thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college
December 6, 2018
www.thegrcurrent.com
issue 4 volume 53
Green River College Study Abroad Program Lights a Path for students pg. 2
Elsa Finkbeiner | The Current Study Abroad Green River College
2 December 6, 2018
campus
thecurrent
Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor kwhitaker3@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com
Studying Abroad Offers a Cultural Experience By: Justice Etafo Staff Writer
Studying Abroad is a program administered by Green River College that gives the opportunity to earn college credits, while simultaneously offering the experiencing of cultural diversity in a different and new environment. The program has been sending students to countries for over 25 years. Students learn about the civilization before visiting. Immersing themselves into a foreign environment makes for a unique experience and provides a new perspective for cultures outside the United States. The Studying Abroad program is distinctly Green River’s, but other Washington college students have the option to go on these trips as well. Students are sent in fairly large sized classroom groups at a time, which allows them to bond with their classmates as well. A list of available destinations is provided on the Study Abroad section of the Green River website
that offers different curriculums in countries across the globe. As the program provides locations such as Australia, Italy, and Japan, the idea of seizing this opportunity should be greatly considered. Green River’s website states: “Students typically return with increased confidence and maturity and full of exuberance and excitement about their studies and experiences abroad. Students can also develop the skills they need for success in today’s global workforce.” There is a large selection of programs and places that students may choose from. Programs have a range of different excursion times, including trips lasting from two weeks up to an entire quarter. So, each program will be a unique experience for students. Finances are often a concern when dealing with large-scale trips, and inevitably the cost is dictated by two factors: the amount of time spent there and the place. According to Study Abroad Coordinator Cindy Card, “Students in financial aid will have part of, if Creative Commons | maxpixel.net
A photo of Japan’s Ancient Architecture, Asakusa Temple’s back entrance.
Creative Commons | maxpixel.net
Understanding the lack of resources for shopping around Green River College, Campus Corner Apartments and Residence Life offers Saturday Shopping Shuttles to various shopping locations to provide students with a free way to obtain the supplies they need. For those who are curious about how this service works, the shuttle arrives at the bus circle next to the Admin building at 10:30 a.m. to transport students to the designated area for that weekend. Although the drivers try their best to meet students at the bus circle on time, it is crucial to remember to bring a warm coat to wear while waiting as mornings get colder with the progression of the winter season.
The shopping options include H Mart, Al Hamdani Grocery, Southcenter mall, Marvel Food and Deli, Uwajimaya, Sunny Supermarket, and The Outlet Collection in Auburn. Ensure to check the campus calendar or the list at Townshend Center in the campus apartments to see when the shuttle goes to a specific location of interest. The trips typically last two hours, but students and the driver can come to a consensus of how long everyone wants to spend in that area. After the time and a pickup location to meet are confirmed, students are free to do whatever they want around the area. If some students come up with other plans and want to make their trip either longer or shorter than what was agreed upon, they are encouraged to do so—on the condition they find a ride home.
Green River College 12401 SE 320th St., Mailstop: SU Auburn, WA 98092-3699 NEWSROOM DIRECT LINE 253-288-3457 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Margo Mead mmead6@mail.greenriver.edu 253-833-9111 ext. 2375 MANAGING EDITOR Mathew Belamaric mbelamaric@mail.greenriver.edu 253-833-9111 ext. 2376
Italian Amalfi coast on the Tyrrhenian Sea, located in the Province of Salerno. not all the cost taken care of.” accommodated accordingly. Card goes on to emphasize how The students in the academic valuable an experience like this can program attend classes taught by be saying “A lot of students think Washington-sent faculty as well as that they can’t go because the cost, native teachers. but there’s usually a way to do it. The language barrier could There are a lot of options, and if a also be a concern, but plenty of student wants to go abroad, they the programs offered in places just need to go and talk to me.” like Australia and England Because the students who are predominantly speak English. studying abroad are earning If not, students are encouraged Green River credit for the courses, to “start learning a few words or “Anything that would apply listening to a few tapes,” said Card. [at Green River] whether it be Students in this program gain scholarships or grants that the a valuable cultural and academic students would use to go to school, experience. The impact on students would use to go to school, would is described as “highly influential… apply directly toward the program.” more than anyone would imagine,” “Seminars are also held once said Card. “It is an education or twice a year at a minimum, that they just cant get sitting in a and usually once a quarter to classroom, as they’re actually going teach students how to apply for out to another country and staying scholarships. There’s even a writing there long enough to become part workshop where students can learn of the culture.” how to write winning scholarship More information concerning applications,” said Card. the available Study Abroad options When people travel, they need and travel destinations are located places to stay. For the Studying on brochures and flyers all across Abroad program, students reside Green River. The best way for a in dorms, apartments, or even student to ask questions or address homestays where they will be concerns is by contacting Card.
Saturday Shuttle Provides Students With Transportation By: Danielle Kim Staff Writer
thecurrent
However, this does not mean students are going to be left stranded if they do not come to the pickup location on time. Drivers ensure every person gets on the bus unless it is clearly an individual has other means of going home. The Saturday Shopping Shuttle trip on Nov. 10 was to the Korean supermarket H Mart and consisted of nine students. With the accommodating nature of the driver bringing peace of mind, students had a chance to finish their shopping and visit nearby shops such as “85°C” Bakery, either to munch on a sweet snack or hang out with their friends. “I’ve used the shopping shuttle a couple times already,” said Green River student Amethyst McKnight. “It really exposed me to new stores that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about before, like ‘H-Mart’ or ‘Marvel Food and Deli’.”
When asked what she thought about the shuttle, Ayaka Nishihori explained she truly loved the shopping trips to stock up on food and snacks to last her throughout the week. As an international student, she felt it was nice to have access to a diverse selection of cuisine ingredients from different cultures. “I love the shopping shuttles, especially when they come to ‘H Mart’. I might like it more than going to ‘Uwajimaya’.” For students who find it difficult to wait until Saturdays to buy groceries, Campus Safety offers safety rides that start at dusk to local stores within a two-mile radius from campus. Considering how far the school is from popular shopping and dining areas, Green River College provides plenty of transportation alternatives with the best interests of students in mind.
