Spring 2019 Issue 4

C o nne c t i o n THE

Is social media to blame for rise in student depression?

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Campus weighs in on possible soda tax Issue 4 Spring 2019 Student voice of CRC since 1970

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Hawks move on to super regional round

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May 9, 2019

>>News

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Since some people turn to social media and other online platforms for validation, various studies suggest that there’s a possible relationship between social media and depression.

Use of social media may be linked to depression

By Kellie Bevins kbevinsconnect@gmail.com With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated in a recent interview that social media is a risk to the public causing depression and addiction.

The evidence to suggest there is a connection between mental health struggles and social media, while inconsistent at times, is substantial, according to Time Magazine.

“If you’re depending on a social media network for support, it’s not real or tangible,” said Campus Nurse Michelle Barkley.

Limiting use is easier said than done, but that combined with “finding balance, getting sleep and exercise,” can help when beginning to prioritize said Barkley.

Twenty-two-year-old cultural anthropology student Francisco Luna said there is a loss of identity and connection when being on social media.

“You answer when you want, post when you want, talk to who you want and all in discretion,” said Luna.

“Don’t let social media become who you are, and if it’s

overwhelming you, get away from it.”

Ocasio-Cortez expressed her concern over people of all ages abusing social media due to its “increased isolation, depression, anxiety, addiction, and escapism,” but particularly for children under three, she said in a podcast with Skullduggery.

Carmesha Grayson, a 19-year-old liberal studies major, said she posts on social media every other day to a few times a week.

She also thinks that people go on social media to look for validation because she sometimes does that, too.

“If I get a lot of likes, that means I must be good looking,” Grayson said. “I’m

“‘The people who don’t get the likes or don’t look the way that the models look and stuff on Instagram, if they don’t get the likes, I feel like that leads to them being depressed.”

—Carmesha Grayson

Libreral studies major, 19

shifting my mind but I did think that at one point.”

A systematic review by the International Journal of Adolenescence and Youth found correlations between negative online interaction and depression and anxiety.

Grayson said she believes that there is a link between the use of social media and depression, and that people are finding their worth through it.

“A lot of people are finding their worth on social media,” Grayson said. “The people who don’t get the likes or don’t look the way that the models look and stuff on Instagram, if they don’t get the likes, I feel like that leads them to being depressed.”

A March 14 article published by Time Magazine stated that rates of depression amongst teens and young adults between 2009 to 2017 skyrocketed to a 60 percent increase, according to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.

Barkley said depression is, at times, a chemical problem, and if people don’t address the root cause of the issue, the problem will persist.

“Different chemical makeups can make it harder

in terms of how you access those coping skills. You can use counseling and find the right support system, but sometimes that’s not enough,” she said.

Counseling Supervisor Eva Rhodes said students often reveal things about their mental health in writing and homework, and this became the basis of the Behavior Intervention Response Team, which is a referral system on campus that helps students access the mental health care they may not know they need.

“We provide this resource to mostly faculty and staff who have spoken to or notice a student they’re concerned about,” said Rhodes.

Students may also fill out their own BIRT referral and be considered just the same.

Crisis counseling is another avenue to take that requires no referral.

Crisis counselors are available all day, and will drop what they are doing to speak to a student in need, said Rhodes.

“There are a lot of pressures on students today from loans to homelessness and social media use,” Rhodes continued. “Primarily we’re an educational institution,

but we are trying to address all those issues as best we can given our resources.”

Rhodes said that while bullying has always been around, it’s become worse because of the internet.

“Social media has taken bullying to an even more damaging and negative place,” she said.

WellSpace partnered with CRC through a mental health grant this semester and is primary medical care for all that also addresses mental health, said Rhodes.

They are on campus every Friday in the health office.

While resources and reaching out are efficient ways of juggling mental health, popular culture amongst teens and young adults often stigmatizes and normalizes painful behaviors because of the media, further fueling the issue.

“Suicide is commonly joked about in memes,” Luna said. “It’s normalized.”

Luna said he thinks that while it’s not wrong to discuss suicide, we would be ignorant to say our culture doesn’t influence us.

“We can’t stop bad things from happening, but we can definitely start good things,” said Luna.

Thecrcconnection.com

Vehicle gas will still continue to increase in price

By Halimeh Edais hedais.connect@gmail.com

Since mid-February, gas prices have reached a record high all around the United States, up more than 20 cents a gallon in the first month.

California gas prices have reached four dollars, which is currently the highest price in the country, according to gas price watching site Gasbuddy.

“I don’t even want to drive anymore,” said Abdallah Bangura, a 23-year-old digital marketing major. “It just costs so much that there is no point in leaving the house anymore. I won’t have enough money to go out anyway.”

Gas price increases can be attributed to three reasons: A transition to summer gasoline, midwestern flooding and rising oil prices, according to an article published on April 27 by Oil Price.

Summer gas is different than winter gas because the winter blends for gas is cheaper to produce than summer gas because of evaporation rates of gasoline. Gasoline vapors contribute to smog, so the gas gets seasonally regulated, according to an article by The American Automobile Association.

“I didn’t know there was a difference between summer gas and winter gas, but it makes sense,” said Amira Affif, a 21-year-old behavioral science major. “When it’s summer you want to be outside, and you can’t be outside if the air is bad, so it makes sense.”

Oil prices have risen monumentally since the start of the 2019 year, in fact, the oil prices have gone up 37 percent from January to now, according to the CNBC article.

Michael Blasky, a spokesman for AAA Northern California, released a statement that said because of oil refinery issues, Northern California is way over the price where it would be, when the national average that the public is supposed to pay is 70 cents to a dollar more.

Affif said that she tries to look around at other gas stations to find a lower or more affordable price, but everywhere is the same.

