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FUNDRAISER Comedian Jaysen Waller of The Boyz performs The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) in front of the audience at The Festival fundraiser for the Peter Gach Steinway Grand Piano April 12.

Palomar College’s Independent Newspaper

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Vol. 67, No. 15 • Monday, April 21, 2014

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History Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. While it originated in the US, but became recognized worldwide by 1990.

On the very first Earth Day, 20 million people gathered in the streets of America to protest the industrial revolution. An environmental movement was born as a result.

In 2009 Earth Day was officially renamed as International Mother Earth Day by the United Nations.

Every year on April 22, people around the world come together and collect garbage, plant trees, and plan for a better future for our planet.

• At Palomar, the Health Services Center will have a table with information on how you can help improve the environment in the Student Union from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Mission 2B Clean & Green club teams will be doing campus clean up projects through out campus.

Palomar head softball coach Lacey Craft congratulates Kali Pugh and Keilani ‘KK’ Fronda on scoring on Carlie Daniel’s RBI double against Riverside City College on April 15 at Palomar’s softball field. • Scott Colson/The Telescope

COMETS RUN STREAK TO 16-0 STEVE KIRCH THE TELESCOPE

The perfect streak continues for Palomar’s softball team after their 11-3 defeat over Southwestern on April 16.

The win moves Palomar to 16-0 for the season, leaving the team undefeated in conference play.

Palomar is currently ranked No. 1 in the state.

A rematch of last season’s championship game proved victorious for the Comets when the team defeated Riverside City College 9-4 on April 15.

The team clinched the division

with 13 straight win in a 6-0 victory over Grossmont at Palomar College on April 11 to win the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference for a second straight season. It is the 31st conference championship for the program.

The win moved Palomar to 25-2 on the season, a pace far ahead of last seasons state championship team that went 19-8 through 27 games.

During the game Palomar showed its dominance with a strong pitching performance by sophomore Dani Cowan and timely hitting by freshman center fielder Keilani (KK) Fronda.

After getting off to a slow start by allowing two walks in the first inning, Cowan allowed one hit over the next six innings, with eight strikeouts, for her third shutout of the season, running her season record to an impressive to 13-1, with a 2.65 ERA. Head Coach Lacey Craft, said Cowan’s performance was a result of her work ethic and character, because the last time she faced Grossmont she allowed three runs on eight hits over five innings in a 11-3 win over Grossmont on Feb.11.

“This level isn’t about people coming in thinking they are the best player they can be already. It’s

about kids wanting the opportunity to keep getting better, and she (Cowan) is proof of that,” Craft said.

On offense, Fronda got Palomar off to an early start with a lead-off home run in the first inning off of Grossmont pitcher Nicole Balinger, to give Palomar an early 1-0 after one inning.

“I just felt awesome to start off the game with a home run ... I just feel like I’m in my zone lately,” Fronda said.

Fronda would go 2-3 in the game with two runs and one RBI. Palomar would score two more

JUMP TO SOFTBALL PAGE 7

Palomar supports new bachelor degree program CLIFF IRELAND THE TELESCOPE

Palomar’s Governing Board motioned to support Senate Bill 850 on April 8, which will allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees to help fill the local job demand.

Introduced in January by State Sen. Marty Block (D-San Diego), SB-850 would authorize the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to approve a pilot program allowing each two year college to offer one bachelor’s degree program.

“We’re finding that jobs that used to just require first a high school and then maybe a two-year associate’s degree, are now becoming more and more technical and really do require additional years of study,” Block said.

Some of those jobs include automotive technology, public safety

management, veterinary services and nursing.

According to the bill, each community college district will be responsible for identifying the job needs in its community and enter into agreement with local businesses and agencies to provide education services needed for the baccalaureate pilot program.

If approved, each participating community college would be allowed to offer only one bachelor’s degree during the eight year pilot period and that degree can vary from one district to the next.

“It’s really about filling work force needs, which are different in every community,” Block said.

Block said the timing is right because for the first time in a few years, there is a small surplus in the budget that can be used to help fund new programs and President

Obama talked about the need to better prepare Americans for jobs during last year’s State of the Union Address.

“The Governor has talked about the same thing, except that he put $50 million in the budget proposal into a pool to help get more people bachelor’s degrees and get them quickly,” Block said.

During a KPBS interview in 2013 Block said besides state funding, students would have to pay more than the $46 per unit that current community college students pay now, but would still pay less than attending a four-year school.

Associated Student Government President Genesis Gilroy, who voted against supporting the bill, points out that not all the details have been thought through enough.

JUMP TO BACHELORS PAGE 7

2• NEWS BRIEFS Bigger expectations in place for this year’s Job Expo

On Tuesday, April 29, the Career Center will be holding its annual Job Expo.

In past years the Job Expo has drawn more than 50 companies actively looking for new hires.

According to Career Center coordinator Pippa Pierce, the expo is expected to draw that and then some.

