me,” Mayer said. “I didn’t really get a whole lot of guidance from my advisers or from my professors.”

After college, he wasn’t sure about what he wanted as a career, but found out about American Honors and said he fell in love with education again. If he had to give one word to describe the program, he’d say it’s exciting because of all of the opportunities for students to gain resources.

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“Knowing what I went through in college, I wanted to make sure I could help students with that process and make sure they didn’t have the challenges that I did,” Mayer said.

From UNC, Mayer earned a degree in criminal justice and was an intern for two summers at the Northglenn Police Department, which he said was the best experience of his life. He had the opportunity to be a part of the training for the new officers and work for the department’s data management by inputting new information into the system.

“It would just depend on the day if I was doing more of the data or if it was training,” Mayer said. “If it was training, we may go out and do exercises of certain situations or I might go on a ride-along for the entire day (with the officers).”

He recommends that students participate in an internship so they can fully understand the field they desire to get into.

As regional admissions counselor, Mayer said he’d like

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to build a culture among the honors students, which includes helping international students become involved with the program. All students should be involved together, he said.

“A lot of international students want to meet other students and kind of have that mesh, because I think a lot of times they do feel kind of separated,” Mayer said.

Outside of work, Mayer enjoys the outdoors as well as engaging in and watching sports. When first arriving to Washington, he said he made plans to visit Mount Rainier and play golf at Chambers Bay. Mayer also enjoys hiking and camping. In Denver, he was involved in a kickball league and softball. Out of all activities he participates in, golfing is his activity of choice.

“My parents lived on a golf course, so I’d play there,” Mayer said.

For his position, he’ll work at both Pierce College Puyallup and Fort Steilacoom.

For all college students, he recommends that they shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help.

“I think a lot of times, students are scared to ask for help because they think they’ve almost been defeated,” Mayer said. “But by asking for help, you do learn a lot of information from other students as well as faculty.”

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Alyssa Armstrong Lizzie Duke Reporter

Alyssa Armstrong is in her third quarter at Pierce College Puyallup after graduating from Emerald Ridge High School last year. She’s currently studying microbiology, psychology and medical terminology. “(It’s) very science based,” Armstrong said. “I’m trying to get all my prerequisites for the nursing program here.

I’ve always been really interested in the medical field and I think being a doctor is a lot of responsibility. It takes 8-10 years of schooling and I didn’t think I wanted to be in school that long. At first I wanted to be in nutrition because I was really interested in how different foods and things can affect who you are in a way. Then I kind of moved over to dermatology and nursing, because I’m really interested in the skin and disorders of the skin, since I grew up with eczema and psoriasis so it relates to me. I definitely want to do clinical type of stuff. I don’t want to be in a real big hospital, I want to be in a nine to five type of job so I’m not on call all the time doing crazy stuff. I think mostly just helping people and being that person that others can come to for advice and everything, like if someone comes in with a skin condition like eczema, I can give them real personal advice on it and information because it’s actually more relatable. That’ll be super cool.”

Joseph Gorash Grace Amsden Editor-in-Chief

Originally on the pathway of business, firstyear Pierce College student Joseph Gorash switched to mechanical engineering after realizing this made a better fit, considering his passion for drones. He said that he’s having the time of his life with this decision.

Gorash builds, flies and fixes drones. From his 3D printer, he also makes custom parts for drones. He plans to eventually open his own business selling drones at affordable prices.

“I’d say the biggest part of the immersive feel and the actual flying feel you get (when using a drone) is more of having the camera (attached to the drone),” Gorash said. “What you do is you have a set of goggles and through the goggles, you can actually watch how you’re flying. What I do is I grab my remote, grab my goggles and I just go and I fly just by the goggles. The feeling that you get - it feels like you’re actually in the drone and feels like you’re actually flying. The immersive feel is just amazing. All the time I get a possibility to actually show people and teach them about drones, I let them use the headset and they’re just blown away by it because it feels so immersive. I really got into the hobby because it really helped me bring out my creativity. I get to customize my drones how I want and I get to put a little bit of personality into them. On some drones, I use orange, some drones I use purple. It all depends on the color,” Gorash said. “When a lot of people think of drones, they think of drones as something that is kind of, like, scary, because they’ve heard a lot of bad things about drones. I kind of want to show people that they’re really something that you can have fun with.”

He’s brought some of his drones to Pierce, made friends who share a similar interest and has attended the Engineering Club on campus.

“I’m a really happy person,” Gorash said. “I don’t think you can ever see me being upset or mad.

I just love always being happy; drones really help me be happy. If I’m ever stressed out about something, I just pull out my drone. And if I fly for at least a couple minutes, it just makes me feel way better.

It’s just a hobby that I found that really helps me out.”

