Issue 4, Volume 52

thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college

Dec. 6, 2017

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue04 volume52

Holidays Signal End Of Fall Quarter

Mariya Mubeen | The Current currentcampus

currenta&e

currentsports

Donation For Menstration On Campus

Madison Tovar: December Artist Spotlight

Girls Basketball Team Slam Dunks Their Last Match

Sisterhood of GRC accepts feminine hygene products for impoeverished women.

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Ceramic artist driven by her life experiences.

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Gators have a smashing end to the season. page11

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

Students Attend Bavarian Holiday Display In Leavenworth, WA 1

1. The Linderhof Inn, near the Central Square.

2. Witch lights on display in one of the shops.

3. Shopkeepers show off holiday ornaments to attract customers.

4. Display of lights in Leavenworth Central Square.

5. A display of holiday decorations on top of a sausage restaurant.

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Photo by Mariya Mubeen

By: Mariya Mubeen Editor-In-Chief editor@thegrcurrent.com Green River Student Life organized an all-day trip to Leavenworth, a themed village just over the Cascade Mountains.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, students boarded a bus chartered by student life to visit Leavenworth. Leavenworth is modeled as a Bavarian village, with quaint European style buildings and tiny shops squeezed together in the village square. Crowds bustled around the streets taking pictures of people dressed in holiday-themed clothes and shopping for exquisite handmade candles and jewelry.

Students were fortunate enough to experience heavy snowfall while travelling that turned the village into a winter wonderland.

The trip allowed students to wander around the village, visit, colorful displays, and hide in warm shops to escape the cold.

Stores sold a varied assortment of goods such as winter essentials, handmade chocolate, exquisitely designed china, and holiday dĂŠcor.

Leavenworth organizes a lighting ceremony over the weekend where all of the lights in the village are turned on consecutively, starting with the trees in the center square.

The Lighting ceremony was accompanied by a choir serenading the public that stood in awe at the picturesque scene of the snow and light-filled village.

The students were brought back to campus at about 9:30 p.m.

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Photo by Mariya Mubeen

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Photo by Mariya Mubeen

Photo by Mariya Mubeen

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Photo by Mariya Mubeen

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

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Campus Crime Blotter

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Black Student Union To Hold Masquerade Ball

Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from Nov. 16 to Nov. 30. All information is from campus safety incident reports.

11/16 12:25 p.m.

Holman Library Trespass

A custodian reported that a homeless man ran into Holman Library and began screaming at him, saying “This is a public area!” He also began yelling at students and, eventually, Auburn Police Department was called and a trespass order was made. The man eventually left campus and moved to a bus stop.

11/17 12:08 p.m.

Trades and Tech Medical Aid

A faculty member from the automotive department called and said that there was a medical emergency just outside the entrace to the trades parking lot.

He said it looked like someone was having a heart attack, another student reported that it looked like someone was hit by a car. There was no accident and the student was having a seizure.

11/20 11:51 a.m.

Technology Center Medical Aid

Maintenance was notified about a student that was skating and had fallen and broke his ankle.

Auburn Fire Department was called and arrived at 11:55 a.m. This happened near the North TC and when the student was attempting to make a turn on his skateboard.

11/22 8:58 a.m.

Salish Hall Lost/Found Property

A faculty member reported a missing iPad 3 and that they were unable to locate it. Another faculty member reported that they had not seen it since spring quarter.

11/30 1:08 p.m.

CCA Car Accident

A car coming down 124th veered off path, nearly crashing into the Campus Corner Apartments.

The vehicle crashed into a transformer. Safety and facilities were called, arriving relatively quickly to assess the scene.

Owl, butterfly, and classic masquerade masks.

BSU Brandon Dayo, however, the By: Abdi Ibrahim new president and vice president of Staff Writer the BSU are prepared to make any The Black Student Union improvements necessary.

(BSU) is preparing for its annual The ball is intended to bring stuWinter Black Ball. dents and people who are minoriThe ball is being held by board ties together for the evening. This members of the BSU and is in the is a way for BSU to recruit more early planning stages currently, members to the club as well. according to newly elected vice “The ball is just a fun way of getpresident Aisha Mohamed. “The ting everyone from here and other ball is open to schools to everyone, even come together “The ball is just a fun way of students who and just have getting everyone from here and might not atfun. BSU is a other schools to come together and tend Green Rivsafe space for just have fun.” er,” Mohamed students of - Aisha Mohamed, BSU Vice said. “…We’re color so we President sorting out the encourage all entrance fees of our stuand everything dents of color in the area to come at the moment, but if you happen through and enjoy,” Mohamed said. to be a GRC student the price at the BSU is also working with Tacoma door will be discounted.”

Community College BSU, Pierce, The ball is not until Feb. 9, about and Highline College as well to a month after winter quarter starts, try and make this happen for the but BSU felt that planning was colleges in the area. The club is also necessary right now for a successful planning on working with other and fun event. clubs such as Latino Student Union Last year’s ball was a success ac(LSU), Muslim Student Union, cording to the former president of and many others to make the ball a

Graphic by Anna Graver

success this year.

The ball will be a masquerade with a fairytale theme. The color theme will be gold, black, white and it will be a formal event.

During the meeting, active members of the club expressed their excitement for the ball. “We plan to make this really big so we begin to start informing students around campuses as soon as we get the ball rolling,” said Mamie Love, the BSU’s new president.

“I see this as a great opportunity for us to work together with our neighboring clubs and unions and to make clubs like BSU, LSU, and MSA more inclusive to students who don’t identify as any of those,” Love said.

The planning will not be a long process according to BSU board and the details should be out on campus and available as soon as planning is finished.

The club plans on creating posters and posting all around campus, them as well as handing them out around the Green River campus as soon as the Winter Ball’s details are fully agreed upon.