CAMPUS EDITOR Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker kwhitaker3@mail.greenriver.edu A&E EDITOR William Baliton wbaliton@mail.greenriver.edu OPINION EDITOR Margo Mead mmead6@mail.greenriver.edu SPORTS EDITOR Mathew Belamaric mbelamaric@mail.greenriver.edu LAYOUT EDITOR Dee Senaga ksenaga@mail.greenriver.edu GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elsa Finkbeiner efinkbeiner@mail.greenriver.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Robertson ads@thegrcurrent.com PHOTOGRAPHER Christina Praggastis cpraggastis@mail.greenriver.edu STAFF WRITERS: Hailey Bragg, Raelyn Clark, Justice Etafo, Dakota Farnsworth, Adele Guinn, Daichi Hodoshima, Aruan Kazkeyev, Danielle Kim, Gabriel Kindell, Rachel Knittle, Chatwan Mongkol, Mario Pimentel, Christina Praggastis, Jayden Valencia, Kaelyn Walls
Corrections
If you find a factual error or simply a name spelled If you find a factual error incorrectly, orplease simply contact a name us spelled at: incorrectly, - editor@thegrcurrent.com please contact us at: - 253-288-3457 - editor@thegrcurrent.com - or find us OEB 17 - 253-833-9111 ext. 2375 - or find us in SA218
Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor kwhitaker3@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com
campus
thecurrent
Students’ Questions for Running Start By: Margo Mead Editor-in-Chief
Running Start is a high school program offered in Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. Central State University, Washington State University and Eastern State University allow high school students to gain college credits as they achieve a high school diploma. The college tuition is free for all Running Start students and paid for. “The spirit of the running start program in to provide access to higher education and reduce barriers,”said Director of Running Start and College in the High School, Lindsey Morris. The program was piloted in Washington as one of three parts of the “Learning by Choice Law”, an act initiating alternative student enrollment options in Washington State, was adopted in 1990. The law also initiated Family Choice and seventh and eighth grade enrollment options. Morris stated that Green River currently has over 2000 students participate in the Running Start program from over 40 high schools across 15 school districts. Participation has increased drastically over the past few years. Green River has a population of 8,050 students as of the 2018 fall quarter. This means that roughly one fourth of Green River’s population consists of Running Start students. In 2011, two significant changes were made to the program. The first being that students are limited in the amount of free credits they can take between high school and college. Second, colleges can charge students for all additional class fees such as text book or supply fees, unless waived for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, are in the foster youth program and or have proof of federal or state support. For new Running Start students, Green River has one mandatory orientation which takes place at the beginning of each quarter. Students who are still confused post orientation can visit the Running Start office located in the Student Administration Building. There is also an online orientation that students can access at any time. For those in the program who
Elsa Finkbeiner | The Current
want to get involved with other Running Start students, Green River has a Running Start Club. The Running Start Club is “breaking down the running start program for every student.” Secretary of the Running Start club, Fedi Tadele said. The clubs’ officer team is made up of only senior running start students. Currently the officers are President Sarah Garever, Vice President Yasmin Hussein, Treasurer Astrud Vidal, and Secretary Fedi Tedele. Club meetings are every other Wednesday. Typically, the meetings have a low attendance averaging about six to seven students per meeting but, currently over 200 Running Start students are registered with the club.
Commonly asked Questions by Running Start Students Do I have to graduate with my associated Degree? No, Running start students can obtain a high school diploma without completing their college credits. Why is there a flag on my record? Usually because the student has not turned in their quarterly verification form. Is there financial aid for Running Start? No, but students are eligible for a waiver form if they are a foster youth, have qualified for free or reduced lunch in the past five years, can prove federal or state support, or qualify in the 200 percent poverty guidelines. Do I have to check up with my high school councelor every quarter? Yes, to check on high school requirements and obtain the quarterly verification form. Will my Running Start credits transfer over? Yes, but how the college accepts Green River credits is up to the institution you are applying to. Why do I owe money? Because Running Start is only tuition free. Running Start students must pay for additional class fees like all other college students. How do I drop a class? By logging into your class registration account and typing in the class number, the same way you applied for the class, and withdrawing. As long as you drop a class before the deadline, the class will be dropped and no credit or grade for the class will be applied to your transcript, replacing the pass/fail grade with a “W”.
3 December 6, 2018
Friendsgiving Brings Ways to Celebrate By: Hailey Bragg Staff Writer
Thanksgiving is a day in which we spend time with loved ones to celebrate and give gratitude for good company and blessings. Most of America has traditionally celebrated this holiday with family, football, and an abundance of food. Thanksgiving celebrations, however, are not limited to spending time with family; a version of the Thanksgiving holiday is nicknamed Friendsgiving. “Friendsgiving is an opportunity to gather and celebrate the upcoming holiday with close friends, instead of your family. It’s like ‘Thanksgiving Part Two’, but with your besties,” said Green River student Mercedes Johnson. Friendsgiving is much like Thanksgiving in that individuals who have garnered deep relationships gather to celebrate and show gratitude for each other. “It’s friends coming together to appreciate your friendship and the fun times you guys have all been through,” shared Green River student Kasey Cowell. Friendsgiving is separate from Thanksgiving, which occurs before or after the actual holiday. However, for students living away from home, Friendsgiving is an excellent way to gather and celebrate with others on Thanksgiving Day. The activities of Friendsgiving
are similar to a traditional Thanksgiving; each Friendsgiving has its own spin that makes it enjoyable. There are an extensive amount of activities to partake in. “We had a potluck Thanksgiving dinner, watched movies, and played board games,” said Green River student Tara Benabid, sharing a Friendsgiving experience. A potluck dinner is a great idea for any Friendsgiving. It takes the pressure off of the host to cook and prepare a large meal, but guests still get to enjoy the stuffing-theirface aspect of Thanksgiving that makes it so wonderful. If individuals have their Friendsgiving after the actual holiday, dinner got even easier. Leftover Thanksgiving food makes an excellent Friendsgiving feast. If none of your friends know how to operate an oven and everyone is fresh out of leftovers, pizza is never a bad idea. Friendsgiving is less about what is on the menu and more about comradeship. Playing games is a great way to keep the party going. Have guests bring a board game from home, or go out and buy a couple of new ones at the closest store. Amazon is also a reliable place to order games. “We played games like Cards Against Humanity and Jenga,” Johnson said. Friendsgiving is also an opportunity to step away from
screens for a few hours and form new friendships as well as appreciate the old ones. “There was a lot of interaction, which kept us off our phones and allowed us to talk, laugh, and bond more,” Johnson shared. Friendsgiving has a myriad of great aspects, but everyone has their personal favorite take-away from the celebration. “My favorite part about Friendsgiving was the memories that I’ll have to last a lifetime and being able to enjoy time with friends. It was such good soul food to get away from the holiday craziness and just cherish time with friends,” said Green River student Bryce Sands. Preparing for holidays can be stressful so the alleviation of that stress can be a big factor in how individuals enjoy their time with loved ones, “My favorite thing was that it was a lot less stressful than actual Thanksgiving since it was with friends and everyone could chill out,” Benabid said. The holidays are also an optimal time for seeing friends who have been away for long periods of time. “All my friends are off at different colleges, so my favorite part was just seeing them all again and hanging out again,” Cowell said. Whether participants prefer memories with friends, relaxation, reconnection, or some good food, Friendsgiving is for everyone.
math problems to practice over summer breaks as a way of making sure she did not forget her skills from the prior school year. Her curiosity with solving challenging math problems led her through Pomona College, where she earned her undergraduate studies. Later, she earned her master’s degree at the University of Hawaii. As of now, Palmer obtained an equivalent of Master’s in Mathematics, which one would say qualifies her to students through complex math problems. Palmer has worked at Green River College since 1995 when she started as an adjunct faculty. In the year 2000, she began serving as the coordinator Math Learning Center, a position she continues to hold as well as remaining an adjunct faculty in pre-calculus classes. What one would think is that learning stops when one has achieved their anticipated degree, yet for Palmer, this is not the case. “In recent years, I have asked my colleagues if I could sit through some of their higher-level calculus or statistics classes to brush up on skills that I may not have had to use in several decades,” said Palmer. “I have found that I thoroughly love being on both sides of the classroom–-at the front teaching and sitting in one of the chairs
learning. I love brainstorming through problems with one of my fellow classmates or with the tutors who work in the MLC.” When asked to describe Adrienne Palmer, student Paula Boyd describes her as a “Math Master.” “There has never been a time where Palmer has not been able to help me understand those most difficult math problems,” Boyd said. Current Business Statistics student Boyd—who can be considered as a fan of Palmer— elaborated on how Palmer’s tutoring goes beyond the ordinary, as she explains everything in detail and gives students a solid understanding of the material. Not only students can testify of how helpful Palmer is at the MLC, but also tutors can as well. Associated Students of Green River College’s Ex-President and current math tutor Juan “Daniel” Felix Tampubolon disclosed that Palmer is always the last stop whenever tutors are unable to aid students with a specific problem. Meanwhile, Palmer’s work does not stop as a tutor. Green River’s website also named her as a Building Captain. Building Captains are people responsible to provide safety instructions and assistance to faculty, staff, students, and visitors during an emergency.
