thecollegian Issue 14 • Friday, May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
INSIDE
Shakespeare returns ‘Guerrilla’ style by chris howze
news@deltacollegian.net
Students prepare for national competition Page 6
Looking forward to the next summer favorite in music Page 4
Student gets ready for the playoffs Page 8
UPCOMING Into the Woods performing at Tillie Lewis Theatre Today to May 18 Jazz Band concert at Atherton Auditorium May 12, @ 7:30 P.M.
FIND US
Last Tuesday, the day to day routine of traveling from one class to another across Delta College’s Quad was interrupted. Interrupted by people in lavish outfits yelling out in iambic pentameter. Delta’s Theater department brought back Guerrilla Shakespeare, the last time being in 2011. This years performances titled “Will Power” had actors rushing out and performing scenes from some of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Key scenes from “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Twelfth Night” and “As You Like It,” brought humor, physicality and at times very loud pronounced shouting to just outside the Goleman library. Ariel Armanino, who played Phoebe in a fun and flirty scene from “As You Like it,” explained that before performing live in front of an unsuspecting crowd, that they practice and have a run through of every piece the weeks leading up to showtime, in the studio theater. Which is a good thing because the 12:30 to 1 p.m. presentation in the afternoon was interrupted by maintenance trucks, passing student sporting confused faces and at one point a ride on lawn mower, which according to English professor Paula Sheil, who helped organize the performances, struck to the purpose of such a practice. The actors had to continue their scenes, adapting to the changes to their environment and not skipping a beat. Challenges like this will allow the actors to have the focus even with distractions. Harvey Jordan, the theater teacher, works on changing his challenges to the class every semester.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS HOWZE
SPONTANEOUS SHAKESPEARE: Top left, Jeanne Malilay and Matt Rust perform a very intense rendition of the “Get Thee to a Nunnery” scene from “Hamlet.” Top right, Ariel Armanino and Artemio Angel share a playfull scene as Phoebe and Silvius from the comedy “As You Like It.” Bottom Left, The most physical and humorous scene was from “Twelfth Night” as Rhonda Allen’s Fabian and Chad Sommerville’s Sir Toby set up Eric Grant’s Sir Andrew Aguecheek to a challenge of the sword.
Delta changing priority registration process by heidi sharp
news@deltacollegian.net
Effective fall 2014, there will be a major change in the priority registration system that is currently in place at Delta College. Previously, a point system was used for priority. Certain qualifications, GPAs and other factors contributed negatively or positively to how many points a student had. The more points a student had, the higher priority they received when registering for classes. Starting in Fall, priority registration will be given based on four factors. First, the student has to complete the online admissions application Second, the College Assessment/Placement test must be taken. Third, the new student group advising orientation must be completed. Students can sign up on the Delta College website. Each student attending will receive an abbreviated student education plan. Last, students must return to the Counseling center during their second semester, where the student should receive their comprehensive student education plan. Students are encouraged to complete all these steps to avoid a delay in course registration.
Students learn methods to connect to children for future careers by justin tristano news@deltacollegian.net
On April 28, students in the art and creativity for young children class lined up along a large sheet of paper and began to paint. Only instead of using brushes like most people, they used dinosaurs, wine corks and their hands. “(It’s about) giving hands on experience to know why they should do this with children,” said Suzanne Coleman associate professor for the art and creativity for young children course. According to Coleman the course is to assist the students with understanding children and their creativity. “I am trying to get my certificate to volunteer at a school,” stated student Manuel Hernandez who said he wanted to go back to his old elementary school and help out because of positive memories. Other activities the class has is creating lessons for the rest of the class and presenting them in front of everyone. “We make it ourselves and present to our class,” said Hernandez “It’s like random,” “Lectures, coloring with crayons, painting with pudding and
continued on PAGE 8
2 opinion
Issue 14 • May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Books over booze: how to score a quality date The location of where one tries to ‘pick up’ on the opposite sex could be the difference by monica gomez news@deltacollegian.net
L
et me start out by saying that I would rather go on a date to Barnes&Noble than to some grimy bar scene; it’s not really for me. You might be thinking college is all about having new experiences and meeting new people. But for some, college is a party. For nerds like me, college is a huge stepping-stone to success. Somehow I don’t see myself finding my future husband belligerently drunk. I would much rather meet an intelligent individual at a coffee shop while catching up on some reading. Better yet, I would love to be asked out on an adventurous date; possibly something college guys these days wouldn’t dare to plan out for a girl they’ve been seeing. Don’t get me wrong, I think a drink here and there is enjoyable, after all I just turned 21. I might as well enjoy drinking legally.
Fun is always good, but like anything else, in moderation. There’s a balance between fun and work. Fun can mean different things to different people of course, but remember: there are some types of fun that won’t affect the functions of your liver. So gentleman, if you want to meet an intelligent girl, the bar might not be your best option. Go to a bookstore and get to know someone in person. Maybe offer to buy a girl a book, it may be more expensive than a drink, but you’ll have a better understanding of her personality and character. I’m just one free spirit giving you some advice; remember that some girls appreciate a good conversation over coffee. Maybe I watch too many Disney movies, but I believe in destiny and happy endings. I haven’t read or seen many love stories involving getting hammered at a bar. However, I’ve heard plenty of unexpected pregnancies beginning with getting hammered at a bar.
