thecurrent the student newspaper of green river community college
june2.2014
www.thegrcurrent.com
Graduating Green River?
issue12 volume48
EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY PAGE 2
Dominic Yoxtheimer | The Current
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Green River Working Towards Alternative Placement Tests
Annual Green River Espial Journal Set to Release
Patricia Sotelo Graduating With High Honors
The student made literary and fine art journal, the Espial, set to release June 5.
After first coming to Green River with a third grade education level, Sotelo graduates this year.
Students will be able to choose between the COMPASS test or the new WAMAP test. page3
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thecurrent
Jesse Torres| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
GRCC Administration Informs Students of Graduation Details By: Jesse Torres Editor-in-Chief
Graduation is on Friday, June 13 at the ShoWare Center in Kent. Graduates may begin checking in at 5:30 p.m., through the north entrance in order to pick up graduation cards, instructions, and to dress in gown/ cap. Doors are opening at 6 p.m. for guests of graduates, who are required to enter through the main entrance to the Kent ShoWare Center, on the south end, facing James Street. Graduate line up is at 7 p.m. and the ceremony itself will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Records Office of Enrollment Services (LC-277) began arranging graduation cards on Monday, May 19. Graduates are required to sign the graduation card verifying their degree/certificate/honors and photo I.D. is required. Tickets are not required for family and guests, and seating is first come, first serve. Guests with disabilities are not required to make arrangements for seating. Kent ShoWare staff will show guests with disabilities to designated seating. Tickets are required for the shuttle bus for Green River students and are on a first come
basis. Tickets can be purchased from the Lindbloom Center, on the second floor in the Student Life building. Buses will be departing from the AD Building Traffic Circle at 5 p.m., and will return to campus from the ShoWare center after the event. A student ID is required. The deadline to reserve bus tickets is Wed., June 11. Shuttle bus transportation is provided for Green River students on a first come, ticket-only basis from Student Life located on the second floor in the Lindbloom Student Center. Buses will depart from the AD Building Traffic
Circle at 5:00 p.m. and return to campus after the event. Student ID is required. Kent ShoWare Center features free parking onsite, and in several lots within close walking distance. Please don’t park at Kent Station, as a courtesy to the patrons. Graduates and guests with disabilities have designated parking spots, and with proper state ID will be showed to a spot. Parking spaces, both disabled and non-disabled are limited and are filled on a first come, first serve basis, and arriving early is advised. Although more than 300 peo-
ple have picked up their cards, around 400 people are expected to be in attendance. Graduation photos will be taken by Darel Roa Photography, and can be ordered through their business. In lieu of rehearsals, two information sessions will be held on Tuesday, June 10 (a study day) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., then from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the main dining center of the Lindbloom Center. Graduates are strongly encouraged to attend. Graduates will be required to remain seated through the end of the ceremony to respect all graduates.
$6.5 Million Collected in Fees From Student Tuition By: Christin Peter Staff Writer
The new Student Life building is estimated to cost $29 million, with 45 percent coming directly from students. Most buildings on campus are paid for by the State of Washington and the college, but the Student Life building is an exception. “In our system, the state won’t fund Student Life buildings,” Sam Ball, director of capital projects, said. Since the Student Life building has the ability to make money through the bookstore and food services, the state will not provide funding. “We were never going to get a Student Life building by going through the capital request process,” Ball said. In 2007, ASGRCC proposed adding a fee to tuition costs to fund a new Student Life building and put it up for student vote. The fee passed by a majority of
over 75 percent according to Dean of Campus Life, Dani Chang. The fee, originally $20, has gone up to $40 since 2007 and has grossed approximately $6.5 million to date. This August, the school is scheduled to receive a certificate of participation (COP) from the state treasurer for $15 million to be used on the student life construction. COPs are created through the selling of tax-free bonds and are given as loans. The school will then pay off the loan over a 20-year period. “It’s very much like if you buy a house and have a mortgage,” Ball said. The school will continue to collect the fee until the COP is completely paid off. After that point, the fee will disappear from tuition costs, Ball said. The remaining amount not covered by the fee or COP will be paid for out of the school’s local funds. Local funds are similar to a savings account that the school
can use whenever it is necessary. “It’s money that we can manage and we can use for certain things like helping to build buildings,” Ball said. The local funds do not come of in-state student tuition dollars, but are paid for by tuition from International Programs and outof-state students. The state gives the college money for each in-state student to
keep tuition rates low, but out-ofstate and international students pay their entire tuition amount, generating money that the school can use. Profits from the bookstore and food services also go into local funds, Ball said. These funds are also paying for $2.3 million of the $34.8 million needed to build the new trades building. The remaining $32.5 million comes directly from the
state. Until receiving the COP, the local funds will continue to pay for construction, and as the warmer months arrive, construction will become much easier, and progress will become more visible. “Right now, most of the construction is at the ground level,” said Ball, “but students returning in the fall will see partial walls standing.”
a regionally accredited institution offering an Associates Degree program must have a GPA average of 3.5 and must have completed at least 12 hours of coursework that may be applied to an Associate degree. When there are students whose GPA is over 3.5 and that can satisfy all the conditions, they receive an invitation to membership from the chapter at the college. “This is my first quarter in PTK and I feel it's really helpful,” said Irene Fransiga, a member of PTK. “I've learned how to make personal statements, remarkable resumes and presentations.” She is also exited about the recog-
nition by wearing Phi Theta Kappa Commencement Regalia made available to members for purchase before graduation. “It's such an honor,” Fransiga said. Not only do the members build up relationships with like-minded peers but they are also offered lots of volunteer chances, which can help them get noticed among students. "They learn public speaking skills, how to run their own projects," said Megan Evans, a development specialist, who is the advisor for PTK at GRCC, “They learn how to be leaders.” Phi Theta Kappa also offers members-only opportunities to
apply for scholarships. “It doesn't matter if you are international or domestic, you have the same opportunities.” Evans recalled, in an interview, a former international student who had gotten an $11,000 scholarship through PTK to go to University of Illinois. PTK also draws attention from financially independent students looking to grasp opportunities for scholarships. Henrik Gustafsson, an international student, who is taking loans from his home country, became a member last month to develop better financial circumstances. “I didn't know much about it (PTK), to be honest,” said
Gustafsson, “I thought it would help me be eligible for financial aid.” Students engaged in the club are motivated not to let their GPA drop below 3.0. “Once they become a member, they have to maintain 3.0 to stay a member of Phi Theta Kappa,” Evans said. PTK first started at GRCC on June 1, 1992. About 250 to 350 students join PTK each year and 285 students have joined the club since fall quarter. Phi Theta Kappa's International Membership fee at GRCC is $70. $10 goes to the club and the rest goes to the regional office and international headquarters.
