What international students have to share
Music playlist picked by the sjcc times staff
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Individuals living with disabilities
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Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
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The Voice of San Jose City College Since 1956
Volume 87 Issue 2
Dropping classes, how to do it What Really Helps Students Stay in Class BY JULIAN REYES TIMES STAFF
One of the best ways to help improve retention rates for students is to provide them with proper guidance and role models. While there are certainly some things that cannot be helped, there is at least one important thing any student can do to help decrease their chances of dropping a class. There are multiple reasons students may list as to explain why they dropped a class, and every case is different. Some of the common reasons may include, but are not limited to: health related, work related, financial reasons, or possibly a family emergency that is going to keep them from school for a while. For example, when questioned about if they dropped a class Jordi Salas said, “Yes, I’ve dropped a couple classes. First one was about a year ago. I dropped for a couple reasons. First one was workrelated, I had a lot to do. The other was personal, I just didn’t want to go to class.” In most cases for students, it is the straw that breaks the camel’s back, and many factors effect why they dropped. To generally improve your chances of staying in class, it is important to analyze what communication classes have students do, because according to Professor Shelley Giacalone they have some of the best retention rates on campus. Prof. Shelley Giacalone offered insight as to why that may be, “In the Communication Studies Department,
PHOTO BY ZOE GODDARD TIMES STAFF
STUDENT LOGS INTO MYWEB TO DROP A CLASS.
we work very hard to build a welcoming and safe community in our classroom.” Also, she said, “We appeal to all learning styles to create engaging and interactive experiences for all of our students.” Communication classes are very successful in helping students feel connected with everyone in the entire class, and this is a very important thing that helps students stay in class. When asked about if connections help students in the classroom, psychology professor
Toshio Asai said, “Absolutely, students have to feel a sense of belonging. I think they have to feel they are a part of this community.” In an explanation of his stance, Prof. Asai said “I strongly believe students succeed, they will do best when they feel they are connected with not only other peers, but also with the faculty members.” Lastly, he also said “If they can find their role models on college campuses they are very likely to
succeed.” Finding a person here on campus to see as a role model could greatly increase your chances at staying in class. It could be a counselor or a peer, so long as they are able to offer the proper guidance for staying in class and on track. Getting to know faculty members and feeling a connection with your peers on campus would be beneficial to everyone, and especially for students troubling to find a reason to be in class.
BY DAIJUNAY TURNER TIMES STAFF
The ongoing search to find scholarships on San Jose City College’s campus seems to be the work of an independent person. Since there is no direct guide of where scholarships could be found on campus it can be a confusing search. Around this time students are starting to transfer, and trying to find ways to save money. The best place to get the information about scholarships on campus is to go to the Financial Aid Office, and if you need to speak to someone directly, ask for Patricia. She will be able to help you since works on the scholarship information on campus and could help you with the process of the scholarship. As well as going to the SJCC scholarship website. There you can get the dates, and different types of scholarships that are out here. Some of the scholarships that are on the website right now are the Blue & Gold opportunity plan scholarship, AAW San Jose Scholarship that is offering up to $1,500-5,000 and the Jim McEntee Legacy Scholarship. That gives 2,000
NEXT NEWSPAPER: March 12
for Santa Clara County community college students transferring to a four- year with junior year status. As well as the website and postings around campus the Financial Aid Office tries to push for the recruitment and advertisement in different ways to get the scholarships applicants. Patricia said that,“they may try to send out text through a program to help incoming freshmen or people that just have no idea about scholarships.” She also expressed that finding scholarships could be a independent search but that the Financial Aid Office is here to help. When asked, former student Fantasia said about her thoughts about scholarships, and how she feels they are being shown on campus. She said “ I feel like I don’t know where to find scholarships, nor do I feel like I have any resources or knowledge to get any of them even though I am a woman and minority.”
