Issue 6 Volume 54

thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college

February 12, 2020

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue 6 volume 54

Coronavirus: A lesson in empathy Pg. 3 & 10

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Feburary 12, 2020

Green River College Trails Lets Students Decompress

Rakesh Kommanagunta | The Current

A trail at Green River that leads to more trails which surround the campus.

By: Riley Cottingham Staff Writer

Few colleges are built with a gateway into luscious wildlife quite like Green River.

Near the college are woods full of trails, some leading straight down to the river. Students can spend hours on the trails hiking, jogging, or simply reflecting amidst tall evergreens that nearly cover the entire sky from their view.

Daphyn Cammack, 36, a student of Green River College and volunteer in the natural resources department, started spending most of her

time outdoors when she was only two. She typically goes on hikes at least two times a month and has explored Green River College’s expansive trails, so she has some advice for new hikers who are eager to do the same.

“It’s really important to wear shoes, sturdy but comfortable.

Always bring water and snacks and a flashlight. Have a basic first aid,” said Cammack. Trail maps of Green River are also provided by the student help desk. She also recommends not going off-trail due to some hazards in the area.

During winter and fall light rain pours constantly in Washington, so walking in the mud is something for hikers to consider when planning to go on a hike.

One thing that is learned from the combined experience of all hikers is that the main obstacle of hiking in these conditions is slipping on mud. The most popular solutions are bringing shoes and other gear that can withstand the mud during this seemingly never-ending wet season, or simply waiting for a warm day.

The natural resources department has built the trails slowly over the years since the college was founded so hikers have plenty of adventures to choose from. Some hiking trails are flat and family-friendly, while others are steep, brutal, and hard to walk on.

“Our Overlook trail is perfect for families. One of the entrances to the trail system is right by cedar hall,” said Cammack. The Overlook trail is marked “Foundation trail (paved)” on the map. It also has an amazing landscape.

“There’s a trail called Katie’s trail. That takes you down to the river quickly. It’s really steep and is really pretty. You can get there by [Parking Lot 5],” said Cammack.

She considers Katie’s trail to be a

moderately difficult hike, although some of its most exhausting points can be avoided by using short round-about trails.

Parts of the trail Deadhorse Canyon can be difficult, but it eventually leads to a secluded reserve with a group of several boulders to safely climb on or simply look at and admire from the ground.

There are also some trails to explore that are not shown on the map. As tempting as it may be to discover what lies beyond these mysterious paths, it is important to note that they may not be completed and make some unprepared hikers lost and Yuzyuk far from| The the bounds Hanna Current of the Green River campus.

The trails at Green River provide an excellent way to release all the stress of classes, work, or other adult responsibilities. They are also a place to self-reflect within the simple yet indescribable pleasure of becoming one with nature.

With Gov. Jay Inslee creating new funds for Washington State education, Green River has taken great advantage and seen terrific improvements of numbers in terms of enrollment, costs, and better grades.

Currently, Gov. Inslee is working towards a Career Connect Washington initiative between business, labor, government and education leaders to provide all Washington student access to real-world training and education opportunities that connect them to high demand and high-wage careers.

This past year, the Governor has also initiated a new program called the Workforce Education Investment Act. This provided an unprecedented expansion of free college and financial aid for students, allowing families with incomes up to $50,000 a year to attend college tuition-free.

It also expands eligibility for partial grants to students with incomes up to the state’s median family income, which is approximately $92,000 for a family of four.

Fellow Green River student Chris Sundet expanded more on the benefits he received with these new education initiatives.

“I wasn’t quite sure what I was planning on doing once I graduated high school this past year,” Sun-

det said, “I didn’t have the funds to move on to college at the moment, or so I thought.”

Sundet then learned about the new initiative that would allow him to earn a partial grant based on his financial situation.

“Now with the help from the new initiative, I’m able to do what I wanted here and finish an AA and possibly transfer to a university as well,” Sundet said.

Sundet is currently working towards a degree with aspirations to become a sports broadcaster.

Inslee also promotes student health and safety, working with educators and students to make sure schools have access to more social workers, counselors, and nurses.

Green River has seen a spike of improvement from the benefits when looking at the enrollment numbers, with total annual enrollment increasing from 7,000 to nearly 8,000 total students within the last 10 years.

More importantly, there has been a drop in tuition fees in the last decade with in-state students saving an average of $400 for a school year, and out-of-state students saving over $3,000. Another Green River student, Randell Dobbs, spoke about the savings that caught his eye coming from out of state.

“I ended up moving back to Washington when I was having trouble finding work over in Ohio,” said Dobbs, “I’m really just here to

Flickr

Jay Inslee with first lady Trudi Inslee right before the Governer’s inauguration.

thecurrent Green River College 12401 SE 320th St., Mailstop: SU Auburn, WA 98092-3699 NEWSROOM DIRECT LINE 253-288-3457 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF A&E EDITOR Dakota Farnsworth thecurrent.EditorinChief@ mail.greenriver.edu thecurrent.AE@mail.greenriver.edu 253-508-2555 ext. 2375 MANAGING EDITOR ONLINE MANAGER Taylor Robertson thecurrent.SocialMediaManager@ mail.greenriver.edu CAMPUS EDITOR Connor O’Boyle thecurrent.Campus@ mail.greenriver.edu OPINION EDITOR Maddie Farnsworth thecurrent.Opinion@mail. greenriver.edu

Rakesh Kommanagunta

Trees on a Green River campus trail.

Jay Inslee Works on an Inititative to Make College Affordable By: Nick Cresia Staff Writer

Connor O’Boyle | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

find a passion in my life again with a few years past me being older than most of the students here.”

Dobbs currently attends journalism classes and participates in the student radio program, KGRG. “This is the perfect place to start anything in a radio career,” said Dobbs, “and I was caught by surprise how affordable it was, especially for me coming from out of state. I didn’t want to go to a university because it’s too expensive. With how low tuition is here for the out-of-state guys like me, it really seems like a bargain.”

Students who need financial help will be happy to also know that financial aid assistance has grown over the decade from 55 percent to now 71 percent being aided with full or supplemental help.