Deb Casey Announced As Olympic College Presidential Finalist By: Melanie Bell Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com

Photo by Brennen Moe

The crash just outside the CCA’s. Authorities responded quickly to the scene and assisted.

Photo by Isabel Barni

The crash just outside the CCA’s. The person ran into a transformer and nearly hit the campus apartments

Green River College’s Deborah Casey-Powell has been selected as a finalist in Olympic College’s (OC) presidential search.

The current president of Olympic College, David Mitchell, will be retiring on Dec. 31 and the college is searching for a replacement.

Casey joins five other finalists, all of whom were selected from a pool of nearly 100 candidates, according to the Kitsap Sun’s report.

The process began early in April and will end later this month. The finalist will be announced in later Dec. and will be subject to Board

of Trustee approval.

In Nov, Casey and the other finalists visited all of the campuses in Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Shelton.

In order to be considered for the presidency, candidates must have a master’s or doctorate degree; must have a minimum of 3 years demonstrative, senior executive experience; must show a strong commitment and demonstrate successful experience to maintain a culture of diversity and equity, and more, according to the Olympic College website.

Along with the qualifications, there are desired characteristics and qualities that Olympic College looks for in a candidate.

The grueling process that Casey

greenriver.edu

Vice President of Student Affairs, Deborah Casey-Powell. went through in order to be considered is available on the Olympic College Website.

Casey declined to comment on her nomination to The Current.

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

Gap Year Program Provides Students With Opportunities To Travel By: Taylor Yamamoto Staff Writer Green River College, along with a couple of other colleges and universities both here and internationally, offer a program called a Gap Year program.

The program is described by the college’s program web page, on the new site, as “The Gap Year at Green River provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States during the “gap year” between secondary education and university.”

In basic terms students can take a nine to ten months to take classes and figure out what they want to do. All this while getting to experience and indulge in the country that you chose to go to.

The program through Green River offers three different places that students can choose to attend after spending a quarter here with the college.

The colleges available include Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara California, Kapi’olani Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii, UNITEC University in Auckland New Zealand, and the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia.

Students who sign up for this program will spend nine to ten months during the fall,

seven days of applying. winter, and spring quarters taking a variety Cost is important to everyone no matter of classes that will assist them in finding out what country you live in and unfortunately what their plan in their educational career sending your child abroad can be expensive. will be.

The average cost for a quarter at Green River, Although this is a very beneficial program, where everyone who applies will be spending there are some requirements that applicants their first quarter, would be $7000 and then must meet.

The student first must complete an applica- depending on where the student decides to go the cost may change. tion and send along assurances that they are If the student decides able to pay for this program to stay domestic (meanthrough a financial state“To be able to study at ing California, Seattle or ment. two different places in Hawaii) then next two The student must also be America was so quarters will be priced the a secondary school gradmuch fun.” same bringing the total to uate or be at least 17 years - Maria Johansson, Student 21,000 for the full year. or older to be eligible to If the student decides to participate in the program. go international then the cost will increase Lastly, they must be proficient in English.

This is required “for direct placement into the for the winter quarter to $10,300 and then 7000 for the last quarter at GRC bringing the academic program” according to the prototal to $24,300 for the full year. Costs are grams webpage. expected to rise within the next year.

Applying is easy. Go to the website and But more important than money is where submit an International Students Applicathe student will be living. tion. After this it’s four easy steps. Provide a While at Green River students will have acfinancial statement and pay a 50 dollar apcess to the very accommodating apartments plication fee, submit a $300 housing fee, and here on campus. Students could also be set provide a copy of a passport and the appliup with a host family whom the student will cation process is finished. The deadline for live with while staying in Washington. applications is August 1 of 2018 and students Much like the cost, depending where the should know their admission status within

student goes next has a lot to do with the living arrangement the student will get. If the student decides to go to Australia and New Zealand, then students will be living in the dormitories avilable to them.

If they decide to stay in the States then they will meet with their advising staff to discuss what their housing options are mostly likely they’ll be set up with a host family.

The Gap year is a program that allows students to build friendships from all over the world and make memories that will last a lifetime.

The website offers anecdotes from students that have participated in the program in previous years, two of whom are Maria Johansson and Jelle Draper.

Johansson travelled to Hawaii for her gap year and told the college, “To be able to study at two different places in America was so much fun.”

Draper travelled to the Netherlands, an area of the world that is not currently available to travel to via the Gap Year program but has been in the past.

“If you’re up for a new adventure every day, this is the right program for you. I wish I could do this year over and over again; it’s that much fun,” Draper said on the college’s website.

Faculty Approaches Board of Trustees

Lingering Skepticism Following Ely’s Presidency By: Melanie Bell Campus Editor

dare

to do

Attend A trAnsfer InformAtIon sessIon! To register visit: www.uwb.edu/admissions/visit/transfer

www.uwb.edu

425.352.5000

The faculty has recently voiced its need to address the strike of May 2016.

Back in May, the faculty went on strike to protest President Eileen Ely, who would resign shortly after.

The faculty believed that she had unfair labor practices and had no confidence in her or the Board of Trustees leadership abilities at the time, according to The Seattle Times.

With the recent shifting of power of higher administration, the faculty has kept quiet.

Jaeney Hoene, english faculty, stressed that the report was not to convey a sense of discontent, simply that the faculty feels it is time to start addressing what has been avoided until this point.

“It takes time to move past an era of conflict and that we haven’t moved fully past that yet and that we probably needed to start addressing that a little bit more directly,” Hoene said.

“I think the remaining skepticism probably arises largely just from years of feeling the faculty voice is not valued,” Hoene said.

When new projects arise, faculty found themselves skeptical to assign their name to it. Upon assigning their name to a project, faculty and staff find that the credit due is not received.

“You may go to these committee meetings and contribute your perspective and your expertise, but when the end of that project in no way reflects those contributions, you start

to feel a little cynical,” Hoene said.