See Scholarship Page 3
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2 OPINION
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
Who’s at fault for the month-long shutdown? Climate
Both parties blame each other as millions are impacted across the country BY MIKIE NEGRETE TIMES STAFF
In the days leading up to the longest government shutdown the United States has ever seen, the media was pummeling viewers and readers alike with stories revolving around the back-and-forth bickering between President Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. The two sides found themselves unable to reach an agreement when it came to allocating funds for security at the U.S.Mexico border, and on Dec. 22, 2018, the federal government entered into its shutdown that lasted for 35 days. So, who’s at fault for the shutdown that
left a ridiculous amount of federal workers without pay for over a month? While Democrats and Republicans alike have been quick to pit the fault of the shutdown on one another, neither party is completely right when it comes to the issue of placing the blame. At the end of the day, the pettiness of both parties is what led to the longest shutdown of the federal government in our country’s history. It took the unwillingness of Trump, Pelosi, and Schumer to come to an agreement for the government to shutdown. Neither side is completely innocent. When the U.S. has a divided government the way it does today, it will always require a willingness of Democrats and Republicans alike to work with one another to reach a compromise when trying to pass any law, and our country’s leaders failed us this time around. The shutdown led to many federal workers not receiving pay, and as a result of not receiving pay, calling in sick from work, which led to increased security risks across the country. The number of TSA agents refusing to show up to work led to increased flights
risks and increased flight cancellations all over the country through the duration of the shutdown. In addition to airline security suffering, government websites for the U.S. Department of Justice, the Court of Appeals and NASA all found their websites insecure during the shutdown because of the expiring of their .gov certificates. Additionally, members of the U.S. Coast Guard suffered food shortages, as many were forced to rely on food pantries to get them through the month-long shutdown. Regardless of if you feel you were personally impacted or not by the government shutdown, you were. During the shutdown, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended non-essential work, which includes the individuals who inspect the food we consume. The FDA considers 33 percent of their food inspections to be high-risk, putting all Americans at risk. Don’t buy the false narrative that the shutdown fell solely on the shoulders of one party; it took the poor leadership of both sides of the aisle to lead.
change is an emergency
Stop waiting for somebody else to fix this problem BY ALAN WILLIAMS TIMES STAFF
The Earth is warming at a faster pace than scientists previously estimated because of human reliance on unsustainable energy such as fossil fuels. This is not the United States’ problem; it’s the entire world’s problem. When fossil fuels are burned greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere causing a blanket effect across the entire globe. This blanket effect traps heat and prevents it from escaping the atmosphere; as a result of
See Climate, page 3
When mommy wasn’t the greatest
Letting my pride stand in the way of compassion was a gross mistake BY KRISSY TOBEY TIMES STAFF
“Just because he’s got boogers, doesn’t mean he doesn’t also have a point.” I didn’t teach it to him. I didn’t think he knew that word. In the shock of the moment, my 5-yearold son did what all 5-year-olds do, and repeated himself: “Mommy, you misunderstood me.” … I tried to hide the shock on my face, and counted syllables in my head. Mis-un-der-stood: one-twothree-four. Big word, for a 5-year-old. But bigger still, because I had never used it. As children, we learn each word one by one. It’s our job as parents to teach our kids what the words mean, how to use them, and ultimately, how to communicate effectively. My son learned “misunderstood” at his Montessori preschool. Every year, the children, ages 3 to 6, practice public peacekeeping. When they bicker, they go to the Peace Table. They take turns talking, voice their perspectives,
use “feeling” words, and when they come to an understanding, they ring a bell to let the classroom know that peace has been made. They do this by themselves, without teacher intervention. That’s not the astonishing part, though. They get to take the teachers to the table! Toddlers learn to see the person who inhabits the title of “teacher” as a fallible human being, and not simply an authority figure. This is not the way I was raised. My parents were soldiers. They gave orders, and I did what I was told or there was corporal punishment. But my husband and I had chosen not to hit our child. Unfortunately, I didn’t know any other way to get a child to behave himself, so in my frustration, I had taken to yelling (instead of hitting) for noncompliance. Until that day, the notion of separating me from my title of “mother” was completely foreign. Misunderstood … The ability to disagree peacefully is a useful skill, but one that I had not taught my child. No one had ever modeled it for me.
