Kaden Johnson
Caleb Metzen
KeyShawn Buckley
Eli Ulrich
Blaze Batterton
Amy Quintero
Lilija McCallum
Jaden Rice
Paola Ramos
Video Production Director Editor Staff Staff
Staff Director of Audio Production Staff Staff
Staff
Layout by Kaden Johnson
Pictures by Yesenia Castro and former Katrina Lucero
Lily Sanchez
Cierra Huber Yesenia Castro
Allison Sandoval
Jake Wiley
Jack Koksal Mya DelaCruz
Yadiel Soto-Rocha
Brendan Cabral
Social Media Director Project Manager Graphics Director Staff Staff
Staff
Sports Media Director Staff Staff
Brayley Frazier Staff
The transition from high school to college can be difficult, but it can also be one huge learning experience. This is when everything in life changes. New people emerge in your life and old friends leave because their time in your life is over. New experiences are going to happen, and a lot of characteristics and personality traits change as high school students transfer into to college students. There becomes more responsibility and more management in these students’ lives. To name a few, these aspects include time management, making new friends, and work ethic. Time management could be at its peak during students’ college life
experiences. Depending on the student’s situation, most of the time, the student must have a job while being in college as it is very costly. There must be more of an independent value with the students’ self to push through each week because it can be challenging to handle two different lives.
Time management depends on independence, organization, and motivation. These three things are the most vital parts to address for students to be aware of what goes on while doing both, other than knowing that there are stressful attributes to doing it. To get the stressful part out of the way, yes, there are going to be rough and hard times going through college and job life
experience. It is recommended that students going through both should view the situation differently as they are doing their best to have a better life and will hopefully stay out of another stressful crunch as they’re currently in.
Students also build independence when they are transitioning from high school to college as well. There are obstacles along the way that students must make big decisions.
Layout: Lily Sanchez
Story: Brendan Cabral, Mya DelaCruz, Yadiel Soto-Rocha
Photos: Yesenia Castro
It will make the student set goals for themselves and prioritize the more important things that are going on with their job or schoolwork. Unfortunately, yes, there will be shifts or days of school the student possibly would have to miss out, but students should be able to have a thought-out idea and plan on what to avoid and what days to be a part of for either scenario. A final important piece is the student being able to be aware of when they need a break. Sometimes it’s best to miss work to study; the student shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to their manager or boss of their job to ask for days off on the weekday to
study their class work or miss a weekend for the student to have time for themself. It’s all about the student being organized and doing their best to stay mentally stable and in the best place as much as possible. The organization student must learn to maintain needs more light shined on it as well. Work shifts and classes should have specific times set accurately so that there is no way for a student to miss any of their scheduled events. It is also important that students prioritize scheduling free time. It’s an important time for students to study, rest, do homework, and possibly do a social gathering to let loose occasionally. Socializing is more important than a person would think, and it can get done once organized correctly from the student’s schedule. An excellent part of a student doing this is getting organizational skills for their future for any situation that’s
come to them and easier ways to avoid stressful future scenarios.
Motivation is the best way to summarize time management and work. No matter how hard school, work, and a student’s job can be. They should not give up; they work hard for a reason. They shouldn’t shy away from breaks and doing the right thing. The main point is never giving up and knowing to do your best will always be the right way to this journey; it’s to make a better and happier change for your life and future.
The first thing that worried me about coming to GCCC was if I had the time to make friends and join clubs; being nose-deep into my studies, I didn’t put as much effort into trying to make friends. That was until I decided to join the band, quiz bowl, and try out the different activities around campus.
The socialization aspect of college is a crucial part of college, making memories and essential connections in your life, and it can have many benefits. The benefits of joining a club come in finding and building a community, developing new skills, working with diverse groups of people, building a network, and overall making college a better and more fun experience. The skills you develop come from building communication and collaboration skills— essential skills to have in today’s world of social media. You must communicate appropriately with those around you and, eventually,
with your employers. Working with diverse groups with various backgrounds and varying worldviews will also help as you work with different types of people through clubs, organizations, and even with people who share a common interest. Building a network is another vital benefit to joining clubs; gaining access to a new network of people can benefit you personally and professionally. Making new friends and meeting people who will go on to work in various industries. All of this will look great on your resume. Employers find that they care more about graduates’ internships, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities. Overall joining a club or organization is a fun experience. In an ideal world, college shouldn’t be all about business. Give yourself time to explore, meet people, and try new things. Clubs and organizations can provide you with those opportunities. College is an exciting time, but it can able be stressful.
