Delta Collegiate Nov. 14, 2024 Edition

NOVEMBER 2024

GOP dominates 2024 election

TikTok exposed Page 3

Delta's colossal scope Page 5

A real history Page 9

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Students react

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Off to finals!

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NOVEMBER 2024

NEWS

Delta College students react post-election Students on Delta College’s main campus talk about the drawbacks and advantages of another term with Donald Trump Mikaila Bluew | Associate Editor

“No matter what happens were not going to crumble, were not going to fall, we need to rely on one another.”

Brandon Hillaker UNIVERSITY CENTER - Wednesday Nov. 6 marked the end of the monumental 2024 election; Donald Trump was named the president of the United States for his second nonconsecutive term, and the emotion across Delta College’s campus was tangible.

An uncertain understanding echoed through the halls as students discussed their concerns of what the next four years could look like for the U.S. “I’m interested to see in the next week or so how publicly people are going to be acting,” said student Kate Sulfridge.

“As far as 2020 I remember there were people going through the streets yelling things, so I am interested and concerned to see what will happen.”

Although students were unsure of how the public may respond to the election, most felt there would be both advantages and drawbacks of another term with the Trump administration.

“He's a businessman, so he’s going to be good at it in some senses, but he's going to be bad at it in others,” said Delta student Katie Emmendorfer. “So, we may have cheaper gas prices, but we're not going to have the healthcare advantages that we had previously.”

Many students felt his ability to help the flow of the economy in America is his strength as a leader, hoping for lower prices and tax breaks for citizens of the United States.

“I think the economy might get better, but I also think certain unethical things could happen,” said student Brady Baranek.

Issues regarding healthcare and bodily autonomy from Trump’s previous presidency garnered fear for what the future will hold for individual freedom.

“Him being elected, and Republicans controlling the House and Senate, for me personally it's a direct threat,” said student Aya Kirn. “They specifically don’t like trans people, or LGBT+ people. Potentially one of their first targets will be planned parenthood and abortion; if abortion goes then so do my hormones.”

Trump’s role in overturning Roe v Wade left students questioning if he will stand by his statements from this year's campaign regarding a national ban on abortion.

“I'm sure there are some positive things that he could do, but it was really Roe v Wade for me,” Nya Meeks says. “(He’s)

taking away women's rights, and that's something we worked hard for.”

Though students expressed uncertainty, some also urged the public to not panic for the long-term stability of the country.

“I’ve been around for a lot of elections; they've never been as controversial as what's going on right now,” said student Brandon Hillaker. “We’ve had good presidents, we’ve had bad presidents, and the one good thing about this country is we only get them for four years.”

Hillaker stressed that the United States will not crumble in the next four years and that unpopular presidents are nothing new in American history.

Across campus, students reiterated the importance of voting to ensure everyone's voice is heard. Some students touched on how not voting impacts the outcome of an election more than people think.

Delta student Lamone Brown reflected on Trump’s previous presidency, and what the ‘red wave’ might mean for his next term.

“I think most people know that his run in 2016 was not very good,” Brown said. “The border was not very good, and I feel like that's only going to be heightened because now he has more time.”

Brown discussed why she felt Harris fell short in the presidential race, stressing the importance of researching policies and voting during election cycles.

“I think it was in the millions where people weren't going out and voting, they just didn't know enough about her (Kamala’s) policy and what she stands for,” Brown said.

“That's very unfortunate that they didn't feel enough willpower to go out and help. I will just say that maybe we should all go out and research more.”

The final theme discussed amongst students is that we should not allow this election to further divide us as a country. Students felt community and support will be essential in keeping our personal liberties and bodies free from the government.

“We’ve already built a community. Not even just the democratic party but (also) women and the LGBTQIA+ community,” student Hal Reed said. “We have already established some support, and our community is growing every day–just because the outcome wasn’t that great–we have so much support and people we can lean on. There is just so much love that we can produce ourselves.”

“Him being elected, Republicans controlling House and Senate, for me personally it's a direct threat.”

Aya Kirn

DISCLAIMER Since 1961, the Delta Collegiate has been written and produced by Delta students for students without any input or oversight by administration. The paper does not represent the views of Delta College, its faculty, staff or administration.

Stories are selected by the student staff members to bring reliable information and entertainment to our readers.

NEWS

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Students engage with local leaders

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From the fentanyl crisis to environmental concerns, Delta students empower themselves and their communities by presenting pressing topics with candidates and officials Mikaila Bluew | Associate Editor UNIVERSITY CENTER - On Oct. 18 young voters flooded Delta College’s main campus to share their voice with Michigan's local government.

Candidates and current officials including Rudy Howard (Candidate for State Representative), Amos O’Neal (State Representative), Jim Barcia (Bay County Executive), and Kevin Shark (Candidate for Bay County Executive) joined to hear what issues are top of mind for Delta students in this year's election.

Some of the unique topics showcased to officials included the fentanyl crisis, harsher punishment for sex offenders, regenerative soil practices, and water remediation. These, among many other important issues, were presented as government officials, faculty and fellow students mingled prior to the discussion panel.

“Students feel empowered and also (feel) that the decision makers really felt like they got a chance to get a handle on what this important constituency group thinks,” Political Science Professor and event organizer Lisa Lawrason said.

Getting students and young voters engaged in politics and the future of our county and communities is essential. Now more than ever, it is important for students to know they have an impact. If they are unhappy with how things are going, they have a say and resources to reach out to leaders and lawmakers.

“It really gives them the sense that, ‘hey, my voice matters; they want to hear from me,’” Lawrason said.

“And I can't tell you how surprising that is for students, but also really empowering for them moving forward to know that they can advocate for their interests and create positive change in their communities.”

Advocacy does not just extend to the election cycle; these community changes are something students are encouraged to have continuous participation in.

Resources like Future Coalition, the League of Women Voters, Nextgen America, and Young Invincibles aim to highlight the importance of young voices in our democracy.

“Just show up, because that communicates a lot about your desire to be a part of our democracy and make your voice heard,” Lawrason said.

The growing use of resources and the effort of showing up both in and out of election seasons will help shape the nation the younger generation will someday lead.

Leaked TikTok documents expose addiction strategies, beauty bias Revealed documents show strategies to boost scrolling and prioritize certain content creators Rileigh Benson | Multimedia Journalist The popular app TikTok is under fire once again after internal documents were leaked, revealing the company’s precise calculations to promote “attractive” users and keep users scrolling for hours. The strategic manipulation of an entertainment app has raised concerns about TikTok’s ethics and potential ulterior motives. These documents suggest the company is unconcerned with the harm its app causes and raises serious child safety concerns.

