Delta Collegiate Nov. 10, 2022 Edition

Domestic violence is everywhere, who do you know?

Domestic violence is much more com mon than people like to think. Accord ing to domesticviolence.org, domestic violence takes place every minute of ev ery day in our nation alone. One in four women and one in nine men will face do mestic violence from an intimate partner, and domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes. On average, more than 20,000 calls are made to domestic violence hotlines all over the U.S.

Domestic violence isn’t only found in intimate relationships. Abuse of elderly family members, young children, or any one who is close to the abuser is defned as domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is experi encing domestic violence in any way, no matter how small it seems, there are multi ple resources available.

Lindsay Richardson, Director of De velopment at the BAWC, said, “Te Bay Area Women's Center believes that every one has the right to live a life free of fear. We support individuals of all genders who have experienced domestic violence by providing programs and services free of charge to meet their needs. Our number

one priority is to provide a space for safe ty and healing. Our crisis hotline is stafed 24/7 to help survivors in their moment of need. We ofer a safe emergency shelter, group and individual therapy, advocacy services, and resources to provide a handup to survivors as they are facing their darkest days. To any survivor reading this article, we want you to know that you are important, and we believe you. BAWC can be reached 24/7 on our hotline at 989-6864551, or you can learn more at www.bawcmi.org or by following us on Facebook and Instagram.”

Domestic violence isn’t just physical abuse. It is mental, emotional, economic, and sexual abuse. Intimidation, stalking, controlling, and many other acts are de fned as domestic violence. See a complete list at Legal Dictionary.net.

History of Domestic Violence Legislation

In 1984, the Violence Against Women Act (Title IV of the Violent Crime Con trol and Law Enforcement Act) was put into efect and was the frst federal legisla

tion that acknowledged domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes and provided federal resources for combating violence against women. Tis act is up for renewal every fve years, and the reauthorization is based on existing protections, available resources, and programs to better provide for abuse survivors.

Te VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022 was signed into efect by President Biden on March 15. Tis reboot includes resources for housing, legal assistance, alternatives to criminal responses, and prevention planning. It includes new eco nomic justice provisions and increases ac cess for all survivors regardless of gender by strengthening non-discrimination laws and creating LGBTQ services and cultur ally specifc services.

While October has been recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1987, Gov. Whitmer has made this awareness specifc to Michigan. Whitmer made the theme of this year’s awareness campaign “Everyone Knows Someone” and highlighted available resources for domestic violence victims. Her full procla mation can be seen at michigan.gov.

Te Tombstone Project

For Domestic Violence Awareness month, Delta puts up a display called the Tombstone Project. Tis display is located in the West Courtyard and in a display case on the main foor near the elevator. Tis project aims to raise awareness about the gravity and severity of local domestic violence.

All of the tombstones that you can see in the courtyard symbolize victims of domestic violence in or near the Tri-City area who died in 2021. Tere are 30 tombstones, and 29 hold the names and stories

of victims. 7 are from Saginaw or Saginaw Township. Te stories featured inside the display case include stories from past years and in a wider area.

Te Tombstone Project was started at Delta in 2006 by a small English and Social Sciences faculty group. In 2019, the project was passed on to the Equity Ofce, which has maintained the project and its original intent of it.

Te original purpose was to raise awareness of the gravity and severity of domestic violence locally, which is the same purpose

Domestic Violence Resources:

Te Bay Area Women’s Center (989) 686-4551

Underground Railroad (989) 755-0411

CAN Council-Great Lakes Bay (989) 671-1345

Shelterhouse of Midland (877) 216-6383

YWCA (616) 454-9922

Te National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE

it carries now.

Te stories of victims are found on Michigan news websites and are condensed into a short snippet to display on a tombstone. Te victims shown on the tombstones are those who died of domestic violence in the previous year. Students are ofen involved in fnding the stories and helping put up the display. If anyone is interested in helping with this project in the future, you can contact the Equity Ofce at equityofce@delta.edu.

Vanessa Selle

he omb one P ojec can be een a Del a college on he main camP anD fea e o ie of ic im of Dome ic iolence, oc 19, 2022; Pho o c eDi ane a elle

2022 Midterm results

Whitmer wins second term Michigan voters pass all three proposals on ballot

Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won a second four-year term in Tuesday’s election, defeating Republican opponent, Tudor Dixon.

Speaking to supporters in Detroit early Wednesday morning, Whitmer said, “We will always work with anyone who actually wants to solve a problem because there’s nothing more important than the people of this state to us, all of the people of this state."

Whitmer supports Proposal 3, limiting government interference in a women's reproductive rights and fled law suits to help get the proposal on the ballot this election.

Proposal 3, which would amend the Michigan Constitution to include protection for reproductive freedom and invalidate a dormant 1931 ban on abortion has passed. Michigan voters turned out in high numbers at the polls on Tuesday to make sure their voices were heard on the topic of abortion and the rights of women to make personal decisions about their reproductive care without government interference.

Proposal 1 will amend the state constitution to require annual

public fnancial disclosure reports by legislators and other state ofcers and change state legislator term limit to 12 total years in legislature.

Proposal 2 will amend the state constitution to create early voting and right to sign an afdavit as an alternative to showing photo ID to vote. Requires statefunded return postage and drop boxes for absentee ballots. It also clarifes that the state canvassers board has a nondiscretionary duty to certify results.

Former professor sues Delta College, alleging unlawful discrimination

Courtney Elisech

Chey Davis was a Delta College En glish professor for 15 years before she lef her position afer being denied promo tion to Full Professor based on unlawful discrimination. According to Davis, the reasons she was not promoted were be cause she was black and a lesbian. As well as a form of retaliation over public posi tions she held relating to faculty union ization and justice in Division grievances.

Delta College’s Director of Market ing, Leanne Govitz, confrmed that Davis fled a lawsuit against Delta College and former President Dr. Jean Goodnow. She stated that Davis resigned to begin a new career in an unrelated profession.

“Beyond that, it is the college’s policy not to comment regarding either per sonnel issues or pending litigation,” said Govitz.

Te Delta Collegiate got the story and an update from Davis herself in the form of a Q & A over email.

Starting as an instructor in 2007 and earning tenure in 2012, Davis applied for promotion to Full Professor in 2019. She was supported by her department fully but denied by Delta’s then-President Jean Goodnow despite meeting all qualifca tions for the promotion, according to her suit.

Afer being denied the promotion and unsuccessful in challenging the college's decision with her union's help, Davis fled a lawsuit against Delta College in August in Saginaw Circuit Court.