High-stress levels and chronic stress are not healthy and can put you at higher risk of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and a slew of other poor health outcomes. It’s why finding time to relax and connect with others is essential. Participating in extracurricular activities, particularly those involving music, are less likely to suffer from stress-related burnout. I’ve enjoyed my time in GCCC by joining groups where I can find like-minded people and have fun within those groups. It’s made coming to class easier as I will also attend the clubs I’m in. I found myself to be less stressed when I joined these organizations too. To look for the clubs and organizations, information can be found in the Student Life tab on the gcccks.edu website. Another essential tool is the BusterBiz app to keep up with events around campus—seeing the many benefits that joining a club and organization offers. It’s worth the time to explore the campus a little and get in touch with what it offers.
Even if it’s a tiny Community College, it still has much to offer to those living on or off campus. The outcome you get out of college solely depends on you, so make it worth it for yourself by getting the most out of the college experience.
Lastly, not only does time management and relationships need to be a priority to stay afloat in college, but having the work ethic to do things with integrity is important as well. If a student is not willing to work hard for what they want, nothing will get done. The only thing that will stop a person from getting what they want, is them. It is difficult throughout high school to get things done and juggle other activities. College is a whole other playing field. In high school, teachers seemed to be more lenient with late assignments, being tardy, and just in general. In college, they will
not care whether you show up or do the work because it is not their responsibility to get you to go to class.
Working hard in college doesn’t mean just doing the work and trying your best at it. It is also being disciplined and turning your friends down for a night out. It is about putting aside some things for a person to better themselves. Honestly, that’s what college is about because a lot of students have jobs and must manage their time for it to work into their schedule. They also must make time for friends, but also be disciplined enough to realize what comes first.
Altogether, becoming a college student isn’t all that bad. It is a time when kids go off on their own to college or stay at home and go to school in their hometown. It is where they learn to be responsible on their own and learn how to manage their time and realize where their
time matters. Friends come and go throughout a lifetime and high school ending is a major test to find out who will stay and who will go. Students are sent in all different types of directions and each one is to better themselves in some way. It is a big transition and one that will change your life forever. So, make it count. Students who want to work hard and want to manage their priorities, and make friends: it is all worth it in the end!
New Year’s Resolutions can be a massive step towards improvement in an individual’s health or motivation. For example, a specific set main goal has many others smaller goals in the following if the goal is taken seriously. With that being said, the purpose of the main goal is to take steps towards it with other different goals
as the year progresses and for the person to be able to say they achieved them. The key step is to never go directly for the primary goal but to always focus on the little ones because a person needs to step their way to the top, and that’s how they’re able to get higher and show the person they can be. It can have importance if someone wants to have a
I didn’t have a New Year’s resolution, but if I had to think of one, it would be to stay on top of everything. I feel like last semester, I slacked a lot, and looking back when it was over, I could’ve taken care of things or done things differently, such
changing point in their life. No more procrastinating for the year. It’ll be time to progress throughout the year and make a difference for themselves because the only person that will be able to make a difference is themself. The outlook of an entire year to achieve anything is a very motivational way to look at improvement as they can do something for each month.
as grades and attendance. I just needed that consistency. Of course, sleep is the main obstacle. Some nights I just don’t sleep, barely sleep or oversleep. I rarely have a set sleeping schedule. I think it will help in the long run with life in general. And as for confidence? I don’t know. You can start your ‘resolution’ whenever you feel ready. For some people, it’s hard to face or even make the time or sacrifices. Of course, I make goals almost every month, generally wanting to be a better version of myself and get things done more efficiently financially, academically, and work-related.
Ivonne Barron Layout: Lily Sanchez Story: Brendan Cabral Photos: Yesenia CastroI had a New Year’s Resolution to get a healthy routine and stay active. I read somewhere that it’s important to get at least 30 minutes a day doing some kind of physical
Nancy Torres
I had a New Year’s Resolution to work out more. The main purpose of my wanting to get more in shape and be toned was for golf. I believe when I’m fitter, I hit the golf ball much better than if I wasn’t. To fulfill this resolution, I know that I have to be consistent, motivated, and have a more solid routine. I got a gym membership but unfortunately, I haven’t gone for months and I’m falling through with the resolution. I am planning to at least
“My New Year’s Resolution was to keep my grades up. My reason for it was that I had done so well last semester, making me feel very good about myself and my future career. There are definitely obstacles, like procrastination being the biggest. I just have to learn new ways of overcoming my own feelings of procrastination. It will make me feel extremely good about myself by the end of the year, especially if I continue keeping my grades up at a University after transferring. New Year’s resolutions are like double-sided blades. If you keep them up and accomplish them, you feel great!
exercise to help better yourself. I used to nap often in my free time, and it will be my most significant obstacle to get out of that habit. I believe that I’ll feel proud of myself and just have more energy overall for more years to come if I continue with this resolution. I don’t usually make resolutions, but now I know that I can come up with new goals over the year and improve myself and avoid unhealthy habits.
go to the gym for the remaining few months of the year to fulfill it somewhat and be in better shape, just not for golf.
