Student life struggles: Overcoming obstacles Visit http://sjcctimes.com
Tuesday, Sept. 22 , 2015
EOP&S offers a helping hand
The ‘New Door’ photo exhibit Exclusive with Andy Nguyen
Earthquakes soccer team donates revenue to SJCC
Visit http://sjcctimes.com
Visit http://sjcctimes.com
The Voice of San Jose City College Since 1956
Volume 80 Issue 2
Extra resources are available for students experiencing hardship BY ALEX WRIGHT TIMES STAFF
Are you struggling to afford the cost of books? You may be eligible for the state funded Extended Opportunity Program and Services that provide low-income educationally disadvantaged students with book vouchers, fee waivers, counseling services and more. According to the EOP&S/CARE website, the goal of the program is to assist students in “achieving their academic and personal goals” by eliminating barriers and ensuring access to post-secondary education to all eligible students. To achieve this, EOP&S offers eligible students access to a number of resources, like a to a textbook lending library, vouchers for textbooks at the student store, waved application fees for UC and CSU transfers, priority registration, and career, personal and academic counseling, according to the EOP&S Pamphlet available at the office. EOP&S Adjunct Counselor Valentín García said this semester, the voucher offered to new EOP&S students is $200, the voucher for returning EOP&S students is $300 and voucher for eligible CARE students is $500. The CARE provides additional assistance to EOP&S students who are single parents with a child under the age
BY STEPHANIE SMITH/TIMES STAFF
EOP&S Counselor Olga Morales-Anaya, left, works with Jessica Medina, 21, in her office on an educational plan. Medina is prepared to transfer to San Jose State University next year. of 14 and are on one of several public assistance programs. This assistance may include gas cards, transportation vouchers, a food card for the cafeteria and financial support for childcare so these students can actually attend class. Students sometimes endure problems at home that interfere with school. When possible, an EOP&S counselor might direct a student to resources so they can focus on school, García said “If you’re hungry and you haven’t eaten, how’s your brain going to function?” García said, adding that a student worried about food and rent while preparing for a midterm faces distraction that can interfere with success. EOP&S wants to help students succeed and goes to great lengths to help students achieve both their educational and life goals. What they ask in return is for students to attend three one-on-one
appointments a semester, a mid-semester progress report and being a full-time student (DSPS students are exempt from this requirement). While three is the minimum requirement for in-person meetings, García said he often sees his most successful students as much as six to 10 times a semester depending on their needs. Students come in for extra support or even just to share good news. The financial qualifications for EOP&S are the same as the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver, which is 150 percent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines based on family size. In the 2014-2015 school year, a single student’s income had to be less than or equal to $17,235, or $23,265 for a family of two, $29,295 for three, according to the BOG Waiver eligibility document EOP&S
website. What makes someone educationally disadvantaged? According to the EOP&S website, an educational disadvantage may be a student who had a low GPA in high school or did not graduate. For others a disadvantage may be as simple as testing into a remedial class, being of a household where English is not the primary language or even that a student’s parents never achieved a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. “Whatever it is, whatever your journey is” García said, “we’re here to support that.” EOP&S/CARE Student Center, SC-201 http://sjcc.edu/currentstudents/supportprograms/eop-s
Associated Student Government has got your back ASG provides educational resources BY LARRY L. HARRIS TIMES STAFF
In past semesters and out of a $100,000 plus budget, the ASG has funded events, field trips, conferences, and book vouchers for many of the campus student groups. This semester the ASG will be surveying students to determine the most important student needs on campus. Director of Student Develop-
ment and Activities, Blake Balajadia’s approach is to listen. He said he hopes the ASG, “takes the student body in a direction that meets their needs … as a team we will go out (to students), we will listen and provide what they need.” ASG Vice President Sia G. Sa’Quee said she hopes to improve Communication between students, ASG and the administration. She said she plans to make use of the social media and various ASG activities to outreach and include students into college life. “We are all in a community, even though we focus on academic goals we all have to get along and develop our communication and leader-
