Tempest, Fall 2015, Issue 2 (Sept. 23)

T

TEMPEST

An opinion on hasslers

OPINION ON 2

Gamers overtake cafeteria FEATURES ON 8

Judith Perez/Tempest

Forward Alexandria Bowers darts around Monica Vasquez of College of Marin. Solano won the Sept. 18 game 9-0.

<< Check out more womens soccer and volleyball!

SPORTS ON 4

• SEPT. 23 - OCT. 13, 2015 • VOL. 31, NO. 14 • FAIRFIELD, CA • www.solanotempest.net •

Water main breakage closes campus

Water main breakage clogs up restrooms leading to school evacuation Judith Perez Staff Writer jperez@solanotempest.net

A water main breakage earlier this month caused the main Fairfield campus to evacuate and remain off-campus for nearly 24 hours over the span of two days.

The water main break occurred by the front of campus between the parking lot

and the 200 building. The Children’s Center, where the kids of both faculty and students spend their days, was evacuated early in the day. At least one instructor was forced to cancel classes in order to find alternative daycare.

Around 2 p.m. on Sept. 14, the 1500 building was evacuated due to the lack of usable restrooms, which was the main cause for the evacuation of the campus.

Buildings became inaccessible soon after, as Solano facilities made attempts to fix the main.

continued classes. Unfortunately, some students of the main campus weren’t so happy about missing school.

“It happened earlier this morning,” said Deputy Garcia on Sept. 14. “The main waterline broke, but I do not know the details of the breakage.”

“[It was] unfortunate. I was excited to go to my next class,” said biology major Alex Arriaga.

See more photos on page 7.

As this only affected the Fairfield campus, the Vacaville and Vallejo campuses still

MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET Check out more news and sports articles online

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.”

-Groucho Marx

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THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 23 - OCT. 13, 2015

opinion

campus calendar

What you need to know about

Donald Trump Lately there’s been much On the matter of internal controversy surrounding the issues in the United States presidential candidate Donald Trump is a believer of capital Trump. Most of this has been punishment, saying it’s more centered around his controvera crime to leave, “murderers”, sial immigration reform which alive as opposed to life senaccording to his own site, Dontence. He brandishes climate aldJTrump.com, would lead to change as a “hoax.” According many immigrants citizenship to Ontheissues.org, a nonbeing revoked even if born profit, non-partisan voter inZuriel Sanders on U.S. soil & the deportaformation site, Trump wants staff writer tion of all illegal immigrants. zsanders@solanotempest.net drugs legalized and regulated, However beyond this many and the funds used to fund don’t know what Trump’s other policies education. On the matter of welfare he are, whether they may be beneficial or believes that welfare-to-work polices should absolutely outrageous the public remains be implemented to prevent abuse of the oblivious to, so to spread some light on the system. And on the matter of same sex marmatter let’s explore his other known poliriage he just saw it as a state issue. cies & standpoints.

Some of these polices I didn’t expect In a recent interview on foreign policy from Trump and can sort of agree with it.

Trump when asked about the Middle East Things such as the Middle East destabilihe remarked that the United States interzation by the United States in Iraq is unvention is what, “destabilized the Middle derstandable and the Iran deal. On other East.” And stated he would’ve rather not things such as the legalization of drugs to gotten involved in the Iraq war in the fund education I have more mixed feelings first place. He disapproves of President on. While the main focus of his campaign Obama’s intervention in Libya and labeled is still on immigration reform which we’ve it as a “disaster.” In a recent interview heard of and know all too well at this with Powerlineblog.com, a site that covers point these other polices are something to public policy issues which would reduce grasp whether you continue to hate or love the economic sanctions placed on Iran in Trump. Only time will tell whether these exchange it would end its nuclear program polices will benefit or harm the United and reduce its uranium which could be States. used to develop more nuclear weapons.

Trump brandishes climate change as a “hoax.”

Sept.

24 Dessert Happy Hour Sept.

25 Club renewal packets due: noon, rm.

1425

Sept.

