San Jose City College Times, Vol. 84, Issue 5, Dec 7, 2017

TheCityCollegeTimes Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017

The Voice of San Jose City College Students Since 1956

Volume 84 Issue 5

Climate change play swoops in and lands

Eagles Pessima (Kanye Gallegos) and Optima (Savannah Quintero) discuss the relative gripping power of humans during a preview of “Hot mess” - Thursday Nov. 2

PHOTO BY ROSE HENDERSON / CONTRIBUTOR

BY TAMMY DO TIMES STAFF

For three days, eagles, frogs, astronauts and other odd creatures invaded campus in “Hot Mess: Short Plays About Climate Change,” presented by the San Jose City College Theater Department.

“Very interesting and overall a very cute idea, “ San Jose Middle College student Ramola Datta said. “I really like how the different little stories were structured. Sometimes I didn’t really get what they were about, but some of them I found were very impactful.”

Both the cast and technical crew were comprised of

students enrolled in the theater performance and production classes. For many of them, this was their first production.

“I’m glad we had the opportunity to show everyone that we all have the power to make a difference,” cast member Alejandro Soto said. “I had the time of my life portraying these characters on stage. I don’t think

Eco Pass cost increase possible

I’ve ever been so attached to a cast like I did with these cast mates.”

“Hot Mess” was made possible by global collaboration with Climate Change Theater Action, in which short plays were authored by 50 playwrights across the world on the prompt: “How can we turn the challenges of climate change into opportuni-

BY MELISSA MARIA MARTINEZ TIMES STAFF

PHOTO BY KEVIN PRIM / TIMES STAFF

Vta eco passes that allow students to use public transportation for free

Looking back on 2017

The SJCC associated students will consider asking the entire student body to vote on raising student fees to help absorb the cost increase associated with the VTA Eco Passes.

Vice Chancellor Doug Smith said during a finance committee meeting if the students did not pass the fee increase the district might have to end the program.

Student outreach coordinator Juan Hilario Garcia said students should not go into a full-on panic.

“It’s not something that is going to affect students in the spring,” Garcia said. “Whatever the cost, it is still reasonable in a sense that you’re not having to pay the thousands of dollars it costs per year (to ride VTA.)” The VTA Eco Pass program was implemented and paid for by

Early childhood club hosts stress event

ties?”

Human biology and environmental science professor Sanhita Datta praised the production’s timeliness and artistry: “To say it is hard for an Environmental Science teacher to feel hopeful nowadays is by no means an exaggeration. I felt hopeful today.”

students. In 2016, students voted to increase their fees to collectively pay to provide Eco Passes to students for free while attending school at SJCC, $9 for full-time students and $4.50 for half-time.

In March, VTA decided to raise the cost and the district voted to accept the terms of the agreement to continue offering the program to students without any disruption.

SJCC President Byron Breland said the associated students would have to first ask the entire student body if they were OK with approving the increase.

“If there were going to be a fee increase it would go forward as a result of the students asking for the fee increase,” Breland said. “It’ll be about a four dollar increase for full-time students and a four dollar increase for part-time students.”

For more details on the VTA Eco Pass increase go to SJCCTimes.com

Face in the crowd

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2 Opinion

Tuesday, Dec. 5 , 2017

Looking Back on 2017

BY MAGNOLIA LONERO TIMES STAFF

2017 is coming to a close and a new year awaits.

Let’s take a look back at what happened in 2017 after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

As we reigned in the New Year, America became increasingly aware of Trump’s involvement with Russia.

The day after Trump took office, Bay Area residents, both women and men, joined the country in a Women’s March.

In February, San Jose experienced a large amount of rains which led to fierce floods.

Up to 14,000 people had to evacuate.

Mid-spring semester we saw how fake news affected journalism and how so many people just about everywhere trouble journalists on lies and facts that they think are true.

Which makes journalists all over confused and looked down upon by competitors.

Long after the spring semester ended and as summer was coming to a close, hurricane triplets Harvey, Irma and Maria created mass destruction when they descended upon Texas’s coast, Florida and Puerto Rico,.

