Campus News Spring 2020 Issue 20

Volume 77, Issue 20 | www.elaccampusnews.com | wednesday, may 20, 2020 | sIngle copy free - addItIonal copIes 50

Governor rebalances budget in face of pandemic cents

Public education hit hard

BY JEREMY ARIAS Staff Writer

Governor Gavin Newsom announced budget cuts to higher education to balance California’s budget following the COVID-19 pandemic.

With COVID-19’s unexpected impact on the state’s projected revenue, the budget revisions removes most of the new funds from the optimistic budget proposal passed in January. The revisions pertain to budget cuts in K-12 and higher education, which includes California Community Colleges.

“While the numbers have certainly changed, our values remain,” Newsom said during the Thursday press conference.

The revision projects a 22.3% decline of state revenue since the January proposal. This decline contributes to an estimated $54.3 billion budget shortfall in place of the surplus projected in January.

T h e S t a t e o f C a l i f o r n i a ’s constitution mandates that all annual budgets passed be balanced.

With a decline of state revenue and a growing deficit from the COVID19 pandemic, Newsom announced cuts, deferrals and cancellations of funds in an effort to pass a balanced budget in compliance with the state constitution and Proposition 98.

Proposition 98 is a voter -approved measure that guarantees the state’s K-12 and Community College system have a minimum budget set by the Local Control Funding Formula.

In order to fulfill these voter -approved measures, the revisions

must include a reallocation of funds from the Prop 98 Guarantee reserve and Safety Net Reserve that will be used to fund schools over the next two years.

Newsom said most of the new expenses for the programs proposed in January, such as the preschoolfor-all program, would be cut, as they were merely enhancements to the baseline budget.

One piece of aid from January’s projection, which has also been cut, is the 5% increase of California college aid.

California Community Colleges, as well as the California State Universities and Universities of California systems will all be seeing another 10% in cuts from their annual contribution in order to help balance the state budget. This 10% cut contributes to about $593 million in losses for California Community Colleges.

The Los Angeles Community College District reacted to the state budget in an email sent to faculty and staff, indicating the next steps.

The email stated that the administration was analyzing the budget to see how the new budget would affect the LACCD. The State Department of Financing is scheduled to conduct a briefing with California Community Colleges to provide further guidance of the two-year system.

The email also affirms that the LACCD intends to leverage every resource in Sacramento and Washington D.C. to ensure that the district’s voices are heard and influence are present to continue the high investment in higher education.

The May revisions will maintain some of the assistance programs for California colleges. One of the

assistance programs still in place is California’s two years of tuition free community college.

The revisions are also maintaining financial aid programs, such as the Cal Grant, California College Promise Fee Waiver, the Students with Dependent Children Cal Grant Supplement and the Middle Class Scholarship.

During the Thursday press conference, Newsom said the recipients of special education are often neglected and are vulnerable to the impacts of COVID19 pandemic. He said the state would not be cutting aid to special education programs.

Newsom said he was looking forward to the federal passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act is a federal relief bill that aims to help California invest $4.4 billion in schools to address the learning loss students faced from school closures and online distance learning.

“One thing I know about cuts, there’s a human being behind every single number,” Newsom said reflecting his decision to make cuts, which he said could easily be eliminated with federal support.

“The President of the United States with the stroke of a pen could provide support for speaker Pelosi’s new HEROES Act, and these cuts would be eliminated,” Newsom said.

“If the federal government does what it must do under the circumstances to help states, large and small, all across the nation, these cuts would go away.”

Newsom assured that despite the lack of adequate support, the cuts are only temporary in order to help

LOSING-MONEY— Budget revisions remove most new funds from the optimistic budget proposal passed in January. Public educatuion takes a hit to its funding as elected officials scramble to redirect funds due to revenue loss caused by COVID-19 pandemic. get California out of the crisis.

“You will hear cuts that make none of us proud, but the values nonetheless we are holding onto I think and hope will,” Newsom said as he explained the state would be working with school districts to guide them through the coming changes.

In order to alleviate some of the economic burdens, the revised budget recommends community colleges streamline their Career Technical Education (CTE) in order to accelerate the rate at which students can apply for jobs.

However, the revised budget cuts funding from the

CTE programs it’s recommending colleges reorganize.

ELAC’s budget shrinks to reflect state’s financial woes

BY JEREMY ARIAS Staff Writer

The East Los Angeles College Budget Committee announced plans to reallocate saved money to fund needed programs.

While the committee awaits further guidance and updates from the Los Angeles Community College District, the committee predicts that East Los Angeles College will be suffering a $100 million deficit, which could result in an estimated 8% reduction of costs.

Despite the cuts and uncertainty, the committee reported considering a partial reopening of campus in the fall.

Vice President of Administrative Affairs Myeshia Armstrong said that the committee was considering using money from the savings of utility costs to help offset the impact of the deficit on student programs. Because the buildings have been unoccupied during the school closure, water and power consumption could be a key saving to fund student programs.

is another source of savings to direct revenue to needed programs like Career and Technical Education.

The California Budget May Revisions cut 10% of California Community College funding, but was also recommending that colleges expedite CTE programs to help students get jobs in a time unemployment is skyrocketing. Committee member Laura Ramirez called the situation a “catch 22” as the budget cuts interfere with the programs the budget recommends to focus on.

The committee also discussed a potential partial CN/JEREMY ARIAS reopening of campus in the 2020-2021 year. Though FUNDING LOST— ELAC Budget Committee members, Laura Ramirez, the talks of reopening are top left, Jefferey Hernandez and Myeshia Armstrong, center, answer student optimistic and unlikely, there and staff questions regarding cuts to the annual budget. are still many questions pending regarding student “We think we’ll probably see a mentioning that some buildings and staff safety as well as couple hundred thousand for the have been geared down to lower what the budget would permit. last quarter and looking at doing the costs of utilities.

Armstrong said that if the school far greater savings, obviously, Though the savings from utility were to have a partial reopening, it for the summer months for sure,” expenses are a big help, Armstrong would be for classes that require a Armstrong said. said the cancellation of the bus human presence and are not easily Armstrong predicted after shuttle to the South Gate campus adapted to online platforms.

Armstrong also said a partial opening would mandate testing for COVID-19 and additional staff safety training for working under new conditions. These new safety measures would be paid for by ELAC, adding costs to the small budget.

Another concern noted was whether social distancing measures would shorten and limit class sizes. A limit on class size would interfere with the competition students face when registering for classes.

Despite the added measures, the committee predicted that students and staff may still not feel safe reporting to class. The committee acknowledged that members of staff and students could be vulnerable to COVID-19 and the added measures may not be sufficient protection.

The committee reported that they were still interpreting the May Revisions to the California Budget and would bring updates from LACCD as they become available.

The committee said they were only getting started on informing students and staff to start thinking about the future operations.

LACCD braces for long road before reopening campuses

BY EVELYN MARES Staff Writer Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez tells LACCD students campuses are only in phase one of four in plan to reopen class rooms.

A Town Hall was organized by students of the Associated Student Organization (ASO) to voice the students' concerns during this pandemic.

Nia Smith, ASO secretary of Los Angeles Trade Tech, Briana Garnica is ASO president for La Mission College and Max Jordan president at West LA reach out to students hearing their concerns Rodriguez said, “Eighteen online courses were available since

March 16, but now 95% of courses now reopen online March 30th (remote/online).The reason for it not being 100% fully online or remotely is due to the fact some courses are difficult and unsure on how to transition the softwares solution for the courses.”