“When I first came to the states I only paid $30 to fill up my gas tank,” said 32-yearold mathematics major Angel Mande. “And now I pay $50, and it will only get higher.”

April, May and June is typically when the gas prices are the highest, because of the summer travel season, and as the public demands more, the prices will only increase, according to Oil Price.

“I think the prices of oil has stabilized around this range this much this year,” said Taner Osman, a Research Manager at Beacon Economics. “I don’t anticipate it going higher this year.”

What do you think about this piece?

Let us know on Twitter @CRCconnection.

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Will a soda tax discourage people from drinking soda?

By Jayson Price and Summer Lomendehe jprice.connect@gmail.com slomendehe.connect@gmail.com Dr. Pepper’s limited dark berry-flavored soda was the latest craze to hit the market on April 25, a marketing stunt for “Spiderman: Far From Home.”

While soda has generally been championed for its sugary flavor and its inexpensiveness, California lawmakers have been trying to place a cap on how much people consume it.

Assembly Bill 138, introduced by Assembly member Richard Bloom on Feb. 20, would have placed a two centtax per fluid ounce of soda and other sugary beverages such as energy drinks and tea, but the bill was subsequently put on hold on April 22.

“Soda has no redeeming qualities,” said Nutrition Professor Timaree Hagenburger.

“Soda is just a chemical mixture and we know that it contributes to weight gain.”

Alyssa Fletcher, a 19-yearold psychology major, said she seldomly drinks soda but will have a bottle every couple of weeks.

“It doesn’t make me feel good,” Fletcher said. “I don’t really think it makes anyone feel good, so I think that we should re-evaluate what we’re selling.”

Drinking two or more sugary drinks everyday can increase the chance of premature death due to a cardiovascular disease, according to Circulation, a journal of American Heart Association.

The bill hoped to use the tax income to finance programs aimed at helping people with diabetes and other chronic health conditions, according to an article published by CNBC. “I’ve taken two nutrition classes with Professor Hagenburger and she goes really in depth with how soda is very bad for you,” Fletcher said. “I think that people need to know about it more.”

When Bloom officially shelved AB 138 in April, he said that the bill will move forward through the legislative process next year, according to the CNBC article.

This is the third time the bill had been proposed.

Previous efforts have been stalled after the American Beverage Association funneled

millions of dollars into a counter effort led by the California Business Roundtable to place an initiative that would require a two-thirds majority of local citizens to pass any new local taxes, according to the nonpartisan political website Ballotpedia.

Matthew Stringfellow, a 22-year-old communications major, said he would “appreciate” the tax if AB 138 would ever pass in the future.

“It shows that the California government cares enough to go against lobbyists and create incentive to not drink soda,” Stringfellow said.

Fletcher said that a soda tax would be an “excellent incentive” to try and get people to stop drinking soda.

“I think that since a lot of young people drink soda and young people tend to be on really strict budgets, I think it would discourage people from buying it,” Fletcher said.

At the end of the day, Fletcher said it’s ultimately up to consumers to figure out whether they want to buy soda or not.

“I think it depends on how bad they want it,” Fletcher said.

“There’s a cigarette tax but people still buy cigarettes.”

Lucy Vang | The Connection

AB 138, a bill which would have taxed sugary drinks such as soda in California, has been put on a hold until 2020.

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May 9, 2019

Organization plans to address issue of homelessness among the student body on campus

By Blynn Beltran bbeltran.connect@gmail.com “Homes for Hawks” is a student-led project that aims to help homeless students on campus.

The project was originally founded in the fall of 2018

by Cosumnes River College’s Peer Mentoring Program.

“The main objective of this project is to become the housing resource hub to current and future students at CRC,” according to the organization’s housing resource proposal.

Peer Mentor Malisha Blakes said the project came about because other peer mentors were looking for rooms to rent. As the project evolved,

“‘Homes for Hawks’ is normalizing the situation by talking about it more and allowing people to know that it’s okay to be in the position that they are.”

—Orianna Barboza

Psychology major, 19

Blakes said they realized that there is currently a limited amount of resources on campus for “housing insecure students” who need help finding a place to sleep.

The proposal highlights the issue of homelessness on campus in addition to legislation aimed at helping homeless college students.

Among the certain bills that would aid homeless students is Assembly Bill 302, which would let homeless students use community college parking facilities to sleep in if passed.

“We need to be working on a more permanent solution for this problem,” said Blakes.

“We can let them stay in our parking lots, but then what happens? Are we going to provide case management? Are we going to give them jobs? It needs to go a little further.”

CRC IT Business and Tech Analyst Paul Meinz said he volunteered to help the organization during the research process.

“Initially, what I did for them was I helped review some of their surveys,” said Meinz.

Meinz said that the California Education Code put homeless students in student

groups who have disproportionate impact. He said that he faced some difficulty gathering data on homelessness status because of the sensitive nature of the topic.

“If a student is experiencing situation where they don’t have a permanent place to live, they don’t necessarily report that information because they don’t want people to find out or they don’t know that CRC is willing to hear that type of thing,“ said Meinz.

Due to the small sample size of students who were willing to disclose their housing status, Meinz said that the data was “not the best.”

Orianna Barboza, a 19-year-old psychology major, said that projects like “Homes for Hawks” are important because it gives housing insecure students a voice.

“A lot of people are afraid to speak up because they are embarrassed and people can be judgemental,” said Barboza. “‘Homes for Hawks’ is normalizing the situation by talking about it more and allowing people to know that it’s okay to be in the position that they are.”

For questions or inquiries about the organization, email homesforhawks@gmail.com.

Summer Lomendehe | The Connection

“Homes for Hawks” conducted several in-person surveys to “fully encompass the sentiments that our fellow peers had towards housing resources on campus.”