Allison sandoval
But if you don’t, you kind of feel bad about yourself. Honestly, you always have next year to accomplish your goals and maybe set shorter goals in between. I plan on having more goals for next year. There’s always room for improvement!
Seferino Ramirez Jr.
Since the inception of Kansas as a state, it has been the center of change in the United States. It’s a change that you continue to witness to this day. In this new age of politics where you see active young people involved, it’s difficult not to want to imagine what the future for this state might hold. I’ve been able to experience this wave of young organizing firsthand in Hays and Garden City during the summer of 2022 after the fall of Roe. Garden City may not be the epicenter or epoch of change, but it shows the attitude many young organizers and activists are taking. A growing movement that shows that there is more value in the community rather than a hyper-individualized form of politics, one where solidarity is what’s important. A growing movement that moves
beyond borders, state lines, and indivisible ideological lines. Kansas is far from a liberal state or even a progressive one. It was even once a case study in 2004 for the triumph of conservatism. But with the growing labor movements and interest in politics, I believe this can spell change for the coming years.
In 1854 Kansas became open to settlement by the Kansas-Nebraska act. At this time, it wasn’t decided whether Kansas would be a free or slave state. Many north and south settlers came in to vote down or up slavery. Kansas eventually became a battlefield that led to civil war. During this time, militant bands were affiliated with the freestate cause. These militant bands went by the name of Jayhawkers. These militant groups were vital
at its time to fight against the opposing militant groups that were proslavery. The name comes from a founding father, John Jay, an abolitionist. Today’s relevance to this group is the growing tensions of political unrest, but instead, the idea of solidarity. John Jay was an abolitionist that condemned slavery as a sin; if no one had agreed with that idea and put that belief into practice, then the ending of slavery would not have come to fruition. Involved in this fight against slavery was the need for violence to end slavery.
My reading of history is that militancy, on its own, has been insufficient to grow the labor movement and to make it a powerful force in American society.
Story: Yadiel Soto-Rocha Photos: yadiel Soto-Rocha Layout: Lily Sanchez
Moments the labor movement gained economic as well as social and political power were moments when it addressed fundamental political and even moral issues in society. There is no better way to put this belief into practice than by solidarity. The need for a growing labor movement comes when inflation has driven up the price of goods, and despite that, the Federal Reserve still sees it fit to slow wage growth despite the labor market being at its strongest ever. The argument for this is to stop or limit the push by businesses to raise their prices. This raises an argument that there is no use for the Federal reserve if it does not combat inflation directly and instead combats the workers’ progress. This is where a labor union is necessary.
After the 2022 midterm election, 1 out of 3 voters
says fixing the US economy should be the top priority. This issue cannot be fought alone; instead, fighting a united front. By some metrics, today’s labor market is better for workers than ever. The tight labor market has allowed historic gains for workers. There are two job openings for every unemployed worker, so employers must compete for workers by offering higher wages and better benefits. That’s good for many workers as over half of people who quit their jobs for a new one
receive a pay increase more significant than 10 percent, and the average pay increase is 7.5 percent. A resurgent labor movement has massively benefited from the fact that workers have less fear of being fired and can credibly argue that winning a union could mean winning wage increases. Many Starbucks workers hoped to achieve this by unionizing their workplace and increasing wages.
In a letter to Howard Schultz, the interim CEO of Starbucks, Starbucks workers from Lawrence, KS, wrote, “We realize now that this partnership can only truly be possible through collective bargaining guaranteeing us a living wage, safer working conditions, stability of employment, and a say in our place of work,” Also mentioned in this letter is how they aren’t the only Starbucks to be exercising their right to organize, and that it is a growing movement across the country. The billionaire Howard Schultz returned to Starbucks last year to stop the Starbucks Workers Union from growing. At that time, there were only six unionized stores. Recently Howard Schultz resigned from his position as CEO after 290+ stores unionized. The Starbucks unionization efforts did not start in Lawrence but in Buffalo, New York. The importance of wanting a living wage, safer working conditions, and job security is not an individual problem but a problem many workers face, as those workers don’t even have a say in their workplace.