Math Professor Assists Struggling Students By: Princess Nandyu Kollie Staff Writer
If students have been to the Math Learning Center (MLC) for tutoring, whether it is for Calculus, Statistics, or Algebra, chances are that they have met with Adrienne Palmer. Mondays through Fridays, Palmer displays a delighted smile as she moves from table to table, helping students upon request. Some students directly enter her office with their notebooks, and she is willing to assist them. Her actions have saved countless students from receiving a zero on their homework. Thus far, what is distinctly unique about Palmer is the high level of motivation. “I like working through problems with students in the Math Learning Center and seeing the light bulb that goes on in their heads when they’re finally able to connect all the pieces and see how everything fits together,” said Palmer. “It’s a very rewarding experience to be able to share knowledge with others and get students to realize that they can do math.” The truth is Palmer’s interest in math can be dated far back to when she was considerably younger and still in grade school. She disclosed that her father wrote her difficult
4 December 6, 2018
campus
thecurrent
Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor kwhitaker3@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com
Queer & Allies Hosts Gender Panel for Transgender Awareness Week By: Margo Mead Editor-in-Chief
Green River’s Queer & Allies club hosts a gender panel to answer students’ questions in recognition of Transgender Awareness Week at noon on Nov. 20 in the Salish Hall, room 110. The panel consisted of six members, Anne Hiles, Ray Loop, Dee Senaga, Karina Cisneros, and Gender Studies and Political Science professor Allison Jansen. Questions were introduced by the group throughout the panel to initiate an open discussion between the panelists and the audience. All questions related back to gender and identity. The first question introduced was “what is a pronoun?” The panel defined a pronoun as how to refer to someone without using their name, such as using he/him, she/her, they/ them, or an array of other options. It has become conventional for teachers to allow students to introduce themselves in the classroom with their chosen pronoun. Many nonbinary people are beginning using
they/them pronouns. This introduces the fact that some do not identify with binary (he/him or she/her) pronouns. The panel then moved on to the difference between romantic/sexual preference and identity. Senaga stated it is common for people to ask those who are transgender if they are also gay. Senaga believed this to be a “bizarre” assumption. “Maybe I’m not attracted to these people, maybe I want to become these people,” Loop said, as sexual preference and gender identity are disconnected. The discussion then moved to the differences between identity and selfexpression. One can express themselves as one gender yet feel different or neutral on the inside. Loop provides an example of this as he dresses in a masculine manner to encourage others to refer to him with masculine pronouns, although he would like wearing other clothing options as well. The panel gave the definition to the term transgender, which refers to someone who chooses to identify other than their gender assigned to them at birth. Genderfluidity
refers to someone who switches genders, meaning someone could feel they are a specific gender at one moment to then feel a different way at a later time. “It’s a discovery you make about yourself and a choice to express it,” said Loop. For some, it is a straightforward decision when choosing how to identify, but for others, it is a journey. “The older understanding is that you always knew, nowadays it’s that a few do but others are just confused,” Jansen said. So, what is the best way to ask someone’s gender? “It’s often best to find a time where it’s just you and the other person,” Senaga said. “To do that off to the side is a lot safer for that other person.” Asking someone this question in a public atmosphere “is almost like forcing them to come out,” Hiles said. The panel noted nobody would be mad at you for using they/them pronouns if you do not know what their pronouns are. “Misgendering can cause a whole journey to fall apart,” said Hiles. Misgendering is the act of referring to someone as the incorrect gender, such as addressing a person who uses he/him pronouns as she/her.
How does someone know if they are transgender? The panel explained that gender dysphoria (unease or dissatisfaction with their bodies) and euphoria (excitement) are good indicators. “The most common way that someone knows they are transgender is the same way that people know they're cisgender, they just know,” Jansen said. Being cisgender is identifying with the same gender they were born as. What does it mean having a gender that is not male or female? Hiles defined it as “different with a capital D.” Not having a binary gender is generally not yet socially accepted. Clothing and expression tend to represent a specific gender of their own as of right now, but hopefully, this will change in the future. “Anyone can wear makeup and rock it,” said Hiles. The panel concluded with questions from the audience. The room was filled with questions for the panel. For any student who may have more questions about gender identity, the Queer and Allies Club meets at noon every Friday in the Club Corner, located in the Mel Lindblom Student Union.
Drafting Design Tech Leads to Job Security Paper Tree Bookstore’s 30-Year-Manager Retires By: Mario Pimentel Staff Writer Green River College offers a program with three subsections for students interested in pursuing design careers such as architecture, technology, and civil engineering. The Drafting Design Technologies (DDT) program, in particular, has a great variety of subsections. The program’s three main paths a student may choose from are architecture, technology, and civil engineering. While these three are in the same program, they are quite different from each other. Architecture focuses on the inside of houses, while civil engineering focuses on prep work. An example of civil engineering would be the people that must dig up the ground for the foundation. Technologies and mechanics surround the topic of drafting houses and other living spaces. Something interesting to note, within the three main subsections, there is another section named Auto Computer Aided Design (CAD) which is present in all three. Here, students learn how to generate computer produced models, parts, or plans suitable for a job in their respective field. Each of the sections uses a different CAD program tailored to their specific jobs. This program has been at Green River for a long time, in fact, these programs have been around for as long as the school was built. There are extensive revisions actively being done to the program for the next fall, according to the only professor for the DDT program, Terry Waagan. “The reason for the revisions is because we recently had our other professor resign from [Green River], so we have to find a way for me to be able to teach a whole program on my own. Also to see if we need to hire another professor,” said Waagan. Another revision is the Developing a Curriculum program. “This is where the state defines what a student has to know by the time they are done with a program. The state sends someone to ask all the companies about the skills they want a person at their
company to know. They then send that to the schools and then to me,” said Wagaan. The school and faculty have little to no say in this, and only the word from the companies are taken into account. The representative that gathers the data on schools cannot mention anything to staff about the subject. The program as of right now is shown to have a low student count. “We are not a STEM program like others at [Green River College], this is up to the state and not the school; the school wants us to be a STEM but have no say in it. When you are a STEM program your students are counted differently,” said Waagan. According to Wagaan, there is a market demand for civil engineers and architects, so DDT is recommended for those curious about STEM careers but do not have a solid idea about what they want to major in. Wagaan encourages new students to enter the DDT program. The program right now is struggling a bit, and there are changes that are being implemented to fix this. In the near future, the program will be back on its feet.
College Relations
A professor and a student discussing ideas.