“Since March 30 courses have opened and almost 10,000 staff and faculty are working from home for the students,” He said.

As of this moment, orders to open college campuses need to pass four stages. Colleges would have to pass the state department, local county, county and the health department. As of this moment, campuses are still in stage one. The health and safety are the priority for the students, staff and faculty. The

reason why college courses are still being offered is because school is considered essential. Courses will be available online or remotely for summer and fall for the meantime.

During this time, California Community Colleges filed a lawsuit over the implementation of the emergency COVID-19 student assistance.

The federal government provided through the CARES Act Remedy relief financial assistance to the multiple agencies through the United States Department of Education is providing recourse to colleges. A lawsuit was filed by our State Chancellor office in Sacramento because of the requirements for eligibility under the CARES Act were unconstitutional by the

interpretation of the Department of Education.

The CARES Act leaves out a big portion of student veterans, those without a high school diploma, undocumented students, and incoming students. State aid is used to help people who don’t qualify for financial aid for assistance financially through the equity and access fund from students. Additional funding will be sent directly to students who apply for FAFSA. When colleges do decide to open there, will be regulations and guidelines from the county public health department that colleges would have to follow. For example, if this 6 feet is still a necessity for students in a class that has 30 classmates, there would only be 11

or 12 students allowed in the class to keep everyone safe.

Students still have the opportunity to withdraw a class even after the drop deadline. According to one of the speakers Ryan Corner,PHD, “the excuse withdrawal can happen all the way through the end of the semester provided by the state guideline.

“It would not be done by the student online portal but you would have to fill out a petition and have a certain process.” To the students who request to pass/no pass for any courses, it is recommended to talk to a counselor if planning to transfer to a UC. Since the CSU has waived the pass/ no pass but not the UC.

Valorant review

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News Briefs Summer 2020 Fatherhood Program 12 week Fatherhood Program hosted by the ELAC Women and Men’s Support Center May 26. Register at bit.ly/elawcfatherhood.

ELAC Online Incubator 2020 Omniworks is providing a free online program starting June 2, for entrepreneurs in today’s economy. For more information, visit elacfoundation.com/elaconline-incubator-2020.

Pet Therapy The Student Health Center is hosting a pet therapy virtual hangout session Friday, at noon To register, visit tinyurl. com/Pets-May22.

Financial Assistance For Immigrants Eligible undocumented Californians could recieve $500 in Coronavirus relief aid. For more details, visit oia. lacounty.gov/disasterrelief/.

Opinion

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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Online classes are proving detrimental during pandemic

BY CASSIDY REYNA Staff Writer

With there yet to be a vaccine for COVID-19, most college campuses have announced that classes will remain online, but moving to online instruction for the rest of the year can be detrimental for most of the student body.

On Tuesday, the California State University system announced that all of their campuses would remain closed for the remainder of the year and classes would be held online.

This can only be changed if a vaccine is created. However, this can really affect students and their academics.

As in-person learning is virtually gone, it may discourage students from wanting to participate in online classes.

This is totally understandable as many students prefer to learn in-person in order to understand the content given.

Subjects that require visual learning such as mathematics and class labs may become grueling as they tend to be easier to understand in person.

Of course, the coronavirus is incredibly lethal, but students need to be able to understand the objectives completely in order to succeed in future endeavors.

As of now, most universities like Brown, Columbia and The University of California system have not stated their official plans for the fall term. In fact, most are trying to figure out how they will make this work for financial reasons.

The California State University

system being the first major group of universities to state about being fully online, this will more than likely cause other schools to announce with moving forward for fall 2020.

For instance, many students will more than likely want a reduced tuition due to the online classes.

Back in March, students from the University of Oregon began petitions to lower tuition as at-home learning began.

If schools would like to consider returning to campuses, it would be a great idea to do something similar to tracks.

Tracks divide the student body into groups, therefore allowing only a specific group of students on campus at specific times.

This would reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 as well as

bringing back in-person learning.

For universities it may be difficult to implement that, but for the sake of students it would be the best option.

Every student is different in how they learn and how they adapt to situations that involve dramatic change. For many firstyear students, it will be a whole new world as they will no longer be in grade school.

With being able to implement smaller groupings for classes, it can maximize the learning environment for the pandemic.

Learning from home for the rest of the year can also affect the student and the mindset they will have for the duration of distance learning.

Most of us just want to go back to normal, but it seems like for now,

this is the “new normal.”

It is important to realize the seriousness of the situation, but to also remember how it affects the students.

As students are the future, it is important to look at all options to figure out what can be done for those who need the in-person learning.

Not only that, but what can be done for those who would like to step away from education in order to focus on families and mental health?

So many factors come in to figure out the best options for students, but in order for that to be done, the students need to be heard.

Once the students are heard and all options are laid out, then can administrators realize what can be done for students to succeed.

Cheating just got easier Most teachers hold their class in accordance to what the Staff Writer previously in-class schedule Cheating is easier than it has was.

This makes sense. It is the ever been. We have Covid-19 original schedule that students to thank. agreed to, therefore they must be The days of sneaking in cheat available and willing to pour all sheets written in sanskrit on a their attention into class during scrap of paper which is placed that time.

Wrong.

500 feet outside the classroom There are multiple ways to with a 16x scope attached to the be lazy and simply kick back student’s glasses are over. For while class takes place. The now at least. most common method, which I While the Covid-19 pandemic have seen, is to create a virtual is causing suffering for millions background with the student in of people all over the world, at a video moving around like a least East Los Angeles College normal human on loop. students can cheat easier.

This creates the illusion that The transition the student is from in-person paying attention to classes to class, while they online has been “Now students can check Instagram or strange to say wake up looking like swipe endlessly on the least.

TikTok watching they were kicked No longer 30-second braindoes someone in the face and rotting, stupid, have to wake masquerade as a box pointless videos. up two hours Canvas is the before class, with a blank name online instruction g e t r e a d y, on it, while shoving t o o l t h at some eat breakfast teachers have been a bagel down their (maybe) and using even before then drive to gullet.” the pandemic. class.

Some students are N o w , new to the tool. students can Others are veterans who have wake up looking like they learned the site every which were kicked in the face and way and know every nook and masquerade as a box with a cranny, like an obsessed maniac. blank name on it, while shoving Back when people had to take a bagel down their gullet. tests in person it made more This, if it isn’t clear enough, sense to just study and hope has made the ability to cheat A that the suspicious pattern of LOT easier.

As, Bs and the random D on the Along with the luxury of being scantron, was enough to save able to attend class without someone. preparing, came the ability to However, now that most cheat on almost any assignment teachers have moved their exams or exam via the internet. to Canvas, it is as simple as As classes moved to online having Canvas on one tab and instructors at ELAC were left the answers on another. to the mercy of using Zoom and Why read a book at this point Canvas to bestow knowledge on when it's easier to open a Quizlet their pupils. and answer an exam, while However, much like anything listening to Tekashi flex about to do with the internet, these being a rat. programs have their problems.

At this point, if any instructors We’l l s t a r t w i t h Z o o m . at ELAC are still convinced their Zoom is the infamous “leader students are not cheating, then in modern enterprise video good for them. communication,” according to I’m sure their class is filled the Zoom website and is what with perfect little Olivia Jades most instructors use to host their and Sophia Macys. classes.

BY JESSE DE ANDA

A TOUGH DECISION—Some students have to choose between paying rent or spending their money on groceries during global pendemic.

