The Montage

Volume 54, Issue 2 | September 13, 2018 | www.meramecmontage.com

Student Assistance Program offers support

CONCILIA NDLOVU STAFF WRITER Sometimes, students face food insecurity, unreliable childcare and other financial and domestic obstacles that hinder academic success while attending classes. What some students are not aware of is that STLCC Meramec has a program that focuses on helping students meet their basic needs, offering different kinds of reliable support services so that they can better focus on succeeding in their studies and graduating.

The Student Assistance Program, an idea from a former Meramec student, has exploded across all STLCC

campuses, and has become a vital part of student support systems. The mission statement of SAP is to enhance academic success by alleviating barriers and supporting students in meeting their basic needs, addressing crises, problem-solving, and promoting a healthy individual, college and community.

Bella Hafezi, the new SAP manager, encourages students to visit the SAP office, and would like to assure students that there is no stigma associated with using SAP services. The office caters to a broad spectrum and

different demographics. Hafezi assures students that full confidentiality is also practiced.

Meramec SAP is also providing free feminine hygiene products and toiletries to students in need. According to the National Public Radio, products like Viagra and dandruff shampoo are exempt from sales tax in many U.S. states on the basis of those products being necessary health and personal care items. However, Missouri is one of the states where menstrual products like tampons are taxed as a luxury product.

See story on p. 2

Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964 • ACP Award Recipient

Graphic by Gina Carr

2 NEWS

September 13, 2018

Story continued from page 1 In addition to meeting students’ nutritional needs and childcare grant services, SAP also offers mental health resources, crisis counseling and intervention, help with applying for government aid, monthly groceries and fresh produce every third Wednesday of the month to students, staff members, faculty and our community members.

“I really appreciate what SAP is doing for students because, as international students, we [tend] to have limited resources. They [SAP] provided me with a counselor who listened to me and went out of her way to help me navigate outside support services and show personal interest to students,” said current international student, Lisa Roberts, who has used the SAP services and volunteered with them.

Students who wish to use the free BBC (Brown Bag Cafe) need only show up and sign in. To meet with a counselor or SAP manager, students can set up an appointment through one of the student workers in the SAP office.

Students are also encouraged to volunteer with the SAP. One can do this by emailing the manager with a request to do so.

“They basically taught me how to interact with students who visited SAP. I helped with the BBC on-the-go market where we distributed free, fresh produce and food supplies to students, staff and community members. Food was distributed using a buffet style where you get whatever products you want,” said Roberts.

The SAP is made possible by the contributions of sponsors, therefore if anyone is interested in donating to the SAP office, they can donate supplies to the SAP office located on Clark Hall in room AD 130, or they may call (314) 984-7887 for more information.

The SAP also has an Emergency Fund, which is used to assist with meeting students’ needs during times of emergencies and/or crisis, including relief from domestic violence. To give to this fund, sponsors can donate to the SAP Meramec Emergency Fund through the cashier’s office in Clark Hall.

Sponsors must specify they are donating to the Meramec SAP, as there are different SAP offices in each campus. For more information, students may contact the SAP manager at bhafezi@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7096 or (314) 984-7887.

Now Hiring

Culver’s of Fenton & South Co. • Fle xible Hours • C ompetitive Wages • On-the-job training SCAN THE CODE TO SEARCH FOR JOB OPENINGS OR GO TO CULVERS.JOBS TO APPLY.

Culver’s of Fenton, MO 1024 Bowles Ave (636) 326-5422 Culver’s of St. Louis, MO South Co. 4140 Rusty Rd (314) 845-0964 These Culver’s restaurants are locally owned and operated

Protecting the students Talley promoted to new police captain TYRA LEESMAN PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Benjamin J. Talley, recently instated as St. Louis Community College’s new police captain, has been a law enforcement officer for roughly 17 years, 14 of them with St. Louis Community College. Talley took over the post in May 2018, after a series of terminations left STLCC without a police captain for over a year. He described his new post as overseeing multiple open-to-the-public campuses.

“My job is to provide officers throughout the community that can embed themselves and earn your trust so we can provide the best services to you. If you believe in us, we can help you,” said Talley.

Among his accomplishments are a bachelor’s from UMSL, a master’s in organizational security management and certification as a protection professional. Talley held the rank of Lieutenant for four years prior to his promotion to Captain on May 18.