By: Dakota Farnsworth Staff Writer After working for over 31 years as the manager of the Paper Tree bookstore, Gary Jones is retiring at the end of fall. Jones has been the bookstore manager for quite some time. He started back in the 1980s and has kept going since. “In the beginning, it was a lot of fun. Students are a blast, customers are fun, and it was a good job to have,” said Jones. “It was a good industry to be in at the time.” In his years of working at Green River, Jones stayed at the bookstore. A part of being in retail is having good relationships with others: “I had good relationships with students, faculty, and staff. I’ve built some strong relationships with all of the departments,” said Jones. Jones has seen many changes in the school throughout the years. “I’ve seen all the new buildings get built. There have been a lot of new buildings and there aren’t that many of the old buildings left,” said Jones. The student population has diversified as well compared to 30 years ago. Another change Jones got to see over the years was within the Paper Tree bookstore. Their budget was at $800,000 when he started, but had grown over the years to $4 million. However, due to the economy growing and enrollment numbers getting
lower, the budget is getting lower each year. The store’s budget last year was a little over $2.5 million. The store has also moved twice, first from the Running Start office, then to the Student Union. Being a manager at the bookstore meant that Jones was one of the people who decided prices for the items. They would have to decide what prices to use to be competitive with retail brands, but the textbooks never strayed too far from the publishing price. “The markup for textbooks is the smallest margin we make,” said Jones. However, textbook prices are still going up. There is a wider variety of textbooks in the store now, but the costs have not dropped. In retirement, individuals have the freedom to choose how they want to spend your time without work obligations. Jones has decided that he will help coach youth sports. For the past 30 years, Jones has coached boys’ baseball, boys’ soccer, and girls’ fast pitch. “I told my teams that I would no longer be the head coach, but some of the assistant coaches wanted help with coaching, so I’ll probably still help them,” said Jones. Jones retirement means that the college had to find a new manager to take over his job, and they have found just the person to do so. The new manager of the bookstore is Annemarie Dinson. Dinson is being trained by Jones until Dec. 18, and then she will be taking over responsibilities as the manager.
The Paper Tree Bookstore | facebook.com
The entrance of the Paper Tree Bookstore that is located in the Student Union Building.
Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor kwhitaker3@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com
campus
thecurrent
5 December 6, 2018
Green River College’s Teachers Reveal Intentions for Working By: Kaedyn Kashmir Campus Editor & Jayden Valencia
Why do Green River teachers enjoy their jobs? Teachers are regarded by the United States government as having “B-list” professions and are treated with disrespect by students and parents. They are pigeonholed as individuals who are poorly paid, lack authority, and are working a dead-end job. According to the site Education Counts, there are three primary drivers of status: “Power, money, and fame.” High-status occupations are those that are influential. Lawyers, doctors, dentists, politicians, actors, business owners and the like are deemed as essential professions, which encompass wealth, influence, and recognition. Teaching, although requiring an acute specialization to obtain a job, delivers
unsatisfactory pay and little to no recognition within the community. Despite the United States considering teaching as a backboard profession (considering their low pay and lack of proper funding across America), teachers are the substance of education. Without teachers, there would not be “high-status” occupations. Teachers build foundations for knowledge, develop the minds of children, and positively impact students. They are the entity of expertise who supplies the groundwork for scientists, doctors, and business owners. Governments allegedly recognize teachers’ leadership skills across the globe; however, the United States does a lackluster job of supporting their claim. Regarding the Varkey Foundation’s 2013 study, CNN states that “China was the only country where teachers were considered as highly skilled as doctors.” Countries in Asia, Europe, and Australia
provide benefits and exceptional pay, whereas the United States refuses to acknowledge the importance of teachers. In fact, Washington State supplied the Kent School District with $1 billion for the purpose of raising teachers’ salaries. However, the district used the funds to pay off debts and stored the remaining amount away. Without faculty at Green River College, none of the attending students could obtain their degree to pursue an occupation. From preschool to a doctoral degree, teachers continue to inspire an entire era of scholars. Teachers define the next generation. Although teachers are swept under the rug, they still display passion, dedication, and attentiveness to their occupation. Across the English department to Information Technology, teachers at Green River prioritize their students and encourage creativity. As teachers are often disregarded by their country, what motivates them to teach?
“I like having a positive influence on students’ lives and the direction they take. I count myself as one of the lucky few who love what I do for a living, especially working with young, creative minds. It’s been my good fortune to have many outstanding students.”
Rebeka Ferreira, Philosophy Dept.
Marc Barrington, English Dept.
Walter Lowe, English Dept.
Jamie Vandette, Anatomy-Physiology Dept.
“My response, in brief, is that I most like being a part of students making contact with new ideas, exploring their own beliefs, and broadening their perspectives as they learn more about themselves and the kind of people they want to be. In philosophy, specifically, I feel honored to be present at those light-bulb moments where they first consider a new way of thinking and take joy in how that enlarges their conception of themselves and the world around them.”
“While I teach a range of courses, I was hired to teach the English 97 class, which prepares students for English 101. I like being present when students make discoveries either about themselves or the larger world or when they achieve something for the first time, such as writing an essay for the first time. I used to volunteer at a prison. A student earned high marks on his essay, and he said, ‘That’s the first essay I’ve ever written.’ That was pretty cool.”
“I appreciate the opportunity for discussions with students that help with the clarification of basic beliefs and values. Many times, we have inconsistent and contradictory images and ideas floating in our heads. As we read what others have said, discuss those ideas, contemplate the views of our classmates and our own selves, we can apply aspects of critical thinking... Whether we acknowledge or reject the content, we change on a daily basis.”
“The ability to work with students and see them off to the next level of their academic careers. Many of my students attend dental hygiene, nursing, radiology, and sonography school after completing upper-level Biology courses. It is so satisfying to be a small part of their success story.”
John Knowlton, Journalism Dept.
From the staff of The Current, we wholeheartedly appreciate the intensive work the Green River faculty does to provide us with an education.
Improved Health, Music, and Exercise Helps Students De-Stress for Finals The Upcoming Finals Week Causes Anxiety and Unsafe Behaviors in Green River Students By: Rachel Knittle Staff Writer
Since final exams at the end of the quarter can be stressful, students can relieve mental and physical anxiety. Throught school history, finals strike down students and fill them with a feeling of dread. The anxiety that students may feel before taking an important test can incapacitate them, causing them to avoid studying at all. One way a student can ensure less stress is staying active every day. Exercising releases endorphins, which are the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Daily exercise helps reduce overwhelming negative feelings. If making time to work out is overmuch to handle with a busy schedule, there are easier ways to eliminate stress. A simple method to get rid of stress is listening to music. When feeling
overwhelmed, taking a break to listen to music encourages relaxation while simultaneously stimulating the brain. The music allows individuals to escape from reality to ease the mind from life’s pressures. “I love listening to music when I can, because it helps me get through the day when things can be very stressful,” says Alek Fruetel, a first-year Running Start student at Green River College. Fruetel says he enjoys music as a stress relief and finds it “relaxing” and “effective”. Simple activities similar to this better prepares a student for important, albeit stressful, school tasks. By using stress-relieving methods, a student is better off preparing for finals. A good way to prepare for finals is studying periodically over multiple days rather than cramming information the night before an exam. The body will be less stressed without
the pressure to memorize an abundant amount of information with little time. With periodically studying, the mind also will retain information better since the material is encountered multiple times. Besides studying, there are other ways students can prepare for finals. Another way to help prepare for finals is having a healthy diet. Part of a healthier lifestyle includes drinking plenty of water. Drinking water rids the body of impurities and helps maintain the body’s immune system. People feel less sluggish with a proper water intake. As far as food goes, it is safe to say that a body needs healthy foods and vitamins to maintain substantial energy levels. All in all, if following these reccomendations, students have the option to better prepare for approaching finals by reducing their stress levels.
