Ideas for last-minute Halloween costumes FEATURED, PAGE 5
The Collegian Th ian Issue 3 • Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 •
deltacollegian.net
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Students encouraged to take online course amid exemption delay
COVID AS AN OPPONENT
BY DAVID VICTOR
Athletes returned to competition with safety precautions a big part of stepping onto the mat
Editor-in-Chief
BY SANTINO MARTINEZ Staff Writer
W
e are in a very strange time right now. Yes, students are back on campus, but there’s been plenty of changes to come about in response to the pandemic. We wear masks. We fill out Covid-related questionnaires in each class. We wipe down desks. One aspect of college that has seen the ripple effects of Covid restrictions has been student sports. As happy as many of us are to be back on campus and competing again, it’s hard to ignore these changes. One sport in particular feeling these changes drastically is wrestling. As a wrestler, I have come across strong opponents and great challengers, but none of them compare to the global pandemic we’re experiencing. The coronavirus has been a mean opponent, yet still we’re back on the mat. As wrestlers, we are taught how to deal with adversity and overcome obstacles. As an indoor sport, the wrestling community was having some challenges as to how to hold our events and meets. The solution has been to withhold spectators from filling up school gyms. Consider the scenario on our end: there we are, in places once filled with people watching, cheering us on, instead now filled with silence. There’s a new mental challenge to being on the mat, looking up at the stands and not seeing the usual supporters. Wrestling is already an individual sport. The pandemic audience ravages have made us truly feel as though we are alone out there. It’s more than the crowds playing with our psyches though. Our partners can’t be on the sidelines unless they’re up next. This can be nerve-wracking. Student athletes are already faced with balancing full-time school loads, long practice hours, and jobs. It is challenging to not have that support system front and center. However, it’s also an opportunity to
See OPPONENT, page 8 Santino Martinez contemplates his next opponent. PHOTO BY ARIANA MALLERY
While fully vaccinated students won't encounter difficulties registering for Spring 2022 courses, students seeking to get approved exemptions are being encouraged to register for online Spring 2022 courses after the exemption form options for them were delayed. Delta College published exemptions forms on its website for employees to submit in late September. The student option wasn’t made available CAMPUS READY to students until Oct. Delta College has pub14, one day before lished new information the Oct. 15 deadline regarding mandated vacfor students and em- cines (including statistiployees to show proof cal data), contact tracing, of vaccination or ap- and Covid-19 testing on a new landing page on its proved exemptions. “Unfortunately it website. Visit deltacollege. for took more time than edu/campus-ready more information. expected for the process to go through legal review, which was a necessary step to launch the student exemptions,” Director of Communications and Outreach Alex Brietler said in an email response to The Collegian. Students who haven’t uploaded vaccination status or have an approved exemption by the deadline are subject to registration delays. While the Oct. 15 deadline has passed, the college assures registration is still open to all students regardless of vaccination status. Students are still be able to upload proof of vaccination or apply for an exemption. “We certainly understand that this can cause stress and anxiety as students are planning for spring registration. It’s important to remember that all students will be able to register for online classes regardless of their vaccination status,” said Brietler. Even though priority registration has already begun, students can still complete the vaccination/exemption process before the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester in January. Students wanting an exemption, however, are likely to face delays as the process is lengthy and approval is an uncertainty. “It could take up to 14 days for an exemption to be approved. Please be advised that making an exemption request is not a guarantee of approval, and the college reserves the right to request additional information,” said Breitler.
Contact tracing badges handed out to students BY SANTINO MARTINEZ Staff Writer
Delta College has implemented a new requirement for students and employees on campus as part of its ongoing rollout of Covid-19 safety measures. Students attending classes on campus are now required to wear Covid-19 -tracing badges while on campus. These badges are used to speed up the contact tracing process should someone become exposed or be diagnosed with Covid. Previous contact tracing was done manually.
“This is not a Delta College thing; this has been done all over the country,” said Delta College Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler. Using Bluetooth technology, the badges conduct an information technology process where it connects to nearby badges throughout the student’s time on campus, according to Breitler. This data is relevant in case a student makes close contact with a student or employee detected to have COVID. It has been made clear the badges aren’t used as a location tracking device whatsoever. The only information collected is the close contact
of other badges. Moreover, the badges are only active when on campus. They don’t work at any other location. On-campus students had an opportunity to pick up a contact-tracing badge and identification card during a four-day stint from Oct. 11 to Oct. 14 in Danner Hall. “The sooner we get people badges, the safer our campus will be,” said Breitler. “It’s new and different, but it’s important for the safety on campus.”