President Ely was in office for six years and after all that time, the faculty began to question whether or not participating was worth their time and energy.

Hoene read a detailed and well-written report to the Board and was given mixed and confused responses concerning what exactly she was saying. “I think we [now] have a president that is very receptive to this discussion, and I think this came off as a critique of her and it wasn’t that at all.”

The Board was confused exactly of what Hoene was asking that they do for the faculty.

“We have had a kind of ‘Let’s not talk about the past’ kind of culture over the last year of so since the strike,” Hoene said. “I was not asking of any particular grand action, but was just to say ‘Can we start to open up a little bit about this?’”

The stigma around the strike often stops students, faculty, and even some board members from learning about the subject. “Jackie Boschok, one of these trustees, expressed this as well as the newest person on the board, that she has wanted to learn a little bit more about what happened but hasn’t even felt that she could ask,” Hoene said.

Faculty and staff across the campus were affected by the strike and some feel that they are unable to talk about what happened, and the hope is that slowly, with the help of the new, accepting administration that this something that can be talked about in the quarter and years to come.

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

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Student Winter Break Plans After Difficult Fall Quarter

Photo by Alex Markovich

“I’m going to be slappin’ the salami all break long at the shop I work at, a deli in Kent. Also looking forward to spending quality family time with my family and going out snowboarding with the boys on Saturdays.”

- Roman Colodich

“During break, me and my partner are flying out to Washington D.C. to join a group protesting Trump’s presidency, then we are going to go hiking or something.”

- Richie Knifeves Photo by Alex Markovich

“Spending some quality time with myself. Sleep, eat, and work.

Then enjoying the company of my loved ones.”

- Yury Burida Photo by Alex Markovich

The Period Project Accepting Donations For Women In Need Of Feminine Hygiene Products By: Sandra Suchkova Staff Writer

The Sisterhood of Green River College is sponsoring a women’s health drive called The Period Project.

This donation drive aims to provide and help homeless and impoverished women with adequate feminine hygiene products.

Many times, women and girls living in poverty don’t have the means or resources to obtain the products they need.

Feminine hygiene products cost a lot more than some people can afford, and it leads to a devastating lack of necessities for millions of people who get periods.

According to www.period-project.org, in the U.S., there are around 40 million women currently live in poverty.

People who go through menstruation must have accessible hygiene products, but due to the overall high cost and taxation of these items, most individuals are left without easy access to feminine hygiene products.

Women’s shelters also receive general hygiene products like toothbrushes,

soap, and deodorant, but scarcely for women who are struggling to provide for acquire enough feminine hythemselves. giene items for the women stayAll of these goals, however, depend on ing at these local shelters. funding and donations, and when these A lot of people and shelters have people organizations still who have a monthly Women in disadvantaged don’t acknowledge cycle, the expenses are situations see feminine feminine greatly multiplied. Any hygiene as more of a luxury, donations from generhygiene as but it is, in fact, a necessity a valid and ous and caring people that needs to be provided for who are looking to crucial every woman. part of help will likely be very women’s appreciated by local health and livelihood, women’s shelters in need. so impoverished and The total cost of feminine hygiene prodhomeless women ucts makes women and girls in poverty avoid don’t get the chance buying them because, at around $9 a box, to go to school, job women will more likely buy food to sustain interviews and work their families or use any extra money to make without being affected sure the rent check is paid on time. by their periods. For Women in disadvantaged situations see women to rise to their feminine hygiene as more of a luxury, but it fullest potentials and is, in fact, a necessity that needs to be providhave the same oppored for every woman. tunity to contribute to society, Donation bins are located around camtheir health concerns need to be pus at Salish Hall, Cedar Hall, and Holman met, starting with providing the Library; all feminine hygiene items will be necessary sanitary items. directly donated to local women’s shelters.

Women’s shelters, specifically, For any additional information about The have a unique problem. Their Period Project, contact Abigail at aharward@ purpose is to provide, to the mail.greenriver.edu. best of their abilities, a warm place to stay, food and clothing,

Donations Accepted By The Period Project Toothbrushes Soap Deodorant Tampons Pads 40 million women have issues accessing feminine hygiene products At approximately $9 a box for tampons and pads, women could provide a meal for themselves or children.

Donations will go directly to women in local shelters.

Contact Abigail at ahaward@mail. greenriver.edu Donations are accepted in Salish Hall, Cedar Hall, and Holman Library.

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Mollie Clements | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Madison Tovar: December Artist Spotlight

Photo courtesy of the artist

Madison Tovar hard at work in the studio. Shaping her work.

By: Mollie Clements A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com

Photo courtesy of the artist Photos M. Kienan Briscoe | The Current PicturedBy: above “The Pink Goblin” a ceramic piece. #2inch x 10 inch x 9 inch.

Made 2017.

Pictured below “Thoughts dripping” a ceramic piece. 26 inch x 6 inch x 2 inch.

Made 2017.

Photo courtesy of the artist

December’s artist spotlight, carefully chosen by the fine arts faculty, is Madison Tovar, 20, a pottery artist.

Tovar is working towards an Associates of Fine Arts. She is unsure where she’d like to go after graduation this spring. Her heart desires travel so she is thinking that she’d like to get out of the state of Washington. Tovar is from Southern California and she has no desire to return. Four years ago she moved to Auburn to be with family during the mourning of her uncle.

She currently works for Amazon in processing and sorts packages in the warehouse. With the holiday shopping in full swing she explained that she will be working

want with their life. She wants to quite often and it is a drain on her inspire them to do what ever their creative thoughts.

Other than pottery she is current- heart desires.

Tovar wants to be the best she can ly taking beginning film photogbe. She believes that she can do so raphy and beginning design. If much because she has seen herself she were to change her major from do it. pottery it would be to design.

