San Jose City College Times, Vol. 83, Issue 3, Mar 14, 2017

Tuesday, MARCH 14, 2017

The Voice of San Jose City College Since 1956

Volume 83

San Jose Under Water

Issue 3

Experience the Circus

Pg. 4

Exclusive Irish Feature

Pg. 6

...

Women in

PHOTO BY BENJAMIN CASTRO/TIMES STAFF

Coyote Creek flood causes intersection to shut down from S. 16th Street and E. Williams Street on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Science

Pg. 8

City College is accredited SJCC receives positive reviews and is reaffirmed by the ACCJC

BY JORDAN ELLIOTT TIMES STAFF

Time is running out Scholarships are open but the deadline approaches

BY MELISSA MARIA MARTINEZ TIMES STAFF

The last day for students to apply for SJCC scholarships is Thursday, March 30.

The SJEVCC district announced the new scholarship opportunities to students by email Feb. 17.

“Scholarships are good for anyone,” 22-year-old special education major, Ida Rivera said.

Rivera said she is planning to apply.

However, those who visit the SJCC website to apply will find the scholarship page has not been updated and a notice that states: 2016-2017 SJCC Scholarship applications are closed.

Information and applications for 20172018 SJCC Scholarships will be available late Fall 2016.

Students

interested

in

applying

should visit sjeccd.academicworks. com to begin the application process.

“The opportunity to go to school for even less than we pay now is terrific.”

19-year-old Mickayla-Bay Washington said.

All students who apply must prepare a 2-page essay on why they believe they are a good candidate to receive a scholarship.

The website will also ask for at least two professor email addresses to send automated reference requests.

“Students should apply for scholarships so they can spend more time pursuing the type of education they want,” SJCC’s Director of Student Life Blake Balajadia said. “A scholarship means you have more time with your book or office hours with you instructor or involved in student life on campus.”

Thursday, March 23 11 a.m. –2 p.m.

Student Center, Room 204

San Jose City College has officially received accreditation reaffirmation after a visit in Oct. 2016, with results announced by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges on Feb. 3.

After more than a decade, San Jose City College has finally received acknowledgment for excellence in faculty, classes and the overall campus. “(The accreditation) is supported by students’ ability to get quality jobs, the ability to transfer and the knowledge they receive from San Jose City College after having attended here as a student,” said SJCC’s president, Byron C. Breland.

SJCC is under a typical 18-month trial period before having a follow-up report on March 18, 2018.

“They (ACCJC) said in their visit that there were certain things we needed to fix, and what they do is give you an 18-month period to fix those items,” Breland, said. “Then they’ll return and they’ll look at the evidence to make sure those items have been addressed.

In the meantime, our accreditation is fully reaffirmed.”

According to Duncan

MEChA Presents ¡Viva la Mujer!

Long Live Women!

Graham, Vice President of Academic Affairs, there are approximately nine total recommendations that the ACCJC suggested, three of which have already been implemented.

Some of the improvements that SJCC is working on is to create a better way for students to file complaints and to offer classes at an off-cite location.

“I think it’s exciting because we were able to work together as a community to tell the story of how great of an institution we do have,” Breland said.

“Accreditation is about continuous quality improvement and we were able to respond to the standards of the Commission in a way that told them that we were a quality institution and that what students get here in terms of the value of their education is meaningful.”

Breland said the ACCJC had options to give SJCC a warning or probation period, but the fact that they chose to give temporary accreditation means that the institution is being recognized for its positive qualities. This also means that there were only minimal improvements to be made.

“We have up-to-date, stateof-the-art facilities. Having those facilities creates a more positive learning environment

because of hard work from faculty, staff and the phenomenal leadership of President Breland,” said Graham.

San Jose City College will join its sister-school, Evergreen Valley College, as well as other neighboring institutions, such as City College of San Francisco and Deanza College.

Students are widely unaware of this important milestone.

“Accreditation covers academic rigor for transfer, financial aid, and classrooms,” said Blake Balajadia, director of student life at SJCC. According to the SJECCD chancellor, Dr. Debra Budd, from her news release statement, this milestone ensures that SJCC has met a high standard and is proof of the work put forth by faculty and staff.

