Independent Student Voice of MHCC
Volume 52, Issue 23 APRIL 13, 2018 advocate-online.net
Tuition hike nothing new PAGE 2
How food can bring us together PAGE 3
SAINTS ON THE BLOCK : DESTINATION NWACS New coffee sets up shop at MHCC PAGE 5
Busy summer for new president PAGE 4
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OPINION EDITORIAL
A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T
OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGES GETTING TOO EXPENSIVE? even dollars. That doesn’t sound like much, right? What’s seven dollars, in the big picture? A six-pack? A pack of smokes? Two gallons of gas? But crunching the numbers, the $7 per-credit tuition hike unanimously approved by the MHCC District Board of education adds up to quite a bit. A full-time term consists of 12 credits, which means tuition has been raised by a little over $80 each term. Most associate degree programs require a little over 90 credits, which adds up to over $600 tacked onto every degree (assuming all of a student’s credits were taken here over the course of two years) coming out of Mt. Hood. Given that Mt. Hood’s 20172018 standard tuition-and-fees cost for each student was calculated at $5,157 by Oregon’s higher education number-crunchers, this amounts to a roughly 6 percent hike in costs, starting with the 2018 Summer Term. If this were only the case at Mt. Hood, our academic community would doubtless be a little more up in arms about the increase in tuition, but, sadly this increasing trend in tuition appears to be statewide. In the 2007-08 school year, Mt. Hood’s tuition-and-fees clocked in at just $3,024 per term (see chart). For reference, PCC’s tuition was $2,600, Clackamas and Chemeketa were both around $2,850, and Linn-Benton, down in Albany, was at $2,700. Just a decade later, PCC’s tuition is at $5,100, Clackamas and Chemeketa are at $4,600 and $4,500 respec-
tively, and Linn-Benton’s tuition is posted at $5,000. (Worth noting: Following a decade of remarkably low inflation in the U.S., that $3,024 in 2007 would equal $3,620 in today’s dollars.) It’s clear that statewide, ever-rising tuition is less an odd fluke than an unfortunate reality. Now, if this increase in tuition corresponded to a commensurate increase in courses offered, faculty compensation, talent retention, facility improvement and an overall increase in student confidence in the value of their degree – not to mention a significant reduction in administrative salary and generalized bureaucratic parasitism – we the students could rest assured knowing that tuition hikes would equate to tangible improvement in the quality of our education. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. But it’s easy to point fingers at administration (to some degree, accepting blame for things you have no control over is built into any admin job description). Would that the answer across-the-board was simply a reduction in administrative budget in order to finance existing programs, instructor salaries and facility upgrades. Unfortunately, while that line of thinking is a piece of the puzzle, it doesn’t answer the entire, underlying question: Why don’t colleges have enough money? According to Oregon.gov, the state government’s website, Oregon community colleges are funded three ways: “state funding, tuition
Rising cost of student tuition and fees for Oregon community colleges (three term year, 15 credits per term)
6000
Lane Community College
5500 Thousands of Dollars
S
The cost of tuition has been on a constant rise
Mt. Hood Community College Portland Community College Clackamas Community College Chemeketa Community College
5000 4500 4000
U.S. inflation rate*
3500 3000 2500
*Tuition and fee cost estimate based on federal CPI inflation rate.