Call me old fashioned, but there’s more to dating than drunken nights and hook-ups. Of course some may say that’s part of dating and finding your soul mate. However, it’s about quality not quantity my friends. Next time you can’t think of an idea for date night go with an unusual option, you might be surprised. Buying a girl a book can lead to a second date. In my case it will definitely lead to a second date. I dare you guys to be different and change our twisted world of dating. Dating can be difficult for many college students especially when we already have a lot going on. Therefore, we must learn to prioritize and date the people most compatible to us. Life is short; don’t spend too much time getting wasted and dating individuals who share nothing in common with you besides a 16 oz. alcoholic beverage. I hope I’ve opened up your mind to something that can change your love life for the better. Find your nearest bookstore and have fun.
College education doesn’t trump experience Costs for attending college are high, degrees could cease to be worth the money spent by michael johnson news@deltacollegian.net
M
ost of us are raised to believe that college is the golden ticket to success. You graduate and are supposedly guaranteed a prosperous
career. To succeed in societies eyes, one must have a college degree to become a contributing member of society. But with the ever-rising tuition fees and the dwindling employment rates for new graduates, it makes me wonder if getting a college education is all it’s cracked up to be. It’s a big decision and a big investment as well. There are expenses linked to college such as housing, commuting and textbooks. By far the most problematic expense would be loan debt. According to libertystreeteconomics.org, the outstanding student loan balance now stands at about $870 billion, surpassing the total credit card balance ($693 billion) and the total auto loan balance ($730 billion).
College is a big business, and like any business, it is involved in the trade of goods and services to consumers. The service being your education and the goods, unfortunately, are the students. And without students, the college would cease to exist. Colleges and universities insist that you take a lot of prerequisite classes beyond your major. This involves you taking even more time to get your degree. Time equals money and you will be spending a lot of both on classes that have bearing on your major. There is no need to take a fencing class unless you are planning on getting an eye patch and sailing the seas for lost treasure but hey, you paid for it. A college experience is a costly one, and a good parent would do anything for their kids including paying lots of money for them to go to college. Another (discouraging) fact is that a student may study in a field for four years and not be able to find a job in that particular field. A person might graduate college and end up having to work at Subway. So much for that B.A. in Philosophy.
There are about 115,000 janitors with Bachelors Degrees in the US. There’s nothing wrong with being a janitor, but did you have to spend all that money to become one? What about experience? In my opinion, that speaks more than a piece of paper. A college student may have book smarts but lack real world work experience. A person may not have a 4-year degree but they do know how to work hard and have initiative. Is a person less qualified because they have never attended college? As an employer, would you rather have someone who studied the field or have been in the field? There are less expensive ways to get a higher education. There are trade schools and community colleges. In fact, people with two-year degrees are earning more than people with four-year degrees. Find your talent and honor it with experience. Don’t let your parents and societies expectations define your financial worth.
THE COLLEGIAN — SPRING 2014 Editor/feature editor Chris Howze News editor Justin Tristano Sports editor Jermaine Davis Entertainment editors Monica Gomez Sonya Herrera Opinion editor Heidi Sharp
Staff Alexis Bustamante Eric Carranza Michael Johnson Robert Juarez Santana Juache Orlando Jose Seth Lowman Sean Mendoza Richard Reyes Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano Mark Godi
Advertising The Collegian offers display advertising at competitive rates. Call (209) 954-5156 or email deltacollegian@gmail.com for more information. Letters to the editor Letters raising issues and opinions not represented by the newspaper are encouraged, but should not be taken as a reflection of the opinions of the staff or adviser. Editorial Unsigned editorials reflect the position of the entire Collegian staff.
Comments, letters and editorials with a byline represent the opinion of the writer, solely. This paper does not endorse or represent the opinions of the adviser, the mass communication department, the Fine Arts Division, the printer or San Joaquin Delta College administration.
Mission statement The Collegian is a student run First Amendment newspaper that prides itself on its commitment to the students of San Joaquin Delta College while maintaining its independence of any outside influence. The Collegian will reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech.
3 opinion
Issue 14 • May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Writer urges students to take important step, go for internships by seth lowman news@deltacollegian.net
I
always wondered what I’m getting myself into every time I set my alarm to 2:30 a.m. Sometimes I feel like I have gone insane, and when I tell others that I’m waking so early for an unpaid internship, they think I have lost my mind as well. Now that I’m at the end of my journey as a KCRA-3 News intern, I can officially say that I haven’t lost my mind. In fact, all those sleeping hours lost were worth it. As a student: you go to class, get college credit and then you graduate. An important step that students might skip is snatching that valuable internship, which could lead to potential employment. According to a survey done by National Association of
Colleges and Employers, 60 percent of students with a paidinternship had a higher chance of employment than ones without. And even if there is no job or money waiting for you at the end of your internship, the experience that you gain is more than profitable. I have made many prized connections and resources through my time as an intern. Working side by side with the professionals in your desired field is an invaluable experience, and one that will prep you up for your future. And if you use your time wisely, you can learn a lot. Using your time efficiently and acting in a professional manner will make you more attractive to the eyes of the professionals, who could refer you to a future job. Delta College student and KCRA-3 intern Mason Silva is someone who makes every sec-
ond of his internship worth it. “As a news photographer intern, I get to go out in the field and capture what’s going on in the world today. I work closely with a photographer, and now a friend, and together we share ideas and learn how to make a great story” said Silva. Silva is proof that hard work and making connections within your industry pays off. Last summer, he landed a gig as a production assistant with Discovery Channel. Internships may be stressful or intimidating, but you’ll be a much stronger job candidate and employee by the end of your stay. While straight “A’s” are nice, and graduating from a prestigious university has its perks, internships give you that edge. Take it from this exhausted intern; it’s an edge that’s worth it—even if you’re losing those precious “Z’s” along the way.