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Cameron Plute Armani Jackson Managing Editor

“I kind of grew up (on computers) since I was like eight, nine maybe?” Cameron Plute said. “My family introduced me to computers. I grew up on them, but it was also a choice. It started with video games and then (I) wondered how they worked, and how the computer worked, how it all functioned. I was just curious. And then Google was a thing, so Google made it possible to learn anything. I can type 120 WPM, that’d be a random thing I guess. (I discovered that) in middle school typing class after a couple typing sessions. I was done with the class and then my teacher was like ‘You have eight weeks left. How are you already done?’ It came naturally from all the video games. I was (studying) business at first and then I transferred from business to mechanical engineering because I realized business really wasn’t my forte,” Plute said. “If I had to have a grand vision, I’d say (it’s to) mass produce a specific robot that’s all-purpose and helps people across the world. I couldn’t think of any way that would possibly put as much of a dent in the universe as that. You can’t really sell a product that would make such an impact in the world. But if you can make a thing that could help people worldwide, that’s pretty large scale.”

Emily Staples Alex Heldrich Reporter

“The biggest struggle of going to college and working is actually maintaining relationships. A lot of the friends I had before coming to Pierce I don’t have anymore, so my main friends right now are my mom and my sister mainly because we live together. It’s really difficult to keep friends that you don’t see every day. They always say that you’re only friends with people because you see them every day which is really true. There’s a triangle and at each end are ‘social life,’ ‘work’ and ‘good grades’ and you can only pick two.”

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Hannah Pederson

Hannah Pederson

Linda Buzbee works on Brian Benedetti’s schedule.

Ken Murphy finds his “good side.”

MARCOM:

MARCOM’s base of operations. system to classify the hundreds of projects that come through their cramped but cozy home.

“We operate off the donut theory,” Benedetti said. “Important jobs are donuts, ones we let go are stale donuts, donut holes are little but still important jobs and veggies are the jobs we won’t take.”

Being in charge of all communications for the college may be challenging, but the employees at MARCOM try to keep the atmosphere light and welcoming.

Hannah Pederson

A student could come and go through Pierce without ever knowing, or wondering, what goes on inside that one portable in the C lot by the Gaspard Administration Building. It looks like an average nondescript portable: grey, sad and all alone.

Passersby don’t often notice the Marketing and Communications sign plastered out front, but the people working inside don’t mind.

“Ultimately, I think being out here works best for everyone,” Ken Murphy, senior graphic designer for MARCOM, said.

Murphy is one of seven people that work out of the cozy and tastefully cluttered portable office, which has been the Pierce District’s home for the marketing and communications department for nine years.

He’s been working for MARCOM for 37 years and plans on retiring in May. “It’s the best place I’ve ever worked, and it’s almost the only place I’ve ever worked,” Murphy said.

His newest coworker, Madelyn Vander Poel, has been working as the marketing specialist for the department since January. Already, she’s been welcomed into the MARCOM team.

“Everyone gets along so well,” Kate Burrows, communications and public relations specialist, said. “It’s like a family. We all like to have fun together. It’s a great place to work; it’s simple.”

Burrows is in charge of the college’s internal newsletter, The Pen, the college’s

social media and any press releases.

The department is technically part of Advancement, a division of the college that seems generic and intimidating, Murphy said.

As part of Advancement, MARCOM works with institutional research, alumni relations, the college’s Foundation and event support as the college’s mouthpiece.

“Mostly, we’re just trying to get everyone’s message out there,” Brian Benedetti, director of marketing and communication, said. “We work for literally every program and department for the college.”

Most of MARCOM operates out of the portable, but two outreach employees go wherever they’re needed. All MARCOM photography and videography is captured

by Media Technician Supervisor Matt Wuscher at the Fort Steilacoom campus.

MARCOM is a small, elite team of tightly knit coworkers, and they have the medals to prove it.

“We’ve won over a hundred awards through our professional marketing organization over the years,” Benedetti said, “but we’re also known for our roasted Peeps.”

Vander Poel, though new, has embraced this tradition due to the Peeps ability to get creative juices flowing.

“You know we’re creative, but we’re creatively efficient, too,” Benedetti said.

“The college relies on us for creativity so we try to keep it light, but we get a lot of work done. It’s amazing the amount of work that comes through here. It can get pretty hairy.”

The MARCOM team uses a unique

“Am I the Dwight of our office? I really hope I’m not the Dwight,” Burrows said.

For such an important division of the college, they don’t seem to mind being stuck way out in the boonies, with one exception.

“There’s one serious problem in this portable, and I don’t think anyone would disagree with me,” Murphy said. “There’s no plumbing in here, so we have to hike up to the main building, and it’s not that bad unless there’s bees.”

Hannah Pederson

Reporter

Hannah Pederson

Hannah Pederson

Hannah Pederson

A look inside that one portable in the C lot

Above: Madelyn Vander Poel’s office is packed. Right: MARCOM preps for the college’s 50th anniversary. Far right: Many of the awards MARCOM staff members have earned are on display in their portable. w w w . P u y a l l u P P o s T . c o M

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raidersports

Athletics and activities of Pierce College Puyallup

History made for basketball: the Warriors win gold Grace Amsden

style of the team as well as leadership, and watches as many games as he can. His favorite player on the team is Curry.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Limes said, regarding when he heard about the record for the Golden State Warriors. “I kind of figured that they would break that. I was expecting it.”

Student Zeke Cardenas said Curry is also his favorite player on the team.

“I just like the way he plays,” Cardenas said, who was excited about the record win. “He shoots (baskets) all the time.

He’s small, so he has to go up against bigger guys.”

