Issue 5 Volume 52

thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college

Jan.23.2018

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue05 volume52

Artist Spotlight: Marie Zhang Aspires To Give Video Games New Life Pg. 6

Marie Zhang | Student Artist

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Campus Responds To The Clery Act

Dance: Bringing People Together, Wherever They Are From

Adopting A Stray Cat From Campus

A summarized version of the response given by Green River College. page2

Student discusses the how dance brings people from different cultures together. page10

Student talks about his experience after he adopted a stray cat on campus.

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campus College Responds To Clery Investigation Findings

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thecurrent

Melanie Bell | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

2017-2018

By: Melanie Bell Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com

Green River College has released their response to the findings by the Department of Education (DOE) in regards to the Clery Act. In November 2015, the DOE began an investigation into the college’s Clery Act standards. The Clery Act dictates how crime, fire, and safety statistics are recorded and reported. Last September, the findings of the investigation were released and showed that the college failed in 13 areas and must respond to the findings.

The first finding by the DOE was that the college did not adequately “develop and implement Clery Act and DFSCA-compliant programs during the review period, and the overall compliance program evidences a lack of supervisory oversight and training,” according to the college’s response, available on the website.

The college must develop a plan of action and conduct a self-study during the 2015-2017 calendar years,

led by college officials with knowledge of the program.

The response from the college was concurrence, although they did find issue with one aspect of the finding. “GRC disagrees with Finding 1 to the extent that it suggests the College lacks a willingness to comply with federal regulations.”

“The College did have a program including employees (administrators and safety staff) who had program compliance responsibilities and the goal of complying with the relevant federal regulations,” the report states.

Since the audit in 2015, the college has made multiple improvements that include the hiring of a former administrator to assist the vice president of Student Affairs while the self-study was conducted.

The second discrepancy was the failure to produce and distribute annual safety reports (ASR) from the years of 2008 to 2013. This is in part with another finding, finding 4, which outlines concerns with the 2014 annual safety report.

The DOE requested that the college reviews and revises their current policies and procedures

that govern the release of the ASR. Again, the college concurred in response to the finding but disagreed with parts of it. “Prior to the oversight of the VPSA of the Campus Safety and Transportation, that department was under the impression that entering the crime data annually into the CSSDACT was meeting the regulations for doing annual safety reports,” the report said.

In order to rectify this finding, the college has addressed the discrepancies by releasing ASR and Annual Safety and Fire Reports (ASFR) for the years of 2015 and 2016, created a Clery Compliance Committee and set a date for the beginning of corrective actions.

Findings three, four, and five are similar in nature to finding two, dealing with the release and distribution of ASR and ASFR. The college failed to produce and distribute annual fire safety reports from 2010 to 2013 in finding three.

In finding four, the college failed to release the ASR for 2015 within regulatory timeframes, while finding five was the failure to notify students of the release of the 2014

and 2015 ASR and ASFR’s.

The college also failed to request crime statistics from local law enforcement.

The DOE requested that the college submit copies of correspondence and its request for the statistic from local law enforcement.

Again, the college both concurred and disagreed with the finding.

The college concurred with the fact that the ASFR for 2014 did not have statistics from local law enforcement, but disagrees with the fact that statistics were not properly solicited.

The college will fully comply in the future with the DOE’s criteria for identifying information of each crime, according to the report.

The DOE also a reported a failure to compile and disclose accurate and complete crime statistics on 61 accounts. The college both agreed and disagreed with certain incidents outlined by the Department.

The college concurred with the fact that there was a lack of training and took action to rectify by hiring new safety staff and modified policies concerning the classification of locations to meet Clery regulations.

eecs.wsu.edu/software-engineering

The college agreed with the Department’s finding eight, that the college failed to properly disclose crime statistics by location.

The Clery Act requires specific location tagging both on and off campus locations.

In response, the college determined non-campus Clery geography, created new maps with the correct Clery geography and will continue to define Clery locations along with proper training for these regulations.

The rest of the findings, eight through 13, the college concurred with, making any adjustments requested by the DOE as well as any others they felt necessary.

A descriptive outline of all of these findings and the response is available on the college’s website under the campus and campus safety sections.

The college can still face fines for these discrepancies. There is a possibility of up to $35,000 per finding, for which there are 13.

This means the college could face up to $455,000 in these fines if the Department of Education decides to do so.

Melanie Bell| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Campus Crime Blotter

Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from Dec. 04 to Jan. 16. All information is from campus safety incident reports and Timely Warnings.

12/04 9:00 a.m.

Administration Robbery

A student reported that while near the Grace Lutheran Chuch, an unknown male approached him.

The male was approximately 40 years old, about 6 feet tall, wearing all black clothing and approached him in an unknown vehicle. The male stated that he had a gun in his pocket and demanded that the student give him money. The student was not hurt.

12/04 7:00 a.m.

P11 Hit and Run

A Campus Safety Dispatch left to take a report from a student who claimed that her car had been damaged on the passenger side when she returned from her class. There was no damage to or blue paint on the vehicle beside hers and that her car did have damage prior to the incident. It was hit along the front and rear door as well as the rear.

12/06 10:01 a.m.

P1 Hit and Run

A student reported a hit and run on their vehicle.

The student was in her car and the other vehicle hit her and then sped off in a black jetta. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The student was pulling out of their parking spot when the other vehicle hit her and drove off.