Fan group not what they seem to be by justin tristano news@deltacollege.net
T
he definition of anthropomorphic is the idea of giving human characteristics to non human beings. Currently two major communities fall into this category, My Little Pony fans, or “bronies,” and the more infamous “Furries.” Often people assume that Furries are looking for sexual attention. This can’t be further from the truth; the reason people ‘suit’ is so that way they can act silly or run around and act like an animal for fun. Furries are people who like the idea of giving human qualities to animals. Though much like other communities, they have different sub groups within them. Starting around the 1970s, the idea began as a bunch of comics that artists put together to tell a story using animals as the main characters. The idea was not new. The concept has been around for quite some time with Looney Toons and Garfield. I became intrigued by the idea.
I think it would be awesome if my cat could sit down and play video games with me instead of sit and demand love and food. For most people it spawns from a love of animals, others find they share traits with animals, for me, humanoid animals is a cool concept. The most common association with Furries is that they all have a fur suit, and not every one of them wants one. A fur suit is essentially an animal costume for a human, akin to a mascot. Typically people have them done of their own characters, and try to make them all unique. Over winter break I went to a convention, Further Confusion (FC) because I wanted to understand what actually draws people into the community. When I arrived I anticipated a bunch of overweight, sweaty people dressed as foxes and wolves whom I didn’t want to associate with. Much to my surprise I found something different. Almost all of the people there were college level students and a few people above 30. Everyone was open and accepting, and the convention
was a lot of fun. One of my largest surprises was that people at FC acted more appropriate in public than people at anime/manga conventions. Fursuits are no different than the cosplayers who dress up for comic or anime conventions. They simply want to dress up and have fun in a community that accepts them. The idea is to have an escape and the ability to act freely without being judged, a concept which is not different than when people read a book, play a video game, or watch movies. Another error in judgment comes from the belief that people in the community actually think they are animals. They are a minority within the furry community, and it is simply their belief that they have spirit animals or guides. It’s a belief that is akin to Native American belief structures. If you want to know more about the community, I would recommend actually speaking with a few people who identify themselves as furries. You might be surprised that these people are more like you than you would think.
two little lines
pregnant with heidi sharp
Despite all advice, being pregnant in college is a struggle. I urge all young people to finish education. Heidi Sharp, 22, is a part-time Delta College student and part-time barista. She married her high school sweetheart, Wesley, in 2012. The same year, the couple purchased their first home in Stockton. Now, thanks to two little lines on a pregnancy test, the Sharps are expanding in July.
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ow, given this is our last issue of the semester, I am comfortable getting a little preachy. If you don’t like it, don’t read the column. Through the semester I have covered a number of issues, and given what I believe to be helpful tips to surviving Delta College with a bun in the oven. But when it comes right down to it, I don’t recommend it to any woman. I am so fortunate that my circumstances in life have allowed me the opportunity to get my education and have my child. I am also fortunate enough that I am finally finished and will have my precious little girl a month after my graduation. But many women are not as fortunate. I implore every girl, woman, and teen, (and young men as well!) to finish their education before starting a family. Having an education these days is more important than anything else in the world. And while I will only have an Associates degree that AA is something no one can ever take from me, something to put on a resume and something to be proud of. The struggles I have gone through this semester are nothing compared to what a college woman with a newborn could go through. With competition for jobs steep, and unemployment in California still too high, that extra degree, even as small as an AA or AS, could put you just that much ahead of the high school graduate. It could be enough to give you that job, instead of the person with no education. Degrees are increasingly being dismissed as “useless.” But while my AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences won’t get me a job as a psychologist, it shows dedication. A degree, no matter how small, shows that you stuck with something for a decent length of time, (in my case, four years). That education received here, no matter what the “stigma” of Delta College says, has made every graduate a more well-rounded individual. When my darling little girl grows into a teen, I can tell her that I finished what I started in college. I can tell her that I earned a degree and I am proud of it. I can honestly preach to her that college was a good experience and that she needs to go. Hopefully it will inspire her to go. Hopefully it will inspire her to not follow in my footsteps and become pregnant while still in college. Hopefully she will be 100 times more successful than her parents will. Earn your degree before bringing a little blessing into your life ladies and gents; it’s well worth it.