28 Badminton club open gym: 7-9 p.m., bldg. 1700, $2 fee. Equipment provided.

Every Monday through Dec. 7

Sept.

29 “Doing Business with Solano County” Hosted by the SBDC, Solano County, and the Solano Hispanic Chamber. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., boardroom, bldg. 600.

Register at solanosbdc.org.

Mon Oct. 5-Thurs Oct.8 SCC student government election week Oct. 7 SCC Governing Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 “One Stop Shop”: Students can get priority registration by completing orientation, assessment, and educational plan, and financial aid in one day. Photo ID req’d for assessment. Main Campus, 9 a.m.

Oct. 14 National Feral Cat day: campus cat club bake sale, guest Dr. Kelly Palm of SPCA 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 1400 bldg.

The Deft Poets Corner …where ordinary poets leave behind their extraordinary mark.

We’ve all been rejected, be it through magazine submissions, internet or literary reviews. The sickening thud of rejection, that of a wrecking ball directly through the sternum, cutting off all oxygen, sending the brain into a spastic jolt, nerves and blood flow resisting functionality. No matter which way one puts it, rejection hurts, a lot.

The Deft Poets Corner is a new means of publication for the previously rejected or unheralded poet. Consider it a second opportunity corner, a small section, or a glimpse thereof, of what is to come.

Poetry shouldn’t be shackled by nitpicking pundits who subsume that rules and rhymes make a poem a work of art. Art is subjective, open to interpretation, free!

Poetry like art, in its majesty, is like a singular rose, opened, with many layers and beautiful. Poetry is frame of mind, much deeper than conscious thought.

Poetry requires and demands a soul at its peak, to paint an invisible canvas, the world, with color.

Want an opportunity? A second chance at publication? If so, feel free to submit your poems to addicted_to_word_play @yahoo.com three winners will receive publication and a $5 gift card to Starbucks. 20 others will be entered in a competition to win publication on my website...The Deft Poets Review.

Poetry may not be everyone’s cup of tea BUT, we can all relate to at least one poem more than once in our lives.

opinion

THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 23- OCT 13, 2015

3

Don’t push ideas in my face An opinion on hasslers on campus So you’re on your way to class, when suddenly you see a disturbing sight… a group of people with giant posters of fetuses that they claim have been aborted. It’s a pretty gruesome scene, and it’s right in your face.

Someone comes charging toward you, pushing a pamphlet into your hand, trying to talk your ear off, and all the while knowing you’re uncomfortable and probably late to class.

Everyone has the right to believe what they want to believe and to express it, but pushing it on to other people or being aggressive in your approach is not okay.

“It’s to scare people,” said photography professor Tracy Lukehart. “I think it’s a way to present one side of a story.”

Abortion is a very sensitive issue and they don’t know if someone walking by has had an abortion before and to criticize that choice in such a provocative way can really affect someone.

are displaying it that is making others more uncomfortable.

On top of that they aren’t even making themselves approachable, it almost seems like they’re there to look down upon or judge, not to really “educate.”

Cat Donnell staff writer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreThese are old men who are cdonnell@solanotempest.net vention there are 219 abortrying to tell women what to do tions for every 1,000 live with their bodies. It’s not even really what births. The chances of someone walking by they believe that is upsetting, it’s how they that who has had an abortion is pretty likely.

Them seeing that may trigger an emotional reaction. These hasslers, or whatever you want to call them, can sometimes cross boundaries with their approach. Even people who sell stuff at kiosks at the mall, we try so hard to avoid them, because once you make eye contact with them they lock onto you and it is their mission to get you to stop and listen to them. I understand that they are just doing their job and that people have the right to express what they believe, there’s no problem with that. It’s just important to consider other people’s feelings so that someone isn’t offended.

Wake up, cellphone junkies!

A students vents about the troubling world of electronics, and what we should do to fix it Armando Quiros Staff writer aquiros@solanotempest.net

I’ll be honest with you, I use my cell phone, but in moderation.

Today’s society clings on to things like texting, internet surfing and boisterous chatter on a habitual basis.