Part of Talley’s plans for the future of campus security at the college incorporate a discussion about what he called a longstanding fault in the system – campus divides.

“Cultures are different on each campus. We need to be united throughout the district,” said Talley. “What I know here is the same as the officers at Florissant Valley campus. We’re reorganizing our structure. We can’t survive as many entities; we need to work together.”

In the current political atmosphere of Saint Louis, as well as the nation, some controversy about over-policing and distrust in the system have arisen. The unexplained discharge of STLCC officers last year, which was a direct violation of the Sunshine Law, has contributed to this distrust on the Meramec campus.

Though Captain Talley did not comment on this infraction, he did address the underlying issue by stressing the importance

Photo by Noah Sliney

of trusting those whose job it is to protect students and the difficulties his officers face in doing this at a two-year campus.

“Turn-over is faster at a twoyear campus, so it’s hard to get buy-in for [security] programs.

Campuses where people live have more in-depth programs.

We need to look at the system with a more student-oriented approach. I think we need to be more embedded in the community,” said Talley. “We’re out here on foot. We’re out here on bikes. We’re out here for you.

This is not a police with a college; it’s a college with a police. If you don’t feel safe and secure, you’ll probably go somewhere else.

I am Saint Louis Community College. I believe in the students here and I want students, faculty, and staff to believe in us.”

To help students feel protected, Talley and his officers carry business cards with tips on staying safe. Many students are unaware that according to school policy, carrying mace or pepper spray is prohibited.

Crossing a dark campus or parking lot can be frightening for those who find themselves walking alone. For situations

like these, any student at STLCC is encouraged to call for an escort by an officer.

Talley also encourages calling the number on the cards if a student notices anything that could be a hindrance to vision, such as a burned-out light or an overgrown bush.

“It sounds goofy, but these cards: See something, say something. You don’t know what we’re looking for. That little thing you call us on, you may think it’s nothing. It’s really simple things that could be the answer to some of our problems,” said Talley.

Talley’s promotion to captain could mean new security structures across all STLCC campuses and the implementation of new measures that students will likely never notice. Being used to behind-the-scenes work, Talley expressed little frustration with the years it took to be promoted or the lack of recognition campus police sometimes receive.

Talley said he is happy to serve and looks forward to continuing to change STLCC for the better.“It’s just exciting to see changes,” said Talley. “I’m part of that!”

NEWS 3

September 13, 2018

The future of STLCC Healthcare Sciences Forest Park’s new health building sees steel

TANIA ROBIN STAFF WRITER St. Louis community college at Forest Park has a new addition to their campus grounds, a large skeleton of their to be new Health Science Center.

The $39 million Health and Sciences facility is anticipated to open its doors to students and faculty in fall of 2019.

In a recent interview on St. Louis National Public Radio, Chancellor Jeff Pittman of STLCC said, “The goal of the new facility is not only to create more space for students but also to address the health care shortages in the St. Louis region.”

Each year, the number of enrollees for classes in the medical field decreases, and the need for trained medical personnel increases. Demand is higher than ever for people in professions like nursing, lab technicians, and EMTs. “Particularly, the hospitals are having a difficult time finding a skilled workforce,” said Pittman.

This is one of the major reasons for the new construction project that is happening on Forest Park’s campus.

Chancellor Pittman also added, “The concept and the vision behind this building was to be able to expand our capacity, to be able to be a better partner with the area health care providers, and to be able to meet their workforce needs.”

In the fall of 2016, at a board of trustees meeting, the discussion of a new healthcare building was being addressed to school officials, faculty, students and the public.

The presenters showed slides of what the proposed

building would look like and where the new building would be built on the Forest Park campus. [The board of trustees] voted to approve the Center for Nursing and Health Sciences.

The school decided to erect the new structure close to the highway in order to gain more attention and attraction toward the school. Some faculty and voting members of that meeting hope to also increase enrollment through increasing advertising in this way, by using the large state-ofthe-art building for visual appeal.

It has been 20 years since the campus has built any new structures.

In March of 2018, Forest Park had its groundbreaking ceremony for the new construction. The following April, the new building construction commenced.

STLCC projects that the new building, named ‘the Center for Nursing and Health Sciences’, will be operational for the fall semester of 2019, when it is expected to be open for all students and faculty to use.

The Healthcare Center will cover 96,000 square

Photo by Jordan Morris feet and consist of four floors. The building will include a dental clinic, modern science labs and classrooms, teaching areas, innovative space, and natural lighting.