Source: Homes for Hawks, a CRC Housing Resource Proposal

‘Abortion pills’ not coming to community college

By Michaela Graves mgraves.connect@gmail.com

California Senate Bill 24, which would allow University of California and California State University students access to medical abortion pills, was passed on April 8.

The bill, which was introduced by Senator Connie Leyva on December 3, would require each student health care service clinics on a CSU or UC campus to offer abortion by medication services starting on Jan. 1, 2023, according to the California Legislative Information website.

The bill would also require the Commission on the Status of Wom-

en and Girls to follow the College Student Health Center Sexual and Reproductive Health Preparation Fund. With the medical abortion services being provided on public college campuses, faculty and students have their own take on the situation.

College Nurse Michelle Barkley said that Cosumnes River College and other community colleges will not be providing the abortion pills on campus. As of right now, the abortion pills will only be offered at UC and CSU campus and not junior colleges.

“We offer options like prevention, but we will not provide that type of medication,” said Barkley.

Sacramento County Health Ed-

ucation Assistant Jennifer Blair said she likes the access and options SB 24 has to offer.

“I think that the access and option is great,” said Bliar. “Prevention is key. When someone is pregnant they have options and I’m all for options and like the access.”

Rashada Hameed, a 20-year-old sociology major, said she thinks the pills are a good idea.

“I think this is a great idea because some women don’t have access to abortion pills,” said Hameed.

“Also, this gives female students a safer and easier way to possibly ending a pregnancy.”

Rashad Howard, a 40-year-old psychology and business management major, said he believes in

women making decision about their pregnancies for themselves.

“I feel like people have the right make their own decision and do as they please with their body,” says Howard. “I’m kind of like in the middle. I think abortions are wrong, so the pill is wrong, but it is your body, treat as you want to.”

Barkley and Blair said pregnancy is common, but the clinic really focuses and wants to educate students on prevention of pregnancies as much as possible.

“We are here to support and educate all of our students,” said Barkey. “We want students to come get tested if they are sexually active or if they are pregnant to discuss all possible options.”

www.thecrcconnection.com

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>>Features

‘Homecoming’ honors historically black colleges

By Lucy Vang lvang.connect@gmail.com

Courtesy Photo

Singer-songwriter Beyoncé caught her fanbase by surprise when she released her Netflix film “Homecoming” on April 17.

After giving birth to her twins Carter and Rumi in 2017, Beyoncé had been laying low on new music and touring. Little did her fans know that she was working up something special.

“Homecoming” is not only the name of the documentary film but it is also the name of her unannounced live-album version of the same concert performed.

Both the film and the album shows Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance.

It was a surreal moment for the African American community because Beyoncé became the first black woman to headline the festival ever.

“It took months for us to script the show,” said Beyoncé during the film. “When you spend so many months on choreography and arrangements, and when there are over 200 people on the stage, you want to make sure you see everything.”

What made the film so inspirational was not only

the fact that Beyoncé openly shared the stage with hundreds of talented musicians and dancers, but she also talked about the sweat and tears that goes into rehearsals and behind the cameras, letting the audience see a more vulnerable and emotional side of creating and getting ready for performances.

“There were days that I thought I’d never be the same, I’d never be the same physically, my strength and endurance would never be the same,” Beyoncé said during the film. “I had to rebuild my body from cut muscles. It took me awhile to feel confident enough to freak it and give it my own personality.”

Nevertheless, Beyoncé managed to give a two-hour performance that made everyone want to continue singing and dancing with her on stage every minute, hence where the name “Beychella” came from.

As the writer and producer of the film, Beyoncé made sure everything that was being presented on stage and on the film was executed the way she wanted it.

From costumes to the musicians and dancers, she hand-picked every piece and every person that was on that

stage with her.

Throughout the film, she schools the audience with the importance of remembering the legacy of historical black colleges and universities as well as the beauty of the black culture.

“Homecoming” impacted me personally and culturally as I watched it for the second time.

Being a performer myself, I understood the pressure that comes with rehearsing and getting ready for a performance months in advance.

The film gives us exactly what Beyoncé always wants to be known for, that being the most hardworking and humble person in the show industry.

Beyoncé embraced her culture on the stage with such honor and grace, it would be almost impossible for anyone to ever forget such an iconic moment.

As much as Beyoncé perfected the performance, she admitted to overworking herself mentally and physically.

“I pushed myself further than I knew I could and I learned a very valuable lesson,” she said towards the end of the film. “I will never push myself that far again.”

‘Wind in the Willows’ breezes into first production

By Halimeh Edais hedais.connect@gmail.com “Wind in the Willows” makes its way to the theatre department at Cosumnes River College.

This hilarious family show was produced by CRC’s theater department, and is a student ran production that will have the viewer fawning at Mole and wanting to knock some sense into Toad!

This lovely retelling of the book by Kenneth Grahame brought to life a set of cast and characters that captivated the audience with their quirky costumes and singing, and if Mr. Toad is concerned, a car accident.

“I tried through physi-

cality and through my voice to make my character come alive,” said 19-year-old Abbye Chick, who played the character Mole in the play.

The theater department’s unique adaptation of the play introduced Ratty, played by Ky Holmes a 21-year-old sociology major, and Mole, two animal friends that live under the authority of their beloved Badger, who is played by 43-year-old theatre arts major, Gabby Rocco.

Badger is a strict but loving adult figure who takes pride in being an animal.

Toad shocks and deceives Badger when she finds that Mr. Toad, played by 25-yearold theatre arts major Robert Michaek, would like to start

driving cars like the humans.

And from there it’s all downhill. Mr. Toad wants a larger much more grand and exciting way of transportation, said Cheri Fortin, head of the theatre department.

