Volume 78, Issue 21 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, may 5, 2021 | Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Community drives thru ELAC health fair BY PAUL MEDINA Staff Writer East Los Angeles College was the host location of a free wellness and community fair which encouraged residents to get their health checked. The drive-thru health fair was organized by Univision 34 Los Angeles and UNIMÁS 46 Los Angeles television stations in collaboration with other organizations. The event was held at Parking Structure 3 on Saturday. Some of the community organizations in attendance included AltaMed, L.A. Care and Regal Medical group. Univision 34 Los Angeles is a Spanish news network which serves the greater Los Angeles area and is owned by Univision Communications. The event brought together an array of community, civic engagement and business organizations to serve East Los Angeles and

surrounding communities which are disproportionately underserved with medical care. East Los Angeles resident Maria Rodriguez found out about the event through television and said she encourages more like them. “Events like this which offer blood pressure and glucose checks are important. I don’t have health care insurance and being able to know my blood sugar is okay gives me an ease of mind,” Rodriguez said. Aside from glucose and blood pressure checks, referrals were given for additional health care screenings through partnership organizations. The event also offered the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The drive-thru fair included the giveaway of food boxes and personal protection equipment like disinfecting wipes, masks, face shield and hand sanitizers from the organizations in attendance. CN/ PAUL MEDINA

Advance Parole aids immigration BY ANNETTE QUIJADA Staff Writer

CN/ ANDREA CERNA

Career conselors offer tips for employment BY RICARDO MARTIR Staff Writer East Los Angeles College held a job fair event on Wednesday Hosts Jasmine Saidfar and Janet Huang were the speakers in the event. Amidst a global pandemic where millions of people have lost their jobs, hosting a job fair seems like a dim light toward all the darkness people are currently facing. Interview tips were givin on how to stand out in a room before any qualifications come into play. Having your interview updated is something students should always do instead of being there and telling the interviewer they forgot to add something. When being interviewed students want to look sharp, even if it’s an interview via Zoom. Looking good is considered having a decent haircut and a nice shirt. “You want to look good in order to make a good first impression, and also when you look good you feel good,” said Saidfar. Keeping a clean and easy to read resume is also a good idea as well. “It’s always good to have your

News Briefs

contact information, your previous experience and your education. If you have a 3.0 grade point average it’s always good to point it out since it will do you more good than bad,” Saidfar said.

“You want to look good in order to make a good first impression, and also when you look good you feel good.” JASMINE SAIDFAR

Career and Job Service staff member

The idea of an Elevator Pitch was also introduced to the viewers. They were given a worksheet to briefly describe themselves, their goals and what they are currently pursuing. This is necessary in order for the employer to understand why an

individual is the best pick for them. Huang also said, “Mock interviews are always the best way to practice.” Even if during the moment one still gets the butterflies in stomach feeling, “You will be prepared because you will know what to say and not struggle with any questions,” Saidfar said Whether it’s doing research on employers or the company that is being applied for, it is important to have information on which one can respond or maybe where one can ask questions. Both Saidfar and Huang also said ELAC offers additional resources at the Career Center. When students want to know who’s hiring, if they need to work on a resume or if they are preparing for a first interview, the Career Center is the place to go. The ELAC Career Center is a good place for students to practice and ask questions before and after any interviews. It also helps to stay informed on who is hiring in case students needs a change of employment or just trying to get their first job. The career center is available and open for live chat Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are also scheduled appointments.

Dream Resource Center, Attorney

Frances Davila from CARECEN will give a deep dive into immigration rights. Friday at noon. To Register visit HTTP://BIT.LY/YOURRIGHTSIMMIGRATION

Central American Resource Center managing attorney Julie Mitchell, brings awareness to the benefits of Advance Parole for individuals under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). For DACA Advance Parole traveling must be related to humanitarianism; seeking medical treatment or attending a family funeral. It can also be an educational reason such as semester-abroad programs, or for employment, for instance, meetings with clients overseas. Advance Parole does not need to link travel to a specific purpose. “For certain people there can be a legal benefit to travel on Advance Parole. It can create a legal entry into the country which can help in immigration cases,” Mitchell said. Other benefits include college students being able to participate in studying abroad as they can not do so traditionally, as well as having the opportunity to connect with family and community they haven’t been a part of in years. Advance Parole also comes with risks because it is discretionary. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services may deny a person’s application and keep the money sent by the applicant, Mitchell said. Re-entry is also not 100% guaranteed, Mitchell said.

“Customs and Border Patrol are tasked with inspecting people entering at ports of entry and they have the final say on whether somebody may enter or re-enter the U.S, even when the individual has an approved document. Over the years (with the people we’ve worked with), we’ve not seen a denial of re-entry, but it does exist,” said Mitchell. She said risks are higher when the individual has a criminal record as well as prior immigration history. Mitchell encourages people to speak to an attorney first to assure that Advance Parole is right for them. Deisy Kim, a legal assistant at the Central American Resource Center,

“For certain people there can be a legal benifit to travel on Advance Parole. It can create a legal entry into the country which can help in immigration” JULIE MITCHELL Managing Attorney

shared her positive experience with Advance Parole. She said one of her fears was going through immigration coming back home. “I remember the process being a lot less scary than I thought it would be. The officers were very casual. I was really afraid because

of re-entry being discretionary and you have worst case scenarios in your thoughts, but it happens rarely. And you just have to make sure your legal representative screens you well to make sure the possibility of being denied re-entry is really low,” said Kim. Once Kim came back and had her legal entry her fiance was able to petition for her and adjust her status in the U.S. Mitchell also mentioned that CARECEN holds educational exchange trips to benefit DACA and TPS individuals. For three years Advance Parole was not available to people with DACA. Due to this CARECEN stopped doing trips, but now they’re looking to start trips up again. They have no official dates at this time, Mitchell said. For other ways to find advance parole opportunities Mitchell encourages study abroad, but people should be wary of application processing times. Look for Advance Parole specific trips often organized by schools, or be creative such as doing overseas volunteer work. C A R E C E N o ff e r s g e n e r a l immigration consultations, DACA renewals and initial applications, family petitions and U-Visas. CARECEN also provides free immigration legal services to students, staff, and faculty of California State Universities and community colleges. To schedule a consultation/appointment log into https://carecenla.simplybook. me/v2/.