4 feature
Issue 14 • May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
summertime Tunes: Which song will claim dubious honor? by seth lowman
deltacollegian@gmail.com
E
very day that passes is one closer to the beginning of summertime. Those three or so magical months of long days, longer nights and brain freeze inducing slurpees The movie theater is filled to the brim, enticing its patrons with popcorn, air conditioning and the years biggest blockbusters. And as the temperature starts to pump up, so do the summer tunes. Like with every summer, there is always one song that is awarded with the “song of the summer” title. The honor is a dubious one. The awarded song will be the one that everyone knows the words to, even if they don’t even like it. The song that gets played every 15 minutes on the radio and by the end of summer, it’s the song that everyone wishes never existed. Must you be reminded of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” last year or Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe,” the year before that? While summer hasn’t started yet, these 5 contenders for the “song of the summer” are gearing up to play in the sun: ‘Problem’ - Ariana Grande (feat. Iggy Azalea): Once it’s debut on iTunes, this song went straight to number 1, solidifying its “hit” status. This newest offer by the popular Disney actress ticks off all the boxes for a summer song: a snazzy horn riff, carefree lyrics, booming bass and a spit-fire verse by rapper Iggy Azalea. With no video release yet, this song has plenty of time to dominate airwaves this summer. ‘Birthday’ - Katy Perry: Like with all Katy Perry songs, becoming a hit is never out of the question -- it actually never is a question. How big of a chance this has of becoming the next big summer song is what’s up for debate. Perry has had her fair share of summer hits (I Kissed a Girl and California Gurls), and I feel that ‘Birthday’ has a strong chance of joining them. The retro, disco vibes of the song scream summer, and the Mariah Carey-esque vocals give it even more of a throwback flavor. Frothy and light, this song has every chance to become the season’s defining song. ‘Summer’ - Calvin Harris: What’s one way to get that summer hit? Calling your song after the season itself, of course. Electronic dance music, more commonly known as EDM, has been making a huge mark on radio this past year. And Calvin Harris, one of the biggest DJ’s in the world, is no stranger of being heard on the radio. Already number 1 on the UK charts, this explosive dance track has a chance of making the same impression in the States.
‘Fancy’ - Iggy Azalea (Charli XCX): A sleeper-hit that has finally awoken. This ferocious and fun rap track embraces the frivolity of the summer, and the hook is as infectious as the beat. With the Cluelessinspired video has gone viral, the song reaching number 2 on iTunes and gaining more spins on radio daily, the momentum of the song is just starting to pick up steam. And if you haven’t fallen under the web of this song just yet, play it in the car with a few friends and sing a long (or try to rap along) -- you’ll never feel cooler. ‘Ain’t It Fun’ - Paramore: This is somewhat of a wild card, but it’s a song that I hope to see a little bit more of. The lyrics go hand in hand with the theme growing up, so we might have a future graduation theme on our hands. And while this song is devoid of any beat drop or rap feature, this song has something we could all use this summer: a whole lot of heart. And while no one knows quite yet what song will be the champion of Summer ‘14, these are just a select few that have a chance of making their way to the highest degree.
5 feature
Issue 14 • May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
from High expectations to tempered results
Student’s lofty goals at semesters start lowered as realities of life, free time take precedence by seth lowman
deltacollegian@gmail.com
With each semester comes a new batch of expectations. “I’m going to get that 4.0!” “Transfer this year? Yeah, I can do that!” “18 units?! Pfft, child’s play.” While these are admirable goals, seldom do they ever come into fruition when they are taken all at once. Why do these expectations come all together like a tidal wave of stress? Most of the time, there isn’t external pressure to perform under such exuberant pressures, but students still push themselves more than what they are capable of. They like to overachieve with each semester because they want to prove to themselves that they can be successes. And maybe to make up for past failures. With each new semester that comes around, students can be reborn as the student they want to be. They can be reborn as the master juggler of tasks. This rebirth is the chance to develop new studying habits or finding ways to efficiently use time, but this can prove difficult if too much handed on your plate of academic slop. Delta student and filmmaker Evan Teed admits that he took a lot of responsibility early on in the semester. “At the beginning of this semester I was taking 18 units, but I soon switched over to 12” said Teed. He then learned a better method of handling the stress of class work intertwined with working a 5 to 9 job and making films. “I decided to spread my units apart over the course of next semester and during the
summer” Teed added. His decision to map put his units is a smart plan of action, especially if there is more than just class work to be worrying about. Students like Simone Mingua-Lopstain, had priorities of transferring on to a fouryear college, so she decided to focus more on her English and math courses -- which led to some compromise. “I wanted to get my required classes out of the way because I knew that you could take science at a 4-year instead at Delta.” Lopstain admits that she didn’t do as well as she hoped in geography due to her focus on these other classes, but remains optimistic. “You live and you learn” Mingua-Lopstain added. This is a true piece of advice and one that any student can carry with them. Balancing the weight of so much responsibility can cause one to topple over, but it’s up to the student to overcome their struggle -- no matter how long it takes. Students can perform stronger than before when they take what has worked in the past semester and eliminate what didn’t. This ability to do so is only ever learned by failure that students must face to make a change. From here, students can gauge what are more suitable expectations to have. Instead of saying, “I’m going to make the dean’s list!”, and setting up the expectations like, “I’m going to do better than what I did last semester” will diminish the pressure. With a set of more accessible goals, students can focus less on the expectation of overachieving and more on the act of succeeding.
Graduation: or how to survive commencement and learn to enjoy it
Phone app allows user to earn money for charities by walking
by heidi sharp
by monica gomez
The time of year is once again upon us. The lucky ones who get to be finished with Delta College and move on with the rest of their lives, wherever that may lead them. Commencement is a special ceremony that signifies the transition to the next stage of life. Participating in the ceremony, regardless of how one feels about being at Delta College, is an absolute must because it is not only for the graduates, it is for the families as well. That being said, here are some important things to remember if you are participating this year.