The problematic material was uncovered during a twoyear investigation into TikTok by 14 attorney generals, leading to a lawsuit with the state of Kentucky. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok was designed to capture young people’s attention and create addiction. It also argues that the company deceived the public about the potential risks of the app. NPR reviewed portions of the lawsuit that were redacted, highlighting discussions among TikTok executives about how the app is filled with dangers for children.

Although there are tools, like screen time restrictions, implemented within the app to help mitigate these issues, they have yet to prove effective.

TikTok users can become addicted to the app in just 35 minutes. With its advanced algorithm, users find the app hard to close and will engage with it more than any other app. TikTok has calculated the exact number of videos it takes for a person to become hooked: 260 videos. After that, users may find themselves stuck in an endless loop of scrolling, called “doom scrolling.” Due to the short, entertaining videos that appear immediately after each swipe, users are compelled to keep scrolling and reopening the app.

According to TikTok’s own research, “compulsive usage correlates with a slew of negative mental health effects like loss of analytical skills, memory information, contextual thinking, conversational depth, empathy, and increased anxiety,” as stated in the lawsuit. The documents also reveal TikTok’s awareness that “compulsive usage also interferes with essential personal responsibilities like sufficient sleep, work, school responsibilities, and connecting with loved ones.”

TikTok introduced a time-limit tool to “improve public trust,” not to restrict usage. Unredacted documents showed that TikTok employees were aware that excessive social media use could harm teenagers’ mental health.

However, after introducing the time-limit tool, TikTok found that it had little impact. While scrolling through TikTok, users may come across videos asking, “Are you still scrolling?” as a reminder of how much time has passed.

However, these “break” videos were quickly skipped by users and were found to be ineffective.

While discussing the TikTok scandal, Delta student Avery Lehman shared her experience with the app: “I think I’m on TikTok the most because the videos are so short it doesn’t make me realize how long I’ve been scrolling,” Lehman said. “Whereas for a YouTube video or TV show, I know how long the episode or video is, so I’m self-aware about how much time I wasted, versus when I’m mindlessly scrolling 15-second videos.”

TikTok has also been accused of lowering the visibility of users considered unattractive. The litigation against TikTok mentions the beauty filters found within the app, which use AI to alter a person’s appearance to make them look conventionally attractive. The documents show that TikTok is aware of the potential harm this could cause, especially to younger users. TikTok employees have suggested addressing the issue with a small banner pop-up that provides resources for those struggling with low self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of positive mental health and body image.

On the flip side, TikTok has been found to highlight “attractive” users. An internal report on TikTok’s For You Page algorithm found that it was populated with a “high volume of unattractive subjects.” This beauty bias was also found when investigators in Kentucky discovered that TikTok adjusts its algorithm to promote users it considers more attractive.

“By modifying the TikTok algorithm to reduce the appearance of ‘not attractive subjects’ in the For You feed, (TikTok) actively promoted a narrow beauty standard, potentially harming their young users,” Kentucky authorities wrote.

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NOVEMBER 2024

LOCAL Mid-Michigan’s Finest: Robert Lee Balderrama The history of Question Mark and the Mysterians through the eyes of its guitarist

Austin Gonzales | Multimedia Journalist

Robert Lee Balderrama sitting down for interview, Bay City, Oct. 9, 2024; photo credit Austin Gonzales.

BAY CITY – Question Mark and the Mysterians were a proto-punk band originating from our hub in mid-Michigan. They are best known for their hit songs “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby,” “I Need Somebody,” and “96 Tears.” The latter would go on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released in 1966, cementing the band’s place in music history. With such a momentous legacy created in our town, I sought out one of the band’s original members, Robert Lee Balderrama.

It was a sunny day on the east side of Bay City. I waited inside the historic Bay County Museum for my guest. When he entered, his smile lit up the faces of the museum employees around him. It was here that I met Robert Lee Balderrama for the first time. He greeted the ladies working with such a gentlemanly, suave tone before turning my way. He extended his hand for a handshake, still wearing that bright smile. We sat down in a room provided by the museum, where Balderrama gave me a deep dive into his history as a musician and his time with the band.

“My parents had a 40-acre farm, and I started learning how to play guitar. I just picked it up. My dad could play guitar, my brother could play guitar, and they would teach me,” Balderrama recalls from his early childhood.

“My dad played guitar, he played accordion, and he played Mexican music and Tex-Mex music, but I was more into rock and blues.

Jazz was my favorite.”

It wasn’t long before Balderrama and his nephew, Larry Borjas, started a band at the suggestion of his sister. They just needed a few more members to complete the lineup.

Original drummer Robert Martinez brought in his brother, Rudy Martinez, to sing vocals for the band. Rudy would later adopt the stage name Question Mark. “I was watching and thought, ‘Wow, he’s a better dancer than Mick Jagger,’” Balderrama recalls, describing his first time seeing Question Mark perform “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Soon after, Frank Rodriguez, a skilled pianist, joined the group to play keyboard and organ. With original members Robert Martinez and Larry Borjas both enlisting in the Army, the band added Eddie Serato on drums and Frank Lugo on bass.

“One day, we were in Frank’s (Rodriguez) basement, and I had been working on this chord. Eddie Serato started playing drums to it, and we began to pick up the beat,” Balderrama says. Then, he starts imitating the organ keys to “96 Tears,” recalling how Rodriguez started the song. “And before you knew it, Question Mark was singing to it,” Balderrama says. “We ran through it a few times, and he’s singing, and finally Eddie Serato says, ‘Sounds like we’ve got a song!’”

Recorded in the living room of a house on Raymond Street, “96 Tears” would go on to hit No. 1 on America’s Top 40 in November 1966.

Bobby Balderrama shared many stories from his youth as a teenage musician to fatherhood. To hear more of Balderrama’s story, watch the full feature-length interview on our YouTube channel, where we discuss his idols, touring, searching for his son, his feelings about homeless communities and more. As for meeting Balderrama in person, you can often find him at local gatherings, entertaining guests with his stories and smooth music.