Gov. Inslee has always professed the importance of three main topics during his time in office: climate change, health care, and education.

With the battle across the country in Washington, D.C. still in motion over the federal laws pertaining to these subjects, Inslee wanted to take matter into his own hands.

Green River, along with several other public schools, now can live with the knowledge that there is hope for each student to reach their respective educational goals no matter what their financial circumstances may be. Everyone deserves the ability to get an education.

SPORTS EDITOR Efrain Pardo thecurrent.Sports@mail.greenriver. edu PHOTOGRAPHER Rakesh Kommanagunta mkommanagumta2@mail. greenriver.edu LAYOUT EDITOR Dee Senaga thecurrent.PageLayout@mail. greenriver.edu GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elsa Finkbeiner efinkbeiner@mail.greenriver.edu STAFF WRITERS:

Alini Daniel, Areli Torres, Hanna Yuzyuk, Jackie Nguyen, Jase Wanlass, Josh Jazmati, Madi Trepus, Mustafe Abdulahi, Nick Cresia, Riley Cottingham

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

Connor O’Boyle| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

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3 Febuary 12, 2019

The Coronavirus Makes its Way To Washington and Other States

Needpix.com

A woman wearing a medical mask in order to reduce the spreading of germs.

By: Hannah Yuzyuk Staff Writer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been several cases of patients that have been infected with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV within Washington and other parts of the U.S. The paranoia of the virus has grown significantly since its initial outbreak last year. Some are in a panic, trying to find reliable protection against this deadly infection, which originally started to spread in Wuhan, China. It is vital in these circumstances to know accurate information about viral infections and how to avoid catching them.

Sometimes people treat bacterial and viral infections the same way.

Being able to understand the difference between bacteria and viruses is essential to building a proper protective mechanism to avoid getting an infection.

A Professor of Biology at Green River College, Jamie Vandette, said that bacteria are microscopic living organisms, usually one-celled, that can be found everywhere. They can be dangerous, such as when they cause infection, but less than 1 percent of the bacteria are harmful.

She said that most bacteria are not dangerous, and some of them play a crucial role in human health. For example, the bacteria Escherichia

Coli found in the large intestine, can synthesize vitamin K, which is important for our health.

“Our body can fight successfully with the bacterial infections unless we have [a] compromised immune system, ” said Jeanine Hatfield, a teacher of nursing at the college.

Hatfield said that it is important to understand that humans have a powerful weapon to protect themselves against bacterial infection called the immune system. The human body has the ability to recognize almost any dangerous microorganisms and successfully kill them. On the other hand, people should still follow simple sanitary standards to make this defensive mechanism even more efficient.

“Simple rule: wash your hand[s] with a soap to remove the bacteria mechanically from your hands.

Using warm water and a prolonged time for washing hands can help to avoid many bacterial infections.

Also, use the sanitizer, if you do not have access to water and soap,” said Professor Vandette.

A virus, on the other hand, is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. A virus is not an alive organism. It is DNA or RNA strains with a protein coating.

Viruses infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to

microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. Viruses are hazardous because they mutate very fast, creating new proteins.

“We cannot treat viruses, but we have an immune system, which can successfully fight with viral infections,” Hatfield said. Looking at all viruses around today, we can see that viruses’ genetics change, they often create new strains and new proteins, which are invisible to our body. We can become very sick.”

According to Vandette and Hatfield, there exist several simple rules, which can help people avoid viral infections: Washing hands or sanitizing them, Avoid contact with sick people, Stay at home if the person feels sick, Visit the doctor if the person feels terrible and has

thoughts that they could have a bacterial infection, For bacterial infections, it is vital to always follow the prescription of the doctor about antibiotic treatment.

The flu vaccine is an excellent way to avoid seasonal flu infection.

The best way to help the immune system is to have a healthy lifestyle, which includes: healthy food, exercise, and hygiene standards, such as a clean body, clean clothes, and a clean environment to live in.

These simple things can help build a robust immune system, which is the best protection against viral and bacterial infections. Visiting the doctor’s office while the person feels sick is the best way to find the best treatments for different types of infections a person has.

Elsa Finkbeiner | The Current

The Hydro Flask Water Bottle Brings People Together to Help The Earth

Piqsels.com Pikrepo

A Hydro Flask brand water bottle, which has become a trend amongst teens and atheletes alike for its’ uses.

By: Jackie Nguyen Staff Writer The Hydro Flask provides an affordable and efficient way to drink fluids on the go, and support environmentalism.

The Hydro Flask was invented in 2009 by the company Steel Technology LLC in Bend, Oregon. Since then the water bottle has dominated the industry, using high-quality temperature-sealing technology, and also using some of its profits to support environmentalist projects.

Tag lines such as “save the turtles” have given the company good press and their simple but unique logo can be seen in almost any store that carries sports or camping gear.

“Our mission is to enhance and protect, through preservation and conservation, endangered and threatened sea turtle species and their habitat in the Florida Keys,” the company said.

The actions that Steel Technology makes are for saving our planet from litter and garbage disposal in the ocean. Students and staff

at Green River have shown their support for the company’s environmental work.

“I got it because my teammates had it and I felt left out, bringing plastic water bottles [and] they were calling me broke [so I] just needed to change up my life. I felt like a whole new chick bustin,” said Fatima Katembo, a freshman here.

Katembo finally got a Hydro Flask after her friends told her about the bottle’s temperature-sealing ability and positive effect on the environment. Since then, she has not been

wasting water bottles like she used to. “Every practice I would bring 3 water bottles because I really needed water. I always hydrate and within the day I would have 2-3 also. So basically 6 a day. Woah this is too many bottles”, Katembo said.

Ever since her switch to an aluminum bottle, she has not been wasting nearly as many plastic bottles as she was before. Another student had a similar occurrence with obtaining a hydro flask. Alessandra Lumauig, a nursing student at the college said, “I’m a big water drinker and I needed to keep my water cool and also for the hype.”

