thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college
March.8.2017
www.thegrcurrent.com
issue08 volume51
GRC SAFE HAVEN TO ALL? Page 2
currentcampus
currenta&e
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GRC Dance Program Comes Back To Life
Be Artful Fundraiser Event Held At GRC
A Non-STEM Student Presents Her Views As An Outsider
Learn more about the new dance instructorher plans for the dance department
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Find out more about the auction that was organized to fund art in schools
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Read about the opinions of a non STEM student about these majors
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Melanie Bell| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Fleites-Lear Proposes Sanctuary Campus Event Calendar By Colton Popp Staff Writer
The Board of Trustees convened on Thursday, Feb. 22 to discuss the possibility of declaring Green River College a sanctuary campus. Dr. Marisela Fleites-Lear, the Chair of the Instructional Diversity Committee, and faculty member, presented the case to make the college a sanctuary campus for students to the Board of Trustees. With the help of recommendations of the Washington State Attorney General, Fleites-Lear and her colleagues have been working on their petition to declare the college a sanctuary campus since last November. Fleites-Lear acknowledged that there is not a singular definition of sanctuary, as many campuses across the U.S. are defining it in different ways. “In our case, we are defining sanctuary as a way to commit the college to protect in every possible way, within the law, the students who are being threatened right now,” Fleites-Lear said. She feels it is important to declare sanctuary given the current environment in which students feel threatened because they are Muslim, part of the LGBTQ community, disabled or undocumented. With signatures of nearly one thousand people, Fleites-Lear stated at the meeting that not only does the college have a mandate to declare the campus a sanctuary, but
safe spaces for peaceful gatherings that protecting students is also the and counsel for students who feel humane thing to do. discriminated against. The petition urges the college Fleites-Lear believes that alloto not volunteer protected inforcating resources to do these things mation about students as part of gives the college the chance to “put the college privacy policy unless their money where their mouth collected by way of subpoena or is,” when it comes to protecting court order. students fully. This includes not releasing any According to her presentation in information about individuals of front of the board, 63 colleges have our community for the purpose of declared support for this petition any registry that targets them for and between 15 to 20 campuses any discriminatory reason. It also have already declared sanctuary. asks requests that the college does Interim President, Scott Morgan, not assist in enforcing federal imstated that the migration law. ideas outlined Furthermore, it in the petition asks the college align with the to commit to “We’re here for the best values of the work to ensure college.“I don’t DACA (an interests of our students and have a lot of immigration our community.” concerns about policy for the actions undocument- Scott Morgan, President called for in the ed individupetition,” said als) students Morgan. continue to be However, eligible for inMorgan is concerned about the use state tuition. of ‘sanctuary’ for two reasons. Included in the petition is the The first reason Morgan cited is request to make it known that all that the word sanctuary is being members of our community will be protected to the fullest power of the used as a political football. Morgan states that the college shouldn’t college administration. enter into political disputes. Most importantly, the petition For this concern, Fleites-Lear asks the college to allocate resuggested the alternate name of sources to connect students with “Social Justice Committed Camgroups outside the college, such as pus.” However, Fleites-Lear as well the Northwest Immigrant Rights as additional staff and students Project. This is to provide systemstressed that the board strongly atic diversity, equity and inclusion consider the word ‘sanctuary.’ training, and workshops. Another The second reason Morgan cited request was to create a number of
is the risk to federal money, as there have been some members of Congress who have threatened to cut federal funding to any colleges declaring sanctuary. Morgan recognizes that, while there is no clear and present danger to the college’s federal funding, there is still a risk involved. Fleites-Lear, aware of this concern, conducted her own research on the matter of federal funding and found that there are not provisions in federal grants that allow the government to withhold funding because a campus has declared themselves a sanctuary. In other words, in a legal battle, the federal government would lose their case of withholding funds on the basis of colleges declaring sanctuary. According to Morgan, it is possible the Board of Trustees could make a decision at their next meeting on March 16, but says that the Board of Trustees does not have to make a decision “I can’t tell you with any certainty that the Board of Trustees will make a decision,” Morgan said. “We’re here for the best interests of our students and our community,” Morgan said “We’ll do the best job we can with the power we have to help our students.” Fleites-Lear hopes that the Board of Trustees will make a strong word declaration to let everyone know that Green River College is a campus committed to inclusiveness and equality, and making sure everyone feels welcomed on campus in the current political climate.
Global Tea: Indonesia, Students Teach Tradition
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By Kirara Nagatsuka Staff Writer The international students from Indonesia gathered snacks and tea to represent their culture in an event called Global Tea: Indonesia, held in IVC 101. The Indonesian students wanted to inform others about their country and culture. On Feb. 28, Adrian Figo Praytino, 19 year old student from Bali, Indonesia did a presentation about Indonesian culture, food, and language during the event. “I want to give people a good image of Indonesia,” Praytino said. “Indonesia is not a major country, so people don’t have much information about the country.” The Global Tea event is held every quarter and each time a new country is selected. This event allows students and staff to experience the culture of a particular country with its cultures, most prominently, snacks and tea. The tea provided for Global Tea: Indonesia was called Bandreck. Bandreck is a tea specifically from Bandung regency of Indonesia. Traditional Indonesian snacks
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Kirara Nagatsuka| The Current
Lunch Byte: Personal Finance @ SC 239 Noon Free
PISU Volleyball Tournament @ Gym 2 p.m. $30/Free
Transfer Info Session @ SU 1 p.m. Free
Syrian Crisis FISH Talk @ SU Noon Free
A Streetcar Named Desire (Play) @ PA 2 p.m. Free
National Pie Day Celebration @ SU - CH Lobby Noon Free
Kirara Nagatsuka| The Current
Left: Adrian Praytino, 19, presenting on Indonesia. Right: Lemper, a traditional Indonesian food. were organized on a table with was the favorite among the Indonenames written on each plate. sian students. There were three types of snacks Aji Pratama Putra, 19, an Indoprovided. “The nesian student difficult part of who attended organizing for Global Tea was “Street food is our culture excited to eat this event was to gather snacks,” the food and by itself.” Praytino said. snacks from his - Aji Pratama Putra, student The food prohome country. “I vided was each absolutely love from a different almost all of the island, which foods and drinks made the organization of the event from Indonesia” Putra said. By ata struggle for them. Lemper, a rice tending the event he was reminded ball stuffed with shredded meat, of his personal connection with
the various traditional Indonesian foods. “We have around 50 different jaja pasar (snack market),” Putra said. “I always asked my mom to buy me lemper or arem-arem.” The food in Indonesia is sold by vendors on streets, and those are the foods that Indonesian people consider as traditional. “Street food is our culture by itself,” Putra said. “Coming here to the United States, the one thing that I came to realize, and miss the most beside family and friends are the diverse foods and drinks that Indonesia has,” Putra said.