CN/ DANIELLA MOLINA

Associated Student Union Meeting

Friday at 4 p.m. Location: https://laccd.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJMode6griMtE9ZUq6NTTql8d2QgYFc2Qjn

Arts and Crafts Session

ELAC First Year Experience will host an arts and crafts session. May 26. To register https://tinyurl.com/FYE-ArtsNCrafts

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Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 2021

Biden promotes free community college bill BY RAYMOND NAVA Staff Writer President Joe Biden proposed two years of community college for free as part of his infrastructure proposal. Two free years of community college would go a long way help everyone across the country to have an equal opportunity to attend college, and at least have a chance to make a good future for themselves. Biden's plan, however, could hit a few roadblocks and has a long way to go before it can pass. Free community college was championed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in both of his presidential runs in 2016 and 2020. After Sanders lost his second bid, Joe Biden adopted some of Sanders' policies in hopes of uniting the progressive and liberal wings of the Democratic party. Biden's infrastructure plan would allocate $109 billion for the free community college plan, and everyone, regardless of their income, would be able to access it. Free community college is the right thing this country needs. It's almost a real-life-cliche when we hear people say they never went to college, especially due to financial reasons. This puts people at a disadvantage for their future career paths and future in general. While going to and finishing college in itself is no way a guarantee of landing a job, it can still provide the knowledge and skills that can help in whatever field they studied in. Due to my financial circumstances, I'm lucky enough to qualify for

CN/CASSIDY REYNA

financial aid. Students throughout the country may not be in the same spot, in comparison to other states. It's always crossed my mind that being middle-class can be bad in regard to college because you aren't rich enough to afford going to a university, but you aren't considered low-income to qualify for financial aid. For people in these situations, free community college is going to be a big help. Community college still offers many useful degrees,

which is a bare minimum that everyone should at least have access to. There are still some hurdles it has to go through. It will more than likely pass as a standalone bill from the lack of the 60 votes it needs to overcome a filibuster in the Senate. Because of this, it will have to be passed through reconciliation, which is a senate procedure that allows budgetary legislation to be passed with only a simple majority of 51 votes.

Biden's infrastructure plan is expected to be passed via reconciliation with the free community college provision in it. Another hurdle that is standing in the way is whether it qualifies for reconciliation. Democrats attempted to attach a $15 minimum wage to their COVID19 stimulus package earlier this year but the senate parliamentarian stuck it, saying it did not qualify for reconciliation, which was being used to pass that bill.

The free community college provision could qualify as it would have impactful effects on the budget, though it hasn't been confirmed by reporters or anyone else if that is the case. If it does qualify for reconciliation, the measure would still have one more hurdle to go through, Senator Joe Manchin. Manchin, a conservative Democrat from West Virginia, has been a thorn in Biden's agenda. Manchin currently opposes any attempt to get rid of the filibuster, meaning most of Biden's agenda will be blocked. Manchin also has been against Democrats using reconciliation as a work around the filibuster and has said he won't support the process to be used for the infrastructure plan unless attempts at a bipartisan bill with Republicans fails. Manchin has told CNN correspondent Manu Raju that he is concerned about the apparent push for more expansive government the infrastructure plan does, which includes policies such as the free community college proposal as well as universal Pre-K. Manchin was also opposed to Democrat attempts to include a $15 minimum wage in the stimulus package and had even said he'd introduce an amendment to either strike it or lower it if the parliamentarian had ruled it could be added. Manchin has not publicly said his views on the free community college proposal. He could remain a likely king maker in the 50-50 divided senate as to whether or not it will pass. All eyes are going to be watching as to what happens with the plan.

New COVID guidelines cause confusion on mask mandate BY JONATHAN BERMUDEZ Staff Writer The Center for Disease Control published new guidelines last tuesday for people who are fully vaccinated. These guidelines state that people who are fully vaccinated can participate in “normal” activities after two weeks, if they show no symptoms after getting the second dose. I believe this is ridiculous because it makes it seem like the vaccine is a cure. As someone who has taken both doses, I am aware that I can still catch the disease and even spread it, and I am not miraculously cured. I feel that the CDC is going to confuse people and make people believe they can now just do whatever they want since they have both doses. I also feel it is going to create conflict when it comes to going out to eat and other places outdoors. I feel like customers are going to argue that they don’t have to wear a mask because the CDC “said” so. They are going to record it and post it on social media and it will become some big issue that’s going to divide the internet even more. The CDC website says “You should still protect yourself and others in many situations by wearing a mask that fits snugly against the sides of your face and doesn’t have gaps.” It doesn’t help the situation that this information is posted toward the end of the page when it should be at the top to prevent confusion. This information seems like a hail Mary attempt to get people to take the vaccine because there are still a lot of people who are skeptical of the vaccine or won’t even take it at all. The CDC is still doing research on how effective this vaccine is and to make new guidelines like this seems premature. I know a lot of people are eager to go back to normal, and so am I, but there should be more time before these guidelines are introduced. There are already a lot of people who believe the pandemic doesn’t exist even though there are 100,000 of deaths because of this deadly disease. I trust the CDC, but I feel that this is going to make things worse. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the United States was divided. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Politics divided our country and made people very opinionated on what is right and wrong. Information from reliable sources has been seen as fake. With how little anyone trusts information these days, this is not going to have a positive effect. Many might see it as the CDC pushing an agenda and them trying to force people to take the vaccine so they can live normal lives.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Erica Cortes MANAGING EDITOR Juan Cavillo FRONT EDITORS Zasha Hayes Daniella Molina OPINION EDITORS Brenda De La Cruz Cassidy Reyna NEWS EDITORS Annette Quijada Jonathan Bermudez FEATURE EDITORS Paul Medina Alma Lizarraga ARTS EDITORS Grace Rodriguez Gabriela Gutierrez COPY EDITORS Luis Castilla Ivan Cazares STAFF WRITERS Raymond Nava Leonardo Cervantes Annette Lesure Miguel Dominguez SOCIAL MEDIA Daniella Molina Breanna Fierro PHOTOGRAPHER Diego Linares GRAPHICS Andrea Cerna ONLINE EDITOR Cynthia Solis ART DIRECTOR Steven Adamo ADVERTISING Stefanie De La Torre

The CDC is still doing research on how effective this vaccine is and to make new guidelines like this seems premature.

