The Corsair Spring 2024 - Issue 5

Editor-in-Chief

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo

Managing Editor

Reneé Bartlett-Webber

Photo Editor

Danilo Perez

Design Editor

Alejandro Contreras

Copy Editor

Taylor Smith

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Ava Cyr

Culture Editor

Carolina Romero

News Editor

Sohrab Pourjavady

Multimedia Editor

Amber Guerrero

Assistant Multimedia Editor

Gio Sosa

Opinion Editor

Brianna Johnson

Social Media Editor

Megan Meadows

Staff Photographers

Keirin Chavez | Maya Dondonyan | Libna Florencio | Luca Martinez | Alexey Nosov | Laurel Rahn | Jamael Shotomide | Saiya Williams

Staff Writers

Ryan Abazari | Annabel Agustin | Manuela

Almeida | Genesis Avila | Jeffrey Berrios | Makaela Fujimoto | Blake Harris | Brianna Johnson

| Bunker King | Lighton Catherine Carole Lopez

Karen | Elaina Mendez Sara | Namala Karuna

Kristina | Reyes Hazel Alejandra | Seals Caylo

| Song Sofie Clemente | Washington Chrissy

Tierra | Wolf Jeremy Nathaniel | Mccall Nicholas

Faculty Advisors

Sharyn Obsatz | Journalism Adviser

Gerard Burkhart | Photo Adviser

Samantha Nuñez | Social Media Adviser

Front Page Back Page

This is a photo caption (Photo Credit | The Corsair)

This is a photo caption (Photo Credit | The Corsair)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Creating Change.

One thing that is certain is that change is inevitable. At times, it is graceful in its approach, coming slowly and echoing silently in the many moments of your existence, telling you of its eminent arrival.

Other times, it mercilessly arrives with little notice, and creating total devastation. Despite it’s unpredictability, at times, we beckon it desperately, pleading for its arrival. But change is a stubborn companion in life, never coming when you need it most and always on time when you least expect it.

Change can also be cruel. If you refuse to bend to its will, it can leave you battered and bruised or simply left behind.

However, there are those of us who have no interest in sitting aimlessly and being victims of change. We refuse to take the current of change's terms and conditions, so un-

derstanding that we can not beat change; we tend to join it. We work hard to craft our own futures. We sit and listen intently for the echoes that are, at times, gracious enough to help us anticipate the change. And we live and shape the world we want to see, making change

the story of how each of these people chose to confront change: to accept it, embrace it, create it, or shun it. I hope that as you read through these pages, you determine whose story mirrors your approach to change and which story of change you would much rather emulate. Each of

"We refuse to take the current of change's terms and conditions, so understanding that we can not beat change; we tend to join it."

bend to our will at times.

The stories that fill this week's pages are about those very people who understood that there was change coming, that there was a change they wanted or needed to see, and did not want to wait for it. They brought change to their doorstep, a change they could not avoid, and prepared for what that change might bring—good or bad. Each story tells

us has been one of these people—either embracing it or shunning it, creating it, or merely accepting it. Each of them requires a leap of faith at some point.When I decided to move 16,674.41 km or 10,361 miles from the ones I loved to pursue my education in 2018, I was creating the change in my life I wanted to see. When I realized that this change would mean I would miss the significant

moments of growth or love of those I love, I, with great pain, accepted that change. When I was continuously told I was short after 25 years, I finally learnt to embrace it. And when I could not return to the U.S. after the pandemic to continue my studies in the states, it's change I shunnedand I decided I would create the change I wanted to see once again in 2023. Ultimately, change is also what you make it. This spring, as the season of new beginnings returns, for some of us as we await transfer school decisions, graduation, whatever change is coming your way, and however you choose to approach it, remember the words of John Maxwell: "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional."

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo Editor-in-Chief

Unconventional Fashion: Metrolink’s Sustainable Fashion Show

Ava Cyr|Arts & Entertainment Editor

Blake Harris|Staff Writer

Popular music blared throughout the halls of the historic Union Station as thrifted, upcycled, and unorthodox fabrics strutted down the runway.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transportation, on April 22, Metrolink, Los Angeles’s major public transportation system, launched its very first student sustainable fashion show alongside free rides for all its systems in honor of Earth Day.

