Union issue 9

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Union

Basketball team takes second at tourney...Page 9

T h e

eccunion.com

November 21, 2013

Torrance, California

Thefts, vandalism, and firearms...oh my!

Since we started our crime map earlier this semester, there have been...

16

thefts

1

case of vandalism

2

Jessica Martinez News Editor

hit and runs

1

case of arson

2

cases of trespassing

As this is the last issue of the Union for the semester, we’re taking a look at the crimes reported throughout the the past few months.

This crime map displays select entries from the El Camino Police Department throughout the semester that highlight issues of property security and public safety on and around campus.

The Union’s interactive map is updated weekly on eccunion.com. On the website, each pin can be clicked on and the date, time, and description of the selected crime will appear.

On the interactive map, it’s also possible to view each month of the semester separately.

Under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics of 1990, according to the police department’s home page on the EC website, “the El Camino Community College District must annually distribute statistics on the reported occurrences of the following offenses: murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, hate crimes, and arrests or persons referred for campus disciplinary action for liquor law violations, drug abuse violations and weapons possession.”

The crimes shown here are from the El Camino Police Department and the statistics below are from the El Camino Police Department annual report provided in accordance with the act.

Theft Hit and run Vandalism

1

Possession of firearms Arson Possession of alcohol

NEWS LINE

case of possession of firearms

By Sam Tedla

Trespassing Grand theft auto Drunk in public

Tournament Hosted by Men’s Basketball Team

USC Tour

Nursing Info Session

Application Panic Room Workshop

No Winter Session

The EC Men’s Basketball team will be hosting a tournment. The tournament will start tomorrow at 5 p.m. and will end Sunday at 9 p.m. For more information, call 310-660-3545.

Transfer Day is the theme for this tour. Targeted to those who are interested in transferring to USC, this tour will information about campus life, requirements for admission and much more. The tour is tomorrow at USC. For more information, call 310-660-3593, ext.

3408.

Students who are ready to apply to the nursing program can attend this information session. The workshop will be on Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 310-660-3593, ext.

3408.

The Application Panic Room Workshop gives last minute help with filling out CSU and UC applications. The lab hours are on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m in Chem 108. For more information, call 310-660-3593, ext. 3408.

There isn’t a winter session this year at EC. Because of this, spring semester starts earlier, with weekend classes beginning Jan. 18 and weekday classes beginning Jan. 21. Next year, there will be three summer sessions, starting May 21, June 16, and July 7.

news

2 El Camino College Union POLICE BEAT

By Chris Guzman

Man in Lot L with marijuana and cocaine Nov. 18, 3:30 p.m.—A male subject was seen inside a parked vehicle in Lot L. Cadets smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, officers learned he was a male non-student who claimed to be waiting for his daughter. They find cocaine in the glove department and he was transported to Torrance P.D.

Student struck by a vehicle near Lot L Nov. 18, 7:20 a.m.—Officers responded to the traffic stop circle

by Lot L. A female student had been driving eastbound and struck another female student in the crosswalk across from Lot L. The student had sustained an injury in the left leg and was transported to an area hospital.

Male student driving with a suspended license Nov. 15, 11:40 a.m.—Officers conducted a traffic stop adjacent to the facilities department. A vehicle had a broken taillight and upon questioning the male student driver, the officer found that he was driving on a suspended license.

Pregnant student experiences abdominal pain Nov. 14, 4 p.m.—Officers responded to the Student Health Center after a pregnant student said she was experiencing lower abdominal pain. She was transported to an area hospital for further treatment.

Driver caught with marijuana Nov. 14, 11:50 a.m.—Officers spotted expired tags as a driver was trying to park on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The driver was asked if he had any contraband on him. He confessed he had a small amount of marijuana in his pocket. He was issued a citation and released.

Female student hits head on mat Nov. 14, 9 a.m.—A female student was participating in her fitness class. She fell and hit her head on one of the cushion mats.

She said she hurt her head and she was transported to an area hospital.

Subject with a $1,700 warrant, suspended license, and expired registration Nov. 12, 4:40 p.m.—The police found a vehicle parked on the campus parking lot without a parking permit. As they investigated further, they found that the non-student had a $1,700 warrant.

She was driving under a suspended license and had expired registration for more than six months.

She was cited and her car was towed.

Vandalism in the men’s restroom Nov. 12, 7:50 a.m.—Officers responded to the Business Division. Someone had made a report that there was vandalism in the men’s restroom.

/ElCaminoUnion

/ECCUnion /ECCUnion

November 21, 2013

Alternative to an average associate degree is available Russell Lewis Staff Writer

With so many students today applying to California State Universities, it can be difficult to find an edge in the competition.

Transfer associate degrees are alternatives to the standard associate degrees which offer benefits such as ensuring students priority when transferring to a CSU campus and giving them a head start on a bachelor’s degree.

According to calstate.edu, “Transfer associate (AA/AS-T) degree applicants are guaranteed priority admission over all other transfer students when applying to a local or non-impacted campus or priority admission consideration to an impacted campus when applying to a CSU baccalaureate (BA) degree program that has been deemed similar to the student’s community

college area of emphasis.”

If a student is going to transfer to a CSU and was not planning to earn an associate degree before transferring because of the extra time that it would require, they wouldn’t have to worry.

Rene Lozano, transfer center coordinator, said the main benefits of the new type of degree are students get a degree to transfer as opposed to not doing so in the past and colleges add a tenth of a point to an applicant’s GPA when considering them for admission.

The pros for the transfer associate degree come with immediate advantages; students get Cal State priority, students go into the university at a junior level, and then they only need 60 units to earn a baccalaureate degree of a similar major.

“We have 11 degrees approved right now, and we have another 8 in some stage

of approval at the (California Community College) Chancellor’s office,” Francisco Arce, vice president of academic affairs, said. “Hopefully by January or February those eight degrees will be approved.”

That doesn’t mean this is the degree for everyone. The degree has no proven benefit for students who plan to transfer to a UC or private university, and it also might not be respected as a true A.A. in the real world.

Still, transfer degrees offer a substantial benefit to students, Arce said.

“For the degrees that we’ve adopted, if the students are transferring in those majors, they should consider the degree completion and have an education plan laid out, because it will give them an advantage at a CSU,” Arce said.

The list of AA/AST degrees offered by EC can be found in 2013-14 college catalog and the college catalog addendum.

Winter classes offered at area colleges EC isn’t having winter session, so students are going elsewhere Trent Ledford Staff Writer Lorenzo Gutierrez Staff Writer

Although EC is no longer offering winter session, there are alternative options for EC students at other community colleges.