The addiction to sleep with a

phone as if one was cradling a child is concerning. Not only does one loses connection to the physical world but also oneself in a stylized world. To have dependency on electronics more than human interaction — as in touch or actual speaking — is troublesome.

“There’s a time and a place for

technology, one must find its balance; I personally don’t find it essential to sleep with my phone,” said Joyce Averett, a registered nurse and teacher at SCC. “Technology has replaced the art of communication,” said Dr. Rischa Slade, director of student life. “Families have lost the sense of touch and conversations.”

“People use technology far too much, unaware of the real world because of their dependency,” said Thomas Trujillo bookstore supervisor at SCC’s Barnes & Noble.

Student Shantee Russell says “You don’t need a personal data assistant every moment of your life.”

From the 100 building through

the 1400, I spotted a total of 26 female students texting, 31 male students texting, 22 females talking on the phone, 13 males chatting with their friends, six females using their internet and eight guys listening to music.

Come on people, get off your cell phones and mingle, be social, in the real world.

campus conversation reporter/photos: Jace Barrera, Catalina Donnell, Melissa Espinoza

What is your “life hack”?

“I would like, use my phone as an alarm clock and put it on the other side of the room, so I have to get up.”

Angelo Rodriguez Economics

The Tempest is published by Solano College students. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the individual writers and artists, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the college’s governing board, the administration, the faculty and staff, or the Associated Students of Solano College.

Readers may take up to five copies of The Tempest free. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents.

Member: California College Media Association • Journalism Association of Community Colleges • California Newspaper Publishers Association • Associated Collegiate Press

“I blend jalapenos and milk and drink it with a straw to release symptoms of the flu, this is well known in India.”

Alexander Vidal

“My clock is like 20 minutes ahead, I do it on purpose to make sure that I have extra time to do things.”

Chloe Reyes Biotech

“I slip my shoes in.”

Paulina Islas Art

TEMPEST

THE

THE VOICE OF SOLANO COLLEGE

Dagmar Kuta editor-in-chief staff writers: Jace Barrera Melissa Espinoza Nelson Rodriguez

Cat Donnell Judith Perez Zuriel Sanders faculty adviser: Samanda Dorger

Hailey Dykes Armando Quiros

“I leave my alarm across the room because it makes me wake up and move around.”

Aaron Thomas Undecided

contact us: It is The Tempest’s policy to correct any errors in the paper. Please contact us if you spot one.

To get in touch with us: phone: (707) 864-7000, ext. 4361 e-mail: tempest@solano.edu postal address: SCC, Room 1861 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, California 94534

4

sports

THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 23 - OCT. 13, 2015

Falcons soccer trounces College

SCC soccer faces off with alumni in early s

A h Juliet Ramirez, left, makes a play up the field while Jasmine Calderon and Cindy Rodriguez cover on her left.

Judith Perez/Tempest

Exp Sol tea lan ma wer fiel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Si the rea Ca

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THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 23 - OCT. 13, 2015

SCC men’s tennis team builds momentum

of Marin

Judith Perez Staff writer jperez@solanotempest.net

T

he Solano women’s soccer team beat College of Marin 9-0 Friday Sept. 18, at home.

The Marin team suffered from holes in their lineup, losing in total four members from a full roster.

Even though Solano had a strong lead, team members still pushed and motivated one another to try harder.

Freshman Sophia Ordonez scored an impressive goal, her ball just brushing off the Marin goalie’s hand to score.

—Judith Perez, Tempest staff

Students may wonder about Solano’s dwindling athletic department, but at least one new sport is coming this year, and they are hoping to stay for a while. Solano College is introducing a new tennis program for the 2015-16 school year.

“This is the first ever tennis team [at Solano],” said new coach Jordan Walker at the tennis interest meeting Aug. 25. The team will be part of the Big 8 North Conference with other rival colleges including Diablo Valley, American River, Santa Rosa, Sacramento City and others.

The four pillars that are expected from the players are: to excel in academics, athletics, show a generous amount of citizenship, and to be encouraged to look forward and be engaged in community service.