UBC Learning Commons | flickr.com
A woman, reading, stressing out over studying.
a&e The Museum of Flight Displays Aviation History 6
thecurrent
William Baliton | A&E Editor ae@thecurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
December 6, 2018
By: William Baliton & Daichi Hodoshima A&E Editor and Staff Writer
The Museum of Flight, originally the birthplace of Boeing, serves as an attraction for those seeking to appreciate the achievements of aerospace and astronomical engineering. The Boeing Company’s factory has since moved to Everett, however, the Seattle plant has developed with many new engineers and it helps bolster the aviation field. Many in Seattle enjoy the Museum of Flight as an aviation attraction. The most popular attraction in the museum is the Aviation Pavilion; a wide display of different life-sized airplanes suspended in a large room. The museum is divided into two specific sections, the East building, and the West building. The East building operates as the main showcase, the West building works as the Aviation Pavilion which serves as the most popular attraction at the museum. One whole walkthrough of the museum takes from three hours to five hours to see every exhibit.
East building has a huge space that displays a variety of airplanes; this area is called the “Great Galleries.” One exhibit displays an airplane by the name of “Lock-head 21 Black Bird.” This is the fastest airplane in the world and it can accelerate a speed of 3600 /mph. Another section of the museum called “Red Barn” is the area that Boeing originated from. The Red Burn building was originally constructed with wood, so there is a warm and bright atmosphere inside. The building displays a design room from older aviation productions that capture the essence of a time long since passed. The room is smaller when compared to today’s standards for room size, but it’s interesting to note that Boeing started from such a small beginning. The number and variety of airplanes displayed in a museum cover different designs ranging from commercial airliners to cargo airliners to military aircraft. This variety encompasses almost every pivotal era in aviation history. An example of a historical piece that is displayed at the museum by the name “Caproni Ca. 20” designed by
Giovanni Batista Caproni embodies Wikimedia Commons the early years of flight as it was constructed in 1914 “There are many events going on every year, the CEO of Tesla, Eron Mask visited the Museum of Flight one day, he gave a lecture for people, other things that astronauts often came visit too,” said Wei Pin Chang, an assistant at the museum. Among the aircraft, there are also vessels capable of space flight. These vessels are displayed alongside photos of the Apollo missions that these crafts were manufactured for. Space innovation has since been taken up by private organizations such as Space X and Photo of the Museum of Flight interior where several aircraft are on display. Blue Origin. The museum has yet Wikimedia Commons to display any vessels created by the respective companies. For now, aerial innovation appears to be at the forefront of today’s latest, cutting edge engineering. The Museum of Flight is a hub for experiencing the ages of aviation history through several exhibits. The diverse collection of airplanes and space vessels captures the evolution of human engineering and the stages of innovation; both of which have aided in the development of the modern world. Photo of the Boeing “Red Barn”, the birthplace of the Boeing aviation company.
Art Portfolio Students Put Their Artwork on Display at the Helen S. Smith Gallery Adele Guinn | The Current
By: William Baliton A&E Editor The Helen S. Smith gallery is highlighting the works of several artists in The Artist Portfolio class and helps aspiring artists become marketable. The Artist Portfolio class (ART180) is a class that helps students looking to pursue art as a career learn valuable skills that will help them progress in the art industry. The class is only available during fall quarter during Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m. Throughout the course, creating new art is not required, but if students feel inclined to produce any new art they are welcome to do so. At the end of the course, all students are required to display their artwork in the Helen S. Smith gallery that serves as an end of course culminating project. The class itself is geared toward how artists can make themselves marketable to showcase their talents in galleries or to take on art jobs offered by businesses. Students of all genres of art, from animators to illustrators, learn how to create resumés that help highlight their talents and skills. “They teach you how to get your art put in galleries, how to build a professional portfolio, how to make a professional resumé, how
Adele Guinn | The Current
Photo of Portfolio Artists’ displays in the Helen S. Smith Gallery
Photo of Portfolio Artists’ works mounted and displayed on the gallery walls.
to take proper pictures of your artwork to put on your website, and so much more,” said Gretchen Immel, a student in the Artist Portfolio class. “They provide all the building blocks we need to start our professional careers as artists.” Students learn how to create resumés that show their artistic abilities through past accomplishments–much like a regular job résumé–only structured in a way that takes artistry and experience into account. Experiences regarding artistry
portfolio, and how to arrange them on gallery walls. All the grading is done at the end of the course, so students must keep a steady pace to receive a high score at the end of the quarter. The class is taught cooperatively between two teachers. This quarter, the class was taught by both Sarah Dillon Gilmartin and Cindy Small; the teachers for the class rotate every quarter. Students have opportunities to meet artists in the industry and learn from their experiences as well. “The most
encompass but are not limited to if an artist has published or showcased their work previously, how long they have been working at their craft, has there been a history of artistic collaboration, and what an artist’s individual level of education might be. The class requires time and careful planning in order to organize their art in an aesthetically pleasing way to intrigue an audience. Students must be meticulous in how they mount their art, how they present it in a
valuable information in this class is all the real-life experience the instructors have,” said Immel. There are two prerequisites before an individual can enter the class: Beginning Drawing (ART105) and Beginning Design (ART109). The class is designed only for those who are seeking to make art their career. The class, however, does not discriminate according to artistic skill level. The grading system is based on how well an individual assembles their art in a pleasing manner.
a&e Artist Susan Hoover Exemplifies Zoomorphic Pottery
William Baliton | A&E Editor ae@thecurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
By: Christina Praggastis Staff Writer Susan Hoover is a 61-year-old ex-pilot who loves taking ceramic classes here at Green River alongside her daughter, Katie Hoover. Hoover started taking ceramic classes because of Katie who was in running start and took a ceramics class. “I was one of those meddling moms that helped way too much whenever one of my three kids had an art project for school,” Hoover said. Katie recommended the class thinking her mom might like it and now her mom’s been taking classes for a whole year now. Ceramics is the art or skill of producing objects by shaping pieces of clay that are then hardened by baking. The need for ceramics, or pottery, in the olden days used to be a functional need for day to day life. Pots were made to use as water jugs, transporting food, storing food, and sometimes and hiding places if the pots were big enough. Contemporary pottery is “less functional,” says Hoover. The designs are more elaborate and complex because they are no longer needed day to day, but are used as decorations or plant pots. Hoover’s very first impression of ceramics
7
thecurrent
December 6, 2018
was fascination; she said that she could not learn fast enough. “I have ideas in my head, but do not have enough knowledge to execute,” Hoover said. “I am working on this.” “My son is into digital art. It has been fun watching him,” said Hoover. “I myself am completely computer challenged.” In terms of modern day art and technology versus the traditional and old fashioned ways of art forms, Hoover likes both. Hoover hopes to become an artist that is: “impracticable, whimsical, and after that, I have no idea.” Hoover has created just shy of 20 ceramic pieces while taking classes at Green River. She has taken four classes so far and in terms of her future in art, she says “I would like to learn more.” Hoover’s school background started at the University of Washington in Seattle. She took one drawing class there as well as trying for premed and engineering before she got burned out and joined the workforce with an aviation background. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needed air traffic controllers so they hired her and sent her to Fairbanks Alaska where she resided for four years. Afterward, she eventually made it back to Seattle where she spent the rest of her career at Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON). TRACON is FAA facilities that house air traffic controllers who use radar displays and radios to guide aircraft approaching and departing airports as well as aircraft flying over those air spaces.