Student Devon Asher said that he didn’t put much thought into the record win of the Golden State Warriors because he isn’t a fan of the team. He said he’s always been a fan of basketball since the Seattle Supersonics played.

For the start to the 2015-2016 season and in the first game, the Golden State Warriors played a home game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 27 in Oakland. The Golden State Warriors won 11195.

On Oct. 31 in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Golden State Warriors won 134-120 and Curry scored 53 points. In the game on Nov. 22 against the Denver Nuggets, the Golden State Warriors won 118-105 and Thompson scored 21 points.

Following the record of 73 wins, on April 16 the Golden State Warriors played against the Houston Rockets and won 10478, and on April 18 won against the same team with a score of 115-106.

The team also makes a mark in NBA history to not lose back-to-back games.

This means that they haven’t lost two games in a row during the regular season.

“They play like a team,” Cardenas said.

“They can lose somebody and they can still win without the one player.”

From all the games starting on Oct. 27 up until May 3, the Golden State Warriors have lost 10 games. The first loss in the season occurred Dec. 21 against the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 95-108.

“They’re definitely going to go to the championship,” Limes said, “and they’re going to win.”

Editor-in-Chief

“It’s official: number 73,” one of the sports announcers stated as the buzzer went off and a burst of confetti was released. The Oracle Arena exploded into cheers and a few handmade signs from the crowd were held, decorated with the number 73.

A new record was made in NBA history, one that left the professional basketball team who wears blue and gold with a new accomplishment.

The Golden State Warriors, the Oakland, Calif. professional basketball team, have just completed a season for the record books. This 73rd win was earned by the team April 13 in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies. This win surpasses the previous mark of 72 set by the Chicago Bulls, which makes for the most wins in a regular season.

According to an article on espn.go.com, “This wasn’t supposed to happen. No team could eclipse the Jordan Bulls’ hallowed benchmark of 72 wins, much less this one. In winning 125-104 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors, again, jumped the line and seized something the league still struggles to believe.

They, and not Michael Jordan, now boast the NBA’s best-ever regular season.”

The Chicago Bulls were comprised of Michael Jordan, who may be considered the best basketball player of all time.

Among Jordan’s accomplishments, he received six NBA championships, was awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1988 and NBA Rookie of the Year in 1985. Recently, people have even speculated on whether the Chicago Bulls, led

by Michael Jordan, or Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors, are the greatest team in NBA history.

Coached by Steve Kerr, some of the Golden State Warriors players include Harrison Barnes, who plays center, and Klay Thompson, who is the shooting guard. Curry is the point guard, and broke his own record by making the most threepoint shots with 402 shots made.

Student Cameron Limes is a fan of the Golden State Warriors and said he likes the

Raiders Athletics

Standings and recent results Northwest Athletic Conference - West Region

Raiders Softball

Raiders Baseball

9-4 Conference / 19-19 Overall

11-6 Conference / 21-13 Overall

April April April April April April April April

April 23 - Pierce defeated Tacoma 5-1 April 23 - Pierce defeated Tacoma 3-1 April 25 - Pierce defeated Tacoma 4-2 April 25 - Pierce lost to Tacoma 3-7 April 30 - Pierce defeated Grays Harbor 12-0 April 30 - Pierce defeated Grays Harbor 9-0 May 1 - Pierce defeated Grays Harbor 9-1 May 1 - Pierce defeated Grays Harbor 11-3

23 23 25 25 29 29 30 30

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Pierce Pierce Pierce Pierce Pierce Pierce Pierce Pierce

lost to Centralia 0-7 lost to Centralia 0-8 defeated Grays Harbor 16-1 defeated Grays Harbor 14-1 defeated Olympic 9-1 defeated Olympic 6-5 defeated Highline 7-6 defeated Highline 10-9

Compiled by Chase Charaba

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Batter up with the

Mariners

Suzanne Buchholz Spring has arrived, and with it comes warmer weather and blossoming flowers.

But for many people in Washington, it’s also heralded the start of Major League Baseball, with several fans rooting for the Seattle Mariners. The season officially started on April 4 and will continue until Oct. 2.

Starting on April 3, Mariner’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Dipoto began announcing the team’s roster for the season, introducing new and returning players to the team.

Among the new players is Nick Vincent, whom the Mariners acquired from the San Diego Padres. Vincent’s position is righthand pitcher, which he played during his 26 games with the Padres last season. In that season, he posted a 0-1 record and had a 2.35 earned run average, according to the Mariners official website.

Two other newcomers to the Mariners this season are Wade Miley and Jonathan Aro, both of whom were obtained from the Boston Red Sox. Miley is a left-hander who finished his previous season with the Red Sox with an ERA of 4.10 and an average of 198 innings of 3.93 ERA. Aro is a righthanded reliever with an ERA of 3.04 and has a fastball that’s measured up to 95 mph.

On March 2, the Mariners started spring training, a series of practices and exhibitions before the regular MLB season that allows new players to tryout for different rosters

Photo from The Seattle Times

Reporter

From left to right: Adam Lind, Norichika Aoki, Leonys Martin, Wade Miley and Chris Iannetta. and positions while giving returning players a chance to practice their skills. This year, the Mariners’ spring training took place at Peoria Stadium in Arizona, which they shared with the Padres. They wrapped up their training with a 16-14 record, beating the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics, according to The Inquisitr.