That still needs to change Americans’ fear and many
problems with the union efforts. A piece of propaganda that is worth taking note of is Union Dues. Union dues pay for all union operations, everything from staff salaries to office rent to arbitration costs. Union staff includes contract negotiations and enforcement and a range of needs like administration, communications, new organizing, and member training. Many unions reserve a portion of the budget for a strike fund which goes directly to workers in the event of a strike. The misinterpretation of union dues is used as propaganda against joining a union. In a recent report, employers spend over $300 million yearly on union-busting efforts. The rhetoric doesn’t come from other workers but from union-busting initiatives, the employer makes to stop workers from organizing. This is because unions work against the mode of profit; they work against what the employer hopes to achieve at the end of the quarter, a profit margin that goes directly back to the CEO as a bonus. There’s this same attitude regarding more significant working-class movements to achieve programs like
universal healthcare and free education. Programs like universal healthcare and free education, as proposed by Bernie Sanders, are continuously diminished. Despite these programs being a version of more than half a century ago, in Europe, they were simply the predominant social democracy. Today it is decried as a threat to the freedoms of the American way of life. On the contrary, universal health care and education give the individual worker more freedom to focus on critical, creative issues. The labor movement is to show there is no threat in these programs, as there is the freedom to creativity, much like how unions are meant to give the individual worker more freedom.
The young are active
When people succeed, they’re praised; when they fail, they’re blamed. In politics, the labor movement, whether a massive success or minor failure, is blamed consistently for the undoing of society. So it’s in this that the movement is unapologetic and relentless in achieving the goal of liberation. This is where the younger movement comes into play.
Last year in May, the decision made by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, the right to an abortion was then passed down to each state; this overturning was forewarned at the beginning of May, with a draft opinion leak from the Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito. In 2019, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights protects every person’s right to personal autonomy. Kansas Legislature placed a “Value them Both” amendment on the August 2nd ballot, conveniently placed during this, the state of abortion was on a tightrope that galvanized many throughout the state to take political action. In Garden City, two people, in particular, went to their social media to try to connect with like-minded people. Marilu Rodriguez first made a video on Instagram to make a call to action. This came to fruition as many others voiced their concern for the state of abortion in Kansas.
Jennifer Benitez-Chavez was another who had talked with her coworker (Marilu) about taking action. They now ran an Instagram account alongside other women who wanted to participate in the effort. “What I thought was just crazy as they are just
making us have babies out here … it was crazy for me that they were possibly going to have that power over us,” said Benitz-Chavez. After the general election in August 2022, the Value them Both amendment was defeated by a far wider margin than anyone expected — even in some very conservative rural counties. There’s much more than a growing interest in politics but a growing understanding of class consciousness in America. Despite Kansas being a conservative state, it’s shown time and time again that it can operate progressively toward workers’ rights when it matters. We see the ever-growing labor movement through grassroots movements in Kansas and outside of Kansas.
In Kansas, we see this change come from young workers as advice to many young workers who want to make a change. Go somewhere and stay there. Get a job, stay, and build roots because it’s about the relationships and capacity you build from a long-term commitment. Take a job in a workplace or as a staffer but make a long-term commitment. Engage in the very rich and instructive tradition.
What made you want to join GC3 Media?
“I was interested in being involved in Sports Media, writing, broadcasting and following that career path. I didn’t even know about the program until I got on a Zoom call with my advisor, Mrs. Carr and she explained it to me. I was immediately interested.”
What is your most memorable memory in GC3 media?
“I would have to say when we had to dress up in costumes in the Quad my freshman year to advertise our homecoming court. Julie Calzonetti, a former media student, had to dress up as Spider-Man and was crying, it was hilarious.”
Explain your role in GC3 Media.
“I am the Sports Media Director. I oversee the The Extra Point, our sports talk show on GC3 The Mix that airs on Fridays at 1pm. I also help write stories for the magazine and website. I also work on the radio and had my show called: After Church Hits with Jake from 12-4pm on Sundays.”
What are your plans after GC3?
“I’m not exactly sure yet but I am definitely going to continue playing baseball at a 4-year and then into professional baseball. I want to continue my studies in this area and then start my own podcast eventually while investing and traveling.”
What would you say to refer GC3 Media to another student?
