Issue 11, Volume 49

thecurrent the award winning student newspaper of green river college

May13.2015

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue011 volume49

CCA residents Involved in Drug Related Incidents thecurrent Investigates

Drugs on Campus

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#GRCDrugs @thegrcurrent Cover By | Rocky Mamotyuk

currentcampus

currenta&e

currentsports

Update on Program Cuts: Pickets, Protests, and Parent Child Ed.

KGRG program Dead Air Talks Straight Laced Lifestyle

The Lady Gators Lose Chance to Enter NWAC

Parent Child Education has been spared, faculty still protest for other programs.

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The hosts of Dead Air give their experiences with drugs and why they gave them up.

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In a tough game against Pierce College, the Lady Gators fall short of getting the win.

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Tensions Rise as Faculty File Complaint Vote Against President Ely’s Administration By: Ian Lobdell Managing Editor

The United faculty of Green River College has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the college. The union is claiming that the college has committed union animus, an act of discrimination against union member due to their union activities, and failing to bargain good faith during the current contract negotiations.

The union supports their claims siting the implementation of the new Civility Policy, the renaming of the college, and other actions the college has taken without seeking input from the faculty and community, stating that this has caused a low morale and lack of trust in the college administration.

The official complaint also talks about a potential direct dealing claim. On Feb 18, the college released one of the proposals they

had put forward during bargaining in a college wide message. This could be considered circumventing the unions representatives and talking directly to the faculty.

According to the complaint Marshall Sampson, vice president of human resources and legal affairs, said that Union President Mark Millbauer “has 30 days to save his job,” on April 20, the day of the Reduction-in-force notifications when Millbauer’s program was proposed to be cut. The comment was said to be, “inappropriate in terms of its timing,” and demonstrates, “a disregard for appropriate process and consideration of the impact of such a statement on an employee.”

After 14 days, a preliminary review from the Public Employment Relations Commission will determine the validity of the union’s complaints. If the complains are supported by the facts provided, the college has 21 days to respond.

If the complaints are not supported, the union has the same 21 day period to provide more evidence.

The faculty took to the streets outside of Green River to protest the program cuts happening soon. The protesters chanted slogans such as “You’re nuts for these cuts” and “Students first, no cuts.”

All Photos by Ian Lobdell.

Following the preliminary review, the case moves on to an Administrative Hearing.

A vote of no confidence in Green River President Eileen Ely has been taken among the faculty. The exact numbers of the votes are not available at this time. There was a similar vote of no confidence against Ely on May 22, 2013. The vote yielded a 92 percent majority against Ely’s administration.

The Current received the complaint document on May 12. Sampson and Allison Friedly, executive director of college relations, were not available for comment before the print deadline.

Developing Story

For continuing information check out our website. www.thegrcurrent.com Search for “union”

James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Trade Students Unite to Protest Program Cuts By: Emma Autrey Staff Writer Auto body, carpentry, welding, and automotive students participated in protests around and in front of campus.

Students came together on April 29 to protest the recently announced program cuts. Students congregated at the trades center at 10:30 a.m. and waved their signs in front of traffic outside of campus.

The main purpose of the protest was to raise awareness for their

situation, gain support, and ultimately to keep the trades that will be cut.

Student Vern Reber was one of those who planned the protest.

“We talked to the other trades.

We support each other. They know they could be next,” Reber said.

“We need to fight for our programs, our right to an education, and our future. This is our livelihood.”

Rumors have been circling about what is to become of the vacant classrooms if the programs are actually cut. The college said in their official notification to the faculty

that they have 30 days to change their mind, yet they already have plans in place for the what would be empty space, Reber explained.

“You can’t go straight into the union, that’s why this program works,” Reber said. “If this wasn’t a successful program, the University of Washington wouldn’t have a direct entry program, as well as the union.”

Auto body student and protester, Deon Ybarra, is another of many that will be affected by the removal of these programs.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Ybarra said.

“Auto body is what I’m passionate about and I was even beginning to see doors opening for myself.”

Among the chants heard from protesters were, “Students first, no cuts.” As well as, “You’re nuts for these cuts.”

While the only trades programs being cut are auto body and carpentry, members of other trades programs joined them in their efforts. Automotive student, Sandra Young, is someone who will not be directly affected by the cuts but still feels very passionately about it.

“I think it’s completely ridiculous

that they’re asking for our opinions on the matter just to push them aside,” Young said. “Trades take something that people love and turn it into a family environment.”

The trades are an escape for people like me that don’t have the best home life, Young said as she held her sign high and shouted, “Honk for support!” She dedicated her time to the protest in hopes of getting people just as fired up about the cause as she is.

Students have been sending letters to local representatives about the issue with the same motive.

Faculty Picket Program Cuts Parent Child Education Spared By: Emma Autrey Staff Writer Green River faculty members participated in an informational picketing on May 6. The picketing was directed at the college administration, regarding the proposed program cuts. All students and faculty were welcome to pick up a sign and join.

Mark Millbauer, faculty union president and auto body instructor, shared that their main goal was to inform the public and call attention to their issue.

“The public needs to be informed of the practices and actions of the administration,” Millbauer said.

Many agree that the cuts seem to have been a hasty decision. Leslie Kessler, Division Chair and Early Childhood Education instructor, believes with something so drastic as program terminations, there should have been a lot more time and effort put into the research.

The Parent Child Education program that Kessler oversees has been recently been removed from the list of programs to be cut, after recommending a compromise with the programs budget.

“I have worked with the vice president and have managed to work out a tentative solution for my program,” Kessler said. “I think that the mission of Green River is to have programs, such as the trades, that benefit the community.”

Kessler believes that participatory governance is something that should be implemented through all levels of the college.

“This budget crisis is a perfect opportunity to use a shared governance model to help try and solve the issue,” Kessler said.

Program reviews are a process set up by the instructional council (IC) to determine the health and via-

bility of a program, and if there are enrollment issues. The results are then used to improve or eliminate said program.

“We are not ‘rabble rousers,’ we understand the college’s business,” Millbauer said. “However, without any program reviews, there isn’t any real justification behind these cuts.”

In all of Auto Body’s 50 years, the program has never undergone review. Millbauer said that if the program was truly viable to cut, it should have been put through review, rather than being immediately put on the chopping block.

Glen Martin, union treasurer and carpentry instructor, said three years ago carpentry was placed on review for about 8 months and passed. Their study showed that the program was viable, had all equipment needed, the curriculum was up to date, and instructors were well trained master carpenters and teachers.

The final recommendation to IC was to take carpentry off of review, due to it being a more than capable program that has turned out positive results.

“Since then, enrollment has increased to 90-100 percent full, and the evening classes have been redesigned with ‘hybrid instruction’ to attract more students,” Martin said.

Geographic Information Systems was in the middle of a program review when the cuts were announced. Green River then stopped their review altogether, regardless of its progress.

“Vice President Derek Brandes has given varying, questionable, and seemingly inaccurate financial data and benchmarks,” Millbauer said. “During an IC meeting on April 27, after the chief financial officer was questioned on the accuracy of their information, she stated that retrieving the financial

data behind the cuts was a work in progress, and she had only been working on it for 10 days.”

Potential reductions-in-force and program closure notices were issued 14 days prior to that. This led Millbauer and others to believe that the decision regarding cuts was made before any accurate, comprehensive data was present.

“So it appears they’re now trying to find data to support their decision that was made without it,” Millbauer said.

Other faculty members at the protest agreed that the college should be working together to resolve this issue as it had been done in the past, taking everyone’s input into account, not just a select few.

“Just because you take the community out of the name, you don’t take the sense of community out of the people who work here,” Kessler said.

With shared governance in mind, Kessler thinks a more appropriate approach to the issue would have been if Brandes had shared with faculty of the cuts informally, then strategized with them on what measures could be taken to prevent elimination.

The faculty members received the email announcing the cuts mid meeting with Brandes, and had to wait until the end for him to announce it himself.

Faculty were given 30 days notice before the cuts would be finalized, but couldn’t start working toward a solution without the accurate data.

Kessler requested an extension to Brandes that the 30 day window begin when all factual and requested data has been received. While minimal data was provided in a meeting on May 3, much of it has been found to be inaccurate, and faculty’s questions are not being adequately answered. Brandes

Ian Lobdell | The Current

Glen Martin, head of the carpentry department, was among the protesters. hasn’t gotten back to faculty with a response regarding the extension, so there is currently no confirmation.