Students struggle to balance work, rent

BY KIARA LARA Staff Writer

Students at East Los Angeles College should have access to more financial assistance to help with daily expenses during quarantine.

ELAC made a considerable decision when they decided to give students a refund for the semester amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financially, things might not be easy in every household at the time due to emergency quarantine order in our county.

The CARES Act is a funding bill passed by the Trump administration on March 27.

The bill was composed of approximately $12 billion and ELAC received $10.7 million for emergency relief funds.

This disbursement went out to students who are or could be eligible for Title IV or financial aid.

The primary source of income for most households has been lost at the moment and people are trying to find something to rely on.

Although the refund for ELAC students was only $300 dollars, people may wonder how that amount of money could benefit anyone in the long run of this pandemic, but it could be used to complete rent or essentials for the children.

People must eat and prices of food are ironically only increasing.

Therefore, money is tight at the time.

This money has helped me provide for food at home. My father who is the main source of income has lost his job at the moment and I can see his stress.

He stresses because he feels as if he can not provide enough for everyone.

Luckily, other schools have also refunded their students.

My sister, who attends Cal State LA, was refunded a larger amount of money, she paid her rent with money from the refund.

She is also currently the only person working at my home, which I know is tough for her because she is also attending school online.

These refunds have solved some of our minimal problems as of now, but I cannot imagine what it is like for others.

There are students that are parents and have children to provide for.

Once again, quarantine has drastically changed many people’s income status and I cannot speak on the behalf of student parents, but considering that they are the main source for their family’s well-being they may need more than $300 dollars to survive.

Kandee Soza, a student at ELAC, said that the money was a safety net for her because if her family is ever in need she can contribute with extra cash. “It was a helpful boost because work is kind of scarce and not [enough] money is coming in,” Soza said.

These are desperate times and grasping from help that is available is what everyone is doing to survive, especially college students.

College students still have an education to worry about because that is not being put on hold.

Online learning makes school more accessible for students

BY CLAUDIA NAVAS Staff Writer

With COVID-19 still on the horizon colleges have announced that they will be sticking to online courses until fall.

This can be a positive thing.

Many students find it easier to work online, especially when the professor doesn't require face-to-face contact.

They find the classroom or the class stress-free and they feel more at ease when completing assignments or learning.

Many of the students are also finding it easier to learn the material since they have more time to complete the assignments and to go over and understand www.ELACCampusNews.com

what they are learning.

Students find that online classes are easier because they are able to follow their own pace and are able to better understand what's going on.

At the end of the day, a class is just a teacher's notes on what they're going to teach.

Students also find it easier when they're not required to video call a professor because they have personal things going on at home or are working and cannot call at the hour that the professor sets.

Being able to also work on the assignment at any given hour can be liberating, so students are able to access the work and assignments whenever they need to, that way they don't have to

make a new schedule to fit into their lives.

Online classes that don't require face-to-face interaction

“Taking online classes can also help people with disabilities that aren’t able to be in a classroom setting or can also accommodate parents or people who are working fulltime jobs.

This can also be practiced and can help a person be more on time.

In a way, online classes can

help a person be more organized and meet deadlines because when they take an online class, nobody is holding their hand, or nobody is reminding them.

The student has to keep in mind that when an assignment is due it's due that day.

I myself have found out that taking online classes is way easier on me because I can create my own schedule.

I am able to manage my own time and don't have to stress about having to be there on time when I can just log in on the laptop or on a cellphone and see what has to be done.

Taking online classes can even be easier for a person who has to commute every day.

Instead of driving one hour or

two hours or being on the bus for several hours just to get on campus.

People can just easily whip out their laptop or use their mobile device.

Not only does that help them with time wise, but also financially people can save money.

Taking online classes can also help people with disabilities that aren't able to be in a classroom setting or have severe anxiety.

Overall, taking online classes benefits everybody especially in times like these since online classes helps us still stay connected with our education and gives us the ability to further education no matter what is going on.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Juan Calvillo MANAGING EDITOR Luis Castilla ONLINE EDITOR Nancy Lazalde FRONT EDITOR Jeremy Arias OPINION EDITORS Kiara Lara Jesse De Anda NEWS EDITOR Evelyn Mendoza FEATURE EDITOR Hassad Enciso ARTS EDITORS Cassidy Reyna Claudia Navas SPORTS EDITOR Leonardo Cervantes COPY EDITORS Gustavo Buenrostro Melody Ortiz Ivan Cazares STAFF WRITERS Jesse De Anda Jeremy Arias Leonardo Cervantes Timothy Deleon Hassad Enciso Kiara Lara Nancy Lazalde Evelyn Mendoza Claudia Navas Anthony Padilla Cassidy Reyna Kandee Soza ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Julie Santiago Gustavo Buenrostro ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez

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News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

3

Tutoring available during COVID-19

BY EVELYN MARES Staff Writer

Tutoring is available for multiple subjects for East Los Angeles College students.

ELAC offers tutoring to help students understand the subject they are having difficulty with.

ELAC provides students with the Reading and Writing Center, which is great for writing papers or heling with English classes.

One can search for assistance on the ELAC website of Reading and Writing center.

The students have online tutoring for one-on-one help.

An appointment can be created to book an appointment.

During the time slot, one would have a zoom meeting with the tutor helping withan ar assignment.

The time slot is filled for one on one tutoring in an hour.

Tutoring at the Reading and Writing Center is available from Monday through Thursday 8 a.m to 10 p.m.

Friday ten a.m. to four p.m.

The Math Lab is another tutoring option that’s provided.

Students have the opportunity to receive help in math.

Students would have to create an appointment for one on one instructional help via zoom.

Tutoring is available during the certain time frame and dates listed next to the subject for help.

Zoom appointments are 45minutes.

Students can also email a question to the instructor, the tutoring center is available from Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If one did not make an

appointment with the instructor they can still receive help.

There is a time slot period where walk-ins are welcomed.

Walk-ins are for people going without an appointment, but still want to be attended.

The tutors will answer questions and give the needed help.

One would also have to make sure during the Zoom meeting to surround yourself in a place where you won’t be bothered.

The environment should be kept to minimal distractions.

The Learning Center is another place where ELAC students can seek help.

The Learning Center has instructors to tutor the students in any subject they are having trouble with.

The subject they can help a student with are accounting, anatomy, biology, chemistry, communication studies, history, math philosophy, sociology and many more.

The Learning Center offers 50-minute tutoring sessions.

The session can be a one on

CN/ TIMOTHY DE LEON

one or group session.

Students who decide to have a group tutoring session are allowed a maximum of four people per group.

The instructors also highly recommended the students in

the group to have the same professor for their class.

Tutoring is available during the certain time frame and dates listed next to the subject for help.

Students have the opportunity

to reach out for help.

The students still have that interaction with the instructor.

Students would have a certain time with an instructor to ask questions and help with their problems.

ASU services go online

BY JEREMY ARIAS Staff Writer

The East Los Angeles College Student Center informed students about available campus resources during the COVID-19 pandemic in a forum held via Zoom.

Some of the resources highlighted were available from the Student Health Center, Ad mis s io n s an d R eco r d s Department and Associated Student Union.

Many of the student services have expanded online availability to students through email, phone calls and even on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The Student Health Center announced that health services are still available to students despite the school’s closures.

Appointments can be made over the phone with the Student Health Center to schedule a visit at a ViaCare site.