“Just try it. Even if you’re not into it right now, you could end up loving it and finding out that you’re really good at it. It’s a great experience, you learn so much and get more skilled at what you enjoy, have fun doing it with a great environment and teacher, and you can even earn scholarships, which is huge for me since I am and outof-state student-athlete. You won’t regret it!!”
Layout: Lily Sanchez
Story By: Jake Wiley, Amy quintero, Allison Sandoval, CIerra Huber, Yadiel Soto Rocha, and Mya DelaCruz Photos: Yesenia Castro
Explain your role in GC3 Media. “In GC3 Media, I am the Director of Audio, which means I help manage our campus radio, GC3 The Mix.”
What are your plans after GC3?
What would you say to refer GC3 Media to another student?
What made you want to join GC3 Media?
“In high school, I was a part of the yearbook staff as a photographer and writer, and thought I wanted to pursue a career in photography. When I learned that GC3 also had a media program that stemmed out into other things like video, audio, etc., I decided it would be fun to try out more things in the media world as well as figure out if photography was something I wanted to pursue.”
“Once I become a graduate student of GC3, I plan to continue my education by attending Fort Hays State University Online. I am highly determined to be on the path to earning a bachelor›s degree in social work.”
“Joining GC3 Media was a wild ride. I walked into the class thinking I was going to be a photographer and walked out as the Director of Audio, which has been so much fun. I never thought I would be interested in audio, but here we are. You learn a lot about yourself and learn to appreciate all that goes into what media truly is, and I have a newfound respect for it overall.”
What made you want to join GC3 Media?
“GC3 Media has interested me since the beginning, I have been a part of it since I enrolled for my first year here at Garden City Community College. At the high school here in Garden City, I participated in a yearbook. I took pictures and wrote stories for articles. Therefore, when learning about GC3 media, it offered similar things that I knew how to do along with new opportunities to learn new things. Also, my friends who participated in the yearbook with me in high school were also interested in joining the media program.”
What was your most memorable memory in GC3 Media?
“My most memorable memory in GC3 media is creating the spring magazine this year. We have had to deal with stories being pulled and had to create new ones from scratch so close to the deadline. It has been a rush, but it is nice to support my friends during a stressful time. So, the hecticness of people trying to come up with last minute fixes to produce quality work provided an intense memory, which is both a positive and a negative memory. I also enjoyed when the high school students toured the lab and we got to explain what we do and how we do our products. Seeing some of the students actually be interested in what we do was motivating for me. It showed me that others notice what we do and produce, which is what I struggle with occasionally when I hear others say they have not heard of the media.
Explain your role in GC3 Media.
“My role is to take care of the social media on my week and write stories. I have produced a few stories for the website we run and a feature or two for our magazine.
What are your plans after GC3?
“My plans for after GCCC is to attend Kansas State University starting in May of 2023 and finish my undergraduate education with my Bridges program.”
What would you say to refer GC3 Media to another student?
“If a student wanted to know more about GC3 Media I would tell them to join and be ready to learn new things. And stay as involved as possible because it’s motivating to produce quality work consistently and be noticed for it. You can create good relationships and meet so many new people here on campus.”
What made you want to join GC3 Media?
I wanted to join GC3 Media because I had previously been involved in yearbook at the high school and really enjoyed it. I enjoy anything involving communications, social media, and graphics. Not only does this class make you more involved in the campus and community, but it also creates friends.
What was your most memorable memory in GC3 Media?
My most memorable moment in GC3 Media was the day we finished our first magazine of the year. We stayed after class for the last few weeks before the draft was due to complete the final touches and once, we hit submit we felt nothing but accomplished and proud of our work. The work is hard, but the result is worth it.
Explain your role in GC3 media? My main role in GC3 Media is the social media manager. The first semester I helped with graphics for the magazine, but second semester I focused solely on social media to grow our platform. I assign people weekly to post and repost the events happening on campus and in the community.
What are your plans after GC3? This May I will be graduating with my Business Associates. Shortly after graduation I am getting married, then moving to Oklahoma to begin my work in business. I have not yet decided the job I will be pursuing, butcannot wait to see where the future takes me.
What would you say to refer GC3 Media to another student?
If you are interested in joining GC3 Media, do it! Not only do you get a scholarship to go toward your schooling, but you also create friends, become involved in the campus, and get to further your communication skills for life.
What made you want to join GC3 Media?