This could be a metaphor for wanting “bigger and more grander things in life.”

The play is geared towards children, taking on a more innocent tone with a special message at the end; never give up on your friends.

“Even though our friends can be really annoying sometimes,” said 20-year-old theatre arts major Logan Couch, who played the French villain attempting to murder Mr. Toad. “We have to stick by them.”

Courtesy Photo

Students perform “Wind in the Willows” suited for the whole family.

The show will still be in production until May 19, there will also be a free showing of the play on May 9 for CRC students and their families.

“Bring your kids,” said

Fortin. “If your kids have never been to a theatre before, it would be great to bring them, if you have nieces or nephews who haven’t had a chance to see live theatre, this is the show for them.”

May 9, 2019

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Professors retire after dedicating 20 years to teaching

By Lucy Vang lvang.connect@gmail.com After many years of dedication to teaching and being on staff, a few faculty members will be retiring and turning their career over to focus on other aspects of their lives.

Professors Lisa Marchand, Steven Coughran, Ellen Arden-Ogle and Christopher Impinna have all taught on campus for over 20 years.

ESL Professor Marchand has been full-time teaching for 28 years.

“I’ve decided to take a step down from full time employment to think about my work and what I’ve done over the years,” said Marchand.

Marchand said Cosumnes River College was always special to her and didn’t think she could have found a better training ground as a teacher than she did at CRC. Given the opportunity to teach different students everyday, Marchand said she will miss being in the classroom and watching her students learn the most.

“Students who have taken my classes have become more autonomous as learners,” said Marchand. “They are encouraged to learn rather than how to get an A.” Marchand said work is her happy place so she is looking forward to coming back to teach part-time in the future.

Professor Coughran has been teaching music for a little over 20 years on campus.

From music of rock to jazz, Coughran has taught students how to appreciate the culture and social norms in music from all over the world.

“Not many people out there are as fortunate as I am

“It’s the people here that makes it feel like home. I love when students come back to ask for advice or just to visit.”

— Ellen Arden-Ogle Communications Professor

Lucy Vang |The Connection

Lucy Vang |The Connection

Professor Steven Coughran has been teaching music at CRC for over 20 years, embedding music and cultural events on campus.

Lisa Marchand, ESL professor, taught full-time for 28 years and plans to return to CRC to teach part-time.

Lucy Vang |The Connection

Courtesy Photo

Communications Studies Professor Ellen Arden-Ogle has been on campus for 32 years and has trained hundreds in conflict management.

Christopher Impinna, Director of Veterinary Technology, started with Los Rios in 1998, and plans to do veterinary relief work after retiring.

to be able to teach something you love,” said Coughran.

Over the years, Coughran has been active in embedding musical and cultural events on campus.

Coughran says he loves being a part of any cultural celebration because it is important for the CRC community to carry on these traditions.

“I’m going to miss seeing my students really engaged in the music that we do,” said Coughran. “Music is so much fun so if I can share and still get excited about it, it’ll give students a new perspective.”

Communications Studies Professor Ogle has been teaching and made great accomplishments with the campus for 32 years.

“CRC is the nicest,” said

room are with their students.

“I value the relationships I have with all my students and I love when students come back to ask for advice or just to visit,” said Ogle.

Having a great interest in making tea, Ogle plans to teach about it after retirement.

Director of Veterinary Technology Christopher Impinna started teaching in the district in 1998 at American River College and started at CRC in 2005.

“CRC will always feel like family because everyone is always so welcoming,” said Impinna.

Impinna said the most fulfilling thing is making sure students graduate and have employment opportunities.

Impinna has helped students overcome their fear

Ogle. “It’s the people here that makes it feel like home.”

Ogle has trained hundreds of people in conflict management and helped many colleagues in the district to teach in the internships program, as well as writing her own textbook so students wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket.

“There has definitely been a huge change to the college since I’ve been here,” said Ogle.

Ogle has also put in work with the studying abroad program over the last 13 years, giving students opportunities to study in countries all over the world.

Although Ogle achieved many accomplishments on campus, she said the most fun anybody can have in a class-

of working with animals and go on to be successful in their careers.

“I am most proud of the adoption rates that we as a program here at CRC have gotten over the years,” said Impinna. “It has been almost 100 percent.”

Impinna has helped the program grow throughout the years with the funding to buy equipments that is necessary to take care of the animals.

After retirement, Impinna wishes to do relief work for other veterinarians and wishes to become part of the Emeritis Association of Retired Professors.

“My students have taught and helped me perfect some changes in the way that I as a teacher cannot teach myself,” Marchand said.

Thecrcconnection.com

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EOPS/ CARE/NEXTUP/ Guardian Scholars CalWORKs/Fresh Success

FREE! FREE! FREE! If You Qualify

- Priority Registration - Textbooks Grants - Counseling/Tutoring - And much more…

Applications Available Starting on:

May 1st, 2019

Stop by the Student Support Center for more information Location: Library Building Room 106 Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30PM Phone Number: (916) 691-7365

Sign up for an EOPS Application Workshops • July 10: 10am-12pm, L-245 • July 11: 1:30pm-3:30pm, L-245 • July 24: 1:30pm-3:30pm, L-245

• July 25: 10am-12pm, L-245 • August 1: 10am-12pm, L-245

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‘WEAVE’ presents film to spread message of support amongst assault survivors

By Michaela Graves mgraves.connect@gmail.com Women Escaping a Violent Environment and the Social Responsibility Committee hosted a film screening that focused on gender equality for men and women Monday in the Recital Hall.

The event was opened by Sandra Carter, CRC Sociology Professor and Social Responsibility Committee member, explaining more about social committee and what they have to offer to the campus.