The Student Health Center is available for questions and more resources through their Instagram page @ elacstudenthealth.

The Admissions and Records Department announced that graduation petitions were being evaluated and the results would be concluded soon.

The Admissions and Records Department said that classes would remain online into the Fall semester.

As a result, registration would look different for the next academic year’s enrollment and class registration process.

The new process is expected to be easier for students to register for classes.

ASU announced that it was hosting more online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One such activity was the Annual Husky Bowl, where student clubs compete in games and challenges for prizes.

The first Virtual Husky Bowl

was hosted via Zoom on Friday afternoon with an attendance of over a hundred people from 20 different clubs.

The event was considered a success, as there had been no other event hosted by ASU like it.

At the forum, ASU president Brian Ha mentioned plans of hosting another competition over TikTok where students and their families compete in danceoff videos.

Updates on ASU’s virtual activities can be found on their Instagram page @elac.asu.

The forum concluded with information regarding student graduation.

This year ’s graduation ceremony is scheduled to be streamed on YouTube and Facebook on June 9.

ASU plans to re-invite graduates in 2021 to walk on the stage and to obtain the stage walking experience.

Counselors give advice ELAC hosts motivational mindset workshop CN/ STEVEN ADAMO

BY KANDEE SOZA Staff Writer

BY NANCY LAZALDE Staff Writer

There are times when consumers have a difficult time trying to save money, but at the end of the day that money is spent on things that some clearly did not need.

Wi t h m o r e t i m e o n people’s hand there is more boredom shopping as well as stress shopping online.

Since there is nothing much to do nowadays people tend to waste time by going online and see different things they can purchase.

East Los Angeles College offers a program called the Financial Wellness Program where it provides students with coupons to try and help them save money.

They also talk to students that need advice with how to save money as well as keep a track of their expenses.

The Financial Wellness Program mentioned that people are struggling keeping track of their expenses and that is something that is affecting them.

There are many ways to reduce spending money, ask people need to ask themselves if they really need it or is it just a thing they want.

If it is something at the moment then it is probably not a necessity to buy it.

Something that the Financial Wellness Program recommends to focus on when spending money, is to think about the bills you have pay.

Something that the Financial Wellness Program recommends to focus on when spending money, is to think about the bills.

Lastly, always think if you need what you are thinking of purchasing, that

is something important to always think.

When buying something people need to ask themselves,“Is this totally worth it,” look at the quality, the price, then contemplate how its going to paid for it.

People need to feel happy with things that they buy, if they feel stressed then it was probably something they didn’t need.

Something people always need to do is save the receipts because if they feel that its impulse purchase they can always go back and return it.

It is also a good idea to keep track of what is being bought.

There are different ways in keeping track of expenses, write down an approximate of how much is spent that day or check the bank account once a day.

If there are any questions regarding how to have a good mindset with saving money, email the Financial Wellness Program financialwellness@elac.edu and they will help with any questions.

Counselor Carmen Soto from East Los Angeles College hosted “Start at ELAC & Go Anywhere: Tips from Your Counselor.”

This meeting took place on Zoom, where Soto discussed some tips and tricks about college at ELAC. ELAC’s motive is, “ELAC has an international, multicultural student body that complements the 14 communities comprising its primary service area,” said Soto.

“The college offers both academic transfer courses, which prepare students for admission to four-year colleges, universities and occupational programs which prepare students for careers in two years or less.”

The first tip was understanding how ELAC can help students achieve their academic and career goals.

Soto explained the meaning of a bachelor’s degree and how long it could possibly take to complete it. A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree, also known as a Baccalaureate degree.

Ty p i c a l l y, i t c a n t a k e approximately four years to complete, but it may vary for each student. Sixty percent of students finish their Bachelor’s degree within six years.

A b a c h e l o r ’s d e g r e e i s important because it is a standard entry into many professional careers.

Opportunities increase by

earnings, network, satisfaction with employment as well as increased mobility, personal growth, civic engagement and general advancement.

The higher education in California consists of six ladders.

The first to stand would be a High School Diploma/General Education Diploma, followed by a certificate, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s and a doctorate’s degree.

Soto said, “Most students who attend a community college like ELAC want to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher; in order to do so, they must transfer.”

Transferring is the process of completing required general education and lower division major coursework at community college in order to attend a fouryear university.

The benefits and challenges transferring from ELAC were discussed.

Some benefits include priority consideration for transfers from California Community Colleges, explore and strengthen areas of interest, and course flexibility.

Some challenges may be losing focus, managing various and different general education and major course choices, a completely new and different experience.

ELAC counselors serve many purposes like providing academic, transfer and career counseling.

Counselors recommend academic strategies to support progress, apply ELAC policies and procedures according to

a student’s needs, to develop Student Educational Plans for students and more.

Counselors at ELAC create and provide a Student Educational Plan as a guide for their college career; it is a plan of recommended courses and when to take them.

It is to be updated at least once a semester by meeting with a counselor to make changes over time based on transfer and educational goals and your personal scheduling needs.

Some counseling tips include meeting with a counselor at least once a semester to update a Student Education Plan.

Soto emphasized the importance of updating the courses needed to reach your educational goal. Counselors receive updates about new certificate and degree options as well as transfer updates.

Counselors are available for all students and do not enroll students into their desired courses, the students do, so it is important to be realistic about your desired schedule.

To find more information, students may access the given resources at the ELAC website for more information.

ELAC Counseling and ELAC Transfer Center on YouTube contains informative videos that may be accessed as well.

Students may also get more information on social media by the ELAC Counseling Department and the ELAC Transfer Center.

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Features

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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Covid-19 through the eyes of a nursing Student

BY HASSAD ENCISO Staff Writer

Karen Jaramillo works at a skilled nursing facility where she helps people with Covid-19. She continues her studies at ELAC to further her knowledge in her medical field.

She has been going to East Los Angeles College on and off since 2011.

Jaramillo has been nursing for three years. Administering and dismissing patients, managing different types of therapies, and helping with healthcare.

Adding that it is challenging, and that not every day is the same.

Jaramillo said she has to constantly adapt to every situation especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of this current moment, skilled nursing facilities have not administered anyone who has the virus.

However, she said that they are preparing for any future increase in cases. She also added that there

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is not enough space to administer new patients.

The facility does have the equipment and supplies to take care of those patients, but it will not

last in the long run.

Jaramillo that many big companies are opportunistic and making it harder for people to get the help they need.

Music helps during city shutdown

BY CASSIDY REYNA Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College students are handling the changes, due to COVID-19, in different ways, including music to ease the anxieties of being in a worldwide pandemic.

Music has always been a way for people to be in a community outside of the “real world.” It can be an escape for many people and continues to be when it may feel as though all hope is lost.

Some ELAC students have been listening to music from artists they were supposed to see live in concert. But due to COVID-19, the shows have been postponed.

Some students are feeling both positive and negative emotions while listening to the artists music.

Michell Cuautle, a first year student at ELAC, was to attend the concert with the bands System of a Down and Korn. After years of being a big fan of System of a Down, she was finally going to be able to see them.The fact that the show is being rescheduled has brought her down.

However, it can give her a boost in her studying. Cuautle is not the only student who is feeling negatively when it comes to motivation and the current situation students are in.

Some students are using music as a way to keep their mind off of the negativity that is being fed through

social media.

Jacqueline Rocha, a second year student at ELAC, resorts to music for that reason. Listening to bands like Metallica and Megadeth is what brings her peace when nothing but panic is around her.