From September to November the team is in its non-traditional season, where they currently plan on having practices twice a week Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4pm. The regular season starts Jan. 15, and the team will demand more time from its players.

NorCal Hall of Famer and director of the Cello International Tennis Academy (CITA) Phil Cello was also at the interest meeting, supporting coach Walker and emphasizing how lucky the

team is for having Jordan as a coach.

Cello has been working hard pushing for a tennis team at the SCC. Through CITA, Cello holds tournaments and tennis clinics to not only make use of the tennis courts on campus, but to also generate funds for SCC’s tennis team.

“You cannot find a better coach at any other college than Walker,” Cello said.

Coach Walker is no stranger to the court; he is a two time MEL singles champion, a singles champ for the Bay Valley Conference, and has played at Sonoma State, in Europe, and ran a tennis academy in Virginia.

Cello and Walker highlighted the need to spread the word about the program.

“We need players,” Walker said. “Athletics is the privilege, student is the real job.”

The coaches met with about 8 or 9 tennis players, who introduced themselves at the meeting, revealing promising backgrounds before joining Solano College. Walker said the players may have to start from the bottom and build up if necessary.

The first practice took place on Sept 8 and the team has practiced regularly since then.

“I like it,” said Julian J. after the first week of practice. “I am still brand new so I need more time.”

The tennis team is still open to new players.

season play Juliet Ramirez dashes away from an opposing player, keeping control of the ball and directing it towards the goal.

Judith Perez/Tempest

Alumni soccer players still have the moves

perience had the upper hand over lano’s soccer team Sept. 12, when a am of former alumni overtook the Sono women’s soccer team in a friendly atch. In the first half, the two teams re showing equal possession of the ld with a score of 4-5. ince it was a scrimmage, it allowed e team to do more things versus in a al game,” said SCC head coach Jeff ardinal.

SCC captains Mia Horn and Jasmine Calderon praised the alumni for their play. “It was fun to see the old team play with us,” Horn said. “They were all in shape.”

“They had a lot of talent still,” Calderon said. “It was a lot of fun to work with our team and get the extra practice.”

--Judith Perez, Tempest staff

Ryan Canliss serves during practice recently at the SCC tennis courts.

6 sports

THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 23 - OCT. 13, 2015

Volleyball coach celebrates 200 wins; team beats Mendocino Solano vs. Mendocino, Sept 18: The Solano’s women’s volleyball kept the ball high and over, winning point by point Thurs. Sept. 18 against Mendocino College, winning all three sets.

The first set, at 25-14, was head coach Darla Williams’ 200th winning set.

Sophomore Javona Hill scored several points against her opponents with little to no obstructions. Other than a few times when Mendocino hit towards Solano’s open court, the Falcons made few errors. Solano won the second set won with a score of 25-12. The third set score was 25-10. –Judith Perez, Tempest staff

SCC Falcon Classic volleyball tournament Sept. 16: The Solano Falcons women’s volleyball team hosted three other teams, Diablo Valley College, Siskiyous, and City College of San Francisco, in a tournament Wednesday Sept. 16.

Solano lost 25-18 in the first and second set against San Francisco. On their third set Solano was more successful, scoring points even when they were behind by almost seven points and almost did a reverse sweep, but lost 25-22.

“Two games in one day, we call it a mini tournament,” said Falcons coach Darla Williams.

“We did pretty good,” said team member Alyssa McDermott.

“We just need to pick up the little mistakes we have but we fought hard.”

–Judith Perez, Tempest staff

Hope Driscoll, left, and Claudia Diaz block a shot at the net during the Falcons tournament Sept. 16.

Claudia Diaz tips the ball over the net during the Falcons invitation tournament Sept. 16.

Buy tickets now for SCC’s annual golf fundraiser

upcoming games Volleyball

Soccer

Wed. Sept. 23 @ Napa 6 p.m

Tue. Sept. 22 @ Mendocino College, 4 p.m.

