Exploring the arts Page 6 Rochester Community and Technical College
Volume 90 - Issue 6 - May 2020
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Commencement goes virtual
RCTC will celebrate its 2019-2020 graduation candidates via social media. Photo courtesy of RCTC College Relations and Marketing Department
By Ilwad Salex Reporter Around this time almost every year, all around the country there are students who are preparing for arguably one of the most memorable times of their lives: high school graduation. They plan their outfits, invite loved ones, excited and scared of what the future holds. This year however, things are a bit different. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and businesses deemed as non-essential around the world have closed. For this reason, many schools have decided to cancel graduation ceremonies and instead have the diplomas mailed home or picked up by the students.
Some prefer it this way, while others think sadly about the graduation ceremony they waited for for many years. It’s not only high schools that are canceling graduation ceremonies -- universities and colleges around the world have announced the cancelation of their graduation ceremonies, too. At Rochester Community and Technical College, this year they’ll hold a virtual commencement. Students can upload pictures, inspirational quotes along with their names and the major they are graduating with, and RCTC will put that information on a card showcasing it on social media. While this might be not traditional, RCTC is doing everything they can to
make it a memorable experience for graduates. Safia Mustaf, a John Marshall PSEO student, will soon be graduating high school. When asked about how the graduation ceremonies being canceled affected her, she said that although it’s not the way she’d imagined her high school graduation, “it’s something that can’t be helped.” “Graduation is something I have always been excited for and it’s a bit sad to see it never happen,” she said. “But at the end of day it is for the best.” Mustaf also said that because of graduation ceremonies being canceled, her high school was requesting student’s to send in pictures similar to what RCTC is doing.
RCTC student receives Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award and Scholarship RCTC staff Rochester Community and Technical College student Nhung Nguyen was selected to receive the Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award and Scholarship. Since emigrating from Vietnam in 2005, Nguyen has been active in volunteerism in the community, including having taught Vietnamese to young children in Rochester for several years. Nguyen Nguyen continues to face the many challenges in her life with perseverance and optimism. Nguyen was one of 20 Minnesota State college and university students selected to receive this honor. Through the generosity of Dr. Mark Welter, this award provides an annual tribute to Minnesota State students who exemplify an understanding of the interconnected nature of the world, its nations, and all people. Nguyen was nominated for this award by Sandy Aaby, a library technician at RCTC’s Goddard Library. For more information on the Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award, contact RCTC’s Academic Affairs office at 507285-7292.
Online learning becomes a ‘one-stop-shop’ for students By Ekhlas Abdullahi Editor in Chief
Due to COVID-19, all RCTC courses have been converted to online classes. However, for some classes, it is important to have hands-on, and in-class experience. Classes such as Anatomy and Physiology, which is a dual lecture and laboratory course, has had to convert both of these formats to an online learning platform.
Photo courtesy of RCTC College Relations and Marketing Department
RCTC faculty and students stay connected through online resources amid COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Jaime Tjossem, a professor of Anatomy and Physiology, “I wanted to make the transition to 100% online learning as smooth as possible for my students so each week I post a ‘What’s New... What’s Due?’ announcement in D2L. “There, students find instructions, direct links, and timelines for completing work
for the week. It is basically a ‘one-stopshop’ so that they can be organized as well.” Professor Tjossem says students are expected to watch recorded lectures, complete self assessments and Mastering A&P assignments, and watch laboratory video tutorials in order to prepare for lecture and lab exams. “If students have questions, they either email me or we meet in Zoom,” she says. In a replacement for the dual lab course, Professor Tjossem has been using prerecorded lectures on Mediaspace, and Mastering AP biology. However, not all classes have been able to replace all of their features immedi-
ately. For example, some students may not have internet access available at home or are living in environments that aren’t safe for them to study. Professor Tjossem said because many of her students were already using online features such as Mastering Biology, all of her students had internet access. Many health and biology courses are utilizing Mastering Biology, but almost all other courses are using other resources such as Zoom and Mediaspace. Communication during these times is also challenging due to the absence of in-person scheduling. Some courses are implementing scheduled Zoom calls for lectures and other questions.