“Even if you are not actively seeking a job or career, (the expo) will give you the experience speaking to potential employers. It will also allow you to find out what skills they are seeking in potential employees,” Pierce said.

The list of companies include local eateries such as Panda Express and Sonic Burger, as well as larger organizations such as the California Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The Job Expo will be held the Student Union from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event is free to students as well as members of the community.

Campus hosts local colleges for Transfer Option Day

The Transfer Center, along with the San Diego Education Consortium (SDEC) will host the Transfer Option Day on Tuesday, April 22.

“Students are encouraged to attend,” said Transfer Center assistant, Brittany Wong. “Universities will be offering on the spot admissions,” she added.

The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Student Union lawn. During the event there will be approximately 20 private schools, all with campuses that are within San Diego County.

Phi Theta Kappa traveling to Orlando for NerdNation

From April 24 to April 26, Palomar Students are heading to Orlando to compete in a national conference.

“NerdNation is the International PTK annual conference”, said co-advisor of the school’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Katie TownsendMerino. “It is not just a fun event, but offers many learning opportunities.”

Co-Advisor Katy French said that their chapter has applied for three hallmark awards which are extremely competitive. They ap-

Monday, April 21, 2014 plied for the Honors in Action Hallmark award, the College Project award, and the Most Distinguished Officer Award.

Also, there will be a vast variety of speakers ranging from Dr. Robert Ballad, the oceanographer who discovered the ‘Titanic’ to Justin Jones-Fosu who advocates diversity in everyday life.

For three days, students from all over the country that are involved with Phi Theta Kappa will attend educational sessions, networking opportunities, award ceremonies, and much more.

Springfest Photo

Alumni and industry pros in line for Media Days

Learn about ways to communicate in a new media age.

“Media Days,” will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Guests will learn about the media industry from professionals such as Fox 5 morning anchors Raoul Martinez and Erica Fox. A panel of local journalists and a panel of Palomar alumni will provide students with information on the industry and tips on landing jobs.

KKSM, Palomar’s radio station will be hosting a remote with a visit from “Boy Toy” Jesse Lozano.

In addition, a tour of Palomar College’s TV and radio station, newsroom and photo department will be available for those in attendance.

The KKSM remote will be held at the Student Union from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Cinema Panel will be in P-32 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All other events will be held in SSC-1 from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Palomar students headline local fashion show

The Palomar College Fashion Design and Merchandising Department will host its annual MODA fashion show.

The show will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.

Those attending will get the chance to see featured work by Palomar College Student designers.

Tickets for the show range from $12-$15 each when purchased in advance or are also available for $20 at the door.

Second year linguist student Sebrina Huffman wears the school’s colors and is the first to be served a free lunch by ASG Vice President Shant Soghomonian at the Student Union during Springfest April 10. • Lucy Wheeler/The Telescope

Springfest held with little fanfare MEGAN BUBAK THE TELESCOPE

On April 9 and 10, Palomar College’s Associated Student Government held its annual Springfest event, with minimal club participation.

The first day consisted of an ASG booth with a stereo system that blasted music throughout the Student Union.

Their main focus was trying to get students to look at what they were doing and try to get more people involved.

Student Activities Coordinator Lindsey Kretchman sent out an email stating that the ASG elections are coming up, so they were trying

to get as many students as they can aware of the fact that they do have a voice.

The club festivities and other aspects of Springfest would occur on the second day.

The first club to set up was the Anime Club, followed by the ASG with stereos blasting music through the Student Union, the Office of Student Affairs, and the Child Development club.

Lindsey Kretchman, an ASG advisor, defended the small amount of participation for the first day of Springfest.

“They just made it small yesterday because they didn’t have a lot of participation from their own ASG that could be out here,” Kretchman

said as she handed out free t-shirts to anyone with a Student Activities Card.

The President of the Child Development club, Sid Matlock, was very excited to be participating in the Springfest event.

“This is my first year as president but I am usually at every event supporting the Child Development Center and the veterans and, of course the ASG,” Matlock said.

Although there weren’t very many clubs at Springfest this year, Matlock said that they were doing the best they could, and he continued handing out fliers to anyone that stopped by his booth.

MBUBAK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Students selected to All-USA academic team ARIANNE ANTONIO THE TELESCOPE

Students Maylin Caldwell and Anh Tran were selected to represent Palomar College for a position on the All-USA Community College Academic Team.

Each community college in the 38 participating states rigorously evaluate all applicants and choose the best two Phi Theta Kappa members based on academic excellence, leadership and service to the college and community.

Each college sends their nominated pair to a ceremony to recognize them as All-State Community College Academic Team members.

Community College League of California (CCLC) hosted California’s ceremony, an Awards Luncheon, at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento on April 3.

Caldwell and Tran flew up to the luncheon with advisors Katy French and Katie Townsend-Merino.

Tran recalled, “The Sacramento award luncheon was great. It (was) an unforgettable memory to me.”

Caldwell agreed, “Opportunities like these are extremely valuable and should be used to connect with people that are truly interested in bettering our society.”