President Goodnow lef her position in 2021, and Delta College ofered Davis a retroactive promotion under President Michael Gavin in February 2022. She lef Delta College in June 2022. She felt they had continued to discredit her through out everything, and the trust was broken.

Te decision to leave education was already fnal for Davis, and she had no further advancement. She went back to school to become a clinical therapist and

was close to fnishing when the retroac tive promotion was ofered. Te practice she works with focuses on marginalized groups in our society who experience various types of trauma.

Q: In your own words, what led to this point? What happened?

A: In some ways, it is simple; I was denied a promotion that I had earned. I worked hard and enjoyed my job for many years. President Goodnow still refused my pro motion for reasons which were illegal. In many other ways, though, this is a much more complex situation of structural rac ism and other intersectional motivations.

Q: Do you miss teaching?

A: Of course. I applied to be a Full Pro fessor because I enjoyed being an educa tor and wanted to continue working with young adults and returning learners. I was completely invested in the education of my students. Working in a classroom atmosphere and contributing to scholar ship is a rewarding calling.

Q: What can you tell us about the status of the case?

A: We are just about to start discovery or the process of collecting evidence with the compulsory power of the court pro cess.

Q: What is your hope for the case? What would you want to see the outcome be?

A: I think most people who fnd them selves in the unfortunate situation of hav ing to sue their employers for discrimina tion want similar things. First, I want this practice to stop. I want to shine a light on the discrimination and make sure my voice is heard for all the people who came before me and for those who come afer

me. Tere are people so comfortable with this kind of systemic racism and intersec tional and economic discrimination that they do not even see what is wrong with it. I also want an apology; I want to know that they understand that their behavior turned my life upside down. I sufered emotional and fnancial turmoil because of the actions of President Goodnow and the complacency of Delta. I am not the only person at this college who has expe rienced this kind of treatment. I want to be made whole fnancially, being turned down for a promotion that I had earned, hiring an attorney, going back to school, and opening a new business to try to stem my losses.

Q: Have you considered that you may go through all this hardship, hassle, and trauma and nothing may come of it?

A: Do I understand that I could lose the civil case I fled against Ms. Goodnow and Delta? Yes, I understand that, but that would not be the same thing as “nothing” coming from this. Tey mistreated me, and I spoke up; using my voice is not "nothing." Tere is a public record for anyone who feels they have experienced intersectional discrimination by Delta leadership, which is not "nothing." It is my belief that this kind of treatment is not only specifcally directed at faculty mem bers and extends to other marginalized groups on campus as well. I am exhaust ed and traumatized, and this has been an excruciating process. I understand what I am facing.

View the entire Executed Summons and Complaint of Chey Davis v Delta College and Jean Goodrow online below.

former DelTa college english Professor chey Davis; PhoTo creDiT: chey Davis

Misty Barron

michigan governor greTchen WhiTmer

LOCAL

Poetry reading brings new talent to new cofee shop

Vanessa Selle

BAY CITY - Lolobee’s Lounge in Bay City was the location of the frst ever “Words Like Honey” poetry event.

On Oct. 23 the small cofee shop on Linn Street hosted 15 poets and over 30 listeners and shoppers. All except one poet spoke more than once, and all were met with warm applause and a rapt audience.

Tere was a mix of humorous and serious topics in the poems, and every poet had their own taste and distinct personality, shown through both their poetry and their clothing and mannerisms. Tey were very passionate and showed expression, sometimes even acting out what they said as they read their poems.

Te event had an amazingly diverse crowd, and everyone felt comfortable sharing their work, and afer all the readings were done, many people stuck around to socialize and mingle. It was a very casual and friendly environment throughout and afer the event.

“Tis is a very cool room with a lot of creative people,” said poet Roberto Scarlato. Although he writes his own poetry, he narrates audiobooks for a living, and has since December 2013. He wrote his frst poem in college in 2007, and started again during the pandemic in 2020. Scarlato has been coming to Lolobee’s for a few months, and says “I love their vibe.”

Another poet and attendee Elizabeth Detlof said she likes events like these because “it makes you write more because there’s more stuf to read.” Detlof was at a table with another poet Matt Kehr, and a friend Sarah Stack.

Organizers Madison Wittbrodt and Max Gilbert, owner of the “Words Like Honey” Facebook page, said that they

knew Lolobee’s was the space as soon as they visited for the frst time. Whittborodt says that they have always wanted to put on a “poetry slam”, and with the frst one so successful, they are hoping to have one about once a month, at Lolobee’s. “Tis place has the perfect atmosphere,” Wittbrodt said.

Lolobee’s Lounge, created in 2019 and opened in July 2022, is owned by Lauren Williams and Ben Paul. Williams has always wanted to own a cofee shop, and had a plan with a friend in 7th grade that she would run the cofee shop, and her friend would run a bookstore that was connected to it.

Even though life took them separate ways, and her dream took longer to come true than she thought it would, Williams now has her cofee shop. Williams and Paul looked for a place for almost 3 years, and settled on Linn Street because of the character of the building. Te old stained glass windows and brick walls reminded Williams of her hometown of New Orleans, and loved the old “retro” vibe.

Williams and Paul like to get to know their customers, and even though they’ve only been open for three months, already have established regulars, such as Scarlato, Wittbrodt, and Gilbert among others. “We want people to drink their cofee and hang out,” Williams said, when asked about the kind of environment they wanted to create.

Williams and Paul love events like the “Words Like Honey” poetry reading, and say that’s what they’re here for. Williams encourages anyone who wants to host an event but needs a venue to check out Lolobee’s Lounge.

a crowd of nearly 30 Pack into loloBee’s lounge to listen to Poetry readings. oct. 23, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

memBers of the audience give meesh mcelroy a warm aPPlause uPon finishing one of their Poems. oct. 23, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

meesh mcelroy continues the event with their own caPtivating words. oct. 23, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

Brightyn henika kicks off the event as the first audience memBer to Present their Poetry. oct. 23, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

Changing responses to suicide and mental illness

Vanessa Selle

SAGINAW - In 2020, 45,979 people lost their lives to suicide in the U.S. 1,444 were in Michigan. Suicide rates were up by 3% in 2021, and suicide is currently the second leading cause of death in young people.

Te Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network held a Suicide Awareness and Training Seminar, Creating a Safety Net in Our Community, at the Anderson Enrichment Center in Saginaw on Nov. 2, 2022. Te presentation was sponsored by Team One Credit Union and was attended by about 20 people. Barb Smith did the presentation herself and provided many tools and resources for those looking to help loved ones.