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News
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COVID-19 crisis presents new challenges for businesses By Ashley Walker Managing Editor As COVID-19 cases are rising and coming in faster with each day, the economy is slowing to a halt. Businesses are closing curtains for the next few weeks, not knowing how long they will be taking a hit in their profit as the coronavirus continues to alter our lives with some new development day by day. Essential businesses such as grocery stores and local convenience stores are booming as one would expect during a pandemic. But what about the entertainment industry, food industry, local pharmacies, and small drugstores? How well will they be faring at a time when no one goes out? While everyone will be anxious to get out of the house and go out and about to places that were closed during this, many businesses are taking huge hits in revenue. Places like Great Wall and Tea Time, for example. Both are run by owners of Asian-descent. Reports show that some people have taken to avoiding places with owners as such due to the virus originating in Wuhan, China. According to MayoClinic.org, people of Asian-descent are being stigmatized severely, threatening these businesses job/ educational opportunities and leaving frontline workers to take verbal, emotional, and physical abuse. It will deeply affect how these businesses will carry on in Rochester and the money that they bring in. Other places such as all of the cinemas in town -- Marcus, Cinemagic, and Chateau -- have been hit hard as well. With seating so close to one another, people may end up preferring to wait and watch movies in their own homes instead. From NYPOST.com, Wedbush Securities Analyst Michael Pachter says, “Without ticket and concession revenue, there will likely be a lot of unpaid rent, and it’s anyone’s guess whether the landlords will terminate the leases and evict the tenants or whether they will just deal with it.” Local pharmacies and drugstores, although a part of the medical field enough to be an essential business that have been allowed to stay open throughout the COVID-19 crisis, are suffering the withdrawals of customers and facing the negative behavior from the public. Hunt Silver Lake Drug is a local pharmacy in Rochester, first starting 60 years ago. While income has been steady even with owner changes throughout the years, COVID-19 has definitely caused an array of problems. Sarah Ratzloff, a pharmacist there, stated that, “Foot traffic is low, but we’re trying to keep it that way. There’s been a huge increase in deliveries and we hope our curb-side pick-up service will increase as well. “There are less Fast-Care prescriptions coming in, so it shows us that people are staying away from clinics as best as possible. “With new information on COVID-19 coming in everyday, it’s hard for me to adequately answer some questions, but we are trying our best with the knowledge we
have and gain.” Another employee noted that customer negativity has been extreme, as people are confused and getting frustrated when they can’t get what they need because essential items are on backorder. Staffing is low, as it’s difficult to get people to come into work through a pandemic when a pharmacy already deals particularly with the sick. Safety is a big concern and drugstores like Hunt’s are trying their best to keep everything sanitary, donning masks and gloves for all encounters.
“Quarantine is extended for 4 more weeks.” Illustration by Mark Fantonial
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Social distancing 101: Understanding the basics By Ekhlas Abdullahi Editor in Chief During these times of trouble and crisis, many big and local businesses have closed or changed their hours of operation. Governor Tim Walz has issued multiple stay-at-home orders, and has also ordered Minnesota schools to stay closed for the rest of the academic year. He has also asked people to socially distance themselves from others and only leave the house if it is essential. Many are confused about what counts as social distance, and how to safely operate during this
pandemic. Social distancing means staying at home as much as possible. This means not seeing friends or gatherings. When eating food outside of home, choose takeout or pick-up options. Essential workers who are outside should wear gloves and a mask for protection. Otherwise work and learn at home as much as possible. When in public, stay six feet away from each other. These rules are especially important if one is showing symptoms of illness. It’s also important to use these protocols to help flatten the curve. Social distancing will not make COVID-19 magically disappear, but instead help hospitals and medical professionals by providing them time and space to help others affected and fight this virus.
