CORSAIR
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
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California Chrome on verge of making history
Amy Gaskin Corsair Contributor Jockey Victor Espinoza glides across the finish line atop California Chrome, winning the 139th Preakness Stakes at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the second jewel of the Triple Crown. Espinoza said, “It’s not easy. If it was easy a lot of horses would have won the Triple Crown, you know? Thirty-something years, it’s just crazy. It has to be a super horse to win that...he is the one who hopefully can do it.”
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Amy Gaskin Contributing Writer A Southern California horse from humble beginnings is on the verge of making horse racing history. California Chrome, the 3-year-old horse who currently trains at Los Alamitos Race Course, is one win away from the Triple Crown, horse racing’s most storied set of races which has not been won for 36 years. He won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the first two jewels in the Crown, in commanding fashion. In the four races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, he won by more than 25 lengths. On June 7, he will race for history at the Belmont Stakes in New York, the final race of the Triple Crown. According to some horse racing experts, Chrome has far outperformed his pedigree. Bred in California from an $8,000 claiming mare and a $2,500 stud fee, he has taken the world by storm. His owners, Steve and Carolyn Coburn, and Perry and Denise Martin, formed a partnership to breed their first horse. After buying the mare for $8,000 someone told them they were “dumb asses” to buy her. The men shook hands and called themselves “Dumb Ass Partners” They sought out expert trainers and found 77-year-old Art Sherman and his son Alan here in Southern California. A few weeks ago, Sherman became the oldest winning trainer in Kentucky Derby history and had last been to the Derby in 1955 as an exercise rider for the legendary horse, Swaps. “He’s my Swaps,” said Sherman one early morning at Los Alamitos Race Course, where the horse is training. Shortly after becoming California CALIF. CHROME continued on pg 6
PG 3
News
SMC honors memorial day
Health & Lifestyle
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Longest tenured prof. retires
Arts & Entertainment PG 9
X-Men goes back in time
Carlos Espinosa Corsair Students attend the UCSB Candlelight Vigil at UCLA on Monday in memory of the six students that were killed in Isla Vista on May 23, 2014.
UCSB shooting rampage Rachel Gianuario Staff Writer
On Friday night around 9:00 p.m., the Isla Vista community of Santa Barbara fell victim to the homicidal rampage of a shooter identified as Elliot Rodger, 22. The killing spree that stretched out to 10 locations began with the stabbing of three people in his home, and ended with the death of 6 students and 13 injured. Police found Rodger had died of a selfinflicted gunshot wound after being pulled out of his wrecked black BMW. Inside the car, police found three handguns, legally and locally purchased, and more than 400 rounds of unused ammunition. Beginning his spree with the stabbing of his three roommates, Roger took to the streets with his planned shooting rampage.
To address his “War on Women”, Rodger intended to, “Punish all females for the crime of depriving [him] of sex,” and began his rampage at the University of California, Santa Barbara Alpha Phi sorority. Though Rodger was unable to enter the sorority, members in the building witnessed him shoot three women walking nearby. Two of them, identified as 22-yearold Katherine Cooper and 19-year-old Veronika Weiss, members of the Tri Delta sorority, died from their injuries. Rodger then drove into downtown Isla Vista and entered a delicatessen, shooting and killing 20-year-old Christopher Martinez. Following the Embarcadero Street loop
Opinion
Requiem for a
PG 5
narcissist
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UCSB SHOOTING continued on pg 3
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2 contents
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Henry Crumblish····· Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. e d i t o r i n c h i e f @ g m a i l . c o m Elizabeth Moss·Digital Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. w e b e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m David Yapkowitz······Managing Editor c o rs a i r. m a n a g i n g @ g m a i l . c o m Ronja Jansz···········Health & Lifestyle c o rs a i r. l i f e s t y l e p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Alci Rengifo····· Arts & Entertainment c o rs a i r. c a l e n d a r p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Jonathan Ramos······· Opinion Editor c o rs a i r. o p i n i o n p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Trev Angone·············· Sports Editor c o rs a i r. s p o r t s p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Jimmy Janszen············· Photo Editor Rachel Porter············· Photo Editor c o rs a i r p h o t o e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m David Veta················Design Editor c o rs a i r. d e s i g n t e a m @ g m a i l . c o m Jhosef Hern····················Illustrator c o rs a i r c a r t o o n @ g m a i l . c o m c o r s a i r s ta f f Brandon Barsugli, Scott Bixler, Cesar Clarke, Amalia Darin, My’sson Downs, Mia Duncans, Elin Ekdahl, Paulina Eriksson, Carlos Espinosa, Walter Flores, Rachel Gianuario, Qalil Ismail, Sarit Kashanian, Nick Kovalenko, Aaron Leaureaux, Juan Lopez, Malin Lord, Jazmin Martinez, Christophor McGovern, Delmy Moran, Adrien Piteux, Liz Phillips, James Powel, Patrick Shanley FA C U LT Y A D V I S O R S S a u l Ru b i n & Gerard Burkhart AD INQUIRIES: c o rsai r. admana g er@g m ai l . co m (3 1 0 ) 4 3 4 - 4 0 3 3
Liz Phillips Corsair
A campus patron plays with a football on the fountain quad in front of the library yesterday afternoon.
Photographer from cover and photostory.
Amy Gaskin has been a staff photographer and contributor to the Corsair for several semesters. Her work has won numerous awards, including Student Photographer of the Year (PPAGLA) twice, and first place awards in State Competitions. Her photographs have been selected by curators of the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for the American Photographic Artists exhibitions.In addition to the Corsair, her images have been published by The Washington Post, The Guardian and LA Weekly newspapers. She began covering horse racing back in December, 2013 and chose a horse and trainer to feature who, at the time, were not well-known. That horse was California Chrome, who has since gone on to make history.