*Fri. Sept. 25 vs. Yuba College 6 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 25 @ Napa Valley College, 4 p.m.

*Wed. Sept. 30 vs. College of Alameda, 6 p.m.

Tue. Sept. 29 @ Folsom, 4 p.m.

Wed. Oct. 7 @ Los Medanos College, 6 p.m.

*Fri. Oct. 2 vs. Los Medanos College, 4 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 9 @ Laney College, 6 p.m.

*Tue. Oct. 6 vs. Yuba College, 4 p.m

*Wed. Oct. 14 vs. College of Marin, 6 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 9 @ Contra Costa College, 2 p.m.

*Fri. Oct. 16 vs. Contra Costa College, 6 p.m.

*Tue. Oct. 13 vs. Fresno City College, 4 p.m.

Wed. Oct. 21 @ Mendocino College, 6 p.m.

*Fri. Oct. 16 vs. Merritt College, 4 p.m.

*Fri. Oct. 23 vs. Napa Valley College, 6 p.m.

Tue. Oct. 20 @ College of Marin, 4 p.m.

Wed. Oct. 28 @ Yuba College, 6 p.m.

*Fri. Oct. 23 vs. Mendocino College, 4 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 30 @ College of Alameda, 6 p.m.

*Tue. Oct. 27 vs. Napa Valley College, 4 p.m. *home games

Solano Community College is holding its fourth annual Tee Off for Athletes golf invitational Friday Oct. 2, 2015 at the Hiddenbrooke Golf Course in Vallejo.

The tournament is the primary annual fundraiser for the SCC athletics department. The funds pay for student meals, travel, equipment, stipends for assistant coaches, and officiating. Proceeds benefit baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, swimming and diving, volleyball and sports medicine.

Fees for golfers are $150, includes lunch, golfing, cart, and dinner. Dinner for non-golfers is $65.

For information contact athletic director Eric Visser at eric.visser@solano.edu.

news 7

THE TEMPEST n SEPT. 23 - OCT. 13, 2015

Club Promo Day a hit on campus Judith Perez Staff writer jperez@solanotempest.net

Nelson Rodriguez/Tempest

Club Promo Day drew hundreds of students interested in adding an extracurricular or two to their schedules.

Minions, cats, insects, cosmetologists, gamers and good samaritans are just some of the highlights of Solano College’s clubs. Students and faculty gathered in the 1400 building lobby with distinctive displays and stands for Club Promo Day Sept. 14.

Club Promo Day gave clubs on campus the opportunity to promote their respective clubs to the rest of the student body. The horticulture club presented a collection of insects on their stands and spread the word about the Solano Grown Online Marketplace.

The Human Collective Club does outreach and workshops, helping people in the community. They had a “Minions”-themed fundraiser, selling ice-cream sundaes and featuring a Minion piñata.

The Solano Campus Cat club focuses on providing care for the feral cats on campus.

At the International Club table, Makafui Ahorney, an international student and former Tempest staff writer, said the purpose of the club is “A way for us to have our own community and share our culture with other students.”

When asked about how she felt about the setup of all these clubs, Rischa Slade, director of student life, said “It’s wonderful. It gives the clubs a chance to shine. And students have the opportunity to see the clubs available.”

“It’s like the student life is so busy that they forget to venture out of their academics,” said Laurie Cheatham, an analyst in the admissions and records department, and adviser to the International Club.

Solano College hosts Kaiser Family Wellness and Safety Picnic Judith Perez Staff writer jperez@solanotempest.net

A time to gather, a time to learn, a time for fitness, and a time for fun. On Sat. Sept.

19, Solano College partnered with Kaiser Permanente and hosted a Family Wellness and Safety Picnic.

The event, with the motto “Live Well, Be Well,” started with a 5k Fun Run/Walk.

Participants circled vigorously around stations posted on campus. Information booths were placed near the clock tower.

Included was an agricultural stall that attracted a lot of attention and gave an overview on gardening by letting people plant veggies or flowers on a small pot.