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Study Day No Day Classes
Last Day of Winter Quarter
Melanie Bell | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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Outreach and Recruitment Numbers Rise To Thousands By Isabel Barni Staff Writer A room of single parents crowd around a table. Their kids are in class learning, and in a way these parents are, too. From the front of the line, it sounds like a woman has finished getting her questions answered. Heads reeling, that woman steps away from the tabletop and leaves. The others shuffle slightly forward. The next in line now stands closest to the counter, hands clasped together. This is their second chance, their opportunity to finally get the education they had always wanted. Only two things stood between them and their dreams: hard work and answers to their questions. The recruiter at the table smiles up at them. They have 15 minutes. “Sometimes, people come to you with their story,” Outreach and Recruitment Specialist Ariel Davis said. “I went to an elementary school where we dealt with mothers that were supported by the state. We dealt with mothers who
were looking for a second chance in recruiting process, which include life,” Davis said. specific communities such as veter“Just imagine; you’re a young ans, low-income populations, and woman. You devote your life to your single parents. family, but you still have this dream Kiana Fuega worked for Outof becoming this person you’ve reach and Recruitment programs always wanted to be...Well, how do in UW Bothell and UW Seattle for you get there?” several years Davis said. and is now The Outreach the director and Recruitment of a similar Program has program at been the answer Green River. to this question. “[I] would Davis, along with not be able to other workers make a rough involved with the estimate [on program, coorhow many dinate events at students are Isabel Barni | The Current several locations. recruited They help those Ariel Davis, Outreach specialist. through this who attend overcome obstacles program]. I can say we’re actively keeping them from enrolling in recruiting thousands of students. higher education. In this past year, we had about The people that they focus on 3,000 prospects between students range from all walks of life; from that we met at high school events, schools, libraries, community students that we hosted on campus, centers to public events. Non-conand events that we ran out of our ventional groups are one of the key outreach department,” Fuega said. components in the outreach and The multiple people working in
GRC Honors Program To Be Introduced By Cameron Kerner Staff Writer
Green River students can expect to see a new honors program in fall of 2018. According to Vice President of Instruction Dr. Rebecca Williamson, and Interim Dean of Business and Humanities Amanda Schaefer, the program is still in the process of being developed. However, the first trial will be for transfer students earning their AA, and will not include trade students. “The biggest things that we’re facing now is figuring out our framework,” said Williamson. “Like what exactly it will look like taking it from a conceptual idea to put it to practice, while having a robust quality program that is affordable.” Williamson says the program could include “slightly different content,” compared to normal classes that are available now. So far, there are three things that Williamson and Schaefer are thinking about implementing in the program. The first possible addition would be honors classes where the entire class is an honors section, and every student is enrolled in a separate honors class. Students in this scenario would either pass the class with an honor, or fail/not participate and not receive an honor. The second possible feature would be the addition of honors contracts. Students would outline an honors contract with their faculty member, which details the additional assignments that the student would need to complete to earn
an honor designation for the class. program is not a new one. Both This would also give a concise, oneWilliamson and Schaefer indicaton-one experience for both student ed that the idea has been on the and faculty member. back-burner for a few years due to The third potential addition other projects, but now that it is in would be some independent study motion, they have received nothing or project work, which would act but support and excitement from much like a doctorate or master’s the college staff. degree thesis paper, and would give Williamson has seen that other students a more hands-on expericommunity colleges have found ence in their field. that having the designation of an Williamson hopes to do all honor student helps our students this—or a hybrid of the three— be competitive with schools that while maintaining an affordability are hard to get into. American aspect to the program that students honors—offered at 2-year colleges can utilize. “Honors programs are across the country— is a program something where the that are recollege emerging at partners community with a colleges, private and we have business. a commit“I was tee, Amanda involved [Schaefer] is with that - Dr. Rebecca Williamson, Vice President of part of the proInstruction committee gram in that’s doing Spokane the work on where putting the I came proposal together, so there’s a lot from,” said Williamson. “The chalof consideration that has to go into lenge with that program is it costs it,” said Williamson. “We need to students substantially more money, figure out how to operationalize it, and so where really interested here if there is going to be an application at GRC in doing our own program process for required courses first to so that we can keep the cost in line get in,” Williamson said. for our students.” Early phases will definitely reflect Running Start students, Williamthe students honor position on son added, might have the most to their transcript, which they can use gain in an honors program. to transfer on to other colleges and Being a part of an honors prouniversity honors programs, and gram typically aides students when compete in to competitive schools. applying to a four year university The idea to include an honors and will reflect positively.
“We have a committee... that’s doing the work on putting the proposal together.”
the Outreach and Recruitment program all work towards convincing more potential students to enroll at the college. The staff includes Fuega and Davis, alongside Elly Mata, another outreach and recruitment specialist. There is currently one student ambassador in the program, though the outreach department is planning on staffing a second. “ [The program has] been trying to not just [complete] the standard work that an outreach office should do...but also look at...other under served, or vulnerable, or nontraditional prospective students that we need to develop some sort of a pipeline for [in order] to get them to Green River,” Fuega said. While they do put effort into the recruitment of unusual populations, “[The program should be] able to provide some sort of a pathway for folks- it might be a pathway they’re expected to walk, and it might be one that was full of obstacles,” Fuega said. Making these pathways easier for prospective students, whether they
be low income groups, veterans, single parents, or other communities in need, both rewards and inspires workers like Fuega and Davis to continue in their recruitment. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, successful recruiting programs focus not only on short-term goals, but on objectives for the future, as well as on strong relationships with the community. By connecting with the people from non traditional groups, the program has the ability to be more successful in recruiting new students. “I think that every outreach specialist here - and in our department in general -we have a passion to help people,” Davis said. “We also have a passion to get people to where they want to go in life.” By having enthusiasm and emotional connections to people within in the community, not only can potential students achieve their educational ambitions, but employees can enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping those students in need.
Natural Resources Dept. Garden Garden To Feature Alumni Artwork By Kira Cox Staff Writer Recently, the Student Affairs building has had trees removed to accommodate for a new addition to Green River’s main Auburn campus. The Natural Resources Department, lead by coordinator Mary Starr, plans to build a garden in that area. The garden is being built in three steps. The first step of this process is the removal of hidden dangers. This is the main reason for the tree removal in the area. However, only trees that were deemed to be haz ards were removed. Some of the trees were cut down half of the way, or laid down on their sides. This is to encourage wildlife to stay and to also help with the decomposition of the trees. The next step will help with the health and safety aspect of the garden. The removal of the trees then allows for more sunlight to come through helping the smaller and closer to the ground foliage get more natu-
ral light. This will work in tandem with the recent plan to improve campus lighting. Removing the trees will unveil any of the hidden streetlights in the area and will still allow a lot of natural light to shine down on the growing garden. The last step which they are currently working on is the pruning and rejuvenation of the garden. Each season will be celebrating some different aspect of the garden. This spring they hope the garden will celebrate the blooming of the leaves in a way that will show off the art of each leaf. Starr hopes that people will see the forming of the leaves as sort of origami like. She also stated that in the fall they hope to celebrate the many different colors of the changing leaves. This garden will also feature the artworks of Alex Kamola, an alumni who is letting Green River use his works as a way to give back for what Green River has done for Kamola’s work is a series of ceramic pieces and they will be featured in the upcoming garden. “If it wasn’t for this college, I would never have been able to do these ceramics and succeed!” Kamola said.
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Campus Crime Blotter Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from Feb. 03 to Feb. 17, among others. All information is from Campus Safety incident reports.
2/03 8:56 a.m. Holman Library Trespass
A safety officer patrolling Holman Library found a man under the influence in the first floor male restroom. The man was using a sink to wash himself. Later, despite being asked to leave the man was seen outside of the bathroom of Holman Library and was apparently so intoxicated he could hardly stand and was dancing around.