Ian Lobdell | The Current
P.T.K. Hopes to Broaden Academic Horizons for Students Future By: Renno Jeon Staff Writer
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the International Honor Society for two-year schools, is a program designed to boost interest in pursuing goals and take steps towards outstanding accomplishments to academic success. PTK provides opportunities to develop research and leadership skills by holding weekly meetings where the members share goals and ideas. To be eligible for membership, according to the official PTK website, students who are enrolled in
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GRCC Works Towards Improved Class Placement
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Alternative Test Types Aim to Clarify Placement Confusion By: James Ristig Staff Writer
Instructors at Green River Community College have been working towards alternate methods of placing students in the classes they need. Vice President of Instruction, Derek Brandes said the COMPASS test places 29-33 percent of students in the wrong classes. These new methods of placement give students other options that might help them be more successful in college. The math and English departments at the college have set up a new program which places students in classes based on their high school GPA. The math department has also been using an alternate placement test called the Washington Mathematics Assessment and Placement System (WAMAP). Mathematics division chair, David Nelson, said that the math department first developed these programs in 2003-2004. Tenured English faculty member Marcie Sims and tenured English faculty/ interim dean, Amanda Schaefer have been working on this program for almost a year. The program was first tested last fall with the help of the Institutional Research department and Sims said, “It
exceeded our expectations.” The IR department found that the 80 students who participated did as well or better in their classes than they would have if they were placed using the COMPASS test. This is a small sample of students and more data is going to be gathered when the program is expanded next fall. Sims said, “I know from our research across the county that transcripts are more accurate.” These programs are only meant as an alternate option to the COMPASS test but Sims said there are some problems with the current placement test. Sims said, “You don’t actually write on the COMPASS.” The English section on the COMPASS test focuses on grammar and editing whereas looking at the student’s high school GPA focuses on their aptitude in English. Sarah Postel, the director of outreach, welcome services and testing, said that potential students struggle with the English section of the COMPASS test. Postel said the directions on the English section of the test are not clear to some students. Sims said the English department is working towards their own analog to the WAMAP as another option for students. Postel has been working with the IT department at Green River during their ctcLink implemen-
Student Senator Elections Begin By: Brennen Moe Staff Writer
Senator elections have begun. Applications have been submitted, and next year’s Green River Community College senators will soon be selected. Chief Justice Gloria Tan explained that the senator’s jobs are to speak of behalf of the students at Green River. They make recommendations to the Green River President and Vice President as well as recommend constitutional amendments and approve by-laws. The students who are elected will be placed into one or four committees, which are the Public Relations Committee, the Financial Committee, the ByLaws Committee, and the Judicial Board Committee. The Public Relations Committee consists of a Finance Committee chairperson and three
committee members. The Finance Committee in in charge of making and planning events at Green River. This includes the $1.6 million of student’s activities fees. The By-Laws Committee consists of a By-Laws Committee chairperson and three committee members. The By-Laws Committee interprets and edits Green Rivers By-Laws. Finally, the Judicial Board Committee consists of a Judicial Board chairperson, who is also referred to as Chief Justice and three committee members. The Judicial Board Committee is in charge of approving and monitoring clubs all over campus. “Students who join the senate should try to stay involved with the school and listen to the voices of the campus,” ASGRCC future student president Tevin Gladney said, “Being on the senate means that it is your responsibility to speak on behalf of all Green River students.”
tation. The goal is to make these alternate placement methods more available to the students who are thinking about enrolling in Green River. The advising department has also been working to show that there are alternate methods for students who feel they are in the wrong classes. John Kim, a student at Green River, used the GPA placement method when there was an error with his registration. Kim said math classes are competitive and that this will help him get places in the classes he needs. Another goal for the program
is to help make high school students more prepared for college. Sims, Schaefer and Laura Moore-Mueller, tenured math faculty members, have been talking to high school English teachers, counselors and principles about changing their curriculum to make English classes more serious. “It’s been a great collaborative process,” Sims said. The math department has also worked with high schools all over the state to help students become college-ready but Nelson said, “It’s not our responsibility to tell teachers what to do.” Green River is the only com-
munity college in the state which currently uses this alternative method for placing students in their classes. A Spark grant has been created to allow Sims, Schaefer and Moore-Mueller to teach this new method to other community colleges in Washington state. Currently, the program is only used for the Kent and Auburn school districts but Sims said they are setting up to expand to Renton, Enumclaw and Tahoma by this fall. If this program does well they’re already planning more schools to be eligible in the future.