The constant reminder that she Tovar can see herself in 10 years should give up from the anxiety continuing her love of pottery, and depression haunting the back she believes that it will always be of her mind is inspiration to get up a part of her life. “I know this is and do more. cringe-worthy but I didn’t find potTovar has considered herself as tery, pottery found me” said Tovar.

Her mother loves her artwork but an artist since birth. She has always had the inspirasees Tovar doing tion to look for something more deeper meanings with her life like “Imperfections are in all that surbecoming a doctor or a lawyer. what make us who we rounds her.

She has taken Even though are” many classes that her mother - Madison Tovar, GRC Student have helped to would like for her build her skill to become someand love for thing “more”, pottery. Art history she appreciated Tovar believes that pottery is because it taught her the history of something that she can do well in. how pottery was started.

She believes that those other jobs When people see her art she that her mom wishes she would do hopes that they see the imperfectshe could excel in. However, her tions and the imperfections in her passion and drive is for pottery. as an artist.

Her biggest influence is her own “Imperfections are what make us drive to be her very best self. Her who we are” said Tovar. family are also her influence beShe wants people to be comfortcause none of them went to college able with their mistakes and to so completing college herself is embrace them. big goal. Growing up with three Her advice to other beginning artsiblings with all of them being ists is to find other art outlets that younger than she is, it was needed can help expand their knowledge for her to be a good influence for because it gives them more tools for them and herself. their tool belt and it helps to find She wants her siblings to know out what they truly like. that they can do anything they

Photo courtesy of the artist

Pictured above “Indesicive”. Silver gelatin photography. 8 inch x 10 inch. Made 2017.

a&e A Food Review on The Restaurant Saimin Says

Mollie Clements | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

By: Isabel Barni Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com

Service 3/5 Saimin Says was a surprisingly quiet restaurant. There wasn’t a server to be seen and it was unclear on if customers were intended to seat themselves or not. However, less than a minute upon entering, someone came out from the kitchen, handed out menus, and explained that it was alright to sit anywhere.

To place an order, customers are intended to head up to the counter when they are ready and pay after ordering. This eliminates any service from waiters.

While it would typically be interpreted as bad service to not check in on customers while they are eating, the atmosphere of the restaurant made this feel natural.

Saimin Says was a quick but friendly eating experience, and the lack of communication between server

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and customer felt appropriate.

When finishing eating, after bussing their own table, the customer is able to leave as they paid upon entering. No tip was expected.

Atmosphere 2.5/5 While the restaurant wasn’t unattractive, there wasn’t anything special about it, either. Outside had an illuminated sign on a fairly plain building, and inside was a warmly colored, comfortably decorated eating area. Rooms are separated by curtains and the building could seat several people.

The music was quiet but extremely random. Several different genres were playing, none of which fit the Hawaiian theme of the restaurant.

The food, however, was extremely themed. There was plenty of options to choose from, arguably too much. All the food fit under the Hawaiian umbrella. Nothing felt out of place or thrown in to appeal to an alternative crowd, which is to be expected of a themed restaurant such as Saimin Says.

Quantity vs. Quality 3.5/5 Most of the items on the menu ranged from $10-20, and the amount of food that came for that price was exceptional. A single meal was enough to feed two mildly hungry people, making the real value approximately $5-10 per each individual’s meal.

The taste of the food was decent; slightly above average. While it wasn’t the most delicious-looking meal of all time, there was a certain nostalgic charm to the taste that overruled the slightly unattractive appearance.

Distance 2/5 From Green River’s main campus, the restaurant is twelve miles away, or a twenty-four-minute drive. This distance is slightly disappointing, as it is an already fast eating experience. For the time it takes driving to and from the Auburn campus, a Green River student would spend

Photographer Credit: Isabel Barni

almost twice the amount of time commuting to the restaurant than they would be actually eating.

However, the restaurant is an 8-minute drive from the Kent Green River campus. A 2.7-mile commute and is much more acceptable than the distance from the Auburn campus which is 10.6-miles.

Overall 3/5

Saimin Says was a good restaurant to head to for a quick bite to eat. The food arrived in an average amount of time, but the lack of having to wait for a server to take an order or to deliver a check made the entire experience very efficient.

Rather than being a restaurant that would work as a social gathering, Saimin Says is the perfect place to stop for lunch over break or call in takeout for a lazy night of staying in.

Helen S. Smith Gallery Showcases ‘Like and Subscribe’ Art Exhibit

Photographer credit: Mariya Mubeen

Art displayed on the wall seen when first approaching the exhibit. Many different art types such as, photography, drawing and painting. techniques, and create a competi[their] soul”. Her dream is to be a By: Mehria Zamiry tive portfolio. graphic designer, but her deep love Staff Writer Amanda Jenkinson, 19, has her with paintings and drawings. Nguyartwork displayed in the gallery. en had never opened the artist’s Students from the portfodoor until she came to the United Amanda has been drawing since lio course Art 180 showcases middle school and became serious States, she mentioned that some amazing artworks in"Like and international students call it “The about drawing when she was a Subscribe" Exhibition. senior in high school. She plans to dreamland”, and they never stop Helen S. Smith Gallery in Green complete her studies in Fine Arts asking whether it is true or not. For River College fosters an in-depth some, the answer is yes. Step by when she transfers to Western preparation for the study and creWashington University. Surrealism, step, she is learning to be a great ation of art. On campus, a student somewhat creepy art, and detailed artist in this dreamland. will undertake a program of study pieces are the main themes seen in Her artwork always connects to which helps each student to find the work she displayed. her soul by colors, shadings, and a balance between aesthetics and metaphorical meanings. Nguyen Now a sophomore at GRC Amantechnique in their creative process da has had experience with exhibits loves making different tones of and expression. Through the develcolors in order to create depth and as she has had 4 pieces of her art opment of strong problem-solving displayed in the gallery last Spring. life for her drawings. The lines and skills, the student will learn to disHuong Nguyen, AGE, also has the shading that she draws is what cuss the theoretical and practical their artwork displayed in the galmakes the spirit of the artwork. meaning of their work.