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Wellness
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Reaching out may be the best medicine By Shannon Sullivan Mindful Money Management
May 2020 Volume 90, Issue 6 AH-402 507-438-6932 RCTCecho@gmail.com www.rctc.edu/echo Editor-in-Chief
Ekhlas Abdullahi
Managing Editor Ashley Walker Reporters
Amaya Travis Ilwad Salex
As we monitor our physical health, it is also imperative to monitor our financial health. The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic will surely have a lasting impact on many of our lives. Now more than ever is the time to use budgets and assess the categories to determine if it is a need versus a want. Here are some tips to consider as we move through this time. If you are a Federal Direct Student Loan borrower, from March 13 through September 30, your interest rate will be 0%. No payments are due during this time if you are currently in repayment. Now is the time to call your loan servicer if you’ve had a change in your income due to
changes in employment. They can ensure you are in the best repayment plan for your budget. If you’re having difficulty making your housing payment (rent or mortgage) connect with your leasing agency or mortgage company. They may be able to work with you to navigate a repayment arrangement that works for both parties during this time. Early communication is the key, and it is better to work with the other party proactively rather than waiting until payments are late. If you find that you’re not driving as much, call your auto insurance company and review your policy. Perhaps you will find that less driving (means less gas and wear and tear on your car) and less in your monthly auto insurance bill.
Graphics Manager Mark Fantonial
Faculty Adviser Marissa Gentling
The Echo is a free publication written by RCTC students who are dedicated to freedom of press, while reporting on issues affecting the student body, faculty, administration and staff. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for content and length, and opinions expressed within The Echo do not necessarily reflect the views of Rochester Community and Technical College’s administration, faculty, staff or student body.
you through one month may be sufficient. When we fear buy and clear out shelves, it acts as a domino effect and makes us spend a lot more on our groceries than the budget has allowed. The most important thing you can do when checking your financial health is ask for help if needed. There is no shame in asking for help, and there are a ton of resources waiting for you to connect with them. These are times when our vulnerabilities may show more, our emotions may be displayed, and reaching out for help may be the best medicine that we can receive. Shannon Sullivan is a Student Services Specialist at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
FINISH
Photo Editor Kristin Mork
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If you review your budget and find that money designated to certain categories are not being used because the facility is closed (stores, salons, entertainment) this can be a great time to designate the funds to a savings account or to save to cover other categories if you are facing employment changes. Don’t panic and let your purchases be controlled by fear. As we have seen with the run on toilet paper, there is no reason to overbuy certain supplies. Do be prepared by using common sense to have a backup supply of items that you cannot live without. For some it might be a favorite peanut butter, it might be a favorite cookie or snack, or for others maybe a favorite toothpaste. Having enough to get
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Take steps to recognize, alleviate symptoms of burnout By Amaya Travis Reporter During these frantic and uncertain times, people across the globe are under extraordinary amounts of stress. Many people are likely on the verge of becoming or already are burnt out. But what is burnout? By definition, burnout is “a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.” One of the most commonly known symptoms of burnout is elevated exhaustion. In a Forbes article by Lisa M. Gerry, she states, “Exhaustion can be emotional, mental or physical. It’s the sense of not having any energy, of being completely spent.” Professor Thomas Kerr, a psychology instructor at Rochester Community and Technical College, had this to say when asked about some of burnouts warning signs and symptoms: “Are you feeling hopeless and helpless about your ability to complete schoolwork? Do you feel significantly more negative about school, yourself, and life in general? Do you constantly feel exhausted even though you’ve been getting adequate sleep? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes,’ you may be suffering from burnout.” Professor Kerr said that should burnout
Illustration by Mark Fantonial
not be alleviated, it can increase one’s risk to a number of health issues, including depression and high blood pressure. Insomnia, anxiety, decreased memory ability and headaches/migraines are a couple of other things that can occur as a result of prolonged burnout. If you feel you may be suffering from burnout, it is important to talk with a
medical professional who can point you in the right direction and identify some of the unknowns with burnout. Medical professionals can help you distinguish between burnout and depression. Professor Kerr mentioned that while depression has been around for a long time, burnout has only been studied for a couple of decades. We’re still learning
more about it and its symptoms. But what can you do to prevent it or heal yourself if you find yourself in this situation? Professor Kerr suggests eating healthy and getting exercise as a couple of ways to help alleviate burnout. He also suggests saving some time each day to spend on yourself. Even if it’s only 10 minutes. Do something you enjoy, something that makes you happy, without worrying about your daily workloads. Better time management and organization are two factors that Professor Kerr says can help prevent burnout. Splitting large projects into smaller manageable chunks, rewarding yourself for each chunk you complete, is another thing he recommends. Vanessa Mason, a paralegal on the product integrity team of a Twin Cities Law firm, says burnout is very common in the legal field. She says breathing exercises and reminding herself to relax are some of things that have helped ease her burnout symptoms. “It is not just a physical reaction, but it is also a mental and emotional reaction to the stress of our daily lives,” Mason said. “Because burnout can have such an effect on a person, it needs to be taken seriously.”
