February 2014

The Bruin February, 2015 | Kellogg Community College |

Yik Yak, KCC Talks Back

A new app for smartphones called Yik-Yak has been taking over social media and students at KCC have been participating. It is a social media app that allows users to “yak” anonymously and be viewed by anyone within a 10-mile radius. Yaks can be up-voted or down-voted by other users of the social media app, creating a quality score of the yak posted. - Pg 3

www.kellogg.edu/bruin

Tuition or Bust

Students who attend KCC are among the luckiest college-aged kids in the country. Why you ask? It has to do with the low cost of tuition at two-year schools. The cost of college has nearly tripled in the last 20 years. - Pg 4

Unveiling the mysteries of FAFSA ANORAH SIETA staff writer

For many students and their parents, the financial end of college can be confusing and overwhelming. Another semester is starting which means it’s time to complete the FAFSA process again, and this is bound to trigger many questions. First, what exactly is FAFSA? FAFSA is a federal government administered program that is intended to help students and their parents pay for college. The acronym stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA dates back to 1953, when Harvard University’s John Monro created the first financial aid need analysis formula. Now, roughly 14 million college students receive financial aid. Students

must complete the FAFSA form to be considered for federal financial aid or any type of state of college-sponsored aid.

Students are encouraged to file a FAFSA every year. It is available online in January, but it’s recommended that students wait until after your tax return is completed. To submit a FAFSA, students may either fill out and mail a paper application, or they can submit online either through KCC’s website or the FAFSA website, https://fafsa. ed.gov/. Even if students who think they don’t qualify or the money won’t make a difference, they are encouraged to apply. Students might be surprised at how much aid they really are eligible to receive. After an application has been reviewed and approved, students

will likely receive financial aid award notices within 2-3 weeks. Students who are not contacted by FAFSA with-

in that time frame, you should contact FAFSA by phone or email.

If students have any questions, financial aid clerks like Zaire Seals can help.

PHOTO BY ALAYNA NAIL

Super Bowl advertisements go for $4.5 million MARY EMINGTON sports editor

February 1st marks the annual biggest game in football: The Super Bowl. This year’s Super Bowl, XLIX, was held at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale/Phoenix area in Arizona.

Now, many know that this is the biggest game of the year, but for the spectators it’s not always about the game.

For many, it is a chance to watch the memorable commercials. For years the Super Bowl has been known to generate commercials from the excellent to the bizarre. In fact, some studies have shown that around 50% of viewers watch just to see the commercials.

Even more bizarre are the prices for these advertisements.

In 2014, the price for a Super Bowl advertisement was $400,000 less than the price for ads in 2015. The price has risen to 4.5 million dollars for a 30 second add. Incredibly, many corporations were willing to pay this price for the television exposure. Exposure is one thing to go around with 111.5 million viewers. With this many people willing to sit down and watch a game of football, the opportunities are endless.

But is a 30 second advertisement in the Super Bowl really worth the $4.5 mil-

lion? Plus, there is the additional cost of producing the commercials which, on average, costs about $1 million.

Studies have shown that companies that do air an advertisement in the Super Bowl receive credible results. Sketchers bought a slot in the 2012 Super Bowl and have enjoyed returns that put the cost of the advertisement to shame. Other companies such as Audi and Chrysler have also seen huge returns. Their once falling companies have been returned to corporate powerhouses, if only from a little help from their Super Bowl advertisements.

Of course the bigger corporations can afford such costs. Doritos and Budweiser seem to make great returns year after year but the price is enormous.

For such a grand venue as the Super Bowl, the price for advertisements is ridiculous. Competition has given rise to the powerhouse companies gains.

Smaller companies hardly have a chance to put up their own ads given the amount they need to pay. Newer companies have seen how successful these advertisement returns have become and want to join the big leagues.

Carnival joined this year hoping to gain popularity for its cruise line. Mophie also joins the ranks. This company

hopes to gain audience’s attention to their smart phone cases and increase product recognition.

People flock to these commercials.

PHOTO BY KARA SUWARSKY

Sit back and enjoy a super game and some super advertisements.

Each company then has to make them unique. There isn’t just a competition between similar companies producing “like” products. Now the competition is to be the best advertisement for the Super Bowl. According to one study, in 2014, Microsoft scored the most effective commercial while GoDaddy scored the lowest. Somehow low scores don’t deter GoDaddy. They’ve run commercials for the Super Bowl continually no matter what their rank. But these companies aren’t just vying for a spot in the Super Bowl, they are vying for spectator “shares.” With social media, audiences now can share and relive their favorite Super Bowl ads with friends.

Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” commercial of 2014 enjoyed 1.31 million shares on social media. Now commercials don’t need such a timeless commercial like Coca Cola and Joe Green sharing a Coke and giving his jersey to a kid. All they need to do is beat out the competition presented by the rest of the Super Bowl ads and have their commercials shared endlessly online. As a football spectator, one can find these ads annoying. They just want to get back to the game. But for the rest of the crowd, these are the one thing that will help them endure the night.