Do you walk, run or bike often? Do you have an iPhone or Android cellular device? Well if you do, Charity Miles is the app for you. It all started with Gene Gurkoff. After running marathons for nine years, to raise money for parkinson’s disease research in honor of her grandfather. “I always wanted companies to sponsor me but couldn’t get them to do it because I’m just an amateur athlete,” Gurkoff said. Charity Miles is an app that makes donating money to your favorite charity very simple. The funding comes from different corporate sponsors, that sponsor athletes like you. You simply download the app, get some exercise, claim your milage and charity miles does the rest. Bikers earn 10¢ a mile and walkers and runners earn 25¢ a mile. You are getting exercise and paying it forward at the same time.
deltacollegian@gmail.com
1) Know all the dates and deadlines. Turning things in and being at rehearsal are not for our health, they are to ensure a smooth and satisfying graduation. Some important ones to remember: Graduate must respond to the “Confirmation of Participation” questionnaire by May 9. The questionnaire is available on the Delta College website. Rehearsal is on Wed, May 28 at 4 p.m. And the date of commencement is Thursday, May 29. Graduates must arrive at 5 p.m. already dressed in their caps and gowns. 2) Know where commencement is. To avoid any day-of confusion, make sure to have a concrete idea of the location of the Stockton Arena, especially if there are out-of-town relatives coming. A map is available on the Delta College website to print out. 3) Have all your materials for graduation purchased well in advance. Caps, gowns, tassels, announcements and other items are available at the Bookstore for purchase. 4) Pick up the “Walking Card” and bring it with you to commencement. It can be obtained in advance from the Information Desk in the lobby of the DeRicco Student Services Building from May 9 to May 29. 5) Look online for specific information. The Delta College website has a whole section dedicated to Commencement 2014. There, graduates will find a Frequently Asked Questions section that has a ton of information about parking, assistance for guests, photographs, diplomas, the color tassel one should be purchasing and much more. There is also the aforementioned map of the Stockton Arena surrounding area, and Bookstore prices. 6) Print out all these materials and put them in a folder for reference. Graduates cannot be prepared enough. The more prepared each graduate is, the smoother and more special the ceremony will be for all students and their families.
deltacollegian@gmail.com
She figured that if she could get enough people together she would get companies to sponsor athletes just like the pros but for charity. Some of the corporate sponsors are Humana, Timex, Johnson and Johnson and Lifeway Foods. “They pay to sponsor Charity Miles and we pay out to the charities when people walk, run and bike with the app,” Gurkoff said. Most college students have busy schedules, therefore may not always have time for exercise. However, with this smart phone app you can have your phone in hand while walking to class and get a couple miles in. The smallest donation can make a big difference. If everyone at Delta who owns a smart phone downloaded this app, and used it avidly we would make a noticeable difference. “Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise so I want to change myself,” said Rumi.
6 entertainment
Issue 14 • May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Slam poets ready, eager to bring home gold Students represent Stockton at world youth poetry competition by sean mendoza news@deltacollegian.net
Two Delta students will represent Stockton at a global slam poetry event this summer. Youth poetry organization With Our Words recently held a competition at the Podesto Impact Teen Center in Stockton, and the top six participants were named to the city’s poetry team. This July, the team will compete against other cities’ at the Brave New Voices Poetry Festival in Philadelphia, Pa. Delta student Lavell Jackson was one of the six finalists. He and the rest of the team will practice throughout summer to prepare for the competiPHOTOS COURTESY OF SONYA HERRERA, ISAIAH STOWERS tion. “I feel really good and blessed to have an opTWO LOCALS GO GLOBAL: Lavell Jackson, left, and Isaiah Stowers will compete in the International Youth Poetry Slam portunity like this, I just can’t wait. I’m excited and Festival in Philadelphia this July. nervous but I’m ready,” said Jackson. “I’m getting myself ready for this by praying and writing a lot, challenging. Getting everyone together is a little more pated in the Brave New Voices event in 2008, 2009 and I also been watching and listening to different poets.” stressful since the team lives in all different parts of 2010. In 2013 he was brought back to coach for the Jackson hopes to get better in his writing and branch Stockton,” said Stowers. second time. off to getting his poems published in the future. Despite this challenge, Stowers still feels confident He’s been on stages in Hollywood, Chicago and “I just want to be successful and have a great time, it’s that the team will be ready. “Every person on the team Washington, so his experience is a great asset to the all about the fun,” added Jackson. has strengths that I can already see and now I’m just team. He has also opened up for music artists such as Delta student Isaiah Stowers will coach the Stockton eager to get it all started,” said Stowers. Talib Kweli and Common. poetry team. Stowers is a two-time All City Poetry Grand Slam These two Delta students hope to bring poetry gold “This year compared to the other years seems more Champion, the only person so far to do so. He partici- back home.
