May 2018 ISSUU.COM/KCCBRUIN
Addiction Battle Creek
AND THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO FIGHT IT! Phil, a current KCC student, became addicted to opiates when he was in the U.S. army, but through the help of community resources, and his own determination, he is on the path of recovery... -Pg. 3
Balancing College
LEARNING TO FIT IN “THE LITTLE THINGS”
photo here or additional teaser if applicable.
Sometimes it is easy to skip over certain steps of life because we are in such a hurry to get to the “final destination...” - Pg.2
Grant money available for students JOHN HIRSCH staff writer
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced their Federal Pell Grant Payment and Disbursement Schedules. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $5,920 for both the 2017-18 award year…[and] the 2018-19 award year as of January 31st, 2018. The determination of eligibility is based on a student’s financial need, cost of attendance to the school, status as full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Lola Long, a financial aid technician at KCC, said that the Pell Grant is a “Federally funded grant from the department of education. Students complete a FAFSA application online, mostly household size, and income will determine if they are eligible for the grant. They do not have to pay it back.” Aaron Cypret, an Applied Sciences major at KCC, said “I applied through FAFSA, created an account, went through all of their questions and submitted my application.” There are also different opportunities for grant money. Nikki Jewel, Director of Financial Aid at KCC, said “There are numerous opportunities for grant and scholarship money within the KCC service area as well as online resources such as fastweb.com, which is an online database that has you create a pro-
file to assist you with the scholarship search process. Stop by the Financial Aid office, located in the Hub Enrollment Center for a scholarship folder.” To remain eligible for the Pell Grant, “you must maintain enrollment in an undergraduate course of study at a non-foreign school,” according to studentaid.gov. “Additionally, you will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.” There is a limit to the amount of grant money available, however. “Once you have earned a baccalaureate degree, or your first professional degree,
Hub employees solving problems day by day with smiles on their faces.
or have used all twelve semesters of your eligibility, you are no longer eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant,” according to studentaid.gov. When asked about the benefits the Pell Grant has provided for Cypret, he said, “It first paid for all of my tuition and financed my book and supply needs…I was able to keep up with school, and have some extra spending money, but I did Fedloans along with it. I did not have to take out any of my own finances to pay for school.” Cypret is in his second year at KCC. Contact John Hirsch at bruin@kellogg.edu
Photo by John Hirsch
Dr. Gerald Blanchard reflects on his music history PATRICIA LUMPKIN staff writer
Dr. Gerald Blanchard, originally from Philadelphia, started working for KCC in 2005, but began his music teaching in 1985. He stated that “KCC had a high turnover of music directors lasting for 1-5 years as the music director, since the 1980s.” Blanchard has been the music director at KCC for fourteen years. Blanchard claimed that the challenges in the beginning were getting himself familiar to the community and getting organized and established. “Recruiting students was one of my biggest challenges and still is,” he added. Blanchard’s grandmother and mother taught him music. His grandmother was the pianist and choir director at her church when he was a youth. She sang with a trio, which included Mahalia Jackson back in the 1940s. Singing has always been a part of his life; all of his family members consisted of musicians, except his grandmother, and his mother was even picked up by a record label called Philadelphia International Records. Blanchard speaks confidently about the past accomplishments of his family. His mother was involved in forming bands; she traveled with people like Lou Rawls and she opened for Aretha Franklin many times. “My mother’s friend gave her a song called, ‘Neither One of Us,’ My mother, in turn, gave
it to Gladys Knight and it became a big hit,” stated Blanchard. Once his grandmother became ill, his mother then stopped traveling and singing circular music and just sang in the church from that point on. Blanchard grew up singing duets with his mother in the choir that his grandmother began, called “Echoes of McClellan.” Although this was the first choir he sung in, he reflects on the time he was singing years later with his mother. Blanchard got started with his music career formally through his family. Academically, however, he went to a high school for “Creative of Per-
Dr. Blanchard poses in his office.