If all goes well for the March 2018 evaluation, the accreditation will move on to seven-year increments of time. Although students are not necessarily active contributors to the accreditation process, their support is always welcomed.

Indirectly, there are options for students to give feedback,” said Breland. “ Students should be open and honest about what works and what doesn’t.”

Latina Empowerment Event Food, refreshments and special guest speakers and raffle!

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2 Opinion

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Addressing race and gender Stand out, make a difference Modern oppression must be openly discussed

Represent, join student government

By Melissa Maria Martinez Times Staff

bY Jordan Elliott Times Staff

Opposition against race and gender has been an ongoing battle throughout history, and prejudice has evolved to fit modern society.

While many avoid facing issues related to race and gender, it desperately needs to be addressed. Change will not happen unless discussion is opened.

Ava DuVernay’s documentary film, 13th, touched on the way that prejudice has evolved over time. From slavery, to convict leasing and Jim Crow, the nation is now at an all-time high with mass incarceration. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, black males make up 29 percent of the prison population in the state and Latinos 42 percent.

“When you’re labeled, you’re kind of a second-class citizen,” said Macklin McAdams, 35, a formerly incarcerated student in the Experience Berkeley program.

Slavery is no longer legal in the United States; however, racism is shown through subtle ways in an otherwise progressive culture. Even in the most diverse areas, such as San Jose, the echo of prejudice is heard.

“The more incarcerated we have, the better the community feels, but the crime rate is not lower,” said McAdams. “Foster youths and incarceration are practically the same word. Most foster youth will be incarcerated. We’re trying to solve two problems at the same time.”

Misogyny continues to be a part of the ongoing battle for understanding and enlightenment. According to a recent article published in The Guardian, 60 percent of women in the Silicon Valley alone experience harassment because of their gender.

“I’m both a minority and a woman. I expect people to judge me first based on one or the other before they even know me,” said Vicki Hernandez, 22, a liberal arts major at SJCC. On Sunday, February 19, the 75th commemoration of the executive order for Japanese internment camps was observed in Japantown, San Jose. This event recalled the past, but also highlighted current concerns.

“It was great to see all the different generations. People referring to the past, but also people referring to now,” said

Nina Myers, a sales associate at Japantown’s Nikei Tradition, who was present at the event.

Although it seems unlikely that the nation with escalade to internment of minorities, many agree that situations like President Donald Trump’s Muslim registry are a possible threat.

“It’s hard to believe the Muslim registry. I’d like to believe that wouldn’t happen, but there are all kinds of possibilities.

It’s best to remain vigilant,” said Myers.

The fact that this is a very real concern proves that racial stigmas continue to thrive in modern landscapes. Political correctness is used often to fill the gaps of ignorance, but is there a more effective way to deal with these issues?

Social activism is the answer, not political correctness.

“I think oppression is mostly underground. Like, people are promised jobs in the U.S., but then are put in positions of servitude,” said John Jeng, a volunteer docent at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.

“Firstly, a clear cut way to bring about change is stop believing everything in mass media,” said Professor Khalid White, who has been teaching Ethnic Studies, African American Studies and Sociology at SJCC since 2008.

Media plays an important role in the expression of bigotry today. It is a catalyst either for oppression or for change.

“I don’t think body image, for women, was ever this confusing. The media constantly gives out these messages. There’s all these ideals that women need to be, all these opinions,” said Jessica Mayes, 26, who is studying Social Studies.

White people can never truly understand the experiences of minorities, but must take responsibility for their own actions and use their privilege to help. Men can never truly understand the struggles of women, but must demonstrate empathy and seek education.

Opening discussion and not denying modern discrimination is an important beginning. Be active and get involved with the community by checking out websites, such as: http://www.svfaces.org/ “Check out Silicon Valley FACES,” said Jeng. “Find out what you can do to stop this pattern of oppression in our society.”

Technology Center, Room 302 San Jose City College 2100 Moorpark Avenue San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 298-2181 x3213

Interested in free textbooks? More night classes?