After summer, a new set of journalists stepped into the office prepared for what is to come,

somewhat.

Kicking of the fall semester, the Times featured a view of the First Amendment and how it must adapt to the age of media, as well as thoughts of being biracial or multiracial.

Around early September, the rider friendly event “Viva Calle” was hosted in Alum Rock, to bring a sense of community to the city of San Jose.

Stepping into October, a mass slaughter took place in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. 59 people were killed and 546 people were injured, making this shooting the largest mass shooting in our country’s history.

Around the same time, fires were roaring up north in Santa Rosa, burning down many homes and taking the lives of many people. Much of Santa Rosa was evacuated, and 40 people were confirmed dead.

In October, Times staff joined journalists from other California community colleges at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges NorCal Conference to compete and learn about topics necessary to running a newspaper.

In November, faculty member shared his act of human kindness; he had been caring for the cat for well over 13 years.

On Nov. 5, terror struck once again as a man opened fire in the

ILLUSTRATED BY MAGNOLIA LONERO / TIMES STAFF

Sports Calendar Mens’ Basketball 12/7-9 San Jose City Classic Tournament* 12/13 Chabot – 7 p.m.

12/20 Ohlone – 7 p.m.* 12/27-29 Allan Hancock Tournament 1/3 Monterey Pen. – 7 p.m.

1/5 Cabrillo – 7 p.m.

1/10 Hartnell – 7 p.m.* 1/12 De Anza – 7 p.m.* 1/17 West Valley – 7 p.m.

1/24 Gavilan – 7 p.m.* 1/26 Monterey Pen. – 7 p.m.* 1/31 Cabrillo – 7 p.m.*

middle of a church service at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. 26 people were killed, thus leading to another deadly shooting marked in U.S. history.

Still ongoing nationwide is the #MeToo campaign. Women are posting stories #MeToo to share they too have experienced sexual assault or have endured inappropriate and unwanted sexual harassment.

Not to overlook the many artists that walked in and out of the SJCC art gallery. Artists as talented as Lucy Ghelfi, and many others exhibited their work or gave speeches on their creative process. Not only did they show the beauty of what’s around us, but also the beauty of what is within.

As students of San Jose City College, like many other teaching facilities out there, we all form bonds, amongst each other as students, or with teachers. But as the year comes and goes, students graduate or transfer, and teachers decide to transfer or retire, you may think goodbyes are difficult.

However, the fact that we live in an era where we have advanced technology means it isn’t actually “goodbye.” It’s more like, “I’ll FaceTime you later .”

Womens’ Basketball 12/8-10 Fresno Tournament 12/21 De Anza – 7 p.m.

12/27-19 Lady Jaguar Tournament* 1/3 Chabot – 5 p.m.

1/5 Las Positas – 7 p.m* 1/10 College of San Francisco – 5 p.m.

1/12 Ohlone – 5 p.m.

1/17 Skyline – 7 p.m.* 1/19 College of San Mateo – 7 p.m.* 1/26 Chabot – 5 p.m.* 1/31 Las Positas – 5 p.m. *Starred are Home Games

Corrections and Clarifications In the last issue (Oct. 26), the Times published a story about a key order backlog (“Locksmith leaves staff scrambling”), which prompted a flood of email feedback from readers, including the subject of the story, district locksmith Jose Garza.

This story should never have been printed as it was, without any attribution or quotations.

The Times heartily apologizes to any who may have been offended by this error, which arose from hastiness and inexperience rather than malice.

We please ask that our readers take into consideration that the Times is a paper entirely run and produced by students who are enrolled in media production courses. Our staff are continually in the process of learning as they work to create this product for the San Jose City College community.

At this time, Mr. Garza has accepted our apology and declined to be further interviewed for a clarification of the article.

As always, we are gratified for your feedback so that we can correct our errors and do better in the future. Likewise, we hope for your understanding when we make mistakes.

-

In “KJCC finds temporary home,”

published Oct. 26, the “Voice of the Jaguars” should have been identified as Zach Tatar, not Zach Tater.

- On page 4 of the Sept. 26 issue, a photo caption in the story “Local Artist ‘Embracing Uncertainty’” (pg. 4) in the Sept. 26 issue incorrectly identified student Ally Quetal as Allly Quetal.