12/06 6:30 p.m.

Administration Robbery

A student reported that he was robbed by three unknown males at the Lea Hill Park just down the road from campus. The student was walking down 124th Ave next to the Lea Hill Park when an unknown male approached them and grabbed their backpack. The unknown male demanded the student give the man their money and phone. The studnet struggled until another male approached.

The student was approached by one more male and then was able to get away and was able to return home safely.

12/07 4:00 p.m.

Science Center Burglary

A student reported to Campus Safety that $130 was taken from her wallet and that it was in her backpack. The student stated that the class split up into groups of 5-6 student and went into a certain place. While in groups, an unknown person went into her backpack and took the money of of her wallet and placed the wallet back into the front pocket of her backpack. Watson stated that througout the class, students were in and out of the class room, so it is unknown who would have taken it.

01/16 11:25 p.m.

P13 Robbery

A student reported that he was contacted by an unkown male on an online shopping site and agreed to but items that the student had posted.

The area of meeting was in P13, which is located on the east side of the college’s main campus. The buyers arrived in a 1990s green Saturn. There were three males and one female. The student said that the suspects refused to pay after receiving his items for sale. The student attempted to get his items back, but was only able to recover a jacket but ended up losing a pair of shoes and a hat before of the suspects pepper sprayed him and drove away.

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Veteran Services Available In SA Building

Financing, Socializing, and Assistance For Military Students By: Kenneth Wilson Staff Reporter Green River College is committed to the success of its veteran students.

The college has an entire office dedicated to serving the veterans.

Veteran Services is located on the second floor of the Student Affairs building in rooms 236 and 237.

Some of the services they offer are financial assistance, grants, and extra loans that they may be in need of.

This space also allows veterans to indulge in snacks and drinks and is a place to gather to share experiences and meet other veterans.

Places such as this can help those that suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, a mental condition that many veterans suffer from.

Separate from Veteran Services but also available is the counseling

services offered in room 266 of army soldier who served in Afghanthe Student Affairs building. Apistan for six years, said. pointments are free and can be Initially, he joined to get money scheduled from Monday to Friday. to go to college and as of right now Monday to Thursday, scheduling an he has no current plans to serve appointment can be done from the again. Currently, he is pursuing hours of 8 a.m. his bachelor’s to 5 p.m., and degree in water 9:30 am to 4:30 treatment. pm on Fridays.

With that de“ Green River gree, he hopes also offers disto get a job with counts and extra the Department financial aid of Defense in ” help to veterans. the water divi- Ivan Montes, Student These discounts sion. include reduced Montes also tuition and said that the cheaper on-campus housing. Some accommodations from the college extra financial aid veterans can helped with his stress. “Green River receive are state federal and school helped me leave my comfort zone grants going towards their tuition and come out of my shell more.” books or housing.

Montes later said life at Green River “The military made my life more for veterans, in his opinion, helps fulfilling,” Ivan Montes, a former make their life more fulfilling.

Green River helped me leave my comfort zone and come out of my shell more.

Paul Metivier: From Printmaking to Pottery pottery practice.

It was quite a shift from working in 2D to 3D and using different types of materials.

“It connected with me in different ways and one is the calmer side of it. In printmakingm, you can do a drawing on a metal plate and do an addition of 100 prints from that and I like the idea of spending this time on this intricate drawing and then being able to make multiple copies of it and printing it really appealed to me,” Metivier said.

“It appealed to me as much as silkscreen and T-shirts coming up with an idea printing it on a shirt for people to wear appealed to me.

So when I got into pottery, there Lucy Arciniega | The Current was this thing about being able to Paul Metivier and one of his pieces. make cups, actual objects like the cup could actually have my drawing By: Lucy Arciniega on it and its something that is utilStaff Reporter itarian so it functioned every day Paul Metivier is a pottery profesand there was something humble sor at the college. Metivier started about it,” Metivier said. his career in community college as Metivier was able to apply his an art major. Metivier is currently knowledge of printmaking and working on his 15th year working applying to his pottery. “It was here at Green River. something that seemed like there Metivier focused was a lot of on drawing and opportunipainting primarily there “When you come into the ties and then moved that all of ceramic studio, I believe the skills through photogthat the students can feel a that I have raphy into what is called printmaklearned community that is ing. Before graduwelcoming to people and in my 2D ating and transferexperience you get welcomed in.” ring to California I could - Paul Metivier, pottery professor State University, apply to Long Beach in Los clay. There Angeles to be a was a lot of printmaking major, Metivier decidroom to explore and that was pretty ed to take a pottery class. exciting to me.”

After taking the pottery class, Before Metivier taught at Green Metivier decided to pause the River, he had taught at art comtransfer process to continue his munity centers. He taught clay to

children right as soon as he was out of graduate school also taught grade school and middle school students.

Afterward, Metivier started teaching after-school programs, summer camps, and then adult classes at these community art centers.

“It was there that I really began to understand that clay can be just as engaging to a 7 yr old and to the retired engineer who has spent has his life at a drawing table to somebody who has had their career and retired. Watching someone at 65 interacts with clay was not so different than watching the seven year old interact with clay. The material leads to this playfulness,” Metivier said.

Metivier boasted about how his classes are mostly about problem-solving and how his ultimate goal for the class is to learn how to use clay as a creative material.