Two companies are working together on this project, Kai Design & Build and Tarlton Corporation (a certified women’s business enterprise, who are leading the construction). Both are businesses established and based in St. Louis.

Because of the gravity of such an event for the St. Louis Community College community, construction of the building is accessible for anyone to live stream throughout its progression.

STLCC professors see more cash Missouri National Education Association and STLCC board approve raises OLIVER PULCHER STAFF WRITER Over the course of seven months, prior to the designated “back to school” period of time for students nationwide, members of the college community who are responsible for keeping the school running and education on track were in negotiations to bring about pay raises for faculty members, as well as other benefits.

From the beginning of this year, in January, to shortly before the spring semester began, educators and members of STLCC’s NEA (National Education Association) board have been in talks with Meramec’s administration to decide on changes to the contract for all full-time staff, following the 2018 reduction in force.

According to NEA president Dr. Emily Neal, a 3 percent raise for both 2018 and 2019 were ratified in the July 13 meeting of the two teams and officially approved

EDITORS

Tyra Leesman Jordan Morris Amanda Harris Lauren Johns Mary Wilson Gina Carr Syed Ali Morgan Ratliff

Print Editor-in-Chief Online Editor-in-Chief Production Manager Art & Life Editor Opinions Editor Graphics Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor

at the final July 19 STLCC board meeting.

These raises are an increase over the normal 1.9 percent annual raise that the college has implemented in the past via the “step system,” said Neal. The step system is a means of implementing raises which bases the amount of the increase each teacher will receive upon several factors, including time with the college, amount and quality of education, the seniority a particular staff member holds, and for the professors, the amount of teaching experience they have, said Neal.

The January meetings also clarified and solidified a five-year contract on the transfer processes for faculty, and outlined a more liberal definition of the academic freedom faculty are given, said Neal.

These changes were all verified and decided through

STAFF

Will Clark Charlie Humphrey Concilia Ndlovu Lydia Ostrom Jacob Politte Oliver Pulcher Tania Robin Ian Schrauth Tori Williams

Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer

interest-based bargaining, a process of decision making that is based on how interested the negotiators and attendees of the meetings are in certain topics, said Neal.

The current contract also outlines academic freedom for faculty, as well as clarification on why, how and when professors can be transferred between campuses and departments, said Neal.

As a result, according to Neal, faculty will be better able to create lesson plans that they believe will benefit students more and will improve their ability to teach their subjects as effectively and inclusively as they like.

Additional negotations are planned for 2019-2020 to discuss further changes to salary plans based on the financial health of the STLCC budget.

THE MONTAGE

To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., 314-984-7955.

Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessaritly the views of St. Louis Community College, the Board of Trustees or the administration.

The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122.

314-984-7655.

One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager.

Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.

Proud member of

Shannon Philpott-Sanders Faculty Adviser Facebook.com/ meramecmontage/

Instagram.com “meramecmontage”

Youtube.com “montagelax”

www.MeramecMontage.com

Soundcloud.com/user4250242 “The Montage Student Newspaper”

4 ART & LIFE

September 13, 2018

Photo by Amanda Harris

Looking Back: The Montage Through the Years TYRA LEESMAN PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Saint Louis Community College Meramec campus, as well as the Forest Park and Florissant Valley campuses, have maintained a student run newspaper since the college’s opening in 1963. What began as “The South Campus Knapsack,” complete with a masthead of question marks asking for student suggestions for a publication name, quickly evolved into “The Montage.”

After all, it was conceived to be the voice of the students on campus.

“You don’t always have a newspaper at a two-year institution, “ said Kavahn Mansouri, a former Editorin-Chief who currently works as a reporter for the Washington Missourian. “If you look back at some of the reporting that we did in my day, you can see some of how the campus got to where they are now. It’s important for students to know what’s going on with the school they put so much into. The better reported a place is, the more accountable and better run it will be.”

Over the years, 53 complete volumes of 14 issues each have been published.

A number approaching 100 students have served as editor-in-chief. The very first editor-in-chief was a student named Deanna Watts. The first faculty advisor, who is responsible for the training of student staff, was Professor Malkom Jackoway. Rich Muchalski was the longest running adviser. Shannon Philpott-Sanders has served as the faculty adviser since 2007.

The Montage is currently on its 54th volume and second issue.