A child-care center on campus?

One way students can advance causes such as these is by joining student government.

A position within student government not only looks good on a college application and/or resume, it also provides the perfect plat-

form to advance a worthwhile cause.

Students interested in taking part in student government can start today.

Now through March 30 Candidate Election Packets are available in the Office of Student Activities in the Student Center, Suite 115.

If students are not interesed in running for student government there are many

leadership opportunities available.

Check out the Associated Student Government page on the SJCC website, visit elected leaders in the Office of Student Activities Suite 115 and come to weekly student government meetings every Wednesday in the Student Center Room 204 from 2-4 p.m. All are welcome.

Candidate workshops will be held March 13 and 14 and completed candidate forms are due Thursday, March 30 at 5 p.m

Have you considered joining student government?

Speak Out ILLUSTRATION BY NICOLE NEWSOM / TIMES STAFF

Compiled by Melissa M Martinez / Times Staff

Christina Avila Age: 42 Communication Professor

Helen Row Age: 23 Major: Nursing

I encourage my students to get involved in student government.

No. Does not fit my personality type.

Jordan Garcia Age: 18 Major: Criminal Justice

Kyle Fitzgerald Age: 20 Major: Communication

Lauro Sanchez Age: 30 Major: Nursing

No. No reason in particular.

I have considered it.

Would join in whatever capacity needed.

Have considered joining, would like to do the max capacity.

Editor-in-Chief Jordan Elliott

Designer Nicole Newsom

Managing Editor Leslie Aguilar

Photo Editor Benjamin Castro

Reporters/ Photographers Anne Caillat Lauren Quilty Reginald Lucious Webb

Copy Editor Melissa Maria Martinez

Faculty Adviser Farideh Dada

Contributor Magnolia Lionero

Lilian Ruiz Age: 21 Major : Human Biology or Psychology No, I’ve never been too involved in the process of government.

The Times encourages comments and opinions from its readers.

Letters can be dropped off at or sent to: • The Times mailbox at Reprographics • Room 302 in the Technology Building • citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu Please do not exceed 200 words

citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu /sjcitycollegetimes

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/sjcctimesonline

@sjcctimesonline

The City College Times is written, edited, designed and produced entirely by students.

All copyrights are reserved.

No part of The Times can be reproduced without permission.

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Reconcile your sins

BY REGINALD WEBB TIMES STAFF

Many black Americans celebrate Juneteenth, which commemorates slave emancipation. Why should this simply be a black holiday?

America should celebrate it formally.

Emancipating the slaves has to be seen as one of the most significant events of our founding. It is the beginning of the ongoing effort in American history to make democracy, equality and civil rights apply to all.

Referred to as America’s original sin, slavery lasted for more than two centuries. It is the most expansive international crime against humanity in modern history.

Celebrating the Emancipation should be considered as an American Day of Reconciliation.

Observing this event could serve as a symbol that allows Americans to regret, reconcile, or make amends

for past behavior and mistakes.

By preserving this idea in the form of a holiday, celebrating the end of slavery would be a powerful message to the world and would serve society well through establishing a tradition of reconciliation in America.

We have been socialized to be unapologetic about so much.

Manifest Destiny sounds similar to what Isis is today, yet we have never apologized to Mexico. We refuse to consider reparations for slavery even though the practice is responsible for America’s emer-

Opinion 3

Make Juneteenth an official Holiday

gence as an economic superpower surpassing Europe and the rest of the world.

Slavery created unprecedented wealth for many, while leaving former slaves in poverty. Most of the disparity in wealth existing between blacks and whites today is directly related to slavery and Jim Crow.

Despite the brutalization that took place for over two hundred years, we do not show regret. In the context of today, the unexplainable need President Trump has of America needing to “win” is the result of our indoctrination. Winning at all costs appears to be a large part of our culture.

American Exceptionalism is asserted by many to justify our leadership in the world. However, Americans lack the moral compass to hold ourselves accountable for past misdeeds that violate international law and modern standards of values with regard to the United Nations.