Running Start Students Faced With Potential Dislike By: Madi Gessel Staff Writer
While most juniors and seniors are attending a high school, there are a few students who have chosen an alternative option. Running Start is a wonderful opportunity for students to get ahead in their schooling. Running Start is a program that allows high school students from the ages of 16-18 to attend classes at community colleges and acquire their Associates Degree by the time they graduate high school. Students who are juniors and seniors are attending class with students who have graduated high school years before them. Green River has the third largest population of Running Start students, 1,100 at any one time or about 9-10% of the college’s population. The service area for this pro-
gram ranges from Auburn to Tacoma, Kent, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Sumner, and Whiteriver. To the Running Start students, it is a great program in order to get ahead and graduate with two years of college. For other students, it is unfortunate to be attending school with younger students. Running Start students are often treated differently because of their age. Non-Running Start student Chloe Whittaker said, “When you graduate high school and community college is the only option, you wish you could be with people your own age. It’s not the Running Start students themselves, it’s just the principle of being with a bunch of 16-yearolds.” Running Start students can get looked down upon or treated differently because of their choice to come to enroll in the program. This scrutiny has been reported not only from the students and staff here, but at the high school
as well. Running Start student Cole Gilomen said, “It’s not financially good for high schools to have students do Running Start because that’s less money going into the school and they have to pay our tuition up to a certain credit cap.” Often times high school teachers discourage joining Running Start and treat students differently after their choice has been made. Students can be disliked on both sides. Running Start student Dallin Williams said, “Sometimes I feel like people treat me like a kid.” The dislike toward Running Start students can be damaging, but seems to be mostly unintended by the older students. “I get a mixed reaction from older students,” Gilomen said. “Some think it’s great I’m getting a jump start. Others don’t like the idea of going to college with someone as young as 16 because they might feel like they’re behind.”
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Debate Over the Role of Ants on Campus By: Jaelyn Colley Staff Writer
Green River Community College is home to many creatures both big and small. One of the creatures most frequently noticed by students and faculty is the large population of ants on campus. Many students and faculty debate over whether or not these ants should be exterminated or
left in peace. Barton Dowd, facilities program support supervisor, is one of the people who calls in the exterminator to take care of the ants when the problem “Gets out of hand.” In GRCC’s case the exterminator is Tom Trindl, a maintenance specialist at GRCC. Trindl was unavailable for comment. “If he [Trindl] can't take care of it on his own we call in an outside company that we have a contract
ANT HILL
Ian Lobdell | The Current
with who deals with all kinds of pests,” Dowd said. This partner company is Eagle Pest Control who has a branch in Everett. “Tom [Trindl] typically sets ant traps,” said Dowd, “it's some kind of paper with something sweet that attracts ants and then they stick to it.” Dowd said that when exterminating, GRCC does not use pesticides or other sprays inside buildings because of the health hazards it would pose to students and staff. Dowd said that sugar ants are a major problem at GRCC because they are attracted to the soda and sweets that students frequently consume. “Recycling containers are a big issue because of the pop bottles,” said Dowd. Daniel Najera, a biology instructor at GRCC, said he expects over 40 species of ants at GRCC. When asked about the ant problem at GRCC he said, “First, ‘ant problem’ is interesting to me. It would be a bigger problem for our campus, and globally, to not have ants. The amount of biological matter cycling that is performed by the Formicidae [ants] is enormous. Without them we would have far too many dead organism carcasses and leaf litter.” “Getting rid of some of the most ecologically relevant species is not smart or good practice,” said Najera, “our existence is fully
Tutoring Rumors Complaints of Rude Writing Center Staff Prove False
By: Madi Gessel Staff Writer As finals approach and the end of the year grows closer, students are in a constant hustle to get their assignments finished and papers written. The writing center on campus here at GRCC is a great tool that students can utilize for help, but complaints have been floating around that the student tutors can be condescending and rude towards some of the students seeking help. “I think students just get frustrated,” said student writing center tutor Beleqsa Tamaami. “Sometimes students just don’t understand the concepts or what they’re doing wrong.” Personal frustration and impatience can cause students to feel targeted by tutors. “They have a deadline to meet they have an assign-
ment due and they’re very tense already. Sometimes they take it out on tutors when they don’t get it or when we have to close up,” Tamaami said. GRCC student Marc Stroud has gone in the writing center a few times to get his essays edited. “I go in with essays that I am really confident in that they end up critiquing it a ton. It makes my confidence in my writing decrease because it wasn’t as good as I thought,” said Stroud. “Here at the writing center we try our best to help the students. We don’t try to act like we’re better than them,” Tamaami said. “We always ask the faculty and other student tutors if we have questions because sometimes I don’t even know the right answer.” Tamaami thinks that the only time that tutors might get upset or frustrated is if a student is be-
ing disrespectful, which she has yet to encounter. “We can’t help the students unless we can be patient and understanding. Once in a while we get complaints, but I think it’s just the student’s personal outlook," Tamaami said. New students are hired every quarter while others have kept their job throughout the year. The student tutors vary and some might be more beneficial than others. Checking up at different times throughout the day and the quarter could solve the problem of a condescending tutor. “We are held accountable for how we treat students,” Tamaami said. “We encourage students to come at any stage in the writing process.” The writing center is open Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Students of all ages are encouraged to go and receive help from tutors.
Ian Lobdell | The Current
dependent on other forms of life. Tolerance and acceptance are important concepts when thinking about sustainability.” Exterminating the ants will cause a large decrease in their numbers. However, the ants will be back regardless. “Humans have dumped insecticides for over 100 years on crop fields and on buildings. The insects are still here,” Najera said. Not only is a question of
ethics present in this decision to exterminate the ants or to coexist with them, but Najera has raised questions about potential harm to humans due to the absence of these “pests.” “We need to get rid of the idealism that humans and ants need not coexist,” Najera said, “one reason for this belief is that you cannot selectively just kill the ants, many other creatures are harmed in the process.”