The Montage is staffed by students, both paid and volunteer. Editors of particular sections are responsible for the writers who research, interview, write and submit in each section of the publication.

Art and Life covers the events, people, daily life and activities of those on campus. News covers current events that relate to or happen on campus. Sports is a section for teams and events, but also a broad range of relative subjects like sportswear and Health and Wellness classes. Opinions is a place where students offer their reflections, arguments and expressions whereas all other sections prohibit taking sides.

While the layout of “The Montage” is currently digitized, in the past, layout was completed on pasteboard, photographed, and finally submitted to the press for printing, according to Meramec Professor Eric Meyer.

“We made the transition from doing literal galleys and cutting and pasting text, taking a picture of that and sending it to the printers,” said Meyer, who served as the managing editor of “The Montage” in the 90’s. “Even when we got computers, we did layout on paste-board for a long time.”

The Montage has received a range of awards over the decades. Among these awards is the Pacemaker,

awarded by the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP).

This award is considered to be the highest honor in collegiate journalism, and The Montage most recently was awarded a Pacemaker in 2014, as well as 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996, and 2008.

Students considering working at “The Montage” should prepare for the most challenging and rewarding things they will do in college, according to Carlos Restrepo, former Editor-in-Chief and current Membership Coordinator at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater St. Louis.

“You leave with an arsenal [of skills]: graphic design, writing and all of these skills that transfer to literally every job.

Even if you don’t want to be a reporter or graphic designer, there are companies who don’t even know how to draft an email,” said Restrepo.

Professor Eric Meyer recalls a mentor who told him, “Tell your students this: if they can write, they can work.”

“Companies don’t just want to hire an engineer.

They want a person who can communicate well about engineering,” said Meyer.

Students who wish to apply to the Montage can access an application online at MeramecMontage.com under the ‘Jobs’ tab.

“The Montage” meets weekly at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Student Center, Room 220A.

Celebrating the right to vote Meramec prepares to host “Constitution Day” event LAUREN JOHNS ART & LIFE EDITOR

Graphic by Gina Carr

Due to St. Louis Community College receiving federal funds each year, all campuses are required to host a Constitution Day event.

“It can be something as simple as handing out pamphlets on voter rights,” said Debbie Corson, service learning coordinator. “But the other faculty members and I wanted a big, fun ‘Birthday Bash’. Honestly, I wanted to do this anyway regardless of requirements.”

The event to commemorate the signing of the US Constitution will occur September 17-18th, and be held in BA 105 from 10-2. There will be a variety of speakers all from the “League of Women Voters.” On Monday, the League’s own Nancy Price will discuss why voting matters to today’s youth.

“If 5,000 individuals decide their votes don’t count, no one will vote,” said Corson. “Therefore, I feel this is an important issue to address.”

On Tuesday, there will be two speakers--State Representative Debbie Lavender addressing political offices from 11:00am - 12:00pm, and the League’s own Sue Williams discussing the history of voting rights from 12:30pm - 1:00pm. In addition, there will be a 5-10 minute Q & A to conclude.

“I believe you get the deepest understanding from asking questions, this relates to the classroom as well,” said Dr. Emily Neal, political science professor.

Aside from the speeches, this event will include:

postcards to connect with state representatives, a selfie booth, giant jenga (representing different branches of government), patriotic punch and cupcakes and the soundtrack from the musical “Hamilton”.

“Because of today’s society lead by a president unfit to lead, and a legislator that still prevents people from voting through silly picture ID laws,” said Neal, “I would encourage everyone to participate to learn more about the limits of our government. The picture IDs are meant to protect from voter impersonation, but there are zero documented cases.”

Dr. Neal often reiterates that true equality has not yet been reached. The 1960’s Voting Rights Act hardly settled this issue of minorities being denied what’s legally theirs. According to her, “the history of voting rights” is inevitably the most important speaking topic as a result.

Aside from the importance of voting, Corson believes the event is a great way to get students out of their comfort zone and help them stay engaged in community affairs. “We want organizations like Phi Theta Kappa and Service Works to run the online quizzes, the “We the People Wall” (asking students what it means to them) and handing out flyers for the UMSL voting film, which we will set up a trailer for,” said Corson. “In addition, the Board of Election Commissioners is looking to hire students as poll workers.”