The closing reception will be held lery. Huong said, “The artist must At Green River, students can train not only [their] eyes but also Dec. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. develop their ideas, build strong

Photographer credit: Mariya Mubeen

“Butterfly Dress” . Mixed media made by Phong Tien Le.

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submissions

Mollie Clements| A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Source Credit: Deja Cook

By: Deja Cook Staff Writer Winter is a cold season. When winter comes, it demands all things vibrant and all things that have a life to cease in living. How do I know this? I have seen it.

I see it now.

The maple leafed trees that provided shade in the summer and shelter in spring are gone.

The beautiful sunflowers that amaze the world with their bright smile are now looking down—lifeless. Even the sun—I know the sun well—tries to visit the people here but his brightness and heat are enveloped by the clouds that shadow his existence.

It is truly a cold season. However, it doesn’t have to be cold. Life can still grow from the unliving. How do I know this? Well, I have seen it.

Hands—I remember hands pretty well.

These five-fingered and five-toed creatures where something amazing. I mean if you were to look at me, there is absolutely no way I could do what they did. I am ancient. I am

not new but because of the innate talent that was put in them, they were able to do it!

Fire. This was what they used their hands to create. These humans would sit around this and put their hands on it. In this valley where there was no creature to be seen, I saw them.

Their Faces—I cannot forget their faces.

When I first saw them, I thought they themselves were dead. Eyes that showed no glint of life. Skin as lifeless as a rose stem. Even their hands—those hands—even though outstretched and crippled—they sought for fulfillment. They sought life.

Even though they were moving on the outside—they were not moving on the inside.

Winter for them might have set well into their soul.

Their soul. My life can bring their life back.

Even if it’s just for a second—even if it may seem temporary—let my life bring warmth and comfort. Let my life bring hope and a better day for tomorrow. Let my life be an encouragement them.

My existence is for you, human. My flames may be ferocious at times—I can lose con-

trol—but you can learn to control me. I am but a tool that was created by the Creator but remember: a good fire is a steady fire.

I am maybe an existence that you can see

physically. But I am an existence that you could also burn internally.

Keep warm in this season.

For it is only a season, human.

opinion

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

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Net Neutrality: How The Internet May Become An Oligopoly

Editorial

Net neutrality, the right to have equal access to varying internet sources, has been threatened.

The net neutrality regulations that were originally created in 2015 are to be reconsidered and voted on Dec. 14 by the Federal Communications Commission.

If this threat on net neutrality is carried through, the internet as it is currently known could be greatly impacted. A common analogy that is made by several sources compares a lack of net neutrality to issues with cable television.

Rather than having free access to multiple sites that equally compete with each other, users may eventually have to choose between different websites.

Internet service providers such as Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T are currently unable to influence a consumer’s decision on what websites to visit, despite the fact that their customers may look into sources that the providers do not favor.

Without the net neutrality regulations, internet service providers would be able to make their customers pay more in order to access certain websites.

To spend less money, people would prioritize going to websites that their providers support, ultimately lowering the amount of choices that a consumer would have access to. The definition of this act,

according to Vice News, is “zero-rating”.

In addition to the decisions internet service providers can make to influence their audience, without net neutrality, they can also offer companies to pay more money in order to get a faster lane.

Faster lanes allow data to be prioritized, making a website deemed as more important than another to run faster and more smoothly than a “lesser” site.

By doing this, people will also prioritize the paying websites because of the faster loading speed of their programs.

Smaller sites that are not as wealthy therefore cannot pay the same amount of money as larger ones could, their websites would never be prioritized by either internet service providers or consumers.

This could eventually eliminate smaller companies, lowering the number of internet choices for Americans and putting companies out of business.

These impacts of getting rid of net neutrality would influence the majority of citizens, even those that stretch beyond the American borders.

According to Vice News on a related article, an “issue at play here is America’s position as a geopolitical leader...other parts of the world may look to America’s decision as an excuse by other regimes to pull or weaken their own regulations”.

There are multiple areas that idolize America for its values and decisions.

According to Editor-In-Chief Mariya Mubeen, who came to the United States in March 2016 from India, said “In my country, America is the epitomy of a developed society...If America [gets rid of net neutrality laws], maybe not my country, but other countries would definitely follow America’s decision.”

While the vote itself is taking place in America, it is a problem that could take place across the world simply because it was brought up in the United States.

People from all walks of life could lose their freedom to explore the internet as they please. Small businesses from multiple countries could have to worry about not being able to reach out to consumers through a tool like the internet.

Many people in America value having freedom of choice. By getting rid of net neutrality, citizens would not only have to decide between which internet provider would give them the sites they value, but would also have fewer choices as smaller companies shut down.

The decision that is to be made on Dec. 14 is one that can redefine the internet.

The employees of The Current came to a unanimous agreement that net neutrality should be protected at all costs.

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

Why Green River Should Provide Additional Music Programs By: Annamarie Graver Guest Writer Throughout American history, music has been used to dignify different cultures.

From the popular songs written by the King, Elvis Presley or classical pieces such as Sursum Corda written by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, it is easy to show the mark music has left in the current world.

Green River College has the ability to include musical extra curricular activities through the Drama Department, Jazz Choir, and Heavier Than Air. These would allow students to participate in a few musical programs.

However, as it currently stands, Green River students aren’t able to be immersed within the benefits and history of music because the college doesn’t offer a wide variety of musical opportunity. Band and orchestra, whether it be a club or a class, are offered at multiple schools and come with a long list of benefits for the students involved.

String Ovation, a group dedicated to expanding the fine arts programs to schools in America, discuss on their website the effects

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of playing a musical instrument can have on a person.