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Spring a-Palooza
Green River Celebrates End of the Year
Ian Lobdell | The Current
By: Rachel Wood Staff Writer
Ian Lobdell | The Current
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Green River Community College put on a week of spring fun with free activities, concessions and performers for their Springa-Palooza. The event took place from May 19 to May 23 on Green River’s campus outside of the Lindbloom Center. The week of activities cost roughly $4,500 of the $27,000 of funds available for special events. The $4,500 included all of the performers, inflatables, cotton candy machines and the dunk tank. Nine members from the Community, Leadership, Education and Outreach program, who are also the event coordinators for Green River, were responsible for picking performers, as well as planning the week of spring fun. “Our event coordinators and I went to California for a conference,” Tevin Gladney said. “We saw a bunch of showcases and picked out the ones that we liked the best.” Spring-a-Palooza kicked off the week on May 19 with a performance by singer and songwriter Dan Henig, along with some airbrush activities. A b-boy session took place on May 20 with some additional airbrush activities. Josh Vietti’s violin performance on May 21 was followed by a club fair on May 22. Inflatables, hamster balls and a dunk tank were just a few of the activities that Spring-a-Palooza had to offer on their Thursday spring fair. “Thursday was my favorite day,” Gladney said. “It was a really nice day, everyone was enjoying themselves. We even had human hamster balls on a track for racing.” Green River wrapped up the
final day of Spring-a-Palooza on May 23 with a performance from the band members of Fialta – Beth Clements, Sarah Shotwell, Mikey Leibovich and David Provenzano. Fialta is an Indie Pop band from San Luis Obispo, CA. The band originally planned to play an acoustic version of their set outside of the Lindbloom Center until the rain pushed them inside to LC’s main dining area. For band member Beth Clements, Fialta’s Green River performance was her first time in Washington. “I was actually excited when it started to rain,” Clements said. “It really put the whole Washington experience in perspective for me, and now we’ll get to play plugged in, too.” Fialta performed a set of their own music, as well as a cover of “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers and “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. “When we saw them at the showcase they were performing acoustically and we all thought that they were great,” Music and Entertainment Coordinator Julia Olsen said. “But all of the credit really goes to Tevin [Gladney], he’s the one who put all of this together.” During the performance, Gladney manned the popcorn cart, distributing popcorn to students and faculty in the Lindbloom Center. At the end of their performance, Fialta posed for pictures with students and distributed some of their CD’s. “All of our merchandise is for sale entirely through donation,” Shotwell said. “Whether you want to pay $1 or $5, we’re just excited to be here sharing our music.” “We knew that they would be a good match for Green River,” Olsen said.
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Laura Gray | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Espial
Showcases Student Artwork and Writings By: Tayor Lopes Staff Writer
Art by Jennifer Gustafson
Cover artwork for Espial by Jennifer Gustafson.
Art by Meghan Faulkner
Some of the constellation artwork featured in Espial by Meghan Faulkner.
The new Espial journal will be released on June 5. Espial is Green River Community College’s literary and fine arts journal. Espial is published at the end of each year featuring art and literary works from GRCC students. It is a compilation of work from Green River students featuring short stories, poems, photographs, sculptures, and other forms of art. The journal itself is put together by Green River students in a class taught by Sarah Dillon Gilmartin and Avis Adams. Due to the lack of an Espial class last year, this year’s journal will incorporate works from the last two years, making this year’s journal significantly larger than those of the past. The work shown in the journal is all voluntarily submitted by Green River students. All students are able to submit their work to the Espial journal and all works are considered by the students of the Espial class. Because of this, the submissions for the journal follow no theme. They would not be able to properly showcase the ability and creativity of Green River students if they required the works to follow a theme, stated Adams. Although no theme is required, the Espial class still tries to pair writings with other forms of art to complement each other, stated Adams. The journal mostly follows the layout of one page being some form of written work and the opposite displaying artwork. However, there will be a theme to the cover and page layout of the book. The students in the Espial class decided what “Espial” meant to them, said Gilmartin. Then, they created a cover and design to fit their definition. “To them, it meant going out into the world and discovering something,” said Gilmartin. This year’s journal has the stylistic theme of exploration and discovery. This is one of the ways that the journal itself becomes a piece of art for the students who put it together. “It’s not their artwork, it’s not their poetry, but it is their book,” said Gilmartin. It not only belongs to them because of all the hard work and effort that they put into it, but also as a
demonstration of all the creativity and culture of the Green River community. “[The journal] is a piece of Green River’s culture”, said Gilmartin. “It is a part of who we are and a celebration of the creative energy that isn’t necessarily always being broadcasted.” The journal is a good way for GRCC students to get their work seen. Meghan Faulkner, a student in the class, said that the journal is a good way to build your portfolio and get experience. “It really shows the talent of Green River students,” said Faulkner. Faulkner herself will have some artistic work shown in the journal. She is responsible for the constellations shown at the beginning of the book that tie into the space and exploration theme. Faulkner’s constellations, although remote and somewhat universal, also have a way of keeping the journal local and community oriented. Her constellations are northern constellations, ones that Washingtonians could see in the sky on a clear night. As this same theme carries on throughout the pages, we see more and more of the northern sky. The pages of the book actually show stars moving across the pages, so that by the end of the book readers have seen the entirety of the northern sky. Although the artwork and prose are submitted by students, many students are unaware of the journal’s existence, stated Gilmartin. They struggle to get the word out about the journal. One reason for this struggle is that most Green River students are only on campus for about two years, commented Gilmartin. Every year the Espial journal has to be reintroduced to students because many of the students who actually knew about it have left. The community awareness problem has only worsened since the last issue was published. Because there was no class last year, there are even less students who actually know about the journal, stated Gilmartin. Espial will be hosting a release party on June 5 at noon in Salish Hall 273. Students and faculty are encouraged to drop by for food, drinks, art viewing and poetry readings from the book. Espial will also be available for purchase.