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News & Features

Why KCC students should love their library ANORAH SIETA staff writer

The KCC library is more than just a place to check out books or use the computers—it offers a sense of community while offering top-notch educational resources to students. The library frequently holds events for students, faculty, and the general Battle Creek public and is always looking for ways to help the community. For instance, the statewide Michigan Libraries for Life campaign was held in October 2014, where patrons were encouraged to become organ donors.

KCC’s Learning Resource Center alone added more than 20 percent of the total donors who registered in the state of Michigan.

During finals week last semester, library staff and student workers also held a “study with us” event in the Spring Lake Room. Students who attended were delighted to receive pizza, cider and power bars in the midst of a long and stressful week. This event was held to thank students who frequently used the library’s services, to raise awareness for those who didn’t, and simply to make students’ day better.

Kelly Frost stated, “We are always willing to do and try new things. The library is a place to get books, resources, and to keep on the edge of technology.” Not only does the library contain books, magazines, media collections, and online resources, staff is always available to help students with formatting, grammar, researching information for papers and more.

Upon classes starting up in 2015, students will be pleasantly surprised to find a new technological

addition in the library. A recent development called a touch tablet, which is similar to a giant iPad and is roughly the size of a coffee table, will be placed among comfortable chairs for student’s use. This tablet offers 60 touch points which will enable use from any angle, and will be programmed with games, puzzles, educational apps, an ereader, and pictures—and that’s just the beginning. The KCC library is always striving to provide the best for students, and this

Students Kayla, Francisco, and Xavier enjoy a game on the new touch tablet.

The Art Center of Battle Creek: A great interim place for art students to grow BOB PSALMONDS staff writer

Beginning in January, many of the courses regularly held in the Davidson Building are moving over to the Art Center of Battle Creek, located at 265 E. Emmett Street. Though the building is smaller in size, the temporary move has not lessened the educational options available to KCC’s student population. Five different teachers will be using the shared areas of the building to teach a total of eight art and photography classes being taught at the Art Center. Most are

open for the Continued Education division during the Spring 2015 semester to continue their career training as well.

Pete Williams, said “The director of the Art Center, Linda Holderbaum, and her staff have been very welcoming and have really worked hard to make this partnership benefit the KCC students. The Art Center not only coordinated their own class schedules with KCC, but cleared out storage spaces for us and gave up some of their exhibit area in order to accommodate our curriculum and classroom needs. The KCC Art Department feels fortunate that we were able to

tablet will provide a social space for people to relax between classes and explore this amazing device. As Martha Stilwell put it, “We felt like we wanted to be student centered with technology and for them to experience something new.” The Smithsonian even has one of these cool touch tables, but KCC’s was paid for through Morris funds. These funds only buy technology that directly benefit students, and it’s looking likely that the new touch table will.

PHOTO BY ALAYNA NAIL

find a facility so close to campus that could fill our unique art classroom and gallery needs during the Davidson renovations.”

Ryan Flathau is looking forward to the semester.

He enthusiastically discussed the various work areas that have been set up for the courses. This includes a film developing room, processing sink, six unit computer set-up, studio, and even the much loved break room the art and photography students have grown used to in the closed Davidson Building Both Pete and Ryan Flathau have spent several weeks preparing the building for the current eight classes. One of the most difficult chores the Art Department Staff had to do during the Davidson’s closing was to make sure everything needed for this semester stayed out of the packing cases. Since the courses are already in session, those fortunate to be using the Art Center’s facilities have probably found that what was kept out of storage and transferred to the building will be more than adequate for a great semester.

PHOTO BY ALAYNA NAIL

The Art Center of Battle Creek welcomes KCC students.

News & Features

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Yakkity-Yak: KCC talks back LANE COLLINS staff writer

A new app for smartphones called Yik-Yak has been taking over social media for the past couple of months, and students at KCC have been actively participating.

Yik-Yak is a social media app that allows users to “yak” anonymous posts that can be viewed by anyone within a 10-mile radius of the location the yak was created. Yaks can be up-voted or down-voted by other users of the social media app, creating a quality score of the yak posted.

Being that a yak is anonymous, people are more likely to be truthful, comical, and to-the-point.

Within the KCC North Avenue Campus, there have been several yaks related to classes, students, buildings, and faculty members.

Some yaks related to KCC’s North Avenue Campus included: “Why aren’t Pop Tarts free here?”

“Where did the ashtrays at KCC go? I hate seeing all these cigarette butts littering the campus.”

“Hell isn’t a place, it’s the 2 weeks between Thanksgiving Break and Finals.”

“Shout out to the kid at KCC who left the parking lot at the same time I got there. Your front row spot was appreciated.”

“Worried about finals? Step 1: Lay blanket on floor. Step 2: Roll yourself up in said blanket. Step 3: Stop Worrying about finals because you’re a burrito now.”

Unfortunately, Yik-Yak users, being under the veil of animosity, are also more apt to use vulgar language. When a yak has a score of -5 or lower, the yak will automatically be deleted. The App, because of this, blocks both middle and high schools through geofences, specific locations where schools are located, to keep it a safer environment for users.

For more information on Yik-Yak, visit http:// www.yikyakapp.com/.