A long standing motto of the college, rumored to have originated in the 80’s, is “Think student first, then decide.” Kessler said she often refers to this motto while making decisions in her own program.

She’s disappointed to see that this appears to be no longer upheld by administration.

Julia Short, director of nursing for 45 years and nursing instructor for 47, though retired still holds

her passion for Green River and education.

“The college was founded on a vision of diversity in education for grades beyond k-12,” Short said.

“These founding values are not being upheld today.”

“Since the beginning of Green River there have been four presidents of the college,” Short said.

“Current president, Eileen Ely, has hired and fired more people than the combined efforts of the previous three.”

“My question is, what’s up with that?” Short said.

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Drug Use in Campus Corner Apartments By: Joshika Krishna Staff Writer The ampus safety incident report had five Drug Law Violations in student housing in the month of March this year involving 13 students.

Students living at Campus Corner Apartments (CCA) are aware of the fact that drugs are not allowed in the housing. They sign a contract that specifically states that drug use is not allowed, and only students who are 21 and older are allowed to have alcohol in their rooms, though they cannot give any to minors.

First year student Eric Smith currently lives in CCA. Eric is well aware of the contract agreement.

“I pay a lot of money to almost be treated like a prisoner,” Eric said.

He said the apartment is his home and he is respectful while living there. He thinks that students living there should have more input.

“Weed is legal so if my roommate wanted to do it I won’t care,” Eric said. “But if it’s cocaine then get out.”

Campus security and Resident Advisers (RA) do rounds and keep an eye out, for the safety of the

students, and also to see if students are abiding by the agreements set in the contract. Security has the right for checks and seizes of student’s apartments. Eric said that security barges into units anytime they please to do checks and makes a mess.

Interim Director of Campus Safety Ron Riley said that security isn’t there to bust students.

“Students spend all day at school and go there to sleep. Security is on fire watch,” Riley said.

Students are encouraged to inform Resident Advisers if they are aware of other students that are using drugs in the complex by contacting the campus safety office or filling a red flag. If students are aware of someone using and don’t inform the RA, then the responsibility falls on everyone in the unit when the person using is caught.

Students living in CCA are allowed to have get togethers, but they have to be respectful of the rules and regulations. “We can party but it gets shut down easily most of the time”, said Christina, former CCA resident who wished to remain anonymous.

Students may want to throw par-

James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Illustration By | Rocky Mamotyuk

ties, and director Riley said campus safety is merely for student’s safety, not to make students feel victimized. “CCA is home for students, we’re respectful of that and don’t want to interfere,” Riley said.

There isn’t a pattern when it comes to doing rounds around CCA. During the day there isn’t any assigned security at CCA, just periodic checks. However, during the evening, there is security assigned for parts of the housing. Riley said there’s never cases of undercover jobs, because the use of drugs is not that big of a problem at Green River.

Security is actually one of the last people involved if drug usage is found in the apartments. Usually roommates make a complaint or maintenance notices something and reports it to the RA, then the RA calls for security to do search and seizures. Security writes an incident report and seizes the substance.

Counseling for students who are caught using is not mandatory, nor encouraged. It’s suggested in chronic cases by the RA or security.

“Actions are taken conscious to students.” said director Riley.

Adderall Abuse Leaves Long Lasting Effect By: Jessica Packer Staff Writer In a study by the prescription abuse research group Medicine Abuse Project, it was found that a cumulative 31 percent of all college students are abusing Adderall at any one time.

Cerner Multum, a pharmacist and doctor reviewed informational drug website, said in an article that Adderall is used to stimulate the central nervous system. The chemicals in turn affect the brain and nerves that control hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is prescribed for its ability to help the user concentrate and focus more clearly. Adderall is a common drug used to treat and ADHD and narcolepsy, and is also commonly abused by college students.

The dosage comes in tablet form that is typically swallowed. Drugs such as Adderall have a high potential for abuse, and over a period of time a user’s body is likely to become dependent on it. Adderall dependency can result in long-term health and psychological issues, such as disrupted heart rhythm and sudden random decreases in dopamine, leading to anxiety and depression, according to Multum.

Adderall abuse can come in many forms, from minor to extreme.

Abuse can range from taking little more than the prescribed amount

of medication, to consuming a large amount of medication that is not prescribed, possibly leading to overdose, or death.

A suitable, less physically dangerous alternative for college students looking to cram before a test would be good night’s sleep and study partner.

Opting for more traditional methods of studying and knowledge retention may help lower the Adderall associated risk of many side effects that the drug can cause, including bladder pain, fast pounding or irregular heartbeat, lower back or side pain, anxiety, dry mouth, lack or loss of strength, stomach pain, weight loss, etc.

“In addition to its needed effects,” Multum said. “Some unwanted effects may be caused by [Adderall].

In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.”

“For me, it is hard to watch anyone who uses drugs to the point of abuse,” Nicole Dalrymple, a mother of three children and Green River student, said. “To see it take over their life and reality is sad.”

Dalrymple is against illegal Adderall use. Her advice to anyone who is taking or contemplating taking Adderall, or any illegal drug, is that there are counselors on campus who are here to help them through the urges.

Dalrymple said it is troubling

how the effects of illegal Adderall abuse impact not only the user, but the people around them. Dalrymple has not seen much drug use on campus, but she doesn’t doubt that there may be some who abuse drugs here at Green River.

“Illegal drug use is overshadowing the prevalence of legal drug abuse in America,” said Green River student Kevin Stacey. He feels that prescription drugs, such as Adderall, get overlooked due to the issue and abuse of illegal drugs.

Stacey said that people use prescription drugs much more often, because they are easier to acquire and they do not have the same stigmatized fear factor and known risks that are associated with illegal drugs.

“I don’t know where I would go for help if I had a problem.” Stacey said. “I assume that the school has some sort of counselor or referral program, but I don’t know what it is.”

It can be especially harmful to those with preexisting heart conditions, such as heart disease, heart rhythmic disorder, high blood pressure, etc.

The largest warning that is given from pharmacist, doctors, and websites like Cerner Multum to dissuade people from recreational Adderall use is its effects on your heart. Adderall can do extreme heart damage, potentially due to it

being a stimulant.

For those who are suffering from Adderall addiction, or any other drug, they have the option to contact one of the counselors on GRC’s campus. Each counselor is well educated in areas such as drug abuse.

Any issues can be brought to them for help or assistance.

For more information on drug counseling go to the GRC home page under Student Affairs.

Illustration By | Rocky Mamotyuk

James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Campus Crime Blotter

Alina Moss | The Current

Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from April. 24 to April.

27 among others. All information is from Campus Safety Incident Reports.

4/24 8:30 a.m.

Parking Lot Complaint

The victim told campus safety about an incident that occurred in 2012. A suspicious man followed her on multiple occasions. In the TC building he said, “Hey stop! What are you doing? Come here!”

She ignored him an continued walking. The victim felt that the man was the same man that assaulted her when she was six. Another incident occurred about two weeks before the report. She left the parking lot of Starbucks, traveling to the Green River campus. A car tailgated her until Auburn Mountain View Highschool when he passed her and sped off. The victim parked in the campus parking lot. Before she could leave her car, the same car that had been tailgating her pulled up behind her, blocking her way. After about five to eight minutes, she got out of the car and left. After that, she has seen the man three or four times following her on campus. Campus safety has provided escorts for her.

4/26 1:27 a.m.

Student Housing Fire

Campus safety received a radio call from the CCA apartments that the fire alarms were going off.

The fire department was called and safety officers entered the building along with fire fighters. CCA staff were evacuating the building. The RA said that the fire alarm had accidentally been pulled.

The fire alarm that had been pulled was broken.

Safety officers questioned the residents living in the apartment across from the fire alarm. The residents said, “they burned popcorn and didn’t know if they had a fire happening.”

4/26 12:00 a.m.

Student Housing Assault

Campus safety was informed of an altercation that happened between two students in CCA. The altercation started when the suspect became upset at a message the victim posted on Facebook. The suspect told the victim to come to his apartment so they could talk things out. The suspect entered the apartment and was told to remove his glasses.

When the suspect did remove his glasses the victim slapped him. The victim was then told to sit down and the suspect began to verbally assault the victim. The suspect said that if the victim told anyone he would be killed. The suspect then reported the incident to campus safety the next day.

4/27 12:10 a.m.

Parking Lot Drug Law Violation

Campus safety observed someone smoking in their car. They investigated and found the suspect smoking marijuana. Safety officers asked the suspect for his ID but he said he did not have it.