Te event attendees learned how to recognize suicidal thoughts, ask sensitive questions safely and comfortably and connect people to the appropriate resources, among other skills.

Smith talked about changing the language surrounding suicide to make it easier to talk about. Switching “committed” to “died by” and changing how we ask someone about their suicidal thoughts can make a huge diference. “Listen twice as much as you speak,” said Smith. Leading with examples of why you think someone may have suicidal thoughts and listening to understand rather than respond shows someone that you have noticed them and that you genuinely care for them and want to help.

Te seminar also taught that sending someone straight to the ER or therapist might not be what they need. Tis is

why talking and listening to them is so important. Maybe they feel this way because their fnancial situation is taking a nosedive. Consider helping them fnd a fnancial advisor that can help with their struggle.

Smith went through the “CPR of suicide;” ask, listen, get help. Tese steps help the person feel noticed, understood, and connected to the proper resources to help them. Tank them for trusting you, and stay with them throughout this CPR process. Keep them safe as best you can: remove any lethal weapons and do not leave them alone. If you cannot be with them, call someone who can. Ask them who they would like to be with and where they would like to be. Please ensure they get the help they need, and most importantly, take them seriously.

Over 9,000 guests visit Saginaw’s Zoo Boo

Courtney Elisech

SAGINAW – From Oct. 8 to Oct. 23, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo hosted its twentyffh annual Zoo Boo. Visitors from near and far joined in the festivities that included animal interactions, shows, and candy galore.

Speaking with ofcials from the Saginaw Zoo, the Collegiate learned that this year’s Zoo Boo was a huge success.

“Te weather was better than we could have imagined, which led to a great turnout. A little over 9,000 guests joined us between the three weekends. Teir support means a lot to us and helps us get through the ofseason and into the spring when we reopen,” said Dylan Hellus, the zoo’s Operations Manager. “We hope that everyone had as much fun as we did, and we are already looking forward to Zoo Boo 2023.”

Rachel Westphal was among the visitors during the last weekend of Zoo Boo. She

tools throughout the day. Websites, phone numbers, text lines, and organizations were also part of the many resources shared.

Barb Smith has been working for 34 years, statewide and nationally, to prevent suicide through education. Te Governor appointed her to the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as the lead of the suicide prevention team across the state. Te Network has various tools and training for people to help understand and prevent suicide, resources for those who may be suicidal or struggling with mental illness, and resources for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

“Any attempt, any behavior.” Smith reiterated that when someone shows symptoms of suicidal thoughts or actions, they need to be taken seriously. Tey are not attention-seeking; they are connectionseeking.

Smith also talked about suicide being a response, not a choice. “My illogical, their logical,” she said while she talked about the brain chemistry behind suicidal thoughts and depression. Your perception is your reality, and that perception is altered with depression and other mental illnesses. You see and process things diferently than other people.

Te awareness seminar ended with Smith sharing multiple resources. Apps such as Sanvello and Virtual Hope Box help keep people in tune with their thoughts and mindset and give them resources and

Te Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network was founded in 1989 by Barb Smith, who lost her 20-year-old brother John to suicide. Tis network focuses on training with the hope of destigmatizing suicide, increasing behaviors to seek help, and caring for those impacted by suicide.

Training includes Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two-day interactive workshop that teaches how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan; and safeTALK, a half-day event that teaches how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for support.

For more information or to contact Barb Smith, visit srrn.net.

brought her two-year-old son David Freddie Allish, Freddie for short. Tey go to the event every year.

Freddie’s favorite thing was the games tent, where he got to throw a ball and knock over pins. He also loved exploring and seeing the costumes people wore to the event. He recognized Mrs. Incredible from the movies.

Westphal was happy with how her son enjoyed his time and explained that they try and attend many events to help with development and social skills. Freddie learned how to put candy into his bag this year.

Tis year the Zoo ofered new games and activities where the kids could win prizes. One of the prizes was a Zoo coloring book.

Te Saginaw Zoo will be back open with all the animals ready for visitors in the spring, usually in April.

Presenter BarB smith shares details aBout mental health suPPort aPPs like sanvello. nov. 2, 2022; Photo credit vanessa selle

visitors at the saginaw children’s Zoo enjoy a fun-Packed day at the Zoo Boo oct. 27, 2022; the delta collegiate acquired this Photos from the saginaw children’s Zoo

Local fundraiser brings in over $11,000 for childhood cancer camp

BAY CITY – Te parking lot was full at the Monitor Township Hall the evening of Oct. 15 as everyone partied inside at the Family Fun Night. Tis is an annual fund raiser in Bay City that benefts Special Days Camps, the second longest-running oncol ogy camp in the world.

Te fundraiser came back for the frst time since the pandemic hit, and it came back with a bang! As of right now, over $11,000 has been raised. Te total keeps growing as there is a Facebook fundraiser for those who could not come.

Te township hall was decked out in Halloween décor and giant infatable skel etons. Children were dancing by the DJ booth as colorful lights strobed around them.

“We were set up for 184 and most of the seats are taken,” said Bobbi Gellise, who be gan the fundraiser afer her daughter, Jodi Rugutt, was diagnosed with cancer and her family got to experience the camp.

A fnal headcount was nearly impos sible, as tickets were sold at the door, and children under fve had free admission.

Children dressed as witches, ninjas, Bar ney, and more had fun running around and dancing. Adults mingled together while enjoying a warm meal of spaghetti or pur suing possible prizes. A euchre tournament got started midway through the night.

On top of the food and fun were chanc es to win prizes. A silent auction was held with a vast variety of items from handmade crafs and toys to gif baskets and booze.

“Troughout the year we shop a lot of

clearance racks and seek support through out the community,” said Amy Geyer. She is on the fundraiser committee and the Board of Directors at Special Days Camps.

A fall-themed photo booth was set up with a photographer at the ready. Te pic tures will be sent through the mail to the people in the shot.

A never-ending line formed for the balloon artist and Delta College Alumni, Terry Tomas. A retired RN from Bay City who has worked as a balloon artist for 40 years. He has traveled all over the world putting on a show and creating wild bal loon characters.

Te event was sponsored by many lo cal businesses including Bay City Noon Optimist, Huntley’s Clubhouse, Ambrose Squires Funeral Home, Te Fence Gu rus, Tri-City RV, McLaren Bay Region, Trivent, Outdoor Adventure, and many more. All prizes were also donated as well as the space in the building, food, drinks, music, and more. Tis list does not include the numerous cash donations.