See BADGES, page 8
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2 OPINION 102221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/opinion
CHOOSE COSTUMES WISELY THIS HALLOWEEN Permission to stereotype, sexualize or culturally appropriate is not given on a single night of the year BY JASON DIEZ
H
Opinion Editor
alloween is a time to dress up in costumes and celebrate with loved ones and friends. A pinnacle day where everyone across the nation comes together to dress as a brand new, or just different, person. From sexy cardiac arrest nurses to officer pat-me-downs, how do we as individuals stand out from the rest? With new and upcoming movies being released, this surely brings new ideas to the playing field. However, when times are tough, it’s important to be aware of the type of outfits you all will be putting on. As per usual, it’s a sign to head to the Halloween store and gather a group of costumes to see some inspiration. These stores, which often find themselves in the carcusses of closed big boxes, are full of trinkets and embellished costumes to appeal to everyone and their fancy. They are also full of offensive dress-up garb that may make you more cringe, less scary. Think cultural appropriation. Think sexualization. In one aisle, a hat with dreadlocks tucked under a colorful top waits for someone who thinks it’s ironic and not insulting. Somewhere else in the store, the “Queen of the Tribe” is a blonde haired, blue eyed woman wearing 1950s Western garb with a Oregon Trail type wagon behind her tight-fitting ensemble that looks nothing like authentic native dress. These costumes aren’t just masks, wigs, or outfits, they are identities people are born with. For the costume wearer, it’s a single point in time. A night. For those of us who are being parodied, it’s the identity we are born with. It’s our internalized struggles pitted against us. It’s our cultural attire as a power struggle as we battle to find our inner voices. It’s the fight between understanding the fine line of internalized racism and fun. For us, we can’t conveniently take off the culture we were born with. So if you try to appropriate being a “Cholo” or doing blackface during a college party, you sweep the generational trauma under the rug. We see these costumes as our history, the struggles of our people who had to sacrifice millions of generations for a better living. It’s the millions of bloodshed that took us to find our place and accept who we are. For others, they can wrap it up in a plastic bag and call it day. They can be labeled as the most exotic or best dressed for that one Halloween night. For many of us People of Color, we can’t. We couldn’t hang our cultural identity when we were labeled as habitant for a virus or lynched and brutally tear-gassed for simply protesting for equal rights. We couldn’t hide our identities, when our homes were raided because we were “savages” and “barbaric.” We see it as a form of mockery when you wear cheaply made polyester outfits to represent us. While you’re getting praised for an attire that makes you standout, we’re out here discredited because we’re considered a distraction for the way we have our hair naturally or the way we cover our hair. To you, it’s a fun costume. To us, it’s so much more—and so much deeper. So while cultural appropriation makes headway through the Halloween season, it’s important to remember that these cultural attires are more than cheap and processed bamboo hats or even chemically enhanced face paint. It’s more than the mockery you call a “appreciation.” You’re generalizing our experiences. You’re viewing us as costumes rather than people.
@deltacollegian.net Is it time to re-evaluate the Top 100 movies of all time? Entertainment Editor Jahdai Spikes says yes. Read more at deltacollegian.net/opinion.
The Collegian The Collegian is the student newspaper of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif. The paper is published six times a semester. As a First Amendment newspaper we pride ourselves on a commitment to the students of Delta College while maintaining independence. We reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech.
The Collegian is a member of the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.
EDITORS DAVID VICTOR Editor in Chief
JASON DIEZ Opinion
JAHDAI SPIKES Entertainment
ARIANA MALLERY
STAFF JULIO BURGOS GRACIELA GABRIEL ALBERT GAMEZ ANI GUTIERREZ SANTINO MARTINEZ BRYAN RAMOS ALAN SOLORIO LEON
MULTIMEDIA TECH MATTHEW WILSON
ADVISER TARA CUSLIDGE-STAIANO
News
CONTACT US:
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shima 203/204, (209) 954-5156 or deltacollegian@gmail.com For information about advertising, letters to the editor and editorial standards visit deltacollegian.net
3 PHOTOGRAPHY 102221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net
CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Indigenous Peoples Day organized by Delta Art Professor Mario Moreno (below) displayed Indigenous heritage and traditions through various performances. The event featured Val Shadowhawk chanting and playing drums (bottom right) Lydia Macy, Gerald Arnett and Joseph Cabrera attended the event (Below). Moreno said Macy was influential in getting a recent board recognized land acknowledgment from Delta College. PHOTOS BY PHOTOGRAPHER ARIANA MALLERY
4 FEATURE 102221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature
Goleman Library reopens for fall BY ALBERT GAMEZ Staff Writer
Dr. Irving Goleman of Delta College’s Goleman Library believed that libraries were “sacred centers preserving wisdom,”according to the building’s history — and he couldn’t be more right. When the Delta College Library closed due to the pandemic, many students lost more than just a place to study — they lost a sacred space. Since 1973 the library has provided a space for students to reflect, absorb, organize, and immerse themselves in work. Without the availability of that space, student life lacked a crucial element. But students are not the only ones lacking this essential element, the staff feels this as well. As Librarian and Coordinator of Collection Development Dr. Josefina Gomez walked through the recently reopened library, she discussed the new additions Delta has been working on to encourage a more wholesome and healthy learning environment. What she really provided was insight into the depthful role the library plays here on campus. “In many ways the library is the heart of the campus. Whether you’re studying nursing, communications or math — the library is where you come to gather information on a wide range of subjects. But it’s not just information the library provides, it’s a service. We as librarians don’t come into this business with the expectation to be rich, we do it because we enjoy what we do.” Gomez said the library staff at Delta College is committed to providing students with anything they need to fulfill their educational endeavors. From recommending materials, learning how to cite information and even scouring through the various databases of information librarians collect and index. Librarians play a key role in