The suspect claimed it was in his room. Safety officers followed the suspect to his room in the CCA apartments. The suspect was taking a long time and at around 12:23, safety officers knocked on the door. The suspects roommate answered the door, complaining they were making too much noise. The roommate then said, “I’m the one who got your boy Axtell fired!” He also said, “I’ll see you around… I know you guys walk around here at night alone…” The suspect did not find his ID and was given a warning.

Saif Al Obaidi is a student from Iraq who is going to struggle to find a new career when the carpentry program gets cut.

Carpentry Student Pleads for Trades to Stay By: Courtney Snyder Staff Writer Saif Al Obaidi came to Washington hoping to pursue his dreams. He is a refugee from Iraq, where it is not safe to travel to and from school every day. Hoping to get his Associates in Applied Science degree, he needs to attend Green River for four more quarters.

With Arabic being his native language, Al Obaidi’s English was initially an issue when he first arrived to the United States. The better paying jobs that he applied for required English, and the jobs that he did qualify for paid minimum wage. With an 18 month old daughter and pregnant wife, his main goal is to support them, so he decided to go back to school.

Because of the fast cadence and overall different structure of English, it was difficult and frustrating for Al Obaidi to learn traditional school subjects, such as math and science, in a regular classroom environment.

He then met Glen Martin, lead carpentry technology program instructor at Green River. “[Martin] found the carpentry class at Green River College for me to find a construction job in the future. He gave me a good opportunity [to] achieve my dream,” Al Obaidi said in a letter to the college’s administration. When Martin first spoke with Al Obaidi, he saw the passion for learning in his eyes.

Martin believes that anyone with a desire toward a trade should be able to learn it, regardless of their fluency in English. He often sat down with Al Obaidi and explained techniques using hand motions and examples when English was not an effective method of communication.

“Many students, local or foreign, are here to live the American dream, and they should be able to do that whichever way they want, whether that is academically or vocationally,” Martin said.

Carpentry initially caught Al Obaidi’s eye because of the large job market, which is projected to grow 24 percent by 2020, Martin said.

Al Obaidi now has four of the possible eight certificates from Green River’s carpentry program.

Without the remaining four certificates, and his lack of experience, his carpentry knowledge is fairly limited and he would be making minimum wage for his work.

After completing all eight certifications, the college’s carpentry graduates can start making at least $23.50 per hour, Martin said. Many students are hired before they complete all eight certifications, so they are able to work and learn at the same time.

Though he does not currently have a job, Al Obaidi participates in Martin’s work study program, where he has installed a wall, a door, a window, and crown molding. Al Obaidi knows carpentry, but he is not as experienced as he would like to be. “[The program cut] will change my life for the worst,” Obaidi said.

His wife also attends Green River as a student in the Parent Child Education program, but she will have to take a maternity leave from school when their second child is born. The Parent Child Education program was also proposed for cuts, but it has now been saved due to budget retooling.

Al Obaidi does not currently have a backup plan. He cannot further his carpentry knowledge alone, as carpentry is a very hands-on learn-

ing experience.

Other nearby community colleges like Highline and Renton Tech do not have carpentry programs for him to continue his education, but Renton Tech does offer carpentry apprenticeships.

Al Obaidi and his wife share a car, and he says that he would not be able to commute anywhere else besides Green River.

“My daughter’s daycare and my wife are here,” Al Obaidi said.

Picking up a different trade is also out of the question. Most students with little to no income simply cannot afford to spend more than two years working on one certificate or degree, let alone start working on a second.

Al Obaidi is currently taking English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes at Green River to further improve his English, though carpentry has had the biggest impact on improving his language barrier.

A big part of that impact was Martin, with his patience and dedication to teaching.

“Glen helped me very much,” Al Obaidi said.

“There is nothing quite like carpentry at Green River,” according to Al Obaidi. He does not believe that he will find another instructor as tolerant and passionate as Martin. His classmates are also a huge factor in his education, as the more experienced students give the less experienced students help and tips without being asked.

The carpentry program is not the only trades program with this kind of kinship between students and instructors.

“We’re a family here,” Martin said.

“Students look out for each other.”

To read Al Obaidi’s letter, visit thegrcurrent.com

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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Student Government Election Results number of counted ballots: 543

250 Presidential Results 200

231

321

214 222

Vice Presidential Results

Alina Moss | The Current

The flight simulator can take aviation students to a multitude of locations such as Seattle and Paris.

Sims Moves to Auburn Airport By: Rochelle Hale Staff Writer The aviation program is scheduled to be moved to the Auburn Airport. The five current flight simulators will be moved out of OEB and into the third floor of the airport, located about 3.5 miles from campus. Aviation instructor John Cirino expects that these new additions will expand the program and attract new applicants.

The flight simulators are expected to be installed in fall of 2016. No new simulators are scheduled for this time. However, George Comollo, technology division chair and aviation instructor, said that more simulators will come in time as the program continues to expand.

These simulators are used in classes, as well as on private time, to help Green River students and outside renters get the in-flight simulated training needed to be successful in their careers.

GRC offers the part 141 schooling that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and can start students on the path to getting their commercial pilots license. After getting the license, they can then continue their education further to get their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.

This license is the one needed to fly for major airlines.

The largest flight simulator is modeled after a King Air 350 Beechcraft plane, a small plane that fits roughly 6 to 12 people. This is the only simulator of its kind in Pacific Northwest and one of 3-4 in the entire U.S. “They are actually pretty realistic,” said Comollo. “They can even be manipulated to change the weather.”

In order to simulate real flight, the system can be calibrated to imitate fog and clouds, storms, and excessive wind. The pilot can fly at dusk or dawn, and can be taught how to handle engine failure.

The simulators themselves have five screens at the front of the plane showing you images of locations from Seattle to Paris. The brakes, landing gear, gauges, and other components of the cockpit are replicated to make the pilot feel as if they are in a real airplane.

In addition to moving to Auburn Airport, a new Bachelor’s of Applied Science (BAS) is expected to start up early next year. This new bachelor’s degree will be a four-year program designed to get students to their commercial pilot’s license. Then, because of the convenient location at the airport, students can get their required 1000 hours. Another benefit includes direct connection to the airlines

they complete their training with, with the potential to work for them after getting their ATP license.

“Being at the airport will be like having a one-stop shop” said Cirino.

Comollo expects that the aviation program will continue to grow, out of the need for future pilots, air traffic controllers, and drone operators to have a place to learn. He expects that the program will eventually move toward offering studies in aviation mechanics. Students can expect growth in the future.

In order to become a certified private pilot, you need to complete at least 40 hours of simulated flying time. This is not necessarily the time necessary to feel comfortable in an aircraft, nor does it represent the adequate amount of time it will take to get a high enough instrument rating to fly an airplane.

An instrument rating is essentially the qualifications a student pilot must get before they can fly under Instrument Flight Rules.

A private pilot can then complete more training to become a commercial pilot. From there, the expected new BAS program will carry students through to their commercial license. The new partnerships that will be built by moving to the airport will allow future pilots to hired by airlines before they even have their certifications. Upon the completion of their ATP, students can then start off as co-pilots and work their way up.

These simulators have been funded by Green River College. The students have also voted for these simulators. In addition, these simulators are funded by the tech fees that students pay when they sign up for aviation classes. The King Air 350 alone costs about $223,000, however it is creating revenue for the students. Comollo feels like the money was well spent and the simulator serves as a good investment for the students.

Because the program is expanding, more students will be drawn to the program, and more independent renters will be interested in spending money here at Green River for these simulators. The large investment is expected to bring more money through the aviation program. Comollo feels the money that is being circulated throughout the program is good for keeping the aviation department expanding and well-equipped for the next generation of pilots.

“All the money spent in renting out simulator time is funneled right back into the aviation program,” said Comollo.

The current location of the Redbird King Air 250 flight simulator is in OEB 22, the rest is in OEB 21. Those interested in renting simulator time should contact Cirino or Mike Nielson in Continuing Education.

150 100 50

98 Richard Maroon Kevin Kim Lavina Tang Shu min Ridwan Ibrahim Hanyong Park

By: James Ristig Campus Editor

campus with flyers to get the votes of the students.

