Issue 7 Volume 53

thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college

February 27, 2019

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue 7 volume 53

Green River’s MESA Gives Academic Support to Those Pursuing a STEM Degree Pg. 5

2 February 27, 2019

campus

thecurrent

Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor thecurrent.campus@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Where are Students Going After Green River?

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go to a college or university, 36.8 percent are undecided about their intended major or area of study.

Wani Elkington, a Kentridge High School senior and secondyear Green River student, knows he wants to transfer to a four-year university but does not know exactly what he wants to do. “I have not yet found what clicks for me,” Elkington said.

Another student, Aivine Soakai, explained how she is unsure of where she wants to go or what she wants to do. However, she knows A group of college graduates throwing their caps in the air. wherever she ends up, she wants to asked about both their short and continue her basketball career.

By: Alexis Mallory long-term goals following Green It is very common and often Staff Writer River. The surveys revealed that expected for students to be unsure 68 percent of the students have Twenty-five students were of their interests and passions. a short-term goal of transferring surveyed about their plans Universities and colleges give their to another four-year university to following Green River College students time to explore their continue their studies, 8 percent and the results were shocking. options until they find something want to get fullGraduation can be an exciting that they are ride scholarship occasion, but what many people passionate for athletics, overlook is the anxiety and stress about. another 8 percent that comes with life after college.

The other see themselves Students are faced with tough 63.2 percent of working for a decisions: whether to continue the students bit after Green with their education, searching planning on River, 4 percent for a job, beginning their career, or continuing their - Wani Elkington want to go into potentially relocating. education after the military, and Prior to graduation, many Green River have the remaining students may not even begin to some idea of think about their options, but there 12 percent of what they want the students want to pursue their are those that start planning early. to do and have found an area of respective careers.

At Green River College, there are study that interests them.

This survey ultimately revealed 18,755 students currently enrolled The top two subject interests that education is the predominant across all platforms and campuses. among the students surveyed goal among students at Green Of these 18,755, there are 1,987 were Pre-med/Pre-nursing and River, assuming these trends international students and 1,864 Computer Science. Both Computer continue. Of these 25 students, Running Start students, as both Science and Pre-med were the 60 percent of them were in the programs are widely popular and interests and intended majors of running start program from important to the Green River 15.7 percent which is three students different high schools in the Kent community. As some of these interested in each major. and Auburn school districts, and 12 students are just starting their Kierra Long, Kentridge High percent were international/transfer journey at the college, others are School senior and second-year students from Hong Kong. The almost finished.

Green River student currently remaining 28 percent of students As sad as it is to see students is planning to “transfer to the were high school graduates from leave, it is exciting to see where University of Washington into the area pursuing a degree. they go and what they do next. the Human Centered Design and Of the 19 students who plan to Twenty-five students were Engineering Program,” said Long.

“I have not yet found what clicks for me,”

Other interests that students have were psychology, communications, aviation management, and business and engineering.

Anakin Yu, a transfer student from Hong Kong, is very interested in aviation management. Yu’s goal is to transfer to Purdue University where he will continue his junior and senior years of college.

Another person who seems to have their future completely planned out is Chandler McBride.

She is interested in mass media communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism. She plans to transfer to a four-year to continue her studies to one day hopefully “become a news reporter for CNN or NBC or possibly a production assistant,” said McBride.

Not all students plan to attend another college or university after Green River, as there were others that had different plans. A total of six students see themselves doing something other than directly transferring to another four-year University or college.

Ross Principe, a Kentwood High School Running Start student and Green River student, plans to go into the military. He is unsure if it will be right out of college, but he knows he wants to go.

Although the survey failed to show interest in the military, it is often a popular option among students. Another plan students have is to work to pursue a career upon coming out of Green River.

For example, a student who wishes to be anonymous intends to become a firefighter upon graduating from college.

Each person at this school has different plans, different hobbies, and different goals. It is fascinating to learn about their futures and to ask where they see themselves going in life.

Green River Prides Itself With a Diverse Student Body By: Christina Praggastis Sports Editor

Green River has many kinds of people working at and attending as a student.

When someone walks through the campus of Green River, they will see all types of people from around the world.

Diversity demographics from the Green River website show that 2,291 out of the 19,113 total students are international. In terms of ethnicities, 4 percent of Green River’s population is Black, 17 percent is Asian, 9 percent is Hispanic, 1 percent is Native American and Pacific Islander, and 36 percent is White.

When asked whether Green River is diverse, Fernando Yanez-

Martinez, who works in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), said that, “I sit at the front desk of the campus life office every day, and every day I have the opportunity to connect with students who come from all different walks of life.” YanezMartinez said that Green River is diverse, and people can clearly see the different backgrounds of students throughout the college.

Green River ODEI is promoting diversity and equity by hosting a quarterly diversity education series and the SoJUST film series with the help of Green River’s Diversity and Equity Council.

Green River has several clubs and programs in place where people can go be apart of their culture away from home. There is the Latin-X

Union, Black Student Union, Pacific Islander Student Union, Muslim Student Association, and Tertulia. There is also a Queer & Allies club where people can go to feel safe and comfortable at school.

Yanez-Martinez said that “Each of the students [I see] have personalized stories and long and short-term goals they want to pursue. Interactions with these students from all over the world give me an opportunity to learn from their experiences.”

Yanez-Martinez spends their days meeting new people from all kinds of backgrounds with the will to learn and strive ahead in their academic career. They love to help people out with whatever they need, hoping to add to their blossoming success as a Green

River College student.

Some people are not quite as familiar with what diversity and equity is like Yanez-Martinez. So, what is diversity? The definition of diversity is the state of being diverse; variety.

What does that mean? Being diverse means that everyone understands that each individual is unique, and recognized for their individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, political beliefs, or other ideologies.

Diversity is a core value at Green River and the college continues to promote diversity and equity so that everyone who steps foot on campus grounds feels welcome.

thecurrent Green River College 12401 SE 320th St., Mailstop: SU Auburn, WA 98092-3699 NEWSROOM DIRECT LINE 253-288-3457 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Margo Mead thecurrent.editorinchief@mail. greenriver.edu 253-833-9111 ext. 2375 MANAGING EDITOR CAMPUS EDITOR Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker thecurrent.campus@mail. greenriver.edu A&E EDITOR Danielle Kim thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.edu OPINION EDITOR William Baliton thecurrent.opinion@mail. greenriver.edu SPORTS EDITOR Christina Praggastis thecurrent.sports@mail.greenriver. edu LAYOUT EDITOR Dee Senaga ksenaga@mail.greenriver.edu GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elsa Finkbeiner efinkbeiner@mail.greenriver.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Robertson ads@thegrcurrent.com PHOTOGRAPHER Christina Praggastis cpraggastis@mail.greenriver.edu STAFF WRITERS: Christina Praggastis, Dakota Farnsworth, Connor O’ Boyle, Humza Sindu, Satinder Rehal, Jen Kistner, Kellyn Costello, Angelina Cardin, Olivia Reed, Lucas Bohannon, Abby Perkins, Alexis Mallory, Sydney Despain, Simren Singh, Alexia Howard-Mullins, Isaac Rubio

Corrections

If you find a factual error or simply a name spelled If you find a factual error incorrectly, orplease simply contact a name us spelled at: incorrectly, - editor@thegrcurrent.com please contact us at: - 253-288-3457 - editor@thegrcurrent.com - or find us OEB 17 - 253-833-9111 ext. 2375 - or find us in SA218

Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor thecurrent.campus@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

campus

thecurrent

3 February 27, 2019

Rodents Invade Garbage Cans Throughout the Campus By: Steve Braun Staff Writer

Due to the increased awareness of risks to public health and safety associated with squirrels and rats getting into our garbage, school administrators are considering changes in its management of solid waste.