helping students develop research skills, she said. When the pandemic hit the staff had to work diligently to provide that same service to the best of their ability, and they did so with determination on their side. They began the program called Library Express where they utilized the technology available to them to provide many of the same services provided before the pandemic. Since materials weren’t available in person, the staff had to increase online content and develop larger databases with content for the variety of subjects Delta students may require. This meant scouring through an expansive amount of content to find relevant, and useful information from audio-visual materials to e-books. They had their work cut out for them but with the help of their dedication -- they prevailed. Now after a year and a half of working through the variety of obstacles that presented themselves the library staff is happy to be back, and with some notable additions. Some of the additions, like plexiglass and the self-attestation form (students can also use the RAVE app for a Covid screener), are in place to maintain a “Covid-free” environment. But the others are aimed at cultivating a better learning environment for students. Those previously familiar with the Delta library might notice the first floor no longer has carpet. It was removed to allow students working downstairs the freedom to snack while studying. And it was also done as preparation for the opening of the revamped Java Jitters cafe. The area directly to the right of the first floor will be dedicated to providing nourishment in the form of blended coffees and snacks for students studying on the first floor. Before these renovations, there was no food or drink allowed beyond a small portion of the
The Irving Goleman Library reopens after the pandemic forced its closure in 2020. PHOTO BY JAHDAI SPIKES
library but now students can take their sustenance to any area of the library without carpet. “I’m definitely looking forward to being able to munch downstairs, most of the time I’ll take my food to an area of the courtyard. I think being able to eat while studying will bring more people to the library for sure,” states Delta Student, Pedro Flores. There is also a plan to integrate a new version of a student ID that would act as an all-in-one card. This new card would be your library card, print card, financial aid card and will even serve as a bus pass that allows Delta students to ride the RTD transit for free. Instructional Support Assistant- Renee Olson, noted a significant change in operation in the library hours, before
the pandemic the location was open an average of 60 hours a week but now it is down to about 24 hours a week. Although there’s no timeline in place for some additions or hours of operation, hopes are aimed at next year. Hope has been a hallmark of this entire pandemic — without a safety net to fall back on; students and staff alike have utilized hope to maintain resilience. But as the heart of campus begins to beat again, we can rest assured that the rest of campus is soon to follow. “The library has been so versatile, I can’t express enough how vital the resources were in helping me research for papers. From videos to databases, the library offers it all — all while providing a comforting environment to do so,” health science major Talia Diaz said.
before the COVID-19 pandemic and now is still the same. Staff Writer “People are more spread out a Danner Hall has again bebit more in their little cluster of come a hub of student life on friend groups,” she said. “Before campus. the pandemic if I was doing work For many students this seI would do it with friends now mester marked their first time with the pandemic I prefer to sit in Danner, which closed due alone if i don’t have to sit with to the Covid-19 pandemic in people.” March 2020, while others have Renovations in the space had previous experiences. during the shutdown included Danner is important for painting and the addition of more many students because many desk spaces for student use. can socialize with other stuStudent Julia Rosete said she dents and also hang out with normally doesn’t use Danner to friends and others use it to do do homework or hang out, inhomework. stead she only gets breakfast be“I usually use Danner to do fore class. homework and also eat and “Usually I just get breakfast hang out with friends. When or something before class starts I want to be productive I usuif anything but other than that I ally sit near the bar area where don’t usually, I used to sometimes there’s a charger port so I can before covid. Usually I just go plug in my devices. If I am eathome now. There’s not really much ing I’ll sit at the upper Danner on campus right now so it’s kind near the tables,” said student of not as many people are around, Jamie Lynn Phan, a junior at so my friends who aren’t on camMiddle College High School. pus that have classes usually hang Lynn Phan also said it is not out on campus,” she said. her first time in the Danner. Rosete also said before the “I was here in Danner be- Student Lynn Phan sits in Danner as she does homework. pandemic Danner always drew a fore the pandemic. Before the PHOTO BY GRACIELA GABRIEL crowd. pandemic being in Danner “Danner was busy all the I would obviously feel more time, like there were people evfeel self-conscious when I’m eating just comfortable, we don’t have masks on so because I am scared to take off my mask erywhere. Seeing it now makes such a it wouldn’t be as stuffy, and before the around others when it’s a bit crowded difference because there is nobody, it pandemic when I was eating here with so I would say the feeling that I get just seems like before it was chaotic and my mask off I wasn’t even wearing a when I take my mask off and I’m eating people were everywhere,” said Rosete. mask back then I was very comfortable around other people is different.” A group of students Gianni Ameating here being near people. Now I briz, Oscar Benitez and Haley Chen, Phan also said the amount of people
who are sophomores in Middle College High School said they visited the Danner Hall this beginning of the school year. “We were basically stuck at home last year so I was stuck in my room studying at my desk. I was pretty excited for Danner to reopen because usually me and my friends just come here to work on homework,” said Ambriz. “If I have any questions about homework my friends are here I can ask them to see if they know.” The students also said it is easier to socialize with other people in Danner. “Delta Middle College you’ll rarely find anyone that’s not friendly so you can easily just go up to someone and just talk to them even in small conversation and throughout the day you’ll see them again and say hi and from there you just start a connection and start being friends with anyone,” Benitez said. The three students also said there is more motivation and less distraction to do homework in Danner. “With Danner there are a lot less distractions because here it’s just like you look and it’s just someone doing homework, you look the other way someone is doing homework but if you are like at home you’re like oh my bed is there that looks comfortable,” said Ambriz. Chen agreed. “If I am at Danner and I am with my friends or like the people around me are all studying and doing homework then I will also want to focus and do my homework as well because I think the environment you surround yourself in influences your behavior,” said Chen.