Nikki Smith was the very frst camper at Special Days Camps in 1979 when she was 12 years old. She is now the Vice President of the camp’s Board and attended this event with her husband and grandson.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone that is here today, for everyone on the committee that made this happen,” Smith said. “I am so blessed to be a part of this incredible program. It reaches out to families with childhood cancer, and also siblings. We hope to have camp until there

is a cure, that’s our goal. Tank you to ev eryone for all that you do, you make camp a great place for so many.”

Te original group that started the event was four sisters: Bobbi Gellise, Amy Geyer, Patti Krenz, and Cherri Burzynski. Cath leen Schell is a friend of the family who joined the fundraiser committee when her son was diagnosed with cancer. Tey di vide and conquer to complete tasks for the fundraiser all year long.

“Our kids used to dance together,” Gel lise said about Schell. “She remembers me going through it with Jodi, so when her son got sick several years later it gave her hope that everything was okay.”

Schell shared that the fundraiser is in the fall because the camp has struggled to fund its winter camp session.

“We decided since we had family and friends in this area of the state,” Geyer be gan. “We would put on a fundraiser here

Better safe than sorry

Vanessa Selle

to support a great cause when the funds were needed to complete camp.”

Te committee will divide and con quer to complete tasks for the fundraiser all year long.

Gellise’s daughters Ruggatt and Traci Gabow were both campers who went on to be staf at Special Days.

Something unique to the camp is the siblings’ program which allowed the sis ters to both experience the camp difer ently. Te frst week of camp is just for siblings, and the second is for the child who has or has had cancer. Each child will get a week with attention focused solely on them.

Most campers come back every year and have formed great friendships. It costs around $1,000 to send one child to camp and every camper receives a full or partial scholarship. Many can come to camp at no cost thanks to donations.

With bow season almost over and rife season right around the corner, keeping some ba sic safety in mind while going out in the woods this time of year is essential. Tese tips are important to know whether you like to hunt or just spend time in nature.

Te Michigan DNR posts general gun safety rules that every hunter is taught in their Hunt ers Safety course, and below are the main ones.

• Treat every frearm as if it is loaded.

• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

• Put your fnger on the trigger and turn the safety of only when you are ready to shoot.

• Be aware of your surroundings-know your target and what is beyond it.

• Unload the frearm when crossing obstacles and getting out of a tree stand or ground blind, and unload the frearm and keep it in a case when transporting it in a vehicle.

• Obey “no trespassing signs”

• If your game goes onto property marked as “no trespassing,” you must have the land owner's permission to retrieve your game.

And the most important rule for hunters and non-hunters alike:

• Hunter orange should be worn as the outermost layer of clothing and must be visible from all directions. Camoufage garments must legally be at least 50 percent hunter orange.

Following these rules keeps yourself and others with you or in the woods safe. It ensures that those walking in the woods but not hunting will be easily visible in the woods by a hunter. Even if you don’t think you need hunter orange just for a walk in the woods, it is strongly encouraged to ensure that you are clearly visible to hunters.

Courtney Elisech

silent auction PriZes line the taBles at the family fun night; oct 15, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

CAMPUS LIFE

'You're going to jail!' Delta College Police Academy training is a great success

Courtney Elisech

On Oct. 26 and 27, the Delta College Police Academy held scenario training at the main campus. 31 recruits had a chance to run eight diferent training areas throughout the day. At the end of each one, they held a debriefng and talked about what went well and what could have been better.

Te situations the recruits found themselves in were similar to ones they could encounter on patrol. Included in the scenarios were a felony stop, reckless driving, drunk driving, a suspicious person on campus, and more.

Over the two days, ten police vehicles could be spotted around campus chasing

down volunteer bad guys.

Michael Goodall is the coordinator of the Police Academy and worked with the Delta Collegiate to obtain footage of the scenario training.

Te volunteers and cadets were confused to see a camera and people watching at frst. One even voiced, “Are they part of the scenarios?” before falling back into character. It made it seem more realistic that people would be staring and recording as they worked, even commenting on what they were doing.

“Most of my volunteers are recruits from previous classes,” Goodall shared. “Tis is crucial to their training; they spend all this time in the classroom, but this is hands-on and a controlled environment. So, we ask that afer they graduate, they come back and volunteer at least once.”

Professors in the criminal justice program also ofer extra credit to students to participate.

Te driver was a volunteer in a red man training suit at the reckless driving station. A red man training suit is used to protect against blunt force trauma. Te volunteer was a great sport and took of, making the cadets pursue on foot during one scenario. In the next, he tried to run away but was stopped and tackled to the ground before he made it far. Te passengers in the vehicle also hassled the cadets and pretended to record what was happening on their phones.

Te suspicious person on campus was spotted by a student who waited around for the police to show up. She proceeded

to yell at the perp that he was going to jail and explained he was approaching students to take their photos. Te cadets quickly separated the victim from the suspect and began questioning. Tey were very thorough and professional with the suspect and the student who reported it.

Each situation was diferent in crime, response, and activity. At times the cadets calmly talked to the suspects, and others they had their plastic weapons drawn yelling for the perp to put their hands up.

You could see some cadets were still unsure of themselves, looking to the supervisor of the group for help. Others were very confdent and burst into motion as soon as it was needed.

Te scenarios will be back on campus in April before graduation. If you want to volunteer to help with the scenarios send Goodall an email.

Whitmer announces new scholarships for police training

Vanessa Selle

LANSING– On Oct. 17, Gov. Whitmer announced that $30 million in scholarships are now available to fund basic law enforcement training and recruitment salaries for those enrolled in the academy while employed by a law enforcement agency.

Tis Public Safety Academy Assistance Program will help address the need for more police ofcers by reducing or eliminating education and recruitment costs. Funding for the program comes

from the fscal year 2023 bipartisan budget Whitmer signed in July.

Applications for agencies who plan to enroll recruits in an academy on or afer Jan. 1, 2023, are now open. Agencies may receive up to 25 scholarships over the program, efective until Sept. 30, 2026, or until the appropriated funds are spent. Tis grant does not apply to recruits who an agency does not already employ before enrollment in an academy.

delta college Police academy Police training scenarios held at the main camPus helP teach the cadets

aBout situations they may encounter while on Patrol, oct. 27, 2022; Photo credit courtney elisech

the delta college Police academy cadets work a training scenario with a volunteer in a red man suit

that they can chase and tackle without causing harm, oct. 27, 2022; Photo credit courtney elisech

delta college Police academy recruits use realistic Police training scenarios to learn on-the-joB skills, oct. 27, 2022; Photo credit courtney elisech

A Chocolate Afair making dreams possible for 30 years

Courtney Elisech & Vanessa Selle

Every year, the Possible Dream Program at Delta hosts a fundraising event called “A Chocolate Afair.” Tis year’s event was held at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw on November 3. 600 tickets were sold, over 100 sponsors were in the crowd, and 22 sponsored students.