In particular, the college is considering replacing some of its current open-access garbage cans, with ones that keep animals out.

In a meeting last month Shirley Bean, vice president of administration and human resources, Rob Olson, director of facilities and capital projects, discussed the problem of animals getting into the garbage and some of the challenges in finding a permanent solution.

Not only do open-access garbage cans allow rodents and birds to spread trash into the environment,

they expose the public to potential diseases carried by these animals.

It is a common occurrence for students to see squirrels or birds eating food waste from a garbage can or to be surprised when they go to throw something away.

Olson said aesthetics, convenience, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) concerns, durability, as well as cost, are all factors that need to be considered when thinking about replacing school equipment.

“They have to be convenient enough for the students to want to use them,” he said.

Although, most of the 113 garbage cans on campus do not prevent animals from foraging in them, school officials are serious about addressing this problem.

“I commit to exploring possible solutions and would be willing to use some school funds to purchase some different trash can designs to try out,” said Olson.

Bean appeared to be supportive of the idea as well. “I would be happy to be the executive sponsor of these efforts,” she said.

What does this mean going forward? It means that school administrators will work collectively with students and interest groups to explore options for different trash can designs and funding sources.

It means college students may soon start to see a transition to more enclosed garbage cans. It means that everyone will all be expected to exert a more effort for the sake of public health, safety and the environment.

Students are encouraged to ensure that their garbage makes it into the trash can, and not simply discarded to the side or littered.

For more information or to express concerns about this issue, please contact: Rob Olson, Director of Facilities and Capital Projects, here: rolson@greenriver.edu.

Dee Senaga | The Current

Disease Control Ushers Students to Receive Vaccine Treatment By: Natalie Nordell Staff Writer

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A small, bandaged teddy bear in need of urgent medical care.

Bacterial meningitis B causes high fevers, brain swelling and tissue death, all potentially fatal symptoms that may threaten Green River students as vaccination rates plateau.

The Centers for Disease Control says that the first meningitis vaccine covers serogroups (strains of disease) A, C, W and Y, but that people are not completely protected until they have received the serogroup B vaccine, which protects against the same dangerous symptoms.

The National Meningitis Association (NMA) says that as of 2019, 1 in 5 college students has not received their first vaccination against bacterial meningitis, and that only 10 percent have received the serogroup B vaccine.

Of those who receive treatment for bacterial meningitis, the NMA reports that 10-15 percent will still die from the disease, and 1 in 5 will suffer permanent disabilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), college campuses have experienced outbreaks of serogroup B meningitis because it is more prevalent in dorms and dense concentrations of people.

The Serogroup B vaccine was released in 2015, and the majority of college students are not aware that it exists. Students report that they don’t consider the importance of vaccinations until an outbreak strikes close by.

“I think people in general don’t pay attention to available vaccines unless an outbreak occurs,” said Sarah Simmons, 20, a veterinary medicine student from Green River.

According to the King County

Health Department, 20-40 meningitis cases are reported in Washington State annually, and many of those afflicted are young and previously healthy.

Some students living in college dorms have become wary about the lack of meningitis vaccination awareness in colleges.

“It’s pretty scary because you never know what your dorm mates could be carrying,” said Owen Day, 19, an aviation student at Green River College.

Students also state that a lack of attention could be contributing to low vaccination rates.

“It’s probably from a lack of media coverage,” said Day. The serogroup B vaccine was approved by the FDA, and has been proven effective against the three major strains of the disease, yet vaccination rates have not increased in the general public.

campus The NEW Leadership Institute Teaches Valuable Skills

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thecurrent

Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor kwhitaker3@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

February 27, 2019

By: Lucia Rios Staff Writer

confident in becoming leaders,” says Tonya Silver, a student at Green River College.

Topics that will be discussed throughout The NEW Leadership Institute is a the leadership conference are social problems conference offered to all of the women in society, professional development, and interested in learning leadership skills. self-confidence.

The 2019 Alene Moris National Education All undergraduate and graduate students for Women’s (NEW) Leadership Institute is enrolled in a Washington college are a conference that will take place from June welcomed and encouraged to participate in 17 to June 22. It will be held in the Women’s the NEW Leadership Institute.

Center at the University of Washington.

In order to participate, one must apply The conference is “designed to cultivate to the program directly. The application leadership skills,” says Sara is now open, and the Duran-Fernandez, the deadline is April 7. Some leadership coordinator. With things that will be required this conference, students can for the application are “Not enough women explore the role of leadership essay questions, one letter are encouraged to in a society full of diversity. of recommendation, an It is an opportunity for unofficial transcript and, of become leaders,” students to interact with course, a resume.

- Tonya Silver influential women leaders An important thing to in Washington. The goal remember is that if you are of this institute is to help accepted into the program increase the amount of women leaders in there is a fee. There is, however, a limited the nation. Also, conference sponsors are number of scholarships available for those working to direct attention to the women who need it located at the Women’s Center. underrepresented in the making of policies.

Diversity is a key point in the New This institute is an opportunity for women Leadership Institute. Women of different wanting to be successful leaders and looking color and backgrounds come together to to better their leadership skills as described share ideas and experiences. The Alene by the event coordinator.

Moris National Education for Women’s “The leadership role in women is important (NEW) Leadership program is a safe place for because not enough women are encouraged women. There they can address important to become leaders and the New Leadership issues and discuss the difficulties of the role Institute is just what women need to feel of leadership in women in today’s society.

Event Calendar: Winter Quarter Event: Snoqualmie Falls Exploring Date: Mar. 2, 2019 Time: TBD Cost: GRC-$5 | Non-GRC student-$10 Event: Thunderbirds Ice Hockey Date: Mar. 3, 2019 Time: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Cost: GRC-$10 | Non-GRC student-$25 Event: Research Lap Date: Mar. 6, 2019 Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Cost: Free

Explore the beautiful hiking trails of Snoqualmie Falls with your fellow classmates.

Come and watch a hockey match between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Tri-City Americans. Go Thunderbirds!

This hands-on workshop is a chance for you to work on your research project in collaboration with a librarian. Make sure to bring your assignment with you.

Event: Lunch Bytes: Resume Date: Mar. 9, 2019 Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Cost: Free

International Academic Advisors offer free lunch and a workshop to review students’ resumes and cover letters.

Event: The 1940’s Radio Hour Date: Mar. 9, 15, 16, 2019 Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Cost: TBD

Green River Drama and Music and Dance Departments are pleased to present The 1940’s Radio Hour. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Event: Portland Shopping Trip Date: Mar. 23, 2019 Time: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Cost: GRC-$25 | Non-GRC student-$50

A one day shopping trip to Portland, Oregon. Wear comfortable walking shoes for this shopping trip to the tax-free state.