The student government election is “It was good because we had around 500 0 over and theRichard new Green DemaTang Issa,Shu the current student MaroonRiver President Kevin Kim votes,“ saidLavina min is Ridwan Ibrahim. body vice president. “It was a good turnout.“ Ridwan Ibrahim Hanyong Park Kathleena Ly, Green River chief justice, said Student government also tried to promote this was a good election. There were more the election and encouraged students to vote. candidates actively campaigning for the votes Richard Maroon, a presidential candidate, of students as opposed to last year. filed a complaint because of an error with “Only one person last year was campaignthe voting. Ly said the error showed some ing,“ Ly said. students as not being registered, but it was Ridwan Ibrahim campaigned around only a small number of voters.

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Tacocat

2014-2015

Drew Monson | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Album artwork for Tacocat’s album, “NVM”

By: Michael Meressa Staff Writer The band Tacocat has been rocking the underground Seattle music scene since 2007. Their 2014 album, entitled “NVM,” has achieved moderate mainstream success outside of the Seattle area, allowing the band to expand its audience and further its reputation.

The band consists of members Emily Nokes, Lelah Maupin, Bree McKenna and Eric Randall. They are classified under the genres of Surf and Punk Pop, although they have formed a unique sound that few other local bands have been able to achieve.

Imitators come and go, but Tacocat is a truly original group. According to the website “AllMusic,” the group centralizes their values on feminism, which is sometimes evident in the songs they perform that contain political undertones.

Tacocat has the unique ability to appropriate political and emotional views conveyed to their audience, yet at the same time providing great dance numbers and genuinely fun tracks.

Motivated and inspired by the artistic atmosphere of Seattle, Tacocat embraces their local culture thoroughly.

“Not only are they extremely energetic and fun, but they also seem to have a strong local connection that can be seen in their interaction with audience members,” said Zayra Mariona, a disc jockey at the Green River College radio station 89.9 KGRG-FM. Mariona had the opportunity to attend a concert that included Tacocat as the opening act. She had a variety of good things to say about their music and their charismatic vibe.

“I thought they were fun, had lots of energy and they were also very different,” Mariona said.

Tacocat consists of three female and one male artist. “I definitely felt a female connection. Not only were they aesthetically pleasing, but there was something about them which I found alluring,” Mariona said.

She also mentioned how much fun the performers have on stage.

“I think they might have been drunk at the concert,” Mariona said.

It can be extremely difficult for small, local bands to succeed in this day and age. The competition is tough, to say the least.

“Depending on the scene, staying connected is an extremely important tool for up and coming bands. You’ve got to consistently write music, utilize the radio as a tool to garner airplay and promotion, and most importantly focus on the quality of the shows in which are performed,” said Trevor Jastad, Director of Operations at the Green River College radio station 89.9 KGRG-FM. Tacocat is a band that has been able to utilize and adapt to these aspects of the music business locally, and independently. Their breakthrough album entitled, “NVM,” short for Never mind, was released in February of 2014 on the local Seattle label “Hardly Art.” The album garnered the band major success and was a hit throughout the United States and Europe. Its success afforded the band the chance to tour the country and parts of Europe.

“Sometimes you have to be over the top to be different, in order to provide shock value to your listeners,” Jastad said.

Tacocat’s ability to do just that helped them rise from a small local band, to a band that’s currently on the verge of major success. They can attribute that to the album “NVM,” which is available for download on iTunes, or can be purchased on their label website, hardlyart.com.

Seattle bands have a way of bringing depth and artistic value to their music.

Although some individuals don’t find pop music pleasant, anyone interested in listening to something local and trying something new, give Tacocat a try. The album “NVM” is underscored by a great variety of tracks that appeal to all listeners of pop and rock alike.

It’s full of positive and fun songs that have the mainstay to remain stuck in your head all day long. Some of the compositions are pure dance tracks, while others are deep in sentiment and emotion.

Tacocat is sometimes played on air at the local GRC radio station 89.9 KGRG. Support your local artists and give the album “NVM” a listen.

Inside the studio of Dead Air. Two hours of hard core radio on KGRG 98.9 FM every Thursday at 10 p.m.. Photo by Alina Moss.

Straight Edge

Dead Air Supports Life of Abstinence By: Alina Moss Sports Editor Three “X” are the symbol that has grown to represent the movement of straight edge since its beginning in the early 80’s.

The band that started it all was Minor Threat, a group led by famous punk musician Ian Mackaye, to promote a life of abstinence.

“The mainstream message of Punk music from the 80’s was to do drugs, go to parties, and follow the crowd,” said Trevor Jastad, a co-host of Green Rivers KGRG show, Dead Air. Mackaye and his band were promoting exactly the opposite.

“Straight edge was telling you to kind of live a drug and alcohol free life, without something that is going to control your mind,” Jastad said.

As this new message began to spread throughout music of the 80’s, the symbol of the three “X” became a personal reminder to many followers about their promise of abstinence.

One of the “X” represents abstinence from drugs, another from alcohol, and the last from smoking.

Although this was the original representation of the “X”, in the past 10-15 years, the last “X” has become open to interpretation. It can represent abstinence from smoking, or from something that you are struggling with personally.

Jastad said that his third “X”

represents his abstinence from promiscuous sex. Both of the Dead Air co-hosts have been straight edge for over a year and have stuck to the promise of abstinence.

Jastad said that he tried being sober before he accepted the promise of straight edge, but fell to the temptations of drinking and partying.

Ever since he made the promise to be straight edge he has been completely committed to it.

He said that he sees being straight edge as a reminder of what he is doing and why it is important to him.

“Straight edge is different for every single person, it’s somebody’s own personal commitment,” Jastad said. He then explained that he doesn’t judge anyone who is not straight edge.

There have been people who have misinterpreted the meaning of straight edge, taking it to a violent level. Straight edge has been called a gang in cases when straight edge kids would beat up drunken kids, or punks, because the straight edge kids would think that they are better than everyone else.

“That was never the original intent,” Jastad said. “The idea of straight edge culture is not to tell someone that you should not do something, but to think about it.

‘Do you really need to do this?’ ‘Is this going to help you be a productive citizen?’”

Jastad and his co-host, Chris Rodriguez, are members in their own straight edge band, Cold Truth.

Starting with his knowledge of straight edge from being an intern at Dead Air, Rodriguez became committed to the promise of straight edge.

“I grew up around people that the only way they could have fun was for them to intake on alcohol or drugs. I wasn’t really like that. I was just the occasional partier. Through Dead Air, Dead Air was actually a huge part of why I decided to make the promise to myself, why I chose to be straight edge,” Rodriguez said. “I decided I didn’t need any of that to have fun, I knew I could have a healthy lifestyle, a lifestyle that was fit for me.”

Straight edge has given people a community to remind each other of their promises. It has become a more and more prominent way for people to keep their promise and to abstain from the life of drugs and alcohol.

“Make your own decisions but make sure they’re your decisions, not anyone else’s, and not because someone told you,” Jastad said.

“Live under your own influence… and listen to Dead Air.”

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Drew Monson | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Pride Prom

9 2014-2015

By: Emily VanMarter Guest Writer

Colorful moon rocks lined each of the tables surrounding the dance floor. Twinkling bulbs made to look like stars in the galaxy hung across the ceiling. Strobe lights danced across people’s faces and moving bodies, and the intergalactic feeling made Green River’s Pride Prom 2015 truly a Night in the Cosmos.

Every year the LGBTQ Queers and Allies Club at Green River College puts on a Pride Prom for all students to attend. This year, the event occurred on Friday, May 8th, and the theme was “A Night in the Cosmos.” Though the adviser for the LGBTQ club, Christine McMullin, was involved in the overall production of the dance, she mentioned that it was predominantly the students who made this event possible for the students.

Three in particular were responsible for heading the project. Oscar Donis, Ian Hall, and Madeline Wright are three of the officers leading the LGBTQ club here on campus, and decided to take Pride Prom into their hands this year.

Because all three of them are leaving next year, they wanted to make this year one that people would remember.

“It’s kind of like our own little gift back to our club,” Wright said.

Overall, the club spent close to $3000 on event, almost $2000 more than last year. “We spent about 5 months

The LGBTQ club hosted a Pride Prom that was open to everyone. The entertainment (left) was composed of many different acts that kept the crowd cheering loud. Many people (right) gathered at the Pride Prom photo booth area after the last main event to have a group photo taken with the performers. Photos taken by Alina Moss. planning it,” Hall said. “Since this was our last dance, we wanted to go out with a bang.”

When asked about the idea for the theme, Donis said, “We started out by just throwing ideas around. We put them all up on a board and kind of just did process of elimination. Eventually we ended up choosing A Night in the Cosmos. It’s a good name and theme, because it kind of has a sci-fi theme, which is always fun.”