Tri-City election results: Prosecuting Attorney Bay: REP Mike Kanuszewski Saginaw: DEM John A. McColgan Jr. Midland: REP J. Dee Brooks Sherriff Bay: DEM Troy R. Cunningham Saginaw: DEM William L. Federspiel Midland: REP Scott Holzinger Clerk Bay: DEM Kathleen Zanotti Saginaw: DEM Vanessa Guerra Midland: REP Ann Manary Treasurer Bay: DEM Weston Prince Saginaw: DEM Timothy Novak Midland: REP Cathy Lunsford Register of Deeds Bay: DEM Brandon D. Krause Saginaw: DEM Katie Albosta Kelly Midland: REP Jenny Anway Road Commissioner Bay: REP Bill Schumacher Public Works Commissioner Saginaw: DEM Brian J. Wendling Drain Commissioner Bay: REP Michael Rivard Saginaw: REP Joe Sova County Commissioner District 01 Bay: REP Kathy Niemiec Saginaw: REP Mark Piotrowski Midland: REP Jeanette M. Snyder County Commissioner District 02 Bay: REP Tim Banaszak Saginaw: DEM Jack Tany Midland: REP Mark Bone County Commissioner District 03 Bay: REP Vaughn J. Begick Saginaw: REP Rich Spitzer Midland: REP Larry Schuelke County Commissioner District 04 Bay: REP Larry Beson Saginaw: DEM Sheldon Matthews Midland: REP Jim Stamas

County Commissioner District 05 Bay: REP Christopher T. Rupp Saginaw: REP Tracey Slodowski Midland: REP Todd M. Gambrell County Commissioner District 06 Bay: DEM Jesse Dockett Saginaw: REP Denny Harris Midland: REP Eric A. Dorrien County Commissioner District 07 Bay: REP Jerome Crete Saginaw: REP John L. Kaczynski Midland: DEM Alaynah Smith County Commissioner District 08 Saginaw: DEM Gerald Little County Commissioner District 09 Saginaw: DEM Christopher S. Boyd County Commissioner District 10 Saginaw: DEM Lisa Coney County Commissioner District 11 Saginaw: DEM Michael Webster Delta College Board of Trustees Member, County of Bay Delta College Michael D. Rowley Delta College Board of Trustees Member, County of Midland Delta College Stacey L. Gannon Delta College Board of Trustees Member, County of Saginaw Delta College Alexis S. Thomas This is not a complete list of all results.

Data was gathered from summary result reports from the following Michigan counties: Bay, Saginaw, Midland by Emma Blakley

BIG NEWS Delta College signed its first adjunct faculty union contract. Find this news and more at deltacollege.org

CAMPUS LIFE

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CAMPUS LIFE

A new view of the universe Norman Corrion | Multimedia Journalist UNIVERSITY CENTER – Delta’s new on-campus observatory establishes the college as a one-of-a-kind spot for night sky watching, providing breathtaking views and some of the best astronomy equipment in Michigan.

The observatory, dubbed the Delta Dome, began as a dream. “It started about 20 years ago with a dream I had of providing a telescope in a situation that our students could enjoy, and our community could enjoy,” says Kevin Dehne, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Delta.

This dream would end up facing more hurdles than expected though. The build first required approval; it received it, but after purchasing the dome and telescope the COVID-19 pandemic halted construction.

Post-pandemic and after another approval, construction was able to start back up. Picking a location for the dome also required care; factors like budget and nearby lighting had to be considered. Three locations would be looked at with an area behind the concession area on the west side of Delta’s main campus being chosen.

Inside the Delta Dome sits an impressive CDK700 telescope from PlaneWave Instruments. On planewave.com this telescope model currently has a price tag of $195,000. The website lists many impressive details, and lists it uses for astrophotography, research and visual observations.

For photography, the website highlights its capabilities to follow objects in the sky with stability for taking images. For research, the site indicates its usefulness in

"This is something that lets you come here and see the cosmos like you can't see it anywhere else."

The CDK700 telescope sits stationary in the center of the dome ready to move and provide views of the night sky, University Center, Oct. 17, 2024; photo credit Norman Corrion. fields of study involving light and its precise data collection capabilities.

“The important aspect of a telescope is the diameter of its optical gathering device,” says Dehne. “In this case it's a mirror, this mirror is 28 inches in diameter.”

Standing next to the telescope gives you a futuristic awe-inspiring feeling. A slight mechanical hum can be heard while the dome ceiling opens and the telescope spins.

Once in position, space becomes reachable through an eyepiece and can be displayed on a large screen in the dome.

“This lets you take a look at the real sky and nebulae, star clusters, planets, galaxies, all of that,” says Aurelian Balan, professor of physics at Delta College.

Balan explained objects that are normally dim and small on telescopes like a nebula–clouds of gas and dust–make some of the best views. With the telescope’s magnified view these types of objects become bright and colorful sights.

The telescope is one of the largest in Michigan compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Wheelchair users are

“This lets you take a look at the real sky and nebulae, star clusters, planets, galaxies, all of that.”

Aurelian Balan

The CDK700 telescope points to the visible sky after a demonstration of how the observatory's ceiling and telescope can adjust positions, University Center, Oct. 17, 2024; photo credit Norman Corrion.

Aurelian Balan able to access the telescope eyepiece, and an image intensifying device helps enhance images for better visibility.

On Oct. 21, the dome and two large portable telescopes were open to students; over 20 Delta students congregated to take advantage of the clear night sky.

“This is something that lets you come here and see the cosmos like you can't see it anywhere else,” says Balan. Guided

by Dehne and Balan, the students were able to view many objects, including the rare comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas.

Students went back and forth visiting all three telescopes making notes as they observed objects in the night sky. Attendees spent the night looking up and enjoying the night sky.

According to Dehne and Balan, Delta students interested in the new Delta Dome have three options: take AST-111 or AST111L, join the Astronomy Club or attend a public open house. With the goal of hosting a public open house each month, anyone in Mid-Michigan will have many chances to visit the Delta Dome.

The Delta Dome dream has become a reality, one that will captivate Delta students and our community for years.

The Delta Dome’s use is weather dependent and those interested in attending an open house can call 989-686-9232 for more information.

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NOVEMBER 2024

Chamber Choir embarks on first post-pandemic tour Delta College’s Jazz Singers and Chamber Choir take their first tour since the pandemic shut down the world Mikaila Bluew | Associate Editor

DELTA PLANETARIUM NOVEMBER SCHEDULE

Director of choral activities Dr. Tim Hendrickson conducting practice with the Chamber Choir the day before the Petosky tour, Nov. 8, 2024; Photo credit Mikaila Bluew.