Lumauig appreciates how portable this water bottle is for long days strolling from class to class all around campus. Then we ask them what size they thought was the best Karembo said “[I have the] 40 oz and if you have more advanced [sports, such as] wrestling then a 64 oz would be better,”. Lumauig also said “I like a 42 oz but I have to keep refilling it but it’s okay because bigger sizes are too heavy.”

While customers may have different preferences on their Hydro Flask size, there is also a variety of colors to choose from. Some people also like to customize their bottles with different stickers to show off their various passions and tastes.

Karembo admonishes those who wish to decorate their Hydro Flask

with the fact that some stickers are not always dishwasher-safe.

“Get a sticker from Red Bubble and not Amazon because they will be messed up,” Karembo said.

Lumauig had the unfortunate experience of getting cheaper stickers and from it learned a valuable lesson. “I actually had decorations before but once I put them in the dishwasher they fell off,” she said.

Hydro Flasks provide a unique way to promote saving the environment, and their customers have built communities that share this passion of saving the earth by reducing their use of plastic water bottles and making the switch to aluminum bottles.

Elsa Finkbeiner | The Current

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Febuary 12, 2020

Campus Crime Blotter Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from January 24 to Febuary 6 among others. All information is from Campus Safety incident reports.

1/24/20 7:42 a.m.

Holman Library Attempted Robbery

Attempted Robbery. A student reported an attempted robbery in Holman Library.

1/24/20 11:11 a.m.

Student Affairs.

Theft.

Vandalism/Theft. A staff member reported that the vending machine on the second floor of Student Affairs, was broken into and cash was taken.

1/24/20 10:22 p.m.

Student Union Liquor Law Violation

Liquor Law Violation. Two (2) underage students found under the influence of alcohol on the North side of Student Union.

Occurred North of Student Union.

1/25/20 10:47 a.m.

Campus Corner.

Burglary.

Burglary. A student reported that his apartment was broken into at Campus Corner Apartments and items were taken.

1/27/20 9:39 p.m.

Parking Lot 2.

Auto Theft.

Auto Theft. A student reported his vehicle stolen from parking lot P2. Occurred in Parking Lot P2.

1/31/20 5:25 p.m.

Holman Library Disorderly Conduct.

Disturbance. An unknown male screaming outside of Holman Library. Occurred outside of Holman Library.

2/3/20 11:11 a.m.

Trades building.

Conduct Violation.

Student Conduct Violation. A staff reported a student making offensive remarks to another student in Trades Building.

2/3/20 2:15 p.m.

Parking Lot 5.

Burglary.

Burglary to Motor Vehicle. A student reported her vehicle was broken into while parked in parking lot P5.

2/3/20 1:45 p.m.

Student Union.

Assault.

Aggravated Assault. Campus Safety responded to a report of a physical altercation in the Student Union building involving two students and three non-students.

2/4/20 12:00 p.m.

Off-Campus.

Harassment.

Harrassment. A student reporting being harassed by another student through student email.

2/5/20 2:51 p.m.

Parking Lot 1.

Hit And Run.

Hit & Run. Student reported her vehicle was involved in a Hit & Run in parking lot P1.

2/6/20 4:16 p.m.

Parking Lot 12.

Hit And Run.

Hit & Run. Student reported her vehicle was involved in a Hit & Run in parking lot P12. Occurred in parking lot 12.

Connor O’Boyle | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Interview With GRC’s Phillip Denman By: Hannah Yuzyuk Staff Writer

In the last issue, it was said that Phillip Denman had no comment on the lack of a daycare at the college, but this was only because The Current’s message was sent to the wrong email.

Denman, the senior director of college relations, provided all of the information about Green River College’s daycare program, and why it was closed in 2016.

Dispelling all mysticism around the closed program, Mr. Denman claimed that the GRC never managed this program, even though the facility was located near the campus and operated by Green River College. Children Home Society was the organization that provided this program.

The daycare did not provide all students with children a spot in the program. There were 60 spots for children to be enrolled, and the college students were usually put on a wait list before they could get in.

“The budget was not coming from Green River College. The big part of it, how it works that it was a market price. The students of GRC and the faculty could enroll their kids, but they could not have any discounts,” Denman said.

In 2016, the Children Home Society decided to close this program and did not renew the contract with Green River. The administration of the college tried to find a new company to continue this program, but it was not successful because the work that goes into the program requires a lot of specifics.

Denman shared that the college is still working in this direction to make a contract with a new company to renew the child care program because the building where the Children Home Society provided their service before, belongs to Green River. Unfortunately, the college is not certified to provide any child care by itself.

“We are aware of students’ needs, and we try to include help for many needs of the students, not just with child care. The program for child care would cost a lot of money to start for GRC by itself. We try to find other avenues to help students with this problem outside the campus.” Denman said.

Denman also explained that as a state organization, the college is responsible for everything that happens on the campus. It is why Green River cannot create the child room with volunteers helping there. The college wants to be sure that children will be treated healthily and safely; it is only a matter of time and hard work put in by dedicated staff that will show results.

“We work very hard to find other opportunities to help students as grants to remove those barriers for students. For short term financial help, we have a Gator Pledge. This system can help students with current needs, including help with childcare,” said Denman.

Denman explained that the college tries their best to help with any roadblocks a student may face, which can be anything from paying tuition to getting adequate food.

While it may be arduous to graduate with a degree, Green River is here to support every student in achieving their goals.

Connor O’Boyle | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

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5 Febuary 12, 2020

Kelly Eisenhour Teaches Students How to Find Their Passion By: Jase Wanlass Staff Writer

From native drums to complex symphonies; music inspires, uplifts, and entertains, but the work that goes into its execution is something entirely seperate to behold on its own.

For Green River College’s tenured Choral Director Kelly Eisenhour, music is far more than simply jamming in the car or singing in the shower. She holds multiple degrees in the field of music. She also has experience being a professional jazz vocalist, live stage singer, and recording artist. Luckily for Green River students, she is a dedicated music instructor who pushes her students to succeed.

“I started piano lessons at 8 years old and also realized I could sing about the same time. It seemed to all come very easy for me and I loved it,” Eisenhour said.