Letter from the Editor Jonathan Ramos Opinion Editor Being a reporter can be very polarizing. Facts and figures are the bread and butter and if a reporter gets even the slightest of facts wrong, he or she may be subjected to a world of backlash. Opinion writing can be just as, if not more sensitive; especially at the publication of a community college. At times, you will be the voice of the students. Other times, you will find yourself siding with the administration on issues where you feel students are at fault. On a week to week basis, a writer must be able to choose an argument to write about and decide which side he or she migrates toward. Throughout this semester I, as well as the writers who contribute to my section, have received a heavy set of criticism from the student government, the students themselves, and a surprisingly large amount of hostility from certain faculty. And while for some, the criticisms may seem overwhelming, it is my job, and any other writer’s job, to embrace the backlash, as if it were more of a friend than a foe. A college publication’s job is to produce stories newsworthy and compelling enough for students of the school to want to read. Of course, each student was raised with a certain set of beliefs and principles, so it is to be expected that not every student will agree with each other or the writers producing the content. But a writer’s job, despite what many may wish or think, is not to be a cheerleading
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section. It is not to paint people in a good light or a bad light. A writer’s job is not to set his or her sights on a bias and run with it. Any writer who does, is not being true to him or herself and is not being true to journalism. I, as an opinion editor, can praise Santa Monica College on it’s clubs and resources provided to students looking achieve their lifelong goals, but I can just as easily condemn the college for it’s dismissal of music life on the quad. A writer does not, and should not, have loyalty to anyone or anything but his or her own work. At any given moment, I have it in my right to change or modify my opinion on any topic. As a reporter, my duty is to report facts, but as an opinion writer, my only obligation is honesty; to myself and to those who read the news. Growing up with a bit of an ego, I understand the value in a good reputation. But I have worked very hard to maintain my reputation, though not being immune to mistakes along the way. We all make mistakes, but it is our responsibility to learn from those mistakes as well as to be aware of those who will shine a light on them. In truth, my job is to shine that light. On the good things and the bad. I am on no one’s side. I am simply a voice, speaking out on the things that surround me. I am a writer.
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volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
UCSB shooting cont. from cover through downtown, Rodger fired at two people on the sidewalk from his vehicle and then moved on to Del Playa Drive. He fired additional rounds at women walking down the street before hitting a bicyclist with his vehicle. Rodger continued his spree down neighboring streets, shooting at and hitting four other people. It was at this point that police managed to come into contact with the racing BMW and returned fire at Rodger, where it was believed he sustained a gunshot wound to the hip. A student at Santa Barbara City College, Rodger previously posted various videos promising a “Day of Retribution”. Since his rampage and discovery of his videos, police uncovered a disturbing manifesto entitled “My Twisted World,” detailing
his plans to exact revenge on women and humanity as a whole. For Santa Monica College students, this shooting comes as a chilling reminder of the shooting that ravaged their campus just shy of a year ago. On June 7, 2013, five people were shot and killed by the gunman identified as 23-year-old John Zawahri. Student Ana Melo, was present in the library at the time of the shooting. She recalls hearing loud popping noises that sounded like one of the bookcases falling over. A friend she was studying with got up to see what was happening and told Melo that there was a man with a gun in the library. She recalls racing with a huge crowd to the nearest emergency exist. Panic ensued when it was discovered that the door was
locked. Finding another exit, Melo was able to escape the scene and safely make her way off campus. “It was an incredibly eye-opening experience. It really made me look over my shoulder,” says Melo. A newly admitted student at UCSB, Melo couldn’t believe this was happening again, and to a community she had just become apart of. “It was hard to believe this was happening again, but that’s just it, this kind of thing can happen anywhere,” she says. Though she was rattled when a friend told her about the UCSB shooting, Melo understood she wasn’t in any imminent danger and expects the school’s security will most likely be heavily increased.
Another SMC student recently admitted into UCSB, Avi Khanian, was also rattled by the shocking events of last Friday night. Khanian was supposed to be in Santa Barbara on Friday to speak with counselors and tour the school with his father. Lucky for Khanian, he missed a lab quiz for his chemistry class and had to stay and cancel his trip to make up the work. He was also not on campus during the SMC shooting last year. “For some reason luck is on my side,” he says. UCSB students held a memorial “Day of Mourning and Reflection” on Monday and Tuesday to honor the students killed and injured in the rampage, the families affected, and the wounded community as a whole.
Carlos Espinosa Corsair Students attended to UCSB Candlelight Vigil at UCLA on Monday in memory of the six students that were killed in Isla Vista on May 23, 2014.
SMC Memorial Day ceremony James Powel Staff Writer On a grey morning on Santa Monica College’s main campus, the American flag stood still under the clock tower. The people who fought for it gathered in front of it. SMC honored the veterans who attended last Thursday’s ceremony, in advance of Memorial Day. The event recognized the sacrifices the veterans and families of those who attend SMC, made while serving overseas. Organized by the SMC Student Veteran Association and Veteran Resources Center, featured Marine veteran, Corporal Kionte Storey Storey lost his right leg after stepping on an improvised explosive device while clearing a home in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning to the United States, Storey battled Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder until being introduced to his service dog Koja. “Before I got him[Koja], I couldn’t go out in public and actually interact with people like we are now. He’s my best friend honestly and I couldn’t see living a day without him at this point,” Storey said. One year ago, Storey climbed Mount Vinson, the highest mountain in Antarctica.
He now competes in the 100 and 200 meter dash, training to compete for a spot in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as training service dogs. “Being able to be here in front of all of these vets, it’s an honor honestly. That being said, to give recognition to those who fought and served for our country, who fought along side of us as well, our brothers and sisters who are still out there fighting,” Storey said. “It’s definitely something that you have to take time and realize that we are blessed to be here, someone is making a sacrifice for the good we have right now and every other day.” For fellow Marine veteran Oscar Ertija, his service made him appreciate the simple things in life. “I am definitely glad to be home, definitely glad to be alive,” Ertija said. “If anything it was an experience that made me appreciate this, made me appreciate the beach and just the simple things.” SMC Student Chioma Ojini performed “The Star Spangled Banner” and became choked up for a moment during her performance. Though Army Reserve veteran and SMC Communications Professor Nate Brown was scheduled to perform “Taps,” he was unable to attend and a recording was played in his stead.
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Mia Duncans Corsair From Veterans to SMC students and faculty, many came together on Thursday, May 22 at the Clock Tower on SMC’s main campus for a Memorial Day event during the Student Activity Hour to listen and share stories of their time in the service.