According to the String Ovation team, “Learning to play a string instrument greatly increases your math comprehension, and spatial and pattern recognition.”

The amount of time that it takes to learn the rhythms, counting, and notes when playing a selected instrument greatly benefits a person’s ability to comprehend time and speed patterns. This is because music is subtly based off of mathematics. It is interesting to think that just by learning a song like Jingle Bells, one could be improving their skills in mathematics.

String Ovation also goes on to talk about more benefits that playing instruments can bring. These include creativity enhancement, language and problem-solving skills, and also self-discipline.

While some people are born with the skills to improve quicker than others, playing an instrument is by no means easy. In order to be amazing, practice is definitely needed.

The self-discipline taught through playing an instrument, whether it be to hold back from doing something fun in order to

The Current is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval. The opinions of these stories are those of the writers and the writers alone. If you have an opposing viewpiont feel free to write The Current a Letter to the Editor.

practice or to be courteous to those around them, have lasting effects that can stay with a person the entirety of their life.

By playing an instrument, a person is also learning a new language.

Ever heard of the terms dolce, doloroso, or scherzando? Most musicians have and they all mean something important.

Having the opportunity to learn and play an instrument at Green River would greatly benefit the school and the students as a whole.

Not only would curious beginners or advanced artist have a new opportunity to express themselves at our very diverse locations, but it would add to the list of why this campus is a great place to attend.

But with that being said, orchestras and bands come at a price.

Depending on the new musical program, “prices can range from $2,000 to $10,000.” (Own Slot).

The way an orchestra runs is solely based off of how professional the environment will be. Will the sessions be held on an actual stage, or in a music classroom? Will the school provide instruments, or will students need to bring their own?

There are additional costs in-

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cluding student participation fees, how much money the conductor will have to be paid, how much the practice venue costs, and if there is any sort of traveling involved with the different groups.

But money is only a problem until some hard work is put in.

Jane Sommerfield, the woman in charge for budgeting at GRC, was able to provide information that $21,310 dollars was given to Student Government in order to put towards drama, jazz choir, and Heavier Than Air. If the demand or recognized need for a new music program was high enough, the student government could request additional funding as early as this March to potentially get some money for newer fine arts activities.

Other ways of getting a band or orchestra at Green River include fining students interested in joining the band, along with fundraising and possible volunteering.

Overall, having a band or orchestra at Green River could be a great advancement to the school.

It’s about time that Green River is added to the long list of locations around America that provide such a great opportunity to their students.

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Letters to the Editor

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Mariya Mubeen Editor-in-Chief Photographer 253-833-9111 x2377 Mollie Clements A&E Editor Ads Manager

Melanie Bell Campus Editor

Isabel Barni Opinion Editor

Janai Curtis Sports Editor

Alex Markovich Web Editor

Dee Senaga Layout Designer

Staff Writers: Mehria Zamiry, Sandra Suchkova, Taylor Yamamoto, Jack Tuia, Mohamed Abdullahi, Connor Bitney, Sam Reeves, Aaron Hayes, Alex Markovich, Deja Cook, Abdi Ibrahim Photographer: Mariya Mubeen

Corrections If you find a factual error or simply spelled If you findaaname factual error incorrectly, or simply a name spelled please contact us at: incorrectly, editor@thegrcurrent.com please contact us at: EXT. 2377 -253-833-9111 editor@thegrcurrent.com or- find us in SA218 253-288-3457 - or find us OEB 17

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10

2017-2018

opinion

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

Video Journalism Versus Print Journalism: An Internal Battle By: Mohamed Abdullahi Staff Writer

details about both forms of media.

Television news has the advantage of being immediate and vivid.

With news being available on Television news can show what’s computers, phones, and televihappening anywhere in the world, sions, the newspaper industry now or at any other time. will continue to decline.

However, television has disadThe first newspaper called the vantages as well, one being that Publik Occurrences was published it’s very short on perspective and in 1690 by Richard Pierce. From analysis. Saving time is more this paper, a travalued than ever dition was started and images take and was essenpriority over “In the areas that tially followed by words. televised reporting other American In the areas stumbles, newspapers that televised newspapers.

Through newspareporting stumare able to thrive.” pers, the country - Mohamed Abdullahi bles, newspaknew what was pers are able to going on around thrive. This is them, and people continued to in their perspective and analysis. indulge into periodical publications A newspaper can explain what as their only source of information. happened yesterday, but it can also As newspapers ruled the induselaborate with additional perspectry for the next millenniums, radio tives. Newspapers have both the news began to pave its way into the space for words and the time for a industry in the very early 1900s. variety of perspectives.

However, at this time, newspaUltimately, however, this debate pers were still the main source of is a matter of preference. Some information for people. One of the prefer to get their news quickly main reasons for this was that the and immediately, while others may citizens became so normalized to want to spend their time reading a obtaining information from the physical copy of the newspaper. paper on their front porches.

These choices could also be So, which is better: newspapers determined by other factors such or video news? While this is a subas access to these different publijective question, there are concrete cations. With the progress of the

digital age and the access of TV news on laptops and cellphones, getting this new form of media is becoming increasingly convenient.

Another important factor that affects someone’s choice of media is age. Today, technology is everywhere. Young kids, adults, and even the elderly are interested in new technology. That could explain the decline of newspapers recently.

A lot of the younger audiences prefer new devices to get their information. Most of the elderly prefer to take the traditional route of picking up the morning newspaper from their front porches.

Scarborough, a market-based research company, did research on readers of newspaper by age.

In 2015, the ages of 18-24 only had about 16% who read newspapers, the ages of 25-34 had about 17%, 3544 had about 21%, 45-54 had 28%, 55-64 had 38%, and ages 65+ had 50%. This research shows that the older the age of a reader, the more traditional path they choose to follow in order to receive their news.