Students reacquaint with remodeled Danner BY GRACIELA GABRIEL
5 FEATURE 102221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/feature
Las Last-Minute Halloween Hallow
Haven’t planned for Halloween because Covid has a tendency to ruin plans? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with BY ARIANA MALLERY quick, frugal costumes News Editor
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS: A name tag proudly labels you as “Life,” as you hand out lemons to those you come across. For this outfit, you can wear whatever you want, and don’t have to hand out real lemons. The most important part is the name tag, and handing out some kind of lemons.
BUNNY: This outfit cost $3 to make. The bunny ears and gloves were purchased at Dollar Trees (white/pink) and 99 Cent stores (black). With this costume, wear whatever you want, as most of the costume is the ears. Optional: add cotton balls or a loofah as a tail. Maybe not a used one though.
IDENTITY THIEF: In the eternal words of Dwight Schrute, “Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!” This costume cost a grand total of $1 to make. We bought name tags from the Dollar Tree, and wrote random names on them. Easy, simple, and clever. Also a conversation starter.
BILLIE JEAN: For this costume, we looked in a more pun-driven direction. Pull out a Canadian Tuxedo and go head to toe in denim, with the addition of a name tag to let everyone know you are “Billie.” Optional: add a crown for a “Billie Jean King” costume.
BRIDE: If you own any kind of white dress, you can pull off this look. Prop flowers are a good way to seal the deal. Optional: adding a touch of zombie makeup transforms this look into a creepy undead bride. Smeared makeup or mascara and distraught hair can look like a runaway bride. The possibilities are limitless.
SUGAR DADDY: Self explanatory, we hope, but maybe not. Grab a bag of sugar and a baby carrier. For further clarity, consider adding a name tag with the word “daddy”. You could also draw a face on your bag of sugar, or dress it up with a teeny-tiny baby beanie.
CLOWN: Time to put all those rainbow items that have been sitting in your closet to good use! Combine colors and patterns until you feel like you’ve nailed it. Consider adding a goofy pair of glasses or a nose. Optional: Clown suspenders and bow tie $1.99 at 99 Cent store.
SCIENTIST: Looking for something to do with those safety goggles you bought for chemistry? Look no further! Throw on a lab coat, or just a long white shirt, and you can claim fame as a scientist for the night.
NUDIST ON STRIKE: This costume was FREE to make, and it is a truth universally acknowledged that free things are the best. We made this sign in 10 minutes using permanent markers and part of a cardboard box. This costume works with any clothing, just as long as you’re clothed.
HIPPIE: For this costume, we used homemade tie-dye shirts and fun glasses to create the 70’s hippie look.
MISSING COSTUME: Were you laying on your couch, watching Netflix, in a robe and a facemask, ignoring trick-or-treaters, eating all the candy you bought for them, when you suddenly remembered the Halloween party you were invited to? You don’t need to get ready! Plus side: That robe is pretty warm on a cool night.
TEAM ROCKET: Meowth! That’s right! The best thing about this costume is you can add as many people as you want. We bought a can of “Tulip Color Shot Instant Fabric Spray” in red at Jo-Ann’s for $6.99 and, using a stencil, put the letter “R” on white tee shirts. Optional props: singular red rose (if dressing up as James), long black gloves.