2/09 1 p.m. Parking Lot P2 Vandalism
A student reported that her car had been vandalized after parking in a newly freed space. The student reported that she noticed a black Toyota Camry enter the parking lot at the same time as her. She saw two students leaving their spot and decided to take it. The student noticed that the driver of the black Camry was not pleased with her choice of parking, but let for class. When the student returned to her car after class, the car had been scratched on the driver’s side door and a side mirror had been hit down, hanging only from its hinges. The suspect had left a note reading “That’s for takin my parkin ROFL cash me outside.”
2/15 8:12 a.m. Science Center Burglary
A faculty member reported that her office had been broken into. Upon further inspection, the faculty member noticed missing answer keys to an upcoming quiz. Initially, it was believed that a Microsoft Surface Pro was missing but was later found. When the missing keys and a retest were mentioned to students, it was reported that some had suspicious reactions. Six students claimed to be in the corridor of the Science Center at 5 a.m., studying. The Science Center does not open until 6:30 a.m. Three students have been put on academic probation.
2/16 Noon Technology Center Informational (Non-Criminal)
Safety received a call reporting that a pigs head was staked outside the technology center. The night prior, the Natural Resources department had a pig roast on campus and the head had been put in the dumpster. It was found by safety on the north end of the technology center.
2/16 4:30 p.m. Science Center Burglary
A faculty member reported her office had been broken into. Multiple rooms had been unlocked, but the faculty member stated that her office had been locked before leaving campus the previous day. When returning to campus, she noticed that her tax return document and strawberry Pop Tart were missing. The faculty member filed a report with the Auburn Police Department.
2/17 6:30 p.m. Campus Corner Apartments Assault
Safety received a noise complaint from a resident of the Campus Corner Apartments (CCA). Safety responded and met with the Resident Advisor of the CCA. A couple had gotten into a fight. What started at throwing clothes and garbage at one another had escalated into a physical altercation. One of the two students reported that her boyfriend had strangled and slapped her. She kicked him and scratched him. The boyfriend was arrested.
Melanie Bell| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
ASGRC Meeting Assesses Budgets By Jordan Usselman Staff Writer
ASGRC, the student government at Green River, held a meeting on March 2. The ASGRC is committed to helping students and the college’s needs. They work on focus on topics and interests that arise based on student complaints. The ASGRC take these complaints, on behalf of the students, to the College of Administration and Board of Trustees. “[It] bridges that gap between the students and the administration.” Harjot Singh, the ASGRC vice-president, said. The student government is all about representing Green River’s students and addressing their concern. The ASGRC addressed the bus transportation that is provided for the students. The buses at the college have multiple uses whether it is for shuttling students to and from Pacific Raceways (an alternative parking lot), safety rides, getting to other Green River campuses or for student events. The college buses have been used
for a long period of time. The two 39 passenger buses are over six years old. The three 25 passenger shuttle buses are over 11 years old. The maximum life for a bus is seven years; therefore, it was brought to the attention that the Green River buses need to be replaced. Derek Ronnfeldt, the director of campus safety, proposed an increase in facilities fee in order to replace buses. Currently per credit, there is a fee of $3.50 for all state-funded students. With the increased fee proposal, there are three options given for the student government to vote on. A .25 percent increase which would accumulate to $61,087, a .40 increase with $97,740, and a .55 increase with $134,392. Whatever option the student government votes on next week will increase the $3.50 fee. With the .55 percent increase, the three buses could be replaced by the end of the year. The old buses would be sold for approximately $10,000 each. Singh shared his thoughts on the proposal and the mindset that
comes into play when deciding an increase on fees. “We have to really look both sides of the issue,” said Singh. “On one hand we don’t want to have an increase in student fees because we don’t want them to have to pay more but on the other hand the buses do provide a lot of services to the students.” Another important topic brought up addressed at the meeting by the Finance Committee was the 522 budget. This is a budget for student activities and things like student salaries that comes from the student government’s money. ”The remaining money from the budget that the student government didn’t use, can be provided for the sophomore gift, items that students request such as vending machines,” Patricia Argie, the ASGRC president, said. A new 522 budget of $1.6 million was decided for the upcoming 20172018 school year. ASGRC meetings are held every Wednesday and Thursday from noon to one p.m. in the Emerald City Room, Mel Lindbloom Student Union.
Dance Program Revived By Tesse George By Jordan Usselman Staff Writer Green River College’s dance program is back with a strong instructor to lead it. Tesse George is the new dance instructor and is taking charge of the recently revived student dance program. It is George’s first quarter at the college, however, she has been teaching for 20 years. She has previously taught at private studios and specialized in the dance styles of ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz. George has been professionally training ever since the age of four. Growing up in Yakima, she learned the art of ballet. George got a full ride scholarship to Cornish College of the Arts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree there. Due to the past dance instructor retiring, George was asked to revive the dance program when the time was right. “We’re really excited to get the program up and running and then to evolve it into a much more substantial program,” George said. George plans to help the dance program grow and allow it to continue in the future. George teaches a Monday ballet technique class and Wednesday alternative technique class at the college. Alternative technique teaches the jazz, contemporary, musical theater and Broadway styles of dance as well as partnering, choreography and improv. “My favorite dance style to teach is ballet,” said George, “I love that art form. It’s beautiful; it takes discipline, but still has so much artistry in it.”
Jordan Usselman| The Current
Tesse George and students enrolled in the newly revived dance program. Despite her love for ballet, her favorite style to dance is contemporary. “It’s open and free and you can express yourself through movements,” George said. Being a part of the dance program and classes offered on Campus can be beneficial to the students that sign up. For instance, with this you maintain a routine of physical activity, which can help with endurance and flexibility. It also benefits the mind as it allows students to express themselves confidently and accomplish things they didn’t realize they were capable of. Dancing helps with memorization and mental endurance when repeating a routine. Many students look forward to this class and the future of the dance program. Nikki Bleakmore, 18, was excited to hear that dance classes were going to be offered. Dancing since age three, Bleakmore was excited to take the opportunity of dance classes being offered. “Now that I saw they were offering it [dance classes], I jumped on the opportunity and I was thinking that I have to take this right now,” said Bleakmore.
Not only did the opportunity spark Bleakmore’s interest but also the environment in which she would be learning to dance. “I thought it would be interesting to take dance in a college setting rather than a dance studio setting,” Bleakmore said. Overall, the dance program is very beneficial and the new instructor makes the class fun and exciting to learn. “I love that she’s really open about making mistakes and that it’s okay to make mistakes to learn,” Bleakmore said. The dance classes are open to all students, whether they have danced their whole life or never at all. Many people with many different backgrounds and levels of experience may join. George hopes for a successful future for the dance program and that she can help develop the foundation for that. George also hopes that her students gain a substantial amount of experience from the classes she offers. “I really hope that they first and foremost have fun. Dance is meant for you to enjoy yourself and learn things about yourself,” said George.