ADVISER Jean Stapleton Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the property of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 300 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached. Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303.

There are already enough conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccine, this is just going to add fuel to the flame. With theories that the vaccines have chips in them that are going to control our brains, or that they are going to make men sterile, citizens are believing every ficational thing they see. America is not in the best shape right now. There are too many things going on in America that makes this information very overwhelming. We should not rush to rebuild society. CN/DANIELLA MOLINA

East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910 The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, offered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof.

Opinions

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021

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Biden Administration’s Menthol ban to benefit public health BY LEONARDO CERVANTES Staff Writer Cigarette companies have been brazen with their products for decades, but it seems like Biden’s administration wants to put an end to this. The Biden administration is expected to announce its proposal to ban menthol cigarettes sometime this week. Menthol cigarettes have been among the most popular brands of cigarettes, especially among the African-American community. Cigarette companies have actively marketed menthol cigarettes to Black communities. Menthol cigarettes being banned will be a good thing because the smoking community consists of smokers who in large part favor flavored cigarettes. The most common flavored cigarette being menthol. With the possibility of menthol cigarettes being banned it leaves the option of smokers quitting entirely. Some smokers are only addicted to menthol flavored cigarettes, so they might not want to try and smoke any other type of cigarette. There is a chance that smokers might choose to smoke regular cigarettes since their favorite flavor will be banned, but there is a higher likelihood that they will stop entirely. This will of course reduce the amount of tobacco related deaths across the U.S. and overall will improve the population’s health. Many heavy smokers can’t even do simple activities like working out and playing a sport because they get exhausted too fast. Without menthol cigarettes these people might have a chance to get themselves cleaned and improve their lifestyle. “Along with their proposed ban of menthol cigarettes, the administration also plans to ban

CN/ANDREA CERNA

menthol and other flavors in massproduced cigars, including small cigars popular with young people, according to administration officials familiar with the situation,” wrote Laurie McGinley. These officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss it publicly. Menthol cigarette companies continue to target the AfricanAmerican community because they are the overwhelming consumers of menthol and flavored nicotine. The African-American community buys over 85% of menthol cigarettes.

Not only is it obvious that smoking isn’t good for one’s body, it also damages the environment. Tobacco leads to environmental pollution by releasing hazardous air pollutants. The World Health Organization research confirms that there’s an estimate of 4,740,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide that would be emitted anually due to the manufacturing of cigarettes. So not only are these cigarettes harming the human body, but they’re also harming our enviornment. Cigarettes are one of the most damaging products a person can use

“Cigarette smoking causes more than 48,000 deaths each year in the United States. More than 10 times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking.” CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

to damage their bodies. Cigarette smoking causes most cases of lung cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website reported, “Smoking causes about 90% of all lung cancer deaths.” Smoking leads to coronary heart diseases and lung diseases. Smoking can cause cancer, almost anywhere on a persons body, like the stomach or liver. Second-hand smoking is nearly as bad as smoking since the person is inhaling the smoke exhaled out by smokers. The CDC has also reported

secondhand smoke as the cause to more than 7,300 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers every year. Cigarette smoking isn’t a cheap addiction. Prices vary depending on location, but in California, a pack of cigarettes will cost about $8.31 on average. Over the span of a month addicts will spend over $33 on cigarettes, and in a year it’s about $400. However, many of the people addicted to nicotine often buy two packs a week. Therefore, if a person were to double their intake, the amount of money they waste a week on cigarettes would be $66, and nearly $800 a year. Once a person becomes addicted to nicotine they will have a hard time stopping. This can lead to even more addictions. “Cigarette smoking causes more than 48,000 deaths each year in the United States. More than 10 times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all the wars fought by the United States. Smoking causes more deaths each year than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries and firearmrelated incidents combined,” via the CDC website. Over the years many public places like restaurants and parks have banned smoking. Some places only have a small designated area that allows smoking, but others have completely banned smoking in their area. These changes have been a great development over the years. It has allowed families that visit parks with their children to no longer have to worry about the exposure of smoking in front of their kids. If a young child sees an adult smoking, it might make them curious about it in the future and might want to try it out for themselves. With many public locations banning smoking, it eliminates children seeing adults smoking in public.

June reopening chooses economy over people BY BREANNA FIERRO Staff Writer

CN/ANDREA CERNA

Mask use sensible, should remain post pandemic BY LUIS CASTILLA Staff Writer

Seeing someone without a face mask these days is like seeing someone naked. It’s taboo and somewhat dirty. They certainly shouldn’t be that way out in public. It’s as if they’re telling the world, “Look at me. I have no shame.” When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we were told that wearing a face mask would protect us and the people around us from the virus, it was, and still is, true. I have not had a cold, fever or even a sniffle since the pandemic began and have my trusty face masks to thank. Masks protect people from more than just COVID-19. Provided you aren’t one of those people who wears their mask under their nose, a face mask can provide protection from many airborne viruses. As someone who dislikes being ill, I will continue to wear a face mask even after this pandemic subsides.

There are people in this country, even after three million deaths worldwide and 500,000 deaths in the United States, refuse to wear a mask. There are some still denying the existence of COVID-19.

There are people in this country that, even after three million deaths worldwide and 500,000 deaths in the United States, refuse to wear a mask. There are some who still deny the existence of COVID-19.

Some of these people believe that being forced to wear a mask inhibits their freedom as Americans. They believe masks are the shackles of an unfair government. These people have little regard for their health and even less regard for the health of others. Ye s , f a c e m a s k s m a y b e inconvenient and uncomfortable at times, but I would rather be inconvenienced and uncomfortable than dead. It's unknown how many lives masks have saved, but there is no doubt that without them, the death toll of COVID-19 would be much higher. Face masks are nothing new. People in many Asian countries wear face masks routinely because they know the masks benefits. Aside from saving lives, face masks are also a convenient piece of fashion. Prior to the pandemic, I never realized how little others need to see all of my face. Half the time, I don’t even have to shave because I wear a mask everytime I go outside. Masks also level the playing field in terms of attractiveness. I used to

be an average looking person; my face was holding me back. Now, with everyone wearing masks, I feel more confident knowing all the good looking people are hiding their good looks behind masks. COVID-19 cases and deaths have been declining in California and it finally feels like we’re turning the corner. The Centers for Disease Control announced last week that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may partake in outdoor activities without having to wear a mask. But why would I go back to using my face when there are so many benefits to wearing a mask? Wearing a face mask postpandemic will be a personal choice. The type of choice that will probably not be influenced by the CDC like it has been over the last year. There will be more pandemics in the future, but COVID-19 has taught us how to get through them. We have tools that will keep us alive. Face masks are the most powerful tools we have.