According to the Pew Research Center, 23% of American’s say they read a print newspaper. That number previously was 54% in 2004.

These statistics show an evident decline in the use of newspapers due to the advancement of technology.

Additionally, Pew Research Cen-

ter also states that 71% of Americans watch local television news, 65% watch network news, and 38% watch cable news. There is currently a huge gap between the amount of users of different medias.

When using numbers to answer which form of media is superior, clearly video news is currently preferred among the population.

As cultural values change among the population, meaning people become more focused on efficencey rather than delving into news material, it is possible that the task of reading a paper will be unpopular.

However, as it stands today, media choices continue to be a subjective matter. There is still no correct answer. Choosing between forms of news media is a matter of personal preference.

As technology quickly grows larger and larger among audiences, it is very likely that it will continue to overshadow the majotiy of traditional news sources. It is probable that, with time, video

news will ultimately prevail over traditional papers.

Despite the old relationship humanity has with traditional newspaper journalism, and although the benefits that papers can grant a community are different from video journalism, printed journalism is ultimately becoming a quality of the past.

Source credit: OpenClipart-Vectors from pixabay.com

Balancing Between College Friendships And Daily Life Stressors By: Sandra Suchkova Staff Writer

Graphic Credit: Anna Graver

Friendships, relationships and personal bonds with people seem like a distant reality for many students.

Whether this change could be caused by college priorities, work hours, or emotional walls, not having sufficient friends or a significant other is a common problem between college students.

Focusing on spiritual health, maturity, and personal growth in life allows for control of circumstances and can help attract the right type of people. In terms of forming relationships, the most successful bonds are usually formed naturally and comfortably. Taking time to know one’s innermost desires and needs can help to discern what is needed in a significant relationship.

Failed past relationships are not a sign of failure or weakness. In fact, having negative experiences with friendships can help people learn to balance differing schedules, communicate, and work together to find time for for their new partner.

Many students find themselves stuck between choosing to study or spend time with friends, both of which are vital in a young person’s life. Having these struggles is es-

sential to learning how to maintain complex and deep relationships.

Finding friends is an easy task, especially on a college campus.

Keeping and maintaining these relationships however, takes time and effort. Quarters go by and classes are always rotating. Connections can die as soon as a class finishes its final week. Being wise about who to let in can save a lot of heartbreak from lost friendships. It could also narrow down intimate companions.

Student Semion Kalinin said “… the best way to maintain friendships is through commitment and communication...and should come from both parties, because nothing will work out otherwise”. It’s easy to get out of touch with friends, and being involved in someone’s life can be complicated and take time, but the process rewards with mutual support, respect, and love.

For friendships to withstand the tests of distance, college, and busy day-to-day lives, they need to be nurtured with frequent interactions and genuine interest. When a friend picks a new area of study, or is excited about a new hobby, honest words of encouragement and support can go a long way in maintaining that emotional bond.

Being a good friend is a simple

concept to practice, and anyone can prove themselves as a companion.

Kalinin said, “showing someone that you care, or just being good towards someone...going out of your way to surprise them with something thoughtful, things like that [are what] I believe good friends do”. Often times, small gestures of kindness show an immense amount of care and concern about a friend.

True friendships that are built on honesty, integrity and sincere love for each other are generally the most fulfilling and satisfying type of relationships. There isn’t the same drive to be passionate as in romantic relationships, or the pressure as in business connections. This makes friends some of the most reliable, secure partners in somebody’s lifetime.

As friends become more intimate, share personal experiences, and emotionally open up, it’s crucial to replicate what is shared.

Doing so shows the other person that there is trust alongside a desire to grow together as closer friends.

It’s very worthwhile to carry on a casual acquaintance into a deeper, long term relationship, as it gives a sense of belonging and fulfills the basic human need to be loved.

Occasionally, conflicts between

friends arise and tensions flare up.

When young people begin to emotionally mature, it is still complicated to realize that friends aren’t perfect and predictable people. They go through hardships and setbacks.

Feelings of jealousy or unrequited affection can be prevalent among underdeveloped friendships.

Practicing patience rather than anger or envy can reduce hostile arguments and feelings. After realizing that no relationship is ever ideal, it is easier to look at the situation from a mature angle.

College students lead notoriously busy and often times overwhelming lives. Schedules practically revolve around school and other responsibilities. Students sometimes forget to unwind and connect with the people they care about. Whether it be meeting for lunch with an old friend or studying with a classmate at the library, any interaction is incredibly beneficial to the overall health and happiness of an individual. Talking to a friend can relieve stress and offer a new perspective on any personal or academic goals.

Maintaining friendships isn’t always simple, but embracing and valuing beloved friends is a timeless action that everyone should be able to experience.

Janai Curtis| Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

sports

thecurrent

11 2017-2018

Photo courtesy from the NWAC

Photo Credits: Greenriver.edu

Photo Caption: Green River Women’s Basketball Team

Women’s Basketball Team Smashes Shoreline

Lady Gators potential for post season NWAACC Championship By: Jack Tuia Staff Writer

points and the team as a whole shot for 60 Gators concluded the game scoring 28 in percent from the field. the third and 24 in the fourth quarter. These The Lady Gators ladies were on fire.

Lady Gators dominates Shoreline in a nearly broke two Courtney Younghistoric performance. team records at blood had an outThe Lady Gators defeat Shoreline in a Green River College standing game scoring “The Lady Gators nearly non-conference game on Thursday. Head against Shoreline. the team’s season high Coach Demetrius McQuarn and Assistant The most steals in so far, 20 points in a broke two team records at Coach Markeith Brown have developed a new single game. Youngone game by a Gator Green River College against team is sitting at 30 culture in the Women’s Basketball program. blood flirted with a The Green River Gators dominated the and the Gators had double-double, a term Shoreline.”