“We host events to support variety of issues on campus,” said Carter. “We’re looking for what students want to learn and decide what events can help promote that.”

Carter then introduced Emily Zavala-Aguilar, the WEAVE Confidential Advocate for Los Rios campuses. Aguilar talked more about what WEAVE is and what her position is on campus.

Aguilar said students can come to her for guidance and support and the conversation will be confidential.

Carter and Zavala-Aguilar said the purpose of this event was to inform students more about sexual harassment and violence and to spread awareness about where to go if they need help resolving these issues.

The film showed during the event was called “The Bystander

Moment.” It’s about Jackson Katz’s model the bystander approach which emphasizes on sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of gender violence.

The Bystander Moment is focused towards men and women. For women, it highlighted the #MeToo movement and informed them that their voices are being heard.

And for men it emphasizes how to know the difference between the behavior of a perpetrator and just being friendly.

Students from different classes attended the film presentation. Jade Wood, a 19-year-old nursing major, said she really enjoyed the event.

“The film was good,” said Wood. “I think it was good education for men and women.”

Carter and Zavala-Aguilar said the purpose of this event was to inform students more about sexual harassment and violence and to spread awareness about where to go if they need help resolving these issues.

The WEAVE Confidential Advocate is available for those who do not wish to report a crime of sexual violenceto authorities, but want confidential help.

If you or someone you know has been the subject of sexual violence, you have the choice to contact the contact a WEAVE Confidential Advocate at (916) 568-3011 or weaveconfidentialadvocate@losrios.edu.

How do we really snip the trip costs?

Traveling Gucci on a Walmart budget

By Jayson Price jprice.connect@gmail.com There is a bit of a misconception about just how much it costs to travel.

If you’re willing to do your research and step outside your comfort zone, however, you can travel on almost any budget.

I recently traveled to Thailand and Malaysia with $350 and a prayer and managed to make it out alive.

To set you up for success, let’s break down your budget into five categories: Plane tickets, lodging, food, attractions and other miscellaneous things.

com to find these amazing deals. After a certain amount of stays, you are awarded the “genius” membership where you can save an average of 18 percent on your bookings.

If you want to spend less and don’t mind putting in a little work, volunteer some of your time at a hostel and in return, they will give you a free room and meals.

In exchange for a few hours a week of running the hostel rooftop bar, I was given a bunk-bed and two meals a day.

All it takes is a quick email or phone call to the hostel to check need of volunteers.

Plane Tickets A quick search online will show roundtrip ticket prices to Thailand that estimate to $1,200. Ouch.

But with the right tools and timing, we can bring this number way down.

The best time to buy your ticket is 40-60 days in advance, according to the website of online travel magazine AFAR. Two mobile apps that compare hundreds of different flights and deals to bring you the lowest fare possible are Skyscanner and Momondo, but I prefer Skyscanner because it lets you search for the cheapest month to travel at any destination.

Using the 40-60-day rule, I found a roundtrip ticket for $650. If you can, get two one-way trips and put each on a separate credit card.

This eliminates the up-front cost and leaves you with manageable payments after you return to work.

Food Stay away from the things that you can easily buy at home.

Anything Americanized also has the price tag to match. Ask around and go where the locals go.

Some of the best food I found was in a small shack under a bridge where the owner’s grandmother slept in a cardboard box five feet away from our table.

Lodging Now you need someplace to sleep. Depending on what kind of trip you want, your accommodation costs can be anywhere from 50 dollars a day to a free stay. If you are travelling with a group and want more of a boutique stay, Airbnb is an absolute must.

Here, you will find cottages, beach houses and other hidden eclectic gems. For the frugal travelers, I’d recommend staying in hostels.

Don’t expect hotel accommodations, as most hostels are mostly dorm rooms with bunk beds.

Most hostels will run anywhere from 3-20 dollars a night, so without a doubt best it’s the bang for your buck.

I’d recommend using Booking.

Miscellaneous We all know that’s code for gifts.

Before you spend $20 on that mug for mom and dad, anything you find can be bought on wish.com for pennies on the dollar.

Save your money and invest in the trip itself.

A great story always beats the souvenir mug.

International trips can be a possibility on any budget, and your travels should never shock your wallet only your senses.

Attractions This is where you want to spend most of your money.

Most “must see” attractions are just tourist traps with a hefty admission fee.

Haggle with the local travel agencies to get the best deals on events and tours.

Don’t forget to bring your student ID because a lot of companies still hand out discounts because of your status as a student.

What do you think about these tips?

Let us know on Twitter @CRCconnection.

Page 9

Thecrcconnection.com

>>Opinion EDITORIAL

What does socialism really mean to millennials?

The next presidential election may be over 500 days away, but people across the political spectrum are already scrambling to make sense of what the 2020 election may look like following the release of the Mueller report.

As millennials become more clear about what policies matter to them, so does their idea of what they want in a commander-in-chief.

This isn’t exactly surprising since voters are hoping to piece together a better version of America following a Trump presidency. With the desire to progress away from capitalism and move the nation forward, many have turned to “democratic socialism” for answers to do so.

To some, it may seem like the term started gaining traction when presidential candidates began campaigning this year, but the rise of socialism came long before the formation of Bernie Sanders’ ride-or-die Bernie Bros and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s devoted Instagram followers.

Sanders, a self-proclaimed socialist, built his 2016 presidential campaign on ideas like reversing economic equality and increasing the minimum wage, which in turn, re-defined socialism for millennials.

Americans now favor socialism more than capitalism, according to a 2018 Gallup poll. These socialist ideals have been the selling points

for an all-just democracy that have won millennials over.

This new association between progressive ideals and socialism has brought a new playing field for upcoming presidential candidates, and democratic president-hopefuls are taking note.