Other nations have embraced the

idea of reconciliation.

Most notably, West Germany has had a process in place since the 1950’s providing financial reparations to Israel and direct financial compensation to Holocaust survivors. Likewise, it has established reconciliation programs in France.

South Africa has established a holiday marking December 16th as the nation’s Day of Reconciliation.

The day is an important symbol to the unity of the South African people commemorating the battle between the white Voortrekkers and the Zulu nation in 1838.

The day also marked the formulation of the military wing of the African National Congress in 1961 to fight Apartheid. Today, the holiday is meant as a unification of blacks and whites in Post-Apartheid South Africa.

If this idea is translated to the context of America, a formal observing of past mistakes could serve society in a positive way.

‘Islamaphobia’: power in a word Event coverage from the SJCC Islamaphobia lecture

ual associated with an attack might have devotion and love to his or her God and feel their act is justified and they are willing to sacrifice their life for their cause.

We never consider this because it becomes more difficult to understand. It is vital that we begin to consider this. Continuing this whole idea that we are

at war with Radical Islamic Terrorism is very much ill-defined and extremely irresponsible as a way to identify an enemy of war.

of life, es-

BY REGINALD WEBB pecially for TIMES STAFF

Sumbol Ali Karamali spoke in the SJCC Tech Building Feb.16 about the misconceptions of Islam in America. While enriching the audience about history seldom heard in Western schools, Karamali described a golden age of Islam. One thousand years of history often ignored in the West where the Muslim world advanced and developed modern mathematics and science.

Karamali described the framework that fuels the misconceptions of Islam.

There is a perception Islam is not a religion because Christianity predates it.

The false narrative that the Muslim world attempted to invade Europe and was beaten back on the battlefront has perpetuated a view of Islam of being hostile toward Christianity.

The alternative right movement has contributed to creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion spending millions propagandizing Islamic stereotypes. Islam is seen as incompatible with Western society. Karamali cited the peculiarity of several southern states that have passed laws prohibiting Sharia Law as a practice to preempt some sort of imminent threat of a Muslim insurgency into these communities with the intention of taking them over and imposing an oppressive way

women.

While much ofwhat Karamali said is helpful in ILLUSTRATION BY MAGNOLIA LONERO the effort to dispel equality. the so-called “IslamaphoThe term “Islamaphobia” bia” in America, she avoidmisrepresents the situation ed dealing with some of the in America. tough questions and real Emboldened by Prescomplexities in understandident Trump’s rhetoric, ing that prevail with regard many are simply using the to Islam in America. term “Islam” to describe Israel was never brought a multi-ethnic immigrant up as having any impact on population in America they the relationship of America have grown suspicious and Islam both in this counof and sometimes hateful try and abroad. There are toward as a result of events differences of opinion with like 9/11, The Boston regard to Israeli occupation Marathon bombing, the San in the West Bank and the subsequent settlement issue. Bernardino murders, and the recent terrorist attacks in Likewise, questions about Europe.

Israel’s existence were not Describing it, as if it discussed. was like being afraid of America as an intermediheights, is inaccurate. It is ary in the process has been much more serious when problematic and sometimes an American president is conflicted. America is seen talking about travel bans as supporting Israel in upholding policies that conflict and registries. It is even more serious when there is with American values of a spike in hate crimes and democracy and fairness. violence toward Muslims These questions have been, and will be, very pertinent to in America, which is the situation now. the overall narrative.

Another key misunderKaramali did not mention standing is the suggestion the role Black American that what we call terrorist Muslims have played in attacks is done by those the framing of American who have been radicalized perception of Islam.

The role of Malcolm X in or have become fanatics.

This dehumanizes people so the Civil Rights Movement that it is easier to gain concontributes to the idea of sensus on how to respond.

Islam supporting a radical The reality is there might be ideology and a nationalism instances where an individthat challenges American

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4 Entertainment

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

‘Don’t be afraid, don’t give up too soon’ Interview with two Cirque du Soleil artists

BY ANNE CAILLAT TIMES STAFF

Angelica Bongiovonni, 26, from Los Angeles, and Rachel Salzman, 27, from New York City, are the Cyr Wheel artists performing on the Cirque du Soleil show “LUZIA: a waking dream of Mexico”, from Cirque du Soleil, in San Jose until March, 19.