Stay connected with KCC through apps and social media.

Raising funds to support military veteran students

The Art League lives on LANE COLLINS staff writer

BOB PSALMONDS staff writer

The Veteran’s Project is raising money to fund a scholarship for veterans. They will be selling a couple different items over the semester. Time and location of the sales will be available later but look for a Veteran’s Project sign or the weekly meetings held in the Student Center. The cost for these will only be a few dollars but will include a chance to win a pair of combat boots or other donated military items in a drawing that will be held three times from now until the end of the semester. Student support is very much appreciated and helping a veteran KCC student will be well worth the investment. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Bob Psalmonds or TJ Mohl, VP Academic Adviser (located in Student Services).

PHOTO BY ALAYNA NAIL

Although the Davidson Building is set to be dismantled at the end of the semester in December 2014 and then remodeled in 2015, The Arts League will continue to be open to all students interested in expanding their knowledge of art with a focus on visual arts, photography and painting.

According to Pete Williams, advisor in the Arts Department for the visual and performing arts, current students in basic art, photography, multi-media and graphic-design classes have been meeting every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. The club plans trips with a focus on art such as the one to the Chicago Art Institute every spring, and events that show-case their own art-work. The members of the club

pick and choose a variety of activities outside the classroom that benefit their interests and talents as well as those less fortunate in the community.

Williams said, “The club has been in existence for over 40 years. Its members have chosen to help those in the community by having food drives, having a wish tree for families in need, and having movie nights where cans of food are brought in for admission.”

Acts of giving have varied over time with the different students who have been in the club over the years.

As their current meeting place is being remodeled, please contact Pete Williams at Kellogg Community College, ext 2565, or williamsp@kellogg.edu for further information regarding group activities, meeting times, or other topics of interest.

How students pay for college these days CHARLIE BOYD guest writer

These days students are paying for college in a number of different ways from scholarships and government loans to paying out of their own pockets. But one thing remains the same: it costs a large amount of money to go to college.

Teresa Durham, the director of the KCC Foundation for scholarships, had this to say: “We typically, on an annual basis, receive about 300 applications for scholarships and we usually award something to most everyone. Now not all the scholarships are used because people have federal aid that helps them to get through their schooling, so out of that maybe about half use their scholarship funds.”

Durham said that while she believes that community college is still very much affordable, universities are become more and more expensive every year.

Durham also stated that she’s a big fan of KCC: “I believe that we have a tremendous environment, it’s affordable, and it’s accessible. Out of all the community colleges we have in West Michigan, and I’ve been to many of them, this is the most beautiful.”

The director of financial aid at KCC, Nikki Jewell, who’s worked here for 15 years on staff and about three years as director, gave her insight on the number of students who go to college with a government loan, “I would say, right now, we have about 45 hundred students who take out loans. So, in comparison to the whole student population…I think we’re prob-

ably between eight and nine thousand. I mostly deal with just the finical aid population but I would think that that population is right around eight thousand.

So you’re probably looking, if we’ve got 45 hundred then, that’s a good chunk of them that are just using loans.” Jewell goes on to say, “Is College really worth it? I would say absolutely.” Jewell stated that a community college is an excellent place to go to. She also said that KCC is one of the rare colleges where you don’t have to pay for the parking.

It’s not rare for students to use loans, student Jan Guidi used one to come to KCC because in her words, “I’m poor.”

Other students use different methods to pay for their college classes. Samantha Price uses here dual enrollment with Marshall High school to pay off the price of classes. McKenzie Baker uses a combination of scholarship and her own money to get everything she needs paid off.

Still, a number of students pay out of pocket rather than seek financial aid. Student Stephen Richmond has friends who do this: “People I know who pay out of pocket have part-time jobs.” There are indeed many ways a student can pay for college in this day and age.

The Gathering Wednesdays, 2:30 –5:00 pm Tournaments will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month with prizes.

Opinion

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The Associate’s Degree: Step one to a great future BOB PSALMONDS staff writer

Over the past several years, the value of an Associate’s Degree has become a subject of debate amongst both beginning students and the academic/ business world at large. While the two year degree might not be right for everyone, many could benefit from this degree.

In fact, though most employers seem to want a Bachelor’s, or in the highly skilled areas, nothing under a Master’s, a student should evaluate his educational goals and the steps to reach them carefully.

Society looks at the economy woes and unemployment situation across the nation, causing thousands of college graduates of higher degrees now out in the job market to scramble for jobs as proof of the degrees decreased value. Such a competitive environment seems to make this accom-

plished level of an individual’s education even less important to mainstream thinking. In the past few years, an idea that going into debt for any level of a degree has steadily gaining ground outside those career fields needing a lot of verified training, such as the medical or information technology fields. I disagree with these shortsighted views for several reasons.

The costs of those 100 to 200 level courses are usually much lower, which is very important to every college bound student out there. There can be a big difference between the fee per credit hour offered at a community college and that of a private or state four year degree university, ending with less in overall loans. Unless in a specific subject or quick completion program, most are listed under the General Subjects listings anyway. This means the location and instructor

will mean less on your final transcript than ones dealing with the major fields involved.