Some students at Pierce College Puyallup said they enjoyed attending the games, but didn’t think the Mariners were playing particularly well this season as com-

pared to previous seasons. Student Elisabeth Miner, a fan of the Mariners because of her parents, said she didn’t think there was any difference this season.

“I haven’t seen any of the games this season,” Miner said. “But my dad says they’re playing not the worst but their normal of not being good. The games are fun to go to, so it makes up for it.”

Other students don’t think the Mariners have been performing well this season. Student Alex Cole suggested a possible reason

f o r this.

“They haven’t been doing as good since most of their team has been sold to the Yankees,” Cole said.

Still, other students were more optimistic about the Mariners’ outcome this season, despite some of them not being big fans of baseball.

“I’ve seen a few games but I’m not a diehard fan,” student Joseph Wilson said. “I’ve heard they’ve been playing well, and it’d be cool to see them do well.”

The Mariners were pitted against the Texas Rangers on April 4 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. The Mariners lost 2-3, but then beat the Rangers 10-2 on April 5 and again 9-5 on April 6.

The Mariners then played and lost to the Athletics 2-3 on April 8, 1-6 on April 9 and 1-2 on April 10 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

The Mariners played and won against the New York Yankees 7-1 on April 15 and 3-2 on April 16, but lost 3-4 to April 17 at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

The Mariners lost to the Cleveland Indians 2-3 on April 19 but then beat them 2-1 on April 20 and 10-7 on April 21 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

The team’s full schedule as well as promotions and events for each day can be found on the team’s website, seattle.mariners.mlb.com.

The Puyallup Post Pierce College Puyallup’s student newspaper is accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year.

PaID POSItIOnS IncLUDE: Online/Social Media Designer l reporters l graphic Designer l Photographer l advertising Manager l

ApplicAtions Are due MAy 31.

Information and applications are available in the student newspaper office (c-218) or Student Programs office (c-210). for more information, call teresa Josten at (253) 840-8496 or e-mail at tjosten@pierce.ctc.edu. w w w . P u y a l l u P P o s T . c o M

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Sherman Alexie:

Alex Heldrich

poet, author and professional jokester

Alex Heldrich Reporter

Sherman Alexie was the keynote speaker at the annual Pierce County Reads event on April 29.

Although the event wasn’t physically held at Pierce College Puyallup, students and Puyallup community members could watch the speech via a live steam broadcasted from Clover Park Technical College in the theater of the Arts and Allied Health Building.

‘Sherman Alexie’ is a name that’s familiar to many young adults, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

Growing up only four hours away from Puyallup on the Spokane Indian Reservation, Alexie is a Washington native and avid Native American rights activist.

He’s the author of more than 20 books, each with heavy Native American themes.

His most well-known book is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, a story that mirrors his own life and is commonly banned from schools. Alexie has also written screenplays for two movies: Smoke Signals and The Business of Fancydancing.

As the clock ticked closer to 7 p.m., Pierce College Puyallup students and local residents began to filter into the theater of the AAH. The stream was playing an old video of Alexie being interviewed by a man that closely resembles Gabe Lewis from The Office, but instead of playing the audio from the recording, the stream was broadcasting a conversation between two unknowing women in the audience at CPTC. Audience members at the Puyallup campus who had arrived early chuckled and made jokes about the audio as the theater manager frantically called and texted the people in charge of the live stream.

By 7 p.m., the theater was filled with people from all walks of life, all with one common interest. The age of audience members ranged from less than one year old to retired grandparents. Because the event was open to the public, there were many people in attendance other than just Pierce College students.

The presentation began with a long introduction by Georgia Lomax, the executive director of the Pierce County Library System. She gave shoutouts to all of the event’s sponsors, the Board of Trustees and even Pierce College Puyallup for hosting the live stream. A video was then played about a librarian who spent hours with kids from impoverished schools and brought them books to read. After the video, another woman introduced Alexie and then it was finally time for the show to start.

Alexie waltzed onto the stage and pushed the podium to the side. He began his presentation by telling his well known “water on the brain” story. He talked about how his mother knew that there was something seriously wrong with him because his head was too big, but the ‘rez’ doctors didn’t believe her. He told the audience of how it wasn’t until his common senseless cousin tried to push him on a swing at five months old and he ended up in the emergency room that he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. In the process, he somehow managed to make at least seven sex jokes and 15 white people jokes. Alexie’s speech continued as he recalled his childhood of “white nurses and white doctors and white social workers and white physical therapists and white psychologists.”

Everything was going smoothly until a member of the audience at CPTC had a medical emergency and Alexie insisted on taking a 10-minute break. Visitors at

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Pierce College Puyallup students and Puyallup residents watch Alexie speak via live stream.

“While talking about his recent medical woes, he asked all of the men more than 40 years old to stand. he then told all of the ones who have had a colonoscopy to sit while he yelled at the ones still standing to ‘go get your ass checked.’ ” the Puyallup campus dispersed into the lobby of the AAH to fill up on complementary coffee and fruit.