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Upcoming Summer Events and Activities Fairs and Festivals
Concerts
Films J U N E
The Fault In Our Stars 6/6 How to Train Your Dragon 2 6/13 22 Jump Street 6/13 Transformers: Age of Extinction 6/27
J U N E
KGRG 25th Anniversary Show 6/6 The Horde and the Harem 6/13 The Fray 6/17
J U N E
J U L Y
Tammy 7/2 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 7/11 The Purge: Anarchy 7/18 Sex Tape 7/25
J U L Y
Cheville 7/5 The Crystal Method 7/18 Say Anything 7/19
J U L Y
Kent Cornucopia Days July 11-13 Capital Hill Block Party July 25-27
A U G
Guardians of the Galaxy 8/1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 8/8 The Giver 8/15 As Above, So Below 8/15
A U G
Foreigner 8/1 Hawthorne Heights 8/23 American Idol 8/23
A U G
Seafair Aug. 1-3 Bumbershoot Aug. 30 - Sept. 1
S E P T
The Green Inferno 9/5 Dolphin Tale 2 9/19 The Boxtrolls 9/26
S E P T
Coheed & Cambria 9/9 Katy Perry 9/13 Taking Back Sunday 9/25
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S E P T
Seattle International Film Festival
Ends June 8
Washington State Fair
(Formerly called The Puyallup Fair)
Sept. 5-21
Fashion Show Supports Diversity By: Patrick Daly Ad Manager
There was a fashion show to celebrate Green River’s diversity on Wednesday May 28th. The fashion show started at 11:30 a.m. and went until 1 p.m. As people walked through the cafeteria one could see a red carpet in the middle of the cafeteria in front of the stage where the Latin Student Union (LSU) among others were showing off their cultural apparel. The apparel were in a variety of colors that had a story to tell within them. The apparel included long skirts, straw hats, and cotton shirts with stripes on them, dresses with floral designs, among others. This apparel can be used during festivities where there is dancing and drinking involved. Daniela Vargas is a current student at Green River in her third quarter planning to be an advertising major. She was wearing a yellow shirt with a red soccer ball on it with blue stripes. “It said Columbia on it. It is the National team of Columbia,” said Vargas about her top. Her favorite outfit was the pink dress that was traditional for a Quinceañera. Countries from all continents modeled the clothing and dance of their heritage, including Somalia, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala, Vietnam, Japan, China and Ethiopia. There were many Asian countries featured. Their outfits ranged from a very traditional style to ones that displayed
very modern tastes. There was a DJ with equipment on the stage. They announced and described each of the outfits that was being modeled. The music was pumping loud enough to be heard outside of the LC. Free popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones were served at the event. “It’s nice to celebrate diversity,” said Melisa Gonzalez who was a model in the show. She is part of LSU. While she modeled she would do a Hispanic dance called Bachata. The crowd loved every new outfit that was modeled. Even North America had a couple of traditional outfits modeled. They started with two students wearing semi-traditional Native American outfits. This was followed by an American cheerleader outfit. To finish off the North American series there was a couple that was dressed in prom attire. The guy was in a nice grey suit and the girl was in a long flowing pink dress. This is not Green River’s first diversity event. It is a school full of people from foreign countries. The organizations plan many events to celebrate diversity. CAP put on this event. CAP stands for Commencement Achievement Program is located in the Diversity office. Their goal is to “Prepare students to navigate the college system,” according to their website. They work specifically to help underrepresented students. CAP is hiring peer navigators for 2014-2015 to serve students by assisting students in the transfer to college life, locating financial resources, registering for classes, and getting involved at Green River.
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lifestyle
Haley Curl| Lifestyle Editor life@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Patricia Sotelo: From a Third Grade Education to High Honors Graduate
Haley Curl | The Current
By: Haley Curl Lifestyle Editor When honor student Patricia Sotelo, age 50, made the difficult decision to go back to school, she was told that she could not attend, due to having a third grade level of education. Sotelo grew up in multiple foster homes, protecting herself, and her younger sister from abusive foster parents. As a result, and in addition to, her many struggles, Sotelo developed a habit, and began abusing substances at the age of sixteen. Sotelo had managed to stay clean and sober for three years before relapsing in order to cope with to the murder of her son. She fell back into addiction for only two weeks before sobering up again. This time she was determined not to use again, and when her daughter was also murdered,
only 4 months later, she did not falter. Her daughter had been only 4 years old. Despite how difficult it was, Sotelo stayed strong and remained sober. “I promised I would never... do that to them.” Sotelo said. “In honor of their memory I will never pick up, or use, again.” Sotelo has now been sober for ten years. “I am proud of where I come.” Sotelo smiled. “It’s important that I finish, and that I succeed, in life because I want [her children’s] death to be worth me living... I want them to know that their death did not go to waste in my heart... I want them to be proud of their mom.” While keeping this promise, Sotelo continued to work, and did her best to stay strong and positive. One wrong step at work caused her to be let go. “I was working at a recovery, treatment facility...” Sotelo said. “I fell down some stairs, I had
GRCC’s Living Bucket List By: Ashley Wallace Staff Writer A giant chalkboard, known as the “Before I Die” wall, was in the Kennely Commons as a part of the week long Spring-a-pa-looza event last week. Green River Community College students had the opportunity to write down their biggest aspirations on this wall, courtesy of GRCC’s Sociology of Death and Dying class, who sponsored the wall’s implementation. The idea is simple: a chalkboard that says “before I die, I want to..” and anyone who walks by can take a moment, grab some chalk and add their thoughts to everyone else’s. Many student responses weren’t serious, but some were as sincere as “Help my community succeed.” Brian Kisner, a GRCC student, said that while he didn’t take the project seriously, it was still interesting to see everyone’s thoughts
and dreams. “I wrote down that I wanna play guitar in a band,” Kisner said, “though I do already. Maybe I could make it big someday.” At GRCC, the responses to the wall were varied. They ranged from simply “Be myself,” to “Marry my girlfriend” and “Beat my depression,” among many others. The art project was inspired by the artist Candy Chang, who put up the first wall in New Orleans in 2011, after losing someone she dearly loved. The Before I Die website stated that “Before I Die is a global public art project that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in public space.” Abandoned urban areas across the world have become small gathering areas for communities to come together, due to the implementation of Chang’s projects. Today, there are over 450 walls around the world in about 30 countries, and in 25 different
files in my hand... my leg went backward. I had 3 surgeries on my knee, and they let me go.” With her now injured, and forever damaged knee, she realized that she needed an education in order to support herself. “I started getting scared.” Sotelo said. “I wondered who was going to take care of me...” She came to Green River Community College to take the COMPASS test, full of enthusiasm at her new found resolve. When she received the results, she was informed that her education was only at a 3rd grade level. It is understandable, at this point, for a person to give up all together. But Sotelo took the matter into her own hands, determined to fulfill her dreams. She studied textbooks from every level of secondary education. She rented elementary school level videos, and taught herself grades 4-12. 4-5 months later, Sotelo took the COMPASS again, and this time she qualified as a college level student. She was ready to begin classes for the Winter quarter of 2012. “It was January 4, 2012,” Sotelo explained , “and I realized that I had been so excited to start that I had come twenty four hours early!”