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Computer Science Students Earn Upwards of 65k By: Jennifer Pond Staff Writer The main goal of the Computer Science Program is to get students ready for their bachelor’s degree.

Students spend two years here and then transfer to another school to finish their degree. The program at Green River averages about 250-275 students.

“Students with a bachelor’s degree typically get all sorts of positions in local industries such as Software developer, software tester/ Test Engineers, Solution architects, etcetera,” said Raminderpal Gill, a Green River engineering faculty member.

The average pay you can expect is about $110,100 with an average starting salary upwards of $65,000.

“We have a very strong group of instructions who have worked very hard to make a transfer program that is respected by our neighbor Universities. I have received a number of compliments from other schools about the strength of Green River transfers and how they do compared to other transfer students,” said Michael A. Wood, a teacher in the department. “We also are unique in that we are one of the few schools to offer both the Java and C++ tracks to allow students an easier time to transfer to schools that want different tracks for entry.”

In today’s world, “There is an evergrowing need for people with computer programming backgrounds. Every day we rely upon technology more and more, and the computer scientists, software developers, and similar areas are just growing in size,”

said Wood. “This is dependent on if you just want to make large amounts of money, or do programming for a cause you believe in, the need to have people with the computer skills is vital for whatever organization you are a part of.”

The program benefits its students by giving them exposure to actual engineering roles, training students with specialized skills that they can get jobs with. Green River has instructors rather than a teaching assistant.

The program is routinely evaluated and is maintained rigorously, so students get a high-quality education from the start. Not to mention, Green River’s tuition is a fraction of the cost compared to other schools.

“Computer science is a growing field, especially in a technology hub like Seattle.

Learning how to write the code that makes these systems work is a very hard, but good field to give students the background that they need to make sense of the systems that they use,” said Wood.

If there is anything that can be improved upon within the program, it would be to extend the program into a full bachelor’s degree. Another improvement would be larger classrooms so that the computer program can teach even more students. With the current size of the lab, class sizes are crowded with a limited number of spots.

All in all, this program is highly recommended. “I love the program here. We have students who are highly capable, are willing to learn, come to class prepared. It is a great pleasure to be able to assist students in their education. We have a good variety of students. So yes, I would highly recommend it,” said Wood.

campus MESA Believes Lack of Diversity in Stem is a Concern

Kaedyn Kashmir-Whitaker | Campus Editor thecurrent.campus@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

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A graphic of a circle of multicolored figures.

By: Kellyn Costello Staff Writer MESA is a prominent supporter of STEM students at Green River College.

MESA, which stands for Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement, has been serving and supporting students since 1970 in all levels of education, mainly taking place in California and several community colleges nationally.

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February 27, 2019

The purpose of MESA is to help students intending to major in STEM transfer successfully to a four-year university. It provides students with academic advice and resources for students most in need based on socioeconomic factors.

Kristine Schroeder, Green River’s MESA director, is passionate about helping students through MESA and loves the sense of community MESA provides its students. “[MESA] gives me purpose, and it recharges me,” said Schroeder. “It’s not a job, it’s a part of who I am.”

MESA is largely supported by organizations like NASA, among several others, that believes that a diverse STEM workforce is the key to future success. Diversity in STEM has become more and more of a concern lately. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, black people are the least likely of all races to pursue a bachelor’s degree in STEM. Regarding women, although there are more with bachelor’s degrees in general, only 36 percent have a degree in STEM. Partners of MESA such as Cisco see these underrepresented groups as incredibly valuable to the industry because of the sheer potential they have.

Katherine Johnson, a black woman whose calculations were key to the success of the moon landings, is a historical reminder of the need for MESA; although the program

did not exist during Johnson’s time, the STEM industry could be missing some of the best and brightest the industry may ever see without MESA. It can be difficult as a college student to balance work, school, a social life, health, and other elements of being an adult. Often it can be stressful to have three or more hours of classes pertaining to STEM for prospective majors, and having to go to work.

MESA helps students see that “There’s a community of people out there really interested in science and engineering,” said Schroeder. This community also helps students rise above the stresses of life by providing connections and resources that can help students overcome these hurdles.

In general, STEM is extremely important to the function of society. Everywhere people look, some form of science impacts the lives of all creatures, but especially humans.

Societies today would not succeed without science, technology, engineering, or math.

STEM has played a significant role in the shaping of social and human understanding; there was once a time people believed in eugenics, but as STEM progressed and grew the field was able to prove the absurdity of eugenics, thus shattering ignorant beliefs that there was a scientific correlation between race and superiority.

STEM helps societies see where they

are right or wrong and impacts individual people on every level. In a broad field that has grown by leaps and bounds in the last handful of centuries, it is extremely valuable to all organizations that MESA succeeds and expands to help discover the next best minds.

Several organizations in the last few decades have come up with new, life-changing ideas that have changed the ways families function, the way people perceive comfort, and many other aspects of life. While those corporations and organizations are credited for making those changes happen, MESA deserves the credit for helping and supporting any of the young minds involved in those scientific creations to achieve their lifelong dreams.

Margo Mead | The Current

MESA office in the Student Affairs building.

Procedures to Overcome the Dysfunctions of Tax Season

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A stressed college student chewing on a pencil while dealing with tax season. them out. If you’re not sure about it, make By: Kellyn Costello sure to call and ask,” said Ellen Cavanaugh, Staff Writer the CPA of Tax Eradicator. The longer people Tax season can be both the greatest and wait to get their forms, the less timeto collect worst part of a college student’s year. what they need to file taxes on time.

Tax returns are great, but figuring out how Gather documents. This may seem to file taxes seems impossible for a college daunting, but it is simpler than it sounds. student. Filing taxes is all about organization, People must ensure to have their W-2s, 1099s, being prepared, and persistence. For those and mortgage income statements ready for who may need a little extra help, there are six use. W-2s show the government what wages simple steps to filing taxes. have been paid in that particular year, along Know deadlines. Similar to essay due dates, with any money that has been withheld from tax return deadlines can sneak up on busy an individual throughout the year. A 1099 college students. This year, the 2018 tax form is used to report any income other than return is due April 15. Hopefully, investment tips, salary, or wages—all of which should and income forms have been returned be shown in the W-2 form. If an individual already, as most businesses send them out by owns their own residence, mortgage income the end of January. statements are used to report interest paid to “If you haven’t gotten your income forms a lender for mortgage payments. in the mail yet, it’s really nothing to worry If applicable, file documents for newly about. Sometimes employers want you to married college students. If this is pick them up directly, and others will mail someone’s first tax season being married,

congratulations on more paperwork.

If a couple has moved in together, they will need an 8822 form that shows they have moved billing or mailing addresses. For those who have changed their name, the SS-5 form notifies the government of that change regarding taxes and helps to file taxes as a couple. Lastly, with a combined income, the W-4 form adjusts tax holdings for them as a couple rather than an individual.

Complete deductions paperwork. If people plan on using tax deductions, they need to keep receipts for anything they may think might count towards a deduction. This includes any charitable contributions, like Goodwill donations, childcare, education costs, and any purchases required for work.

“A lot of people don’t realize this, but you can use clothing costs in your tax deductions.