Winter classes are available at Southwest College. To register for classes at Southwest, you must submit an application, provide proof of your transfer, see a counselor and pay your fees. The classes that are being offered at Southwest range from administration of justice to art to geology with the session being from Jan. 6 to Feb. 9.

Santa Monica College is also offering winter session that begins Jan. 6 and ends Feb. 13 and registration for Los Angeles Trade Tech has been available since Nov. 4

and the schedule is on the school web page.

Since there won’t be winter session this year, spring semester weekend classes start Jan. 18 and weekday classes start Jan. 21, according to EC’s academic calendar.

Students feel that they should take classes at other colleges since EC canceled its winter session while others are isn’t aware about the cancelation.

“If I planned on going back (to school), I would go to a different college for winter to take classes like Santa Monica,” Josefina Villanueva, 27, biology major, said.

Some say it’ll be simpler to take courses during the winter, when they don’t have other classes to worry about.

“Yes, probably I plan to go to Santa Monica because it means I am going to have less classes during the semester which is an easier flow and have more time to

Event planning begins for Black History Month Black History Month is February, but the behavioral and social sciences department has already started planning events presentation with key members from the African American community.

At the end of the month there Planning ahead is always a smart idea, which is why a committee at will be the Taste of Soul Artwork EC has already started organizing exhibit which will take place Feb. events for Black History Month 27.

“We had artists (last year) who which will take place in the spring were showing some of their work,” semester during February.

The committee is comprised of Miranda said. “It was very successsix members: Dr. Michael Wynne, ful.”

EC has been organizing Black Dr. Daniel Walker, Dr. Gloria Miranda, professor Maria Brown and History Month every year since the early 1970s.

EC counselors The staff and Dawn Reid and student diBrian Mims. versity office Together they “It’s not just black history, o r g a n i z e d are putting the event for together and it’s American history. It’s scheduling var- the history of our society.” years until the job was given ious events and — Maria Brown to Miranda activities that history professor who now runs will take place the planning during Black committee.

History Month.

“They had a black student union “The celebration of Black History Month is significant because at the time,” Brown said. “It was all it acknowledges the place of Afri- studentdriven at the time.”

While students are no longer in can Americans in society,” Brown said. “It’s not just black history, it’s charge of organizing the event, nuAmerican history. It’s the history of merous faculty and staff members over the years have made sure that our society.”

So far, the month is set to kick the tradition lives on, not only for off with a library exhibit about Af- educational purposse but for culrican American culture which will tural enrichment as well.

“It is important not only for Afopen Feb. 2 and go through the end of the month. The following event rican American students but our will be a student presentation in the general student population to be able to understand the significance Campus Theatre Feb. 11.

“That’s what our goal is as an of recognizing the contributions of institution,” Miranda said. “This is our diverse society,” Miranda said. also educational as well as cultural enrichment.”

On Feb. 18, there will be a panel Brian Camacho Staff Writer

dedicate to my studies,” Hannah Smith, 20, English major, said. “ I feel like my grades will be better, and I also could have more hours at work.”

With no winter session at EC, it could cause some conflict with students’ plans to complete the required classes for eligibility for transfer, certificates, and graduation.

“It could affect a lot of kids. Some majors require a lot of classes,” Sania Mendez, 18, anthropology major, said. “Winter session helps them complete the classes fast.”

The last day of the spring semester is May 16. Because of the earlier end date, there are three summer sessions. The first six-week summer session begins May 21, the only eight-week session begins June 16, and the second six-week session begins July 7, according to the EC calendar.

Forensics team shines at competition Lorentious Barry Staff Writer

Year after year, the forensics team continues to leave their tournaments with many awards.

For 14 years, coach Francesca Bishop, communications professor and director and coach of the forensics team, has had teams that continue to win gold medals, making her the most winning coach in EC history.

“I was national two-time forensics champion at ECC before becoming the director of forensics,” Bishop said.

Recently, EC crushed the competition in the first tournament of the season, according to the Daily Breeze.

EC came in first in the Community College Division at the Aztec Invitational at San Diego State University. Colleges and universities from California, Arizona, and Texas participated in the tournament. EC overpowered debaters in their fourth year of the competition, according to a press release.

During a competition November 9-10, EC won second place in the overall sweeps in San Diego at Grossmont College.

“We participate in at least one or two national debate competitions every year, and we have won at least one or both of the national competitions 12 times in the last 14 years,” Bishop said.

The EC speech and debate team is ranked No. 2 in the nation among community colleges as of last year, according to the Daily Breeze.

The forensics team holds fundraisers each year to offset travel expenses to attend debates.

The final fall championship tournament is Dec. 6-8 at California State University, Long Beach.

Features

November 21, 2013

El Camino College Union 3

Leala Stephenson/ Union

Mallika Muse, American Sign Language Major, adds detail to her sculpture of Satyr from Greek mythology as a sculpture of Naga, from Indian mythology, looks on.

Betty Rene Norman/ Union

Watching the sun peaking through the palm trees over the EC Book Store is a peaceful way to end the day.

Moments in Life around El Camino

Gilberto Castro/Union A squirrel resting on a tree near the Administration Building regards students with curiosity as they pass by.

A veiw of The Humanities Buliding bathed in the warm light of the sun as seen from the thrid floor satircase of The Humanities Bulding.

Betty Rene Norman/Union

EDITORIAL

4 El Camino College Union

November 21, 2013

Remember to smell the flowers With registration starting up, most students are probably planning to sign up for a winter class or two. But, this year, there’s no winter session being offered at EC. It’s true that the cutting of the winter session has left a hole in the hearts of many students on campus. There’s that math class a student wants to take and a speech course another student can’t live without.

Students will be flocking to other area colleges to take a class or two this winter. Santa Monica College, L.A. Trade Tech, and Long Beach City College are just a few colleges in the area that are offering winter classes this year.

More than likely, EC students will be going to one of these colleges to take a class and they may remain there for spring because other colleges’ and EC’s schedules interfere. Winter classes at neighboring colleges will still be taking place when EC’s spring semester begins.

The “yes to winter session”, “no to winter session” debate has been going on for years at EC, so students shouldn’t be terribly shocked that it’s finally gone this year.

But why do students care so much that winter session has been cut?

The Issue • Students are upset about the loss of winter session because of their rush to transfer from EC as quickly as possible

Our Stand • Students need to remember the importance of rest and relaxation, and try to enjoy their winters

It’s understandable that students want classes and want to get out. Many of us are here to transfer and transfer quickly.

But, for many students, this should be the simplest time of their lives. Why are we in such a rush to get through our college years?