The Times interviewed them on March, 1.

How would you describe the Luzia show?

Salzman: “It’s a traveling island to island. The mosaic fits together as a whole.”

Bongiovonni: “There are characters you can follow. You’re traveling from one place to another, recreating a different environment for each tableau. That makes the show going by fast.”

What do you prefer on the show?

Bongiovonni: “I like that there’s a big variety, the set design. Each set looks different. I like the acrobatics.”

Salzman: “I really like the time before the show begins, when we are on stage, we develop creativ-

ity, we agree on acting. It’s the most true part of the show, true to the artist. But the most fun, challenging part is the synchro between the two of us. We didn’t know each other before the show and we both had solo, so it was interesting to see the difference.”

How was it to work with water?

Salzman: “The floor gets more slippery. And the trick was to avoid getting water in our eyes, in our mouths.”

What do you like in your circus artist life?

Salzman: “What I prefer about circus is there’s a lot of variety. You experience different rhythms, you can be in long shows or a free-lancer, in shows very commercial or artistic, you can be teaching.”

Bongiovonni: “I like the traveling, we are a small family, spread over a big world.”

And what is most difficult in this life?

Bongiovonni: “The challenging part is that we make all these friends and family over the world and we are far away from them all the time. It is difficult to find sta-

PHOTO BY ANNE CAILLAT/TIMES STAFF

Cyr wheels artists and trapezists perform under the rain on LUZIA show by Cirque du Soleil, Feb. 28. bility. Sometimes you’ll be working with someone closely for two weeks, and it’s a really intense two weeks, then you don’t see them again for a few years. Then later you run into them in some other country and have a month contact together.”

Which advice would you give to a SJCC student who want to become an artist?

Salzman: “Don’t be afraid…

Don’t give up too soon if you go through something hard. My dream was to be a trapeze artist, but I got this back injury in school.

I had the phone in my hand. Was about to call the school and say that I was changing career. But I went back and did cyr wheel and it is much better for my body, more fun, more what I want. Let life bring what it has to.”

ON THE WEB

Find the review of Cirque du soleil show “LUZIA: a wake dream of Mexico” on

sjcctimes.com

Together, we’ll write the next chapter.

F or more than 70 years, Pacific Oaks

has prepared students to serve diverse communities throughout California.

Our new San Jose campus expands our mission and offers programs that are fueled by the needs of the surrounding community.

Education Human Development Marriage and Family Therapy Teacher Credentialing

669.444.1357

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Campus Life 5

Overflowing Anderson Lake Reservoir reeks havoc in San Jose

by Lauren Quilty

TIMES STAFF

Photo by Leslie Aguilar/ Times staff

More than 2000 cubic feet of water per second flows over the edge of Anderson Lake Reservoir spillway down to Coyote Creek, Feb. 19.

Thousands of San Jose residents living near Coyote Creek were forced to evacuate as waters rose and flooded homes, parks, roads and entire neighborhoods on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

This unexpected flood comes after an unusually wet winter.

Recent heavy rainfall caused Morgan Hill’s Anderson Dam’s waters to rise above capacity and flow rapidly over the spillway into Coyote Creek.

Unable to handle the massive amounts of water spilling into the creek, Coyote Creek’s levels rose quickly above its banks, threatening over 14,000 San Jose residents’ homes.

Despite the thousands affected, there have been no reports of any fatalities or major injuries. Coyote Creek is a 63-mile river that runs from Morgan Hill through San Jose and empties out into the San Francisco Bay. For San Jose flood relief resources please visit: http://bit.ly/2m7GMs1

Photo by Benjamin Castro / Times staff

Naglee Park residents gather in disbelief on E. William Street. that was flooded by Coyote Creek, Feb. 21.

Photo by Benjamin Castro / Times staff

Road shut down at the intersection of 16th Street and E. William Street due to Coyote Creek flooding, Feb. 21.