If your workplace requires you to wear a certain type of shoes, for example, you can use that in your tax deductions. Anything that you need for your job can be used as a tax deduction because you were required to buy it by your employer,” said Suzi Howard, a personal accountant in the Maple Valley area.

Organization is key. This is the most difficult part for most college students, as organizing is their worst nightmare.

This may require a filing system, as tax documents should be kept for long periods of time. To simplify this process, a three-folder system is all that is truly needed. One folder should contain any statements regarding income: W-2s, 1099s, etcetera. A second folder should keep all documents relating to deductions, such as student loan interest or charitable donations. The third file should have receipts that are not statements, like medical expenses. They might not seem important now, but they are usable in taxes to show where income went.

File taxes. After the heavy lifting of collecting documents and receipts needed is done, tax-payers have one of two options.

Option one is to hire a professional to complete the process. Because the hard work is done, their job is fairly easy. Option two is to use an online program to file taxes, like TurboTax. In a 2017 survey, 32 percent of Americans hire a professional, and 60 percent of Americans use a tax software, so the options are decently well-balanced.

If someone’s taxes are simple, online software might be the right direction, as they are straightforward and only need basic information. However, if they have a lot of deductions or own their own business, going the professional route may be better as they are more accustomed to complicated returns.

After taxes are done, it is time to relax and wait for that tax return check. By keeping an organized, functional system, taxes will be easier to file every year as long as people file their documents as soon as they get them.

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A scattered array of various items for tax season.

a&e 2018 Espial Edition Wins Scholastic Press Award

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thecurrent

Danielle Kim| A&E Editor thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

February 27, 2019

By: Connor O’Boyle Staff Writer Winning awards two years in a row, Green River’s Literary Art Journal (Espial) has shown the potential and creativity that a group of students are capable of.

Passion, teamwork, love, understanding, tears, selfdiscovery, strings, and beaver sticks… These are just some of the many things you may come across when taking part in the Green River Espial class in the spring of 2019.

In the spring of 2018, Espial was shrunk to a team of just 14 students total, specializing in both visual art and literary studies. Regardless, all students were determined to take on the same work load needed Green River Art Department

Espial team curating art and literature.

to produce another edition of the award winning journal.

Although small in number, all these students were all able to find their individual part in the creation and development of a book that synthesizes visual art, graphic design, fine arts, storytelling and poetry into one cohesive multiple award-winning piece.

“Espial means to make a discovery, kind of looking outside of oneself,” said Sarah Dillon Gilmartin, a teacher of visual arts and advisor for the journal.

The archaic term ‘espial’ fits the essence of our journal not only in the way it describes the selfdiscovery found in the creation of art, but also the journey one has to have gone through to get the inspiration in the first place.

The theme of the journal is chosen each year through a group discussion of how each student defines the term espial themselves.

For this year, they chose the theme of self-discovery and identity.

Within this discovery comes the unveiling of many social issues occurring in the present day, many of which are expressed in the journal through its very personal poetry and other-worldly art style.

The book is organized by chapters, each of which represents a stage of self-discovery: the first Dissonance, the second Transformation and the last Acceptance. This makes the book read as if you were going through the stages of self-discovery, as each

word and image helps you learn more about yourself through the work and experience of others.

For example, ‘Dissonance’ is opened by the fitting piece What I Heard by Mary Beth Taylor, a poem about the increasing and heartbreaking issue of school shootings, while I Want My Six Years Back by Maya Lionne, a narrative poem about the journey of becoming a trans-woman, sits fittingly right before the next chapter ‘Transformation’.

It is subtle choices like these made after long hours of passionate work that makes Green River’s 2018 journal worthy of both the Print Rocks and first-place American Scholastic Press award.

However, it took the diligence and collaboration of each student on the team to make this issue award-winning.

“I definitely recommend leaving your ego at the door,” said Brandon Howard, 22, an aspiring artist and student on the 2018 Espial team. Howard encourages future participants to express all the ideas they can for their group, but to also leave their ego out of the equation.

Even if an idea they are passionate about gets shot down, it only wastes time and thus drags their team down with them.

For those who wish to challenge their artistic ability in a group setting or maybe feel lost as to what their own talents may be and simply want to find themselves, then the 2019 Espial Workshop

Sarah Dillon Gilmartin | Green River College

Espial team members participating in an activity that encourages collaboration. (the classes Art 150 or Eng 239) may be for you, as it is far more than a simple art class.

“It was really interesting to see the realization among the entire group that there were some shared fears there.” said Gilmartin, upon reflecting an Espial group exercise called ‘Therapy Day’ in which a Beaver Stick is passed around and the one holding it shares their name, their dreams, their concerns, and how they think they will contribute to the team.

From this experience you may find an undiscovered passion, you may find the confidence to create and contribute your own input to a group, you may even find out what

it is you have always wanted to do with your life.

If joining Espial is not for you, you can still contribute and share your artistic talent through it.

Submissions for the journal are due March 17th, and you can submit your visual art or poems with your submission form via email to espial@greenriver.edu, or bring your work with a printed and filled out form to Shalish Hall Room 237.

Espial is like no other class you will ever take. It will challenge you, support you, inspire you, and most important of all, let you hold a beaver stick. Join the 2019 Espial classes this spring quarter or submit your work today.

SEAxSEA Film Festival Features Issues of Ethnic Underrepresentation By: Jadenne Cabahug Staff Writer SEATTLE, Wash. – Attendance at the second annual SEAxSEA Film Festival rose by 50 percent as people from throughout the metro area watch films made by Southeast Asians.

SEAxSEA, Southeast Asia

by Southeast Asians, made its first debut at the University of Washington in 2018 but the number of people attending grew from 100 to 150 people this year, said Adrian Alarilla – the program curator, and programming manager for other events such as the Seattle Asian American film festival.

The audience included students and faculty from UW, as well as others who heard about the event through social media.

“One of the main purposes is to show more Southeast Asian representation,” said Alarilla. “It’s such an important region, it’s so diverse, so historically important, but it’s overshadowed by other regions in Asia for example, or the rest of the world.”

Southeast Asia Center | University of Washington

The SEAxSEA Film Festival banner, obtained from the event’s official website.

After finishing the film program, a discussion followed where attendees discussed the films that they found interesting or shocking.

This year, the films were chosen on the basis of quality of production, relevancy and how enriching the films would be to the learning of the audience. According to the official website, the following films won respective categories.

Kun ‘Di Man (If Not) by Phyllis

Grande (Philippines, 2017) won Best Narrative. The film follows a duo of two blind street musicians who realize their love for one another after they perform their work separately.

Pesan Dari Buritan (Message from the Stern Deck) by Andi Imam Prakasa (Indonesia) won Best Documentary and Audience favorite on the first day of the SEAxSEA film festival event.

The documentary is about the indigenous maritime culture of Eastern Indonesia.

Chantadeth (Seattle, 2015) is a documentary by Chantadeth Lucky Chanthalangsy that won the Audience Favorite award on the second day of the festival.

Chantalangsy explores being Cambodian-Laotian and coming to terms with his identity. The young director produced this film for Southeast Asian youth that experience problems with their cultural identity.

Chantalangsy applauded SEAxSEA for their mission.

“I think in media portrayal, a lot of people think of Asian cinematography from Korean or Chinese film makers and often forget about Southeast Asian film makers,” he said.