She continued to pursue her love and talent for music into middle school and high school, where she accompanied many choirs and sang many solos. A fond memory she looks back on is the time that she was a senior in high school when she wrote a song, arranged it for their concert choir, and then directed it herself.

Eisenhour has always been very interested in singing, writing music, and playing piano. However, her real knack is performing.

“I learned early on that I had a talent for music, and it seemed a given all my life that that’s what I would do as a career. I started singing in jazz clubs when I was 19 in my hometown of Tucson, AZ. I met some musicians who played gigs and it was a natural progression to start working with them,” she said.

Afterward, Eisenhour paved her way into the music industry through hard work, dedication, and passion. She studied 2 years at the University of Arizona as a music major before she went across the country to Boston as a vocal performance major at Berklee College of Music. Following her time at Berklee, Eisenhour took her talents to Las Vegas where she worked in various shows and made a living as a singer, including touring as a backup singer with Gladys Knight.

Eisenhour continued to use her talents to make a name for herself as a prolific jazz vocalist. She’s worked with various artists, and even produces albums and songs that are now featured on iTunes and Spotify. Previously, her album “Seek and Find,” featuring Bob Mintzer, reached #14 on the JazzWeek charts and received continuous airplay for seven months after

release.

In 1997, Eisenhour moved to Utah and began to teach as a private voice teacher with a studio of around 30 students before being asked to direct the Brigham Young University Jazz Choir as an adjunct professor in 1999. During her time in Utah, she discovered her deep passion for teaching, a desire and love she was previously unaware of.

“I discovered that I really loved teaching and directing choirs from this experience, and I decided to go

to the University of Utah and get my master’s degree to be able have the credentials to teach full-time,” said Eisenhour.

Eisenhour graduated from the University of Utah and accepted the full-time position of Choral Director at Green River College in 2008, where she has continued to help students develop their love and talent for music. Currently, she teaches four classes at Green River: Music Appreciation (MUSC&105), Vocal Coaching (MUSC125), Con-

Steve Korn Photograpy

Kelly Eisenhour is the Choral Director at Green River College.

cert Choir (MUSC118), and a more advanced performing choir for those with experience (MUSC127).

“I have the class in the morning so it’s a good way to start my day,” said Taylor Smith, a student in Eisenhour’s Concert Choir Class.

“I’ve learned a lot of tips about becoming a better singer. She teaches with a lot of excitement too, which makes the class that much more enjoyable.”

Coming full circle from a student of music, to a music professional, to a music educator, is a journey that Eisenhour has greatly enjoyed. She feels every step of her journey gave her the knowledge and purpose needed to inspire others to pursue their love for music. “I think I bring an enthusiasm for music, and a love of teaching that hopefully inspires my students,” said Eisenhour.

“I enjoy helping students master their skills as a singer and performer, and my background as a professional singer gives me the expertise to help shape and guide that journey in an effective way.”

Eisenhour’s passion will not only inspire her students to learn the basics and technical work of singing as an art form, but also teach them to carry her philosophy of following one’s ambitions in order to build the foundations of a fulfilling and exciting life career. While following one’s dream may be difficult, Eisenhour proves that it is possible.

Documentary Shown on Campus Reveals the Dangers of Cosmetics By: Hannah Yuzyuk Staff Writer

The constant clipping, shining, and painting of fingernails can be time-consuming, but artificial nails provide another way to keep colorful, evenly cut nails to last through the week.

Many are fortunate enough to have naturally even and strong nails. But for those who suffer from brittle nails that grow inconsistently, artificial nails may be something for them to consider.

The market for artificial nails today proves to be impressive, with a wide variety of colors and content, including acrylic, wraps, gel, and press-on nails. However, it is important to understand that these products are made from chemicals that some believe cause harm to the skin and nervous system.

According to Mayo Clinic, a health care company, it is not harmful to put artificial layers on natural nails. However, it is still important for salon employees to follow sanitarian standards in order to ensure the safety of the customer.

“I do my nails every three-four weeks because if you want to have good nails, you should fill your set often,” said Hannah Chi, an international student at the college.

She also said that it may not be healthy for her nails and skin to have artificial nails all the time, and she tries to have some periods with no artificial nails to give her natural nails time off.

The question of how healthy artificial nails really are goes further than the concern of the customer.

On Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, students at Green River College had the opportunity to watch the documentary film about a Vietnamese Salon owner and her fight with chemical companies, which provide products for the salons in the USA. When Van Hoang, a Vietnamese immigrant and nail salon owner,

discovered that her health problems, including two miscarriages, are the result of toxic chemicals in the products used in her Salon, she unwittingly became involved in the fight for safe cosmetics. She shared her life experience about hard work every day for about 8-10 hours, breathing in harmful mixtures of

Rakesh Kommanagunta | The Current

A person’s hand with acrylic nails held up against the vista, showing off their recent manicure and nail treatment.

the chemicals she worked with.

“There were periods when I had had medication for my headache every day to keep working to help my family, ” Hoang said in the documentary film "Painted Nails".

She also said that she loved her job, but she wanted to make sure her career would have safe enough working conditions to continue without the risk of getting more health problems.

“We get here early in the morning and leave the shop late at night.

So this shop is a dear friend to us,” Hoang said.

In this documentary, the students could see Hoang’s transformation from a self-described shy woman whose English was limited, to a brave advocate, who pronounced her claim in front of Congress.

In Washington, D.C., at hearings for the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act, Hoang spoke out not only for employees at nail salons but also for the customers who rely on cosmetic shops to give them a safe environment for their personal beauty.

Hoang’s story shows that the cosmetics industry is more dangerous than what was previously thought.

It is essential to put one’s health before one’s beauty, no matter how difficult their nails may be.

a&e Artist Zecret Truex Expresses Herself Through Art

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Dakota Farnsworth | A&E Editor thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.com www.thegrcurrent.com

February 12, 2020

just admiring the beauty of what is around her.

Initially she was intimidated by the oil paints, but now they are what she prefers to use when painting. Truex likes being able paint, then going back to what she was painting the next day and having the paint still be wet.