- On page 2 of the Nov. 7 issue, the dean of Language Arts should have been identified as Celia Cruz-Johnson, not Cecilia Cruz-Johnson.

ILLUSTRATED BY MAGNOLIA LONERO / TIMES STAFF

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017

Departments demonstrate full-time faculty need

Academic senate votes on hiring priorities list

By Melissa Maria Martinez Times Staff

The counseling, biology, chemistry, ESL and Physics departments were ranked as the top five college hiring priorities.

During a meeting of the academic senate Tuesday, Nov. 7, members of the senate listened to department representatives plead their case on why they need additional new full-time faculty members.

The counseling department requested four new full-time faculty members during the meeting.

“We are not able to handle the volume and the expectations along with additional services we are expected to do.”

Pathway to Law School Coordinator Rachael Hagan said.

A 1-to-370 ratio for counselors to students was recommended in 2010 by The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, Hagan said.

“If we assume we are at 10,000 students we are at a 1-to-933 ratio,” Hagan said, “even just adding two counselors brings us to 1-to-736.”

Athletic Director Lamal Harris asked members to consider the Kinesiology Department as a priority to replace retired faculty.

“There have been four retirement positions that have not been replaced,” Harris said. “We feel now is the time to ask.”

After each department made its case, members of the board ranked the priority of each department requesting consideration.

“All we can do is recommend our wish list,” Covarrubias, said.

Covarrubias, said the recommendation list is submitted to San Jose City College President Byron Breland who weighs their recommendations together with his assessment to determine hiring needs of the college.

Early Childhood Club hosts Go Go Stress event

The SJCC Early Childhood Education Club is hosting Go Go Stress. The event will be held in the SJCC Student Center Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon and is open to all past and new students, alumni and supporters of the SJCC ECE program.

According to ECE Club President Mina

San Jose State University forces out neighboring community colleges Times Staff

In the last spring semester 2017 it was brought to the attention of San Jose City’s Associated student government that the contract with San Jose State extending study hours would not be renewed. This decision applied to five community colleges who all paid $500 per semester to have extended hour access during midterm and final schedules of a given semester.

The explanation was vague and misleading. At the time it was said to have been a student conduct issue yet no student was mentioned nor was a specific school. Then it was a budget issue. The question then is why would you not charge enough to meet the budget when you have willing participants?

Associated Student Government led by President Iriana Luna at San Jose City College promptly addressed this issue by choosing to shift focus toward extending hours at their own Cesar Chavez Library as an alternative.

Presently, San Jose State states on the record that the decision

Alsadoon, attendees will have an opportunity to learn how to minimize stress, create mindfulness through yoga and meditation.

ECE is also partnering with the SJCC Cosmetology Club to offer students free hand massages as well as hair and nail styling.

A light breakfast will also be provided.

President Breland said with the available budget, the college will be filling six full-time faculty positions “The selection process will occur immediately with the posting of the positions in December and should be completed by the Spring of 2018. The successful candidates will begin their assignments in the Fall of 2018,” Breland said in an email. “I am thankful to our academic senate, under the leadership of Professor Jesus Covarrubias, for successfully engaging in and completing the process for submitting the Senate’s hiring priorities on behalf of the college.”

Covarrubias said it is unfortunate to have to make these difficult decisions between the many different department programs that are all very worthy of having full time faculty.

“There is a strong case to be made for many, if not all, the presentations today,” Covarrubias said senate leadership will continue to bring this message to the district office, the chancellor and Board of trustees.

“We serve our students best when we have full time faculty that are here and not having to worry about jumping on the freeway and going to other colleges just to teach.”

Only SJSU students benefiting from MLK extended hours

By Reginald webb

Campus News 3

not to renewal was a safety issue.

According to Patricia Harris, Media Relations Director, there is a guest pass system that allows a community college student access as a guest in the presence of his or her San Jose State student friend.

“SJSU student’s ID’s are swiped at the door and then checked against our database so it is possible to check our student’s status. There appears to be no way for SJSU to digitally authenticate community college student ID’s,” Harris said.