“I really like this so far,” student Hailey Cottle said.

“Sherman Alexie is great and I had no idea what a funny guy he is.”

After the break, Alexie returned to sharing his stories and making the audience laugh. While talking about his recent medical woes, he asked all of the men more than 40 years old to stand. He then told all of the ones who have had a colonoscopy to sit while he yelled at the ones still standing to “go get your ass checked.”

Alexie has a way of flawlessly melding together the horrors of life and humor because the next thing he shared was his recent dance with death. He told of the ping-pong ball sized tumor that was found on his brain in December and the dangerous surgery he had three days later. He did all of this while still making the audience laugh until he shared how the first thing he asked when he got out of surgery was, “Can I still tell stories?” After wiping away a few tears, he concluded his talk.

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Audience members at the Puyallup campus stuck around for a bit after Alexie’s presentation talking amongst themselves about what they had heard and how it made them feel.

“I mainly came at first because of extra credit for my poetry class,” student Ally Rose said. “Sherman Alexie is someone I’ve heard of before and I knew how important of a person he was. I don’t get the opportunity to come to these ‘motivational’ speeches very often so I knew this was something I didn’t want to miss.”

Everyone took away something different, but many were in awe of Alexie’s storytelling abilities.

“He taught me that you need to be able to laugh at things,” Rose said. “He’s had to deal with a lot of bad things, but he still has a positive outlook on it and you can tell that he’s happy with life.”

One of Alexie’s defining traits as an author and public speaker is his vulgarity. He’s on the list of banned books, after all. He’s avidly against filtering himself and beating around the bush so that people don’t get uncomfortable with what he has to say. He said that if people are too afraid to talk about topics like sex, it’s a question as to how they’re going to talk about the real issues in the world.

“He’ll say things that some people would be like, ‘oh my gosh, I can’t believe he just said that,’ but I’m glad he said those things,” Cottle said. “Nobody should tell you that you can’t say those things because everything is worth being talked about and I think that’s important.”

The jokes and personal stories will stay with those that came to listen to this talk with Alexie. Many left eager to pick up one of his books and to tell their loved ones more than 40 years old to get a colonoscopy.

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firstlooK

We test the waters so you don’t have to

moviereview

musicreview

moviereview

Suzanne Buchholz

Andrea Mendoza

Amber Gilliland

Zootopia

The Jungle Book

Generation Doom

Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy, Family

Action/Adventure, Drama, Family

Otep

On the surface, Zootopia, Disney’s latest animated adventure, looks innocent enough. The posters and merchandise feature cute anthropomorphic animals living in a thriving metropolis, which doesn’t scream dark and dramatic. But underneath is a film with enough complexity and emotional moments to keep viewers engaged up until the credits start to roll.

The movie focuses on Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), a determined and strongwilled bunny whose goal in life is to become a police officer. After years of hard work, she manages to make it onto the police force and is sent from her small farming town to the vast city of Zootopia. Once she arrives, she realizes her dreams are far from being achieved as she’s constantly underestimated by her much larger cohorts.

As a rash of missing mammals breaks out cast: Ginnifer in Zootopia, Judy sees it as her opportunity to Goodwin, Idris Elba, show her worth to the police force. But when J.K. Simmons, Jason she’s given only 48 hours to solve the case, she Bateman, Nate enlists the help of Nick Wilde (Jason Bate- Torrence. man), a cynical fox who also happens to be a con artist. As the two set aside their differences rated: PG; Some and work together to track down the animals, thematic elements, they end up uncovering an even bigger con- rude humor and action. spiracy within Zootopia that’s putting the entire city in danger.

Early on in the movie, it’s easy to spot some of the more predictable plot elements - the fox and the bunny become unlikely friends, everyone in Zootopia learns a lesson that even the smallest of creatures can achieve big things and so on. True, these elements are present, but they’re delivered with so many surprising plot twists that such overused tropes actually feel fresh and well executed. While these twists can’t be explained without revealing major spoilers, there were several moments in the movie that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats, trying to anticipate what will happen next.

Zootopia is full of action in the form of epic chase scenes and faceoffs against foes (some of which are very surprising), but mixed in with these scenes are several more emotional moments that will tug at viewers’ heartstrings. Flashbacks from Nick and Judy’s childhoods in which they both face discrimination for being who they are, as well as their current struggles to find acceptance, might leave more sensitive viewers with tears in their eyes and a hope in their hearts that everything will turn out well for the heroes.

The movie also contains some clever references that’ll most likely sail over younger viewers’ heads, but will bring older members of the audience a good chuckle. About halfway through the movie, the audience is introduced to Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche), a crime boss who bears more than a passing resemblance to Vito Corleone of The Godfather movies. Later into the film is a small reference to Breaking Bad that leaves viewers who get the joke cracking up.

One problem with Zootopia is the pacing of the third act of the movie. While the problems and plot twists of the movie were resolved in a satisfactory way by the end of the film, it felt like there were too many twists crammed into the final act. They all proved to be necessary to the plot, but it would’ve had more of an impact and been less confusing had the film introduced some of these twists a little earlier in the film, or made it a little longer to compensate. This is overall a minor complaint, but can be bothersome to those who prefer more time for a resolution.