Choi Run, an Indonesian graduate student for Southeast Asian studies, says the film, Chantadeth, resonated through her because it was a film centered on questioning cultural identity.

Run said she attended the event because she wanted to support

Southeast Asian film makers.

“I wanted to know what other Southeast Asian countries looked like through the films,” she said.

Run emphasized that the festival was important. She thought it was not only important to showcase Southeast Asian work, but to highlight societal issues pertinent to under-represented regions.

“Some of the films show problems in Southeast Asian countries that people in the US don’t know,”

- Choi Run

“Some of the films show problems in Southeast Asian countries that people in the United States don’t know,” she said.

Run hopes that next year there will be submissions from other Southeast Asian countries and more people to attend the next film festival in Seattle.

a&e Artist Jasmine Gonzalez Charmed By Diverse Mediums Danielle Kim | A&E Editor thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Jasmine Gonzalez | The Artist

By: Olivia Reed Staff Writer Featured Artist Jasmine Gonzalez is a 20 year old student at Green River College who explores the depths of still life and animation.

Although she does not currently have a specific major, GonzalezAlmanza finished her general AA degree and is thinking of becoming an animator or illustrator.

Doing this would be a perfect job for her, because of her aptitude for being able to associate images and pictures to stories and music she reads and listens to. The majority of the sketchbooks she has consisted of concept ideas and character designs since they were inspired by the things she reads and hears.

Her original plan was to be a physical therapist assistant but after doing some job shadowing and some prerequisites she realized it was not for her. So she decided to do what she has always loved and got into art again. University is still on the table. But for now, she is planning on taking a break after this winter quarter to decide if she

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would like to continue with art as a career or pursue something else.

When drawing, her favorite mediums to use is charcoal and pencil. Accuracy in her art is very important to her, which is why she enjoys still life. Aside from drawing technically from observation, cartoon art and character designs are things she likes to do as well.

Gonzalez really enjoys art that is expressive or has movement with some type of meaning behind it, such as abstract art, portrait art, religious, or Renaissance art.

She recalls being about five when her mother would put on Bob Ross for her to watch to keep her out of trouble. While keeping her distracting with the instructional video by Bob Ross let her mother do tasks in peace, Gonzalez became exposed to the world of painting..

This TV show would demonstrate how to create art while keeping her busy and entertaining her. While the catalyst of her art career may have come much later in life, these videos and TV episodes helped her learn about art at a young age.

Gonzales has also has taken many art classes in her life. Since middle school, she has learned how to use markers, make cutouts, small projects with paper and learned to draw from real objects. When she enrolled at the college, she continued her creative education by taking some of the art classes offered by Green River.

While Art 105 was the class that introduced her to using charcoal and still life, her favorite art class is Art 106 at Green River College.

This class was an intermediate course where they used pastels and color, two mediums in which she normally do not use.

Gonzalez’s potential aspirations to become an animator began when she first watched Studio Ghibli’s most popular films, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away.

“I knew I had to be a part of the animation industry, it’s always been my childhood dream,” Gonzalez

said, recalling her impressions of the works of Japanese producer Hayao Miyazaki and his company.

As a result, her artist inspirations in animation are Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki.

However, the person she admires the most is Yoshitaka Amano, who is known for illustrations in wellknown video games.

Although this artist had not gone to high school, his success in working for a video company that produced two famous games, Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, was impressive to her. What was interesting about him to Gonzalez was that he was discovered by those who were impressed by his art that he had left at a college.

After his recognition, he went onto collaborating interdisciplinary fashion and charity work with his art, in addition to his career in animation and video game design.

Like Gonzalez, Amano was not planning on going into the art industry right away but ended up doing so. Gonzalez grew up in an environment that was very traditional and conservative, where art was not much appreciated.

Nonetheless, art has always been her outlet to express herself and create things. She encourages others to get into art and to experiment and do something new.

“People say they’re not good at art but art can take many different shapes and forms. I think they should start with a beginning class because it will be step by step and the teachers will be really patient and know what they are doing,” said Gonzalez. “Taking time to practice and work on your skills every day is a big part of becoming a better artist. The first few hours of working are not going to define your capability as an artist,” Gonzalez emphasizes that expecting to be good at something and mastering it right away is an unrealistic expectation. In fact, diligence and persistence is what makes you a better artist.

Jasmine Gonzalez | The Artist

Jasmine Gonzalez | The Artist

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

Not guaranteed to be published.

Must be sent to the thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.edu We encourage students to submit whatever they wish and to use one of the A&E pages as a creative space.

Deadline: March 7

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Danielle Kim| A&E Editor thecurrent.ae@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

The History of Hip Hop: The Story Behind Popular Genre By: Humza Sindhu Staff Writer The music genre of hip-hop has become the most popular out of all music genres for the first time in U.S. history, says Vibe magazine.

Hip-hop music was first introduced in the late 1970s. Back then, it was not as popular as it is today.

This genre was created in the slums of New York City by African Americans and Latinos.

Many of the hip-hop artists were criminals and had dead-end jobs, then started working as DJs in different nightclubs where they learned their skills for using turntables and DJ mixers.

Back in the year of 1983, hiphop legend Russell Simmons, also known as Run DMC, co-founded Def Jam in 1983 with Rick Rubin.

Russel sold his share of the company for $120 million to Universal Music Group in 1996.

One of the most popular groups that also made history in hip-hop is The Beastie Boys. In 1981, whose career also formed in New York City. The Beastie Boys was a group of three men: Michael Diamond focused on the vocals and drums, Adam “MCA” Yauch worked on bass, and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz rocked the guitar.

The trio has sold 26 million records in the United States and 50 million records worldwide, making them the biggest-selling rap group since Billboard began recording

sales in 1991. With seven platinum-selling albums from the years 1986 to 2004, The Beastie Boys were one of the longest surviving hiphop acts worldwide.

In 2012, they became the third rap group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Another grand star that made quality hip-hop music in 1984 and is still present is LL Cool J, signed

by Def Jam Records. LL Cool J mastered the skills of vocals and turntables, making his musical legacy unique and impressive to the feat of genre. LL Cool J stands for Ladies Love Cool James.

His full name is James Todd Smith. He is a recording artist, record producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur from Hollis Queens.

He has released 13 studio albums and has won two Grammy Awards.

His major hit album released in 2000, called Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts and later went platinum.

Public Enemy is another major hip-hop group that started in the late ‘80s and became one of the most influential and controversial rap groups of that time. Public Enemy pioneered a variation of hardcore rap that was musically and politically revolutionary.

The leader of the group, named Chuck D, centered his music around about social problems, the black community, social activism, and political reform.

Public Enemy has made debut

albums named “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” which was released by Def Jam Records in 1987.

However, this rap group’s profile steadily rose to fame and their lyrics opened themselves up to controversy. In 1989, Spike Lee featured Public Enemy’s single “Fight the Power” on the soundtrack to Spike’s film “Do the Right Thing”.

Another song produced by the group, “Give it up”, hit billboard charts in 1994. By the year 1991, the song peaked at #33 on the charts, and “Can’t Truss It” was at #50.

One of the most influential hiphop artists known worldwide with high-quality music is Jay-Z. From the projects to the throne,

Jay-Z is a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur who has defined hiphop in an outstanding way. Jay-Z is from Brooklyn, New York and began his hip-hop career in 1986 and is still present making new music.