According to the three, contrary to a popular prom trend, there was no dress code. “People can wear whatever they want,” Donis said. “Some people will go all out in an amazing costume, some will wear jeans and a t-shirt. We just

want people to feel comfortable, and recognize that this is a safe place.”

The event began at 7:00 p.m. in the Lindbloom Center, with music blaring through the speakers and people filling the dance floor. Many groups starting break dancing “competitions” in sections of the room, and the area was alive with energy.

Arguably the most entertaining part of the night was when members of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of drag queens from Seattle, performed for the crowd. Each queen performed a couple of acts, interacting with the crowd and getting people excited, making a comfortable atmosphere for all who attended.

To add to the safe zone aspect of the event, the two bathrooms being used had doors propped all the way open, and were made gender neutral by putting black tape over the “WOMEN” and “MEN” words on the signs.

Lemonade and water, as well as chips and dip were available to all attendees.

As a surprise, cake was served halfway through performances by The Sisters, and cotton candy was being made as a side treat.

People had the chance to get their pictures taken by a photographer in the back, and were given assorted props used to customize the photos however they wanted.

Though the event was held on the

Green River campus, it was open to non-Green River students. Alexander Brooks is a high school student who attended the dance. “I heard about it from a friend who goes to the school.

This seemed like it would be more fun than my school’s prom, so I decided to come here.”

Overall, expectations of the organizers were exceeded. “We got exactly what we wanted out of this. It was above and beyond anything we expected,” Donis said.

“It was fan-fricking-tastic,” Wright said. “Even though we won’t be leading it, I can’t wait till next year.”

Dragoo’s Den: Age of Ultron The Second Avengers Movie By: Josh Dragoo Guest Writer

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Whether you like comic books or not, there’s no denying that Marvel’s cinematic universe is filled with some awesome movies and some mediocre movies. Avengers: Age of Ultron is one that falls into “awesome.”

Age of Ultron continues the complex Marvel Cinematic Universe and is the sequel to the first Avengers which was released back in 2012. It follows the Avengers as they try to stop an evil, sentient robot known as Ultron (played and voiced by James Spader) from exterminating mankind.

From the moment the movie starts, it wastes no time getting into the action with the Avengers raiding a HYDRA base to retrieve the scepter from the first movie.

The action in Age of Ultron is amazing, it was tense, exciting, and it had

moments that were hilarious. Almost everything from the first Avengers that was so loved makes a return, but dials it down a tiny bit to make room for some serious aspects of the story.

The chemistry between all of the heroes provides a good dynamic, which really kept me engaged throughout the entire movie.

With good chemistry comes the really great acting, and Avengers does not disappoint. Everyone does really well, Robert Downey Jr. provides great comedic relief without being too overbearing, while Chris Evans just takes a backseat. Mark Ruffalo also does a great job as Bruce Banner, and it would be interesting to see him in a standalone hulk movie.

New to the cast is James Spader, who does an excellent job playing Ultron.

His performance as Ultron was dark, serious and even a bit humorous. But it’s not as memorable as Loki from the first movie.

Aaron-Taylor Johnson and Elizabeth

Olsen are also new to the cast, portraying Quicksilver and The Scarlet Witch, previously seen in a Cameo in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

While I did really enjoy the movie, I feel like something was missing from it. The movie felt weirdly paced and almost odd at times. Other than the weird pacing I felt that more back story could have been given to Ultron. He just seemed to just be an A.I. that Tony Stark envisioned, but that’s about it.

Despite those stumbles with the movie, they weren’t big enough to ruin the movie. While Elizabeth Olsen did a good job as the Scarlet Witch, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s acting was a bit stale and not charismatic enough to make me like his character.

Avengers: Age Of Ultron is yet another awesome entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It provides a lot of awesome action, and great acting with only a few stumbles. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has seen previous Marvel movies in the series.

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thecurrent

2014-2015

Drew Monson | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Undocumented and Unafraid By: Symbil Posey Staff Writer To the casual observer, a look inside the Green River Lunchroom during the Cinco de Mayo celebration would have appeared to be a simple commemoration of the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French on May 5, 1862. The event was far more than that. In addition to the festivities, it was also an opportunity seized by a group of GRC students to raise awareness about the challenges faced by undocumented students enrolled at GRC and abroad.

Undocumented students who wish to attend college are not able to apply for the FAFSA due to their legal status, despite the fact that they may have lived the majority of their lives in the U.S. To compound matters they are not permitted to vote, apply for Obamacare, travel abroad, or even legally work because of a lack of social security.

Latino Student Union member Karen Gamez, one of the students who spearheaded the event, knows of these challenges firsthand.

“What we are trying to do is raise awareness to let students know what help is out there and hopeful-

ly help create more scholarships,” Gomez said.

In addition to working a full time job, and maintaining a 3.67 GPA, Gamez is a GRC peer navigator who helps those that may need assistance with applications such as the WASFA which is available to undocumented students who are now able to qualify for financial aid from the state of Washington.

The event was a mix of jubilation and education. Mexican flags streamed across the front stage above signs that boldly proclaimed “We Are Humans, Not Aliens”, “Education, Not Deportation” and “Undocumented and Unafraid” as traditional folkloric dances were performed by Grupo Folklorico Tonantzin.

On one side of the lunchroom, a continuous line of patrons purchased Julianito’s Mexican cuisine, as various community supporters and GRC students handed out literature containing information and resources at tables along the back wall.

Information included topics such as H.B. 1079, a bill allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they have lived in Washington state for three consecutive years and have obtained a high

school diploma or GED in state.

Zaida Rivera, an attorney with Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), was in attendance.

She explained that her organization was available to provide free attorney help with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications and renewals. DACA grants those who are undocumented with an opportunity to legally obtain and maintain employment without the risk of deportation if certain criteria are met.

One of the highlights of the event was speaker Luis Ortega. He said that every single undocumented

student has to overcome a lot of challenges.

“To be undocumented means you have no guarantees”, Ortega said.

“DACA can be taken away in two years.”

He went on to describe some of the harsh realities that he faced as a young undocumented student, and how he was able to realize his dream of becoming a graduate of the University of Washington several years ago. Since then he has given hundreds of speeches to students across the country in an effort to spread hope to students who feel they have none.

Movie Calendar May

22

May

22

May

Chocolate City Electra, Fox, White

Genre: Drama Rated: R

San Andreas

Genre: Action, Thriller Rated: PG-13

May

Stone, Milicevic, McAdams

May

29

June Alina Moss | The Current

Genre: Horror, Thriller Rated: PG-13

29 29

Volunteers serving food to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and to raise awareness.

Poltergeist

Rockwell, Harris, DeWitt

5

Johnson, Daddario, Gugino

Aloha

Genre: Romantic Comedy Rated: PG-13

Results

Pearce, Smulders, Corrigan

Genre: Comedy Rated: R

Entourage

Grenier, Piven, Connolly

Genre: Comedy Rated: R

Echosmith Coming to Green River By: David Torpey Staff Writer

Echosmith and guests are performing at Green River in the Lindbloom Center on May 29, at 7 p.m.

The school was able to book this band while they are currently on their worldwide tour and play for their first and only college on the tour. The school had contacted the band during 2014 and booked the band for $25,000.

Echosmith was the final answer after music genre surveys were handed out at the school and also done online through Facebook.

About 100 people responded to the surveys and the alternative pop genre had won the majority. If you missed out on the surveys, the first one was handed out on welcome day, this was a way to give everybody a voice, including freshmen.

Echosmith is a band formed of four siblings Graham, Sydney, Noah, and Jamie Sierota, based out of Los Angeles, California. The band made a name for itself after a hit song “Cool Kids” on their debut album.

Members of Echosmith from left to right, Graham, Sydney, Noah, and Jamie Sierota. Photo by: Nicole Nodland Javier Dunn is one of the openers for Echosmith. He is a former guitar player and vocalist from singer/ songwriter Sara Bareille’s band.

While in the group with Sara, he was still working on his solo career.

He has had the chance to work and tour with some other popular bands like Duran Duran, Lenny Kravits, and Maroon 5.

Our other openers Tess and Carson Henley are a local group

right out of Kent, Washington.

This dynamic duo are siblings as well. Tess has been playing piano since she was 3 years old. Her debut album was released in 2008 then went on to win the chance to open for Anthony Hamilton and an independent music award in 2012.