UNIVERSITY CENTER - Delta College’s Chamber Choir and Jazz Singers took their first tour in Petoskey since the Covid pandemic disrupted the world in 2020.

While the groups have held concerts at Delta since then, this tour marks a new beginning. For many performers, it symbolizes the end of pandemic-era restrictions.

“Oh man, I can't begin to tell you how excited I am because it means the end of that restriction,” said the Director of Choral Activities Dr. Tim Hendrickson.

“In 2016, Chamber Choir and the Chorale went to Germany and Austria and participated in an international festival and competition. When COVID happened, all of that went away; we lost the ability to go on tour and concerts got canceled. It was devastating and nearly wiped out the program. So, this is a huge shot of adrenaline for me and for the singers.

The Chamber Choir was radiating excitement to share their passion and hard work the day before their tour.

“Music is a foundational thing for everything. Music is what creates the soul. Music is what records time.

Music is what combines everything and everyone on any certain level,” said Delta staff and member of the chamber choir Amy Howard. “It's in fact one of the only things that you can do whether you're playing music or singing music that uses both hemispheres

of your brain at the same time. So, it's an incredible experience to be able to perform music and to be able to connect with music and connect with other people through music.”

Members of the ensemble emphasized the importance of sharing this fundamental form of self-expression with others.

“I'm just hoping that this leads to more opportunities, you know?” said choir member Jude Hernandez.

“More popularity within the choir, more people joining, because it really is a great program with Dr. H.” The choir encourages students to join any of Delta’s three ensembles to experience performing abroad and building lasting friendships through music.

Delta College will be hosting the Fall Choralscape on Nov. 23, and the Winter Concert on Dec. 14. All are invited to join the unique musical experience the Chamber Choir creates.

“At this moment, at this time, I feel that music is integral to anyone who wants to express themselves,” Hendrickson said.

For information on how to audition to join the Jazz Singers, the Chamber Choir, or the non-auditioned choir, contact timothyhendrickson@delta. edu or visit room S131.

Thursdays 2:00 p.m. - Mysteries of the Great Lakes Fridays 2:00 p.m. - Stars of the Pharaohs Saturdays 2:00 p.m. - Enchanted Reef 3:30 p.m. | Nov. 2, 9, & 16 - Stars 3:30 p.m | Nov. 23 & 30 - Season of Light 7:00 p.m. - Life Under the Arctic Sky Special Event - Friday, Nov. 22 7:00 p.m. - Jupiter-Saturn Night

CAMPUS LIFE

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DELTA EVENTS: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER CALENDAR NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

FRIDAY 15

THURSDAY 21

TUESDAY 3

Delta Drama Production:

Warrior Girl Unearthed Book Club

Winter 2025: Payment Deadline

Beauty & the Beast

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

BEDI Professional Development Series 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 16

WEDNESDAY 4 Arts & Crafts Show

Delta Drama Production:

FRIDAY 22

Beauty & the Beast

Registration Lab

2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

FRIDAY 6

Observation night at the Delta Dome

New Student Group Advising

7:00 p.m – 10:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Beauty & the Beast

SATURDAY 23

MONDAY 9

2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Delta Chamber Choir & Jazz Singers:

Transfer Mondays

Fall Choralscapes Concert

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Booked for Lunch Book Club

SUNDAY 17

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Delta Drama Production:

MONDAY 18 Women's Basketball v. Madonna

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

University JV

MONDAY 25

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

College-wide Document

WEDNESDAY 11

Men's Basketball vs. St. Clair County

Shredding Event

Registration Lab

Community College

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

TUESDAY 26

THURSDAY 12

TUESDAY 19

Registration Lab

Transfer Thursdays at

New Student Group Advising

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Downtown Saginaw

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Men's Basketball vs.

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Hocking Community College

WEDNESDAY 20

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Men's Basketball vs. Jackson College 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

SATURDAY 14 Delta Chamber Choir & Jazz Singers:

WEDNESDAY 27 - SATURDAY 30 Winter Holiday Concert Fall 2024: No Classes 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. - !0:00 p.m.

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NOVEMBER 2024

FEATURE

Changing your legal name: a headache and a relief all in one An expensive and tedious process that is totally worth it Rachel Walz | Multimedia Journalist Hi, my name is Rachel, but it wasn’t always. I’m a transgender woman. I’ve been on hormone replacement therapy for about five years now, taking a daily regimen of estrogen pills and Spironolactone, a testosterone blocker. I’ve come out of the closet, even at the cost of alienation from friends and family. I’m active with Great Lakes Bay Pride and regularly attend their support groups, which is where I met and fell in love with my girlfriend Dahlia, who is also trans. In short, I’m mostly happy with where I’m at in transition, with only a few things being a little cost-prohibitive.

But aside from expensive surgeries, there was one major hurdle I had left unconquered; changing my legal name. It sounds so simple on paper, but the reality is that, in Michigan, it’s a costly and rather tedious process with a lot of waiting. But ultimately I’ve had enough of seeing my deadname (name I was assigned at birth) on all my legal documents, a good deal of my accounts and on all sorts of official paperwork. So with help from my girlfriend, who changed her name earlier in the year, I began the name change process.

To start with, the initial filing for a Petition for Name Change costs $175, though there are fee waivers available. There are online tools to help you fill out the necessary paperwork at Lawhelp Interactive. Since I reside in Saginaw County, and have for more than a year, I took the paperwork to the Saginaw County courthouse, to the 10th Judicial Circuit Court - Family Division, which has offices located in the basement. Pay them the $175 filing fee and they will submit the petition to the court. Make sure to make lots of copies of this paperwork and any other paperwork you might need, and only single sided!

Illustrated by Asher Silas Hardy | Staff Illustrator Next, if you are 22 or older, you must be fingerprinted and submit to a criminal background check. My partner and I went to the police station near the courthouse, and I paid a $20 fee to be fingerprinted.

This might change depending on the county you’re in; I can only speak for Saginaw.

The fingerprint card must be submitted to the State Police with a $43.25 check or money order payable to the state. Once

the State Police finishes conducting their background check they will destroy your fingerprints and report to the judge; you will then receive a letter or phone call informing you of your court date.

On the paperwork there are options to mark if you request to keep your hearing private, which I did. Risk of transphobic harassment or retaliation are recognized as a valid reason to keep the hearing private,

thankfully, so this request was granted. If you are unable to get this request granted, you must fill out a Publication of Notice of Hearing form, then pay to have it published in a local newspaper a few weeks before the hearing.