ANALYSIS San Jose State rightfully should have security concerns.

Especially, in this instance where they are taking on the responsibility to host students from five other colleges.

The language of the joint venture agreement addresses this very issue stating that San Jose State is responsible for itself in an extended hour capacity. Anyone else should be the responsibility of The City of San Jose.

If they are willing then they are expected to meet the cost in an equitable fashion with the university.

The question then becomes what were we actually purchasing from San Jose State University.

Was the $500 they arrive at for additional staff and security or simply a contribution to help pay their staffing level and security?

Meanwhile, for five years maybe we did not have a formal physical presence there.

Also, before discontinuing our privileges, they never requested that we propose a way to digitally validate our students when studying at MLK. The reality is there are ways they could have set up some sort of remote apparatus that had the ability to show confirmation of current status with coinciding student Id number matches.

It is my perspective that the next time other colleges enter an arrangement like this sharing space and privilege, they do it in such a way that they have equity.

Clearly, despite the fact that San Jose State’s transfer population is almost half the school’s total population, there was a lack of respect shown here by San Jose State for their neighboring institutions and no regard for the students that used this resource.

Campus unguarded

Cesar Chavez Library broken into

By Melissa Maria Martinez A burglary occurred at the SJCC Cesar Chavez Library at approximately 4 a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 19.

“It looked like it was an individual that knew what they were looking for,” District Chief of Police Thomas Morales said, “they knew exactly what room they wanted to get into.”

Chief Morales said he would not disclose the exact amount of assessed damage but did say the individuals got away with a couple hundred dollars in cash.

Morales said four alarms were triggered during the incident and district police requested police presence after the second alarm went off.

According to Morales, the burglary was placed as a low priority to San Jose Police who were overwhelmed during the time the crime took place.

“Quite a bit of time passed before they responded back to say they were going to be

able to answer the call,” Morales said.

This is the second time the library has been broken into within the last six months.

In May, Chief Morales told Times Staff security cameras would be installed during the summer break, but this phase of the security plan has not yet been implemented.

During a meeting of the Facilities and Safety Technology Committee, Vice president of Administrative Services Jorge Escobar said there have been some challenges regarding the implementation of the campus security cameras but there has been progress.

College faculty and committee member, Phil Crawford said he was concerned that the college is not being properly guarded.

“We have these multi-million-dollar facilities,” Crawford said, “we can’t leave a multi-million-dollar plan devoid of security.”

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4 Opinion

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017

The pinnacle of cynical: a revolt

‘Misery loves isolation’ – so stay connected and engaged

BY REGINALD WEBB TIMES STAFF

What is one to do while President Trump jeopardizes America’s role in the world? Do we watch with indifference or try and avoid the news? As the saying goes, “Misery loves isolation much more than company.” Thus, remaining isolated and unconnected from other humans in your everyday life is not a remedy and will result in more anxiety.

California is very much isolated from the rest of the country.

Millennials in California are even more isolated; millennials that are students even further isolated from the consequences of the political fallout that is taking place.

School occupies a lot of time and attention. College students have yet to be affected by political and economic decisions that affect issues such as job market and income or tax legislation.

For most the president of the United States has never posed so much of a threat to one’s mood or disposition However, it serves no one to become complacent or simply accept that locally your leaders might represent your political leanings more accurately than President Trump.

What should be happening is a social awakening on many levels. We are starting to see already evidence of the recurring pronouncements of truths being told and people doing personal inventory cleaning of their consciences’ as it relates to the issue of sexual assault., at least by victims.

College students should be more engaged in this environment. It is therapeutic and healthy

for students to apply what they are learning to solving a social problem or figuring out how they can improve the quality of life in their community through their major or area of interest. Experimentation and taking risks during one’s college tenure can inspire or even inform future business plans, patents and public policies.

Those of us in college need to pay close attention as the future is shaped by decisions being made now that seem not timely enough to warrant our suspicion. However, before our eyes now more than ever the American dream is slipping away from us. The future is not so bright and some suggest that it is nightfall in America rather than morning.