Organized by Metrolink’s marketing department, project manager Amber Moyers explained her inspiration for creating the fashion show.

“We’ve been working with students for the Student Adventure Pass, and we just thought it would be a great opportunity to partner with more colleges, schools, and universities and engage students with Earth’s birthday,” Moyers said.

The fashion show displayed works from over 20 different students located all over Southern California. The categories featured two distinct sections: upcycled textiles and unconventional fabrics.

Hillary Arechiga, a fashion design major at SMC, entered two sustainable looks into the show. Encouraged by Metro’s dedication to sustainability and fueled by her own creativity, Arechiga decided to use the event to venture into sustainable fashion design, creating a dress for only the second time. “I really like the traveling and the sustainability of it and how it's helping everybody get creative,” she said.

Arechgia submitted looks for both categories, featuring aspects of flowers and spring elements while being constructed out of reusable material. "They're made out of scrap fabric," Archiga said, pointing out the rosette, a rose-shaped decoration on her upcycled textile

Metrolink’s Student Adventure Pass is a grant-funded program that allows students in Southern California to ride the Metrolink for free.

piece. "They're all handmade."

For her unconventional piece, Arechiga utilized recycled plastic tablecloths and other sources of upcycled plastics to create a dress mimicking flower petals.

Although her pieces are environmentally friendly, challenges arose while constructing the garments. “Well, I did have a vision, but then as the process went by, I realized that’s gonna be kind of hard to execute,” she said. Faced with the time constraints and the difficulty using the material, Arechiga decided to switch focus to something “more able to be fitting for a dress and not fall apart.”

“The fabric and plastic was much harder to sew since it had to be hand sewn,” said Arechiga.

Despite her struggles, Arechiga had an overall memorable experience.

“I’m really proud of myself. I would never do anything like this, and now I’m here.” Arechiga said.

The aspirational fashion designer hopes to continue utilizing sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in her designs, as well as vegan products.

As the inaugural Metrolink sustainable fashion show comes to a close, student designers can continue to challenge themselves to create a brighter and greener industry.

“It’s such a great opportunity to work with them and give them a creative outlet, and be able to give them an opportunity to talk about why it’s important to them, and it was a lot of fun,” Moyers said.

Hillary Arechiga poses for a portrait after the fashion show at Union Station. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. on April 21, 2024.

Photo by Luca Martinez

A child Hindu

Vivien Shen (middle) poses for a photo next to the two models wearing her garments at the fashion show at Union Station. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. on April 21, 2024.

Above: Model shows off a sustainable Atlas Fútbol Club midfielder Aldo Rocha

Attendee of the fashion show poses for a photo during an intermission. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. on April 21, 2024.

Photos by Luca Martinez

throws Holi powder on another child during the second annual Venice Holi Celebratio on April 7. Holi, also know as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring, is a festival that celebrates the love between the deities Radha and Krishna.

Right: Vivien Shen (middle) poses for a photo next to the two models wearing her garments at the fashion show at Union Station. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. on April 21, 2024.

dress featuring recycled costco packaging during the fashion show at Union Station. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. on April 21, 2024. Rocha (#26, center) drives the ball between Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) defendersRobles (#21) and José Lozano (#17), causing them to run into each other,

Left: One of the models exhibits her metamorphosis during the fashion show at Union Station. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. on April 21, 2024.

Model poses in her winning garment during the fashion show at Union Station. Downtown Los Angeles, CA. on April 21, 2024.

Photo by Luca Martinez.

Illegal Graffiti: A Most Dangerous Sport

The untold stories of devious graffiti artists in the City of Angels.

While bombing the wall along the 110 Freeway, at least 10 shots from a high caliber firearm shot in his direction as he threw himself into bushes. In the streets of Los Angeles, graffiti is not just an art form; it's a daring act of rebellion. OOZE UNC (Under No Control) and other enigmatic artists are willing to risk it all in order to leave their mark on the city's walls.