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volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
ALAS commemorates women and mothers Juan Lopez Staff Writer Strong Latina role models are found in the likes of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, philanthropist and singersongwriter Shakira, activist Dolores Huerta, and according to the event held on the quad by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), our mothers. The event was meant to highlight and celebrate strong Latina women however, many of the speakers and coordinators ended up praising the role of women as mothers. ALAS President Cynthia Ramirez said the event was originally intentioned as a Mother’s Day celebration and with delays, expanded the focus. “We actually wanted to do it for Mother’s Day because we forget how those women empower our lives,” said Ramirez. Guest speaker Miriam Burbano, cofounded the Los Angeles Leadership Academy, a charter school system serving impoverished areas of Los Angeles. Burbano, promoted women in politics, encouraged women to pursue passions, as
well as network, citing it as one of the best resources students can learn in school and involvement. “I think it is important to celebrate everything else that women do in society,” said Burbano. “All of us are unique, we are the only ones who hold our truth.” Adelante Program leader Maria Martinez is a first generation American, and she shared how often she would face an uphill battle for support in her career path. She told an anecdote about her father’s lack of support growing up, and how when she decided to become a single mother after finding her career, her father supported her decision after realizing that she could take care of herself and her child. In keeping with the unofficial theme, Martinez said, “There are many Latina women out there that could be my role models, but for me, my inpiration is my mother.” Emmanuel Huerta, an Adelante student who listened from the crowd said, “It’s amazing how far these women have gotten with such hardships. I have even greater respect now, knowing what they had to go through.”
AGS Bone Marrow Drive Sarit Kashanian Staff Writer Volunteers from Santa Monica College’s Alpha Gamma Sigma honors society teamed up with Be the Match Marrow Registry on Tuesday to gather potential donors for blood cancer patients. According to Community Outreach Specialist Janet Higgins, Be the Match reached out to AGS to promote their registry and has worked with AGS for the past two to three years. “Each donor is a new chance at life and even a cure for blood cancer,” Higgins said. “It’s one of the things you do in life that you can never top again. This is something you tell your children about.” One of the AGS volunteers at the event, Veronica Oleynik, admitted that she was afraid of the prospect of donating, but that Higgins explained, “That it’s not that bad.” For those hesitant about donating, Higgins assures that 75 percent of procedures are nonsurgical, and in the 25 percent that are
surgical, the patient is put to sleep and feels only a slight soreness afterward. “Just a little of your time can save someone’s life,” Oleynik said. One of the students who came to sign up for the registry was Carlos Equivias, who shared that he has a cousin with kidney problems. “I know this event doesn’t have to do with kidneys, but I still want to help because it’s still helping save lives,” he said. People who sign up as donors will be on the registry until the age of 60, but only one in 500 people who do the cheek swab test go on to being a donor. “It’s very hard for patients to find an exact match. Your genetic markers on your DNA need to be a perfect match or donor,” Higgins said. Higgins has been on the registry for years and has never been matched as a donor. “If you’re ever lucky enough to be a donor, it’s one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have in your life,” Higgins said.
Juan Lopez Corsair Member of Santa Monica College’s Latin American Students (ALAS) Johnny Gabriel Rodriguez at the club’s event honoring strong Latinas on the quad on May 27.
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Delmy Moran Corsair Janet Higgins from Be the Match Marrow Registry teamed up with volunteers of the SMC Alpha Gamma Sigma club to get possible donors for blood cancer patients on Tuesday May 27 at Santa Monica College.
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Opinion 5
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
Requiem for a narcissist
Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor Something is terribly wrong with individuals in our society. Almost a year after a gunman shattered the peace at Santa Monica College, Santa Barbara has now experienced its own tragedy through bloodshed at the hands of Elliot Rodger, a Santa Barbara City College student, who claimed to be incensed by the fact that women on campus would reject him for stale “alpha males.” The fact that at the age of 22, a college student would acquire weapons, kill six people, and leave behind a taped manifesto railing against women who would deny him sex, is a disturbing sign of the state of modern, American society. Since the shootings there has been a wide discussion in the media about mental health and gun laws. Both discussions are valid, but only to a point. A stroll down the Third Street Promenade of Santa Monica on any given night, can be a constant reminder of our state’s woeful disregard for the mentally ill. It is ridiculous how easily anyone can arm themselves as if guerrilla war were about to erupt in the Hollywood Hills. But pay very close attention to the language in the videos Rodger left behind. It is obvious he has serious, psychological issues and in fact, according to family and news reports, he did seek help and was interviewed by the police who deemed him as a non-threat. Yet, in him what we are seeing is the very perverse manifestation of a culture that has drowned itself in narcissism and selfishness. Rodger’s main gripe with society is that he can’t attract girls, or more specifically that none of them will offer themselves for sex. So angry is Rodger that during one video as he walks around a golf course, he mentions that, “It’s my last enjoyment in life, I can’t enjoy anything else, my life is so lonely and mundane. I have no friends, no
girlfriends, no love, no sex.” Rodger comes across as well-spoken and articulate, but also very pompous and egomaniacal. At one point he videotapes his reflection and comments on how “magnificent” he is. Inside his BMW he states the lack of female interest in him as “a problem I intend to rectify. I, in all my magnificence and power, will not let this fly.” He even chuckles like some B-movie villain.