This is the youngest we’ll ever be and we don’t have to absolutely spend our mornings taking a class worth three units that we believe will put us way ahead of the curve instead of enjoying ourselves.

With this semester ending in three weeks and the spring semester starting more than a month after that, students finally have a

Illustration by Eugene Chang time to unwind.

We’re all being driven harder than ever in these last few weeks of the semester. There are research

papers, essays, projects, presentations, and tests. The last thing any of us should want is to jump right back into the daily grind as

poem your English teacher wants you to analyze or those literal ones you run through on your way to a health class you’ve been late to 10 times. An 11th time won’t matter so much. We’re talking about the roses that tell you it’s OK to slow down once in a while.

Think of the break between fall and spring as a time to recharge and rest. That math class will be offered again in the spring and so will the speech one. A favorite professor and a favorite adviser will still be teaching courses in the spring. We’ll all probably have a little more of our sanity, too, if we wait until spring.

So, put away textbooks and calculators until spring and enjoy the time off. There will still be essays to do at the last minute, projects to lose sleep over, and tests to study all night for come spring.

And even though the dream for us all is to spend cold, wintry mornings in a classroom with several people that would clearly rather not be anywhere else, maybe we should spend those days taking a breather. After all, we deserve it.

See related article on Page 2

soon as the holidays are over.

We’re all in a rush. Take a second to stop and smell the roses.

Not those figurative ones in that

Go see a counselor before you get schooled It wasn’t so very long ago that the CSU campuses froze enrollment. While the state of education in California has improved since then, and programs like the associate degree for transfer are no longer strictly necessary just to have a chance to transfer, they’re still a great idea. The only problem is that many students don’t seem to know they even exist.

EC is a fairly strange place as far as college campuses go. Many students who’ve been enrolled here for years have never set foot on any part of campus not directly on the path between their car and their classroom. People with clipboards promote topics ranging from genocide prevention to international aid, while at the same time some students are ignorant of the fact that there won’t be a win-

ter session this semester for our campus. In the grand scheme of things, that’s okay though.

Ignorance becomes a problem for students though, when it comes to their educational plan.

Not knowing what the inside of the Communications Building looks like probably won’t ruin any lives, but not having a clear and informed plan of how to get through EC could cost students

years of their lives and a significant chunk of change.

The solution is fairly simple; go see a counselor. Yes, it’s possible to find out the requirements to transfer to another school without meeting with a counselor, and yes, it is a major pain getting an appointment when thousands of other students are trying to do the same exact thing. However, the counselors are here for a reason.

Simply put, it’s their job to know about these things. A counselor will be up to date with all the most recent changes to school admission policies, will know about various programs like the degrees for transfer, and will know whether or not those programs are right for students. For students who have been attending EC for any significant length of time, it’s entirely possible that the require-

ments to transfer to their school of choice have actually changed since they first enrolled.

Sure, it’d be way easier to skip the visit to the counselor, but when planning for the rest of your life, the easy way is probably not the best way. After all, if you were going to have open heart surgery performed, you’d naturally consult an expert first. The principle is the same for your education.

EDITOR’S NOTE

COMMENTARY

A chief’s bittersweet farewell

A profile in courage Rigo Bonilla Managing Editor

Thomas Schmit Editor-in-Chief

If somebody had told me three years ago that I would one day be a serious and dedicated student, I would have laughed. If somebody had told me I would wind up being responsible for the running and management of the school paper for an entire year, I would have assumed they were insane and backed away very slowly.

Yet somehow, here I am, writing a farewell for my final issue as the Editor-in-Chief of the El Camino Union. Despite the fun, the sense of accomplishment, and all the wonderful stories people have shared with me, I’m filled with relief. Even with the constant lack of sleep, hair-pulling stress and endless anxiety, I’m also sad to go.

The truth is that this is all the fault of Kate McLaughlin, the current Union adviser, Lori Medigovich, former Union co-adviser, and Viridiana Vaca-Rios, former Union editor-in-chief. I probably would have been perfectly con-

tent to drift through EC as a lazy bum, but those three recognized my passion for writing and journalism. They saw potential within me, and refused to allow me to coast by. When I stumbled, they helped me back up, and when I excelled, they demanded more.

What a bunch of jerks.

In all seriousness though, I’m truly thankful for the patience, understanding, and even the nagging of those three wonderful women. Without them, I never would have even considered an editorial position, or competing in on-the-spot news writing competitions, or any of the other experiences I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Unfortunately, just as Viridiana moved on before me, it’s time that I move on to make room for the next EIC. While my passion and dedication to my work has been one of my great strengths, it’s also one of my great faults. Simply put, I’m too single-minded to run this

U N NIO EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Vol. 67, No. 9 November 21, 2013

E -mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

publication and graduate before I’m an old man. I’ve enjoyed my time running things (words that I never, ever imagined saying), but I also have to think about my future.

On the bright side, I’d probably go insane without a regular opportunity to write, so I fully intend to return next semester in my original position of staff writer. That way, I’ll get to continue the work I love so much, while at the same time being on hand to help the next generation of Union journalists, even as I finish those dreaded math requirements. Until then readers, I wish you a happy winter break!

Editor-in-Chief ����������������������������������������������������������������������� Thomas Schmit Managing Editor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������Rigo Bonilla News Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������������Jessica Martinez Opinion Editor �����������������������������������������������������������������������������Rigo Bonilla Features Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������������� Thomas Schmit Arts Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Eric Hsieh Sports Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������������Matthew Simon Social Media Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������Jessica Martinez Photo Editor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������Amira Petrus Advertising Manager ����������������������������������������������������������Kimberly Brandes Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu Technical Support ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� Don Treat

Breaking news: Justin Bieber farted. Witnesses report experiencing a faint hint of broccoli.

An investigation is now underway to find out if Bieber enjoys his steamed broccoli with or without cheese.

Yeah, this didn’t happen, but something tells me if a news outlet reported this, it would probably be trending on Twitter soon after.

There is a rabid obsession with celebrities, who many times are just as lost in life as we are. Young people like Bieber or Miley Cyrus don’t posses any more depth than an average person.

Many times, the strongest and most courageous people go unnoticed without their story ever being told. People don’t get attention for just making it through.

One example would be an older Mexican lady named Elsa.

You might see her walking down Lincoln Boulevard. playing lottery scratchers on her way to see

her friends at the Venice Senior Center.

You wouldn’t look twice if you saw her, but she has lived a fearless life.

She was born in Mexico to modest and hard parents in the ‘40s. The oldest of six sisters, she was always a rebel.

Before she could even begin her life, she was already a victim of love. A single mother in Mexico looking for a way to get through.

One day she met a pen pal in California. He was a white man who fell in love at first sight.