Students get to experience something that out of the ordinary motions of everyday life. It also creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

“When you come into the ceramic studio, I believe that the students can feel a community that is welcoming to people and you get welcomed in.”

“None of us get to this career by ourselves, and I say that because ceramics requires more than one person, like when you look at the ceramic process it often involves with more than one person. In here you not only learn about art but you learn how to work with other people,” Metivier said.

His pottery classes are offered all year round for students that are interested in pottery.

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Melanie Bell Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Valuable Campus Amenities Available to Students Student Life Office, Counseling Services, Disability Services, and CCA Explored By: Kenneth Wilson Staff Reporter Green River College provides an adjustable and positive environment for its students through several features and amenities scattered over campus.

The Student Life office, located on the second floor of Lindbloom Student Union, offers different opportunities via events, activities, and programs that motivate the student to participate in the campus community. The events include volunteering opportunities on and off campus, leadership opportunities, and job positions.

Students also have a chance to start their own clubs and organizations. There are more than 30 clubs and organizations each year that focus on academics, multicultural issues, and social opportunities.

The college also offers scholarship opportunities to students. The Achievement, Merit & Leadership Scholarship is available to new international students and pays for tuition and books. Current students have the opportunities of the Achievement scholarship, Leadership Work Grant, and Campus Community Service opportunities.

The quiet atmosphere on campus builds up a suitable environment for students to focus on their studies.

cated in the Student Affairs building, rooms The Holman Library serves as a campus 236 and 237. resource that the students, faculty, and staff Campus Corner Apartments (CCA) is have at their disposal. Holman Library has on-campus housing that students are able to study room, books, digital archives, and apply for. It is just a short computers for students to walk from campus and is use at their leisure. The “I felt very safe when I directly across from the librarians that work in Holman Library are also a lived in the campus apart- Trades building. Students have access to indoor and great resource for students ments and all the staff outdoor weekly activities, to utilize when struggling with things like formatting were nice and helped me a 24/7 security line, resiadvisors, and more. for an essay or research on to build friendships with dent Payment is separate from a class project. other students,” tuition.

Counseling services are - Tunisia Taher Jaidi, Student “I felt very safe when I also available. Licensed lived in the campus apartand professional psyments and all the staff chologists and therapists were nice and helped me to build friendships are available to assist students with mental with other students,” Tunisia Taher Jaidi, an health issues. These assets are free to students, and individuals are encouraged to seek international student who once lived in the apartments, said. help if they are struggling mentally.

The college has many amenities that make Disability Services, located in the Student the campus versatile and accessible for every Affairs building, room 210, is available for kind of student on the campus, international students with physical or mental disabilities. or not.

Their goal is to help students achieve their Heads of each department (along with academicals goals and success by making other staff members of each department) their education accessible. can be found on the website, either under Veteran Services is also available, allowing the specific page of each service or under the the individuals that serve the country for staff directory in the Quick Links section. more information on the education that is available to them. Veteran Services is also lo-

Where To Find Them Student Life Office

Located in Student Union

Counseling Services

Located in Student Affairs, 266 Ext 2555

Disability Services

Located in Student Affairs, 210 Ext 2631

Veteran Services

Located in Student Affairs, 236 Ext 2466

Campus Corner Apartments

Located across from Campus 253-876-0700

Reptile Man Brings Critters To Green River

Alex Markovich | The Current

By: Alex Markovich Webmaster The Reptile Man, Scott Petersen, visited Green River with his ensemble of reptiles from Monroe, WA. Reptiles featured included an alligator, a 10-foot long golden python, a tortoise, and many others.

The Reptile Man’s business started with his father, who opened it and the love for the creatures developed over time.

“It’s pretty scary, an awesome experience, and I was hoping not to get bitten the whole time,” Daniel Tampubolon, student body president said.

Petersen is part of a larger zoo called the Reptile Zoo found in Monroe. It is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Alex Markovich | The Current

Top: Student and the Reptile man with his alligator as other students look on.

Right: A student with the 10-foot long golden python.

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Taxes To Rise On Soft Drinks

Encouraging Healthy Drinking Habits By: Taylor Yamamoto A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com

tors for the products.

So how do consumers feel about this new tax? It hasn’t generally been well-received. “I don’t like it because of Red Bull already being As of January 1, the city of Seattle has expensive,” Taylor Warf, student, said. instituted a tax on all “sweetened beverages” But why is this happening? The Seattle or sugary drinks.

Times reports that the main reason is to The sugary drinks tax ordinance places a discourage the purchase of sugary beverages, 1.75 cent per fluid ounce tax, to be paid by which have been linked with a myriad of the distributor, on any drink that contains health issues the most serious being Type 2 any caloric sweetener. This is any drink diabetes and heart disease. This can also be that may contains concentrates or different seen as encouragement for healthier eating syrups such as soda, energy and drinking habits. drinks, sports drinks, or As for the Green River The sugary drinks tax ordi- campus, it might not be as any drink that that is non-alcoholic and contains nance places a 1.75 cent per severe. many inorganic sweeteners fluid ounce tax, to be paid by The Paper Tree bookof any kind. store does not buy from a the distributor, on any drink So while the taxes won’t distributor that operates that contains any caloric be paid directly, prices will in Seattle so prices will sweetener. be set to rise on sugary remain at their current drinksin the city of Seattle pricing, according to Gary or if the place the drink was purchased from Jones, the manager of the bookstore. gets their drinks through a distributor the As for the rest of the campus drink supoperates from or through the city of Seattle. pliers he could not say only adding “I haven’t This is because distributors will most likely heard that they plan on increasing prices.” raise prices to offset the cost of the tax.