Dance instructors got people moving with line dancing lessons, Bollywood dancing, salsa, and U-Jam dancing. After dancing away, people could then go to healthyeating stalls that passed out snacks.

People could also try out the new behavioral health classes offered by Kaiser that feature: understanding anxiety, managing depression, couples communication and many more.

Police and firefighters let kids explore around their service vehicles.

The Humane Society had adoptable puppies and kittens; at least four found new homes.

Judith Perez/Tempest

Two facilities employees bail water from the water main breakage that occurred on Sept. 14.

Transfer center helps students with T.A.G. app.

Judith Perez Staff writer jperez@solanotempest.net

Students who want to secure admission to one of six UC campuses that offer a Transfer Admission Guarantee should act fast: The TAG application period ends Sept. 30.

The TAG is an opportunity for students with a minimum GPA between 2.8-3.4 (depending on their college and major of choice) to secure admission into one of the six UCs that take part in the program: Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz.

To be eligible, students must have completed 30 UC-transferable units, have the minimum GPA requirements, have begun some coursework in accordance with their major, and transfer from a California Community College.

Solano Community College’s transfer center offers support for students who need to navigate the TAG application process.

Marcie McDaniels, a coordinator at the SCC transfer center, says that the benefits of using the transfer center is to help, “guide, direct, and create a road map with the students for them to succeed in their universities.” The benefits include, but are

not limited to: getting a better job, learning more, and becoming a critical thinker.

Solano’s transfer center offers support for students in their goal to transfer to future universities. It is located in Room 402 in the Student Services building. The services they offer to students include: exploring preferred four year universities, researching majors, meeting with university and college representatives, getting help with application processes, engaging with other transfer students, accessing college catalogs from around the country, meeting with Solano College counselors, and learning about Transfer Admission Guarantees.

This semester it is open on Tuesdays from 9a.m. to noon, Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1p.m, and on Thursdays from 2 p.m to 5 p.m. “Know that it’s a service for them,” said McDaniels. “Come visit us to learn more about the opportunities available.”

So take your first steps online at http:// uctap.universityofcalifornia.edu/students, meet with a counselor to guide your progression and you may find yourself in your desired UC by the time of transfer.

The transfer centers website address is http://www.solano.edu/transfer/ and you can contact them at (707)864-7158.

8

features: gaming

THE TEMPEST n SEPT.23 - OCT.12, 2015

Gamers take over the cafeteria Jace Barrera and Catalina Donnell Staff Writers jbarrera@solanotempest.net cdonnell@solanotempest.net

The cafeteria is now the booming central of gamers. Everything from card games to video games, the casual gamers to the pro, they all share a sense of comradery.

Most people perceive gamers as anti-social people or like Steve Carrell in “40 Year Old Virgin,” but they are mistaken. Gaming provides a social environment for students with the same interest. From Mario to Sonic, from Sega to Nintendo, they all connect with each other and make friends, and start new friendships. Gamers aren’t the stereotypical Big Bang nerds that you see on TV; they’re everyday people who just happen to have an interest in video games, like how other people have an interest in collecting cards or playing a sport. It’s not just something that only the “boys” do too; in fact, onlineeducation.net states that two out of five gamers are female.

Kevin Bangit, a computer science major, started to come to the cafeteria to game after

he saw that other students brought consoles and TV’s, and when he has the time, he goes to game with them, and sometimes brings his consoles over for them to play them.

His video game career began with Pokemon Red, the first of the ever-popular Pokemon games. For him, gaming isn’t just staring intently at the screen and button mashing, but he gains experience from it and they taught him something. “Whenever I come into the cafeteria, all I see is these guys with their consoles, and I just randomly joined in,” said Bangit.

Justin Locsin, major undecided, started bringing his consoles when the system at Gamer’s Club weren’t working well enough for him. “I just went the easier route and brought my own stuff,” said Locsin. He started playing video games when he was 2.

He brings his consoles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11 am and Tuesday and Thursday at 12 pm for a few hours for anyone who wants to play Smash.