Grayson Wells, 12, is a seventh grader from Bullock Creek Middle School who attended the event as part of the program. His teachers nominated him in ffh grade, and he submitted two essays before being accepted.

While he hasn’t decided on a college, a career in engineering or something similar is in the plans for Wells. Te meatballs were his favorite food item, but he had yet to taste the chocolate cheesecake that he had been eyeballing all night.

Lily Palencia and Harrison Brewer are seventh graders in the Possible Dream program that attended the event. Tey both expressed enjoyment of the program and the activities they have done. Palencia dreams of becoming a psychologist.

“Technology, I like working with

computers,” said Brewer when asked what he would like to do as a career. “I wanna learn how to code and make games.”

Both children have already decided Delta is the school for them. Te Chocolate Afair was fun for the students, who enjoyed the food while looking forward to dessert. Brewer shared that the rolls were amazing, especially with butter. Palencia liked the meatballs.

Te Possible Dream Program has been successful over the past 30 years, with 78% of the students graduating and continuing their education. 65% of students chose Delta to continue with their education. Te frst Possible Dream students graduated in 1998, and over 2,300 students have been a part of the program since it began.

Te Chocolate Afair is the only fundraiser of the year for the Possible Dream Program, and it is a large gathering with food, live music, and sweets to celebrate students' success and support the program. Tere are no assigned seats or tables in this program, which makes this an incredible event for people to talk and connect more casually and naturally.

Each event sponsor was acknowledged by a place card near the dessert they donated. Dow donated $12,000, Spence Brothers donated $8,000, and many more donations in diferent increments were noted on the program for the event.

Delta Alum, Heather Gallegos, was a representative from Dow who attended the event.

“It is a great program that allows Delta to identify up-and-coming talent that might not have the tools necessary to go to College,” Gallegos shared. “Maybe their frst generation or fnances might be an issue. So by having this fundraiser and continuing this program, it’s the way for them to continue their education.”

(CONT)

Without the sponsors, the program could not exist.

“My every day is trying to make things better for students"

-Delta College President Micheal Gavin

he “

cce cake” i a fo ie cake aking m l iPle e e o c anD e e a a chocola e affai . no . 4, 2022; Pho o c eDi onnie one

Troughout the night, people mingled, laughed, danced, and enjoyed the delicious food the conference center provided. Te night's main event, the cake cutting, occurred at 8 p.m. Once the cakes were cut, everyone could try their favorite ones and mingle for another hour.

“My every day is trying to make things better for students,” said Delta College’s President, Michael Gavin.

President Gavin shared that he loves Possible Dream because it is the one program that brings all of the tri-counties together. A Chocolate Afair is a great event for community partnerships. Te relaxed environment makes this a benefcial opportunity to connect with politicians, open job pathways, and get funding.

Possible Dream Coordinator Lindsay Bryce explained more about how students end up in the program. Te program accepts students in ffh through twelfhgrade students who are chosen for the program by a nomination.

Afer a student is nominated, there is an application process before they are accepted into the program. Tis process

includes an essay, a check into the student’s academics, and what challenges their path to college. Tis challenge could be economic, social, or physical, among others.

Once a student is accepted into the program, they receive access to many opportunities, such as college campus

Inabinet doesn’t deal directly with the Possible Dream Program. Still, his department includes admissions, advising, and counseling, which all work towards the same goal: an excellent start to a successful college career.

Karen MacArthur was also at the event, and she is the person who began the Possible Dream Program. It stemmed from an idea that was happening in Harlem, New York. Tey had a similar program, and Delta replicated it for students from the Tri-Cities.

Tere were many sponsors, students, and current or former employees of Delta at the event. One former employee, Dr. Nancy Vader-McCormick, attends the event every year and says it is to celebrate the student's success. She says that if not for the Possible Dream Program and this fundraiser, many students would not be able to attend college.

A Possible Dream Alumni named Abigail was also at the event. She shared that she loved being in the program and has made many friends she still talks to. One of her favorite things was seeing the Nutcracker play in Detroit.

Associate Director of Career Advising at Delta College, Jonathan Hoerauf, was a volunteer working with the desserts to cut

“Whether your looking for a skills trade training or whether you’re looking for two years to launch you into college, or returning students.”

All fve of her children attended Delta, who are all completely diferent in interests, and found a place at the school.

-Chad Inabinet

tours, summer camps, events like A Chocolate Afair, activities where they can experience their chosen career, and many others.

Tese events and activities run yearround and help prepare the students for a successful college career. “I love seeing who the students will connect with,” Bryce said

A Chocolate Afair is “an amazing event for an amazing cause,” said Te Vice President of Student Empowerment and Success, Chad Inabinet.

them. Tis was his third or fourth time at the event in this role, he wil defnitely be back next year.

“I think this is an awesome event,” Hoerauf said. “It’s great to see how many people come out.”

Annette Glen, Republican State Representative, shared that she attended the event because she is a huge supporter of Delta College.

“Just watching the impact that Delta has on our community,” Glenn said.

“Tis is not just a fundraiser, this is a fundraiser that invests in students,” Glenn shared. “Tis is the one that allows students that maybe have to decide whether they can take another class or if they have to pick up another job, this flls the need.

In addition to President Gavin attending the event, former Presidents Don Carlyon, Peter Boyce, and Jean Goodnow also attended.

At 98 years old and with 28 years of service as a Delta College President, Carlyon still supports Delta with events like these.

“I am very proud of Delta College,” said Carylon while enjoying the festivities and reminiscing with old colleagues and friends.

“An amazing event for an amazing cause”

guests Peruse the tortes to Be served later that night at a chocolate affair. nov. 4, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

a Band Plays for guests at a chocolate affair. nov. 4, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

Race to college

Onnie Stone

Delta College students complete part of their Civic Engagement project for professor Kimberly Klein by partnering with fourth-grade classes from Francis Reh Elementary to teach them life and safety skills. Part of those skills included providing neckties for each student and teaching them how to tie them. Tey met at the Delta College Saginaw campus on Nov. 4 and had a successful and fun time getting to know each other.