Before the classes, she would sketch things, never taking it too seriously. One of the sketches she still has is a drawing of Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones, keeping it to show how much she has improved.

Zecret Truex | Green River College When Truex was asked what her A picture of the artist, Zecret Truex favorite piece she created was, she mentioned that her beautiful horse oil painting was a close second, but an acrylic painting of a girl was her favorite. She had By: Madi Trepus Staff Writer spent around three months on her acrylic painting, working on Zecret Truex works with oil paints and makeup to show her it most nights until it was perfect.

When Truex finds a project she skills as an artist. loves, she commits to it, working Truex’s first insight with art even until three or four in the was in makeup. She has been morning, until she either finds it doing makeup for over twenty years now. It was a way to express perfect, or falls asleep.

Truex pulls inspiration from herself and she has made a small different places. A big inspiration career out of it, now planning for her paintings is Renaissance on going to cosmetology school art and their color schemes. With to make a living out of it. Truex makeup she tends to pull ideas would look through magazines, from Drag Queens because of trying to recreate the makeup their bold makeup. looks and putting a lot of detail “It was amazing to me how into the eye makeup. amazing and bold they were able Truex’s first art class was in her to do their makeup,” Truex said. second quarter at Green River, She would love to be able to open Painting 101. Until that point she was mostly self-taught, other than her own art gallery, but she knows it would be a stretch to fully a calligraphy class. Truex learned how to use oil paints in this class, pursue this idea.

Truex loves the idea of making having only played with acrylic stage props and set pieces paints before the class.

Truex is still improving, learning for theater, and makeup for performing arts. When asked new techniques from every art class that she takes. In the classes, if she is ever discouraged when Truex has learned about attention painting, “Every time. The most discouraging part is proportions. to detail and how to see beauty It’s always 2 to 3 times that I in everything around her. Truex, mess up something. It’s like a few while learning photography, has practice rounds as a warm up.” started paying more attention to Truex does not tend to follow art her surroundings and what could trends, other than makeup from be a good place for photos. She will rarely be seen with her phone Rupaul’s Drag Race. She is just trying to adjust her techniques. out when she’s walking around,

Zecret Truex | Green River College

Zecret Truex | Green River College

Truex’s main goal is to be able to have a gallery with her paintings in it, but she is still leaning more towards being able to do makeup and props for theater because makeup is what she has always been good at.

Her practice changed over time because at first she had no schedule, so now it has changed because she has a time schedule she needs to follow to get the paintings done.

If Truex could go back and talk to her old self, she would tell herself to go to school. When she was in high school she got a scholarship to Gene Juarez, but she talked herself out of it thinking she only liked doing hair and makeup for selfish reasons.

Zecret Truex | Green River College

If she would have known how different college is from high school, she wouldn’t have taken a year off from school. “It would have been nice to keep going to school instead of waiting to go into the same cosmetology school as I would have when I was 18,” Truex said.

She has just signed up for a cosmetology school. With everyone being obsessed with makeup, hair, nails, and beauty she knows that this is where she will be most likely to succeed.

Her acrylic painting earned her a $1500 scholarship. Truex is planning on selling three of her horse oil paintings on her Instagram (@StylezOfZecret) to fund a Humanitarian trip.

a&e Video Games Help Guide Students Towards a Career

February 12, 2020

Scott Farnsworth | Green River College

By: Riley Cottingham Staff Writer

Many students at Green River College need to take a break from studying, and some choose gaming as the way to relax.

Whether students are playing billiards or are at a table playing cards, often playing casual games or

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Dakota Farnsworth | A&E Editor thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.com www.thegrcurrent.com

participating in heated competitions, students love using the Student Union’s gaming lounge in the River room for recreational activities.

Although students usually come to the gaming lounge for recreational activities, there are some students that play games for

different reasons and stand out for their hard work ethic.

Jerry Chow, an international student at Green River College, said he plans to be a game designer and work for a game company, so he came to America where there are more opportunities for game

designers. Chow has learned many things about game design from his favorite games such as Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Smash Ultimate.

“You get to see what developers put in the game and you get to see how the game’s mechanic work and what to avoid putting in the game,” said Chow. Chow is interested in game design because he wants to find enjoyment in the things he does.

Chow values games that are easy to learn but hard to master and have different aspects such as visual aesthetic, nice movement, challenging gameplay, competition, and plenty more. Game designers usually see more in a game than most players do.

Still though, to become a game designer would require having hands on experience programming and designing games. A recent graduate of Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland named Noah Lucas is also looking for a job in video game design.

Lucas was into video games from a young age, as he played games such as Katamari and its sequel,

as well as the entire Smash Bros franchise. He learned a great deal from hands on experiences from his classes about video games.

“The process of learning from mistakes is important,” said Lucas.

“When designing the video game environment, you’ll learn from repeating mistakes and fix glitches in the game environment.

When the game glitches, it’s not your fault.”

Much of a game developer’s time is spent on the environment of the game. If the game does not have a functioning environment, the game will glitch out. Writing the story for games also makes up for a huge chunk of the workload of game design.

“If you make an action-based game, you got to make the story entertaining. A [good] story has an interesting opening and keeps you engaged. Skyrim or Fallout 3 are examples.”

For students interested in playing games with other students, the game lounge is open to all from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. There is also an Esports club on campus that meets in the River room Fridays at 2-3 p.m..

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submission

February 12, 2020

Dakota Farnsworth | A&E Editor thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Written by Madison Farnsworth

Somber Songbird I just want To be an Ordinary canary But I know In my heart I’ll always be A somber songbird Wanting to Chirp out A happy tune Forgot I can’t Do that ever No matter what I should just Stick to plucking My feathers out And singing About that Shouldn’t I?

Average Goddess Don’t I deserve To feel pretty?

Look good In my own skin Sitting naked In front of My smudged mirror, A truthful reflection Face full of Makeup and beauty, Suited up in a Dress of Sparkles Sharply dressed In a tux and tie, Feeling taller In shiny heels Wearing stained jeans And a purple lace bra, Feeling pretty as ever All the while looking shitty

rock//bottom How many times Can a person Hit rock bottom?