Editor in Chief Mikie Negrete
Copy Editor Julian Reyes
Opinion Editor
Daijunay Turner
What a revelation. I stared at this little grown-up person and felt more shame in that moment than I ever had. I thought, “Wait a minute. Aren’t I supposed to be the adult? I’m the parent! Isn’t it my job to tell him when he’s wrong? Get him to do what I say instantly without questioning me or defying my authority? Whois-he?! to tell me what I don’t understand? He’s a child! he’s short! and whiny! and I can see his boogers!!” … But there he was, five years old and more grown-up than me, calmly staring my irrational anger in the face and waiting … What was I supposed to do, apologize? Wait a minute … A-po-lo-gize: Four. A grownup word … I blinked. I sighed. I sprang mental backflips and tried to find a way NOT to apologize to my child for being … childish. But in that moment, he had the upper hand, despite his boogers, and despite being 30 years younger than me. I had birthed a consciousness, not a clone. It took a moment more, but I finally learned the meaning of the word hu-mi-li-ty. Growth can’t happen without friction. Irritation is an opportunity for growth, and I hadn’t realized that. I wasn’t looking to grow that day. It took Graphic Designer Madison McNamara
Web Editor Zoe Goddard
Sports Editor
Daijunay Turner News Editor Krissy Tobey
PHOTO BY KRISSY TOBEY /TIMES STAFF
Boogers on a bridge keep the crayons from seeing eye-toeye. If more of us would stop someone completely unlike sorting our friends according myself to help me realize that I to our similarities and instead, needed to, when I was wholly seek out our differences; if we reluctant and self-righteous. press pause on our pride and selfI am not the greatest. I make righteousness and acknowledge mistakes. I was a poor leader. I the reality of our ignorance; if we was quick to anger and quicker embrace our irritations and make to judge. A better example peace in public with someone of how to be grown-up came we think it’s impossible to learn from someone that I thought from; then we could build bridges was inferior, but whose virtues instead of walls, hold hands I hadn’t examined closely. instead of phones, and give our Smallness of stature does not conflicts the chance to become a diminish bigness of heart. grown-up word … In other words, just because For-giv-a-ble. he’s got boogers, doesn’t mean he doesn’t also have a point. Reporter Joeanna Lopez Reporter
Kaili Zhuang Reporter Madison McNamara Reporter Alan Williams
Adviser
Farideh Dada
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
opinion 3
LOVERS’ CORNER
How did you spend Valentine’s Day? BY MADISON MCNAMARA TIMES STAFF
Couple of six years: Carrie, 28, and Eric, 28. The two said it was funny because they have never been asked what they did, and usually they don’t even celebrate Valentine’s Day, but this year they did. They told the story of how they rented a cabin up in Ben Lomond and went hiking at the reservoir, which they thought was really pretty and would recommend to anyone wanting to take a scenic trip. “Honestly, I was just happy to have a hot tub all to myself!” -Carrie Couple of almost a year: Saleem, 24, and Maria, 20 Saleem stated that this was
their first Valentine’s Day as a couple. He said that he is not huge on the idea of Valentine’s Day but wanted to take his girlfriend Maria out to dinner, just to show her she is special to him. He took her out to a restaurant he really likes and had been wanting to take her to. Jess Gutierrez, 22 Jess said that he and his girlfriend of two months decided to just get take out and stay in for the night. Couple of three years: Alex Eldridge and Stacy both had work on Valentine’s Day, so they went up to Costanoa KOA, a campground near Davenport beach, over the weekend. They rented a tent bungalow and had dinner at Cascade, a restaurant on the campground.
