The Advocate - Issue 22 - April 10, 2020

Volume 54, Issue 22 April 10, 2020 advocate-online.net

FOR THE STUDENTS BY THE STUDENTS

Discrimination amidst a pandemic PAgE 2

The point of space exploration PAgE 3

Saints softball players optimistic PAgE 4

A SeASon of ChAnge PAgE 3

Gun violence on campuses PAgE 4

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racism against asians amidst corona outbreak Brad Le

The Advocate Social distancing across the world has led to many people looking to offload their stresses of not being able to leave their homes and performing activities to the same level of freedom they have had not too long ago. Some have attempted to minimize that stress by taking up hobbies such as culinary pursuits, knitting, and posting humorous content online.

However, in the midst of people trying to maintain our collective emotional sanity, there has been created a dark side, as a result of our frustrations. While COVID-19 has spread across the globe with respected sources estimating over 1.5 million people having been diagnosed with the virus, the first known public diagnosis occurred in Wuhan, China. Coupled with the fact that the Asian continent is the world’s most population-dense continent, with about 250 people per square mile compared to North America’s population density of about 55 people per square mile, the disease spread quickly in Wuhan – and then beyond.

As a result, there have been numerous reports of racial tension directed towards Asians across the globe, ranging from physical violence, harassment, and taunting even in the most modernized nations.

On March 6 in London, England, student Jonathon Mok, 23, was assaulted by two boys, age 15 and 16. One of the boys, in the middle of their assault, was noted to have shouted, “I don’t want your coronavirus in my country!”

Mok sustained an injury to his nose and a broken bone under his right eye, and commented that he might require need surgery following the attack.

On March 19 in Florida, a viral video was posted showing an alleged rapper chasing an elderly Asian woman with hand sanitizer, shouting “Sanitize your ass!” The details of this incident are, unfortunately, muddy. Initially, it seems the video drew mixed opinions online, with some dismissing the incident as a joke; however, outcries of racism have grown more dominant in the reaction since the incident has passed.

Australia residents have faced several incidents of racial attacks that have resulted in a collaboration of three separate organizations to report such episodes: the Asian Australian

Alliance, Being Asian Australian and the Per Capita fellow Osmond Chiu. One of the project’s organizers, Erin Chew, has commented to SBS News (an Australian news website), “People reported receiving messages on social media, telling them to stop eating dogs and bats ... And there’s been lots of casual racial slurs on the streets.”

Perhaps the most interesting recent turn of events due to the recent racial tensions is the large surge in the purchase of firearms, due to the fear among Asians that they might be visited with a fatal assault. In an article posted by Newsweek. com, gun owners have commented that sales of firearms have been increasing rapidly, especially in those areas associated with a large Asian community. The owner of Gun Effects, a firearms shop in California, was reported to say, “Normally, we’re a pretty busy store, but this (pandemic) made it really, really crazy.”

While the number of attacks towards Asians have been increasing, there do not seem to be any sources indicating that any have died from assaults due to racial tensions and fears over the coronavirus. Only time will tell if that remains the case.

an Honest look at scHool sHootings

Omar Carillo The Advocate

As the MHCC community, we are far past the point of being able to still observe deadly shootings and active shooter situations as abstractly as we may wish to.

We have experienced plenty of incidents as a collective, whether that be smaller-scale acts of violence, or larger acts of premeditated mass assaulting. Easily the most

urgent and close of these was the Reynolds High School attack by a student in 2014, which resulted in the wounding of a teacher and the killing of a fellow student.

It is easy to think that gun violence is an issue less pressing now than it may have been a few years ago, when incidents in the U.S. reached their peak in 2017 at nearly 15,700 deaths, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

The truth is, we are never too far from this menacing number.

Last year, the count was more than 15,200 casualties, second only to the 2017 total.

Though operating practically fully online at the moment, thanks to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, Mt. Hood Community College very much still exists as also a physical institution, therefore always vulnerable to hostile

interaction.

As recently as January, the illusion of a threat-free campus was broken when a now-identified individual made “verbal threats toward Public Safety and MHCC involving a weapon,” as described in a mass email sent by the Public Safety Manager Wayne Feagle shortly after the event.

Regarding potential improvements to campus security, Feagle simply said he “[Wished] we had funding for electronic locks” on doors. He also pointed out a helpful list of precautions already taken by MHCC that can be found at https://www.mhcc.edu/ EmergencyPreparedness/.