Isaac Sanchez, a second year student at ELAC, uses music as his background noise throughout the day.

“In times like these it’s essential that you don’t take things for granted.”

JEAN CARLOS RUIZ First Year ELAC Student

“I listen to music when I wake up and till I go to sleep,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez listens to artists like Tyler, the Creator. Music similar to Tyler, the Creator allows him to be happy despite what is going on in the world.

All students are going through different emotions through this time, some are using this time to practice and aim for their goals once quarantine is over.

Jean Carlos Ruiz, a first year student at ELAC, listens to Drum

Corp International music, which is music from professional marching bands. He is using this time to practice and prepare for the World Class Corp.

“In times like these it’s essential that you don’t take things for granted. Appreciate what you have.

Students have more time at their houses to learn new skills,” Ruiz said.

As a trumpet player, he practices day in and day out. This music reminds him of his goals for when he is finally able to be back out in the world.

On the other hand, Brian Nuñez and Sindy Chun, both first year students at ELAC, said that they are sticking to music on the radio where they may hear music from the app “TikTok” playing.

For some, it brings a smile to their face and happiness that can stem from scrolling through the app and finding funny videos that takes them away from the negativity going on in the world.

Overall, ELAC students are using music as a resource to help them cope and remind themselves to keep going and push through. Especially due to finals being around the corner, it may seem as though everyone is on edge and worried.

Through music, students are able to bring themselves back down to earth and remind themselves that they will make it through.

She adds that companies are overcharging people to get tested.

Many of the testings offers cost up to $700.00.

Jaramillo believes that testing

should be free and accessible when people need it.

However, she does not believe that there should be at- home testing, since people might not know what they are supposed to be looking for in the test.

When Karen saw people protest against the quarantine and that they should be allowed to go outside, she thought that those people are being ignorant and should stay home.

Jaramillo said that even people who walk without masks frustrates her but she would like to help educate those people on why it’s wrong.

She also said that the United States government can do better, but that what they are doing during this pandemic is reasonable. Pandemics are hard to predict and there is no real way to plan for them.

However, it is believed that a second wave is going to happen.

She said there is a high chance that there will be a second wave during the flu season from October to May. The flu season will prolong the quarantine.

Her job is preparing them for the

influx of patients wanting to get tested. However, for COVID-19, the incubation period makes it harder to test. That it can only be detected when it has already finished the incubation period.

Jaramillo states that if anyone has any concerns about COVID-19, they should call a testing facility, contact the CDC, or read their website for any information.

She added that there are mobile testing trailers going around in certain areas conducting tests.

They're a lot of opportunities for tests, but some places do overcharge, so make sure that they are not overcharging you.

As of now, Jaramillo advises to stay home as much as possible, avoid contact with other people, and to wear a mask whenever you have to leave the house.

We have been in this pandamic for long time we must stay safe and take the necessary steps to defeat Covid-19.

Undocumented student mentors peers She wants to help navigate new students, showing them it's possible Staff Writer to succeed at a community college.

Daniela Aviles is a 21-year-old She said at first it was a volunteer woman who was born in Mexico job she started in fall 2018.

She said what has pushed her is and grew up in Los Angeles. She being an undocumented student. attends East Los Angeles College Aviles said she wants to prove and is a first-year peer mentor and that it’s possible even if things seem is majoring in English. like it's impossible.

The first-year center is a program Even if doors seem to close she at Elac that helps students who wants to be an example for others to are new to college or are firstfollow.

That it’s possible to succeed, generation. no matter who you are or where you Aviles started her journey as come from. a mentee in fall 2017 when she ​She continued being a peer left Cal State Los Angeles due to mentor in fall 2019 and was no financial complications. longer volunteering but working She said when she first started for the first-year center.

Aviles’s she felt like rushing and started day consists of her normal full-time taking as many classes as she could classes and the students that she transfer as soon as possible.

During club rush, when she mentors.

She says she finds it rewarding learned about the first-year center when she’s able to teach her mentees and signed up. She realized that Elac and see them grow. She said that one was a beautiful campus and college of her best experiences is being able that was filled with many resources to be there for a mentee and help and staff. them overcome a personal problem.

She said she wanted other students She loves what she does and likes to take advantage of this resource​ how she can motivate others. She when she saw the opportunity to said that she feels like she is able to become a peer mentor she took the help and empower women of color first chance. and low income.

Aviles said she was inspired to She says she can show them that become a peer mentor because she they have a voice and potential to wanted other students to have a thrive and transcend to where they positive mindset about ELAC

want to be at.

She said that being a peer mentor is rewarding but is emotionally draining as well. “At the end of the day, you're not just a teacher but a close friend with your mentees,” Aviles said.

She helps students navigate college and life. She says how not only do you see them grow in their education but also as a person.

One of her motivators that helps her keep going when things seem rough is Dr. Sandy Chavez, peer mentor coordinator at . Aviles says she takes care and makes sure that the peer mentors are doing good and helps them keep going.

She makes us feel like family Aviles stated. She said that a first-year center is a wonderful place especially for those who consider teaching or helping students because you get that real experience and connection with others.

Sadly, Aviles will be saying goodbye to Elac this spring because she will be starting UCLA in the fall.

Aviles said that this isn’t stopping her from working at Elac and she wants to keep helping students succeed.

cautious. They are required to wear masks and gloves at all times during their shift. Araujo washes his hand every 30 minutes. Lines are now outside the store.

Only one customer is allowed in at a time to pick up their drink.

Along with the customers, are fleets of drivers for people’s Postmates orders.

Before lockdown began Araujo had a system. Coffee, school,and then work. It was his daily schedule for the week.

“It worked because you have coffee and then you do stuff and burn the energy,” he said. It was his tool for keeping lively for the day.

However, along with the changes at work, the shift to online classes came swiftly and suddenly. As the

shift to online classes began, Araujo has been struggling to get the flow down. Dealing with classes on a screen has been difficult for him.

“You need to check your schedule a lot,” Araujo said. He talked about how strange it was to just log on to class instead of going to school.

The most uncomfortable thing about Zoom for him was the blank name with no face.

With substantial changes at work and school, one constant has helped Araujo, coffee. The drink, which has energized him before the lockdown, has become essential. Araujo has always enjoyed brewing a cup of coffee. But nowadays, he drinks more coffee than ever.

BY CLAUDIA NAVAS

ELAC Student works as barista at local coffee shop

BY JESSE DE ANDA Staff Writer

As the world suddenly shutdown Javier Araujo, a student worker at East Los Angeles College, adjusted to the new way of life.

Floating in a cup was a fluffy white heart sitting comfortably in a light brown foam. The sitting area was silent. Voices bled in from the kitchen in the back. There were no customers inside Tierra Mia. The shop no longer allowed people to sit inside and drink their coffee. Workers wore gloves and masks while making drinks for people listed on a screen.

Most students use coffee to power through their day. The caffeinated

drink is perfect for studying, doing homework,or stressing over the work you should be doing. Baristas are the people who make the highly addicting, energy- filled drinks, which vary in color. One such barista is Javier Araujo, a 22-yearold student at ELAC. Araujo works as a manager at Tierra Mia in Montebello.

Not only does he make strange drinks but, he also manages other people who do. However, since the state shut down due to Covid-19, things have been different.