So the many on-campus consumers can exSo simply put, while this is not a tax on the pect relatively the same prices. But off-camconsumer directly the rise in price will be due pus students should be on the lookout as to the increased cost suppliers (i.e. store and the cost of their drinks may increase in the restaurants) will have to pay their distribucoming months.

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a&e Marie Zhang selected as January’s Artist Spotlight

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Taylor Yamamoto | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

2017-2018

Source credit: Marie Zhang

Zhang’s stunning Graphic design of warrior women with dual blades.

Photographer credit: Marie Zhang

Graphic Aritist Marie Zhang

By: Luis Cervantes III Staff Writer Marie Zhang, 21, has been selected for January’s Artist Spotlight, nominated by the fine arts department for her stellar art pieces.

Born in Shanghai, China, Zhang has been attending Green River for a little over two-and-a-half years and has plans of transferring. She studied in Germany in 2014 before moving to Washington. The artist has taken almost every art class offered at the college ranging from Art 180 to Oil Painting. Currently, she’s taking drawing, Art 110. While she’s having fun with these classes, she’s also very serious about her future. She considered being an architect major in 2016, but she decided to switch into becoming a game designer as her major.

She took up the pencil and paper at the young age of five years old.

As she grew older, her interest in the arts grew as well, and soon

after, her skills flourished. Buildings, cities, towns and landscapes were what she started with as she practiced her skills diligently. It wasn’t long before her discovery of video games and along with it the array of art styles was provided.

Although she went for architecture first, video games and anime stole the show. Some anime shows she likes to watch include Naruto and Code Geass, but really she likes to watch most anime.

By taking her art skills into the video game world, Zhang became more pleased with her hobby and wanted to take it to the next level.

“I play a lot of video games, that’s one of the places where I get my inspiration from,” she said. Ringing in aspects of video games ranging from Final Fantasy (which she described as her favorite) to World of Warcraft, every detail in her pieces is accounted for.

When she talked about the reason why she wanted to tackle art she said, “…the visual is definitely the one sense with the most impacts on human minds, and I have experienced this since I was a little girl.”

Video games weren’t her only inspiration. Her father is her biggest supporter. Being an architect himself, he was also the reason why she wanted to get into architecture.

After 2016, Zhang had changed her mind, even if the area of study tended to her artistic interests.

When she made the switch, there was no doubt her father stood behind her. Now she is tackling her soon-to-be major with confidence.

She even surrounds herself with friends who share her interests which is always a confidence booster.

To voice her confidence, she has shared her work online and any other public venue wherever she could and receives positive reviews.

Like every artist in any form, she too experiences blocks. Blocks are always hard to overcome as they are hard-hitting and sometimes demoralizing. Zhang undoubtedly encounters this demoralization, but has many ways of overcoming them. For instance, she’ll leave her art alone for however long it takes when she is lacking any drive.

Although, she doesn’t like to leave it for more than a week fearing that she will forget any concepts or ideas she had at the time. Drawing every day of the week can get tiring at times and it’s never a bad idea to take a break.

When asked if she had any advice for aspiring artists she had a few tips to share. First, she advised that an artist must always carry around a sketchbook and a pencil.

In her words, when she sees something inspiring she draws quick sketches of any ideas she has at that moment. This is the most important thing any artist can do in her opinion. Constant practice was her other piece of advice. If an artist practices daily, everything will be internalized and eventually the artist becomes better every time.

Although she previously had stated that it’s okay to take breaks from time to time, she never stopped drawing. Finally, since she surrounded herself with fellow artist, her last piece of advice would be to take a look at other people’s work and study. Artists constantly provide support for each other and critique each other’s works, so Zhang advises to have some confidence to look beyond one’s own

artwork and soak up the concepts others have used.

Zhang has set high expectations for herself and her artwork not only now, but for the future. As she

continues her trek on the path of visual stimulation, she has no plans of ever stopping her artful expressions.

Source credit: Marie Zhang

Zhang’s “Conformity” displayed on the 2nd floor of the SH building.

a&e Melodic Kaedyn Kashmir, Green River’s Rising Star

Taylor Yamamoto| A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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By: Maria Arciniega Staff Reporter

play various instruments; guitar being her instrument of choice.

Growing up, Kashmir would listen to a variGreen River College student Kaedyn ety of genres such as: classic rock, jazz, and Kashmir, 17, follows the motto to live life classical music. Some of her favorite artists as if her last day. being ‘The Beatles”, “Panic at the disco”, “Owl Currently studying to aim for a major in City”, and “Paramore”. The lyrics of these arts and animation, this go-getter is going artists influenced her immensely. above and beyond with a set goal to work She described music as a bond or a connecat Nintendo in Japan. Having toured the tion that was formed between the listeners Nintendo headquarters while in Japan, and the musician; although the listener does Kashmir’s love for the game ‘The Legend of not know the artist personally.