07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 School year (2007-08 through 2017-18)
revenue, and local property tax revenue.” As readers who have followed the breathless drama of passing an education bond in Gresham in the past 30 years or so know well (for MHCC, and for local public K-12 school districts), citizens tend toward inaction when it comes to voluntarily forking over more tax dollars to subsidize increased costs in education. But even community colleges such as PCC, which has successfully passed several bond measures, have had to raise their tuitions at the same rates, roughly speaking, as Mt Hood. Part of the answer, then, must lie with the state, with those damned career politicians down in Salem. According to the Community College Financial Information System (CCFIS), since 2007 tuition as a total percentage of school revenue in Oregon has grown from 28.8
percent to 39.7 percent, while state funding currently makes up 36.9 percent of total funding, down from 48.7 percent. In other words, a significant portion of community college’s revenue load in Oregon has been shifted onto students in the wake of what amounts to a funding freeze (or lag, at the least) from Salem in the face of increased educational expenses. Now, to be fair, education funding is far from the only issue the Oregon Legislature can’t quite seem to figure out. You can sort of take your pick when it comes to “budgetary gaps the state legislature needs to address ASAP,” but that certainly doesn’t help students faced with 6 percent tuition hikes. If this latest increase is what it takes to ensure the continued operation of Mt. Hood, fine. All things considered, an additional $650 is
Cover photo by: Fletcher Wold Editor-in-Chief Matana McIntire
Opinion Editor Kyle Venooker
Video Team Andy Carothers
Associate Editor/ News Editor Greg Leonov
Sports Editor Jonathan Zacarias
Web Editor Position Open
Graphic Design Team Prisma Flores Nicole Meade Sheila Embers Nina Charkhsaz
Ad Managers Megan Phelps Twensiga Disan
Associate News Editor & Copy Editor Bethany McCurley Arts & Entertainment Editor Ryan Moore Associate Arts & Entertainment/ Social Media Manager Cassie Wilson PA G E 2
Photo Editor Fletcher Wold Photo Team Fadi Shahin Andy Carothers Lisa Sellers
Advisers Howard Buck Dan Ernst Staff Writers Maddy Sanstrum Logan Hertner Kente Bates Lukas Brito Barry Morganti
Contact us! E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net Twitter: @MHCCAdvocate Facebook: facebook.com/TheAdvocateOnline Instagram: @MHCCAdvocate #MHCCAdvocate Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030 Room AC1369
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Source: Oregon’s state Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) Graphic by Nicole Meade // the Advocate
worth it when balanced against the approximate 10 percent increase in lifetime income a person with an associate degree earns. But where does it stop? Jennifer DeMent, MHCC’s chief operations officer, told the board last month that even with this hike, the college is still $500,000 short of where it needs to be, a fact which she says will necessitate “some (program/ staffing) cuts.” How long before we see another tuition increase? Community colleges are intended to provide students from marginalized backgrounds and lower income levels a fighting chance in today’s economic world, but on the trajectory we’re on, at a certain point attending one will be just as economically unfeasible as is a fouryear university. But don’t worry, there’s always loans, right?
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.
OPINION
APRIL 13, 2018
SIT DOWN, EAT, AND TALK – TAKE MY WORD FOR IT Lukas Brito
the advocate
I like food. Strike that – I love food. And no, it is not absurd to dedicate an entire column to food. Especially when we live in America. We are surrounded by food; everywhere you go, look, and
everything you do, food will always persevere in making an appearance. Now, I ask you this: When was the last time you sat down with someone and had a heartfelt conversation over a meal? Living in a house composed of two cultures – Brazilian and American – which both are infatuated with food, I can say that food is a big deal to my family. As strange as it may sound, food holds much more worth than just nourishment to our bodies. Food is a door to relationships, cultures, and, as Aladdin would say, “a whole new world,” but frankly I do not care about what Aladdin has to say. Like most normal children, I was never fond of my greens. I mean, why would I be? They were gross. But having my dad as my dad... he
did not tolerate pickiness in our house. My dad’s philosophy when it came to food etiquette was based on what his mother always use to tell him and his nine siblings. And I quote, “Eat what is in front of you, because there might be a time when you are so hungry that you will even eat chicken shit.” I hope to never eat chicken shit. Just the thought of it’s ghastly smell makes me want to vomit. Like anyone living in my household would do, I ate what was laid in front of me, and disposed of my picky habits. I won’t lie; there are still foods out there which I immensely dislike, but trust me, having an open mind toward food will do you more good than harm. Growing up, and even till this day, my parents would fall on the
old-fashioned style of parenting. Some of their biggest rules were: Dinners are to be spent at the table almost every night, and nothing is to be planned on Saturday mornings because those mornings are reserved for a family breakfast. At times, these rules could seem to be a bit troublesome. But I must say that I am very grateful for the numerous discussions and arguments I have shared with my family around the table. In all, I believe that they have strengthened the relationships among my family members. Also, I do try to converse with more than just my family around a table. Reaching out to friends or even acquaintances and inviting them to have a meal with you will introduce a side of them that you
never knew before. Take my word for it. Food is something not to be taken for granted – obviously – but the relationships we can gain from conversing around a table has great value, which we take for granted every day. Especially with how easy it is today to only surround yourself with people who validate your thoughts and ideas, there’s all the more reason to branch out and dip your toes in the waters of unfamiliarity. I encourage you to step out of your bubble and take the chance of learning something new. We should not live on food alone, but also seek the wisdom and relationships from the people around us. So, why not do that around a table while eating a great meal?