Since the lockdown began, Araujo hasn’t taken a customer’s order in person. Only pickups are allowed. To him this is strange, He was used to seeing a line of people and a room full of people

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enjoying their coffees. So many people that they stayed open after hours, to fully service people. He recalls once having two men come inside and order 19 Americano, a shot of espresso with water added to dilute. “It was annoying as hell!”

he said. He stood there repeating the process. Pull a shot, pour the shot into water and stir.

Things are different now.

Two months into the California Lockdown business was nowhere near usual. Workers have to be more

Sports Feature

Women’s basketball looks to rebuild after injury -plagued season

BY LEONARDO CERVANTES Staff Writer

Assistant coach Wilbert Knight of the Women’s Basketball team talked about how he felt the team performed this past season. He spoke about how he envisions the team will succeed next season.

He also talked about the difficulties of practicing while in quarantine.

Turner told the team about workouts that require no equipment as well as agility workouts. www.ELACCampusNews.com

He said it has been tough not to be around the team because he is not able to work with the girls on their game. Knight and the rest of the coaching staff viewed this season as a success as they made it to the second round of the playoffs.

The team was plagued with injuries right from the beginning but that did not stop them from succeeding. The team had multiple double-digit scorers due to the fact everyone had an opportunity to play.

They played as a team and believed in one another and that led to consistent scoring from

everybody.

At times the team only had five or six healthy bodies and two players were not even able to play due to the multitude of injuries.

The season was frustrating and difficult but because they fought through so much coach Knight gave the season an A grade.

If the season is to resume next semester the coaching staff wants the players to focus on strength and conditioning.

That is the main focus because it leads to sustained health, improves on-court performance, and can even

help prevent injuries.

If a player happens to get injured their improved conditioning will allow them to return sooner rather than later.

They have five returning players for next season and expect them to come back improved. The coaching staff doesn’t have unrealistic goals for next season.

They know the players will start off rusty due to an elongated break from basketball.

Nevertheless, they have lofty goals for the team if basketball is able to resume. The main goal next

season is to win the conference and make it to the playoffs.

They plan on making it to the state playoffs. Coach Knight says winning the state championship is always on your mind but stressed that you can’t look ahead.

You can’t take shortcuts; you have to take it one game at a time.

This past season the team was plagued with injuries and still made the playoffs so with a year of improvement of the returning players a state title is not out of queston said Knight.

The coaching staff expects a

big year from point guard Delilah Kimble-Gray but also expects all of the returnees to have breakout seasons.

They want all of the players to return as improved versions of themselves from last season.

The basketball season is still to be determined since the COVID-19 pandemic has been canceling seasons for other sports.

Nonetheless this is a resilient team that faced adversity all year so the coaches believe they can have a successful season.

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

Zoinks Scoob! The gang is back

BY KIARA LARA Staff Writer

“Scoob” is an animated film about the never before told story of Scooby-Doo’s origins. A modern story that explains the beginning to the Scooby-Doo franchise which began in 1969.

Shaggy and Scooby make friends with Fred, Daphne, and Velma who face hardships throughout their friendship, but together they find the importance to their bond.

The long awaited movie premiered on Friday, but due to COVID-19, it was not allowed to premier in theaters because the cinema remains closed. However, an new alternative for its release was found.

“Scoob” was released on

different platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime and Vudu. It is one of the few films that has proceeded to release on its original date.

The focus in the film is the defeat of villain, Dick Dastardly, who seeks to kidnap Scooby in rder to unleash treasure from the underworld.

What does Scooby have to do with opening the gates to the underworld?

Well Alexander the Great was who stashed his possessions and locked them away in the underworld, and the gate may only be unlocked by his dog, Peritas.

The movie delves into why Alexander’s dog is so important to them.

Scooby and Shaggy get help from their friends Fred , Daphne, and Velma find their way to Scooby and Shaggy in an attempt to rescue them and defeat Dastardly.

They also received help from Shaggy’s longtime idol, the Blue Falcon.

T h e B l u e F a l c o n ’s t e a m contributed to the rescue of Scooby and Shaggy from the beginning of Dastardly’s attempt to kidnap Scooby through his evil creation of robots.

Through this mission the gang discovered that Shaggy and Scooby are the heart to their group just like Fred is the tank, Daphne is the empath and Velma is the brain.

Their dispute began when Simon Cowell agreed to invest in Mystery Inc. if Shaggy and Scooby were not a part of it.

Shaggy and Scooby felt underappreciated and believed they were not important to the group. However, they found a whole new meaning to their friendship.

The Mystery Inc. met when they were kids through an encounter where Shaggy and Scooby were being teased by other boys, and Fred, Daphne, and Velma asked them to join them.

They agreed and were inseparable since, but they had to reevaluate their friendship and through the mission their bond only became stronger.

The movie had an accordingly plot except it did not focus on the origins of the Mystery Inc. long enough.

It was like watching an old “Scooby-Doo” series except in a much more modern script. It is something for the new generation of kids being introduced to “Scooby-Doo,” anyone who grew up watching the franchise will most likely be unimpressed.

Hayley Williams unseen side

BY CASSIDY REYNA Staff Writer

Williams’ new album takes the audience into her mind and shows her vulnerability through her lyrics.

She is very well known as the lead singer of the band “Paramore,” however, her solo project is totally different from what she is known for.

Williams’ new album takes the audience into her mind and shows her vulnerability through her lyrics.

Williams released her first 10 songs through E.P.s to give a taste of what else is to come and she did not disappoint.

There are many songs on the album that explore her anger, hurt from her divorce, growth, and depression.

She starts off the album with the song “Simmer,” in which she sings about her rage and feminism.

Talking about trying to “simmer down” and stopping herself from exploding.

From there it shift to a part of the album which shows the audience Williams’ depression and suicidal thoughts during her time of healing. Starting from tracks “Leave it Alone” to “Dead Horse” the audience is taken into Hayley’s mind.

With lyrics like “becoming

COURTESY OF ATLANTIC RECORDS

REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST— Hayley Williams stares at her reflection for the music video “Dead Horse.” friends with a noose that I made and I keep tryin’ to untie it,” Williams talks about her struggle with suicidal thoughts and how she tried to channel the energy into different things but the thoughts remained.

In that same group of songs, is shown Williams’ feelings towards her ex-husband and possibly other relationships.

In the song “Creepin’” she discusses an abusive relationship and how thoughts tend to “creep” in her mind and that he still lingers there.

In the “Creepin”lyrics “It always starts as something so simple and innocent but too much of anything you’ll never know how to quit,” Williams is talking about the thoughts that can linger in her or a partner’s mind.

The first half of her album is vulnerable and shows the audience her true colors, compared to the pop-punk Hayley that is known from Paramore.

In “Paramore’s last album “After Laughter,” the aduience

shown the same rock sound as well as being very poppy.

In that way, Williams’ solo sound is very similar but with more synth and r&b beats.

In the second half of the album, Williams’ songs begin to lift up and the audience is shown the progress of how Hayley is feeling. In the song “Over Yet,” the lyrics repeat “if there’s resistance it makes you stronger” showing that she was able to push through.

The audience can also take this song as a way to remind themselves to stay strong.

In the song “Watch Me While I Bloom,” Williams is really able to convey the fact that she has grown and feels free to be happy again.

It is heard at the very beginning of the song “How lucky I feel to be in my body again how lovely I feel not to have to pretend.”

Conveying to the listener she is comfortable and proud to be in her skin.

The album overall is extremely vulnerable and shows the audience a side of Hayley Williams that had yet to be shown.