A look dur ing the f lood and 48 hours later

Comparison photos: Photos on the left were taken on the day of the flood, Tuesday, Feb. 21. Photos on the right were taken 48 hours later, Thursday, Feb. 23.

Photos by Benjamin Castro / Times staff

Rising water levels from Coyote Creek nearly submerges a house on S. 17th Street between E. Santa Clara Street and E. San Fernando Street.

Water level for Coyote Creek reached a new record with a crest of 13.6 feet, previous record was 12.8 feet set in 1922. Flood stage is anything over 10 ft.

Coyote Creek floods an entrance to a foot bridge connecting William Street park to Selma Olinder Elementary school.

Flooding of Coyote Creek turned William Street Park into William Street Lake.

Water from Coyote Creek covers nearly half of this house on S. 17th Street.

6 Lifestyle

Tuesday, March. 14, 2017

Shepherd’s Pie

This year ditch the corned beef and cabbage and indulge in a quintessential Irish dish that is both rustic and decadent.

BY LAUREN QUILTY

TIMES STAFF

Shepherd’s Pie Salt & Pepper 4 cups Beef Stock (or 4 cups water + beef base) 1.5 lb Lamb, cubed (shoulder or a cut of your choice) 1 yellow onion, chopped 5 small pearl onions, peeled 4 carrots, chopped 1.5 cups of peas 1 bay leave 2 sprigs of rosemary (or 1 tbsp) 2 sprigs of thyme (or 1 tbsp) 5 yukon gold potatoes ½ stick salted butter ½ cup heavy cream or milk Stew  Pour vegetable oil into a large pot and place over medium high heat. When pot is hot place the cubed lamb inside, sprinkle salt and pepper over meat and brown the meat. Once browned, remove meat and set aside in a bowl.  Place same pot over medium heat and add the peas, chopped and peeled onions, pearl onions, and carrots to the pot to sweat the vegetables. Gently stir vegetables and scrape bottom of pan occasionally for 5 minutes.  Add 4 cups of beef stock or 4 cups of water to large pot with vegetables.  Add the browned lamb and any leftover juices into the pot.

 Bring to a gentle boil. Add beef base if you did not use beef stock and stir until dissolved.  Add herbs: rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf to pot  Cover pot with lid and reduce heat to low. Cook covered for an hour.

Potatoes  While stew is cooking, peel potatoes and place into a pot and fill with water.  Boil potatoes for 45 minutes.

Drain all liquid then mash the potatoes.  Add the ½ stick of butter and continue mashing potatoes.

Add heavy cream/milk and a liberal pinch of salt then whisk the potatoes til they are smooth and creamy.  Set oven to 425 deg/F Filling  Check on stew after 1 hour. Gently fold the stew and scrape the bottom of pot. Raise the heat to medium high and continue to cook stew to evaporate the liquid.

Gently stir and scrape bottom occasionally. You want the stew to have a thick consistency.  Pour stew into a baking container.

Assemble the pie  Scoop out mashed potatoes and place on top of stew in sections using a spatula to evenly spread it out. Make sure to cover the entire stew.  Place in oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes (cooking times may vary due to differences in ovens).  Remove from oven and let dish cool and set.

TIPS & ADVICE

If using fresh sprigs of herbs, simply place on top of stew. Do not stir in.

Stew should have a thick consistency before transferring to baking dish, as seen above. If there is still a lot of liquid, boil longer uncovered to thicken the stew.

Use a medium sized deep baking dish for the pie so it is easier to spread the creamy potatoes.

Slowly smooth the creamy potatoes over the filling in sections to prevent the potatoes from sinking into the filling.

Irish Culture: An intimate view CIARAN MAC GOWAN, MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTOR

BY LAUREN QUILTY

TIMES STAFF

Q.What are the biggest misconceptions people have about you culture?

A. That we are heavy drinkers, eat corned beef and cabbage and run around saying, ‘Top of the morning’!

Q. Are there any Western customs you find shocking/ strange?

A. Tipping the bar man! In a bar in our country you pay your money and get what you pay for without tipping. The barman is paid a proper wage to be begin with.