Zelda” sparked a hope to one day work in the Kashmir´s love of music began to flourish multi-billion dollar video game company. when she first listened to the 38-year-old Kashmir is no stranger to big dreams and pop-soul singer Sara Bareilles. Kashmir hard work. In order to achieve her dream job expressed her admirashe has taken upon hertion for the artist saying self to learn the language “[h]er lyrics, they’re so by taking three years of imaginative, inspiring “As cliche as it may Japanese. and moving. Also her Nintendo Japan is only sound, follow your attitude as an artist. She one of her aspirations. jokes with the audiheart” She was born into a family ence. It feels like your Kaedyn Kashmir, Singer of musicians, her mother jamming with an old being a singer/guitarist friend.” and her father a pianist/ Combining her love of guitarist. It would seem as music and hopes of becoming an artist, she though her destiny of becoming a musician took multiple dance lessons of various genres was set. Gifted with a beautiful voice and such as jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, etc. a love for music, Kashmir began to sing At 13, she began to pursue her passion and in kindergarten. Soon after she learned to began singing and recording for a job. The

pop-soul singer Kashmir came out with her first album “Coming Home” with hit original songs. At times her parents and manager produced and co-wrote songs such as “Warrior” and “Sliding Doors”. Both reaching up to 7,000 views on YouTube.

At times life for the artist can be overwhelming. Her parents are always there by her side and her dad is always there to give her advice.

“My dad is my biggest critic, but he is also incredibly supportive” said Kashmir. Not

only does her family’s support and advice help Kashmir unwind but writing songs as well helps her de-stress.

“It’s just kind of one of those things where you channel those emotions that you are holding in and being able to express that in a song is honestly one of my favorite things to do” said Kashmir.

Her advice to those who dare to dream big would be, “As cliche as it may sound, follow your heart.”

Photographer credit: Maria Arciniega

Rising Star, Kaedyn Kashmir, practicing her music at her studio.

Food Review: Trotter’s Family Restaurant A Vintage Dining Experience By: Isabel Barni A&E Editor

Service: 3.5/5 Arriving at Trotter’s Family Restaurant, which had fairly open seating around 7 p.m., getting seated took around 2 minutes.

This was a little strange, as there was several cleaned and obviously ready tables, but this mild irritation was restored by the kindness and personability of the servers. When talking to a server, it was clear that they didn’t recycle their lines with every customer; conversation topics were interesting and unique to everyone who attended.

The dinner itself took an average amount of time to arrive, that being slightly more than 20 minutes. The majority of the service at Trotter’s was very expected, but the experience itself was slightly elevated by the exceptional personalities of the host.

Atmosphere: 2/5 The best way to describe the interior of this eatery is dated. At one point, Trotter’s could have very well been a fashionable diner. However, by modern day standards, the colors, decorations, and furniture were outdated.

Unfortunately, Trotter’s dated look could not be considered trendily vintage.

The appearance out of the way, however, the menu itself was very uniform. It would be easy to expect a restaurant with a rundown interior to have confusing food options. Al-

though there were typos and general design errors scattered throughout, every item of food belonged on the menu. The selections easily fit the ideal summer meal: burgers, sandwiches, and a ridiculous amount of milkshakes. For those who want to watch what they’re eating, a hefty salad section is also provided. There didn’t seem to be a single out of place item on the menu, making Trotter’s Family Restaurant exactly what a customer would expect from a burger dining experience.

Price vs. Quality: 4/5 Trotter’s burgers and sandwiches by no means would be considered exceptional, fantastic food. However, with one of the most expensive items being approximately $10, the average college student could easily afford a decent amount of food for cheap. Two people, for approximately $25 including tax and a tip, could get a 1/3 pound burger and a side of fries each with a chocolate malt to share.

Tuesday evenings, deemed by Trotter’s as Tuesday Burger Night, offers a quarter pound burger and order of fries for $4.99 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. This deal is approximately half the price of their many other selections.

The quality of the burgers fell beneath the sandwich options. Where the restaurant truly shines is in its dessert options. With a large amount of milkshakes to choose from, one notably named the Green River, the texture, taste, and size of most were amazing. A single milkshake could easily be enough for two to share.

Alongside the milkshake options, the restaurant had a wall filled with different types of sundaes for sale. For those who want

a simpler dessert option, a case of several flavors of ice cream is available.

One of the largest desserts, and arguably the most exciting, was the Gourmet Extravaganza: 16 scoops of ice cream, 4 bananas, and diverse toppings for $29.99. The wide variety of food, their desserts in particular, made Trotter’s Family Restaurant stand out from other affordable burger restaurants.

for friends to group together for lunch or a late dinner. The food was perfect for eating outside at a picnic table during the spring or summer, however ice cream and burgers don’t lose their value even when eaten indoors. The food was nothing to call home about, but the prices are affordable for most people to enjoy and the ice cream was very delicious. The staff was friendly, and with some variety and discount nights, Trotter’s is a decent restaurant to try when unsure of where else to go.

Distance from Campus: 4/5 Trotter’s Family Restaurant is a short 3 miles from the Auburn campus. This is equivalent to a 9 minute drive, which makes it local enough for friends to head to after classes to enjoy some afternoon ice cream.

Overall: 3/5 This restaurant seemed to be a great place

Photographer credit: Isabel Barni

The Trotter’s Family Resturant menu.

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Isabel Barni| Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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2017-2018

Making A Difference By Saying “Me Too”

Editorial

The recent surge of sexual discrimination confessions throughout America has lead to the improvement of additional victims’ voices being heard.