ship skills,” Sa’Quee said, “ I just want students to know that they have a student government that cares for them and works with them to see that everybody achieves their goals and the dreams for our (their) lives.” ASG President Cody MowBray’s main objective is to establish a sense of community for students especially the evening students. “I hope to make more events for students, and get the word out to get students excited with what’s happening (on campus), Mowbray said.” MowBray plans to make the VTA Echo Pass a major project of this semester. The VTA Echo Pass will
See ASG, page 3
ASG President Cody MowBray
NEXT NEWSPAPER: Oct. 13 EMAIL US: citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu CHECK US OUT ONLINE: http://sjcctimes.com
2 Opinion
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015
Reader’s response to ‘Library needs extended hours’ from April 2015 Times I completely agree! For those of us who are taking (five credit) evening courses, we are in classes from 5:15 p.m. until 9:50 p.m. and that’s IF we don’t have questions for our instructor! We get 10 minutes between lecture and lab to study for lab quizzes. Too much is on the line to miss information that could be included on an exam. We’re in a highly competitive field where much of us feel it is near to impossible to achieve our career goals coming from a community college. You need a near perfect GPA in prerequisites to even think about applying to any Health Science programs when planning on transferring to a four-year institution! By the time I make it to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library downtown and find a safe, lit parking area, I must go through; constant checking of my student I.D., finding a study area that is quiet and not smelling of urine, and finally
after all that, if I must use the restroom I have to haul all my electronics and valuables with me. Needless to say I’m lucky if I get 30 minutes to study after all the hassle! I, like many others needing extended library hours-am a mother, work, and am a full time student. Those students like me find studying at home is not very productive. So, please extend SJCC Library Hours to accommodate those of us who endure trials and tribulation to attend SJCC to receive our education, better our futures and pave the way for children to have a safe and distraction free place to study. Thank you, Tiffany Errecalde Future nurse and mother of two
Email your letters to the editor at citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu
What do you think of the security on campus? Do you see any difference? COMPILED BY STEPHANIE SMITH / NOE MAGANA TIMES STAFF
Name: Delmon Williams Name: Ted Fowler Age: 20 Age: 59 Major: Kinesiology Major: Alcohol and Drug Studies.
Name: Lauren Eklund Age: 21 Major: Kinesiology
“I really don’t see security. I don’t see them doing ‘nothing. No (difference).”
“I don’t feel any specific way about it. I don’t think it’s necessary. I feel safe on campus. It’s only my second semester here so no, not really (see a difference).”
SAME
“I like it better. It’s my third year (here). My first year there was all kinds of announcements as far as vandalism and cars and all that stuff. They also had some sexual abuse stuff for the girls and that seems to have seized. I think it has improved.”
USF,
JUST CLOSER. Name: Judy Wessler Age: N/A Position: Assistant to president
AND LESS
FOG.
“I think this is one of the safest college campuses in the area. We do an exceptional job with safety considering our location and our surrounding area. There’s a lot more safety features this year: we’ve added extra lights, extra cameras, emergency phones and cadets patrolling the campus.”
DEGREE PROGRAMS IN: Management • Non-Profit Administration Teaching • Counseling • Nursing for the RN
“This semester as compared to last I don’t really have a good comparison between the two. What I have noticed is a lot more of the ancillary groups that they hired…It’s kind of the added security. I have noticed them a lot more. It’s more eyes and a quicker response.
Comic Con in the Bay
Classes conveniently held evenings, online, and Saturdays Financial aid and scholarships available
Wizard World visits San Jose for the first time
CONTACT US TODAY
Get your nerd on at a Comic Con. Thousands attend a comic convention downtown for the fantasical art plus meet and greet with their favorite celebrities.Visit http://sjcctimes.com to read more about this story.
408.343.7100 sanjosecampus@usfca.edu www.usfca.edu/sanjose CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE
The Times welcomes comments and opinions that do not exceed 200 words. Letters can be dropped off at or sent to: the Times mailbox at Reprographics the newsroom in the Technology Center citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu
Name: Tim Finch Age: 40 Position: Adjunct Faculty
Editor-in-chief Araceli Lopez
Photo Editor Stephanie Smith
Managing Editor Noe Magana
Web Editor Alex Wright
Opinion Editor Petra Aragon
Graphic Designer Patrick Jenkins
Reporters Larry L. Harris James Hartley Lakysha Bridges Photographer Darrick Hurd Faculty Adviser Farideh Dada
Technology Center, Room 302 San Jose City College 2100 Moorpark Ave. San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 298 2181 x3213
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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.