Instructor brings opera to students
‘Star Wars’ set to return to theaters next year
by sonya herrera
by chris howze
news@deltacollegian.net
sonya209@gmail.com
Seasoned operagoers and nervous newbies gathered at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts last Friday evening for the world premier of Tawawa House, an original opera set at the start of the Civil War. Among those attending were college and high school students who had never been to an opera before. Thanks to the generosity of Townsend Opera, a company based in Modesto, teachers in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties were able to distribute free tickets to their students for this season’s events. Delta instructor Rebecca Camacho attends one or two shows per season with her husband, who also teaches at Delta. She has received free tickets from Townsend Opera for about three years. “I’m on their mailing list as an educator, so I just make my tickets available to my students when I get them,” said Camacho. Laura Knopfer, a student in Camacho’s Spanish 2 class, had never attended opera before and was grateful for the opportunity to experience it live for the first time. “I thought it was really enjoyable,” said Knopfer. “I really liked listening to the songs and the voices... It’s amazing how the voice can come across as a story.” Knopfer was especially pleased to see an English-language opera. “I wasn’t aware that they did
A
PHOTO BY SONYA HERRERA
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA: Music lovers young and old attend the world premier of Tawawa House at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.
it in English,” Knopfer said. “I’ve always heard it done in Italian, and I kind of wondered what’s the point of going to a show if you can’t really understand it.” Camacho says that she will continue to offer tickets to her students in the future.
long time ago in a galaxy far far away (well, more like about 40 years ago), a Modesto kid named George Lucas made the original Star Wars trilogy. And it was good. Then, back in 1998, he deemed that he’d make a prequel trilogy, unearthing the backstory of Darth Vader. And it was not good. Hardcore fans cried foul at the prequels for their lack of coherence, wooden acting and preponderance of racial stereotypes hidden behind the thin veil of exotic alien life forms. The last decade has not been kind to Star Wars fans, but two years ago a glimmer of hope emerged. Walt Disney Studios bought Lucasfilm from George Lucas for the hefty sum of $4 billion, with the goal of reinvigorating the series that quite frankly had become a joke even to its fans. May 4, or “May the Forth
Be With You” is Star Wars Day, and this year fans had reason for excitement with the release of the first still from the cast of the seventh film, due out in theaters next year. Both the original stars of the series—Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford—along with the new actors John Boyega, Max Von Sydow and Andy Serkis were in attendence. When it comes to Star Wars, though (as seen with the prequels), it’s more important to have a solid director and writer guiding the crew. Thankfully, J.J. Abrams, the man who made Star Trek cool and original, and Star Wars co-writer Lawrence Kazdan are those such men. Fans have felt burnt for quite some time, whether it’s Ewoks, Greedo shooting first, or Jar Jar Binks, we’ll need a lot of convincing that we’ll get another great Star Wars flick. As such, color this particular writer apprehensively excited.
7 sports
Issue 14 • May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Mustangs spring re-cap Delta sports continue to enjoy success by jermaine davis news@deltacollegian.net
The San Joaquin Delta Mustangs sports teams enjoyed much success and suffered a few heartbreaking moments during the spring of 2014. With the talent of the players returning next year and the guidance from coaches, expectations for the Mustangs next year are limitless. MEN’S BASKETBALL: In the sixth season with head coach Rich Ressa at the helm, the Mustangs finished two games above .500 with an overall record of 15-13. The Mustangs longest winning streak of the season lasted three games, and the teams' largest winning margin was by 22 points in a home game against Sierra College on January 7. "We had a lot of ups and downs this season, the team just couldn't get on the right track," said sophomore Jerrel Green. The Mustangs advanced to the Regional Quarter Finals, but lost the game 71-46 to San Francisco. Sophomore guards Nicolus Guzman (15 ppg.) and Alex Simmons (13 ppg.) led the team in scoring, while Green, a forward, lead the team in rebounds (6.2) per game. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: For the Lady Mustangs, results in wins and losses were completely opposite from the men. The team finished the season No. 1 in the Big 8 Conference with an overall record of 27-6, earning the Lady Mustangs a trip to the State Championship game against Mt. San Antonio, on March 14 at Cerritos College in Norwalk. Unfortunately, the team fell just short of victory losing a hard-fought game by the score of 51-47. Sophomore Forward Kelci Haueter led the Lady Mustangs in scoring (11.4
ppg.), and Karleasha Thompson led the team in assist (3.8 apg.). With 15 players on the roster this season, the Mustangs are excited about having half of the team returning next year to play for head coach Gina Johnson. "I couldn’t be any more proud than I already am with the performance of these young ladies. They left everything out on the court every game and played hard as a team, and that's all I ask of them,” said Johnson. BASEBALL: The San Joaquin Delta College baseball team is still going strong just like the club did to start the season. Delta has made it difficult for opposing teams to play well against the Mustangs at Nick Cechetti Field, which resulted in the team having an impressive record at home, finishing 17-1. The team's overall record is 29-9, giving the Mustangs the top spot in the Big 8 Conference this season. Sophomores Wyatt Castro and Matt Valencia contributed in a major way to the Mustangs success this season, from their respected positions on the field. Castro made a huge impact from his cautious play in the outfield to his relentless attitude at the plate. He led the team in home runs (5), batting average (.393) and tied for first in RBI’s (31). On the mound, Valencia posted a winning record of 9-2, a 2.34 ERA and allowed only one home run all season. "We've had a lot of success this season, and a lot of unforgettable moments but we still have our eyes set on the ultimate goal, which is to win a State Championship," said Castro. The Mustangs are currently preparing for the CCCAA Baseball Northern Super-Regionals on May 9-11.
ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE
Baseball player prepares for finals, and playoffs by monica gomez news@deltacollegian.net
Finals are near for Delta students, as are playoffs for student athletes. Jordan Garr, baseball player, is preparing for both plus a job. He can’t only focus on baseball, because without a good academic standing baseball wouldn’t be an option. Garr gives insight about what it takes to be successful in school, work and baseball. “It’s about time management, our coach has us in study hall a lot, we spend a lot of time on campus we come here early and sign in before class eight is the latest we can sign in,” Garr said. Structure and routine keep Garr on track. Spending most of his time on campus helps him achieve his goals. Daily routines of class, practice, and work. Not to mention games during the week to make things interesting. Fortunately, Garr works at Hollister and they work around his schedule. There are many perks
that come with being a student athlete, such as priority registration for classes. Student athletes are assigned early registration dates. Typically on the first day that registration opens. They are also motivated by coaches and teammates. Having a good support system usually leads to success for most students. Passion for the sport is also a part of Garr’s success throughout the season. Garr has been playing baseball since the age of four, which adds to the love for America’s favorite pastime. “Baseball is the best sport in the world, and we’re number one in California right now so it’s an enjoyable experience,” said Garr. Garr’s contributions to the team this season include, an on base percentage of .375, two RBIs, and six runs.
PHOTO BY MONICA GOMEZ
This is Garr’s freshman year of baseball, but he will be receiving an AA (Associate of Arts Degree) this spring. Garr plans on staying at Delta for another year, then transferring to a university where he could continue playing baseball. “Delta is a good school academically, but the guys on the team and being part of a successful team makes it a lot of fun to come out here,” Garr said.
Delta Mustangs women’s soccer, kick their way around by richard reyes news@deltacollegian.net
After suffering a 1-0 second round defeat to Cosumnes River College in the California Community College Athletic association tournament last November, the Delta College Lady Mustangs soccer team is back to work as they begin to prep for a deeper run this upcoming season. “ I have big expectations this year as the girls are working five days a week. Working on chemistry and connecting on the field. You can see how hungry they are after falling short last season” Said Head Coach Adrienne Sorenson Whether it’s going on hikes in Yosemite or practicing on the football field from 12:00 to 2:30, these ladies are making every single minute count. Working on passes, shots, footwork and conditioning seems to pay off as the ladies had a scrimmage game against Holy Names University on April 12. Even though the Mustangs fell 1-0 they came away from the game with more confidence then they went in. “I thought we were going to lose 4-0, but we held our ground and played tough, so a 1-0 loss is not bad.” Said freshman Marisa Sanchez. “I was nervous at first but as the game went on I relaxed, I actually scored
twice, but we were offsides, so they didn’t count,” said freshman Tiffany Sauza. While training the team also has a Mustang team clinic, in which they take time to train hopeful future lady Mustangs from the age of 10-12. It is a four session that starts at 5p.m. and ends at 7p.m. and is held on Delta College campus on Lawrence Dericco football field. The dates are on Monday March 12, 19 and Tuesday march 27. For information you can send emails to asorenson@deltacollege.edu The lady Mustangs have also have built quite a following with social media scene. Posting pictures and videos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter of daily activities and games they play. Most recently a picture was posted as they were supporting the Men’s Baseball team playoff run. “You can follow us on our Facebook page at San Joaquin Delta women’s soccer. Our Instagram is Delta College_wsoccer, and our Twitter is Delta_SOC,” said Sorenson. “Come by and check us out this coming season” added name” we will make you proud,” said Sanchez. Whether all the time and hard work will pay off this year, only time will tell, stay tuned for updates in the future.
8 news
Issue 14 • May 9, 2014 • deltacollegian.net
Diabetes ‘does not discriminate’ by sonya herrera news@deltacollegian.net
Delta student Lilly Warren learned she had diabetes about a year-and-a-half ago. “I have a strong genetic pull on both sides of my family, and it’s almost at 100 percent [diagnoses] for three generations back,” said Warren. “My greatgrandmother died from losing a limb,” “She was not obese and she was healthy,” Warren continued. “It doesn’t discriminate,” Diabetes is a disease that affects those whose blood contains too much glucose, or sugar. This excess can inhibit both the production and absorption of insulin, a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The affliction can lead to heart disease, blindness and death. In 2012, the disease was the seventh leading cause of the death in California. The causes of the disease are both genetic and behavioral; diabetes can “run in the family,” yet it most commonly affects people who are overweight and
less physically active. Delta student Josh Phillips’ mother, grandmother and 21-year-old sister all have diabetes. “People know [of diabetes], but they don’t know what causes it,” said Phillips. “They think, ‘oh, just don’t eat a lot of sugar,’ but it’s more than just that. And you gotta know if it’s hereditary; you gotta do something about it,” There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also known as “juvenile diabetes,” is typically diagnosed in children and occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association, only about 5 percent of diabetics are categorized as Type 1. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively absorb insulin. It typically appears in middle to old age. Delta student Raúl Márquez’s father was diagnosed about five years ago. He has changed his own diet to help his father adjust. “It’s been pretty rough for him. He has to be careful of
what he eats,” said Márquez. “It’s only me and him, so I gotta go eat what he eats; that way, it’s easier,” Between 2010 and 2012, San Joaquin County ranked sixth highest of California’s 58 counties in the rate of diabetesrelated deaths, with 24.8 per 100,000 people. The disease is becoming more common. A recent study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data shows that in 2010, about 21 million U.S. adults aged 20 and older had diabetes. This amounted to about 9.5 percent of the 21-year and older population for that year. Warren cautioned her fellow students to be wary of their health. “If you’re feeling light-headed, feel like you’re gonna faint, if you’re dehydrated, wanna go to the bathroom all the time: those are really cues about diabetes, and you could be razor-thin and still be a product of that,” said Warren. “Please listen to your bodies. Real important,”
Students work Asparagus festival to aid community by orlando jose
news@deltacollegian.net
In the past 29 years, over $5.9 million dollars has been contributed back to local charities directly from the Stockton Asparagus Festival. This would not be possible without the continued help of the community according to the Stockton Asparagus Festival Facebook page. The Festival was a three day event unfortunate-
ly rain starting pouring due to that electrical issues could occur and the event was forced to close. Last two days the event was in full force. “I was frying the asparagus as they showed me how to do it. I enjoyed it very much. I also met new & friendly interesting people there,” said Student Silvia Soto. The Asparagus festival runs April 24 -26 and is filled with lots of different ways to eat Asparagus and varied foods.