As said by Time Magazine when electing The Silence Breakers as people of the year, “it turns out that- in the most painful and personal ways- movie stars are more like you and me than we ever knew.”

By celebrities and figureheads acknowleding past experiences that at one point were ignored, many more can continue to bring awareness to the issue. At the Current, the importance of popular figures speaking out was not diminished.

Managing Editor for the Current, Mollie Clements, said that famous stars speaking out was “like when your big sister has the courage to do something, suddenly you have the ability to as well.”

Starting with a few select people speaking out against sexual harrassment, the courage of their words can spur others into action. Eventually, this can convince the majorities to make a difference.

People across the country recently were moved to action in the Woman’s March

that took place on Jan. 20. The march was in multiple locations such as Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York.

Millions of people throughout the country joining together to fight against the wrongful sexual treatment of American citizens, alongside the reactions of role models from Hollywood, can convince additional hidden victims to voice their experiences of mistreatment.

For over a year, awareness has been spread throughout the country. With all of the attention that this movement is getting, it is possible that the voices of the people will make a longterm change.

Taylor Yamamoto, the new A&E editor for The Current, said “It’s important to encourage women to speak out about sexual assault...with that courage, we can do something about [the assaults].”

Despite the majority of victims bravely coming forward being women, this important job is the duty of all genders.

Anybody can be sexually harassed or assaulted, and it is important to recognize the mistreatment of any human.

“Both girls and boys alike, on college

campuses or anywhere else, deserve to be heard,” Isabel Barni, opinion editor of the Current, said in response to the importance of diverse people speaking out.

“If they need to gather their courage in themselves or borrow their bravery from others, the act of anyone contributing will result in awareness and change.”

The sheer amount of people who are able to contribute to the “Me Too” movement brings to light how large the sexual discrimination issue is in American culture. While the number of women coming forward is shameful, they are also a representationof hope for the future.

With these voices coming together, a change can be made.

A New Member Of The Current: The Current newspaper staff would like to welcome Taylor Yamamoto to the workplace.

He is taking over as the A&E Editor and will be working on future issues.

Editorials reflect the opinions of the entire editing staff of the Current.

The Lost Importance Of Martin Luther King Jr. By: Kinsey Miller Staff Writer

While many college aged kids know who Martin Luther King Jr. is, many only see the holiday as a day of relaxation.

Thanks to King, students across the nation are allowed to stay home on the third Monday of every January. To many, this important day is no more than an additional 24 hours to finish homework, hang out with friends, and sleep in.

While people claim to appreciate the day, they also fail to consider the work behind bringing this national holiday into existence.

King was born on Jan. 15, 1929.

He grew up in Atlanta, GA with his parents and two siblings. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a reverend. He, just like his father, worked to end racial segregation.

People today, students and workers alike, do not realize how hard King worked so that anyone can sit where they’d like, whether it be on a bus or in a restaurant. Many fail

Editorial Policy

to remember the steps this man took to end racial division.

A Running Start student who wished to remain anonymous said, “It’s nice to have the day off, [so] I just slept all day.”

Most students have never had to face a rejection of their educational rights. This is all because of people like King. However, today’s students tend to take advantage of all the hard work that King did for the nation. He worked endlessly to terminate segregation. He wanted both his kids and every other child born with black, yellow or tan skin to be able to go to school wherever they wanted. King fought for the belief that students should be able to get an education without having to worry simply because of the color of their skin.

Jose Munoz, a second year student, said, “I don’t think I would be in school if there was still segregation...[but this holiday is just] a regular day. Some people may need time to themselves.”

Society today would definitely be different than it is if it weren’t for

The Current is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval. The opinions of the opinion stories are that of the writer and the writer alone. If you have an opposing viewpiont feel free to write The Current a Letter to the Editor at editor@thegrcurrent.com

the work of King. A lot of people wouldn’t be able to go to college and, even if they did have the opportunity, it wouldn’t be equal to that of a segregated college for only white people.

As a whole, the American society has come a long way; people are legally allowed equal access to public areas regardless of their race. King had a huge influence in society, which is representative on why he was assassinated in 1968, as some disagreed with what he stood for.

Segregation in schools was made illegal in 1954 during Brown v.

Board of Education, and segregation of bus systems was deemed unconstitutional in 1956. Of course, even today there are racist Americans, but there are many amazing communities, one of them being the accepting Green River campus. There are so many races and cultures that mesh well together, which attending students get to experience for themselves firsthand.

The fact that the general public doesn’t honor King, the man that fought so hard to create a unity

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between races, is upsetting. There are no national parades. There are no fireworks. There is no celebration of King’s successes, but rather a mindless state of relaxation and a mass rewatching of Netflix originals.

In reference to Munoz’s earlier statements, it is true that King’s holiday is a regular day, but it also has a deep meaning to many people. There are thousands across America that have been impacted, and continue to be influenced, by the hard work of King. Because of this mass impact, the holiday should have more recognition than it receives.

King opened up so many opportunities to all minorities; not just African Americans, but humans of all backgrounds. The importance of his actions are put to shame when America spends the day asleep.

To restore the meaning behind this holiday, a place to start is reminding the younger generation of its significance. In keeping the holiday’s meaning alive, the community as a whole will truly be united.