Melanie Bell| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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ODEI Presents Leadership Workshop “I Am Empowered” By Kirara Nagatsuka Staff Writer
faculty to understand themselves. The attendees participated in an activity known as “Rock vs. Plant.” This activity to Students and faculty participated in a help staff and faculty overcome what the leadership workshop that was presented person cannot change themselves. by The Office of Diversity, Equity, and With the workshop came discussion. The Inclusion, as well as the Green River discussion was mainly on how the college Diversity Equity Council. I Am Empowerment is an organization that could do a campaign about “loving our differences.” The students and the faculty memhas been established for around five years. bers discussed about why, how and what they This organization came to Green River Colcould do during this campaign. lege community, on March 1, and encouraged The second half was students and staff to about making a video stand up with the prompt of for themselves. “The purpose of this “#WhyMe?” “Telling Michael Taing, 18, who organization is to empower your personal story is works as the LGBTQ students to discover and powerful,” Juarez said. commissioner, attended believe in their potential, But you cannot tell the this workshop. “The Distory so many times.” versity Council hosts an passion and purpose.” Juarez said. event every Wednesday - Jair Juarez, Four students starred for students and faculty Kirara Nagatsuka | The Current co-founder of I Am Empowerment in the video and it would members.” Taing said. be edited by Carrion Co-founders of the orand Juarez. ganization, Rocio CarriAlina Sabirova, 18, an international student on and Jair Juarez, lead a presentation about from Kazakhstan, emphasized that she came how to be “empowered” in life. “The purpose to the event to learn about leadership and of this organization is to empower students how she could use the ideas she get in the to discover and believe in their potential, workshop into her life. The advertisement passion and purpose,” Juarez said. in Holman Library caught her attention and The workshop had three parts; the “3Ps” enticed her to the event. discussion about transformational leaderThe organization holds workshops and ship, participating in an activity to help overovernight retreats all over the United States. come obstacles, and working with students to create a video with the hashtag “Why Me?” The topics of these workshops vary every Kirara Nagatsuka | The Current Kirara Nagatsuka | The Current time, but the purpose is to discuss and share The 3Ps that the organization focuses on Upper left: The board during the “Love Our Differences” discussion. Bottom Left: Students during the ideas about the topics people are interested are potential, passion, and purpose. The purworkshop. Bottom Right:The “I Am Empowerment” presentation. or bring up. pose was to make it easier for students and
GRC Criminal Justice Program:
Successfully prepares students for field work By Bryan Daumit Staff Writer
One of Green River College’s most successful programs is criminal justice. The program readily prepares those interested in joining the field of criminal justice and informs those curious of how the criminal justice system works. The college has taken it upon themselves to bring in experts, such as Washington State Trooper Chris Clark, who has been in the field for over 20 years. Clark teaches Criminal Justice Professions (CJ 120) and uses his personal experiences in his curriculum. In addition to his own knowledge of the criminal justice world, Clark brings in guest speakers from jobs all over the field. Guests range from a correctional officer to a fish and wildlife officer. In the past, Clark has even brought in a few paralegals and mediators to call attention to the less obvious career opportunities available in the field. “The job market is wide open right now,” Clark said, referring to the many communications and dispatch officers that State Patrol is currently looking to hire. “Taking these classes makes a world of difference.” Clark made it quite clear that anyone remotely interested in a job in the CJ field would do themselves a great disservice by not investigating at least some of the classes offered by Green River. “We are looking for people who genuinely care, people who want to make a positive difference in their communities,” Clark said. Clark is not the only instructor with actual experience in the criminal justice field. Jane
Swenson was an attorney and teaches many of the law oriented classes, and Ron Riley is a retired police officer who brings in just as much real world experience into his classes as Clark. “I’ve had a really positive experience with Green River’s CJ program,” said student Nick Mason, 20. Mason is majoring in criminal justice and is just over half way through getting his degree. He plans to apply as a state troopers after having taken Clark’s CJ 120 class last quarter. “The people in the CJ classes are more friendly and I’ve found a comradery there that I didn’t expect going into community college classes,” Mason said. Mason is only one of many students that have benefited from the CJ program. One of Clark’s students graduated from a police academy last month. Another student, Colby Doering, 26, completed her CJ degree at the college and has now been a corrections officer at the SCORE jail for several years. GRC’s classes prepare students for a career and provide an opportunity to make a positive change in the community through the field of criminal justice. Criminal Justice classes are not just for those who seek a job in the field. Many of the classes, particularly CJ 200 (individual rights) and CJ& 110 (criminal law), offer students a way to better their knowledge by learning their rights and what they can and cannot do. These classes offer valuable insight into how the American legal system works and how students can interact with it, as well as how it protects them.
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M. Kienan Briscoe | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Top Left: Root 5 Take the stage playing a set of orignal and cover songs. Top Middle: Miranda Ward leads a workshop in painting with red win. Top Right: ICA Program Coordinator Monica Tolas gives a speech. Bottom Left: Attendees peruse art pieces up for silent auction. Bottom Right: Attendees learn how to paint with coffee during a seminar hosted by Wen Qian. All Photos by Mariya Mubeen of The Current.
Interurban Center for the Arts Continues to Help Children ‘Be Artful’ By: M. Kienan Briscoe A&E Editor The Green River Student Union turned into a banquet hall while it welcomed back the Interurban Center for the Arts (ICA) to its fourth annual fundraising event, Be Artful. The ICA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing local elementary school aged children with arts education. The ICA has been an outreach program funded and supported by the Green River College foundation for the past 32 years. The ICA believes that all children should have the opportunity to perceive and imagine art. In their efforts as an organization, their mission is to level the playing field by providing excellence in education. Formally called Painting With The Stars, Be Artful is a charity event, giving all proceeds to the ICA and their cause, which took place Thursday, March 2. With all of the look and feel of a dress and black tie banquet without the requirement, it was complete with gourmet food, live music, workshops, silent auction and an open bar for attendants of drinking age. The food was provided by executive chefs Tami Sechler and Stacie Bemaline with a menu including shrimp and grits, crab cakes, meatballs, phyllo cups with bacon bourbon apricot jam and chicken and waffle bites.