B. Food portions that are bigger than you need, leading to general unhealthiness!

Q. Are there certain taboos in your culture that others may find surprising?

NEXT NEWSPAPER: April 4

A. Correct grammar first of all. Read the question! and yes, seriously, a spelling or grammar mistake in a public document is considered shameful. The number and frequency of spelling mistakes in all forms of American communication, from newspapers to advertisements is truly shocking to us.

Q. What is the most striking difference between American norms and Irish norms?

A. Irish tend to rely on each other for help, for example: when your car breaks down you phone a friend.

Americans rely on money: they phone a service.

Q. How has being Irish-American affected you?

A. It’s a great advantage to be Irish. People trust the Irish to generally be friendly and charming.

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Family day at UC Santa Cruz Students learn about transfer opportunities

BY MELISSA MARIA MARTINEZ TIMES STAFF

San Jose City College Metas program gave students and family an opportunity to learn about transfer options on Family Day. “It is all about serving the students and family.” Metas director Robert Gutierrez said. “Going to college is a family affair.”

The purpose of Family Day was to demonstrate the support and challenges students can expect should they choose to attend UCSC. Upon arrival SJCC students and family hiked for 10 minutes till they reached their designated spot .

Keynote speaker, Santa Cruz County’s Deferred Action Services Coordinator Ana Paulina Moreno reached out to students and encouraged them to strive for the best always.

“As students I urge you to stay focus, the best thing we can do is excel, academically, profes-

sionally and personally.” Moreno said.

SJCC Metas program coordinator Alejandro Lopez moderated a panel of UCSC transfer students.

The panelists talked about why they chose UCSC and gave students a better idea on what to expect in their first year.

“What really attracted me to UC Santa Cruz were their research opportunities,” former SJCC student Melissa Vergara said.

UCSC mascot partners with SJCC mascot on Family Day at UC Santa Cruz Feb 25.

Vergara said she found that at UCSC she was unable to form relationships with her professors in the same way she was able to at SJCC. “Learning how to navigate the class without the support of your professor,” Vergara said was challenging, “but as far as tutoring, there are three different tutoring programs that you can choose from.”

During the panel, attendees also learned how UC Santa Cruz’s quarter system can pose as a challenge to students since it is faster than a semester.

After the panel UCSC hosted several breakout sessions. One session was for helping undocumented students learn about the different options they would have to go about funding their education at UCSC. Another session focused on financial aid and the third session option covered the application/transfer process.

Those who attended the sessions got to learn first-hand from UCSC students and campus representatives about transfer agree-

Campus Life 7

PHOTO BY MELISSA M MARTINEZ

On campus at UC Santa Cruz, SJCC Metas Coordinator Alejandro Lopez (far right) moderates panel of transfer students--2 are former SJCC students Rubi Reyes (second from left) and Maria Vergara (forth from left)--to demonstrate to SJCC students and family members what to expect when transferring to UCSC on Family Day, Feb. 25. ments, financial aid and learn about the different programs meant to assist students in transitioning them to the four-year university.

For some students the entire experience offered a new per-

spective to think about for their future.

“I don’t think there are any real barriers,” biology major Luis Cortes said. “It all depends on my efforts and how much I put into it.”

St. Patrick’s Day Crossword

Complete and submit this puzzle and you could win a $20 gift certificate from Streetlight Records.

To submit: Email a picture of completed puzzle to: citycollegetimes@ jaguars.sjcc.edu or Drop it in one of the tip boxes located in the Technology or Student Center Winner will be announced in the next issue.

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8 Campus Life

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

International students are without borders USWA club welcomes all

BY ANNE CAILLAT TIMES STAFF

The United World Student Association welcomes SJCC students from all over the world and looks for attracting domestic SJCC students.

The UWSA club was founded four years ago in order to allow cultural exchanges, help to the English practice, and make new friends, said club president, Quynh Vo, known as ‘Ivy,’ 23, international student Business major.

“When you feel homesick, it helps having other students around to support each other,” Vo said.