Rather than letting our policymakers off the hook because they are not Trump, we should be harder on them. We should scrutinize their work even more now that the Trump travesty is in full effect. There is a need for clarity and truth in this “trumped up”

environment of doubt, disfavor and division.

Locally, we must achieve what we cannot nationally. We should begin to demand honesty and integrity from ourselves and others concerning our affairs. We must make certain we invest in the future to assure that there is one for us and that there is a sufficient amount of opportunity to go around. We have got to begin to transform our community to fit a more sustainable condition that can be the example that motivates the world. The Silicon Valley has to capability to be pivotal in exemplifying a fundamental transformation toward sustainability in the modern world.

We have reached the pinnacle of cynicism in America where the legitimacy of our founding principles are challenged and assaulted by a monolithic coalition of those disposed to having an enthusiastic ear for combative and hateful Tweets “from the Donald” toward all he demoniz-

es and a larger group who have always felt very overburdened by tolerance and diversity.

President Trump has made a conscious choice to entertain his “base” and not make any efforts at unifying divisions in America.

This is a dangerous trend and the uncertainty he thrives in is not an appropriate way which to govern, much less lead the world.

Instead, let us be reminded that “Our problems are manmade--therefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Man’s reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable--and we believe they can do it again.”

The words of President John F. Kennedy always pertinent throughout our history—and the polar opposite of the cynical messaging we have allowed to become the new normal.

Local and community news deserves your attention

BY RUDRIK SUTHAR TIMES STAFF

With digital media explicitly influencing the lives of people all over the world, young journalists can leverage their roles to create impact in local communities, and at a larger scale.

Today there are very few instances where media and reporting teams are uninvolved. Every day, a handful of news notifications for you to binge on are available on practically every electronic device.

The world needs and depends on news, let’s face it. Journalists acknowledge that this dependence on news exists, to generate questions, remarks, as well as answers for our community and readers.

Robert Trapp, one of the most inspiring and impactful individuals in the local journalism and reporting space said it himself: “As journalists we must fight, never back down or allow others to suppress our voice.” He’s right.

Reporters have a more significant role than simply delivering news.

It’s our role to stir drama and get people to talk. That’s how change occurs, it’s in our hands.

The most dominant way of creating the impact we want is through a local community level paper. So that’s what we’re going to do - make sure that students on campus devour our content, with the belief that a small news team has the power to influence.

Journalists and reporters who are part of small but dense teams have more control over a wide range of content and data.

In addition there are less restrictions and liabilities within a smaller organization, which allows for more freedom in the space. I believe that this is crucial.

Why should I report on an issue if I’m afraid to express the views of my organization? This is important because for a newspaper like the SJCC Times, the views we reflect are that of our students.

We want to involve our readers, you, in a way which will affect change within our campus. In order for that to happen readers must do their parts. So open your minds, grab a paper and spread the news.

PHOTO BY BENJAMIN CASTRO / TIMES STAFF

Owner, Publisher and Managing Editor for the Rio Grande Sun Robert B. Trapp addresses student journalists during his keynote speech at the 2017 Journalism Association of Community Colleges NorCal Conference at De Anza College on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Trapp shares his experiences both good and bad in running a small publication and gives advice and tips on how to makes a real difference when reporting news.

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Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017

Campus Life 5

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6 Campus Life

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017

International education week review

IEW allowed local and international students to interact

BY RUDRIK SUTHAR TIMES STAFF

The theme for International Education Week was a relatively timely one said Brandon Yanari, the International Student Program specialist.

“Promoting mutual understanding. It’s an especially important topic during some rather trying times for many populations,” said Yanari.

On Monday a world language mixer took place, along with a cross-cultural session and movie night Tuesday. Wednesday focused on relocation of urban American Indians and included

an employee potluck. Thursday wrapped up the event with desserts and a cultural dance performance.

“We tried to gather a wide range of countries, and are always looking for better representation from different cultures,” Yanari said. “Students got the opportunity to learn different languages right from the start of the week Monday, and it culminated Thursday with a presentation of Japanese and Russian-influenced cultural dances.”