LIVING TRASH-FREE CHANGED MY SUSTAINABLE HABITS Matana McIntire the advocate
For the month of November 2017, I challenged myself to live trash-free. Inspired by a video put out by Buzzfeed and discussions about the overflowing recycling centers in the United States, I wanted to see how hard it would be to live without producing trash. Turns out, it’s nearly impossible – I created a handful of waste during my 30 days – but I was, overall, successful. My rules were this: I could not produce any paper, plastic, Styrofoam, cardboard, or food waste. My exceptions were notebooks, paper for school, toilet paper, and toiletries. It was extremely hard to live trash-free, especially as a fulltime student. The look on the campus bookstore barista’s face when I asked
her to put my donut directly onto my hand and not use a paper to hand it over was awkward, to say the least. Since my trek into trashfree living, I’ve developed some sustainable habits and I’d like to pass them on. These tips will not only save you money, but it will help you save the Earth, and you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’re a good person anymore. 1. Mason jars aren’t just hipster trash anymore; they’re my favorite to-go containers! Are you like me, always losing your Tupperware lids? Or do you have a million lids but none that fit the container you’re using? Fear not, Mason jar lids fit almost any size of jar. You can pack yogurt, oatmeal, leftover pasta, berries, nuts, you name it! Made of glass, they’re going to last longer than plastic Tupperware and they’ll be nicer to recycle when you get rid of them. 2. Ceramic latte cups are better and cheaper. Did you know that you can’t recycle your coffee cup? Yeah, dude, that recycling symbol on the bottom is a LIE. Your daily espresso or two is ruining the earth. Did you know that in Mt. Hood’s 2016 waste audit, which audited the college waste of a
single day (May 12), 7 percent of all refuse was single-use coffee cups? That’s one day, people. Imagine how many coffee cups get thrown in our trash cans in a month. So, drive your pretty little behind over to World Market and pick up a 16-ounce ceramic latte cup with a silicon lid (or three). The Earth will be happier and so will you, because the bookstore coffee shop gives a discount if you
bring your own cup. 3. Reusable menstrual items! The fact that we’re using plastic and paper menstrual products is disgusting and barbaric. Also, many of them have been bleached and aren’t made with 100-percent cotton. Luckily, Portland has a company (Glad Rags) that sells reusable menstrual products, as well as the numerous other brands. Investing in some now will save you loads of
moolah later, and it’s waaaaaaaay more comfortable. Trust me. Anyway, those are just the easiest. If you want to learn more about sustainability, the college has a Sustainability Team that you’re welcome to join. With Earth Day on the horizon, and China no longer buying (much of) our recycling, it’s time to change some habits. Join me next year for #NoTrashNovember.
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NEWS
A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T
INCOMING PRESIDENT LISA SKARI MAKING BIG MOVES Greg Leonov the advocate
While handling two other major life changes, the new leader of Mt. Hood Community College will step into her new job on July 23. Lisa Skari, from Des Moines, Washington, just south of Seattle, will succeed five-year President Debbie Derr, who is retiring. Before working in education, Skari was a manager and trainer for Lamonts department stores, according the Gresham Outlook newspaper. She attended Washington State University in Pullman and received a doctorate in education. She also earned a masters of business administration degree from Pacific Lutheran University, near Tacoma. Skari served as a vice president at Highline College in Des Moines for 17 years. She also served as Executive Director of the college’s foundation.
Before she worked at Highline, the public community college was unpopular with the surrounding community, and mostly white, she said. During her tenure, that imbalance was turned around. Skari said that bringing more diversity into an educational institution is “a wonderful opportunity” rather than a troubling issue because “the full learning process is about experiencing and thinking through things that are different.” She continued, “Highline is diverse because of our community, not because of anything we did.” The demographics of the college changed because the college responded to the needs of the community, she explained. Beyond her new job at Mt. Hood, Skari will be going through a few challenges: She will get married on July 7, and she and her spouse will move to Oregon. “We had the wedding day (already) picked out, so we decided
to go forward with it, not knowing all this excitement was going to transpire,” she said. During her first few weeks as president of MHCC, Skari expects to spend time getting acquainted with the Gresham-Portland community and learning people’s names.