Shoreline Dolphins by scoring 113 points. steals 29 against used to describe a That’s right, 113 big ones in one game. The Shoreline! They were double digit total in Lady Gators did not just play offense, the also 9 points away one of five categories; Dolphins were held to only ten points the from breaking the points, rebounds, asentire game. The game was electrifying. most points in one game by a Gator team sists, steals, and blocked shots. Youngblood The Gators are still undefeated while which is a 25 year old record sitting at 122. followed up her 20 point game with nine asplaying in The Swamp. They are 2-0 at home However, the Gators did break two records sists. She was also 10 out of 16 from the field, with another impressive win against Multin Green River history. The Lady Gators making 60 percent of her shots. nomah University, Saturday, November 18th. broke the Margin of Victory record, by Kayla Hyppolite came close to a triple-douThe next home game will be against a tough defeating Shoreline by 103 points. That is the ble, accumulating double digits in three Bellevue team on December, 8th. largest win in Green River history! They also of the five categories, with 18 points, eight The Gators held the Shoreline Dolphins broke the record for the most assists in one rebounds and six steals. She shot an impresto only two points in game, the new record is now 36. sive 50 percent from the first quarter and a The Lady Gators have three consecutive the field. total of zero points in away games. Dec. 2, they will play Linn Another impressive the second and third Benton in Oregon, they will then Travel to performer was Dayquarter. At the fourth Portland CC the next day. Then they will have na-Joy Calubaquib.

“The Green River Gators quarter the Gators a five day rest period to prepare for their next Calubaquib accomdominated the Shoreline gave up seven points plished a double-dou- road game against an impressive Everett team as, Coach McQuarn who is undefeated. ble with 16 points Dolphins by scoring 113 substituted his bench Fun Fact: the Lady Gators are currently and 11 steals while points.” players to finish off the ranked 6th in steals in the entire NWAC and shooting 66 percent game in an attempt to ranked 3rd in defensive points/points off from the field, which rest his starters and turnovers. is the highest of all allow the other girls The Gators have a very bright future. They of the starting five. more game time. have a tough schedule ahead of them, but if She was also only The Gators started early and dropped a they continue to play together as a team and four steals away from tying with a 22 year old whopping 30 points in the first quarter and perform like they did against Shoreline, they school record of 15 steals in one game. followed up with 31 points in the second will have a very successful season.

Overall, the team had an fantastic win with quarter. A total of 61 points in the first half Go support your Lady Gators as they are on almost everyone scoring at least 10 points. which is very impressive. their path to a successful season.

Seven out of 10 players met double digit

Sports Event Calendar Dec.

8 -10

Dec.

14 -16

Dec.

29

Jan.

3

Everett Conference

Green River Gators v. Everett Trojans

@ Everett Doors: 8p.m. on Dec. 8th 4pm or 8pm Dec. 9th TBD on Dec. 10th

Orgeon Conference

Green River Gators v. Bellevue

@ Pendleton Orgeon Doors: 12 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Game

Green River Gators v. Vancouver Island

@ Green River Doors: 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Game

Green River Gators v. Edmond

@ Edmonds Doors: 5 p.m.

sports

thecurrent

Janai Curtis| Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

12 2017-2018

Athlete Spotlight: Corbin Beets, Men’s Basketball Player

Photo by Alex Markovich

Photo Caption: Corbin Beets Men’s Basketball Player

By: Janai Curtis Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com The Gator athlete spotlight of the month is Corbin Beets.

Beets is a freshman at Green River that plays on the Men's Basketball

team. He's been playing since grade five and has loved playing basketball ever since.

Beets moved here from Caldwell High School in Caldwell, Idaho.

Beets currently lives in the Campus Corner Apartments.

Beets is six feet seven inches and

weighs 185 pounds.

He believes the moment he decided to play he saw potential to play basketball forever. It wasn't until his junior year in high school when he finally made the varsity team at his high school.

Beets remembers seeing the large crowds cheering him on. He finally understood how the game worked.

Beets believe that the comradery on and off the court helped the team on the road to victory.

"The coach has us doing a lot of team building so we're just really linked together as a family. It's more of a brotherhood than it is a team," Beets said.

Beets claims that as a student athlete, he doesn't really have much free time between working at the RAC, playing basketball, and going to school. Beets doesn't have time for leisure activities. However, he doesn't mind because he loves the game. Most of his practices can range from two and a half hours to three hours long.

They also must meet film time requirements and study time requirements, which combined creates about six hours of basketball that they must be accountable for.

During their film time, they must until they are back at that level to watch how they play together. By play again. Beets and his teamdoing this they gain knowledge on mates all believe that grades are how to play the game better and very important. work together as a team successfulBeets isn’t really sure what is next ly. However, it's not to come after all about baskethis two years “My goal is to keep ball, during their at Green River. playing college study time they are “Because it actually studying basketball as long as I ‘s a two year for their school college, any can.” work. They must -Corbin Beets school can pick track their hours, Men’s Basketball Player you up, betheir coach holds tween National them to very high Association of GPA standards.

Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) all Their coach wants them to the way to Division I. I’d like to get have nothing below a 4.o but he to Division I, but I’ll like any college preaches that if they do not make that wants me, Division I, Division that goal that it is not the end of II, Division III, I really don’t care,” the world. He just wishes for them Beets said. “My goal is just to keep to move on in their educational playing college basketball as long careers. “If your grades aren't up as I can.” to par you might as well not play Beet’s goal is to eventually make it basketball," Beets said. to the National Basketball AssociaMost colleges, students only tion (NBA) and play professionally. need to have a 2.o GPA to be eligiBeet’s can go on to play for unible to play sports. However, Coach versities and other leagues before Godfrey does not allow his players then, training and developing the to participate if they have anything various skills that come with playbelow a 3.5 GPA. If they do not ing basketball. He will continue meet that requirement he will put to balance school, basketball, and them on a temporary suspension work to attain his goal.