Elena Dutra, an SJCC counselor, gave a presentation on the Ur-

Ariel view of Student Center on Nov. 9.

ban American Indian Relocation Act Thursday to inform and advocate curiosity toward phases in Native American history and the experiences groups faced.

“Often Native American culture is overlooked and facts are mistaken,” Elena said. “Ask us Native American about who we are, we’d love to explain about our tribes and culture. Of course, we can only speak from our own perspectives and experiences not for others or at a mass level.”

IEW also served as an oppor-

PHOTO BY RUDRIK SUTHAR / TIMES STAFF

tunity for students at SJCC who are interested in studying abroad to gain knowledge and gather information. The programs during IEW included a section dedicated to studying abroad.

“Although there is not yet a study abroad program at SJCC, there were individuals who provided information for those looking to learn in another country,” Yanari said.

“Students that are interested in certain countries can meet with those from that country and ask questions about what to expect

if traveling.”

Local students had one-onone interactions with international students to ask more specific questions, as well as receive personalized insight.

“The information presented was very interesting to know considering the history of the native citizens of this land,” said Alex Sanchez, 23, a communications major. “Based on my experiences there are definitely misconceptions of facts, but events like these help make it less likely.”

PHOTO BY RUDRIK SUTHAR / TIMES STAFF

Presentation on local Native American tribes and their issues, on Nov. 9.

STEM cohort exposes students to basic and core fundamentals SJCC students have the opportunity to grow their skills in the technology field

BY RUDRIK SUTHAR TIMES STAFF

This semester SJCC implemented their second STEM core cohort as part of the Silicon Valley Engineering Tech Pathways grant. Four core classes make up the curriculum: geometry, intermediate algebra, python programming and an algebra boot camp. A newsletter from the department’s Student Support Specialist, Tam Nguyen, displayed the progress that the STEM cohort has made.

“The intention is to support students as they advance to calculus and

to potentially provide internship opportunities with local tech companies,” Nguyen said. “After they reach calculus, the students will have ‘graduated’ the program with the skills to be successful through calculus and beyond.”

Before classes began this fall, the cohort had an orientation where students had the chance to mingle, meet the associated staff and get their questions regarding STEM answered. In addition they were put to work on an activity, reinforcing the cohort’s curriculum, hands on.

“They taught me mathematics, and in my second programming class I started to warm up to it, and it’s something that I can possibly do,” said Willie Santos, a Cyber Defenders Intern from the program.

Students who didn’t get a chance or missed out in being a part of the cohort can catch up the following semester.

“I’ll be looking to recruit additional students for the spring 2018 semester,

but they’d need to be eligible to start at precalculus/trig,” Nguyen said.

In addition to the next level math courses, an engineering design and graphics class will also be offered.

“By participating in STEM Core I have developed more effective problem solving strategies which I believe will be valuable in the workforce. A specific example of this would be solving and presenting proofs in geometry class which I feel has helped me improve my math skills as well,” said Aprylle, an english major focused in engineering. “Additionally, the algebra boot camp and SI workshops have helped me prepare for the accelerated math.”

Of the 26 students that are enrolled this fall, 17 are first generation college students, nine are women, and one is a military veteran.

“After two semesters students compete for paid internships at partner employers.

Partner employers include NASA, Federal Labs, Lockheed and a number of smaller engineering and technology companies,” said Gabe Hanzel-Sello, program manager at Growth Sector, an organization enforcing the STEM curriculums among community colleges.

The program previously made a group visit to the Tesla headquarters in Fremont earlier this semester, observing the manufacturing process behind the fully electric vehicles.

STEM Core also attended the 2017 Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology Awards Dinner, hosted by the National Diversity Council.

This year’s theme for the dinner was “Cracking the code to success.”

According to the STEM Cohort newsletter, the event served as a great place for students to have dinner and mingle with inspiring, professional women in the industry.

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Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017

Campus Life | 7

International student strives to impact community

BY RUDRIK SUTHAR TIMES STAFF

Suad Nur, Political Science, 25 is natively from Eritrea, but was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. Her story and views reflect her life’s interests and vision, as well as what shaped her significantly she said.