Graffiti Subculture

During the 1980s, the B-boy and hip-hop movement infiltrated youth culture in Los An-

geles, birthing the graffiti Buses became rolling es, adorned from front with vibrant artwork, streets echoed with the of Beastie Boys tracks from boomboxes. decked out in oversized wear and scurried about, cealing their pens, paint ers, and cans as they freeways, buildings, and leave behind their artistic print. The convergence hop, skateboarding, and culture in 1980s Los laid the foundation for and dynamic street art

Makaela Fujimoto | Staff Writer

Illustration by Karuna Namala

graffiti scene. rolling canvasfront to back while the the sounds tracks blaring Teenagers oversized streetabout, conpaint markthey scaled and cars to artistic imconvergence of hipand graffiti Los Angeles for a vibrant art move-

ment that continues to thrive and evolve today.

Within graffiti culture, artists came up with unique art terms. “Tagging” refers to the signature of a graffiti artist, which is done quickly with spray paint or markers. “Bombing” is the creation of larger, more elaborate graffiti art pieces, mostly done illegally. “Writing” refers to creating graffiti, including both tagging and bombing.

A crew serves as a symbol of unity and solidarity. In graffiti culture, a crew name follows the artist's name with abbreviated letters.

Starting Young

During the 1980s, aspiring artists utilized whatever materials they could find to create their works. One such artist, initially known as "Fresh Pop," underwent a series of name changes before settling on "TAKE."

TAKE recalled his early days of graffiti, which began in elementary school, where he used "cheap little school markers, Halloween fluorescent colored hair spray, and chocolate candy" to leave his mark on available surfaces in the school and surrounding neighborhoods.

In 1989, while in his junior year at Fairfax High, TAKE adopted his new name. “I got the name TAKE from being very good at racking from stores. Paint stores, dept stores, music stores. Looking like a nice Asian kid and dressing well made me invisible to most shop workers,” he said.

This transition period, where urban expression was heavily present, shaped TAKE. "From 7th to 9th grade [1986-1988], skateboard culture dominated much of my time, but the graffiti culture was steadily gaining momentum, and I was certain-

A retired writer anyomously interviewed poses in front of his friend's "DYE" piece behind J&S Auto shop in Santa Monica, Calif. on Monday, March 11.

Makaela Fujimoto by The Corsair)

Pieces on the back of J&S Auto Shop on Commonwealth Ave and Lincoln in Santa Monica, Calif. on Monday, March 11..

(Makaela

Corsair)

ly paying attention," said TAKE. Waking up for school started at 2 a.m. when he would go out tagging. Hours later, he’d head back home to get ready for school at 5 a.m.

In 1990, TAKE and his friend, AZ, associated with the crew CBS, went to “bomb” the 6th Street bridge in Downtown Los Angeles. As AZ CBS sprayed his signature, two motorcycle cops rolled up on them with sirens blaring and lights flashing. The adrenaline caused AZ, without hesitation, to jump over the side of the bridge, disappearing into the darkness. “AZ was nowhere to be found,” TAKE said. Leaving AZ behind, they drove back to the empty streets of Hollywood when a dark figure appeared out of nowhere, running near

the bridge. “It was AZ,” TAKE said. “He got in the car safe and sound. AZ was like a super-human back then.”

Heart Stopping Encounter

TRIXTER, an artist from Westwood in Rapid Fire Crew (RF), started writing in 1990, went to a party, decided to walk, and grabbed some paint. He walked a few blocks and caught some quick tags. He was running low on paint and began to head back, taking the back street to stay off the main road. While walking down the alley, catching his last tag, TRIXTER said, “BOOM!! Bright lights were blinding me from a cop car just a short distance down the alley. I froze like a deer in headlights.”

TRIXTER took off running in the direction they came from

and ran up to the party. Breathless and heart-pounding, he went to the bathroom and threw away his hat and shirt under the plastic trash bag.

When TRIXTER returned, he saw the cops looking for him. “I just grabbed a beer to try and play it off. The music stopped, and the room was tense,” he said. “After a while, they took some dude from the party who they thought fit my description. It was a close one.” It was a mere lucky escape but a thrilling experience for TRIXTER.

Weighing the risks

In 1988, CLAE began his journey into graffiti, but it wasn't until 1989 that he adopted his now-iconic name given to him by PHOE, his crew member.

PHOE BC KSN, an Asian graf-

Fujimoto of The

fiti artist, grew up with CLAE in the Blue Crew (BC) and affiliated himself with Kings Stop at Nothing (KSN). “I forged friendships and relationships through doing graffiti by joining a crew… I was super stoked to be a part of the ‘BC’ as they were a wellknown graffiti crew with some of the best graffiti artists and bombers,” PHOE said.