“My overall interest in politics made me want to join GC3 Media. My form of politics stems heavily to the left, and it is frustrating to see that only a little of that perspective is shown to the greater population. Granted, I know I may not expose many people to the left’s perspective, but I can do my best and put my view out there.”
What was your most memorable memory in GC3 Media?
“I haven’t been in GC3 Media that long to have any significant memories, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy my time here. The people that I work with are great, and the many things they have to offer, like podcasting, photography, graphic design, or being a writer, are what I find very interesting. If I had learned
about this class sooner, I definitely would've joined to have made a significant memory or two.”
Explain your role in GC3 Media. “My role in GC3 Media is to be a writer. From what I’ve written, I have primarily written about politics. This new age of technology has made information much more accessible and misinformation just as accessible. I believe it’s the job of any form of media to try to dispel any misinformation and educate the broader population on issues that separate the working class from itself. These are issues that I enjoy writing about and things that I enjoy discussing with others as well.”
What are your plans after GC3?
“After GC3, I plan to head off to the University of Kansas to study more of my psychology major and possibly work with the University Daily Kansan. I enjoyed and liked seeing what they offered in Lawrence, and I’m very excited and thankful to be allowed to study at KU. I’ve enjoyed my time in GCCC, but I’m ready to explore more of this floating rock.”
What would you say to refer GC3 Media to another student?
“I understand that some people may have different interests than me or care enough about politics. GC3 is really what you make of it, and if something sparks your interest or something you want to understand or help others understand and want to voice your opinion or focus on that topic, then I say this is for you. The people are respectful, understanding, and enjoyable to be around.
I’m sure in this day, and age that there’s something that everyone wants to share and to foster a community around that same interest, and GC3 is very helpful with wanting to do that.”
Story: Caleb Metzen Photos: Adam Shrimplin and Yesenia Castro Layout: Lily Sanchez
Story: Caleb Metzin Photos: Adam Shrimplin and Yesenia Castro Layout: Lily Sanchez
71% are night owls and 29% are Early birds
These are polls that have been posted on each of our social medias. Garden City Community College students have voted on these throughout the semester. Follow us on Instagram (GC3_Media), Facebook (GC3 Media), Twitter (@MediaGc3), and Snapchat if you want to stay caught up in daily campus life! We post weekly updates on campus and community events. Busters, this is the perfect way to get involved!
or or or
84% prefer Summer
16% perfer Winter
59% like pancakes
41% like waffles
Layout: Lily Sanchez Story: Cierra Huber
or
78% text with emojis
22% text gifs
or
60% enjoy swimming
40% enjoy hiking
58% of people spend 42% people save
or or
82% are dog people
18% are cat people
Story: Allison Sandoval Photos: Adam Shrimplin and Yesenia Castro Layout: Lily Sanchez
Story: Jake Wiley
In recent years, living in this world has become scarier because of the frequent occurrences of particular bad events. People are becoming fearless and don’t think about the consequences of their actions. People are also becoming careless and don’t consider their own well-being as well as others. Parents are scared for their children because of frequent school shootings and threats towards schools. Narcan, a rapid medication spray that reverses the effects of drugs during an overdose, is sold from pharmacies without a prescription. This is because recently, there is a constant possibility of losing people to drugs. People are carrying guns and weapons to protect themselves because it is unknown what is going to happen anywhere at any time. People all over the U.S. including celebrities, are dying from opiate addiction daily. What are we doing as a society to fight against these things? As a government, promoting and helping the fight against addiction, having better background
checks, and availability of mental help. Individuals can only do so much to protect themselves from today’s world. Focusing on what targets adults and teenagers today, is the terrifying drug called Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed in the 1960’s is illicitly made and used recreationally causing thousands of overdoses each year. It consists of chemicals pressed into pills that look like other drugs like Xanax, Adderall, and Oxycodone. Fentanyl is a strong pain killer that is more than 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than other drugs like heroin. It is used legally to treat patients after surgery and patients who are in severe pain. It is also prescribed and given as a shot, a patch for the skin, or in cough drop like form. The illegal form of fentanyl is created in labs. It can be sold as powder, pills, dropped on blotter paper, nasal sprays, and eye drops. It can also be put into candy or other edible forms of food making it an issue for public institutions like schools, colleges, etc. This