If Rodger hadn’t acted out his fantasies and killed six people, much of his manifesto would simply play as farcical and ridiculous. But there’s a chilling way in which his declarations of, “I’m the perfect guy, the supreme gentleman,” resound after the bloody rampage. Ironically, he doesn’t make himself look any better than the “jerks” he condemns, by puffing himself up as a supreme being who will inflict vengeance on the women who refuse him. It’s not as if all of Rodger’s grievances are alien to the typical college student. Most guys have been rejected a few times by
different girls, and both men and women make unwise decisions when selecting their partners during their 20’s. Yes, at times looking for a date can turn into a Darwinian struggle. And appearance, more than anything, is the first trait men and women are attracted to. But such is life, something Rodger could not accept as he held himself superior to other men, basically calling it a crime that
bruised when women turned him down because the voices of our time raised him with the idea that you must want and sleep with a “hot blonde,” or life just isn’t fun. We should not only ask why Rodger committed his heinous act, or how it could have been prevented, but should also wonder what kind of culture even bred such a walking time bomb. In his videos Rodger isn’t just protesting his lack of girlfriends, he is essentially regurgitating what the culture fed into his brain: that college isn’t so much about growing your mind or finding your place but about getting laid, partying and joining the “in” crowds. Rodger specifically states that he’s never been accepted by the popular kids and now wishes to exact revenge. The question is why would he, or anyone, want to be with “the popular kids.” While, the young people in other countries like Bahrain or Greece might vent with violence over economic chaos, the tyranny of monarchs, or repression of the state, violence from people in the U.S often happens out of loneliness and the denial of physical gratification. Individuals have the right to live as they wish, and men and women have the right to date whom they wish. But Rodger is the latest, chilling spawn to go berserk over issues that are shocking in their simplicity. It’s as if he took way too seriously those frat guy movies or rap songs about “hoes” and “bling”, or the Ana Tapia Corsair Contributor magazine covers that stare at us women would not flock to him. from supermarket aisles, or romantic It is very telling that when Rodger speaks comedies where nice guys win over the about women, he does not speak about Hollywood bombshells. them as individuals but as mere sex objects. In a society where thinking is frowned He threatens to attack a sorority house and upon (look at how many colleges have kill the “blonde sluts” who he “desires”, slashed funding for their humanities never mentioning wanting a girl with for departments), creativity is seen as a road intelligence or personality. to poverty (the arts are not popular in the For Rodger, desire simply meant fleeting jobs listings), and even sex is turned into physical satisfaction with other women a cheap commodity, selfish little monsters whom he had probably never met or had like Rodger will continue to enact their a meaningful conversation with. Rodger fantasies and bring nothing but senseless viewed his victims as dehumanized, but the sorrow to others. reality is that popular conceptions did the He was a narcissist angry at a narcissistic dehumanizing for him. His sick ego was world.
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6 photostory
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
Assistant Trainer Alan Sherman, has his hat nibbled by California Chrome at the Sherman barn at the Los Alamitos Race Course shortly after a morning gallop in early April. Sherman began h to trainer. “Ever since I can remember, I dreamed of winning the Kentucky Derby. But to go into it with the favorite and then actually win it has been amazing,” Sherman said. “This horse didn’t breed him. This goes to show you never know what can happen in this game.”
Chrom the new
(left) Blinkers with the DAP logo representing the owners’ partnership called “Dumb Ass Partners” hang in Alan Sherman’s office.
Story and Photos by Amy Gaskin
CALIF. CHROME continued from cover
(right) Co-owner Steve Coburn speaks during Preakness week in Baltimore, Md. “We just hope that this horse is letting America know that the little guy can win,” said Coburn.
Jockey Victor Espinoza pulls ahead atop California Chrome in the San Felipe Stakes race in March, 2014 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. California Chrome went on to win by 7 ¼ lengths.
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Chrome’s trainer, Sherman received an email outlining the road to the Derby and every race he would need to win. He found it somewhat unbelievable, but now sees that it has all come true as the owners planned. A California-bred horse had not won the Kentucky Derby since 1962. Co-owner Steve Coburn explained that he had a dream, before California Chrome was born, about what he was going to look like and what he would do. His dream is coming true. “When I saw this baby when he was a day old, I told my wife, Carolyn, this horse is going to do something big. I don’t know what it is, but we’re going to stay in the game to make sure this colt gets to be the best that he can be,” Coburn said. Coburn’s commitment to the Southern Californian colt paid off. “I’ve been a firm believer in that ever since, and he’s not proven me wrong. This is a nice horse. He loves people. He loves what he does, and that’s why he’s America’s horse,” Coburn said. “In my opinion, this horse, what he’s doing for two guys that work their butts off every day just to put beans and bacon on the table, this horse has given everybody else out there the incentive to say, you know what? We can do it too. We just hope this horse is letting America know that the little guy can win.” Shortly after the San Felipe Stakes race in
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photostory 7
volume 107 issue 13 • may 28, 2014 • santa monica college
Groom Raul Rodriguez tends to California Chrome in his stall. Rodriguez is always with the horse and sleeps in the barn to tend to all of his needs. He takes special care of Chrome’s hooves, which are especially important in racing.
his career as a jockey, later moving t cost a ton of money to buy him or
me is w gold March, the partners were offered $6 million for a 51 percent ownership in the horse which likely would have meant changing trainers. But their dream was not for sale. Coburn’s answer? Not only no, but “hell no.” “The offer we got for this horse was from somebody who never put on a pair of boots to go to work,” Coburn said. “And to me that was kind of an insult. Somebody who’s got that much money who thinks they can step in and buy people who have worked so hard to get to this point, to me that was a slap in the face.” This quest has been a thrill for all of California Chrome’s connections including exercise rider Willie Delgado. “This is everybody’s dream, you know? He’s an amazing horse. I got lucky,” Delgado said. “You come into the track with a dream that someday, somehow you’ll get to the Derby whether you’re a jockey, hotwalker, groom, trainer, owner, whatever and for me, to get out there and not only get on this horse, have them (the trainers) trust me with this horse and bring me on this amazing dream. Just thinking about it now I’m getting a knot in my throat.” Back in early April, a reporter asked Sherman what was on his bucket list of things to do. He lightheartedly answered, “Winning the Triple Crown.” A week from Saturday, his wish just might come true. -See full photo galley at thecorsaironline.com
Jockey Victor Espinoza celebrates following his first win on California Chrome in the King Glorious Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park Racetrack on December 22, 2013. This was the first win of California Chrome’s six race winning streak. “We came out well and he just took me around. I didn’t have to do much. I just moved my hands a little bit at the half mile and I felt the power,” said Espinoza.
Exercise rider Willie Delgado rides California Chrome at the Los Alamitos Race Course. Delgado rides California Chrome nearly every day and has been involved in racing nearly 30 years.
Art Sherman, 77, leans over the rail to watch his horses train in the early April morning at Los Alamitos Race Course. “I’ve never won at million dollar races. I was always kind of a claimant type of trainer. Now I’m up there with all the big boys, and I’m saying, ’wow.’ It’s just an honor being blessed to have a horse like him. A Triple Crown winner, if you had said that to me at the beginning of the year, I would have said, ‘Are you crazy?’ Now that I’m getting closer, I’m elated, really big time.”