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Letters to the Editor

thestaff

Mariya Mubeen Editor-in-Chief Photographer 253-833-9111 x2377 Mollie Clements Managing Editor

Melanie Bell Campus Editor

Tyler Yamamoto A&E Editor

Isabel Barni Opinion Editor

Janai Curtis Sports Editor

Alex Markovich Web Editor

Dee Senaga Layout Designer

Staff Writers: Samantha Railsback, Kenneth Wilson, Luis N. Cervantes III, Mohamed A. Mohamud, Chris Quick, Macy Erickson, Kinsey Miller, Anthony Greenlee, Lucy Arciniega, Jefferson Bolin, Nahrawend Gheribi, Garrett Senn, Juanita Vann, Maria Arciniega, Anastasia Saroverova, Gurneet Samra, Mario Garcia, Chloe Johnson

Corrections If you find a factual error or simply a name spelled incorrectly, please contact us at: - editor@thegrcurrent.com - 253 833 9111 ext 5377 - or find us in SA 218

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10

2017-2018

opinion

thecurrent

Isabel Barni | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

A New Start For The New Year; Minimum Wage Increases By: Anthony Greenlee Staff Writer

As minimum wage currently stands, it is still nearly impossible to live off of the lowest income in Washington State.

With the introduction of the New Year, Washington State has taken the top spot for highest minimum wage in America.

Washington has seen a $2.31 an hour increase over the past five years. This is a change from $9.19 to $11.50 per hour. This comes to a total of approximately $4,805 over the course of a year for a full time worker, according to the Labor and Industries website in reference to Washington State.

Though this raise may initially seem substantial, the average cost of housing in Washington state has also seen an increase over the last five years. With the average rent for an apartment being $860, which is $130 more than the national average according to rent.com, living even with an increased minimum wage

tion alone, the full time minimum would be difficult. wage workers of Washington State Those prices only included stayhave already spent a total of $12,145 ing in an apartment; the average which is more than half of what price to buy a house is $307,658 in they make each year before taxes.

Washington according to ZilThe average monthly electricity low’s website. From information bill for a Washington resident is provided by the Office of Financial about $1,056 per year as reported Management, the cost of living is

by Electricity Local. Along with an up more than 21%, or $53,858, from additional $829 annually for water/ $253,800 in 2013. sewer as stated While working by the Pierce a full time job in Employees are County website Washington State with no overtime, excited to experience and another $75 garbage costs making minimum the gradual increase on through Waste wage a worker in minimum wage.

Management. will make $23,920.

Full time miniThat is before any mum wage worktaxes are taken ers in Washington State have now out. This is far below the average spent $14,105.32 of the $23,920 they annual income, that being $56,835 will make before tax on bills alone. for Washington State residents.

With the remaining $9,814.68 basic The yearly cost of rent for an necessities are still needed such as apartment is $10,320 without food clothes, food, entertainment, and or utilities. The annual cost of taxes to be paid. public transportation is $1,825 if Even the most frugal person purchasing an all-day pass at $5.00 would have a tough time stretching per day from Pierce Transit. $1,840 a month in to all of these Between rent and transporta-

Photographer credit: Paul Sableman | Source credit: flickr.com

A sign advocating for the rise in minimum wage. bills, which is why so many employ- pay the stress of bills and lack of time can be reduced. ees are excited to experience the The more extra money someone gradual increase in minimum wage has, the more they will spend, to, eventually, $15 an hour. which leads right back into busiAn increase of $3.50 would put ness success. Higher minimum an extra $7,280 in the pockets of wage means businesses will make minimum wage workers over the more money in the long run. course of a year before taxation.

While minimum wage should Just as the jump that took place not be where employees stay for the over the New Year, this is a subrest of their lives, the pay should stantial amount that allows these workers to save money, invest, or go certainly be enough to survive and live off of at the beginning of have fun without needing to work adulthood. overtime. With that little boost in

Communicating Through Dance To Break Cultural Barriers By: Juanita Vann Staff Writer

be room for new relationships and learning experiences.

When two very different individuals collide, learning each other’s Green River Community Coldifferences is bound to happen. It is lege offers clubs that are able to a great opportunity to learn about bring different people together. how one culture differs from anSome of the different communiother. Simply speaking, being in a ties at Green River include people club exposes an individual to many from LGBTQ, different religions, different kinds of people. With the and a wide variety of cultures. Sevintroduction of a wide variety of eral diverse clubs exist in order to students, the chances of two people celebrate the variety of the student relating to each other increases body; their existence benefits the dramatically. social society at Even with the Green River.

“You feel at home opportunities It’s widely known that because everyone enjoys presented by clubs, howevGreen River is what they’re doing. er, there are home to an abunstudents who dance of stuWe’ve become family.” dents, those who - Michael Batin continue to struggle creatare domestic and ing friendships those who come on campus. By overcoming fears to study internationally. Coming to of rejection, progress in different an unknown area and creating new relationships is bound to be made. experiences may be difficult for “I’m always too afraid to go to the some students. However, clubs at studio,” Britney Gitonga, a local Green River are a primary method student, said. “Everyone is already to prevent feelings of segregation. in groups, I’m too shy.”

Clubs create bonds that break In response to Gitonga’s conbarriers that are felt between cerns, Joseph Vallespin, a current domestic and foreign students. dance club member replied, “All Clubs can help students break out you have to do is dance, and someof their shells; they are a great form one will notice you and [you’ll] of interaction and communication become friends- just like that.” between people.