is also an issue for children because an adult will know not to eat candy or food from a stranger, but children will not. It only takes tiny amounts of fentanyl to feel “high” making it a cheaper alternative to other drugs. Since it is a cheap alternative, it can be combined with other drugs like cocaine or heroin. This leads to people intaking more than their body can handle and cause them to overdose. The DEA classifies 2 mg of Fentanyl as the lethal dose, this is the same as 5 grains of sand. Fentanyl targets young people who are uneducated about opiates, people with addiction disorders, and older people who have onset addiction disorders and have used other drugs before like heroin or methamphetamine. In 1959, Fentanyl was first developed by Dr. Paul Janssen and it was introduced in 1960. At first, it was only prescribed and used as a pain killer. Then, as years went on it was illegally distributed through theft, patients, doctors, nurses, etc. Fentanyl became popular and easily accessible just like any
consistently used in the United States. Like most opioids, fentanyl works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. These receptors are in areas of the brain that are accumulated with emotions and pain. Overtime, the brain adapts to the drug and eventually a person will tend to not feel anything without it. Then finally, a person will become addicted, and it will take over their entire life. The effects of fentanyl include extreme happiness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, breathing issues, sedation, and unconsciousness. Someone who has been exposed to fentanyl or at risk of overdosing will have slowed or no breathing, pinpoint pupils, and drowsiness or unconsciousness. When too much Fentanyl is in someone’s system, oxygen levels will decrease and the amount flowing to the brain will be cut off, this is called hypoxia. At this point, a person is either going to have permanent brain damage or death. Deaths involving synthetic opioids have increased from 2000 to almost 258000 from the early 2000’s to today. Fentanyl related deaths rose from 14.3 percent to 46 percent in six years. It is nearly impossible to get off fentanyl without any withdrawal medication. People who are using fentanyl
and other hard drugs are likely to relapse because the withdrawal symptoms are so bad. People can die from not having these drugs in their system making it a never-ending loop until they overdose. It is a deadly cycle that most people cannot escape without help. Fentanyl is mass-produced in Mexico, but the chemicals used to create it are from China. China provides the chemicals, Mexico drug cartels make it, then it is brought into the United States. Fentanyl is now a part of more deaths than any other prescription opioid or heroin. The numbers continue to increase, and researchers assume this is because Covid-19 did not allow inperson treatment, so people were more likely to not quit. Covid-19 also made it harder to smuggle bigger drugs across the borders. Fentanyl was the only drug that could easily be smuggled across the border in certain forms. People are getting in trouble all the time for drugs, but drugs are paying so many peoples bills that I do not think it will ever be gone. People will just need to learn how to protect themselves and their family members from them. Overall, Fentanyl is a very dangerous synthetic opioid created for a better purpose than what it is used for most. It is frequently talked about and brought
up in overdoses and deaths daily. It has reached from high school students to as high as celebrities and even now nothing is being done to prevent it. As a student in college, if the question “If you were to want to purchase drugs right now, would you have access?”, was asked. Almost 75 percent of students would say yes. It is scary how accessible these drugs are becoming because most of the time, people don’t know what they are getting. Then, they become addicted to a drug they didn’t even know they were purchasing. It is all about being cautious and being safe when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Be around people who are not using hard drugs. Do not go to places where it is known that hard drugs will be present. Know how to resist temptation and understand the consequences. Instead of turning to drugs and alcohol, find coping skills for stress and find activities to use as a distraction. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Doing drugs is not cool.
Photos By: GC3 Media & GCCC P.R.
As Americans, we have become comfortable with convenience which has caused us a loss in our instincts to care and provide for ourselves. We have the large corporations supplying us with our food, hygiene products, pharmaceuticals, and live in a country that fills the shelves with toxin-filled products at a high cost. Stop overlooking the big words on our food, medication, and even everyday care products. All of the toxins in our products and food have a long-term negative effect on our bodies leading to illness and diseases. Lots of our American foods and even some hygiene care products are not allowed in other countries because their health care system recognizes the long-term effect on the body. They don’t want you to know that you can fill your household to be more sustainable for your body, your home, the environment, and even your wallet while keeping the chemicals to a minimum.
This is a change you can make for yourself that will expand onto your family and friends creating a healthier happier lifestyle for the people around you. Here in Garden City, we are extremely lucky to have what I will call our “wellness gals” Jessica Gallardo owner of Sage House Bath & Body Erica Kuhlmeier at our local herbal spot Flourish Herbals and Alicia GianMaciulis the brain behind Roots Juice cold-pressed juice. Getting to learn and converse with each of these ladies was so beneficial for me. Now let’s break down safe soap, natural medicine, and live nutrients to support your body so that you can make the change.