“For us to be able to put on a concert like this and have a good turnout is awesome,” Justus Phelps said.

Justus has been the music and entertainment coordinator for GR for a year now, and has been working hard to manage the preparation of this concert.

“It’s great to have this caliber of an artist here at Green River,” Melisa Williams said.

Seeing a band that has been playing internationally is an exciting opportunity for the school and students.

Justus and those who help him experience concert production.

It teaches students professional development skills for a fun event.

Those who attend concerts do not realize how many people hours go into a short two hour show.

Pre-sale tickets are $10 for students and $20 for non-students. At the door tickets will be an extra $5 to both of the previously mentioned prices.

David Price | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

opinion

thecurrent

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2014-2015

Waka Flocka Flame for President 2016

Editorial

Waka Flocka Flame is running for president in 2016. The New York based rapper slash part time politician is putting his hat into the already crowded ring. While most candidates are running on a platform of hope and change, this unlikely candidate is taking a unique approach.

The political primaries have not even started and already we have groups of candidates flockaing to get their party’s vote. Hilary Clinton is the obvious front runner for the democrats in the primaries. She is running on a platform of being Hilary Clinton. She resonates with voters who want the political landscape to change from the white male in a suit and tie to a white woman in a suit sans tie.

Not to be discouraged by Clinton’s 2.5 billion dollar super PAC, Flame has devised his own strategy. While Clinton announced her candidacy to a swarm of fanfare and press coverage, Flame kept the announcement cool and low key. On April 20, he announced his candidacy on the most popular news platform in the world, Twitter.

“I’m dead ass running for president in 2016,” Flame said on Twitter.

This shows Flame’s impressive cool under the pressure that is his expected candidacy. The press was all over his campaign, soon after the tweet was discovered by the media. It was soon forgotten.

As for republicans, Ted Cruz will most likely represent them in this next election.

The Republican Party is split among

warring factions such as the Tea Party and the Lannisters.

Republicans had a poor showing in the 2008 election when Mitt Romney lost to President Barack Obama. Cruz is running under the platform of being an even worse candidate than Romney. While Romney alienated most of the voters with various PR snafus, Cruz will try to double Romney’s record. However, Obama’s many decisions have pushed young voters away from the hope and change slogan.

Flame is running under a similar platform to Obama’s famous hope and change speech. The only difference is that he forgot the hope part. A major law he wants to enact is banning dogs from restaurants.

The reasons for this strange new law were not given, but it can be assumed that drugs were a factor in its creation.

A surprising event in the potential primary race occurred when Bernie Sanders entered the race as a democrat. His platform speaks to many people that actually care about politics. Thus, he will unsurprisingly lose the primary race to Clinton who is going to win because she does not talk about all that political garbage. Plus Sanders will be involved in an epic rap battle with Flame, but id.

If you are interested, he is hoping to reduce the influence of money in politics, an issue that has run rampant in Washington D.C. for many years. Flame had his own ideas about how to control congress.

“F--- the Congress, I am Congress, I’m

the President,” Flame said to CNN. Also, Sanders is an outspoken socialist, the real kind, not the Obama fake socialist people seem to not understand.

Next we have Rand Paul the most liberal conservative republican democrat on the docket. He’s running on a platform of everything conservative democratic republican Tea Partiers are against such as getting rid of the extensive phone tapping that the FBI is probably doing right now.

Paul took a strong stance against government surveillance, a fact the FBI has probably became worried about when they hear it on the secret wiretapping of the building.

Flame is most likely against these policies Paul has proposed due to a very specific law he is hoping to pass if he becomes president. During an interview with CNN, Flame said he would ban “anybody who’s got feet over size 13” from walking in public. The government would need a much higher surveillance budget to enforce this law and we would turn into 1984. Them feet are nasty.

Finally, we get to the most important piece of legislation Flame would enact as soon as the White House doors open and the after party dies down. The legalization of marijuana. This is a platform that speaks to key demographics such as Buzzfeed readers and college dropouts.

So when you enter the polls on November 8, 2016, remember to cast your vote for your next president, Waka Flocka Flame.

This editorial is a work of satire and is not meant to be taken literally.

How Technology has Revolutionized the Classroom By: David Torpey Staff Writer No one can escape technology when it comes to education today. This is the case, whether you have the canvas application downloaded onto your smartphone, or you just use the computers at school.

Many college students have the privilege of owning smart phones, which allow them access to the possibilities of the World Wide Web anywhere, anytime. However, they don’t always use it to its fullest extent. Some students just don’t realize how much information they have access to.

Often, when students have a question, the phrase ‘just Google it’ is one of the first things that pops into their head. This ease of access to information is one of the main issues with technology in today’s education.

People will believe anything as long as it sounds reasonable.

Editorial Policy

The skill of using the internet correctly and being able to find credible sources are just some things students need to work on when using the technology that is literally at their fingertips. That is why canvas is so great.

When technology is built to support learning objectives, it greatly enhances the learning experience.

Over three hundred colleges are currently using canvas, including Green River. Canvas has made schooling so much easier, for not only students, but instructors as well. Some might say that hard copy assignments and talking to the instructor face to face would be better because the communication is more direct.

But canvas allows us to always have a resource of upcoming/current assignments, grading rubrics, and it makes communication between students and their classmates and teachers much easier. Of course, there are many other ways students use technology in school.

The Current is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval. Editorials reflect the views of the editing staff of The Current. Opinion articles reflect the opinions of their writers.

Theft Policy

With the kind of technology that is used today, there is a point where it detracts from learning and becomes a distraction. It is very important for the graphical user interface to be designed to minimize distractions, and lead the learning experience.

This is the downfall of canvas. While some may think it is easy to navigate and control canvas, others may disagree. If the technology used in schools is too confusing, the students and teachers get frustrated with the program. Students at green river have all been in a classroom where the teacher had no idea how to use a certain program or operate certain aspects of canvas. That’s where the struggle of instructors and students using these applications can be seen.

“I see the value in using Canvas, and see how quickly someone can learn while using it.” Student Marcus Rosenbam said.

People go through their day to day lives without appreciating what kind of power or opportunities they hold.

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CORRECTIONS

Last issue in the article “LGBTQ Raises Awareness on Campus and Acceptance of Students,” it said that prime prom would take place on May 16 when it actually took place on May 8.

If you find an error in our facts or simply a name spelled wrong, please contact us at: editor@thegrcurrent.com 253-288-3457 or come in to our office in: OEB room 16

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opinion

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David Price | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Alcohol is Worse than Marijuana By: David Price Opinion Editor I used to be under the misconception that marijuana is worse than alcohol but doing some quick research I found out how wrong I was. Searching through Google I literally could not find anything except for one little news article supporting the point of view that marijuana is worse than alcohol. There have been many scientific studies conducted on the subject, all showing that marijuana is the more benign of the two drugs. I’m not going to argue against such overwhelming scientific evidence. Also that one article presenting the unique perspective that marijuana might be worse than alcohol was on Fox News.

The facts are hard to ignore.

Thousands of people in the U.S. die from

alcohol use each year and literally no one has ever died from smoking too much weed. Also marijuana has wonderful medical properties that can be used to treat people with illnesses that are difficult to treat with traditional medicine such as certain auto-immune disorders and epilepsy. An example of this would be marijuana grown with higher amounts of CBD oil – which has been known to treat children on epilepsy – and less of THC, which is the cannabinoid that gets you high. Marijuana grown like this can treat epilepsy.

Alcohol has none of the medical properties of cannabis but has in fact been linked to an innumerable amount of health related issue.

Alcohol has been can cause many types of cancers such as of the mouth, throat, Esophagus, liver, colon and rectum, and breast cancer as well.

According to Livescience early studies showed some evidence linking marijuana to lung cancer, but subsequent studies debunked that. Marijuana has some of the same cancer causing ingredients as tobacco, so theoretically it should be a possible cause of cancer. It may be that

some beneficial cannabinoids in marijuana smoke cancel out the ill effects of cancer causing substances in the drug.

The worst thing about marijuana is probably that it kills brain cells. A large longitudinal study conducted in New Zealand found that persistent use of marijuana starting in adolescence is associated with a loss of 8 IQ points measured in mid adulthood. There is no getting these IQ points back or repairing the damage done to synapses and neural connections that is associated with marijuana use. The damage is irreversible. In this way alcohol is just as bad as marijuana, possibly worse since it can literally change the shape and shrink the size of the brain and alter brain chemistry.