He asked her to move to California and she accepted. Today’s equivalent would be moving across the country for someone you met on Facebook.

So, she left everything she knew to hop on a bus to the golden state. A beautiful immigrant with a smart-mouthed chubby son getting married to an American; It sounds like an episode of “Mod-

The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, and is free to the student body and staff.

Unsigned editorials and cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board and do not reflect the views of the student body, staff or administration. Letters to the editor must be signed and must be received one week prior to publication in the Union office, Humanities Building Room 113.

Letters are subject to editing for space, libel, obscenity and disruption of the educational process. Single copies of the Union are free; multiple copies can be requested through the Union.

ern Family.”

They had a daughter, but the hardships didn’t end there. Her husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He was paralyzed and dead by the time their daughter was seven.

She had the courage to start all over again with another immigrant. It’s 40 years later and they argue every day like they mean it, but he still always remembers to bring her her favorite scratcher tickets.

This lady is my grandmother and she’s the strongest woman I know. When someone loses their way in my family she takes them in. All of my cousins that are in California have spent time in their 20s living at her home. I spent a year there myself getting my head together.

It’s a shame that people spend so much of their focus on celebrities like Miley Cyrus, when more than likely there is a great person worthy of admiration much closer.

Associated Collegiate Press Regional Pacemaker Award 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012 California Newspaper Publishers’ Association General Excellence Award 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 Journalism Association of Community Colleges General Excellence Award 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

El Camino College Union 5

November 21, 2013

UP FOR DEBATE

Has bullying been blown out of proportion?

Bullying is just a part of life for most Sam Tedla Staff writer

About three years ago I got a auto-immune skin disease called vitiligo. It started off being a white patch right beside my nose and progessively got worse until it covered up both of my eyes. I’ve had people call me the most cruel things because of this, but I’m not going to allow something that can’t actually physically hurt, bother me, or affect me emtionally.

As the old saying goes, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Another form of bullying can be physical. As human beings it is your duty to stop anyone who tries to harm you and it’s your right as an American to defend yourself.

We’ve all been through it. Bullying is apart of the initiation to childhood, and if you can’t get through that phase, then there will be a very tough road ahead of you, because there a lot more arduous, stressful, and demanding things in life.

I think my bullying situation has just went away on account of numbness. You can’t call me anything worse than what I’ve heard before.

As weird as this sounds, a lot of these bullies get pleasure out of seeing kids get emotionally torn from teasing. They only prey on the weak and those who actually listen to their words. So ignoring them and walking away is the best solution to it for kids. They seek out those who play the victim role and shy away from people who are aggressors.

Adults should in no way feel they’re getting bullied. Having this form of intimidation shows how much maturation they’re lacking emotionally.

At the beginning of the month, Dolphins guard Richie Incognitio was suspended for harrasing teammate Johnathan Martin after coaches asked Incognitio “to toughen him up.”

I think Martin doesn’t have the same tolerance that every NFL player is required to play football at the professional level. I

understand why he left, but it raises another question what is really considered bullying?

I guess it depends on what the person you’re doing it to classifies as harassment.

At the end of the day they’re just words people. If someone attacks you defend yourself or call the authorities.

The anti-bullying movement exposes an old problem The whole bullying situation has not been exaggerated in any way, in fact, it should be focused on more than it is now. We need to stop bullying worldwide to make the world a better place.

It’s not just kids being weak, it’s our society. Anybody can get bullied, even adults.

Illustration by Eugene Chang

Campus Q&A

Campus viewpoints Trent Ledford Staff writer

Bullying starts off with family members being bullied by siblings, which can lead them to bully other people at school.

Cyber bullying is another type of bullying that needs to be stopped. This is the worst type of bullying because a person can say something and not be face-to-face with the person. Behind the keys of a messageboard, people tend to say the rudest things.

Amanda Todd was a girl that was bullied mentally and physically, which led to suicide. The nine-minute-long emotional video she made on YouTube that showed her struggles of bullying and being abused on flash cards went viral after her death. Other people are being bullied for being different and what other people call weird.

People now-a-days get bullied for such lame reasons, such as being too smart, having a few friends, being emotional, being gay, being well liked by others, or having a disability.

In middle school, I used to get bullied for being different and having a speech delay. I did not talk a lot because I had low self esteem due to a few students making fun of me. I hated to read aloud because kids would make fun of my accent and my low tone voice.

I think it’s a horrible experience for anybody to go through.

In 2010, the U.S. had a surge of gay teenssuicides because of bullying. The high surge of suicide inspired Ke$ha, a dance-pop artist, to write a song “We R Who We R,” but even with all these movies and songs about bullying, people still do it.

Movies like “Bully”, “Let the Right On In”, “Carrie,” “Mean Girls,” “Precious” and “Boys Don’t Cry,” are just a few that explore the theme of bullying and how it can lead to bad things.

“What if the kid you bullied at school, grew up, and turned out to be the only surgeon who could save your life,” Lynette Mather It seems like bullying has gotten worse.

It’s the final countdown Column

A conversation between Casey Tojo varsity point guard

Sam: When did you start playing basketball?

Casey: I started playing in the fourth grade because my sister was playing and I started practicing with her.

Sam: How is it different playing here at EC from high school?

Casey: At EC, I feel more dedicated. I feel like the friendships I’ve built with my teammates are a lot stronger. They make it more fun for me. On a competitive level, the girls are a lot faster, stronger and smarter.

Sam: Who is your favorite basketball team and player?

Casey: The Chicago Bulls are my favorite and Derrick Rose is my favorite player. I like his energy on the floor and I share the same passion he has for basketball.

Sam: What advantage do you have being the smallest player on the court?

Casey: I feel like a lot of players

Sam Tedla Staff writer

don’t expect a lot out of me, or they underestimate me. I take that as a challenge, and when I do get on the floor, it makes me want to prove them wrong.

Sam: What makes playing with women better than playing with men?

Casey: I feel like women have better fundamentals and it’s not just them showing off, it’s them playing for the love of the game.

Sam: What are the challenges of being a student athlete? How hard is it juggling school work, practice, and other things in your life?

Casey: Probably balancing free time, getting a job, and sleep. I wouldn’t say it’s hard because I look forward to it, so it’s easier to do it.

Sam: Do you want to play after EC and play at university?

Casey: If the opportunity comes, I would love to.

It’s crunch time Warriors. With the significant other, school work — evsemester coming to an end in less than erything heading at full force, straight four weeks, now is the time to nut up or down the toilet.

It’s too easy to throw down the hamshut up.

Religious or not, it’s time to pray, mer. But wait.