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015
Stargazing and astronomy Program gives an opportunity for all to learn about universe BY PETRA ARAGON TIMES STAFF
See stars upclose on the first Friday of each month. The Friday evenings begin with the speaker presenting and answering questions from the audience about the stars. Either individually or in groups, participants walk up to the top of Montgomery Hill Observatory. There are multiple telescopes set up where one can use them to site a star and or surrounding stars. While the sun sets, there was another speaker giving information about the different telescopes. Depending on the night’s sky determines which stars will be seen and by whom, but speakers were quick to answer any concerns or confusions A Times Staff member visited the Stargazing event on Sept. 4, and saw the real reason behind this event. San Jose City College’s own sister school, Evergreen Valley College holds an Astronomy Talk and Stargazing
event. The was one lit star, Arturis, that shone through the dark and cloudy sky. Individuals had the chance to view the stars under a white optical telescope. The reasoning behind this stargazing event is to spark interest in the young community, seeing as they are our next generation of scientists and engineers. Nargis Adham, Public Outreach in charge at EVC, is passionate about Astronomy and this particular event. There is a different speaker every month presenting at meetings and giving informative holding informative workshops. Adham introduced Dr. Celso, an astronomy professor at EVC, as the individual who has implemented a project involving research of undergraduates and connecting them with community members. “This is something that has not or does not exist at the community college level,” said Dr. Celso. For those that are not familiar with Astronomy, there is a mobile app called, Sky Portal that can name each star that is focused by your telephone camera. http://meetup.com/ Starry-Evergreen-atthe-Montgomery-HillObservatory/
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ASG
PAGE 1
provide students with inexpensive bus transportation to campus. A 200 pass pilot project will be undertaken this semester to help define student usage and establish potential student body cost for the VTA Echo Pass. Student Development and Activities Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Eckford sees the ASG as an advocacy instrument for students in obtaining Book Vouchers, transportation and
eliminating obstacles that stand in the way of student success. “I’m hopeful for the student body this year” Eckford said. “There have been a lot of (positive) changes on campus.” If you have a concern or wish to express a campus wide student need you can email Cody Mowbray at sjccaspresident@sjcc.edu. ASG meetings are held every Wednesday, room SC 204 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Our agreement with SJCC gives you flexibility. ■ Finish your bachelor’s on time ■ scholarships/financing options ■ Minimum units/Associate’s not required Not for profit. San Francisco Peninsula/Silicon Valley. Est. 1851.
CASTING CALL We are looking for engaged couples and their wedding party to be on a new Reality TV Show. Client: notre Dame de namur University Date: 8-31-15
File name: nDnU-SanJoseCityCollege-transfer-8-31-15
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ContaCt: Kathy Dana Title of the TV show: “Who Will They Pick”? 916.847.4235 | kathy@kathydana.com Attention engaged couples: If you plan to get married in the future, maybe a year from now, we are looking for you! We would be interested in casting you in our upcoming Network Reality TV show. We are looking for engaged couples to be on our show. Couples who have selected their bridesmaids and groomsmen. The show is based on a series of competitions to select the maid of honor and the best man. The bride and groom will make the final decision based on the competitions. The filming will take place over several weekends. It will be filmed in public locations in San Jose, CA. For information please contact: Phone: 4084022116 Email:whowilltheypick@yahoo.com Writers Guild of America registration number: 1788964
4 A&E
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015
Variety of foods surround campus Restaurants provide alternatives to school cafeteria
COMPILED BY JAMES HARTLEY / TIMES STAFF
What advice can you give to new students attending SJCC for the first time?