Sitting on the kitchen floor Crying out so loud, Next hour passes by, Sitting on the kitchen counter Eating mac ‘n’ cheese Listening to Bo Burnham Washing my hair, Scrubbing my skin, Taking an emotional slip All so suddenly Laying, crying in the tub Wet and naked Finally eating a good meal After a long day Chair makes a funny sound Start laughing hysterically In my head, I think “God, I didn’t realize I was so sad”

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

Not guaranteed to be published.

Must be sent to the hecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.edu We encourage students to submit whatever they wish and to use this as a creative space.

Deadlines: [February 21, March 6]

Madison Farnsworth| Opinion Editor TheCurrent.Opinion@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

opinion

thecurrent

9 February 12, 2020

America’s Obsession Over Celebrity Culture By: Mustafe Abdulahi Staff Writer

Human beings have practiced worshiping idols for thousands of years from statues, gods, people, animals, inanimate objects and today Americans seem to worship celebrities.

As a society, we all have role models. Someone to look up to and admire in a way.

We do not even realize how many things in our society are built around celebrities.

Even if Americans have not spent their lives following them on Instagram and reading about them online, people are still aware of the biggest names out there because they infiltrate everything.

Thanks to platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, it is easier than ever for people to gain fame.

A decent following on a social media app can launch someone into stardom with little effort, sometimes even by accident.

Just as quickly as they can appear, celebrities can disappear from the public light if they become

embroiled in a huge public scandal that could ruin their career.

Celebrities inspire people to want to be like them. Take Kobe Bryant, the famous basketball player, who played for the Golden State Warriors for example.

The reason his death shocked and hurt so many people was that he was an idol to a many in this generation, so much that it made him feel untouchable.

He made people want to be like him and was an escape for those dealing with hardships.

Jalen Thomas, a third-year Green River student talked about this idea. “This man was one of the most important figures in my childhood. So much so, that throughout my whole life I’ve been known as the basketball guy around my circle of friends. We see him almost like a role model. That’s the deal with celebrities. We relate or connect with them somehow someway”.

Research published in 2007 by Belgian psychologist Charlotte De Backer from the University of Antwerp, found that young people even look to celebrities and popular

culture for learning life strategies that would have been learned from the role models within one’s tribe long ago. That proves that humans have always looked up to highly important people From this study, it seems as though teenagers, in particular, seem to be prone to learning how to dress, how to manage relationships, and how to be socially successful in general by tuning in to the popular culture.

Bilal Axmed, a second-year student at Green River College, added, “They have something we don’t.

They have this lifestyle people want and it makes a lot of people long for what they want to be.

Celebs show us that we can change our lives and live our dreams. If they can do it, so can we”.

Celebrities can rise to fame from complete obscurity, sometimes even overnight.

This is why the entertainment industry is a source of inspiration and success for nearly everyone who pays attention to it Most of the time, when people come across celebrities who are all

about showing off in front of the camera, we get a confidence boost.

The celebrity lifestyle seems like the absolute high life when it

comes to living large. And for many people who reach fame it is.

But it is also important to keep in mind, reality versus dreams.

Piqsels A woman walking towards the paparazzi with cameras ready to take photos.

Why We Should Start to Care About International News Again

Pinterest Climate activist Greta Thunberg.

By: Valentin Dreher Student Writer

In our more and more globalized world today, we should start caring about international news coverage again.

Greta Thunberg has quickly become one of the world’s most famous climate change activists.

When the Swedish 17-year-old first took her protests to the streets in August 2018, protesters all over the world quickly followed her example, as up to six million climate strikers participated worldwide all on the same day.

However, the movement was barely covered in American media.

The first time Thunberg received significant recognition by media outlets was in September 2019, over a year after her protests started, because Thunberg announced that she would visit the United Nations in New York, which was her first visit to the United States.

Nancy Bartley, a former Seattle

Times reporter that now teaches at Green River College, argues that we should pay more attention to global coverage because it affects the US the same as other countries.

“We have the responsibility to protect natural resources and help stop climate change,” she said. “An increase in international news helps build awareness that Americans are not alone here on the planet.”

Unfortunately, statistical data does not show an increase in international coverage.

A Tennessee State University study found that today, news outlets present their readers and viewers with less coverage from overseas than 20 years ago.

This development is especially unfortunate since the nations of the world are growing closer and closer together. The challenges of the 21st century, not only climate change but also terrorism, migration, and trans-regional conflicts cannot be solved by one nation on its own.

They demand the combined efforts of all of the world’s societies.

Why does national coverage in the US still outweigh international news so significantly?

Nancy Bartley says: It is simply more money in it. “When it comes to selecting where to put the financial resources, news organizations usually opt for what they believe will appeal to the biggest audience, those impacted by the news.”

The American viewers’ and readers’ average news consumption proves this point.

57 percent follow national news, but only 17 percent consume international news, according to a 2018 Pew Research Study.

As the news industry has been going through major budget cuts in the past century, especially international news has been affected. Bartley stated that her former employer, the Seattle Times, minimalized global coverage to save money.

If the people’s interest in global stories stays as low, this will further decline international news coverage. But on the other hand, being aware of the issues is the first step to make out leaders take action.

“It’s easier to ignore some of the global issues, whether that’s hunger, war, illness or devastating climate change if other countries are ‘othered,’ or outside our zones of familiarity,” said Bartley.

But this will not work out in the long run. Therefore, every single one of us can help spread awareness by only consuming international news from around the world.

If more and more readers and viewers start paying attention to international news again, media outlets will put in the effort to research more of those stories.

Thunberg won Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” award in December 2019. It seems like she managed todeliver her important message to the United States, even though it took a little longer than in other countries to get the public interested in what Thunberg had to Valentin Dreher say about climate change.

GRC Student, Valentin Dreher at a demonstration in Hanover, Germany.