Think about your goals, about where chant, sacrifice, whatever you do to whomever you bow to, seek guidance, you want to be in five years. Think about where you were exactly one year ago. or curse at.

The air may be lighter, the stress About your New Year’s plans. Think about your next birthday levels are at max capacand what great gift you ity. With finals coming plan on treating yourself towards us in a fast hurl, with. it’s almost inevitable to None of those things mentally check out from are going to change the mess. whether you finish out After months of late the semester, weak or night cramming, 5 a.m. strong. Either way, you work outs, reading endless can’t change the past, chapters, and countless the future is inevitable, cups of coffee, it’s about but what you can control time to call it. is the present: so make it It’s a wrap. Can’t take it count. anymore. I give.

Angela Yim My first and last seTake a deep breath, Union Columnist mester at EC has been an like the kind that they interesting one. I never teach to expecting mothers in those Lamaze classes: “He he he would have imagined meeting the people that I have, the friends I’ve made, hoo, he he he hoo.”

It’s too easy to throw in the towel. and the network I’ve created. The professors I’ve had the honor to learn from.

But wait.

If you’re reading this column, it means The final lesson here is: don’t give in.

It’s been a real struggle no doubt, but you’ve made it this far. Sacrificed many nights to study with your classmates, or if you weren’t here, where would you turned down that free drink because you be?

It’s been a privilege to write for you knew you had a paper to finish at home EC, and I’m honored to call myself a due on Monday morning.

Maybe you skipped out on a group Warrior. trip to Vegas with your closest buds, “stopped by” countless events and got stuck designated driving way too many • Please connect with me by email at nights because you’re the only one with eccunionangela@gmail.com class early the next morning.

It’s too easy to put up the white flag. • Follow me on Twitter @ECCUnionAng But wait.

Before making any rash decisions, • Join the conversation online at ask yourself: Is (insert some activity www.eccunion.com other than school) worth all that time invested? All your hard work and sacri- • The views expressed in this column fices, down the drain. are those of the author. They do not There are those days, sometimes represent the views or opinions of weeks, where everything goes to $h*! the Union, its staff, editorial board or – Friends, personal life, family, job, advisers.

By Trent Ledford Pictures by Gilberto Castro

Karen Marcial, 20, undecided

“Yes, because the one that is being bullied can go into depression and commit suicide.”

Alexis Ramirez, 21, music

“It’s not as big as the media make it to be because a lot of stuff gets exaggerated.”

Ray Perez, 23, music

“No. It hasn’t been exaggerated at all. The ads are helping.”

Emmanuel Peralta, 34, computer information systems

“I don’t think bullying is a big problem. There might be a few individual bad apples in society that are picking on people. It is up to the one that is being bullied to report it. I think with a little counseling, the one that is being bullied’s personality can be strengthen.”

Brenna Golden, 21, kinesiology

“I really don’t think it’s as big of a deal. But it is good to keep everybody aware of the issue.”

arts

6 El Camino College Union

November 21, 2013

On the scene Erin Logan

Dance Fall dance concert Daniel Berney, Pam Santelman, and Lisa Hoefner Adamis will be directing EC’s fall dance concert this semester. It will take place today at 1 p.m., tomorrow and Nov. 23 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Campus Theatre. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Marsee box office or by calling 310-329-5343.

Dance band EC’s dance band, directed by David Sills, will perform on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Robert Haag Recital Hall. Tickets will be sold for $10 and can be purchased at the box office in Marsee Auditorium or by calling 1-800-832-ARTS.

Music “An Immense voice” Soprano Erin Wood and pianist Henri Venazi will be performing as guest artists, treating Verdi and Wagner with Wood’s soaring voice. The performance will be in Marsee Auditorium tomorrow at 8 p.m. Tickets will be sold for $20 and can be purchased at the Marsee box office or by calling 1-800832-ARTS.

“Sing-Along” EC’s concert choir and mixed chorus, directed by Joanna Nachef, will perform Messiah “Sing-Along” on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre. Tickets cost $10 and be bought by calling 1-800-832-ARTS or by visiting centerforthearts.org.

Featuring Jennifer Molina, Autumn Rubio, Tracy Stanbury, and Ronica Villegas, “Chasing Dragons” is the 12th and penultimate performance in the Fall Dance Concert.

Angela Yim

Staff Writer

After a long semester of rehearsals and endlessly perfecting technique, it’s finally time to showcase all that hard work: EC’s dance department has put together their annual Fall Dance Concert.

“It’s an eclectic program, it’s all different styles of dance and all different levels, from the choreographic standpoint,” Daniel Berney, director and professor of dance, said. “We really do a high level concert, we feel it’s the best representation of our program.

We’re trying to expand the viewers’ perspective of dance and the different opportunities.”

The 13-piece concert, stretched across four performance dates, is a mixture of ballet, modern, jazz, street dance, belly dance – “world dance” as Berney calls it.

In order to assemble their

The best dance has to offer, barre none

The dance department puts forward its most graceful for the Fall Dance Concert, opening today.

group of dancers, auditions were held months in advance, seeking the department’s best.

“The ones that we take are fairly advanced,” Pamela Santelman, director and instructor of dance, said. “We audition the students to see who will be in which pieces, and all the choreographers are there, choosing whatever dancers they want to use for their pieces.”

The dance concert also showcases Elizabeth Hoefner Adamis, new full-time dance instructor and director, who has choreo-

graphed two pieces for this show.

“It’s a plethora of different types of dances and different atmospheres for each dance.

It’s really technique-savvy and even some of the dancers that aren’t technically there are being pushed,” Hoefner Adamis said. “[It’s] really exciting for me to see dancers that maybe you wouldn’t think could do a piece [who] are doing the work.”

Among the pieces featured is the emotional “Shifting Perceptions”, choreographed by Lesley

Washington and Scarlett Hubbard, which tells the true story of Hubbard’s brother who was diagnosed with autism.“They’ve [brought] Scarlett’s mother here to talk to them about autism, what it’s like, and what kind of mannerisms they have and they have incorporated all of that into the dance,” Santelman said. “It’s a very frantic dance. It’s powerful and very well done.”

“I think that this group of dances are a lot more personal than our past concerts,” Carreras,

As part of its Resident Artist Series, EC will feature Kristi Lobitz and Susan Greenburg performing pieces by Beethoven, J.S. Bach, and Poulenc as well as modern masterworks from the piano-flute repertoire. The performance will be on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. in Marsee Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-832-ARTS or at the Marsee box office.