On the day of hearing, it was myself and one other person changing our names.

Judge Patrick McGraw only confirmed that our information was correct, asked why we were changing our names, and then granted the order. We then were ushered back down to the basement level where we received copies of our name change order.

Finally, I was legally Rachel Christy Walz.

This doesn’t change everything automatically; I had to update my information with Social Security and receive a new card. A corrected birth certificate commands a $50 sum, with a $16 charge for additional copies. My driver’s license also required changing, which is thankfully only a small $10 fee (and for us trans folks, changing the gender marker was also made easier and part of the same form). I then had to update with work, Delta College, insurance, my credit union (which thankfully also handles my credit card), and other organizations that had my previous name on file. A full list of potential updates after your name change can be found on Michigan Legal Help.

It was a long and kind of tedious process, but it was worth going through. The relief I feel, knowing that once my new license comes, I won’t have to deal with nosy cashiers studying my license for just a hair too long. I can go to a doctor’s office or bank and not have to hastily out myself to explain name discrepancies. And most of all, Rachel isn’t just my “preferred name” anymore. It simply is my name, and no one can tell me different.

STUDENT SUBMISSIONS Do you want to have something published or advertised? A great story, an awesome photo, an entertaining review, or even a business you want to promote? Student submissions can be sent to deltacollegiate@gmail.com for consideration in print or digital publications.

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A people’s history of Thanksgiving This article was written, researched, and produced entirely on colonized land, originally inhabited by the Potawatomi and Erie tribes Jalen Garrison | Student Submission

Illustrated by Lindsey Welch | Staff Illustrator When imagining Thanksgiving, the majority of folks in The United States might conjure a romantic image in their mind. Forests set ablaze with fiery hues of red, yellow, and orange, as leaves fall from the trees. Family gatherings indoors to escape the unrelenting chill that reminds you that winter is just around the corner. Time spent in the company of loved ones, possibly with football in the background, and with a meal that tastes just as delightful as the memories attached to it.

When asked how they imagine Thanksgiving, Delta students responded with similar descriptions: “Family, love, and food. I have a lot of happy memories of my mom making rolls,” Ja’vion Blackwell said.

“It’s a wonderful excuse to get off of work and spend time with family,” Carleah DuRussell said.

Among all of the students I asked, they all shared a deep sentimental attachment to holiday, alongside a romanticized familial memory. All but one that is.

“I don’t really like to think about history,” Maddie Williams said.

This response begs the question: What is it about the history of the holiday that disturbed this student so much that they feel the need to block all thoughts of its origins out of their mind?

To find out, I turkey trotted my way back through duck territory. This time, I asked a more specific question: What do you know about the history of Thanksgiving?

To my surprise: the ducks laid an egg.

“I don’t know why, but it has something to do with pilgrims if I’m not mistaken,” Niyah Miller said. “Didn’t the pilgrims and the… what were they?”

“Didn’t we eat Native Americans?” Tyler Rancour asked.

While there was an incredibly shallow and miseducated understanding of the pilgrims and their history, there was almost no acknowledgement of the folks who were allegedly cannibalized. Despite being the alleged victims of an atrocity in this story, nobody seemed to want to acknowledge their existence, while clearly knowing they were there. To get a better understanding

of the indigenous perspective on Thanksgiving, I spoke to historian, educator and activist Heather Bruegl.

Bruegl is a first line descendant of the StockbridgeMunsee tribe. She researches and teaches United States history with an emphasis on including perspectives of indigenous populations that are often neglected when U.S history is taught.

When asked what her personal connection to Thanksgiving is, Bruegl responded: “I feel absolutely nothing. I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving,” she responded. “I think there is a bigger history people need to learn, and if people knew about it, they’d think about (Thanksgiving) in a different way.”

Bruegl feels that there’s a closet full of skeletons that have yet to be addressed in regard to Thanksgiving.

“I think it’s important that if we’re going to have a day that bears that name, because of something that happened in the past, that we engage with the history of the celebration in its entirety,” Bruegl said. “We at least have to have a conversation about it; recognize what it was for, what it meant and the harm it’s caused for centuries.”

Bruegl talked about how Thanksgiving has been used throughout United States history as a celebration of the genocide of indigenous people.

“I know people tend to trace the first Thanksgiving back to the Civil War when Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving, but there had been many thanksgivings prior to that. So, we’re really celebrating a myth,” Bruegl said. “If you consider the Pequot War, and the genocide of the Pequot people, there was a feast of Thanksgiving that happened afterwards by the colonists.”

What she’s referring to is known by many as the Pequot massacre. In 1637 near present day Groton, Conn., over 700 people of the Pequot tribe gathered for their annual Green Corn Festival. In the early hours of the morning, Dutch and English colonizers set fire to the village. The colonizers, having the village surrounded, shot any and all who tried to flee from the fires. The only survivors were warriors out pillaging who returned to find their families and village burned to cinders.

The next day the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony declared a “Day of Thanksgiving” to celebrate the genocide.

“While I am all for having a day where we gather with family and friends and are thankful for life–I think that’s wonderful, I think that’s beautiful–I think we also then need to talk about the history of this day that we all seem to gather on,” Bruegl said. “To me it represents violence, genocide, loss of land, erasure of culture, all of these things.”

Bruegl feels that the reason why more people don’t recognize how painful this holiday can be for some is due in large part to miseducation. Indigenous history isn’t made a priority in public school education, and that same system uses our current celebrations to cover up the atrocities of the past.

“I think people generally think about this story they’re taught in elementary school: The pilgrims came over on a boat, had a feast, and they invited the Wampanoags over. Everything is beautiful and harmonious. We take this story and apply it to things we’re grateful for,” Bruegl

said. “I think it’s an image of unity, masking a reality of colonization. We have to have this sugar-coated idea of Thanksgiving that centers around unity, community and things like that; but only because we can’t talk about the United States being a settler colonial power and remaining a settler colony today.”

Despite hundreds of years of colonization, genocide and destruction, the indigenous community continues to celebrate a shared culture. In spite of their collective pain, gratitude for a shared human experience has kept the indigenous community connected after centuries.

Indigenous or otherwise, we don’t need a single day to be thankful for everything life has to offer.

Bruegl has a message when thinking about not just Thanksgiving, but anything including the indigenous people of the United States: “Indigenous people are still here. We are still here, walking around; we still hold offices and positions of power. There are indigenous folks in Congress and in the Presidential Cabinet. We are thriving communities, and the genocide didn’t work. So, I truly do wish that more people would recognize that.”