The music for the movie was also on the disappointing side. The score, composed by Michael Giacchino, felt like standard Disney fare.

While it did the job of setting the tone for certain scenes, it didn’t sound like anything special, either. One exception was the song Try Everything by Shakira which, despite sounding like a typical pop anthem, was catchy and rounded out the film nicely.

Despite a few minor issues, Zootopia lived up to its hype and is likely to become a Disney classic for several years.

Rudyard Kipling’s beloved story returns to the big screen in this Walt Disney Pictures production directed by Jon Favreau, who also directed Avengers: Age of Ultron and Iron Man 3. This action- filled spin on The Jungle Book wasn’t only filled with big beasts, realistic CGI effects and an amazing cast, it's also filled with humor for every age, thrilling action and occasional singalongs.

The movie starts off with Mowgli (Neel Sethi) growing up with his wolf-pack family and mom Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o). This is a predictable storyline—boy meets cast: Neel Sethi, world and becomes a man. Bill Murray, Ben Under the guidance of black Kingsley, Idris Elba, panther Bagheera (Ben Kings- Scarlett Johansson. ley), Mowgli is taught to act and think like the animals in rated: PG; Some the jungle, but he’s still sequences of scary referred to as a “man cub” by action and peril. them. As the driest year shadows the jungle, Shere Khan (Idris Elba) the most feared tiger, threatens to kill the wolf pack to get rid of Mowgli because humans aren't allowed in the jungle.

Mowgli decides to leave with Bagheera before there’s any harm done. But Shere Khan’s hatred for Mowgli becomes an obsession to kill. Throughout the movie, Mowgli and Bagheera encounter the hypnotizing python Kaa (Scarlett Johansson) and famous singing bear Baloo (Bill Murray), which Mowgli befriends. Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera continue taking the man cub home, but not before some terrible news is bestowed upon them that make the trio go back home and facing off with Shere Khan. As the movie and Shere Khan’s hunt for Mowgli continues, Mowgli learns that the jungle is and will always be his home no matter if he’s a man.

Disney’s original The Jungle Book was filled with music, but this version only included four songs with two being the most well-known from the original.

The lack of music was disappointing as it was a main highlight in the 1967 version, and makes the audience sing along. The visionary spectacle in this version somewhat compensated for the musical part of the movie.

The CGI effects were fantastic as it made the movie stand out, especially in 3D. Although the movie was filmed in a warehouse, the walk through the jungle seemed too real to be fake.

The characters popped out at the audience a couple of times, giving the audience a good scare and on occasion making the kids scream.

Well-known characters like Baloo, Shere Khan and Bagheera were too absent from the main screen.

The movie seemed to be more about the development of Mowgli's character instead of them.

There’s never a scene without Mowgli being the star and this gets overwhelming. The movie lacked background to the rest of the characters and a more in-depth look into their personality, making the movie miss information.

Although The Jungle Book isn’t a must-see, it’s an enjoyable movie.

With seven studio albums, the band Otep never seems to disappoint. The band’s newest gem, Generation Doom, was released on April 15, the same night Otep performed at Studio Seven in Seattle. The new album is different from anything the band has ever done, yet it’s still undeniably Otep. It’s an eclectic mix of styles that still manages to keep the classic Otep sound throughout the album.

Generation Doom treats listeners to the poetic lyrics and rugged attitude that fans have come to expect from the group.

One song in particular, Equal Rights, Equal Lefts, tackles the subject of gay rights in a way that showcases singer Otep Shamaya’s rugged attitude. This track is a rock/rap mashup that’s a newer sound for the band but it works.

Adding to the mix of sounds on this album, the fourth track is a cover of Royals by Lorde. This isn’t something many listeners would probably expect to find on an Otep album, but Shamaya’s screaming vocals give the song an edge that’ll make some rockers a fan of the pop song. The band’s version would fit perfectly on a Punk Goes Pop album.

On the Shore is a sharp contrast from the first track Zero, a fast-paced song that starts off with Shamaya screaming “I don’t give a fuck.” On the Shore is a calming, heartfelt track that listeners can easily connect to. Lyrics in the song such as, “The water’s warm, I can see dry land, no longer living under your command,” feel very personal and can resonate with listeners.

The best song on the album is definitely Down.

The track has a bit of the rock/rap feel similar to Equal Rights, Equal Lefts. It starts off calm and builds up to a booming, head-bangable chorus.

This song is easy to rock out to and calls for being played at the highest volume possible.

Generation Doom contains three bonus tracks after On the Shore that are a pleasant addition to the album. An acoustic version of Lie is just another way to enjoy the already amazing song.

Breathing in the Fire is a spoken word poem that brings back the classic Otep sound from previous albums. It’s reminiscent of the band’s other spoken word tracks such as Voyeur and Baby’s Breath and will make lovers of Otep’s older work happy.

The final bonus track, however, is unfortunately a flop. It’s a remix of On the Shore that adds a dance/techno type beat to the deep, poetic lyrics of the original version. The two clash greatly and the new beat is a slap in the face to the lyrics. The album should’ve ended with Breathing in the Fire instead.

Generation Doom is one of Otep’s best albums. It has a unique sound and the variety of styles will appeal to a broader audience than some of the band’s previous work.