The final team to compete nationally was announced during the ceremony.

Although Caldwell and Tran did not rank nationally, they were happy with how far they had gotten.

“Unfortunately Ahn and I did not rank nationally,” Caldwell explains, “but we are proud of ourselves nonetheless.”

Both Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members, Caldwell and Tran submitted their Phi Theta Kappa Common Application for scholarships in December - which put them in the running for the All USA Academic Team.

Caldwell was born in Puerto Rico, spending her childhood as a boxer. “I went on to (compete in} 13 amateur fights, including three state championships,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell continued into the Marine Corps at 19 years old. She now is working to major in clinical nutrition with a minor in chemistry as a prospective UC Davis student.

Tran, originally from Vietnam, moved to the U.S. four years ago.

Currently at 23 years old, Tran is a psychology major waiting to hear back from UC San Diego for admission this upcoming fall semester.

Tran works as a Gear Up tutor for Orange Glen High School, be-

ing recognized as tutor of the year in 2012-2013. The scholar also spends time as an intern for UCSD’s Summer Science Enrichment program.

Tran explains that his grades are kept so high due to the amount of support that fuels his “motivation to work hard on my {studies)” and how many opportunities this support has provided. With this motivation, Tran has earned several scholarships to date.

Caldwell stays just as motivated by always focusing in on the goals she set for herself.

“I keep in mind that with my education I will be able to help those in need, so I don’t let anything stand in my way.” Caldwell said.

Caldwell says her secret to such academic achievement is discipline.

“I study everywhere; on the bus, in the bathroom and while I cook.”

One of the advisors of Palomar College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, French, spoke highly of Caldwell.

“Maylin is devoted to improving herself and the lives of others.

As Vice President of Service, (she) spearheaded and coordinated a fundraising campaign for local area foster youth,” French said.

AANTONIO@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

NEWS • 3

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Focused On Palomar Monday, April 21, 2014 Vol. 67, No. 15 Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif.

MARISSA MILLOY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHRISTINE FORONDA NEWS EDITOR CHRISTOPHER BULLOCK NEWS EDITOR JAVIER PEREZ OPINION EDITOR LLOYD BRAVO A&E EDITOR SUSAN WHALEY SPORTS EDITOR RALPH CHAPOCO FOCUS EDITOR SCOTT COLSON ONLINE EDITOR STEPHEN DAVIS PHOTO EDITOR YOLANDA GRANADOS PHOTO EDITOR CLIFF IRELAND DESIGN WENDY NELSON ADVISER DEB HELLMAN BUSINESS MANAGER STAFF WRITERS ARIANNE ANTONIO, LOTTIESHA BLANDON, MEGAN BUBAK, MONICA DATTAGE, PAIGE HARVEY, STEVE KIRCH, JASON KLINGERMAN, JOSHUA LAPORTE, MICHAIL MARININ, REBECCA PETERS, JOSHUA RAY, DAVID SHRUM, JUAN ZUNIGA PHOTOGRAPHERS JOSEPH DAVIS, STEVE PORTER, LUCAS SPENSER, LUCY WHEELER ADDRESS THE TELESCOPE PALOMAR COLLEGE 1140 W. MISSION ROAD, SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 PHONE / 760-891-7865 NEWSROOM / MD-228 WEBSITE/ WWW.THE-TELESCOPE.COM FACEBOOK/ SEARCH “THE TELESCOPE” TWITTER/ @TELESCOPENEWS EMAIL/ EDITOR@THE-TELESCOPE.COM AD EMAIL/ ADS@THE-TELESCOPE.COM THE TELESCOPE WELCOMES ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. LETTERS MUST BE TYPEWRITTEN, UNDER 300 WORDS AND INCLUDE THE AUTHOR’S FIRST AND LAST NAMES, MAJOR AND PHONE NUMBER. PHONE NUMBERS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. LETTERS SHOULD BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@THE-TELESCOPE. COM. THE TELESCOPE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT LETTERS FOR SPACE AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS AND NOT TO PRINT LEWD OR LIBELOUS LETTERS. LETTERS MUST BE RECEIVED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE NEWSPAPER’S PUBLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION. THE TELESCOPE IS PUBLISHED 8 TIMES PER SEMESTER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE NEWSPAPER ARE THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL WRITERS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF THE ENTIRE NEWSPAPER STAFF, PALOMAR FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS OR THE GOVERNING BOARD TRUSTEES.

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Palomar College Speech and Debate Team. Top (from left to right): Sara Nimori, Jacob Baugh, Trevor Johnson, Jonathan Parada, Michael Dentoni, Megan Hasslinger and Awilda Parada. Bottom (from left to right): Monica Eslamian, Ashley Carlson and Sandi Holstein. Photo courtesy of Palomar College Speech and Debate Team.

Speech team finishes fourth in nationals SUSAN WHALEY THE TELESCOPE

Palomar College’s Speech and Debate Team placed fourth in the Phi Rho Pi Nationals Tournament in Denver, Colo. earlier this month.