Ask Jack & Jill
BY ZOE GODDARD TIMES STAFF
Q.= When is it best to schedule an appointment with a counselor? A.= “Personally I’ve always found going Friday mornings to be the best time to schedule an appointment. But if you are unable to come in I’ve had luck getting appointments Tuesday and Thursday.” Q.= Is it possible to reschedule appointments? A.= “Of Course! If for some
TIMES STAFF
Are you a broke college student? Do you want to do fun things but can’t due to the fact that your broke? Well look no further. Here’s a list of websites that give discounts with student emails. Don’t think you have a student email? Well guess what? You do! Just go to your MyWeb account and look under ‘Academic Profile’, click on ‘My Profile’ and boom! You should see your student email. Now that you found it let’s get to the discounts! Technology -Apple will give students 5% off on most of their products -Adobe gives up to 60% off to full time students -Verizon and AT&T will give discounts based on phone plans -Sprint will allow students to add unlimited data for only $10 a month Insurance -All State, State Farm and Geico will give full time students
FROM PAGE 2 , the entire world gets hotter. Scientists say that global warming is responsible for: the collapse of ecosystems, rising ocean temperatures, increasing ocean acidity, sea levels rising, deadlier wildfires, more catastrophic storms, and lengthier more severe droughts. Scientists also agree that many unintended consequences are occurring, as a result of these changes. Hundreds of experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have given an overly optimistic estimate that, if carbon emissions are not curbed drastically by the year 2030 the effects of climate change will become irreversible. If seven of ten Americans believe the science, that man-made climate change is real, why does it seem as if there is no urgency to address this issue? One explanation to this question is that reality is often disregarded by those who have power to
enact a Green New Deal. Enacting such a deal seems impossible considering the fact that President Trump has once again failed to acknowledge the severity of climate change by confusing climate with weather. Weather is the condition of the atmosphere over any given moment in time, while climate is how the atmosphere behaves over a designated longer period of time. In a recent tweet the president said, “In the beautiful Midwest, windchill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded. In coming days, expected to get even colder. People can’t last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Wa[r] ming? Please come back fast, we need you!” When Mar a Lago, the president’s getaway, becomes submerged under water maybe then the president will take climate change seriously. In the meantime, doing nothing is much easier than taking action against those who disregard the legitimacy of climate change.
FROM PAGE 1 When asked if better advertisement Fantasia Romero agreed. Asked if Fantasia Romero has tried to find scholarships on her own she says, “ I have but I think it was a scam just to get my email and phone number because now I get a lot of spam.”
come in asking for help with scholarships.”
The ongoing search
reason you ever need to cancel your scheduled appointment you can always reschedule when cancelling or call back.”
How to use and abuse your student email BY ZOE GODDARD
Climate Change is an Emergency
with B or higher grades a discount from 15-25% off Other -Amazon gives students 50% off their Prime membership if you sign up for Student Prime -Most Cinemark Theaters has student discounts if you show a student ID while buying tickets -Many Major League Baseball teams give ticket discounts to students -As well as NHL -Grey hound gives 20% off if you sign up for the Student Advantage Discount Card -Get the Student Advantage Card from Choice hotels and you’ll receive 15% off at participating hotels -FedEx will give 20% off if you show your ID
In trying to see if other places on campus instead of just the Financial Aid Office the Student Transfer Center seemed like a good place to go. Although when asking about scholarships the students referred the Finical Aid Office. When asked how many people come to the transfer center to get help with scholarships Jimmy said “that about 2 percent of the time student
Then asked why he thinks that is so. Jimmy states “If they want a scholarship they will work hard to find one” . Now, Jimmy is coming a former of a SJCC alum and a former student of San Jose State University he expresses, “that even at a state college finding scholarships is an independent thing.” Now scholarships seems to be a something that requires search so just keep an eye out for the postings around campus and on the SJCC website.
Think of anything I missed? Go ahead and comment letting us know!
NEXT NEWSPAPER: MARCH 12
EMAIL US: CITYCOLLEGETIMES@JAGUARS.SJCC.EDU CHECK US OUT ONLINE: SJCCTIMES.COM
4
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
Echoes were probably Virginia’s Former ESL instructor Virginia Scales’ touch continues to penetrate the department of life at SJCC BY KRISSY TOBEY TIMES STAFF
A celebration memorial service in the San Jose City College Art Gallery on Friday, Feb. 8 allowed several dozen friends, colleagues and family members to participate in lighthearted disputes over who knew Virginia Scales, former dean of Language Arts and ESL instructor, the longest. Scales passed away on Oct. 6, 2018 at age 84. An activist, mentor, educator and friend, she was remembered by many during the two-hour event for her civility and labor advocacy. She left several legacies, and the potent community she built continues to breathe through the laughter of her friends. SJCC was professed to be her second home, and Ron Levesque, a former ESL instructor, said that Scales liked to say that “she knew where the bodies were buried.” Chuckles and nods followed: a testament to the jovial spirit and range of Scales’ influence. Scales spent more than three decades at SJCC. One of her many projects to enrich and educate her environment was fighting to keep the SJCC journalism department alive. When it was threatened with
closure, she wrote a program review and argued that the voice of the students through the SJCC Times ought to persist. The City College Times Adviser Farideh Dada continued to advocate for this cause in Scales’ memory by offering a pamphlet for anyone wishing to donate to the Journalism Department. Taking his turn to vie for longest-lasting-friend and speaking at the podium, Javier Chapa, and English faculty, said, “I (still) see Virginia on campus ... Virginia used to always … carry these big packs of folders. I saw a woman coming out of the business building and I saw all those folders and I thought, “Oh my God, that’s Virginia.” When I told Alice (Gosak, a former ESL instructor) this morning, she said, “It probably was!” Scales’ humor and influence continue to thrive on the SJCC campus. In the spirit of community banter and fellowship, Sami Ibrahim, a chemistry instructor, said, “My claim to fame is that I know where more bodies are buried on this campus than Virginia!” One is left with the impression that she would have laughed.