CLAE said, “They will always be my brothers. I’m affiliated with BLUE CREW, WEST COAST ARTIST, RAPID FIRE, UNDER THE INFLUENCE, and TOO BAD from LA. I’m also in some of the town crews too.”

Graffiti artists not only risk societal scrutiny but also their lives to embark on nocturnal escapades to throw up art that transcends boundaries, offer-

The back of The Great Western Steak and Hoogie Co. bombed by TRIXTER in Venice, Calif. on Monday, March 11. (Makaela Fujimoto by The Corsair)

Pieces on the back of J&S Auto Shop on Commonwealth Ave and Lincoln in Santa Monica, Calif. on Monday, March 11.

(Makaela Fujimoto of The Corsair)

"When it got bad at home, I’d just go out writing. Took my mind off everything,OOZE .

ing them liberation from the constraints of reality. For individuals like OOZE, graffiti becomes their happy place. "When it got bad at home, I’d just go out writing. Took my mind off everything," OOZE said.

PHOE said that being part of a crew, hanging out, sketching, racking (stealing graffiti supplies), bombing, destroying public property together, going to yards (a place where writers go to do illegal graffiti), and jacking (beating up other writers and taking their graffiti supplies, shoes, and money) formed unbreakable bonds.

“Just a bunch of unruly kids, having fun, doing whatever the hell we want to,”

said PHOE. The allure of the adrenaline rush drives these artists, offering an unparalleled sense of freedom. For the artists, the act of illegal graffiti is similar to a potent drug, providing a euphoric high that cannot be replicated.w

Dumpsters in the back of The Great Western Steak and Hoogie Co. covered in graffiti tags in a Venice, Calif. parking lot on Monday, March 11.

(Makaela Fujimoto by The Corsair)

Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways Kickoff

Karuna Namala | Cilture Editor

Gracie Brady | Corsair Contributing Writer

Spearheaded by Santa Monica College (SMC), 13 California Community Colleges (CCC) have partnered with AltaSea to create the Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) certification program.

On Friday, April 19, SMC hosted the official BECAP Conference and Kickoff at the AltaSea warehouses at the Los Angeles Port in San Pedro.

AltaSea is a company focused on creating an environment that fosters scientific collaboration, job creation, equity, and sustainability through the blue economy. The blue economy is a term used to describe economic advancement and opportunities centered around ocean and sea conservation and sustainable development.

Antonio College, Los Angeles Pierce College, Pasadena City College, and Rio Hondo College.

BECAP’s mission is to create a career-focused pathway and certificate for CCC students, leading them toward opportunities in the emerging blue economy field.

The conference was primarily filled by community college faculty, deans,

The panel was made up of four SMC students taking Intro to Aquaculture: Ariana Kidd, Sean Moulin-Cortes, Jennifer Cole, Max Riley, and one Santa Monica High School student, Justin Greene.

"It's time that we look for hope" - Jennifer Cole

BECAP is a collaboration between the following CCCs: Santa Monica College, Los Angeles Harbor College, West Los Angeles College, East Los Angeles College, Long Beach City College, Citrus College, Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles Mission College, Mt. San

and blue economy industry experts, including a few students who formed a panel.

Laura Rink conducted the student panel, SMC’s Introduction to Aquaculture professor, and Heal the Bay Aquarium's Associate Director of Operations.

All of the SMC students shared that after taking the class with Rink, they have become more interested in pursuing careers related to aquaculture or environmental activism. Cole, an Environmental Science major, was particularly inspired by the chance to make an active change, especially in a world where it feels like students have little control over making real change. “It’s time that we look for hope,” said Cole regarding the future of climate change.

Kidd, a Marine Biology and Sustainability major, is focused on community wellbeing just as much as she is focused on sustainability. “What can I do to not just feed myself better, but also feed my community better?” said Kidd,

Santa Monica College's Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Patricia Ramos, speaks at Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways Kick-Off on Friday, April 19 at the AltaSea warehouse in the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, Calif.

Photo By Gracie Brady (Contributing Photogra-

in regards to ethically sourcing food through the blue economy.