The team walked away with eight medals, including a silver medal won

by Sara Nimori for an impromptu speech.

Individual bronze medals were awarded to Megan Hasslinger, Michael Dentoni, Awilda Parada, and Monica Eslamian. In the team events, teammates Dentoni and Trevor Johnson, and teammates Eslamian and Parada took home bronze medals.

The teams’ most recent state tournament in Concord, Calif. was held from March 12-16, where the team scored nine medals, including a gold medal won by Eslamian.

Eslamian won the gold in the 1-on-1 debate, an event referred to as the NFA

The great thing for students being on the speech team is how it helps with almost everything in life.

CHRIS LOWRY • SPEECH COACH

Lincoln Douglas. She also won bronze both in Extemporaneous Speaking and with teammate Parada in a 2-on2 debate known as the Parliamentary Debate.

At 18 years old, Eslamian said this is her first year on the Palomar team but competed in high school. She said she plans to transfer to a four-year university with a scholarship.

Other students that won include Hasslinger, Dentoni, Connie Penning-

ton, Nimori (who received medals in two categories) and returning teammate from last year Jacob Baugh.

The coaching staff for the Palomar team are Director of Forensics Dewi Hokett, Chris Lowry and Brandan Whearty.

“The great thing for students being on the speech team is how it helps with almost everything in life,” Lowry said. “It builds confidence that lasts a lifetime.”

He added that the tournaments are a great place to be noticed for scholarships.

On March 28, the speech team’s “An Evening of Forensics” event allowed spectators to peek behind the podium and see how the debaters compete during real tournaments.

The night was filled with a variety of events including an impromptu speech

by Pennington. With only seven minutes to prep and deliver an on-the-spot speech, Pennington proved to the audi-

ence why she won a bronze medal in Concord.

Pennington said she joined the team because of Hokett’s Speech 100 class. “(Hokett) saw me in her class when we were doing impromptu drills and for some reason I was good at it,” Pennington said.

Lowry said most of the students on the team come from the Speech 100 classes.

Earlier in March the team also competed in the National Parliamentary Debate Association Tournament in Flagstaff, Ariz. which the team was ranked fourth in the nation.

Lowry said it is “great to have the support from the school” which allows students to travel across the country to compete.

According to Hokett the team has also traveled to China in 2007, 2010 and 2013.

SWHALEY@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

4 • A&E

Monday, April 21, 2014

The Festival fundraiser for the Peter Gach Steinway Grand Piano held at the Howard Brubeck Theatre April 12, raised approximately $15,000. • David Shrum/The Telescope

Money raised for grand piano during ‘Festival’ DAVID SHRUM THE TELESCOPE

Around 72 current and former faculty, interested parties and their dates gathered together at the Palomar Performing Arts Center to celebrate the second fundraising event formally known as “The Festival.”

The Howard Brubeck Theatre will receive a Steinway and Sons Grand Piano, valued at $127,000, after the Palomar Performing Arts Circle concluded its final fundraising event for the Peter Gach Steinway Fund on the evening of April 12.

Guests who attended the event experienced a variety of live performances, food, and spirits at $150 per ticket.

A silent auction was held at the beginning of the event for items like a solid bodied custom Koa by Taylor Guitars valued at $4,000, glass pottery donated by the Palomar

College Art Department, San Diego Padres tickets and more.

“I’m so happy that so many people are here and supportive of the program,” said Palomar College President Robert Deegan. “I think it shows the local support, and the community support for the music program and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

The event was coordinated and organized by Dean Norma Miyamoto of the Arts, Media, Business, and Computer Science Division, Dr. Peter Gach and members of the Palomar Performing Arts Circle.

The Festival is a part of a series of fundraising events for the Steinway Grand Piano that started in May 2012, in commemoration of Gach’s 31-year career as a faculty member of Palomar College.

Gach has established a career as an accomplished pianist, professor of music, and former Chairperson of the Performing Arts Department.

Miyamoto said that it was her idea to name the Steinway Fund after Gach.

“He’s a very humble man,” she said. “It’s all about providing this instrument for our future faculty, our current faculty, and our current and future students.”

“That was Dr. Gach’s vision,” Miyamoto said.

According to Miyamoto, this year’s Festival raised approximately $13,000 - $15,000 in combined ticket sales, silent auction bids, and monetary pledges. Last year’s Festival raised around $25,000, and more funds were raised in previous events.

“I’m delighted because the Peter Gach Steinway Committee that works with the fundraising has been working very hard for two years,” Gach said.

What made it possible for the Steinway Fund to reach its goal Saturday evening is when Rich-

ard Talmo, executive director of the Palomar College Foundation, announced that the Foundation is donating the remainder of the funds required, possibly as much as $60,000, to purchase the Steinway Grand Piano.

“We were anticipating at least another year, if not two more years, of fundraising to complete it, and we’re very grateful to the Foundation that they’ve come in and topped off the fundraising effort and brought this project to a close,” Gach said.