The culinary duo have been working together for the past four years, catering every Painting With The Stars/Be Artful event at the Green River Campus. Root 5 provided the music, who consider their sound as “sometimes [we’re] mellow, sometimes [we’re] rockin, sometimes [we’re] moody and sometimes [we’re] country.” With a five piece ensemble of acoustic guitar and vocals, lead electric guitar, stand up bass, violin, and drums they covered a wide range of material from originals to covers of Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. The bar, bartended by Brittany Kennedy of Ovations catering, included a wide range of beer and wine from Rieslings, Merlots, Cabernets (wine) and Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona (beer). The food and drinks were included with admission. As if the food, drinks, and music was not enough, art workshops were hosted by Wen Qian and Miranda Ward, respectively, both talented GRC art students who led workshops in alternative painting mediums. Ward, who’s workshop taught attendees how to paint with red wine, said she enjoys using “unconventional mediums”. She first got the idea to paint with wine while doing a project about alcoholism, in which she used wine. “I thought it’d be ironic,” Ward said. Qian, who taught a workshop teaching how to paint with coffee,
is an international student from Malaysia. She has been painting since the age of five, specializing in water colors, and an avid lover of coffee. She wanted to formulate a workshop that combined her love of the caffeinated beverage with her love for the degrees of water color paint. Furthermore, a silent auction consisting of several art pieces and materials was conducted throughout the event allowing guests to place bids on local art while generating money for the organization. The auction winner was Mary Ellen Bowers, former ICA program Coordinator. In addition to the art experience, guests were asked to provide an opportunity for a local elementary school by pledging a donation to the ICA. Established in 1984 by Helen S. Smith (whom the Helen S. Smith gallery gets its name), with only two member schools, the ICA began the interurban Picture Program. 32 years and 36 schools later, the ICA provides these schools with educational materials based on the Washington State Artistic Learning Requirements. The institution provides support to over 600 adult volunteers through training and workshops. These volunteers, in turn, provide art lessons to nearly 17,000 elementary aged children. In addition, the ICA provides training for these volunteers through their Basic Training classes and a variety of monthly workshops. These workshops provide
specific information and guidance that will ensure Art Docents meet with success in the classroom. “It’s not just about art,” said Josh Gerstman, Green River Foundation Development Director, “it mixes with other parts of the brain and aids the entire learning process.” Gerstman said people seem to underestimate Auburn’s vibrant scene which is pulsing with poets, welders, actors and visual artists and events like Be Artful only help showcase this emergence of craft and bring arts to the Green River campus. Monica Tolas, ICA Program Coordinator, used the ICA’s Art Docent program in her children’s elementary school and chaired the program there for seven years. She was drawn to the ICA for that reason and her history as an artist, being privately trained in drawing and studying art in college. She has a son who shows interest in the arts, exhibiting talent in drawing but excelling in the art of writing. “Arts were a part of the curriculum when I was younger,” Tolas said, “Today it is required by the districts but in many cases not funded by these districts. The ICA fills that gap and allows children to perceive and imagine art.” Tolas believes art is an important element in childhood education not only culturally, but systematically. “Not all children learn the same,” Tolas said, “we have our right and left brain learners. Art is an effective way to reach children who
may not do well with a subject like Science, Technology, engineering, and Math. Art is a complement to all of these subjects and levels the playing field for all students no matter if they are right or left brain learners.” Schools, thanks to institutions like the ICA, have begun to realize art’s importance in childhood education and have begun to implement programs like STEAM within districts, which places art in the middle of Sciences, Technologies and Math, Tolas said. Tolas believes events like Be Artful are imperative to the ICA’s success because it is a non-profit organization. The ICA membership fees only account 16 percent of their income. The ICA relies on the financial support of the GRC Foundation and the support of such organizations like 4Culture and the Auburn and Kent Arts commissions who provide additional funding through grants. “The ICA is not able to change the current educational system single handedly,” Tolas said, “this is up to our law maker. Until the time comes that art is a fully funded program once again within our school systems the ICA is there to fill the gap and offer its member schools, working with volunteer adults, the opportunity to bring arts education into the classroom.” Thursday’s Be Artful event grossed $5,880 towards bringing arts to elementary school classroom education.
M. Kienan Briscoe | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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Lamberson’s Style, Contrasted As Night And Day By: Mollie Clements Staff Writer
Photos by Gage Lamberson, courtesy of the Fine Arts Division Faculty.
The Fine Arts Divison faculty chose Gage Lamberson, 16, as the March Artist Spotlight. Lamberson is a Running Start student from Auburn Riverside High School. He was raised in Auburn his whole life. This is his second quarter here at Green River College. Lamberson is working on getting his Associate of the Arts degree at GRC. He is interested in photography as a hobby but prefers chemistry. He is thinking of maybe pursuing chemical engineering as a major later on. When he earns his AA degree he is thinking of transferring to University of Washington. He started taking photographs in high-school last year. He took a beginning photography class his first semester and then took the advanced photography class the next semester. At GRC he is taking a film photography class. As well as his interest in photography he is interested in music. His grandfather makes his own music and has always offered to teach him. Lamberson says that he thinks that he might take him up on that offer this coming summer. His family is supportive and they think his interest in photography is “cool”, Lamberson said. Lamberson gets his inspiration from a black & white and night photographer named Michael Kenna. Often Kenna’s photos are taken at night or in the early morning which is the photography type that Lamberson enjoys the most. Lamberson said that in his night photography he likes to get outside, when no one else is around, to observe things around him. He likes places that are quite populated during the day and less populated areas at night. He thinks street photos are a fun type of photography. It’s almost the exact opposite of the night photos he takes with no one around which is what he likes about it. Lamberson said the transition from shooting at night, where you have to wait for almost 10 minutes for the right exposure, to taking photos during the day in the street where you are just snapping photos quickly, is great. He likes to walk down to Game Farm Park in Auburn late at night around midnight to 4 a.m. to take his photos. When it’s not too late he takes his nephew with him whom doubles as his assistant by
helping carry the camera gear. He usually takes his automatic film Nikon camera, his bag and a tripod for these walks. Lamberson feels that he prefers film photography versus digital photography because the process is more satisfying. He thinks that his photos naturally have gotten better because of the process that goes into film photography since you have to narrow down the shots you take and you improve greatly. He likes that it’s a more physical process as opposed to taking the photo digitally and sitting at a computer using Photoshop. He likes that it gets him off the computer and you that he gets to do the physical process. He really enjoys the darkroom at campus and wishes he could create his own someday. Lamberson said that his most encouraging teacher is Gary Oliveira. “Gary is just the chilliest/calmest cucumber… [Gary] encourages you to just do what you want and it’s not super-duper competitive,” said Lamberson. He also stated that Erin from the darkroom on campus is a huge help with developing his photos or with any questions Lamberson has. The class that has helped him succeed and excel in photography has been the digital photography class he took in high school. In that class he had a project every week or maybe two or three. It gave him a good work ethic in every subject not just photography. He felt that he was very proud of his work because he was able to get the project done in the short amount of time given. When asked what advice he has for other photographers Lamberson said “the best advice I could give is to be patient, take as much time as you want on one photo and don’t be afraid to waste film”.
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Tennessee Williams Comes to GRC Stage in March By: Kira Cox Staff Writer
The Green River Theater Company is putting on the play A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams next quarter. The story follows the lives of Stella and Stanley Kowalski and Stella’s sister Blanche Dubois. After Blanche looses her and Stella’s family home, she moves in with her younger sister and husband in their small apartment in New Orleans. We see lots of conflict between Blanche and Stanley but the play more so examines their lives of where they come from and where they are headed. The four main characters in this show are Stanley Kowalski (Canon Jones), Stella Kowalski (Vienna Nelson), Blanche Dubois (Alex Aragon), and Harold “Mitch” Mitchel (Colton Abraham). Jones’ preparation for the role of Stanley started back in December of 2016 before the class even began. He started preparing by reading the script ahead of time and watching the 1950’s film adaptation of the play, in which Marlon Brando portrayed Stanley Kowalski. Jones describes the auditions, which began at the start of January, as “more callback like than a traditional audition.” He said a
traditional audition starts with the actor preparing a monologue from a separate play and performing it in front of the director and also giving them your head shot, and your actor’s resume. If the director likes you and you are good for a certain role, then they will ask you to return to a callback. This production skipped the traditional audition and went straight to the callback. The director assigned each person a character to read and decided who was best for which part. Jones said that during this process he read as both Stanley and Mitch. This audition process took about a week and a half before finally finding out what role they were cast as. Jones said that Bowles told the actors that they would be notified of their roles during the three day weekend in January. It wasn’t until Monday afternoon when the cast list was finally posted. Jones states that when he saw his name as Stanley he was thrilled. He began working immediately on the role by recording his lines so he could start memorizing them. Then the rehearsal process began. On the first two days after getting their roles the cast did a read through of the play where they simply read the lines that they will be
performing. This was to allow the actors to become familiar with their characters before jumping into the blocking process. The blocking process is when the director tells the actors where he specifically wants the actors to move during the scene. Jones says that this is a long process but it is the blocking that makes or brakes the show and Bowles wealth of experience made the blocking excellent. After the 3-4 weeks of blocking the cast began off-book runs. Jones said the memorization process is the hardest because not only do you have to know the lines by memory but also their timing in which they are said. He also said that they have to be sort of automatic because anything can happen in live theater and you always have to be prepared. Jones says that it was a lot work not only in rehearsal but out of it as well. A Streetcar Named Desire will be performed March 10 and 11 at 7:30 pm with a matinee performance on the 11th at 2 p.m. Tickets are free if you have a Green River ID, $5 for any other students and seniors, and $10 general admission. All performances are held in the PAC.