Even those who know what four year school they want to attend can get the general subject matter completed prior to going onto campuses. These general subject courses typically can have a high student to teacher ratio that can run a hundred students or more at the larger universities, meaning less face to face instruction in many cases. Distractions can be everywhere. It is often cheaper at first appearances but after all those hidden or additional fees are added in, can come out about the same.

There are many who, for whatever reason, have to leave the four year university prior to actually graduating with their Bachelor’s, meaning a huge debt with nothing to show to future employers or the world at large. This also gives an individual the appearance of a

quitter, forcing them to leave a time gap on the application or providing a reason for the interviewer to pause as he sees that unfinished education entry which raising concerns you’ll do the same with the company after they have invested time and money in your development. If attending the four year program somewhere, the Associate’s still seems to make sense. It ensures that a student’s level 1 or 2 courses are documented and easy to prove. Most colleges would probably just accept the Associate Degree when a returning student is ready to restart their education later on in life.

However, a list of courses on a transcript is another matter entirely. All that effort has to be verified, the course description compared to that colleges catalogue, and then fit into the desired degree program.

Over the years, both the degree programs and the courses themselves will routinely be updated and improved.

Another point is that like any major goal in life, getting an education is often easier if attempted in smaller steps. For those interested in bettering themselves with an advanced education, that final goal has

to be broken down into manageable bites without burning them out. Coming from high school or returning after a period out making a living and raising a family, students will need a period to adapt to their new stressors and tighter schedules. By doing the degree program in two or three steps that includes the Associate instead of leaping into the Bachelor head first, a person begins and progresses at a more controlled rate. This can help the student find their true abilities and interests before investing a lot of time and effort in the wrong majors.

If nothing else, the Associate’s Degree will build your confidence as a student, giving you something you can proudly hang on your wall. Just think: most people around the U. S. have not even achieved this level of an education. The degree can give you both an additional line on a resume and a positive subject to discuss with prospective employers during the interview for jobs to help you survive during those lean college years. A worthless degree? I think not. The two year Associate’s Degree should not be skipped.

Associate’s Degrees… do they matter?

SALLY MAY guest writer

With the economic, social and technological landscape shifting continually, an associate’s degree permits graduates to go into the workforce quicker over those with only a high school education. Jobspectrum.org supports this fact based on their tracking of global job markets every day.

However, if a prospective job demands a bachelor’s degree or higher, it could be hard to go far with only an associate’s degree.

Kristina Davis, Personnel Manager at the OnStaff Employment Agency in Battle Creek, said, “Check with potential employers about what qualifications are needed in the desired position. It all comes down to what each requires at any given time.” Davis went on to say, “Having an associate’s degree with a lot of work experience gives you an upper hand over those with a bachelor’s degree without any work experience.”

She said she obtained the job she has now because of having an associate’s degree with previous experience. A statement made on Job Spectrum confirms that by saying “without any industry experience, you will have difficulty competing against other applicants for even entry level positions.”

The American Association of Community Colleges said, “Students with associate’s degrees earn more income than high school graduates and are less likely to be unemployed even in harsh economic times.”

Tuition or bust: The time for affordable college is now ANORAH SIETA staff writer

It may not seem like it sometimes, but students who attend KCC or other community colleges are among the luckiest college-aged kids in the country. Why you ask? It has to do with the low cost of tuition at two-year schools as opposed to four-year schools. Even with scholarships or government assistance, many of us will be unprepared for the financial demands of attending another school after graduating from KCC. The cost of colleges across the

country has nearly tripled in the last 20 years. Moreover, high schools often don’t thoroughly explain how finances work. This leads to students taking out loans without really understanding what these loans entail, which can get them into trouble later on.

This trouble can come in the form of student loan default, which happens when you fail to make a payment on time. Being in default drains your paycheck, and bankruptcy can’t help you.

Not knowing what you’re doing with student loans can affect your credit, and this means you can’t get credit cards or apply for additional loans.

Scholarship Fair Kellogg Community College’s

11:00 to 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 10 in the Kellogg Room of the Student Center

With tuition costs rising each year, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the average American to receive a college education. The thought of taking out student loans and being in debt for countless years is enough to put some young adults off higher education.

Right out of college, many people are either unemployed or have jobs that don’t pay very much, but student loans are expected to be paid off starting shortly after graduation. The amount of money expected to be paid by those just getting their footing in the adult world is just not realistic and can be detrimental not only to individuals, but to the economy as a whole.

For example, when students have a lot of debt to pay off, they may not be able to afford their own place. Oftentimes, this means they will live with their parents. When young adults don’t put money into buying a house or apartment, the economy suffers.

Furthermore, with student loans to

Talk with scholarship donors.

Get tips on applying.

Fafsa completion assistance.

Scholarship information available for current and potential college students.

constantly be worried about paying, K E L Ladults OGG it’s difficult for working to start COMMUNITY COLLEGE saving for retirement or putting away money for their own children’s college fund, when that time comes.