He became one of the most successful emcees of his generation, simultaneously creating an empire that made him one of the richest artists of the era.

Jay-Z has dominated the Billboard charts with four top songs called “Umbrella” with Rihanna, “Empire State of Mind”, “Crazy in Love” with his wife Beyoncé, and “Heartbreaker” with Mariah Carey.

Jay-Z’s wife, Beyoncé, is also a major influence in hip-hop and the music

industry, with her lyrics empowering women. Together, they are reported to be currently the wealthiest couple of 2019.

Jay-Z is worth $930 million and his wife Beyoncé is worth $355 million which shows how many people nowadays choose to listen to hip-hop than any other genre. Aside from hip-hop, Jay-Z owns part of the Brooklyn Nets basketball team, Roca wear Clothing, and has many more business endeavors.

With the genre filled with rich history and long living legacies, hip-hop is becoming one of the most fiercely popular music genre throughout the world.

Green River College

Jazz Voices’ Performances Deliver Musical Splendor to Campus By: Tana Benabid Staff Writer The Green River Jazz Voices is an elite group of dedicated, talented students who spend three quarters of the year performing at multiple events and maintain a busy performance schedule.

The choir is an elite, audition-only vocal group made of 12 singers directed by instructor Kelly Eisenhour, who worked on a Grammy award-winning album in 2006, and has three solo jazz albums out now.

The class is a three-quarter commitment, meaning students remain in the class through Fall, Winter,

Jazz Voices | Green River College

Students participating in Green River College’s Jazz Voices gathered together.

and Spring quarters. Throughout the year, the choir follows a busy schedule, performing at a number of gigs, concerts and jazz clubs.

“We stay pretty busy throughout the year,” said Keishawna Smith, an alto in Jazz Voices. “Some events are local, like our concerts here on campus, and other events require us to travel to different cities, like Edmonds and Ellensburg to Central Washington University.”

Some events on the group’s schedule include Christmas caroling during fall quarter and a solo night during winter quarter that features each singer singing a solo.

The jazz festivals at Edmonds Community College and Central Washington University, and concerts that also take place in the Performing Arts Center on the main campus of Green River College.

“I like being able to sing as a soloist and as a group,” said Sage Eisenhour, a soprano in the group and the daughter of director

Eisenhour. “Hearing the individual voices is interesting compared to how we sound all together.”

Each quarter sets a different agenda for the choir. For example, during the fall, the choir learns a repertoire of Christmas classics to perform at multiple locations, including Pike Place Market and Wesley Homes in Auburn.

At the end of each quarter, the Jazz Voices and the non-audition Concert Choir put on a concert for students to attend. The winter quarter concert will be held March 13 in the Performing Arts Center.

The cost is $8 for students and $9 for the public.

While winter quarter is primarily a month of preparation and practicing new music, spring quarter is when the group starts to get busy.

Not only does the choir travel to Central Washington to perform with other college choirs, it also spends time singing at different high schools to recruit new singers

for the following year.

Another part of the schedule is auditioning students for the following year during spring quarter. According to the Green River website, “Auditions are from Spring Quarter in May and continue through mid-summer for the following school year choir.”

“The group is great whether we’re in our own choir room or on stage in a different city,” Smith said.

Not only do they learn completely different sets of music every quarter, but they perform each set while having fun with one another’s company. Students are able to enjoy various performance opportunities through participation. The group follows a chaotic schedule, despite their liberty to express themselves through musical means.

Nevertheless, students involved in the Jazz Voices choir have lots of fun with one another while traveling, singing, and sharing their music with others.

opinion How to Deal With the Effects of Anxiety in Daily Life

William Baliton | Opinion Editor TheCurrent.Opinion@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

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important to talk to your doctor about what the side effects are.

Cause sometimes we do minimize There are a number of different signs of anxiety as something else.”

Those who have anxiety might factors that can impact an feel isolated from other people individual’s mental health, and won’t talk about their issues or some of which can lead to the get the help that they need. This formation of anxiety.

“With all mental health disorders, can cause the problem to further develop and produce greater issues it’s an unseen thing,” said Lana to occur with the person.

Simmons, a counselor at Green If anxiety is left untreated then River. “People with anxiety, unless the condition can take over a they feel like they have a good person’s life and make it difficult for support system, often don’t talk them to function. about it.” The The condition biggest factor is can cause other stress. Stressing disorders such about a large “A lot of people as depression, variety of things Obsessive can develop the minimize what’s Compulsive disorder, such happening to them” Disorder and as finances, - Lana Simmons eating disorders, relationships which can in turn and conflicts and hurt the person things of a similar even more. nature. “A lot of This disorder can really destroy people minimize what’s happening someone’s life. If they are to them. We just think ‘Everybody unable to handle school or job has stress, so I should be able to responsibilities, then it could deal with it,’” said Simmons. hurt their ability to find work There are other factors that in the future. When a person contribute just as much to anxiety. cannot concentrate, daily tasks Medical conditions, drug use, become much harder to complete. past traumas and even side effects Anxiety may also make it difficult from medication can cause anxiety for a person to establish new to form. “Every medication has relationships and maintain the the potential to impact people ones they already have. differently,” said Simmons. “If Unfortunately, people who you’re on a medication, it’s really

By: Dakota Farnsworth Staff Writer

Elsa Finkbeiner | TheCurrent

do not have the disorder or are not specifically trained in the subject do not often take it as seriously as they should. People with anxiety are often told that they are just worrying and need to calm down, but the issue is much more than excessive worrying.

People with anxiety are often judged as indecisive, unorganized, careless and forgetful because of their symptoms. These labels can contribute to the anxiety and keep a cycle of symptoms and labels going until the problem is confronted. However, since anxiety makes it harder to communicate about problems, the cycle might not break for a long time.

“It’s a lot of suffering in silence because in many ways our society is not yet open to talking about a lot of these things,” said Simmons.

The suffering does not end just by telling someone to stop worrying. It ends when they can get the proper treatment that they need.

“The representation of anxiety has gotten better in the past years but there’s still a stigma where people expect it to be brushed off,” said Jenessa White. The representation needs to be able to show all the concerning aspects of the condition so that people are better aware and can properly help those in need instead of brushing them off and making them feel worse than they did before.

Birdbox Movie Warrants Mixed Feelings suicides which occur when Malorie is inside the house and the instance when Malorie travels down to the Why has there been a lot of river wearing a blindfold. buzz going around about the The film puts its characters in 2019 movie, Bird Box? several difficult situations where The film Bird Box, directed by they must make a choice between Susanne Bier revolves around showing mercy and seeking invisible creatures that force self-preservation. The merciful people around the world to choices always lead to awful results. commit suicide whenever the However, the movie highlighted victims look at them. that merciful choices are not always The main character in the the most practical or safe even film is Malorie, though it points out an artist. She that these choices becomes a single “The movie highlighted could still be the mother in denial morally right. that merciful choices of taking on the The film suggests always lead to awful responsibility that people may results.” of motherhood. not survive in a - Chi Pang Malorie’s sister terrible world, but witnesses the the opportunity start of mass suicide in their to live a meaningful life is not and area on her way from a doctors impossibility. Malorie learns this appointment. This occurs after lesson in the end. some horrific death scenes.