Of course, the Festival wouldn’t have been a success without the efforts of the actors, singers, and dancers who entertained the guests.

The Festival provided several performances including a saxaphone quartet, a reverse transcription play, a street band performance

by Master of Ceremonies Ken Bell and Dr. Gach, a dance ensemble, the Chamber Singers, and an abridged version of the “Complete Works of

William Shakespeare” by The Boyz, a comedic trio of actors and alumni of Palomar College.

“None of these performances were compensated in any way,” Miyamoto said. “They all volunteered their time.”

The Master of Ceremonies concluded the Saturday evening fundraiser with the sounding of the conch and applause by the guests.

Before the crowd disbursed, a guest asked when Gach’s fans could expect a chance to hear him perform with the Steinway Grand Piano.

“Well, we’re going to have to get it first, and at some point in the fall we’re going to have to figure something out,” Gach said.

The piano will be named the Peter Gach Steinway in honor of the professor and is expected to be delivered in the fall.

DSHRUM@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

A&E • 5

the-telescope.com COMMENTARY

Rave festivals should not be held to higher standard JUAN ZUNIGA THE TELESCOPE

Festival season has begun, with two of the biggest North American events, Coachella and Ultra.

However, during the past two months, electronic dance music aficionados, also known as ravers, have received heartbreaking news regarding some of their favorite festivals.

Days after the event concluded, Miami’s Ultra music festival surfaced the web with bad news.

Thomas Regalado, Mayor of Miami, and other city officials stated that they are looking to remove the three-day weekend event from Miami.

According to hollywoodreporter. com, Regalado is set to cancel Ultra, due to the fact that an event guard was trampled and severely injured during this year’s festival.

And, according to cbs12.com, Regalado’s decision also comes from the high number of arrests made during Ultra’s weekend.

EDM festivals and ravers are known for their spread of peace, love, unity and respect, so they shouldn’t be punished, as a whole, for the actions of aggressive and irresponsible individuals.

Although there’s no justification for violent behavior, Insomniac shouldn’t lose their venues for their ‘inability to control’ their massive crowds, especially since Ultra’s management can’t be blamed for the actions of each individual attending the festival.

Insomniac has uploaded a petition on change.org, to keep the Ultra musical festival in Miami, targeting several members of the

DJ Calvin Harris performs on the final day of the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, at the main stage on April 13 in Indio Calif. Calvin Harris was the second performer in Coachella history to have the biggest crowd, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog were the first ones back in 2012 with the famous Hologram of 2Pac.• Lottiesha Blandon/ The Telescope City of Miami Commission and Mayor Regalado.

But southern California appears to be losing numerous EDM events, as well.

Earlier in the year, Pasquale Rotella, the founder of Insomniac, took to Facebook to announce that southern Californian raves, including the Wonderland events, have been postponed, and that Beyond Wonderland and Nocturnal will be expanding to Las Vegas.

According to Rotella’s Facebook

post, the San Manuel Amphitheater has been a great home for EDM events for years, but traffic has become a big issue for the city, and Insomniac has been unable to keep hosting events of high quality, due to the fact that the space can no longer sustain large musical festivals.

But, cities shouldn’t be intimidated by the large amount of audiences that Insomniac attracts to their events.

EDM festivals do create negative

traffic, at late hours; however, instead of being an issue, San Bernardio should appreciate Insomniac’s success and realize that ravers help bring business into their city.

Although the Wonderland events and Nocturnal are smaller raves, San Bernardino has allowed them to succeed and created homes for them, so relocating is not an option.

Yes, they have two major flaws, traffic and excessive crowds, but

regular concerts tend to have those same flaws, as well.

So, Insomniac venues shouldn’t be held to standards that other music venues aren’t.

Additionally, Ultra, one of Insomniac’s bigger events, has truly succeeded in their home, Miami, since 1999.

Thus, it would be dumb to change something that we know works.

JZUNIGA@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

6 • FOCUS

Monday, April 21, 2014

DEPRESSION ... the silent epidemic How the disease affects students and what they can do about it Photo illustration by Stephen Davis/The Telescope

Depression Among College Students CHRISTOPHER BULLOCK THE TELESCOPE

I

magine waking up in the morning with a listless feeling. You look in the mirror, and you can’t even muster the energy to fake a smile … much less brush your own teeth.

Then you realize that you have an essay due in three hours, a midterm at noon, and this doesn’t even include the four hour accounting class you have at 6 pm the same night.

The thought of that alone would scare any one college student. Now, try toppling all that with a personal tragedy in the family, or a major change in a relationship status. For some, it seems easily surmountable. For a major population of others, however, this can lead to other major problems.

The issue at hand is depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is a common but serious mental illness marked by sad or anxious feelings. There are many different types of depression, ranging from minor depression (which is short-term), to seasonal affective disorder (usually begins in winter and lifts during the spring and summer seasons) and then major depression (also known as clinical depression).

A lot of college students can find life stressful once they are on their own. The stress of being independent, having to pay for your own way and trying to balance a life can wear one out.