M.J. Lockemy, a former GRCC professor, was one of Sotelo’s first professors. She helped Sotelo to realize that her anxiety qualified as a disability. “She waited until the other students were gone and I took the test.” Sotelo said. “And I could take the test just fine.” With the help of her professors, she was directed to the Disability Support Services, which are offered on GRCC’s campus. This allowed Sotelo to take her tests in a separate room, with extended testing time. “I don’t even use the extra time” Sotelo said, she simply needed to know that she had time to think through each question. Sotelo’s professors, such as Tonya LaBrosse, a Business Education professor at Green River, provided a tremendous amount of help. “She’d take me in her office before tests... She’d help me to not think of it as a test. It was an assessment.” Sotelo said. “She, of all people, has justified reasons to quit but she doesn’t,” LaBrosse said, “she perseveres and walks forward in her faith; she is a woman of strength, integrity, and courage.” Sotelo’s family has been the core of her inspiration. She and her cousin, Jesse Rivas, are the
only two members of the family who will have graduated college. “I call him when I have questions... About my homework, or... I’m ready to cry. It’s just so hard, and he’ll walk me through it... He is an inspiration to me.” Sotelo said that, prior to her schooling at GRCC, her self esteem had been incredibly low. Sotelo noted that her tutor, Lindsey Williams, would make her do affirmations in order to keep her confidence up. “All of a sudden, I started getting these high grades,” Sotelo smiled. “The last three quarters I’ve been a 4.0 student. I even got an invitation for Phi Theta Kappa, and I am graduating with high honors.” Sotelo was adamant about extending her thanks to all those who have helped her. “I just appreciate the people who helped me in school, which was Tonya LaBrosse, MJ Lockemy, Lindsey Williams, and Jesse Rivas...The Tutoring Center, Writing Center, and Math Center.” Sotelo will graduate with her Associates degree on Friday, June 13, with high honors, and this incredible woman does not plan to stop there. “I have thought about pursuing my bachelors...I qualified and even got a scholarship from green river!”
Photos by Ashley Wallace and Ian Lobdell | The Current
languages, all inspired by Chang’s artistic work. Chang also has a book out, illustrating the different walls across the world and the people that have been inspired by
her original project. Currently, there are two other walls put up in Western Washington, one in downtown Bellevue and the other in Tacoma. Katelyn Davidson, a GRCC
student, said that “It kind of gives you hope, because a lot of people want to do interesting things with their lives.” Davidson said that before she dies, she would like to do a lot of traveling.
June2.2014
Auburn Station Bistro Evan Yu Staff Writer Nestled under a large parking complex at Auburn Station is the Station Bistro. It is a friendly restaurant that is perfect for a sunny afternoon. The Station Bistro is located at 125 2nd St SW in downtown Auburn, which is an eight minute drive from campus. Strolling around the bookstores, clothing shops, and the Auburn Avenue Theatre in combination with the Station Bistro is a relaxing and affordable day trip. The Bistro’s location next to the Auburn Station makes it a convenient place to eat while traveling. The Station Bistro offers breakfast and lunch items. The breakfast options include classics like French toast, but also “Station Standouts,” which are breakfast options that are more unique. For example, Chardonae Miller ordered the affordable Brake-
man’s Breakfast Sandwich for $4.25. This sandwich comes with the choice of toasted bread or an English muffin with a scrambled egg and a choice of bacon, ham, or sausage. “It’s cheap which is really good,” Miller said, “Yeah, I’d definitely get that again.” I ordered the Eggs Benedict for $11.49. There was very little wait time and it was apparent that the chef took the time to create appealing dishes. The eggs were poached skillfully with the yolks not being too under or overcooked. Additionally the hollandaise sauce was not too salty as it often is at other restaurants. The hash-browns that came with them were golden and fluffy. The Eggs Benedict were well worth the money. Other breakfast items included traditional griddle choices such as pancakes, waffles, and French toast from $5.50-$11. There are also omelets, scrambles, and
Evan Yu | The Current
currentlifestyles other specialty items such as The 222. The 222 is your choice between 2 slices of French toast or 2 hots cakes, served with 2 eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage for $10. A customer who ordered The 222 commented, “It’s great for covering the spectrum of breakfast.” The Station Bistro lunch menu is comprised of a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads from $7-$11. Chicken and fish orders, along with daily soups are also offered. The motto of the Station Bistro is, “May all who enter as guests, leave as friends,” and it is a true statement in regards to the Bistro’s staff. We were greeted cheerfully and the service was both friendly and competent. The other patrons of the restaurant were regularly asked questions about the quality of the food and service. They truly treated their customers as good friends. The atmosphere of the restaurant was open and inviting with various images of trains to fit the restaurant’s proximity to the Auburn Station. For those over 21, there is a bar which offers local wines. Happy hour is everyday from 2-6 p.m. The Station Bistro opens at 6 a.m. every weekday. Saturday’s and Sunday’s begin at 8 a.m. On Sunday’s, Monday’s, and Tuesday’s the restaurant closes at 3 p.m., Wednesday’s and Thursday’s 8 p.m., Friday’s and Saturday’s at 9 p.m. On Fridays from 6 p.m. to closing time, Mark Wayne performs with vocals and guitar. Overall the Station Bistro is great restaurant to either begin or end the day on.