Speaking with Jessica, owner of Sage House Bath and Body, about the chemicals in hygiene care products I was able to find some interesting information regarding the positives of natural self-care methods. At Sage House, they offer several health services but what got the business started was a case of easily irritable skin.
Most people are unaware that any product that touches the skin will support the exterior look but those products also make their way into the body. Glycerin is found naturally in plants and is amazing for the hydration of the skin, most soaps undergo a process that removes the glycerin. They replace the natural with a chemical that isn’t truly a soap and has little to no benefit for the body or your skin, has an effect on your sleep mood, diet, etc., and is a hormone disruption often causing cancer. Deodorant is an amazing example, made with aluminum and parabens applied directly under the armpit on or next to the lymphoid; both of these products have a direct correlation to breast cancer. Why is aluminum in our deodorant? This is why the chemicals in the products you choose to support your hygiene are extremely important to your everyday and long-term living.
Jessica explained “ The skin is the largest organ on the body and its main function is protection” Her handmade hygiene care products are nourishing to the skin. Her shelves are full of lotion, soap, bubble baths, and more. Your skin is unable to protect you when you are washing and lathering it in harsh heavy chemicals leaving behind residue that can lead to surface issues such as skin irritation, eczema, breakout, and hives as well as illness and disease. Becoming more aware and seeking simplicity over sulfate is extremely important for your overall health. For all of the little parts inside of you to function to their best ability they need a little support or what Alicia calls “live nutrients.” Think of food that doesn’t have a label with unknown ingredients or additives. Whole fruits and vegetables are a great way to intake live nutrition that feeds or boosts different functions in the
The vibrant color of fruits or veggies actually tells you what vitamins they contain (for example red vitamin C and vitamin A) and what is supported (such as whitebananas, onions, and mushrooms support the heart) while another color could kick start a part of the body (blue and purple- blueberries cabbage boost urinary tract health and memory function and healthy aging). Most of the US has shifted to a more processed diet leaving a lack of nutrients in the body causing chronic illness and diseases throughout our county. Instead of the highly processed food on the shelves, look for color in your diet, grab a bag of grapes, and drop the chips off in the pantry. Alicia owner of Roots, you can find her under the stripes at the south end of the main street here in Garden City.
She has amazing cold-pressed juices packed with food fuel for the body, smoothies that include ingredients you would and wouldn’t normally find in any refrigerator, and they even have healthy snack and meal options. When you sit at the roots bar you can sit for a while and sip the rainbow of juices while learning about superfoods, three-day juice cleanses, and how much your diet and digestion affect your quality of life.
Most of the conventional medication we take today has been derived from a plant. Herbs hold an abundance of healing properties that help with inflammation, can alleviate some chronic diseases, and can reduce pain. You can look at herbs and oils in more than one way in and out of your household. It’s not about knowing all the herbs and oils on the market, it’s about taking a natural healer and using it in multiple ways in your home.
Flourish Herbals and Aromatherapy are owned by Erica Kuhlmeier; she is a local herbalist that has opened a cozy place near downtown. Her wall of herbs and essential oils allows you to craft a creation or find the product that fits specifically your needs. Herbs and extracts are used for skin care, medicinal use, detergents, toothpaste, cleaning products, home scents, etc. Seeking natural alternatives only leads to a happy and safer life. The FDA considers herbal healers as food, not medicine meaning the normal regulations put on our medication are not administered over herbal supplements. A modern approach to healing is managing symptoms with a treatment plan without finding the root cause and healing the balance of the body within. Prescription drugs come along with crucial side effects, while herbal remedies have a more gentle approach that allows the body to endure fewer side effects. The practice of herbal supplements dates back thousands of years but the tradition has been lost as time passes. It is important to look to natural alternatives so that you are caring for the body that fills your lungs and moves your feet. Overall incorporating the raw materials from Mother Nature into our shower, refrigerator, and medicine cabinet could change the longevity of not only our life but our friends and family.
It’s not an overnight change but something to be aware of and worth adjusting your lifestyle to. These practices were here long before Walmart or the FDA, incorporate the lost knowledge and practices of our ancestors into your life, and see the benefits for yourself. Processed ingredients lack the nutrients your body thrives on, by ignoring the label you are ignoring your energy, mood, organ function, blood circulation, and even the immune system. Finding internal, external, and emotional balance starts with being balanced within. It is not an overnight change but everyone starts somewhere, begin to be cautious, seek healthy alternatives, spend time with our local wellness gals and just wait to feel your body thank you. Plants are the best reminders that growth is good, change is beautiful, and good things