6 ENTERTAINMENT 102221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/entertainment
COVID AFFECTS HALLOWEEN FUN BY JAHDAI SPIKES
Entertainment Editor
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected Halloween activities tremendously this year, with many things being closed or limited to a reduced capacity, but the options are more than 2020. Last year, in the midst of the pandemic most places were nearly completely closed and were imposing strict safety protocols. While Covid-19 remains ever present, events are happening in new ways to celebrate spooky season. Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop is operating smaller haunted houses, with fewer people moving through at any time. Dell’Osso staff are also required to wear masks, socially distance themselves from others and maintain a clean and sanitary workstation. Although staff must follow these safety protocols, customers are not required to wear masks to enter the farm. The Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) in Atlanta issued revised holiday guidance in mid October, encouraging mask wearing, encouraging vaccinations for those eligible, avoiding crowds in non-ventilated areas, and avoiding hosting gatherings. “By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our fami-
Left: Father and son on new carousel at Dell’osso Family Farm Top: Infamous Dell’Osso family Farm Pumpkin Patch. PHOTO BY JAHDAI SPIKES
ly and friends,” said the CDC communication. Other notable variations to classic Halloween events include: • The Children’s Museum of Stockton is doing a goody bag distribution of candy from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 where staying in the car is required. • The City of Stockton will host a “Spooktacular” showing of Cruella beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 29. The movie showing is at 6:30 p.m. In year’s past, there have been candy stations for attendees to trick or treat. Instead, children will receive a bag of candy and a ticket for a free popcorn. • University of the Pacific has no information
regarding its popular “Safe Trick or Treat” event for the second year. The Stockton main campus was typically flooded with children trick or treating in campus buildings on a Wednesday evening before Halloween. The event was also canceled in 2020. Not only have activities like these been affected by the pandemic but so have parties. Halloween parties used to be huge and a big deal for young people, but that has changed greatly due to the pandemic. Last year there were very few Halloween parties, and the ones that did happen were very small. This year many people are throwing Halloween parties as if everything is back to normal. Anabelle Yang, a dual en-
rollment student at Delta said she is going to attend a smaller party but knows “a lot of people that are doing bigger Halloween parties.” Students such as first-year Delta College student Kevin Hernandez, agreed the pandemic has negatively impacted their Halloween plans for the past two years. The pandemic has even affected younger children’s Halloween experience. Last year very few houses left out anything for trick or treaters and if they did it was just a bowl left out at the end of the driveway. This year many places are coming up with better ways to ensure that kids are getting a good Halloween experience, while also being safe. Some communities like churches and schools are setting up smaller trick or treating for younger children where
they make sure to social distance and wear masks. This ensures that children still get to dress up and have a Halloween all the while staying safe. With CDC encouraging fewer people at gatherings, it’s recommended that an earlier approach to taking advantage of regular Halloween haunts happens. Dell’Osso Family Farms has fewer people during weekdays than on weekends, plus tickets are cheaper. Other ways to celebrate small: • Invite a few friends over to have a horror movie night • Celebrate Halloween on a different day to avoid big crowds • Drive around and look at Halloween decorations with friends
New book examines social media’s endless influence on society BY ALBERT GAMEZ Staff Writer
I
s technology changing your brain? Does social media have its grip around your mind’s eye? Psychologist and tech expert Brian Primack thinks yes, on both accounts. In his new book You Are What You Click Primack, a medical professor at the University of Arkansas, sheds light on the influence social media and technology have on our mind as individuals, and a species. Published in September in an BOOK effort to further REVIEW the general understanding of the negative repercussions brought on by consistent technological interface, Primack utilizes data gathered during two decades of research to offer an insightful and practical approach to living in a quickly evolving technological world. Considering that the definition of social media is undefined, Primack utilizes the Oxford definition as “websites and software programs.” Encouraging readers to think of social media in terms of consumption, he promotes the necessity of creating a balanced relationship by being selective, positive and creative. “Social media and related technologies have become the sharpest double-edged sword of our era. It has the ability to catalyze connection, warmth and generosity; while on the other hand, breeding feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation, and hatred,” said Primack in the book. Social media is powerful because it’s personal in the way previous technologies aren’t. With the ability to follow you around and learn from your
behaviors, it has the potential to influence your everyday life. Because of its emotion evoking properties, social media can become addictive and heavily influential. “We’re training and conditioning a whole new generation of people that when we are uncomfortable or lonely or uncertain or afraid we have a digital pacifier for ourselves that is kind of atrophying our own ability to deal with that” said Tristan Harris, former design ethicist at Google and tech commentator from the documentary The Social Dilemma, which Primack references in the book. Unfortunately this digital pacifier is limited to the illusion of comfort. Primack and his team conducted a national study with over 2,000 young adults that found every individual who increased their social media use also had an increase in negative emo-
tions such as depression and anxiety, as well as an increase in social isolation, regardless of variables such as age, race, income and gender. A study done in February 2021 by the University of Utah corroborates these findings, as many as 90 percent of young adults use social media compared to the 12.5 percent in 2005. These findings suggest that social media use has become an integral role in the culture and routine of young adults. Although data reflecting the negative impact social media has on individuals is not necessarily new, the relevancy of the ongoing dialogue is important to consider, especially in the age of Covid when social media platforms have become a replacement for face to face interaction. This is why Primack emphasizes the importance of being selective, positive, and creative when we go online.
Essentially the purpose of his approach is to try and reintegrate the friction social media takes away. Consistently reviewing what we feed our head will ultimately lead to an increase in mental fortitude. Being selective on social media is a necessity considering how well resourced and effective social media marketing companies are at developing ways to sustain your attention. Being aware of their influential design contributes to general awareness, and it is equally the case with positivity. At a time when general awareness includes all the terrible things happening across the world, maintaining a positive perspective can help create a broader view, keeping unwanted negativity at a distance. Doing so can be instrumental in keeping a healthy mental state. Developing a creative approach to curating what we consume online will help maintain these aspects of what Primack calls “the social media pyramid,” where creativity is at the pinnacle. Creative thinking aids the discovery of how we spend our time and energy online which can help promote healthier interactive habits. Being aware of how our thought processes are being manipulated is undoubtedly important to always consider but especially so for college students. In addition to being pioneers for the collective future, college level students are prime candidates for being influenced by social media. At a time when social media has the power to endlessly influence the way we think, it has never been more important to be mindful of why we may think what we think.