Education is something that can benefit a person’s life greatly, but it’s so stressful trying to pay for it. If a young person is willing to learn, it seems wrong to cheat them out of that opportunity because of the outrageous cost.

Yes, it is important to keep a campus looking nice and paying professors a decent salary, but where does the increasing end? If costs keep rising at the current rate, soon college will be all but unattainable except to the upper class, and that will not be good for the economy nor the minds of young Americans.

The time is now for colleges to reduce the rate of inflation for colleges, otherwise the lack of affordability may result in America becoming a third-world economic power.

Features and Reviews

Bringing in the outside JESSIE SCHNEIDER editor

There’s something peaceful about walking in the woods breathing in the clean fresh air and admiring the streaks of sunlight falling on the ground after being scattered by layers of leaves high above. The same pleasure can be found inside too if just there was a way to bring the outside in.

Indoor plants appear to be just the thing to summon in the same effects of a stroll outside. They aren’t simply for decorating tops of bookshelves and filling empty spots on corners of rooms.

Plants are beneficial in many more ways than the obvious. It also turns out that your grandma isn’t crazy for talking to them like they are members of the family.

Most commonly indoor plants are used for cleansing the air. Rooms filled with plants are shown to have 50 to 60 percent fewer bacteria and types of mold in the air. These undesirables and other toxins are absorbed into the plant’s leaves and the soil around it where they are then moved to the root system to be used as food or destroyed.

For example, Dr. Leonard Perry from the University of Vermont recorded that a Boston fern can remove 1863 micrograms per hour of formaldehyde spores and the bamboo palm removes

about 1350 micrograms per hour. It’s better that a plant removes these toxins before they reach your lungs.

With cleaner air, ailments such as fatigue, aching throats, coughs, headaches and dry skin can all be reduced.

Those are all the effects indoor plants have on the air, but their visual aesthetics can also change the environment of the inside. The color green is known to be a very calming color to have in a room. In fact it is very common for people to paint their bedrooms a light green because it is a bright, happy color but yet calm and peaceful.

Adding plants to a room can have the same effect as green paint without all the effort and time from you to install.

The University of Helsinki’s Department of Biology conducted an experiment designed to examine the role of plants in human response to discomfort. It was found that subjects were willing to keep their hand submerged in ice water for the whole 5 minutes if the room they sat in had plants in it.

These results are seemingly due the visual aspects of the plant, like its calming green color and its complex form serving as a distraction to occupy the brain. So if you’re sitting around waiting, trying to be patient while actually stressing out, find an area in the room near a plant if possible.

The presence of plants in home and

workplace cuts back stress by reducing blood pressure and therefore increasing productivity. It is possible that a plant helps with this because its mere existence creates a reduction in the noise of a work place. A hedge of small plants can lessen noise by five decibels, according to Dr. Leonard Perry of the University of Vermont. Though this reduction in stress may be due to a plant’s other invisible effect as well.

They can bring a busy workplace temperature down through the process of “transpiration,” where the plant releases moisture into the air, thus avoiding an uncomfortably hot environment.

This process also maintains indoor humidity at 30 to 60 percent, which is the human zone of comfort. That ties back

JOHNATHAN HOGAN staff writer

Everyone knows of Martin Luther King Jr’s “I have a Dream” speech, an oratory masterpiece that stands as one of the greatest speeches ever given and the highpoint of the campaign for the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964. It’s rather fitting, then, that the movie “Selma,” directed by Ava DuVernay, starts with King receiving a Noble Peace Prize for his efforts, only to quickly be reminded how far he still has to go.

“Selma” focuses on the 1964 protests for voting rights in Selma, Alabama where although black citizens technically have the right to vote, legal barriers have prevented black citizens from registering for over 60 years. In comes Martin Luther King Jr., played by David Oyelowo, who must push a reluctant Lyndon B. Johnson, played by Tom Wilkinson, to focus on the voting rights of Black Americans as the racial tensions in the country come to a head.

Oyelowo brilliantly creates King as an individual behind the great speeches that changed history. It’s so easy to focus on what was great about the man that we forget that he was indeed just a man. Oyelowo gives us a King who has doubts about what he asks of others, a man unsure of himself. More than anything, he just looks tired, worn out from bearing the weight of the protests. The Martin Luther King of Selma is a flawed human being struggling to continue, and the movie is better for it. I look forward to see what Oyelowo will appear in next.

Acting opposite of Oyelowo’s King is Wilkinson’s Johnson, who does well with the role. There’s been some controversy over the film’s depiction of Johnson, in which he is less of a political ally to King and instead must be dragged kicking and screaming into the civil rights movement. Johnson is shown to be

to the earlier statement of a plant’s effect on health by diminishing sore throats and dry skin.

KCC is fortunate to have a campus that is surrounded with beautiful outdoors scenery to enjoy when taking quick strolls between buildings.

The bridge before the Davison building provides a mini forest escape and the reflecting pools out front recreate a more natural setting, but the inside is lacking in the nature area of things.

Many corners of rooms remain empty where a plant could stand. Possibly if this dilemma was solved, students may find classrooms more relaxing and the Student Center less noisy. Thankfully, though, places like the Student Center have large windows for students to view the nature outside and receive some of its benefits.