Student feedback, from both community college and high school students, is essential to progressing the blue economy’s presence in education according to Dr. Patricia Ramos, SMC’s Dean of Academic Affairs and member of AltaSea’s Board of Trustees. She wants the pathway to be relevant and useful for students.

Ramos and Dr. Steven Sedky, SMC’s Interim Associate Dean of Career Education, are at the forefront of SMC’s BECAP project. Ramos and Sedky have worked side by side for four years to implement the BECAP. Ramos hopes it will be a curriculum that inspires students to get into the work field as quickly as possible.

opportunity for students to work in the U.S. Department of Energy and Agriculture.

As much as BECAP will affect students, it is already affecting professors and faculty. A change in curriculum will change how professors teach their classes.

The fields most affected by the new curriculum are Ocean Technology, Ma-

certification will require: Aquaculture Microbiology, Genetics, and Larval Spawning and Rearing.

“My office supports the faculty in this development,” said Ramos.

Ferris Kawar, SMC’s Director of Sustainability, is one of the faculty members working closely with Ramos and Sedky.

"It starts today" - Dr. Patricia

According to Dr. Jade Clemons, AltaSea’s Director of the Blue Sustainability Economy Alliance, the blue economy’s core surrounds three main focus clusters: regenerative farming, renewable energy, and BlueTech (underwater robotics). Clemons said she wants this partnership between colleges and AltaSea to create lab space and internship opportunities for students invested in the field.

Ramos said she doesn’t want students to be limited to California jobs or jobs at AltaSea. She sees BECAP as an

rine Technology, Diving and Underwater Safety, Oceanography, Environmental Technology, Electro-Mechanical Technology, Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship, Welding Technology, Energy Systems Technology, Geographic Information Systems, and Alternative Fuels and Advanced Transportation Technology.

Faculty will have to adapt to the addition of three classes that the BECAP

Kawar said that the expansion of the blue economy will include the use of offshore wind farms, wave energy, and hydrogen energy from the ocean.

He hopes to see a general education credit for community colleges that aligns with BECAP ideals. He said this wouldn't be possible without the push of students wanting a climate change class.

According to Kawar, students will need to go to faculty and administrators in support of making a climate change general education class. The procedure would look similar to that of Ethnic Studies becoming a general education class.

“It starts today,” said Ramos, regarding the implementation of BECAP.

(L-R) Max Riley, student at SMC, Jennifer Cole, student at SMC, Justin Greene, student at Santa Monica Highschool, Ariana Kidd, student at SMC, and Sean Moulin-Cortes, student at SMC forming the student panel. Max answers a question from SMC Life Science Professor Laura Rink, not pictured, on Friday, April 19 at the AltaSea warehouse in the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, Calif.

Photo By Gracie Brady (Contributing Photographer)

Chicano Art featured at the California Heritage Museum

Pablo De La Rosa, guest curator at the California Heritage Museum, De La Rosa is the curator for the exhibition Arte Chicano Hecho En Los Angeles that is curently on view at the museum until June 4, 2024, Santa Monica, Calif.

Right: Emilia Cruz with her painting, that is in the exhibit Arte Chicano Hecho En Los Angeles that is currently showing at the California Heritage Museum, it is on view through June 2, 2024, a pop up with some of the artist was held Saturday April 6, 2024, Santa Monica, Calif.

Above:

Annabel Agustin | Staff Writer

Photos by Laurel Rahn

The California Heritage Museum hosted a pop-up exhibition featuring work from prominent figures in the Chicano art movement on April 6 in Santa Monica. Some featured artists were Abby Aceves and Emilia Cruz, among many others. The pop-up event was part of the museum’s larger art exhibit, “Arte Chicano: Hecho en Los Angeles,” open through June 2.

The Chicano Art Movement in Los Angeles was founded by artists Gilbert “Magu” Luhan, Gronk, Frank Romero, Carlos Almaraz, and Judy Baca, with the exhibit containing some of their work as well.

Pablo De La Rosa, one of the tour guides

who curated the show, spoke about the artistic contributions of these pioneers and the significance of cities, like Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, as a hub for Chicano artists during the 70s.