A difference in culture also The introduction of diverse introduces a difference in language. cultures can create new and exRather than this being off putting, citing bonds between community as it may initially seem, some clubs members. Green River clubs can view language as an opportunity for often be a meeting between two cultures; the international students different forms of communication.

Clubs at times have universal and the domestic. It allows there to

languages, such as music or dance.

Many may immediately disagree, claiming that dancing and music cannot be considered as a language.

However, dance consists of body movements in time to a beat of a song. Anyone can do it; nobody has to be good at dancing to know how.

Of course, the lack of confidence people have in certain abilities may deter them from joining different clubs. However, in areas such as the dance community, the atmosphere suggests that the skill levels of members is irrelevant. A person can always learn new skills.

Green River has a diverse dance club. Some members may not know how to speak a certain language fluently in order to understand one another. However, through body movements, dance is comprehensible and can be easily followed by those who want to participate.

Revealing a common interest in clubs becomes a great base to build off to create friendships.

“That feeling, when you can comfortably walk into the dance studio,” Michael Batin, another Green River dance member, said.

“You feel at home because everyone enjoys what they’re doing. We’ve become family.”

Much like the bond between family members, the relationship that is formed between two club members can last a lifetime.

The diversity of clubs encourages members to speak with people that they would be able to chat with that they wouldn’t have otherwise had an opportunity to meet.

The new students that gain the opportunity to meet through their common community can also gain a companion outside of the campus itself. Through clubs, not only have they made friends that are helpful between classes, but also people to talk with when classes are finished.

These clubs can be a new experience for the internatonal or newly attending students. Green River’s community to some is an entirely new world. Many students even come to Green River’s Auburn campus from Kent and can’t help but be overwhelmed by how large it is.

One domestic student that recently moved to the Auburn campus from the Kent campus, Maleeha Nizar said how she “thought the Kent campus was large and confusing, but coming to the Auburn campus just shows how wrong [she] was.”

If a student that lives here, who is already used to the area, can be overwhelmed by such a spacious campus, one can only wonder how affected foreign students must be.

Clubs help reduce that feeling of being unprepared. They provide a group of people that could very well be experiencing the same culture shock. Clubs also help provide a comfortable environment to share lifestyles and experiences together.

The dependency some foreign students have on their domestic peers can help form bonds between them. Additionally, domestic students have the opportunity to learn something new. Working together, these students can then rely on one

another, creating a rope between them of trust and reliability.

Clubs benefit students in breaking down different cultural barriers and allowing room for new experiences.

Graphic Credit: Anna Graver

Mollie Clements| Managing Editor mollie.w.clements@gmail.com www.thegrcurrent.com

thecurrent

11

student submission

2017-2018

Student Stumbles Upon Stray Kitten On Auburn Campus

Mario Garcia

Mario Garcia

Caesar pictured above thinking about his next nap.

Caesar pictured above taking a cat nap. to him so I picked him up. I found the nearest campus security officer and asked him whose cat it was. He The Stray mentioned there had been a On June 15, 2017, I unexpectedly few reports of him throughout met a friend on the way to Anthe day but he was presumed thropology 101 on the Green River to be a stray, and Animal campus.

Control had been called.

I distinctly remember walkHowever, they were busy and ing past the administracouldn’t make it out to campus. tion building towards the I then looked back at the main plaza when I heard a cat as I was going to ask the sort of scream. I was at first officer if he could take him off my startled and looked around hands. However, upon looking at but I didn’t see anyone so I kept him I decided I wanted to personwalking. ally see his arrival at the Humane A few moSociety the ments later next day.

I heard the I same noise walked “The little guy had tethered back to again! This time I looked my car himself to me, if I stepped around and and he folright he stepped right.” looked down, lowed close - Mario Garcia and that’s behind when I saw me and as a small grey soon as we kitten. hopped He was lookin the car ing right up at me and proceeded he walked right over to me on the to scream once more at me. I drivers side and sat on my lap. He stopped to give him some attention purred the whole drive home. and he seemed to enjoy that, I We never did make it the hustayed there for some time, evenmane society because by the time tually had to go on my way so I said I reached home he had won my my goodbyes and started walking heart and I had made up my mind when I noticed something. to adopt him.

The little guy had tethered He now lives at home with himself to me, if I stepped me and my family at Taylor right he stepped right with Mountain Stables where he me and if I moved forward so has become the unofficial did he. mascot. Everyone who meets I was worried about where he him falls instantly in love with came from and what would happen his friendly nature and outgoing

By: Mario Garcia Staff Writer

attitude.

The first few days we had him were a rough start. We had to keep him in a tack room to assimilate him to his new environment.

I spent many nights sleeping in a barn making sure he wasn’t alone, he stayed warm and that he knew where home was.

Occasionally I find him, waiting for me on the back porch late at night on my way in from work. He waits patiently for his can of tuna and about an hour of some quality time with him napping on my lap.

Over the past several months Caesar has become a wonderful addition to our family, and lives a very fulfilling life of hunting mice and making friends with all the animals and people he meets.

Mario Garcia

Caesar posing all stoic for the camera.

studentsubmissions Students may submit short stories, graphics, photos, drawings, poems, etc.

Not guarenteed to be published.

Must be sent to the editor@thegrcurrent.com We encourage students to submit whatever they wish and to use this as a creative space.

Deadlines:

Feb 1, Feb 20, March 13