The real place to go if you’re looking for an indoor nature retreat is the second floor of the Ohm building. There are many plants filling the area at the top of the stairs.

Plants line the windows on the top floor of the Ohm Building.

Winning the right to vote: Film – Selma, 1964

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motivated out of fear that should King fail a more radical leader such as Malcolm X will take over the movement. For movies, I’ve always felt that historical films should be given some wiggle room to tell a good story, and the political jousts between King and Johnson make for some of the best moments in the film as we watch both men act passive-aggressively friendly when meeting for a chess battle of words.

These political discussions depict a side of the civil rights movement that was more calculating, focusing less on passion and outrage and giving us a view of the movement that’s rarely seen, giving the relationship between these characters more depth. Johnson the adversary makes for an entertaining character with his own struggles separate from King’s, but it might be best to take it with a grain of salt.

Backdoor politics permeate much of the film, especially within the civil rights movement itself. Local groups express frustration, believing that King will only be in Selma as long as the cameras are there, and while Malcolm X is only briefly depicted in the film, he’s a constant presence that rivals King’s own philosophy. The internal fighting serves to humanize the differing factions.

The fact that “Selma” wasn’t nominated for Best Cinematography in the Academy Awards is unforgivable. Every camera is well thought out and brilliant. During marches we’re given a view from behind King’s shoulder, as if the audience is right behind him as he marches. As people approach to shake his hand, so does the camera. The cinematography here should be an example for all film makers.

“Selma” is a film that gives viewers a new look at the man who changed America. With amazing acting, directing, and cinematography, this film has easily become one of my favorites of the year. You owe it to yourself to see this film.

PHOTO BY JESSIE SCHNEIDER

What life’s like in the

Student Center CHARLIE BOYD guest writer

The student center at Kellogg Community College is where the staff and students go to have a good time.

The student center, which was recently renovated and reopened in the fall 2013 semester, is a hub of activity, relaxation and entertainment. A lot of students use this large room to study or cool down after a stressful class.

Early in the morning, before a lot of classes have or already had started, the center is very quiet with only a dozen or less students in it. By 11:20 a.m., when a large number of late-morning classes are done, about three to four dozen students pack the center, looking for food or just a place to hang out with friends. In the evening hours, it gets less crowded.

The manager of Student Life, Drew Hutchinson, felt that this was the best student center he had seen when compared to other ones.

Hutchinson said that the center made it much easier to hold and navigate students to events in it.

Jasmine Maddox, a student ambassador working next to the center, had this to say about it, “It’s very lively. It’s a good place to let loose and have a laugh.”

The center is also home to a group of people who often spend a lot of hours of the day playing Magic: The Gathering.

“It’s more interactive. There’s more of a variety of people,” said student Dan Nelsen when asked how playing the game at the center was different from playing it elsewhere.

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KNOW YOUR Bruin

JESSIE SCHNEIDER editor

Feature

Another previous Kellogg Community College student found his way back here again, 29 years ago, but this time to teach instead of take classes.

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CAD) teacher Randall Kopf attended KCC first for Auto Technology when he was a young man. Kopf grew up in Detroit working on cars and even worked at a Ford factory for a while before attending college.

Cars were what he knew and loved so a career as an auto mechanic seemed like the logical choice. But upon taking a Drafting class as an elective while here, he found that CAD was something of great interest to him. Therefore he ended up taking classes in the drafting area.

While at KCC, Kopf worked tutoring students, which lead to the discovering of how much he actually enjoyed helping others understand material and seeing them finally grasp concepts. So combining his love of drafting and teaching, Kopf headed off the Western Michigan University to obtain a degree in Industrial Technical Education. He mentioned that tons of support from his family and close interaction with teachers, when he needed help, was what got him through college.

After finishing his degree, Kopf worked as a design engineer until an opportunity arose at KCC. His previous mentor for Drafting and Design retired so Kopf stepped up to take the position. He now teaches CAD, Drafting and Design, and material science. In the past he has also taught Photoshop here at KCC.

Kopf’s tips for passing his classes are to do your work and not get behind. He stated that, “It’s a lab based class so you have to spend your time wisely and stay on task.”

Being here at KCC has been an enjoyable time for Kopf. He mentioned that he loves the school’s student centered attitude. “They are always looking to meet the students’ needs,” Kopf proudly said.

He and his wife Patricia, who is a math professor here, can often be seen riding their bikes to work together on good day. Kopf commented that they usually ride about 3,000 miles each year. They are both outdoors loving people who continue to stay active even when the snow keeps them off their bikes by cross country skiing instead. Aside from outdoor activities, Kopf loves to cook. He is always trying new recipes and creating his own dishes.

Kopf shared, “Pat can cook too but since I enjoy it so much she leaves the kitchen to me.”

His love for making food comes hand in hand with an appreciation for great food also. Kopf’s favorite restaurant in Battle Creek is Malia’s but if he’s in Kalamazoo it is definitely Latitude 42.