ART & LIFE 5 Johnny: More Than A Janitor

September 13, 2018

‘I’m really proud of the work I do here’ TYRA LEESMAN PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A tall African American man in a blue uniform pushes a large trash barrel on wheels through the Applied Science building every weekday afternoon. He smiles at students and faculty members. He stops for hugs, high-fives and conversations. If a student invites him at the right time, he’ll delve into a deep, philosophical conversation until his break is over. The label on his chest calls him Johnny.

Johnny Lee Harris is a 52 year old custodian for the Meramec campus. Oct. 2 will mark his first anniversary on the job.

“He’s a good person. He works hard, even if he gets talking for a bit. We communicate well. He always gets right back to it,” said Jesse Butler, a maintenance worker of more than 20 years at STLCC. Harris has been in the custodial and maintenance business for nearly 30 years. He takes great pride in “getting the floors shiny” and impressing visitors.

According to Harris, his favorite part of the job is hearing people exclaim how bright and clean the floors are.

“We provide a safe and clean environment for you [the students] to learn in. I think this is the best campus, cleanest, and I’m really proud of the work I do here,” said Harris.

The custodian said that he believes that this pride in his work is exactly what makes him good at his job.

However, according to Harris, the job is sometimes an

unattractive one.

“Last year for about a few months, we had a weird thing happen. About once a week, when we cleaned up the men’s restroom in [the Student Center], when we gathered all the trash into the big bags, there would be a filthy pair of underwear in there. Like, I think somebody had some bowel trouble. But it doesn’t bother us, we just put on our gloves and take care of it,” said Harris.

According to both Butler and Harris, the community college is good to its employees. The pay is high, even starting out, and the hours are reasonable, he said. Fulltime perks are a big plus for some workers, said Harris.

Full-time staff are offered a free education through the campus. Harris said he will attend classes in addition to working his full time hours, beginning in October. His focus will be on getting his maintenance certification, as he hopes to join the ranks of the (higherpaid) maintenance staff soon.

“In 10 years, I want to be retired. I’m not kidding.

These guys are leaving here with good money and stock options. They’re living the life, and I want that. My mother worked until she was 71 and came down with pancreatic cancer. I won’t do that to my body. I’m going to work hard now and then travel the world. I want to see the Ivory Coast – the home of my ancestors,” said Harris, dreaming of the opportunities he is creating for himself.

Harris said he appreciates how much students and faculty interact and support the staff. He feels that he is rarely looked down upon, and feels like a welcome member of the Meramec family. His only advice to students, faculty and visitors, spoken in a playful tone: Stop trashing the restrooms so much.

Photo by Syed Ali

Shout-outs

What’s Your Most Embarrassing Moment?

TYRA LEESMAN PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & SYED ALI PHOTO EDITOR

Nancy Eterovic (18) - USA/Croatia

Natalia Caschetto (17) - Venezuela

Memoona Shakeel (21) - Pakistan

“Last year, around this time, I was at a music festival in LA. We were jumping around and I peed a little and didn’t realize it.

So I was dancing around with this little pee spot on the front of my pants and everybody saw it but me.”

“When I was in high school, I had a crush. He was 2 years older than me. My mother worked at a job where she had to change clothes a lot, so she kept a lot of her clothes in the car. I remember I got out of the car and accidentally pulled all these clothes out. My crush walked by and I thought he was waving at me, but he was trying to tell me there was this bra hanging off me. A horrible bra!”

“I was in my home country when we had a cycling race in our high school. And this race had two rounds. During the first and second round, I got first position and reached the finishing point, but during the third time, I tried to ride my bicycle more fast (sic). But when I reached closer to the finishing point, I fell down on the ground and got wounded and everybody was looking at me and some of them started laughing.”

Lorena Paez (28) - Colombia

Broderick Wheeler (20) - St. Louis

Joshua Ellis (21) - St. Louis

“When I got my first job, I was working as a cashier at El Salsa. But I didn’t speak any English, so people ordered and I didn’t know what they wanted.”

“Last week, I saw this cute girl and I wanted to talk to her, so I threw a crayon at her. She did not find it funny. At all.”

“I was taking a dump in the private bathroom by the Montage and my coworker walked right in. I forgot to lock the door. I was mid-push – legs shaking, face sweating. We made full eye-contact.”

ORDER YOUR FAVORITE

Choose UMSL.

SANDWICH WITH A TAP

DOWNLOAD OUR APP FREAK YEAH ™

“We can help with all of your questions about transferring, scholarships and what it’s like to be a Triton!”