PHOTOS BY STEVE HILL / CONTRIBUTOR
Hiwot Abraha and Pat Nguyen mingle and remember Virginia Scales.
Hiwot Abraha,left, and Cassie Piotrowski share their journies in front of Virginia’s pictures.
Scales spent more than three decades at SJCC. One of her many projects to enrich and educate her environment was fighting to keep the SJCC journalism department alive. Alice Gosak laughs and recalls Virginia’s life and accomplishments.
Ron Levesque, Virginia’s friend, mingles outside the Art Gallery. Right, Alice Gosak remembers Virginia Scales and accomplishments.
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
A&E 5
Local artists to release EP soon Mr. Smooth and Young T are bringing back ‘90s hip hop
BY JERRALD MCMILLON (J BLUE SANDERS) TIMES STAFF
We Finna Get Litty, the San Jose, CA West Coast 420 Hip Hop duo is Mr. Smooth and Young T. Shawn Stewart (Mr. Smooth) and Titus Whitehead (Young T) opened a performance for Anerae VeShaughn AKA X-Raided Feb. 15th inside Back Bar Sofa located in city of San Jose, CA. “X-Raided is one of the best rappers of Sacramento, CA, West Coast rap, and the hip hop and rap industry” said Nu.Ricks.com. X-Raided did release more than 20 albums straight out of prison. VeShaughn was incarcerated for murder since 1992, but he managed to maintain his innocence throughout his incarceration. In 1992, X-Raided album “Psycho Active” was used against him as proof that he committed the murder according to the media. X-Raided was finally released in late September 2018. Since then, X released a new song and video, and started planning, moving forward with a come back tour. According to Nu.Ricks.com, organizer of X-Raided performing live, it was said that this is a once in a quarter century chance to see a legend of the rap game live!
Before 2019, Mr. Smooth and Young T were recording tracks at their friend’s music studio. The song ‘Puffing by the pound’ received radio play on KJCC RADIO with Jeff Ochoa. In addition, KALX Cal Berkeley, Crescent City Radio official radio station of Loyola University New Orleans, WHTL 95.2FM Tha Land, The Voice of Underground, Cleveland, OH. Mr. Smooth and Young T just got added to Hot 97.9 Raleigh, NC. Smooth and T have performed show to show and their first EP will drop April 20th. The duo promised a new EP release each year on April 20th as long as they are making music. Smooth and T are bringing back the old-school with their throwback style from early ‘90s hip hop. We Finna Get Litty is also available on social media and streaming platforms. Mr. Smooth and Young T are looking for artists/bands/ performers for the featured spots at their first Urban Vibe Open Mic located at the elegant pub. If you perform Hip Hop, Sing R&B or play it on an instrument or perform Reggae and want a featured spot, email Mr. Smooth at wefinnagetlitty@gmail.com. If you don’t have enough material to perform a featured slot come show what you do have or what new music you are working on. Half of each show is designated for sign up performances on a first come first served basis. “Be Blessed and One Love.... and let’s turn this into the Hottest Urban Vibe Open Mic in The Bay” said said We Finna Get Litty duo.