So far, she said that the people at Mt. Hood Community College “have been amazing. I am blown away by the number of people that have reached out, that have sent positive messages. I’ve never felt so welcomed before.” Skari said she is a participatory leader. “With my team, my door is open, people come in all the time. It’s an environment you set up,” she said. “Being available and being accessible makes it easy to talk through things and to address issues or items, or just even understand.” She described her main leadership role as one of removing obstacles. “Or, how to get (employees or students) the resources and support to get them to do what they want to do,” she said. Skari said she doesn’t want to constrain people to their job descriptions, but encourages them to follow their passions.
She described how one Highline employee who was a program assistant in the outreach program transcended the job description. That person attended a conference and connected with a community based organization, and using her language skills, connected the organization with the college. “Now they’re planning partnerships to serve the Hispanic community,” said Skari. Outside of time at work, Skari likes to be outdoors. “I find nature calming,” she said. Skari plans to explore Multnomah Falls and other attractions in the region. “I am anxious to explore the area. I like being outside.” The next time Skari plans a visit to Mt. Hood is much sooner: She will be at the annual MHCC Foundation Dinner & Auction, scheduled for April 21.
TUITION RATES TO RISE THIS SUMMER Bethany McCurley the advocate
Tuition rates at Mt. Hood Community College are increasing, starting Summer Term 2018. On March 14, the MHCC District Board of Education voted to increase tuition by $7 per credit, and mandatory student fees by $0.50 per credit. The board will honor the ongoing tuition pledge for currently enrolled students, but will discontinue the pledge for new, incoming students. The pledge allowed eligible students to pay the same tuition price they first received when starting at Mt. Hood despite any tuition increases approved during their studies here. With the new prices, a full-time student taking 12 credits would pay an additional $84 for tuition and $6 in additional student fees per term. If the same number of credits were taken fall, winter and spring term, PA G E 4
the student would pay $270 more per year than the current rates. These rates were increased to cover Mt. Hood’s operating budget shortfalls if future student enrollment is lower than predicted. Further budget cuts will be needed to balance the 2018-19 operating budget, but the tuition hike should help protect some student programs from being reduced or eliminated, according to Nathan Skarphol, MHCC’s ASG (Associated Student Government) vice president and director of finance. Starting June 25, when summer classes start, MHCC’s tuition rates for in-state Oregon residents and for student activity and technology fees will be greater than at Portland and Clackamas community colleges (PCC and CCC), meantime.
Photo by Fletcher Wold // the Advocate
Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegman, representing District 4, addressed the audience Thursday during the annual Peace and Justice From the Heart event in the Student Union. The event featured speakers talking about Nobel Peace Prize recipients and nonviolent resistance. Dancing for peace and traditional Native American drumming were also featured during the event. The purpose of the conference was to foster a welcoming and accepting community on campus.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL 13, 2018
RIVERVIEW BARISTA OFFERS COMFY AMBIANCE Megan Phelps the advocate
MHCC’s newest food option on campus is the Riverview Barista, brought to you by the current food provider on campus, Riverview Catering. It’s located on the north (opposite) end of the main Academic Center wing in Building 17, on the upper level, replacing the St. Helens Bistro location. Not only does this place have great hours, it also has a great atmosphere. The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closing early at 1 p.m. on Friday. Customers have several different seating options. They can take a seat at one of the seven, tall, two-person tables, which have rustic hooks to hang a purse, jacket, or other items, accompanied with cushioned wooden stools. Each table has a napkin dispenser, convenient for those who spill frequently. As for electric outlets to charge devices, there are really only two areas in the space, so it isn’t the best spot if you’re about to run out of electronic juice. There are rumors that there may be construction during the summer in the café, however.