As the two storylines converge, Malorie is then grabbed and pulled the viewer is left with many into a nearby house following the unanswered questions such as the death of her sister brought about origin of the creatures or why they by her exposure to the invisible lead people to committing suicide. creatures. Most of the scenes in the These are questions that viewers movie take place in two separate would expect to be addressed at temporal locations spread five the close of the film. In a similar years apart. These are the stories manner, the ending of the film was of both the beginning of mass a happenstance as there was no

By: Chi Pang Staff Writer

genuine reason for the film to end at the point where it did.

The way which the story is told makes the film difficult to understand. The five-year time jumps between the two narratives were too sudden. In addition, most of the shock value in the film is found in the beginning of the film, leaving the rest of it feeling a little boring. The most violent death scenes in the movie were in the first few minutes. Seeing such scenes later in the film did not generate the desired effect of shock and horror in the viewers. This is ironic considering it is a horror movie and should elicit some sense of danger that viewers feel for the characters.

Overall, the actors perform exceptionally. However, it is hard for the audience to care about the people inside the house because all their actions are in vain. Whatever they try to do does not help their situation. This is revealed when the movie flashes forward five years, where at that moment, it is evident the world does not change.

The challenges of the characters must be formidable enough to make them interesting. Once the audience is presented with a depiction hopeless situation, they feel hopeless and check out.

Pixabay & Dee Senaga | TheCurrent

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William Baliton | Opinion Editor TheCurrent.Opinion@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Neurological Diseases in Deer Give Rise for Concern

Editorial

There have been reports of a new pathogen that targets the central nervous system of deer rendering them into vessels for the pathogen.

As of late, there has been talk of this pathogen that has been shown to have the ability to hijack the central nervous system of deer through contact with bodily fluids and or the brain. The results of infection imbue the afflicted deer with what many would recognize as zombie-like traits. This disease has been recorded to have only affected Deer, Moose, Elk, and Reindeer according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Declared a prion (a brain borne disease) by the CDC, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is the formal term used by researchers.

Symptoms of infection occur as late as a year out from initial exposure and they include weight loss, inability to walk properly, and neurological issues. There have yet to be reports of any human cases regarding CWD, but according to the CDC, there is a possibility that the prion could be passed on to non-human primates

through the consumption of meat derived from infected deer.

CWD as it stands at the moment has not been classified as an outbreak by World Health Organization standards and the disease, according to CWD-Info.org, a website providing information regarding prion has reported that there appears to be a natural resistance to the infection expressed by livestock.

On a wider, societal scale, there appears to be no cause for alarm or panic. Reasons for CWD coming to the public eye, however, have been brought into discussion and there are several prevailing beliefs on the matter. The popularity of CWD as a catalyst for some form of zombie apocalypse has reached its position in today’s conversations because of the large zombie subculture that permeates today’s entertainment industry. Films internationally and in the U.S. have pushed the idea of a zombie apocalypse into the mainstream forms of entertainment through the use of movies like World War Z and Train to Busan as well as shows like The Walking Dead. There appears to be a romanticized view on the idea of a zombie apocalypse which

has riled up many of those individuals who have grown fond of the genre despite there being an absence of a viable threat from CWD. The transmission of CWD is only possible through exposure of bodily fluids and or infected brains.

The only reason why other diseases like the bird flu and the swine flu were considered to be a threat was because there was a higher level of exposure to possibly infected animals because they are common livestock animals. That sort of interaction at that level is not shared between humans and deer with the exception of hunters.

The fear of CWD and its potential destruction, however, is not totally unwarranted. Long before CWD found its way into the spotlight, there have been other pathogens that have carried out similar tasks. Ophiocordyceps, a fungus capable of taking over the neural network of ants was capable of inflicting symptoms almost congruent to CWD. While there have not been any recorded cases of the fungus finding its way into a human host, the fear of having multiple pathogens capable of usurping the brains of sentient lifeforms is an understandable reason for concern.

Though the idea of infection spreading to human populations appears to be nothing more than the work of fiction, there’s a certain level of entertainment that comes with exploring these happenings through a creative lens. Thus, in the hyper-unlikely and probably impossible instance that these events were to become a concern on a societal scale, the need for basic hygiene is a must. While shows and movies would have individuals believe that weapons and cars would be a top priority in a zombie uprising, the need to maintain good hygiene is a must because there are other ways the apocalypse can take lives.

To conclude, the likelihood of CWD or other similar pathogens being able to pose a threat to greater society is nonexistent. Even should something of that sort pose a feasible threat to society, there are methods which can contain the infection through quarantine. CWD and diseases like it are not a viable threat to society, but it’s hard to deny that it serves another purpose as the center of our imaginations.

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

Christina Praggastis | Sports Editor thecurrent.sports@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

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The RAC Is A Free and Easy Way For Students To Stay Fit By: Satinder Rehal Staff Writer

The Recreation Athletic Center (RAC) is a versatile gym for all Green River students to exercise and take part in energy-releasing activities.

The RAC is a recreational gym on campus that opened in February 2016. This gym came to life at Green River with the help of student leaders and Green River College administrators, who helped lead the way with support from students who wanted their own recreational gym on campus. With the generated funding from the student population, the plan for having a rec gym became a reality.

Rob Pedicone, the recreation and athletic coordinator at Green River since 2017, stated that the RAC is a facility lead completely by students, as well as the majority of the RAC’s part-time employees. With the strong support of student funding, the gym is able to manage and replace equipment as necessities arise and to maintain operations.

The RAC facilities are free for all Green River students allowing them access to equipment such as weights, cardio machines, and group fitness classes such as yoga and dancing. Tournaments are held there for basketball, soccer, volleyball and more. “Faculty, staff, or any non-students are eligible to get a RAC membership for $50 a quarter or pay $5 for a daily pass,” said Pedicone.

Just this year, new ideas are being brought

up and to improve to the RAC. Pedicone said that so far a couple new pieces of equipment were added, like a punching bag in the studio, new volleyball and badminton nets, new group fitness classes and an increase of equipment selection for check-out use.

Personal training will be available to students this spring quarter, but Pedicone hopes to see even more personal training opportunities added in the future. Pedicone said that the RAC is, “Always looking at upgrading and maintaining equipment, operational proficiency inputs and maintaining a strong and positive culture for the RAC.” Haley Landi, a Running Start student from Tahoma High School, says that the RAC is convenient. She says she feels safe while working out there and likes going because it’s free for students. The gym has a TV, and the equipment is constantly being cleaned for healthy hygiene. She likes that the gym has everything she needs, such as machines like the elliptical, treadmill and a stationary bike; she also really likes that you have a nice view outside while working out.

What Landi likes most about the RAC is, “You don’t feel self-conscious about your workout routine, everyone else is just doing their own thing.” She added that she wishes more people came to check out the RAC. When asked what he would suggest for a student wanting to visit and try out the RAC, Pedicone said, “Depends on what a student wants to achieve or what their interests are.”

The RAC has various types of machines and free weights for any level of weightlifting or fitness. If a student wants a more in structured workouts, “I would recommend trying our group fitness classes,” said Pedicone.