7 SPORTS 102221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/sports
Women’s soccer extends win streak to 13 BY DAVID VICTOR Editor-in-Chief
Delta’s women’s soccer team remains undefeated as it continues to showcase dominance on the field. The Mustangs (13-0) are the only team in the state so far to win all of their games and seek to further improve their performance as the season edges closer to its final phase. Currently the team possesses a 4-0 conference record after its most recent wins against Sacramento City College and American River College. The Mustangs share first place with Sierra College in its run for the Big 8 title. While glad that the team is getting results, head coach Adrienne Sorenson wants to continue getting more out of her players as competition begins to get tougher. “I’m definitely pleased, but not satisfied with where we are,” said Sorenson. “It’s exciting because I think this group has a lot more [to give] and a lot better that they can become. We don’t want to peak too early, and we definitely haven’t yet.” Trying to find flaws in a team that’s undefeated and has won every game can prove to be a challenge for any coach.
Sorenson considers her coaching staff essential for this reason as it helps her find things the team needs to improve on. This combined with the players’ desire to continue raising their performance on the field has been a key factor for the Mustangs in getting the results they’ve had this season. “I have an awesome coaching staff. I feel like all of us are pretty good at identifying the spots where we could be better, and honestly the players are too. The players aren’t satisfied with where they are,” said Sorenson. “The group as a whole, the coaching staff definitely sees things that they could be doing better.” The women’s soccer team has set itself up as one of the most important teams to watch out for in the state. According to the most recent poll from the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA) posted on Oct. 18, the Mustangs are ranked first in California jumping ahead of current state champion Santiago Canyon. Even as the team gains more statewide recognition, the players still aren’t content with their current level of play and want to keep getting better.
Mustangs defender Kaylah Howard dribbles the ball on right field as she’s chased by Sacramento City’s Madison Lopez at the Delta College Soccer Complez on Oct. 12. PHOTO BY DAVID VICTOR
“I don’t think we’re ever satisfied and I think that’s why we’re so good because we always want more, we want to win more, we want more goals, just more in general,” forward Isabella Saavedra said. As a team which has scored so many goals this season, competition for a spot in the starting lineup is very tight on
offense. Saavedra finds competition within the team has helped the players improve at practice and on the field, which helps the team reach a high performance level as a whole. “I think it just makes us all better when there’s that much competition. You have no reason but to work even harder
and focus even more and do your best.” said Saavedra. The Mustangs will face Diablo Valley College this afternoon in a non-conference matchup at 3:30 p.m. before heading to Folsom Lake for their next conference game on Oct. 26.
While it is tough to finish among the top teams in the Big 8 Conference, Plateau said coaches enjoy the fact that it is a difficult conference to compete in because it allows teams to see how capable they are of constantly playing at a high level. “As coaches we actually like that because it gives an opportunity to get better every single match that we play,” said Plateau. With most of the second half of the conference season left to play, the Mustangs have plenty of room for improvement. Plateau thinks the team still has more to give and hasn’t reached its maximum level of performance just yet. “I definitely don’t think
we’re close to being where our potential is. There’s still a lot of growing that we can do, but we are seeing improvement and that’s a great thing. We always hope that our teams continue to get better and better even through playoffs. Ideally the time to peak is at state,” said Plateau. The players themselves recognize how difficult it is to compete in the Big 8 and want to raise their level of play to improve Delta’s chances of finishing the season strong. Outside hitter Savannah LeBarre points out how they’ve seen all the other teams after passing the conference’s halfway mark, and that this helps them in knowing what they need to improve on.
“We’ve seen all the competition we needed to, so we’ve been practicing extra hard for the teams that we didn’t beat,” said LeBarre. Apart from getting better on the court as the season progresses, LeBarre is glad about playing an important role on the team. She leads the Mustangs’ offense with a total of 206 kills this season and said she isn’t afraid of assuming responsibility as the team’s most important player when it comes to racking up points. “It’s tough because when I have off days I might not be as good, but I kind of use that pressure as motivation to do better for when my team needs me,” said LeBarre.
Volleyball continues battling top spots in Big 8 BY DAVID VICTOR Editor-in-Chief
Delta’s volleyball team remains in the top three of the Big 8 Conference as the season passes its halfway point. The Mustangs (10-5) remain in third place with a conference record of 6-2 following the team’s wins against Diablo Valley College on Oct. 15 and Cosumnes River College on Oct. 20. As the most decisive points of the season approach, Delta’s volleyball team knows it has to continue playing high-level volleyball if it wants to remain as one of the top teams in the Big 8. The Mustangs’ home matches against Sierra College on Oct. 29 and American
River College on Nov. 9 are perhaps the team’s most important matchups of the season. Although these matches take place one week apart from each other, they could decide what position Delta will finish in the Big 8 Conference. “Our conference has always been one of the strongest conferences in California in junior college volleyball. Every year it’s a battle sometimes for even fourth and fifth place. Every match that we play can be anybody’s game,” assistant coach Kristie Plateau said. Sierra remains in first with an undefeated conference record of 9-0 while American River follows in second at 7-1.