That is not all that fills Kopf’s time, though. He regularly takes a moment to sit down and relax with a good book in hand. Kopf prefers science fiction and mysteries.

When he retires someday, students may still see him around because Kopf stated that he plans on taking more classes towards a different degree, possibly in photography.

PHOTO BY SIMON THALMANN

Randy Kopf, CAD instructor extraordinaire.

Feature

B E F

Y R A U R

BRUIN BEAT Saturday, February 7

1:00p - KCC Women’s Basketball vs. Glen Oaks CC 3:00p - KCC Men’s Basketball vs. Glen Oaks CC

Tuesday, February 10

11:00a - 1st Annual Scholarship Fair 4:00p - Fehsenfeld Center Welcome

Wednesday, February 11 4:00p - Grahl Center Welcome 5:30p - KCC Women’s Basketball vs. Muskegon CC 7:30p - KCC Men’s Basketball vs. Muskegon CC

Thursday, February 12 11:00a - RMTC Welcome

Saturday, February 14

1:00p - KCC Women’s Basketball vs. Ancilla College 3:00p - KCC Men’s Basketball vs. Ancilla College

Monday, February 16

7

Study areas offered at KCC LANE COLLINS staff writer

Studying is an essential element to any education. For every credit hour a college student enrolls, a student will spend approximately two to three hours outside of class studying, according to the University of Michigan-Flint.

Where do our students study here at Kellogg Community College?

There are many locations for students to buckle down and study at the North Avenue Campus. In each building there are seats, tables, and designated study areas available for students to access at any time during the buildings operation hours.

However, several students prefer to study in the library.

Formally known as the Emory W. Morris Learning Resource Center, LRC for short, many students can be seen studying either between breaks in classes or on their own time. Each day exhibits a consistent flow of students entering and exiting the LRC. The LRC emits a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for students to delve into their schoolwork with little interruption compared to other areas within the North Avenue Campus.

“I used to study in the Student Center,” said Olivia Damon, a student at KCC. “But the noise level became too

high and the smell of the cafeteria turned too overwhelming for me, so I now study at the library.”

Inside KCC’s library, there are also computer labs so that students can print out their schoolwork, write assignments, or research with the internet.

“The computer lab is the place I go when I’m studying,” Damon said. “I’m not out in the open because the computer lab area has taller walls around the desks so I’m not distracted by people walking around.”

Within the LRC there are many tables, desks, and chairs on every floor for students to study close to a book aisle related to their studies.

“I like to study at a table in the library after my classes,” stated Demetria Meyer, a student at KCC. “It’s quiet and I have resources available in the library if I ever need them.”

At KCC’s library, a student can also reserve a study room if they wish for more solitude or for group studying.

Michelle Vogel commented, “The study rooms are great when it comes to group studying. There’s a whiteboard, you can lock the door, and since there’s a wall between the room and the rest of the library, the people I’m studying with and I can talk at a normal tone rather than whispering.”

5:00p - GradBlitz

Tuesday, February 17 11:00a - GradBlitz

Wednesday, February 18 11:00a - GradBlitz 5:30p - KCC Women’s Basketball vs. Jackson College 7:30p - KCC Men’s Basketball vs. Jackson College

Wondering how to graduate?

Where to buy your cap and gown?

Who takes your picture?

When and where to apply?

Thurday, February 19 5:00p - GradBlitz

Saturday, February 21

KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1:00p - KCC Women’s Basketball vs. Lansing CC 3:00p - KCC Men’s Basketball vs. Lansing CC

Sunday, February 22 3:00p - Guest Artist Recital

Monday, February 23

5:30p - KCC Women’s Basketball vs. Lake Michigan College 7:30p - KCC Men’s Basketball vs. Lake Michigan College

Wednesday, February 25 5:30p - KCC Women’s Basketball vs. KVCC 7:30p - KCC Men’s Basketball vs. KVCC

Thursday, February 26 11:00a - Soul Food Luncheon

Wednesday, February 25

TBA - KCC Women’s Basketball MCCAA State Championship TBA - KCC Men’s Basketball MCCAA State Championship

Get the answers to all your graduation questions.

February 16-19, 5:00-6:00 PM in the North Walkway February 17-18, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Student Center

Sports

8

Scrapping for the game MARY EMINGTON sports editor

Bruin’s basketball is coming to you live from the hardwood of Miller Building of Kellogg Community College. They feature stars such as Joe Glover, Angus Bennet, Elijah Jackson, Kayla Freeman, Alexis Brautigam, and Ashtin Kaminer. The Bruins are directed by brilliant coaches: Coach Kyle Klingaman and Coach Melvin McKnight.

As of January 15th, the men’s team was 2-11, thirsting for another win.

Traditionally scrappy, both the men and women teams uphold this philosophy, showing hustle and speed, working their way to the ball. Sometimes that need for speed can be misplaced, though. With the quickness that the men’s team has, turnovers became a small issue for the team. The team averages 16.7 turn overs per game while their opponents only average 7.2.

Those turnovers mean not only lost opportunities to score, but also more

chances for their opponents to make a basket.