“We have tried to honor our founding fathers of the Chicano art movement, but also are embracing the next generation of artists,” De La Rosa said. The tour also highlighted the artist Frank Romero whose small rendition of his painting “Going to the 1984 Olympics” is featured in the exhibit, as well as another sculpture titled “LA Freeway”

also inspired by his 1984 Olympics painting.

"We have tried to honor our founding fathers of the Chicano art movement"

- Pablo De La Rosa

Glugio Nicandro, known as Gronk, has had artwork showcased at MoMA, and the Smithsonian. One of the many pieces of Gronk’s that is part of the exhibit includes one of his most famous works, “La Tormenta,” as well as the last artistic works he created before he passed, inspired by his original painting, “La Tormenta.”

As the tour ended, De La Rosa highlighted the new generation of Chicano artists, like Abby Aceves and Emilia Cruz, whose works have been featured at The Cheech

Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture of the Riverside Art Museum, and whom De La Rosa called “promising young artists.”

Cruz’s painting “Message Read” can be found in the exhibit. The piece is part of a larger collection titled “You’re Safe Here” that depicts her experiences during her adolescence.

The exhibit told a story of how Chicano art began and how it will continue with the next generation of artists. The exhibit demonstrated how past leaders in the Chicano art scene have inspired a new generation of Chicano artists who will continue to pass the torch on to the next.

Above: Richard Valdes with two of his paintings that are currently on view in the exhibition Arte Chicano Hecho En Los Angeles at the California Heritage Museum, Saturday April 6, 20204, Santa Monica, Calif.

SMC beach volleyball player Prior Borick follows the ball as Allison Horin dives to save the play during their match against Santa Barbara City College in Santa Monica Calif., on April 5th, 2024.

SMC Beach Volleyball Wraps Up

Despite a five-win season in 2023, the Santa Monica College (SMC) Beach Volleyball team entered the 2024 campaign with high expectations. The Corsairs were off to a hot start, going 5-2 against non-conferenc e opponents to begin their season. However, the Corsairs ran into a rough patch once they entered Western State Conference (WSC) play. The team went 1-1 on March 15, with a 4-1 win over the Bakersfield College Renegades, but fell to the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros (SBCC) 4-1. The Corsairs experienced a similar result the next week, toppling the Moorpark College Raiders 3-2, but were bested by the Ventura College Pirates 4-1. The Corsairs, unrelenting and undeterred, got back on track with a dominating 5-0 victory over the Glendale College Vaqueros and a 4-1 trouncing of the Cuesta College Cougars on March 29. The Corsairs rode that momentum into a highstakes rematch against the Vaqueros of SBCC on April 5, looking to avenge a 4-1 loss to SBCC, in which four of the five matches went to the all-important 3rd set. The Corsairs turned the tables on the Vaqueros, winning the rematch 4-1, keeping their conference title hopes alive. Sophia Vandenberg said, “We were out for revenge. Learning the things they do,

Jeremy Wolf | Sports Editor

Sara Mendez | Staff Writer

Freshmen Allison Horin and Prior Borick fought in their last winning set, putting The Corsairs ahead, 2-1. Horin, who is away from Seattle, said, “Just having teammates on the sideline far from home really helps.” Sophomore duo Maiella Riva and Sophia Odle also came up big for the Corsairs, beating the Vaqueros in an electrifying three-set match (2115, 21-23, 15-11).

Later that day, the Corsairs followed up the monumental victory over SBCC by defeating Glendale 4-1. The following week, the Corsairs handled Bakersfield and Cuesta, defeating both 4-1 and setting up a showdown for the conference crown against the Ventura Pirates and the Moorpark Raiders on Friday, April 18.

After making the 65mile trip north to Ventura Harbor, the Corsairs were

slated to face the Pirates at 9:00 a.m. and the Raiders at 11:00 a.m. As expected, the contest against the Pirates was highly competitive, with four of the five matches going all three sets. The fresh-

ence title with the 3-2 victory. The Corsairs fared little better against Moorpark, suffering a similar 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Raiders.

The pairs of Brock/Lewis

“We were out for revenge.”

- Sophia Vandenberg

men pairs of Prior Brock and Chloe Lewis, as well as Bridget Robarts and Zoe Horner, were both able to take down their opponents in three sets. The Pirates, however, would rally, winning the rest of the matches and sinking the Corsairs' hopes of a confer-

and Robarts/Horner were yet again the bright spots on a cloudy day for the Corsairs, coming up with both SMC wins. Robarts and Horner, who have known each other for 19 years, said that talking each other through their emotions, the ups and

downs has played a major factor in their success this season.