Above: Mr. Smooth and Young T pose with KJCC Radio station manager Jeff Ochoa (left) and J Blue Sanders at KJCC Radio. Also don’t forget their big Reggae show July 27th at Bocci’s Santa Cruz, CA. Mr. Smooth and Young T smoke in San Jose, CA.
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6 Sports
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
7 CAMPUS LIFE
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
Individuals living with disabilities BY CRISTINA GIL TIMES STAFF
Interview #1: “Hi, my name is Austin Hagh-panah. I am 25 years old, I major Child Development at San Jose State University. I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I was first diagnosed around 5 years old. It was very difficult for me while growing up in school because I couldn’t concentrate as well as other kids. I was also blunt towards others, especially when it came to expressing my opinion. When I was around 6 years old, I started speech therapy. My therapist would often tell me to always think before you talk.” Q: At what age were you first diagnosed with ADHD? A: I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder when I was around 4 to 5 years old. Q: What kind of troubles did you have in school when you were growing up? A: I had trouble forming relationships with others. I also had a very hard time remaining still and maintaining focus with my school work. Q: What types of treatments did you receive? A: I received speech therapy and assistance with my impulsive behavior. I also started taking medication to help me stay focused. Q: Was it difficult making friends while growing up in school as a child? A: Yes it was. I used to have a bad habit of interrupting others due to my impulsivity and also lacking empathy towards others due to my spectrum disorder. Body language and visual emotional cues were difficult for me to interpret. I had difficulty following conversations. For the most part, I had difficulty listening or understanding others.
Interview #2: “Hello, my name is Frank Contreras. I am 52 years old. I have majors in Mathematics and in Psychology. When I was young, the doctors diagnosed me with my disability as Cerebral Palsy. As I was growing up, the teachers thought I wasn’t mentally capable of understanding. But I went to kindergarten and I surprised everyone with the level of how things worked. For example, the alphabet, the way I express myself, the way to conduct with other kids and everyone realized I was mentally competent to go to public school. When I was in public school, people treated me kindly and I was the popular person. I was able to able to go on from 1st grade through 12th grade with some coordination difficulties. For an example, writing down stories, working on school work. I understood everything that was being taught to me. I excelled in Math and Science. But my weakest subjects were English and writing due to the fact of my coordination. I knew how to express myself but when it came to writing it down, I couldn’t write it down due to my coordination. I graduated from High School in 1987 with a GPA of 3.8, then I went onto college at De Anza for two years to get my prerequisites out of the way. Then I transferred to San Jose State University. My major there was Mathematics and minor in Psychology. I graduated from San Jose State in 1997. Then I got a job as a CPA for Cisco systems and I was with that company for almost 20 years. On my free time, I began to be a bodybuilder and my disability didn’t stop me. I was lucky to meet older professional bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger and his friends who are also professional bodybuilders. Due to that, I was featured in a few bodybuilding magazines, The Metro and I came out on the news for leg-pressing 2,000 pounds at a weight of 185 lbs. I did not let my disability stop me from enjoying my life. I was also fortunate to show people that a disability doesn’t stop you from
University of San Francisco
doing amazing things like meeting Mayors, Congressmen, Presidents, Governors and celebrities. Most of the famous people I met have told me that I am an inspiration to them because I showed that being different was no big deal to me. When I was 46 years old, I went to a Genetics Doctor to really find out if I was diagnosed with the correct diagnosis and when my medical results came back, they told me that I did not have Cerebral Palsy because someone who has Cerebral Palsy they have an area of the brain that has a gray matter which meant I was misdiagnosed. My real diagnosis is called secondary distornea. My diagnosis is not in my brain, it’s more a body movement disorder. The point I’m trying to make is having a diagnosis like Cerebral Palsy or any other type of disability doesn’t limit you from doing what you enjoy or getting what you want out of life.” Q: What age were you first diagnosed with your disability? A: I was first diagnosed at the age of 2 years old. Q: What were some difficulties for you when you were first diagnosed? A: I had physical therapy and some occupational therapy. I was in physical and occupational therapy until the age of 7. Q: Growing up, how did you cope with your disability? A: I didn’t think too much about my disability because I was able to do most things on my own. Q: What are some of your strengths when it comes to your personal thoughts about your disability? A: I believe that I’m a very strong individual that has been humiliated by others. But I’ve always had a positive outlook on life, very confident on the person I am now and I’ve come to realize how truly blessed I am. Q: Now as an adult, have you come to accept your disability? A: Yes, I have. Q: What advice would you give to others about overcoming their own disabil-