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Vidangel: a blessing from above Lizzie Duke Reporter

Vidangel is an online movie renting service and is available on any device with Internet connection. Often compared to Netflix or Redbox, it’s another easy-to-use, cheap option for movie viewing. One difference is that Vidangel encourages filtering out the “negative” aspects of movies.

To watch a movie, it’s required for the user to set at least one filter. According to Vidangel, this is to offer a family-friendly movie watching experience. It also avoids infringing on current copyright laws.

The filters can casually skip scenes with violence, illegal activity, nudity or vulgarity while leaving the background noise on. The most common filters set are nudity for Game of Thrones, extreme violence out of action movies and Jar Jar Binks out of Star Wars.

According to their website, “it is all up to you, but we think the freedom to filter makes the world a little better place.”

For those who love the dirty bits of movies or simply don’t want to miss even a word, set a filter on the opening or closing credit; no one watches those anyway.

Vidangel sorts movies into three categories: popular, recent and inspiring. It also allows for sorting movies by rating and contains a separate section for TV shows.

To start a Vidangel account, someone must put in $20 to their prepaid movie credits. This is because Vidangel can’t legally rent movies. It can only sell them and buy them back. Therefore, someone purchases the movie for $20 and then within 24 hours can sell the movie back for $19 (or $18 for HD). Thus, the movie is basi-

cally rented for $1 (or $2 for HD).

To sell back a movie, someone would push the “sell back” button. There’s also an automatic sellback feature to make this process even easier, which returns the movie after 24 hours.

A personal watchlist can be made, containing anything from The Lion King to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Vidangel is a lot like Netflix, except it contains movies people might actually want to watch.

There’s even an extensive section just for movies that Netflix doesn’t have.

Some movies and shows can be found on both Vidangel and Netflix, but being $1 to watch on Vidangel, they’re cheaper on Netflix; however, for those without Netflix, a $1 show is a great alternative to missing an important plot twist or suffering through Hulu’s incessant commercials.

Vidangel could also be compared to Redbox, the only difference being it requires no trip to the local grocery store and doesn’t limit the viewers options to new releases.

According to Vidangel’s website, “Skip the red painted box.

Stream movies for one BLEEPING dollar.”

If Vidangel doesn’t have the show or movie someone is looking for, users can simply suggest it and it’ll be available for viewing once 50 customers have requested it, which often happens much faster than expected.

With hundreds of movies and TV shows to choose from for only $1, Vidangel is the perfect go-to for any college student, whether that means Vidangel and chill, procrastination or just another lone movie marathon.

Minimalism: A documentary about the important things Grace Amsden Editor-in-chief

When thinking about the future, it might be common for an individual to strive to live in a large house, have the nicest car and a high-paying job - all things that can add to their mindset of the “perfect life.”

Watching Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things can make viewers question their values and what it means to be happy—or what society thinks they should be happy for.

This documentary shares the journey of best friends Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn who both live as minimalists. They worked together at the same job for eight years, yet Nicodemus realized that his life wasn’t ultimately what he wanted it to be. He said that each day, he’d go to work on many days from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. He’d later come home and engage in a cycle of watching TV, checking emails, making phone calls and watching more TV. At 28 years old, Nicodemus decided he wanted to get rid of some of his possessions after hearing about minimalism from Millburn. So, Nicodemus packed his belongings into boxes with the intention of seeing what he really used. After three weeks, 80 percent of the items were still in the boxes, by which he then sold and discarded many of these items. Nicodemus and Millburn carry a message throughout the film: living a simple life with less items means more.

New items are constantly being pumped into stores and advertised. There’s a reason why children see an advertisement for a new toy on TV and want it, though this can apply towards people of any age and for a series of items.

As stated in the documentary, advertisements promote the message that people need something new, even if they already have a similar item; however, it can feel rewarding to go shopping and purchase items. There’s something oddly satisfying about carrying around shopping bags the new goodies. Yet, this excitement can wear off. The documentary proves the point that with fewer items, the items remaining can actually be necessary and utilized often instead of just collecting dust.

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It was neat to see examples throughout the film of the different environments by which a minimalist may live which includes a tiny house. As shown, Tammy Strobel, author of You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap), resides in a charming small house after donating about 90 percent of her items, she said. After working in a cubicle for around 10-12 hours per day, she was unhappy and found that a simpler life could be achieved if she got rid of some of her items.

It’s scary to imagine a life confined simply to sitting inside a cubicle, staring at a computer screen for a substantial amount of time. It’s even scarier if it starts affecting one’s health and happiness.

The documentary touches on the fact that there’s an alternative to following the American Dream, as Millburn said that this isn’t the only template out there.

One interview in particular is striking. It’s with Colin Wright, entrepreneur and full-time traveler. He travels the world, carrying all his items in duffle bags. He said that he’d always wanted to travel outside of the United States, and now does so without a permanent residence.

Though not directly discussed in the documentary, Nicodemus said that he and Millburn created the “20/20 rule” about five years ago. This rule means that when they’d travel, they decided to not bring any “just in case” items. For example, this could mean bringing a second pair of sunglasses in addition to the first pair. Nicodemus said that a “just in case” item can be found in 20 minutes

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for less than $20 and this rule has worked about 99.9 percent of the time.