Even so, the concern can remain a looming presence on campus. Posted on numerous walls all across the college is a colorful poster depicting cartoon characters

for the students by the students editor-in-chief Chloe Collins

graphic design editor Eli Rankin

associate editor Omar Saradi

copy editor Chris Barney

Robert Frank Thomas Silk Kurt Larson Mazey Copeland

arts & entertainment editors Kurt Larson Eli Rankin

broadcast Producer

broadcast graphic designer

Naethaniel Lile

Annie Avila

opinion editor Omar Saradi

broadcast tech director

Photo editor Maysee Thao

broadcast a.d.

ad manager Parrish Chang

news editor Daniella Young Pa g e 2

Gage Linhares

Wensdai Pearson

broadcast Hosts

Photo team Bethy Fallgren Landon Spady Fletcher Wold staff Writers Brad Le Daniella Young Kel Buell Laura J Clement Omar Carrillo Ash Espinoza

in peril, their purpose being to help express the steps one should take in case of this specific kind of emergency. – “fighting back” against an attacker being what the printed PSA suggests an individual does, as a last resort.

While it is unfortunate that students and staff must constantly have this hypothetical peeking out at the, in the corner of their eye, it is of course even more so unfortunate to realize that, even just a few years ago, messages like these may not have even been considered to be necessary.

But the fear of some of the most frightening final minutes a person could have in their life is a monster we all face, in some capacity, every day, at our college.

One can only hope the climate changes for the better, moving forward.

@mhccadvocate

social media manager [Position Open] distribution specialist Julia MacDonald advisers Dan Ernst Howard Buck

editor’s note Despite the coronavirus pandemic and closure of the MHCC campus, The Advocate will continue to cover our community to the best of our ability. Given social distancing measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19, The Advocate will be produced entirely online for Spring Term 2020 – individual stories, plus a full-spread “print version” file available each week. Check our social media platforms and the Advocate website for the latest news in our Mt. Hood community.

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opinion

APRil 10, 2020

why exploring space matters Carson Koch The Advocate

Many ask, what is the point of space exploration? It costs a lot of time and resources, to do just what? Look at stars? Why venture up there, when we have so many problems down here? Why dedicate such a monumental amount of money that could be spent on the poor? It just doesn’t make sense.

But space exploration represents so much: the future of the species.

We human have spent our history toiling, warring, and innovating to make life on our planet better. But we often forget the immense size and scale of the actual universe and that even on the scale of our solar system, we are living on an insignificant speck of dust.

Morbidly enough, it would not take very much to wipe us out... erasing everything we worked so hard to build. Take a meteor, for instance: In one fell swoop, one wiped out the dinosaurs – just one of many cosmic bullets that could

eliminate life on Earth. The age-old saying, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” applies here. Moving on to other planets branches us out and plants humanity’s literal footprint in the infinite. We can prevail, if our home planet suffers a major extinction event.

SHARED DESTINY “The future” often envisions human colonization of other planets, because sci-fi writers and scientists alike realize that space is, indeed, our future. There is a unique desire in the hearts of all of us, to go out and explore. In the endearing words of President John F. Kennedy, “Why climb the highest mountain? Why, 50 years ago, fly the Atlantic?” Simply, because we are a remarkably ambitious species, in that our desire to explore takes us far from home. We are destined to depart in pursuit of knowledge, to advance our story and establish our legacy in the cosmos.

Also, space is a remarkable unifying force. The need to explore

is not limited to any one nationality, religion, or ideology. It’s a constant in our shared history. When Columbus set sail to the new world, curiosity drove him. When Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay became the first to summit Everest, the spirit of adventure soared. Just as when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to leave boot marks on the moon.

When Apollo 11 landed on the moon (amidst the U.S.-U.S.S.R. cold war) the world did not say “an American” or “Neil and Buzz” landed on the moon, it said “WE landed on the moon!” A collective human triumph had occurred.

Further travel to the stars is vastly expensive; our pursuit of Mars requires help from all quarters. For instance, the life support for those future astronauts is provided by the ESA (European Space Agency), not NASA. The current International Space Station is was a herculean effort with help from many nations, and as a result, all countries are welcome.

COUNTLESS BENEFITS Spaceflight takes place far above where borders are recognizable, mostly to conduct research that benefits everyone. One orbiting Earth satellite uses reflected light to accurately measure soil around the world and predict droughts, to prevent food shortages. The data is open to use, in order to benefit humanity.

Likewise, Hubble, Kepler, Gaia, Voyager and countless other probes provide knowledge for all citizens, not just Americans.

Don’t forget the spillover technologies. Do you need glasses?

Well, NASA developed the material for modern lenses, for use in the Space Shuttle’s windows. Have you ever used a handheld (cordless) drill? NASA created the first one for use on the lunar surface. The list goes on and on.

If doubting exploration in light of so many earthly problems, realize these same questions have been asked throughout history. Those who sailed the seas invented the compass; the sextant was created

in 1731 to navigate the vast ocean separating Europe and the new world. Without exploration, the United States wouldn’t even exist.