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Call for an advising appointment. (415) 422-4892 | usfca.edu/bsm Classes offered in Pleasanton and Downtown San Francisco. CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE
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Interview #3: “Hi, my name is Elliott Hansen. I am 32 years old and I have Cerebral Palsy. I majored in Communications at San Jose city college. I was first diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 3. I had my first surgery at the same age at Stanford Hospital. I had multiple surgeries between the ages of 6 and 7 years old. In total I’ve had 101 surgeries up until the age of 15 years old. I haven’t had any types of surgeries since eighteen years ago. I’m a technical specialist at Apple. I like to read and play video games.” Q: What age were you first diagnosed with your disability? A: At the age of 3. Q: What were some difficulties for you when you were first diagnosed? A: Because I was so young I didn’t feel like there were any difficulties. Q: Growing up, how did you cope with your disability? A: While going to school it was a little more difficult for me because I saw kids doing things I couldn’t do. The way I coped with my disability was by doing the best I could. Q: What were some of your personal strengths when it came to your disability? A: I kept a positive outlook and I didn’t let it stop me or slow me down. Q: Now as an adult, have you come to accept your disability? A: Yes I have. Q: What advice would you give to others about their own disability? Answer: Try to maintain a positive outlook about it and persevere. ww
‘The Defamation Experience’ colored itself worthwhile BY KRISSY TOBEY
LEARN TODAY. CHANGE TOMORROW.
ity? A: I would say to them no matter who they are, what gender or race you are were all unique individuals, no matter if people see your disability or you try to hide your disability, we’re all brothers and sisters and be proud of who are and be happy with yourself.
Approximately fifty people became temporary jurors at the SJCC Theatre on Friday, Feb. 8 when “The Defamation Experience” subjected them to a controversially charged performance of a civil suit and solicited audience feedback before rendering a verdict. Topics of race, power, money, economics, business practices and religion took center stage during the suit in which Ms. Wade, a black woman, accused Mr. Golden, a white male, of defamation. The plaintiff was in turn accused of stealing the defendant’s watch. Legal jargon was explained for the benefit of the “jury” during and after the performance. In minimalist fashion, the stage was dressed with plain black tables and chairs, none of which moved, and no lighting or sounds effects, props or microphones were utilized. Plain suits and ties served as costumes, allowing focus to remain on the dialogue and personalities of the characters.
“I will not allow anyone to paint me as a racist.” -Mr. Golden, defendant. This traveling troupe has been performing Todd Logan’s play for 9 years. The speed and crispness of line deliveries and cleanliness of performance attested to their mastery of the play. Dialogue sped up during the obligatory legalese and slowed during controversial moments, giving the audience pause to consider the tough issues that were raised. “The Defamation Experience” was an adventure in filtering relevant information from inflammatory accusations. Highly recommended for anyone open-minded enough to test their word associations and preconceived notions. For more information, visit TheDefamationExperience.com.
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8 Lifestyle
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
Children finally allowed to raise their voice BY ZOE GODDARD TIMES STAFF
The Women’s March has grown quite a bit since its start in 2017 on a very cold January day. So much so that I went to the 2019 march with a mission. A mission to show that even children want their voice to be heard. Hundreds of children, toddlers and teens took to the streets of San Jose with homemade signs and pink hats to show the world that they too have a voice and deserve to be heard. I saw signs ranging from Trump hate to LGBTQ+ supporters to a little baby who “Enjoys naps but is Woke.” The main Hashtags or themes for this year’s march was “#WomensWave” and “#TruthToPower” As I stood in the crowd I could feel the energy radiating off of all the protesters who were marching for their own reasons. Teens and younger were marching because they want to have a bright future when they are adults and that they want people to know that they will be voting when they come of age. Girls proudly show off their homemade signs
A mother and her daughters pose in front of city hall. (top right) Two young protesters demonstrate their dissent. (above) A young child wears a “I love naps but stay woke” sign. (bottom right))
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