Candidates like Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar can be seen flip-flopping on the issue of “debt-free” versus “tuition-free” college, which means a tremendous deal for students deciding where they should pursue higher education.

What does socialism mean to millennials outside of its theoretical, good-in-nature meaning, then?

Democratic socialism, for

instance, isn’t as utopian as many would like to believe.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “California For All” budget proposal has been called ambitious, addressing issues such as paid parental leave and eradicating sales tax on diapers and tampons, but concerns about where the $209 billion for the budget will come from continue to pile up.

In a social climate where it’s no longer possible to say “I’m not really political,” millennials now face a tough challenge of really figuring out which presidential candidate will best address issues that affect them.

Voters will soon see a glimpse of these issues and

policies related to them during the first round of democratic presidential debates, which are scheduled for late June.

As it stands, it’s the responsibility of everyday Americans to figure out what they want as a country, and it’s evidently the policies they ultimately should be understanding and fighting for to move America forward.

Democracy isn’t something that can be shaded in with one crayon, and the sooner millennials start to realize that the lines defining the country’s core values are more important than what kind of lines they are, the closer the country will be to progress.

HAWK TALK

The semester is near the end and what information do you wish you would have known in the beginning of the semester?

Compiled by Blynn Beltran and Lucy Vang

Jarred Holloway Fire technology, 19

Isis Collins Undecided, 22

Fatima Nadeem Nursing, 18

“Not go overboard on your classes because it can cause a lot of stress.”

“I wish I knew library workshops where you can go to get feedback on essays to make sure I was on the right track.”

“Take advantage of tutoring. I’m barely getting by my math class because I gave up on a lot of homework that’s why I’m failing..”

Jasdeep Kooner Accounting, 20

“I don’t think I would do anything different. I feel like I did everything as I have planned.”

Page 10

May 9, 2019

Solar energy is the new ‘heat’ wave

Being unaware that kindness can be used as a grooming technique

By Alexandra Trigg atrigg.connect@gmail.com

kbevins.connect@gmail.com

The bills that come with the cost of living in California are outrageous, and gas prices are no better.

A quote from Ted Hughes said that “Nothing is free.

Everything has to be paid for...” But imagine not having to buy something that is overpriced and not really a necessity, something that will make a car continually run without having to pay a every few days for? It’s gas fuel.

According to an article posted on the Sacramento Bee, the average gas price in Sacramento reached $4.01 a gallon to start Monday, up a little more than 4 cents over the past week, according to fuel trend website GasBuddy.

If there’s no such thing as ‘free,’ how about free rides?

Students mostly rely on their cars to travel to and from school and work. Many have to use the money they make from their jobs to not only pay for rent but also for pricy gas.

Just like solar-powered homes, solar cars draw their energy from the sun, converting the vehicle into an electric car.

That electricity then fuels the car’s battery which will power the car’s motor.

An alternative to the battery, a solar-powered car can use an electric motor with the electricity generated from the sun.

But unless you’re from a well-off family or came into a windfall of money, most students can’t afford the current electric cars like a Tesla to replace their current whip.

By converting your current gas guzzler into an eco-friendly, solar powered vehicle, you can build your own by installing panels on the roof of your car.

A solar electric car will carry a battery pack which will supply the 50+ kiloWatts required for highway speed, according to GreenTransportation.Info.

A good supplier of cost effective solar panels can be found on Amazon.com with the search of “Solar Panel Car.” The prices range from $20 to $100 plus and the panels come with chargers that can be attached to battery terminals while traveling long distances.

Another way to cut costs on gas and electric bills all together is by living in an off-grid RV. Depending on the make and model, they generally supply everything you need for sleep, bathroom and entertainment.

Students who live in RVs and have solar panels installed on the roofs can basically life bill free without having to pay rent or utilities for the electronics on the inside of the vehicle.

Most solar panels generate enough energy to last a few days to a couple weeks depending on the size and watts.

Having a solar panel car as a student creates many benefits. They also don’t create greenhouse gases, like their gasoline engine counterparts do. It cuts down drastically on bills.

But the most important fact is that solar energy is widely available, completely free to use and gives the driver and the car complete independence from using costly foreign oil.

Solar powered vehicles are the wave for a greener and cleaner future.

By getting on board now will benefit your pockets and the environment in the long run.

Grooming is a tactic of manipulation, an invisible hook that reels you into sweet lies and petty promises while it holds you hostage at the hands of your perpetrator.

I didn’t know I was being groomed until a few years after it happened. During the first years I experienced it, I sat in a dilemma of shame, not wanting to believe that a person–a teacher who was meant to protect me–was actually preying on me.

After being diagnosed with panic disorder and depression during my junior year of high school, I found refuge and comfort in a teacher I became an assistant for.

We’ll call him “Dee.” I helped in his class, and due to his mentoring, he became the crutch I needed to make it through the semester.

If the pressure from class got too much, I could simply text Dee and he would remove me from whatever class I was in. This should have been a first warning sign to me, but when you’re desperate for an escape, you’ll take it from anywhere.

At first, the harassment was minor, comments on my appearance or my body whenever I bent over or wore something nice. Just the things that, as a young woman, you learn to grow accustomed to and tell yourself they’re only harmless compliments.

But the extent of his interest in me became more apparent when I entered into a relationship with another student who was also an assistant for Dee. The strange part was that he was jealous.

Dee, who was an older man retiring that year, was jealous of two underage students dating. He used to watch us from afar, hiding behind pillars, until his jealousy fueled him to text me “not to touch” my then boyfriend.

Dee even undressed himself while my ex and I were in the same room with him. He removed his clothes down to

By Kellie Bevins

his underwear, saying, “I’m only doing this because it’s you guys and nobody else,” while we sat stricken with extreme discomfort.