Photo by Patricia Lumpkin
forming Arts,” where he took private voice lessons, sung with orchestras, and went on concert tours. Beginning as a nursing major in college in 1986, he did not want to do music at first. However, he ended up dropping all of his nursing classes during his freshman year and replaced them with music classes after visiting with an academic advisor. Izzac Smith started a class this semester with Blanchard called Music Theory. “Dr. Blanchard gives good examples of music that he wants us to appreciate,” Smith says. “Even if you don’t like the music, you can find one thing that you can appreciate about it.” The Choir will be headed to Madison, Wisconsin on May 16th, where they will perform at Grace Episcopal Church, right across the street from the state capitol. “They are having an event called ‘Grace Presents’ while the choir is there, which is a major concert series that bring people from all over the world and the choir gets to be a part of that series,” Blanchard beamed. The choir will give a concert on May 17th, Thursday night. May 18th, they will sing at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Then, on May 20th, they will be singing at Dayton Presbyterian church in St. Paul Minnesota, then will return to Madison, then come back home. Contact Patricia Lumpkin at bruin@kellogg.edu
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Campus News
May 2018
Summer class registration opens at KCC YASMEEN QAHWASH staff writer
Registration for Kellogg Community College’s upcoming Summer 2018 semester classes began Monday, April 9th, at all campus locations, including both Battle Creek campuses and regional centers in Albion, Coldwater, and Hastings. The summer semester begins on Monday, May 14th, and ends on Wednesday, August 8th. It is encouraged that students sign up for classes as early as possible after registration
opens due to limited space and many classes fill up by the beginning of the semester. New offerings this academic year will include an Agricultural Operations Certificate Program partnership with Michigan State University and a Web Design and Development Certificate Program for students who are interested in programming and mobile/ Web design. KCC is also accepting applications for the Fall 2018 full-time Nursing Program through June 1st. Student registration information, including links to registration in-
structions, policies, tuition and fees is available online at www.kellogg.edu/ registration. Specific courses offered at KCC during the fall semester can be found at www.kellogg.edu, simply click on “Class Schedules” at the top of the page and filter the results by semester. Information about the KCC Nursing Program is available at www.kellogg. edu/nursing. Students can not only register online, but now students may also register and pay for their classes vie KCC’s new Kellogg CC mobile app, which is available now in the Apple App Store
as well as the Google Play Store. New KCC students must fill out an application and verify their residency prior to signing up for classes. Admissions applications can be completed online at www.kellogg.edu/ step1. Students who wish to meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 269-965-4124 or emailing advising@ kellogg.edu.
Contact Yasmeen Qahwash at
bruin@kellogg.edu
Balancing college and still succeeding in life REGHAN NORRIS staff writer
Sometimes it is easy to skip over certain steps of life because we are in such a hurry to get to the “final destination,” but without those first steps in the process, we would not have a firm foundation. “Going to college is the only answer,” “You need to get a job,” “Athleticism matters,” “Get involved in clubs,” “Be duel enrolled.” These are all common things students hear from various people
throughout their high school years. Looking back, it’s probably hard to believe that any of us ever got any sleep. The amount of time required to participate in any one of those activities is excessive, let alone doing all of them at once. Hannah Hill, a dual–enrolled KCC student who plans on being a future lawyer, said that the hardest part of being duel enrolled are the teachers from high school not understanding that college is more important and requires more attention. Madie Sprygada, another dual–enrolled stu-
dent at KCC said, “Having two college classes is so relieving, until I go back to “school” and realize how pointless it is. There is so much emphasis put on going to college that I think it makes us think we can just skip high school. But in reality, high school is just as important. We need to remember to stop and enjoy the simpler times in life, rather than rushing towards the stressful parts. Even though we get told those are the best and most important parts of our lives.” Contact Reghan Norris at bruin@kellogg.edu
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Stop by our office located in the OHM Building • Room 102 (269) 965-3931, ext. 2950 start.sienaheights.edu
Reaching your goals and transforming lives.