LIFESTYLE

Frankenmuth Fall Fest in photos

chairs are arranged Behind a Projector for the hocus Pocus movie showings at the frankenmuth farmers market fall festival. oct. 22, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

guests enjoy fall themed foods, drinks, and activities at the frankenmuth farmers market fall festival. oct. 22, 2022; Photo credits onnie stone

Onnie Stone

delta college students make sure the students of francis reh elementary school are having fun on their way to the next learning station at the delta college saginaw camPus location on nov. 4, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

delta college students teach children from the francis reh elementary school life skills like how to tie a neck-tie at the delta college saginaw camPus location on nov. 4, 2022; Photo credit onnie stone

delta college students meet the elementary school students they will Be teaching at the delta college saginaw camPus

Powerhouse soccer team hopes to lock in for the national tournament

Te women’s soccer team at Delta College continues to be a staple program at Delta. Tis season, as of Oct. 26, they sit at 12-1-2 with a great chance at making it to the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament to compete for a championship.

Last year the team went 18-1 and came close to a championship.

Delta is currently ranked second in the nation with 54 total goals and nine shutouts this season, only behind DallasBrookhaven (11-0-1). Dallas keeps the team from the top-ranked spot nationally and is their top competitor.

Te team's next most prominent rival is Schoolcraf Community College. Tey gave them their frst loss of the season on Oct. 5, breaking a nine-game winning streak.

Teir second match against Schoolcraf for the season ended in a tie. Tis only adds more salt to the wound of that loss, considering that the girls were viciously seeking revenge against them.

Tis reporter had a chance to speak with coaches and some players afer practice.

One question asked was how they maintained a winning culture over the years. Teir response? Maintaining their

Delta basketball team looks to make a diference

Vincent Khan

Delta's basketball program hasn’t brought home a championship since 1994. Tey hope to set a culture change with the upcoming season. Even head coach Vincent Turner said he would be very surprised if they don't win their conference.

Basketball is a challenging sport. It’s a game where everyone has to have an Alpha mentality but work as a collective. Delta’s basketball program is a collective of brothers. Teir team motto stitched into the back of their jerseys is “We > Me,” which shows that they understand the formula of team chemistry. Senior Bryce Mcnair said he would describe the play style on the court as “spread out and slashing.”

professionalism through wins the same way as their losses.

Tey want to be diferent from some teams that start to argue and bicker with each other when they fall behind in a game.

What happened afer their loss to Schoolcraf? How did the players feel? Everyone agreed that when the game ended, nobody pointed fngers at each other and placed blame. It is a team game; everyone takes equal responsibility for the loss.

Tey accept that they will have challenges through the season and are

grateful for them. It makes it easier for them to adjust mentally for the tournament.

Senior Meredith Zinz excitedly shared that the loss and ties of this season really helped shape the team for the better. Last year they went undefeated quickly and would “blow through” opponents. So when it came time for the tournament, they were not ready for the challenge.

Tis year should be a diferent story. While keeping the power from last year, they now have more power and drive because of the ups and downs of this season.

Vincent Khan

women’s soccer team celeBrating during the 2022 season, oct. 24, 2022; Photo courtesy Paige timPe

coach turner rounds uP the team for an end of Practice huddle.

ENTERTAINMENT

Motor City Comic-Con brings big stars to Michigan

Afer 33 years of fan service, the Motor City Comic Con (MC3) continues pulling in big names and crowds to the mitten state.

Initially founded in 1989 by comics retailer Michael Goldman, MC3 returned this year from Oct. 14 through 16 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

Some guests included Alice Cooper, Matt Smith, Karen Gillian, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston, Cassandra Peterson, original Hocus Pocus stars Omri Katz, James Marsden, and Vinessa Shaw. As well as a whole host of comic writers and artists.

You could meet your favorite guests on one end by waiting in the autograph line at their table or purchasing a photo op with them.

You wouldn’t get long in the photo session. Two small studios sectioned of by curtains were at the end of your wait. Te event was well organized, so the lines moved quickly and on time. But you were given 30 seconds with your celebrity icon before being rushed out and down the photo pickup line.

Autographs would give you a better chance to chat with a guest, but depending

on who you wanted to see, the wait could be longer, and you better carry cash. Otherwise, you may have to trek the entire show foor in search of the one lonely ATM.

On the opposite end of the showroom was Artist Alley, boasting over a hundred artists promoting and selling their art to

Man on the Moon goes 'Entergalactic'

Singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer Kid Cudi is back with his 10th studio album. “Entergalactic” is a complementary set of songs created to ft with an animation series on Netfix with the same name.

“Entergalactic”, the Netfix series, has a starstudded cast of voices. Included are Jaden Smith, Timothy Chalamet, Vanessa Hudgens, Macaulay Culkin, Ty Dolla $ign, and Cudi himself.

Te album stands by itself in quality as a separate entity from the series. Tis album feels like a rewind button for Cudi. It would sonically ft in between his frst two “Man On Te Moon” albums, which both came out in the late 2000s.

Te 15 tracks include features from Steve Aoki, Don Tolliver, 2 Chainz, and a few more. With Cudi returning to an already tried yet true sound while not amending much, you could call this a musical “low risk, low reward.”

Tere are some bops, and some fops. Songs like “Do What I Want” and “Willing To Trust” (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) are stand-out tracks.

As a series this was excellent for the eyes and heart. Executive producer Kenya Barris said a lot of energy put into this series came from the heart. Tat it was honestly a passion project.

Cudi said that he feels there is “a void and lack of black love stories in the industry. Along with the struggle of modern dating/new age millennial love.”

like-minded individuals.

A more extensive litany of merchandise tables held the most concentrated mass of congoers in the middle. You’re immediately welcomed with a massive cave of ofcially licensed t-shirts that make up only one of the booths. You could easily spend the whole day perusing this section alone.

But the event wasn’t just shopping and celebrity meet and greets. Te con also featured panels, cosplay contests, an anime screening room, a hangout spot for kids, a Hocus Pocus movie screening with the stars, and a showcase of flm cars that you could pose next to. Tere was also “An Evening with” the Doctor Who stars on Sunday for an extra cost.

Some of the panels and other special events included: portfolio reviews with the Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Design, sketch duels against three artists commanded by the audience, an SFX makeup demo, and a celebrity panel for every guest.