To bring a realistic point of view here, I spoke to a couple of students.

College students at risk

You would think that Tiffany Yonts, 24, a Legal Studies major here at Palomar, would be leading a full and happy life. She was only credits away from graduating from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in linguistics, traveled the world studying western Chinese Medicine and has a cozy job as an executive assistant.

But, like many students her age, she also deals with the struggles of major depression.

“I was first diagnosed (with depression) back in May of 2013. Looking back, I realized that I suffered from depression for years—noticeably since 2004,” she said.

“Last May, I had a nervous breakdown and ended up hospitalizing myself on suicide watch.

That was my rock bottom. I don’t think that there was any point at which I saw my symp-

• 1 out of every 4 college students suffer from some form of mental illness, including depression.

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among college students; with 19 percent of young people in the United States either contemplating or attempting suicide every year.

toms and said, ‘hey, this is what depression is—this is • 44 percent of American college students report having what depression feels like.’ symptoms of depression, yet 75 percent do not seek help Source: Michael Kerr’s article, “Depression and College All I knew was that I was for it.

Students”, published on March 29, 2012 broken and I couldn’t fix myself,” she added.

"I wanted to be a nurse, got caught up in Coping with depression In a 2011 survey taken by the American gender studies and decided to study to be- with it in a positive manner College Health Association-National College come a social worker for transgender youth.

Even though the daily life of a college student Health Assessment, a nationwide survey of The begining of the semester would be bril- can be really difficult, it doesn't mean there isn't college students at 2 and 4- year institutions liant. However, at the end I would sabotage a way out. There are many ways in which they found that about 30 percent of college students myself and let my grades fall because I felt can vent and get their feelings out in a manner reported feeling “so that I didn’t deserve without hurting themselves or others. depressed that it was a healthy, successThis last fall, Palomar College joined with difficult to function” ful life.

Active Minds, a non-profit organization foat some point in that I would sleep cused on mental health awareness, to form past year; a point ALL the time and their own chapter here on campus. They held that Yonts related to gave up school a "Send Silence Packing" event, which spread very well. work and hobbies. backpacks across the campus green with stories “There was a day This was a pat- of college students that had committed suicide. when I had a lot tern in every se- A few weeks ago, they held a "Pie Your Profesof energy and momester of college." sor" event hoping to relieve student stress betivation to get my In Emily Coyle's fore midterms. schoolwork done book, "Anxiety and Lori Meyers, co-advisor of the Palomar Colquickly and done Depression in Col- lege Chapter, talked about the purpose of Acwell,” she said. “I lege Students," she tive Minds and how it helps on campus. have always been a mentions that there "The purpose of it is to help young adults very serious student, is so much that is notice the signs of distress among themselves but I don’t have that expected of college and friends," she said. energy and motivastudents, that it's "We want them to understand they don't tion anymore no wonder they get have to struggle alone. There should be no “I work more depressed. stigma associated with the need to go get help." slowly now, I work “One minute The Palomar Health Center also has teamed less often and I enjoy you’re pulling an up with professor Thomas Ventimiglia to counit much less.” all-nighter, the next sel students who deal with anxiety, panic atminute you’re binge tacks and depression. Ventimiglia, who is also Toll on every day Source: Anxiety and Depression Association of America drinking, and then a licensed counselor, employs what is called the life the next you’re hun- "Emotional Freedom Technique," which is an Depression can not only take a toll on a stu- gover, regretting every stupid thing you did energy psychology therapy that blends cogdent's work; but also can lead to a very unpro- the night before, while simultaneously writing nitive psychology and Chinese acupuncture ductive every day life. up a 10-page paper that’s due in an hour," she without the needles.

In a statistical report gathered by the web- wrote while adding, He has a website dedicated to his work, site Depression Perception, depressive disor"So much is expected of us that we’d have called "Tapping Into Wellness" (www. ders are appearing earlier in life. enough work to keep us exclusively in the li- tappingintowellness.com).

Fifty years ago, the average age of onset de- brary for our four years of college if we wanted It is important for college students to know pression was 29 years old. Recent statistics in- to." that no matter what they are dealing with in dicate it at just 14 years old in today's society.

Coyle also mentioned how the tug-and-pull life, whether it be personal or school-related, Amy Hahn, a 26-year-old former Palomar of college can also lead to a mental breakdown. that there is help out there. student, was at one point a very productive "But then everyone is also telling us to expe"Even if you aren't capable of being happy student. But due to events in her childhood, rience more, get out and have fun. How can we right now," Yonts stated, "You will be some day." she began to develop an unhealthy attitude in do all that at once?

"Once the fog clears, don't waste time being her teens, which lead to her quitting school.

We’re stretched so thin, it’s no wonder this miserable. There's a huge, amazing world out "The abuse and trauma of my childhood has builds up after a while and makes us feel anx- there. Go enjoy it.” affected both my mental and physical health ious, stressed, and on the point of a breakto an extreme degree. I don’t think I would be down,” she said.