Nobody truly knows what untold fortunes, nations, technologies and histories may lie ahead for us, in space.

Finally, when we feel inspired, we look up – up to our future, our possibilities – not down to the ground. Our future is not where we have been, it is where we are going. It’s as if some force is trying to show us the way. The stars are not mere specks of light in the sky, but invitations to come see what they have to offer. For the sake of all who have come before us, and all who will come after, it is time to unify, collaborate, innovate and establish our permanent footprint in the sky for the benefit of all.

We’re on the brink of something truly magnificent, where humanity dances among the stars we have gazed upon, in awe, for so many centuries.

a glimpse of spring at mhcc Bethany Fallgren The Advocate

A few weeks ago, Mt. Hood Community College was booming with beautiful cherry blossoms along with many other delightful flowers, including daffodils and Forget Me Nots. Rainbows of color filled every corner of campus.

It was a wonderful sight to see for our final days before Spring Break – and before the college was forced to close its doors due to the unforeseen circumstances of

COVID-19.

While it seems particularly hard for so many of us during this difficult time, spring helps remind us of renewal, growth and hope. With everything going on, it’s good to be reminded of these simple things – that there will be a new day, and to use these times to grow as people. Like everything in life, there is a cycle of both good and

On the cover: A cherry blossom tree on campus at MHCC’s Gresham location.

E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net Mt. Hood Community College Room 1369 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham OR 97030

also a reminder to be appreciative of the elegance around us, for it is often short- lived and gone before we know it.

Let this spring be a form of renewal for your life, just like the Sakura tree. Remember what inspires your soul and let it shine for all to see. Hopefully when this all passes, life will have a sense of normalcy again, and will even turn out for the better, in the long run.

Maybe we all just needed to take a step back and remember what is truly important to all of us.

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bad; better days are to come.

If you are able, be sure to take the time to enjoy what joy our surroundings have graced us with, like the ornamental blossoms of the cherry trees, also known as Sakura in Japanese terms. Sakura is a symbol of renewal and optimism, bringing vibrant pink petals after a long, dark winter. It is

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission.

Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

Delaney Johnston Graphic Designer Delaney Johnston is a 20-year-old, second-year graphic design student, planning to graduate this June. Her passion for the industry began in high school while attending the Center for Advanced Learning. When not in classes at MHCC, she is either slinging coffee beans at Dutch Bros. or is feeding into her love for Disney by watching Disney movies.

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SAintS SoftbAll PlAyErS look forwArd to nExt SEASon Daniella Young The Advocate

The Mt. Hood softball team found out that its remaining season was canceled, due to COVID-19, by the Northwest Athletic Conference on March 16, shortly after playing in its second tournament.

Although the Saints’ season was cut short, several players interviewed remain optimistic about the future and their plans for next season.

Here are profiles of some of these women: SYDNEY EARLS The 19-year-old, a pitcher and first baseman, was a freshman team captain of the Mt. Hood team.

“It was a very sad day because we had been working so hard and we had to say goodbye to our sophomores, who we all love and appreciate so much,” Earls said of the season shutdown.

“Plans for the future just include continuing to work hard and not let all of our hard work go to waste. We will come into next season being more than ready to take home that NWAC championship,” she said.

Earls was born and raised in Rainier, Oregon, but moved to Milton-Freewater, Oregon (northeast of Pendleton), halfway through her freshman year. She attended McLoughlin High School in Milton-Freewater, and she played on the varsity team all four years there. Then she made the decision to come to Mt. Hood.

“I chose MHCC because the coaches told me that they would do everything they could to get me to the next level and made it clear that they would support me 100% in both my softball career and educational journey,” she said.

Earls said she has been playing softball since she was 4 years old.

“My softball career has been nothing but life-changing. The game has taught me how to overcome adversity, what it means to work for what I want, and how to push through even when I want to give up. Softball has connected me with people from all over that have played vital roles in building me into the person I am today and I will forever be grateful for them,” she said.

“From the day I picked up my glove, I wasn’t playing for myself, but for someone bigger than myself. Every time I step on the field I get to Glorify God,” she continued. “In every triumph and every failure he receives all praise. I get to stand in front of crowds of people playing in the name of Jesus Christ; nothing gets better than that. That is my favorite part of the game.”

Earls said her favorite memory with the Saints was when the team volunteered at a homeless shelter and served dinner to the people that stayed there.

“It brought the team together and gave us a chance to give back to our community and showed us how grateful we should be to be able to play the game that we love so much every day,” she said.

Her favorite part of being on the MHCC team is the focus that they have on family and the lifelong relationships that come with it, she explained.

Earls’ favorite high school memory was when she pitched in the state championship game her freshman year. She said her favorite food is Chinese, and she enjoys listening to Christian music.