The rebrand of this area is very rustic, with wooden tables, dark metal accents, and painted brick walls that now feature different-toned bricks. The cozy nook towards the back also has cute succulents, rough woven tan rugs, and fun red-accented trinkets on the wall. There’s also a cool black-andwhite graphic image of Riverview Restaurant co-owner Junki Yoshida hanging, with him sporting a cowboy hat. I do have to say though, there isn’t much room for you if you have to get around in a wheelchair, especially if you want to sit at the cozy nook towards the back of the café, since the furniture is arranged in a way to provide the most seating. As for food options, the main selection is similar to what you will find in the MHCC cafeteria (Riverview Café) refrigerators. They have fruit cups, yogurt, a few bagels, premade sandwiches, pastries, cake, muffins, wraps, and salads. Prices for these items range from $2 to $5, the most expensive item being the chicken and chef salads. A majority of the items are $2, most of which are pastries. There aren’t as many hot food
options available, besides a breakfast wrap/burrito that can be heated in the café microwave. Soup is available, and oatmeal Quaker Oats cups to purchase and have heated as well. When you walk in, there also are two Aquafina coolers with drinks, including soda, Rockstar energy drinks, Gatorade, juice, and water. There also are a few snack options along the wall, and a shelf with an array of bags of chips to choose from. As for drinks made on the spot, there is your general assortment of coffee shop drinks, including a “Barista Punch” which has Rockstar and flavored syrup of your choice added. Prices for drinks range from $1.50 to $5. The most expensive drink is one of the specials called “The No-Brainer” which is an almond cappuccino with two shots of espresso (this is for a 16 ounce version). There are alternative milk options, for an additional 50 cents, including coconut, almond, soy, and skim. If you’re looking for a spot to chill out with friends, study, or eat a snack, Riverview Barista might be the place for you.
Photos by Fletcher Wold // the Advocate
Riverview Barista is a new evening food spot for students who are on campus later in the day. The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closing early at 1 p.m. on Friday, and it’s located upstairs on the north end of campus.
PODCASTS FOR THE MUSICALLY FATIGUED Cassie Wilson the advocate
As a music lover, sometimes I need a bit of a break from my regular tunes to remember why I love them so much in the first place. That being said, I don’t care much for silence, so I fill that void with podcasts. Unsurprisingly, I discovered all of the ones I listen to via creators in the entertainment industry. The nice thing about all of these podcasts is that every episode stands on its own, so you can jump in at any point without confusion. “Dear Hank & John”
This is a podcast in which YouTubers, authors, “Crash
Course” creators, and brothers Hank and John Green answer advice questions submitted by listeners. These aren’t just any advice questions, though. Some are serious, but many are lighthearted looks into the strange things we do as a society, and usually go something like: “Can I throw away my dead grandmother’s sponges?” “At what point are you supposed to put water on a toothbrush?” or “How do I tell my dad about my secret pet snake?” At the end of each episode, Hank talks about the latest news regarding the planet Mars, and John talks about the latest news from AFC Wimbledon, a third-tier English football (soccer) club. John also has a new podcast called “The Anthropocene Reviewed,” where he reviews completely random aspects of life on Earth (like Canada geese and cholera) and rates them on a fivestar scale.
In addition, Hank has a new podcast with his wife, Katherine, where they review Hank’s Twitter at the end of every week as a way to talk about their lives, current events, the way that social media impacts us, and how the way we use it can affect other people.
“The 8123 Podcast”
records, or about their values as a band, such as the episode “Why Would You Pay Money To Meet A Human Being?”. My favorite episode so far is when they interviewed Johnny Minardi, who works at the major record label Fueled By Ramen. Hearing how he got his start in the music business was enthralling. Another great one is when they interview their touring photographer, Lupe Bustos, and we hear how he got his foot in the door in music, as well.
“The eduPUNX Podcast” Hosted by musicians Pat Kirch and Garrett Nickelsen of indierock band The Maine, this podcast provides a lot of variety in episode topics and lengths. They talk about music and life with friends and other musicians. Sometimes it’s just the two of them talking about the making of some of The Maine’s
Host Craig Bidiman is an educator and public speaker in Boston (originally from Oregon), and on his podcast he interviews
people who are often using music as a way to help educate people. Many folks talk about mental health, physical and intellectual disabilities, making the music scene a safer place, and current events and efforts happening around the political climate. It’s all brought together through a common love and understanding of the power of music and how it brings us together. It’s an easy way to learn about important topics from people who are passionate about them or impacted by them, and also a great chance to be exposed to new music.