CBULLOCK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM this sick without my history," Hahn said.

NEWS • 7

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SOFTBALL CONT FROM PAGE 1

runs in the third inning on a two-run home run by freshman right fielder Kristina Carbajal, and three more runs in the fourth inning on three consecutive RBI doubles by Carlie Daniel, Kali Pugh, and Paige Falconieri to break the game open.

The win moves Palomar to 25-2 on the season, a pace far ahead of last seasons state championship team that was 19-8 through 27 games.

Craft said she doesn’t like to compare the two teams but one thing that does stand out about this seasons team is the pitching.

“We have more depth in the bull-

BACHELORS CONT FROM PAGE 1

Palomar College President Robert Deegan receives recognition from Chicano Studies Professor John Valdez during the Civil Rights Festival held in the Student Union April 16. President Deegan was recognized for his support of the Multicultural Department. • Monica Dattage/The Telescope

Speakers draw crowd with powerful civil rights message MONICA DATTAGE THE TELESCOPE

Civil Rights have always been on the forefront of conversation in the United States as well as other countries around the world.

April 16 marked the day Palomar students, faculty and staff came together to celebrate and take action for their own civil rights. The Civil Rights Festival was held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the free speech area in front of the clock tower.

The event, organized by long time Chicano’s Studies Professor John Valdez, was able to draw in students on their way to and from classes, resulting in nearly every seat being filled.

The day started with speakers

and was rounded out with musical performances. The lineup of speakers included professors, former students, as well as current students like Fawad Mohamad.

Mohamad, 22, spoke of the struggles he encountered as a result of being born in the middle of a civil rights battle in Afghanistan.

He and his family became refugees that had to fight for every right they had.

Mohamad mentioned how lucky we are to live in a nation that doesn’t care about gender or ethnicity. “You are born and given civil rights. There are billions of people who would die for that.”

The list of speakers was concluded by former Palomar student Rolando Moreno who attended in 1968. Moreno has since dedicated

his career to bring accessible law resources to Chicanos and Latinos, not only here in the United States, but Canada as well.

Moreno’s main goal of his speech was to challenge students.

“Students have the power to create change on their own,” Moreno said. “Chicanos and Latinos are no longer the minority. We need to delete that word from our vocabulary.”

Moreno continued on to say to his audience of students and faculty alike, “You can make a difference. You can do it if you focus on what you want.”

In addition to the captivating speakers, the event provided free food and water to participants.

MDATTAGE@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Associated Student Government President Genesis Gilroy, who voted against supporting the bill, points out that not all the details have been thought through enough.

Gilroy said that besides the extra financial costs that Palomar will have to pay for faculty in the beginning, she fears that the value of a bachelor’s degree will be negatively affected in the long run.

Also, the relationship between community colleges and the Cal State Universities will be hurt by the animosity from competition for money and students according to Gilroy.

If the bill does get approved, Palomar College District President Robert Deegan said that nursing would be on top of the list for the degree that Palomar would offer.

“I’ll tell you here that the one degree that comes to the forefront is nursing,” Deegan said. “That’s where this all began. The need for additional nurses.”

Nursing Department Chair Judy Eckhart said that according to a report published in 2011 by the Institute of Medicine, 80 percent of nurses should have a bachelor’s degree by 2020 and hospitals right now are focused on

pen ... a lot more experience on the mound, that’s been huge thing for us to be able to win a lot of games this season compared to last,” Craft said.

This season’s team has a 2.36 ERA, compared to 3.37 last season.

Freshman pitcher, Maci Lerno, who pitched a no-hitter in her last performance, said, “We practice a lot on location. It doesn’t really matter about the speed. Of course we want it to be fast, but its more about location than speed. If you hit your spots then you’re good.”

The Comets have a chance to uphold their perfect conference record if they win during the final conference home game on April 23 at 3 p.m.

SKIRCH@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

achieving that goal.

“There’s physically not enough programs that train bachelors and that’s why the need.” Eckhart said. “We need more bachelors being trained to meet this 2020 deadline.”

Eckhart explained that the difference between a two-year and a fouryear degree in nursing is leadership and management.

“At a four-year school, the first year is GE courses, then years two and three are what we offer, and then year four is leadership, management and usually research.” Eckhart said.

Currently the bill has been referred to the Committee of Education and set for hearing on April 24, but Block is confident that the bill will pass.

“All these things are pushing in the direction of saying that now is the time and I think that now I’m optimistic this time around,” Block said.

Deegan also seems confident that this will be approved and wants to make sure that Palomar is not left on the sidelines.

“It’s in the legislature right now, and it does have political legs,” Deegan said. “He (Block) tried a couple of years ago and it went flat, but this does as so we’ll stand-by and you know we’re watching, but we want to be prepared.

CIRELAND@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

SPORTS • 8

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Comets blazing hot against Olympians STEVE KIRCH THE TELESCOPE

Palomar College and San Diego Mesa College played a nail-bitter on April 13 that could have gone either way for six innings, but the Comets were able to get some late offense against the Olympians’ bullpen to push its winning streak to nine straight games with a 5-3 victory at Palomar’s Myers Field.