Illustrated by Lindsey Welch | Staff Illustrator

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NOVEMBER 2024

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Neva: hauntingly beautiful

Review | A spoiler free look at Nomada Studio's stunning and emotional new game Lindsey Welch | Page Designer In Neva, you play as Alba, a swordswoman bonded with the titular Neva, an adorable magical wolf cub. Together, they traverse a beautiful yet crumbling world as an insidious curse kills and corrupts everything in its path. The seasons change, and little Neva grows bigger and more powerful, as does the curse and the monster behind it.

It’s an emotional and heartbreaking story that focuses on the loving bond between Alba and Neva as they seek to survive.

Much like Nomada Studio’s previous title Gris, the tale of Neva is told solely through visual and musical storytelling.

The only dialogue you’ll hear in the game is when calling the name of your wolf buddy.

This lack of explicit telling works well with the increasingly empty world that Nomada Studios has crafted. The background lore of this world and the curse that plagues it is a mystery, one that you’ll be left to ponder and theorize about after playing.

Astounding art and music If you enjoy Studio Ghibli films, you will see some familiar faces and concepts.

Nomada Studio said they were particularly inspired by Princess Mononoke and a little by Spirited Away—two of my personal favorite Ghibli films. With the use of strong shapes, vibrant colors, and textures, the design of the game is striking and pulls you into the world. There is also an impressive use of line-less art for the characters that makes them feel even more a part of the world they inhabit. The monster designs are incredibly unsettling, not just in their

appearance but also in their movements and sounds, which do a great job of increasing the tension throughout. Speaking of sound, while the art is beautiful, the accompanying music, composed by the group Berlinist, meshes perfectly with the visuals. It adds depth and intensity, further helping to convey the emotions and themes the game seeks to express.

Gameplay Alba, the swordswoman you play as, already possesses all of her skills from the start.

Players’ growth in skill is reflected in the wolf pup Neva. The platforming puzzles are engaging and imaginative but gradually become

more difficult as you progress. This game does not hold your hand, and there will be times when you’ll need to keep a keen eye on your surroundings and visual clues to progress.

Combat provides a satisfying challenge, and with only three hit points to spare, the game doesn’t pull any punches. Thankfully, there are ample opportunities to heal during combat. For every successful strike Alba lands with her blade, she can regain health. As Neva grows, the wolf cub gains unique and often lifesaving abilities. If intense gameplay isn’t your style or if you just want to run around and enjoy the views, you can switch to story mode for a deathfree run at any time.

Beautiful but brief The main drawback that may deter people from buying the game is how quickly the main story can be beaten. Without going back for missed collectibles, I managed to finish the game in around five hours (granted, I spent a significant amount of time admiring the scenery); I imagine some could finish it in three to four hours.

The replayability of the game depends on the type of gamer playing. Personally, I don’t doubt I will replay it. Running around in what looks like a painting with an enchanting soundtrack and lovable characters is a major draw for me. However, the small number of trophies and collectibles to hunt for and the game’s length might not justify the $20 price tag for some gamers, despite all its other glowing qualities.

Verdict Neva is a work of art, and it’s clear how much love went into the game's creation.

The characters and their stories made me cry, and I personally cannot wait to go back and play it again. I believe Neva is an excellent next step for Nomada Studios, and I look forward to their future work. As of now, the game is only available as a digital download on most platforms, but you can expect a physical copy for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch (both standard and deluxe editions) to be available on March 14, 2025.

Alba embracing a full grown Neva in an emotional moment, Oct. 23; screenshot

by Lindsey Welch.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Prince of Darkness and Goddess of Pop stand out amidst the eight inductees Rachel Walz | Multimedia Journalist On Saturday Oct. 19, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted eight recording artists: Kool and the Gang, A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Dave Matthews Band, Cher and Ozzy Osbourne.

Other honored artists included Dionne Warwick, Jimmy Buffett, MC5 and Norman Whitfield receiving the Musical Excellence award, while Alexis Korner, Big Mama Thorton, and John Mayall were honored with the Musical Influence award.

Pop icon Cher had previously been snubbed by the Hall of Fame, and had even remarked once that “she wouldn’t join if they gave her a million dollars,” yet she accepted her nomination with both grace and humor. Cher joked that “It was easier getting divorced from two men than it was

to get inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” but ultimately stated she was happy to be in. She was inducted

by Zendaya and performed a duet with Dua Lipa.

Ozzy Osbourne is such an iconic rock legend that this was his second time being inducted; The Prince of Darkness had previously been inducted in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath, but the Hall of Fame saw fit to accept him as a solo artist. Actor Jack Black, a vocal heavy metal fan, heaped praise on Ozzy, calling him the “motherfucker who invented heavy metal,” and urged others to seek his music.

“Sure, you could go stream Post Malone and Taylor Swift and get all the warm hugs you need for your broken hearts,” Black said. “Or you can stay up all night and get your minds blown by Ozzy’s entire catalog for the first time.”

Ozzy did not perform due to his health difficulties, but he watched approvingly from atop a throne of bats and skulls as artists such as Zakk Wylde, Jelly Roll and Billy Idol saluted him with covers of his hits.

Kool and the Gang played a medley of their hits, Dave Matthews Band covered “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads, while Queen Latifah and Busta Rhymes among others paid tribute to A Tribe Called Quest.

The Hall has been seen as a controversial organization.

Less than 10% of the nearly 300 acts in the Hall have any female members, and their snubbing of iconic heavy metal acts such as Iron Maiden, Slayer, Megadeth, Dio, and Motorhead in favor of pop and country artists has irked many metal fans. Cher is not alone in her previous displeasure with the institution; past nominees like The Sex Pistols and Steve Miller have also voiced dissatisfaction, particularly with the voting process being run by an elite board rather than rock fans. Still, The Hall tries its best to give iconic bands their day in the sun. One can only hope they listen to fans and try to improve their nominations.

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SPORTS

Eyes on the prize After a win in the district finals, women's soccer heads to nationals Blake Metiva | Multimedia Journalist

SPORTS 11

Basketball season tips off A look into Delta's 202425 basketball season Blake Metiva | Multimedia Journalist

The women's soccer team poses for fans, parents and media while holding their newly acquired district championship plaque, University Center, Nov. 2, 2024; photo credit Norman Corrion.