The extent of the expletives increased, now to a daily basis, with Dee telling me lewd descriptions of things he fantasized about doing to me.

He used to ask if my ex and I had a sexual relationship, and become upset when I answered honestly.

He asked me if I thought he was jealous of my ex at one point and I didn’t want to know the answer (although I already did) so I politely removed myself from the situation to avoid answering.

There were times I would walk into class, and after having left a scarf or article of clothing from the day before, Dee would wear the item and smell it while expressing that it reminded him of me.

After losing all my friends–because of their ignorance to see that I was falling deeper into a place I feared I couldn’t come back from–I had hit rock bottom. I was abusing anxiety medication, smoking and self-harming to fill those voids, and as a result I ditched class more frequently than I was there.

Because of my surmounting tardies, my parents were facing serious trouble and could have went to court over my absences. After hearing about me express my concerns over attendance, Dee strolled confidently into the office and I never heard about tardi’s or court orders ever again.

I was aware of the discomfort I felt, but I was more aware that this man was going out of his way to “help” me. I TA’d for his class twice in one semester, which wasn’t allowed amongst students.

He always commented that “nobody will stop me from retiring,” which I now believe was him weaseling guilt and shame into my mind, preventing me from ever saying anything.

Just because I’m uncomfortable sometimes doesn’t mean I should ruin this man’s

retirement, right? I should be grateful and appreciative, right?

My other teachers noticed I wasn’t okay. I was constantly being pulled aside and bombarded with questions about grades and attendance. I was even put on a special 504 plan for my mental health.

None of it helped, and I was convinced the only person who was there for me was Dee, and I continued to go to him more than anyone else because of how available he made himself to me.

Now I know that he was using my mental struggles as a way to get closer to me. Other TA’s, my ex and a few remaining friends expressed to me that they thought Dee had an odd, obvious interest and obsession in me.

My response was always to deny it and praise him for how much he helped me.

I continued to deny that I was a victim of grooming until a few years after, now in college and no longer an impressionable teen but a young woman angry about the way I had been manipulated.

Filing a police report was a big step that took courage, but I had to think about protecting young girls like me, whose kindness could so easily be smothered by the hands of a sexually greedy old man.

Did the police report achieve much? Probably not, but what it brought me was ease. A blanket of relief that warmed me into freeing my mind and soul while shifting focus to the next thing, preventing this from happening to more young boys and girls.

To my brothers and sisters, don’t pretend that harassment are compliments and don’t pretend the strange, erratic and inappropriate remarks are normal.

Don’t force yourself to be flattered when you’re actually displeased and uncomfortable.

Remember you are smart and strong, and no man has the right to take advantage of you because of your age, your looks or your mental capacity.

thecrcconnection.com

Page 11

>>Sports

Hawks win single elimination game to reach playoffs Alexandra Trigg

atrigg.connect@gmail.com

The Hawks beat the College of Marin Mariners 12-8 on April 30 in the California Community College Athletic Association Baseball Championship play-in game.

During the first inning of the game, the Hawks fell behind 2-0.

“We have a sophomore slated team but injuries have hurt us this year and we’re just now starting to get somewhat healthy,” said Head Coach Don Mico. “Hopefully as postseason goes we get healthier and play better.”

The Hawks’ fought back during the bottom of the first when freshman Alex Crouch grounded out to second-base resulting in a run scored by sophomore Burle Dixon.

“Today’s game was kind of back and forth for like the first five innings and then we broke away and made it,” said

Dixon. “The next team we’re playing won their conference so it will be a battle.”

The Hawks scored two more runs in the second inning. One was the result of an error by the Mariners right fielder on a single by Essex Brown scoring Dean Lucas and allowing Brown to advance to second.

The Hawks scored again when sophomore J.D. Mico hit a single with runners in scoring position that resulted in another RBI that scored sophomore pitcher Joey Pankratz with the go ahead run to end the inning.

“I’ve been hurt most of the year with a pulled hamstring so this was my first game back in like a month,” said Mico.

The Mariners regained the lead during the top of the third inning 4-3 as a result of two RBI singles.

The Hawks tied the game during the bottom of the third with an RBI single from sophomore Jeremy Kolb.

“Freshman outfielder Brett Graber had a big triple and sophomore pitcher Troy Davis had a good outing and got outs quick,” said Pankratz. The turning point was in the sixth inning when they had two outs but worked walks and had couple big hits Pankratz said.

The game remained tied going into the 6th inning when the Hawks scored seven runs to pull away from the Mariners.

The runs were the result of a wild pitch with the bases loaded that scored Kolb, a walk that scored Mico, a RBI triple by Brett Graber that scored Lucas, Griffin Shelby and Crouch, and a RBI single by Pankratz that scored Graber.

The Hawks ended the inning with a 11-4 lead.

“There was a team effort today from everyone and Brett Graber had that big triple which really helped us pull through,” said J.D. Mico.

The Hawks tacked on one more run

in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run by Dixon.

The Mariners tried to make a comeback by scoring four runs in the ninth inning which wasn’t enough and the Hawks won the game 12-8.

“I have high expectations for myself and the team to go far because we’re getting hot at the right time,” said Graber. “We played an awesome eight innings and we need to close out games better because our goal is the state championship.”

The Hawks continued their winning ways by defeating the number two seeded Feather River College Golden Eagles in a three game series on Friday and Saturday.

The Golden Eagles won the first game of the series but the Hawks bounced back to win back to back games and move on to the super regional round against Delta College starting on Thursday afternoon .