Even though the content in this documentary is lighthearted, viewers should prepare to engage in a reflection of their lives and consider what’s truly important.

An emotional moment in the film is when Millburn shares when he found out about his mother’s diagnosis.

While at work, he delayed the incoming call from his mother, checking the voicemail later, by which his mother informed him of her stage four lung cancer. Millburn said he realized that he hadn’t spent enough time with her.

The material in this documentary makes the viewer think about themselves and their lifestyle. The transitions sometimes serve artistic purposes, such as the roar of noise during the clips from the mayhem of Black Friday to a simpler, calmer landscape.

It’s almost as if this documentary makes a permanent mark on the brain, so much to start looking around one’s living space and identifying items that aren’t all that necessary. But it may not be easy to make such change, even if someone is interested in this lifestyle. Small changes might be a start, such as by cleaning through items in the garage.

One aspect to consider is that some individuals decorate their homes in ways that might contain many items and may even look like a museum. There isn’t anything wrong with this, unless the house is completely hoarded in ways that makes it difficult, unsafe and unhealthy to navigate. The message here is inspiring but may not become an easy reality.

The documentary serves as a wake-up call for determining what an individual wants their future to look like without the pressures from the rest of society.

For those interested in viewing Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, the film can be downloaded in August, and there are also screenings of the documentary in Washington.

For more information and a schedule of screenings, go to minimalismfilm.com.

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Campus events calendar Compiled by Andrea Mendoza

May. 10-20 Pre-registration advising May. 11 Employment and Education Fair in the CTR May. 13 Money Monster movie release May. 13 The Darkness movie release May. 14 Dance Like a Chicken Day May. 18 OSL Basic Archery Lesson at Skookum Archers Club and Range 5:30 p.m.

May. 18 Living Voices 11 a.m.-noon in MPR May. 20 Last day to withdraw/continuous entry class registration ends May. 20 The Angry Birds Movie release May. 20 Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising movie release May. 20 The Nice Guys movie release May. 21 Talk Like Yoda Day May. 23 Registration for summer and fall quarter begin May. 24 Election 2016: How Will You Decide? 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in MPR May. 25 National Wine Day May. 26-28 Puyallup theatre presents Murder Stories in the AAH Black Box Theatre 8 p.m.

May. 26 Poetry with purpose: Neil Hilborn 11 a.m.-noon MPR May. 27 OSL showing of Zootopia 5-7 p.m. in MPR May. 27 X-Men: Apocalypse movie release May. 27 Alice Through the Looking Glass movie release May. 28 OSL Seattle International District Tour 8:30 a.m.

May. 30 Memorial Day May. 31 Caps and gowns available in bookstore for graduation

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Lizzie Duke Reporter

College Center multipurpose room is an option. The MPR has a projector, which would allow the club members to watch The Breakfast Club.

“I’d like to get to the point where we don’t even watch the movie, we just recite it,” Ward said.

One club activity may include dressing up, possibly as all the characters, and having a costume contest. Arts and humanities professor Sam Sloan is the club’s adviser. “(He’s) just a fantastic teacher,” Ward said. “I feel like he would be one of the people who would win in a (costume) contest like that.”

Ward enjoys other movies directed by John Hughes such as Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In his free time, he makes random Snapchat stories, wears Heelys and lives in a blanket fort he created in his bedroom.

“I have (lived in a blanket fort) for six months,” Ward said. “Other than that, I don’t do a specific thing. Everything’s random.”

Ward would love to be in the film industry and has always wanted to be an actor. Currently, he works at The Original Pancake House, which he believes has the best food and may have strengthened his love for The Breakfast Club.

photo courtesy Justin Ward

One day while talking about movies with his friends, student Justin Ward realized that he was the only one in his group of friends who had seen The Breakfast Club.

Thus, The Breakfast Club Club was born.

The Breakfast Club is an 1985 American comedydrama film about five teens from very different social circles who are stuck together for Saturday detention and overcome their stereotypes.

Out of all the characters in The Breakfast Club, Ward said he connects most with the “brain,” Brian.

“You just kind of laugh at him when you see him,” Ward said and then joked, “that’s what people do to me.”

Ward also said he’s crazy like the “basket

case” and jokes he’d dress up as the “princess.” His favorite part of the movie is when the “athlete,” Andrew, is telling the story of how he received detention.

“That whole scene is so fantastic; like how is that not scripted?” Ward said.

Ward was home-schooled until 2015, when he began attending Pierce as a Running Start student. He said being home-schooled was a terrible experience, but he’s making up for it now.

“I would just sit at home and watch The Breakfast Club,” Ward said.

So far, Ward estimates 15 people have signed-up to be part of the club, but the list is growing. The purpose of the club is to watch the movie while eating breakfast foods.

His goal is to create a seemingly school-free environment where students’ worries can melt away.

Ward plans to have club meetings on Mondays each lasting around two hours. The Breakfast Club Club meeting location is undecided, though the

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The Breakfast Club Club (from left) Cameron Starr, Arianna Keaton, Justin Ward, Jordan Limes and Leah Vaughan

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