Tere was even a section of tables and concessions for you to sit down and enjoy when you needed a break, which was much needed afer you spent hours wading through the packed crowds.

No longer just for comic book nerds - horror, music, video games, anime, and sci-f have all got their claws in the comic con universe now. MC3 provides an excellent outlet for Michiganders who may never be able to make it to a larger convention.

Up in Smoke Festival with Afroman

“Te animations were meant to feel like something that nobody has seen before,” Cudi said. Each song was designed to match the color pallets in the scenes.

“Te vision for the animation was to make the frames look like a moving painting,” Director Fletcher Moules shared. “We feel like this is something really, really special. It was made with a lot of love.”

On Dec. 10, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at Washington Lanes in downtown Bay City, you can see the one and only Afro Man perform live! Pre-sale tickets are $20. V.I.P meet and greet tickets are $60 and available online.

Afroman is known worldwide for parody hits such as “Colt .45” and “Because I Got High.”

Te show should end around 3:00 a.m. If you are looking for a more extended evening, get to Bay City early and stroll the tourist-friendly area before the show starts at Washington Lanes downtown!

the stay Puft marshmallow man greets you at comic-con, oct. 15, 2022; logan fairchild

Vincent Khan

Vincent Khan

Logan Fairchild

Te Rocky Horror Picture Show brings in a huge audience

Courtney Elisech

BAY CITY – On October 29, the Rocky Horror Picture Show was more than a performance; it was a whole experience from when guests entered the door. Tis year’s fnal show for the shadow cast, the Transylvania Twists, ended with thunderous applause and laughter!

Te Transylvania Twists is the group name for the shadow cast that performed the live-action show held at the Historic Masonic Temple in Bay City. Tey are part of the Temple’s Vanishing Elephants theatre group. About 600 people visited to be a part of the Rocky experience this year.

A shadow cast is a show where the movie is playing, and a live reenactment of it is happening by the artists. In this

know the words. Te action and singing were spot-on with the show. Teir portrayal was terrifc.

Scarlett Cunningham played the role of Janet Weiss, whom she described as the character everyone loves to hate, the heroine, or most commonly known as the slut. Cunningham has been in the show since it began in 2019 and has played Janet every year. She loves being a part of the show and the energy that the audience brings with them.

“It’s an honor working with everyone. Everyone is so accepting and makes you feel so welcome,” Cunningham said. “I hope everyone feels as accepted when they come.”

Te love the cast has for each other is easy to see. Te joy on their face makes it clear how happy they are to be together and perform the show. Drexel, along with many other cast members, described what the show means to him emotionally.

“Freedom, expression of self, of friendship,” he said. “I love this show. We all love coming together every year. You know, it is just it's really special. A lot of us hold it really close to our hearts.”

“I’ve never had so much self-confdence as when they rip the wraps of,” said Meesh McElroy who played Rocky. “Te show means a lot to me. It helped me build my chosen family here in Bay City, gives me confdence every year, and feels like home.”

“I grew up as kind of a weird, queer kid in a small area,” director Erica Tatum shared why the show means so much to her. “One of the few times that I got to really be myself was when my friends and I, Dave and Harlan, we would travel away from our home and go see Rocky.”

While most of the cast is from around Bay City, one member comes from Detroit to be a part of the magic that is the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tat person is frstyear Tifany Sullivan, who has wanted to be in a live show since she was thirteen, and this was a dream come true. She played a Transylvanian. To Sullivan, the show means acceptance and non judgment.

I state your name, swear ofen and loudly. To strike a blow. For glamour and frivolity, for 6-inch heels, for rock and roll, and for the Transylvanian way. Suck my dick. Tanks, and enjoy the show.”

Everyone in the audience knew the words and lines in the show and had a grand time yelling them out. Tey got to be loud, obnoxious, happy, sad, and yell curse words, and it was all accepted and so fun.

Two audience members, Veronica and April, had a great time at the show and said they would defnitely be back next year. Veronica was a virgin in the show and chose Janet as her favorite character. She also said she enjoyed listening to everyone in the audience screaming things throughout the play and throwing things. For April, her favorite part of the show is always when Janet and Rocket are getting down.

Te audience all had a bag of props to interact with the show. Every prop was carefully thought out, from confetti poppers for when Frank takes Rocky to the bridal sweet to a piece of actual toast to throw when Frank proposes a toast. Full rolls of toilet paper launched across the room, glow sticks waved in the air, and gloves were snapping lef and right.

Te hallway that leads into the theatre where the show was held was a furry of activity. You could stop for a photo at the booth set up, grab a tasty Rocky-themed drink or a snack, enter a rafe, and purchase a shirt, pin, or keychain with the custom Transylvania Twists logo made by cast member Harlan Drexel.

Great Lakes Bay Health also set up a booth with a volunteer passing out bags of goodies. Included were candy, condoms, lip moisturizer, and a card with information for help with HIV. Call 989-753-9011 for more info.

Te show was a true example of pure happiness from the actors being themselves, being able to show out and have the most fun being queer, and being wild, with no judgment. Te audience was energetic and enthusiastic from the start, wanting to interact with the cast and show as much as possible.

“Whether you've seen it 100 times in theaters or whether this is your frst time and you're a Rocky virgin,” Tatum said. “I think our cast has something for everybody.”

case, the Transylvania Twists shadow cast acted the flm out in front of the screen showing the movie with props, dances, and costumes that matched on screen.

Te movie had captions that made it easy for the audience to sing along and

“Rocky is super important to us and also like super important to the queer community too,” said Drexel.

“Virgin or veteran?” was the question that greeted everyone as they walked in. If this was the frst time someone came to a live show, they were marked as a virgin and given a kiss sticker to wear on the forehead.

“Right hand raised, lef hand on crotch,” Tatum began the show. “Repeat afer me.

Harlan Drexel has also been part of the show since 2019 and played Brad Majors this show.

the transylvania twists Perform the rocky horror Picture show flawlessly as a few snaPshots are taken, oct. 31, 2022; the delta collegiate acquired these Photos from the theatre grouP

the transylvania twists Perform the rocky horror Picture show flawlessly as a few snaPshots are taken, oct. 31, 2022; the delta collegiate acquired these Photos from the theatre grouP

EDITORIAL

Veterans Day: Tey fought for us; let's fght for them

Veterans Day celebrates those who fought for our country and freedom. When you think of Veterans Day, you may think of red, white, and blue. You may think of a relative that is a veteran. When I think about Veterans Day, I think about all of those too, but I also have the afermath of what happened to those people when they became veterans in my mind. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and homelessness are all common factors among veterans.