With three kids, three dogs, and a husband, Hoover feels as though all of this just happened to her. “It was all good. But what I was really good at all the time was art, and it never really got the time and effort it should have. I guess later is better than never. We will see where this takes me…Right now I am just doing pottery, but as time goes on I’d like to try other [forms of art.]” Hoover provided a statement about her intricate artwork and how she incorporates animals into her pottery. “I am really just learning, there is a lot I do not know. I think a lot of my art is an exercise in problem-solving. How can I take an ugly form and make the viewers eye move around the piece? I want them to see movement, maybe emotion. Humor would be a good addition if I could accomplish it. I want them to not notice the imperfections.” Hoover said before expanding on specific examples of her art style, “A good example of this is my Giraffe Pot, (Ugly Pot Disguised). When I put this pot together, I think everyone in the room at the time said yes that is ugly. As it stands now, you don’t notice the awkwardly shaped pot. I love sculpting; I’m not sure where this came from. I think I have been doing it in some way or another all my life. Just call me a late bloomer.” Here is a 61-year-old who had to place art on the back burner for a long time, but through her work, she shows us that it is never too late to follow your passion.
Susan Hoover
Susan Hoover
Susan Hoover
Susan Hoover Posing for a Photograph
Susan Hoover
Susan Hoover
8
a&e
thecurrent
December 6, 2018
William Baliton | A&E Editor ae@thecurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Green River College Plays: An Insider Perspective By: Christina Praggastis Staff Writer The Green River drama class’s performance of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night or What You Will” directed by Robin Bowles, showings begin 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 and run until Dec. 8. Bowles chose “Twelfth Night or What You Will” because it’s his favorite comedy. He chose a comedy over one of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy’s because “comedy’s sell better,” Bowles stated. “It appeals to more people.” Twelfth Night was chosen out of Shakespeare’s other plays for another reason and that is because of its name. When people say twelfth night they are often referring to the twelfth day of Christmas. Christmas is right around the corner; Bowles thought “Twelfth Night or What You Will” would be a fun way to enjoy those upcoming holidays. The costume coordinators, Shawn Fowler, and Panda Standridge have taken over the entire casts wardrobes. They have taken inventory of what the school already has for costumes and sees if anything needs to be altered or added to anyone’s costume. The stage director, Tokyo Yaezawa, fills in for anyone if they miss rehearsal. If an actor calls in absent then Yaezawa will read their lines to keep the other actors on track. Although he is not one of the actors, his position is valuable because without someone reading the lines of an absent actor, the
Christina Praggastis | The Current
Viola sitting on a bench during rehearsal.
other actors will not have the correct timing for their lines and then whole rehearsal is thrown off balance. The director of the play is busy watching the actors rehearsing, writing down things to work on, and occasionally calling out little reminders to stay in character, so they do not have time to read the absent actors lines. The synopsizes of “Twelfth Night or What You Will” is interesting and a bit complex. The play has a lot of cross-dressing and infatuation of the same sex. This theme in the play is why Bowles thought it applicable to perform during our current cultural change in respect to sex and gender. The play starts out with a pun. A servant asks the duke, Orsino, if he would like to hunt the hart or stag. Orsino interprets this as “heart”. He is correct in this translation for Twelfth Night is all about hunter the heart. The comedy starts when sex and genders become mixed intentionally and unintentionally causing people to fall in love with everyone thinking they are someone else, and when a drunken cousin staggers himself onto the stage. Appearance versus reality is really the core theme throughout the play. The cross-dressing of Viola into her male version Cesario is the start of these false appearances. Viola pretends to be a man to get a job and to stay hidden from everyone. Feste, Olivia’s fool, appears to be just to be a feeling, but after a long discussion with Viola, Feste is found
Christina Praggastis | The Current
Sebastian stands and rehearses lines on stage.
studentsubmissions Students may submit short stories, graphics, photos, drawings, poems, etc. Not guaranteed to be published. Must be sent to the editor@thegrcurrent.com We encourage students to submit whatever they wish
Deadlines: Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 26, Mar. 12
out to be quite intelligent, so much so that he hints as to knowing Viola’s true identity. These are the main falsified appearances, but it occurs elsewhere in the play as well. “Twelfth Night or What You Will” is “Viola’s story,” states Bowles. We watch her get separated from her twin brother and introduced into a foreign land right away. She then goes to work for the duke whom she ends up following in love within just a few days. She is used as a messenger to relay love proclamations to her master’s love, Lady Olivia. Viola ends up falling in love with her master while Olivia ends up falling in love with her. She is caught between Olivia’s infatuation and the love for her master that she cannot pursue because of her current sex, just one of many obstacles. Viola finds out her brother is still alive as the play progresses though has no idea where he is. At the climax of the play, Olivia calls out to Viola as her husband. Viola had married Sebastian, Viola’s twin, thinking he was Viola. The Duke heard this and cast aside Viola in anger and betrayal. Viola begs her master to listen and tries to explain that she only loves him, but he doesn’t listen. Sebastian makes an appearance and all the confusion is lifted. Viola and Sebastian are reunited and Viola ends of marrying the Duke, a fitting end to Viola’s whirlwind of a story. The Green River drama class has spent several days rehearsing with several run throughs to prepare for their performance.
Q&A with Members of the Cast: The first cast member is Cassie Kerschnerwho plays the roles of Viola/Cesario, the crossdressing sister: Do you like acting? “Yes, very, very much. Been accepted into central Washington University. Gonna audition for BFA in the musical theater next fall.” How do you like working under Robin? “It’s fun, every director has a different style. There are issues with the program, not with Robin. Robin’s fun to work with.” Would you want to do play acting in the foreseeable future? “Oh yeah, Shakespeare plays, straight play, contemporary, classical plays, pretty much anything.” The second cast member Shawn Fowler who plays the role of Sebastian. Do you like acting? “I do, it’s fun, yeah I like attention.” How do you like working under Robin? “Already taken two classes from him two years ago, very good, super fun.” Would you want to do play acting in the foreseeable future? “Yeah, I would be interested in it, it’s fun stuff.”
Margo Mead | Opinion Editor mmead6@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com
opinion
thecurrent
9 December 6, 2018
Letter from the Editor: A Vape is the Millennial Version of a Cigarette By: Mathew Belamaric Managing Editor
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to limit the sales of e-cigarette flavors that are considered sweet in flavor to discourage teens from picking up the habit.