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Arts & Entertainment
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A fine time in Fine Arts RCTC’s ART Associate of Fine Arts Program offers students the opportunity to study the fundamentals of art and who wish to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, or a Bachelor of Arts degree. An ART AFA student transferring into a BFA or BA program may choose to specialize in one of many visual arts fields including: photography, graphic design, web design, digital art, illustration, ceramics, sculpture, painting, and drawing. Photos by Kristin Mork
Celebrities, gamers connect with fans in real time By Mark Fantonial Graphics Manager
By now, you’ve probably received a notification on Instagram that the biggest celebrity you follow is going live. What does this mean and why are celebrities doing this? Several famous faces are taking over social media, going live to their accounts and talking to their fans. Celebrities, singers and even gamers are coming up with simple yet creative ideas to keep people at home. Most states in the country (as well as the rest of the world) are in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People are having to stay at home. Celebrities and influencers are finding ways to entertain people and accompany them in case they
get bored and have nothing to do indoors. It is rumored that there are more internet-connected devices than toilets in an average household. It’s almost certain everyone trusts their phone to keep them entertained, whether it is streaming a show or scrolling through a person’s feed. Like others, celebrities have no choice but to stay indoors, including English actor and television host James Corden, who still manages to do his show through connecting his guests on a video call performance. These include special performances by Dua Lipa, the whole original Broadway cast of “Dear Evan Hansen,” and a whole lot more. Singers across every genre are doing their own free concert via Instagram by doing it daily or at least a few live sessions here and there.
Shawn Mendes had an Instagram live with Camila Cabello and sang a few favorite hits. The two have been isolating together as friends, as a couple, who knows? American singer and songwriter Miley Cyrus is taking it on a different route. Instead of performing in front of her phone, she invites fellow songwriters, celebrities and even her past co-actors. Actors like Emily Osment, who is known for the role of Lily Truscott from the childhood classic “Hannah Montana,” appeared on the show. Same with Selena Gomez and Hilary Duff.
Miley’s show on Instagram is called “BrightMinded” which first premiered on March 17, 2020. With shows and sessions like this hitting our social media feeds, it is undoubtedly one of the best ways to keep the public home and safe during the quarantine.
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Review: Pinterest offers something for everyone By Amaya Travis Reporter
The number of social media forms is constantly growing. With popular outlets like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok consuming the market, what are some of the smaller social media platforms like? One of my personal favorites is Pinterest. Pinterest isn’t small by any means, but compared to the social media giants, it isn’t as widely used. Pinterest is an idea and discovery platform. With billions of “pins,” it’s nearly impossible to not find what you are looking for. Whether you like cooking and want to find new recipes to make, or you are looking for home décor ideas, or writing and journaling prompts, they have literally everything you could ever imagine. I use Pinterest for a number of things. From Sims 4 and Minecraft content, to life hacks and art challenges -- the list of things I save and follow on Pinterest is quite extensive. It’s easy to get lost in the realm of ideas. One thing I spend the most time looking for is Sims 4 custom content. My Sims 4 custom content board has roughly 4,300 pins in it.
Besides the many ideas you can find on Pinterest, it is a great platform for advertisements. For some people, these are an inconvenience, but I’m not particularly bothered by it. Pinterest is a great advertising platform for businesses. It’s filled with a mountain of ideas and topics of interest, so advertising there may make it more likely that people who genuinely would want to buy your products see your advertisements. Another thing I, and many other Pinterest users, use the site for is finding new music. There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of music playlist ideas. I’ve even found of few of my current favorite songs by searching through some of the playlists. It just goes to show how expansive the enormous world of Pinterest really is. If you aren’t currently using Pinterest, I strongly suggest you start using it now. Maybe you’re thinking, “But I have [insert niche interest here], they definitely don’t have anything for me.” Wrong. No matter how strange or uncommon you think your interests are, there will be something there for you. So, what are waiting for? Join Pinterest today!
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