Gaga’s newest album deserves all the ‘Applause’ it will get panies the single is crazy, weird, and sexy like her previous ones Staff Writer for “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face.” The cinematography for Showing a new side to the the video is outstanding; the black heavily-established Lady Gaga, and white scenes especially stand “Artpop” will easily live up to lis- out for their smoothness.

The song “Dope,” for which she teners’ expectations. It’s a brilliant album with good overall tracks gave an emotional performance at the first ever YouTube Music that are fun to listen to.

The cover to the album is si- Awards, lives up to its name. Bemultaneously weird, explicit and hind its video are popular direcunique. It features Lady Gaga tors Spike Jonze and Chris Milk. naked, hands covering her breast, That performance may have giving birth to a crystal ball. In the earned “Artpop” enough visibility background, her name is plastered for it to hit the platinum mark on the Billboard Hot across fragments 100. of artworks.

This album Her single “‘Do What You does wander away “Do What You from her previWant,” is one Want’ is one of the ous dance-pop alof the album’s album’s highlights bums by blending highlights with with an electro genres like techan electro beat and lyrics that beat and lyrics that no, electro rock, and un m ista kably unmistakably con- synth-pop, urban pop, but it convey a sexual vibe in its hook: vey a sexual vibe in still contains the same great sound “So do what you its hook.” and captivating want/What you lyrics. want with my Finally, the body.” features on this The lyrics reference what it would be like album are amazing: T.I. and Too to be with her “Early morning, Shorts make show-stopping aplonger nights, time for private pearances on her track “Jewels n’ flights/Crazy schedule, fast life. I Drugs.’

“Don’t want your jewels, I want wouldn’t trade it in ‘cause it’s our life (Now let’s low it down...)” The your drugs/Don’t wan’t your monsingle has also appeared on a Best ey, I want your love.” The hook for the song rings out over others Buy commercial with John Wall.

Her first single, “Applause,” within the album. Not only is it is a her most popular song. She great, but the verses from T.I. and performed it at the 2013 VMA’s Too Short are superb.

The song “Artpop,” is a solid Award Show. The performance references her artistic and per- song and its lyrics beg the quessonal shifts throughout the years. tion: what does “Artpop” mean?

Overall, the album boasts qualShe changes outfit during the performance to show people how she ity good tracks, songs, and features. This is definitely the album and her music have changed.

“I stand here waiting for you to of the year, but whether it goes on bang the gong/to crash the critics to surpass her other atmospheric saying, ‘is it right or is it wrong?’” works like “The Fame” remains to The music video that accom- be seen.

Trent Ledford

Jazz band Dr. Chris Mello will be directing the jazz band concert on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and the performance will be in the Robert Haag Recital Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the Marsee box office or online by visiting centerforthearts.org.

Joanna Nachef will be directing the concert choir and mixed chorus concert on Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.

Tickets cost $10 and the performance will be in the Campus Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the Marsee box office or online by visiting centerforthearts.org.

20, dance major, said. “There are a lot of pieces dedicated to family members and different causes. It’s a lot more intense but the pieces are really great and the student choreography is so elevated from past years.” “[The concert] shows a lot of technique and capabilities of where these students can actually go. There’s so much potential and a lot of talent that is being showcased,” Travell Johnson, 19, dance major, said.

The Fall Dance Concert opens today at 1 p.m. in the Campus Theatre and shows Nov. 22, 23 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 3 p.m.

“In this concert, there is [so much] camaraderie that it doesn’t even feel like we’re rehearsing, we’re all having a good time,” Carreras said. “I think that’s going to make for a really good show because you can tell that everyone is enjoying it. Hopefully the audience will feel the good energy.”

Album Review

Flute and piano

Concert choir

Charles Ryder/ Union

Patricklee Hamilton/ Union

Rising star, Jaekyu (JQ) Lim, 26, graphic design major, stands next to his design, “The North Face.”

There’s a new serif in town Chris Guzman

Staff Writer

Jaekyu Lim, better known to his classmates and teachers as JQ, sits in the back of class, mingling with other students and offering his advice. Here, discussing graphic design, the language barrier is broken and he expresses himself perfectly through his pieces.

“Language is an issue for me,” Lim, 26, graphic design major, said. “So for me to create ideas and think differently in this field, and able to display that in my designs, is great because I don’t speak English really well.”

Lim hails from Korean where he attended Kookmin University. Had he stayed there, he could have begun working as a physicist three years ago.

“It was in Korea that I gradually drifted away from physics and began doing little projects for my school,” he said. “In 2006, my school had a competition for

the graphic design class and I designed folders for that school.”

“It allowed me to really utilize my creativity and show what I can do it. It caught the eyes of some of my teachers, and that’s when I knew I had something,” Lim added.

He has high aspirations for his work. Lim hopes that he can one day use his talents to affect positive change in the world.

“I want to be a very influential designer. I want to help somebody and take participation in some aspect in the recent earthquakes in Japan,” Lim said. “It would be nice to design some of the fliers for the disaster relief.”

Teachers and students alike at EC have tracked his successes

so far and are confident Lim has what it takes to be a graphic designer.

“He’s proven himself by his hard work and persistence. I’m impressed by him because I wasn’t impressed by him,” Andrea Micallef, professor of graphic design, said. “He’s a quiet guy. He doesn’t work outside of class without a purpose other than to challenge himself. He truly wants to be the best he can be. He’s not tied to one style.”

Among those he’s worked with, Lim’s peers appreciate the chance they’ve had to work in proximity to the determined, vivid designer.

“He’s very inspirational to other foreign students because he doesn’t let obstacles in his way divert him from what he want’s to do with his life,” Jeffrey Tauch, 22, graphic design major, said. “That’s a major reason to excel. When other students give up, [Lim] sees it as an other opportunity to do better.”

ADVERTISEMENT EL CAMINO COLLEGE

November 21, 2013

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El Camino College Union 7

sports

8 El Camino College Union

November 21, 2013

Charles Ryder / Union

Freshman outside hitter Laynie Thompson(Left), and freshman middle blocker Boonyanudh “BJ” Jiyarom (Right), block the ball hit by a PCC player.

Warriors’ sweep sets up final game Brian Camacho Staff Writer

It doesn’t get any better than this. The entire season coming down to one game. One game that will determine who wins the South Coast Conference championship.

The EC women’s volleyball team took care of business last Friday night by sweeping East L.A. College 3-0 (25-12, 25-6, 25-19).

“The first time we played them we made such a big deal about how good they were and it put us down,” freshman middle blocker Boonyanudh “BJ” Jiyarom said. “Now we’re thinking there’s no need to be nervous because we are better.”

This game against ELAC had all the makings of a let-down game. The Warriors could have overlooked the Huskies and allowed them to gain some confidence but that was not the case.