My parents have been smoking cigarettes for most of their lives, they always told me it started when they were young since it was the cool thing to do also, they didn’t know the danger of cigarettes. Could it be that vaping is the millennial and Gen-Z version of cigarettes? Whenever I ask someone
Graphic by Pixabay
Silhouette of a student who chooses to vape, smoking vape clouds into the air.
why they vape, a common answer marketing of major vape companies I receive is that vaping is healthier such as JUUL Labs and the incluthan smoking cigarettes. sion of nicotine. “The habit of vaping is an JUUL has been receiving a lot of unattractive and unhealthy habit backlash from the government and that is starting a new generation public as one of the leaders of the of addiction to vaping industry, cigarettes.” Said as of Nov. 13. “It started when they were 2018 JUUL has Health, Professor Lori Clark. suspended the young since it was the “Like original sale of most cool thing to do also, they of their flacigarettes, they didn’t know the danger of also have harmful vors. They also issues, although discontinued cigarettes.” slightly different.” - Mathew Belameric its social media The flavors in promotions. vape juices are The social what give young Americans an media promotions by JUUL can extra incentive to continue vaping be compared to the ads sent out along with the amount of nicotine, by Marlboro during the Marlboro according to fda.gov during a 2013Man days that were meant appeal 2014 survey, 81 percent of current towards the youth of America by youth e-cigarette users said the prireaching Medias that the youth is mary reason they used e-cigarettes on. JUUL claimed to be marketing were the availability of appealing to those looking to quit smokflavors. The same goes for Green ing, but marketing on Instagram, River College student Catherine Twitter, and YouTube contradicted Manivanh who used to vape. that claim since a majority of those “If fruit flavors never existed, I who use those platforms are of a would have been less compelled to younger age; missing the majority try [vaping],” said Manivanh of current smokers who are actually The first e-cigarette was invented of an older age. in 1963 by Herbert A. Gilbert and According to cbsnew.com, the was designed it without nicoFDA threatens to ban flavored vape tine. He originally had 10 flavors juices from convenience stores if which included rum, mint, and companies like JUUL cannot prove cinnamon. The concept was so whether they can keep vapes away outlandish that no one wanted to from children. mass produce it. The e-cigarette “As people try to change habits, although being invented 55 years they seem to be more successful ago, has only been receiving masat replacing a habit with anothsive popularity recently due to the er habit than to totally remove a
habit,” said Clark. “I do not believe vaping is a healthy choice to replace another habit. It is a recent enough development that the final health impacts have yet to be studied.” Although vape pens and e-cigarettes have fewer carcinogens than cigarettes, it can still send toxins into the lungs. Since vaping is still a fairly new trend, no one knows most long-term effects. Another similarity that this generation has with every generation before it is that this generation likes to rebel and fit in. Clark believes that the main reason vapes are attractive to the American youth is that of the need to be rebellious, along with that vaping can be seen as cool among peers. Vape tricks have been a trend since vaping became popularized and was one of the reasons Manivahn started vaping, “I kind of thought it was cool, I wanted to become part of that culture.” Said Manivanh. Clark has been seeing an increase of vaping on and off campus, which is not a surprise, vaping has slowly become apart of popular culture especially among teens and only time will tell whether or not vaping will have a long-term effect on one’ person’s health. I believe that vaping is just a repeat in history from a generation before us, e-cigarettes can be used to quit but with our youth having easy access to these vapes we may have opened a new issue that seems all too familiar to the ones we have experienced with cigarettes.
Green River College Now Offers New Concentration in Digital & Broadcast Media By: John Knowlton Journalism Instructor Students still looking to add a winter-quarter class might want to consider a last-minute addition to the class schedule: JOURN 150 Introduction to Broadcast/Digital Media. Item Number: 5921. The 5-credit class will be taught daily from 12 noon —12:50 p.m. in CH 212 by Tom Evans Krause, director of broadcast operations for the college. The class will give students an overview of the broadcast industry from the origin of wireless technology through the golden age of radio to the domination of the television industry. But it also explores the growth of cable and satellite delivery systems, as well as new media and fast-evolving social platforms. This course is the first to be offered in the college’s new concentration of study – Digital & Broadcast Media. The changes were made to broaden the reach of the college’s already-excellent radio broadcast operations, and follows a months-long review of the broad-
Design Digital Media Display | Pixabay
cast program last spring. Other courses that will be offered this spring and are part of the 17-credit concentration core include: Intro to Videojournalism, JOURN 107; Podcasting, JOURN 125; and Careers in Digital Media, JOURN 165. If students are interested in continuing down a radio-industry track, they can take 10 credits from among the following four 5-credit classes: Radio/Digital Radio Lab 1, JOURN 115; Audio Editing and
Technology, JOURN 140; Radio Industry Fundamentals, JOURN 152; and Broadcast and New Media Announcing, JOURN 156. If students are interested in other areas of the broadcast and digital media industry, they can take 10 credits from among four 5-credit classes: Introduction to Mass Media, CMST 102; Multimedia Journalism, JOURN 101; Mobile/Social Media Journalism, JOURN 108; and Broadcast/Digital Marketing, JOURN 157.
Photo by pxhere
opinion Fantastic Beasts is Lacking an Engaging Storyline
10
thecurrent
Margo Mead | Opinion Editor mmead6@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com
December 6, 2018
By: Gabriel Kindell Staff Writer
“Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald”, was a highly anticipated movie, but according to the reviews on MetaCritic. com the movie was not as good as some had hoped, giving the movie a six out of ten. This movie requires you to watch the one before it “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”. The movie had amazing action scenes, but the rest of the movie felt bland and boring. There were only one or two scenes that had the theater laughing. The computer-generated imagery and animation used in this movie are beautiful, the few beasts that are in the movie were even better than the ones in the prior movie. But unlike the previous movie, this one has a tighter link to the well-known series “Harry Potter”. The storyline takes place before the birth of Harry Potter. “Despite being light in the story department, “The Crimes of Grindelwald” offers plenty of small pleasures and tightens up the linkage between this series and Harry Potter,” says James Berardinelli from Reelviews.com. One disappointment is that the story
felt incomplete. The wrong things were left unknown to the viewers. Also, there were some scenes in the movie that felt out of order and seem to appear out of nowhere. One satisfying thing about this
movie is that the acting, for the most part, is top notch. Yes, there are a few actors that are not amazing. But everyone else is doing their job and doing it well such as the appearance of Johnny Depp as
Fantastic Beasts | Flickr
Cover of the series first movie, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them”.
Grindelwald, Eddie Redmayne as review a movie that is not completNewt and Jude Law as Dumbledore. ed. There is a cliffhanger that can There are a lot of references to the bring this series anywhere, making “Harry Potter” series and to underit tough to fully review the full stand the movie the best I would movie and series. say is to read or watch all of the The name of the movie can be “Harry Potter” series before watchmisleading. The movie is called ing the “Fantastic Beasts” series. “Fantastic Beasts” yet there are little This movie is more like a probeasts in this movie. Although, logue for the the beasts that third installare in the movie “The name of the movie ment in the are absolutely series not as astounding. Seccan be misleading. [It] is a standalone called ‘Fantastic Beasts’ yet ond, although the film, and what second installthere are little beasts in this ment is named this movie is about? I “The Crimes of movie.” could not tell - Jayden Valencia Grindelwald”, you, there are Grindelwald so many side commits very few points that it is hard to tell what crimes in this movie, he is planning exactly the storyline is and what is to commit them but has committed actually going on through out this almost no crimes. entire movie. This movie compared to the “Alas, while the performances are other movies in the franchise has solid, and we do get a few touching very little plot. Although, some moments, the film sinks under the people do not watch Harry Potter weight of too many intersecting for the plot but watch the series storylines and too many loud and to be immersed in the wizarding fiery and surprisingly mediocre acworld. “’The Crimes of Grindeltion sequences,” says Richard Roep- wald’ contributes beauty and a er from the Chicago Sun Times. Is solid sense of setting and depth to the movie about finding Credence the ‘Harry Potter” universe, and it and making him join Newts side, or deserves credit for that,” says Aja stopping Grindelwald? It is hard to Romano from Vox.