California officials decision to reopen next month seems to be more about the money and less about prioritizing public health. The COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed the lives and businesses of Californians for over a year. California is now planning on lifting most of its COVID-19 restrictions and fully opening its economy June 15. The recent distributions of vaccines, and the short time span in which they have been given leaves questions of the effectiveness and reliance of the current plan. We are one of the few states left that are taking serious precautions in returning to a semi-normal life. Officials have stated California will fully open its economy under two criteria: sufficient vaccine supply for Californians 16 years and older, and low stable hospitalization rates. While the details for a full reopening still remain a bit farfetched, the current reopening will not include a lifting of the mask mandate anytime soon. These minor details being left out is concerning. This change in tactic leaves me wondering, maybe it is too soon to begin the full reopening of the economy. We are one of few states that is participating in a fully open economy later in the year compared to the rest of the country. East Los Angeles College student Christina Woodson was a victim to the COVID-19. Woodson said having an open economy does not influence her stance that it’s too soon to open. She remains firm on her belief that if we had a stable controlled first two weeks of the pandemic, we would have been okay, but for whatever reason it went haywire. When it comes to the regulations held in place by

officials the past year, Woodson feels the reopening plan has not been carefully thought out. Instead the reopening feels like it’s being rushed, she said. “I think it really shows how terribly prominent greed is in this society. I still think we should wait until a certain amount of people are actually vaccinated, not just if we have it available,” Woodson said. ELAC student Ink Athawibunwong agreed that it’s too soon to re-open the full economy. It does not matter that we are one of the few states re-opening at a later date compared to other states. What matters is if whether or not it’s safe for the population to do so. Athawibunwong said that the plan for reopening isn’t for another month now, but as long as businesses’ retain their safety precautions with the customers, he doesn’t see any other qualms about the decision. His opinion with the criteria being held in place by officials was both a yes and a no. Yes as far as the vaccine supply, and no in hospitalization rates. “We’ve seen hospitalization rates spike up throughout the year, when it was supposedly low or at the least stable weeks or even days before the spike. From what I’ve seen, the virus is so infectious due to its long incubation period that it allows it to go undetected in terms of symptoms, which can be spread unaware. Meaning, that the stats could be deceptive of the actual numbers,” Athawibunwong said. There will always be some questioning in regard to whether we are being given the correct data. For these reasons it is unknown if we have all the necessary precautions to maintain a safe, full-capacity environment just yet. After a while it all starts to feel as if it’s driven by profit and not for the well-being of the human population.

www.ELACCampusNews.com

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News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, May 5, 2021

Lack of Black faculty harms colleges, students BY MAX MIRANDA Staff Writer California Black Students focuses on improving student success among Black and African American students at California’s community colleges. Many professors from different colleges spoke out about the lack of black faculty in California’s colleges. Erin Charlens from San Diego City College said that if colleges aren’t intentional then they will keep producing a white supremacist racist system. “We have the Karens in our institution that are changing scores to ensure that certain people aren’t moving through the process,” said Charlens. She said they shouldn’t whisper about the need, for Black faculty. They want their voices to be heard. Nyree Berry from the LACCD said that African Americans need to be unapologetic.

“I think the word diversity keeps people comfortable, and then we assert, and then we get our hiring committees, and these men and women of color are in the applicant pool. And intentionally, the African Americans are not made by the final.” Professor Eric Handy from Diablo Valley College asked, “How can Black faculty and staff provide the hidden curriculum and give examples of inccorporating diversity to all students and not just students of color?” He asked how they can show their Blackness to the classroom and how is it beneficial to all students. Khalid White from San Jose City College responded that having a Black teacher is a measure of success to all students. He said that Black teachers and Black faculty affect all students positively.

He said he was the first Black teacher for most of the students he taught. “Black educators bring so much to the table that is unwritten, unseen, we carry so much because there is a lot of responsibility,” said White. Rachel Hastings said loving oneself was important. She teaches communications at MiraCosta College. She said the first thing she tells her students when they come in the classroom is come as you are. She said she told students not to let go of who you are. Sam Foster talked about how Black students play an important part in the institution and state of the country.

He also said that white students are seen as authority figures to people of color. Foster said that even if you aren’t Black, it’s important that we have Black faculty members. “It changes the mindset of the country that we can really be able to affect the entire country on a global level as people begin to recognize that those assumptions about Black people are completely false,” Foster said. Nyree Berry was asked a question from Professor Handy about not having an administration of color on campus and how they can’t take this trauma. Nyree said that Black representation and leadership faculty tenure is very rare. He said

“We as Black African Americans need to stand by one another.” Ebony Tyree, a professor from San Diego City college said that Black students aren’t the reason for the Black tax and the exhaustion. She said “You all are the reason I keep doing it. It’s the students that keep me motivated. The students that are eager to learn, eager to get information and I support them in ways. That’s what keeps me doing the work.” She said that students could rely on Black faculty because they love doing what they do. Jessica Ayo Alabi, a sociologist from Orange Coast College, said that the Black Hour is the Black Tax, and that it’s a work of love. “We are here because we love Black people. We love Black

students. Don’t get it twisted. This is about love for our people.” said Jessica. Sam Foster brought up how important it is for students to see Black faculty. He said the problem is that it is difficult to find Black faculty. “It is really important to see that Black faculty are truly outstanding at what they do from a collegiate point of view,” Foster said. He said that we need more Black faculty even as part-time, and that if they do want to go full time that they should spread their net further when they are looking for full time positions. Foster said, “Don’t believe that because you spent three years parttime in this district that they are going to hire you full time.” He said Black faculty should put work in and spread their nets and see who is willing to hire them full time.