Christy Hummel, Assistant Director

Teri Furlow, Transfer Specialist

askchristy@umsl.edu

furlowt@umsl.edu

Advising for STLCC Meramec students: Advising Center – Clark Hall 314-984-7575

2018142/0718/jb

VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU Serious education. Serious value.SM

Interested in Transferring?

It’s not too early to start exploring your options.

Why Webster?

• Student-centered • Experienced and dedicated faculty • 100+ academic programs • Competitive transfer scholarships • Study Abroad at one of our international locations

JOIN US! Connect with Webster — on your campus or ours!

Sept. 19 • 10am-1pm South County Ed Center Sept. 20 • 9am-1pm Lecture Hall Sept. 25 • Transfer Tuesday (@ Webster) Oct. 13 • Webster Preview Day (@ Webster) Learn about: Webster’s exciting academic programs; generous transfer scholarships; apply for free; and request free estimated evaluations of your transfer credit!

For more information on transferring: WEBSTER.EDU/TRANSFER Office of Admission

R

EC-3335WebU_Mer Montage2018_09_13.indd 1

314-246-7800 or 1-800-753-6765 • admit@webster.edu 8/29/18 10:25 AM

OPINIONS 7

September 13, 2018

Local Organic Veganism for the Environment TYRA LEESMAN PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Veganism gets a bad reputation for being overly-strict and extreme.

Loud-mouthed, bleedingheart activists throwing buckets of red paint on fur-wearing concert-goers does nothing to improve the image of those who choose the plant-based lifestyle.

The truth is, veganism isn’t perfect. It has a laundry list of pros and cons each person must carefully consider before converting. In the end, however, the transgressions being made in the American food industry make veganism a worthwhile consideration.

Eating a local, organic vegan lifestyle makes sense when considering the fact the food eaten in Missouri is grown elsewhere, the space required to raise livestock is vast in comparison to the space needed for produce, and the use of chemical pesticides and improper stewardship of the limited soil, air and water that Earth possesses could very well lead to the universal extinction of life on the planet in a matter of a century or two.

The bottom line - this planet cannot continue feeding its burgeoning population in the same manner it has in the past. The meat industry’s impact is detrimental, and somewhat irreversible. The air, soil, water and humans themselves are at an increasing risk.

California is on fire, and its seemingly-endless droughts literally add fuel to that fire, edging the region toward a massive “super-drought” as farmers dump trillions of gallons of water on the fruits and vegetables being eaten here in Missouri. Water tables drop lower and lower every year because the deeper California drills to reach its water, the deeper the water flows. Take note: water flows downhill.

This produce could easily be grown here. Instead, it is picked before ripeness and shipped via diesel-burning semi-trucks across the country, where it is ripened chemically in an ethylene gas chamber. Before produce spoils, it is thrown out due to blemishes, bruising, oxidation, and arbitrary expiry dates.

In many U.S. states, farmers with large acreage are required to grow certain crops. Often, it is soybeans or corn, which are not used for human consumption but livestock feed, plastics and fuel.

The amount of land required to feed a single American on an average omnivorous diet is around the size of two football fields yearly. That estimation includes space for corn and soybeans, which could go directly into the human body rather than through an animal first. This same two-football-field acreage would feed 14 people

on a vegan diet. That is a 1,400 percent increase in full bellies.

During the process of growing corn and soy, pesticides are dumped from low-flying planes, which are dangerous to human skin, and therefore the farmer must wear heavy protective gear in his own fields.

Completely disregarding the fact that humans are consuming these chemicals, the damage done to soil (a non-renewable resource, by the way), air and water-tables is tremendous. That’s where organic produce matters, even if one does not believe in the health benefits of avoiding carcinogenic chemicals.

One argument is that “organic farms don’t have to prove they aren’t using chemicals.” This is false. Should one visit an organic farm and ask for themselves, one would see regulations on certified organics are strenuous, redundant, and thorough.

Obviously, veganism is a bit healthier than the average American diet if only for the increased vegetables.

However, this doesn’t make veganism “healthy.” Oreos, Twizzlers, Swedish Fish, most breads, cocoa, and soda are all vegan.

Though many people convert entirely to veganism with no difficulty, those with certain blood types are more prone to deficiency and anemia. Some find that their bodies do not absorb B-vitamins, D-vitamins, omegas or iron from plant material as readily as from animal sources.