Students are Dissatisfied with School’s Bubble Tea By: Chatwan Mongkol Staff Writer Students are frustrated with the tasteless bubble tea served in the college’s coffee stands. There are two coffee stands at Green River College’s main campus, the Daily Grind, which located in the lobby of the Mel Lindbloom Student Union (SU) and Get Wired which located in Technology Center (TC). Both provide many choices of coffee and tea. Bubble tea is offered on both menus. Milk tea can be found in SU and fruity tea flavors can be found in TC. Students’ comments on the bubble tea at Green River are mostly negative. I have tasted Green River’s bubble tea myself and I agree with them. The tea does taste insipid. Their tapioca pearls, also known as Boba, are hard and not as chewy as they should be. “Their milk tea is not a fresh tea,” said student Nollapan Sungkomol. She explained that the tea was already mixed before they served as she had expected the tea to be newly mixed as she ordered. “I don’t think it’s [worth] paying $4 for that,” said student Cristina Conde, who believed the price was too high for the quality of product. Normally, every drink would have less flavor with ice, but Conde stated that even though the tea didn’t come with ice, was still flavorless.
Margo Mead | TheCurrent
Green River’s Daily Grind coffee stand in the Mel Lindbloom Student Union. you bite that Boba,” Lin said. So what is real bubble tea supAlthough, the comments from posed to taste like? Yang Lin, a their consumers were not very Taiwanese student, mentions that good, they are able to sell it every bubble tea originated from Taiwan. day and it seems like they are not “The original -- was not actually making enough for everybody as made of milk,” Lin said. “It was they had already run out of Boba made of black tea and cream which when Conde went to the stand in makes it tastes like milk.” Lin explained his feeling after try- line in the SU at 1 p.m. “I think people get it because it’s ing the drink. “The tea doesn’t have tea flavor, I think it’s like water with trendy.” said Conde. Another reason is that it is consugar in it.” For him, the Boba was average, however, he described how venient. They sell it to people who really like milk tea but do not want the real Boba in Taiwan had given to go elsewhere and get it. him such an amazing impression, Perhaps students can look for “when you try to eat the real Boba, bubble tea at another location. you will really enjoy the moment
Art and Feminism is offered during this Winter quarter, item number 0489.
Mathew Belamaric | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
sports
thecurrent
11 Dec. 6, 2018
Recreational Sports Provides Student Friendly Competitions By: Aruan Kazkeyev Staff Writer Green River College works hard to get students involved by offering three kinds of recreational sports leagues and three additional sports to both domestic and international students. Everyone who is over can join the college’s recreational soccer, tennis, and basketball teams. Men’s basketball and Co-Ed (male and female) volleyball leagues are offered during fall, winter, and spring quarter in. Practices are held at the Renton Community Center. However, soccer players have the opportunity to compete for all year round. Green River College provides recreational participants on the teams with team jerseys and offers transportation to away meets. With fall quarter coming to an end, Green River’s accomplishments for the season include first place in league ranking for the recreational soccer team and a top three ranking for the recreational volleyball team. Green River College has Jennifer Joy, who is the international recreation coordinator who
monitors undergraduates’ sports development and answers all questions that relate to the leagues, creating leagues and other recreational sports at the college. Those who are interested in another type of activity that Green River does not provide at this time, you can always contact Joy and make a suggestion. “Regularly there are not enough people to form another league.” Said Joy. she often runs into the situation where students really want to create a group or team, but out of the 8,000 students at Green River, only two to four are willing to participate in a given sport. Additionally, Joy said that she is a little upset that the Grren River College does not have its own field for recreational sport-participants to practice and compete on. For those who would like to participate in an unprofessional atmosphere without
prior training, Green River College offers a few supplementary sports, such as ultimate frisbee, badminton, and swimming. Ultimate frisbee is a seasonal sport and runs only during the spring and summer quarters. Green River also holds one badminton tournament per term. Those who would like to swim can go to the pool for free two times a month at a minimum, on Tuesdays. The next trip will be December 11. Any questions on attending the trip can be answered by emailing Jennifer Joy. For students who are attempting to exercise - Jennifer Joy and stay healthy, participating in recreational sports can be a good way to go. Get to know your athletic opportunities at Green River College and don’t be afraid to get involved. More information can be found at the Recreational and Athletic Center section of greenriver.edu under recreational sports.
greenriver.edu
“Regularly there are not enough people to form another league.”
Soccer player looking for opportunities to score greenriver.edu
greenriver.edu
Green River College’s Co-Ed number one league ranking recreational velleyball team.
Green River College’s highly ranked mens recreational soccer team.
12 Dec. 6, 2018
sports
thecurrent
Mathew Belamaric | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Cross-Country Runner Aidan Vlasaty Impresses at Championships they make to their season can turn out. “The team this year has definitely done a lot better than last year. Everyone is a lot faster and as a team we have placed higher at meets.” Looking into the future is always important By: Dakota Farnsworth as well. As Vlasaty feels that the team will Staff Writer continue to improve and compete in future seasons. “Everyone is very committed and Nineteen-year-old Aidan Vlasaty is a ready to work hard,” said Vlasaty. “I’m excited first year Green River student who also for next year for sure.” happens to be a runner for Green River’s An important part of being involved in a cross-country team. sport is the support you get from others and “I’ve been doing cross-country for five parents can be the best support you can get. years,” said Vlasaty. “During my freshman “My parents are very supportive of me. They year, a friend who did track suggested I try try and make it out to come watch my meets doing cross-country.” when they are able to and they are always Sports often take up a great amount of time encouraging me,” said Vlasaty. “They cheer and effort, but after starting any sport, the for the team and I during difficult parts of memories made, the people met, and the the race.” Parents are great support system overall atmosphere make it worthwhile to during season. They are always there to continue. Every sport has its own community make sure that you get through your season of supportive individuals working together. and Vlasaty’s parents since day one has had “I like the team,” said Vlasaty. “Everyone his back no matter what happens. is willing to put in the Of course, part of being work to get better which on a college team means “My parents are very supis very important if we that you are still a student. portive of me. They try and want to be successful Vlasaty plans on getting make it out to come watch as a team. We all get his AA degree in Applied along well, and we all enSciences and then to transmy meets when they are joy running which makes fer to a four-year school able to and they are always it a great experience.” afterwards. Vlasaty plans encouraging me.” “I feel that my to continue running -Aidan Vlasaty Cross-Country for whichbest meet this year was at the Willamette Invitaever school he transfers to tional in Salem, Oregon,” after he finishes his time at said Vlasaty. “I feel that I ran my best there Green River College. and enjoyed myself the most.” When you feel The team did very well this season. The that you’ve done your best it’s easier to enjoy team came in fourth place out of ten teams yourself and be proud of the results. Vlasaduring the Northwest Athletic Conference ty stated that his proudest moment of the Championships held November 10 at season was “seeing everyone finish out the Saint Martins University. Vlasaty placed 27th season strong and run well at our final meet out of 73 with the quickest time out of everyof the year.” said Vlasaty. one on the team. This is Vlasaty’s first year on the team and Vlasaty is a great addition to the crossstated that the team has improved a lot. country team. He brings his determination “As a group we are running faster and are and positivity to meets and practices and in a lot better shape than the beginning of does the very best that he can. He is always the season,” said Vlasaty. Teams can always looking to improve, compete and have a look to improve themselves. The more they great time with his teammates and in future work towards their goals, the more progress seasons to come. Green River College Cross Country and Track
Vlasaty and other competitors racing, with Vlasaty and his teammates appearing to be leading.
Green River College Cross Country and Track
Spotlighted Athlete Aidan Vlasaty getting mentally prepared for his race. Green River College Cross Country and Track
Green River College Cross Country team photo with Aidan Vlasity (top middle)