Panel encourages Black leadership in higher education by hiring outreach specialists to go and recruit students at Staff Writer predominantly black high schools. A panel of college faculty He said “My trajectory has and staff leaders shared ideas to been about this idea that certain help facilitate equity and black things in our institutions have to representation in higher education. be shaken so hard because the As part of Black Student stain runs so deep.” Success Week, a weeklong series Calling himself a CAO, which of webinars hosted by The Black stands for Chief Agitator Officer, Hour, this webinar focused on he uses this idea of agitating ways to help Black leadership in the system to help transform higher education. institutions. Through equity minded hiring, Students should find mentors institutional introspection, on their path to higher learning. mentoring, and pushing open doors Linda Oubré, President of for others, these Whittier black leaders College, are champions suggested o f b r e a k i n g “My trajectory has been f i n d i n g a down barriers personal about this idea that for Black board of students. certain things in our directors. There is an institutions have to be g r“oGu ep t o af obligation o f t h o s e i n shaken so hard because p e o p l e o n leadership campus, off positions to be the stain run so deep.” campus, if you role models, have family facilitators you can turn and to be to, that you equity minded know you can EDWWARD BUSH d e c i s i o n President of Cosumnes River College talk to about makers. certain things For some of happening in the panelists, your life,” she increasing said. equality started with hiring faculty Oubre said there is a need for and staff that better reflected the different kinds of people to be in demographics of the students a student’s mentor circle. attending their colleges. This allows for a mentor Leaders on campuses must discussion of a student’s journey, start making changes at the as it is unlikely a student will find very top, because this fosters one person to fit all the situations diversity on campus. Soraya M. encountered along the path to Coley, President of Cal Poly success. Pomona, created review systems By opening up one student’s for gathering and then breaking path, than this allows for others down data to know what works to follow, or at least see what is and what does not, which allowed possible. for accountability. On the pathway to leadership, Maintaining intentionality with barriers cannot be allowed to the practices of the institutions hinder success. allows for a more inclusive space. There is a responsibility to ask Edward Bush, president of questions as a way to acquire Cosumnes River College, used knowledge, understanding and his leadership position to bring in growth. more African American students

BY TERESA ACOSTA

Student college continuance focus of degree programs BY MARICELA HERNANDEZ Staff Writer An Associate Degree for Transfer could assist the journey in their to get a better reserved seat at the university table. “I actually ended up earning my ADT in Psychology from Los Adanus College in Pittsburgh, California,” said Erysse Green, who wants to practice marriage and family therapy. “It (ADT) kind of prepared us for college by actually helping us to basically map out every single semester,” said Green Another student named Jannella Spells said, “I received my associate degree for transfer in universal Social Science degree, and I am a senior at Wiley College.” Spells future plan is to become a social worker. Spells said, “It would be more beneficial for me to get my associate … when I found out about this program (ADT) it made it possible to take another step further.” These were some of the remarks

said from the students’ panel on getting an ADT degree. The seminar took place on Monday over the Internet, where students could ask questions about ADT. The message was targeted to black students, but could relate to all students in the California Community College (CCC) system. The key presenter was Michela Siqueiros. She said Black students are not transferring in large numbers to higher education. In community college, three percent of Black students transfer to the University of California system, compared to nine percent to California State Universities. Also, three percent of Black students take two years to transfer and 36 percent of them take six years. An ADT makes the transfer process much easier for all students. ADT is a degree offered through the California community colleges that gives students the opportunity to move on to at any four-year university, both in California and outside the state.

The ADT Journey for African American Students webinar was a statewide California Community Collewge (CCC) event for Black Student Success week that took place at East Los Angeles College. ADT guarantees a place at the big table for California community college students. Some students did not realize they had these opportunities at universities. In September 2010, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 1440, which created a seamless transfer path for all California community college students regardless of which college they attend. Community college students who successfully complete 60 units of transferable coursework will be awarded an associate degree and receive guaranteed admission with junior standing at the CSU. There are two kinds of ADT programs: Associate in Art for Transfer and Associate in Science for Transfer. AA-T degree programs help students further their education or enter various occupational fields. On the other hand, AS-T degrees are for students wanting to major in the science fields.

“I believe that all students have the ability to succeed if they‘re given the opportunity, and certainly that opportunity is especially critical for our Black students,” Siqueiros said. She is the president and founder of the Campaign for College Opportunity, a California based nonprofit policy advocacy and research organization committed to ensuring more students can go to college and succeed. The importance of getting this type of associate degree is that students transfer guarantees admission to ADT students; ADT students enter with junior standing, and it guarantees that no more than 60 additional units will be completed toward the bachelor’s degree. This way students do not take unnecessary classes and finish faster to getting their degree. The goal is to create a pathway to universities will be smooth for all students, especially Black students.

Multiple factors affect gender oppression BY NATALIA ANGELES Staff Writer As the Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to an end, the East Los Angeles Women Center brought attention to the numerous issues that contribute to the oppression of women. The ELAWC held a workshop on “Roots of Gender Oppression” that was facilitated by case navigator Claudia Arevalo and college advocate Arlene Torres. Arevalo spoke on the great impact oppression had on on women, especially in today’s society. www.ELACCampusNews.com

“There are ways to combat this.. ways to address this,” Arevalo says. Arevalo said oppression could be said as a tree of life metaphor. “The trunk are the institutions support these ideologies; the roots are the ideologies you can identify that cause gender oppression, and the fruit is what are the consequences of all of this?” Arevalo says. Arevalo said that men have carried this old ideology of being superior to women. Keeping this ideology over the years has supported domestic violence. The ideologies presented such as sexism, patriarchy, culture and

Economy are all something to look closely at when talking about gender oppression. Arevalo said most of the oppression is foreshadowed through culture, especially the community. “We have a culture that is not communicating around these problems,” Arevalo said. The lack of awareness a community has contributes to the prolonged injustice women face every day. “The time we see a shift is when we come together,” Arevalo said. Arevalo said economy, especially capitalism, has profited from women

suffering. “Let’s reflect and mourn the idea that women are always being targeted to buy self-defense products,” Arevalo said. Arevalo said that social norms also are of the reason behind oppression. When talking about clothing, some in the audience said they felt more comfortable wearing masculine clothes. Arevalo said women are supposed to attract men through revealing clothing. “The companies are mostly wondering how can one attract men?” Arevalo said. She said many women are being

endangered by the old ways of thinking, along with the government and companies upholding these ideologies. Arevalo said, “Women are viewed as sex objects for men.” It all falls on how a collective can come together to “empower and give knowledge,” Arevalo said. Arevalo said opression by enforcing injustice which is seen within the birth of the system. “Laws made in 700 BC by the Roman Empire allowed wife beating,” Arevalo says. Averalo said in order to tackle the oppression of gender, it is essential to keep being hyper aware of one’s

contribution to the problem. The example she used was Latino communities trying to break from the ideology of machismo. “Machismo centers around people thinking men are stronger than women, as well advertisements applauding men for cleaning a table,” Arevalo said. If in need of counseling regarding domestic violence or sexual assault the ELAC Women’s Center is always open. For more information contact them at (323) 526-5819. You can visit their website on https://www. elawc.org/.