Video games have changed everything, ever since their first appearance in the late 1950’s. The first ever video game according to the Brookhaven National Laboratory was

‘Tennis for Two’ created by William Higinbotham in 1958. Although it may not look what we have today, some say that it helped create the path of the games and technology we have today. The invention of video games changed our world as we know it. Not only are there legit competitions now but conventions are held where people can meet with each other in huge groups. There are people who get paid by people who watch them play video games. A prime example is Felix Kjellberg AKA Pewdiepie, a YouTuber with nearly 40 million subscribers, he uploads videos of himself playing video games and giving commentary, then gets paid in the millions for it. It’s crazy to think that his popularity is due to video games being invented. It’s not just him, either; there are many other gamer YouTubers. It’s also very popular amongst children to watch these gaming videos online.

We live in a generation where video games are a mainstream entertainment choice. Video games made their way into pop culture, not just by slowly easing their way into it, but becoming one of the biggest standing points of pop culture itself. They

are no longer just a staple item in arcades, but have made into household items for kids and adults to enjoy.

According to onlineeducation.net gamers spend an average of 18 hours per week playing video games. With a variety of consoles and games, it’s no surprise that they can keep the competition interesting, besides the fact that there is so many of them they could play for hours. The most popular consoles out in the market are Xbox, Playstation, and Wii (not including hand held consoles); however, the main competition is between the Xbox and Playstation.

All in all, the gamers in the cafeteria are honestly just like other people, and just want to relax after a stressful day of classes.

They may seem intimidating at first due to the size of the general group, but they will welcome you whole-heartedly. Next time you see them don’t think of them as the stereotypical nerds portrayed in movies and shows, but see them as regular individuals.

“As long as you don’t be an asshole or disrespect us, feel free to join us,” said Justin Locsin.

Professor takes sabbatical for advancement of students Corinne Kirkbride takes sabbatical, learns Spanish in order to help students at Solano

Judith Perez Staff writer jperez@solanotempest.net

This fall semester math professor Corrine Kirkbride is immersing herself into the Hispanic culture in South America.

Kirkbride is currently on sabbatical from Solano College. A sabbatical leave provides an opportunity for a faculty to learn new skills and participate in educational activities away from the college that will renew and revitalize their teaching.

“Since we have a high population of Hispanic-identifying students at the college, I felt that having more Spanish-speaking faculty would help the college, and especially the math department,” said Kirkbride in an email interview. “I hope to use my

acquired Spanish every day when I return to better relate and communicate with the students at our school, as well as their families.”

Kirkbride began traveling at the age of twenty-two when she went to volunteer for the Peace Corps. Her group spent three months in the country of Macedonia, but had to be evacuated due to civil unrest.

Since Kirkbride took great pride in the mission of the Peace Corps, she asked to be sent somewhere else and was sent to an island called Vanuatu, where she taught math and English for two years. “The time I spent there convinced me that I really enjoyed teaching,” said Kirkbride.

Upon her return, Kirkbride went back to graduate school to earn a Master’s degree so she could teach at the university level.

“When I started teaching at the college level, and started getting to know so many of our Mexican American and Latino students, I realized how little I knew about their lives and the differences in culture. I really felt that by being able to speak Spanish I could better understand them and their families, and that is why I am on the sabbatical right now.”

She began her journey this June after arriving in Columbia to study Spanish in the city of Medellin. The journey did not stop there, as Kirkbride also went to Cuenca, Ecuador, and hopes to travel around Bolivia and Peru.

“So far I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in South America, and have made great strides in my learning of the Spanish language,” Kirkbride said. Kirkbride has lived

with local families, and has met travelers from numerous countries throughout the world. So far Kirkbride has lived with two families, one in Medellin, Colombia, and one in Cuenca, Ecuador.

“Living with people you don’t know well can be a little uncomfortable,” Kirkbride said. “But you grow a lot by doing so.”

When Kirkbride told of her immersion into the Spanish culture to a man from New York, she said that it gave him hope.

“Life does not end when you turn thirty,” said Kirkbride.

“I encourage everyone to consider traveling! You will broaden your world-view and change your life.”