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& Entertainment 8 Arts
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
SMC’s “Solidarity” screened at Cannes Festival Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor As most of France prepared for the European Union elections, others gathered by the glistening shore of the Riviera for the 67th annual Cannes Film Festival. Cannes is the world’s most famous and notable gathering of the cinema world. It was there that classics like “Apocalypse Now” and “E.T.” made their thunderous premieres. This year the festival featured a special addition, the first ever screening of a short film produced by Santa Monica College’s Film 33 class and directed by SMC student Dustin Brown. The short film titled “Solidarity,” which tells the story of two immigrants, a Lithuanian butcher (played by former SMC student Mantas Valantiejus) and Mexican sweatshop worker (played by renowned Mexican actress Elpidia Carrillo), surviving in modern, urban Los Angeles, was completed in 2012 as the first film ever filmed by the class. Led by SMC Professor Salvador Carrasco, the class immerses students in the filmmaking process. The film has been screened at various film festivals such as BAFTA, and has secured a string of awards along the way. For Cannes, “Solidarity” was invited to participate in the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase. This is a competition at the festival which features only 10 to 15 selected films which are a combination of student films and films from emerging, first time directors. For SMC it is a sign of the international potential of the films being produced by its crop of talented students. “It was a wonderful experience being able to attend the Cannes Film Festival,” said Brown upon returning from Cannes. Brown described an atmosphere of full regalia at Cannes. “It is a very beautiful city, very fancy. All the people there dressed their best, not only in the screenings and festival areas but even out on the streets walking around,” he said. The act of watching a film in the country that gave the world Jean Luc Godard, Francois Truffaut and the French New Wave was an immersive experience as well. “One thing I love about the French is how much they love cinema. Being able to attend the premiere of Ken Loach’s film ‘Jimmy’s Hall’ in a huge auditorium and seeing how the audience reacted was almost like attending a rock concert,” Brown said. “After it was over, everyone stood up and
Courtesy of Dustin Brown Former SMC student and filmmaker Dustin Brown at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Brown’s short film, “Solidarity,” which was produced by SMC”s Film 33 production class, was selected for screening at what is the world’s most prestigious film festival.
clapped in unison with the music.” Cannes is closely followed all over the world by film aficionados in particular because not only are major titles premiered, but it is also a gathering of the industry itself from directors and stars to producers and distributors. Brown’s name was listed as a director along with such titans as David Cronenberg and Ken Loach. This year the red carpet featured the arrival of stars like Nicole Kidman (who starred in the disastrouslyreceived “Grace Of Monaco”). “It’s a market to buy and sell films, to network with companies. It has the pavilions area where many country’s film industries are represented from around the world, and every restaurant, hotel, bar, party, is related to the festival and film industry,” Brown said. Brown emphasized that it could be difficult for aspiring filmmakers to have their work recognized. “It is also very difficult in terms of how the industry works. A lot of people are there strictly for the market, to buy and sell films, and not to watch films. They are looking
for certain types of films and specific genres and there are so many people it can be difficult to get noticed,” he said. The screening itself of “Solidarity” was a moment Brown will not soon forget. It was screened on a pavilion that overlooked the Riviera, followed by a Q&A session and a reception. Brown’s parents, who were traveling at the time in Barcelona, Spain, also made the trip to attend the screening. “That was probably my best memory from the trip, to be able to share it with them and the other cast and crew members,” Brown said. Also joining Brown for the trip was Gintare Bandinskaite, the film’s production designer and his girlfriend of seven years. Together they were swept into the bustling, break neck-paced atmosphere of Cannes. “Being able to share that experience together was a beautiful thing. We were so busy at the festival with events, screenings, parties, and meetings; it was hard to see much of the rest of the city. We did get to eat at some great French restaurants though,” Brown said. Brown was able to catch a few screenings
by notable directors including “Coming Home” by China’s Zhang Yimou, which Brown described as deeply moving, and the premiere of “Jimmy’s Hall,” the latest from England’s Ken Loach. “I like how all of the films I’ve seen by him feature strong social justice issues,” Brown said. He was also able to attend a special work in progress screening of an upcoming adaptation of the classic book “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. The event was presented by the film’s producer, actress Salma Hayek and in attendance was director Alfonso Cuaron, who recently won the Best Director Oscar for “Gravity.” Now that he’s back in the United States, Brown is refocusing on continuing to get “Solidarity” noticed and work on future projects. But reaching the pinnacle of the film festival world is essential for an aspiring auteur. “You have to make an effort to meet people and promote yourself and your film,” Brown said. “It can be difficult and awkward, but it’s really the best way to put yourself out there.”
Applied Music concert showcases shining talents James Powel Staff Writer A violist was missing from the Broad Stage on Friday night. When the ensemble that was set to perform “Tide Pools” by Louis Stephenson stepped on to the stage, violist Gracie McAleer was not among them. McAleer, in dramatic fashion, walked onto the stage a few minutes later, receiving a warm welcome from her waiting audience. She drew a few chuckles when another student hurried after her to give her sheet music she forgot backstage. McAleer was one of many Santa Monica College students who performed in the Applied Music Benefit Concert last Friday. Held each semester, the event showcases
some of SMC’s top student musicians. The concert featured 23 student performers as well as four original compositions from students including the aforementioned “Tide Pools” and the closing number “Rhapsody for Violin, Cello, Clarinets and Piano” by pianist Taylor Bredberg. “Bredberg, the composer, is amazing and that piece is a monster. Since I got my bass clarinet, I’ve been bugging him to write a piece for me, write a piece for me,” clarinetist Julian Yapkowitz said. Each of the Applied Music students received a scholarship which will help them pursue their academic careers at the schools of their choice. Some of the performers knew where they are going with the money and had an
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idea of where in the music industry they would like to find themselves. Yapkowitz is transferring to California State University, Northridge and wants to find, “A steady job in an orchestra.” Others, like vocalist Nina Cremer, just want to be able to continue their craft. “I don’t have a specific school set out to transfer to. If I stay here then I’d like to consider USC and UCLA,” Cremer said. “I just want to perform.” While the performers had mixed ideas about their futures in the music industry, drummer Cameron Erickson took a more existential view. “With music it’s not about following the built lines in life, but exploring your own way,” Erickson said. One of the highlights of the night was
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vocalist Hongling Yin’s rendition of “I’m Old Fahsioned.” The jazz vocalist did not force herself onto the song, but was not afraid to dance with the tune when necessary. Also of note was the choral performance of “Bring Us, O Lord God.” The chilling arrangement of poet John Donne’s Elizibethian prayer by Louis Deruddere, relying heavily on rounds and staccato pacing, brought the hymn to life. For SMC music department chair Dr. James Martin, the show was a showcase of the talent in the school. “It shows that we’ve got a lot of young musicians who are growing up to be somebody,” Martin said.