Recent changes in Danner hall lead to needless concern by orlando jose
news@deltacollegian.net
Rumor has it that student chef is taking over the cafeteria of Danner hall that leaves staff, students and faculty wondering. This is not the case. “The student chef is not taking over food services I don’t know where that idea came from but, I’m in charge of the food services and I’m telling everybody that student chef is not taking food service,” Fidel Cabuena, director of Auxiliary services. Beginning this semester the bookstore has began selling snacks and some lunch foods. Both of
which are why people go to Danner. “We have spaces that we think we can better utilize by engaging, put our operation side by side or within one umbrella. The process is we hired architect to sculpt doing sculpt work & see if it’s even possible,” said Cabuena “The prices between the book store and the cafeteria differ from each other, honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if the prices went up due to combining,” said, Student Marcus Caden The kind of food will depend on the menu, however currently their biggest concern is a potential increase in cost.
Job fair coming to Delta looking for unemployed students by the collegian news@deltacollegian.net
On May 15, Delta College will host a WorkNet Job Fair. The fair will take place in Danner Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All job-seekers are welcome to meet with potential employers and learn about job opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to bring their re-
sume’s and dress for success. Companies from Aflac, Walgreens, Childcare, California Highway Patrol, Alhambra, Allied Barton, City of Lodi and others will be there looking for active job seekers. Students as well as the general public are welcome. For more information call Amy Courtright, 209-954-5151 ext. 6335, or email acourtright@ deltacollege.edu.
Recent ban on vape pens brings up questions by robert juarez news@deltacollegian.net
Starting this summer, Delta will become a Smoke free campus. All Cigarettes will be banned including electronic cigarettes and vapor pens. The description of the policy given by Delta’s District Police says that “the use of any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited everywhere on District property.” The policy goes into effect July 14. Some students have brought up concerns about e-cigarettes because they don’t contain tobacco, only smoke and vapor. PHOTO BY ALEXIS BUSTAMANTE E-cigarettes were made to be a healthier alternative to the common tobacco cigarettes, but just how healthy are they? A lot of arguments have been brought up, however most people agree that it is difficult to know the affects of e-cigarettes as they have not been around that long. The argument against states, the liquid nicotine that is vaporized into your lungs isn’t exactly clean. “New research suggests that, even without a match, some popular e-cigarettes get so hot that they, too, can produce a handful of the carcinogens found in cigarettes,” written by Matt Richtel in an article titled “Some e-Cigarettes Deliver a Puff of Carcinogens,” published May 3rd, 2014 on The New York Times website. Carcinogens are chemicals known to cause cancer. The amount of these chemicals in e-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes is a large margin. The Consumer Advocates for Smoke free Alternatives Association (CASAA) said “that a study found 8.18ng nitrosamines, a carcinogen, per 1g of liquid,” Compared to the 11,190ng found in Marlborough cigarettes, also documented by CASAA. “It’s not healthy, but it’s better than cigarettes,” said by delta student Youn Jhun. Student Thomas Dinh stated “Either way with nicotine and tar, or just nicotine, it’s bad for your lungs,”
CHILD EDUCATION: Learning how to make a connection to children continued from PAGE 1
collages out of someone else’s drawings,” said student Joyce Paz when asked what the students have done throughout the semester. Students would create collages out of others drawings by taking an index card and coloring both sides a different color. After doing so they would give that card to another student who would have to make a representation of both colors. Though the class is an elective and not required for any degrees students still flock to it. All of them interested in child education and wanting to learn communication, organization and preparing for the worst. The focus of the course is on giving potential parents or youth workers an understanding of children mentality and creative ways to interact with children so parents can help their children through the developmental process. Several students even brought their own kids to the class to participate alongside their parents. One child had brought their toy dinosaur for painting. Students interested in the course should look in the catalog next semester. The course is late starting and titled Art and Creativity for young children.