One thing that people might not realize about marijuana is that it can trigger schizophrenia in people who have a predisposition towards developing that mental illness.

According to Livescience Marijuana use is highest among people with schizophrenia than in the general population. People who smoke marijuana are more than twice as likely to develop this disorder. The same genetic traits that make people more likely to become addicted are also going to make people more predisposed to developing schizophrenia, which is interesting.

In short both marijuana and alcohol are bad for you. Marijuana hurts relationships, makes people lazy, kills brain cells, impairs memory and does many other things. Plus marijuana reeks with a rancid stench, which along with the fact some people are allergic to marijuana are strong cases for saying that people should not smoke it in public.

Alcohol can make people violent, impair memory, damage nerve cells, cause cancer, and many other things.

This is not to say that any of these drugs should be illegal, of course. I’m totally for pot legalization. In fact cocaine and heroin would both be legal if I could make it so. If people want to ruin their lives and put harmful substances in their bodies then that is there business.

When consumed in moderation alcohol and marijuana aren’t that bad; the problem comes when consumed in excess and over the long term. So the rule should always be: stay safe.

Rosemond Uses Classic American Cinema to Teach Reading By: Anzhelika Iskindyarova Staff Writer Harry Rosemond, professor in the Reading Department at Green River College, is one of the teachers whose personality and teaching skills contribute well to student’s success in learning English.

Rosemond encourages every student who signs up for his classes to study and learn the material in unique ways. He has students approach particular reading techniques through “watching classic American movies” and “making analysis of these movies with the use of terms from the textbook.”

However, Rosemond makes note that he had a lot of help in developing his teaching technique. “Factors that influenced my teaching is teachers that I had in the past during my middle school, high school and college years,” said Rosemond.

“Most of my teachers made me feel comfortable and encouraged me to learn. When I started to teach, I wanted to do the same things to my students: make them feel comfortable and encourage them to learn.”

Elaborating on his love for learning, “I always want to learn about things. And when I learn about a lot of things, I like to share it with other people in terms of teaching them and showing them how.”

Rosemond said.

Despite his passion for learning, Rosemond has never really seen himself as a teacher. “I always see myself as a facilitator. I want to point out the direction and let students go on their own, because if I can do it, they can do it.”

Discussing suggestions for other college teachers who want to succeed in teaching, Rosemond indicates three basic rules: first rule is “be yourself,” second - “try to keep up with students and their interests,” and third - “let students evaluate your skills anonymously.”

“Teaching is a work in progress.

I try to keep up with the students, because they change as our cultural and social values change. It’s important to make your teaching more appealing to people whom you teach. I always try to do better and be better than I was last week, to make the students appreciate where they are and what they are doing.” v Rosemond.

Jordahn Nelson | Satire Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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thecurrent

13 2014-2015

Toking Away the Moral Fiber of American Teens By: Torey Black Staff Writer The distribution of marijuana for medical and recreational use was legalized in Washington state as of 2012. The general ballot of Washington Initiative 502, legalizing insanity, passed by a margin of 56 to 44 percent. For the majority, you have to wonder, did these people learn nothing from eighth grade health class? Marijuana is sanctioned as a low risk drug, and next thing you know, the Health Ed. teachers are the ones on the streets. In my imagination they’re holding cardboard signs that look a little something like, “UNEMPLOYED, BUT AT LEAST I’M CLEAN. GOD BLESS.” A recent study showed that those who began using in their teens had substantially reduced connectivity among brain areas responsible for learning and memory. Of course, it is quite possible these subjects were simply dropped as infants. The test results are yet inconclusive. As of right now, there are no credible medical reports to suggest that consuming marijuana has single handedly been a cause of death. Theoretically, a smoker would have to consume nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana within about fifteen minutes to induce a lethal response.

Drug Warning Announcement: those under the age of twenty one, looking to change Facebook status to “in a relationship”, or have the desire to escape confinement of mother’s basement, DO NOT take this drug. More serious results from irresponsible recreational use may include, addiction, loss of appetite, brain damage, and difficult withdrawal. A

long-term study in New Zealand showed that people who began smoking marijuana heavily in their teen years, lost an average of 8 IQ points between the ages of 13 and 38.

“Happy, smiley, hungry, sleepy. Physically, all the seven dwarfs” Alex Adams said when answering the question, “Are you aware of any effects marijuana can have on your body?”

Clearly, more long term and life altering reactions were left out of the big important books.

“Late night munchies”, said fellow student Ethan Mitchell.

In a way, both student responses are valid.

However, lacking any kind of substantial intellectual depth or forethought.

A few more life- threatening reactions, may include, impaired judgment, lung congestion, depression, and rapid heart beat. Ladies and gents, a pot brownie high is no carnival ride, the risks out weigh whatever the heck you think you are getting out of it. Something each interviewee, and myself alike, could agree on was the putrid skunk-like smell that lingers on the entire being of a pot smoker. Have you people no mercy?

In the most unfortunate of circumstances, marijuana is used as a deterrent from anxiety, a distraction from the pains of the real world.

“Makes them go into a different realm” Mitchell said. A self-medicating solution to all of life’s problems.

On the other hand, marijuana could, quite possibly, kill you. Legally, you can drink, you can smoke, you can live life and be merry, just think before you do. So kids, don’t do drugs...and don’t take brownies from any strangers.

12912 SE Kent Kangley Rd NW Corner of Lake Meridian Market Place Shopping Center - Behind Shari’s -

games

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Crossword

Across 3. In the middle of a program review when put on the program chopping block 7. A radio show that promotes a drug free lifestyle 9. Local female fronted band 10. This rapper is running for president 11. Legal in Washington and Colorado 16. Lost against Pierce College 18. More dangerous than marijuana 19. Ridwan _______ (new student government president) 20. The Sisters of Perpetual _______

Down

1. David Story _______ Longview 2. Recently taken off the program cut list 4. Played Ultron in the new Avengers movie 5. A student who helped plan the April 29 protest 6. Coach Jeff _______ 8. King Air 350 _______ 12. A drug sometimes used to study 13. This kind of milk is good after a workout 14. Coming to Green River on May 29 15. Cinco de ________ 17. Glen _______ (head of the carpentry program)

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6 3 8

Sudoku

1 9

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Alina Moss | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Baseball Playoffs Walla Walla 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Golf 17-18 Oak Brook Golf Course Lakewood

May

Track and Field Playoffs 18-19 Spokane falls CC Spokane

May

Baseball

May Championship 21-25

David Story Field Longview

2014-2015

Track Coach Builds a Team for Green River

NWAC Sports Calendar May

15

Now Over 30 Track and Field Athletes Courtesy | Green River College

By: D’Marye Dedrick Staff Writer As a child, wasn’t very interested in sports, although he did enjoy running. McGlocklin said he had a blessed childhood, and he was privileged to have parents and mentors in his life to keep him on the right track.

After eighth grade, McGlocklin was sent to Upper Columbia Academy, a private school away from his Spokane home. Being away from home gave him a certain freedom that he had not wet experienced.

As a freshman with no rules, McGlocklin had the time of his life. He said once he and his rock climbing friends would repel out of their windows of the dorms at night.

Fun soon gave way to reality for McGlocklin as his grades started to slip. Being away from home, with no one there telling him what to do, hurt him in his freshmen year. He had freedom with little

responsibility, yet he failed classes his freshmen year as a result. As punishment, he was forced to pay for summer school, which was a big life lesson for him at the time.

His sophomore year, McGlocklin transferred from his private school, which graduated 30 students each year and had 250 students total, to Central Valley High School which held around 1500 students. At his private school he learned how to be polite, how to treat people with respect, and he used that at his new school. Since he was new at the school, all he wanted to do was make friends. His goal from then on was to make a new friend each day. He loved the experience of going from a small school to a larger school.

His junior year in high school, he joined the cross country team.

He had always liked running, he was just never part of an organized team. His senior year he joined track as a long distance runner.

When he graduated, McGlocklin attended Spokane Community College. He didn’t want to give up on running, so he walked on to the

track team.

“I was a JV athlete when it came to college,” McGlocklin said. He raced some serious competition such as Dominique Arnold and Felix Sanchez, who are now 2 gold medalists in the Olympics.

He spent 2 years at Spokane CC, but things in his life made it difficult to find time to go back to school and receive his degree.

In that time, McGlocklin was an assistant swim coach at Central Valley High School. He didn’t know how he started coaching.