M. Kienan Briscoe | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Seussical The Musical Is Heavier company’s marketing director, Than Air made it clear that the cast goes By: Bryan Daumit Staff Writer
Green River College’s Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. is getting ready to put on quite a show, The Seussical. In The Seussical, Dr. Seuss’ bestloved characters meet head-on in a fantastical and unforgettable musical caper. The play is about two hours long and has in intermission half-way through. According to the publisher, “The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Terri Woyvodich, the theatre
through a lot of rehearsal and training to prepare for opening night. The theatre company is a community theatre and is therefore open to any adults (16+) who want to audition for upcoming plays and performances, though child roles are obtained through invitations only Tina Underdahl, the house manager, has worked with Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. for almost 19 years. “One of the best things about theater is the fact that it’s always changing; every production is a new adventure with different people,” says Underdahl. Students interested in seeing Seussical have a few different options. Tickets can be ordered by calling 253-833-9111 extension 2400 or students can visit website www. heavierthanair.com where tickets can be ordered via Campus Life. The play will be showing on March 24 and 31 at 7 p.m. and on March 25 and April 1 at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. where it will run for about two hours. Performances will be held at Green River’s Performing Arts Building.
Annie Chan| Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
opinion
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Editorial
This is the last issue for Winter 201617, and let’s be honest, it wasn’t the best quarter for The Current. While most students were enjoying the no-classsnow-days, we were stressing about what we were going to do about our third issue of the quarter. Eventually, the lack of two most important working days did not allow us to publish that issue, and it was a big setback for all the writers and editors who had worked hard for it. On top of this, the year 2016-17 has been very dynamic when it comes to staff that runs The Current. Almost all the students working for the award-winning newspaper were new to the job, and editor positions will once again open up for the Spring quarter. With many successful leaps over the hurdles challenging us, we are finally awarded with a right that has powered our nerves once again with positive energy and motivation. Moving along the lines of politics, the Washington state senate has passed the New Voices Act. The act gives student editors full responsibility to decide what content goes into the newspapers and magazines. The New Voices act would make it impossible for a school to censor a student newspaper based on content that goes against what the school wants. This new law wouldn’t just affect colleges, but any student journalist. “We shouldn’t have to be worried that someone will censor us when we publish
what we feel morally obligated to.” said Riley Agnew, co-editor-in-chief. In other news, Green River College is being faced with a petition to make the campuses of GRC sanctuary campuses. This means that GRC will, if the petition is approved, not comply with immigration officers in the event that they attempt to arrest a student. This from Trump signing two executive orders banning travel from now six countries. Trump removed Iraq from the list of countries and gave back rights to green card holders and citizens. Not only that but Trump is putting together a more “Humane” immigration task force with the goal to deport the entire undocumented population. How he aims to be more “Humane” is still unknown, perhaps he will construct camps for these people to live in while they wait to be evicted from the United States. This of course is a fulfillment of his campaign promises, he ran on a platform of hate and ignorance, which is funny because he likes to tout that he knows everything. Truly we can see that ignorance and ego walk hand-in-hand with this president. GRC could face some backlash if they decide to become a sanctuary college because the president has said that he will cut government funding for institutions and cities that don’t comply with his immigration agents. Spring quarter brings with it open
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positions at The Current. These positions are Campus Editor, Copy Editor, Graphic Designer, and Managing Editor. the Campus section editor position is very self explanatory, the Campus Editor works on the four pages of the campus section. It’s the biggest section and therefore more time consuming than the other sections but it is also the most important because it is our hard news section. Copy Editors perform readability, grammar, and formatting checks. The position doesn’t log many hours and is great for detail oriented people or people who like correcting other’s writings. Graphic Design is an aspect of The Current that we have been seeking to expand, and after testing it for this year we would like to keep a Graphic Designer on the payroll. Managing Editors do just that, it’s the managerial position for the office. Managing editors are the bridge between writers and editors while also keeping the flow of work steady in the office. We thought that with the Co-Editor-in-Chief position that the duties for managing editors could be split between the two, but are learning that we need a Managing Editor. If anyone is interested in working at the award winning student newspaper The Current, you can stop by our office in OEB17. We will be here for the rest of the year.
thestaff Riley Agnew Co-Editor-in-Chief 253-833-9111 x2377
Mariya Mubeen Co-Editor-in-Chief Photographer
Kartik Sarda Web Editor Ads Manager
Melanie Bell Campus Editor
Kienan Briscoe A&E Editor
Aiman Ahmad Sports Editor
Nadia Kuftchak Copy Editor
Aart Bore Graphic Designer
Editorials reflect the opinions of the entire editing staff of the Current.
Marriage is More of a Tradition than a Necessity By: Iqra Mohamud Guest Writer When I think of marriage, I think of a piece of paper that tells the government that a couple will be living together. It means that they will share all assets. Today, marriage is thought of as a death sentence, or even something to be dreaded. In the United States, 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Back in the 1910-1950’s, marriages were seen as traditional and obligatory. Getting married was essential for couples who wanted to move in together or start a family. If a couple wanted to move in together and were not planning on getting married, people criticized and even gossiped about them. Today, marriage is seen as a religious tradition. More women are going to school and pursuing their careers instead of rushing to
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start a family. This is a good thing because we are at a point where overpopulation can happen if the birth rate increases, especially in the United States, where the birth rate is decreasing and more women are using protection to prevent pregnancy. Gradually, more people are opting for a neutral union in which couples live together and start families without having to be married. This union has become more popular and is also accepted in many European countries. I believe that women should not just marry because of the pressure from her family; she should start building a career in which she can use to support herself. It is very sad that many countries still have the mentality that a woman should be a housewife while the man is the breadwinner. One of my friends just got married at the age of 18, which I think is way too young. She later told me that she got married because
The Current is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval. The opinions of the opinion stories are that of the writer and the writer alone. If you have an opposing viewpiont feel free to write The Current a Letter to the Editor at editor@thegrcurrent.com
she could not deal with college after her first quarter at Highline College. She just wanted to settle down. I don’t think she knows what marriage really is. Her husband is an engineer who works at Boeing and has a stable job and income, but is a stable job and income really worth it? I personally do not think so. For the past 17 years, I have been living with my parents who do not understand my views. They feel differently about marriage. They always tell me to start thinking about marriage. When I tell them that marriage is the last thing on my mind, they kind of freak out. Maybe it’s because of the way I see marriages. Back then in my home country, it was normal for a 16-year-old teenager to get married. It was even praised as a blessing for the family of the teenager. This was because a typical family had about five to nine children. By marrying off their daughters, the fathers would be able to get
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money from the groom’s family for their marriage. Although, the real reason why marriages were so prevalent in that country was that many of the families that owned livestock were very poor. The only way they could get money was by mainly marrying off their daughters to rich families in the city. Therefore, that was why parents would teach their daughters to cook, clean and dress well. It was as if their daughters’ worth was her ability to be a housewife. I am glad I was not raised in that country where post-secondary education was only available for males. If a woman tried to get an education, people would look at her like she was crazy and probably tell her that she needs to get married and have her husband work for her. Just thinking about women getting married at a young age does not make sense to me. Especially here in the United States, they have we all have our whole lives ahead of us.