Photo by pxhere

opinion

thecurrent

10 February 12, 2020

Madison Farnsworth| Opinion Editor TheCurrent.Opinion@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Illness is Not the Only Thing the Coronavirus Brought With it By: Madison Farnsworth Opinion Editor

Editorial

With the coronavirus breaking out in Wuhan, China it has reached many different areas across the globe.

The coronavirus is not particularly new. This specific strain, originating from Wuhan, China, has been affecting that province for some time now.

Originating from chickens, it is not unsimilar to previous diseases that were transferred from animals, like swine flu or mad cow disease While it should be respected and treated as dangerously as most other diseases, coronavirus is used as a vessel for something worse.

One of the areas that were affected with the virus was our home, Washington. It was located in Everett on January 19th. That was the first report of the virus making its way into American borders.

Knowing that information should make the people of Washington alarmed at best. However it should come as a pre-caution to the dangers of the virus spreading more rapidly across the state.

When you hear news reports about the virus and they talk about ‘nosocomial transmission’, this means that the coronavirus was spread between patient and non-patient interactions inside hospitals.

This should be taken as a warning sign to be very cautious when entering a hospital for whatever reason.

The coronavirus has killed over 800 people in China. There have not been

any reported deaths in the US. However it should be stated that the strain that has made its way into the U.S. is a completely new strain than the one found in China.

People are using the coronavirus outbreak as a way to be publicly racist and make it seem like its normal and acceptable behavior. This happens often and people will manage to blow things out of proportions due to their racism and fear.

Many of the jokes going around about the coronavirus contribute to the escalating racism and fear in society.

When someone makes a racist statement or joke in regards to a serious threat, it provides fear to other people who believe these racist things to be completely true.

While the coronavirus is a major worry within China, especially within the place where it was first found, it is not as big of an issue almost anywhere else.

Even here in America.

It is hard enough for Asian Americans to live peacefully in this country. With the harsh discrimination and racist hatred they already face, they do not need to deal with the racist fear of nonAsian people thinking that they have contracted the coronavirus.

Many people, especially Americans, have been using the coronavirus to be racist and xenophobic to both Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans, whether or not these people have been to China in the past few years or not.

They do not deserve this type of treatment in any way. They are just people trying to live their own lives.

We are seeing not only disgust for these people individually, but for their culture as a whole. Which is an incredibly distasteful way to treat a entire group of people.

Many sources now have mentioned that it’s their ‘unique omnivorous food’ that caused the outbreak, or their ‘disgusting market habits’.

To blame a disease on longstanding cultural traditions is nothing but an excuse to be racist. Racism towards Chinese people has a long history in American culture.

It’s no shock to anyone that something like this happening in China would light it up once more like a spark in a drought. From the history of Seattle’s International District, to Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, racism is long prevalent towards these people.

The coronavirus has only been lethal within China. It is a dense, highly populated country, making transmission and symptom quick and deadly.

We, as Americans, should not be as scared as we are just yet. There are only a few cases of the virus within our country, and no one has yet to succumb to it. If anything, we should feel sorry towards Chinese people who have to go through all this.

It is absolutely crucial that as a nation, that we try our best to keep the virus at bay and under control. We do not need the coronavirus to become a worldwide epidemic.

What the best thing to do at this moment in order to prevent that from even happening is to work with China’s leading scientists and doctors to get

to the very bottom of solving this pressing issue before it turns out to be too late.

As of lately, teams of scientists and doctors from both China and the U.S. have already looked and studied strands of the coronavirus in order to find a cure before it becomes too late to do anything and too many people lose their lives.

If a vaccine for the virus comes out in a matter of time, then it could possibly save upwards of millions of lives. It needs to be done sooner rather than later though. Or else there could be serious consequences in the near future.

A real concern that people should be currently more focused on is the flu virus, as it is taken more lives in just the past few years.

It has gotten so deadly that there are free flu shots almost anywhere you could get a shot. Yet idiotic people refuse to get shots based on false knowledge.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and take care of your health especially when going out in public, since the virus is said to be spreading in Washington as of late.

While the coronavirus is scary, it should not get in the way of living life to the fullest. It is important to remember to stay safe during harsh times like these.

Life may throw us under many trials and the virus seems to be one of them, but humans are resilient creatures that have been through thick and thin.

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

sports Transfer Athletes Keep Our Gators on The Uprise

Efrain Pardo | Sports Editor TheCurrent.sports@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Josh Jazmati | The Current

Tanner Nygren showing his skills on the court.

By: Josh Jazmati Staff Writer Originally from Lehi, Utah, Tanner Nygren joins the Green River College men’s basketball team as a sophomore playing his first year for the Gators after playing for Utah State Eastern.

During his 31 games playing with Utah State Eastern, he had an average of 14

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February 12, 2020

Nygren hopes to keep on doing well with in minutes on the court per game, averaged 5 the season kept going. “It was a struggle to the basketball court and receive offers from a points, 2/2. This season he has started in 22 learn how to finish games strong, lately we’ve university and continue playing basketball in games playing for the Gators and is averaging gotten over it,” Nygren said. order to get his degree. While he has not de18 points, /9/5. Nygren Nygren has big plans cided his major yet, Nygren hopes to achieve is listed at 6’3’’ and plays after his time at Green “I liked the way he said his degree in either Business or something both guard positions for River College “Just beto do with computers or potentially a degree the Gators. ing able to get to know coached and just a lot of things that has to do with computer science.

Nygren is 22 years my teammates and about Coach Drake and the way Off the basketball court, Nygren has many old, older than his play with them and he presented himself.” hobbies. Among these, he enjoys going outother classmates. This is getting to learn from - Tanner Nygren doors, especially hiking and boating as well because right after high my coaches has been as spending time with his family. Nygren is school, prior to playing the highlight of the very competitive and besides basketball, he college basketball, Nygren participated for 2 year for me,” Nygren said. While the start of loves to play and compete in a game “Spikeyears as a missionary for The Church of Jesus the season was strong for the Gators, Nygren ball”, Nygren said.

Christ of Latter-day Saints connecting people was noticed as the highlight of the games. in Ghana. When reflecting on his time abroad “Missions definitely help you learn about yourself, and help you grow spiritually which is a great experience,” Nygren said.