Men’s water polo struggles through season with lacking roster depth BY DAVID VICTOR Editor-in-Chief
The men’s water polo team continues to encounter rough challenges this season as it remains winless in Big 8 Conference competition. The Mustangs (5-16) currently find themselves in last place of the Big 8 with a conference record of 0-5 following two losses to American River College with a score of 11-8 on Oct. 13. and Modesto Junior College with a score of 16-9 on Oct. 20. While the team has been unable to get good results throughout the season, its performance in the pool is the least of its problems as the roster has been cut short due to injuries, putting a large
workload on those who are able to play. “More importantly than anything else is just getting here. We have a guy in Hawaii, we have an injured guy right now so we only have one sub. It’s really stressful on the guys that are here.” head coach Mike Maroney said. “We haven’t been able to train in full force in 10 days so that has a little bit of a negative effect on us, but the guys are fighting. They’re doing some things well and some things that are just frustrating because more than anything else they’re just tired.” Apart from players out of action due to injuries, men’s water polo is among the teams hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as it forced some players to leave Delta.
Unlike other teams in Delta’s athletics program, several players on the men’s water polo team (both freshmen and sophomores) decided not to stay for an additional season. “A lot of our three-year guys didn’t stick around. They got opportunities to go to four-year schools, and then some of our freshmen didn’t stick around for their sophomore year either. They went on to campuses where they could have full online classes. They made that decision last spring, which we understand.” said Maroney. In terms of performance, Maroney has seen good things from his players despite not picking up the results they had hoped for during the season. “We’ve won the majority of
periods that we’ve played. It’s just putting all four together that’s a little bit difficult for us right now. But our guys are getting in game shape right now because they don’t have subs. They’re playing the entire game, no other team is doing that,” said Maroney. Goalie Jonathan Horton thinks this group of players is capable of putting together a competitive team, but the lack of depth on the roster has made the season challenging. “I think the main thing is really numbers [players]. We play better in some games but we don’t have the numbers. We find that going into the end of the game we can’t compete because we’re all exhausted. It takes seven people to play and right now we only have nine
because of some injuries. Really a full team should be 14 people so we are really lacking the numbers, which really is a problem,” said Horton. Horton also pointed out the team needs to communicate better in order to be more competitive. “It really shows we are lacking communication. If we can play as a team we’ll do better, some games we don’t communicate [as much],” said Horton. The Mustangs will return to action on Oct. 29 when they face Merced College in a non-conference matchup before they begin participation in the Big 8 Conference tournament at Diablo Valley College, which is scheduled to take place in less than two weeks on Nov. 8.
8 NEWS 102221
The Collegian • deltacollegian.net/news
CLUB RUSH RETURNS TO CAMPUS BY ANI GUTIERREZ Staff Writer
Delta College clubs gathered together on campus for the first time since Spring 2020 during an on-campus Club Rush on Oct.13. Club representatives met in the quad to showcase what each of their clubs are about and to persuade students to join. Some of the clubs present include: Puente Club, EPIC Club, Politics Law and Society Club, Stockton Delta Dance Company, Latino Medical Student Association Club, Society of Women Engineers, Black Student Union, Writer’s Guild, Christians on Campus, Delta College Psychology Club, Delta’s Pride Center and Delta Horticulture Club. These are not all of the clubs offered at Delta, though. This on-campus event was held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and there was a sufficient number of students that showed up to check things out and join some clubs. “It was very nice to have some interaction with other Delta students because I don’t have any in person classes this semester,” said Raevyn Kaigler, a first-year student. Kaigler said she joined Black Student Union (BSU). “I joined BSU because I wanted to build connections with the African American student body and faculty and also be surrounded by a supportive, relatable group,” she said. A virtual Club Rush was also held on Zoom Oct. 12, but the in-person rush had a much better outcome of people and signups for many different clubs. “This has been a better format than the virtual rush that
we had yesterday. I think Club Rush is a really important outlet to get our club name out there, especially with Covid it’s been harder to advertise that,” said Politics, Law and Society Club’s President, Will Dunn. The Puente Club’s attractions during Club Rush included a dinosaur. “Club Rush is going really good so far. I’ve been here since 8 a.m. and it was so quiet but now there’s music everywhere and we got a dinosaur up in here and everything, ” Puente Club President, Michelle Cruz Lopez said. She was surprised with the outcome as well. “We got like two pages down already of people signing up, ” said Cruz Lopez. Delta College’s Pride Club was also present. “It’s going surprisingly well, we’ve had lots of people come by,” said Lio C., a student worker at the Pride Center and representative for the Pride Club. “We were worried that because of the pandemic there wouldn’t be a lot of students on campus but surprisingly we’ve had a lot of people stop by, be interested, take some brochures and ask questions so that was nice.” A similar interest that many of the club representatives shared for their clubs was that each of them joined to be part of a community they were passionate about. “I wanted to see if I could find other black students that were also interested and invested in the same issues that I feel are problems in the community, finding like-minded people that are willing to fix racial injustice, ” said BSU member, Cameron Rush-Griffith.