According to Te American Homefront Project, thirty percent of Vietnam War Veterans currently have PTSD or had some form of PTSD in the past. Twelve percent of Desert Storm Veterans have PTSD. PTSD has been diagnosed in 11 to 20 percent of Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tese numbers may seem small, but since April 2021, there have been around 19 million U.S. veterans. Many veterans do not receive the care they need; without proper help, they can turn to substance abuse to cope. You may ask yourself why this is common for

veterans. An explanation for this could be that veterans lack support from their community. Veterans may struggle when it comes to readjusting to civilian life and lack knowledge about the veteran rehabilitation resources available, making them feel isolated with no help.

Veterans with PTSD have ofen been prescribed anxiety medications, many of them being highly addictive. To prevent the risk of addiction, doctors have sometimes prescribed non-addictive antidepressant medication such as Zolof or Paxil. But even those veterans who don’t have PTSD can become addicted to painkillers prescribed to them for combat-related injuries. While serving, few service members will risk using illegal drugs because, if caught, it can result in a dishonorable discharge. On the other hand, drinking is an ingrained part of military culture that ofen carries into civilian life once retired. Tis leads to veterans and service members selfmedicating with alcohol, which can soon lead to an addiction. According to Addiction Center, approximately 20% of

service members reported binge drinking at least once a week, and this rate is even high for those with combat exposure.

“Invisible wounds” are still real wounds.

Even before the pandemic hit, the number of homeless veterans was rising. In 2020, there were about 37,252 homeless veterans. 40.8% being unsheltered. One homeless veteran is too many. In Michigan alone, there were 639 homeless veterans. Can you believe that? It is heartbreaking to know the ones that fought for our country, fought for our freedom, lef their families behind, and put their own lives in danger are homeless.

So on Veterans Day, remember those who sacrifced everything by fghting for our country, and remember the ones fghting today. Te ones still fghting for our country, fghting against their PTSD, fghting against their substance abuse, and fghting to fnd a warm place to sleep. Te numbers are going to keep rising unless something is done to help those who need us. Tey fought for us; let’s fght for them.

Veteran Resources:

• NVF Lifeline for Vets (888) 777-4443

• VA Suicide Hotline (800) 273-8255

• National Suicide Hotline (800)273-TALK (8255)

• Stop Soldier Suicide (800) 273-8255 #1

• Give An Hour

• Salute Heroes

Resources for homeless veterans:

• Fisher House Foundation

• Hope For the Warriors

• Disabled American Veterans

• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

• U.S. Vets

• Volunteers of America

• Veterans Community Project

Ways to help a veteran:

• Make sure they get the help they need

• Provide a service dog to a veteran

• Fight homelessness among veterans

• Visit a wounded veteran

• Donate your time to a veteran organization

• Spend time with a veteran and take the time to listen

• Provide food for veterans

• Visit a veteran with your pet

• Donate an old cell phone

• Send a care package

• Donate airline miles

• Sponsor a companion dog for veterans with PTSD

• Share their stories

marine lloyd selle; Photo credit vanessa selle

OPINION

Why Transgender Awareness is important

With Transgender Awareness Week and Remembrance Day right around the corner, it’s important to remember why we need it.

According to glaad.org, 2021 marked the most deadly year recorded for transgender violence, with at least 45 killed in hate crimes.

I’ve been transitioning for about eight years now. Yet all my life, I knew I wasn’t a girl.

For the longest time, I thought something was wrong with me. I hated wearing dresses and would only attend formal events in a tuxedo. I didn’t get along with the conventional ideals of being a girl. I wasn’t comfortable with my own body.

Sure, many people aren’t comfortable with how they look and aren’t transgender; that’s referred to as “body dysphoria.”

The type of discomfort a trans person feels is entirely different. It’s called “gender dysphoria,” and it causes trans folk to feel uneasy with their assigned gender and things associated with it (name, attire, certain sexual organs, etc.).

But the level of intensity will vary from person to person. And treatment (transitioning) may be different for some people. Some are comfortable with just binding their chests and cutting their hair short. Others require surgery to alleviate their symptoms.

Growing up in small Michigan

towns, you don’t get exposed to other trans or even LGBTQ+ people very often. It wasn’t until my middle school years when I got on the Internet that I even had a word to associate with myself, let alone other people to talk to.

When I knew what was up, I was utterly terrifed to come out. I told

conservative Republican, she told me she would no longer be able to be in my life if I were to continue this. So I left.

Terrifed of what to do, I also came out on Facebook and asked if there was anyone who could house me for the time being. Plenty of wonderful people came forward, including my

name (a name given at birth), but she quickly corrects herself.

My other family members were quick to support me, including my elderly grandmother, and I’m forever thankful for the family that I have. Not all trans kids have that support.

My therapist had no doubt that I suffered from severe gender dysphoria and that starting hormone therapy was defnitely a solution.

At around 18, I fnally started taking testosterone for the frst time: a mildly expensive fluid that I must self-inject via needle every two weeks for probably the rest of my life. It’s not pleasant, but it’s worth it.

I’ve been told by many people who knew me before that I seem much happier and more comfortable now. I certainly feel that way.

myself I wouldn’t until I turned 18; if my mother didn’t agree, I would be of legal age to go out and do it myself.

Fantasies had always flled my head about growing up a man, and when I fnally came to understand transitioning, they grew ever more frequent and intense. I had a full itinerary in my head of how I would handle my transition and eagerly awaited my legal adulthood.

At around 17, I broke down and told my mom. A pretty staunch

cousin, who called me and offered to take me in.

Thankfully, my mom also called me and told me to come home to work it out.

She agreed to let me go to therapy with someone who specializes in gender dysphoria and eventually showed up to a few sessions as well. I’m happy to say she’s come around since then, and only when around family members does she occasionally slip up and say my dead

My only regret is taking so long to make this adjustment. I feel like I lost a good portion of my teenage years being cooped up and uneasy with myself.

This is why transgender awareness is important. If I had more role models and societal support, I may have felt more comfortable coming out earlier and may have enjoyed more of my life.

Transgender Awareness Week lasts from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19, leading up to Transgender Remembrance. Day on Nov. 20.

Logan Fairchild

MOVE FURTHER WITH

Break down the barriers between you and your degree with our convenient Great Lakes Bay location. Take classes in person or online. Transfer your Delta College credit hours and fnish your bachelor’s degree close to home. Find the Ferris program that will accelerate your education and life forward.

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