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Letters to the Editor
Staff Writers: Alec Downing, Annie Chan, Amethyst McKnight, Bryan Daumit, Cameron Kerner, Colton Popp, Isabel Barni, Jordan Usselman, Kira Cox, Kirara Nagatsuka, Mollie Clements, Nora-Mae Gardiner, Ryder Deback, Savannah Johnson
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Corrections If you find a factual error or simply spelled If you findaaname factual error incorrectly, or simply a name spelled please contact us at: incorrectly, - please editor@thegrcurrent.com contact us at: - 253-288-3457 - editor@thegrcurrent.com - or- 253-288-3457 find us in OEB 17 - or find us OEB 17
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10 2016-2017
Annie Chan | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Students in the STEM Field are Driving Forces for Innovations By: Annie Chan Opinion Editor
many mediums of technology to store, share, and later work with our data. By using technology, many STEM students can strengthen their skills Students in the STEM field are in their chosen fields and apply it to commonly seen as the driving force the real world. Their efficient use of for future innovations and inventechnology can be reflected from new tions. discoveries and innovations that drive Both innovations and inventions our society. help with further developing our The most important factor I see economy and society as a whole to among STEM fields is the fact that result in more efficiency. while knowledge is the key to nearly As a non-STEM student, I have everything, it is more so about the a lot of respect for other students ability to actually do something. We who are currently may be aware of studying within the this issue and obSTEM field. The data related acts of researching “Science is more than tain to the issue, but topics that are just a school subject... the difference currently deemed stems from our “unknown” and it is an approach to actions. obtaining scientific the world.” Students who or mathematical - Barack Obama are outside of the skills to figure out Former President of the U.S. field may see the complex problems progression in is extremely imscience and mathportant to continue ematical fields innovation. as “magical.” We imagine high-tech Former President Barack Obama robots being built and constant cures even praised science as being “more to diseases arising each day. To STEM than just a school subject” as it is students themselves, they may not more so “an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore even notice their progression due to their high amounts of stress. and engage with the world, and then I often hear about the lack of exhave the capacity to change that perts in STEM fields when it comes to world.” statistics of the workforce. According In this high-tech society, we may to the U.S. Department of Labor, depend on the Internet to obtain science and engineering plays a huge relevant information to strengthen role (more than 50 percent) when it our research and we also depend on
comes to expanding and sustaining our economy. Yet, employers currently in fields related to science or engineering only make up less than 10 percent of the work force. When it comes to this issue, it is simple to just encourage more people to get into this field. We can possibly hype up STEM and grant more opportunities for students to get into STEM fields. Our approach should simply be more than encouraging and advertising. We live in a diverse country where we also have more access to technology which means that there is a good opportunity for more individuals coming from different backgrounds to come together and use technology to enhance their projects and research. People underestimate their ability when it comes to coming together in diverse groups to collaborate on change-making. There is also the question of just how many women are in the STEM field. There are plenty of articles on the internet that state women are underrepresented in the STEM field. However, we should understand that this really depends on which area of study we are really talking about. Females are in fact excelling in math, science, and engineering classes. They are also provided with the variety of resources that grants them the opportunity to succeed in the field of their choice as well. What we
Photo by Annie Chan | The Current must do is diminish the stereotypes and doubts that has caused the lack of females to go further in their studies in the past. Today, females seem to be doing just fine in the STEM field despite any obstacles or adversity that may arise. Diversity in terms of race and gender can be improved in the STEM field. However, we should still hold gratitude for the innovations that we have already been granted. College students have developed an interest in their field and they hold passion to make a difference. As they further their studies, words of encouragement can really serve as motivation as they continue their research, problem-solving, and labs.
Without the constant successes arising from STEM experts, there would be no efficient healthcare technologies, thorough research for public health, and computer programs that can help with a lot of scientific, mathematical and engineering applications. If we examine the STEM field today, we will see continuing productivity and the passion to constantly obtain information and grasp more opportunities to make a difference. By encouraging more individuals to look at problems that surround them and motivating them to act upon it by making changes with the help of technology and other applications, more differences can be made in our society.
Interview With a STEM Student Alex Lee - International Student from South Korea - Fifth quarter at Green River
Lee’s advice for other STEM students who may be struggling:
- Studying Electrical Engineering - Don’t give up just because you have a low GPA
Photo by Lansing Bryan | The Current Lee studied economics and political science at Waseda University in Japan prior to enrolling at Green River College (GRC). After listening to Neil Tyson, an American astrophysicist, discuss about STEM field on StarTalk Radio, Lee grew curious about the evolution vs. creationism debate. After completing the calculus, engineering physics and computer science sequences, Lee is now planning to major in electrical engineering. He is currently taking chemistry linear algebra to enhance his skills.
Prior to coming to GRC, Lee has never taken any calculus, engineering, and computer science classes. He recalls having to study long periods of time to get his brain adjusted to the “logical way of studying.” When it comes to his favorite part of studying in the STEM field, it would be the fact that he can come to understanding how the universe works by understanding, modeling and predicting. “The beauty of STEM is the ability to control and predict,” Lee said. He shares that he has done re-
search on gravity assist here at GRC and he is most interested in space. Lee is currently still enhancing his skills. He continues to frequently listen to podcasts and live T.V. shows by Neil Tyson. Also at GRC, Lee is the President of Math Club, Physics Club, and STEM Society. He hopes to get admitted the University of Washington where he can obtain a PhD in either electrical engineering or physics. In the future, he hopes to work with communication between different satellites and also telescopes.