Feature
May 2018
3
Addiction services available in Battle Creek
JOHN HIRSCH
staff writer
Phil, a current KCC student, became addicted to opiates when he was in the U.S. army, but through the help of community resources, and his own determination, he is on the path of recovery. “I became addicted to opiates because of pain killers from my time in the military and it just progressed into something much more,” stated Phil. Phil is currently enrolled as a full-time student at KCC, and is a student in the Life Recovery Program in Battle Creek as well as one of many people who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “In 2016, there were more than 63,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States.” The total number of drug overdose deaths in Battle Creek in 2010 was 3. In 2015, the total was 38. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH),
21.5 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2014. Many who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are not aware of the problem. Mitch Walinsky, a counselor on staff here at KCC, states that “the biggest challenge is acceptance that there is a problem. Students might start talking about their substance abuse as a problem, but they do not see the immediacy of the issue. The problem can be a surprise as they age.” Local law enforcement has opinions on drug abuse as well. Officer Zach Burgess, an officer of the Battle Creek Police Department, commented that “we want to steer people toward help” when it comes to matters of drug offenses. Burgess stated that the city of Battle Creek typically has one to two drug overdose calls per day, sometimes more. When asked about his view of showing mercy to those abusing drugs who also break laws, Burgess stated, “We try to push people toward drug court or treatment. Everyone is different…if someone continues to go
through the system then we have to treat them different.” 12-Step programs are a resource of strength, understanding, and hope for those who are personally walking through substance addiction. Meeting schedules for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and a host of other topical 12-Step meetings are easily found online. Counselors on staff with KCC are also a local and committed resource. KCC’s counselors serve with a focus on academics, but are always available to talk. They also act as a liaison to connect students to local resources like Summit Pointe when they are in need. If the problem is severe enough, there are residential programs located in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. One option is the Life Recovery Program, which is a year-long, residential drug treatment program. This program is state-funded and requires no initial out-of-pocket expense. Another option would be the Skywood, a residential drug and alcohol treatment center
which is closer to the four-week stay average. This program requires health insurance or out-of-pocket expenses and is located in Augusta, just outside of Battle Creek. Phil has taken advantage of the Life Recovery Program. “The very first thing I did in my recovery in order to stay sober was I had to make the choice to be absolutely done with drugs…I looked around one day and had nothing. Not just material things…those were the easiest to see. The friendships, relationships, time,” Phil stated. “I finally got to the point where I was sick to my stomach with all of it. I made a choice I would never go back to that way of life every again.” Phil utilized the Life Recovery Program through the Haven of Rest in Battle Creek, the Veteran Affairs Medical Facility, his family’s support and love, and the friends he has gained in recovery as his support system which keep him on the path of recovery. Phil is currently at KCC studying to be a social worker.
Contact John Hirsch at
bruin@kellogg.edu
Dealing with the stress a typical student undergoes NIKKI ROBINSON staff writer
Students tend to undergo a lot of stress to either maintain their grades, attempt to get their grades up, maintaining a social life and keeping themselves active. In doing this, a student can put a lot of strain on their body by the lack of sleep or the excessive energy drinks and coffee in an attempt to stay awake and alert during classes and late-night study sessions. There are many ways to keep stress levels down to maintain a better performance in the classroom. According to Psychology Today, there are several helpful tips to help get students on the right track. Try partaking in a physical activity. When engaged in physical activity, the body metabolizes the excessive stress hormones and brings itself and the mind back down to a calmer level. Getting more sleep can also be beneficial. Getting into a more organized routine and an effective schedule can help give the body a better night’s rest. When working late hours, avoid early morning classes or opt for online classes. Stress relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, or hitting the gym gives your mind the chance to wander and restart. Several KCC students gave input in how they, themselves deal with daily stress. Rachel Hook said, “I go for a drive, or I work out. Sometimes eating and taking a nap helps me as well.” Adis Mancio added, “Playing a game really lets me clear my head sometimes, because I’m not focused on school for a while.” Nichole Bentley commented, “I work out or go for a run and listen to music.” There are many different ways to help relieve stress. Physical hobbies can keep you active and relaxing ones will help you bring out your creative abilities, but both can help benefit your body in the long run. Contact Nikki Robinson at
bruin@kellogg.edu
Example of student artwork.
Photo by Nikki Robinson
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Sports and Comics
May 2018
“Raster” by Matthew Headley
“Hey Corgeous” by Kaelin Burrows
Well, looks like the professor was just treating me and Conor as if we were his own kids. But we finished our story and now it's time for you graduates to start your next chapter.
Thanks for reading! Have a great summer!
KCC softball results On April 12th, 2018, the KCC lady Bruins took on Lake Michigan College at Bailey Park. KCC won the first game with a final score of 6-0. Kylie Masko; 0 for 2, 2 BB. Jessica Roan; 1 for 4. Tyler Snyder; 1 for 2, BB. Jenny Renfroe; 0 for 1, 2 BB. Kim Kucharczyk; 0 for 2, BB. Kailyn Ebeling; 0 for 2, BB. “We loaded the bases in the bottom first with no outs, but missed a golden opportunity,” Coach Miller said. “Stranding nine base runners stings a bit, but also shows that we had quality at-bats and created scoring chances.” KCC won yet again in the second game against LMC with a final score of 3-0. This sets their overall record at 3-13 and their conference record at 2-6. Go Bruins!
BRUIN Staff
Editor
Yasmeen Qahwash
Graphic Editors Noah Murray Lucas Neujahr
Advisors
Drew Hutchinson Penny Rose Thomas Webster
Staff Writers John Hirsch Nikki Robinson Patricia Lumpkin Reghan Norris
Editorial Policy The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 202 of the OITC Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at bruin@kellogg. edu