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volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
Arts & Entertainment 9
X-Men goes back to the future Rachel Gianuario Staff Writer
being featured are Jackman, whose muscles clenched like someone on steroids, and Lawrence, whose constant Academy Award spotlight has projected her to Hollywood royalty. Though the plot revolves around Lawrence, it is clear that Jackman is truly the face of the X-Men and, for better or worse, has agreed to another Wolverine spin-off as well as “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016). Singer did an excellent job of defining the past and the present in film style, using sharper imaging and digital cameras in the future and an old-time news footage film style to stress the 1970s time period. Though the film didn’t rely heavily on special effects, there were some incredible
To continue the audience’s love affair with Jackman, they rewrote the character for Wolverine. Pryde was also given the telepathic timewarping powers original to Phoenix, who was killed in the previous X-Men movie, though it was never explained how she got these secondary powers. In the comics, the sentinels are actually these three-story-tall, flying, pink and purple monstrosities that track down mutants based on DNA alone. That certainly wouldn’t sell on a movie poster in the way the sleek and regal killing machines from “Days of Future Past” could. Dr. Trask replaced Senator Robert Kelly in the comic books as the sentinel inventor. If you recall from X-Men 2, he was the
In comparison to the Marvel “Winter Soldier” counterpart released in April, the ensemble to “Days of Future Past” is a massive hand of excellent cards.
Jhosef Hern Corsair
The ultimate X-Men ensemble is back again to fight the same war of survival, but this time across two time periods. In one dimension, the actions of the past have wrought the chaos and violent end of the mutant existence in the future. The past holds the key to saving the mutant species and creating a sustainable harmony and peace between humans and mutants. In a nutshell, its basically “Back to the Future” meets X-Men. In a dystopian future where sentinels hunt mutants and humans are enslaved, a group of mutants fiddle around with time travel through consciousness in order to change key moments in the past. So they can’t actually time travel, but they can send back the consciousness of the future Wolverine to the old Wolverine so he can find Professor Xavier and Magneto in the 1970s to convince them that old versions of them sent him from the future to bring them together to stop Mystique from ruining the mutant world in one foul swoop….I think that’s right? Whether it was by consciousness, sorcery or actual time travel super powers, the reality of X-Men’s newest addition raked in $111 million domestically for the first four days it premiered in theaters. According to CNN Entertainment, the film now ranks fifth among the top Memorial Day weekend openings of all time. The film came in $10 million behind 2006’s “X-Men: Last Stand”. Confusing time travel notions aside, the most recent of the X-Men film series presents a somewhat coherent plot, tremendous cast and thrilling movie of what could have easily been a total bomb. Though, this seemed impossible to fans
when it was confirmed Bryan Singer, excellent at directing thriller-ensemble movies (“X-Men 2”, “X-Men: First Class” to name two), would be brought back on the set to make the newest edition of the series a juggernaut smash. In comparison to the Marvel “Winter Soldier” counterpart released in April, the ensemble to “Days of Future Past” is a massive hand of excellent cards. The film features the old X-men gang, including Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Halle Berry and Ellen Page and mixes them with the “First Class” team, including James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicholas Hoult who play younger versions of our favorite mutants. To compare with “Winter Soldier”, X-Men is a revisionist political thriller that combines political figures with mutants. Its apparent the American population is still content to kick around tricky Dick as Mark Camacho hilariously plays the 37th president before his impeachment in the Watergate scandals. And J.F.K. was assassinated because he was a mutant? I knew it. There were also outstanding performances from some new faces, including Peter Dinklage, possibly one of the most well known little people actors in Hollywood, as the sentinel creator, Dr. Bolivar Trask. Evan Peters played the mischievous Quicksilver, whose super speed sequence through a field of bullets paired with Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle” stole the whole show. The entire sequence is a masterwork of digital effects as Peters grabs still bullets in the air and changes their positions. It is evident though that the two characters
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set pieces used, most of them were given away in the trailer, however. While there seem to be some plot moments that are inconsistent in other X-Men films, these can be looked over by the X-Men geeks of the world who felt most of these inconsistencies were brought about by inane studio write-ins anyways. Such as Stewart’s character, Professor Xavier, being there in the first place. Did he die in the third movie? Yes. Singer is telling us to overlook it. He shouldn’t have died to begin with. X-Men geeks of the nation have much to gripe about as far as the plot. In the 1981 comic, its Kitty Pryde, played by Ellen Page, that sends her consciousness back in time to reach Professor X and Magneto.
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senator, played by Bruce Davidson, who pushed the Mutant Registration Act as a form of anti-mutant legislation. He could have continued on as this character, however he was turned into a jellyfish and exploded. Of course in the end, much like the consequences of the “Back to the Future” film series, the past is completely rewritten. While it’s a new and improved future, the audience member also has to realize that the awesomeness and epic world presented by the previous three films didn’t actually happen. I suppose this just makes way for more X-Men movies, and after this Singer masterpiece, and who could argue with that?