“The environment where I grew up in was widely conservative. Nur said. “My parents however were more open minded, which truly contributed to my development.”

Nur said she completed her first phase of schooling there in Saudi Arabia and convinced her parents to allow her to complete college in Eritrea at 18 After a long journey, Nur is close to finishing education at SJCC. Nur shared the differences between schooling in three different countries and what led her to pursue a career in political science and business.

“During my teens in Saudi Arabia several questions and insights regarding a range of social, economic political and even religious concerns filled my head,” Nur said.

“I turned to reading, and exposed myself to somewhat foreign ideas and perceptions.”

Nur said her curiosity led her to read about and discuss what she was learning with her instructors and peers.

“I was ever so curious to read and learn about the world, but the resources and information did not interest most others,” Nur said. “What I was doing had a negative effect. These topics and questions were normally suppressed and unacknowledged.”

In return to this type of response Suad said she was both slightly provoked and disturbed, but realized there is so much

more in the world than what she had been forced to conform to.

“That is why I love the United States, you can talk about anything here, you can express,” Nur said.

Suad’s interest in politics arises from a natural inclination as well as from her father. She made the decision to further take on her education in the United States.

“Experiencing conservatism the way I did in my previous environments, the United States Constitution and its infrastructure truly attracted me,” Nur said.

Her liking of the laws and principles of social conduct in the United States stem from the beliefs of the founding fathers, with which she said she can resonate upon.

“In addition to the founding fathers, one of my inspirations is the great philosopher and thinker, John locke,” Nur said.

Her journey doesn’t stop here.

“My future plans may include studying and practicing Law. I am also preparing for a possible education at Howard University in Washington D.C as a transfer next year,” Nur said.

Nur said her parents were a huge driving force in her life and she eternally thanks them for everything they have provided her.

“Seven years of an intense education will pay for seventy years of your life,” said Suad’s father, who still resides in Saudi Arabia. “Where I had grown up, my parents stood out in a way which significantly affected my future. I can never thank them enough.”

Other driving forces in her life include her eight siblings, a burning desire and belief to live an impactful life as well as her teachers at SJCC.

Ask a Man

How to hire a good mechanic

BY JEFF OCHOA CONTRIBUTOR

Need honest advice? Send your questions to citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu with “Ask a Man” in the subject line.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUBJECT

International student and political science major Suad Nur poses for a selfie in class.

She expressed gratitude for being able to improve her communication and speaking skills which she knows will help enrich her career and day- to - day life by a large degree.

“Suad is a wonderful student. I am blessed to know students who come from other countries and difficult situations like her,” said Dorothy Pucay, ESL teacher on campus. “She is determined to succeed in her goals and I know that she will. I enjoyed her unique ideas and approaches on topics in my classes with her.”

Q: I’m in need of a mechanic.

How do I not get ripped off? - Megan, 25 A: Good question. Dealerships tend to overcharge and chain shops have been known to jerk people around. Best I can say: Go ask a family member or a friend who just had work done on their car. Word of mouth is always best. They can also tell you who NOT to go to.

You can also check places online like Yelp, but take any of those reviews, good or bad, with a grain of salt.

Q: I just started seeing this girl from my English class. How do I know if she’s the one? - Alan, 19 Man: Bro … you’re 19. She’s not the one. When the “one” does come along, you will know. Trust me on this.

Go to sjcctimes.com for study tips and more...

Candidate for ASG vice president position speaks

BY TAMMY DO TIMES STAFF

With the resignation of Cassandra Reyes pending, the San Jose City College Associated Student Government is again looking for new officers. Early Childhood Education Club President Mina Alsadoon is one of the candidates running for the vice president position.

Why do you want to participate in ASG? I have many dreams about helping our students here at SJCC. Having grown up in Baghdad, Iraq, a war zone, I have a deep appreciation for equitable and open access to quality education. I believe this step will allow me to reach more students on a larger scale as an officer in the Associated Student Government.

Why are you right for the position?

I am the President and Founder of the Early Childhood Education Club here at SJCC. I have an A.S. in Business Administration from British University and a B.A. from Cairo University in Media and Broadcasting. I was on the SJCC President’s List two years in a row.