The Bruins have improved on defense using both a man-to-man and zone style defense. With three players 6’5’’ or above, the team can pack into the lane using their length to cut off passing lanes and stop players from driving to the hoop. Joe Glover and Elijah Jackson lead their defense averaging 1.3 steals each. Richard Mason, the leading rebounder, owns the lane, coming up with 12.5 boards per game.

On the women’s side the Lady Bruins have taken the game to their opponents. Also as of Jan 15th, the Lady Bruins had a record of 4-8. They play a game full of heart and endurance. In one game verse conference team Muskegon Community College, the women showed real passion and gusto coming behind from a large deficit to win at home. Kayla Freeman was a big part of that effort, pacing the Lady Bruins with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

Armani Anderson also fought hard for

the team almost earing herself a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Point guard Erin Shafer scored 9 points in the game and also dissed out 6 assists. That put the Lady Bruins at 3-0 in conference play, looking to make a run for the conference champion title.

The Lady Bruins follow the defensive efforts of Erin Shafer, who averages 2.2 steals per game.

On the offensive side Alexis Brautigam paces the team with 18.7 points per game followed by Kayla Freeman with 11 points per game. KeAyra Petty claims the rebounding stats averaging 8.1 rebounds per game. With key leadership from role players, the Lady Bruins could make a formidable foe for the rest of the season.

Both the men and the women basketball teams are aiming to make the MCCAA State Championship held on the 28th of February and the NJCAA tournament held on March 3rd.

Angus Bennet

PHOTO BY SIMON THALMANN

MARY EMINGTON sports editor

Many have heard the story of Michael Jordan’s high school experience of basketball. He was cut from his varsity basketball team, but didn’t let the disappointment get to him. Instead he worked hard, practiced and came back to make the team the following year to eventually become one of the most icon players in NBA history. At Kellogg Community College there is also a young man who was cut from his varsity team.

Like Jordan, he aspired to be a great basketball player, one of the best. He did not dwell on the distress of rejection; instead, he trained and became a player of note.

Jalen Owens of the Men’s Basketball team at here at KCC had overcome trial after trial, earning him a spot on the team and moreover a chance to prove himself. Growing up in a family of basketball players, Jalen really didn’t have much of a choice not to love the game – not that he needed anyone to urge him to love it. A natural athlete, Jalen quickly excelled at the game, becoming a truly skilled basketball player.

He started playing organized ball in a parks and rec

BRUIN Staff

Graphics Editors

Editor

Jessie Schneider Editorial Policy

Alayna Nail Kristen Pierce

PHOTO BY SIMON THALMANN

Jalen Owen and teammates prepare in a huddle.

league at the ripe age of 8.

After five years in the league it was time for Jalen to try out for the basketball team at Garner Magnet High School in North Carolina. Like Jordan, Jalen was cut from the team. Disheartened but nowhere near content, and with a will to still play basketball, Jalen switched high schools to Harnett Central High School in Angier, NC. There he found a spot on the team and also on a club basketball team from the Garner area: Garner Road Basketball Club. Rising through the ranks in the league, other AAU coaches began to take notice. Jalen was asked to play on the BA4C Warriors AAU team, where his talents surfaced even more. During his sophomore year, Jalen played

Sports Editor

Mary Emington Staff Writers

Lane Collins Bobby Psalmonds Anorah Seita

Advisors

Drew Hutchinson Penny Rose Thomas Webster

The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters.

The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College.

Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017.

Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks.

The Bruin office is located in room 202 in the Ohm Technology Building. The staff can be reached at (269)565-2634, Ext. 2634 or e-mail the Bruin editor at bruin@kellogg.edu.

on the JV team at Harnett Central High School.

Again Jalen skills were acclaimed and other top tier AAU teams took notice.

Going into the summer of his junior year, Jalen was asked to play for the Carolina Elite who is a D-1 AAU team sponsored by Nike and played throughout the states in premier tournaments. Jalen jumped at the opportunity gaining more and more experience.

In one such tournament in Florida, Jalen’s team took 15th and that’s when the college coaches started pouring in. Division one offers were on the table.

“This was a pivotal moment in my life. I saw a lot of top prospects from my graduating class and all of the top D-1 coaches,” said Jalen.

As many athletes know, hype is a big thing. Going into his senior year, Jalen felt the pressure. He continued to work hard at basketball, but his grades didn’t meet the requirements set up for the D1 offers.

“I saw my dreams fading. I almost gave up basketball as my senior year was dwindling down,” Jalen stated.

Jalen then started to focus in on his grades knowing how valuable a college education is. At the end of the season, Jalen and his mother Tanya Davis made the courageous decision to move to Michigan.

It was here that Jalen’s mom persuaded him to go to Kellogg Community College and join the basketball team.

“That’s why I have “Only the strong will survive” tattooed on the right side of my chest with a rose and my mom’s name on the left. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know where I would be,” Jalen said.

At KCC Jalen has found a home. He contributes to the winning efforts of his team averaging 2.7 points and 2 rebounds per game. Jalen is a leader to his fellow teammates showing class and determination even when faced with darkness. He hopes to continue his basketball career while double majoring in DPT and business management.