The team was mentally prepared and took care of business quickly. Never allowing the Huskies to gain any real momentum while the Warriors were just firing on all cylinders.

“We just come into the game really pumped and together as a team so that we can be fluid and do what we need to do,” freshman outside hitter Laynie Thompson said.

Every player on the team has settled into their roles and the results are showing. With everyone in the right position it has become much easier to take advantage of opportunities and has lowered the risks of errors being made.

This was evident as soon as the match began, with the Warriors making a number of easy kills coupled with several errors on the Husky side. This allowed the Warriors to quickly take the first two sets of the

match by a combined score of 50-18.

The third set was much closer but good teams know how to close out opponents and that’s what the Warriors did, taking the last set 25-19.

“When everybody does their job it makes it easier,” coach Le Valley Pattison said. “Playing well as a team shows. If you are struggling in one position you struggle as a team.”

Freshman middle blocker Kimberly Haney had the most kills of the night with 9 and 2 digs followed by sophomore setter SueKalena Tafao who registered 8 kills and 12 digs.

Freshman defensive specialist Courtney Eppler and sophomore outside hitter Ashley Morimoto also carried the load on defensive with 12 digs for Eppler and 11 digs for Morimoto.

“We have a lot of confidence in each other,” Eppler said. “If anyone gets down we all help each other up.”

In the last 15 games the Warriors have gone 14-1, with that one loss coming to PCC. The players will look to avoid making the same mistakes that cost them the last game. Two things are certain though, both teams will come out fired up and this game will be nothing short of epic.

“Honestly, I feel I should take full responsibility,” Tafao said on that last loss. “They were looking to me and I wasn’t converting. So this time around it’s not going to be that close.” *Editor’s Note: This is the final issue of the EC Union for the fall semester. To continue reading about the EC women’s volleyball and keep up with their upcoming playoff run, check out the EC Union website. There you will find the results and recap of yesterday’s game against PCC and all playoff games.

T:5.7”

You’re worthless.

Teach your kids how to

be more than a bystander.

Learn how at

StopBullying.gov

There is no spokesperson with a catchy phrase to remind the driver to slow down, stop eating, quit messing with the radio or pay attention to the road.

URtheSpokesperson.com

There’s Only You. Speak Up.

T:10.5”

You don’t see bullying like this every day.

Your kids do.

Sports

November 21, 2013

El Camino College Union 9

Warriors take second at Rose City tournament The women’s basketball team ends a 24-game losing streak to Pasadena City College 75-62 ending a streak that started in ‘96 Davion Walker Staff Writer

Gilberto Castro/ Union

Freshman forward Shontalene Trudeau drives to the basket during the women’s basketball game against Long Beach City College during the Rose City Tournament this past weekend. The team went on to take second overall.

Pasadena City College played hosted the 15th Annual Rose City Classic in which the Warriors finished second.

The Warriors’ first opponent in the tournament was the Taft College Cougars in which they dominated in a blowout win 77-55.

The matchup was very tight at the end of first half with the Warriors leading by a slim margin of only four points.

However, in the second half the Warriors turned the heat up defensively against the Cougars and forced them to commit 13 turnovers during the second half.

“I was pleased with our performance,” coach Steve Shaw said. “ We played really well with this being our first tournament.”

As the Warriors defense stopped Tafts offense cold, the El Camino players ignited for 46 points and holding Taft to only 28 points in the second half.

Warriors Guard, Faith Matsuda shot 6-for-12, including 15 points from the 3-point territory. Freshman Forward, Shontalene Trudeau nearly posted a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

“We are a balanced team so far where on any given night you don’t know who will step up and five us a spark.” Shaw said.

In El Camino’s second game of the tournament, the Warriors battled Pasadena City College.

El Camino ended a 24-game losing drought against the Lancers in which they haven’t won a game against since 1996.

The Warriors came out scorching hot, jumping out to a 37-23 first half lead. They maintained the lead to beat the Lancers 75-62. “ A lot of our offensive capability is afactor of what we do on the defensive end,” Shaw said.

The Warriors, as a team shot 50 percent on 58

field goals attempts. The defense held Pasadena to 29 percent from the field and only 21 percent from the 3-point line.

El Camino offense this game was predicated on how well they passed the ball with 19 assists for the game.

Sydney Chase had her fingerprints all over this game, coming of the bench was 5-for-13 shooting scoring 14 points, 12 of her points came from the 3-point line. Warriors Forward, Clarizzah Macatugal was 2 points shy of a double-double scoring 8-points and snatching down a game-high 13 rebounds.

The tournament title was on the line as the Warriors squared off against Long Beach City College.

The Warriors fought hard through out the entire matchup, even being out front in the first half 35-32.

“We’re not as good as we need to be to accomplish, what we want to accomplish, but I’m pleased so far,” Shaw said. “It’s a good start.

It was a seesaw battle with both teams exchanging leads 11 times and both teams looking for an advantage.

Eventually, the Vikings pulled away late, and the Warriors ultimately fell to Long Beach 71-61.

Matsuda lead the way with 12 points all coming from 3-point land. Trudeau chimed in with 8 points and coming down with 8 rebounds. Chase scored 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, three of her field goals came from the 3-point line.

Faith Matsuda was named to the All-Tournament Team for her stellar play in the this years’ tournament.

“I was very humbled for receiving the individual, but either one of us could’ve won because I think we all played well,” Matsuda said.

The team will look to continue their fast start when travels to Orange Coast College to take part in their tournament.

The team will face the Palomar in the first game and take on the host Orange Coast College in the second game.

Setting an example for her teammates After losing teammate to injury Nicole Echeverri, SueKalena Tafao has stepped up to lead the team to an 18-2 record with her leadership and play Brian Camacho Staff Writer

Heading into the month of October, the EC women’s volleyball team looked like it was heading for trouble. It had just lost sophomore outside hitter Nicole Echeverri and with 10 new faces on the team, it was in desperate need of a leader.

Luckily for the Warriors, they had sophomore setter SueKalena “Suka” Tafao.

Tafao was thrust into the role of team leader after Echeverri went down and she quickly embraced the responsibility. Leading the team to an 18-2 record since that point.

“She’s a leader, a hard-worker and all-around good teammate,” sophomore outside hitter Ashley Morimoto said.

Tafao is the starting setter for the women’s volleyball team and has been a pivotal part to the team’s success. Playing the majority of every game and leading with not only her words but also her play on the court.

“She’s leading in kills, one of our dig leaders and one of our best blockers. She carries a ton of responsibility.” coach Le Valley Pattison said.

Pattison has not only helped Tafao make the transition into a leader, but an overall better player as well. Teaching her about the finer points of the setter position.

“She’s pushed me in so many different areas,” Tafao said.

“Playing under her has pushed me to become a better player and person all-around.”

Tafao has always had an interest in volleyball from a very young age. Often playing with her parents until she was old enough to join a team. Both of her parents being the inspiration from which she draws upon.

“I’ve always had a thing for volleyball,” Tafao said. “So they finally put me on a team when I was 10.”

Tafao is a graduate of St. Anthony High School class of 2011, having played there during her junior and senior years. But Tafao suffered a setback during her senior year after she tore her Anterior Crucial Ligament (ACL) in her left leg.

Following the reconstructive surgery on the left knee, Tafao had to wait a full year before being cleared to play volleyball again.

“It was such a painful process. I was in rehab for eight months,” Tafao said.

Due to the surgery and rehabilitation, Tafao decided to take a year off before returning to school. Ultimately deciding to attend El Camino College.

“When I came back to college I was just trying to get back into the whole school thing as far as homework and classes,” Tafao said. “I just missed volleyball.”

Tafao’s left knee fully healed and she has been playing some of the best volleyball of her life since then. Quickly making a name for herself as a member of the Warriors.

During her free time Tafao enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is the eldest sister of four and is always supporting her siblings.

“I have four brothers and they’re all in sports,” Tafao said.

“So when I’m not playing or in school we all go watch each other’s games.”

Tafao’s plans for the future involve transferring to a four-year university and earning a degree in business or possibly psychology.

As for her experience at EC, Tafao will look back at her time here and always remember the bonds she has formed with her teammates and how close they have all become.

“It’s definitely better than what I expected,” Tafao said on her time at EC. “This is the most fun team I’ve played on. Everyone is fun to be around on and off the court.”

Warriors Schedule Men’s Soccer: Saturday at Santiago Canyon College

women’s Basketball:

Nov. 14-16 at Pasadena City College

Men’s basketball: Nov. 23 at State Championships

Cross Country: Nov. 23 at State Championships

Amira Petrus/ Union

Sophomore setter SueKalena Tafao has been a major part of the women’s volleyball team’s success this year.

Warriors Scoreboard Men’s Soccer: Warriors 5 (7-6-7), East L.A. College 1

Women’s Volleyball:

Warriors 3 (17-4), L.A. Harbor College 0

women’s Basketball:

Warriors 75 (1-0), Fullerton College 45

FOR MORE SPORTS ACTION GO TO OUR WEBSITE, ECCUNION.com

10 El Camino College Union

Sports

November 21, 2013

In one of his first boxing assignments this year, Michael Williams photographed Mike “Mile High” Alvarado landing an uppercut against Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios in their boxing match Saturday March 30 in Las Vegas. Alvarado would go on to win the bout by split decision.

At a moment’s notice Former Union photographer Michael Williams lands a gig with Sports Illustrated after shooting a Dodgers game from fan’s view because he’s so good. I feel like he’s testing me with some of the shots he brings back.”

Along with Kohatsu, Chris Farina is someone that Williams considers as a mentor. Farina is the Photos by Michael Williams top photographer for boxing company Top Rank.

“He teaches me the game and the industry,” odgers ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw sits in the dugout Williams said. “Being a photographer isn’t only while he munches on some taking photos but understanding and interacting bubble gum before his upcom- with clients. Chris Farina teaches me that.”

After being in the Navy for five years Williams ing game.

He turns for a split second went back to college in hopes of doing sports writing or photography. and blows a bubble.

“I wanted to be a major league baseball player,” Click.

Former Union photographer Michael Williams Williams said. “Instead, I walked onto the diasnaps a shot of Kershaw just as the pitcher turns mond as a pro photographer, which isn’t so bad.”

Even though he isn’t playing the sport he loves, and blows a bubble. being at the game and be“Anticipation is key,” Wiling a part of the action is liams said. “I focused on him and sufficient for him. waited for him to turn towards “I found a new field in me or look in my direction. I got which I can be creative lucky he turned and blew the and give insight to what I bubble.” see,” Williams said. “I get This is the type of shot that to show people what goes caught Brad Smith’s, Director of on behind the scenes and Photography for Sports IllustratI can also anticipate plays ed, eye when he looked through because I’m very knowlphotos online to recruit new taledgable in sports.” ent.

Supporting Williams “He gave me an assignment along with his mentors to be a fan visiting the stadium,” are his friends and famWilliams said. “I felt in my comily. Christina Pasqual, his fort zone because of what the long-time girlfriend, is journalism classes and Gary (Kosomeone that has always hatsu EC photo adviser) taught provided support. me. I knew I would nail it.”

“The look in his eyes The opportunity came afevery single time he picks ter only taking photos for three up his camera and takes a years in the field, but sports is Photo courtesy of Chris Farina shot of an image — you something that has always kept can tell this was what he Williams at ease.

“It’s very competitive,” Williams said. “If you was meant to be doing,” Pasqual said. “It makes want to be the best you have to go all in and learn me so happy to see his progress.”

Of all the photos Williams has taken, he beto stay humble and stay motivated.”

After receiving the Dodgers gig, Williams im- lieves his best photo is one he hasn’t taken yet.

“You never know what’s going to be the shot. mediately called Kohatsu to tell him about the opYou’re on your toes with every pitch or snap of the portunity.

“Without him I wouldn’t be anywhere near ball,” Williams said.

During his short career, Williams has already where I want to be,” Williams said. “I cried and told him we did it. He showed me the way and been given a nickname by players and fellow phoopened a door for me that I will forever be grate- tographers for his knack of getting shots that are in the peak moment during games. ful for.”

“They call me the sniper,” Williams said. “PhoKohatsu saw something in Williams that not a tography is about seeing the photo and anticipatlot of people were able to see: potential.

“Out of all the photo students I’ve had Mikey is ing what can happen.” the only one that I feel inspires me to want to compete against him,” Kohatsu said. “I want to shoot Matthew Simon

D

Sports Editor

“

You never know what’s going to be the shot, you’re on your toes with every pitch or snap of the ball.

”

Above: Yasiel Puig, a 22-year-old Dodgers

rookie is a study of raw power in this Williams photo. Puig clubbed 19 home runs in 104 games this season.

To the left: Dodgers ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw is caught in a relaxed moment before a game. The southpaw won his second National League Cy Young Award. Photographer Michael Williams said this photo of Kershaw is the most requested shot in his portfolio.

Below: Michael Williams caught Dodgers

third baseman Nick Punto on his heels from a brush-back pitch. Williams is a former prep pitcher at North High School in Torrance, and considers baseball his favorite sport.