Her sound is quite different from the Paramore sound many know and love, but is very enjoyable and catchy.

“Petals for Armor” is available on all streaming services.

Arts

5

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

GANG BACK TOGTHER — Mystery Inc. looking towards the audience as they prepare for their newest endeavor. Daphne (left), Shaggy , Fred , Scooby (right) and Velma (center) in their new animated form.

Twist on modern family animated sitcoms

BY CASSIDY REYNA Staff Writer

The new animated sci-fi sitcom “Solar Opposites” is definitely a show to watch while in quarantine, as it can transport to a different world.

It is centered around an alien family from the now destroyed planet of ShlorpTheir home planet of Shlorp was destroyed by an asteroid, and the main characters Korvo, Terry, Yumyulack and Jesse were assigned to each other along with a Pupa, pronounced “pew-puh” to inhabit earth.

Once they have settled, the “mission” is to eventually take over once the Pupa reaches full maturity.

Although the show is based around the family, it does go down different paths for each character.

The creators show the difficulties of parenthood through Korvo and Terry while Yumyulack and Jesse go through horrors of school to display the adventures they go on.

Pupa also has its own adventures as it is usually unsupervised. Its purpose is to fully mature, due to it having the history of the Shlorpians.

Once it has reached full maturity, Earth would be destroyed and rebuilt to become the new Shlorp.

What is very interesting to see is the fact that, even though it is a sci-fi sitcom it can connect it to real life situations.

As they are literally aliens, they aren’t really accepted into society.

In fact, in episode two it revolves around Korvo and Terry trying to get the likes of the neighborhood.

In episode four, Jesse and Yumyulack think they hit puberty when a flower grows on their heads.

These episodes show that even though they are aliens, they face the same problems as humans.

Overall, it is definitely a binge worthy show that many adult audiences can enjoy.

Wi t h t h e e v e r - c h a n g i n g shenanigans that the main characters get into, it is hard to stop watching.

Many will probably notice how similar the show is to “Rick and Morty” but “Solar Opposites” is a stand alone show.

It is hard to ignore a possible connection to “Rick and Morty” solely based on the fact that Justin Roiland who voices the main characters from “Rick and Morty,” also voices Korvo in “Solar Opposites.” Besides the voice, both shows have the same creators, art style and of course sci-fi aspects.

“Solar Opposites” made it’s “crash landing” on Hulu streaming services on May 8.

`Valorant` brings new life in first-person shooters

BY JESSE DE ANDA Staff Writer

With a combination of “Counter Strike” and “Overwatch” style gameplay “Valorant,”while in beta, brings a breath of fresh air to a dominated market.

“Valorant” is a character based, five-versus-five firstperson-shooter developed by Riot Games.

The game’s website states that it focuses on two main aspects, precise gunplay and creativity.

“Valorant” includes 10 agents and 17 guns to choose from.

The game currently only has three maps Bind, Haven and Split.

The gameplay is simple. Every game has two teams with five players on each side.

Both teams will either be assigned as attackers or defenders at the start.

Attackers have to plant a bomb and prevent the opposite team from defusing.

Defenders have to prevent the bomb plant and defuse it.

Teams will switch roles every 12 rounds.

The first team to win 13 rounds wins the game.

Gunplay is the core to success in “Valorant.”

In “Valorant” there is a gun store that provides 17 guns to buy, with the player having to use in game credits to purchase.

There are six categories of guns to buy from. Sidearms, sub machine guns, shotguns, rifles, snipers and heavies.

Each category of gun varies

the player to make compromises in utility and price.

Each gun provides a unique when choosing what gun to buy.

When low on credits it would style of play. Sidearms consist of pistols and other small weapons, be smart to save and buy lowergrade weapons. they are used mainly While the guns during early rounds Each gun themselves feel or when really h o l l o w, t h e y pressed for cash. provides a function well. The Sub machine guns are a good medium to unique style of shooting mechanics save money and have play. Sidearms o f t h e g a m e a r e a better weapon. complicated, but can S h o t g u n s a r e consist of pistols be understood with cheap and good for practice. holding tight angles. and other small Along with the Rifles consist of weapons, they m e c h a n i c s , t h e long range automatic scarcity of ingame and semi-automatic are used mainly credits also forces the guns, which are one during early player to improvise of the main weapons and adapt their of choice for later rounds or when gunplay. These two rounds, but cost really pressed for f a c t o r s c o u p l e d more. together makes a cash.

Snipers, long diverse game. ranged lever loaded I n “ Va l o r a n t ” or semi automatic guns, are abilities vary amongst the good for holding angles at a different agents but can be very long range. useful for the team.

“Heavies” consist of large Every agent has an assigned machine guns with a heavy fire role; controller, duelist, initiator rate and are good for the classic or sentinel. run-and-gun style.

Typically controller’s abilities Where things start to get help their team get control of a complicated is in the shooting site. Duelists abilities are best for mechanics. Understanding how getting frags. every gun shoots is essential to Initiators retrieve info on getting frags, enemy kills and all enemy locations. guns shoot differently.

Sentinels use their abilities Luckily “Valorant” has its to support their teammates and own shooting range to practice deny the enemy access to certain aim outside of a match. areas on the map.

Another thing to keep in mind Each role plays a crucial role is money. Like “Counter Strike” in assisting their team. every gun costs a set amount of Agents in the game are given money. four abilities to use.

Along with buying a gun, the Their standard ability can player must also to purchase be used right at the start of the armor and abilities which forces round and have a 30 second

CN/ JESSE DE ANDA

A NEW WAY TO PLAY —At the start of every round players must purchase their character’s load out from the in-game gun store. cooldown after being used.

These abilities are often a core part of their role.

The agents’ other two abilities are buyable in the gun shop at the beginning of the round.

The two buyable abilities provide utility for the agent.

Ultimates are intended to be the most powerful of an agent’s abilities.

Every agent has an ultimate, but they are not usable until fully charged.

The inclusion of abilities in the game seemed suspicious at first, but nicely compliments the other aspects of the game.

The standard abilities are far

from overpowered and in fact encourages the player to get creative with its use.

The two buyable abilities force the player to limit how they spend their credits and to use abilities efficiently.

Ultimate abilities add a new incentive to stack up on frags, further encouraging gunplay.

But, if a player is still not comfortable with shooting mechanics they can always stop and pick up an orb or defuse the bomb.

While ultimate abilities are intended to be the most powerful ability they all have a downside.

At first glance “Valorant” may

appear to be a corporate cut-out to challenge Counter Strike.

However, the deeper into the game the more it grows. The combination of “Overwatch” style abilities and “Counter Strike” tactics creates a lot of soul crushing defeats and satisfying wins. Gunplay much like “Counter Strike,” can be frustrating at first, but becomes easier with practice.

Abilities in the game vary with every character, but never feel game breaking.

All in all for a game that is in beta, it strikes a nice balance in gameplay and looks promising when fully released. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Opinion

6

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020

Daily routine during lockdown is making entertainment dull

BY HASSAD ENCISO Staff Writer

People are spending more time watching television than ever due to the quarantine.

The more time people spend on media, the more boring entertainment is.

I have been watching so much YouTube to the point that I am rewatching older videos.

Which sounds like a dumb problem to have, but there is a high chance that quarantine is going to last longer than hoped.

This is a problem that I feel like everyone can understand.

Everyone has a lot of downtime.

The main thing everyone is doing is consuming various types of media. Video games, music, podcasts, books, TV and YouTube.