Though it was a disappointing end to a great regular season for the Corsairs, Head Coach Christian Cammayo said, “The overall perspective will take a little longer. Last year, we won five games, and to be in the running for a conference championship this year, in a loaded conference, is still [a] pretty good perspective.”

Despite coming up short of the conference crown, the Corsairs still have an outside shot at making the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs starting on April 30. In the meantime, the Corsairs turn their attention towards the WSC Pairs Tournament, taking place this Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, at their home court on Ocean Park Beach in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica College Women's Volleyball celebrates after the 2nd to last match, on April 5, 2024. The team defeats Santa Barbara Community College at

Photo by Sara Mendez

Nicole Lankton playing in her winning match against Santa Barbara City College on April 5 at Santa Monica Calif.

Photo By Luca Martinez

The Spread of Artificial Intelligence in Academia

New programs such as ChatGPT have SMC students and professors divided on their uses.

Karuna Namala | Culture Editor

Amber Guerrero | Multimedia Editor

Santa Monica College (SMC) is no exception to the spread of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it becomes more accessible to the public.

Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT) is one of these new advancements. It was introduced by OpenAI, an American-based research institute. ChatGPT, amongst other AI chatbots, allows for prompts and questions to be answered entirely by AI using their free version.

Professors at SMC are split on the use of AI large language models like ChatGPT in classrooms. Many professors have strict policies against using AI, while others use it themselves to create assignments.

Professor Tania Maync teaches U.S. history at SMC, although her specialty focus is European history. Maync is one of the former professors who has a strict policy in her class against using AI.

Maync's syllabus includes an AI and plagiarism policy that states that AI is not truly intelligent and cannot analyze the way people can.

“But also, as an educator,

I see a lot of ways in which [AI] can be used to subvert the main thing that I see as my job,” said Maync. “Which is to teach people to think for themselves.”

Maync wants her students to engage with and internalize the material instead of having AI do all the work. Although she acknowledged that it can be used ethically, she does not like how it guides students away from critical thinking and engagement.

Professor Lynn Dickinson is a Media and Journalism professor at SMC and the author of “The Writetress.” In addition, Dickinson is also the faculty advisor for the AI club.

Dickinson is one of the latter professors who encourage the use of AI as a tool that can be utilized to lessen the workload for professors. She also said that AI can create assignments that won’t have a coherent answer from chatbots.

“Right now, we’re in an awkward space where [AI is] just starting,” Dickinson said. “But I think education will be transformed into something more individual.”

One of the most debated topics concerning AI in aca-

demia is academic dishonesty. Programs like TurnItIn help detect plagiarism and AI use, but professors catch a lot of its misuse just by reading assignments.

Both professors spoke on the misuse of AI and how it is currently being used to get by easily. While Maync remains more skeptical of it, Dickinson is hopeful of its turn in the future.

According to a study by The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (JIDC), ChatGPT consistently pumped out seemingly accurate responses and essays.

However, upon closer examination, it was found that the sources used by AI were inaccessible. Most of the references cited by ChatGPT were completely fake, generated by the chatbot to seem real. This tactic allowed the chatbots to pass plagiarism checks with flying colors despite the inaccuracy.

Due to this, the study concluded that ChatGPT should not be used in scientific or research writing. This survey showed the easy misuse of AI and how it can spread misinformation unintentionally.

Both Maync and Dickin-

“Instead of it, or banning how we

son said that regulation around the emergence of chatbots lacking, but they are sure it evolve.

of avoiding it, canceling banning it, we should just ask we can adapt it,”- Agirtici.

around chatbots is it will Dogac Agirtici, a computer science major at SMC, is the founder and president of the college’s AI Club.

“Instead of avoiding it, canceling it, or banning it, we should just ask how we can adapt it,” said Agirtici.

As new accessible forms of AI emerge and update, AI will continue to be a hot topic in academia. While the debate on the academic use of AI is ongoing, one thing is

clear: it is already being used, leaving students and professors to wonder how and when it will be regulated and handled going forward.

Illustration by Karuna Namala