The win was Palomar’s third straight victory against San Diego Mesa in the last five days.

As of April 15, after Palomar played against Imperial Valley College, the Comets are 22-9 for the season, 17-2 in conference, for the top spot in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.

“We have a really good team this season and have a real good shot in the post season,” said Palomar starting pitcher Emilo Esquibel.

San Diego Mesa got off to an early 2-0 lead in the game with RBI singles by left fielder Ryan Lawson in the third inning and fifth inning.

After tying the game in the bottom of the fifth inning on an RBI single by center fielder Dillan Smith, Palomar was able to stage a late rally in the seventh inning.

In the seventh, with the bases loaded, San Diego Mesa relief pitcher Rex Clemens hit Smith with a pitch to drive in first baseman Eric Sapp to make the game 3-2 Palomar.

With the bases still loaded, left fielder Matt Matlock delivered an RBI single to score right fielder Alec Salcedo, and then shortstop Dennis Morton scored second baseman Chris Stratton on a single to right field to make the score 5-2.

Palomar would play small ball in the decisive inning with no extra-base hits and two of the four hits being bunts.

Head Baseball Coach Buck Taylor said small ball has been Palomar’s identity in past, but this season’s team does have guys who can really drive the ball, but lately the team has had

trouble scoring runs with guys in scoring position.

“Small ball wins games ... We have a lot of guys with just a raw ability to play baseball,” Smith said.

San Diego Mesa would get a late run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by center fielder Kyle Harris to make the final score 5-3 Palomar.

Esquibel and San Diego Mesa’s Neiko Yribe both gave strong performances in the game, but Equibel was able to get the better of the match-up this time around.

After a slow start, Esquibel gave Palomar seven strong innings with two runs on five hits and three strikeouts.

“That’s what he (Esquibel) does ... smoke and mirrors ... he changes speeds, works at the knees, uses his defense and he was really good for us today,” Taylor said.

Aside from health and key injuries to infielders Aaron Blackwell, Vince Mori and pitcher Josh Bravin, Taylor said he really likes the potential of the team going forward.

These statistics are from April 15 and the team has played two games since. Updated stats on the team and players can be found on Palomar’s athletic website..

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April 22 2 p.m. @ Grossmont College

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April 24 2 p.m. @ Myers Field vs. Grossmont April 26 12 p.m. @ Grossmont

Palomar starting pitcher Jake Barnett throws a pitch against San Diego City College on March 25 at Myers Field. According to the Palomar official athletics website Barnett struck out nine batters in five innings on April 15 against Imperial Valley College. • Scott Colson/The Telescope

SKIRCH@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Barefoot: to run or not to run?

MEGAN BUBAK THE TELESCOPE

Shelly Noland is a proponent of the new barefoot-style of running. She wears Vibrams, which mimic running barefoot while protecting the soles of the feet. Here, she rests after running with her running group at Minnehaha Academy last year in Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Renee Jones Schneider/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT

Barefoot running has its pros and cons.

Christopher McDougall author of “Born to Run”, stated that barefoot running was the solution to all runners’ injuries because it is a natural way to run. However, some coaches say the opposite is true.

Palomar College cross country and women’s track and field coach Jennifer Williams said that in the coaching world you either love it or hate it.

“We are taught to walk, run and play with shoes. Our bodies have adapted to shoes,” Williams said.

“Many who try the minimalist running get injured.”

Jessica McMahan, a Palomar student, said that she has seen people run barefoot.

“I used to run barefoot all the time,” McMahan said. “I’d start to

do it again, it feels more natural for me.”

“I haven’t looked too much into (barefoot running). I know it is relatively controversial,” Palomar College Athletic Trainer Dennis Greenhill said. “I will sometimes suggest the use of deep sand as a rehab technique. The athlete will run, jump, jog, etc.”

“I think it is just another fad.

There is some room in training for barefoot running but that is about it,” Hugh Gerhardt, assistant head coach of the cross country team said.

According to Runner’s World Online, when a person runs, they either naturally step on the front of their foot first or their heel. People who run striking the front of their foot first, adapt better to barefoot, or minimalist running because most of their weight is being rebounded against the ground. Whereas people who strike their heel first, absorb the impact through their legs which

causes even more injuries if they try to run barefoot.

After the barefoot running movement started to spread, it brought to light the benefits of maximalist running.

McDougall asked in his book why we run? Running is hard and rigorous training that people either love or hate.

“We as a species run toward helping each other.” Greenhill said.

“People are driven by the cause itself, not the activity per se with that in mind; people want to help but don’t know how.”

“I actually haven’t heard much about it,” Kim Winkenweeder, another student at Palomar, said.

“I’ve seen people do it, but I wouldn’t try it.”

While views about minimalist running remain mixed, runners must decide for themselves how they run.

MBUBAK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM