Volume 79 issue 4 october 11, 2016

VOLUME #79, ISSUE 4

Celebrating Hispanic heritage PAGE 02

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016

Miracle cures

domestic violence column::

Publishing success

Women's basketball

PAGE 03

PAGE 03

PAGE 04

PAGE 07

Speaker, Benjamin Champagne, explains to us the true meaning of the use of memes at TedxSVSU 2016. He shows the audience a variation of videos and PowerPoint slides to bring life to his presentation. September 30, 2016. Saginaw, MI. Photo Credit | Brynna Henika

Second annual TEDx SVSU showcases virtual reality, speakers Isaac DeVille

V

irtual Reality is no longer science fiction, it’s reality. At TEDx SVSU, lectures weren’t the only thing being explored. Students went underwater, flew in outer space, and threw snowballs at an army of snowmen.

The HTC Vive, the newest addition to mainstream virtual reality, was showcased at TEDx SVSU on Friday Sept. 30. The presenters at TEDx SVSU have successfully revealed the technology to roughly five hundred people and hope to get more.

“I've been a fan of virtual reality since the late 80s and 90s, and I've been silently following it while it f loundered in the industry... I tried it out and fell in love. I'm

not kidding I actually teared up,” says Kelly Gray, a member of the HTC Vive team.

The VR goggles fit snugly around one’s head. One can turn around 360 degrees, and still have an area to walk to. One presentation is under water where you come face to face with a whale. Another presentation is outer space, where you can throw new planets into the solar system before they crash into earth. Finally, there is a snow fort game where you pick up snow to build a fort against a group of grumpy snowmen.

Past the VR display was the banquet hall where the TEDx talks took place.

TED is a nonprofit organization whose

stated intention is to spread ideas through lectures. TEDx SVSU is an effort to bring that sentiment to the college campus.

The lectures opened with an introductory video stating, “This event today is based off of the TED Conference format and ideals, but is independently organized by your local community. Today you are part of a global conversation about our shared future.”

People like Bradley Chippi wanted to be part of that conversation. “I've always known about TEDx,” says Chippi, Vice President of TEDx SVSU. “They have a ton of videos on Youtube, and I just thought “man something like that would

be awesome for SVSU. Especially to get that SVSU name out there.””

The speakers this year are as follows: Elad Inbar, Brian Thomas, Glenn Daniels II, Benjamin Champagne and Darnell Jackson.

Benjamin Champagne's presentation entitled “Memes N Stuff ” informs the crowd on what memes are and how they are changing the way we communicate.

“Memes are units of culture which spread from person to person by means of imitation and repetition,” Champagne says. “Memes have the ability to wake you up. A lot of times they are full of irony or sarcasm.

He also has an excuse for relatives who believe scrolling through your cellphone while looking at memes is counterproductive.

“I'd tell my grandmother ‘I'm participating in the digital literacy of our times.’ Probably the reason that the older generation gets a little upset with us is because they can't handle the new technology,” Champagne says.

Champagne believes that memes give you a space to think and react creatively.

He doesn't believe it's a waste of time, but actually really good for you. He also believes

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2...

Delta College promotes voter registration Phoebe Fries

D

elta has created a campaign in order to boost student involvement in voting. According to Delta's registration statistics, there was a decrease in nearly 200 participants from the 2012 election to the 2014 election. The number of students who registered to vote during the 2016 campaign exceeded expectations and provided students an easy way to make a difference.

According to the DeltaVotes website promotions, 53 percent of Delta students did not vote in the 2012 election.

DeltaVotes is a campaign created to encourage students to register to vote. The drive started on Sept. 26, and ended on the 29. The goal of the drive was not only to increase student voters for the November election, but to instill the idea of the importance of voting.

The National Election is on Nov. 8. To vote in Michigan the last day to register is Oct. 11.

Lisa Lawrason, political science instructor, says, “The first day of the drive was phenomenal. Between the main

Fonville’s defense states that at all relevant times, his conduct toward Mason and Jablonski was not unwelcome. It states that he did not sexually harass Mason or Jablonski, and that they were not subject to a hostile or offensive educational environment due to any conduct or communications by Fonville.

The defense also states that at the time of personal communications between Fonville

and Mason or Jablonski, neither was enrolled in any course taught by Fonville.

Fonville denies that he made any sexual advances toward either Mason or Jablonski, or that he communicated with either by text message. He further denies sending either a link to the website which features pictures of penises.

A settlement conference is scheduled for June 13, 2017. Trial dates are to be scheduled

[

Lawrason also states that the impact of voting directly affects Delta College students.

“Electing state representatives, who make community college money a priority, impacts students’ ability to take courses in a general sense,” says Lawrason.

Katie Gnatkowski, a Delta College student, registered to vote on Sept. 27.

]

"I probably wouldn't have registered if it wasn't offered at Delta."

Student Brianna Brownell is one of the last students to register to vote on campus. On campus registration took place from September 26 through 29. September 29, 2016. University Center, MI. Photo Credit | Drew Moore

-Katie Gnatkowski

campus and the Ricker Center we had 144 registrations.”

According to Lawrason, a total of 460 Delta students participated in the drive and became registered voters. In 2012, 500 students registered, and in 2014, the number was 300.

“It’s important to register to vote because voting gives you the power to have your voice heard,” says Gnatkowski.

According to Gnatkowski, Delta’s voter registration drive gave her an opportunity that wasn’t presented to her elsewhere.

“Having a drive on campus is a convenience. It took less than ten minutes and I didn’t have to make a special trip. I probably wouldn’t have registered if it wasn’t offered at Delta” says Gnatkowski.

Former Delta professor responds to sexual harassment lawsuit Cameron Kerkau

F

ormer Delta instructor Brent Fonville, through his attorneys, has filed a response to a sexual harassment lawsuit pending against him and the school. The suit comes from the law office of Glen N. Lenhoff on behalf of current Delta students Emily Mason and MaCayla Jablonski.

The women allege that Fonville allegedly created a sexually hostile

education experience for them at Delta.

Their complaint states that Fonville began sending overtly sexual and flirtatious text messages to both plaintiffs in May of 2015 until Oct. 2015, including a link to a website which features pictures of penises.

Fonville, now a resident of Tennessee, is represented by the law office of Johnson, Rosati, Schultz & Joppich, P.C.

at the conference. The court expects trial dates to be scheduled 35 to 70 days after the settlement conference. *Editors note: MaCayla Jablonski, editorin-chief of the Delta Collegiate, is a plaintiff in this case. She did not take part in the assigning, writing or editing of this piece.

2

TUESDAY, October 11, 2016 / www.deltacollegiate.com

NEWS

...CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Second annual TEDx SVSU showcases virtual reality, speakers in the Taoist philosophy which states, “Wei wu Wei: Action without action.”

“I don't think it's anti-intellectual. I think it's quite the opposite,” Champagne says. “I think it's like a complex math equation that we reduce until we have the most elegant expression. Memes are the most elegant expression.”

The next speaker, Judge Darnell Jackson talks about leaving behind a legacy of lessened carbon imprints in his presentation.

Jackson defined legacy and what it means.

Jackson believes his legacy rests with the prison inmates who have thanked him for putting them into jail and giving them the opportunity to break their drug habits.

According to Jackson, our legacy as the human race is to become better stewards of this planet. “”Like you leave a footprint in the sand, your actions leave a visible imprint on the earth,” says Jackson.

Jackson finished his speech by warning the crowd that every individual can effect the planet. “Regardless of your age, race, gender, religion, or economic status, whether you want to or not we all leave a carbon imprint upon the earth, whether you want to or not we all will leave a legacy.”

Elad Inbar, Founder and CEO of RobotLAB Inc., shows how he inspires students with the use of robotics in his presentation. He empathizes with students who don't achieve well. “When I was in school, everything they taught went in one ear and out the other. I was bored. As a result, I was a troublemaker,” says Inbar.

He reaches out to students like him by teaching the kids with robotics and technology.. “These are not stupid kids or lazy kids or kids with ADHD that you need to medicate. These are bright young adults

who are just craving for someone to spark their creativity,” Inbar says. He believes that robots of all sorts give students a hands-on, practical way of understanding their studies.

Next was Brian Thomas whose wife died from heart complications. This inspired him to run, but he believes most of his work goes unseen. He says, “Races themselves get a little too much glory. If this was a movie, it would be the race, it would be the finish line where the hero or heroine would cross it, and they would do the slow motion and they would play some fan-fare music. And the weeks, the months, and the years of training would get compressed down into a montage of video clips or images that did not, to me, recognize the hard work for what it actually takes to show up at the start line, much less make it across the finish line.”

His lecture largely centered around dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, and how to cope with it, in his case with races.

Finally, there was Glenn Daniel's presentation on why dumb goals are smart.

As a motivational speaker with his own seminars, he is no stranger to success or public speaking. He cited the Wright Brothers, where people once said “If God made people to fly, he would have put wings on their backs.” He says, “We got to stop to be limited by what we think, By what other people think.

Ted Talks will continue to inspire people and students to think big. All in all, when the lecturers went away and the VR station was dismantled, one can be certain that next year the third annual TEDx SVSU will take place.

registration Delta Students don’t Winter approaches love the presidential candidates I Erik Hopkins

Ethan Moore

W

ith two debates now in the books, and less than a month before the election, this year’s presidential election has had plenty of political mudslinging to go around. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have tackled issues ranging from healthcare and welfare, to military budgets and the economic future of the country. As Ashley Bard, a student here at Delta, explains, they need to do a better job of focusing on the actual issues in the campaign.

“All the talk about deleted emails or not paying taxes seems like a waste of time.

Neither candidate is perfect so they need

“Who are you voting for in the coming election?”

to be focused on the actual issues facing the country,” says Bard.

The Delta Collegiate recently ran a poll asking: “Who are you voting for in the coming election?” The majority said Clinton, however over 20 percent could possibly not be voting at all.

“The candidates aren’t respecting the position in a way that feels presidential,” says James Quinn, a Delta student. “I feel like I may have to vote for [Hillary] Clinton just because there’s nothing else.”

With the newest allegations of Trump not paying taxes for the past 18 years, it will be interesting to see where the election goes as we head towards the finish line.

22% 50% 5%

Donald Trump Gary Johnson Hilary Clinton

23%

Other/Not Voting

t’s that time of year again, folks. Though we are only a little over a month into the Fall 2016 semester, Winter registration is already upon us and the deadline is approaching fast! Registration for the Winter 2017 term begins on Oct 25 with the payment deadline on Dec 6 at 6 p.m.

If you miss the deadline, or are waiting

[ ] "Registration for the Winter 2017 term begins Oct 25."

to see if that class you’ve waitlisted has any newly available open seats, registration for the semester resumes on Dec 8 at noon.

According to Delta’s website, “Your registration priority is based on the credits you have earned, including any credits in progress on your Fall schedule. Register anytime at or after your scheduled time.

Online registration is available every day except from 1-4am when backups are being done.”

Honors students also have the ability to use their priority registration and sign up for classes one day early.

Classes for the Winter 2017 semester begin on Jan 7 and run through April 28.

For more information, visit the Registrar’s office in B100, or online at http://www. delta.edu/registrars-office.aspx

*out of 112 people on twitter

Hispanic Heritage Month hits Delta Hannah Gradowski

W

ithin the bustling halls and the Arawaks of Puerto Rico, the Aztecs of a moment where we are not proud of who hurried traffic of Delta College Mexico, the Incas of South America, the we are and where we’ve come from. We are on Sept. 27, exuberant voices Maya of Central America, and the Tainos happy to have the chance to share it with resonated, intervening between crowded of in Cuba, Puerto Rico and other regions. others,” says Castillo. thoughts and schedules with the language “One significant aspect of Hispanic The national celebration of Hispanic of Spanish to promote the Heritage Month began on celebration of Hispanic Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. Heritage Month.

"Hispanic Heritage Month gives 15. In the duration of this Members of the Society of month, the Society of Hispanic us the opportunity to surround Hispanic Leaders, Angelica Leaders created events which Lozano and Manuel Castillo, ourselves with family to celebrate encourages Delta College to initiated conversations with become involved and educated and honor our heritage." the event Let’s Talk Spanish by in Hispanic Heritage. These -Monica Hernendez-Alainz greeting students with “Hola, events include ‘Let’s Speak Cómo Estás?”, “or hello, how Spanish!’ on Sept. 27 and Oct. are you?” to provide an opportunity for culture is family. Hispanic Heritage month 8 in West Hall on Delta College’s Main Delta students to interact and practice gives us the opportunity to surround Campus from 11am to 2pm, My Culture, Spanish skills while learning about the ourselves with family to celebrate and honor My Voice on Sept. 29 at the Delta College history of Hispanic culture. our heritage” says Associate Counselor and Saginaw Ricker Center from 10am to 7 p.m.

Originally celebrated as Hispanic SOHL Leader Monica Hernandez-Alaniz. and a special presentation called “A Look Heritage Week, Hispanic Heritage Month The event Let’s Talk Spanish created at Immigration through the Eyes of the was enacted into law under the presidency by the SOHL broadened the celebration Innocent” presented by guest speaker Dr. of Ronald Reagan in August 1988. This beyond family borders and into the halls Stephany Slaughter followed by a viewing offered Hispanic Americans the chance of Delta College. and discussion of the film “Which Way to recollect on one’s family history and “We (Hispanics) are always celebrating Home” on Oct. 18 from 2-4 p.m. in S125 retrace roots from the diverse indigenous together whether it is during parades, and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in S-105.

Society of Hispanic Leader member Angelica Lozano explains to student Alaina Galavis the basics groups of the Americas which included holidays or special occasions, there is not

[

of the Spanish language during the event of Let's Talk Spanish! on Sept. 27.

Photo Credit | Hannah Gradowski

The Delta College Board of Trustees will hear a presentation on the updates for the new Saginaw Center at the dinner meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m, in room N-007.

At the regular meeting, the board will speak about Delta’s five-year capital outlay master plan tonight at 7 p.m., in room B151. To follow along with the meetings, follow @DCIsaacDeVille as he live tweets the event.

Delta responds to job shortages in the Great Lakes Bay region Phoebe Fries

S

everal businesses in the Great Lakes “It wouldn't have been possible, for this Bay region reached out to Delta program to get off the ground nearly as College concerning shortages in diesel quickly, without a very generous grant from technicians. In response, Delta created a the Harvey Randel Wix Foundation in Heavy Duty Diesel Technology program Saginaw,” says Coats. as well as a training program.

According to Coats, funding for the According to the Delta College website, project originated from the grant. It is a the training program is a 10 week course. two year degree program in Heavy Duty The program was created to prepare students Diesel Service Technology. for a future career as a diesel technician, Coats says, “I see nothing but good as well as narrowing in on preventative coming out of this. Diesel is huge. There is maintenance and inspection. nothing that we consume that doesn't come Thomas Coats, from a truck.”

Delta’s Heav y Appl ic at ions "Students will have the D ut y D ie s e l for the training opportunity to obtain Coordinator, says, are due on Oct. employment and local “Student interest 21.

The training employer's needs will be was here before program is limited reached." the market was to 12 students. available. Now, that’s been coupled with Classes will begin on Nov. 1 starting at the occupational demand.”

6p.m.

Coats states that the program will Students interested in the diesel be a significant addition to the school. technology program can f ind the Students will have the opportunity to obtain application form at http://www.delta.edu/ employment and local employer's needs will files/Corpserv/Diesel-FS-Application.pdf. be reached.

[

]

]

SAT prep becomes available soon Erik Hopkins

D

elta’s Lifelong Learning department is offering eight opportunities for a one-day crash course into the SAT. Their goal is to help you by arming you with general test taking strategies, give you practice tests to adjust your techniques to fit you best, and to help you build a confident approach to taking the SAT. The 5 ½ hour long course, taught by Education Professional Felesia Harrel, aims to help you improve your overall SAT score.

Whether you’re a first time SAT taker or a re-taker, the course has been set up specifically to heighten scores.

“These sessions provide successful information to raise the success rate,” says Susan Voss of Delta’s Lifelong Learning.

Delta’s Lifelong Learning team assures that their courses are set up specifically

with the strategies and drills to help you learn how to approach the tests key subjects like Math, Critical Reading, Writing, and essay writing.

“Lots of participants have said they’ve found it helpful in preparation for the exam, and the prep course itself was a positive learning experience,” says Voss.

All courses take place on Delta College’s main campus from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with a fee of $99. Course dates are as follows: Nov. 19, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 18, March 4, March 18, April 8, April 29.

If you have any questions or are looking for more information, call (989) 686-9444 or send an email to lifelonglearning@delta. edu.

PAGE 3: Fountain Talk question was labeled wrong. It should have said: "Do you believe that scientists have already cured cancer?"

PAGE 2: Highlighted quote for "Delta College becoming an advocate for green" was a repost from "Delta Honors Program turns 30."

CORRECTIONS: SEPT. 27, 2016

3

TUESDAY, October 11, 2016 / www.deltacollegiate.com

&

SH T

Science, Health, & Tech

The medication of the future

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with domestic abuse, physically or emotionally, please contact a professor, counselor, or the staff at The Delta Collegiate. We will ensure that help is found in a discreet and supportive manner.

Josie Dudek

G

eneSight is a new medical test According to the GeneSight website, the Through further research on GeneSight, performed on patients who suffer study has found significant improvement evidence of negative outcomes from patients from psychological disorders, acute in depression symptoms, higher response who have partaken in the GeneSight study and chronic pain, and for patients who want rates to medications and higher patient seem non-existent. Since GeneSight is not more information on their body’s folic acid and physician satisfaction. It also says an invasive test, it does not directly affect conversion. The is a genetic test which looks GeneSight can predict a patient’s reaction the patient. If anything, the test is worth at many of the genes involved the five minutes it takes when a person’s body processes because it can result in less "This is a genetic test doctors can certain medications. Through side-effects from sometimes this, patients have seen a 70% harmful medications. use to determine which medication improvement in their symptoms GeneSight is an amazing will work with an individual's body, versus the usual treatment. step forward in the medical Basically, this is a genetic test field, helping both patients without having to go through the doctors can use to determine and physicians find bettertrial and error process." which medication will work working medications for with an individual’s body, each specific individual. without having to go through Since GeneSight is a brand the trial and error process. GeneSight to a medication, before even taking it. new product, testing continues on the, well, is a painless procedure, and is done the This greatly reduces side-effect caused by test, and case studies are constantly in the same way a basic DNA test is done. All it medications, and helps patients feel more works. Although GeneSight is mainly used takes is a quick cotton swab to the inside comfortable in taking the recommended by Psychiatrists, the test gets rave reviews of the cheek. The swab is then sent to the medication. There are many case studies from many physicians in the medical field, GeneSight laboratory and within 36 hours a shown on the GeneSight website which and continues to grow as time goes on. detailed report is available for the healthcare show similar data, all in favor of this geneFor more information on this provider. reading test. revolutionary test, visit genesight.com and explore the possibilities!

[

]

Driverless cars draw near, ready or not N Brandi Miller

umerous movies have depicted the future as little effort as possible.

We came one step closer in 2016 with self-driving cars. Google and Tesla have created self-driving cars. According to the science, tech and entertainment website, The Verge, on Sept. 18, the federal government released its first rulebook governing the manufacture and sale of self-driving cars.

"We’re envisioning a future where you can take your hands off the wheel and the wheel out of the car, and where your commute becomes productive and restful, rather than frustrating and exhausting," says Jeff Zients, director of the White House’s National Economic Council.

Tesla is nearly autonomous, meaning there still is a person driving it with the help of autopilots radar.

Google, on the other hand, doesn’t need a driver. The google car doesn’t even come with a steering wheel or foot pedals, says The Verge.

[

The law states that companies building and testing the self-driving car have to share their data with federal regulators.

Businesses who are participating in the making of driverless cars have to go through a 15 point safety assessment to ensure that the car will be safe on the road and for the passengers inside the vehicle says The Verge.

According to The Verge, all self-driving cars needs approval from the federal

been set rules made. Each state will have the same regulations for self-driving cars, says The Verge.

In the past, all rules for vehicle have revolved around a person driving. Now, self-driving cars have a computer taking all the control, making it necessary for a new rulebook to be issued. This may be a downfall for cops since they can’t pull over a human driver.

The rulebook for self-driving cars will be updated each year says The Verge. The federal government is trying to take control of any harmful situations the driverless car may have.

According to the website, Driverless Car Market Watch, several events from the last months provide a strong signal that autonomous vehicle technology has led the auto industry to a pivotal point: The first automakers are adapting their business model for fully self-driving cars and are providing explicit time frames!

"We're envisioning a future where you can take your hands off the wheel."

-Jeff Zients

government before they are marketed. The government wants to make sure the cars are safe for anyone that decides to let a computer take them from point A to point B. To avoid each state having separate laws or not allowing self-driving cars there has

]

Jeff Brown, 56 "If it reduces accidents...I would probably be for it. It needs to be tested more, I don't think that technology will be ready for another five years."

How do you feel about a law in progress that will allow self-driving cars not to require a passenger present to drive?

Lauren Walsh, 17 "I don't like that. I feel like they are dangerous.

The technology could be used for something better."

Whitney White, 19 "I feel as if there should be someone in the seat. It's a good technology but electronics can malfunction. There have to be strict laws due to hacking."

Ryleigh Galaviz, 17 "I just don't think it is beneficial. It would be easier to stop if someone was in it if something did go wrong."

Photo Illustration Credit | Jessica Sierocki, Michelle Demo

#WhyILeft and #WhyIStayed: Our struggles with domestic abuse Aubrie Smith #WhyIStayed

On the outside, I thought things looked perfect. My ex and I traveled a lot, took millions of photos on top of mountains, waterfalls and on hiking trails. We looked happy and we tagged each other in cheesy Facebook posts. We seemed like the perfect couple.

I got addicted to it all. Our expensive trips out of town, or sketchy hotel room stays and $15 rustic campsites. I had never felt that in love, or that empowered. I wanted it to last forever. I had finally found a romantic, intelligent, attractive guy, and I was completely ready to spend my life with him.

Our relationship was never perfect. It started with cheating, and ended with lies.

I got so caught up in the chase of it all, that I let my guard down. I let myself love again, and I let him destroy everything about me.

I consider myself lucky; I was never physically abused. There are some people out there who are, and continue to be blind, just as I was-- they continue to be a victim because they love the person so much. This boy, he was clever. He hurt me with words in a way that left me hanging onto him— seeking his approval.

It started small. I laugh at it now because everyone says that getting a haircut is the first sign. Though, I suppose he didn’t make me do it.

“You would look so pretty with short hair,” he would smile, running his fingers across my scalp—so I cut my hair.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped eating. Again, nothing he forced me to do.

But I was still competing with his ex-- tall, skinny and beautiful. His words made me obsessed with trying to become her. It was a morning routine to get a text that they were hanging out for the day, and I just had to be okay with that.

He was still in love with her, and it was painfully obvious. He made it perfectly clear that if I asked him to see her less, he would have chosen her. So I competed. I changed. I pushed myself to be someone I wasn’t, and he loved it.

I still feel the need to defend him because I don’t think that he’s a bad person. I think that he loved being loved. He loved having that power.

We dated for about a year. He liked to remind me that love was something he didn’t feel for me. Every time I told him I loved him, he would say something like, “I’ll say it when I feel it.” That moment never came.

I think I knew things were bad when I found his journal. One day, trying to be a cute girlfriend, I pulled out what I thought was his spare notebook for scrap paper. I had always seen him carry it, jotting down lists when he remembered things. I pulled out this notebook in the wants to write him a little note that he would later read. But, what I found was something I only thought true in fiction. I found a notebook full of letters addressed to me.

I read over and over the letters. I read about how he never wanted to be with me, how I wasn’t his definition of attractive, how I was a game to him, how he loved the power and control he had over me and how I was unintellegent enough not to notice.

Even after reading the letters, I stayed.

I guess I was hoping to catch him in the act-- to catch him slip up in his game. But really, I just talked myself into the fact that what I found was a lie. That he didn’t really think these things were true, he just wanted to write them down, to feel power in the moment of writing.

Months later he broke up with me. He left me, and I was distraught. I felt like my life had fallen apart because this man, who never even loved me, left.

I cannot explain how amazing it feels, a year later, to be strong enough to not miss him. One of the hardest thing a victim can do is overcome the impression left on them by the abuser.

I hope he grows. I hope he finds someone that makes him as happy as I have become on my own. I hope he loves again the way he loved the person who controlled him that way, and taught him to be manipulative.

But I also hope he understands his actions.

That my life was affected. And I hope he makes the changes accordingly.

I hope that there are no more hidden notebooks, no more unspoken words. I hope that he finds the peace that I have.

Josie Dudek #WhyILeft

Nothing was ever perfect.

After years of being single, during my first year of college, I decided it was time for a change. I spent days, months and years trying to find that picture-perfect relationship I was longing for. I had this idea in my head of what the perfect relationship for me would entail, and ended up clinging onto anyone who showed the slightest bit of that in them. During my first semester, I clung.

I met a decently attractive guy in a class I was taking, and he more or less just wouldn’t leave me alone until I gave him the chance he so desperately wanted. So, I gave in, and started dedicating my time to deciding if he was worth it or not. Due to my emotional vulnerability at the time, I started clinging.

But due to my receptiveness to bullshit, I clung from a distance.

I could tell from the start that he wasn’t a person who was actually worth my time and effort, but being single got old, and I wanted to give the whole relationship thing a genuine try.

The so-called “relationship” started out better than it ended, but by no means was it ever desirable. His chosen topics of conversation often involved sex, weed and past relationships, so discussions never really sparked well. Hobbies we both enjoyed never quite matched up, as well as opinions on most topics. So now you’re probably thinking, “then what was the point of being together?” The answer, emotional security and narcissistic manipulation.

He liked to think he was a master manipulator, but little did he know, I was two steps ahead of him the whole time. The difference between him and I, he prided himself on his ability to play mind games with people, while I hated myself for it.

Sure, it was fun at first, but after months of back and forth, hanging on and letting go, push and pull, it was time to move on.

I decided to end things within my mutually abusive relationship. At the time, I didn’t realize what we were doing was abusive, but looking back, it definitely was. He boasted about how he could play any girl, while manipulation was just an unnoticed habit for me. This “relationship” was nothing but an empty use of time, but it made me realize my underlying manner was hurting my chances of a meaningful relationship. It also gave me the insight that although things weren’t “that bad,” they could have easily and quickly gotten that way.

After that, I promised myself I wouldn’t settle, and I didn’t. I dated around, but after feeling no connection by the third date, I would quickly end things with no hurt feelings. I’m more of a once bitten, twice shy kind of person.

It is immensely important to look for not only signs of physical abuse, but emotional abuse as well. Relationships should be a happy and comfortable safe place, so be aware of your relationship and the part you play in it and decide if it is what an appropriate relationship should be. Turning a blind eye is never the answer. Please look below for a list of statistics found from http://ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics and the number for a domestic violence helpline.

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime.

• 43% of female college students reported experiencing some form of physical abuse from their partners.

• 1 in 5 women are sexually assaulted during their time in college.

• Domestic violence is most common in women ages 18-24.

• Date rape among college students accounts for 35% of attempted rapes, 22.9% of threatened rapes and 12.8% of completed rapes.

• On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

• Only 34% of people who are injured by their partners receive medical care for their injuries.

• Victims of intimate partner violence lose 8.0 million days of paid work each year.

4

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 / www.deltacollegiate.com

arts & entertainment

A creative version of laser tag popped up in Midland’s downtown parking garage. Festifall FB page | Photo Courtesy

Midland kicks of Fall with Festifall

Attention: Calling all local musicians

Erik Hopkins

Timothy Comtios, 41, shows pursues a degree in f ine ar ts.

off his artwork while he Jessica Sierocki | Photo Credit

Erik Hopkins

M

idland ’s annual Festifall, a community wide event celebrating the fall season, took place in a downtown parking garage due to rain on Oct. 1.

Lacey Todd, Midland’s event coordinator, says she’s very excited for the new event.

“This event will feature a lot of the great activities people enjoyed about Pumpkin Festival with some new and exciting things thrown in as well,” says Todd.

The Festifall kicked off with kids’ activities including a bounce house, a costume contest, human foosball, an arts and crafts tent and laser tag.

“We had a great time, and would like to say thank you to all who were involved,” says attendee Amanda Blackhurst.

Woody’s Taproom, a tent on top of the parking garage, provided live music from Detroit’s band The Square Pegz.

Northwood’s International Auto Show ran the same weekend as the Festifall, and they used that to their advantage. A shuttle ran from downtown Midland to Northwood’s auto show from the beginning of the event until 6 p.m.

“We felt there was a great opportunity to have a Downtown Midland festival the same weekend as Northwood’s International Auto Show,” says Todd. Lots of other Michigan businesses like Johnson’s Giant Pumpkins, Leuter Insurance Group, Ace Hardware & Sports, Captured Studios and more all helped in sponsoring the event.

A

re you looking to get your sound out? Would you like to see your band or solo act get a free promo?

If you’re interested in being interviewed or would like to give a local band a nod, feel free to submit entries at deltacollegiate. tumblr.com/submit with a phone number, email and best time for contact.

If you’re just giving a nod, be sure to link us to a Youtube, SoundCloud, or iTunes page with the band/performers content for review.

We’d love to give more local talent the chance to shine, so don’t be shy and let us listen to your tunes!

Transparent Season 3 stays Realistic, funny, and powerful Logan Miller

Several examples of Timothy Comitos’ artwork.

Jessica Sierocki | Photo Credit

Factory to fine arts Brandi Miller

T

imothy Comtios, 41-year-old Delta student, has spent most of his time after high school working at Plastatech Engineering, but today he is finishing up his last year at Delta College with a fine arts degree.

“I grew up in the banks of Bay City, and that’s kind of what you did. You found a job in a factory because it was considered stable,” says Comtois.

During the summer, Comtois took all the online classes he could. He says that balancing work and school has been difficult for him but whenever he comes home his family is always there for him. He says that his family was “so supportive” with his decision to go back to school.

“I’ve always liked art, I have 41 years of practice,” says Comtois. When asked what kind of art he enjoys he said all of it, but his main focus is charcoal and graphite.

Comtois tries to turn every assignment into his own.

Comtois will have his fine arts degree this April. He says that he would like to get his bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. After getting his bachelor’s, Comtois’ main goal is to become a teacher while also being a studio artist.

He says he would preferably like to teach at the college level, but he would also enjoy teaching high school.

A

mazon Prime released Season putting relationships, Alexandra, the 3 of “Transparent” on Sept. 22. youngest of the siblings and an ardent Despite walking on a very tight feminist scholar and Sarah, the eldest rope in most of its scenes, the show sibling and a mother of two children. has always and continues to give off a Originally, Sarah seemed like the realistic portrayal of someone struggling prototypical american woman of the to identify to their birth-given body. This family with marble kitchen counters, slightly frail, 70-year old transgender beautiful backyard, a wealthy, suitwoman, Maura Pfefferman, is played wearing husband. But her life flips upside

by Jeffrey Tambor, recognizable from down after discovering a new side of the popular t.v. show, “Arrested Development.”

"Transparent takes the concept of I remember watching the gender and uses it as a stepping first episode of the series with stone to explore unique, modern curious hesitation. It’s not easy or necessarily attractive to go family dynamics.” through the gender transition process at the ripe old age of 70.

It’s considered very late, too late to physically alter the body effectively. herself and falling into a lesbian love It’s both a struggle for the physician and affair with an architect. for the family of the trans person. Seeing A web of sexual confusion cast over all Jeffrey Tambor walking through a dimly the members of the Pfefferman family, lit hallway in a long dress is a pretty as each of the siblings have their own jarring visual, but that’s the point. oddities and kinks Their personality Maura and her ex-wife had three kids changes seem to coincide with Maura’s during their marriage: Joshua, a music trans admission, but we learn throughout producer with a history of slightly offthe course of the show that their

[

“Snowden” opens the eyes of moviegoers

E

[

]

]

Luke Cage: A relic reborn

Jessica Sierocki

dward Snowden, a former CIA reality and remember that this was real security agent, caught wind of the life, not some sci-fi alternate universe. government illegally snooping But I had a few problems with on American citizens, and wanted the this film. The entire film was about public to decide whether it was right or a computer professional who leaked wrong. Snowden risked his life to get classified information to the public information to the world in the hopes and I am sure the filmmakers dumbed that policies would be changed and everything down so the average person new laws would be enforced. The film could understand what was going on, interpretation, “Snowden,” tells the but wow. There were definitely times I former agent’s story as he dances between was just overwhelmed with information.

“American hero,” and “war criminal.”

The interviews on screen didn’t help It was clear that Joseph Gordon-Levitt either because it was just Gordon-Levitt did his homework on how to portray speaking to a camera.

Edward “Snowden” also Snowden. His filmed at a wide "'Snowden' tells the former mannerisms variety of locations agent's story as he dances were almost which is great in between 'American hero' and identical to theory but again, 'war criminal'.” the actual wow. I realize the man. Shailene movie followed Woodley Snowden’s life added a balance to the film as Snowden’s as accurately as possible which meant girlfriend Lindsay Mills. Her calm and going where he went but it got a little steady personality complemented the crazy at times. Don’t get me wrong, the fast paced, secretive lifestyle of Gordonscenes on the mountains of Hawaii were Levitt’s character. breathtaking and the glimpses of the Though I’ve never been a fan of Japanese cities were insane, but there romances in movies, the relationship could have been a lot more clarity for between Snowden and Mills was viewers like myself who didn’t brush up essential to the film. Not only was it a on the history of Edward Snowden before nice break from all of the technology talk going to the theaters. and government secrets, but it also adds All in all, the movie was definitely a sense of realism to a seemingly complex worth my time and money. It really made character. Snowden was portrayed as you think about what American citizens incredibly intelligent and Mills was a really know about what our government woman who was able to add some fun is doing. and bring him, and the viewer, back to

obsessions have been rooted in their past long before these recent events.

There isn’t anything in the show that seems blatantly insulting to the trans community, but the writers don’t make any safe creative decisions, either. It takes the concept of gender and uses it as a stepping stone to explore unique, modern family dynamics. Each character is confused by their unsolvable sexual hangups, but unwilling to relent in their quest to find an answer.

Season 3 seamlessly continues the drama surrounding the characters in a subtle, slow-burn sort of way. The third season isn’t as focused on the most obvious points of emphasis-the uncomfortable scenarios and circumstances that pop up when a man reveals that he’s actually a woman.

The cast of characters are still just as self-deprecating and desperate as they previously were, but now the show can direct it’s microscope more towards the peripheral characters. It isn’t all about Maura anymore and she doesn’t seem very thrilled about that.

Cameron Kerkau

M

arvel premiered their latest Netflix show “Luke Cage” on Sept. 28 and it seems to have made quite a splash. There is even speculation that the technical difficulties that Netflix experienced on the date of its premiere were directly related to the amount of viewers that tuned into the streaming service to see the Power Man in action. It’s amazing to see a character who was once one of Marvel’s lesser knowns to get this kind of love and support. Especially since hardly anyone outside of staunch comic book reader’s had heard of him before it was announced that he’d be getting his own television show.

In fact, Luke Cage was once considered a relic of a dead genre for a long time. See, Luke first appeared in 1972, one year after the film “Shaft” hit theaters and popularized the “Blaxploitation” film genre. Coined

by Junius Griffin, once head of the NAACP, the term Blaxploitation refers to the exploitation films of the 1970s which featured a mostly black cast in an urban environment. Despite often being criticized for their portrayal of

racial stereotypes, Blaxploitation films were generally successful and Stan Lee, who was publisher at the time, wanted to cash in on the craze. He recruited Archie Goodwin, George Tuska, and John Romita Jr. to create Marvel’s own Blaxploitation character.

“Luke Cage: Hero for Hire” is credited as being the first mainstream

[

Netflix show, the book was cancelled in 1986.

Despite a few guest appearances and a couple of failed attempts of giving him another series in the following years, Luke Cage fell into obscurity. It seemed that he had no real place in the Marvel universe, until Brian Michael Bendis revamped the character to guest star in 2001’s “Alias,” the series which was recently adapted as the Netflix show “Jessica Jones.” With “Alias,” Bendis stripped Luke of a personality rooted in stereotypes and fleshed him out as a real, fully-functioning character. From there, Luke Cage started to reappear all over the place in the Marvel universe, most notably becoming a member of the New Avengers.

Luke Cage hasn’t lost steam since his reappearance in “Alias,” only becoming more prominent in the fictional universe, and more popular in ours.

Culminating in the Netflix show which celebrates the character’s entire history, including his roots in Blaxploitation.

Luke Cage’s status in 2016 as one of Marvel’s newly most popular hero’s is an unexpected, but welcomed surprise.

]

"It's amazing to see a character who was once one of Marvel's lesser knowns to get this kind of love and support.”

comic title to be led by an African American protagonist. It was considered groundbreaking for its time, but it’s portrayal of Luke was just as stereotypical and problematic as anything else from the genre. As the popularity of Blaxploitation films declined, so did the sales of Luke Cage’s book. Though Marvel did prolong its life by pairing Luke with Iron Fist, who is also getting his own

5

TUESDAY, October 11, 2016 / www.deltacollegiate.com

SPORTS COLLEGIATE COMMENTARY

In a world of athletics first, Delta gets it right Ethan Moore

T

he marketing and televising of college sports has created a completely new sector of income for universities who are always looking to make more. From the money that comes with brand sponsorships, to the actual on the field product, the world of college sports has become one that increasingly puts the athlete ahead of the student.

The NCAA would like you to think that being a student is the most important part of being a student athlete, and they have the numbers to back that up. 84 percent of student-athletes graduated in a six-year span starting in 2007, which is the highest in NCAA history and up 10 percent in the last decade. Those numbers look great on the surface, but when you actually start to dive into them, you see that these students may not be prepared to succeed.

What the heck is Clustering?

So we know the graduation rates are high, but are the degrees being earned actually going to be useful to the student-athletes in the future? Many athletes are going to school to be athletes first and foremost, so actually graduating is more of the back-up

plan. So if it’s only the back-up plan, then it’s most likely not going to be an area where they put in a lot of effort.

In these cases, the university will help find the student athlete a major that’s “easy” and where they are surrounded by lots of other student athletes. This process of pushing the athletes into certain majors is called clustering, which is when 25 percent or more of an athletic team is in the same major, and is extremely common.

For example, according to a study done

by USA Today, this past year the University of Michigan football team had 75.6 percent of all players majoring in general studies.

A degree is a degree, but what’s a student athlete’s supposed to do with a Bachelor’s in general studies? This idea of putting eligibility first frames the NCAA as an organization that is looking out for its student athletes, however in reality it’s just pushing them to easy degrees with no outside use. Many athletes are chasing dreams of playing their sports professionally, but if they don’t make it then what’s the back-up plan? The process of clustering is adding people to careers who have no desire to be here.

The Delta Difference

So is Delta falling into the same trap of putting eligibility first? It’s easier for smaller programs to be able to focus more on individuals and their academic needs, but Delta is still the example to follow in regards to putting academics first.

“From the beginning of the recruitment process we put an emphasis on the student part of student athletes, and that’s helped our athletic program grow exponentially,” says Shelley Raube, the Athletic Director here at Delta.

The school monitors athlete’s attendance and grades, as well making them attend six hours of mandatory tutoring. It may seem like a long process, but it’s a useful tool for students who otherwise might not focus on school.

“The staff does a really great job of making sure that we’re on top of everything.

They’re always there to help you improve and have a greater chance for success,” says Jonathan Swift, Point Guard for the Men’s basketball team.

There may be some concern that being more academically rigorous could cause

some student athletes to not want to come to Delta, Raube explains that is not case.

“We have 142 student athletes right now at Delta, which is 25 percent more than a lot of community colleges that have more sports than us,” says Raube. “I think the growth we offer students is what brings them here.”

The focus on academics makes Delta a nice foil to the bigger universities who just care about performance, but are they guilty of clustering as well?

“I believe that student’s need to go towards majors that interest them,” says Raube. “We try to meet with students and figure out their passion so we can push them in the right direction. Nobody wants to study or learn about things that don’t interest them.”

Being a smaller school allows Delta to make sure every student athlete is given the necessary tools to succeed not just on the field, but also in the classroom and the real world.

“All the staff has really helped me adjust from high school to college,” says Swift. “ It’s helped me to be the best student athlete that I can possibly be.”

Fresh faces, returning talent combine on women’s hoops squad Logan Miller

D

elta College women’s basketball nears the beginning of the 20162017 season as Head Coach Kelly Miller enters her twentieth year as a coach.

She was an assistant coach for three years and has currently been the head coach of the team for seventeen years. Coach Miller has been a steady anchor for Deltas women’s basketball program, capable of succeeding at a high-level amidst a constantly rotating door of young players flowing in and out of the roster.

Last year, the 2015-2016 Delta Pioneers ended their season with a win-loss record of 18-11 in their regular season games.

They held a record of 11-5 within their conference, playing against division II teams.

Miller says she doesn’t really compare past teams to her current players.

“I usually don’t have a reason to compare teams. There are six returning players mixed in with the freshman. So it’s not an entirely new team, really,” Miller explains.

Miller’s teams are always competitive, but especially when facing off against a particularly infamous postseason foe, St. Clair.

Miller and sophomore player, Ashley Lee, speak on the budding rivalry between the two college programs.

“St. Clair is always well coached. Always very competitive. We want to come out with

a win against them, for sure,” Miller says.

Lee describes it as a continuous tally of their past meetings, recording the wins and the losses.

“There’s definitely more competition and a sense of revenge. We all remember the players on the team from last years games against St. Clair. We had beaten them twice in the season but then ended up losing to them in the playoffs,” Lee says.

The loss to St. Clair was their first game of the 2015-16 postseason. The final score was 77-71.

There’s definitely a mutual grudge shared between the coach and the players against St. Clair and the playoff game that slipped away from them last year. They focus their energy, though, on working towards the major goals they’ve set for themselves this season, including and especially the sophomores, such as guard Brooke Schutte, who are eager to break past the first round and compete deep into the tournament.

“A goal for us as a team would be to win regionals. We’re also aiming towards being 1st in our conference,” Schutte says.

“We have a lot more sophomores this year, so there really is no excuses,” Lee adds.

The Delta coaching staff works to mold the style of play around the abilities the players already had when they walked through the door. Miller says that her playbook usually always changes drastically

T hr e e Delta Co ll e g e wo m e n’s b as ke tb a ll p l aye r s laughing during a break in practice. Logan Miller |

from year to year based on the variety of different athletes that join the team. If a group of players on the team excel at an uptempo type of game, Miller explains, the coaching staff would focus on installing a fast-paced offense centered around aggressively attacking the fast break.

Delta’s current team has a variety of strengths for Miller and her staff to utilize

t a lk in g and Photo Credit

in a way that best benefits the team as a whole.

“We’ve got strong fundamentals, very scrappy; a tough, defensive team,” Miller explains.

Schutte and her teammates are upbeat about their season and very ready to play winning basketball late into the year.

Pioneer of the Week: Aleisha Jones plays for the challenge Adam Przeslak

A

leisha Jones, an 18-year-old sophomore forward for the Lady Pioneers soccer team, lives to play the sport. Just the question of what it was exactly that attracted her to soccer put an enormous smile on her face. “I just love it,” she said as her face glows with a joyful grin.

During her athletic career she’s done just about everything you could imagine.

Basketball, gymnastics, swimming, track and field and softball are just a few of the sports she’s dabbled around in. She participated in many of these sports at Midland High School until she graduated in 2015. However, there was no sport that grabbed her like soccer did.

Her love of team sports and the challenge of accomplishing a larger task as a team trying to work as one towards a goal absolutely hooked her onto soccer. “There’s just something about team sports,” she said.

Soccer has been her passion since she was 4-years-old and she’s always played on the front offensive side of the ball. As a forward she gets a lot of the chances and opportunities to put the ball in the opposing team’s net, which is something she has become quite familiar with during her tenure with the Lady Pioneers. She currently leads the team in total points with 18, and is tied for most goals at 7 with Paige Renshaw. She loves the action that comes with shots at scoring a goal or maybe two like she did against Muskegon Community College earlier this season.

Success follows her beyond the field and into the halls and classrooms of Delta where she is pursuing an associates degree in Science and would like to become an Anatomy or Biology teacher. While at Delta she’s made it onto both the Dean’s list and the Vice President’s list. She plans on transferring to a four year university once she’s earned her associates but is undecided about where to go just yet although she knows she wants to study Biology or Anatomy.

For now, she’s continuing her domination on the field with the rest of the Lady Pioneers who play their next game at home on Oct. 16 against Ancilla College.

COMMUNITY EVENTS OCTOBER 2016 MON

10

TUES

11

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Coming Out Day

WED

12

THU 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Let’s speak Spanish

13

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Board Dinner Meeting Main Campus

FRI

14

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Planetarium Show: The Dark Matter Mystery

Bay City Planetarium

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting Main Campus

17

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Pizza with Public Safety Room N007 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Chocolate Cupcake Day Lower West Student Lounge 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Which Way Home Documentary Discussion Room: S125 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Which Way Home second viewing.

Room: 2105

18

19

20 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show: The Dark Matter Mystery Bay City Planetarium

21

SAT

15

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show: PersiusAndromeda and Orion 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Planetarium Show: Wayfinders, Winds, Waves, and Stars 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show: Pink Floyd The Wall Bay City Planetarium

22

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show: PersiusAndromeda and Orion 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show: Planetarium Show: Gateway Wayfinders, Winds, Waves, to the Stars and Stars 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Planetarium Show: Pink Floyd The Wall 7:00 p.m.

Ricky Nelson plays at the Temple Theatre in Saginaw

SUN

16

23

6

Tuesday, OCTOBER 11, 2016 / www.deltacollegiate.com

K

OPINION Progress with an open mind Marijuana

eith Lamont Scott, a 43-year-old African American yourself to be free of prejudices but if you deny that notable man, was shot and killed by police on Sept. 20 in prejudice exists in America, then you are exacerbating the issue.

Charlotte, N.C. The officer who shot him was Brentley It can be easy for a white American to turn a blind eye towards Vinson, also an African American. The police claim that Scott the racial injustices of the day, but for the divide to was shot because he refused to drop his handgun, while Scott’s close we need to stay aware. family claim that he wasn’t carrying a gun, but a book. The It is absolutely vital for every American to keep an open mind various videos that have been released by both Charlotte police and listen to each other. Don’t try to shrug off the injustices and members of Scott’s family do little to clear up any details. that face millions of people in this country. Instead ask yourself, In the days following the shooting, Charlotte was home to both “Have I really given this enough thought? Or have I made up peaceful and violent protests my mind too soon?” When we What Scott was holding when close our minds and refuse to listen "Racism is still alive in this he was killed, be it a gun or a – when we refuse to even attempt country. It’s just that, in many book, has become the center to understand – there is a problem. cases, it doesn’t look the same of concern when it comes to This is in no way a criticism of justifying or condemning the any police force in America. We as it used to.” actions of the police in this at the Delta Collegiate put our incident. The arguments are trust in and have respect for the that it was a book and Scott was a victim of systemic racism, law enforcement agencies of our country, but we recognize that or it was a gun and he should have just listened to the police in racism, institutional and otherwise, still plagues the United the first place. These details are of course vital when it comes States. Too ignore it is to perpetrate it, and in order to stomp to justice in this particular incident, but it is important to it out, we have to acknowledge it every day, in our neighbors remember that the protests aren’t only about the death of one and within ourselves. The only way forward is together, and man. They are a product of lifetimes of frustration. we hope that the students and faculty of Delta College will be Racism is still alive in this country. It’s just that in many examples of a united, allied community. cases, it doesn’t look the same as it used to. You might consider

[

]

Closing in on the minimum wage gap Jessica Sierocki

M

inimum wage has been making a slow, steady rise these past few years, and is expected to reach $9.25 an hour by 2018. But, is that really what we need? In my honest opinion, I don’t think the rate needs to go any higher. Minimum wage jobs are not worth more than $8.50 an hour.

Truthfully, minimum wage jobs are super important. These jobs are great for younger people like high schoolers and college students to gain working experience to help further their future careers. That being said, I am a firm believer that anyone could work at a minimum wage job. Most of the time, the only requirement would be a high school diploma and some experience. The skills needed for minimum wage jobs are skills that are learned on the job.

There are some positions, from managers all the way to CEOs of a company, who have more responsibilities, and therefore, deserve to get paid more than lower level employees.

Now, don’t bite my head off. I worked at a job for three years and never got a raise. But was I mad? Absolutely not.

When I look at all of the work I did, $8 an hour seemed an appropriate amount. I worked hard, but the work itself was not overly difficult. In fact, I was basically being paid to enjoy myself because it was so fun.

Nonetheless, I do get that getting paid minimum wage is not enough money to live off of. I also understand that the economy is rough, and that it’s difficult for people to find a career that will pay them well, even if they have a degree.

However, when thinking about this issue, you can’t look at the individual circumstances of the employee, but need to focus on job and what the job entails.

I think $8.50 an hour is a great hourly rate and it should stay that way. Any increases in pay should be a reflection of the worker going above and beyond with their work instead of being required by the state.

Raising minimum wage for the better?

Brandi Miller

A

s of right now, minimum wage in Michigan is $8.50. Recently, a bill was passed that announced adequate income will gradually raise to $9.25 by 2018. It’s exciting to hear that my check will be bigger, but with that comes repercussions. Begging the question, is raising minimum wage really worth it? In my opinion, minimum wage should not be raised.

Raising minimum wage increases not only paychecks, but the cost of living.

Along with making more, you’ll have to spend more too. The cost of living will continue to rise along with base pay.

Raising minimum wage doesn't mean extra money, it means paying more for your house, car, groceries, etc.

Most teenagers and adults in their early 20s are working entry level jobs and making minimum wage. Younger people with few responsibilities may see it as an

opportunity for more spending money.

Yet again, with base pay rising, goods and services will also be pricier. Even people who don’t have many bills are losing out.

Minimum wage has been raised in the past to help people in poverty find a way out of poverty. Turns out, it wasn't too helpful. Technically, the people in poverty have a larger amount on their checks but they don’t make more because the cost of living went up around them.

Making the people in poverty stay in poverty.

I don’t see a point in raising minimum wage to $9.25. There are no added benefits to help anyone making minimum wage out. The cost of living will go up making the raised base pay worthless. I receive minimum wage, and $8.50 sounds like a good amount to me.

Do you think the minimum wage should be raised?

Jeff Gilbert, 20 “Raising minimum wage defeats the purpose of a middle class. If minimum wage goes up, the cost of living will increase as well. So no, I don’t think it should be raised.”

Wendy Harness, 42 “Yes, the cost of living is raising, so I don’t think the two are in balance. At least not enough for single family homes.”

legalization: how it could save our nation James Westergard

D

o you suffer from epilepsy, The Centers for Disease Control states anxiety, chronic pain, cancer, nearly 88,000 Americans die annually etc.? Have you tried endless from alcohol-related causes, making it amounts of pharmaceuticals to only to the fourth leading preventable cause of be left with negative, sometimes life death in the U.S. threatening side effects? According The Centers for Disease Control to Harvard University, 2.74 million also states that there have been zero Americans experience serious adverse cases of marijuana related deaths in the drug reactions each year, of which United States. I’m not saying alcohol 128,000 die. To me, that screams that we should be banned or illegal, seeing as as a nation, need a serious transformation the Government already tried that. in the pharmaceutical industry.

However, I am theorizing that legal, Whether that be using it for medicinal recreational marijuana would play a major purposes, to create a thriving job market role to millions of people who are heavy with the farming of hemp and marijuana, drinkers, who then may try marijuana in the in its many production different, of clothing, safe forms, "Marijuana, you could say, paper, biofuel, ultimately etc., and saved my life.” lowering even for alcohol related recreational deaths. use, the crop Some might has endless argue that benefits. It marijuana is a gateway drug, and that it is not a harm to society. And it’s time influences kids to smoke, or that it isn’t to start taking notice to the miracle safe. As far as a gateway drug, I, myself, attributes it secretes. have been a daily smoker for quite some Marijuana, you could say, saved time now, and not once have I ever had my life. From the first day I started an urge to try any other drug. I’m a living consuming it, a great deal of the problems testimonial to this.

I was experiencing dissipated. At the age Future generations should grow up in of 16, I was diagnosed with generalized a world full of legal pot-heads, versus anxiety, insomnia and social anxiety. I a world full of alcoholics. Up to 86 would see doctor after doctor, who gave percent of homicide offenses are linked me pills upon pills, of which many were to offenders who are under the influence, “trial and error.” I felt like a “guinea pig.” per the National Institute on Alcohol At 17, my doctor privately suggested that Abuse and Alcoholism. Now, compare I try marijuana, to which I complied. that to marijuana’s 0 percent, and the Today, I’m 23 years old, and a daily statistics should speak for themselves. smoker. Without it, I would be living If marijuana could save your child’s life, a life of constant stress and anxiety, would you take a stand for legalization while not sleeping for days. Marijuana then? is not only a safe substitute to many If you suffer from panic attacks, cancer pharmaceuticals. It is also a safer or chronic pain, with no sign of relief, substitute to many other legal substances take a stand to legalize this crop in already prevalent in society, alcohol being efforts to better Americans’ way of life. my main concern.

[

Jacob Cruce, 18 “Yes. If someone is making minimum wage they cannot afford to pay rent for an apartment, make car payments, pay for insurance and gas.

Even if they scrape by and pay for all of those, there is little to no money left over.”

Krystal Vogel, 20 “I think a lot of people would benefit from an increased minimum wage.”

Kyle Story | Illustration

]

Sage advice from the Collegiate expert Q: Am I really having the “full social experience” if I go to a community college?

I

n all honesty, you’re not going to something as small as getting a group of have the typical college experience people to go to the movies or having a other students are going to have fun-filled weekend up north. Meeting up when they live on campus at school. with friends or going places to meet new Community college has its advantages people is a great way to unwind and have but unfortunately having a typical some fun during a busy school week. “college social life” is not one of them.

You can even have a social life on Because Delta is a commuter college, campus. There are hundreds of students students don’t get the perk of living walking the halls of Delta everyday. in a dorm room, which is one of the Chances are you know at least a few easiest ways to make friends in college. friendly faces from previous classes, your However, that old schools, doesn’t mean or even your you can’t have work. Have a "Instead of asking if you a great social conversation are having the "full social life. Maybe with someone, experience, you should be instead of make new asking how you can.” questioning friends and if you ARE go places having the with them. “full social College is experience,” you should be asking HOW all about branching out and having you can. new experiences. It may seem scary to I have a lot of friends who go to approach people at first, but they won’t universities all over Michigan, but the bite. Hopefully. problem is that I have to drive hours to Going to a community college doesn’t spend time with them. With my work mean you’re a hermit, it’s just a school and school schedules, that can get a little that fits your budget. Don’t be afraid inconvenient. So, instead of focusing all to want a social life. Be like any college my energy on going to universities, I try student and try to create friendships and to create my own fun in my home town. experiences that will last a lifetime.

If you can’t travel for a weekend of fun like me, create one yourself. Having a social life can be more than just partying (responsibly) all weekend. It could mean

[

]

7

TUESDAY, October 11, 2016 / www.deltacollegiate.com

COLLEGIATE LIFE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Delta graduate publishes first book Erik Hopkins

G

Author​ ​and​ ​Delta​ ​graduate ​Anglea​ ​Delaney​ ​shows​ ​off​ ​her​ ​new​ ​book​ ​“Bearers​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Sacred​ ​Seven: The​ ​First​ ​Quest,​" ​out​ ​now.​ ​Oct. ​6,​ ​2016.​ ​University​ ​Center,​ ​MI. Photo Credit | Drew Moore

Delaney says she really enjoyed her time etting your work published for the first time is a huge feat for any at Delta, and has continued to take further writer, and Angela Delaney knows enrichment classes there even after her that from firsthand experience. After graduation.

Delaney soon plans getting an Associates to take Advanced in Liberal Arts degree “I want to reach the young before Screenwriting at from Delta in 2007, they got off their path [and don’t Delta to help her Angela knew what follow their passion].” get a good foot in she wanted to do – - Angela Delaney the door on turning publish a screenplay.

Bearers of the Sacred Now living in Seven into a proper Saginaw, Delaney now works as an optician three days a week screenplay, and eventually, a movie. while pursuing her passion for writing the Her plan doesn’t stop there, either. other four. “I have another job, and I love my team,” says Delaney, “But it’s not my “There’s going to be a whole lot more than passion.” Since as young as six, writing has just this book,” says Delaney, “There are plans for things like videos games, and been just that for her.

Though a screenplay didn’t come first, more.” Plans and ideas for the second book Delaney’s first novel was created and are already in swing, and Delaney says there will be four, potentially even five books conceived after 9 years of hard work.

Bearers of the Sacred Seven (The First total in the series.

“I want to reach the young before they Quest), published by Dog Ear publishing, is a novel about an epic adventure where got off their path [and don’t follow their three triplets travel to reclaim a stolen an passion],” says Delaney, “And want to reach the old who think that they still can’t reach inherited book 1000 generations old.

“Screenwriting, fiction, all the English it.”

To learn more about Delta alum Angela classes at Delta helped me immensely [with writing the book],” says Delaney, Delaney and her debut novel, you can visit “Literature class helped me get familiar her website http://akdelaney.com/index. with fiction. I’ve always gravitated toward php. non-fiction.”

[

]

S Josie Dudek & Aubrie Smith

T

he winter is fast approaching.

And, let's face it, no one wants to wander in the outdoors and do cute coupley things while freezing in their booties. Snow is cute and romantic for about five minutes and then hypothermia sets in.

So, we compiled some cute fall date ideas for you and your significant other to enjoy before the frigid, cold weather sets in!

Haunted Houses

As long as you and your significant other enjoy being creeped out for short periods of time, this is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. Haunted houses can be pretty cheap and they're a good form of entertainment. If you save up some dough, you could even get really adventurous and spent an entire night visiting haunted exhibits.

There are plenty to choose from around Mid-Michigan that range from familyfriendly, to something that will scare your socks off.

Pumpkin patches

If you’re not feeling the scary vibe, going to a pumpkin farm can be a cute little adventure with a significant other.

Even if you don’t need the extravagant corn mazes, the comfort of carving pumpkins will surely make for a good time. Buying cheap pumpkins and going home to get your hands dirty can be a different way to have some fun on date night. Pumpkins also have seeds you can bake together for a nice snack while having a scary movie marathon that night!

Picnic in the park

If you’re lucky enough to catch a day without rain, this time of year is perfect picnic weather. Autumn means not too hot, a lack of bugs in the air, and beautiful scenery. Find a dry, comfortable patch of grass at a local park, pack some sandwiches and chips, and head out for some super cheap fun! You can also catch some beautiful colors on the trees autumn.

Taking a road trip to view the colorful leaves As we mentioned above, Fall is the perfect time to view some great scenery.

Save up enough money for gas, grab your camera, and head on a day-trip up north!

You could stop at some breathtaking landmarks, take plenty of Facebookworthy photos, and spend time with your partner, nature, and a good road trip play list.

Play in the leaves

This is something you can do in your own backyard. Turn the annoying chore of raking up leaves into a playful afternoon! This is also a great opportunity for some cute pics and child-like fun to get your mind off of the stresses of school and work.

Coffee shop date

Even if you don’t like coffee, many coffee shops offer seasonal apple cider drinks that are sure to warm your soul.

For less than ten bucks, you and your partner can grab a warm cup of joe on a rainy day and get some studying done, together! Check out our list of coffee deals in the Sept. 13 issue for an even cheaper date!

Go through a corn maze or on a hay ride Many pumpkin patches offer these features on weekends, which can extend your romantic fall day together. These are also two things that normally don’t involve frights, but always involve relaxing and relationship bonding fun.

ince you’re reading this, there is a to help solve their issues,” says Collin Dole, good chance that you are a student of sophomore.

Delta, and as a student at a community According to Dole, his family has college, you have probably wondered if you a history of attending Michigan State made the right decision deciding not to University right out of high school but he attend a 4-year university. broke the mold, choosing to attend Delta Jenna Matz, who attends both Delta and first. “I have saved thousands by attending Michigan State University, money was a Delta for my first two years. In the end, I do factor in deciding where to take classes. not regret any decision I have made to help “I chose to go to Delta because I needed further my education at Delta,” says Dole. to get credit for a class, and it was a more Though according to Matz, larger affordable option than taking it through universities offer more in the classroom.

MSU,” says Matz.

“I like the classes at Michigan State because Communications Professor Barbara they are really challenging and most of them Handley-Miller would argue that attending are in large lecture halls which brings better a school like Delta can be good for the conversation on from questions,” says Matz. community. “I know such a high percentage “But, it is much more difficult to form a of Delta’s students stay in Michigan once relationship with a professor at a university they earn a degree and since many classes have help continue to build bet ween 20 0-50 0 “You can have a great experience at these communities students. Many of my a community college and you can I care about. I am professors don’t even transfer very successfully and have proud to help prepare know my name.” that 4-year university experience.” graduates to be good Because of her past -Barbara Handley-Miller citizens of this area,” teaching experiences, says Handley-Miller.

Handley-Miller has Before teaching at Delta Handley-Miller some insight on both community college was a professor at Northwood University. and 4-year universities. “I taught at She says that the transition was an easy one Northwood University for 10 years, and to make. “The reason why I was thrilled one of the things I enjoyed about teaching at to come to Delta is there is such a rich Northwood University was the fact that we atmosphere. I can really work with students had students that were recruited nationally on expanding their horizons. I love the fact and internationally. It was wonderful to that students can walk through our doors work with international students,” says and wherever they are, they can start with Handley-Miller. developmental courses or hit the ground It would seem that choosing whether running and be able to take rigorous to attend a community college or larger academic courses,” says Handley-Miller. university depends on the student and For Matz, Delta’s list of programs falls what they want to get out of their college short compared to 4-year universities. “I experience. According to Handley-Miller, love the amount of classes that [MSU] deciding whether to attend community offers, and the wide array of majors and college is not about giving up any typical minors there are to choose from,” says Matz. college experiences.

Some students believe that community “It’s not an either/or situation, it’s an and/ colleges have the perk of a small class size and. You can have a great experience at a where students are able to interact with community college and you can transfer very their professors on a personal level. “Delta successfully and have that 4-year university allows students to be in constant contact experience,” says Handley-Miller. with professors, tutors, and other students

[

Go thrift shopping

This is something you can do all year-round, but something about finding hidden treasures in the fall is just fitting.

There are many locally owned thrift shops in the tri-city area that you and your partner can take a day to explore.

This also could turn into a fun fall crafting opportunity for the two of you!

There are so many things you can do as a date in the fall, so what do you and your significant other like to do together? Let us know by sending us your cute Facebook-worthy picture via our Twitters, or through our email! Happy Fall!

See the color of fall on the Appledore Brynna Henika

T

hroughout this month, Bay City’s Appledore sailboat is offering an opportunity for many near and far to see the changing colors on the season.

The two hour boat tour takes place each Saturday and Sunday until October 23.

This tour launches off at two times: 11-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Passengers will also get the chance to enjoy: cider, chili and cornbread as they see the colors of the Bay region. Tickets for the tour, for adults is $37 and for students $27. For additional information, times and ticket sales check out: www.baysailbaycity.org

Is community college a good place to start?

Jessica Sierocki

Cheap fall date ideas

Bay City's Appledore sailboat rests on the river. Photo Credit | Brynna Henkia

]

Do you think minimum wage should be raised?

Jeff Gilbert, 20 “Raising minimum wage defeats the purpose of a middle class. If minimum wage goes up, the cost of living will increase as well. So no, I don’t think it should be raised.”

Wendy harness, 42 “Yes, the cost of living is raising, so I don’t think the two are in balance. At least not enough for single family homes.”

Jacob Cruce, 18 “Yes minimum wage should be raised. If someone is making minimum wage they cannot afford to pay rent for an apartment, make car payments, pay for insurance, and gas. Even if they scrape by and pay for all of those, there is little to no money left over.”

Krystal vogal, 20 “I think a lot of people would benefit from an increased minimum wage.”

Delta collegiate

Delta Collegiate@gmail.com (989) 686-9337 | Office: A220 | 1961 Delta Road University Center, MI 48710 MaCayla Jablonski Editor-in-Chief

Aubrie Smith Copy Editor

Josie Dudek Copy Editor

Cameron Kerkau Managing Editor

J. Max Schofield Videographer/Photographer

Adam Przeslak Reporter

Jessica Sierocki Photo Editor

Drew Moore Photographer

Erik Hopkins Reporter

Ethan Moore Sports Editor

Hannah Gradowski Reporter

Isaac DeVille Reporter

Michelle Demo Page Designer

Brandi Miller Reporter

Kyle Story Illustrator

Will Hackbarth Page Designer

Phoebe Fries Reporter

Logan Miller Reporter

Brynna Henika Reporter

Crystal McMorris Advisor

The best stories start in unexpected places.

Yours starts here.

Ferris is right here at Delta College. Come explore a world of possibilities you didn’t expect to find so close to home. You’ll find your calling, your degree, and the best place to start your story. Find yourself at Ferris–Midland/Bay/Saginaw.

Learn more at our Open House October 26, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Delta College, Room N007

ferris.edu/midlandbaysaginaw

092816