After one-year Nygren was considering to transfer from Utah State Eastern and he just wanted to find a college that would be a good fit and through a recruiter, Coach Drake was able to get Nygren to make Green River College his new home and next chapter in his academic and athletic life.

When asked what it was about Green River College and Coach Drake that made him choose to play here “Last year was more strict, here it is freer. Coach Drake has made it where we are able to play our games how we like to and Washington is a beautiful state is been nice living up here,” Nygren said, “I liked the way he said coached and just a lot of things about Coach Drake and the way he presented himself.”

Like any part of life, Nygren’s first season with the Gators had its ups and downs. This Green River College | Facebook young Gator’s team was able to start with an 8-2 record but started to face struggles as Every player like Tanner Nygren(right) has a relevant role during the GRC basketball team games.

Students get Into Fitness With Recreational Activities in Campus as many college students find themselves busier than they were in high school, so they have less time to commit to a regular exercise routine or be involved in other physical activGreen River College’s practicality and ities. This can be a big factor in the “freshefficiency in recreation at the recreation man 15” has earned its reputation. and athletics center (RAC) (located at SU The RAC strives to provide safe and healthy 210) and fitness center are among some of outlets for Green River College students to the many fitness activities offered at the exercise and play sports. Options include college campus. lifting weights in the gym room, using cardio It is hard to be an incoming freshman and machines in the fitness center or joining a avoid hearing about the dreaded “freshman group class. Additonaly, 15,” the roughly fifteen offering a full open gym pounds that many incom“...it’s a fun hangout spot schedule as well as intraing freshmen tend to gain and a good place to meet mural sports leagues and during their first year in tournaments where you college. While the poundnew people on campus can join fellow Gators in a age doesn’t always exactly while putting in the work,” friendly game of basketring in at fifteen, the - Miguel Gil ball, soccer, badminton, tendency to gain weight is table tennis, or volleyball. significant enough to earn Miguel Gil, a former track star at his old itself a lasting title. high school, continues his fitness activities First, it’s important to notice that this at Green River College taking advantage of specific amount of weight gain isn’t common the gym and the fitness center. He gave some for everyone. Some people gain more weight, tips on where to look up more information. some less, and some gain no extra weight “To use the actual gym there is a schedule at all or even lose pounds when they leave published on the Green River College website home for college for the first time. However, where you can look up times, I know that it’s a common enough experience that it has earned a nickname that has endured through Monday through Friday it is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with different sports trading several decades and is something to be aware out throughout the day, it’s a fun hangout of so it can hopefully be avoided by all of us. spot and a good place to meet new people on Sure, trekking from class to class can be a workout. But it’s not enough to keep you trim campus while putting in the work,” Gil said.

By Alini Daniel Staff Writer

From Green River College’s homepage, you can search “RAC” for group fitness classes that will provide you a schedule Monday to Friday of all the classes free for students like it happens in the RAC’s dance studio where no registration is required.

Ethan Wallace spends his Tuesdays and Wednesdays in his Arnis class he described

as “the martial art sport of the Philippines that emphasizes weapon-based/stick fighting, it started about three to four years ago because the current instructor just wanted something different,” Wallace said.

Green River College encourages all students to join the recreational activities offered on the campus.

Green River College

The RAC at Green River College offers a variety of ways to work out and meeting other people.

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February 12, 2020

Efrain Pardo | Sports Editor TheCurrent.sports@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Internationally Known Legend Receives Honors at GRC

Efrain Pardo | The Current

Tre Simmons is a basketball legend at GRC

By: Efrain Pardo Sports Editor

Chester Simmons III is a basketball player, better known as Tre Simmons, who has been one of the greatest athletes to ever set foot on the campus of Green River College since it was founded.

In a night full of excitement and after a minute of silence in honor of the former National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Kobe Bryant, Simmons became the first-ever student-athlete to have his jersey retired in

Green River College’s Swamp Rafters with the presence of President Suzanne Johnson, the Director of Athletics Shannon Percell, his former coach Travis DeCuire, and many other personalities in the crowd.

The number “1” jersey retirement was during the half-time break and followed by a brief speech where the most important thought was “...If you going to ever set foot in a basketball court, you have to play hard, train hard and give it all you have when you are wearing that jersey, this is the way you will ever be great in the sport,” Simmons said.

Simmons was born and raised in Seattle, and graduated from Garfield Highschool as a star for the Bulldogs team in 2001. He first went to Odessa College in Texas for the 20012002 school year and then he transferred closer to home, at Green River College for the 2002-2003 season. That basketball season, Simmons led the Gators to a second-place finish in the NWAC Championships and he was named Western Division most valuable player (MVP).

Simmons averaged 28.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while shooting 51 percent from the field. On January 29, 2020 his jersey was retired and marked the 17th anniversary of Simmons 50-point performance in a 105-80 win against Pierce College. Later that same season, he put up 51 points and 21 rebounds in another victory versus the same school on that year.

Following his spectacular season with the Gators, Simmons transferred to the University of Washington (UW). There he starred during 2 seasons the UW Huskies basketball team from 2003-2005 academic years being named to the All-Pac 10 first team, in his

senior year. Following graduation from UW, Simmons played professional basketball for 13 years starting the 2005-2006 season in Greece at European Leagues.

Also, Simmons played in Spain, France, Russia, Puerto Rico, Israel, and the Czech Republic. Amongst his accomplishments, he was included in the Israeli Supercup MVP in 2009 with the Maccabi Tel Aviv, he won the Czech National Cup 4 times with the ČEZ Nymburk team in 2010-2011, 2011-2012,

2013-2014, 2014- 2015 seasons in the Czech Republic and being in the Euro Challenge Final Four MVP with the Krasnye Krylya Samara team from Russia in 2013.

Simmons is one of the few Americans in basketball history to have won so many championships in so many countries in Europe. His achievements will always be remembered by Green River College.

In 2018 Simmons announced his retirement from professional basketball.

Efrain Pardo | The Current

Tre Simmons is the first student-athlete from GRC to receive honors in the history of our school.