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& Lifestyle 10 Health
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
Hope Center reaches for mental wellness Juan Lopez Staff Writer For many students, dealing with mental health issues can seem daunting, causing them to forgo treatment and in some cases it can lead to them harming themselves or others. With a graffiti inspired wall open for all students to write their feelings, and a wall of postcards decorated with secrets ranging from “While I was kissing you, I was thinking of him” to “I have wanted to die many x before,” the Alive! Mental Health Fair brought awareness of mental health issues to the Santa Monica College quad on Tuesday during Mental Health Awareness month. Student David Carillo was one of the many who stopped to not only read others’ thoughts and confessions, but also interact and add his own. With the recent Santa Barbara mass shooting, the urgency of discussing the pressing issue of mental health has once again made its way to the forefront of national dialogue. “Considering the events that happened a few days ago, I think it’s a good opportunity for people to express what they’re feeling,” said Carillo. Reese Butler, founder of the 1-800-SUICIDE hotline, was on hand from the Kristin Brooks Hope Center to provide information to students on warning signs, risk factors, when a friend may be suicidal, how to ask questions, how to persuade someone to get help, and where to get help. Butler described the event as a low threshold entry to mental wellness, getting people to actively think about their mental
well being through expression. “Most students don’t even know on campus they have free counseling,” said Butler. “It’s much easier for somebody to create a secret and stick it in the box than it is to go to the psychological department.” Also on hand from the organization was Zantika Ellis, who found out about the Hope Center through the non-profit movement “To Write Love on Her Arms,” which deals with providing hope to people dealing with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. “The help is there. They don’t know there’s resources, they don’t know there’s free counseling on their college campus,” said Ellis. “Students are always stressed out dealing with stuff going on at home, work, and everything else, there’s something available to help them get through that crisis.” Psychological Services Coordinator Sandra Lyons Rowe, Ph.D., says the SMC Psychological Services department sees students between 500-600 times per semester and adds that most of those students acquire services multiple times. The busiest time for these psychologists tends to be around midterms and finals. “Many students are under a lot of pressure to do well and if they don’t they might start to feel bad about themselves,” said Rowe. She cites acceptances and rejections from universities as a probable factor in the rise of students seeking help. In light of the shooting over Memorial Day weekend at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Rowe says it is too soon to know any impact their services will have from students seeking help on
Dennis Frisch: History of the history department Patrick Shanley Staff Writer In an office full of overflowing bookcases, Santa Monica College History Professor Dennis Frisch reclined behind his desk, nonchalantly regarding a stack of papers with sharp eyes behind his trademark thick-rimmed, tortoise-shell glasses. Frisch is retiring this year after teaching for 28 years at SMC. He arrived at SMC in 1981, originally working as an executive secretary and was instrumental in setting up the faculty administration office scheduling still used at the college to this day. “I feel like it’s a good time to step away. I believe I have accomplished all that I set out to. I am ready for the next generation to take the reins,” Frisch said. “Education is changing and I don’t like the direction it is heading. The trend is private sector business practices. The measuring of professors is based on number of students who graduate. Qualification is a tool, not an end in itself.” Frisch is one of the longest tenured professors at SMC. Born in San Francisco, Frisch earned his undergraduate degree in chinese history from San Diego State University. Afterwards he traveled to Hawaii to work on his postgraduate degree and spent time studying in Taiwan at the prestigious East/West Center. He had to return to the States due to the draft of the Vietnam War. “I was ready to go to Canada,” Frisch said. “I have a cousin who still lives there.” Frisch’s student status kept him from being drafted however, and he eventually received a Masters in chinese history from the University of California, Los Angeles, a subject he has had an immense interest in
since high school. “I remember taking a course that covered the Chinese Revolution of 1898, and it sparked a great interest in me,” Frisch said. After six years of teaching part-time, Frisch was finally offered a full-time teaching position at SMC, something he always yearned to do. “I always wanted to teach,” he said. “I loved the idea to be one of those people that really gets others interested in something.” Frisch created the East Asian history courses offered at SMC and has taught since 1986. He said his students achieve academic and professional success. “Many of my students have gone on to Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA,” Frisch said. “It’s the single thing I take away saying, ‘Yes, I’m proud.’” A few of Frisch’s former students have gone on to teach chinese history themselves. “He’s a very intelligent man,” said SMC History 25 student Kelly Kravchuk. “He’s funny and he relates to modern days a lot, even though it is a history class. It makes it easy for us students to understand the material.” Cooper Hathaway, who has taken Frisch for four courses over the span of two semesters, was sad to hear of the professor’s retirement. “He’s really willing to help his students. He’s always open for office hours and will sit down with you and help you understand anything you have questions on,” Hathaway said. As for his plans for retirement, Frisch is looking forward to some relaxation. “I’m looking forward to sleeping in,” he said. “Maybe after a few months of that I’ll spend some time on a beach somewhere.”
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that matter, but acknowledged a significant number of students that needed help in the fall semester following last year’s shooting here at SMC. Student Ethan De Cohen, read the confessional postcards on display at the event and felt like it was a great form of
expression
“This brings reality into the light,” said De Cohen. He pointed out how nobody knows what you’re going to write as an anonymous contributor to the wall, and how the display provides a look into others’
Delmy Moran Corsair A Santa Monica College student looks at the wall of postcards decorated with secrets
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Health & Lifestyle 11
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
Thoughts on mental health Photos and text
Ronja Jansz Health and Lifestlye Editor
Arjun Khullar
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. A group of Santa Monica College students offer their thoughts on the state of mental health locally, and statewide. Some have been informed on the issue while others have come face to face with the reality of mental illness in their workplaces and daily lives.
Faisal El Shabibi
Arjun Khullar shares that he has been diagnosed with ADHD and OCD but considers them to be false disorders. “If you look at other countries, everyone has some sort of ADHD or OCD but in this country we too quickly prescribe pills and it’s just a way to make money.” Khullar adds that there are mental health diseases that are “more valid,” but believes that less time should be spent classifying disorders and taking drugs for them. Instead, he hopes that more research is carried out concerning what causes the “so-called” disorders. Khullar explains that he, for example, practices his writing skills and rereads textbooks in order to get a better grasp of lecture material. “You can make the ‘disease’ work for you
Grecia Roboles Faisal El Shabibi is a Santa Monica College student originally from Saudi Arabia. He shares that he considers mental health services “beautiful and great,” and strongly believes that everyone should help those with mental health issues. He says that he sees a lot of people in need when walking on the streets and wishes that they had more services available; “They should live in nice places, someone should pay for them so that they can live their life successfully.” El Shabibi explains that the monarchy in Saudi Arabia has an extensive program available for individuals struggling with mental health issues. One of the services they offer is a salary. El Shabibi advocates that raising awareness about the topic will bring more organization in society and adds, “There are a lot of people with a lot of money so why don’t they pay for these people who need it?”