These podcasts can be streamed on Soundcloud and iTunes PA G E 5
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T
TV SHOW PREMIERES AIRING THIS MONTH FEAR THE WALKING DEAD AMC
APRIL 15
THE 100 CW
APRIL 24
SUPERGIRL
WESTWORLD
APRIL 16
APRIL 22
CW
THE HANDMAID’S TALE HULU
APRIL 25
HBO
QUANTICO ABC
APRIL 26 Web photos
ARE YOU A HARD-HITTING WATCHDOG? DO YOU WANT TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH? PERHAPS YOU’RE AN ARTIST OR DESIGNER... COME WORK FOR THE ADVOCATE – SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS WITH US PA G E 6
NEWS
APRIL 13, 2018
With Bethany McCurley
PREVIEW DAY Preview Day is an event for students just out of high school, those who are restarting college after being out for a few years, or anyone interested in learning more about the degrees, certificate, and other training offered at MHCC. Visitors will be able to speak with current students, staff and faculty while getting acquainted with the campus. The event runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. Guests are asked to pre-register at mhcc.edu/PreviewNight/.
SATURDAY MARKET SPRINGS TO A START Vendors are gathering this Saturday (April 14) to kick-start the 2018 Gresham Saturday Market season in MHCC’s parking lot “W” (on the corner of Kane and SE Stark Street (northwest corner of the campus). There will be local produce, fruit and berries, crafts, fine arts, food, music, and more. The market promises live entertainment during the
peak hours of 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and sells snacks and meals, plus many handcrafted products. The market runs each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Sept. 29. For more information on vendors, performers, and opportunities, see greshamsaturdaymarket. com.
GAME DAY The Diversity Resource Center (DRC) invites student, staff and faculty to come have fun, relax, and play games from different cultures. Refreshments will be provided during the event on Monday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Student Union’s Fireplace Lounge.
BEFORE THE FAIR: Research the companies attending the fair. Go to mhcc.edu/careeerfairsstudents and click on the “attending employers” link to see the 70 different employers. This list is hyperlinked to their websites, as well. Make a list of your top 10 employers and make sure you see them first on the day of the fair. Update your résumé. Bring at least 10 copies of an updated résumé to give to employers at the fair. Practice your “elevator pitch.” An elevator pitch is a brief statement that you use to introduce yourself to the employers. Your pitch should include who you are, what you’re looking for and what experience you have to offer. “Hi, my name is __________________ and I am
studying _____________________ at MHCC.
EXAMPLE
>> BRIEFS
I’m looking for an opportunity to gain experience in ____________________________.
Over the past year I’ve been working on
_________________________ and I’d like to expand on this experience.
I saw from your website your company offers
_______________________. Can you tell me more about this?”
Thursday, April 19 in the Riverview Café 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. AT THE FAIR: Dress professionally. Try to dress in business casual that is clean and pressed. (Don’t worry if you don’t have time to change; employers understand. But if you can, it is best to make a good first impression.) Bring several copies of your résumé. You should bring at least 10 copies of your résumé. Arrive early too because the Career Planning & Counseling Center will have résumé holders for all attendees while supplies last. Be confident and open-minded. Also use this as an opportunity to explore other career options you may have never heard about!
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SPORTS
A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T
MEET YOUR MT HOOD SAINTS TRACK TEAM and has been haunting him. But he’s feeling really confident this season. He knew Coach Fantroy before coming to Mt. Hood and enjoys getting coached by him. “Last year my (high school) coach had me running repeat 400’s and that’s not really my thing, and so I never made any progress,” he said. He enjoys the small team at Mt. Hood, and resulting one-onone training with coaches – unlike what he remembers in high school where he felt like he didn’t have good sessions and would have to wait until 6 p.m. to get time with his coach. His next goal is to qualify for the 200m, where he is currently sitting at fifth.
Jonathan Zacarias the advocate
The Mt. Hood Saints track and field team is reaching its halfway point of the season. For some athletes, it’s time to focus on the little things of their stride, execution, or hop, while for others, opportunities are slowly running out for a chance to qualify for the NWAC Championships. With only five meets remaining before the championship meet, to be hosted right here at Mt. Hood May 21-22, we headed down to the track to see how some Saints are preparing. (This Saturday, April 14, the Saints will compete in the Saint Martin’s Invitational, in Lacey, Washington, where they’ll face some of the top competition in the Northwest.)