The Cheap $eats: It’s time for robot umpires (not for the reasons you might think)

For several years baseball has had and games are dragging on with little a box on tv showing viewers where action because every at bat feels like it the strike zone is and whether a given ends in a walk, strikeout or homerun. pitch was correctly called a strike or a A robot strike zone is a potential ball in real time. solution to this problem.

Since that time, fans, playAn article by cbssports.com staters and pundits alike have ed that in 2018, the rate of called for the strike zone balls being put in play has to be automated with dropped every year since this technology to 2005, with the exception eliminate the roving of 2015 where is stayed strike zone, which the same, with strikevaries night to night out and walk rates independing on the creasing every year. umpire.

How will an autoIt’s time for Mamated strike zone help jor League Baseball to this situation? Simple, maimplement the automated jor league hitters have such an strike zone, but not for incredible skill to see the ball

By Max Connor the reasons one might mconnor.connect@gmail.com and know whether it should think. be a strike or not. Yet every It’s time because baseball is in a night the strike zone seems to change, crisis of the ball not being put in play causing them to “protect” pitches that The Connection Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823 Telephone: (916) 691-7471 www.thecrcconnection.com connection.crc@gmail.com Facebook.com/crcconnection Twitter: @CRCconnection Instagram: @CRCconnection

are close rather then watch them pass for balls with confidence.

Not only will this change speed up the game but it will increase offense.

Give major league hitters half a season with a perfectly consistent strike zone night after night and you will begin to see offensive numbers and balls being put in play increase, and it will likely be a drastic jump.

Hitters will no longer have to fear an umpire who calls a low strike one time and not the next. They won’t have to fear an umpire missing a strike call early in an at bat only to give the pitcher a makeup call later in the same at bat for strike three.

Personally I love the floating strike zone. I love the idea that players have to scout umpires, worry about retribution if they argue too much or know that their reputation in the

game helps determine the strike zone they may get.

Even more, I love the art of catchers framing pitches to help their pitcher and to trick the umpire into thinking a ball was a strike based on their skillful snatching and subtle freezing of the ball in place.

But if a consistent strike zone can help hitters deal with the onslaught of relievers who come in inning after inning throwing 98 m.p.h and give them the advantage of knowing exactly what a strike is and what it’s not, then it is a small move that Major League Baseball should make.

Because there is so much more to the game to be enjoyed then a strike out, walk or home run. Watching superb athletes make plays in the field has always been the most fun and awe inspiring part of watching the game on a day to day basis.

Editor in Chief: Summer Lomendehe News Editor: Summer Lomendehe Features Editor: Kellie Bevins Sports Editor: Max Connor Opinion Editor: Lilianna Ordaz Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati

The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published by the Journalism 410 & 411 media production class.

Editorials and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the students, staff or faculty of CRC or Los Rios Community College

Staff: Blynn Beltran, Halimeh Edais, Michaela Graves, Tairiq Marshall, Jayson Price, Alexandra Trigg, Lucy Vang, Mason White

Letters to the Editor must be typed, signed and include the first and last name of the author and a phone number. They must be 200 words or less and may be edited for length, clarity or taste.

Page 12

May 9, 2019

Courtesy Photo

Sophomore pitcher Courtney Lozano helped lead the Hawks to a 21-16 record this year by tossing 113 innings and compiling an ERA of 3.78 and 35 strikeouts. Lozano’s hard work and dedication to overcome injuries and her off-field struggles with dyslexia and ADHD has been an inspiration, said Head Coach Kristy Schroeder and her teammates.

Softball helps pitcher to overcome off-field disability

By Summer Lomendehe slomendehe.connect@gmail.com In the bleachers, the ambiance of a softball game is crystal clear: The hot, lens flare-like sunlight streaming onto the players, the breath-holding anticipation from fans as the softball soars through the air. Behind the glitz and glam of a game, though, there is the unseen struggle.

Sophomore pitcher Courtney Lozano said she can have a hard time remembering the signs her teammates give her because of her dyslexia and attention deficit disorder.

“It’s obviously a disability but it’s something you learn to work with,” Lozano said. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

While Lozano said she was formally diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in the third grade, she said fifth grade was a “turning point” for her in realizing that she struggles more than others.

Lozano said she’s played softball her whole life, attributing the fact to her family playing the sport. She added that playing softball made her stronger

as a person and is a way for her to be like other people.

“I felt like a normal person,” Lozano said.

Kristy Schroeder, the team’s head coach, said Lozano has figured out how to adopt to the fast-paced environment of softball.

“If you watched her at everyday practices, you would never say she’s having issues,” Schroeder said.

Lozano, who has been named “Hawk of the Week” in April, said she displaced her kneecap at one point, which affected the way she performed last season.

Lozano said her injury was a challenge for her mentally, but was able to overcome it due to her parents comparing her injury to her disability and reminding her she managed to overcome that, as well.

“It was great to see somebody excel after some difficulty,” Schroeder said.

Schroeder said she admires Lozano’s perseverance and her fight to compete everyday, especially because she ups her game when the team needs her the most.

Courtesy Photo

Lozano fist bumps assistant coach Thomas Kaiser after hitting a single. Lozano not only led with her pitching but also posted a .447 batting average with four doubles and 15 RBI.

“Courtney has improved more than any player I’ve had over a two-year period,” Schroeder said.

Since players need to have good grades in order to play for the team, Lozano said playing softball motivates her to do well academically. She said she thanks Delta Alpha Pi for helping her get accommodations in her classes.

“School is hard for me because it’s

challenging, but softball keeps me going,” Lozano said.

Freshman catcher Crystel Ruaro said Lozano is inspiring because when the team is down by one or two runs, she said Lozano tries to make them feel pumped up.

“She’s a really hardworking, dedicated person,” Ruaro said. “She’s kind-hearted to everyone.”