“My goal for softball in the future is to go where God leads me. I want to transfer to a school that fits my educational needs best while still giving me the opportunity to play,” she said.

She wants to major in Administrative Education and General PA G E 4

Education, as well as minor in Youth Ministry.

Earls decided what career path she hoped to venture into during her senior year of high school, she said. Among her many goals for the next 5-10 years, she sees herself as an elementary school teacher in her hometown, eventually becoming an administrator, while also working at her church as a youth pastor.

RAINY DOLD At age 19, Rainy Dold also was a freshman team captain, playing third base for MHCC. She plans to return and play next year.

She was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. She attended Hillsboro High School and was the only person in her class who played on the varsity team all four years of high school.

She has been playing the sport since she was 5 years old, and softball has opened up many doors for her, she said.

“My softball career has been full of so many experiences, from playing travel ball since I was 10, to my high school years, and then my collegiate experience. It has opened me up to many opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t have had without softball,” said Dold.

“My favorite part is how intense the game is; no matter if you’re watching, playing, a coach, it is always so intense and it’s a sport with more than one skill, so being able to play and be good at it, makes it so much more fun! It’s also a sport where you can always get better, so it challenges me every day,” she said.

Dold’s favorite memory at MHCC so far is the van rides to the games, when the team sings and dance together. She lists cheese pizza as her favorite food.

In the future, she would love to play softball at a fouryear university, possibly Western Oregon or Eastern Oregon University. After that, she hopes to become a softball coach and teacher in Oregon.

“I chose MHCC because of my financial standings, the campus, and how amazing the coaching staff is at school!” said Dold. “They make every day of practice fun and they make me better as a person and a player.”

After the team learned the season was canceled, “We were all pretty upset, but it gives us more time to prepare to get the NWAC championship next year!” Dold said.

KATHRYN BRADFORD In her second year with Mt. Hood, 20-year-old sophomore Kathryn Bradford played outfield/center field for the Saints, and also served as a team captain.

Born and raised in The Dalles, she attended The Dalles High School and played softball all four years there.

Bradford has been playing softball for 16 years.

“I have been playing softball since I was 4 years old. My softball career has been nothing but amazing,” she said. “.I have gained so much from this sport in the last 16 years of my life. Softball has shaped me into the woman I am today in many, many ways. It has taught/showed me leadership, responsibility, strength. I have met some incredible people in this sport. I have gained so many friendships with girls that I consider sisters, honestly.

“I have been able to travel around the United States and experience different cultures,” Bradford continued. “Softball has helped me push through hardships in my life, as well as good times. I have always used it as my getaway and I am forever thankful that I will have this sport to look back on in my life.

And I hope one day softball gives my daughter everything that I have received from it as well,” she said.

Bradford said her favorite part of being on the MHCC team is how driven and hardworking she and her teammates are. “I love the drive it gives me, the competition, the happiness I feel when I am on the field, the friendships it has brought me, the memories. I love everything about this sport,” she said.

Her favorite memory with the MHCC team was when she hit a home run while just “slapping” the bat at one pitch.

A favorite memory in high school softball was when the team went to a spring break tournament in Bend, when she was a sophomore and her sister was a senior. The two hit backto-back home runs; this was also her first ever home run.

Afterwards, the local newspaper in The Dalles published an article on this special moment.

Bradford said she came to Mt. Hood for many different reasons. “I chose MHCC because I liked the idea of only being a little over an hour away from home. I also loved the campus and environment when I was there,” she said. “And I chose MHCC softball because I like the coaching staff. They did not just care about softball but they genuinely care about their players individually and are always there for all of us. I also really enjoyed the work ethic that the team had, and I really enjoyed the energy when I came to visit.”

Her plans are to continue with her education and softball in fall 2020 at the Oregon Institute of Technology on a scholarship.

“I am majoring in respiratory care. I knew I wanted to do this when I was a junior in high school,” Bradford said. “I was scheduled to take a class for my senior project where I had to job shadow someone. At that point in my life all I knew was I wanted to go into the medical field, so I reached out to some people to help narrow down some specific areas in the medical field I could learn about.

“And during that search, respiratory therapy was in there. I ended up job shadowing at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles for 2 months and ended up loving everything about this job,” she said.

As for her longtime passion: “My goals for softball in the future are to spend the last two years of my softball career never having any regrets –having fun and making the most of every practice/game,” said Bradford. “Playing the game I have loved the last 16 years and going out of this sport with a bang.”

Off the softball field, she listed spaghetti as her favorite food, and she enjoys R&B music. In 5-10 years, she sees herself moving back to The Dalles to buy a home, beginning her career as a respiratory therapist, and starting her family.

Contributed Photo

Kathryn Bradford, a sophomore outfielder, plans to continue playing softball at the Oregon Institute of Technology next season.