BY NOE MAGANA TIMES STAFF
New student? New to the area? Don’t know where to grab a bite between classes? Don’t worry. We have you covered. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SMITH / TIMES STAFF A few blocks north of campus, 349 S Bascom Ave to be exact, you can try Time OP sandwhich at Time Deli on Bascom Ave. Deli. It has 15 house sandwiches from vegetables with fish sauce and your choice of beef where to choose from along with nine others slices or tofu,” said Anne Law, 21, business major. on their specialty sandwiches menu. Law discovered Pho Lynn about a month ago If you have a little time between classes you can order one of their pasta dishes that cost no and has then visited it a few times and will continue to do so. more than $6.49. If you love falafels, or would like to try them, “The turkey sandwich is pretty good,” Eddie Martinez, a 26-year-old general medical major stu- Falafel’s Drive-In might be the perfect place. You can choose from a variety of salads or your choice dent, said with a smile. If you are willing to try something new and of chicken, gyros or kifta kabab in a pita. Falafel’s Drive-In also serves the classic hot are a meat lover then Walia Ethiopian Cuisine dogs, corn dogs, burritos and hamburgers from might be a great choice for you. It has ten beef dishes to choose from that $2.25 to $3.75. It is located at 2301 Stevens Creek range from $11.95 to $13.95. You can also try its Boulevard. Although it is currently closed due to conpoultry or Lamb menu. struction another choice is The Mini Gourmet. It is It’s not always about meat. It also provides vegetarians with a variety of dishes like Shiro and walking distance from campus so you don’t have to worry about losing your parking spot. It is locatGomen. It is located at 2208 Business Circle (near ed at 599 S Bascom Avenue. For the early birds, it serves breakfast from Time Deli). We have not forgotten about the Mexican cui- cereal bowls to the traditional eggs, ham, sausage, bacon and steak. The prices range from $4.09 to sine lovers. The nearest place to visit is Dia De Pesca $14.84. For lunch it offers the standard sandwiches, (Fishing Day) at 55 N. Bascom Ave. It offers the traditional tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other grilled sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs and salads well-known dishes. The prices vary from $3.15 to for those counting calories. The prices vary from $5.99 to $13.49. $13.80. “A bunch of us from math class would go If you are craving a taste from the ocean, it will not disappoint you. It serves shrimp, octopus, there (to eat),” said Sam Berhane, a 32-year-old clams, crabs, oysters, mussels and the traditional civil engineering major student. SJCC students don’t have an excuse to go all fish. Your stomach demands Vietnamese? Please day in campus without having something to eat. Go out and explore these and other options this it! Pho Lynn is waiting for you at 1865 W. San area has to offer. You might find your new favorite place to eat. Carlos St. “It’s like noodles with a bunch of stuff like
Editorial Cartoon
Name: Jose Villegas Major: Nursing Age: No answer
Name: Nina Torrales Major:Psychology Age: 18
“Join the clubs, networks and extracurricular activities that pertain to your major as much as possible. Also, get to know your professors.”
“Make sure you have an educational plan and follow it as best you can.”
Name: Katherin Partida Major: Un decided Age: 18
Name: Quentin Jones Major: Art Age: 32
“ Memorize the campus map and your classes. I’ve made the mistake of not doing so before.”
“ If or when bad things happen to you don’t become overwhelmed by them. There are others here that are going through similar things as you.”
“Early student gets the parking spot !” By Patrick Jenkins / Times Staff
But she won’t go and I can’t pay for it anyway. Sincerely, Emotionally Abused in San Jose
Dear Jazzy, I’m tired of my mom bossing me around and I’m not gonna take it any more. I’m 18. I know the law. I have rights. I can go where I want, come home when I want. I can smoke what I want. I can wear what I want. I’m sick of it. She a control freak. She comes home from work at 9:30 every night and I know what to expect. She yells and yells and yells. No matter what I do I can’t make her happy. She hates everything about me. I can’t take it anymore. Please help. How can I get her to leave me alone. I’m an adult. I deserve freedom. I want to to to a family therapy specialist.
Dear Emotionally Abused in San Jose, It seems to me that you are emotionally drained by the constant bickering and situations you have with your mother which you have no control of and this is taking a toll on you. Before making assumptions thinking your mother hates everything about you; why don’t you try a different approach? Sit down and write your thoughts and emotions you have when she’s bossing you around, and explain to her of how you are a young adult that needs to be trusted. You can have a sense of freedom, reassuring her that she raised you well enough to be able to overcome a mistake or two that you may make; this helps you grow as an
individual. Mention to your mom that the yelling matches get both of you nowhere and you want the both of you to have a better relationship where you can come to her rather than find yourself wanting to run away from her. I agree that going to a family therapist would be beneficial to you, even if your mother doesn’t want to go. Remember, essentially, you can only fix yourself and have no control over another’s behavior. I suggest you ask a guidance counselor for any referrals for free to low income therapists and or you can google search it. Almaden Valley Counseling used to offer free of charge services to most public schools, hopefully you fall into the age criteria. Best Wishes, Jazzy
NEXT NEWSPAPER: Oct. 13 EMAIL US: citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu CHECK US OUT ONLINE: http://sjcctimes.com