UNIVERSITY CENTER - The Delta women's soccer team is Midwest Division champion once again. The Pioneers defeated the Joliet Junior College Wolves on Nov. 1 in an 11-2 dismantling. The women faced a familiar opponent, the Owens Express, in the final the following day.

Delta and Owens had already met twice this season, with Delta taking victories in both matches. In the district final, Delta prevailed once again.

The match was a tense affair for the first 40 minutes, but that changed just prior to halftime. A Delta defender launched a beautiful clearance up the field that found the feet of Peyton Pratt, who immediately passed it to leading scorer Isabella Workman. Workman took the ball, dribbled past an Owens defender, and slotted it into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 Pioneers.

The second half remained close until Delta grew its lead in the 58th minute. After an Owens goal kick bounced around midfield, Pratt found herself in prime position to make a run. She received the ball out wide, with only one Owens defender to beat. She made a cut toward the center of the field and beat the defender. In a last-ditch attempt to prevent Delta from scoring, the defender tripped Pratt, resulting in a penalty kick.

Staring down the keeper with everyone else behind her, Pratt stepped up to take the shot. The whistle blew, and she slotted the ball home. Delta was up 2-0 with one hand on the district title.

Fifteen minutes later, Delta extended its lead once again.

On a corner kick, Kendall Jackson found herself alone in the middle of the box, unmarked by Owens defenders.

Anna Sabo whipped a cross in that found Jackson, who stuck her foot out and put it in the back of the net.

Shortly after, Delta scored its final goal of the match and put a second hand on the title in the 82nd minute. Jackson scored her second goal of the match. Abigail Hendy sent in a free kick that bounced around the box, popped out to Jackson, who dribbled the ball and put it past the diving Owens keeper to make it 4-0 and solidify Delta’s title.

Following the match, Mikalah Lewis reflected on the season the team has had.

“The secret to our season is our culture,” Lewis said.

“Everyone is always uplifting each other.”

Lewis also talked about how it feels being a district champion. “(It feels) really good,” Lewis said. “We’ve worked really hard this season, but we always work toward the next game and we’re working for the National Tournament now.”

The Pioneers are looking to win their second national title in program history but face tough competition at the National Tournament taking place at Genesee Community College in Batavia, N.Y. The tournament takes place from Nov. 12-17 and can be watched on the NJCAA website.

The women's soccer team take a victory lap across the field, University Center, Nov. 2, 2024; photo credit Norman Corrion.

Men start fresh After a tough season in 2023-24, the Delta College men's basketball team is looking to build something new. The team finished last season with a 10-14 record, and the season fell apart after the holiday break. But that was last season, and this is now.

The team returns four players from last season's squad: Brandon Schlink, Ja’Vion Blackwell, London Williams, and Drew Gerwolls.

All four were solid contributors to the team, and their presence as team leaders will be felt.

Schlink was second on the team in points per game last season, while Blackwell led the team in assists, with Schlink second. In blocks per game, Schlink was second, and Gerwolls was third.

The team started the 2024-25 season with a tough loss to the Mott Community College Bears, 89-66. The Pioneers turned the ball over 17 times, shot 36% from the field, 52% from the free throw line, and were out-rebounded by the Bears. Freshman Dequavion Terry led the team with 14 points, followed by freshman Evan Book, who had 12.

Head coach Aundra Bennett has a wealth of experience and is working toward establishing Delta as a top basketball program.

Women look to build After a Great Lakes District Tournament appearance last season, the women's basketball team is attempting to build on that success this season.

The team returns five players from last season: Haven Vasold, Ja’leeah Griggs, Amari’A Campbell, Hailee Jefferson, and Carah McCrum.

Griggs led the team in points per game last season, while Jefferson was second and McCrum third. Additionally, Jefferson was second in rebounds per game, and McCrum was third. McCrum was second in blocks per game, and Campbell was third.

The women have started the 2024-25 season 0-3, but every game has been close. They lost their first game to Macomb Community College by eight points, their second to Marian University Ancilla by six, and their third to Mott Community College by five.

If last season is any indication, the women will struggle out of the gate but will hit their stride.

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NOVEMBER 2024

Pioneer history made

Delta volleyball secures first Region XII title Blake Metiva | Multimedia Journalist in program history

Delta's Corrina Gomez jumps to hit the volleyball back in their last home game of the season against the College of DuPage, Nov. 3, 2024; photo credit Norman Corrion.

UNIVERSITY CENTER - The Delta volleyball team finished its season this month falling just short of an NJCAA National Tournament.

The team started the year slowly, with a record of 10-10 through its first 20 matches, but finished strong with a 6-4 record.

The season was extremely streaky, but by the time the Region XII tournament came around, the women had their eyes on the prize. They met the Lorain County Community College Commodores in the first round. The two teams had met earlier in the season on Aug. 31, and the Commodores came out victorious in four sets. The Pioneers avenged their earlier loss and defeated Lorain in four sets, 25-19, 25-18, 12-25, 25-20. Sophomore Ashlee Lenhard led the team with 13 kills and 17 points, sophomore Sarah Hauck had 27 assists and the team had a .103 hitting percentage.

In the Region XII final, the team met the No. 7-ranked Owens Community College Express. Much like Lorain, Delta had met Owens earlier in the year and was defeated in five sets. Delta dominated the first two sets of the matchup, winning 25-13 and 2520, showing this wasn’t the same team Owens met earlier in the season.

In the third set, Delta looked to put Owens away, but the Express showed their own fight, taking the set 25-15. Delta had its worst game of the match with a -.087 hitting percentage. But in the fourth set, Delta came back into the positives and brought home the first Region XII title in program history, winning the

TNA Wrestling takes over Wayne State University TNA Wrestling returns to Michigan after 10 years Austin Gonzales | Multimedia Journalist DETROIT – For the first time since 2009, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) returns to pay-per-view in Wayne County for its flagship event, Bound for Glory. TNA brought its biggest show of the year to a sold-out Wayne State University Fieldhouse, where 3,000 rambunctious wrestling fans packed the venue. The Detroit crowd was energized to see the stars of TNA in action, especially to see the hottest rising star in professional wrestling, Joe Hendry, challenge TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth.

Before the matches began, TNA celebrated its company’s history with the annual Hall of Fame ceremony. This year’s honor went to TNA co-founder Bob Ryder, who started the organization with Jeff and Jerry Jarrett in 2002. Joining Ryder in the Hall of Fame is Michigan wrestling legend Rhino, known for his long tenure with the company and for headlining the first Bound for Glory.