TAYTON LA POINTE
Ranked second in the NWAC for 800-meter run with a time of 1:59.61 (not yet qualified – qualifying time is 1:58.16) La Pointe came from a great senior year season at Clackamas H i g h School and had a great summer training program with coach Photo by Andy Carothers // the Advocate Fe r n a n d o Fantroy where he was doing 200-meter workouts and hitting (800m) times well within the 1:5455 range. He was looking forward to a great spring but sadly got a foot injury which had him sit all fall and half of winter, as well, to recover. He’s happy to be healthy again and hungry to regain his summer form. What helps him maintain or recover his endurance and speed back so quickly is that was a four-sport athlete at Clackamas, competing in cross country, basketball, soccer and track. It’s good cross training he said. With the times he was hitting during the summer, La Pointe’s PA G E 8
and her execution during meets – getting the little, important things right so she can be ready for the NWACs.
ERICA VELTKAMP
Qualified in the 5,000-meter run: Ranked fourth | Qualified in the 10,000-meter run: Ranked third
GRACE BUCHANAN
Qualified in the Javelin: Ranked second, mark of 130 feet, 7 inches Photos by Fletcher Wold // the Advocate
ABOVE: Freshman Michael Botchway warming up for a great day at practice.
current season PR (1:59) doesn’t have him happy. He knows he can run faster. “Placement doesn’t matter very much; it’s about your time,” he said. “Two is a very good number but I need to be 1. I need to be faster than that.”
I’ve never done that… apparently I’m good at it so I might as well stick to it.” Asked his feeling about the NWACs – if he was excited, nervous, or wanting to place – he
RAMONTRE’ WILLIAMS
Qualified for high jump: Ranked second | Qualified for triple jump: Ranked fifth | Ranked third for long jump: 21 feet, 9.5 inches (not yet qualified – qualifying leap is 22 feet, 1.25 inches) More than anything, Williams seems just grateful to be competing at the college level. He comes from Portland’s Jefferson High School, and like many of Portland Interscholastic League conference members, Jeff struggles with resources sometimes for sports and funding. But he’s happy to be part of the team and grateful to have already qualified for two NWAC championship events and is looking for his third. He actually started as sprinter in high school, where he did the 100m and 200m sprints his freshman year. He only started the long jump his senior year. “I don’t want to limit myself to anything. So, if I’m good at anything, might as well do them all,” said Williams. “The triple jump,
said, “I mean, just trust the process. It’s a lot to handle, going to class, coming to practice, and managing all those other things. But as for results, I don’t know, top three, top four, top five, I’ll be happy with. I’m just trying to get to wherever I can.”
MICHAEL BOTCHWAY
Qualified in the 100 meters: Ranked third, time of 11.14 seconds | Ranked fifth in the 200 meters: 22.69 seconds: (not yet qualified – qualifying time is 22.43 seconds) Michael Botchway has a big goal this season; to be sub-11. It’s been a goal he’s had for a couple years now
In her first throw of the season’s first meet, Grace Buchanan had already clinched her spot to NWACs. “I was excited because that was my PR (personal record),” she said. “I was already 2 feet past what I thrown in high school and to know that I had already gotten my ticket to the NWACs, it was really exciting.” She didn’t think she was going to qualify that early. She and her coach had set that as their season goal, and to peak around the end of the season. But after that first throw, she said she was really excited for the rest of the season. The two had to dramatically readjust their plan and set a different goal. Now it’s 10 feet more, something she would have never thought about before the season started. Qualifying so early gives her time to really focus on her technique during training,
Erica Veltkamp is one of the few sophomores in this year’s freshman-heavy team. She qualified and ran in both races in last year’s NWAC Championships, hosted in 90-degree-plus weather both days. But she is enjoying this season with her new teammates, and has already PR’d in both the 5k and 10k with respective times of 19:47 minutes and 42:09 minutes. For those who might not know, the 10,000m is the longest track event you can do – (before you go insane!) – 25 laps on an outdoor track What’s her mental approach? “I think it’s just not really focusing that your running,” she said. “You just have to kind of zone out and think about something else. Usually I find a song and just repeat that song over and over again in my head. “So, I don’t think, ‘Oh, I’m running all these laps;’ it’s just like focusing on my breathing and other aspects of my race,” she said. Veltkamp, unlike others, isn’t too worried about the NWACs, nor where she stands in conference. The stats don’t really grab her attention. “I just have personal goals for myself. I don’t really focus on other runners because it’s always changing. I just set times for myself and paces instead of focusing who’s around me and who should I beat.” For more photos go to advocate-online.net