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021

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‘Invincible’ end emotionally devastates fans BY JUAN CALVILLO Staff Writer “Invincible” season one, Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley’s show on Amazon Prime Video, ends by devastating the show’s protagonist and its audience. Hurtling toward the end of the first season, one thing is brutally clear during the eight episode run of the show, if it can bleed, it will. As of April 29, Variety and other entertainment news outlets confirm fans can expect an additional two seasons of the show. Battles in the “Invincible” universe are graphic and at times hard to watch. In the span of eight episodes, characters have been beaten, maimed, torn in half and in one scary case twisted to death. While this should scratch the itch for more realistic or consequence heavy superhero fans, that’s not all the show does. Many of the episodes are emotionally hard to take in. It’s the writer’s ability to balance this so well that makes each episode fun to watch. The show also doesn’t shy away from giving the main cast a hard time either. The Grayson family experiences some tough moments during season one. Debbie Grayson, voiced by Sandra Oh, goes from family matriarch to crime solver. Nolan Grayson, voiced by J.K. Simmons, known as superhero Omni-Man goes from benevolent to secretive. Finally Mark Grayson, voiced by Steven Yeun, is thrown for a loop when the truth about his alien family's past is clarified. It’s the story in “Invincible” and the struggles the heroes of this universe go through that make the series worth the watch. The last two episodes are some of the most

intense television that is out right now. It’s not the battles, but the story that manages to change the show's dynamic. It does so by changing Mark, and his alter-ego Invincible, entirely. This doesn’t mean that the animation on “Invincible” is shabby, quite the contrary. There has been some critique online that the animation is not

as clean or well polished as other shows. But the animation is crisp and does well showing the damage, destruction and simple force of impact during the many fights on the show. The best fight sequence is the final battle between Invincible and a much more powerful enemy. It’s awe-inspiring to watch. The choices made to show how a fight between two Superman-

level types goes is impressive. It’s exciting to see the attention to detail that the subway sequence has. It shows reactions from both Invincible and the innocent people inside. Amazon Studios, Image Comics and Skybound North production companies made shots that show just how realistic a world with heroes would be for normal people.

Battles between heroes and villains on “Invincible” have realistic aftermaths, with heroes and villains both losing people. Heroes get hurt, villains get hurt and it’s shown during and after each fight in some harsh detail. This may not be every viewer's cup of tea, but it’s these “real” moments on the show that focus on both the intense animation and the

BLOOD IS ON HIS HAND—Mark Grayson, the superhero known as Invincible, realizes that he is not going to be able to save everyone during the season final battle.

story’s ability to connect characters to viewers. Simmons and Oh kick their roles out of the park every episode. That’s not to say that Yeun, Gillian Jacobs, as Eve, and Walton Goggins, as Cecil Stedman, don’t lift their weight. It’s the husband and wife team in the Grayson family that really takes the cake across the eight episodes. Simmons manages to go from heroic and intense to barely controlled and insane by season's end, and all with that same steady voice. Oh is able to give her character the ability to swing from the voice of pure rage to that of the nurturing, thoughtful and caring mother. It doesn’t hurt that the more emotional moments set Oh’s character up for shock after shock, giving her plenty of emotions to go through voice wise. Simmons is given an awesome monologue that highlights the pendulum of emotions his character is feeling, all set to the background of a battle to the death. Goggins takes the title for best secondary character again. His voice is unique. His acting work has him playing psychopaths, murders, fathers and brothers for a living. He is cast perfectly as the “Invincible” universe's voice actor equivalent of Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury. His shock and eventual sadness at the reveal of the true villain this season is fun to listen to and watch on screen. “Invincible” season one is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now. It is rated TV-MA for sex, nudity, violence, gore, profanity, alcohol, drugs, smoking, and frightening and intsense scenes. Two additional seasons are slated for release.

Disney pulls off traditional family comedy show BY BRENDA DE LA CRUZ Staff Writer Disney Plus’ “Big Shot” manages to encompass laughter, warmth and valuable lessons in its debut. “Big Shot” gives off a traditional family show vibe without trying too hard to be funny or corny— given that it is on a Disney platform. Characters are placed in unchartered territory where they need one another in order to navigate their feelings and find their way. John Stamos stars as a recently fired college basketball coach who takes on a new coaching position at a private high school for girls. Here, he is met with privileged and smart-mouthed young women who challenge him and vice versa.

Stamos is most known for his all while attempting to teach one role as Uncle Jesse in another valuable “Full House” which lessons, whether ran from 1987 to they know it or not. 1995. All while Coach “Big Shot” gives While his role Korn is re-learning off traditional as Coach Marvyn how to connect with Korn is a bit more family show vibe others, he must also temperamental than learn to connect with his loving and caring without trying too his daughter, Emma, role on “Full House”, hard to be funny played by Sophia viewers do get a few Mitri Schloss, or corny– given known for “Sadie” glimpses of his soft side during the show. and “Lane 1974.” that it is on a In a nutshell, Schloss does Disney platform. a great job as a Korn is a rude and blunt individual who teenager who simply is used to getting his wants to spend time way, until he meets his match at the with her big shot dad (pun intended.) high school where he is employed. Its characters and storyline leave It’s a constant power struggle, viewers wanting more as they

learn more about each role, further connecting them to the cast. The writers and actors do a great job at making fans care about what happens next by pulling them in with true and similar problems teenagers, athletes and most adults go through. Viewers are treated like a part of the show. The show also stars Jessalyn Gilsig, known for “The Stepfather” and “Nip/Tuck,” Yvette Nicole Brown, known for “Avengers: Endgame” and Nell Verlaque, known for “The Marijuana Conspiracy.” “Big Shot” is rated PG and each episode runs approximately 40 minutes. The newest episode airs this Friday on Disney Plus.