However, everyone has some sort of video or TV show playing in the background while you do something else.

I do it all the time. Why? I don’t know but it’s there and it’s playing.

For the most part I’m not even paying attention to the TV while I’m doing homework, or reading

Japanese manga.

The main problem is that it takes me about ten minutes to find something to watch.

It should not take someone ten minutes to find a single video. I don’t believe it is because there isn’t enough content, but that

there is too much content.

There is too much content on TV or on the internet to watch, to the point that a majority of it is all the same.

I still see people playing “Final Fantasy VII” remake on the streaming platform Twitch. It’s

Online transition not easy after all

BY KANDEE SOZA Staff Writer

Even though Zoom has become the new alternative for online learning, there are many factors that prove Zoom is unreliable and filled with technical issues.

East Los Angeles College transitioned online in late March and faculty made decisions as to what modifications would take place.

Many schools, including ELAC, transitioned into using a video and audio conferencing platform called Zoom.

In the beginning, many professors did not know how to run an online course and to students, including myself, it felt uneasy.

When the transition finally began, some classes became stressful because of the lack of communication among professors and students.

Some students felt as if their professors were either posting too much or too little information about their classes. I couldn’t agree more.

There have been numerous times that I have either felt overworked and/or confused because of the lack of explanation on online course work.

Nancy Lazalde, a student at ELAC said, “My professor went MIA and did not respond to our emails and she later apologized for not doing so because she said she was having a hard time adjusting to online learning/class work.”

When Zoom came into play,

many students thought it would be a great alternative.

Everything is done online, lectures and coursework can be done in the comfort of your own home, no transportation expenses etc.

Not all students have access to sufficient resources to do their coursework online.

However, it turned out to be a lot more complicated than what was anticipated.

Not all students have access to sufficient resources to do their coursework online.

Obviously, without a computer or Wi-Fi at home, nothing can be done. Fortunately, there have been many different opportunities to get free computers and Wi-Fi. About 10,700 students were reviewed and rewarded free Chromebooks during the past few weeks.

Thousands more are now on the way thanks to the efforts by the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges and generous donors who have provided funding for the devices.

However, supplies can only last for so long.

There are still students that remain without a computer or do not have Wi-Fi.

It is a harsh reality for some and a very difficult obstacle to deal with in a time like this.

Because Zoom calls are live, there may be instances where internet connection and signal can be lost. Inevitably, this will cause students to miss important information.

This has happened to me numerous times and I hate it because there is nothing I can do about it.

There is always the old tricka-roo of disconnecting and reconnecting the router to gain connection again, but that is pretty much it.

Home learning can be difficult for students due to their living situations.

A distracting environment due to loud noise can cause students to become stressed and frustrated because of the lack of focus.

It may be difficult for some students because not everyone has access to a quiet place in their home, where they can be at peace and do their class work accordingly.

In a time like this, there are many essential workers who are also college students.

For some of these students, they may be the only source of income for their household.

Sometimes school and work schedules may collide and in some instances, students cannot attend their Zoom lectures.

Because of this, they may lose a whole class worth of important information and deadlines.

Losing important information like so can be very harmful to a student’s academic performance.

a great game but it was released last month in April.

Why haven’t people finished playing? Seeing people play the same game or make the same type of videos is so jading that it makes it harder to find anything interesting anymore.

I t ’s b o r i n g . T h e r e i s n ' t a problem with multiple YouTubers or Twitch streams playing the same game, because some games have different outcomes.

However, if it’s a game that has already been played and

been out for a while, then it is no longer interesting.

It is hard to find something new to watch, when everything so far has been made.

I am constantly watching the same things over and over again that sometimes it feels like I am forcing my laughter.

I ask myself if its still funny or it is just noise? I have watched the show, “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” so many times that I can almost predict what they are going to say. Why? Mainly because there wasn’t anything else that was interesting. I love the show, but it got stale.

Quarantine is ruining our favorite videos and shows. There is a high chance of a second wave during flu season in October.

Many TV shows are going to finish their season this month, and some have already finished.

There is never any new shows from June to August.

That is the time shows start filming, but with the current outbreak, they are most likely not going to film. It is going to make it harder to find anything to watch. Quarantine has ruined entertainment.

Libraries essential to student success Elans need quiet space

BY ANTHONY PADILLA Staff Writer

The Helen Miller Bailey Library should remain open during the quarantine.

Many students also do not have a dedicated study space or room to go to when they need to study.

All throughout my academic career, the only place to do my homework was the kitchen table.

It was not until my senior year of high school that I received a desk and an area to study.

For the students who do not have space for themselves, where can they go?

Most, if not all, public places are closed, limiting the options for students to study elsewhere.

If the school library were to remain open, students would have a second option as to where to choose to study at.

Of course, both the students and school would have to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for COVID-19 prevention.

Desks and chairs would have to be separated allowing six feet of space between individuals.

Hand sanitizer and masks would also be necessary for entering the library.

Many would be willing to follow those guidelines if it means having a nice and quiet place to do homework.

Especially when we consider

Many would be willing to follow those guide lines if it means having a nice and quiet place to do homework.

how many individuals have already obeyed the current Center for Disease Control guidelines for COVID-19.

There is also the issue of not having an adequate amount of resources at home.

Many students rely on using the printer at school so this leaves them in a tight spot.

Even though classes are now online, sometimes it makes it a lot easier to print assignments at home, to visualize the work better.

Sometimes classes will require students to print out a handout to go along with a lecture.

Another resource students may not have at home, are computers.

It was great that the Los Angeles Community College District had a free laptop program to offer students.

However, what about the students who did not hear about the scholarship program and missed out?

Having access to a computer is essential to participate in online instruction. Computer access is yet, another resource available at the campus library.

Overall, having at least one other place to go to study will really help students. Especially during this time of the quarantine.

Colleges aren’t doing enough to help students with food shortages

BY NANCY LAZALDE Staff Writer

Every school should provide students with breakfast and lunch during this pandemic.

There are some students that while going to school, breakfast and lunch was something important for them since they might not have enough food at home.

The National School Lunch Program on a regular school day provided around 22 million students with food.

This is why providing food to students is important to continue doing because it helps many students.

Currently because of COVID19 all schools are closed, but they have found a way to supply students throughout this difficult time.

College students never get access to free food, but now that students are unemployed there should be some help with www.ELACCampusNews.com

providing food for them.

Schools with grades K-12 are still providing students with free lunch at certain times.

They are provided with food to take home five days a week.

Currently because of COVID-19 all schools are closed, but they have found a way to supply students throughout this difficult time.

That is something that colleges should look into doing because it could help anyone that is not financially stable.

There are students that rely on school lunches or on low cost meals.

Now with many parents and college students not having a job, they might find it more difficult to buy for food since they still have bills to pay.

It is a good thing that schools from K-12 are still providing food but why is it that ELAC is not giving such help with providing their students with food.

Recently ELAC refunded students $300 to help with any daily expenses, including food.

After almost two months of not attending school and people being unemployed, they decided to take action by helping their students.

It might have been a little late with receiving this money because they could have been students already struggling financially.

But it is better late than never with receiving help.

That might now help them to get food and other resources they need.

There are schools that are allowing parents to go with their child to their schools to receive food.

There have also been buses

that have been going around distributing food to families.

Since that took longer than expected, they agreed to just allow pick up from their schools.

If they were to supply students food, they would feel more relieved with receiving help.