The RAC offers several types of dance and other workout classes, such as hip hop and kickboxing. For students interested in sports, open recreation time is offered for sports like badminton, table tennis, soccer, volleyball, and basketball throughout the week. With so many options, anyone who wants to work out

in the recreational gym can join any of the activities, and use any of the equiptment.

Pedicone really encourages students to check out the many options where anyone can go and try stuff out, and because, “Exercise and wellness are very important components to a healthy lifestyle, especially balancing the stresses of being a college student.” said Pedicone.

The RAC has a wonderful dynamic where students can go and meet new people and enjoy their favorite activities 12 hours a day.

Green River College

Students do weight training together in the RAC, spotting one another to ensure fitness safety.

Recreational Sports Are Easy And Popular For College Students By: Olivia Reed Staff Writer Green River offers a variety of recreational sports for students who wish to participate in physical activities with teams or individually.

The recreational sports family consists of soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, swimming and ultimate Frisbee.

The manager of the Recreational Sports Program, Jennifer Joy, also takes students on themed 5k runs and supervises the games.

Joy grew up playing Volleyball all through middle school and high school and played for her college; she enjoys going to games and getting to know the members of the teams.

To play, the teams are registered to play in recreational leagues around the community.

The teams play in places like Kent, Renton, Tukwila and soccer fields in Seattle. All of the students in the league will be part of the same team for the remainder of the quarter.

The game schedule for each sport change every quarter; this quarter, basketball plays Tuesday nights, volleyball plays Wednesday nights and soccer plays Thursday nights.

Each sport plays once a week except for swimming, which meets every other Tuesday night, and badminton and themed runs are onetime events each quarter with specific dates. Ultimate Frisbee and tennis are only held in warm weather like in spring quarter.

Students sign up for these sports with Joy at the beginning of the quarter. After all of the students sign up a team is formed. The team is then registered to play in the Rec leagues.

Students can find information from the rack on campus, such as on the information digital screens around campus, online

signups on the Recreational Sports website and through students who have played with the rack previously. Information can also be found at Joy’s office in the Student Union. Joy encourages students to contact her with any questions about playing or signing up.

Each sport has a fee except for swimming, tennis and ultimate Frisbee. The cost to play Badminton varies based on the cost of the tournament and how many events the player would like to participate in. The fees for basketball, volleyball, and soccer are more expensive the first time you join, but if you are a student who choses to come back the following quarter, the price goes down.

Soccer is $50 the first time you join and $20 after, Basketball is $30 and $20 second time around, and Volleyball is $20 then $15. The prices change because the first quarter you play you receive a jersey. The second time you play you don’t get another jersey, but the playing fees are still a required; this is why the cost of return is lower.

When asked what she wants students to be aware of about Recreational Sports, Joy said, “If they want to play Recreational Sports I am the person for them. A lot of students mistake me for a student that is in charge of a club program, but I’m not, I’m staff and my entire job is to help students play sports.”

She encourages students to email her if they are curious about any of the recreational sports so that she can help them become part of a team. Her entire position is devoted to making sure students can play the sports they like to play. Joining a recreational sport is a popular way for students to become part of a team. If you are interested in playing any of these sports contact Jennifer Joy at her email jjoy@greenriver.edu.

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12 February 27, 2019

sports

thecurrent

Christina Praggastis | Sports Editor thecurrent.sports@mail.greenriver.edu www.thegrcurrent.com

Lasting Benefits Of Taking PE 101 And Staying Active In The Gym By: Jen Kistner Staff Writer With immeasurable benefits of exercise, students in the college’s PE 101 course express their personal successes with a weekly exercise routine.

Since the new year started, getting into better shape is a common goal for lots of people.

Getting started can be quite daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By beginning winter quarter with a basic physical education class, people can start a fitness journey to having a healthier and more energetic life.

Dinara Muzaffarova is a freshman at Green River who is enrolled in the PE 101 class. With aspirations of being a dentist, she hopes to complete an associate degree in science to prepare her for when she transfers to the University of Washington dentistry program.

“I used to go to the gym a couple times a week and I did take a nutrition class where we learned about food,” Muzaffarova said. “I wanted to get back on track, because I took off such a long time from exercise.” There are numerous stories like this one, having a handful of knowledge.

Muzaffarova mentions that she wants to feel confident and healthy in her own body.

Since she started PE 101 class, she has been motivated to join a gym and get her family involved. Muzaffarova mentions that she and her mother-in-law walk after dinner, it makes for great conversation as well as getting great workout that will leave you satisfied.

Learning about fitness and nutrition will improve Muzaffarova’s knowledge while being able to exercise at least twice a week.

“I think nutrition is very important, you are what you eat, so you have to eat healthy to look healthy,” Muzaffarova said. “What’s the point of working out, if I’m just going to eat bad stuff?” The combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise maintains a balanced well-being, which leads to a healthy life.

After being in the class, Muzaffarova has noticed that she feels less stressed and more relaxed. Having a workout routine has given her a healthier mindset in terms of eating better, and she feels better.

Muzaffarova’s favorite part of the class is that, “She [the professor] challenges us because to do it on my own I would probably give up, but knowing that she is there and watching, I actually try to do it.” She enjoys being surrounded by peers as they encourage each other to complete the workout.

PE 101 focuses on cardiorespiratory fitness as well as nutrition while informing about risks factors for disease and weight management/control. This class offers twice a week aerobic training in the fitness center in addition to once a week classroom lecture.

Having the knowledge of a balance of movement and exertion is vital to becoming a healthier individual. Keeping up with a regular fitness regimen is beneficial to every aspect of the human body.

This class is always filled up every quarter with several on the wait list. People are attracted to this class because of all the things they learn and how they can implament workouts into their daily schedule, even after the class has ended.

Charles Wilson, a sophomore Green River, is taking PE 101 while finishing his AA degree this winter quarter. He has been

maintaining his fitness goals by going to the gym daily. “I currently spend about five to six hours in the gym per week, not including what time we spend in class,” Wilson said.

With a structured workout routine featuring HIIT (High-intensity interval training), and weights for strength training, he keeps his body moving and his muscles active while sweating off carbs.

Wilson finds fitness important because being a more active person can be an inspiring experience. Taking monthly before and after pictures of his body’s improvement is very important to him because seeing progress is more motivating than seeing numbers on a scale; it encourages him to keep going.

Looking back through the pictures he took over time, Wilson can see just how much he has changed physically.

Wilson finds pleasure in sharing moments with other workout driven individuals when they meet their goal. “What’s more inspiring than seeing the joy of someone succeed and be proud to have done it?” Wilson said.

He has noticed many physical changes regarding mobility and stamina. Being able to lift something heavy and not struggle, shows a great non-scale victory. He also has decreased his resting heart rate and eliminated heart palpitations that he has experienced.

Wilson enjoys encouraging friends to become healthier. “I have friends that have the desire to lose weight and be more fit, and I’m always trying to get them to go to the gym or go for a walk or to just be active,” Wilson said.

Both Wilson and Muzaffarova find PE 101 to be beneficial to their healthy lifestyle goals.

They know that physical fitness is attainable with hard work and determination that will provide everlasting benefits.

Margo Mead | The Current

Green River College

A student passes a medicine ball to another student while they use weight lifting techniques and exercises learned in PE 101, in the RAC.