He said at the time “I had nothing better to do,” when it came to his coaching career, but he loved the atmosphere. After a few years as a swim coach, McGlocklin became a track coach. The one thing that brought him to love coaching was the culture. All these individuals, pursuing the ultimate goal as a team, while achieving personal goals in separate events.

From 1997 to 2014, McGlocklin coached at three different high schools. This past August, Green River hired him as their track coach, and since then he has

showed the college what he can do.

Last year, the track program had 13 athletes total, this year it is over 30. Just a year ago the GRC track program was among the lowest, and rarely placed in events. Now they are placing regularly. Athletes are even starting to getting noticed by bigger colleges. To McGlocklin, it doesn’t matter if it is an NIA school, or if one of his athletes gets a shot at the next level, he has done his job as a coach.

His athletes think he’s doing an amazing job. Jonathan Davis, a veteran athlete for McGlocklin, said, “Coach Jeff has practically created a track program here at Green River”.

He also said McGlocklin is a great coach, and a great guy who is putting Green River on the map.

As a coach, McGlocklin just focuses on improvement. Getting better every year, every month, and every day. He focuses on the little things, so his team can be successful as a whole. McGlocklin doesn’t demand perfection, saying no one is perfect, but he does demand improvement, and he has improved the track program.

Tips for Athletes:

A Balanced Diet is Not the Same for Everyone By: Cameron Grimes-Hess Staff Writer If two teams or players are evenly matched, the one who is more prepared is going to be victorious. In other words, “The separation is in the preparation,” said Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson. Preparation consists of practicing your sport, endurance training, weight training, and in higher levels of sports, knowing what your opponent likes to do. One of the most important aspects of preparation can be easily forgotten, and that is proper nutrition. The winning factor, at the end of a long game, could be who prepares their body for the stresses of the game, and still has the energy to perform well at the end.

Good nutrition is something that college athletes need to be prepared to focus on, possibly more than they have up to this point in their athletic careers.

“Proper nutrition, just taking care of your body, is so critically important at the college level,” said Green River Athletic Director Bob Kicker. Unlike high school athletes, the college athlete is subjecting themselves to a much longer season, many hours of practice time a week, and harder conditioning programs. This makes it essential that an athlete is putting all the right things into their body.

There are many basics that go into nutrition that are especially important for athletes. First and foremost, a person needs to make sure they are getting enough calories to cover what they lose during physical activity. The body also needs a wide variety of nutrients, so it is not enough to take a few parts of the food pyramid and choose the most tasty choices. A good diet will include a little bit from all of the different categories. A balanced diet will yield carbohydrates, essential fats, proteins, vitamins, and

minerals, which are all essential to the body.

Beyond the basics of the food pyramid, another key for athletes is antioxidants. Getting enough antioxidants stops reactions in your body that can cause cell damage, or even cell loss, is crucial. Foods high in antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, and some meat products. Covering all different areas of the food pyramid will help with antioxidant intake.

For athletes, proper nutrition is a 24/7 job. An athlete won’t make up for a weeks worth of poor nutrition by eating all the right things the day of the game. There is no rest to a good diet, even if there is no game that day, but game day is still the most important time of all to get all the right stuff into the body.

Anita Behrbaum, a physical education instructor, said there is no magic formula for what that pregame meal should look like.

“That’s really personal, that is

something they need to test for themselves,” Behrbaum said. Some people are sensitive to dairy so they should stay away from dairy.

Some are sensitive to caffeine, while others view it as a performance enhancing substance. There are some people who get really nervous before their competition so they have to stick to something simple, like pasta or a bagel, to avoid upsetting their stomach before the game.

“Knowing what and what not to put in your body before a game, or even a workout, is all part of the athletes’ training. There is not a definitive answer on what to eat,” Behrbaum said.

As for timing that meal before the big game, that can also vary from person to person.

“You want to eat, depending on the intensity of the activity, two or three hours before. Some people, if they aren’t going quite as intense, maybe a workout type, they could go an hour before,” Behrbaum said.

This is also something each person needs to find out for themselves.

The quest for proper nutrition continues after the final whistle blows. After a game the body is depleted and needs to recover. Plus, the next day there could be another game, or the grind of practice could resume once again.

As for a good after game choice, Kickner has some advice for what to go to.

“I believe in chocolate milk.

It’s got proteins, it’s got sugars,” Kickner said. “I like that for a quick recover.”

Chocolate milk has been proven to be the best drink to recover with after physical activity.

While the quick drink will help the body recover, athletes are encouraged to try to eat a substantial meal as soon as possible after a game. With this, the process of preparation for the next practice or game begins.

16 2014-2015

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Alina Moss | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

GRC womens softball win their first game of the weekend against Pierce College but lose the second causing their season to end without a chance to go to NWAC playoffs. Photos by Alina Moss.

Womens Fastpitch Softball Misses Their NWAC Chance by One Game By: Mitchell Johnson Staff Writer

The Green River Lady Gators’ softball team was one win short of going to the postseason.

The Lady Gators needed to sweep their rival, the Pierce College Raiders, in the doubleheader on Friday, May 8. They also needed Highline Community College to win at least one of their two games against Grays Harbor, to push them down from the tie with Green River.

It was not looking good early in game one for the Lady Gators.

Pierce College center fielder Molly LaMotte launched a leadoff home run off Gators pitcher Cherry Alejo to left-center field, making the score 1-0.

Later in the top of the first inning, Pierce College had runners on second and third with one out, but a double play from a lineout and tag out to the third basemen Rylie Decker ended the threat.

In the top of the second inning, the Raiders had the bases loaded, when LaMotte stepped up to

the plate again, and hit a two run double making the score 3-0. After a single, LaMotte attempted to run home but got thrown out at home plate.

Being down 3-0 in a must win game, the Lady Gators did not change their strategy one bit, especially pitching wise.

“She’s [Alego] our number one, she’s our go to girl,” said Head Coach Kaylee Powell. “We play best behind her, we hit well when she’s throwing, she hits better when she’s throwing.”

In the second inning Green River turned on the offense. Back-toback singles by Morgan Frost and Cherry Alejo put runners on first and second.

Kari Grow hit a double, but while running to second, realized that Alejo was still on second base, and Grow got caught in a pickle.

Frost ran home from second base during a late throw and everyone was safe.

Green River managed four more runs in the second inning, giving them a 5-3 lead.

The Lady Gators continued to add pressure in the bottom of the third, with five more runs scored, making the score 10-4. Pierce added two more runs in the fourth inning.

The two offenses went relatively quiet after that. Green River added three more runs in the sixth. Pierce could not manage another run for the rest of the game.

The final score was 13-6 with Green River on top.

Powell thought that, after the team went down 0-3, the team played with more motivation than desperation.

“I wish they were playing like this at the beginning, but this is the time we want them to turn it on, peak at the end to get to the tournament,” Powell said.

The Lady Gators were getting closer to the possibility of going to the playoffs, but they still needed Highline to beat Grays Harbor at least once in their next games.

When game two started there was a completely different result for Green River.

Pierce started out with a run in

the first inning, and five runs in the second to make it a 6-0 Pierce College lead after the top of the second.

The Lady Gators started the game with Heather Prettyman pitching, and she gave up four runs. Green River then tried putting in their “go to girl” Alejo but she had no answer for the Raiders offense. Janae Haslett came in to finish pitching the last two innings.

The Lady Gators salvaged a run to make it 6-1, but Pierce College added two more runs in the third to make it 8-1, putting the Lady Gators seriously close to losing in five innings from the eight run deficit rule.

Pierce added eight more runs in the top of the fourth making it a 16-1 lead, and Green River needed seven runs by the end of the fifth inning to close the gap and stay alive.

The Lady Gators made a huge effort to get back into the game, chipping away with seven runs on seven hits in the fourth inning, to get them back into the game at

16-8.

“They don’t even know we’re going to NWACs and taking gold,” Alexis Chafton said during this comeback stretch.

The Raiders added another run in at the top of the fifth again, giving them enough to end this after five innings. The Lady Gators threatened to stay in this game, with runners on first and third with two outs, but sophomore Aris Califano flew out to end the Lady Gators’ season.

If the Lady Gators had won their second game against Pierce, they would have been going to NWACs, because Highline ended up winning both of the games against Grays Harbor.

This was the last game for the sophomore Lady Gators. Califano ended her Gators softball career with a .459 batting average and Ashley Starke ended up with 13 extra base hits in her two seasons.

“Both are key players centerfield, and shortstop,” Powell said about her sophomore players. “They’re our anchors on defense.”