Vaping Prohibited On Campus By: Chase Lawerence Staff Writer Green River has been tobacco free since January 1, 2013. This ban includes the increasingly popular e-cigarettes and all other tobacco vapors. Signs prohibiting the use of these items are beginning to show up on campus. The reason the signs have only just started to show up on campus is because e-cigarettes and Vapor usage, or vaping, has increased in popularity, according to Vickie Sheehan. These signs serve as a reminder to students that the campus is primarily a tobacco free campus, not only a smoke free campus. The policy that was instated on January 1, 2013 was that all
tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, were to be banned from the college’s property. According to the policy this includes all of Green Rivers buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, landscaped areas, recreational areas and Green Rivers rented or owned vehicles. “I don’t believe it has become a problem,” Sheehan said. “I personally have only seen a few people vaping within the campuses boundaries.” Not all e-cigarettes or vape pens contain tobacco. In fact, many of them contain nicotine instead of tobacco. But the policy for the tobacco-free campus still prohibits them. Vape pens emit water vapor instead of smoke, giving them the reputation for being healthier and safer for it’s user and the
people around the user. Though the security staff preferred to remain anonymous, one officer said, “The reason for it [being banned] is because the vapors do contain traces of nicotine.” Like other rules on campus, they are enforced by security and there is the lingering threat of stages of penalty. The penalties start off as a warning or two, vocal or written. From there it can escalate to fines. If the fines aren’t managing the infringement and the violations keep happening, security can issue a write-up for a conduct violation. If it reaches this point, the violator must go to a hearing. Depending on the decision, they could possibly be put on some form of probation for a certain period of time.
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Easy To Make
Savory Biscuit Bake
Ian Lobdell| The Current
KC McIntyre Staff Writer
What You Will Need 1 can of Pillsbury flaky grands (biscuits) 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup of milk 1 cup of cubed ham OR 1 cup cooked ground sausage. 5 eggs Salt and Pepper
How You Do It
First, Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Then, whisk your 5 eggs until the yolks and whites are completely combined. Now you can add in your cheddar cheese, milk and meat to the egg mixture. Make sure to mix these ingredients together very well. Next you will open your can of biscuits and cut each individual biscuit into 4 equal pieces. Carefully mix all of the small biscuits pieces into the egg, dairy and meat mixture. Be careful not to over mix! Put your prepared mixture into a large, greased casserole dish, and put it into the oven to cook for 25 mins. When they’re done, be sure to let them cool, enjoy!
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Get Informed and Take a Stand on Ukraine By: Elena Praggastis Staff Writer
Why are Prime Minister Avery and President Poroshenko in Ukraine at odds about asking Russia for help and removal of their supposedly rebel forces? In order to be an active participant in all of society, it is imperative to pay attention to what happens on a state, national, and international level. As college students, we are both acknowledging and embracing our responsibilities to stay informed, participate in society, and make a difference. This is especially important for young people, because we are the new generation which will be making all the difference in years to come. As Americans, we are focused on the individualistic goals and achievements our “free”
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society has imposed as the only path to success. So naturally, it isn’t an automatic thought that participation and awareness is important for all of us. After all, there are thousands of other college students who actually enjoy reading and raising their hands in class, so why should I? If there has ever been something you disagree with like a stop sign in a weird place, taxes on fishing, the abundant waste in the ocean, gun rights, gay rights, or even just the requirements to wear a McDonald’s hat when you are working the drive-thru shift, then “not caring” isn’t an option for you. Change only occurs when someone stands up or puts their foot down. Crimea was not seized because Vladimir Putin sat in his chair and said he didn’t care. The reporters, columnists, and TV
anchors didn’t have a field day because they watched it happen and said they didn’t care. The rebel groups with Russian support screaming their independence to the world from the depths of Ukraine aren’t doing so because they don’t care. Putin’s conquest in Crimea has been compared to Adolf Hitler’s annexation of Austria and invasion of Poland by Forbes’ Paul Johnson. Putin has been compared to Stalin by Amity Slaes. It is obvious that both right and left wing moderates and extremists have something to say about Russia’s involvement, Ukraine’s autonomy, and the independence of these rebel groups. Some have gone as far as saying the actions taking place on the other side of the world could result in massive global tension and eventually war. You might say, well since this
doesn’t involve the US it can’t be that important for American’s to care about. But if massive global tension and war are to ensue, and experts start comparing the leader of a contemporary world power to arguably the two most ruthless and bloodthirsty dictators in recent history, then you bet it’s important to care about. Poroshenko is not pro-Russian, and Avery is not anti-Russian. Investigation of the relationship between the two leaders of Ukraine is necessary for both global awareness and a prediction of what is going to happen in future conflicts with Russia. It’s our job to understand current affairs, to comprehend the importance and significance of history, and to care greatly about our future in order to create a truly educated and prepared new generation of the world.