DEEP IN THOUGHT— Catherine Claire, played by Amanda Seyfried stars in “Things Heard & Seen.”

‘Things Heard & Seen’ dissapoints horror fans BY GUADALUPE BARRIGA Staff Writer

FROM ‘UNCLE JESSE’ TO COACH—John Stamos and Jessalyn Gilsig star in new Disney show “Big Shot.”

The new horror film “Things Heard & Seen” will leave viewers with mixed feelings as they expect to see more action throughout the movie but instead get a calm horror film. The film revolves around George Claire played by James Norton of “Little Women,” Catherine Claire played by Amanda Seyfried of “Mean Girls” and Franny Claire, played by Ana Sofia Heger of “Life in Pieces.” Fans will be excited to watch Amanda Seyfried in a horror movie. The story takes place in the spring of 1980 when George lands a new job at a private college as an arts professor. The family decides to leave the city life in New York and go live in a quiet town in Saginaw, Michigan. Like every horror movie, the house purchased by the Claire family has a history of death and bad spirits, something George hides from Catherine. The house’s dark secrets soon start to reveal themselves when Catherine finds a book in the kitchen with names of deceased people that have lived in the house. Norton did great portraying George. He portrayed both the

good and bad husband in a very believable way. Seyfried kept her usual good-girl character she is known for playing. The production was different from a typical audience’s expectation of a horror movie. There weren’t any unexpected ghost scenes and people could watch the movie without screaming their lungs out. Horror movies tend to be confusing, something some viewers dislike experiencing. Fans will enjoy the fact that the movie is straightforward and everything is explained clearly. The best part of the movie is what happens when Catherine figures out what her husband has done. The ending may be disappointing because it doesn’t explain what happened to one of the main characters. The big question viewers will be left asking is, “Did the person die?” Some may find the movie spectacular, while others may not enjoy it. Fans will expect a better storyline given the strong cast members. Viewers will not be disappointed by the acting but by the chill factor of a not-so-scary movie. This movie is a good starter-film for someone easily startled by scary movies. It has some suspense but nothing a beginner can’t handle. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Features/Arts Research helps students develop healthier brains 6

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, May 5, 2021

people often think, keeping the brain healthy to help prevent such Staff Writer damage starts while a person is young and their brain is developing, according to East Los Angeles College life has shown to cause College Psychology Professor five damaging denominators in a Bryant Horowitz. young adult’s mind. Mayo Clinic research studies Research shows education can have proven that when marijuana is repair damage caused by marijuana, processed in the bloodstream, the alcohol, stress, and a negative THC reaches the brain and attaches attitude which can damage a young to natural brain receptors called person’s brain. cannabinoids. According to Once this the Mayo Clinic, process happens, t h e b r a i n ’ s Positive thinking plays a problems with prefrontal cortex, learning and which does not crucial part in effective memory begin finish developing to occur. stress management, until age 25, is Horowitz responsible for which is associated with said that using decisionmaking, many health benefits, in marijuana under learning and 25 risks the additiion to good brain age planning. “loss of brain Any disruption cells in the health. to the brain memory centers during this time of the brain.” of growth can He also said cause “unwanted that long-term consequences.” use of marijuana can “lower IQ Some college students may ask points, literally making you dumber why it matters, as it is common to by definition.” associate brain deterioration and Similarly, alcohol consumption cognitive decline with older people. causes brain damage by damaging Contrary to what younger the ends of neurons, making it

BY ANNETTE M. LESURE

CN/ANNETTE M. LESURE

difficult for the brain to send signals. Horowitz said that “brain cell loss” or killing of the cells with alcohol use can stunt the growth of the PFC, causing permanent brain damage. Stress can also injure or kill brain

cells in addition to reducing the size of the brain. “It is particularly concerning for those under 25 because it is also inhibiting the brain’s natural growth and development,” Horowitz said. A person’s attitude can go a long

way for a person’s brain health. The Mayo Clinic wrote, “People who are positive and optimistic tend to live healthier lifestyles.” These people tend to be more physically active, keep healthier diets and do not excessively smoke

or drink, leading to a healthy brain. The Mayo Clinic also wrote that optimism affects many areas of a person’s health. Positive thinking plays a crucial part in effective stress management, which is associated with many health benefits, in addition to good brain health. Horowitz said that a field of psychology called “positive psychology,” developed in the 1960s, showed a better overall function between healthy brain neurons from those that thought positively. A sure way to help keep the brain active and healthy and even reverse damage is with education. It helps keep the brain muscle sharp and prevents issues from surfacing. “Multiple studies now show that higher education has a protective effect on cognitive decline and brain health. People with more years of formal education, such as more college attendance and advanced degrees, or greater literacy, have a lower risk for brain issues than those with fewer years of formal education,” wrote Sangay Gupta in “Keep Sharp: How to Build a Better Brain at Any Age.”

Soccer team speaks up about its situation in pandemic BY MIGUEL DOMINGUEZ Staff Writer East Los Angeles College athletic director Bobby Godinez, as well as other athletics directors from other colleges, have been meeting with the district to discuss how sports can return safely for fall, said Office Assistant/Sports Information Cerwin Haynes. “Too many unknowns right now,” said soccer head coach Eddie Flores, “about when they can officially use equipment, if players are going to be committed to the team and don’t know when the season will start.” The district gave permission for athletes to return to campus to do outdoor conditioning which started April 12. Athletes cannot use any

equipment or a soccer ball while conditioning as part of the protocols. They are hopeful that they can practice soon with equipment said Haynes. May 3 will be the first time ELAC soccer team will be practicing with equipment, including soccer balls if they sanitize the equipment. ELAC’s protocols are to get their temperature checked before being able to condition. After they are cleared, they wear a green wristband which indicates to the coaches they were cleared by the athletic trainer. “They cannot step on the field or go inside the stadium if they do not have green wristbands,” said soccer assistant coach Ramon Rivas. Both assistant coaches, Gilberto

Sandoval, and Rivas, have been working with the ELAC soccer team every Monday and Wednesday in getting the players in shape by doing pace and timed runs. Each coach takes 10 players each and shares half the field while conditioning their players as part of the protocols. The team is required to wear a mask while conditioning which makes it hard to breath while running said ELAC midfielder, Bryan Hernandez. Most of the athletes were not physically training or practicing in 2020 which led to some players to being of shape. “I’m glad we’re doing conditioning because I need it,” said defender Edwardo Alvarez.