Veganism goes back a long time.

It is most often attributed to holy people in India, who saw taking the lives of animals for one’s own gain as a lowly act. However, food sanitation being what it was in that time and place, these vegans were consuming some mites and insects in their grains. When these same vegans moved to Britain during the occupation, they began to drop dead from deficiencies. Food sanitation and colder temperatures in Britain meant

Graphic by Lauren Johns there were fewer sources of protein crawling around in the storehouses.

Humans must find a middle-ground between responsibly-grown, plant-based food sources and the Iron, proteins and B and D vitamins that often require animals to sacrifice their lives.

Some say it is too late for this planet. Even if that were so, what kind of person does one want to be? Someone who gives up? Or someone who works hard to buy the world a little more time to find a way to save itself?

It’s not about the quality of the result, but the quality of the person who strives for what is right.

Try veganism. It’s not better, but humanity is.

An Arrangement to Read IAN SCHRAUTH STAFF WRITER There are many famous authors out there, such as Stephanie Meyer, Meredith Wild, and James Patterson.

They write great books, and that’s why they’re on the bestseller list.

One bestselling author many people don’t know about is H. M. Ward.

Her series, The Arrangement, has sold more than 13 million copies and has been featured on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

The book that started this series is called The Arrangement: Vol. 1.

The Arrangement: Vol. 1 is about a college girl, Avery, who is struggling in school. She attends college, works hard to keep her scholarship and has a full time job.

Her struggles begin with chasing a thief after her car is stolen, but that is just the beginning of her problems.

Not only has she dealt with the death ofher parents, she also

copes with the prospect that her chance at college may be gone.

Things could turn around for her when she is offered a new job that has her seeing a new future - with a catch. She runs into a strange man dealing with emotional trauma and a myriad of life problems.

Avery may have no one to turn to, but she does have a choice to make that could leave her questioning her sex appeal and her morals.

While the plot is intriguing and kept me interested, this book is only 100 pages long.

Honestly, I wish it could have been a little bit longer, but then it would have sucked me into the next book.

The creativity and writing style are some of the advantages of this book.

H. M. Ward brings out the big guns. Her writing style is amazing and the character development is great. The fact this series was fan-driven makes it better. When she decided to end the series at 23 books, fans demanded more.

I would recommend you start this series because you won’t be able to stop reading.

8 SPORTS

September 13, 2018

Circulating Your Chi

Tai Chi Class Strives to Balance the Mind and Body CHARLIE HUMPHREY STAFF WRITER

Since the 17th century, Tai Chi, influenced by Buddhism and Daoism, has been well-known and practiced throughout the world for the benefits it is believed to bring to the mind and body. Tai Chi originated in China, but eventually spread throughout the world, bringing along its characteristically slow movements.

“Actually there’s a few big influences on Tai Chi. Philosophical influences like Buddhism, being a large part of Chinese culture has its influence. Particularly in some of the approaches to relaxation and abdominal breathing. They call it sometimes Buddhist Breathing,” said Jeffrey Craddock, Meramec Tai Chi instructor.

“We talked about Buddhism being Photo by Syed Ali an influence, but Daoism was really also a huge influence on Tai Chi, and most Students practice hand circling during their Thursday evening Tai Chi I class, on Aug 30, in internal martial arts. That’s where we got room 201 in the PE building. the Yin and Yang opposites.”

Yin and Yang are symbolic to a Daoist, almost feels like magnets, with hands being repelled as they get opposites representing change. According to Craddock, Yang closer, or pulled in when they get closer,” said Craddock. represents rising heavenly energy while Yin depicts Earth The benefits of Tai Chi consist of relaxation, coordination grounding energy. and concentration. “There’s a couple, a few benefits. One, I think Tai Chi utilizes meditation and other exercises to help is relaxation. Most people don’t realize how unrelaxed they are. refine Chi, said Craddock.

Learning to relax is something that you learn, and you have to “Others, like Qigong exercises, which are about cultivating have some experience,” said Craddock.

Chi, cultivating it and circulating Chi in the body,” said Craddock.

Students are taking Tai Chi for varying reasons, from “There’s energy that you can feel and that you can see in your needing their physical education credits to a yearning to explore body. It’s associated with circulation. It’s associated to different martial arts. things, but you can definitely experience it.”