From top to bottom, the entire card was stacked with tremendous bouts. The preshow kicked off with Ash and Heather

by Elegance scoring a victory over Xia Brookside and WWE NXT’s Brinley Reece.

The last match before the official start of the show was a 20-person intergender Call Your Shot Gauntlet match, where the winner receives a World Championship match anytime, anywhere, for up to one year. The finals came down to Frankie Kazarian and Rhino, but it was Kazarian who scored a pinfall on the War Machine to earn his future title opportunity.

Once the show officially began, the action was hot from the start. ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey successfully defended his X-Division Championship in a high-octane contest against Mexico’s El Hijo del Vikingo. The TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions, Jody Threat and Dani Luna, also successfully defended their titles against Rosemary and

match 25-22. Lenhard led in kills, and Hauck in assists, while Hauck and Sarah Vandecar tied for the lead in digs.

While the season may not have ended with a trip to the national tournament, it certainly was a season to remember and one to build on for the future!

Delta's Ashlee Lenhard spikes the volleyball back at the College of DuPage players in the Delta gymnasium, Nov. 3, 2024; photo credit Norman Corrion.

NXT’s Wendy Choo. Rosemary wasn’t happy with her team’s loss and took it out on Choo.

A feud reached its boiling point as technical wrestling expert Josh Alexander took Steve Maclin to his limit. Alexander stood tall after trapping Maclin not only in handcuffs behind his back but also in a well-executed ankle lock, forcing Maclin to submit.

The violence didn’t stop there, as up next was the Monster’s Ball match. No rules, thumbtacks spilled onto the canvas, and broken front doors were left in the wake of

this chaotic match. Matt Cardona tried as he might, but he couldn’t top the French Canadian Frankenstein known as PCO. In the final match before the advertised “triple main event,” Mike Santana challenged TNA’s hardest-hitting superstar, Moose.

Despite Moose’s best efforts to have his faction mates assist him, Santana would take home the victory.

Find the rest of the story on deltacollegiate.org

Challenger, Joe Hendry (right) comes face to face with Champion, Nic Nemeth (center), Oct. 26, 2024, Detroit; photo Credit Austin Gonzales.

EDITORIAL 13

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EDITORIAL

Gimme a break

Delta College needs a mid-semester break to support student success “The only reason we need that week off at the end is because things are so stressful, and people are so burnt out.”

"Teacher burnout is associated with worse academic achievement and lower quality student motivation."

Guiseppe Pellerito

International Journal of Education Research

Recent studies show that 67% of college students in the U.S. identify finals, midterms, class workload and homework as major stressors impacting their academic success. This academic pressure, particularly during midterms and finals, is a significant factor in the decline of student performance in colleges nationwide.

“Sometimes it's just crazy, then more crazy, then more crazy,” Delta student Eliana Muhazhiri said. “So, I think even just a couple of days where people can just rest and reset would be really helpful.”

Most large universities in Michigan and across the U.S. offer a two-day fall break in mid-October to help mitigate this stress. Delta, like most colleges, does not provide a fall break.

“I think when you are mentally healthy, when you are operating at your best wellness, then you do the best work,” Delta student Jalen Garrison said.

“You can't put out good work if you're stressed all the time, you can’t write.”

But the burnout doesn’t just affect student performance; between creating lesson plans and grading

Illustrated by Lindsey Welch | Staff Illustrator assignments, teachers struggle to stay afloat as well. A two-day break allows teachers to catch up on grading projects and rest after midterms.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Education Research, “teacher burnout is associated with worse academic achievement and lower quality student motivation.”

Students felt stress negatively

impacted their academic performance, and many Delta students felt that pressure builds as the semester progresses. Some students we interviewed were even willing to schedule additional days at the end of the semester to make up for lost time.

“I think they (students) would go for it still because I think they value that mid-semester break,” Delta student

Guiseppe Pellerito said. “They value that chance to take that breather more than they do the chance to take a longer breather at the end. Because the only reason we need that week off at the end is because things are so stressful, and people are so burnt out.”

If the fall break were scheduled just before Thanksgiving, students would have a chance to travel home and see family.

“I don’t think there is a ton you would have to account for because I think you would know you have a break and would go further into the semester,” Delta student Elisabeth Kunz said.

As we progress into the semester, the mounting stress and workload can become too much to handle. Planning a mid-semester break at Delta could offer significant benefits for both students and teachers, from reducing stress to improving overall productivity and performance. By taking the necessary steps to incorporate a short break into the fall semester, Delta College has the opportunity to improve the well-being and success of its entire academic community.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Have thoughts on something you’ve read? Want to share your perspective, ask questions, or give feedback? We want to hear from you! Write a letter to the editor and have your voice heard in the Delta Collegiate.

Send your letter to: deltacollegiate@gmail.com.

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GAMES & COMICS

Word Search: Fall Foods

WORD LIST PIES PUMPKINS TURKEY CRANBERRY SOUP

SOLUTION

POTATOES SQUASH APPLES CHILI CORN

Creative Writing Submissions The Delta Collegiate is accepting student poetry and short story submissions! Submit your work for consideration to be featured in our next print at deltacollegiate@gmail.com.

Illustrated by Lindsey Welch | Staff Illustrator

GAMES & COMICS 15

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Collegiate Staff Crystal McMorris Advisor crystalmcmorris@delta.edu Onnie Stone Editor in Chief deltacollegiate@gmail.com Mikaila Bleuw Associate Editor mikailaboyke@delta.edu Norman Corrion Managing Editor normancorrion@delta.edu Emma Blakley Multimedia Journalist emmablakley@delta.edu Blake Metiva Multimedia Journalist blakemetiva@delta.edu Austin Gonzales Multimedia Journalist austingonzales@delta.edu Maddox Salcedo Multimedia Journalist maddoxsalcedo@delta.edu

Illustrated by Asher Silas Hardy | Staff Illustrator

CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS REPORTING BOTH ON AND OFF CAMPUS. CREATED

BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS!

Rachel Walz Multimedia Journalist rachelwalz@delta.edu Rileigh Benson Multimedia Journalist rileighbenson@delta.edu Asher Silas Hardy Illustrator ashersilas97@gmail.com Lindsey Welch Page Designer lindseywelch@delta.edu

MISSION STATEMENT The Delta Collegiate is an award-winning, student-run, multi-media news organization which strives to educate, entertain and engage the Delta College community and beyond.

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