Others were able to play in other clubs to stay in shape. ELAC players can play in other clubs if they don’t wear uniforms or equipment that represent ELAC said Rivas. “It sucks” said Alvarez for not being able to play in 2020 due to COVID. There is still no word of when the regular season will start. Haynes is also hopeful that all fall sports will have regular length seasons. Professional sports like Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer were given reduced games when their 2020 season started if they followed protocols. Flores is currently trying to get international players who are

interested in playing for the team. With the pandemic going on, it is hard trying to convince their parents to send them to ELAC. They don’t want to pay a lot of money for online classes, which they can do at home, and only have them show up to campus for soccer, Flores said. “Difficult to keep players motivated,” said Rivas about trying to keep athletes committed to school. “Many have other priorities to take care of and don’t see soccer as one of them,” Rivas said. Coach Flores does not know if most of his players will stay on the team because it is hard for them to stay in school. “A lot of guys have jobs now,” Flores said.

Some players must support their family and others get carried away with the money, Flores said. There will be an opening camp for anyone who is interested in trying out for the team. “Bring your equipment show up July 7,” said Flores. “Players who are interested can follow our Instagram or Facebook page. They can also go on the ELAC athletics website for more information.” The Huskies first preseason game is scheduled for August 27 against Santa Ana. The Huskies will still have to wait for the district to confirm when the regular season can start.

New season of show brings revelations forward BY GRACE RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer The revolution unravels quickly with the release of three new episodes of “The Handmaid’s Tale” season four on Hulu. Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1985) inspired the hit show released in 2017. The show detailed a dystopian future in which women were treated as property in a male-controlled Gilead. The first three seasons are graphic and realistic and this is definitely paralleled throughout the new episodes in season four. There are plenty of shocking revelations and internal conflicts. Fans have been waiting for the release of season four for almost a year and so far they will not be disappointed. In Gilead each couple is assigned a handmaid. The handmaids are raped on a regular basis because Gilead’s primary concern is procreation. Season one explains the way the US slowly turned into this totalitarian government. Viewers are introduced to June, played by Elisabeth Moss. June, whose name is changed to Offred in Gilead, is a handmaid assigned to Fred, played by Joseph Fiennes and his wife Serena, played by Yvonne Strahovski. June becomes a martyr and role model for many, after her attempts at escaping Gilead. Season two and three detail the lives of all the handmaids— before and after Gilead. Over the course of the three first seasons viewers fall in love with June’s perseverance and fighting nature. This is somewhat lost in season four but a new character inspires the little fight she has left. The first three episodes are a lot to unpack. Most surprising for viewers www.ELACCampusNews.com

is finding out who doesn’t make it. Each episode leaves viewers guessing what’s to come. How will June bounce back from this? Both the book and movie bring up a discussion of women’s roles in society. Although the society depicted in the book is not a direct reflection of the 80s nor today, a lot can be learned and realized because of these pieces. This novel was ahead of its time. Atwood was most likely inspired by the changing times of the late 80s when she wrote this book and she would be pleased to know how much things have changed since the 80s as well.

Bruce Miller, the creator of the show, did a great job at sticking closely to the novel and at making viewers fall in love and really empathize with each of the characters. While not every cast member carries their weight, those that do do it effortlessly. One of the new characters that is introduced is named Esther, played by McKenna Grace. She is absolutely stellar. She plays a child traumatized with becoming a wife in Gilead. Her story captivates the audience and inspires June to keep pushing. Episode four was released this Tuesday.

COURTESY OF IMDB

SPOOKED STAR—Samantha played by Madeline Brewer, showcases extreme fear as she covers her face in new thriller that plays on audience’s nerves.

Movie induces feelings of fear, paranoia BY GRACE RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer

COURTESY OF AMAZON

DYSTOPIAN PROTAGONIST—Central character June

Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss, in a promotional poster for the hit series.

“Separation” is an anxiety inducing and well-thought out thriller. The film can safely be put up against the classics. It might even give the new “Conjuring” movie a run for its money. The suspense the movie builds is so heart-wrenching that it will have viewers at the edge of their seats. Immediately, the film opens with Marvel-like graphics with a dark twist— they are that good. The audience learns the drawings are creations of the main character Jeff, played by Rupert Friend. This automatically wins over the audience and helps in creating sympathy for the unemployed and struggling artist. A couple on the brink of separation— hence the title— can be observed constantly fighting over their daughter Jenny, played by Violet McGraw. The sympathy the audience feels for the struggling artist and father Jeff, leave Maggie, played by Mamie Gummer, in an unflattering position. She is quickly viewed as

a bad guy in the film. When Maggie files to take full custody of Jenny, tragedy ensues and the mystery begins. Strange things begin happening in the house. As Jeff’s life seems to unravel, a character that seems to become a rock for Jeff is Jenny’s babysitter Samantha, played by Madeline Brewer. The cast was chosen very well. From the youngest actress, McGraw to the oldest actor Cox, every actor has their shining moment. Once the twist is revealed one character in particular stands out. Their fans will be excited for the end to come together to see the stellar job finished. While the film is classified as horror, the psychological thriller category describes it best. The film plays with viewers’ emotions in a good way. The build up of the film stands out. There is no better set-up for a successful movie than this. It’s choice of illustrations is most noteworthy. Even Jeff’s creepy puppets have a finesse to them that makes viewers really appreciate the art of the film. Alan, played by Simon

Quarterman, also does a great job. His role is minor and he acts like a shrink for the main character Jeff. He often provides answers that lead the audience to more questions. His addition to the film was therefore spot on. The only criticism the audience might take away from the film is their camera work. Often the audience is given unflattering and shaky angles— not “Blair Witch” shaky, but shaky nonetheless. One scene in particular shows the couple and their lawyers in the courtroom hashing things out. The camera captures the lawyer’s leg shaking under the desk distracting viewers from the pressing conversation. But to be fair, most are minor inconveniences and viewers might not even catch this. Overall, the story is easy to follow and it is not overtly simple. The twist was one of the best twists seen in a movie in quite a while. The film is rated R but can safely be watched with teens as there are no graphic or sexually charged scenes. Regardless, “Separation” is a must-watch for those looking for a little bit of adrenaline.