“I was looking around for what I could take, and this was With Chi circulation exercises, it is common to feel a something that I realized I would need - a couple P.E. credits if I connection between the palms, “It would feel like pressure. It wanted any sort of degree from this school, and this one sounded might feel like warmth from one hand to another. Sometimes it interesting to me,” said David O’Neal, a Meramec student.

Opinion: Capos Lead Soccer Crowd Chants OLIVER PULCHER STAFF WRITER In recent years, as soccer has spread throughout the United States, new supporters’ groups have sprouted up nationwide to support their local teams. This is partly due to the rising popularity of MLS (Major League Soccer, the division one soccer league of the U.S.) and national soccer as well. The 2018 world cup proved to be one of the most popular international events in recent history, edging out the 2014 world cup by it’s 3.4 billion viewers in comparison to the 2014 world cup’s 3.2 billion viewers.

An enormous wave of support erupted for the sport in the United States and more specifically, for the women’s section after the Women’s National Team won the 2015 women’s world cup 5-2 against Japan.

Since then, there have been three new MLS teams added to the league. After 2014, the USL (United Soccer League, which is division 2 in the U.S.) went from 14 teams to 33 teams, increasing by more than double the amount of teams the league originally possessed.

The closest team to Meramec is STLFC (St. Louis Football Club), a USL team. The supporting group of that team is the St. Louligans.

Capos are a subset of these supporting groups who stand in front of the section of game-goers and lead them in cheering their team on until the final whistle blows.

These members use most anything at their disposal, from megaphones to make sure they are heard, hand signals to tell drummers when to start and stop the drum beats for a chant, soccer scarves (which they raise or wave around in support of the team), and their own bodies to raise the energy level of the crowd.

Though capos give up their ability to watch the game and indulge in their own personal reactions to it in order to keep the crowd energetic and dancing, these cheer-andchant leaders say that there is no place they would rather Photo by Amanda Harris be. They keep the order when things go south, keep the Jason McAdams, one of the capos, leads The Louligans in a chant crowd organized when things go well and shepherd a crowd during the SaturdaySept 8 Saint Louis FC vs. Reno 1868 soccer match, of individuals into one chanting voice that is sometimes which ended in a 1 - 0 victory for Saint Louis FC, at Toyota Stadium. difficult to overlook.

“Capoing” is not a verb to describe the act of wearing or using a device to change the pitch or range of stringed instruments, but rather a verb describing the act of shepherding (sometimes drunk) soccer fans in unified chanting and support of their team.

In its simplest form, it is cheerleading, and yet it is so much more. No one really knows when capoing came into being in the soccer world. However, the closest relative to capoing lies in Ultras’ culture, which goes back as far as modern Egypt in the 1950’s.

Ultras are the self-proclaimed “most extreme” fans of soccer.

While there can be extreme fans for any sport, Ultras are unique to soccer (or football as it is known across the world).

Ultras are a group of fans who have been known to set off smoke bombs during goals. They often carry flags, tifos (giant banners), drums and megaphones.

These are also fans who often believe that one should never stop chanting for one’s team, no matter what.

Upcoming Games Sept. 15 9:00am Women’s Volleyball Labette Community College @ Southwestern Illinois College Sept. 15 2:00pm Women’s Soccer Metropolitan Community College @ Florissant Valley Sept. 15 3:00pm Women’s Volleyball @ Southwestern Illinois College Sept. 15 4:15pm Men’s Soccer Metropolitan Community College Sept. 16 12:00pm Softball Lewis & Clark Community College Sept. 18 1:00pm Women’s Soccer @ Jefferson College Sept. 18 3:00pm Baseball @ Southwestern Illinois College Sept. 18 4:15pm Men’s Soccer @ Jefferson College Sept. 18 6:30pm Women’s Volleyball Mineral Area College Sept. 19 3:00pm Baseball Missouri Baptist University JV Sept. 19 3:00pm Softball Southwestern Illinois College Sept. 19 4:00pm Women’s Soccer @ Lewis & Clark Community College Sept. 21 5:00pm Women’s Volleyball Kaskaskia College Sept. 21 7:00pm Women’s Volleyball Lewis & Clark Community College Sept. 22 9:00am Women’s Volleyball East Central College Sept. 22 11:00am Women’s Volleyball Shawnee Community College Sept. 22 1:00pm Women’s Volleyball Milliken University JV Sept. 25 4:00pm Men’s Soccer Greenville University JV