Mario Montiel
Grecia Roboles laments that mental health in California is overlooked. “If you look at our homeless population, they are highly mistreated and ignored and a lot of our homeless population have mental illness.”While working at Starbucks, she has noticed that the mentally impaired are ignored or stared at by customers. “A lot of people overlook them because they feel it’s easier,” says Roboles. The most important thing she feels is awareness about the fact that a mental illness is strictly an illness. She argues that the homeless are removed as citizens in our society, but they are just as much members as anyone else. Increasing outlets where homeless people can get help could drastically improve their standard of living. “I think it would help us progress in general. We lack a lot of things in our society and when we join together to better ourselves it’s a positive.”
Allison Stanley Allison Stanley feels very passionate about the topic of mental health. She has lost her best friend to suicide and wishes that people would more openly discuss related issues. She shares her belief that, “More people should be aware about the situation because they don’t realize how severe it is until it is too late. Until something drastic happens where the person takes their own life or they go and shoot up a school or something like that. It’s something that people don’t speak about because they’re too afraid to talk about it.” Stanley additionally adds that she strongly believes that communication at schools is key and that professors ought to address the issue of mental health in their classes.
A nursing major at Santa Monica College, Mario Montiel believes that the current treatment offered to mental health patients is not so well. Montiel shares that he has been to health centers where “[He’s] seen a lot of mistreatment.” During one occasion he witnessed nurses using harsh language against a patient wandering down a hallway at a hospital. “We need to be more patient with people who need mental healthcare. We need people who actually like to work there and not be there just for the money. We need to make people aware of what changes we can make to help people with mental health problems.” Education is key according to Montiel, for making individuals aware of the needs of the mentally impaired for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •
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12 sports
volume 107 issue 13 • May 28, 2014 • santa monica college
She comes from a land down under Trev angone Sports Editor Born in Thailand and raised in Australia, freshman tennis player Thanapha “Bess” Bencharongkul, first picked up a racquet at the age of nine. She has not taken the average path to Santa Monica College, but since arriving in Santa Monica, she has made the most of her time. In fact, her time in Santa Monica actually gave her the nudge she needed to get back on the tennis court. “I was just focused on studying. To be honest, I wasn’t planning on playing tennis here at all,” Bess said. “But I got here, and did a semester, and I was like hey, what else can I do here.” Bess could not have picked a better time to join the SMC tennis team. With returning players Jessica Goldbeck, Victoria Mamatova, and the addition of Mary Katherine Ashmore, the Lady Corsairs could not have had a better shot at the elusive state title. Although the Lady Corsairs entered the postseason undefeated, all it took was one mismatched opponent to end the team’s storybook run, as they lost to the Riverside City College Tigers in the first round. But despite the disappointing defeat, all Bess and her teammates could talk about was how pleased they were with each other and their performance on the season. “This season went really well, we won the WSC Championship, and went undefeated [in the regular season] and everyone just played really well,” said Bess. When asked about the uncharacteristic showing during the first round Bess responded, “I don’t know, it was just a bad day. Our hearts were set on going through to the next round.” One of the most noticeable characteristics of the Lady Corsairs tennis team is their team camaraderie. Yes, most sports teams are built on good relationships between teammates, but there’s just something different about this group of young women. A trait that even their coach picked up on. “I feel like there’s a really tight connection and bond between all the girls on the team. Even coach mentioned that we’re one of the tightest teams that he’s had,” said Bess. “He’s a great coach. When I first joined the team, I was really rusty, and I didn’t think he would pay as much attention to me as the number ones. But he just kept on trying
Mia Duncans Corsair Thanapha “Bess” Bencharongkul of the SMC Corsair Womens Tennis team enjoys time off the court on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 in the main quad at SMC.
to improve me, which is something I really value.” If Bess decides her profession will not include a tennis court and racquet in any way, back in Thailand her family runs a successful telecommunications empire. With her sights set on a business degree, Bess will find herself in a great position to
Brandon Barsugli Corsair Santa Monica College Corsairs Girls Tennis player Thanapha Bencharongkul returning the ball to opponent during a Corsairs match against Riverside College, Tuesday April 8, 2014 at Ocean Park, Santa Monica Calif.
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further the family business if she so chooses. “Telecommunications is pretty much the family business back in Thailand. My dream would to be a travel TV host, traveling, and eating. But in reality, I’ll probably just get into the family business,” said Bess.
“I do travel quite a bit with my family. We always go to Japan at the end of the year.” When Bess isn’t practicing her swing, or pursuing a degree in business, she can usually be found exploring the rich culinary scene right here in Los Angeles. A hobby that can be attributed to her world travels, where she honed her palate across numerous continents and countries. “I’m a big foodie, definitely love the Bazaar in LA. I do travel quite a bit with my family. We always go to Japan at the end of the year, that’s why I love Japanese food,” said Bess. “But one of my favorite restaurants is in Paris, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, that was definitely a highlight.” @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
After dining at world-renowned eateries such as Jose Andres’ Bazaar and Paris’ L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, it wouldn’t come as a surprise, if Bess had lost her taste for more simple fare. But ask her about some of her favorites, and she will shoot down those assumptions faster than you can say deep fried. “I do like fried food. I do like my fried chicken,” said Bess. “My favorite food from Thailand would be Som Tum, which is a green papaya salad. It’s like sweet, spicy, salty, it’s just a combo of everything.” After Bess satiates all the cravings she denied herself during the season, it will come time to decide if she will return to SMC for an encore season. Bess is still weighing her options, but says it depends on where she’s accepted. “I’m looking at Pepperdine, but they’re division one, and I’m like I don’t think so,” said Bess. “Club sounds fun though. As long as I still get to travel, and be part of a team.” Even if Bess decides to forgo competitive tennis at the next level, it is a relationship that will not be easily broken. Even Bess knows that her days playing tennis are not over by a long shot. “I’ll probably keep tennis in my life. I’m not ready to let go of it. It’ll definitely be a hobby,” said Bess. “I probably won’t be the next Sharapova, but…” It’s a breath of fresh air to see such a talented young athlete, still take the time to travel and enjoy life in the midst of her athletic prime. Once she has secured her degree, the opportunity to travel, and see the world may not be as feasible as it once was.
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