What would you do as vice president?

I would start by visiting students in person and having face to face discussions about the issues that concern them. I would introduce them to what the student government is all about. I would continue to lead by example and show students that their voices can be heard and that they do have the power to make a difference.

As educators, we can create a training ground for social change by reconsidering some of the ways that we structure our classrooms. Through choice, technology, real-world experience, and accountability, we can empower our students to continually grow and improve themselves as well as the world around them.

Transfer when you’re ready No minimum units to start Apply for spring or fall 2018.

It’s simple.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUBJECT

Mina Alsadoon, president of the Early Childhood Education club and, is running for ASG vice president.

Our agreement with SJCC gives you flexibility ■ Financing options available ■ Scholarships up to $11,000 ■ Mid-peninsula off 101 in Belmont

Another candidate running for the position is Alyssa Marquez, who had not responded to our request for interview at this time.

Lifelong confidence.

Go to sjcctimes.com for more ASG coverage.

“The smaller campus gave me opportunities to get involved and grow outside my comfort zone.” –Drew San Francisco Peninsula 1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont CA Not for profit. Est. 1851.

NEXT NEWSPAPER: JAN. 30 EMAIL US: CITYCOLLEGETIMES@JAGUARS.SJCC.EDU CHECK US OUT ONLINE: SJCCTIMES.COM

8 Lifestyle

Tuesday, Dec. 5 2017 va

What goals have you accomplished this year and what are your new goals for next year?

COMPILED BY KEVIN PRIM / TIMES STAFF

Name: GUADALUPE MORALES Major: ART

Name: LORENA GARCIA Major: SOCIOLOGY

Name: LIONELL WIGGINS Major: COMMUNICATIONS

My goal this semester was to be more involved with tutoring. Now I’m passing because I stayed in tutoring, got help and (am) now getting straight A’s.

My goal was to get a higher GPA, before my gpa was 3.0 now it’s 3.5 which is really good for me so I can transfer.

The goals I’ve accomplished this year was becoming a better leader – not just for football, but also a student ambassador, keeping a high GPA. I just keep pushing myself and becoming a better person on and off the field.

My upcoming goals is to finish out the semester strong and to continue my football career. (I’m hoping) for a full ride scholarship to any of the four year colleges I apply to. And keep making myself a better person and improving as a leader.

Next semester my goal is to challenge myself and sign up for five classes. Hopefully it goes smoothly.

My next goal is to transfer to San Diego State.

Name: KYLE CRUZEN Major: DESIGN

Name: JOSEPH GONZALES Major: PHYSICS

Name: EVELIA ALVAREZ Major: LEGAL & JUSTICE STUDIES

Getting good grades that’s all I’m hoping for. Get enough credits to transfer!

A goal I accomplished this year was doing well in all my classes.

What I’ve completed was my classes and getting good grades

Do more photography work to get more credits to major graphic design

Next year I’d like to get a new job and work as a musician.

Things I’m looking forward to is being a lawyer and finishing up my classes so I can transfer.

PHOTO BY TAMMY DO/TIMES STAFF

Cosmetology student Charlotte James applies calaveras (skull) face makeup to Lincoln High School dancer Sofia Anaya, on Thursday, Nov. 16, in preparation for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) procession around campus. The procession began at noon in front of the Cosmetology building and featured puppets and high school performers, and ended in the Art Gallery with sugar skull painting and a presenation by spanish students.

PHOTO BY BENJAMIN CASTRO/TIMES STAFF

By passers walk through the 432 foot long light-art installation “Sonic Runway” that is located in front of San Jose City Hall, Thursday, Nov. 16. This installation visualizes the speed of sound ( 767mph / 1235kph ) by converting audio signals into a pattern of lights that is then sent down a tunnel of LED arches.

“Sonic Runway” has daily viewing times starting at 5:30 p.m. until Midnight and will be on display through mid-January 2018.

NEXT NEWSPAPER: JAN. 30 EMAIL US: CITYCOLLEGETIMES@JAGUARS.SJCC.EDU CHECK US OUT ONLINE: SJCCTIMES.COM