The club has now 50 students; 10 to 20 are active members every semester. Various nationalities, such as Vietnamese, Ukrainian, French, Chinese, Burmese or American, are represented.

“To join, you just need to be part of the SJCC” Vo said. “We named the club ‘United World’

because everyone can join it, not only international students.”

SJCC international counselor and coordinator Doriann Tran is the club advisor, her role is to provide guidance and support.

“The international students face a lot of challenges and sometimes it is easier to talk to peers,” Tran said. “The club is designed as an opportunity for them to meet with other students. It is about socializing, relaxing.”

The international program has grown in the last ten years, from 30 to 155 students from fall 2016.

Today, international students come from 38 different countries.

“We want the students to feel included and discover new cultures,” Tran said. For example, with the UWSA club, they tried different restaurants.

“A majority of the students never had Indian food before we went,” Tran said.

This semester, the club is planning to do fundraising in April and

PHOTO BY BRANDON YANARI / INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Meeting of the UWSA on Monday, Feb. 27. The students wear the UWSA hat with the triple twisted.

organize a field trip with the funds.

Last semester the club went to Alcatraz and made hats for members.

“The hats represent the triple twisted, symbolizing the bonding between people, communities and futures,” said UWSA club vice president Anh Tran, known as “Lo”, 22, major in industrial design/engineer.

“As we bond, we grow bigger

and bigger together.”

The club is also a learning experience for international students.

“For example voting for the board can be difficult,” Doriann Tran said. “We assume everybody knows how it works but not everybody is on the same pace, some students are newer, some come from different cultures.”

The decision about the thematic on next fundraising and the

election of a new board will take place on March 13.

Ramses Pedraza, 24, administrative justice major, is an American student. He joined the club recently and is considering running for event coordinator.

“I’d like to do more fundraising, selling food, key chains or bracelets, and have fields trips in places some of the members have not visited,” Ramsess said.

Last semester, Vo decided to run for President to get the skills on how to become a leader: she is running again this semester.

“It is fun, sometimes hard,” said Vo. “You get to know a lot of people, you get problems solved and when it happens you feel accomplished.”

The UWSA club meets two Mondays a month, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the international lobby (Student Center). The next meeting is on March 27.

To join or get information, contact the UWSA club by email: uwsaclub@gmail.com or on Facebook: UWSAinternationalstudentclub-SJCC.

Women in STEM

Closing the gender gap

BY LESLIE AGUILAR TIMES STAFF

Women fill close to half of all jobs in the United States alone, yet hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Female students are typically outnumbered in the majority of high level math and science classes offered at many accredited institutions.

At SJCC, female students majoring in science, math, technology and engineering find themselves witnessing this gender disparity.

“I have noticed that there’s not a lot of women in my science courses,” says Irannia Luna, a science major. “My last math course was Calculus II, it was a night class and there was barely any women in there.”

As early as elementary school, young boys tend to show more interest in math and science, while girls’ interests decline.

At a national level, this translates into women seeing no employment growth in STEM jobs since 2000. Currently, only one in seven engineers are female.

There are efforts underway to increase the number of women in these careers, programs such as Girls Who Code or Techbridge are focused on unlocking the potential in young girls.

Professor Sanhita Datta has taught environmental science at SJCC for 10 years,

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and her passion for the environment has been with her since childhood. “ I always loved science… when I was in school my parents worked in science in various ways,” Datta said. “There was a lot of family encouragement.”

She says she ‘lucked out,’ given that

“By shutting out young women we are shutting out their potential.”

Environmental Science Professor Sanhita Datta she had seen examples of women being blantly denied access to equal education, as well social norms dictating how women should act. “ My mom was never able to continue her education in science. You know why?

The science building was too far away for her to make it in time, and back then it was inappropriate for a woman to be seen riding a bicycle.”

It’s important to include these underrepresented groups, who bring with them a fresh perspective to any class discussion or business meeting.

“By shutting out young women we are shutting out their potential”, says Datta. “We need females, we need minorities, more diversity in STEM is always beneficial.”

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