- Your GPA is not a pure reflection of your ability to succeed in the STEM field - You can understand the material there just may not be enough time to grasp it all at once
Aiman Ahmad | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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11 2016-2017
Sports for the Future of Green River By: Alec Downing Staff Writer
Spring quarter is fast approaching and for the Athletics Department, this means the arrival of golf, track and field, and baseball at Green River. Prior to the preview of the three upcoming sports, the effects of the recent budget presentations on the Athletics department should be noted. In the meeting that occurred on February 13, it was decided that the Athletics department will suspend operations for the golf team following this season as there were no new funds available to continue the program. “It was logical. Unfortunate, but necessary,” Athletic Director Bob Kickner said. The golf program has struggled recently due to how expensive it is per participant and the small number of athletes in it. However, Kickner hopes to continue golf in some capacity at Green River even if not at a competitive level. Golf could potentially become a recreation sport in the future in order to still facilitate interest in golf. On the positive side, the budget discussions have allowed for increased salary for coaches, continuation of the cheer program, and extended hours for the Recreation and Athletics (RAC) Center. Onto the first sport in the preview, golf. Green River will not have a women’s golf team this season as there are no participants. There is a men’s golf team and the tournament begins on March 23. Home matches are played at Meridian Valley Country Club in Kent. The team has played since Fall quarter. However, it will look
ers to the sport. Though they are relatively small, the team is loaded with talent. One of the most talented and highly regarded being Shelly Sauls. Kickner praised Sauls, saying he feels she is a “NCAA Division I capable sprinter.” This could become a reality as Sauls plans to transfer to Washington State University next fall to pursue a major in psychology and hopes to continue her track career there. Sauls has been running since she was 7 years old and is extremely enthusiastic about the sport and her season. “This upcoming season, I plan on focusing on just the 100 and 200. My favorite event is the 200 because I love the curb and being able to kick in that second gear at the 100 mark,” said Sauls, who ran these same events in high school. Along with Sauls, other women to watch for will be Peyton Dungan, a thrower who played for the women’s basketball team this winter, and Katelyn Sherick, a long distance runner. On the men’s side, some key performers are Alexander Morris, a javelin thrower who made it to the final rounds of the NWAC tournament last year, Brandon Swanson, a high jumper, and Andrew Dixon, a discus thrower from Kentlake High School. Green River’s baseball team will also return to play this Spring and are ready to face the challenges that come with a full season. Baseball will open on March 11 and 12 at Wenatchee Valley. There were several games scedulded prior to this date but were unfortunately canceled due to the inclement weather.
Since Green River does not have its own baseball field, practices and all games are held at the Heritage Park in Puyallup for the fifth year now. All home games are held on Sundays and are almost always double headers. The players also train in Sumner at Diamond Training Center. All this travel can be a struggle for players, coaches, and fans alike but there is hope for change soon. “Hopefully as soon as next year, we’ll be back in town,” said Kickner who has been in contact with the Auburn Parks and Recreation department about a possible move to Brannon Park in north Auburn. The field would need some work but Kickner is interested in Green River becoming a financial partner in the field and bringing baseball back to Auburn. The talk is still preliminary but it remains in play as of now. The baseball team has decided to try a new strategy this year by carrying more utility players. Utility players are players who are capable of playing multiple positions specifically position players who can pitch and vice versa. This will be difficult to manage but Kickner feels manager Brian Embery is up to the task and sees a lot of potential in this idea. “This upcoming season will be a great one. We have tons of experience and it should take us a long way. This is a great group of guys and we play for each other,” said Lenny Smith, a Mariners fan who models his well rounded game after Mariners’ third baseman, Kyle Seager. “I started playing ball from the time I could stand. My parents say that I would hold myself up with
one hand on the coffee table and hit the ball off of my tee with the other hand. I have been playing structured baseball since I was four,” said Smith who spoke about his selfless goal to try and help his teammates any ways he can, on or off the field in order to help them win and succeed. Smith was a steady presence on the team last season and looks to be continue this in his second season at Green River. “I’m excited to see how we’re gonna play with a whole new team” said Smith who hopes to become more consistent on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball this year. Wearing number 10 in honor of his favorite player, Chipper Jones, Smith prides himself on his ability to get on base as well as his speed to help his team score runs. Smith has been playing baseball since his freshman year of high school. Next year, he and his teammate, Ezra Lacina, will attend Sterling College in Kansas, where they have been assigned. Other returning players to watch for includes Ikaika Nahaku, a utility player and one of the team’s leaders, Takashi Fujiwara, a starting pitcher from Japan, and Lacina, the team’s catcher who as mentioned before will be attending Sterling College in Kansas along with Adam Scalisi. Some newcomers to be excited about are freshmen shortstop Josiah Julagay, utility player Nick Bowersock, and catcher Max Burger. All of the colleges teams are well prepared for their season and full of motivated and skilled athletes eager to begin this exciting season of spring sports.
a new head coach to the team is to emphatic dunk in the beginning of be expected. the second half. The motivation for Blassingame However, the momentum to step out from his position as ultimately swung in Pierce’s favor, coach was because he wanted to leading to their victory at the end spend more time with his family. of the game. Hopefully, under new guidance, the “We could have gone harder, team will achieve more victories in listened to the coach more, and the upcoming season. practiced. It hurts us,” said Reuben Blassingame Collier, a pobelieves, alongtential starting Luckett, guard for next “We could have gone side that the team season, when harder, listened to gave their all asked about the despite the tough season. the coach more. and difficult season. Ryan Blassinpracticed. It hurts us.” He trusts that game, former - Reuben Collier, Point Guard much thought assistant coach will go behind and current head the choosing of coach of the male the new coach for next season. basketball team, stated that the inThe conclusion of this basketball struction of the Gators will fall into season will also include the leaving the hands of a new coach starting of several team members. The outnext year. There is no new coach going players include Arman Brar, chosen yet, but the introduction of
A.J. McGrew, Tareg Omer, Jordan Washington and the previously mentioned Cole Luckett. Luckett and Crane, both starting guards, were very active players on the team this year. One of the two had been named as top scorer in 24 out of 28 games in the season Crane claiming the title in 13 games and Luckett in 11. “I appreciate my opportunity. I’m gonna miss the sophomores. I’m just very blessed,” said Collier after the game had ended. The future of the college’s basketball team is hard to determine. With so many potential people who could take over as head coach, where the team might stand next year remains unknown. This upcoming season will be something to look forward to as new freshmen are joining the Green River community.
Name: Kenneth “Cole” Luckett Position: Guard Highlights: Top Scorer in 11 out of 24 games this season and recipient for the Honorable Mention 2009/2010 in basketball.
different this spring due to roster turnover and a newly hired head coach, Brian Baldwin. “We’ve got a new dedicated coach and some dedicated players and we’re ready to get out there,” said Avery Black, who was very optimistic about the hiring of the new head coach, Brian Baldwin. Black and his teammate, Rocky Brobio will be golfers to watch as they both look to continue their success from Fall. Green River has a women’s and men’s track and field team. The team competes in a variety of events within the disciplines of distance running, sprints, and throws. The first meet will be held on March 11 at Pacific Lutheran University. This away meet is just one of the several meets at a four-year university that the track and field team will attend. The four-year universities that the team will visit and compete against include University of Puget Sound, Central Washington University, Western Washington University, and the University of Washington. These events give them the opportunity to witness four-year schools and their athletic programs to get a better idea about potential institutions they may want to transfer to. Home meets are held at Auburn Memorial Stadium located at Auburn High School. The team does not participate in every event as the track and field program is a grassroots program which began as an extension of the cross country program. It is meant to provide an opportunity for athletes to either continue their track and field careers from high school or in some cases welcome newcom-
The Gators Lost, But They’re Not Defeated By: Isabel Barni Staff writer
The Green River basketball team ended the season with a defeat against Pierce College with the final score of the game being 70-95. “It was a rough season for us. The record shows,” said the 24-year-old Cole Luckett, a starting guard, in reference to their record of 4-24. “But we fought hard every game. A lot of the games were within ten points. We played hard all season.” This statement by Luckett was proven in their final game of the year that took place at 8 p.m. on March 1. At halftime, the Gators were trailing behind by 11 points. They did not give up and managed to come within three points of Pierce. The comeback was sparked by the promising freshman starting guard, Kaelin Crane, who made an