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By: Aaron Bales Opinion Editor
“Open Internet” can be a tricky concept to pin down. Basically, it is the idea that people should be able to access whatever legal content they want, on whichever apps they want, from whichever service provider they prefer. Internet service providers (ISP) may be able to give big corporations ultra-fast broadband, if the FCC does not change its current rules on net neutrality. Some wonder if ISPs can be trusted to responsibly control broadband, or if they’ll monopolize it. “It’s already happening,” according to Ethan Pham, IT student helpdesk at Green River. Comcast is currently trying to buy Time Warner Cable, it’s biggest competitor, and the merger would more or less result in a monopoly on the cable market. Many supporters of net neutrality are asking that cable Internet should be considered a common service. If ISPs were designated as common carriers, they would be subject to the same rules as telephone companies, airlines and delivery services. This also raises the question of whether web access should be considered a right or a privilege. Jason Caoile, a student at Green River, thinks it should be a right. “Given how much it’s used for
education, it should be provided [as a right]… since everything is going toward the Internet,” Caoile said. Other students feel differently. “People already pay for it,” Pham said. But if the rules aren’t changed, corporations may pay less than individuals for faster connections. Brad Passino, another Green River IT student helpdesk aide said it might trickle down from the big companies, but he still doesn’t like the idea of faster broadband for corporations because it will mean the rest of us will become slower by default. Another possibility would be to create a completely separate Internet, just for commercial sites like Netflix? Passino thinks it wouldn’t work because when you access Netflix, you go through all the other routers everywhere. You’d have to build new alternate routers. Students use the web for research, social networking, and other media every day. But it seems apparent that we all stand to lose Internet speed if the ISPs are allowed to control the flow of data in a monopoly. The FCC has opened the proceedings for public comment. Green River students should read up on the debate over net neutrality, form their own opinions, and make their voices heard.
Jesse Maiwald| Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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GRCC Track Star Uses Natural Ability, Takes 4th at NWAACC Championship By: Jesse Maiwald Sports Editor Green River track star Jaron Heck decided to take up track in his spare time this last season. He finished fourth in long jump for the NWAACC championship, this includes not only Washington, but Idaho and Montana. The most intriguing part was the fact that he hasn’t turned out for track since his sophomore year of high school. “I haven’t run track in five years, but when I did, I was basically the best sophomore in the SPSL,” Heck said. He has always considered himself a natural athlete, all the way down to his elementary school years. “I was the dirtiest, they were not ready for me. I won Male Athlete of the Year for Junior Olympics all three years, fourth grade, fifth grade, and sixth grade. I was the first to win in fourth and fifth grade, and that’s never been repeated,” Heck said. All of these athletic stunts came from what he thinks to be his natural ability. “I was hanging with the best not practicing or lifting, but after high school I realized work ethic was going to take me to where I wanted to go, D-1,” Heck said, During this track season a volunteer soccer coach took over, so Heck started to run his own workouts. A combina-
tion of footwork drills, bicycle drills, ladder drills, squats, calf raises, jump rope with a weight vest, and stretching is what Heck determined would help him out the most. “That’s why I’m proud of what I did, because we didn’t have track coaches so we ran our own workouts,” Heck said. Heck mostly wanted to make something of himself after basketball fell through the cracks. Basketball was his first love. His father was also a track star, which inspired him to try out for the track team. “My dad was a baller in high school, he won state in the triple jump and also ran hurdles. My dad has been my coach my whole life, and he is the one that gives me the confidence to win,” Heck said. Every athlete has their own pre-game ritual. Heck’s routine stems from his nickname, “J-Stretch.” “I have a stretching ritual because my nickname is J-Stretch. I start with my legs and move my way to my core and back, then I do my arms last so I can push faster,” Heck said. With the combination of natural ability, motivation, and a high level of self confidence, he hopes to move to Washington State University next year. “A WSU scholarship is in the works, there I hope to run track as well as play on the basketball team,” Heck said.
Photos Courtesy of Tammy Heck Top Left: Jaron Heck jumping a 22-08 to take first in long jump at the University of Washington. Top Right: Heck jumping over hurdles his sophomore year. Bottom RIght: University of Washington long jump results.
NWAACC Track Finalists Shelia Piper Richelle Orpilla Oksana Carlson Devonte Woods Devonte Woods Manuel Cintron Jaron Heck Christian Cintron Jaron Heck
100m 1500m 10000m 100m 200m 10000m 110m hurdles 3000m Steeplchase Long Jump
6th 10th 9th 7th 1st 5th 4th 9th 4th
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June2.2014
Woods Brings Home Gold Medal For GRCC By: Brad Xinyu Li Staff Writer Devonte Woods took first place in the 200-meter NWAACC Championship race in Spokane on May 20. On the second day of the 2014 Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges Track and Field Championships, Gators member Woods received a gold medal in the 200 with a time of 21.99 seconds. “I guess GRCC named me the ‘fastest man on campus,’ I can get used to that,” Woods tweeted after the win. Before the 200-meter competition, Woods ran the 100 meter and got seventh by 11.30 seconds. Woods’s winning could not have come without assistant coach Jacob Fullen’s contribution.
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Fullen came back to Green River this year after being a two year letter winner in both cross country and track for the Gators. The two-sport All NWAACC academic honoree will assist with player development and academic achievement for GRCC athletes. Fullen keeps players in good condition and has them doing practice routines to maximize player progress. Fullen is a graduate of the University of Washington. Previously, he was an assistant cross country coach at Kent Meridian High School for two school seasons. “We brought - Devonte Woods home several medals, but that one was awesome. The Green River track team peaked at the right time of the year, just in time for the championships. Many of the athletes ran a personal best highlighted by
“I guess GRCC named me the ‘fastest man on campus,’ I can get used to that.”
Devonte Woods 21.99 in the 200 meter race winning the NWAACC Championship. Manuel Cintron placed fifth in the 1,000-meter run, and Jaron Heck finished fourth in the 110m high hurdles as well as the long jump. Sheila Piper also ran her fastest 100-meter of the season. “I was very pleased with their efforts,” Director of Athletics Bob Kickner said. The Green River track and field program restarted competion in 2011 as a natural extension of the cross country program to allow the distance runners opportunity to run competitively in the spring. Soon students of Green River were training to become sprinters, jumpers, and middle distance runners. Not since 1992 had Green River fielded a team at the NWAACC Championships. These past few years have been a success for the Gators, espicially after this years individual performances. Because this was the season ending championship track meet, Woods can enjoy his vacation at the top of the podium, great work by the track team.
Courtesy of GRCC Athletics Page Gold Medalist Devonte Woods