Various club representatives at delta set up tables to represent their clubs and to persuade students to join at Club Rush held on the afternoon of Oct. 13. in the quad. PHOTO BY ANI GUTIERREZ
EPIC Club promoted community relationships as well. “Our purpose is to actively reach out to Asian and Pacific Islander communities in and around Stockton and to provide a support system to those involved,” said EPIC Club President, Cecilia Bernal. “Joining the club made me feel a part of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities and helped me academically too, ” said Bernal. Individuals who enjoy expressing themselves through literature joined the Writer’s Guild community. “I was in a creative writing class for Professor (Gabrielle) Myers and I was really enjoying the creativity and express-
ing myself through literature so I decided I wanted to join this club,” said Writer’s Guild President, Brittany Lusk. The positive thing about the clubs at Delta is that students do not need to fit a specific criteria to join, they represent inclusivity. One example being the Society of Women Engineers Club. Resource director, Karla Rodriguez, said, “We are a club to support women in STEM but we are very inclusive. We allow other majors and you don’t have to be a female to join our club. It’s really just all about supporting and uplifting women in STEM.”
That is the case with other clubs as well. “You don’t need to be Latino to join. It’s basically a club where we help people go into health related fields,” said ICC Representative of Latino Medical Student Association, Christopher Amaya. The same goes for Stockton Delta Dance Company. “We are open to all dancers. It doesn’t matter what style or level you’re at. We want everyone to have a good experience and fun time together,” said secretary Cheli Nunez. For a full list of active clubs on campus, visit deltacollege.edu and search for Clubs and Organizations.
BADGES: Information about future contact tracing badge pickups pending their badges. “Taking 15 minutes of your Students worked their way day is easy to help prevent through multiple stations in further spread. This is more Upper Danner as part of the about being a good person of process, which ended in a thick the community. It’s almost like white case being handed to spreading an STD; it’s very them with two non-active but- dangerous so it helps to know tons on the back. who you’re around,” Delta stu“I recommend it but every- dent worker Katelynn Castaone can do what they want,” neda said. said student Jesus Campos, Staff was expected to be who picked up his badge at the issued contact tracing badges event. “Even if I didn’t have to after the on-campus student get it, I’d still would’ve gotten distribution. Contact tracing is it.” a requirement for staff. Students said the process Brietler said information was quick and easy despite about future many students showing up for
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Andres Salcedo receiving contact tracing badge in Danner Hall on oct. 14. PHOTO BY JAHDAI SPIKES
OPPONENT: Covid impacts every aspect of sports for Delta College athletes continued from PAGE 1 grow as a competitor mentally. This pandemic has created a different environment for me. No longer are the gyms filled with noise, nor the added pressure of friends or family watching me. It truly helps me capture the moment of being on the mat with just my opponent across from me and my coach in the corner. It honed my focus. Considering the alternative, the return to competition in itself is welcome. For over a year I wasn’t able to compete or even train for wrestling. The pandemic gave me a new appreciation for wrestling because during the off time, I got really out of shape. I was able to reflect during this time on who
I am as a competitor. It also made me hungry for competition. Many of my teammates have been eager as well to compete. This would explain why there was a lot of commotion at our first tournament Sept. 18 when things continued to be put on hold. The bad thing about wrestling during a pandemic is that wrestling is a full-body contact sport. So many things can be passed among wrestlers on the mat, particularly because of that close contact. When news broke out that a trainer at our first tournament of the season tested positive for COVID, many of us became very worried that the season was off to a bad start. Things were worked out as wrestlers sat outside the gym for hours as the
other trainers and coaches were tested. We waited those hours, passing time telling stories of past tournaments and experiences. Anticipation and impatience grew as we waited to hear results. Teams arrived at 6 a.m.. Wrestling didn’t begin until 1 p.m. , once results showed the trainers and coaches were cleared. Although the wait made things hectic and straining, I used the time to prepare myself for battle. The tournament went on and it truly was a thing of beauty to see many athletes do what they love most. There are many procedures in place to help prevent illness. Athletes are required to test 48 hours prior to each meet. For wrestlers, this could mean taking two tests when a dual meet and tournament are
scheduled for the same week. Many schools are asking wrestlers to weigh in from their own schools, in order to prevent large gatherings before the tournament takes place. Masks are not permitted during matches but must be worn all times off the mat, as well as during pre-match warm-ups. To create a minimum capacity, all wrestlers must wait outside the gym until their weight class is called up. After all that, the one thing that has remained the same is the match itself. Once on the mat, our athletes return to form. We focus on the person in front of us, not the virus raging all around us. Wrestling is full of adversity. Wrestling in a pandemic is no different. Covid-19 has become just another opponent to takedown and defeat.